bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Erosive Tooth Wear and Associated Dietary Factors among a Group of Finnish Adolescents
Authors: Methuen Mirja , Kangasmaa Hanna , Alaraudanjoki Viivi Karoliina , Suominen Anna L. , Anttonen Vuokko , Vähänikkilä Hannu , Karjalainen Panu , Väistö Juuso , Lakka Timo , Laitala Marja-Liisa
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear (ETW) among Finnish adolescents and to evaluate how frequency as well as amount of the use of erosive products is associated with ETW. The study population consisted of 328 voluntary, >15-year-old secondary school students (males 49.1%, females 50.9%) in three municipalities in Finland. Clinical examination to measure ETW (BEWE index) was carried out by trained and calibrated dentists. Piloted questionnaires included questions on consumption of drinks, fruits and berries, as well as tooth brushing frequency. Means and medians of frequencies and amounts of consumed erosive products were calculated and associations with ETW severity were analysed by logistic regression models. One-third (36.9%) of the participants were in need of at least preventive measures for ETW (BEWE sum score ≥3), but severe ETW (BEWE sum score >9) was rare (2.1%). Boys had severe ETW significantly more frequently than girls (p < 0.001). Habitual consumption of erosive drinks was common especially among boys compared to girls (p = 0.001). ETW was significantly associated with the amount of consumed erosive drinks, fruits, or berries. The prevalence of ETW among adolescences in Finland seems to be at the same level as in other Nordic and European countries. Consumption of erosive products is common and thus, the risk for tooth erosion is high, especially in boys. In addition to erosive drinks, also berries and fruits are associated with ETW and should be included in individual dietary counselling when early signs of ETW are clinically detected.
Hautveränderungen bei rheumatologischen Erkrankungen – Zusammenarbeit zwischen Dermatologen und Rheumatologen unerlässlich
Authors: Sticherling Michael
Published: October 2022

Background: An understanding of skin conditions associated with rheumatic diseases ensures accurate diagnosis and management. Cutaneous manifestations of rheumatological disease are legion. Objective: The aim of this article is to increase clinician familiarity with the dermatological manifestations of rheumatic conditions to enable accurate diagnosis and effective management. Discussion: This article will address the skin manifestations of lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, dermatomyositis and scleroderma, including their implications in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
Impact of Patency of the Carotid Terminus and Middle Cerebral Artery on Early Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion and Mild Symptoms
Authors: Itabashi Ryo , Saito Takuya , Kawabata Yuichi , Kobayashi Yuya , Yazawa Yukako
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Both collateral flow via the internal carotid artery (ICA) terminus (ICT) and initial mild symptoms might be associated with favorable outcomes in patients with acute ICA occlusion (ICAO). This study aimed to address the association between early clinical outcomes and patency of the ICT and middle cerebral artery (MCA) in patients with acute ICAO with mild symptoms. Methods: Of 1,214 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack due to large vessel occlusion, patients with ipsilateral ICAO and initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤5 were retrospectively enrolled. We examined the associations between clinical factors including patency of the ICT and MCA and recurrence of stroke or early neurological deterioration (REND). Significant early neurological deterioration was defined as increment in NIHSS score ≥1 during hospital stay. Results: Thirteen of the 35 patients who were finally enrolled had REND (37%), and median modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at discharge was 1 (interquartile range, 0–4). Initial NIHSS score (4 vs. 1, p < 0.001) and rates of diabetes mellitus (61.5% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.007), intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) (30.9% vs. 0%, p = 0.014), and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) (23.1% vs. 0%, p = 0.044) were significantly higher in patients with REND rather than in those without. The rate of patent ICT and MCA was comparable between groups. Except for 1 patient who underwent MT promptly after IVT immediately after REND, 3 patients initially treated with IVT deteriorated after the procedure. One patient without patent ICT and MCA did not meet the indications for MT. In 2 other patients with patent ICT and MCA, MT was not initially performed, but was eventually performed because of REND due to thrombus migration, and both were discharged with an mRS score of 5. Conclusion: The overall clinical outcomes of patients with acute ICAO with mild symptoms were not depending on the patency of the ICT and MCA, but initial treatment with IVT alone might risk unfavorable outcomes due to thrombus migration in patients with patent ICT and MCA.
Temporal Relationship Between Arterial Stiffness and Systolic Blood Pressure Under Intensive or Standard Control: A Post Hoc Analysis of the STEP Trial
Authors: Ling Qianhui , Song Qirui , Bai Jingjing , Wu Shouling , Zhang Weili , Chen Mulei , Cai Jun
Published: October 2022

Background:

Whether or not the temporal relationship between arterial stiffness and systolic blood pressure (SBP) is affected by how strictly SBP is controlled (intensive, 110–<130 mm Hg; standard, 130–<150 mm Hg) has been unclear.

Methods:

The temporal relationship between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and SBP was assessed using a cross-lagged panel model in the 5369 participants in the STEP trial (Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients) for whom baseline and follow-up baPWV data were complete.

Results:

Patients with arterial stiffening (baPWV≥1800 cm/s) at baseline were significantly less likely to achieve their target SBP than those without arterial stiffening in the intensive and standard treatment groups (65.17% versus 76.91% and 97.33% versus 98.96%, respectively, both
P
<0.05). The standardized regression coefficient from baseline baPWV to follow-up SBP was 0.05 (95% CI, 0.02–0.08;
P
<0.001) and that from baseline SBP to follow-up baPWV was insignificant from zero (β=−0.007 [95% CI, −0.03 to 0.02];
P
=0.62) after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusion:

Arterial stiffening consistently preceded SBP in the intensive and standard groups, and it led to difficulty in reaching target SBP, particularly in the intensive treatment group. Besides, assignment to intensive treatment group was associated with an attenuation of the age-related increase in baPWV at 3-year follow-up.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03015311.
The Significance of the Motif of the King in 4QMMT
Authors: Klukowski Michal
Published: October 2022

The paper discusses four motifs of the king in 4QMMT: (1) blessings and curses in the history of the monarchy (C 18–20); (2) call to reflect on the deeds of the kings of Israel (C 23b–24); (3) call to study the writings related to King David (C 10); and (4) call to reflect on David’s deeds (C 25–26). The analysis of these motifs leads to the conclusion that they were not only intended to show the addressee the kings of Israel as role models, but by intertwining them with quotations from the Book of Deuteronomy, they were also to serve as historical evidence that would testify to the veracity of the blessings and curses foretold in the Law (Deut 28–30), and as a result, underline the seriousness of the situation in which the Law was still not properly obeyed in Israel.
Concrete Buys Time
Authors: Irvine Richard D.G. , Bevan Anne
Published: October 2022

Recent engagements with deep time within anthropology have urged an expansion of our time horizons in order to confront the contemporary ecological crisis. Here, we explore this theme by considering concrete’s material properties as a substance that reveals the troubled relationship between the present and deep time. We combine discussion of the life cycle of concrete in Orkney, Scotland, with reflection on sculptural interventions that seek to capture concrete’s character as both solid and fluid—the pouring of concrete has the potential to congeal a fleeting moment in time. Yet, recognising the impact of the production of concrete, understood at the geological level, we see a pernicious feedback loop: attempts to secure the land/water boundary contribute to the climatic changes which threaten those very environments. The task of tracing concrete’s place within the geological record illustrates both the challenge and the necessity of recognising humanity within deep time.
On the Ecopoetics of Temporal Discernment
Authors: Rigby Kate
Published: October 2022

In this short article, I explore the ways in which literary studies, and in particular, the study of ecopoetry and ecopoetics, can contribute to current engagements with the temporal horizon of ‘deep’, geological, time. Drawing on the concept of ‘temporal discernment’ advanced by environmental philosopher, James Hatley, I argue for the cultivation of an appreciation for plural temporalities (including the historical, ethical, immemorial, creaturely, contemplative and prophetic, alongside the geological and evolutionary), the lineaments of which I trace here in Diane Pacitti’s poetry collection, Dark Angelic Mills centred around the multi-layered history of the post-industrial, multi-cultural Cathedral town of Bradford in England.
Between Racism and Universalism
Authors: Koren Israel
Published: October 2022

This paper explores two central poles of Rudolf Steiner’s thought: racial/ethnic hierarchy (primitive/degenerate/earthly vs. advanced/sophisticated/spiritual) and universalism (of the “I” and the eventual disappearance of racial and ethnic differentiations in the future). The relationship between these two poles has been fiercely debated by scholars, anthroposophists, and lay people over the past twenty years. In contrast to previous studies on Steiner’s rac(ial)ism that have focused on how it can be contextualized within the philosophy, sciences, and Theosophy of his day and followed its manifestations in different stages of his life, this article takes an internalist approach, examining how Steiner’s racial doctrine is integral to his teachings as a whole. Demonstrating that the ostensible dichotomy between the two poles on the conceptual plane is false, the article also points to the two incongruous and irreconcilable aspects of Steiner’s personality: while taking a strong stand against racism he also disseminated extremist racial views.
Aenigmatic Names
Authors: Frantsouzoff Serge A.
Published: October 2022

The corruption of personal names in Arabic, especially those borrowed from foreign languages (such as Greek), goes back to the specific features of its script and often results in the multiplication of historical figures and hagiographic characters. In this article, is analysed the orthography and functional features of the name of the Jewish king of Ḥimyar Yōsēf called Y(w)sf/’s’r/Yṯ’r in the South Arabian epigraphic documentation and Yūsuf Dhū Nuwās in Arab Islamic tradition. The article deals with several sobriquets and epitheta, under which he is known in Eastern Christian historiographical and hagiographical traditions and some of them have received new interpretations. The derivation of the unusual Ethiopic form of his name Ṭamnus is attested in the Chronicle of John of Nikiu. It can be identified as “Dimnos” found in the Chronography of John of Malalas (c. 491–578). The same name in the form Dīmnōn appears in the Chronicle of Ps.-Dionysius of Tel-Maḥrē (sed. 818–45). In the article it is cautiously suggested that these three similar names came into being as a result of a corruption of the Greek “δαιμων” or “demon”. The title nəgusä aḥzab, which the Jewish monarch bears in the Chronicle of John of Nikiu, proves to be very close to the original title of Yōsēf, the mlk/kl/’š‘b-n, viz. “the king of all the communities” (Arab. malik al-shu‘ūb). The author proposes an assumption that this is rare evidence of the influence of South Arabian historical tradition upon Byzantine historiography.
Trophic niche size and overlap in temperate forest land snails are affected by their lifestyle and body size
Authors: Němec Tomáš , Líznarová Eva , Horsák Michal
Published: October 2022

Land snails represent a large diversity of species in the forest floor. Some species prefer to stay in the leaf litter, while others like to climb up vegetation. They are considered generalist herbivores/decomposers. Although the exact trophic position of most species is often difficult to determine, a low rate of trophic niche partitioning within an assemblage is assumed. We compared isotopic niche sizes and overlaps between and within four local land snail assemblages using stable isotope Bayesian ellipses. We found significant differences in trophic niche size (expressed by corrected standard ellipse area) as a function of body size and lifestyle. We hypothesised that the larger niche size of smaller and/or arboreal snail species is due to their limited mobility and the presence of spatially structured food resources. In contrast, a broad and similar mixture of leaf litter sources results in a homogeneous diet for individuals of larger, highly mobile, epigean species, i.e., smaller niche size. We documented multiple overlaps of isotopic niches between species within an assemblage, although arboreal species exhibited slightly different niche positions, indicating specific diets. When comparing all pairwise combinations, we found that isotopic niches of species using different lifestyle did not overlap, in contrast to species using similar lifestyle. In addition, the trophic niches of opportunists with respect to lifestyle were intermediate between those of species from the outermost categories. Our results fit the general concept of variable and overlapping trophic niches in co-occurring snail species. However, we were able to demonstrate differences in species that rarely occupy the same microhabitat.
Nationalizing the Ottomans and Ottomanizing the Turks
Authors: Michael Michalis N.
Published: October 2022

This article analyses how the ruling party in Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan are trying to construct a new Turkish nation on an ideological level through a different reading of Ottoman history. In this process, a special reading of Ottoman history comes to the fore after the Kemalist state tried to undermine its importance. The article studies the importance of the ideological use of history and the instrumentalization of the events of the Ottoman past by the administration in Turkey. This effort is analysed as an attempt to prove the historical continuity of the Turkish nation, which includes the long Ottoman history that the Kemalist state challenged. It is argued that Erdoğan is in essence nationalizing and religionizing the Ottoman Empire as a Turkish and Islamic empire and Ottomanizing the contemporary Turkish nation as one that should rely on the religious aspect of its identity.
Villain or Hero? Shifting Views of Abdülhamid ii and His Era in Republican Turkey
Authors: Grigoriadis Ioannis N.
Published: October 2022

Narratives and representations of the past in the present sometimes tell us more about the present than the past itself. Views of Ottoman history have varied in republican Turkey, according to political and ideological circumstances. The era of Sultan Abdülhamid ii has remained one of the most contested ones. While classic republican Turkish historiography has identified the Hamidian era with Oriental despotism, blamed it for the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, but exonerated it for the killings of Armenians, recent historical interest in the era has been revisionist. Some scholars offer a more balanced evaluation of the Hamidian period, while other approaches move to the opposite extreme, aggrandizing Sultan Abdülhamid ii and his era and also pointing to alleged Young Turk treason. These approaches have coincided with a re-evaluation of the ideological foundations of republican Turkey and the re-emergence of a cult of personality in mainstream Turkish politics.
An Island of (Dis)Agreement Within Modern Turkish Historiography: the Chronic Conquest(s) of Cyprus Through the Turkish Past, Present and Future
Authors: Yıldırımtürk Okcan
Published: October 2022

This article discusses how the Turkish historical narratives of Cyprus evolved in mutually antagonistic and constitutive ways from the 1920s to the 1970s. Based on a genealogical perspective and a thematic focus on the conquest(s) of the island, it ultimately questions how and why Islamist authors approached the island’s history and in what ways they reproduced and/or challenged the official historiography and ruling ideology of the Turkish Republic. In doing so, the article attempts to contextualize the development and transformation of modern Turkish historiography, standing at the juncture of possible pasts, presents and futures, along with identity formations, ideologies and political upheavals.
„Es gibt keine ‚idiographische‘ Wissenschaft“ Alois Riehl und der Methodendualismus der Süd-Westdeutschen Neukantianer (Tome 144, 7e Série, n° 1-2, (2023))
Authors: Hlade Josef
Published: October 2022

Dieser Aufsatz widmet sich Riehls Auseinandersetzung mit empirischen Sozial- und Humanwissenschaften. Der Neukantianer Riehl wurde in diesem Zusammenhang bisher kaum berücksichtigt. Ein großes Interesse verdient er sich aufgrund seiner Ablehnung des Ansatzes der Südwestdeutschen Schule des Neukantianismus, die sich aus seiner erkenntnistheoretischen Position ergibt. Er sprach sich gegen einen Methodendualismus zwischen Geistes- und Naturwissenschaften und für eine wertfreie Geschichtswissenschaft aus. Ähnlich wie Karl Lamprecht fordert er eine strikte Trennung zwischen Wissenschaft und Weltanschauung und die Implementierung einer kausal-genetischen Betrachtungsweise. Aus diesem Grund trat er in den späten 1880er Jahren als wichtiger Förderer und Wegbereiter der Ethnologie in Freiburg in Erscheinung, förderte in Berlin Anfang der 1900er Jahre die Wissenschaftstheorie wesentlich und erwarb sich schließlich auch als ein Förderer der experimentellen Psychologie Verdienste.
Multiple origins of Southeastern Sinitic tsh- corresponding to Middle Chinese s- or sr-
Authors: KWOK Bit-Chee
Published: October 2022

There are nearly 20 words with Middle Chinese onsets s- or sr- whose reflexes in modern Southeastern Sinitic (Mǐn, Southern Wú, Hakka, and Gàn) are aspirated affricates. Examples of such words include sī 撕 ‘to tear,’ sù 粟 ‘grain,’ xiān 鮮 ‘fresh,’ and xīng 星 ‘star.’ This paper reveals that there are at least four origins for these correspondence sets, three of which can be connected with Old Chinese. The remaining is a self-innovation of the ancestor of the Southeastern Sinitic group. In this sense, the reflexes of modern Southeastern Sinitic can be taken as an important additional material in the reconstruction of Old Chinese.
Perceiving Corruption in Tanzania
Authors: Kessy Ambrose T.
Published: October 2022

The difficulties associated with conventional corruption measurements as employed in comparative country evaluations concern the accuracy they provide in assessing and explaining corruption. These conventional measures regard corruption as a one-dimensional phenomenon (quantified by a single score) which varies in incidence but not in form between countries. Such measures frequently associate corruption with bribery. But this one-dimensional composite measurement of corruption is insufficient to capture corruption in less developed economies, particularly in Africa, where corruption is perceived as taking many forms. Transparency International’s assessment of Tanzania (recently graduated by the World Bank to middle-income country status), demonstrates the misleading consequences of such composite, ubiquitous metrics. Perceptions of corruption as well as the diverse activities classifiable as corrupt practices are complex concepts; so any single indicator applied internationally may fail to accurately quantify these concepts; nor will such measures help to identify potential anti-corruption intervention strategies.
Non-Recognition of Territorial Acquisitions by the Use of Armed Force: The Status of Jerusalem before Italian Courts
Authors: Iovane Massimo
Published: October 2022

This article comments upon two recent decisions of the Tribunal of Rome concerning the international legal status of Jerusalem. The issue before the court was whether rai, Italy’s public service broadcasting company, had aired false information by presenting the city as the capital of Israel. After summarizing the key aspects of the historical process which led to the current arrangement of Jerusalem, the article highlights that the international regulation of the city’s legal status mainly depends on the customary principle of non-recognition of territorial acquisitions by the use of armed force. It then analyses how the non-recognition regime affects the international legal status of Jerusalem. In this regard, it is argued that the position – taken by the Tribunal of Rome in the first of its two decisions – that Jerusalem is not recognized as the capital of Israel under international law seems excessive. The non-recognition regime only affects the status of East Jerusalem, while Israeli sovereignty over West Jerusalem appears largely uncontroversial. Therefore, defining Jerusalem as the “disputed” capital of Israel – as done by the tribunal’s second decision – is a more accurate depiction of the complexities surrounding Jerusalem’s status, which should eventually be defined through negotiations between the involved parties.
Italy’s Contribution to a More Robust International Architecture for the cbrn Legal Landscape
Authors: Casolari Federico
Published: October 2022

During the last decades, the landscape of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (“cbrn”) threats has significantly evolved. In the light of this, it does not come as a surprise that several initiatives have recently been put in place both at universal and regional level to deal with such threats, trying to introduce a more robust legal framework for cbrn events. The present article provides a global assessment on the role played by Italy in identifying and/or strengthening international obligations related to cbrn events. In the light of the piecemeal cbrn legal landscape, the article will not discuss each and every initiative put in place by Italy; rather, the analysis will be focused on the contribution given by Italy to multilateral initiatives which are likely to produce cross-cutting or horizontal impacts on the discipline.
Violation of Public Policy as a Ground for Non-Recognition of Foreign Judgments – The Case of Judgments Preceded by a Mareva-Type Freezing Order
Authors: Franzina Pietro
Published: October 2022

This note examines a ruling by the Corte di Cassazione concerning procedural public policy as a ground for non-recognition of foreign judgments. The Corte di Cassazione held that a foreign judgment may not be denied recognition in Italy on the sole ground that the court of origin previously granted an in personam interim measure restraining the respondent from dealing with its assets, whereas, under Italian law, asset preservation measures necessarily operate in rem. According to the Court, the public policy defence can only succeed if the proceedings before the court of origin, considered as a whole, were tainted by a serious violation of fundamental procedural rights. Having found no evidence of such a violation in the circumstances, the Court concluded that the foreign judgment concerned was eligible for recognition. The ruling of the Corte di Cassazione confirms of the restrictive approach to public policy which the Court itself developed throughout its previous case law, and will plausibly serve as a model for future decisions regarding procedural public policy.
International Child Abduction and the 1980 Hague Convention in Practice: The Biran Case
Authors: Queirolo Ilaria
Published: October 2022

With its Decision of 29 November 2021 (No. 7918/21), the Supreme Court of Tel Aviv has ruled on the case of Eitan Biran, the child who survived the crash disaster of the “Mottarone” cable car in Italy. After the accident, the child was entrusted to his aunt, appointed as legal guardian. However, a few months later, the child was unexpectedly conducted to Israel by his paternal grandfather. The Israeli Family Court and District Court, appointed for the return of the child according to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, have ordered the immediate repatriation in Italy.

The decision of the District Court was upheld by the Supreme Court, whose decision represents a good example of correct application of the 1980 Hague Convention. Acknowledging that the guiding principle of the Convention is “zero tolerance for child abductions”, the Court has established that the habitual residence of the child was in Italy and that the transfer to Israel was in breach of the custody rights of the legal guardian according to Articles 3 and 5 of the Convention: in fact, the institute of tutore legale in Italy attributes to a person the responsibility of a child, a circumstance that in this case derived from a judicial decision. Moreover, the Israeli Supreme Court has adhered to a strict interpretation of the exceptions stated in Articles 12(2), 13 and 20, none of which resulted applicable to the case at hand.
Legal Effects of the Ratification by Italy of the Amendments to the icc Statute on Aggression
Authors: Prosperi Luigi
Published: October 2022

Through the adoption of Law No. 202/2021 on the ratification of the amendments to the Statute of the International Criminal Court, among other things Italy accepted the icc’s jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. This comment argues that with respect to proprio motu investigations and States Parties’ referrals, the scope of such jurisdiction depends on the interpretation of Articles 15bis(4) and 15bis(5) of the Statute. The ratification has two additional implications. First, conducts committed by Italian nationals in the context of international military operations may be scrutinized by the icc. Second, the Italian legislator should enact domestic legislation criminalizing the crime of aggression in order not to incur the violation of an obligation to cooperate with the Court pursuant to Part 9 of the Statute.
What’s in a name?
Authors: Buscemi Martina
Published: October 2022

This review essay discusses Lorenzo Gasbarri’s book which purports to examine an “existential” issue – the concept of an International Organization – with a theoretical approach that makes use of tools of analysis pertaining not only to the field of international law, but also to legal philosophy. After a cursory overview of existing legal research on the subject, the essay dwells on the author’s thesis – namely, the dual nature of International Organizations, based on the dual legal character of their legal systems – and highlights merits and possible drawbacks underlying the attempt to conceptualize International Organizations.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal how girdling promotes leaf color expression in Acer rubrum L
Authors: Yangyang Yan , Qin Liu , Kun Yan , Xiaoyi Wang , Pei Xu
Published: October 2022

Background

Acer rubrum L. (red maple) is a popular tree with attractive colored leaves, strong physiological adaptability, and a high ornamental value. Changes in leaf color can be an adaptive response to changes in environmental factors, and also a stress response to external disturbances. In this study, we evaluated the effect of girdling on the color expression of A. rubrum leaves. We studied the phenotypic characteristics, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and the transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of leaves on girdled and non-girdled branches of A. rubrum.

Results

Phenotypic studies showed that girdling resulted in earlier formation of red leaves, and a more intense red color in the leaves. Compared with the control branches, the girdled branches produced leaves with significantly different color parameters a*. Physiological and biochemical studies showed that girdling of branches resulted in uneven accumulation of chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and other pigments in leaves above the band. In the transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, 28,432 unigenes including 1095 up-regulated genes and 708 down-regulated genes were identified, and the differentially expressed genes were mapped to various KEGG (kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) pathways. Six genes encoding key transcription factors related to anthocyanin metabolism were among differentially expressed genes between leaves on girdled and non-girdled branches.

Conclusions

Girdling significantly affected the growth and photosynthesis of red maple, and affected the metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and carbon metabolisms in the leaves. This resulted in pigment accumulation in the leaves above the girdling site, leading to marked red color expression in those leaves. A transcriptome analysis revealed six genes encoding anthocyanin-related transcription factors that were up-regulated in the leaves above the girdling site. These transcription factors are known to be involved in the regulation of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, anthocyanin biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis. These results suggest that leaf reddening is a complex environmental adaptation strategy to maintain normal metabolism in response to environmental changes. Overall, the results of these comprehensive phenotype, physiological, biochemical, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses provide a deeper and more reliable understanding of the coevolution of red maple leaves in response to environmental changes.
Narrative review on century of respiratory pandemics from Spanish flu to COVID-19 and impact of nanotechnology on COVID-19 diagnosis and immune system boosting
Authors: Elkhatib Walid F. , Abdelkareem Shereen S. , Khalaf Wafaa S. , Shahin Mona I. , Elfadil Dounia , Alhazmi Alaa , El-Batal Ahmed I. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S.
Published: October 2022

The rise of the highly lethal severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 (SARS-2) as corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) reminded us of the history of other pandemics that happened in the last century (Spanish flu) and stayed in the current century, which include Severe-Acute-Respiratory-Syndrome (SARS), Middle-East-Respiratory-Syndrome (MERS), Corona Virus 2019 (COVID-19). We review in this report the newest findings and data on the origin of pandemic respiratory viral diseases, reservoirs, and transmission modes. We analyzed viral adaption needed for host switch and determinants of pathogenicity, causative factors of pandemic viruses, and symptoms and clinical manifestations. After that, we concluded the host factors associated with pandemics morbidity and mortality (immune responses and immunopathology, ages, and effect of pandemics on pregnancy). Additionally, we focused on the burdens of COVID-19, non-pharmaceutical interventions (quarantine, mass gatherings, facemasks, and hygiene), and medical interventions (antiviral therapies and vaccines). Finally, we investigated the nanotechnology between COVID-19 analysis and immune system boosting (Nanoparticles (NPs), antimicrobial NPs as antivirals and immune cytokines). This review presents insights about using nanomaterials to treat COVID-19, improve the bioavailability of the abused drugs, diminish their toxicity, and improve their performance.

Graphical Abstract
Epidemiology of dengue in SAARC territory: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shrestha Dhan Bahadur , Budhathoki Pravash , Gurung Bipana , Subedi Subash , Aryal Shishir , Basukala Anisha , Aryal Barun , Adhikari Anurag , Poudel Ayusha , Yadav Gopal Kumar , Khoury Mtanis , Rayamajhee Binod , Shrestha Lok Bahadur
Published: October 2022

Background

Dengue is one of the common arboviral infections and is a public health problem in South East Asia. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of dengue in SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries.

Methods

The PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase and Scopus databases were searched for relevant studies. Statistical analysis on data extracted from the selected studied was conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (CMA) version 3 software package. Proportions were used to estimate the outcome with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Across all studies, among cases of suspected dengue, 30.7% were confirmed dengue cases (proportion: 0.307, 95% CI: 0.277–0.339). The seroprevalence of dengue immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM or both (IgM and IgG) antibodies and dengue NS1 antigen was 34.6, 34.2, 29.0 and 24.1%, respectively. Among the different strains of dengue, dengue virus (DENV) strains DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4 accounted for 21.8, 41.2, 14.7 and 6.3% of cases, respectively. The prevalence of dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome was 80.5, 18.2 and 1.5%, respectively. Fever was a commonly reported symptom, and thrombocytopenia was present in 44.7% of cases. Mortality was reported in 1.9% of dengue cases.

Conclusions

Dengue is a common health problem in South East Asia with high seroprevalence. DENV-2 was found to be the most common strain causing infection, and most dengue cases were dengue fever. In addition, thrombocytopenia was reported in almost half of the dengue cases.

Graphical Abstract
Lumbar spine MRI findings in asymptomatic elite male academy footballers: a case series
Authors: Carmody Sean , Rajeswaran Gajan , Mitchell Adam , Kryger Katrine Okholm , Ahmad Imtiaz , Gill Munraj , Rushton Alison
Published: October 2022

Background

Understanding common MRI findings may allow clinicians to appreciate the sport-specific effects on the lumbar spine, and to discern clinically significant pathology. Prevalence data regarding radiological abnormalities seen during the surveillance of asymptomatic elite footballers is, therefore, important to help understand injury mechanisms and to prevent associated injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the lumbar spines of asymptomatic elite male adolescent footballers.

Methods

A prospective case-series study was carried out. MRI was performed using a 3T Siemens Prisma scanner including a 3D VIBE sequence in 18 asymptomatic male elite adolescent footballers recruited from a professional academy in England (mean age 17.8, range 16.9–18.6 years). The images were independently reported by two consultant musculoskeletal radiologists to achieve consensus opinion. Standardised classification criteria were used to assess and report abnormalities descriptively.

Results

Fifteen players (15/18, 83%) showed ≥1 abnormalities, included facet degeneration, synovial cysts, disc degeneration, disc herniation, and pars injury. One player (1/18, 6%) had mild (Grade 1) facet joint arthropathy at L4/L5 and 3/18 (16.7%) showing evidence of bilateral facet joint effusions. Three synovial cysts were identified in 2/18 players (11%), 4/18 players (22%) presented asymptomatic pars injuries, with 4 showing a grade 2 subtotal stress fracture and 1 player a grade 4 chronic stress fracture seen on 3D VIBE sequencing. Disc degeneration at one or more levels was demonstrated in 7/18 players (38%). Disc herniation was present in 5/18 players (27%).

Conclusion

A range of unsuspected findings on MRI of the lumbar spine are common in elite adolescent footballers.
Plastic leachates impair picophytoplankton and dramatically reshape the marine microbiome
Authors: Focardi Amaranta , Moore Lisa R. , Raina Jean-Baptiste , Seymour Justin R. , Paulsen Ian T. , Tetu Sasha G.
Published: October 2022

Background

Each year, approximately 9.5 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the ocean with the potential to adversely impact all trophic levels. Until now, our understanding of the impact of plastic pollution on marine microorganisms has been largely restricted to the microbial assemblages that colonize plastic particles. However, plastic debris also leaches considerable amounts of chemical additives into the water, and this has the potential to impact key groups of planktonic marine microbes, not just those organisms attached to plastic surfaces.

Results

To investigate this, we explored the population and genetic level responses of a marine microbial community following exposure to leachate from a common plastic (polyvinyl chloride) or zinc, a specific plastic additive. Both the full mix of substances leached from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and zinc alone had profound impacts on the taxonomic and functional diversity of our natural planktonic community. Microbial primary producers, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic, which comprise the base of the marine food web, were strongly impaired by exposure to plastic leachates, showing significant declines in photosynthetic efficiency, diversity, and abundance. Key heterotrophic taxa, such as SAR11, which are the most abundant planktonic organisms in the ocean, also exhibited significant declines in relative abundance when exposed to higher levels of PVC leachate. In contrast, many copiotrophic bacteria, including members of the Alteromonadales, dramatically increased in relative abundance under both exposure treatments. Moreover, functional gene and genome analyses, derived from metagenomes, revealed that PVC leachate exposure selects for fast-adapting, motile organisms, along with enrichment in genes usually associated with pathogenicity and an increased capacity to metabolize organic compounds leached from PVC.

Conclusions

This study shows that substances leached from plastics can restructure marine microbial communities with the potential for significant impacts on trophodynamics and biogeochemical cycling. These findings substantially expand our understanding of the ways by which plastic pollution impact life in our oceans, knowledge which is particularly important given that the burden of plastic pollution in the marine environment is predicted to continue to rise.
Η εκτίμηση του επιπολασμού της αναιμίας, της σιδηροπενίας και της σιδηροπενικής αναιμίας σε βρέφη 12 μηνών και σε παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας (2-5 ετών) στην περιοχή της Θράκης
Authors: Ζηκίδου Παναγιώτα
Published: October 2022

Σκοπός: Η σιδηροπενία αποτελεί ένα μείζον πρόβλημα δημόσιας υγείας με υψηλόεπιπολασμό στην πρώιμη παιδική ηλικία. Προσδιορίσαμε τον επιπολασμό τηςαναιμίας, της σιδηροπενίας και της σιδηροπενικής αναιμίας σε υγιή παιδιά τηςΘράκης, τη συσχέτισή τους με διατροφικούς παράγοντες και εκτιμήσαμε τηδιαγνωστική ακρίβεια αιματολογικών και βιοχημικών δεικτών σιδηροπενίας.Ασθενείς και Μέθοδοι: Για 202 υγιή παιδιά ηλικίας 1-5 ετών, οι γονείςσυμπλήρωσαν ένα ερωτηματολόγιο διατροφικών συνηθειών κατά τη βρεφική καιπρώιμη παιδική ηλικία. Προσδιορίστηκαν οι παράμετροι της γενικής αίματος καθώςκαι η φερριτίνη, η TIBC, ο %TS και η CRP του ορού φλεβικού αίματος που ελήφθηαπό όλα τα παιδιά της μελέτης. Σε μια υποομάδα 156 παιδιών, προσδιορίστηκε και ησυγκέντρωση των sTfR του ορού.Αποτελέσματα: Τα παιδιά με σιδηροπενία και σιδηροπενική αναιμία είχαν σημαντικάχαμηλότερη κατανάλωση μοσχαρινού κρέατος από τα παιδιά χωρίς σιδηροπενία(p=0.044). Χρησιμοποιώντας τιμές αποκοπής (cut-off values) της Hb <11g/dl και τηςφερριτίνης <12μg/l, που ορίζει ο ΠΟΥ, ο επιπολασμός της αναιμίας, της σιδηροπενίαςκαι της σιδηροπενικής αναιμίας ήταν 9.41%, 6.44% και 3.47%, αντίστοιχα. Εάνχρησιμοποιηθούν τιμές αποκοπής Hb <12g/dl και φερριτίνης <18μg/l, ο επιπολασμόςτης αναιμίας, της σιδηροπενίας και της σιδηροπενικής αναιμίας ήταν 26.73%, 16.33%και 5.94% αντίστοιχα. Η ανάλυση ROC αποκάλυψε ότι, όταν η φερριτίνη είναι<12μg/l, η AUC των sTfR (0.827) είναι σημαντικά μεγαλύτερη από αυτή της TIBC(0.691), ενώ όταν η φερριτίνη είναι <18μg/l, η AUC της TIBC (0.770) είναιμεγαλύτερη από αυτή των sTfR (0.716).Συμπεράσματα: Ο επιπολασμός της σιδηροπενίας και της σιδηροπενικής αναιμίας σεπαιδιά ηλικίας 1-5 ετών στη Θράκη δε διαφέρει από τον επιπολασμό άλλωνανεπτυγμένων χωρών. Η χρήση διαφορετικών τιμών αποκοπής της φερριτίνης τουορού επηρεάζει την εκτίμηση της διαγνωστικής ακρίβειας των διαφόρων δεικτώνσιδηροπενίας.
Το όνομα ως στοιχείο ταυτότητας στο πεζογραφικό έργο του Γιάννη Σκαρίμπα
Authors: Ελένη Κόλλια
Published: October 2022

Η μελέτη της ονοματοθεσίας των χαρακτήρων, ένα θέμα που έχει επισημανθεί από την κριτική ως ζητούμενο, αφορά δύο βασικά χαρακτηριστικά της συγγραφικής ιδιοπροσωπίας του Γιάννη Σκαρίμπα, τη γλώσσα και τους χαρακτήρες. Το ονοματεπώνυμο συνιστά σημαντικό στοιχείο της ταυτότητας του ατόμου, καθώς με αυτές τις δύο λέξεις εντάσσεται στην κοινωνία, στο εσωτερικό μιας γενιάς και ταυτόχρονα διαφοροποιείται από τον άλλο. Για τη διερεύνηση της ονοματοθεσίας των ηρώων στο πεζογραφικό έργο του Σκαρίμπα δημιουργήθηκαν τρεις βασικές κατηγορίες. Η πρώτη κατηγορία αφορά περιπτώσεις χαρακτήρων με μικρό όνομα και επώνυμο, στοιχεία που αντιστοιχούν σε ένα συγκεκριμένο πρόσωπο και που είναι φορείς σημασίας, ώστε συχνά γεννούν την ιστορία των προσώπων αυτών. Στη δεύτερη κατηγορία, εξετάζονται τα ονοματεπώνυμα που δεν αντιστοιχούν μόνο σε έναν συγκεκριμένο χαρακτήρα ή εκείνα που προσδιορίζουν έναν χαρακτήρα αλλά αλλάζουν μέσα στον χρόνο και στην τρίτη κατηγορία εξετάζονται περιπτώσεις ανωνυμίας. Στη συνέχεια, εξετάστηκαν οι συγκλίσεις και αποκλίσεις του Σκαρίμπα με τη Μέλπω Αξιώτη, τον Ν. Γ. Πεντζίκη και τον Κοσμά Πολίτη ως προς τον τρόπο που χρησιμοποιούν τα ονόματα ή/και τα επώνυμα για να προσδιοριστεί η ταυτότητα των ηρώων τους. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, εξετάστηκε το φαινόμενο της ψευδωνυμίας συγγραφέων και ηρώων, τα ονόματα που λειτουργούν ως νεολογισμοί και τέλος η αποσταθεροποίηση των ορίων της ταυτότητας μέσω της επανάληψης των ονομάτων ανάμεσα σε διαφορετικούς χαρακτήρες ή μέσω της επανεμφάνισης των ίδιων χαρακτήρων σε διαφορετικά έργα του εκάστοτε συγγραφέα. Ο πιο ρηξικέλευθος και τολμηρός από όλους τους συγγραφείς της γενιάς του (ως προς την ονοματοθεσία) είναι ο Σκαρίμπας. Ο συγγραφέας χρησιμοποιεί λοξές πρακτικές ονοματοθεσίας για τους αποκλίνοντες ήρωές του, οι οποίοι συνιστούν μεταμορφώσεις του ίδιου προσώπου. Όλες οι μάσκες του Σκαρίμπα υποδεικνύουν τον στόχο του, ο οποίος δεν είναι να κρυφτεί πίσω από ένα όνομα υιοθετώντας τον αντίστοιχο ρόλο αλλά το παιχνίδι ανάμεσα σε εκείνον και τον αναγνώστη του, κάνοντας την υποκρισία να φαίνεται σαν ειλικρίνεια στη ματιά του τελευταίου. Σε κάθε περίπτωση, το όνομα θέτει πάντοτε κρίσιμα ερωτήματα∙ με αυτό ο ήρωας συστήνεται και συχνά χρησιμοποιείται ως μετωνυμία του έργου στο οποίο στεγάζεται. Ουσιαστικά, το όνομα περιγράφει ή προσδιορίζει τον άνθρωπο μέσω της γλώσσας, ώστε μοιάζει σχεδόν «παντοδύναμο» στο σκαριμπικό σύμπαν.
Nutritional Preferences of Preschool Children for Breakfast
Authors: Kolaşınlı Işıl Betül , Sönmez Sibel
Published: October 2022

Background: It is stated that children who are acquainted with healthy foods early on are more likely to make healthy food choices in their lives and that parents play important roles in the devel-opment of nutritional preferences.
Aim: The main purpose of the present study was to identify children's breakfast habits and what they know about this topic, and see if they transfer all this into life.
Method and Material: In this study, the case study design is used because the aim is to describe and interpret from a holistic perspective children's preferences for breakfast. The study was conducted with a total of 30 children from the morning group. For one week, the children were offered a breakfast buffet containing food from each food group and what the children ate was observed. The structured individual interviews planned with 30 children were carried out with only 28 children on the grounds that two children were of Syrian origin and could not speak Turkish at an adequate level.
Results: It was observed that the majority of the children (93.3%) stated that they like to have breakfast. The proportion of children who stated that they did not like to have breakfast was 3.4% while the proportion of children who were undecided was 3.3%. According to the findings obtained from the observations, the children finished all the food they put on their plates. In other words, every child tends to take as much food as he/she can eat.
Conclusions: As a study conclusion, those children that stated they choose their preferred food and beverages at breakfast according to what they like know the correct foods, which they called "healthy," but do not choose them. It is thought that the reason the children gave the desired answer stems as much from the role of the researcher as it does from the wish to give an adult the "correct" answer.
Cost-effective surgical management of liver disease in an university hospital: A retrospective study
Authors: Tseka Ioanna , Chrisofos Michael , Kontis Elissaios , Triantafyllou Christos , Kokoropoulos Panagiotis , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos
Published: October 2022

Background: Hepatobiliary surgery is a high-end surgery comprising of complex operations associated with high economic burden to a healthcare system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a hepatobiliary surgery highly standardized operative protocol, that minimizes intraoperative and postoperative costs, implemented by the same surgical team, in a Greek university hospital for a five-year period (2012-2016).
Method and Material: The digital medical records of all patients undergoing liver resection at a tertiary university hospital from January 2012 to December 2016 by a single surgical team were retrospectively reviewed. The financial cost of the patients’ treatment was calculated in collaboration with the hospital’s logistics department, and it involved all preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative expenses from admission to discharge, excluding physician fees and salary cost of the hospital’s nurses.
Results: In this study, 127 patients underwent hepatectomy. The patient’s health status was improved after the surgery in most of the cases (121, 95.2%). The mean Length of Stay (LOS) was 13.4 (SD±17.3) days. The mean total hospitalization cost was 4,729 (SD ± 5,486) euros (€), while the cost of surgery, the higher mean cost was noted in 2013 (925, SD±974.64 €) and the lower in 2015 (142, SD±219 €). 
Conclusions: This protocol allows the performance of hepatectomies with a significantly decreased cost without compromising patient outcomes.
Διαπολιτισμική επικοινωνία και συμπερίληψη παιδιών Ρομά στην εκπαίδευση
Authors: Μουσένα Ελένη , Αγγελίδου Γεωργία , Βασιλοπούλου Αναστασία
Published: October 2022

Μεγάλη μερίδα της εκπαιδευτικής κοινότητας θεωρεί πως τα αίτια της σχολικής διαρροής των παιδιών Ρομά οφείλονται στις αρνητικές στάσεις της οικογένειας τους προς το σχολείο και την εκπαίδευση, ενώ από την πλευρά τους οι γονείς των παιδιών Ρομά εκφράζουν δυσαρέσκεια προς τους δασκάλους και το εκπαιδευτικό σύστημα καθώς τα παιδιά τους παρουσιάζουν χαμηλές σχολικές επιδόσεις. Η παρούσα έρευνα πραγματοποιήθηκε με σκοπό να διερευνηθούν οι λόγοι που οδηγούν σε αυτό το χάσμα επικοινωνίας μεταξύ εκπαιδευτικών και γονέων μαθητών Ρομά. Ως μέθοδος έρευνας χρησιμοποιήθηκε η ποιοτική μέθοδος με ημιδομημένες συνεντεύξεις, στις οποίες συμμετείχαν δέκα γονείς μαθητών Ρομά, 2-8 ετών. Σύμφωνα με τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας , φαίνεται πως στον τομέα της εκπαίδευσης ο πληθυσμός των Ρομά έχει χαμηλότερες προσδοκίες σε σχέση με αυτές της κυρίαρχης κουλτούρας, ενώ όταν έρχονται σε επαφή με το εκπαιδευτικό και διοικητικό προσωπικό των σχολείων η επικοινωνία αποδεικνύεται περίπλοκη. Ωστόσο αντιλαμβάνεται την αξία της εκπαίδευσης και επιθυμούν τα παιδιά τους να ολοκληρώσουν την βασική εκπαίδευση, κάτι που η πλειονότητα των γονέων Ρομά δεν κατάφερε να κάνει