bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De Theologische Dialoog Tussen de Orthodoxe en de Katholieke Kerk
Authors: van Der Aalst A.J.
Published: March 2023

Le dialogue théologique entre l’Eglise orthodoxe et l’Eglise catholique

Cinquième session: Bari, 9-16 juin 1987

La session précédente de la commission mixte pour Ie dialogue entre l'Eglise catholique et les Eglises orthodoxes à Bari en 1986 était durement éprouvée par l'absence ou Ie départ de plusieurs Eglises orthodoxes. Elles voulaient protester contre l'exposition d'icónes macédoniennes au musée du Vatican, y voyant un signe de reconnaissance de l'autocéphalie de l'Eglise de Macédoine. Depuis lors, les Eglises orthodoxes réunies à Chambésy du 28 octobre au 6 novembre 1986 ont établi certaines lignes directrices pour la participation au dialogue. Elles ont proposé également de discuter sous peu certains problèmes épineux tels l'uniatisme et Ie prosélytisme qui constituent des facteurs négatifs entravant Ie dialogue avec les catholiques. Dans cette cinquième session les catholiques ont accepté ces propositions. Dans un proche avenir on va étudier ces épineux problèmes, mais il faudra bien préparer cette étude et en préciser l'objectif.

Après une longue discussion ou l'on a repris Ie texte concernant les sacrements de l'initiation, déjà traité et révisé en Crète 1984 et à Bari 1986, pour envisager cette fois-ci surtout Ie baptême par immersion et Ie baptême par effusion, on a pu aboutir à un document commun: Foi, sacrements et unité de l'Eglise. L'étude de l'autre document déjà préparé: Le sacrement de l'ordre (ordination) dans la structure sacramentelle de l'Eglise, n'a pas pu être entamée. Elle reste pour la session suivante. Celle-ci aura lieu dans Ie monastère de Nouveau Valamo en Finlande, en juin 1988.
Vechi: Een Christelijk-Humanistische Reactie op het Socialisme in Rusland
Authors: van den Bercken Wil
Published: March 2023

Vekhi: a Christian Reaction on Socialism in Russia

In 1909 a group of 7 Russian christian thinkers published a collection of articles, called Vekhi, „Landmarks”, which evoked violent reactions in Russian society. Vekhi was a sharp criticism of the revolutionary intelligentsia’s philosophical, ethical, cultural and juridical concepts. Instead of the atheism , utilitarianism, collectivism and revolutionism of the then progressive intelligentsia the Vekhi authors propagated religious humanistic values such as personal responsibility, absolute ethics, the acknowledgement o f spiritual culture, the rights of the individual. In general they pointed out that moral and cultural self-improvement is more important for renewing society than external restructuring. The message of Vekhi is best formulated by N. Berdyaev, S. Bulgakov, S. Frank and B. Kistyakovski, whose articles can be considered as classical contributions to Russian intellectual culture.

The topicality o f the main themes of Vekhi in the current ethical renewal process in Soviet Russian society is striking. For a long time rejected as reactionaries the Russian thinkers from the beginning o f this century make a remarkable come-back in contemporary Soviet Russia and their thoughts are now dealt with sympathetically in Soviet media.
De Decoratie van de Altaarruimte in de Oude Kerk van het Antoniusklooster
Authors: van Loon Gertrud J.M.
Published: March 2023

The decoration of the sanctuary in the old church of St. Anthony’s Monastery The problem of Jephthah and his daughter

Four Old Testament scenes are depicted in the sanctuary of the old church of St. Anthony’s Monastery near the Red Sea, all figuring as a prefiguration of the Eucharist. On the north wall, from left to right, Isaiah and the Seraph (Is. 6, 1-7) and the meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek (Gen. 14, 17-21) are painted. On the south side follow, from left to right, the Sacrifice by Abraham (Gen. 22, 1-9) and Jephthah, sacrificing his daughter (Judges 11, 30-40). The first three scenes are well known in the sanctuaries of Egyptian churches (cf. the haikal of St. Marc, Deir abu Makar; the haikal of the church of the Virgin, Deir el Baramus), but of the last scene only one parallel is known, situated in the bema of the church of St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai (cf. K. Weitzmann, The Jephthah Panel, in: Dumbarton Oaks Papers 18 (1964) 342-352).

The question is why Jephthah was chosen for decorating such an important place in a church, near the altar. Churchfathers like John Chrysostom, Theodoret of Cyr and Anastasius of Sinai could not find words to condemn his deed in a most harsh way. However, some fathers have formed a quite different opinion. They (Origen, Aphraates, Ephraëm the Syrian) see this episode as a prefiguration of Christ’s Sacrifice. A close examination of these comments makes it possible to conclude that all four paintings are prefigurations of the Eucharist.

But a problem still to be solved is why Jephthah’s infanticide was chosen for this role while for example the sacrifice by Abel (Gen. 4, 4) would be a more suitable scene. In my opinion, this has something to do with the fact that both paintings are situated in a church in a monastery. Jephthah’s daughter obeyed her fat her and as a virgin she was dedicated to God. In a general sense, you can apply this description to the monk, who has to show obedience to his superior, Jives in celibacy and chastity and as a novice was also dedicated to God. In short, in this case the function of the room (the sanctuary) dictates the choice of the themes of the paintings, but there is a kind of, False-bottom’. The selection was made with a second theme in mind: monastic life.
De Theologische Dialoog Tussen de Orthodoxe en de Katholieke Kerk
Authors: van Der Aalst A.J.
Published: March 2023

Le dialogue théologique entre l'Eglise orthodoxe et l'Eglise catholique Septième session: Freising, 6-15 juin 1990.

Après avoir tracé la préparation de la session l‘auteur donne un aperçu succinct de la réunion qui a eu lieu à Freising (Allemagne). Depuis deux ans des sous-commissions avaient préparé un document intitulé „Conséquences ecclésiologiques et canoniques de la structure sacramentelle de l’Eglise. Conciliarité et autorité dans l’Eglise”. Mais les circonstances n’ont pas permis d’aborder ce problème. Toute la réunion fut dominée par Ie développement récent de la situation religieuse en Europe de l’Est. A cause des problèmes de l’uniatisme et du prosélytisme plusieurs Eglises orthodoxes n’ont pas voulu assister à la réunion. Ces problèmes se posen! d’une façon très aigue en Ucraine et en Roumanie et ils demandent une solution urgente. Toute la réunion a été consacrée à ce sujet: on a reçu des renseignements supplémentaires, donné des interprétations diverses et discuté des problèmes annexes comme la liberté religieuse et l’ecclésiologie qui se trouve à la base de l’uniatisme. On ne peut pas changer la situation en un tour de main. Les difficultés ne peuvent être résolues que dans un dialogue et par une formation oecuménique. La commission mixte veut continuer Ie travail entrepris depuis dix ans. La prochaine réunion aura lieu à Baltimore aux Etats-Unis en juin 1991.
Het Jezus-gebed. Verhaal van een traditie
Authors: Meijer J.
Published: March 2023

The Jesus-prayer: Story of a tradition

The interest in the Jesus-prayer has been greatly influenced by the French orthodox spiritual father Lev Gillet. The 100th anniversary of his birth in 1993 is a good reason to describe again the long journey of spiritual fathers and teachers of this prayer of the heart of which every orthodox monk wants to be a companion. The Jesus-prayer has a long tradition in the orthodox church and could be a enrichment to the western Christian of today.
De autonomie van de katholieke oosterse kerken volgens het nieuw canoniek recht
Authors: Davids A.
Published: March 2023

The Autonomy of the Catholic Oriental Churches according to the new Canon Law

The Codex Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium from 1990 forms together with the Codex luris Canonici from 1983 for the Latin Church and the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus from 1988 about the Roman curia the corpus iuris canonici of the Catholic Church/Churches. The CCEO deals exclusively with the twenty-one Catholic Oriental Churches. The Catholic Oriental Churches are as ecclesiae sui iuris autonomous in different degrees. The autonomy is relative. The highest authority of the Church is that of the pope and the college of bishops. For the Catholic Oriental Churches the patriarchal and synodal structure is preserved. Especially the problem of territoriality of the patriarchal jurisdiction has not been resolved.
Metropoliet Isodoor van Moskou en het russische cesaropapisme
Authors: Nikitin Valentin
Published: March 2023

Metropolitan Isidor of Moscow and Russian Caesaropapism

Moscovian Russia inherited the caesaropapism in the church-state relations from the Byzantine empire. This caesaropapism appeared for the first time when grand-duke Vasili II of Moscow deposed metropolitan Isidor after his return from the council in Florence. The later Russian sources on this council are highly tendentious. Unpartial study of the primary sources shows that Isidor was not the only Russian in favour of the union. Neither was the union as such the direct reason for his deposition. The reading of the bull in the Uspensky cathedral was quietly listened to by Vasili II, who of course knew of the result of the council. It was the insertion of the name of the pope in the Orthodox liturgy which aroused the anger of the people and the grand-duke.

The author deplores the failure of the union of the Orthodox and Catholic churches. This union is a necessary condition for the survival of christianity in the modern world and for an authentic religious revival in Russia.

In the commentary to the article of V. Nikitin, W. van den Bercken deals with the criticism which Nikitinʼs pro-Catholic article, originally published in Russkaya Mysl, received in conservative media, inclusive in the Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate, of which Nikitin was a collaborator. Now the author is working at the more ecumenically oriented Department for Religious Education and Catechesis of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Missietheologie in de orthodoxe kerken: het huidige denken
Authors: Van Dinteren L.
Published: March 2023

The theology of mission in the Orthodox Church Modern thought

The author, an Orthodox priest, gives an overview of the theology of mission as it was developed by the Orthodox theologians in the twentieth century. Some theologians interpreted mission as the evangelisation of non-Christians and others as the social mission of the Church; boths concepts have been integrated in a more global vision.

The mission of the Church is a continuation of the mission of the Son, which was to save mankind and to manifest Godʼs glory. Furthermore, Orthodoxy characterizes mission as ʽa liturgy after the Liturgyʼ. This approach tries to safeguard the divine origin and character of mission. The aim of mission is the transfiguration of the world, for the manifestation of Godʼs glory.
Uniatisme en Unionisme
Authors: Burg A.
Published: March 2023

ʼUniatismʼ and ʼUnionismʼ

The Conference of the Patriarchs at Rome

A hundred years ago, in 1894, Leo XIII invited the Eastern Catholic patriarchs to come to Rome in order to discuss during a conference, led by himself, and together with a number of cardinals, experts in the field of eastern affairs, the difficult situation of Eastern Christendom. The Latin missionaries had never been very successful in their endeavours to bring about a union. In his secret report to the pope, written after the Eucharistic Congress at Jerusalem in 1893, the cardinal Langénieux emphasized the shortcomings of the Latin missionary work: latinization and interference in eastern administrative affairs by the apostolic delegate, who had the support of the Propaganda. The Orthodox rejected this form of union which, as far as they were concerned, was tantamount to being assimilated into the Latin Church. Therefore Leo decided on a new church policy: to convert the East through orientals, i.e. the uniate patriarchates. The apostolic letter Orientalium dignitas was drawn up at Rome in 1894. It includes measures against latinization and measures to elevate morally the uniate churches. Finally the author summarizes the various mixed reactions to these measures and the new church policy.
Geloof en Kerkorde Bijeen Te Santiago de Compostela
Authors: Krijnsen C.
Published: March 2023

The World Conference on Faith and Order at Santiago de Compostela

The Fifth World Conference on Faith and Order was held at Santiago de Compostela, Spain, from 3 to 14 August 1993. The Fourth World Conference had taken place thirty years before, in 1963, at Montreal, Canada. More than 200 delegates of the member churches of the Commission on Faith and Order, accompanied by many guests, advisers, staff members, young theologians and stewards attended the assembly. There were more than 450 participants altogether.

On the basis of the preparatory document, the author of this article pays attention to the present ecumenical situation with its bright and dark sides. Then he deals with some of the addresses given during the Conference, which in themselves point to a great diversity of the interpretations of the ecumenical ideal. After that he draws attention to two developments in particular which were continually discussed during the Conference and which are of crucial importance for the future of the ecumenical movement. Finally he discusses the Message to the churches which summarizes the results and the expectations of the Conference.
New findings of the family Pardaliscidae from the deep-sea southwestern Atlantic: the genus Caleidoscopsis Karaman, 1974
Authors: NASCIMENTO PRISCILA S. DO , SEREJO CRISTIANA S.
Published: March 2023

Caleidoscopsis is a deep-sea pardaliscid genus known previously only from the SE Atlantic Ocean (Angola Basin), NE Pacific Ocean (Mexico, Cedros Trench) and Indian Ocean (Madagascar). This is the first record of Caleidoscopsis from off the Brazilian coast, SW Atlantic Ocean. Samples were collected with box core and/or van veen grabs between Espírito Santo, Campos and Santos Basin (19o–27o S), and around 417–1974 m depths. Two new species is herein described, Caleidoscopsis carlosi sp. nov., which differs from all Caleidoscopsis species by antenna 1 geniculate; maxilliped palp, article 4 shorter than 3; pereopods 5–7, propodus shorter than dactylus; and pereopod 7 with propodus 7x longer than wide; and Caleidoscopsis karamani sp. nov., which can be distinguished by rostrum more developed, reaching half-length of article 1 of peduncle of antenna 1; antenna 2, peduncle, article 5 longer than 3 and 4; pereopod 7, propodus 13x longer than wide, subequal to dactylus; urosomite 1 covering part of urosomite 2, with 1 long dorsal tooth; urosomite 2 with 1 very long and thin dorsal tooth almost reaching the end of urosomite 3. Further on, Caleidoscopsis carlosi sp. nov. turn out to be a very common and abundant species along the study area, being found in 126 samples with a total of 146 specimens examined, when comparing with C. karamani sp. nov. that was found in only 5 samples with one individual each.

A table of comparison and an identification key of the currently six known species of the genus are provided. The present study is an effort in understanding and unrevealing the deep-sea macrofauna from the Brazilian margin bringing new data on the family Pardaliscidae found in the slope of the Campos, Santos and Espírito Santo Basins.
Two new species of spionids from the genera Apoprionospio Foster, 1969 and Prionospio Malmgren, 1867 (Annelida: Spionidae) from the Colombian Caribbean
Authors: DELGADO-BLAS VÍCTOR H. , FONSECA-GONZÁLEZ IDALYD
Published: March 2023

Two species of genera Apoprionospio and Prionospio are described from the Colombian Caribbean. Apoprionospio sanguarensis sp. nov. and Prionospio gabriellae sp. nov. are new to science. Apoprionospio sanguarensis sp. nov. is distinguished from the three previously described Apoprionospio species by having the smallest body size, triangular prostomium, three pairs of eyes, the branchial pairs 1–3 are cirriform, wrinkled, the anterior notochaetae arranged from chaetiger 2 onwards arranged in three rows, and all hooded hooks lack secondary hoods. Prionospio gabriellae sp. nov. is distinguished from all Prionospio species with five branchial pairs by having dorsal crests across the dorsum on chaetigers 16–25. Closely related species are P. heterobranchia Moore, 1907 and P. caribensis Delgado-Blas, 2014 and Prionospio gabriellae sp. nov. differs from both species in that it has a small medial peak in the dorsal region of prostomium, the first neuropodial lamellae is very small, the shaped of branchial pairs 2 and 3 are cirriform, neuropodial postchaetal lamellae on chaetiger 2 is square, all chaetae of chaetiger 1 are arranged in a row. We propose raising the status of Apoprionospio dayi japonica Imajima, 1989 to the species level as A. japonica Imajima, 1989. A key and a table detailing the most relevant characters of Apoprionospio species and a key to all species of Prionospio with five pairs of branchiae are provided.
Does the Inter-American Court of Human Rights affect the development of human rights norms in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala?
Authors: Martinez Melissa
Published: March 2023

Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador have struggled to adopt measures of accountability and support for human rights norms since the end of the civil conflicts in the region. Many victims and activists have taken their cases to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to gain reparations and accountability. How effective is the Inter-American Court of Human Rights at advancing human rights norms related to the cases it examines? I examine this question by developing the ‘domestic norm cycle’ theory, which extends Keck and Sikkink’s (1998) norm cycle theory. This theory captures how the ‘internalization’ of a norm takes place by examining political institutions. I argue that we can observe various stages of the ‘domestic norms cycle’ to examine how close or far the state is to fully adopting the norm. Although this article examines the levels of compliance with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights on El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, this theory can be applied to examine how external factors influence the development of human rights norms. This study has significant implications for how we observe support for human rights practices.
Violations of Lab-Learned Phonological Patterns Elicit a Late Positive Component
Authors: Moore-Cantwell Claire , Pater Joe , Staubs Robert , Zobel Benjamin , Sanders Lisa
Published: March 2023

The experimental study of artificial language learning has become a widely used means of investigating the predictions of theories of language learning and representation. Although much is now known about the generalizations that learners make from various kinds of data, relatively little is known about how those representations affect speech processing. This paper presents an event-related potential (ERP) study of brain responses to violations of lab-learned phonotactics. Novel words that violated a learned phonotactic constraint elicited a larger Late Positive Component (LPC) than novel words that satisfied it. Similar LPCs have been found for violations of natively acquired linguistic structure, as well as for violations of other types of abstract generalizations, such as musical structure. We argue that lab-learned phonotactic generalizations are represented abstractly and affect the evaluation of speech in a manner that is similar to natively acquired syntactic and phonological rules.
A Mixed Sequential IRT Model for Mixed-Format Items
Authors: Wei Junhuan , Cai Yan , Tu Dongbo
Published: March 2023

To provide more insight into an individual’s response process and cognitive process, this study proposed three mixed sequential item response models (MS-IRMs) for mixed-format items consisting of a mixture of a multiple-choice item and an open-ended item that emphasize a sequential response process and are scored sequentially. Relative to existing polytomous models such as the graded response model (GRM), generalized partial credit model (GPCM), or traditional sequential Rasch model (SRM), the proposed models employ an appropriate processing function for each task to improve conventional polytomous models. Simulation studies were carried out to investigate the performance of the proposed models, and the results indicated that all proposed models outperformed the SRM, GRM, and GPCM in terms of parameter recovery and model fit. An application illustration of the MS-IRMs in comparison with traditional models was demonstrated by using real data from TIMSS 2007.
Book review: Michael Mann, A British Rome In India: Calcutta – Capital For An Empire
Authors: Chaudhuri Sukanta
Published: March 2023

Michael Mann, A British Rome In India: Calcutta – Capital For An Empire, Wernersche Verlagsgesellschaft, 2022, 214 pp. ISBN: 978-3-88462-411-1 (Hardback).
Reduced coupling of global brain function and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wang Zhiyun , Song Zhe , Zhou Cheng , Fang Yi , Gu Luyan , Yang Wenyi , Gao Ting , Si Xiaoli , Liu Yi , Chen Ying , Guan Xiaojun , Guo Tao , Wu Jingjing , Bai Xueqing , Zhang Minming , Zhang Baorong , Pu Jiali
Published: March 2023

Dysfunction of the glymphatic system, an intracranial clearance pathway that drains misfolded proteins, has been implicated in the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, the coupling strength of global blood-oxygen-level-dependent (gBOLD) signals and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inflow dynamics have been suggested to be an indicator of glymphatic function. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we quantified gBOLD–CSF coupling strength as the cross-correlation between baseline gBOLD and CSF inflow signals to evaluate glymphatic function and its association with the clinical manifestations of PD. We found that gBOLD–CSF coupling in drug-naïve PD patients was significantly weaker than that in normal controls, but significantly stronger in patients less affected by sleep disturbances than in those more affected by sleep disturbances, based on the PD sleep scale. Furthermore, we collected longitudinal data from patients and found that baseline gBOLD–CSF coupling negatively correlated with the rate of change over time, but positively correlated with the rate of change in UPDRS-III scores. In conclusion, severe gBOLD–CSF decoupling in PD patients may reflect longitudinal motor impairment, thereby providing a potential marker of glymphatic dysfunction in PD.
Does leadership gender diversity drive corporate social responsibility and organizational outcomes? The role of organization size
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Grabarski Mirit K , Ahmed Sana , Imtiaz Nazish
Published: March 2023

Corporate scandals, environmental damages, and employment conditions have highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR). However, little is known about (1) the simultaneous effects of board and top management team (TMT) gender diversity on CSR, (2) the mediating role of CSR between leadership (board/TM) gender diversity and organizational outcomes, and (3) the above-noted effects vary between large versus small organizations. Drawn from social role theory, we test our hypotheses using multisource time-lagged data from 248 organizations. The results indicate that both board and TMT gender diversity are positively associated with CSR. Moreover, CSR had a positive effect on both perceived organizational performance and employee productivity, with CSR also mediating the relationship between board gender diversity and perceived organizational performance. The findings also show the moderating effect of organization size on the CSR–organizational outcomes relationship. Our results refine (differential effects of gender diversity on CSR depending on the role), extend (some unprecedented effects were found for perceived organizational performance and employee productivity), and qualify (effects were significant for large organizations) social role theory. Our research addresses the above-noted knowledge gaps and informs the contextual leadership gender diversity practice for improved CSR and organizational outcomes.

JEL Classification: M12, M14
Effects of Probiotic Lactobacilli plantarum in Treatment of Experimentally Induced Periodontal Disease in Rabbits
Authors: Mehrani Yeganeh , Kazemi Mehrjerdi Hossien , Tavakoli Azin , Shafieian Reyhaneh , Salari Amir
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum in experimentally induced periodontal disease in rabbits. The incisor teeth of 24 rabbits were scaled under general anesthesia. Two weeks later, silk ligatures were placed at the gingival margin of the incisor teeth to induce periodontal disease. After confirming the presence of periodontal disease by periodontal probing four weeks later, incisor mucogingival flaps were created and gingival pocket lavage and debridement was performed. The rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1: Control; Group 2: Microencapsulated form of the probiotic; Group 3: Planktonic form of the probiotic; and Group 4: Biofilm form of the probiotic. The rabbits were euthanized eight weeks later, and gingival connective tissue and epithelium were resected for histopathological and histomorphometric evaluation. The results showed that the rate of epithelial regeneration was lower and bone regeneration was significantly higher in the treatment groups compared to the Control group. The highest level of bone regeneration was in Group 2 (Microencapsulated probiotic). There was no significant difference in bone regeneration observed between the biofilm and planktonic probiotic groups. This study showed that applying the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum in microencapsulated form improved bone regeneration in experimentally induced periodontal disease in rabbits.
Determination of manufacturing process failures priority under type 2 fuzzy environment: Application of genetic algorithm and Variable neighborhood search
Authors: Komatina Nikola , Tadić Danijela , Đurić Goran , Aleksić Aleksandar
Published: March 2023

The aim of this research is to propose the two-stage model to select a set of failures that need to be eliminated or reduced which leads to improved reliability and effectiveness of the manufacturing process in the automotive industry. In the first stage, uncertainties under the relative importance of risk factors and costs of manufacturing process downtime due to failure are modeled by type 2 fuzzy sets. The weights vector of risk factors is obtained by analytical hierarchical Process which is extended with type 2 fuzzy sets. Evaluation of risk factors at the level of each identified failure is based on failure mode and effect analysis which is widely used in practice. Determining the set of failures to be eliminated is set as a knapsack problem. The linear fitness function is defined as the ratio of the overall risk priority index and total costs. Maintenance costs incurred due to the realization of failure are limited by the available budget and in this knapsack problem are presented by a linear inequality. The solution to this problem is found by using the Genetic Algorithm and Variable Neighborhood Search. The model is verified with real-life data originating from automotive companies that exist in Serbia. Authors have managed to obtain suitable results on different knapsack problem instances. It is shown that the enhancement of the manufacturing process can be based on the proposed model.
A study of balloon type on calcified coronary lesion predilation: A finite element analysis
Authors: Li Jiasong , Cao Hongshuai , Li Meng , Shu Lixia , Lin Changyan
Published: March 2023

Calcified coronary lesions have been one of the more difficult types of lesion for interventional treatment, and angioplasty is required to break the calcification before stent implantation so that the stent can expand smoothly, however, it remains unclear which type of angioplasty is optimal for different calcified lesions. In this study, a finite element approach was used to model normal balloons, cutting balloons, and AngioSculpt balloons. In addition, calcified lesions of different degrees, thicknesses, and lengths were modeled according to Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) calcification grade. The above three balloons were used to pretreat calcified lesions, and the brittle fracture module for calcification was used to detect fracture success, to facilitate virtual stent implantation after predilation. The simulation results showed that with a thickness of less than 0.3 mm, balloons were unable to deal with calcified plaques in lesions of less than 120°, for 180° calcified lesions the cutting balloon fractured the calcified material at 1.2 MPa, the AngioSculpt balloon produced multiple fractures at 0.8 MPa for 270° calcified plaques, but was unable to fracture calcified lesions with a thickness of 0.4 mm. Based on these results, we conclude that the length of the lesion did not affect calcification fracture, while the thickness of the lesion did. In calcified lesions of approximately 180°, the cutting balloon showed the best predilation results, while the AngioSculpt balloon was optimal for 270°. In annular calcification, all three balloons were unable to fracture the lesion.
Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection and associated factors among asymptomatic pregnant women in Botswana
Authors: Mussa Aamirah , Wynn Adriane , Ryan Rebecca , Babalola Chibuzor M , Hansman Emily , Simon Selebaleng , Bame Bame , Tamuthiba Lefhela , Ramontshonyana Kehumile , Ndlovu Neo , Moshashane Neo , Masole Maitumelo , Klausner Jeffrey D , Morroni Chelsea
Published: March 2023

Background

Chlamydia trachomatis ( C. trachomatis) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae ( N. gonorrhoeae) are curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that cause adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Most countries, including Botswana, do not offer C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae screening during antenatal care (ANC) and instead use a syndromic approach for management of STIs.

Methods

The Maduo Study is a prospective, cluster-controlled trial in Botswana evaluating the impact of diagnostic screening for antenatal C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infections to prevent adverse neonatal outcomes. Using baseline data from the Maduo Study (March 2021–March 2022), we determined the prevalence of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection among asymptomatic pregnant women in Botswana and correlates of infection using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Of 251 women who underwent C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae screening at first ANC visit, 55 (21.9%, 95%CI 17.0–27.5) tested positive for C. trachomatis, 1 (0.4%, 95%CI 0–2.2) for N. gonorrhoeae; and 2 (0.8%, 95%CI 0–2.8) for dual C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection. Older age was associated with lower odds (aOR 0.93; 95%CI 0.88–0.98; p = 0.011) while any alcohol use during pregnancy was associated with higher odds (aOR = 3.53; 95%CI 1.22–10.16; p = 0.020) of testing positive for C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae.

Conclusions

A high frequency of C. trachomatis infections was detected among asymptomatic pregnant women in Botswana indicating that many antenatal STIs are missed by the syndromic management approach. Our results highlight the need for diagnostic C. trachomatis screening during ANC in Botswana and other low- and middle-income countries that rely solely on the syndromic approach for management of STIs.
Perceived values to personal digital archives and their relationship to archiving behaviours: An exploratory research based on grounded theory
Authors: Zhao Yue , Wu Xiaomei , Li Shanshan
Published: March 2023

Personal digital archiving (PDA) is a type of personal information behaviour related to personal memory and identity construction. The aim of this study is to discover and define individual’s perceived values in relation to personal digital archives, and to explore their relationship between PDA behaviours. Based on the grounded theory, drawing on in-depth interviews with 14 Chinese college students, both the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives and the PDA behaviours were coded through open, axial, and selective coding processes. This study found the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives mainly include subject value, object value, intermediary value, value to other subjects and social value, PDA behaviours mainly include accumulation behaviour, use behaviour, appraisal behaviour and disposal behaviour. Moreover, the value cognition of personal digital archives is the intermediary link between perceived values and PDA behaviours and is the core connecting the two. Value cognition can be divided into judgement on whether personal digital archives are valuable, subdivision of value types of personal digital archives, value evaluation of personal digital archives, and cognition of enhancing or weakening the value of personal digital archives. The study comprehensively analysed the perceived values, value cognition that drive PDA behaviours, built the relationship between perceived values, value cognition and PDA behaviours, and answered the question of why individuals want to archive from cognitive and behavioural perspectives. The findings of the study can help librarians to conduct more targetted PDA education and improve the public’s awareness and literacy in PDA.
Nerolidol Attenuates Cerebral Ischemic Injury in Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion-Induced Rats via Regulation of Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Oxidative Stress Markers
Authors: Zhang Jie , Li Yanli , Zhou Tao
Published: March 2023

Background

Cerebral ischemia is a syndrome that occurs due to the restricted flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain, causing damage to the brain cells. Globally, ischemia ranks second in causing mortality and third in causing disability in stroke patients. Nerolidol is a bioactive compound present in the essential oil of plants with a floral odour. It is a natural sesquiterpene alcohol used in cosmetics, perfumes, and as a food flavouring agent. It also possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we assessed the anti-ischemic property of nerolidol in cerebral ischemia-induced mice. Healthy male Wistar rats were induced into cerebral ischemia with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and treated with 10 mg and 20 mg nerolidol for 21 days. The brain morphometric, antioxidant, and MMP levels were estimated in the brain tissue of MCAO-performed and nerolidol-treated rats. The cerebral infarct-alleviating potency of nerolidol was analysed by estimating the levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic proteins. It was further confirmed by assessing the levels of COX-2/PGE-2 signalling proteins in brain tissue from MCAO-performed in rats.

Results

Nerolidol significantly reduced the cerebral infarct volume and brain edema via increased antioxidant levels and decreased MMPs. It also decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokines and proapoptotic proteins in brain tissue. The inflammatory signalling proteins NFκB, COX-2, and PGE-2 were significantly decreased in nerolidol-treated MCAO-performed rats, confirming the antiischemic property of nerolidol.

Conclusion

Our results prove nerolidol significantly alleviates cerebral ischemia in rats, and it can be subjected to further trials to be formulated as an anti-ischemic drug.
Influence of Seasonal Variation on Diosgenin Content in Costus speciosus (J. Koenig) Sm. Rhizome Quantified Through Validated RP-HPLC-PDA Method
Authors: Chaudhary Mridul Kant , Misra Ankita , Srivastava Prabhat Kumar , Srivastava Sharad
Published: March 2023

Background

Costus speciosus (J. Koenig) Sm. (Syn. Cheilocostus speciosus) is an ethnic anti-diabetic plant, used for its high diosgenin content.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal variation of diosgenin content in Costus speciosus rhizome, quantified through validated RP-HPLC method.

Materials and Methods

The rhizomes were collected in four different seasons, such as rainy (August), autumn (October), winter (February) and summer (May), from Lucknow, India. The HPLC method validation was done in terms of linearity, precision, repeatability, accuracy, sensitivity and robustness.

Results

Diosgenin was separated under isocratic elution on an RP-HPLC column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol and water, eluted at retention time (Rt) of 18.396 min and content was calculated with the help of standard curve. The limit of detection and limit of quantification (LOQ) was found to be 522.68 and 1583.90 ng (nanogram), respectively. The diosgenin content varies significantly in different seasons.

Conclusion

The diosgenin content was found higher in rainy (193.97 µg/mg) season and was concluded to be optimum season for collection of rhizomes as quality raw material. Harvesting at optimal season may fulfill the commercial demand of diosgenin and may reduce the diosgenin-intended overexploitation of the species from the wild.
Optimization of Microwave-assisted Extraction Technique for Flavonoids and Phenolics from the Leaves of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurtz Using Taguchi L9 Orthogonal Design
Authors: Samanta Rojalini , Ghosh Manik
Published: March 2023

Background

An experimental design to obtain bioactive ingredients from Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurtz was performed applying microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Recently, tremendous research interest and benefits have been observed for extracting active constituents from plant materials using the microwave.

Objectives

This work aimed to develop an optimized, green, efficient, alternative procedure for extracting flavonoid and phenolic (total flavonoid content [TFC] and total phenolic content [TPC]) from leaves of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurtz.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1 g of the powdered sample was extracted using classical Soxhlet apparatus for 48 hr to ensure exhaustive extraction; simultaneously, maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction were also carried out using 1 g of the plant sample for 12 hr and 60 min at 25˚C, respectively. The optimization of MAE was done using Taguchi L9 orthogonal design. The optimum operating conditions were microwave power (160 W), soaking time (4 min), irradiation time (4 min), and temperature (57˚C).

Results

The microwave method has shown 70% higher yield than other conventional techniques in a shorter time, along with increased TFC and TPC.

Conclusion

The TPC, TFC, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values are higher in the extract obtained by MAE extracts in comparison to other techniques. The extraction technique will be an ideal tool to safeguard the thermolabile plant constituents that will be more environmentally friendly.
Cognitive Enhancing Activity of Fermented Aloe arborescens Extract on Scopolamine-induced Memory Impairment in Mice
Authors: Jeon GiBeom , Hun Lee Seong , Kwon Yong Seong , Beak Jin Hong , Lee Hyeon , Ma Choong Je
Published: March 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a type of dementia that leads to loss of memory and learning ability. Aloe arborescens is a traditional medicinal plant in Europe and Africa. It has been reported that A. arborescens showed anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-obesity effects. Previously, we reported that fermented A. arborescens extract had neuroprotective activity in glutamate-insulted HT22 cells.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we evaluated its cognitive enhancing activity by using scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice as a model system. Morris water maze test was carried out to evaluate spatial memory enhancing activity and a passive avoidance test was performed to evaluate an effect on learning memory. A. arborescens was extracted with methanol in an ultrasonic extraction device and fermented with Lactobacillus brevis. Fermented A. arborescens extract was treated to scopolamine-insulted Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice at a concentration of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, respectively.

Results

The fermented A. arborescens extract significantly improved the scopolamine-insulted memory impairment. Fermented A. arborescens extract inhibited acetylcholine esterase activity and boosted brain-derived neurotrophic factor and phosphorylated cAMP-response element-binding protein (p-CREB) expression. These results showed that fermented AA extract improved memory impairment through the increase of the BDNF and p-CREB signal pathway.

Conclusion

According to these results, we considered that the fermented A. arborescens extract can be a useful candidate for new nutraceuticals for improving memory impairment.
Anti-inflammatory Effect by Cloves Treatment in LPS-induced RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Seo Seong-Wook , Kim Kyoung , Shin Mi-Rae
Published: March 2023

Background:

Cloves mean the dried flower bud harvested from a tree of Syzygium aromaticum L. (SA).

Objectives:

The current study was to identify the anti-inflammatory effects of SA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (0.2 µg/mL)-treated RAW264.7 cells.

Materials and Methods:

WST-8 cell proliferation assay kit (WST-8) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were completed to observe cell proliferation and cytotoxicity effects of SA. Other biochemical analyses analyzed releases of nitric oxide (NO) and the production of dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF-DA). Besides, inflammation-related factors and Sirt1 were carried out through immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF).

Results:

LPS exposure not only caused abnormal elevations of both NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) secretions, but also markedly increased inflammation-related proteins including inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cluster of differentiation (CD) 14, and toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). The above-listed alterations were notably attenuated by SA pretreatment in a dose-dependent manner. We further figured out that, SA particularly activated AMPKα/ Sirt1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, SA dramatically inhibited interleukin (IL)-1β production, which was mediated by NLR family Pyrin domain containing (NLRP) 3 mediated inflammasome signaling pathway.

Conclusion:

SA inhibits LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells via the TRL4/CD14/NF-κB pathway and it can lead to the reduction of IL-1β release by the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome. Such an anti-inflammatory effect was closely related to AMPKα/Sirt1 activation. Taken together, the findings of this study support both the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and activation of Sirt1 can alleviate inflammation.
Visnagin Attenuates Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Pregnant Rats via Regulating Dyslipidemia, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Response
Authors: Yang Xiumei , Yang Cuilian , Lu Wenjing , Yang Xiumei
Published: March 2023

Background:

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance only diagnosed during pregnancy. GDM has exhibited several adverse effects on both mother and offspring. The current research focuses on discovering visnagin’s beneficial properties against the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced GDM in rats via alleviating the inflammation and oxidative stress.

Materials and Methods:

GDM was caused in the pregnant rats by the administration of 25 mg/kg of STZ by the intraperitoneal route and then treated with 20 mg/kg of visnagin for 20 consecutive days. The rats’ body weight was measured, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) status was determined using a standard glucometer. The contents of total cholesterol (TCh), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were assessed using kits. The MDA level, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) status, and activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were determined using assay kits. Kits also assessed the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β. The contents of TNF-α and IL-1β effectively improved the body weight and decreased the FBG status in the GDM rats. The visnagin also decreased the TCh, TG, and LDL, and elevated the HDL content. The content of MDA was decreased and the visnagin treatment increased SOD, CAT, GST, and GPx, and the visnagin treatment increased SOD, CAT, GST, and GPx activities SOD, CAT, GST, and GPx activities. The visnagin effectively decreased the STZ-induced histopathological alterations in the pancreas.

Conclusion:

Altogether, our investigation results suggest a beneficial role visnagin against STZ-induced GDM in rats via inhibiting the inflammatory responses. Hence, it can be a talented therapeutic candidate for the successful management of GDM.
Morpho-anatomical, Molecular, and Chemical Standardization of Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don: An Endangered Medicinal Herb Native to the Himalayas
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Singh Kanwaljeet , Lone Javaid Fayaz , Bhushan Anil , Gupta Prasoon , Gairola Sumeet
Published: March 2023

Background

Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don occurring at high altitudes in the Himalayas and known by the common name ‘Nag Chhatri,’ has high medicinal value. Its rhizome samples have substantial therapeutic potential and possess anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. Due to similar common names and morphology, there is an issue with adulteration and misidentification of actual rhizome samples with rhizomes of other species. So, there is a need to develop valid scientific methods to identify raw herbal samples of authentic ‘Nagchatri’ ( T. govanianum).

Objectives

The present study focused on developing botanical, molecular, and chemical standards for identifying raw herbal samples of T. govanianum.

Materials and Methods

Samples were collected from four locations in the Northwestern Himalayas. Botanical characters were studied by stereomicroscope and compound microscope. Molecular identification was done by DNA barcoding and chemical identification by chemical fingerprinting (TLC and HPTLC), LC-MS profiling, and NMR studies.

Results

The botanical characters involved detailed morpho-anatomical characterization of herbal samples. The DNA barcoding exhibited a 100% identification match of generated barcode sequences with NCBI database sequences for all the selected markers. Chemical profiling revealed diosgenin, makisterone A, and 20-hydroxy ecdysone as major constituents in the rhizome sample, confirming the authenticity of the species.

Conclusion

The integrated authentication approach employing botanical standardization, DNA barcoding, and chemical profiling will be a promising tool for accurately identifying the genuine raw herbal material of T. govanianum.