bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Bulgaria
Authors: Postadzhiyan Arman , Yotov Yoto , Tisheva-Gospodinova Snejanka , Nikolov Fedya , Ramchev Konstantin , Raev Dimitar , Kiru Gaia , Beaney Thomas , Janssen-Telders Carolina , Poulter Neil R
Published: July 2024

Cardiovascular disease is not only the leading cause of mortality in Bulgaria, but the associated mortality rate is twice the European Union average, so screening programmes that identify subjects with elevated blood pressure (BP) are of utmost importance. May Measurement Month (MMM) is an annual global initiative that began in 2017 that aims to raise awareness of high BP. Bulgaria first joined the third campaign of MMM in 2019, and an overview of the results of Bulgarian participation in MMM21 is presented in this paper. Hypertension was defined as receiving BP-lowering medications or having a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg. Statistical analysis followed the standard MMM protocol. In Bulgaria, 155 screening sites were set up in primary and secondary care facilities, in pharmacies, and outdoor spaces across 16 administrative districts. Out of 3908 individuals screened, 2896 participants (74.1%) had hypertension. Of 2896 participants with hypertension, 76.4% were on treatment of whom 48.5% had controlled BP (<140/90 mmHg). Out of 1696 participants not on antihypertensive medication, 684 (40.3%) had elevated BP. Men were found to have higher rates of undiagnosed hypertension and lower rates of control than women. By identifying almost two-thirds of the whole screened cohort with the possibility of newly diagnosed or uncontrolled hypertension, our results confirm the importance of BP screening.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Australia
Authors: Carnagarin Revathy , Leigh James , Tan Isabella , Gnanenthiran Sonali , Yang Jun , Beaney Thomas , Clarke Jonathan , Poulter Neil R , Brockman Derrin , Schlaich Markus P
Published: July 2024

May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global and national blood pressure (BP) screening campaign initiated by the International Society of Hypertension to improve awareness of BP worldwide. This study reports on the findings of the MMM21 campaign in Australia. Adult participants (≥18 years) were screened through opportunistic sampling across Australia between 1 May and 30 November 2021. Trained volunteers recorded standardized BP measurements from community volunteer participants along with demographic data, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and history of COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg and/or taking antihypertensive medication. Data were collated and analysed centrally using the current MMM protocol and presented after the imputation of missing BP readings. A total of 1307 participants were screened in 2021, comprising 652 (49.9%) females and 654 (50.0%) males with a mean age of 48 years (SD 20.1). Of all 1307 participants, 524 (40.1%) had hypertension. Of participants with hypertension, 65.4% were aware and 59.3% were on antihypertensive medication. Of 311 participants on antihypertensive medication, 54.7% had controlled BP. Of all 524 participants with hypertension, 32.5% had controlled BP. The current 2021 data may indicate some progress in creating BP awareness; however, consecutive Australian data obtained since 2017 demonstrated stagnating treatment, and control rates compared with global rates and those in other high-income countries. Concerted efforts from all stakeholders will be required to further improve BP awareness, treatment, and control rates in Australia.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening campaign results from India
Authors: Maheshwari Anuj , Verma Narsingh , Fatima Jalees , Tewari Ajoy , Kesavdev Jothydev , Singh Dhoat Preeti , Kaur Amrit , Gupta Amit , Srivastava Saurabh , Verma Abhinav , Maheshwari Shivangi , Ansari Sajid , Aggarwal Amitesh , Srivastava Abhishek , Arora Vanshika , Beaney Thomas , Clarke Jonathan , Poulter Neil R
Published: July 2024

Raised blood pressure (BP) is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases that makes a major impact on early mortality and morbidity. Recognizing hypertension in the community, educating people about routine BP monitoring, and improving medication compliance are all important steps in detecting, controlling, and managing hypertension. During the course of 5 months, members of the Indian Society of Hypertension organized unique medical indoor and outdoor camps at 100 screening locations around India for the May Measurement Month (MMM) 2021 study. At every location, BP was measured three times, and a questionnaire was completed. Participants known to have hypertension before the study whether taking or not taking treatment were not included (not a normal pre-requisite for exclusion in MMM). The analysis included 15 045 participants in total. After calculating the average of the second and third BP measurements, 16.4% of participants were found to have hypertension based on ≥140/90 mmHg thresholds (2461 out of 15 045). 14.0% of females and 16.4% of males had hypertension. 16.4% of participants had undiagnosed hypertension and were not receiving treatment. The MMM screening campaign has the potential for identifying large numbers of people with undiagnosed hypertension and raising awareness of the importance of raised BP among the general public, medical professionals, policymakers, the government, and the media. Future BP screening campaigns should be larger in scope and involve follow-ups with past participants.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from South Africa
Authors: Woodiwiss Angela J , Orchard Ane , Mels Catharina M C , Uys Aletta S , Nkeh-Chungag Benedicta N , Kolkenbeck-Ruh Andrea , Ware Lisa J , Mahlangu Winnie , Pillay Sarusha , Jones Erika S W , Peterson Vernice R , Beaney Thomas , Ahmadi-Abhari Sara , Poulter Neil R
Published: July 2024

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a growing burden worldwide, leading to over 10 million deaths each year. In Sub-Saharan Africa, hypertension prevalence is higher and cardiovascular events occur at a younger age than in Europe or America. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global campaign initiated by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) aimed at raising awareness of high BP. In South Africa, the MMM campaign in 2017, 2018, and 2019 revealed that approximately one-third of adults had hypertension, only half of hypertensives were receiving antihypertensive therapy, and only a third of those with hypertension had controlled BP. These data highlight the need for continued BP screening and awareness campaigns in South Africa.

From May to November 2021, a cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged ≥18 years was performed. Blood pressure measurements, definition of hypertension, and statistical analyses followed the MMM protocol. The screening sites targeted the general population mainly on university campuses and pharmacies in preference to hospitals and clinics, aiming to raise awareness and allow access to screening in those less likely to be aware of their BP status. Of the 2294 individuals (age 37.3 ± 16.9 years) screened, 30.8% had hypertension. Of those with hypertension, only 48.6% were aware and 43.5% were receiving treatment for hypertension. A large proportion (50.4%) of individuals receiving antihypertensive medication had uncontrolled BP (≥140/90 mmHg).

In conclusion, the high prevalence of hypertension, despite the young adult age, and the high proportions of individuals unaware of their hypertension and with uncontrolled BP underscore the necessity for hypertension awareness campaigns and more rigorous management of hypertension.
Blood pressure screening results from May Measurement Month 2021 in Vietnam
Authors: Van Minh Huynh , Viet Nguyen Lan , Muoi To , Tuan To Anh , Van Hung Ngo , Son Tra Kim , Dong Nguyen Ta , Thang Doan Chi , Beaney Thomas , Toopchiani Sima , Poulter Neil R , Tien Hoang Anh
Published: July 2024

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a growing burden worldwide, leading to over 10 million deaths each year. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative to raise awareness of high BP and acts as a temporary solution to the worldwide shortage of screening programmes. We aimed to screen for hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors in people aged ≥18 years in the community, thereby defining the proportion of participants with elevated BP and assessing the awareness and the effectiveness of its treatment. An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged ≥18 years was carried out in May 2021. Blood pressure measurement, the definition of hypertension, and statistical analysis followed the standard MMM protocol. From May 2021 to June 2021, through three cities/provinces in Vietnam (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), 2572 individuals with mean age 51.5 (SD ±15.7) years were screened. After multiple imputation, 929 (36.1%) had hypertension. Of individuals not receiving antihypertensive medication, 206 (11.2%) were hypertensive. Of individuals receiving antihypertensive medication, 415 (57.4%) had uncontrolled BP (≥140/90 mmHg). The MMM21 BP screening campaign was undertaken in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. Undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension in Vietnam remains a substantial health problem. Local campaigns applying standardized methods such as MMM21 will be beneficial to screen for a significant number of individuals with raised BP and increase awareness of hypertension.
Wood–Ljungdahl pathway encoding anaerobes facilitate low-cost primary production in hypersaline sediments at Great Salt Lake, Utah
Authors: Shoemaker Anna , Maritan Andrew , Cosar Su , Nupp Sylvia , Menchaca Ana , Jackson Thomas , Dang Aria , Baxter Bonnie K , Colman Daniel R , Dunham Eric C , Boyd Eric S
Published: July 2024

Little is known of primary production in dark hypersaline ecosystems despite the prevalence of such environments on Earth today and throughout its geologic history. Here, we generated and analyzed metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) organized as operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from three depth intervals along a 30-cm sediment core from the north arm of Great Salt Lake, Utah. The sediments and associated porewaters were saturated with NaCl, exhibited redox gradients with depth, and harbored nitrogen-depleted organic carbon. Metabolic predictions of MAGs representing 36 total OTUs recovered from the core indicated that communities transitioned from aerobic and heterotrophic at the surface to anaerobic and autotrophic at depth. Dark CO2 fixation was detected in sediments and the primary mode of autotrophy was predicted to be via the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway. This included novel hydrogenotrophic acetogens affiliated with the bacterial class Candidatus Bipolaricaulia. Minor populations were dependent on the Calvin cycle and the reverse tricarboxylic acid cycle, including in a novel Thermoplasmatota MAG. These results are interpreted to reflect the favorability of and selectability for populations that operate the lowest energy requiring CO2-fixation pathway known, the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway, in anoxic and hypersaline conditions that together impart a higher energy demand on cells.
Conditional nmy-1 and nmy-2 alleles establish that nonmuscle myosins are required for late Caenorhabditis elegans embryonic elongation
Authors: Molnar Kelly , Suman Shashi Kumar , Eichelbrenner Jeanne , Plancke Camille N , Robin François B , Labouesse Michel
Published: July 2024

The elongation of Caenorhabditis elegans embryos allows examination of mechanical interactions between adjacent tissues. Muscle contractions during late elongation induce the remodeling of epidermal circumferential actin filaments through mechanotransduction. Force inputs from the muscles deform circumferential epidermal actin filament, which causes them to be severed, eventually reformed, and shortened. This squeezing force drives embryonic elongation. We investigated the possible role of the nonmuscle myosins NMY-1 and NMY-2 in this process using nmy-1 and nmy-2 thermosensitive alleles. Our findings show these myosins act redundantly in late elongation, since double nmy-2(ts); nmy-1(ts) mutants immediately stop elongation when raised to 25°C. Their inactivation does not reduce muscle activity, as measured from epidermis deformation, suggesting that they are directly involved in the multistep process of epidermal remodeling. Furthermore, NMY-1 and NMY-2 inactivation is reversible when embryos are kept at the nonpermissive temperature for a few hours. However, after longer exposure to 25°C double mutant embryos fail to resume elongation, presumably because NMY-1 was seen to form protein aggregates. We propose that the two C. elegans nonmuscle myosin II act during actin remodeling either to bring severed ends or hold them.
Influence of upwelling mantle magmas on cratonic crust implied from Vp/Vs beneath South America platform
Authors: An Meijian , Feng Mei , Assumpção Marcelo S , Bianchi Marcelo B , França George S , Rocha Marcelo P , Bettucci Leda Sánchez
Published: July 2024

The crust of the South American platform recorded imprints of dynamic processes related with the opening of the Central and South Atlantic but has not been well measured. Crustal structure can be retrieved from teleseismic receiver functions using H–κ stacking, but nearly parallel stripes of high stacking values existing in stacking images for seismic stations in sedimentary area cause difficulties in identifying solutions. We show that some seemingly spurious stripes that do not point to any layer solution are helpful in the identification of the solution position. With the aid of the auxiliary stripes, we retrieved thicknesses and Vp/Vs of sedimentary and crystalline crust for 65 permanent stations of the Brazilian Seismographic Network and six new portable seismic stations in Brazil and Uruguay. The resulted sedimentary thickness and Vp/Vs exhibit a good correlation with the Phanerozoic sediments in the South American basins. The crust of Paraná–Etendeka Large Igneous Province (LIP) had been expected to be more mafic since it had ever been penetrated by mantle magma in the Cretaceous related to the south Atlantic opening. However, we found very low Vp/Vs (1.67) in the crystalline crust beneath the LIP, implying a more felsic crust and that no significant mafic intruding/underplating has occurred in the region. The more felsic crust may be formed in a special evolution early than the magmatic event, or during the magmatic event by releasing crustal volatiles. The resulted sedimentary thickness and Vp/Vs ratios exhibit a good correlation with the Phanerozoic sediments in the South American basins, which implies that Triassic–Jurassic and Cretaceous magmatism did not cause significant metamorphism in sediments formed before the magmatic events.
Invasive Therapeutic Strategies for Stricturing Crohn’s Disease in Childhood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: de Carvalho Matheus Ferreira , Carlos Alexandre de Sousa , Kum Angelo So Taa , Bestetti Alexandre Moraes , Gomes Igor Logetto Caetité , de Oliveira Luiza Bicudo , Baroni Luiza Martins , Bernardo Wanderley Marques , de Moura Eduardo Guimarães Hourneaux
Published: July 2024

Background

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Current drugs are not effective for treating the primary fibrotic component of CD. Recommended invasive treatments include endoscopic balloon dilation, surgery with resection, or strictureplasty. This meta-analysis compared invasive treatment techniques for CD-related strictures in the pediatric population.

Methods

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS databases were searched from inception to December 2023. This meta-analysis was performed as per the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The outcome was measured by the rate of stenosis recurrence and the adverse events of the techniques. Eligibility criteria were studies that involved the analysis of the recurrence rate of stenosis in pediatric patients with CD requiring surgical intervention after undergoing any of the previously proposed therapies. Additionally, adverse events were analyzed.

Results

Three studies comprising a total of 106 endoscopic balloon dilations demonstrated a combined rate of stricture recurrence in patients with CD requiring surgical intervention of 0.171 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.110-0.255). Three studies comprising a total of 49 surgical resections demonstrated a pooled event rate of 0.100 (95% CI, 0.038-0.240). Finally, 2 studies comprising a total of 38 strictureplasties demonstrated a pooled event rate of 0.347 (95% CI, 0.070-0.789). Concerning adverse events, the most common occurrences were found after surgical resection.

Conclusions

Surgical resection is the best option for treating strictures in pediatric CD patients in terms of recurrence rate, compared with endoscopic balloon dilation and strictureplasty. Nevertheless, surgical resection is associated with more adverse events.
The Prevalence and Characteristics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease-related Ocular Involvement in Children
Authors: Ben-Tov Amir , Achler Tomer , Patalon Tal , Gazit Sivan , Yanai Henit , Shulman Shiri , Assa Amit
Published: July 2024

Background

Ocular manifestations (OMs) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are uncommon, particularly in children. We aimed to explore the prevalence and characteristics of IBD-associated OM in a large cohort study.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed using the Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS) database. The eligible population included all patients diagnosed with IBD as children (<18 years) between January 2005 and July 2023.

Results

Out of 2567 children with IBD (males 55%, Crohn’s disease 64%), 78 (3%) were diagnosed with OM at any time during the disease course. In 54 patients (69%), the ocular disease occurred after IBD diagnosis with a median time of 2.6 (0.47-7) years between the 2 events, whereas in 24 patients (31%), ocular involvement preceded IBD diagnosis with a median time of 2.1 (0.6-5.7) years. The presence of ocular involvement was associated with increased usage of systemic corticosteroids (P < .001) and biologic agents (P = .04). There were 55 patients with ocular involvement during childhood who were ever diagnosed with IBD. In this population, ocular involvement was also associated with increased usage of systemic corticosteroids (P < .001). The prevalence of OM among patients with IBD did not change significantly over time (P = .75), with a prevalence of 2.3% at the end of the study period.

Conclusions

The prevalence of ocular involvement in children with IBD is rare and steady; it is also associated with a greater usage of systemic corticosteroids and biologic agents, potentially representing a more severe disease course.
Navigating environmental cooperation on air pollution amid political competition in East Asia
Authors: Uji Azusa
Published: July 2024

East Asian countries have recently upgraded their regional cooperation for clean air through the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia, with elaborate arrangements for monitoring and capacity-building assistance for multiple pollutants. This represents a departure from the earlier informal regimes with vague arrangements on acid deposition. However, despite this notable shift, this formalization in the regional governance for clean air remains largely unexplored in the existing literature. This study fills this gap by analysing the dynamics of formalization through aid from theories of regime complexity and legalization. It focuses on the decade from 2012 to 2021, employing documentary analysis and interviews. The results reveal that governments actively pursue their state interests by adjusting institutional arrangements through regime competition and selection that drive formalization. Sharing cognition of the hazardousness of multiple pollutants achieved through interactions between regional and global institutions serves as a catalyst for reaching an agreement on the arrangements.
Variations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders affect ARF1 function and cortical development
Authors: Ishiguro Tomoki , Noda Mariko , Nishikawa Masashi , Nagata Koh-ichi , Ito Hidenori
Published: July 2024

ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) are a family of small GTPases that regulate vesicle trafficking and actin dynamics in cells. Recent genetic analyses have revealed associations between variations in ARF genes and neurodevelopmental disorders, although their pathophysiological significance remains unclear. In this study, we conducted biochemical, cell biological and in vivo analyses of ARF1 variants linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. The mant-GDP dissociation assay revealed that ARF1-p.R19C, -p.F51L, -p.R99C and -p.R99H exhibit higher GDP/GTP exchange activity compared to ARF1 wild type (WT). The GTPase-activating protein (GAP) increased the GTPase activity of WT, p.R19C, p.Y35H, p.F51L, p.P131L and p.P131R, but not of p.Y35D, p.T48I, p.R99C and p.R99H. The transient expression of p.R99C, p.R99H and p.K127E in mammalian cells resulted in the disruption of the Golgi apparatus. In utero electroporation-mediated gene transfer into the cortical neurons of embryonic mice demonstrated that p.R99C, p.R99H and p.K127E cause a migration defect. Expression of these variants resulted in the expansion of the Golgi apparatus in migrating cortical neurons. These findings suggest that the ARF1 variants linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically p.R99C, p.R99H and p.K127E, disrupt the structure of the Golgi apparatus, thereby leading to a developmental defect of cortical neurons.
Social Capital, Government Expenditures, and Growth
Authors: Ponzetto Giacomo A M , Troiano Ugo Antonio
Published: July 2024

This paper shows that social capital increases economic growth by raising government investment in human capital through better political incentives and selection. We provide empirical evidence that a greater share of output is spent on public education where social capital is higher, both across countries and across U.S. states. We develop a theoretical model of stochastic endogenous growth with imperfect political agency. Only some people correctly anticipate the future returns to current spending on public education. Greater social diffusion of information makes this knowledge more widespread among voters. As a result, social capital alleviates myopic political incentives to underinvest in human capital. It also helps voters select politicians who ensure high productivity in public education. Through this mechanism, we show that social capital raises the equilibrium growth rate of output and reduces its volatility.
Optimal outbreeding is shaped during larval life history in the splash pool copepod Tigriopus californicus
Authors: Olsen Kevin C , Escareno Medina Luis D , Barreto Felipe S , Edmands Suzanne , Burton Ronald S
Published: July 2024

Inbreeding and outbreeding depression are dynamic forms of selection critical to mating system evolution and the efficacy of conservation biology. Most evidence on how the relative severity and timing of these forces are shaped is confined to self-fertilization, distant outcrossing, and intermediate “optimal outcrossing” in hermaphrodites. We tested the notion that closed population demographics may reduce and delay the costs of inbreeding relative to distant outbreeding in an intertidal copepod with separate sexes and a biphasic larval/post-metamorphic life history (Tigriopus californicus). At three lifecycle stages (fecundity, metamorphosis, and post-metamorphosis), we quantified the effects of inbreeding and outbreeding in crosses with varying degrees of recent common ancestry. Although inbreeding and outbreeding depression have distinct genetic mechanisms, both manifested the same stage-specific consequences for fitness. Inbreeding and outbreeding depression were not apparent for fecundity, post-metamorphic survival, sex ratio, or the ability to acquire mates, but inbreeding between full siblings and outbreeding between interpopulation hybrids reduced the fraction of offspring that completed metamorphosis by 32% and 47%, respectively. On average, the effects of inbreeding on metamorphic rate were weaker and nearly twice as variable among families than those of outbreeding, suggesting genetic load was less pervasive than the incompatibilities accrued between divergent populations. Overall, our results indicate the transition from larval to juvenile life stages is markedly susceptible to both inbreeding and outbreeding depression in T. californicus. We suggest stage-specific selection acting concurrently with the timing of metamorphosis may be an instrumental factor in shaping reproductive optima in species with complex life histories.
Abduction and analogies in linguistic reconstruction inferences
Authors: Barés Gómez C , Nepomuceno Á , Salguero Lamillar F J
Published: July 2024

The aim of this article is to analyse the kind of inference used in the reconstruction of proto-languages. Hypothesis is at the core of this reconstruction process and this, together with the structure of reasoning involved, indicates abductive reasoning. We analyse abductive reasoning, and specify its nuances and particularities. The novelty we introduce is the importance of context as we focus on a form of abduction that goes beyond the context in which the scientific work is being developed by incorporating contexts from other sciences. Therefore, an intercontextual chain of inference can be part of abductive reasoning processes and the resulting hypothesis remains provisional. Several disciplines, such as archaeology, history and linguistics, play a cognitive role in the reconstruction of proto-languages, thus requiring more than one context. We use the case of the reconstruction of proto-Semitic and the unexpected fact of the Ugarit and Ebla discoveries (plus Amorite names). This sample may shed light on the use of abduction to explain certain scientific practices.
When MIDAS Meets LASSO: The Power of Low-Frequency Variables in Forecasting Value-at-Risk and Expected Shortfall
Authors: Luo Yi , Xue Xiaohan , Izzeldin Marwan
Published: July 2024

We propose a new framework for the joint estimation and forecasting of Value-at-Risk (VaR) and Expected Shortfall (ES) that integrates low-frequency variables. By maximizing the Asymmetric Laplace likelihood function with an Adaptive Lasso penalty, the most informative variables are selected on a rolling-window basis. In the empirical analysis, realized volatility, term spread, and housing starts serve as the strongest predictors of future tail risk. The out-of-sample backtesting results demonstrate that our method significantly outperforms other benchmarks, and achieves minimum loss in the joint forecasting of both the one-day-ahead and multi-day-ahead extreme S&P500 VaR and ES.
Global Transit, Imperial Performativity, and Survival: European Jewish Refugees in the Philippines Under US Tutelage and Japanese Occupation, 1937–1946
Authors: Pegelow Kaplan Thomas
Published: July 2024

By late 1941, some 1,300 Jews had escaped from National Socialist-controlled Europe to the Philippines. This essay problematizes the existing historiography on this rescue by going beyond examinations of its mechanisms and the politics of memory. Instead, it introduces a rereading of the refugees’ struggles by focusing on their continued being-in-transit and mandated imperial performativity, which allows for analysing transnational spaces shaped by their seemingly mundane everyday practices, from walking to cooking.

During the early years, American, Filipino, and Jewish community leaders expected the performance of imperial norms and policed interactions between the refugees and native Filipinos. Some of the refugees succeeded. Some even managed to open shops. Others failed or rebelled and soon found themselves in peril. The late 1941 invasion by Japanese forces subjected Philippine society to new racial hierarchies. Jewish refugees, suspected of collaborating with the enemy, had to engage in different imperial performances in order to survive. By late 1946, many Jewish survivors had managed to leave, mostly to the United States, where they encountered new challenging power asymmetries of a different kind.
Triangulating text relationship in literary retranslation: The Great Gatsby in Chinese
Authors: Ding Guoqi
Published: July 2024

In the scenario of literary retranslation, the presence of a previous translation necessarily has influence on retranslators. Systemic analyses of relevant features are needed to reveal the potential influence that an earlier translation exerts on a later one and the strategies the latter takes as a response. Starting with the assumption that a distinctive translation can be identified with a set of consistent features, this study examines the relationship between translations with The Great Gatsby and its nine Chinese versions as a case in point, with a novel method of corpus triangulation. For the discovery of the most effective set of distinctive features, a multi-class Support Vector Machine algorithm is applied on twenty-one linguistic features related to vocabulary, grammar, and textuality for the classification of samples from the nine versions. A principal components analysis then follows to verify the multi-dimensionality of a translation and the intertwinement of its features. Finally, further aided with a sentiment analysis, we examine the faithfulness of translations and their distances from each other. Through cross-validation, this study finds: (1) With the shared source text, different translations show a certain, and in some pairs striking, degree of resemblance both in terms of linguistic features and in the sentiment-based narrative plot; (2) the dependency relation between retranslations and earlier ones is usually manifested in measurable linguistic features; (3) linguistic features of a text are normally combined in a complicated manner and features of different categories inextricably intertwined; (4) the trend of proximity proposed by the Retranslation Hypothesis is discernible in the retranslations; and (5) cross-validation between the examination of linguistic features and sentiment analysis proves to be an effective approach for measuring the distance between translations and the closeness of a translation to the original.
Faecal incontinence
Authors: Baeten Coen I.M. , Baeten Cornelius G.M.I.
Published: July 2024

Faecal incontinence is the uncontrolled loss of faeces. It has an enormous social and economic impact and may significantly impair quality of life. Even though faecal incontinence is a common complaint in (ageing) adults, with high incidence rates up to 40% in a western population. In this chapter, we explain the current knowledge of anatomical and functional working mechanisms in controlling faeces. There are many causes of failing this system, but they usually result in two manifestations; passive faecal loss and urge faecal incontinence. The work-up of patients with faecal incontinence normally exist of a thorough anamnesis and physical examination. In addition, several anorectal diagnostic tools can be used to explain the origin of the problem. Treatment of faecal incontinence normally starts with non-invasive therapy, but invasive treatment may be necessary when passive treatment fails. The most common used treatments will be discussed in this chapter.
Clostridioides difficile infection
Authors: Crawford Carl V. , Dawod Enad
Published: July 2024

The last two decades have seen Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) grow to become the most common cause of healthcare-associated diarrhoea across the globe. It spans a spectrum of disease ranging from mild diarrhoea to toxic megacolon and even death. This worrisome trend has coincided with the emergence of a virulent C. difficile strain that carries a higher morbidity and mortality than strains recorded before 2000. This epidemic strain, now endemic in North America, is the most identified pathogen responsible for nosocomial infectious diarrhoea leading to outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities. This chapter reviews the changing epidemiology of CDI and presents key aspects of the pathophysiology of the infection to assist to assist the surgeon in clinical and surgical decision-making to care for the patient with CDI.
Anatomy
Authors: Karavadra Babu , Haines Richard A. , Sule Medha
Published: July 2024

This chapter focuses on single best answer questions that test knowledge on basic anatomy that is relevant for the MRCOG part 1 examination. A thorough and detailed knowledge of the pituitary gland and female reproductive tract anatomy is important in order to diagnose and manage obstetric and gynaecological conditions. The structure of the pelvic floor and bladder is particularly relevant for the subspecialty of urogynaecology. Knowledge of the nerve innervation for the lower limb is particularly important as this will help you to understand nerve injuries from operative procedures. To further complement your understanding of the relevant anatomy, it is important to attend theatre and ask a senior colleague to demonstrate the clinically relevant anatomy at an operation, whether this be at laparoscopic surgery or open surgery.
Genetics
Authors: Karavadra Babu , Haines Richard A. , Sule Medha
Published: July 2024

This chapter focuses on single best answer questions that test knowledge on the genetics that is relevant for the MRCOG part 1 examination. An understanding of the basic concepts that underpin genetics is important in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology. The various modes of inheritance will help counsel patients with a personal or family history of a genetic condition and help facilitate the respect referral to a geneticist. An awareness of neural tube defects is important within the context of antenatal care as well as reducing the risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. For the MRCOG part 1 examination, an understanding of molecular genetics including DNA transcription, DNA translation and gene amplification techniques is important when trying to understand applied clinical genetics.
Physiology
Authors: Karavadra Babu , Haines Richard A. , Sule Medha
Published: July 2024

This chapter focuses on single best answer questions that test knowledge on the physiology that is relevant for the MRCOG part 1 examination. A robust understanding of the basic physiological processes that underpin the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology is important. Examples of applied physiology include acid base balance, cell biology, and the impact of disease on pregnancy and vice versa. It is important to consider the physiological changes that occur in pregnancy and the fine balance of when this becomes abnormal. An understanding of fluid balance in the postoperative period is also of particular importance.
Sample paper 1
Authors: Karavadra Babu , Haines Richard A. , Sule Medha
Published: July 2024

This chapter contains 100 single best answer questions as a practice paper. The questions aim to test a variety of areas within obstetrics and gynaecology. The question content is not necessarily reflective of how the topics may appear in paper one and paper two of the actual examination. The aim of the sample paper is to provide you with a broad range of questions to test your knowledge. It is recommended you prioritise how long you take to complete the paper, as you would in the actual examination.
Laparoscopic Principles
Authors: Morchi Ravi
Published: July 2024

This chapter is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all of laparoscopy. Instead, it aims to highlight key points for understanding laparoscopic operating principles and instrumentation. The chapter opens with patient positioning, camera options, and maneuvers to establish pneumoperitoneum. This is followed by the physiologic consequences of insufflation. Emphasis in the latter portion of the chapter is on commonly tested facts about trocars, types of minimally invasive biopsies, energy devices, hemostatic, and anastomotic options.
Skin and Soft Tissue
Authors: Morchi Ravi
Published: July 2024

This chapter covers pathology from the epidermal keratinocytes down to the subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and muscle of extremities and torso compartments. The cellular architecture of the epidermis and dermis is first summarized. Commonly tested infectious and inflammatory entities of soft tissue are listed, followed by principles of surgical wound coverage, and a few high yield facts on aesthetic surgery. The next portion of the chapter systematically goes through the diagnosis and management of melanoma, basal and squamous skin cancers, and sarcomas. It concludes with brief mention of select, highly testable, malignant and benign soft tissue pathology.
Adrenal
Authors: Morchi Ravi
Published: July 2024

The anatomic adrenal gland zones and their associated endocrine function are listed. The approach to an incidental adrenal mass, including pivotal imaging characteristics, metabolic workup and indications for resection occupies the next section of the chapter. Diagnosis and treatment of pathology at the glomerulosa, fasciculata, and reticularis are described for examination purposes. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of pheochromocytoma is next. The chapter closes with operative detail of adrenalectomy, and a list of commonly tested pituitary pathology.
Immunodeficiency-associated primary CNS diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Issa Samar , Hoang-Xuan Khê , Deckert Martina
Published: July 2024

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) in the immunocompromised host is a well-recognized entity. It was described in the post-transplant setting, as central nervous system (CNS) post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) as early as 1970. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients are at high risk of PCNSL. In both entities, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) plays a causative role. EBV has strong oncogenic potential, as EBV nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2) is important for B-cell immortalization and subsequent transformation to malignant B-cells. PTLD histology includes a broad spectrum of pathologies but is mostly monomorphic in nature, histologically corresponding to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Neurological presentations do not differ from those in patients with other types of brain masses, but delay in diagnosis can be encountered, especially in HIV patients with low CD4 counts due to the high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii CNS infection which can mimic PCNSL or may even coexist with it. Immunodeficiency-associated PCNSL is an aggressive tumour with a poor prognosis. In the setting of HIV infection, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is the mainstay of treatment of patients with PCNSL, as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related PCNSL is strongly associated with advanced HIV disease. In CNS-PTLD, reduction in immunosuppression should be the first line of treatment. Most patients with PTLD and HIV-positive patients with a CD4 count of >50 cells/μl will require combined chemo-immunotherapy, typically with high-dose methotrexate and rituximab.
Rare primary CNS lymphomas
Authors: Fox Christopher P. , Nagane Motoo , Sovani Vishakha
Published: July 2024

Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas are rare malignancies characterized by lymphoid infiltration in the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, meninges, and/or eyes in the absence of systemic lymphoma. Histopathologically, the vast majority of CNS lymphomas are of the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) subtype, for which treatment approaches are well established. The spectrum of non-DLBCL CNS lymphomas is classified according to the histopathological subtype, as for systemic lymphomas, including low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. These histopathological subtypes of CNS lymphoma are very rare, with limited published data available to inform clinical management. Thus, there is a lack of consensus on how best to approach the diagnosis and treatment for this group of clinically and biologically heterogeneous CNS lymphomas. This chapter focuses on rare CNS lymphomas, summarizing the available clinical data, including epidemiology, clinical features, imaging, histopathology and molecular pathogenesis, and approaches to clinical management.
Neurological complications of lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Wendler Julia , Illerhaus Gerald , Nayak Lakshmi
Published: July 2024

Lymphoid malignancies can involve both the central and peripheral nervous systems and may present in various ways. The central and peripheral nervous systems can be affected directly by primary central nervous system lymphoma or metastatic or local spread of systemic lymphoma. Indirect effects include spinal cord compression, paraneoplastic syndromes, and vascular involvement. Moreover, various treatment strategies for lymphoid malignancies can negatively affect the central and peripheral nervous systems. Early and adequate diagnosis of neurological complications can be challenging but is required in order to initiate appropriate treatment strategies and to possibly reverse the progression of symptoms. This chapter provides an overview of various neurological effects caused by lymphoid malignancies.
Neurological complications of platelet disorders and disorders of coagulation
Authors: Baghshomali Sanam , Gomez, Francisco E. , Tadevosyan Aleksey , Kumar Monisha A.
Published: July 2024

Arterial thrombosis, venous thromboembolism, and intracranial bleeding are commonly encountered in neurologically injured patients. Inherited and acquired thrombophilias and cancer-related thrombosis are common causes of ischaemic stroke, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and venous thromboembolism. Factor deficiencies and acquired thrombocytopenias may lead to brain haemorrhages that cause permanent disability or death. Treatment of these cerebrovascular injuries is remarkably time-sensitive and the window of opportunity to intervene is small. Treatment of arterial thrombosis, such as in myocardial infarction and stroke, differs from that of venous thromboses such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Deficiencies of natural anticoagulant proteins or gene mutations in procoagulant factors are rare; however, they are strong risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE), especially in the young or those with a positive family history. Inherited thrombophilias include deficiencies of the natural anticoagulant proteins antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC), and protein S (PS), as well as the gain-of-function mutations in the factor V gene (factor V Leiden (FVL)) and prothrombin gene (PT G20210A). Thrombocytopenia can be a result of impaired platelet production and bone marrow suppression, blood loss with inadequate bone marrow response, extravascular sequestration, or extracorporeal destruction (splenomegaly, dialysis), as well as intravascular consumption. For patients with acute ischaemic stroke from suspected thrombophilia, common questions relate to the choice of antithrombotic therapy, potential endovascular interventions, and the extent of diagnostic evaluation. For management of life-threatening intracranial bleeding complications, knowledge of factor replacement strategies, reversal agents, and dosing protocols are critical to achieving haemostasis and optimizing neurological outcomes. This chapter reviews neurological complications and treatment of commonly encountered coagulation disorders such as genetic haemophilias, inherited and acquired thrombocytopenias, inherited and acquired thrombophilias, and manifestations of cancer-related hypercoagulability.
Accretion properties of X-ray AGN: evidence for radiation-regulated obscuration with redshift-dependent host galaxy contribution
Authors: Laloux Brivael , Georgakakis Antonis , Alexander David M , Buchner Johannes , Andonie Carolina , Acharya Nischal , Aird James , Alonso-Tetilla Alba V , Bongiorno Angela , Hickox Ryan C , Lapi Andrea , Musiimenta Blessing , Almeida Cristina Ramos , Villforth Carolin , Shankar Francesco
Published: July 2024

We adopt a Bayesian X-ray spectral approach to investigate the accretion properties of unobscured ($20\lt \log (N_{\rm H}/{\rm cm}^{-2}\lt 22$) and obscured ($22\lt \log (N_{\rm H}/{\rm cm}^{-2}\lt 24$) active galactic nuclei (AGNs) to shed light on the orientation versus evolution scenarios for the origin of the obscuring material. For a sample of 3882 X-ray-selected AGN from the Chandra COSMOS Legacy, AEGIS, and CDFS extragalactic surveys, we constrain their stellar masses, $M_\star$, intrinsic X-ray luminosities, $L_{\rm X}$, obscuring column densities, $N_{\rm H}$, and specific accretion rates $\lambda \propto L_{\rm X}/M_\star$. By combining these observables within a Bayesian non-parametric approach, we infer, for the first time, the specific accretion rate distribution (SARD) of obscured and unobscured AGN to $z\approx 3$, i.e. the probability of a galaxy with mass $M_\star$ at redshift z hosting an AGN with column density $N_{\rm H}$ and specific accretion rate $\lambda$. Our findings indicate that (1) both obscured and unobscured SARDs share similar shapes, shifting towards higher accretion rates with redshift, (2) unobscured SARDs exhibit a systematic offset towards higher $\lambda$ compared to obscured SARD for all redshift intervals, (3) the obscured AGN fraction declines sharply at $\log \lambda _{\rm break} \sim -2$ for $z \lt 0.5$, but shifts to higher $\lambda$ values with increasing redshift, (4) the incidence of AGN within the theoretically unstable blow-out region of the $\lambda -N_{\rm H}$ plane increases with redshift. These observations provide compelling evidence for AGN ‘downsizing’ and radiation-regulated nuclear-scale obscuration with an increasing host galaxy contribution towards higher redshifts.
No Catch-22 for fuzzy dark matter: testing substructure counts and core sizes via high-resolution cosmological simulations
Authors: Elgamal Sana , Nori Matteo , Macciò Andrea V , Baldi Marco , Waterval Stefan
Published: July 2024

Fuzzy dark matter (FDM) has recently emerged as an interesting alternative model to the standard cold dark matter (CDM). In this model, dark matter consists of very light bosonic particles with wave-like behaviour on galactic scales. Using the N-body code ax-gadget, we perform cosmological simulations of FDM that fully model the dynamical effects of the quantum potential throughout cosmic evolution. Through the combined analysis of FDM volume and high-resolution zoom-in simulations of different FDM particle masses ($m_{\chi }$$\sim$$10^{-23}\!-\!10^{-21}$ eV c−2), we study how FDM impacts the abundance of substructure and the inner density profiles of dark matter haloes. For the first time, using our FDM volume simulations, we provide a fitting formula for the FDM-to-CDM subhalo abundance ratio as a function of the FDM mass. More importantly, our simulations clearly demonstrate that there exists an extended FDM particle mass interval able to reproduce the observed substructure counts and, at the same time, create substantial cores ($r_{c} \sim 1$ kpc) in the density profile of dwarf galaxies ($\approx 10^{9}\!-\!10^{10}$ M$_{\odot }$), which stands in stark contrast with CDM predictions even with baryonic effects taken into account. The dark matter distribution in the faintest galaxies offers then a clear way to discriminate between FDM and CDM.