bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical analysis of influenza in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Jia Canyang , Jia Wanyu , Yi Xiaowen , Fu Shuqin , Cui Yajie , Li Peng , Song Chunlan
Published: September 2024

Background

The aim was to investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of neonatal influenza.

Methods

The clinical data of 21 neonates who were diagnosed with influenza and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Henan Provincial Children’s Hospital, China, between January 2023 and January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 21 patients were admitted, including 14 with influenza A and 7 with influenza B. Eighteen of these patients were reported to have been exposed to family members with respiratory symptoms before hospitalization. Among all the patients’ mothers, only 1 received the influenza vaccine during pregnancy. Fifteen newborns had fever, 13 appetite loss, 10 cough, 9 shortness of breath, 9 nasal obstruction, 3 runny nose, 3 vomiting, 2 severe wheezing, 2 choking, 2 diarrhea, 1 bloating, and 1 sputum in the throat. The pulmonary auscultation sounds were coarse in 19 neonates, weak in 2, moist rales were appreciated in 5 and wheezing in 4 of them. The peripheral total white blood cell count was normal in 18 patients and elevated in 3. The C-reactive protein level was normal in all subjects, and the procalcitonin level was elevated in 1. Nineteen patients had pneumonia on chest imaging. All patients were treated with oseltamivir and finally recovered.

Conclusion

Influenza A is the most common type of neonatal influenza. The clinical symptoms are atypical, and fever is the main symptom. Treatment with oseltamivir is safe and effective, and the prognosis is mostly favorable.
Impact of implementation of 2019 European respiratory distress syndrome guidelines on bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very preterm infants
Authors: Yan Chongbing , Gong Xiaohui , Luo Hao , Liu Yibo , Lin Yating , Weng Bowen , Cai Cheng
Published: September 2024

Background

To evaluate the impact of implementation of 2019 European respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) guidelines on the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Method

We retrospectively collected the clinical data of very preterm infants (VPIs) born before 32 gestational weeks from January 1st 2018 to December 31st 2021. VPIs were divided into group A and group B according to their birth date which was before or at/after January 1st 2020, when the 2019 European RDS guidelines were introduced. BPD is considered as primary outcome. We statistically analyzed all the data, and we compared the general characteristics, ventilation support, medication, nutrition and the outcomes between the two groups.

Results

A total of 593 VPIs were enrolled, including 380 cases in group A and 213 cases in group B. There were no statistic differences regarding to gender ratio, gestational age, birth weight and delivery mode between the two groups. Compared with group A, group B showed higher rate of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (75.1% vs. 65.5%). The improvement of ventilation management in these latter patients included lower rate of invasive ventilation (40.4% vs. 50.0%), higher rate of volume guarantee (69.8% vs. 15.3%), higher positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) [6 (5, 6) vs. 5 (5, 5) cmH2O] and higher rate of synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (sNIPPV) (36.2% vs. 5.6%). Compared with group A, group B received higher initial dose of pulmonary surfactant [200 (160, 200) vs. 170 (130, 200) mg/Kg], shorter antibiotic exposure time [13 (7, 23) vs. 17 (9, 33) days], more breast milk (86.4% vs. 70.3%) and earlier medication for hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) treatment [3 (3, 4) vs. 8 (4, 11) days] (p < 0.05). As the primary outcome, the incidence of BPD was significantly decreased (16.9% vs. 24.2%) (p < 0.05), along with lower extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) rate (39.0% vs. 59.7%), while there were no statistic differences regarding to other secondary outcomes, including mortality, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), retinopathy of preterm (ROP) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). However, in the subgroups of infants less than 28 gestational weeks or infants less than 1,000 g, the incidence of BPD was not significantly decreased (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

After implementation of 2019 European RDS guidelines, the overall incidence of BPD was significantly decreased in VPIs. Continuous quality improvement is still needed in order to decrease the incidence of BPD in smaller infants who are less than 28 gestational weeks or less than 1,000 g.
The overlapping of phenotypes in Wiedemann-Steiner, Kleefstra and Coffin-Siris syndromes: a study of eleven patients
Authors: Prada Elisabetta , Meossi Camilla , Marafon Denise Piras , Grilli Federico , Scuvera Giulietta , Marchisio Paola Giovanna , Agostoni Carlo Virginio , Natacci Federica , Milani Donatella
Published: September 2024

Background

Some chromatinopathies may present with common clinical findings (intellectual disability, brain and limb malformation, facial dysmorphism). Furthermore, one of their cardinal shared features is growth dysregulation.We aimed to assess and deepen this resemblance in three specific conditions, namely Wiedemann-Steiner (WDSTS), Kleefstra (KLEFS1) and Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS1), with a particular focus on possible metabolic roots.

Methods

Eleven patients were enrolled, three with WDSTS, five with KLEFS1 and three with CSS1, referring to Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore, Milan, Italy. We performed both a physical examination with detailed anthropometric measurements and an evaluation of the patients’ REE (rest energy expenditure) by indirect calorimetry, comparing the results with age- and sex-matched healthy controls.

Results

We observed new clinical features and overlap between these conditions suggesting that different disturbances of epigenetic machinery genes can converge on a common effect, leading to overlapping clinical phenotypes. The REE was not distinguishable between the three conditions and healthy controls.

Conclusions

Epigenetic machinery plays an essential role both in growth regulation and in neurodevelopment; we recommend evaluating skeletal [craniovertebral junction abnormalities (CVJ) polydactyly], otolaryngological [obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAs), recurrent otitis media], dental [tooth agenesis, talon cusps], and central nervous system (CNS) [olfactory bulbs and cerebellum anomalies] features. These features could be included in monitoring guidelines. Further studies are needed to deepen the knowledge about energy metabolism.
Inhibition of DRP-1 mitochondrial mitophagy and fission by novel α-aminophosphonates bearing pyridine: synthesis, biological evaluations, and computer-aided design
Authors: Hekal Hend A. , Salem Maha M. , El Salam Hayam A. Abd
Published: September 2024

Heterocyclic compounds play a crucial role in the drug discovery process and development due to their significant presence and importance. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of α-aminophosphonates containing pyridine (3a–g), prepared according to a clear-cut, uncomplicated procedure. The phosphonates are thoroughly characterized using various methods, such as elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, proton and carbon NMR, and FT-IR. The molecular docking interactions between the phosphonate and DRP-1 target protein observed that compound 3d had the top-ranked binding energy towards DRP-1 with a value equal to − 9.54 kcal/mol and this theoretically proves its inhibitory efficacy against DRP-1 arbitrated mitochondrial fission. Besides, the anticancer characteristics of compound 3d showed the best IC50 against HepG-2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 which confirmed our results towards suppressing DRP-1 protein (in-silico), and it elucidated no cytotoxic effects against human normal cell line (WI-38). Further, its pharmacokinetics were observed theoretically using ADMET. Moreover,compound 3d investigated the most potent antimicrobial ability against two pathological fungal strains, A. flavus and C. albicans, and four bacterial strains, E. coli, B. subtillis, S. aureus, and P. aregeunosa. Additionally, compound 3d clarified a powerful antioxidant scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS free radicals (in-vitro). Furthermore, Density functional theory (DFT) was used to study the molecular structures of the synthesized compounds 3a–g, utilizing 6–311++G(d,p) as the basis set and to learn more about the molecules’ reactive sites, the energies of the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) were observed. Theoretically, FT-IR and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements are calculated for every compound under investigation to show how theory and experiment relate. It was found that there was an excellent agreement between the theoretical and experimental data. Conclusively, all novel synthesized phosphonates could be used as pharmaceutical agents against pathogenic microbial strains and as anticancer candidates by inhibiting DRP-1-mediated mitochondrial mitophagy.
The effectiveness of machine learning methods in the nonlinear coupled data assimilation
Authors: Xuan Zi-ying , Zheng Fei , Zhu Jiang
Published: September 2024

Implementing the strongly coupled data assimilation (SCDA) in coupled earth system models remains big challenging, primarily due to accurately estimating the coupled cross background-error covariance. In this work, through simplified two-variable one-dimensional assimilation experiments focusing on the air–sea interactions over the tropical pacific, we aim to clarify that SCDA based on the variance–covariance correlation, such as the ensemble-based SCDA, is limited in handling the inherent nonlinear relations between cross-sphere variables and provides a background matrix containing linear information only. These limitations also lead to the analysis distributions deviating from the truth and miscalculating the strength of rare extreme events. However, free from linear or Gaussian assumptions, the application of the data-driven machine learning (ML) method, such as multilayer perceptron, on SCDA circumvents the expensive matrix operations by avoiding the explicit calculation of background matrix. This strategy presents comprehensively superior performance than the conventional ensemble-based assimilation strategy, particularly in representing the strongly nonlinear relationships between cross-sphere variables and reproducing long-tailed distributions, which help capture the occurrence of small probability events. It is also demonstrated to be cost-effective and has great potential to generate a more accurate initial condition for coupled models, especially in facilitating prediction tasks of the extreme events.
Integrated evaluation of workplace exposures and biomarkers of bladder cancer among textile dyeing workers
Authors: Saad-Hussein Amal , Beshir Safia , Shaheen Weam , Saleh Inas A. , Elhamshary Mohamed , Mohammed Atef M. F.
Published: September 2024

Background

The textile industry is the second risk factor for bladder cancer, after smoking. Previous studies focused on the impact of exposure to high concentrations of bladder carcinogenic chemicals in the textile dyeing industry on the elevation of bladder cancer biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate bladder carcinogenic air pollutants in a textile dyeing factory and investigate its role and the role of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH vit. D) on cancer bladder biomarkers in exposed workers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Particulate and vapor forms of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were monitored in the printing, dyeing, and preparing sections of a textile factory. Bladder tumor antigen (BTA), nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP-22), and 25-OH vit. D were estimated in all the exposed workers (147 exposed workers) and in workers not occupationally exposed to chemicals (130 unexposed workers).

Results

Aromatic bladder carcinogenic compounds were either in low concentrations or not detected in the air samples of working areas. BTA and NMP-22 of exposed workers were not significantly different from the unexposed. However, 25-OH vit. D was significantly lower in the exposed than unexposed workers. There was a significant inverse correlation between 25-OH vit. D and duration of exposure in exposed workers.

Conclusion

The mean levels of PAHs and VOCs were within the safe standard levels in the working areas. The non-significant difference in BTA and NMP-22 between the exposed and unexposed groups suggests the presence of occupational exposures to safe levels of bladder carcinogenic aromatics, while the significantly lower 25-OH vit. D levels among the exposed than the unexposed groups could suggest the potential association of 25-OH vit. D with occupational exposures to low levels of PAHs and VOCs, and this association was found to be inversely correlated with the duration of exposures. Accordingly, more specific predictor tests must be applied for early diagnosis of bladder cancer among the exposed workers.
Evaluation of serum vitamin D3 and total serum calcium in patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Al-mokhtar Othman Kasim Saeed , Mohammed Ali Abdulmuttalib , Alnuaimy Hatim Abdulmajeed
Published: September 2024

Background

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common neurootologic disorder, characterized by brief attacks of vertigo aggravated by certain head positions. During the last two decades, several studies were performed in different countries trying to find a relationship between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and vitamin D3 (25 hydroxyvitamin D) deficiency.

Objectives

This study aimed to find the relationship between vitamin D3 deficiency and total serum calcium with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Patients and methods

A case–control study conducted from January 2021 to December 2021, consisted of 62 participants; 30 patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and 32 healthy persons considered as a control group. The age and sex of both groups were matched, and diagnosis was made by history and examination (Dix-Hallpike’s maneuver). A blood sample was taken to evaluate serum vitamin D level and total serum calcium. The results were compared between both groups.

Results

The mean levels of vitamin D3 in patients and control groups were 18.57 ± 9.88 ng/ml and 64.12 ± 24.64 ng/ml, respectively, with a statistically significant difference at p ≤ 0.0001. Moreover, regarding vitamin D3 deficiency below 20 ng/ml between patients and control groups, there was a statistically significant difference p = 0.001. Furthermore, there was no significant difference regarding total serum calcium between the two groups, the mean of both groups was 8.57 ± 0.68 mg/dl and 8.93 ± 0.92 mg/dl for patients and control, respectively, at p = 0.084.

Conclusion

There might be an association between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and vitamin D3 deficiency. Moreover, there was no significant difference concerning total serum calcium levels between the patient and control groups.
Prevalence of pneumatisation patterns of Onodi cells among the North-East Indian population
Authors: Shyamlal Yadav Sagar , Raju K. Aditya Gopala , Bhatnagar Akshay , Gianchand Shikha , Rai Pankaj
Published: September 2024

Background

The posterior ethmoid sinuses have a complex anatomy and a highly variable normal structure. The posterior ethmoid Onodi cell needs careful assessment because of its proximity to the optic nerve and the internal carotid artery canal. Recognising the distinctions is essential for optimal pre-op preparation. Sphenoid sinus surgery can now be performed without worrying about compromising vital structures like the internal carotid artery or optic nerve. Preoperative radiological assessment is a quick and easy way to check for ethmoid cell pneumatisation differences.

Aim and objectives

To determine the pneumatisation patterns of Onodi cells among the North-East Indian population using 16-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Results

Nine-hundred MDCT paranasal sinuses were analysed over a period of 0–2 years, out of which 220 cases showed the presence of Onodi cell. Type I were 89 cases (40.45%, CI 32.00–48.90), Type II were 128 cases (58.18%, CI 49.72–66.63), and 3 cases with Type III cell (1.36%, CI 0.18–2.54).

Conclusion

The most prevalent pneumatisation pattern is Type II. The pneumatisation patterns of Onodi cells can be best detected and evaluated by multiplanar MDCT imaging. Sinus surgeons need a firm grasp of pneumatisation patterns to avoid damaging the optic nerve and internal carotid artery canal during operations.
Systematic review of outcomes of cochlear implantation of different genotypes in patients with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder
Authors: Ismail Naema Mohamed , Galal Salma Badreldin , Behairy Reda Mohamed , Sabry Rasha Mohamed
Published: September 2024

Background

The diagnosis of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is based on the existence of cochlear microphonics or otoacoustic emissions, as well as aberrant or nonexistent-evoked auditory brainstem responses. The outcomes of cochlear implantation (CI) are thought to be significantly influenced by genetic reasons in ANSD.

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review was to gather more information regarding the relationship between various genetic variants and the outcomes of cochlear implantation in adult and pediatric patients with ANSD (both syndromic and non-syndromic).

Methods

Electronic databases “Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Europe PMC, and Cochrane Library” were searched for this systematic review. For cohort studies, the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS score) was used to assess the quality of the retrieved research. The standardized mean difference produced by the Cohen’s d or Hedges’ g tests was used to assess the effect size measure.

Results

This comprehensive study showed that OTOF, GJB2, ATPA3, and OPA1 were among the genetic variants with improved CI outcomes. On the other hand, other genetic mutations displayed variable results (TMPRSS3) or worse CI outcomes (PJVK). For OTOF mutations, CI had a moderate effect (Hedges’ g = 0.7), which led to good cochlear implant outcomes. The results of the GJB2 cochlear implant showed a significant effect size when pre- and post-implant assessments were compared. The results of CI for TMPRSS3 mutations were inconsistent, with one study demonstrating a negligible effect (Hedges’ g = 0.2), and another study found a negative impact (Hedges’ g =  − 2.17).

Poor CI results were indicated by PJVK mutations impacting CI outcomes. A significant impact was observed when comparing pre- and postimplantation outcomes (Cohen’s d > 1) in cases of ATP1A3 mutations (CAPOS syndrome) and OPA1 mutations. In addition, early implantation produced better results than late implantation in certain genetic variations.

Conclusion

Some genetic variants, such as OTOF, GJB2, ATPA3, and OPA1, had improved CI outcomes, according to data extraction and synthesis of the systematic review’s findings. Conversely, PJVK displayed worse CI results and inconsistent results for TMPRSS3 genetic mutations.
Influences of the criminal justice system on use of medications for opioid use disorder: a qualitative study
Authors: Taylor Emmeline , Gray Caroline , Stimmel Matthew , Binswanger Ingrid A. , Morse Erica , Timko Christine , Harris Alex H. S. , Smelson David , Finlay Andrea K.
Published: September 2024

Background

Legal-involved veterans with opioid use disorder (OUD) have lower receipt of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) than other veterans served at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). This qualitative study examined the influence of the criminal justice system on access to MOUD for legal-involved veterans in the U.S.

Methods

VHA facilities (n = 14) that varied in their provision of MOUD to legal-involved veterans were selected for qualitative interviews. Interviewees included legal-involved veterans (n = 18), VHA Veterans Justice Programs Specialists (n = 15), substance use disorder treatment providers (n = 5), and criminal justice staff (n = 12). Team members applied codes to meaningful units of analysis (quotations) in the transcribed interviews. Using a matrix approach, team members created a spreadsheet matrix with codes, facility rate of MOUD, and relevant quotations summarized for each participant. Themes and connections between individual participants and cross-interview concepts were explored. Participants were not asked to provide feedback on the findings.

Results

Themes identified were as follows: (1) Veterans Treatment Court policies both enhanced and limited MOUD treatment access and utilization among participants; (2) cross-system collaboration strengths and challenges existed; and (3) criminal justice system treatment preferences and policies both enhanced and limited MOUD in jails and prisons.

Conclusions

The influence of the criminal justice system on MOUD has led to variable access to MOUD for legal-involved veterans. Our findings can help inform recommendations to enhance access to MOUD for veterans within the criminal justice system, including the development of a national database of MOUD education materials for Veterans Treatment Courts, strengthening community-court relationships, allowing individuals to use their own healthcare coverage within jails and prisons and extend Medicaid coverage into criminal justice settings, and applying national quality measures for MOUD to criminal justice settings and develop a national system for tracking these quality measures.
Navigating the complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder and its variants
Authors: Trickey David
Published: September 2024

In this issue of BJPsych Advances Siddaway explores the challenges of assessing and treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD. In this commentary I reflect on those challenges, not least of which is the need for a thorough understanding of different approaches to diagnoses. The very concept of diagnostic classification systems can be problematic, but when used sensitively they can aid communication, assessment and treatment. The relatively new diagnosis of complex PTSD may serve as a more accurate and more useful description of some psychological difficulties, leading to better treatment decisions. Good assessment, leading to accurate diagnosis, useful formulation and effective treatment takes time, and adequate resources should be allocated. Professionals can help patients to make well-informed choices about treatment options and they should offer evidence-based treatments without unnecessary delay.
Association Between Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Primary Aldosteronism in Individuals With Hypertension
Authors: Maciel Ana Alice W , Danilovic Debora L S , Soares Ibere C , Freitas Thais C , Okubo Jessica , Fagundes Gustavo F C , Freitas-Castro Felipe , Santana Lucas S , Guimaraes Augusto G , Calsavara Vinicius F , Ledesma Felipe L , Castroneves Luciana A , Coelho Fernando M A , Srougi Victor , Tanno Fabio Y , Chambo Jose L , Carnevale Francisco C , Silveira João V , Consolim-Colombo Fernanda M , Bortolotto Luiz A , Brito Luciana P , Fragoso Maria Candida B V , Drager Luciano F , Gomez-Sanchez Celso E , Latronico Ana Claudia , Mendonca Berenice B , Hoff Ana O , Almeida Madson Q
Published: September 2024

Context

Aldosterone excess chronically induces oxidative stress and cell proliferation. Previously, a single study investigated primary aldosteronism (PA) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), albeit without a matched control group.

Objective

We conducted a propensity score–matched, case-control study to investigate the association between PA and PTC in individuals with arterial hypertension (HT).

Methods

PA was investigated in 137 patients with PTC and HT. The control group included 137 (1:1) age-, sex-, and body mass index–matched individuals with HT. We conducted a secondary analysis in which controls were also matched according to HT stage.

Results

The prevalence of PA was 29.20% (95% CI, 21.91%-37.68%) in the PTC group and 20.44% (95% CI, 14.22%-28.35%) in the controls not matched by HT stage (P = .093). Although the PA prevalence was similar in both groups, the frequency of severe HT (stage III or resistant) was significantly lower in the PTC group (23%) compared to the HT controls (73%; P < .001). After matching the controls by HT stage, the prevalence of PA in the PTC group was significantly higher compared to the hypertensive controls (9.56%; 95% CI, 5.39%-16.1%; P  < .0001). In the multivariable analysis, PTC was independently associated with PA both in unmatched HT individuals (odds ratio [OR] 4.74; 95% CI, 2.26-10.55; P < .001) and in those matched by HT stage (OR 5.88; 95% CI, 2.79-13.37; P < .001).

Conclusion

PTC was an independent variable associated with a diagnosis of PA in HT individuals. Therefore, we propose the association between PTC and HT as a new recommendation for PA screening regardless of HT severity.
Regulatory Analogies, LLMs, and Generative AI
Authors: Goodman Ellen P.
Published: September 2024

With the release of large language models such as GPT-4, the push for regulation of artificial intelligence has accelerated the world over. Proponents of different regulatory strategies argue that AI systems should be regulated like nuclear weapons posing catastrophic risk (especially at the frontiers of technical capability); like consumer products posing a range of risks for the user; like pharmaceuticals requiring a robust prerelease regulatory apparatus; and/or like environmental pollution to which the law responds with a variety of tools. This thinkpiece outlines the shape and limitations of particular analogies proposed for use in the regulation of AI, suggesting that AI law and policy will undoubtedly have to borrow from many precedents without committing to any single one.
Intracellular lipid droplets are exploited by Junín virus in a nucleoprotein-dependent process
Authors: Vazquez Cecilia Alejandra , Escudero-Pérez Beatriz , Hayashi Jennifer M. , Leon Kristoffer E. , Moreira João Paulo , Castañeda Cataña Mayra Alejandra , Groseth Allison , Ott Melanie , Oestereich Lisa , Muñoz-Fontela César , Garcia Cybele Carina , Cordo Sandra Myriam
Published: September 2024

Lipid droplets (LDs) are organelles involved in lipid storage, maintenance of energy homeostasis, protein sequestration, signaling events and inter-organelle interactions. Recently, LDs have been shown to favor the replication of members from different viral families, such as the Flaviviridae and Coronaviridae. In this work, we show that LDs are essential organelles for members of the Arenaviridae family. A virus-driven reduction of LD number was observed in cultures infected with Junín mammarenavirus (JUNV), caused in part by action of the viral nucleoprotein. Notably, we identified a new pool of nucleoprotein and viral RNA that localizes in the vicinity of LDs, suggesting that LDs play a role during the viral replication cycle. Regarding the mechanism behind LD exhaustion, we found evidence that lipophagy is involved in LD degradation with the resulting fatty acids being substrates of fatty acid β-oxidation, which fuels viral multiplication. This work highlights the importance of LDs during the replication cycle of JUNV, contributing to the knowledge of the metabolic changes these mammarenaviruses cause in their hosts.
ΠΡΟΣΩΠΑ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΠΟΙ ΣΤΟΝ ΒΙΟ ΤΩΝ ΟΣΙΩΝ ΝΕΚΤΑΡΙΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΘΕΟΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΨΑΡΑΔΩΝ
Authors: Αγορίτσας Δημήτριος
Published: September 2024

Στὴν παρούσα μελέτη ἐξετάζεται ἡ βιοτὴ τῶν ὁσίων Νεκταρίου καὶ Θεοφάνους τῶν Ἀψαράδων (περ. 1470 – μέσα 16ου αἰ.), ἡ ὁποία μᾶς παρέχει καλὴ εἰκόνα τῆς κατάστασης τοῦ νέου Ἑλληνισμοῦ κατὰ τὴν πρώιμη περίοδο τῆς ὀθωμανικῆς κυριαρχίας. Τὰ σχετικὰ μὲ τὸ πρόσωπό τους ἁγιολογικὰ κείμενα καὶ ἄλλες σύγχρονες μαρτυρίες εἶναι διαφωτιστικὰ γιὰ τὴ δράση τους ὡς κτιτόρων μοναστικῶν ἱδρυμάτων στὰ Ἰωάννινα καὶ στὰ Μετέωρα, γιὰ τὸ εὐρὺ δίκτυο τῶν ἐπαφῶν τους, τὸ ποιμαντικό τους ἔργο καὶ τὴν πνευματικὴ ἐπιρροὴ ποὺ ἄσκησαν στὴ μοναστικὴ κοινότητα τῶν Μετεώρων καὶ ἀλλοῦ.
Τα Διαδικτυακά Παιχνίδια Μεγάλου Πλήθους Παικτών και η επίδρασή τους στην ιστορική κουλτούρα των φοιτητών/τριών
Authors: Στουραΐτης Ηλίας
Published: September 2024

Τα Διαδικτυακά Παιχνίδια Μεγάλου Πλήθους Παικτών έχουν συμβάλει στην ανάπτυξη ενός επιδραστικού τρόπου επαφής των νεαρών ατόμων με το ιστορικό παρελθόν. Το άρθρο παρουσιάζει μια έρευνα σε δύο παιχνίδια Μεγάλου Πλήθους Παικτών με ιστορικό περιεχόμενο σε τεταρτοετείς φοιτητές/τριες του τμήματος Ιστορίας του Ιονίου Πανεπιστημίου. Βασικός σκοπός είναι να προσδιοριστεί η επίδραση που είχαν αυτά τα παιχνίδια στην ιστορική κουλτούρα των φοιτητών/τριών· πώς, δηλαδή, οι φοιτητές/τριες Ιστορίας αντιλαμβάνονται το ιστορικό παρελθόν και συνδιαλέγονται με αυτό σε περιβάλλοντα Διαδικτυακών Παιχνιδιών Μεγάλου Πλήθους Παικτών. Μελετήθηκε το λογισμικό των παιχνιδιών και έπειτα η εμπειρία που αποκόμισαν οι φοιτητές/τριες από τη συμμετοχή τους σε αυτά μέσω ερωτηματολογίων που δόθηκαν πριν και μετά τη διαδικασία του «παίζειν» και μέσω στοχευμένων συνεντεύξεων. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας αναδεικνύουν την επιρροή που ασκούν τα παιχνίδια στα νεαρά άτομα, ακόμα και σε εκείνες τις περιπτώσεις που δεν είχαν προηγούμενη επαφή με αυτά.
Ψηφιακά «ζωντανεμένο», επιτελεστικά «ζωντανό»
Authors: Φάβα Μαρία
Published: September 2024

Στα τέλη του 2020 και το 2021, τη χρονιά που το ελληνικό κράτος γιόρτασε τα 200 χρόνια από την Επανάσταση του 1821 και εν μέσω της πανδημίας του κορονοϊού, στην πρόσοψη του ελληνικού Κοινοβουλίου προβλήθηκαν, με πρωτοβουλία του στρατού, της Επιτροπής «Ελλάδα 2021» και της ίδιας της Βουλής, ψηφιακά ιστορικά αφηγήματα με τη μέθοδο της χαρτογραφημένης προβολής (projection mapping). Τι προέκυψε από τη συνάντηση της ψηφιακής τεχνολογίας με το «ζωντάνεμα» της ιστορίας, στην επιφάνεια του εμβληματικότερου κτιρίου του ελληνικού κράτους; Μελετώντας τη μετατροπή της Βουλής σε οθόνη, εντοπίζουμε μία σημαντική μελέτη περίπτωσης που αποτυπώνει τον συντονισμό της επίσημης δημόσιας ιστορίας με τους κανόνες των δικτύων ψηφιακής οικονομίας και αναδεικνύει τη «ζωντανότητα» (liveness) ως την πιο ξεχωριστή, επιτακτικά διεκδικήσιμη, αντίληψη ιστορικότητας της εποχής μας.
Βιβλιοκριτική
Authors: Πουλάκης Νίκος
Published: September 2024

ΒιβλιοκριτικήΒασιλική Λαλιώτη (επιμ.) Ψηφιακές Τεχνολογίες και Τέχνες, Εκδόσεις ροπη, 2022.
Τέχνη και τεχνολογία στον ψηφιακό κόσμο
The genome sequence of yellow bugle, Ajuga chamaepitys (L.) Schreb. (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Mian Sahr , Christenhusz Maarten J. M. ,   Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Genome Acquisition Lab,   Plant Genome Sizing collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual Ajuga chamaepitys (yellow bugle; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Lamiales; Lamiaceae). The genome sequence has a total length of 891.60 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 14 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 418.31 kilobases and 150.7 kilobases, respectively. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 23,755 protein-coding genes.
CHANGES IN THE METABOLISM OF NATIVE AND DECONSERVED BULL SPERMATOZOA UNDER THE ACTION OF MOLECULAR HYDROGEN
Authors: Ivashchenko Marina N. , Deryugina Anna V. , Ermokhina Olga N. , Ignatiev Pavel S. , Latushko Mikhail I. , Metelin Vladislav B. , Belov Andrey A. , Erzutov Alexey I.
Published: September 2024

Background.  The process of storing sperm in a deeply frozen state causes structural and functional disorders of spermatozoa, which reduces their fertilizing ability. The main mechanism of the negative effect of cryopreservation on spermatozoa is the development of oxidative stress.
Molecular hydrogen has some advantages as a potential antioxidant molecule - it is a selective effect on certain reactive oxygen species, the ability to overcome cell membranes, the absence of toxic effects.
Purpose. To study the effect of molecular hydrogen on the functional status of native and deconserved sperm cells of breeding bulls.
Materials and methods. The object of the study was the ejaculates of bulls before cryopreservation and after defrosting. The native sperm diluted with the "BioXcell" diluent, the native sperm diluted with the "BioXcell" diluent enriched with molecular hydrogen, the sperm after deep freezing and the sperm after deep freezing pretreated with molecular hydrogen were studied. The intensity of free radical processes and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were determined in spermatozoa.
Results. After cryopreservation of sperm, the processes of lipid peroxidation in spermatozoa are significantly activated. The content of malondialdehyde, diene and triene conjugates increases. The use of molecular hydrogen to correct the quality of sperm production after cryopreservation gave positive results. A decrease in the concentration of primary and intermediate products of lipid peroxidation was noted. The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in spermatozoa significantly increases.
Conclusion.  Molecular hydrogen has the potential as a new and effective antioxidant, the widespread use of which is possible for veterinary purposes.
Sponsorship information. The study was funded by the Russian Science Foundation grant No. 23-26-00205.
INFLUENCE OF ULTRAFINE PARTICLES OF SILICON IV OXIDE (SiO2) AND OAK BARK EXTRACT ON BACTERIAL LUMINESCENCE
Authors: Shoshin Daniil E. , Sizova Elena A. , Kamirova Aina M.
Published: September 2024

Background. Phytobiotic additives and ultrafine particles (UFP), especially of metallic nature, are increasingly used in agriculture as fertilizers and components of feed additives. However, there is very little data about the effect of non-metallic UFP. In particular, silicon-containing UFP have shown high efficiency as plant growth stimulators under stress conditions, but whether they can act as antibacterial agents or as protective agents in microbial ecosystems is unknown.
Therefore, the aim of the presented work is to evaluate positive and negative reactions of the model luminescent microorganism Escherichia coli K12 TG1 when exposed to suspensions of silicon IV oxide (SiO2) in various concentrations both in pure form and in combination with phytobiotic additive – oak bark extract.
Materials and methods. The luminescence intensity of the recombinant strain of Echerichia coli of the natural marine microorganism Photobacterium leiongnathi with cloned luxCDABE-genes under the influence of concentrations (0.5-0.00024 M) of UFP SiO2 and aqueous extract of oak bark (2-1024 multiples) was studied.
Results. It was found that UFP in pure form stimulate bacterial luminescence by 252.2 % with respect to the control in the stationary phase of growth at 0.5 mol/L. They also act as protectors of intracellular metabolism, reducing the inhibitory effect of oak bark extract. The latter in pure form suppresses more than 50 % of bacterial luminescence up to 4-fold dilution (12.5 mg/mL), which determines the possibility of its use as an alternative to antibiotic drugs.
Conclusion. UFP SiO2 have pronounced protective properties with respect to microbial community.
Dziedzictwo niematerialne w miejskiej przestrzeni turystycznej – studia przypadków snycerstwa w Konjicu i fado w Lizbonie
Authors: Kapusta Armina , Kaczmarek Sylwia
Published: September 2024

Kwestia kultywowania i eksponowania dziedzictwa niematerialnego w przestrzeni miejskiej, obecnie silnie stechnicyzowanej, jest rzadko poruszana w literaturze. Zastanawiający jest szczególnie sposób prezentowania tradycji umożliwiający ich poznanie turystom, którzy często są istotnym czynnikiem zachęcającym depozytariuszy do kultywowania zwyczajów. Autorki zakładają, że w tym celu w przestrzeni turystycznej miast powinny pojawić się stosowne obiekty, które byłyby elementem nie tylko przestrzennego, lecz także semiotycznego zagospodarowania miasta. W artykule zagadnienie to rozważano, analizując przykłady snycerstwa w Konjicu i fado w Lizbonie. Dostrzeżono tendencję przenoszenia się zwyczajów do przestrzeni medialnej i wirtualnej przy jednoczesnym zaniku ich obecności w przestrzeni fizycznej, rekompensowanym powstawaniem atrakcji turystycznych. Fado ponadto rozbrzmiewa w przestrzeniach turystycznych poza Lizboną, co pozbawia je oryginalności kontekstu terytorialnego. Płaskorzeźbione produkty drewniane z Konjica przechodzą za to transformację, dostosowując się do gustów potencjalnych nabywców: tracą ornamentykę typową dla regionu, w którym wciąż są wytwarzane, lecz przekształcenia te są immanentnym elementem zauważalnym od początkurozwoju tej tradycji. Nowe wzornictwo staje się jedynie signum temporis, który zapewnia trwanie przestrzeni semiotycznej konjickiej kultury.
Win by Hook or Crook? Self-Injecting Favorable Online Reviews to Fight Adjacent Rivals
Authors: Wang Le , Luo Xin (Robert) , Qiu Liangfei , Xu Feng , Cui Xueying
Published: September 2024

Literature has long assumed that unethical behaviors are fueled by competition. This study challenges this prevailing notion by introducing a conceptual distinction between rivalry and competition. We show that rivalry-induced deterrence triggers the formation of mutual forbearance in self-injecting favorable reviews. Mutual forbearance collapses when one party unilaterally engages in self-injecting behaviors, prompting the other party to retaliate by increasing their self-injecting activities. The presence of an additional rival leads to a 3.2% decrease in self-injecting intensity. Furthermore, self-injecting intensity increases by 0.095% for every 1% rise in that of the rivals and increases by 0.041% for a 1% rise in that of the nonrival competitors. Given the apparent role of rivalry in reducing self-injecting behaviors, platforms should strategically consider how system designs and policies can cultivate firms’ feelings of rivalry and avoid non-rival competition. We recommend platforms consider including evaluations from peer hotels as an alternative index for recommending hotels to potential consumers. Introducing peer evaluations to the current online review systems could attenuate the bias of consumer ratings and facilitate the formation of rivalry, which hinders self-injecting behaviors.
Esophageal damage following left atrial ablation in a patient on dabigatran: adding insult to injury
Authors: Jalloul Sarah , Jreij Chris , Karam Karam , Salem Johny , Chaptini Louis
Published: September 2024

Dabigatran, a commonly prescribed anticoagulant medication, has been associated with esophagitis, referred to as dabigatran-induced esophagitis (DIE). We report a case of DIE occurring in a patient following left atrial ablation for atrial fibrillation. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing the possible combined detrimental effects of left atrial ablation and dabigatran on the esophageal mucosa and highlights the clinical and endoscopic characteristics associated with DIE.
Double the trouble: a rare finding of gastritis cystica profunda in a previously unoperated young female with concomitant Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Haddad Gaelle-Christie , Moussallem Nicolas , Sbeih Sergio , Karam Karam , Fiani Elias
Published: September 2024

Gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) is a rare lesion of the stomach. It is characterised by hyperplasia and cystic dilation of the gastric gland in the submucosal layer. It is usually believed to occur at the site of previous gastric surgeries, as the anastomotic remnants act as a foundation for the development of the lesion. We present a case of a 39-year-old female, previously healthy with no history of gastric surgeries, who sought medical care for melena and lethargy of one month’s duration. Her complete blood count showed a significant drop in haemoglobin (from 13 to 9 g/dl). Upper endoscopy revealed a submucosal lesion in the pre-pyloric region; biopsies showed the characteristic findings of GCP. The latter is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and its diagnosis and treatment remain challenging. Medical literature has not unveiled its association with chronic inflammation and Helicobacter pylori infection as many cases are being found in previously unoperated individuals. Even though GCP remains a rare entity, it should be incorporated in the differential diagnoses of upper GI bleeding and further prospective studies should highlight other contributing factors.
Imágenes polémicas de Averroes: filosofía, órdenes mendicantes y las percepciones del islam en la pintura italiana (c. 1300-1500)
Authors: Rueda Galán Luis
Published: September 2024

El filósofo andalusí Ibn Rušd, Averroes (Córdoba, 1126 – Marrakech, 1198), es, con diferencia, el personaje musulmán más veces representado en la pintura italiana de finales de la Edad Media. Su imagen fue instrumentalizada desde principios del siglo XIV por ciertas órdenes mendicantes, en especial dominicos y agustinos, en la creación de algunas de sus iconografías más representativas. Este trabajo ofrece un acercamiento a algunos de los modos en los que fue representado en la pintura italiana de finales de la Edad Media, y a cómo estos nos ofrecen una valiosa mirada a las mentalidades de los cristianos europeos y sus percepciones de la otredad.
Paterno traens linea Getarum. Literary influence of lineage on aristocratic definition in Visigothic Spain (6th-7th centuries)
Authors: Dinarès Cabrerizo Oriol
Published: September 2024

The concept of nobility or aristocracy in Visigothic Spain is a very complex and nuanced one, as it is in any post-Roman kingdom, furthermore it has undergone long and intense debates. What makes an aristocrat in the regnum Gothorum? The answer is, at best, ambiguous, as they can be defined in different ways. This paper explores the extent in which lineage was an established means of ensuring one’s status as noble in literary texts from Visigothic Spain. Rather than being a poetic choice of some provincial aristocrats, high birth claims were a well-established custom in literary sources, and they influenced social and legal structures on some occasions.
Releer al-Iḥāṭa, al-Lamḥa y al-Miʽyār de Ibn al-Jaṭīb: traducción e interpretación de la terminología referida a las propiedades aristocráticas nazaríes
Authors: Camarero Castellano Inmaculada
Published: September 2024

Las páginas de al-Iḥāṭa, al-Lamḥa y al-Miʽyār donde Ibn al-Jaṭīb describe la ciudad de Granada y sus contornos son fundamentales para el conocimiento de las propiedades aristocráticas nazaríes. Arabistas y medievalistas han utilizado hasta la fecha unas traducciones que no son precisas, por lo que en este estudio se propone una nueva interpretación a la luz de las nuevas investigaciones multidisciplinares que se están realizando en el marco de los proyectos nacionales e internacionales en los que la autora participa. Asimismo, en este trabajo se demuestra la conveniencia de realizar el análisis de estas tres obras de forma conjunta, ante la enorme dificultad que presenta su sintaxis, y la pertinencia de abordar la terminología que describe estas fincas de la élite poniéndola en relación con su término original, “almunia”.
Rethinking Asian Settler Colonialism: A Historical Perspective of Hawai'i Asians on Indigenous Lands
Authors: Mei-Singh Laurel , McGregor Davianna Pōmaika'i
Published: September 2024

Abstract: "Asian settler colonialism" calls attention to the simultaneous denial of Kanaka 'Ōiwi dispossession and the celebration of descendants of Asian immigrants as industrious members of Hawai'i's multicultural middle class. While we acknowledge the importance of confronting settler colonialism, we argue that Asian settler colonialism reinscribes an inaccurate understanding of Hawai'i Asians today and over time. Tracing Hawai'i history from the Kingdom era to the present, we show that Hawai'i Asians are not inherently settlers by virtue of being non-natives living and working on Indigenous land; rather, many Hawai'i Asians hold a generational responsibility and political affinity within the nation of Hawai'i. Further, as Hawai'i's hierarchies have evolved amid economic restructuring, the privilege and power held by some Asians have been incorrectly attributed to the native-settler binary of settler colonialism while overlooking the interplay of race, class, global economic shifts, and political dynamics reinforced by military action.
Diversity and Abundance of House Dust Mites in Irish Homes, Their Exoskeleton-Associated Bacteria and Susceptibility to Clinically Relevant Antibiotics
Authors: Aljohani Amal , Clarke David , Byrne Miriam , Gormally Michael , Fleming Gerard
Published: September 2024

abstract: Dust samples were collected from 56 homes (mainly student abodes) in Galway, Ireland, during the period 2020–22. Mites were recovered from 80% of homes and 3,585 mites were isolated from dust (256 samples) and identified. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most abundant species (71% of all mites identified). Storage mites represented 13% of the mites. Viable and cultivable bacteria were isolated from the exoskeletons of 110 mites ( D. pteronyssinus ). The average surface bacterial loading was 16 CFU/10 mites. Of 41 bacterial colonies sequenced, Staphylococci were predominant (83%) with Staphylococcus equorum was the dominant species overall (24%). Antibiogram analysis (using a panel of 18 antibiotics), was carried out for 23 bacterial strains isolated from the exoskeletons of house dust mites. Sixty-five percent (15 isolates) showed resistance to aztreonam. A further 30% (7 isolates) were resistant to ertapenem. These findings indicate that microorganisms on the surface of dust mites may act as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance in the home.
The Election of 1801 and James A. Bayard's Disinterested Constitutionalism
Authors: Banner James M.
Published: September 2024

Abstract: Distinguishing, on the one hand, between the 1800 state-based presidential election contests between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams that resulted in Jefferson's victory and, on the other, the voting in the House of Representatives in early 1801 to resolve the electoral vote tie between Jefferson and his vice-presidential running mate Aaron Burr, this article focuses exclusively on the latter contest, whose result made Jefferson president of the United States. In doing so, it rejects historian's conventional approach to the congressional deadlock as a mere pendant to what is conventionally known as the "Election of 1800." Second, it brings forth the Election of 1801 as the first major constitutional crisis in American history and thus makes it a major constitutional as well as political event. Third, it focuses on Delaware congressman James A. Bayard, the pivotal figure in resolving the voting deadlock in the House, which threatened to lead to civil violence and the failure of the Constitution. Fourth, taking Bayard to be a serious constitutional thinker as well as a shrewd political character, it argues that his act to resolve the deadlock, coupled with his explanation for doing so, constituted the first of only occasional major instances of disinterested constitutionalism in American history. The article thus contributes to the revival of attention to American constitutionalism, to the role that constitutional principles have played in American political history, and to the interplay between politics and the rule of law in the earliest years of American constitutional government