bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping potential erosive zones in a Brazilian watershed: towards sustainable territorial planning
Authors: Guerrero João Vitor Roque , Mataveli Guilherme Augusto Verola , Lorandi Reinaldo , Lollo José Augusto di , Gomes Alberto , Chaves Michel , Moschini Luiz Eduardo , Nunes Fabrizia Gioppo
Published: March 2024

Soil erosion is one of the greatest environmental problems in the 21st Century, mainly due to the economic, social, and environmental damages caused worldwide. Brazil is inserted within this context, where the implementation of strategies to support territorial planning aimed at soil conservation is urgently required. Thus, this work aimed to use geoenvironmental cartography techniques to map the potential erosive zones at the Gouveia stream watershed (Brotas, Brazil) based on geographic data systematized by geoprocessing. Parameters of geology, pedology, terrain shape, terrain slope, land use, and land cover were used and systematized in a GIS environment through mathematical operations and fuzzy inference to map the potential erosive zones. The results indicate that 63% of the basin consists of “High” and “Very High” potential areas for the erosion process, which requires an urgent need to implement management strategies and sustainable territorial planning. This approach can potentially contribute to the decision-making process in the study area and be applied in other watersheds worldwide.
Coffeescape: análise da produção bibliográfica internacional sobre paisagens culturais do café
Authors: Tavares Beatriz Carvalho , Valduga Vander
Published: March 2024

The diversity of coffee culture manifestations and their expressions in the landscape show the potential of interdisciplinary research guided by plural epistemological lenses. This article aims to contribute to the realization of future research on the patrimonialization of agrifood cultural landscapes, especially coffee, in the different producing countries. In this way, it aims to identify the main methodologies and epistemological lenses used in coffee production cultural landscape studies. To this end, a systematic literature review was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, Redalyc and Theses and dissertations indexed in the CAPES databases. The results pointed to the identification of 41 publications, with Colombia as the main geographical area and origin of the researchers. It was possible to characterize them in six thematic categories: 1) Planning and Territorial Ordinance; 2) Patrimonialization Processes; 3) Cultural Aspects; 4) Tourism; 5) Industrial Heritage; and 6) Biodiversity. The methodologies used focus on qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive character, with ethnographic nature. Among the main techniques, bibliographic and documentary research were combined with field immersion, observation, and semi-structured interviews. Theoretical-methodological lens analysis shows most studies with a phenomenological and complexity approach in Humanist-Cultural Geography. The research reinforced the interdisciplinary potential of studies on landscapes and coffee production, highlighting the geographic complexity of coffee territories in Brazil and the world.
Narrativas de um Brasil proletário: por uma geografia literária das indústrias
Authors: Souza Beatriz Santos de , Cavalcante Tiago Vieira
Published: March 2024

Compreendendo que a partir dos anos de 1930 o romance proletário começa a fazer parte das letras nacionais, buscamos traçar uma geografia literária das indústrias que narre um Brasil para além do que é comumente evidenciado pelos estudos geográficos das indústrias. Ao traçarmos um recorte temporal de 1930 até a contemporaneidade, partimos de apontamentos tecidos por Jay (1975) e Farsian (2015) e da leitura de obras, como Os Corumbas (1933), de Amando Fontes; Cacau (1933), de Jorge Amado; Parque Industrial (1933), de Patrícia Galvão; Navios Iluminados (1937), de Ranulpho Prata; Linha do Parque (1959), de Dalcídio Jurandir; Inferno Provisório (2016), de Luiz Ruffato, e No Chão da Fábrica (2016), de Roniwalter Jatobá, para desvelar os seguintes temas: ser mulher, trabalhar, habitar e lutar. Com isso, propomos revelar um lado geograficamente omisso do fenômeno industrial: o do operário. Essa geografia literária das indústrias busca, portanto, enfatizar a (des)humanização do trabalhador, sua experiência geográfica do fenômeno industrial, a partir de narrativas que dão voz a uma massa comumente silenciada pelo soar das máquinas.
A paisagem na literatura goiana: o “Mato Grosso Goiano” na obra de Carmo Bernardes
Authors: Santos Estevão Freitas
Published: March 2024

The present study aims to highlight the role of a landscape record in the memorialist literature of Carmo Bernardes, author of the regionalism in Goiás, who conceives a historical and geographic outline of an epoch and a society through his knowledge of nature. The article’s purpose is to analyze the memoir “Quarto Crescente – Relembranças”, in which the author gives a significative contribution to the notions of environment, occupation and deforestation of the Mato Grosso Goiano, a region once covered of forests in Goiás, that was completely devasted during the 20th century. An analysis of the book revealed that the descriptions of the author act as a record of the primitive landscape, and as a parameter and complaint against the environmental impacts.
Cotidiano na produção do espaço: a Ritmanálise como proposta
Authors: Costa Hemily Sued Alves , Peixinho Dimas Moraes
Published: March 2024

Ritmananalysis, presented as the understanding of the rhythms of life, through the understanding of the dialectic of durations, is being presented as a possible method-theory of interpreting the modernity that, in Henri Lefebvre, brings elements that are treated as abstract, but that is part of the materiality of reality through everyday life, seen as the guiding thread for understanding life. It is constantly evolving, it is where gestures, habits, speeches, political projects are introduced. It is in everyday life that space is produced by sensitive, artistic and cultural men
Geografia, Literatura e Arte: diálogos possíveis, debates necessários
Authors: Chaveiro Eguimar Felicio , Gonçalves Ricardo Assis , Suzuki Júlio César , Vilela Benjamim Pereira
Published: March 2024

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Monocyte-Mediated Thrombosis Linked to Circulating Tissue Factor and Immune Paralysis in COVID-19
Authors: Goonewardena Sascha N. , Chen Qinzhong , Tate Ashley M. , Grushko Olga G. , Damodaran Dilna , Blakely Pennelope K. , Hayek Salim S. , Pinsky David J. , Rosenson Robert S.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

SARS-CoV-2 infections cause COVID-19 and are associated with inflammation, coagulopathy, and high incidence of thrombosis. Myeloid cells help coordinate the initial immune response in COVID-19. Although we appreciate that myeloid cells lie at the nexus of inflammation and thrombosis, the mechanisms that unite the two in COVID-19 remain largely unknown.

METHODS:

In this study, we used systems biology approaches including proteomics, transcriptomics, and mass cytometry to define the circulating proteome and circulating immune cell phenotypes in subjects with COVID-19.

RESULTS:

In a cohort of subjects with COVID-19 (n=35), circulating markers of inflammation (CCL23 [C-C motif chemokine ligand 23] and IL [interleukin]-6) and vascular dysfunction (ACE2 [angiotensin-converting enzyme 2] and TF [tissue factor]) were elevated in subjects with severe compared with mild COVID-19. Additionally, although the total white blood cell counts were similar between COVID-19 groups, CD14+ (cluster of differentiation) monocytes from subjects with severe COVID-19 expressed more TF. At baseline, transcriptomics demonstrated increased IL-6, CCL3, ACOD1 (aconitate decarboxylase 1), C5AR1 (complement component 5a receptor), C5AR2, and TF in subjects with severe COVID-19 compared with controls. Using stress transcriptomics, we found that circulating immune cells from subjects with severe COVID-19 had evidence of profound immune paralysis with greatly reduced transcriptional activation and release of inflammatory markers in response to TLR (Toll-like receptor) activation. Finally, sera from subjects with severe (but not mild) COVID-19 activated human monocytes and induced TF expression.

CONCLUSIONS:

Taken together, these observations further elucidate the pathological mechanisms that underlie immune dysfunction and coagulation abnormalities in COVID-19, contributing to our growing understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infections that could also be leveraged to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Effectiveness and Safety of Edoxaban Compared With Apixaban in Elderly Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Real-World Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Chiv Richard , Beradid Sarah , Suissa Samy , Renoux Christel
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

The very elderly (≥80 years) are at high risk of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and thromboembolism. Given its recent approval, the comparative effectiveness and safety of edoxaban in this population, relative to the commonly used apixaban, remain unknown.

METHODS:

Using the United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink, we identified a cohort of patients aged ≥80 with incident nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and newly treated with edoxaban or apixaban between 2015 and 2021. Cohort entry was defined as the first prescription for one of the 2 drugs. We used propensity score fine stratification and weighting for confounding adjustment. A weighted Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) with 95% CI of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack/systemic embolism (primary effectiveness outcome) and of major bleeding (primary safety outcome) associated with edoxaban compared with apixaban. We also assessed the risk of all-cause mortality and a composite outcome of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism, gastrointestinal bleeding, and intracranial hemorrhage as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS:

The cohort included 7251 new-users of edoxaban and 39 991 of apixaban. Edoxaban and apixaban had similar incidence rates of thromboembolism (adjusted rates, 20.38 versus 19.22 per 1000 person-years; adjusted HR, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.89–1.26]), although the rates of major bleeding were higher with edoxaban (adjusted rates, 45.57 versus 31.21 per 1000 person-years; adjusted HR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.26–1.61]). The risk of the composite outcome was 21% higher with edoxaban (adjusted HR, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.07–1.38]). All-cause mortality was similar between edoxaban and apixaban (adjusted HR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.96–1.12]).

CONCLUSIONS:

In very elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, edoxaban resulted in similar thromboembolism prevention as apixaban, although it was associated with a higher risk of major bleeding. These findings may improve the management of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation by informing physicians on the choice of anticoagulant for this vulnerable population.
Current and Future Treatment Options for Cerebral Cavernous Malformations
Authors: Morrison Leslie , Gutierrez Juan , Ayata Cenk , Lopez‐Toledano Miguel , Carrazana Enrique , Awad Issam , Rabinowicz Adrian L. , Kim Helen
Published: March 2024

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions associated with seizures, hemorrhage, and neurologic deficits. The familial form of CCM constitutes ≈20% of cases and presents with multifocal lesions in the brain and spinal cord, whereas the more common sporadic form typically involves a single lesion. Treatments of CCM include surgical resection and stereotactic radiosurgery, as well as management of symptoms (eg, seizures). Surgical resection or irradiation of lesions in eloquent areas requires careful consideration because of the potential for morbidity and mortality, and these treatments are not advised for asymptomatic lesions. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe the current state of treatments for CCM, with an emphasis on potential clinically relevant pharmacologic treatments aimed at targeting aberrant molecular signaling associated with CCM. Literature was identified through PubMed using search terms related to treatments of CCMs. In endothelial cells, overactivation of RhoA/Rho‐associated kinase contributes to disruption of cell‐cell junctions and a shift to a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype, which leads to inflammation, migration, and invasiveness of mutant endothelial cells. Specific (NRL‐1049) and nonspecific (fasudil, statins) inhibition of Rho‐associated kinase has shown effectiveness to reduce lesion burden in mouse models of CCM. A phase 1/2 clinical trial is currently underway to investigate the efficacy of atorvastatin in patients with CCM, and a first‐in‐human clinical trial to evaluate safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic parameters of NRL‐1049 began in 2023. The β‐blocker propranolol and the superoxide dismutase mimetic REC‐994 have also shown effectiveness in attenuating lesion burden in preclinical studies. Results from a pilot phase 2 clinical trial of propranolol support further investigation in an adequately powered trial, and the safety, pharmacokinetics, and potential efficacy of REC‐994 are currently being evaluated in a phase 2 clinical trial. Additional agents have been used solely in preclinical models and require clinical evaluation.
“Who’s Sidney Hunt? … He Was a Homosexual”
Authors: Baird Nicola
Published: March 2024

Sidney James Hunt, born in 1896, was a queer British poet, painter, and draftsman whose brief career was active and eclectic. Building on recent work, this article seeks to examine not only the scope of Hunt’s idiosyncratic experimentation with word and image, culminating in his editorship of Ray—the only English equivalent of such influential European publications as Der Sturm, De Stijl, and Mécano—but also the striking and suggestive originality of Hunt’s specifically queer literary and artistic production. His subjects include blushes of boys night bathing, sunbathing, and posing with pansies, as well as naked male figures (often of mythological origin). He was one of the few modernist artists to use abstraction to express the essentials of male beauty and, under a pseudonym, created several erotic photomontages. His work as a pioneer of the avant-garde in Britain and as a queer British artist deserves considerable reassessment.
Basil of Seleucia
Authors: Miola Maria Panagia
Published: March 2024

The article analyzes the validity of recent claims to attribute the Acathistus hymn to Basil of Seleucia on the basis of the hymn’s strong literary ties to two other works linked to his name, the De uita et miraculis s. Theclae (CPG 6675) and In sanctae deiparae annuntiationem (CPG 6656.39). Charting a relatively substantial history of misguided attributions of these texts to Basil’s name, including the evidence of the earliest underscript of the double palimpsest, Vat. gr. 1853, the author shows the far-reaching consequences of such claims. By comparing style and the theological content of the attributed works to other works in Basil of Seleucia’s corpus, the author confirms the spurious status of the works allegedly linked to his name and thus that of the associated hymn.
The Guardstone Spiders of the genus Scotinella (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) in the Southeastern United States
Authors: PLATNICK NORMAN I. , CHAMÉ-VÁZQUEZ DAVID
Published: March 2024

Scotinella Banks is accepted as the valid name for the numerous North American phrurolithids with a knoblike femoral apophysis and a bifid retrolateral tibial apophysis on the male palp; Phruronellus Chamberlin is considered a junior synonym of Scotinella. The 20 species of Scotinella known to occur in the southeastern United States are revised. Seven specific names are transferred from Phrurolithus to Scotinella and considered valid: P. alatus Ivie & Barrows, P. apacheus Gertsch, P. banksi Gertsch, P. goodnighti Muma, P. pinturus Ivie & Barrows, P. similis Banks, and P. singulus Gertsch. Three specific names are newly synonymized: Phrurolithus absurdus Gertsch with S. floridae (Chamberlin & Gertsch), P. concisus Gertsch with S. alata (Ivie & Barrows), and P. pipensis Muma with S. banksi (Gertsch). The male allotype of S. singula belongs to S. goodnighti (Muma); the actual males of S. singula are newly described, as are those of S. apachea. Six new species are described: S. iviei sp. nov. and S. bennetti sp. nov. from Florida, S. gertschi sp. nov. from Florida and South Carolina, S. pennimani sp. nov. from Georgia, S. thurstoni sp. nov. from Louisiana and Mississippi, and S. coylei sp. nov. from Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Review of the subgenera Metopius Panzer and Peltastes Illiger of the genus Metopius Panzer (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Metopiinae) from Japan
Authors: MORISHITA SHUNSUKE , WATANABE KYOHEI
Published: March 2024

Japanese species of the subgenera Metopius Panzer and Peltastes Illiger of the genus Metopius Panzer are reviewed. Two species of the former and six species of the latter are recognized in the Japanese fauna. Metopius (M.) anxius Wesmael, 1849, M. (P.) pinatorius Brullé, 1846, and M. (P.) scrobiculatus Hartig, 1838 are newly recorded from Japan. The subgeneric position of M. (Ceratopius) hakiensis Matsumura, 1912 is changed from the subgenus Ceratopius to the subgenus Peltastes. The following three synonyms are proposed: M. (P.) arakawai (Uchida, 1930) = M. (P.) hakiensis; M. (P.) oharai Kusigemati, 1983 = M. (P.) scrobiculatus; Metopius (P.) sapporensis Uchida, 1930 = M. (P.) pinatorius. New distribution records and keys to the Japanese subgenera and species of this genus are also provided.
A correction and addition to Zwick (2023): A new subgenus of Neoperla (Plecoptera, Perlidae)
Authors: ZWICK PETER
Published: March 2024

A male lectotype and female paralectotypes of Neoperla (Oodeia) dolichocephala Klapálek, 1909, new status, are designated and illustrated. Notes on other species in the subgenus are added.
1. Lord Byron and Trinity
Authors: Barton Anne
Published: March 2024

In this chapter, entitled ‘Lord Byron and Trinity: A Bicentenary Portrait’ (1988), Anne Barton examines Lord Byron and his relationship with Trinity College, Cambridge, reflecting on the contradictory assessments of Byron during the bicentenary year of his birth. The chapter then explores his tumultuous years as a student at Trinity College, where he engaged in various activities which clashed with the College’s norms. Byron’s interactions with tutors and his temporary departure from Trinity are highlighted. The chapter also touches upon Byron’s academic challenges, the first publication of his poems, and his satirical critique of the Trinity fellows, before discussing the influence of Cambridge on his later poetic endeavours. The chapter concludes with a reflection on Byron’s departure from Cambridge and the enduring impact of his experiences there on his life and work.
3. On the Statue of Lord Byron by Thorwaldsen in Trinity College Library, Cambridge
Authors: Tennyson Turner Charles
Published: March 2024

Chapter 3 reprints the sonnet ‘On the Statue of Lord Byron by Thorwaldsen, in Trinity College Library Cambridge’ written by Charles Tennyson Turner, elder brother of the more famous Lord Alfred. It includes a note on the author derived from the anthology Trinity Poets, ed. by Angela Leighton and Adrian Poole (Manchester: Carcanet, 2017).
Effect of Priming on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Cardamom (Elletaria cardamomum L. Maton) at Teppi, Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Behailu , Chane Asrade , Gezahegn Belay , Seid Hassan , Shiferaw Getachew , Mulualem Tsegaye
Published: March 2024

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of seed priming on the germination and seedling growth of cardamom. The experiment consisted of two factors, namely; five priming solutions (distilled water, KNO3 (0.2%), GA3 (200 ppm), cow urine (10%), and tap water), and two soaking durations (6 hrs. and 9 hrs.). The factorial combination of these factors was arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated four times. Different parameters were measured, including seed germination percentage, germination index, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, as well as root volume. Notably, the main effect of the priming solution had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the aforesaid germination and seedling growth attributes. However, the main effect of soaking duration and their interaction with priming solutions did not exhibit a significant effect (P>0.05). Among the priming solutions, the application of cow urine at a 10% concentration exhibited a significant effect on the seed germination and subsequent growth of the cardamom seedlings. Advantageous results of seedling vigor indexes I and II were observed from cardamom seeds primed with the same solution. Accordingly, the growers and seedling producers in the study area are advised to apply a 10% cow urine priming solution before sowing cardamom seeds for enhanced germination and seedling growth.
Security and Privacy Concerns in the Adoption of IoT Smart Homes: A User-Centric Analysis
Authors: Magara Tinashe , Zhou Yousheng
Published: March 2024

The advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has ushered in a new era of smart homes, promising convenience and automation. However, alongside these advancements, concerns regarding the security and privacy of Internet of Things smart homes have garnered significant attention. The study embarked on a user-centric analysis, delving into the intricacies of security and privacy concerns in the adoption of Internet of Things smart homes. The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the security and privacy concerns that users harbour when adopting Internet of Things smart home technologies. We used SMART-PLS version (4.0.9.6) as the data analysis tool, to examine the concerns and to gain a comprehensive understanding of their impact on adoption. The analysis was, rooted in quantitative research design and based on data gathered through an online questionnaire distributed to the target population of 325 participants. The research response rate was 92%. The hypotheses examined unveiled statistically significant relationships, culminating in results indicating an R2 of 0.762. This implies that approximately 76.2% of the rationale behind individuals' decisions to either adopt or refrain from using IoT smart home devices, with a focus on security and privacy considerations, can be elucidated by our proposed Structural Equation Model. his model served as a comprehensive lens through which we dissected the intricate interplay of variables shaping user attitudes and behaviors. The study sheds light on the critical concerns of security and privacy within the IoT smart home domain. By leveraging quantitative analysis and a well-crafted Structural Equation Model, we offer valuable insights into the factors influencing user adoption decisions. The research contributes to the broader discourse IoT technology adoption and serves as a foundation for future studies and policy considerations in the ever-evolving landscape of smart homes.
A Review on Searchable Encryption Functionality and the Evaluation of Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: Kishiyama Brian , Alsmadi Izzat
Published: March 2024

Cloud Service Providers, exemplified by industry leaders like Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services, deliver a dynamic array of cloud services in an ever-evolving landscape. This sector is witnessing substantial growth, with enterprises such as Netflix and PayPal heavily relying on cloud infrastructure for various needs such as data storage, computational resources, and various other services. The adoption of cloud solutions by businesses not only facilitates cost reduction but also fosters flexibility and supports scalability. Despite the undeniable advantages, concerns surrounding security and privacy persist in the realm of Cloud Computing. Given that Cloud services are accessible via the internet, there is a potential vulnerability to unauthorized access by hackers or malicious entities from anywhere in the world. A crucial aspect of addressing this challenge is the implementation of robust security measures, particularly focusing on data protection. To safeguard data in the Cloud, a fundamental recommendation is the encryption of data prior to uploading. Encryption should be maintained consistently, both during storage and in transit. While encryption enhances security, it introduces a potential challenge for data owners who may need to perform various operations on their encrypted data, such as accessing, modifying, updating, deleting, reading, searching, or sharing them with others. One viable solution to balance the need for data security and operational functionality is the adoption of Searchable Encryption (SE). SE operates on encrypted data, allowing authorized users to perform certain operations without compromising the security of sensitive information. The effectiveness of SE has notably advanced since its inception, and ongoing research endeavors aim to further enhance its capabilities. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the functionality of Searchable Encryption, with a primary focus on its applications in Cloud services during the period spanning 2019 to 2023. Additionally, the study evaluates one of its prominent schemes, namely Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE). The analysis indicates an overall positive trajectory in SE research, showcasing increased efficiency as multiple functionalities are aggregated and rigorously tested.
A Novel Hexagonal Close-Packed High-Entropy Alloy with Outstanding Strength-Ductility Synergy
Authors: Qu Li-dan , Ni Jia-qiang , Li Xiao-dan , Wang Xiao-nan , Chen Bing-zhi
Published: March 2024

Refractory high-entropy alloys (HEAs) are new potential candidates in high temperature applications. However, most present refractory HEAs are single-phase body-centered cubic (BCC) structure, which is brittle at room temperature. Then strategies to ductile the refractory HEAs and maintain
their good high temperature strength at the same time should be under consideration. In the present study, a novel WReOsIr HEA with hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structure was developed. This alloy not only has excellent high-temperature strength (416.7 MPa at 1473 K), but also exhibits good
ductility (30.7%) at room temperature. The better room temperature plasticity is found to originate from the deformation twins formed inside the grains.
Gamma-Irradiated Honey: Its Medicinal Efficacy and Biological Activities for Burned Skin in a Rat Model
Authors: Al-Eisa Rasha A. , Sami Rokayya , Aljahani Amani H. , Waggas Dania S. , Alsufyani Sultan J. , Helal Mahmoud , Alsharari Zayed D. , Al-Meshal Areej Suliman , Alaryani Fatima S. , Alharbi Zeyad M. , Alshehri Faez F.
Published: March 2024

Honey, with its diverse chemical, physical, and antibacterial properties, exhibits significant variability depending on the floral origin of the nectar source. Likewise, its therapeutic potential in the context of healing cutaneous burn injuries shows remarkable variation. In this comprehensive
two-week study, four distinct honey varieties (Nigella Sativa Honey - NSH, Moringa Honey - MOH, Sidr Honey - SIH, and Pumpkin Honey - PUH), along with Vaseline, were administered as therapeutic interventions in a rat model. The study covered a range of parameters, including wound contraction,
neovascularization rates, malondialdehyde (MDA) content determined via colorimetry, and assessments of breaking strength and dry tissue weight. Agar diffusion tests were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of treatments against Streptococcus pyogenes and Klebsiella pneumonia strains.
On the 15th day, the MOH-treated group exhibited the most rapid wound contraction at 84.58%, while the Vaseline-treated group showed the slowest at 68.40%. Notably, neovascularization was most pronounced in MOH-treated animals (45.01%), followed by SIH (42.73%), PUH (36.15%), and NSH (31.17%).
In contrast, the Vaseline group had the lowest rate at 15.53%. Histological examinations revealed that animals treated with Vaseline had fewer oval-shaped cells compared to honey-treated counterparts. The highest weight loss occurred in the Vaseline group at 42.25% on the 15th day. MDA content
was highest in SIH-treated animals (29.18 nmol/mg), followed by MOH (24.01 nmol/mg), PUH (22.88 nmol/mg), and NSH (22.51 nmol/mg), with the Vaseline-treated group having the lowest level at 7.37 nmol/mg. Furthermore, breaking strength was highest in rats treated with NSH ointment (755.29 g),
followed by PUH (739.55 g), SIH (613.11 g), and MOH (600.32 g), while the Vaseline group had the lowest strength at 359.3 g. Similarly, the greatest dry tissue weight was observed in rats treated with PUH ointment (188.79 mg), followed by NSH (182.34 mg), SIH (179.15 mg), MOH (176.15 mg),
while the Vaseline group had the lowest dry tissue weight at 101.17 mg. Notably, NSH-treated animals exhibited a reduction in Streptococcus pyogenes growth (5.76 mm) compared to the Vaseline group (19.68 mm), while MOH-treated animals displayed decreased Klebsiellapneumoniae
growth (5.33 mm) compared to the Vaseline group (17.42 mm). These results collectively emphasize the comparable efficacy of honey in facilitating burn wound healing.
Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Crystalline Pigment as a Natural Colorant
Authors: Priyadharshini S. , Zibia Kasturi Gratia A. , Inbanathan Savariroyan Stephen Rajkumar , Ragavarshini S. , Fouad Hassan , Mahmoud Mohamed H.
Published: March 2024

This research focuses on the isolation and thorough characterization of a distinctive pigment-producing bacterial strain, ACFM05, obtained from Daucus carota subsp. Sativus (Carrots). The pigment was systematically examined for morphological, microscopic, biochemical, and molecular
features, utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing. The strain was identified as a novel species within the Micrococcus genus, specifically classified as Micrococcus yunnanensis. The optimization of pigment extraction parameters revealed a pH of 8 at 40 °C as the ideal conditions for maximum
yield. UV studies indicated that the pigment, extracted with methanol as the solvent, exhibited a notable absorption peak at 445 nm, closely resembling the absorption peak of carotenoids. The growth biomass of the bacteria was found to be influenced by the antioxidant activity, reducing power
assay, and total phenolic content. The pigment extracts were further evaluated for their antifungal, antibiotic sensitivity, and antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Results indicated significant potential for the pigment
as an antimicrobial agent. To elucidate the molecular and structural characteristics of the pigment, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were employed.
The findings from these analyses collectively confirmed the presence of carotenoids in the bacterial pigment. Furthermore, XRD studies revealed the crystalline nature of the pigment. In conclusion, the unique crystalline pigment isolated from Micrococcus yunnanensis ACFM05 demonstrates
promising potential as a natural colorant for food applications. This study contributes valuable insights into the microbial production of pigments with multifaceted applications in the food industry.
The Predictive and Prognostic Value of Percentage Change in Calf Circumference in Infants and Children During the First Week of Admission in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Taha Marwa , nael maslamani Abdalkareem , Atef Abdelsattar Ibrahim Hoda
Published: March 2024

Calf circumference (CC) is an easy measure of muscle loss; yet, there are limited studies in children. We aimed to assess the viability of the first-week percent change in CC as a prognostic nutritional marker. Two MUAC (mid-upper arm circumference), CC, and weight measurements were carried out: one on the first day of admission and another on the seventh day. The differences and correlations between their percent changes were examined. The possible association between CC percent change and prolonged length of hospital stay (PLOS) and in-hospital mortality was assessed. Seventy participants were enrolled with a median age of 19.5 months. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of CC percent change was 0.54 (5.5) with significant correlations between it and each of MUAC and weight percent change (ρ = 0.928, P = .001), (ρ = 0.902, P = .001), respectively. Calf circumference percent changes were significantly more negative in children with PLOS; ( P = .004). These changes seem to be viable measures of nutritional status.
Comparison of percutaneous decannulation and open surgical repair for large-bore arterial access sites of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Zhu Alison Y , Tan Charis QY , Meredith Graham
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Following weaning of peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, removal of cannulas and repair of large-bore arterial sites is traditionally by open surgical repair (OSR). The use of a percutaneous vascular closure device (VCD) offers a minimally invasive alternative to OSR with potential for reduced operative complications, reduced hospital length of stay and in-hospital mortality.

Methods

A systematic review of Medline and Embase databases was conducted for studies comparing VCD-assisted decannulation with OSR following decannulation of peripheral ECMO. The primary endpoint was rate of post-procedural complications, namely wound infection and limb ischaemia. The secondary endpoint was in-hospital mortality.

Results

Eight studies, with a total of 685 patients, met inclusion criteria. Forty-eight percent ( n = 328) of patients underwent VCD-assisted decannulation with the remainder decannulated by OSR. Pooled analysis demonstrated that patients undergoing VCD-assisted decannulation are at significantly lower risk of overall complications than surgical repair (OR 4.34; 95% CI 2.19-8.57; p < .001). Specifically, there was a substantial decrease in groin infections (OR 6.77; 95% CI 3.07-14.97; p < .001) without notable differences in limb ischaemia or pseudoaneurysm occurrence between the VCD and OSR cohorts. There was a lower incidence of intra-operative bleeding and haematoma in the VCD cohort ( p < .001 and p = .002, respectively).

Conclusion

Vascular closure device-assisted decannulation of peripheral ECMO offers a significantly reduced risk of complications, particularly groin infections and bleeding. Future research should encompass larger cohorts, randomised controlled trials, cost-benefit analyses, and the training of surgeons, cardiologists and intensivists in VCD-assisted decannulation, potentially through the integration of simulation-based training.
Coalitions and repertories in the strategic action field of the people affected by the Rio Doce disaster
Authors: Carlos Euzeneia , Santos Larissa Galdino de Magalhães
Published: March 2024

The collapse of the Fundão dam of the Samarco, Vale, and BPH Billiton mining companies in 2015 resulted in the spillage of unprecedented tailings in the Rio Doce Basin, Brazil. It was a disaster of multiple dimensions, generating conflicts between the affected community, mining companies, the government, and the justice system in the search for solutions to recover and repair the damage. Meanwhile, a governance system was created to conduct disaster responses and conflict resolution between those actors. In this article, we investigate how skilled actors in the affected field act to influence disaster governance by producing consequences for policy decisions. The analysis highlights the role of coalitions and action repertories in cooperative and conflicting relationships in the affected people's field. Through mixed-method research, four years of the socio-environmental disaster (2015–2019) were examined through interviews with activists, documentary research, and analysis of protest events. The main argument is that the mobilization of non-state actors in the affected field has influenced disaster governance and the content of compensation policies. Mobilization combined social skills and action repertoires and formed political coalitions to influence decision-making processes. The article contributes to expanding the understanding of the dynamics of political disputes among non-state actors, proposing to broaden the understanding of the repertoires of non-state actors in coalitions to generate consequences for political decisions.
‘It’s One Rule for Them and One for Us’: Occupational Classification, Gender and Worktime Domestic Labour
Authors: Monroe Julie , Vincent Steve , Lopes Ana
Published: March 2024

In this article, we focus on gender and class to investigate worktime domestic labour. Methodologically, we extend a novel, comparative critical realist method in which occupation-based and gendered positions in productive and reproductive labour are foregrounded. By building theoretical connections between labour process conditions and collective rule-following practices, we illustrate how inequalities are inscribed organisationally. Our analysis provides a more critical contextualisation of technological affordances to develop the literature on how technology is implicated in the reproduction of social inequality. Moreover, our analysis identifies multi-level causal processes, which combine to explain the presence and actualisation of worktime domestic labour or its absence, which is due, principally, to fear of sanction. For realist researchers interested in diversity-based challenges, absences are important because they can point towards specific discriminatory mechanisms. Our investigation thus revealed a surprising level of class-related in-work inequality within the gendered dynamics of domestic work.
Distinct Constellations of Common Risk Factors Differentially Relate to Executive-Function Ability in Children
Authors: Ben-Asher Eliya , Porter Blaire M. , Church Jessica A.
Published: March 2024

Executive functioning (EF) has been shown to relate to academic achievement and well-being. Independent bodies of work have aimed to understand what environmental or personal attributes influence EF ability. However, most research has not considered how constellations of risk factors create distinct patterns of influence on EF ability. The current study tested a sample of children aged 9 to 10 years from the United States ( N = 10,323, 48.06% female, Mage = 9.9 years, age range = 8.9–11.08 years) using a latent profile analysis (LPA) to detect subgroups that varied in their combinations of various risk factors. Six distinct groups of risk factors for children emerged, which in turn related to different average EF abilities. We found that family socioeconomic measures related to a subgroup having above- or below-average EF ability, but we also found an effect on EF across different risk factors. These results inform our understanding of individual variations in EF ability and highlight the idea that EF interventions should consider risk holistically.
Evaluation of the analgesic efficacy of grapiprant compared with robenacoxib in cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy in a prospective, randomized, masked, non-inferiority clinical trial
Authors: Pisack Elizabeth K , Kleine Stephanie A , Hampton Chiara E , Smith Christopher K , Weisent Jennifer , DeBolt Rebecca , Schumacher Cambrie , Bussières Genevieve , Seddighi Reza
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic effects of grapiprant with those of robenacoxib in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVH).

Methods

In total, 37 female cats (age range 4 months–10 years, weighing ⩾2.5 kg) were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, masked, non-inferiority (NI) clinical trial. Cats received oral robenacoxib (1 mg/kg) or grapiprant (2 mg/kg) 2 h before OVH. Analgesia was assessed via the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS), the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale-Feline (CMPS-F), von Frey monofilaments (vFFs) and pressure algometry (ALG) 2 h before treatment administration, at extubation, and 2, 4, 6, 8, 18 and 24 hours after extubation. Hydromorphone (<8 h postoperatively) or buprenorphine (>18 h postoperatively) were administered to cats with scores of ⩾5/20 on CMPS-F and/or ⩾4/10 on FGS. NI margins for CMPS-F and vFFs were set at 3 and −0.2, respectively. A mixed-effect ANOVA was used for FGS scores ( P <0.05). Data are reported as mean ± SEM.

Results

The data from 33 cats were analyzed. The upper limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.35) was less than the NI margin of 3 for CMPS-F, and the lower limit of the 95% CI (0.055) was greater than the NI margin of −0.2 for vFFs, indicating NI of grapiprant. The FGS scores were greater than baseline at extubation for both treatments (1.65 ± 0.63; P = 0.001); however, there was no difference between treatments. There was no difference between treatments, nor treatment by time interaction, for vFFs ( P <0.001). The CMPS-F scores for both treatments were higher at extubation but returned to baseline after 4 h ( P <0.001). For ALG, there was no difference in treatment or treatment by time interaction. The robenacoxib group had lower pressure readings at extubation and 6 h compared with baseline.

Conclusions and relevance

These results indicate that grapiprant was non-inferior to robenacoxib for mitigating postsurgical pain in cats after OVH performed via ventral celiotomy. The impact of grapiprant for analgesia in OVH via the flank is unknown.
‘You don’t like this blood? Well, too bad!’ Alternative cultures of menstruation and the performativity of disgust
Authors: Guilló-Arakistain Miren
Published: March 2024

This article explores the ‘performativity of disgust’ as a feminist strategy that takes place in various instances of menstrual activism. The analysis is based on an ethnographic study in Spain, which focused on alternative politics and cultures of menstruation that question the negative hegemonic Western vision of menstruation. By analysing the debates around gender, feminism, and corporality that arise in this field, the article highlights alternative corporal and menstrual imaginaries. The article contributes to and extends critical menstruation studies by exploring how feminist activists who engage in menstrual politics produce an aesthetic of disgust by reappropriating the abject, and in so doing, question the politics of menstrual disgust and gender inequalities. Paying special attention to collective initiatives that take place in public space, viewed as a place of social transformation, the article sheds light on how challenging the notion that ‘menstruation is disgusting’ can help us question gender and social inequalities, and promote social transformation.
High Rates of Abnormal Patellofemoral Morphology in Adolescents With Anterior Knee Pain: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Retzky Julia S. , Gross Preston W. , Doyle Shevaun M. , Strickland Sabrina M.
Published: March 2024

Background: Anterior knee pain is a common reason for referral to a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Although previous studies have found that adults with anatomic risk factors for patellofemoral instability (patella dislocation) are predisposed to anterior knee pain, no studies have elucidated the relationship between anatomic risk factors for patellofemoral instability and anterior knee pain in children. Purpose: We sought to characterize common radiographic findings in adolescent patients with a chief complaint of anterior knee pain and to determine the prevalence of abnormal patellofemoral morphology. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients 13 to 18 years old with anterior knee pain at a single tertiary care metropolitan institution from 2016 to 2021. X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were evaluated in those diagnosed with “chondromalacia patellae,” “chondromalacia,” “patellofemoral disorders,” or “anterior knee pain.” Patella alta, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, tubercle height, Wiberg patella type, patellar tilt, and trochlear dysplasia characterization were recorded. Results: Of the 293 adolescents with anterior knee pain included, 62 had bilateral anterior knee pain. Of the 172 MRIs, 72 (42%) met criteria for patella alta, Caton-Deschamps Index (CDI) >1.3, 35% had a TT-TG distance >15 mm, and 32% had lateral patellar tilt >15°. Magnetic resonance imaging findings included infrapatellar fat pad signal hyperintensity (41%) and patellofemoral dysplasia (23%). Of all 293 adolescents, 74% had images showing abnormal patellofemoral morphology, of which 30% had a history of 1 or more patellar dislocation. Overall, 40% of the adolescents had surgery, most commonly medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction (18%). Conclusions: In this retrospective review, nearly 3/4 of adolescents with anterior knee pain had images showing abnormal patellofemoral morphology, including patella alta, increased TT-TG distance, trochlear dysplasia, or abnormal lateral patellar tilt; only 18% had MPFL surgery. These findings suggest that primary care providers might consider obtaining X-rays and/or MRIs to evaluate for pathology that warrants orthopedic evaluation.
Impaired sleep, multimorbidity, and self-rated health among Canadians: Findings from a nationally representative survey
Authors: Kader Shirmin Bintay , Shakurun Nahin , Janzen Bonnie , Pahwa Punam
Published: March 2024

Background

Self-rated health (SRH) is a globally recognized measure of health status. Both impaired sleep (IS) and the presence of multimorbidity are related to poorer SRH, but the precise nature of these associations remains unclear. This study explored the association between IS, multimorbidity, and SRH among Canadian adults.

Method

We used 2017-18 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) data for this study. The main variable of interest, self-rated health (SRH), measured participants' health on a 5-point Likert scale, later categorized as “good or better” vs. “fair or poor”. The primary predictor, IS, was derived from two variables and categorized into four groups: no sleep issues; fewer sleeping hours (<7 hours) only; trouble sleeping only; and fewer hours & trouble sleeping. Multimorbidity was present (yes/no) if a participant indicated being diagnosed with two or more chronic conditions.

Results

Just over one in ten Canadians reported fair/poor SRH and approximately one-quarter had multimorbidity or experienced few sleep hours in combination with trouble sleeping. The adjusted model indicated greater odds of fair/poor SRH associated with the 40-64 years age group, male sex, and lower socio-economic status. It also suggested the presence of multimorbidity (AOR= 4.63, 95% CI: 4.06-5.28) and a combination of fewer sleep hours and troubled sleep (AOR= 4.05, 95% CI: 2.86-5.74) is responsible for poor SRH. Forty-four percent of the total effect of IS on SRH was mediated by multimorbidity.

Conclusion

This unique finding highlights the mediating role of multimorbidity, emphasizing the importance of addressing it alongside sleep issues for optimal health outcomes.