bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning of Waste Treatment Plant Based on Reduce Reuse Recycle in Temanggung Regency
Authors: Budihardjo M A , Junaidi  , Sumiyati S , Kusworo A H B
Published: September 2023

There are waste collections in Temanggung Regency, located at specific points on the streets and are used by the community. But the system still needs to be structured, and there is no systematic planning yet, so it has not been handled effectively and efficiently thoroughly in each location. However, from the research that has been done, there is no research that discusses the design appropriate processing for each type of waste management facilities. There has been no design evaluation accordance with existing conditions, only planning in aspect or directly discussing certain processing. Based on this, the Planning of a Waste Treatment Plant in Temanggung Regency was carried out and the objective of this research is designing a Waste Treatment Plant Based on Reduce Reuse Recycle. It has result from waste generation and composition data, the required area for WTP 3R is 177.4 m2 of the 200 m2. This plant consists of waste treatment for organic and inorganic.
Exploring marine surface microplastic around Pasaran Island, Lampung Province
Authors: Sari Novi Kartika , Yuniar Dita , Alam Firdha Cahya
Published: September 2023

Microplastics have been challenging issues as an emerging pollutant in the marine environment. The objective aims to assess the surface microplastic abundance and morphology around Pasaran Island, Lampung Province. Sampling was done by using plankton net in four sampling stations, which were selected purposively and sampled using the composite method in the morning and evening. The microplastics would be analyzed by visual inspection for the morphology (shape, size, and colors) and polymers. The microplastic abundance around Pasar Island was identified as 67,25±24.8 items/L. The highest finding was located in the fourth station, which was the nearest area of fishing activities. However, there was no significant difference spatially and temporally. The dominant size distribution was 401-1000 (40%) mm, while blue (33%) and black (28%) were the most commonly found colors. The microplastic shape was observed in fiber (72%), followed by fragment (20%). The Raman test was done to identify its polymer, using a blue fragment sample detected as polypropylene.
Nickel-L-leucine framework (MOF): synthesis, structural characterization, and potential applications in biological studies
Authors: Kiran Mehvish , Yasin Khawaja Ansar , Haq Sirajul , Elmnasri Khaled , Ben Abdallah Fethi , Ben Ali Manel , Shah Amreen , Hedfi Amor , Mahmoudi Ezzeddine
Published: September 2023

The microbial resistance to antibiotics and the generation of free radicals inside as a result of different oxidative processes are modern global challenges for researchers. The exploration of MOFs as an antibacterial agent against pathogenic bacteria and as an antioxidant agent to scavenge free radicals as countermeasures to alleviate these problems. For this purpose, the metal organic framework (MOF), composed of L-leucine as a linker and nickel as a metal, was synthesized via a convenient, one-pot process under reflux conditions. The products formed were characterized through different techniques, including N2 adsorption experiments, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The physicochemical analysis shows that the MOF has a crystalline nature with a surface area of 129 (±5) m2/g and a pore size of 1.95 nm. The synthesized MOF was then subjected to antibacterial activity, and the high activity was recorded against S. aureus. The dose-dependent antioxidant study shows the activity increases with increasing the concentration of the MOF. However, both the antibacterial and antioxidant activities were found to be less than those of the standard drugs (clindamycin and ascorbic acid).
Drug survival of metformin in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Senent-Valero Marina , Matijasevich Alicia , Jara-Rico Noelia , Sivera Francisca , Pascual José C
Published: September 2023

Despite there being published studies on the survival of oral retinoids and biological drugs in people with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), there is little scientific evidence on the use of metformin in this setting. We conducted a single-centre, retrospective cohort study in Spain, between January 2015 and December 2021 to determine the drug survival of metformin at 12 months in people with HS in a real-world setting. We concluded that drug survival of metformin is relatively long: half the patients were still on the drug after 1 year of treatment and one in five patients were still on the drug after 2 years.
Long-term Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular, and Other Thrombotic Complications in COVID-19 Survivors: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lim Jue Tao , Liang En Wee , Tay An Ting , Pang Deanette , Chiew Calvin J , Ong Benjamin , Lye David Chien Boon , Tan Kelvin Bryan
Published: September 2023

Background

Growing evidence suggests that some coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors experience a wide range of long-term postacute sequelae. We examined the postacute risk and burden of new-incident cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and other thrombotic complications after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in a highly vaccinated multiethnic Southeast Asian population, during Delta predominance.

Methods

This cohort study used national testing and healthcare claims databases in Singapore to build a cohort of individuals who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test between 1 September and 30 November 2021 when Delta predominated community transmission. Concurrently, we constructed a test-negative control group by enrolling individuals between 13 April 2020 and 31 December 2022 with no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants in both groups were followed up for a median of 300 days. We estimated risks of new-incident cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and other thrombotic complications using doubly robust competing-risks survival analysis. Risks were reported using 2 measures: hazard ratio (HR) and excess burden (EB) with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

We included 106 012 infected cases and 1 684 085 test-negative controls. Compared with the control group, individuals with COVID-19 exhibited increased risk (HR, 1.157 [1.069–1.252]) and excess burden (EB, 0.70 [.53–.88]) of new-incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. Risks decreased in a graded fashion for fully vaccinated (HR, 1.11 [1.02–1.22]) and boosted (HR, 1.10 [.92–1.32]) individuals. Conversely, risks and burdens of subsequent cardiovascular/cerebrovascular complications increased for hospitalized and severe COVID-19 cases (compared to nonhospitalized cases).

Conclusions

Increased risks and excess burdens of new-incident cardiovascular/cerebrovascular complications were reported among infected individuals; risks can be attenuated with vaccination and boosting.
Rectal Urgency Among Patients With Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease: Analyses from a Global Survey
Authors: Ha Christina , Naegeli April N , Lukanova Rina , Shan Mingyang , Wild Rosie , Hennessy Fritha , Jyothi Kommoju Uma , Potts Bleakman Alison , Hunter Gibble Theresa
Published: September 2023

Background

Rectal urgency is a common but under-reported inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptom. The present study assessed the prevalence of rectal urgency and its association with disease activity and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) in a real-world setting.

Methods

Data were drawn from the 2017–2018 Adelphi IBD Disease Specific Programme™, a multi-center, point-in-time survey of gastroenterologists and consulting adult patients with UC or CD in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Gastroenterologists completed patient record forms and patients completed self-reported forms. Analyses were conducted separately for patients with UC or CD. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, disease activity, symptoms, and PROs were compared between patients with and without rectal urgency.

Results

In total, 1057 patients with UC and 1228 patients with CD were included. Rectal urgency was reported in 20.2% of patients with UC and 16.4% with CD. Patients with rectal urgency were more likely to have moderate or severe disease (UC or CD: P < .0001), higher mean Mayo score (UC: P < .0001), higher mean Crohn’s Disease Activity Index score (CD: P < .0001), lower Short IBD Questionnaire scores (UC or CD: P < .0001), and higher work impairment (UC: P < .0001; CD: P = .0001) than patients without rectal urgency.

Conclusions

Rectal urgency is a common symptom associated with high disease activity, decreased work productivity, and worse quality of life. Further studies are needed to include rectal urgency assessment in routine clinical practice to better gauge disease activity in patients with UC or CD.
Abdominal Pain in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Evidence-Based, Multidisciplinary Review
Authors: Coates Matthew D , Clarke Kofi , Williams Emmanuelle , Jeganathan Nimalan , Yadav Sanjay , Giampetro David , Gordin Vitaly , Smith Sadie , Vrana Kent , Bobb Anne , Gazzio Thu Thi , Tressler Heather , Dalessio Shannon
Published: September 2023

Abdominal pain is one of the most common and impactful symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. A great deal of research has been undertaken over the past several years to improve our understanding and to optimize management of this issue. Unfortunately, there is still significant confusion about the underlying pathophysiology of abdominal pain in these conditions and the evidence underlying treatment options in this context. There is also a relative paucity of comprehensive reviews on this topic, including those that simultaneously evaluate pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapeutic options. In this review, our multidisciplinary team examines evidence for various currently available medical, surgical, and other analgesic options to manage abdominal pain in IBD.
Aortic valve replacement in non-elderly: the gap between reality, guidelines and evidence
Authors: Geuens Lise , Van Hoof Lucas , Van De Bruaene Alexander , Rega Filip , Meuris Bart , Verbrugghe Peter
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVES

There are several treatment options for non-elderly adults (18–60 years) in need of aortic valve replacement (AVR): a mechanical or biological substitute, a homograft, the Ross procedure or nowadays even transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This study evaluated the current opinions and practices of cardiac surgeons and cardiologists concerning AVR strategies in this patient group.

METHODS

A 43-item online survey was sent out to several scientific organizations, individual cardiac surgeons, cardiologists and residents/fellows worldwide.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-two physicians from 33 different countries answered the survey. The UK (24%), Belgium (23%) and North America (22%) are best represented. A mechanical valve is the most frequently used substitute in non-elderly. With increasing patient age, the popularity of a biological valve increases. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement and the Ross procedure are each used in <10% of this cohort. Only 12% of the cardiac surgeons has experience with the Ross surgery. In 23%, the patient seems not to be involved in the decision on the type of valve substitute.

CONCLUSIONS

The preferred surgical treatment for non-elderly patients in need of AVR differs widely. To enable a shared decision-making process including patient preferences, there is more need for collaboration between cardiac departments, as well as education and scientific research about patient-centred outcomes of the different AVR techniques.
Analysis of BlaEC family class C beta-lactamase
Authors: Schmidt Jiri , Zdarska Veronika , Kolar Milan , Mlynarcik Patrik
Published: September 2023

Recent years have witnessed an increased prevalence of intrinsic and acquired beta-lactamase-producing bacteria, severely limiting human and veterinary medicine therapeutic options. The present study aimed to design specific oligonucleotides for rapid PCR detection of the cephalosporinase-encoding gene blaEC (BlaEC family class C beta-lactamase). A total of three primers were designed to detect 2281 variants of the blaEC gene and two sets of primer pairs were also tested against DNA from 11 strains. The study indicates that the proposed primers should be able to detect 100% of all described blaEC genes in different bacterial strains and monitor their spread. After comparing the amino acid sequences, a phylogenetic tree was created based on the presence of conserved amino acids and homologous motifs. More than 24 760 mutations in BlaEC enzymes have been identified. The mutations involving 371 amino acid positions and these hotspots can change the structure and activity of the monitored enzymes. We predicted several BlaEC enzymes with a broadened substrate activity against higher-generation cephalosporins.
Militarized governance of migration in the Mediterranean
Authors: Kinacioglu Müge
Published: September 2023

This article focuses on the increasing use of military actors in the governance of migration in the Mediterranean basin. The article analyses maritime migration as distinct from migration via other routes. It investigates the understudied features of the securitization processes of maritime migration and discusses their repercussions for migrants' rights. To this end, building on critical security perspectives and inspired by critical geopolitics, the article conducts a textual and discourse analysis of NATO and the European Union's security assessments and strategies, and examines the practices ensuing from these organizations' security narrative. The article's main arguments are two-fold: first, it contends that framing migration as a ‘hybrid threat’ by NATO and the EU expands the spaces of containment of human mobility at the expense of migrants' protection and rights; and second, it argues that such a ‘threat discourse’ simultaneously provides legitimacy for military operations and eliminates accountability for infringement of the human rights of migrants and refugees. The article ends with a summary of the analysis and the subsequent conclusions, as well as suggestions for overturning the current trends of dehumanization of migrants and law-breaking in the name of security in the Mediterranean.
The CPTPP, cross-strait tensions, and Taiwan’s recognition for survival strategy under the democratic progressive party
Authors: He Tian , Magcamit Michael
Published: September 2023

Since coming to power in 2016, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has pledged to safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty amidst Beijing’s aggressive imposition of the one-China principle. This article assesses the impact of the DPP’s recognition for survival strategy which involves using free trade agreements (FTAs) to boost Taiwan’s legal standing and recognition in the international community. The strategy entails a two-pronged plan: retaining Taiwan’s status as a vital regional economic player to ultimately advance its de jure sovereignty via regional FTAs. Drawing on Taiwan’s past FTA experiences, we analyze the possible outcomes of the government’s application to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the likely consequences of these outcomes on the country’s sovereign claims and status. We argue that while the DPP’s strategy plays a crucial role in renegotiating Taiwan’s political self as an unrecognized state, failure to mitigate the negative externalities of the one-China principle while negotiating and implementing the CPTPP will further undermine the country’s facto sovereignty.
Influence of Organic and Inorganic Compounds of Various Metals on the Synthesis of Polysaccharides by the Medicinal Mushroom Trametes versicolor
Authors: Mustafin Kairat , Suleimenova Zhanara , Narmuratova Zhanar , Akhmetsadykov Nurlan , Kalieva Aigul
Published: September 2023

Background

To date, basidiomycetes are considered to be promising objects of biotechnology, due to a number of biologically active compounds, such as polysaccharides and triterpenes. These compounds have a high therapeutic potential and demonstrate immunomodulatory, antiviral, and antifungal activities.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to study the effect of various concentrations of metal citrates and sulphates on the content of exo- and endopolysaccharides of the fungus Trametes versicolor.

Method

The mycelium was grown by deep cultivation on a semisyntheticglucose-peptone-yeast medium with different contents of zinc, copper, and manganese salts, after which the extraction and measurement of the concentration of polysaccharides were carried out.

Results

The results obtained showed that copper citrate at a concentration of 4 mg/L had the greatest positive effect on biomass yield. The intensity of biomass growth on a nutrient medium with copper citrate increased by 80%. Zinc citrate increased the content of exopolysaccharides by 29% compared to the medium without metal salts. When manganese citrate was added to the medium, the productivity of synthesis decreased, but an increase in the growth rate of mycelium biomass was observed. Sulphates of these metals led to a decrease in the productivity of exopolysaccharide synthesis by 12% for zinc and 35% for manganese.

Conclusions

The addition of both copper citrate and copper sulphate to the medium led to a decrease in the synthesis productivity by 66 and 24%, respectively. The introduction of both citrates and sulphates of these metals into the culture medium led to an increase in the percentage of endopolysaccharides in the mycelium of the fungus.

Highlights

Copper citrate enhances Trametes versicolor biomass by 80%. Zinc citrate increases exopolysaccharide content by 29%. Copper sulphate optimizes endopolysaccharide production.
Assessing Frequency and Appropriateness of Proton Pump Inhibitor Deprescription in Patients Requiring Endoscopic Therapy for Esophageal Strictures
Authors: Kecskemeti Kevin L , Borgaonkar Mark , McGrath Jerry
Published: September 2023

Objective

There have been concerns about the widespread usage of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), leading to recommendations to deprescribe PPIs in certain patients. This study aims to determine if PPI deprescription in patients with symptomatic esophageal strictures was consistent with published guidelines and to compare the rate of PPI deprescription between two-time points.

Methods

All patients from two gastroenterology practices who received endoscopic dilation to treat symptomatic strictures between the years of 2015–2017 and 2019–2021 were identified using physician billing codes. We defined inappropriate PPI deprescription as: a patient who was deprescribed their PPI with a past medical history of esophageal stricture, Barrett’s esophagus, grade C/D esophagitis, or who had experienced symptom recurrence after PPI deprescription. Furthermore, we analyzed the rate of PPI deprescription between two time periods 2015–2017 (group 1) and 2019–2021 (group 2).

Results

Two hundred twenty-three esophageal dilations were analyzed. Twenty-six patients in the sample were deprescribed their PPI, with the majority (57 percent) meeting the criteria for inappropriate PPI deprescription. There was a trend towards more inappropriate deprescription in the second time period. (71 percent vs. 33 percent; P = 0.06). Patients in group 2 had a higher rate of PPI deprescription (23.9 percent) than group 1 (6.0 percent; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

PPI deprescription in patients treated for symptomatic esophageal strictures appears to be more common in the second time period. Most patients were defined as inappropriate deprescription. Physicians must apply guidelines carefully when considering deprescribing PPIs.
Efficacy of stored grain insecticides against 2 pest beetles in rough rice
Authors: Doherty Ethan M , Sun Qian , Wilson Blake E
Published: September 2023

Insecticidal grain protectants can provide control of pest insects during grain storage, but studies which directly compare the efficacy of insecticides in rough rice are few. We examined methoprene, deltamethrin, commercial formulations of methoprene + deltamethrin, β-cyfluthrin, and diatomaceous earth applied to rough rice over a 6-month period for control of lesser grain borers, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), and rice weevils, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). We found that methoprene, deltamethrin, or a combination of the 2 were the most effective controls of both beetles in 22.7-liter metal containers. Damage mass and beetle mass in methoprene-treated rice were reduced by 38% and 55%, respectively, when compared to the nontreated control. Similarly, the mixture of deltamethrin and methoprene reduced damage mass by 32% and total beetle mass by 45% below that of the nontreated control. Deltamethrin reduced total beetle mass by 38% relative to the nontreated rice. In vial assays, only the combination of deltamethrin and methoprene provided control of R. dominica. Diatomaceous earth had the greatest impact upon S. oryzae, but it did not affect R. dominica. Based on these results, a commercial formulation of deltamethrin and methoprene is likely to provide the best overall control of stored grain beetles, though diatomaceous earth may be effective when use of chemical insecticides is undesirable or when S. oryzae is the sole pest present.
Galaxy Zoo DESI: Detailed morphology measurements for 8.7M galaxies in the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys
Authors: Walmsley Mike , Géron Tobias , Kruk Sandor , Scaife Anna M M , Lintott Chris , Masters Karen L , Dawson James M , Dickinson Hugh , Fortson Lucy , Garland Izzy L , Mantha Kameswara , O’Ryan David , Popp Jürgen , Simmons Brooke , Baeten Elisabeth M , Macmillan Christine
Published: September 2023

We present detailed morphology measurements for 8.67 million galaxies in the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys (DECaLS, MzLS, and BASS, plus DES). These are automated measurements made by deep learning models trained on Galaxy Zoo volunteer votes. Our models typically predict the fraction of volunteers selecting each answer to within 5–10 per cent for every answer to every GZ question. The models are trained on newly collected votes for DESI-LS DR8 images as well as historical votes from GZ DECaLS. We also release the newly collected votes. Extending our morphology measurements outside of the previously released DECaLS/SDSS intersection increases our sky coverage by a factor of 4 (5000–19 000 deg2) and allows for full overlap with complementary surveys including ALFALFA and MaNGA.
Probing AGN with spectropolarimetry: accretion disc and SMBH parameters
Authors: Piotrovich M Yu , Shablovinskaya E S , Malygin E A , Buliga S D , Natsvlishvili T M
Published: September 2023

The interaction of a supermassive black hole with the matter of an accretion disc in the presence of a magnetic field is the key mechanism of energy release in active galactic nuclei. However, determining the physical parameters of this system, such as the spin and mass of the black hole, the shape and parameters of the rotation of the accretion disc, and the geometry of the magnetic field in the accretion disc is a complex and not completely solved problem. We have previously shown, based on our numerical models, that these estimates can be obtained from just three parameters: the black hole mass, bolometric luminosity, and optical polarization. In this paper, we estimate the accretion disc and black hole parameters for a sample of 14 type 1 Seyfert galaxies. Using the spectropolarimetric data obtained by us, we selected only those objects in which the polarization of optical radiation is generated mainly by the mechanism in the accretion disc. Despite the small statistics, our results for such a sample are consistent with our previous conclusions and show a discrepancy between the disc magnetic field parameters and the classical Shakura–Sunyaev disc model.
German Influences in America
Authors: Schnurmann Claudia , Heisig Fenja , Lentz Sarah , Logge Thorsten , Wendler Philipp
Published: September 2023

From the beginning of European expansion across the Atlantic, Germans (i.e., inhabitants of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, covering today’s middle, western, and eastern Europe and parts of southern Europe) and German dialect–speaking people in its neighboring territories like Alsace or the Swiss Confederation had their share in the development of the Americas. They followed their contemporaries from colonizing states like England/Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, Spain, or Portugal to the New World that of all things a German had baptized “America.” The German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller (b. c. 1472–d. 1520) in 1507 had produced a map of the world and named the continent west of the Atlantic, till then unknown to most Europeans, as “America.” He did so in honor of the Italian Amerigo Vespucci (b. 1451–d. 1512), who had delighted European readers with bestselling reports of his travels to Portuguese Brazil in the 1490s. In the early twenty-first century, Waldseemüller’s map from 1507 is held in high esteem as a sign of functioning German-US-American relationship and still serves political interests as it did in Renaissance Europe, as demonstrated by Lehmann 2016. The following bibliography presents scholarly works published in the twenty-first century; although many important titles, studies, and editions of sources on our topic had been published in the nineteenth century and especially in the 1960–1990s, they will be not mentioned here as they are well-known in the academic world and easy to detect in several title collections, databases, and catalogues of leading institutions like the “European Reading Room” provided by the Library of Congress. Recently published titles collected here pay special tribute to the idea of supranational Atlantic history: they put the study of influence by Germans and German-speaking especially on British North America/USA into the bilateral as well as the Atlantic context; this collection reflects less immigration and ethnic seclusion but more performance and achievements of Germans as brokers and “influencers” in their chosen new home, British North America/USA.
Public Interest Communication
Authors: Demetrious Kristin
Published: September 2023

Public interest communication (PIC) is an emerging disciplinary field in which social change rather than market-based objectives is the stated purpose of a communication campaign, strategy, or relationship. Prioritizing purpose driven by cultural values, the inverse notion of PIC appears at distance from corporate “PR,” but it draws on and/or adapts its apparatus, grammar, and functionalist “logic” to promote new activist styles of advocacy. Increasingly identified with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), not for profits, and activists competing in the digital media space, PIC campaigns attempt to ply open ground in public opinion forums by invoking imagination, visceral narratives, playfulness, poetry, and artistry in media packaging. Tactics that “call to action” include community building days, skills training and workshops, petition drives, deep canvassing, participatory social media campaigns, and call-in days. The modality of PIC subscribes to ideas about agency and empowerment within social structures to action a “progressive vision” where individuals can “change the world.” The rise of PIC has accelerated since Web 2.0 in 2004, and the establishment of social media like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube provides platforms that enable quantitative metrics to measure influence and success. These social media platforms allow NGOs and activist groups the ability to bypass media gatekeepers to directly contact supporters with email messaging, online petitions, direct campaigns, invitations to follow or subscribe to various platforms, offer conference registrations, donation requests, and merchandising. Building personalized online collaborations with users, PIC campaigns that build support for a cause can be shared and cross promoted through transmedia storytelling, hashtagging, memes, and online contagion. PIC as an interdisciplinary hybrid of public relations, psychology, political science, and journalism and may, in prevailing neoliberal cutures, produce meanings through the lens and the language of the market; thus, in this sense, it needs further critical development.
Lexicon
Authors: Batiukova Olga , Pustejovsky James
Published: September 2023

The lexicon is a collection of words. In theoretical linguistics, the term mental lexicon is used to refer to the component of the grammar that contains the knowledge that speakers and hearers have about the words in a language. This typically covers the acoustic or graphic makeup of the word, its meaning, and its contextual or syntactic properties, which are encoded as part of the lexical entry in linguistics and lexicography (see Properties of the Lexical Entry and Structure of the Lexical Entry and Lexical Structures. Until relatively recently, the lexicon was viewed as the most passive module of grammar in the service of other, more dynamic and genuinely generative components, such as syntax and morphology. In the last fifty years, different linguistic theories have progressively increased the amount and, more importantly, the complexity of information associated with lexical items. Many of them explicitly argue that the lexicon is a dynamic module of grammar, which incorporates as well as dictates essential components of syntactic and semantic interpretation. One of the main issues facing present-day lexical research is that, in spite of the growing interest in lexical issues and significant progress achieved by different frameworks, there is no unified theory of the lexicon, but rather many different, often compatible and even overlapping, partial models of the lexicon. This is the result of each framework (or family of frameworks) defending its own vision of the lexicon, and also of the inherently intricate nature of the word, involving other components of grammar: semantics, syntax, morphology, and phonology. Of course, the lexicon and the studies dealing with its different facets cannot be embraced in full in a review chapter like the present one. To narrow its scope, we chose the most prominent research issues and frameworks of the last few decades. This article focuses on the literature dealing with the interaction of the lexicon with syntax (cf. Lexicon in Syntactic Frameworks and Compositionality in the Mapping from the Lexicon to Syntax) and semantics (cf. Lexicon in Semantic Frameworks), on the structure and properties of the lexical entry (Properties of the Lexical Entry and Structure of the Lexical Entry and Lexical Structures), and on the general structure of the lexicon (in General Architecture of the Lexicon). It also includes basic pointers to references dealing with computational lexicons (in Lexical Databases and Computational Lexicons). This entry uses adapted materials from the authors’ joint book, Pustejovsky and Batiukova 2019, cited under General Overviews and Textbooks.
LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG v ASTRONICS ADVANCED ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
Authors:   Court of Appeal
Published: September 2023

H1 Patents — European Patents — Airline in-seat power supply apparatus — Infringement — Validity — Construction — Use of reference numerals — Prior art document referred to in body of specification — Fuzzy boundaries — Novelty — Obviousness — Mindset — Appeal to Court of Appeal
The protective effects of date seeds, in either conventional or nanoformulation, against bisphenol A-induced testicular toxicity: involvement of testicular expression of CYP11A1, Nrf-2 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio
Authors: El-Kossi Dina M M H , Ibrahim Shawky S , Hassanin Kamel M A , Hamad Nashwa , Rashed Noha A , Elkhouly Heba I , Abdel-Wahab Ahmed
Published: September 2023

Background

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), is ubiquitous in our environment and poses a significant threat to male fertility. Date seeds (DSs) are used in folk medicine due to their antioxidant activity.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to assess the beneficial effects of DSs, whether in powder or nanoparticle form, against BPA-induced testicular oxidative challenges and apoptosis, aided by inspection of specific genes linked to fertility, oxidative stress and intrinsic mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis.

Methods

Thirty-five adult male albino rats were equally divided into 5 groups including control, BPA, BPA + date seeds powder “DSP”, BPA + date seed nanoparticle 1/10 (DSNP 1/10) and BPA + DSNP 1/20 groups.

Results

TEM showed that the ball-mill method was effective to form DSNP with an average size of 20 nm. BPA significantly impaired sperm motility, morphology, viability and concentration. It also reduced serum testosterone levels and evoked marked oxidative stress in the testes. Additionally, serum levels of triiodothyronine and thyroxine were extremely reduced. Moreover, testicular mRNA relative expression levels of CYP11A1 and Nrf-2 were markedly downregulated. Testicular apoptosis was also promoted whereas Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was profoundly elevated. Histological pictures of the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate confirmed the unfavorable effects of BPA. Surprisingly, we first demonstrated that DSs, specifically the nanoparticle form, strongly alleviated all of BPA’s negative effects, with DSNP 1/20 achieving the best results.

Conclusion

Therefore, DSNP in both doses could be regarded as an ideal candidate for abating the male reproductive challenges caused by BPA.
Psychometric Testing of a Tool to Assess Nurse Anesthesia Clinical Educator Skill Acquisition
Authors: Sebach Aaron M.
Published: September 2023

Nurse anesthesia clinical educators bridge didactic content and clinical practice. A sample of 99 nurse anesthesia clinical educators completed the Academic Clinical Nurse Educator Skill Acquisition Tool (ACNESAT) to assess their skill acquisition and ACNESAT psychometric properties. Participants reported extreme confidence (M = 170.07, SD = 22.31) overall; highest confidence with Ensures Safe Care is Delivered by Learners in the Clinical Setting (M = 4.55, SD = 0.627) and lowest with Applies Theory to Clinical Practice (M = 4.01, SD = 0.942). Academic leaders can utilize the ACNESAT to support role development and excellence among clinical educators.
Using a simple angiocath instead of scorpion suture passer in transtibial pullout repair of the meniscal root tear
Authors: Moghtadaei Mehdi , Bagherifard Abolfazl , Yahyazadeh Hooman , Mohammadpour Mehdi , Adibmoradi Langroudi Khazar , Mousapour Ali
Published: September 2023

Background:

Suture pullout during arthroscopic transtibial pullout repair of the meniscal root tear is generally performed using a Scorpion. In this study, we introduce a suture passing technique using a simple angiocath and compare its results with that of a Scorpion.

Patients and Methods:

In a retrospective series, 28 patients for whom an angiocath was used to pass the suture and 28 group-matched patients for whom a Scorpion was used were included. The outcomes of the patients were evaluated radiologically by assessment of ghost sign, cleft sign, and meniscal extrusion in knee MRI, and clinically by the assessment of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm scale, and VAS for pain, which were obtained in the last follow-up.

Results:

The baseline characteristics of the two groups were not significantly different. After the operation, no patient had a positive ghost or cleft sign. The change of meniscal extrusion was not statistically different between the two groups (P=0.24). At the last follow-up, the mean Lysholm scale was 84.7±7.3 in the case group and 83.7±7.4 in the control group (P=0.61). The mean IKDC score was 84.6±6.8 in the case group and 85.3±4.9 in the control group (P=0.33). The mean VAS for pain was 3.2±0.9 in the case group and 3.3±0.9 in the control group (P=0.44).

Conclusion:

Using an angiocath to pass the suture in transtibial pullout repair is a cost-effective and efficient substitute for the Scorpion suture passer and could be used alternatively.

Level of evidence:

Level IV.
Does dutasteride reduce the bleeding in transurethral resection of the prostate in patients on antiplatelet drugs?
Authors: Rammah Ahmed M. , Meshref Alaa , Soliman Ebram , Abd Elaziz Islam Nasser , Habib Enmar , Abdelaziz Ahmed Yehia , Abozamel Ahmed H.
Published: September 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a 4-week dutasteride treatment on reducing the intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, as well as the amount and duration of irrigation required to clear the urine after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) ≥50 g in men receiving the antiplatelet drug (APD).

Materials and methods

This double-blind randomized clinical trial included patients with a prostate size ≥50 g who were indicated for TURP and were already receiving APD. The study was conducted in the Urology Department of Cairo University over a 12-month period. Routine preoperative laboratory investigations were performed in all patients. Moreover, baseline prostate size, serum prostate-specific antigen level, and International Prostate Symptom Score were estimated. The patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups (groups A and B). Group A, the dutasteride group, received dutasteride (0.5 mg) once daily for 4 weeks. Group B, the placebo group, received a placebo capsule once daily for 4 weeks. Both groups underwent bipolar TURP. Fifteen patients were excluded from the study; 9 patients from group A and 6 patients from group B, either due to drug intolerability or loss follow-up.

Results

The mean blood loss was insignificant between the 2 groups immediately after and 24 hours after surgery (Δ hemoglobin: 1.41 ± 0.63 g/dL vs. 1.48 ± 0.54 g/dL, 2.12 ± 0.70 g/dL vs. 2.31 ± 0.78 g/dL, respectively, p = 0.631, p = 0.333; Δ hematocrit: 2.97% ± 1.51% vs. 3.16% ± 1.36%, 4.96% ± 1.87% vs. 5.73% ± 4.39%, respectively, p = 0.610, p = 0.380). However, there were significant differences in duration of indwelling urethral catheter (5.10 ± 0.55 days vs. 5.80 ± 1.79 days, p = 0.048), duration of bladder irrigation (13.60 ± 2.85 hours vs. 16.33 ± 6.62 hours, p = 0.044), and the amount of saline used for bladder irrigation (11.03 ± 2.30 L vs. 13.87 ± 6.13 L, p = 0.046) between group A and group B. respectively.

Conclusions

Treatment with dutasteride for 4 weeks before TURP in men receiving APD did not significantly reduce intraoperative or postoperative bleeding after TURP but could significantly reduce the duration of indwelling catheter placement, as well as the duration and amount of saline irrigation.
Depressive Symptoms and Their Longitudinal Impact on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors Among Mexican-Heritage Youth
Authors: Bridges Hamilton Christina N. , Ylitalo Kelly R. , Wende Marilyn E. , Sharkey Joseph R. , Umstattd Meyer M. Renée
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the longitudinal impact of depressive symptoms on physical activity (PA) levels, sedentary behavior, and screen time among first-generation, Mexican-heritage youth. Mexican-heritage families were recruited by promotoras de salud from colonias in Hidalgo County, Texas. Participants (n = 200 youth, 116 families in final sample) completed at-home, interviewer-administered surveys once during the summer (June-July) and once during the fall (August-December). Youth PA and sedentary behaviors were assessed using a validated 7-day recall instrument. The validated Center for Epidemiology Studies—Depression Child scale was used to assess depression symptoms. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze the relationships of PA and sedentary behavior with depressive symptoms. Results showed that those depression symptoms were significantly associated with decreased number of self-reported minutes of sitting and screen time over time in the full sample and among male youth. Depression symptoms also significantly decreased the number of self-reported active and moderate to vigorous PA minutes over time among male youth. Researchers can build on our findings by identifying the mechanisms driving the relationships between depression and PA/sedentary behavior. Public health–programing efforts should intentionally consider the impact that depressive symptoms have on PA.
Detection of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) can prevent blindness and death
Authors: Bousquet Elodie , Santina Ahmad , Abraham Neda , Daily Mark J , Sarraf David
Published: September 2023

Depth resolved imaging tools such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) are at the forefront of a new era of retinal diagnostics. These advancements have remarkably broadened our understanding of macular ischemia and the structure of the retinal capillary plexus (RCP). Because of the predominant vertical organization of the RCP, the middle retinal layer is at greater risk of ischemia and infarction. Paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) is a manifestation of this risk and is the result of infarction of the inner nuclear layer (INL), detectable on OCT as a hyperreflective band within the INL. On OCT angiography (OCTA), PAMM is the result of hypoperfusion of the deep retinal vascular complex i.e the intermediate retinal capillary plexus and the deep retinal capillary plexus.
UNILATERAL RETINAL NEOVASCULARIZATION ASSOCIATED WITH RECURRENT VITREOUS HEMORRHAGE IN A PATIENT WITH GYRATE ATROPHY
Authors: Ferrara Mariantonia , Jalil Assad , Moussa George , Ivanova Tsveta
Published: September 2023

Background/Purpose:

To describe the first case of unilateral peripheral retinal neovascularization associated with recurrent vitreous hemorrhage and localized tractional retinal detachment in a patient with gyrate atrophy.

Methods:

Interventional case report.

Results:

A 23-year-old man with confirmed diagnosis of gyrate atrophy presented with vitreous hemorrhage and history of stable peripheral inferior tractional retinal detachment in the left eye. After 3 months, the vitreous hemorrhage partially reabsorbed and peripheral retinal vascular abnormalities with focal neovascularization were detected with associated tractional retinal detachment and confirmed on fluorescein angiography. Cryotherapy was performed to prevent any further bleeding. Twelve months later, the left eye remained stable and no further vitreous bleeding occurred.

Conclusion:

The combination of peripheral retinal neovascularization, localized tractional retinal detachment, and recurrent vitreous hemorrhage can be a unilateral complication of gyrate atrophy. In similar cases, cryotherapy may represent a valuable therapeutic option to prevent recurrent bleeding.
Ocular Biometric Characteristics in Preoperative Diagnosis of Acute Angle Closure With and Without Zonular Laxity
Authors: Chen Hailiu , Ye Litong , Cheng Lu , Chen Liming , Lin Jialiu , Li Yangyunhui , Ye Dan , Lu Peng , Huang Jingjing
Published: September 2023

Précis:

Biometric parameters, including binocular difference of anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens vault (LV) in affected eyes, and binocular difference of the LV, had high efficiency in diagnosing acute angle closure (AAC) with zonular laxity.

Purpose:

To investigate the ocular biometric characteristics of eyes with AAC with zonular laxity to further explore the sensitive parameters for preoperative diagnosis.

Methods:

This study included 50 patients with AAC with zonular laxity and 54 patients with AAC without zonular laxity. Demographic data, ocular examination results, and biometric parameters on ultrasound biomicroscopy images were compared between the affected and fellow eyes in 2 groups. Parameters significant in the multiple linear regression model were included in a regression equation and the diagnostic efficiency was evaluated by area under the curve.

Results:

In patients with AAC with zonular laxity, the binocular difference of central ACD, LV in affected eyes, and binocular difference of the LV were significantly larger than those in patients without zonular laxity respectively and these three parameters were all significant in multiple linear regression analysis (all P<0.001). The area under the curve of binocular difference of ACD, LV in affected eyes, and binocular difference of LV were 0.972, 0.796, and 0.855, respectively, with the cutoff values of 0.23, 1.28, and 0.19 mm. The regression equation containing these three parameters was: ln (P/(1−P))=−4.322 + 1.222 [LV in affected eyes (mm)] + 3.657 [binocular difference of LV (mm)] + 6.542 [binocular difference of ACD (mm)], with the accuracy of prediction reaching 94.05%.

Conclusion:

Binocular difference of ACD, LV in affected eyes, and binocular difference of LV had high efficiency in diagnosing AAC with zonular laxity.
Whipple Disease in 2 Southwest Missouri Patients
Authors: Hitchcock Nicole , Trotman Robin
Published: September 2023

Whipple disease (WD) is a rare condition caused by infection with Tropheryma whipplei, a ubiquitous bacterium whose detailed pathogenesis has yet to be elucidated. Its vague defining symptoms of polyarthralgia, weight loss, diarrhea, and abdominal pain do not lend themselves to a rapid diagnosis. The importance of considering WD in a differential diagnosis and recognizing the many manifestations of the condition must not be underestimated. Inadequate or delayed diagnosis can have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. In this report, we describe 2 cases of classic WD, including representative imaging and histopathology, that were diagnosed almost simultaneously in 2 unrelated adult residents of Southwest Missouri.
Antiretroviral Regimen and Pregnancy Outcomes of Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in a US Cohort
Authors: Kopp Charles M. , Sobhani Nasim C. , Baker Barbara , Tapia Kenneth , Jain Rupali , Hitti Jane , Roxby Alison C.
Published: September 2023

Women who are pregnant and living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have traditionally been excluded from clinical trials regarding new pharmacotherapy. Immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy is recommended for women who are pregnant and living with HIV. Integrase strand inhibitors (INSTIs) are first-line recommended agents because they lead to more rapid HIV viral load reduction. We conducted a retrospective study of women who are pregnant and living with HIV who received prenatal care at the University of Washington. Mothers were categorized by antiretroviral therapy class: INSTI, protease inhibitors, and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. χ2 and t tests were used for the analysis of baseline characteristics, and generalized estimating equations were used to adjust for HIV viral suppression between groups. There were a total of 234 mother-infant pairs whose pregnancies progressed beyond 20 weeks. The study demonstrated that women on INSTI regimens were more likely to have a shorter time to viral load suppression than women on nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor regimens. In addition, 7 congenital anomalies were identified in this cohort, none of which were neural tube defects. There was no perinatal transmission of HIV to any of the infants. This small cohort of women provides high-quality data regarding the safety and efficacy of INSTI use for both mothers and infants in resource-rich settings.