bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use, War, and Commercial Society. Changing Paradigms of Human Relations with Animals in the Early Modern Law of Nature and of Nations
Authors: Brett Annabel
Published: March 2022

The ideas of a human war on nature, and a human war on animals more specifically, are now current in international politics and international law. This article unearths a historical understanding of war on animals as one paradigm of human relations with animals in the early modern law of nature and of nations (16th to 18th centuries). It shows how dominium (property or mastery) over animals was placed at the origin of all human dominium, and was in consequence conceptually central to its legitimation. It also shows, however, that dominium over animals was not straightforward to justify, because, although they were not human beings, they were seen as sufficiently like human beings in sentience to resist being legally treated like plants or inanimate objects. This article tracks three successive paradigms, all of all of which involve conceptual tensions that are illuminating for current thinking concerning violence against animals.
An EU Fundamental Right to Social Assistance in the Host Member State? The CJEU’s Ambivalent Approach to the Free Movement of Economically Inactive Union Citizens Post Dano
Authors: Wollenschläger Ferdinand
Published: March 2022

The right of residence of economically inactive Union citizens, as well as their claim to access to social benefits in other EU Member States, constitutes a complex and politically sensitive issue which has been debated controversially in EU law for decades. After some initially dynamic case-law, the CJEU followed a more reserved approach in its Dano judgment that was handed down on 11 November 2014. Its interpretation has however remained controversial, notably in view of the specific facts, the selective discussion of EU secondary law, and the unclear relationship to established as well as to subsequent case-law. Thus, the first follow-up judgment has been awaited with interest. It is the judgment in the CG case handed down on 15 July 2021 and discussed here; it however proves ambivalent. On the one hand, the CJEU has continued its restrictive reading of Free Movement Directive 2004/38/EC, whilst on the other hand the CJEU has activated for the first time, moreover contrary to Dano and with potentially far-reaching consequences, EU fundamental rights as a basis for a claim to social assistance in the host Member State.
Parallel Lines in the Sand
Authors: Zimmerman Shannon
Published: March 2022

UN peace operations are often accompanied by parallel forces from individual states, regional organizations, or “coalitions of the willing.” These forces remain distinct from the UN to address security concerns outside the remit of traditional peacekeeping. The deployment of UN stabilization operations, however, has resulted in an overlap between UN and parallel forces. This article investigates the complex relationships between UN stabilization operations and parallel forces using as examples the French and UN deployments in Mali and the Central African Republic. It concludes that when UN and parallel forces have distinct mandates, they often create military synergies but political tensions. In particular, when peacekeepers are reliant on parallel forces for military support, the UN can struggle to achieve its longer-term political tasks. When parallel forces are explicitly mandated to support UN efforts, the UN is better able to leverage its relationship with parallel forces to achieve its military and political objectives.
Regionalizing Development Cooperation?
Authors: Bae Ki-Hyun
Published: March 2022

This article investigates Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-level development cooperation, a relatively overlooked dimension in assessing regionalism in Southeast Asia, by examining the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI). The IAI provides a unique case of experimenting with multilateral South-South development cooperation based on regional solidarity; however, despite the declared aspirations and commitments to the program, this article finds that the IAI’s actual development has been quite contrary to the declared goals. First, unlike what was expected, IAI has not been able to provide institutional benefits to help pool ASEAN-6’s resources regionally and coordinate their development programs. Second, the principle of solidarity made the IAI valuable, but it did not stand out in its actions. Third, although its primary goal was to narrow the gap among members, IAI ironically created unwanted diplomatic divide and discontent. The observations confirm a perspective that constructing ASEAN as a regional community is both driven and constrained by member states’ nationalistic priorities.
Rethinking Institutional Independence
Authors: Strobl Stephanie
Published: March 2022

This article examines institutional independence using the examples of the World Health Organization (WHO) and of the Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC s) in a theoretical and a practical approach. It highlights the two different sources of authority of the WHO Secretariat, based on conditional negotiated legitimacy and epistemologically derived legitimacy, and how this authority is threatened by an increase in state party influence beyond what is envisaged in the WHO’s institutional setup. As a practical example, the article uses the PHEIC determinations, when the criteria as set out in the International Health Regulations (IHR) are not sufficient to explain the director-general’s decision to determine a PHEIC. Instead, this article offers evidence of state party influence. This challenge to the WHO’s legitimacy leads to a lack of institutional independence and, subsequently, to a declining basis for cooperation.
Menander, Theophorumenē: A Song to Kybele on the Comic Stage
Authors: Pöhlmann Egert
Published: March 2022

While Old Comedy abounds in musical parts, New Comedy restricts music to four act-dividing songs, about which in the papyri nothing but remarks like χοροῦ are transmitted. Monodies sung by actors are extremely rare. In Menander there are only two examples, a monody of a priestess in the Leukadia and a song to Kybele in the Theophoroumenē, transmitted in nine book fragments, three fragments on papyri and five mosaics depicting scenes connected with the song of the possessed girl. By integrating the book fragments and the recently enriched pictorial evidence it is possible to attempt a hypothetical reconstruction of the comedy: Menander wanted to tell the well-worn story of a foundling girl, her love affairs, rescue and marriage in a new, unexpected way by inventing the role of a girl presumably possessed by Kybele. This way he could bring a thrilling musical scene and fascinating Kybele ritual onto the stage.
Rievocare la musica greca antica
Authors: Casali Giovanna
Published: March 2022

When Ettore Romagnoli was invited in 1914 to stage classical dramas for the ancient Greek theatre of Syracuse, he attempted to re-create their ancient original characteristics, i.e. a combination of poetry, music, and dance. One of Romagnoli’s aims was to create music for contemporary plays, which recalled ancient Greek music, and he succeeded thanks to the collaboration with the composer Giuseppe Mulè. Indeed, for all the tragedies, Mulè and Romagnoli aimed at re-enacting ancient Greek music. This paper will highlight how both authors pursued their ambitious goal following different criteria: the re-elaboration of particular elements of Sicilian folk music; the re-creation of pieces inspired by both the description of Greek music in ancient sources and the musical fragments; the use of instruments which can reproduce specific sound effects.
A Few Notes on the Kοινὴ Ὁρμασία and Some Musical Examples of the Old Organum
Authors: Najock Dietmar
Published: March 2022

The article discusses – on the basis of manuscript readings and the wider context – two musical examples from the Old organum (Musica enchiriadis 14 and Micrologus 19), both with respect to an occursus at the end of the melody. These examples were previously used by the author for the illustration of similar features in the κοινὴ ὁρμασία, but without the critical discussion given here. The discussion shows that the Micrologus example most probably must be renounced as an illustration for the sequence b♭-b and that the Musica enchiriadis example can serve as an illustration for parallel fourths, but that it remains ambiguous with respect to the occursus. In addition, a few further musical examples from the Musica enchiriadis and from an associated treatise (De organo, with the Alleluia/Benedicta) are discussed which may help us to understand the role of the tritone in Gaudentius and in some of the restored hormasia tables.
Century-Scale Variability of Arctic SSH and Freshwater Content in a Past-1000-Year Model Experiment
Authors: Carson Mark , Köhl Armin , Stammer Detlef
Published: March 2022

We examine a 1000-yr-long forced historical run of the Max Planck Institute Earth System Model (henceforth, past1000) with respect to freshwater-induced sea surface height (SSH) variability in the Arctic Ocean, with a focus on time scales up to and longer than centuries. As a test of the degree to which sea surface height and freshwater content covariability is due to internal climate variability in the model, and how much is due to external forcing, the past1000 results are compared to a control run using the same model, (henceforth, Ctl-P). We find that the freshwater transport associated with circulation changes, the freshwater input at the surface from the atmosphere and runoff, and ice export out of the Arctic jointly contribute to the centennial-scale freshwater variability in the Arctic. Low-frequency winds generate freshwater variability mostly through ocean circulation changes, but appear to be less important compared with earlier studies. The ice transport varies most clearly with Arctic air temperatures, and it appears that ice thickness variability is at least as important as the wind and ocean current transport variability. The largest difference in freshwater forcing in the forced run, compared to Ctl-P, is enhanced precipitation variability driven by the volcanic forcing only present in the forced, past1000 run.
Impact of Urbanization and Expansion of Forest Investment to Mitigate CO2 Emissions in China
Authors: Mighri Zouheir , Sarwar Suleman , Sarkodie Samuel Asumadu
Published: March 2022

Forests are considered the key factor in controlling climate change and extreme climatic events due to their natural role in carbon abatement. However, twenty-first-century economic development is characterized by intensive resource exploitation, energy intensity, population, and urbanization, and hence it is affecting the natural forest habitat. The persistent deforestation and land degradation with limited sustainable forest management and its related services have long-term effects on environmental sustainability. Here, we investigate the impact of forest and its related services on the past decade of China’s carbon emissions while accounting for economic development, urbanization, and fossil fuels. We use several spatial techniques to ascertain the carbon abatement effect of the forestry-driven economy in halting the ecological degradation process. We report that carbon emissions decline across 30 provinces in China through the expansion of forest investment and forest management activities—instead of increasing the forest land without continuous proper management. Besides, the spatial analysis confirms that forest investments and proper management contribute to reducing carbon levels in neighboring provinces. From a policy point of view, it is more than an urgent need for the Chinese government to conduct forest management reforms, and such policies might be helpful to generate new sources of employment and pollution reduction in China.
Transcriptomic profiling of the telomerase transformed Mesenchymal stromal cells derived adipocytes in response to rosiglitazone
Authors: Al-Ali Moza Mohamed , Khan Amir Ali , Fayyad Abeer Maher , Abdallah Sallam Hasan , Khattak Muhammad Nasir Khan
Published: March 2022

Background

Differentiation of Immortalized Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - hTERT (iMSC3) into adipocytes is in vitro model of obesity. In our earlier study, rosiglitazone enhanced adipogenesis particularly the brown adipogenesis of iMSC3. In this study, the transcriptomic profiles of iMSC3 derived adipocytes with and without rosiglitazone were analyzed through mRNA sequencing.

Results

A total of 1508 genes were differentially expressed between iMSC3 and the derived adipocytes without rosiglitazone treatment. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that rosiglitazone regulates PPAR and PI3K-Akt pathways. The constant rosiglitazone treatment enhanced the expression of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 (FABP4) which enriched GO terms such as fatty acid binding, lipid droplet, as well as white and brown fat cell differentiation. Moreover, the constant treatment upregulated several lipid droplets (LDs) associated proteins such as PLIN1. Rosiglitazone also activated the receptor complex PTK2B that has essential roles in beige adipocytes thermogenic program. Several uniquely expressed novel regulators of brown adipogenesis were also expressed in adipocytes derived with rosiglitazone: PRDM16, ZBTB16, HOXA4, and KLF15 in addition to other uniquely expressed genes.

Conclusions

Rosiglitazone regulated several differentially regulated genes and non-coding RNAs that warrant further investigation about their roles in adipogenesis particularly brown adipogenesis.
Use of energy device in general surgical operations: impact on peri-operative outcomes
Authors: Olasehinde Olalekan , Owojuyigbe Afolabi , Adeyemo Adekunle , Mosanya Arinzechukwu , Aaron Olurotimi , Wuraola Funmilola , Owoniya Temitope , Owojuyigbe Temilola , Alatise Olusegun , Adisa Adewale
Published: March 2022

Background

The introduction of energy devices has significantly expanded the scope of surgical expedition. The LigaSure™ vessel sealing system is a bipolar electrosurgical device, recently introduced to our practice. Its impact on peri-operative outcomes in a variety of major operations was evaluated in this study.

Methods

A retrospective review of operations performed following the adoption of the LigaSure™ vessel sealing device was carried out. Five categories of operations were evaluated (Thyroidectomies, Gastrectomies, Colectomies, Pancreaticoduodenectomies, and Anterior/Abdomino-perineal resection [A/APR of the rectum). Peri-operative outcomes (duration of operation, intra-operative blood loss, blood transfusion rates) were compared with a cohort of similar operations performed using conventional techniques. Data analysis and comparisons were done on a subgroup basis.

Results

A total of 117 operations were performed using the LigaSure™ device with thyroidectomies being the most common (66/117-56.4%). Compared to cases done using conventional techniques of suture and knot with electrocautery (120 cases), the use of LigaSure™ was associated with a significant reduction in operation time in all categories of operations. Intraoperative blood loss was also lower in all categories of cases, but this was only statistically significant following A/APR and Thyroidectomies. Generally, there was a trend towards a reduction in blood transfusion rates.

Conclusions

The use of energy devices for surgical operations is feasible in a resource-limited setting. It has the potential of improving outcomes.
Result of one-year, prospective follow-up of intensive care unit survivors after SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia
Authors: Eberst Guillaume , Claudé Fréderic , Laurent Lucie , Meurisse Aurelia , Roux-Claudé Pauline , Barnig Cindy , Vernerey Dewi , Paget-Bailly Sophie , Bouiller Kevin , Chirouze Catherine , Behr Julien , Grillet Franck , Ritter Ophélie , Karaer Sinan , Pili-Floury Sébastien , Winiszewski Hadrien , Samain Emmanuel , Decavel Pierre , Capellier Gilles , Westeel Virginie
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Survivors of viral ARDS are at risk of long-term physical, functional and neuropsychological complications resulting from the lung injury itself, but also from potential multiorgan dysfunction, and the long stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). Recovery profiles after severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in intensive care unit survivors have yet to be clearly defined.

Material and methods

The goal of this single-center, prospective, observational study was to systematically evaluate pulmonary and extrapulmonary function at 12 months after a stay in the ICU, in a prospectively identified cohort of patients who survived SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Eligible patients were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months after onset of SARS-CoV-2. Patients underwent physical examination, pulmonary function testing, chest computed tomography (CT) scan, a standardized six-minute walk test with continuous oximetry, overnight home respiratory polygraphy and have completed quality of life questionnaire. The primary endpoint was alteration of the alveolar–capillary barrier compared to reference values as measured by DLCO, at 12 months after onset of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms.

Results

In total, 85 patients (median age 68.4 years, (interquartile range [IQR] = 60.1–72.9 years), 78.8% male) participated in the trial. The median length of hospital stay was 44 days (IQR: 20–60) including 17 days in ICU (IQR: 11–26). Pulmonary function tests were completed at 3 months (n = 85), 6 months (n = 80), and 12 months (n = 73) after onset of symptoms. Most patients showed an improvement in DLCO at each timepoint (3, 6, and 12 months). All patients who normalized their DLCO did not subsequently deteriorate, except one. Chest CT scans were abnormal in 77 patients (96.3%) at 3 months and although the proportion was the same at 12 months, but patterns have changed.

Conclusion

We report the results of a comprehensive evaluation of 85 patients admitted to the ICU for SARS-CoV-2, at one-year follow-up after symptom onset. We show that most patients had an improvement in DLCO at each timepoint.

Trial registration: Clinical trial registration number: NCT04519320.
Antiretroviral therapy initiation and retention among clients who received peer-delivered linkage case management and standard linkage services, Eswatini, 2016–2020: retrospective comparative cohort study
Authors: MacKellar Duncan , Hlophe Thabo , Ujamaa Dawud , Pals Sherri , Dlamini Makhosazana , Dube Lenhle , Suraratdecha Chutima , Williams Daniel , Byrd Johnita , Tobias James , Mndzebele Phumzile , Behel Stephanie , Pathmanathan Ishani , Mazibuko Sikhathele , Tilahun Endale , Ryan Caroline
Published: March 2022

Background

Persons living with HIV infection (PLHIV) who are diagnosed in community settings in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable to barriers to care that prevent or delay many from obtaining antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to assess if a package of peer-delivered linkage case management and treatment navigation services (CommLink) was more effective than peer-delivered counseling, referral, and telephone follow-up (standard linkage services, SLS) in initiating and retaining PLHIV on ART after diagnosis in community settings in Eswatini. HIV-test records of 773 CommLink and 769 SLS clients aged ≥ 15 years diagnosed between March 2016 and March 2018, matched by urban and rural settings of diagnosis, were selected for the study. CommLink counselors recorded resolved and unresolved barriers to care (e.g., perceived wellbeing, fear of partner response, stigmatization) during a median of 52 days (interquartile range: 35—69) of case management.

Results

Twice as many CommLink than SLS clients initiated ART by 90 days of diagnosis overall (88.4% vs. 37.9%, adjusted relative risk (aRR): 2.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.97, 2.77) and during test and treat when all PLHIV were eligible for ART (96.2% vs. 37.1%, aRR: 2.59, 95% CI: 2.20, 3.04). By 18 months of diagnosis, 54% more CommLink than SLS clients were initiated and retained on ART (76.3% vs. 49.5%, aRR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.33, 1.79). Peer counselors helped resolve 896 (65%) of 1372 identified barriers of CommLink clients. Compared with clients with ≥ 3 unresolved barriers to care, 42% (aRR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.68) more clients with 1–2 unresolved barriers, 44% (aRR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.66) more clients with all barriers resolved, and 54% (aRR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.30, 1.81) more clients who had no identified barriers were initiated and retained on ART by 18 months of diagnosis.

Conclusions

To improve early ART initiation and retention among PLHIV diagnosed in community settings, HIV prevention programs should consider providing a package of peer-delivered linkage case management and treatment navigation services. Clients with multiple unresolved barriers to care measured as part of that package should be triaged for differentiated linkage and retention services.
Agrobacterium species bacteraemia, Switzerland, 2008 to 2019: a molecular epidemiological study
Authors: Balmer Lisa , Seth-Smith Helena M. B. , Egli Adrian , Casanova Carlo , Kronenberg Andreas , Schrenzel Jacques , Marschall Jonas , Sommerstein Rami
Published: March 2022

Background

Agrobacterium spp. are infrequent agents of bloodstream infections linked to healthcare-associated outbreaks. However, it is unclear if outbreaks also occur across larger geographic areas. Triggered by two local clusters from putative point sources, our aim was to detect potential additional clusters in Switzerland.

Methods

We performed a nationwide descriptive study of cases in Switzerland based on a prospective surveillance system (Swiss Centre for Antibiotic Resistance, anresis.ch), from 2008 to 2019. We identified patients with Agrobacterium spp. isolated from blood cultures and used a survey to collect clinical-epidemiological information and susceptibility testing results. We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) of available clinical isolates and determined their relatedness by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variant calling analysis.

Results

We identified a total of 36 cases of Agrobacterium spp. from blood samples over 10 years. Beyond previously known local clusters, no new ones were identified. WGS-based typing was performed on 22 available isolates and showed no clonal relationships between newly identified isolates or to those from the known clusters, with all isolates outside these clusters being at least 50 SNPs apart.

Conclusion and relevance

Agrobacterium spp. bacteraemia is infrequently detected and, given that it may be healthcare-associated and stem from a point source, occurrence of multiple episodes should entail an outbreak investigation. With the help of the national antimicrobial resistance surveillance system we identified multiple clinical cases of this rare pathogen but found no evidence by WGS that suggested a nation-wide outbreak.

Graphical abstract
Factors associated with disordered feeding among high school students in Kerman City, Iran
Authors: Dokhani Abolfazl , Dehghan Mahlagha , Rayani Masoud , Maazallahi Mahboobeh , Forouzi Mansooreh Azzizadeh
Published: March 2022

Background

Mental health problems and disordered eating, are more common in adolescents. This study investigated relationship between mental health and disordered eating in high school girls in southeast Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional descriptive correlational study accomplished in high school girls of Kerman at the southeast of Iran in 2019. Using three parts demographic, Standard General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Eating Attitudes questionnaire, (Eat-26) with three subscales: eating habits, desire to eat and oral control. We investigated high school girl’s mental health and relationship with disordered eating with cluster sampling method (600 high school girl). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between significant variables and the risk of General Health (Yes/No) and Eating attitude (Yes/No). Spearman correlation test, Mann–Witheny U test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used, and Significant level was considered at P < 0.05.

Results

A direct and significant relationship between mental health and disordered eating (r = 0/19, P < 0.001). In other words, the higher the mental health disorder score, the higher the disordered eating score, and the higher disordered eating score, the higher mental problems. There was a direct and significant relationship between mental health and all aspects of disordered eating including eating habits (r = 0/12, P < 0.05), desire to eat (r = 0/1, P < 0.05) and oral control (r = 0/14, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

It seems that the disordered eating and mental health have a determinant role in relationship with each other. Therefore, prevention and health promotion programs should be implemented to improve female adolescent mental health and reduce disordered eating.
Aβ oligomers trigger necroptosis-mediated neurodegeneration via microglia activation in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Salvadores Natalia , Moreno-Gonzalez Ines , Gamez Nazaret , Quiroz Gabriel , Vegas-Gomez Laura , Escandón Marcela , Jimenez Sebastian , Vitorica Javier , Gutierrez Antonia , Soto Claudio , Court Felipe A.
Published: March 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major adult-onset neurodegenerative condition with no available treatment. Compelling reports point amyloid-β (Aβ) as the main etiologic agent that triggers AD. Although there is extensive evidence of detrimental crosstalk between Aβ and microglia that contributes to neuroinflammation in AD, the exact mechanism leading to neuron death remains unknown. Using postmortem human AD brain tissue, we show that Aβ pathology is associated with the necroptosis effector pMLKL. Moreover, we found that the burden of Aβ oligomers (Aβo) correlates with the expression of key markers of necroptosis activation. Additionally, inhibition of necroptosis by pharmacological or genetic means, reduce neurodegeneration and memory impairment triggered by Aβo in mice. Since microglial activation is emerging as a central driver for AD pathogenesis, we then tested the contribution of microglia to the mechanism of Aβo-mediated necroptosis activation in neurons. Using an in vitro model, we show that conditioned medium from Aβo-stimulated microglia elicited necroptosis in neurons through activation of TNF-α signaling, triggering extensive neurodegeneration. Notably, necroptosis inhibition provided significant neuronal protection. Together, these findings suggest that Aβo-mediated microglia stimulation in AD contributes to necroptosis activation in neurons and neurodegeneration. As necroptosis is a druggable degenerative mechanism, our findings might have important therapeutic implications to prevent the progression of AD.
A prospective observational cohort study to identify inflammatory biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with sepsis
Authors: D’Onofrio Valentino , Heylen Dries , Pusparum Murih , Grondman Inge , Vanwalleghem Johan , Meersman Agnes , Cartuyvels Reinoud , Messiaen Peter , Joosten Leo A. B. , Netea Mihai G. , Valkenborg Dirk , Ertaylan Gökhan , Gyssens Inge C.
Published: March 2022

Background

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction. A fast diagnosis is crucial for patient management. Proteins that are synthesized during the inflammatory response can be used as biomarkers, helping in a rapid clinical assessment or an early diagnosis of infection. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers of inflammation for the diagnosis and prognosis of infection in patients with suspected sepsis.

Methods

In total 406 episodes were included in a prospective cohort study. Plasma was collected from all patients with suspected sepsis, for whom blood cultures were drawn, in the emergency department (ED), the department of infectious diseases, or the haemodialysis unit on the first day of a new episode. Samples were analysed using a 92-plex proteomic panel based on a proximity extension assay with oligonucleotide-labelled antibody probe pairs (OLink, Uppsala, Sweden). Supervised and unsupervised differential expression analyses and pathway enrichment analyses were performed to search for inflammatory proteins that were different between patients with viral or bacterial sepsis and between patients with worse or less severe outcome.

Results

Supervised differential expression analysis revealed 21 proteins that were significantly lower in circulation of patients with viral infections compared to patients with bacterial infections. More strongly, higher expression levels were observed for 38 proteins in patients with high SOFA scores (> 4), and for 21 proteins in patients with worse outcome. These proteins are mostly involved in pathways known to be activated early in the inflammatory response. Unsupervised, hierarchical clustering confirmed that inflammatory response was more strongly related to disease severity than to aetiology.

Conclusion

Several differentially expressed inflammatory proteins were identified that could be used as biomarkers for sepsis. These proteins are mostly related to disease severity. Within the setting of an emergency department, they could be used for outcome prediction, patient monitoring, and directing diagnostics.

Trail registration number: clinicaltrial.gov identifier NCT03841162.
Antarctic yeasts: potential use in a biologic treatment of textile azo dyes
Authors: Ruscasso F. , Cavello I. , Curutchet G. , Cavalitto S.
Published: March 2022

We investigated the dye-removal potential of a collection of 61 cold-adapted yeasts from the King George Island, Antarctica, on agar plates supplemented with 100 mg L–1 of several textile dyes; among which isolates 81% decolorized Reactive Black 5 (RB-5), with 56% decolorizing Reactive Orange 16, but only 26% doing so with Reactive Blue 19 and Acid Blue 74. Furthermore, we evaluated the ligninolytic potential using 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic-acid) diammonium salt-, 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehydazine-, or manganese-supplemented plates but detected no activity, possibly due to a dye-removal mechanism involving reductases. The removal kinetics were studied in liquid medium supplemented with 100 mg L–1 of RB-5 in a selection of 9 yeasts. The highest volumetric-removal rates (η) were found for Candida sake 41E (4.14 mg L–1 h–1), Leucosporidium muscorum F20A (3.90 mg L–1 h–1), and Cystofilobasidium infirmominiatum F13E (3.90 mg L–1 h–1). Different UV–Vis spectra were obtained if the dye removal occurred by biodegradation or biosorption/bioaccumulation. L. muscorum F20A was selected to study the dye-removal mechanism of RB-5 and the effect of different chemical and environmental parameters on the process. Optimum dye-removal conditions were obtained with 10 g L–1 of glucose within an initial medium pH range of 5.0 to 6.0. Up to 700 mg L–1 of dye could be removed in 45 h. High-performance liquid chromatography profiles obtained were consistent with a biodegradation of the dye. Phytotoxicity was estimated by calculating the 50%-inhibition concentration (IC50) with Lactuca sativa L. seeds. These findings propose psychrophilic yeasts as a novel environmentally suitable alternative for the treatment of dye-industry wastewaters.
Immobilization of engineered E. coli cells for asymmetric reduction of methyl acetoacetate to methyl-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate
Authors: Chen Qing-Sheng , Yuan Xin , Peng Fei , Lou Wen-Yong
Published: March 2022

The efficient asymmetric bio-synthesis of chiral β-hydroxy esters is of great importance for industrial production. In this work, a simple and productive engineered E.coli cell-immobilized strategy was applied for the asymmetric reduction of MAA to (R)-HBME with high enantioselectivity. Compared with the corresponding inactivated free cells, the alginate-immobilized cells remained 45% of initial activity at 50 ℃ and 65% after reuse of 10 times. After 60 days of storage at 4 ℃, the immobilized cells maintained more than 80% relative activity. Immobilization contributed significantly to the improvement of thermal stability, pH tolerance, storage stability and operation stability without affecting the yield of product. The immobilized recombinant E. coli cell had absolute enantioselectivity for the asymmetric reduction of MAA to (R)-HBME with e.e. > 99.9%. Therefore, microbial cell immobilization is a perspective approach in asymmetric synthesis of chiral β-hydroxy esters for industrial applications.

Graphical Abstract
Relation between lipid profile, blood pressure and retinopathy in diabetic patients in King Abdulaziz University hospital: a retrospective record review study
Authors: Alattas Khadijah , Alsulami Dania W. , Alem Rahaf H. , Alotaibi Felwa S. , Alghamdi Bayan A. , Baeesa Layan S.
Published: March 2022

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of blindness worldwide, threatening the vision of approximately 10% of patients with diabetes. Many studies have demonstrated that intensive control of the risk factors for DR is essential to reduce the onset and progression of DR. Currently, the relationship between lipid profile and DR is still unclear, especially in Saudi Arabia. We aimed to assess the correlation between both the development and severity of DR with lipid profile and blood pressure among the diabetic patients at the King Abdul-Aziz University hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This was a retrospective record review study of 298 diabetic patients diagnosed with DR. Retinal findings were correlated to serum lipids levels using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis.

Results

This study included 298 participants with DR. Triglyceride levels, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and presence of macular edema were significantly associated with DR progression (P = 0.012, P = 0.001, P = 0.002). Other parameters, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HbA1C, body mass index, age, were not significantly associated with DR.

Conclusion

Elevation in serum triglyceride levels and systolic blood pressure showed a statically significant association with diabetic retinopathy. Controlling these factors may help preventing progression and occurrence of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients.
Intraoperative myocardial infarction and refractory cardiogenic shock during major hepatectomy: a case report
Authors: Yagi Yasunori , Mizunoya Kazuyuki , Mori Toshihiro , Saito Hitoshi , Morimoto Yuji
Published: March 2022

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by cardiogenic shock during non-cardiac surgery is a rare but fatal complication. The management of intraoperative MI is challenging.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old hypertensive man with good functional capacity was scheduled for hepatectomy. After the start of liver resection, the electrocardiogram monitor showed ST depression, and the patient developed refractory cardiogenic shock. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed severe hypokinesis of the anteroseptal wall. The surgery was suspended, and an intra-aortic balloon pump was placed following immediate abdominal closure. Coronary angiography revealed severe stenosis of the left main coronary trunk, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed. Myocardial wall motion improved, and blood pressure stabilized. Two days after PCI, hepatectomy, which had been suspended, was successfully completed.

Conclusions

Once intraoperative MI has occurred, early diagnosis and multidisciplinary approaches are important to manage the difficult clinical situation.
It’s Not Always SIAD: Immunotherapy-Triggered Endocrinopathies Enter the Field of Cancer-Related Hyponatremia
Authors: Bischoff Jenny , Fries Charlotte , Heer Alexander , Hoffmann Friederike , Meyer Carsten , Landsberg Jennifer , Fenske Wiebke K
Published: March 2022

While the syndrome of inadequate antidiuresis (SIAD) is still the most common cause of hyponatremia in cancer patients, the rise in endocrine immune-related adverse events (irAEs) owing to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) considerably shaped the differential diagnosis of electrolyte disorders in cancer patients. We report here 3 cases of different endocrine irAEs, first manifesting with new-onset hyponatremia under ICI therapy for malignant melanoma: one with primary adrenal insufficiency, one with hypophysitis, and one with autoimmune type 1 diabetes. Early diagnosis of endocrine toxicities can save lives but may be challenging and essentially delayed by subtle or nonspecific clinical presentation and a lack of readily available endocrinological laboratory evaluation in the primary care setting.

This exemplary case series demonstrates the broad spectrum of endocrinopathies that physicians should be aware of under ICI therapy and emphasizes new-onset hyponatremia as a possibly early, simple, and low-cost biomarker of irAEs, which may be considered as a red flag in patients receiving checkpoint blockade. As ICI-induced endocrinopathies are still under-represented in clinical practice guidelines, we here propose an updated algorithm for diagnosis of cancer-related hyponatremia, highlighting the important diagnostic steps to be considered before making the diagnosis of SIAD.
Efficacy of linking Breast Awareness Clinics in Gynecology and Obstetrics departments: A pilot project in Zubaida Bani Wing, Fazle-Omar Hospital, Chenab Nagar, Pakistan
Authors: Tahir Durr-e-Samin , Tauseef Wasima , Madiha Bareah , Urooj Tahira
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Pakistani female population has the highest incidence of Breast cancer among the women belonging to all other Asian countries. This contributed to 28.7% of all new cases of malignancies in 2020 and is also the cause of uppermost cancer mortality in Pakistani females. The number of deaths can be reduced by promoting breast cancer screening, according to recommended programs for high-risk populations.

Methods: In order to encourage breast self-examination in women, 12 Breast Cancer Awareness Clinics were set up in Gynecology and Obstetrics outdoor, Zubaida Bani Wing, Fazle Omar Hospital, Chenab Nagar, Pakistan, from September 2019 to February 2020. A total of 238 women with a mean of 29.97±8.9 years were examined and trained to perform the breast self-examination.

Results: Around 41% of 222 valid responded women reported that they had knowledge that breast cancer is the major threat to their health in Pakistan. Only 20% were aware of breast cancer screening but poor cognizance about the recommendations for Pakistani women. Knowledge about Breast Self-Examination was recorded in 15%, whereas only 5.4% of all the women included in the present study reported to practice it. Moreover, eighty-six percent of the respondents were reported to be hesitant to visit the male doctor. Three cases of most suspected malignancies were referred to specialist consultants and few cases were endorsed for immediate mammograms.

Conclusion: Setting up breast awareness and screening clinics at gynecology outdoors with trained female assistants can be effective in promoting Breast Self-Examination and elaborating screening programs countywide to obtain long term benefits in a high-risk population of Pakistan.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.4.5440

How to cite this:Tahir DS, Tauseef W, Madiha B, Urooj T. Efficacy of linking Breast Awareness Clinics in Gynecology and Obstetrics departments: A pilot project in Zubaida Bani Wing, Fazle-Omar Hospital, Chenab Nagar, Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(4):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.4.5440

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Οι αντιλήψεις των μαθητών της υποχρεωτικής εκπαίδευσης για την έννοια του απείρου
Authors: Τσαμπουράκη Αγγελική
Published: March 2022

Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή επιχειρείται η προσέγγιση της έννοιας του απείρου μέσα από τη διαισθητική αντίληψη των μαθητών/τριών του δημοτικού σχολείου και η πραγματοποίηση μαθηματικών δραστηριοτήτων. Σκοπός της έρευνας είναι η διαμόρφωση μιας τροχιάς μάθησης για το μαθηματικό άπειρο με δραστηριότητες που θα ανταποκρίνονται στα διαφορετικά επίπεδα της σκέψης των μαθητών/τριών. Καθώς δεν υπάρχουν έρευνες στην εκπαίδευση με σκοπό το σχεδιασμό μιας τροχιάς μάθησης. Ο σχεδιασμός μιας μαθησιακής τροχιάς για το άπειρο για μαθητές του δημοτικού σχολείου είναι η πρωτοτυπία της συγκεκριμένης εργασίας. Μέσω της διατριβής αναδείχτηκε μια τροχιά μάθησης δημιουργώντας τρεις κατηγορίες δραστηριοτήτων. α)Η πρώτη κατηγορία που μπορεί να ανταποκρίνεται στα παιδιά μικρής ηλικίας είναι το ‘‘άπειρο μεγάλο’’ με τη βοήθεια ενός αριθμητικού πλαισίου. β)Η δεύτερη κατηγορία ανταποκρίνεται επίσης στο ‘‘άπειρο μεγάλο’’ αλλά μέσα από μια γεωμετρική αναπαράσταση μέσω της οποία οι μαθητές/τριες έχουν τη δυνατότητα να αντιληφθούν την αντιστοίχιση 1 προς 1 ως μέθοδο σύγκρισης απειροσυνόλων. γ)Η τρίτη κατηγορία ανταποκρίνεται στο ‘‘άπειρο μεγάλο’’ μέσα από ένα συνδυασμό πλαισίων, αριθμητικού και γεωμετρικού που δίνει τη δυνατότητα στους/στις μαθητές/τριες να συνδυάσουν αριθμητικά με γεωμετρικά δεδομένα και να εξοικειωθούν με την 1 προς 1 αντιστοίχιση, η οποία υποδεικνύεται ως μοναδικό κριτήριο για τη σύγκριση αριθμήσιμων απειροσυνόλων.
Innovations in peer review in scholarly publishing: a meta-summary
Authors: Woods Helen Buckley , Brumberg Johanna , Kaltenbrunner Wolfgang , Pinfield Stephen , Waltman Ludo
Published: March 2022

Background: There are currently numerous innovations in peer review and quality assurance in scholarly publishing. The Research on Research Institute conducted a programme of co-produced projects investigating these innovations. This literature review was part of one such project ‘Experiments in peer review’ which created an inventory and framework of peer review innovations. The aim of this literature review was to aid the development of the inventory by identifying innovations in peer review reported in the scholarly literature and by providing a summary of the different approaches.

Methods: This meta-summary is based on data identified from Web of Science and Scopus limited from 2010 to 2021. A total of 247 papers were screened, with 6 review articles chosen for the focus of the literature review. Items were selected that described approaches to innovating peer review or illustrated examples.  

Results: The summary of innovations are drawn from 6 review articles. The innovations are divided into three high-level categories: approaches to peer review, reviewer focussed initiatives and technology to support peer review with sub-categories of results presented in tabular form and summarised. A summary of all innovations found is also presented.

Conclusions: From a simple synthesis of the review authors’ conclusions, three key messages are presented: observations on current practice; authors’ views on the implications of innovations in peer review; and calls for action in peer review research and practice.
Binocular measurement method for the continuous casting slab model
based on the improved BRISK algorithm
Authors: Xu Sixiang , Dong Chenchen , Zhou Shuhua , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2022

Due to the low accuracy of the traditional
image feature matching algorithm in binocular vision measurement, a
binocular measurement method for the continuous casting slab model
based on the improved binary robust invariant scalable keypoints
(BRISK) algorithm is proposed. First, the feature points of the image
are detected. After that, local area sampling and sub-area division
are carried out with the feature points as the center, sub-areas with
low offset values are removed, and the main direction is obtained by
using the centroid of the remaining sub-areas. Then, the gray
difference threshold is used to replace the traditional gray value
intensity comparison to generate descriptors. Finally, the Hamming
distance is used to match the feature points, and the
three-dimensional coordinates of the matching points are calculated to
complete the measurement. Through comparative experiments, the lowest
relative error of the improved algorithm in this paper reaches
0.4723%, which meets the requirement of measurement accuracy.
Robust gamma correction based on chord distribution coding considering projector defocusing
Authors: Deng Gaoxu , Wu Shiqian , Zou Lingyun , Cao Wei , Han Hao
Published: March 2022

In phase-measurement profilometry (PMP), the gamma effect can cause severe nonlinear distortion of the phase pattern (i.e., water ripples on the surface profile). Gamma correction is an effective method to eliminate the gamma effects of commercial projectors. However, projector defocusing on the suppression of higher harmonics inevitably results in an estimated gamma deviation from the true value. In this study, gamma mapping is constructed using the duty ratio (DR) to code the chord distribution of the simulated distorted phase while considering projector defocusing. With the known gamma mapping, the accurate gamma is calculated by DR coding of the actual distorted phase under projector defocusing. Simulated experiments verified that the relative errors of the gamma calculated by the proposed method under different degrees of defocus were less than 3.5%. Furthermore, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed gamma calculation method is robust to the defocus effect of the projector and that a smoother surface can be reconstructed after gamma correction.
Refractive index dispersion of germanium-arsenic-selenide (GeAsSe) glasses
Authors: Wachtel Peter F. , Beckens A. Colin , Musgraves J. David , Deegan John
Published: March 2022

This work reports trends for the electronic band edge, the transmission window, infrared active structural signatures, and ultra-high measurement density of the real refractive index from their electronic band edge out to 14 µm for the GexAsySe(100-x-y) glass family where Se(100-x-y)>Se60. This region of the ternary glass family has electronic band edges reported from 1.28 eV to 1.69 eV, optical shortwave cutoffs from 720 nm to 920 nm. Completing the transmission window is the longwave cutoff caused from the measured two-phonon infrared active structural signatures with a reported range from 15.85 µm to 18.42 µm. The refractive index dispersion is calculated with over 100 direct measured data points and are fit using a 3-term 6-variable Sellmeier equation with a R2 better than 0.99999999.
Hilfsbereit, verständnisvoll, bescheiden: Problematik und Folgen von weiblichen Voice Assistants
Authors: Hefti Sarah
Published: March 2022

Der Artikel legt die soziale und ethische Problematik weiblich konzipierter Voice Assistants dar. Weibliche Voice Assistants, die folgsam bis unterwürfig die ihnen aufgetragenen Arbeiten erledigen und selbst bei Beleidigungen höflich bleiben, können geschlechterstereotype Erwartungen an Frauen in der Gesellschaft hervorrufen und festigen. Angesichts der weltweit starken Zunahme von Voice Assistants ist dies ein Aspekt, der unbedingt thematisiert werden sollte. Die menschliche respektive weibliche Inszenierung der Technologie fusst auf grösstenteils bewussten Entscheidungen der beteiligten Design- und Entwicklungsteams. Sie programmieren geschlechterstereotype Reaktionen, setzen auf weibliche Stimmen und Namen. Die einfach gestrickten, hilfsbereiten weiblichen Voice Assistants können als hochmoderne Technologie Geschlechterstereotype nicht nur abbilden, sondern sie auch direkt zurück an ihre Nutzer:innen spielen. Damit verfügen sie über das Potenzial, längst ausgediente Rollenbilder in der Realität zu nähren. Der Artikel erörtert diese Problematik und analysiert hierfür aktuelle Literatur- und Medienbeiträge. Abschliessend werden mögliche Handlungsfelder für Technologiekonzerne, Forschung, Gesetzgebung und Zivilgesellschaft abgeleitet. Der Weg führt über eine stärkere Sensibilisierung aller an der Entwicklung Beteiligten und der Nutzer:innen. Nur so können Alternativen zu den gängigen Voice Assistants entstehen.