bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional validation of EIF2AK4 (GCN2) missense variants associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Emanuelli Giulia , Zhu JiaYi , Li Wei , Morrell Nicholas W , Marciniak Stefan J
Published: May 2024

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disorder with a large genetic component. Biallelic mutations of EIF2AK4, which encodes the kinase GCN2, are causal in two ultra-rare subtypes of PAH, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease and pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis. EIF2AK4 variants of unknown significance have also been identified in patients with classical PAH, though their relationship to disease remains unclear. To provide patients with diagnostic information and enable family testing, the functional consequences of such rare variants must be determined, but existing computational methods are imperfect. We applied a suite of bioinformatic and experimental approaches to sixteen EIF2AK4 variants that had been identified in patients. By experimentally testing the functional integrity of the integrated stress response (ISR) downstream of GCN2, we determined that existing computational tools have insufficient sensitivity to reliably predict impaired kinase function. We determined experimentally that several EIF2AK4 variants identified in patients with classical PAH had preserved function and are therefore likely to be non-pathogenic. The dysfunctional variants of GCN2 that we identified could be subclassified into three groups: misfolded, kinase-dead, and hypomorphic. Intriguingly, members of the hypomorphic group were amenable to paradoxical activation by a type-1½ GCN2 kinase inhibitor. This experiment approach may aid in the clinical stratification of EIF2AK4 variants and potentially identify hypomorophic alleles receptive to pharmacological activation.
Single nuclei RNA-seq reveals a medium spiny neuron glutamate excitotoxicity signature prior to the onset of neuronal death in an ovine Huntington’s disease model
Authors: Jiang Andrew , You Linya , Handley Renee R , Hawkins Victoria , Reid Suzanne J , Jacobsen Jessie C , Patassini Stefano , Rudiger Skye R , Mclaughlan Clive J , Kelly Jennifer M , Verma Paul J , Bawden C Simon , Gusella James F , MacDonald Marcy E , Waldvogel Henry J , Faull Richard L M , Lehnert Klaus , Snell Russell G
Published: May 2024

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder caused by an expansion in the CAG repeat tract of the huntingtin (HTT) gene resulting in behavioural, cognitive, and motor defects. Current knowledge of disease pathogenesis remains incomplete, and no disease course-modifying interventions are in clinical use. We have previously reported the development and characterisation of the OVT73 transgenic sheep model of HD. The 73 polyglutamine repeat is somatically stable and therefore likely captures a prodromal phase of the disease with an absence of motor symptomatology even at 5-years of age and no detectable striatal cell loss. To better understand the disease-initiating events we have undertaken a single nuclei transcriptome study of the striatum of an extensively studied cohort of 5-year-old OVT73 HD sheep and age matched wild-type controls. We have identified transcriptional upregulation of genes encoding N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and kainate receptors in medium spiny neurons, the cell type preferentially lost early in HD. Further, we observed an upregulation of astrocytic glutamate uptake transporters and medium spiny neuron GABAA receptors, which may maintain glutamate homeostasis. Taken together, these observations support the glutamate excitotoxicity hypothesis as an early neurodegeneration cascade-initiating process but the threshold of toxicity may be regulated by several protective mechanisms. Addressing this biochemical defect early may prevent neuronal loss and avoid the more complex secondary consequences precipitated by cell death.
Progression of the ascending aorta diameter after surgical or transcatheter bicuspid aortic valve replacement
Authors: Chiariello Giovanni Alfonso , Di Mauro Michele , Pasquini Annalisa , Bruno Piergiorgio , Nesta Marialisa , Fabiani Ludovica , Mazza Andrea , Meloni Martina , Baldo Elisabetta , Ponzo Myriana , Ferraro Francesco , Conserva Antonio Davide , D’Acierno Edoardo , Villa Emmanuel , Trani Carlo , Burzotta Francesco , Massetti Massimo
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVES

Ascending aorta (AA) dilatation in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (AV) is related both to genetic and haemodynamic factors. The aim of this study is to compare late progression of AA dilatation in bicuspid AV patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) versus transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

Data of 189 consecutive patients who underwent AV replacement for severe bicuspid AV stenosis were prospectively collected. Patients who underwent SAVR were compared to patients who underwent TAVI. Indication to the procedure was validated by the institutional Heart Team. Aortic diameters were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiogram. Differences between preoperative and long-term follow-up AA diameters were compared in the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Between January 2015 and December 2021, 143 (76%) patients underwent SAVR and 46 (24%) patients underwent TAVI. At 4.6 (standard deviation 1.7) years follow-up, patients in the TAVI group showed significantly lower survival (P = 0.00013) and event-free survival (P < 0.0001). AA diameter progression was lower in surgical compared to transcatheter patients, 0.95 (0.60, 1.30) vs 1.65 (0.67, 2.63) mm, P = 0.02. AA diameter progression indexed for body surface area and height was lower in the surgical group: 0.72 (0.38, 1.05) vs 1.05 (0.39, 1.71) mm/m2, P = 0.02, and 0.59 (0.36, 0.81) vs 1.11 (0.44, 1.78) mm/m, P = 0.001, respectively. At multivariable linear regression analysis transcatheter procedure, baseline aortic diameter and paravalvular leak were significantly associated with increased postoperative AA dilatation.

CONCLUSIONS

Bicuspid AV patients who underwent SAVR, showed significantly less long-term AA diameter progression than patients who underwent transcatheter procedure.
Eliminate Structural Injustices or Perpetuate Them: Indigenous Peoples and Transitional Justice in the Criminal Court System of Taiwan
Authors: Fan Keng-Wei , Lin Jun-Ru
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT∞

In 2017, Taiwan’s government proposed reforms to the Indigenous Specialized Criminal Court (ISC) within its criminal court system (court system). Situated within the contemporary theoretical framework of transitional justice, this article explores the theoretical significance of these reforms and examines their actual state of implementation. Firstly, the article points out that the court system has led to structural injustices like the erasure of culture and socio-economic disadvantages for indigenous peoples, highlighting the limitations of the conventional transitional justice model in addressing these injustices. As a response, the ISC reform adopts strategies that differ from the conventional model. The article then attempts to develop an enhanced transitional justice model that includes structural injustices within its scope and explains the ISC reform initiatives and their inherent transitional justice significance. Finally, by evaluating the implementation status of the ISC reform, the article elucidates its theoretical implications and the feedback it offers to contemporary theoretical debates.
Pharmacoeconomic study of anti-influenza virus drugs in Japan based on a network meta-analysis
Authors: Nakagawa Naoto , Kanazawa Yukinori , Morikawa Akimasa , Lai Leanne
Published: May 2024

Background

An analysis was conducted in Japan to determine the most cost-effective neuraminidase inhibitor for the treatment of influenza virus infections from the healthcare payer’s standpoint.

Objective

This study reanalysed the findings of a previous study that had some limitations (no probabilistic sensitivity analysis and quality of life scores measured by the EQ-5D-3L instead of the EQ-5D-5L) and used a decision tree model with only three health conditions.

Methods

This study incorporated new data from a network meta-analysis study into the first examination. The second examination involved constructing a new decision tree model encompassing seven health conditions and identifying costs, which consisted of medical costs and drug prices based on the 2020 version of the Japanese medical fee index. Effectiveness outcomes were measured using EQ-5D-5L questionnaires for adult patients with a history of influenza virus infections within a 14-day time horizon. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the uncertainty.

Results

In the first examination, the base-case cost-effectiveness analysis confirmed that oseltamivir outperformed laninamivir, zanamivir and peramivir, making it the most cost-effective neuraminidase inhibitor. The second examination revealed that oseltamivir dominated the other agents. Both deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed robust results that validated oseltamivir as the most cost effective among the four neuraminidase inhibitors.

Conclusions

This study thus reaffirms oseltamivir’s position as the most cost-effective neuraminidase inhibitor for the treatment of influenza virus infections in Japan from the perspective of healthcare payment. These findings can help decision makers and healthcare providers in Japan.
Dental antimicrobial stewardship: a qualitative study of perspectives among Canadian dentistry sector leaders and experts in antimicrobial stewardship
Authors: Martine Christiana , Sutherland Susan , Born Karen , Thompson Wendy , Teoh Leanne , Singhal Sonica
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Dentistry is a significant contributor to the burden of antimicrobial overprescribing and hence to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. However, antimicrobial stewardship in Canadian dentistry is nascent, with an acknowledged need for research and coordinated stewardship efforts. This study aimed to gain insights into the perspectives of Canadian dentistry sector leaders and experts on the main drivers of dental antibiotic overprescribing and potential stewardship strategies.

Methods

Exploratory qualitative design. Data collection: four one-time, 1 h focus group discussions with 22 experts and stakeholders in antimicrobial stewardship in Canada, recruited through a mix of purposive and snowball sampling. Data analysis: inductive thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis yielded five themes: outdated patterns; antimicrobials as a Band-Aid; fear and risk aversion; behavioural change; and why reinvent the wheel? Overprescription in dentistry stems primarily from a perpetuation of outdated prescribing patterns, ubiquitous use of antibiotics as a temporary solution, and an overly cautious antibiotic use by risk-averse providers. Stewardship strategies should be grounded on behavioural change (motivation, robust data and enactment of new behaviours) and may be modelled after tested medical interventions.

Conclusions

This study presents a roadmap for behavioural change in dental antibiotic prescribing, and points to the fact that the success of a stewardship actionable plan for Canadian dentistry may depend more on concerted efforts for change than on the creation of novel strategies. Hence, contextualizing and testing medical stewardship programmes in Canadian dentistry may be effective in combatting antibiotic overprescription, thereby contributing to global efforts to reduce antimicrobial resistance.
The balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in canine, feline, and equine nutrition: exploring sources and the significance of alpha-linolenic acid
Authors: Burron Scarlett , Richards Taylor , Krebs Giovane , Trevizan Luciano , Rankovic Alexandra , Hartwig Samantha , Pearson Wendy , Ma David W L , Shoveller Anna K
Published: May 2024

Both n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FA) have numerous significant physiological roles for mammals. The interplay between these families of FA is of interest in companion animal nutrition due to the influence of the n-6:n-3 FA ratio on the modulation of the inflammatory response in disease management and treatment. As both human and animal diets have shifted to greater consumption of vegetable oils rich in n-6 FA, the supplementation of n-3 FA to canine, feline, and equine diets has been advocated for. Although fish oils are commonly added to supply the long-chain n-3 FA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a heavy reliance on this ingredient by the human, pet food, and equine supplement industries is not environmentally sustainable. Instead, sustainable sourcing of plant-based oils rich in n-3 α-linolenic acid (ALA), such as flaxseed and camelina oils, emerges as a viable option to support an optimal n-6:n-3 FA ratio. Moreover, ALA may offer health benefits that extend beyond its role as a precursor for endogenous EPA and DHA production. The following review underlines the metabolism and recommendations of n-6 and n-3 FA for dogs, cats, and horses and the ratio between them in promoting optimal health and inflammation management. Additionally, insights into both marine and plant-based n-3 FA sources will be discussed, along with the commercial practicality of using plant oils rich in ALA for the provision of n-3 FA to companion animals.
Are “10 Grams of Protein” Better than “Ten Grams of Protein”? How Digits versus Number Words Influence Consumer Judgments
Authors: Romero Marisabel , Craig Adam W , Mormann Milica , Kumar Anand
Published: May 2024

Numerical information can be communicated using different number formats, such as digits (“5”) or number words (“five”). For example, a battery product may claim to last for “5 hours” or “five hours.” And while these two formats are used interchangeably in the marketplace, it is not clear how they influence consumer judgments and behavior. Via six experimental studies, two online ad campaigns, and one large secondary dataset analysis, we find that digits, compared to number words, positively affect consumer behavior. We refer to this phenomenon as the number format effect. We further show that the number format effect occurs because consumers feel that digits (vs. number words) are the right way to present numerical information: digits lead to a sense of feeling right that then affects consumer behavior. Finally, we show that the number format effect is amplified when credibility of the source of information is low, and attenuated when source credibility is high. The current research advances knowledge of how numerical information influences consumer judgments and behavior and carries important implications for marketers and policymakers as they communicate numerical information to consumers.
Large Sample Estimators of the Stochastic Discount Factor
Authors: Kim Soohun , Korajczyk Robert A
Published: May 2024

We propose estimators of the stochastic discount factor using large cross-sections of individual stocks. We introduce a short time-block structure on a large N, T panel to exploit unbalanced panels of individual stock returns and suggest a novel bias correction to achieve the consistency of our estimators. Our estimators can accommodate pre-specified traded and nontraded factors, and latent factors. The estimators perform well in simulations. We apply our estimators to return data for U.S. individual stocks over a 50-year sample period and identify those factors in popular asset pricing models that command significant premia. A number of proposed nontraded factors have insignificant risk premia. Contrary to many studies, we find the market factor has a significant premium, as do profitability, value, and momentum factors.
Early Impact of Nirsevimab on Ambulatory All-Cause Bronchiolitis: A Prospective Multicentric Surveillance Study in France
Authors: Levy Corinne , Werner Andreas , Rybak Alexis , Béchet Stéphane , Batard Christophe , Hassid Frédéric , Desandes Roxane , Frandji Bruno , Ouldali Naim , Cohen Robert
Published: May 2024

After the implementation of nirsevimab in 2023 in France as compared with 2022–2023, we found a 52.7%, (95% CI [46.4–58.9])decrease in all-cause bronchiolitis in children <3 months with the lowest number of bronchiolitis cases in this population since 2017.
Holocaust Refugees in Bolivia: Immigration Through a Postcolonial and Microhistorical Lens
Authors: Gruner-Domić Sandra
Published: May 2024

Jewish refugees who escaped the Holocaust by emigrating to Bolivia formed a vibrant Jewish community of around 20,000 for two decades and maintained a presence there until the 1970s. This article examines Bolivia as a place of migration and refuge during and after the Holocaust, and asks whether Eurocentric perspectives in postcolonial contexts have perpetuated the notion that Bolivia could not truly become a home for these refugees. In supporting European immigration for colonization, the Bolivian government sought to overcome an economic crisis caused by the Chaco War in the 1930s. During the peak emigration years of 1938 and 1939, Jewish families arrived from Germany and its annexed territories intending to rebuild a normal life. By focusing on one extended family and using a microhistorical lens, the article explores complex and layered experiences of prejudice. It analyses how migrants’ willingness or reluctance to engage with others through sport and music offers insights into forms of conviviality among individuals belonging to various social groups in a postcolonial context. Using archival documents, memoirs, and the video testimonies of Jewish survivors, this article presents Bolivia as an important refugee destination, thereby redressing its omission due to persistent epistemological shortcomings that have perpetuated its invisibility in this respect.
Differences in Perceived Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Military Dental Postgraduate Residents
Authors: Ross James M , Watson Nora L , Hamlin Nicholas J , Schmidt John E
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In military training settings, stress can improve focus and motivation fostering effective learning. However, high perceived stress can be debilitating resulting in poor learning and clinical errors. Multiple studies have focused on medical residency stress; but there has been minimal focus on dental residents and even less on the impact of the unique stressors from the COVID-19 pandemic. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceived stress of residents in a military dental residency training program and explore the association among perceived stress and anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and social support.

Materials and Methods

Dental residents (N = 20) at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School participated in this study. Residents were assessed via self-report measures quarterly from March 2020 through June 2021. The assessment included measures of anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), perceived stress (PSS), fatigue (FSI), and social support (DUKE-SSQ).

Results

Before the pandemic shutdown, 60% of participants reported high perceived stress. These residents reported an initial decrease in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue compared to residents reporting low pre-pandemic perceived stress but returned to baseline levels post-shutdown. Additionally, the high stress participants reported lower social support.

Conclusions

Based on pre-pandemic perceived stress, participants responded differently to the impact of the pandemic shutdown. The low baseline stress participants may have a more robust sense of grit and resilience. These findings suggest that postgraduate dental training programs should integrate coping skills training opportunities, especially for residents reporting high perceived stress before residency.
The Relationship Between Pre-Pandemic Comorbidities With SARS-CoV-2 Infections and Hospitalizations in Black Versus White Military Service Members: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sukumaran Pramod , Millington Donna , Blackburn August , Asin Susana N
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions have been reported to worsen the clinical progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and related hospitalizations. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the historically marginalized groups, i.e., Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals have substantially higher rates of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, COVID-19 hospitalization, and death compared to White individuals. Despite these findings in civilian populations, the impact of comorbidities and race in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 hospitalizations in military populations is unknown. We evaluated the relationship of pre-selected pre-pandemic comorbidities and race with SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 hospitalizations in U.S. military service members (SMs).

Materials and Methods

We conducted a systematic review of Military Health System beneficiaries’ records by accessing the Defense Medical Epidemiological Database. Our inclusion criteria were being an active duty SM and having at least one pre-COVID-19 pandemic comorbidity. Retired as well as uninfected healthy active duty SMs and beneficiaries were excluded from the study. A total population of 1.334 million active duty SM records was drawn from Defense Medical Epidemiological Database. The data were stratified, by race (primary outcome), as well as gender, age, and military service branches (secondary outcomes).

Results

We found higher trends in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 hospitalization rates in Black compared to White SMs. This seamless inequality was also seen in other viral infections affecting SMs including human immunodeficiency virus and viral hepatitis. We hypothesized this disparity to some extent be associated with the presence of pre-pandemic comorbidities that is affecting this military subpopulation. Supporting our hypothesis, we found trends toward the higher pre-pandemic prevalence of diabetes mellitus, asthma, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease, in Black compared to White military SMs, especially in Black older male adults.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the role of pre-pandemic comorbidities and race likely enhancing the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 hospitalizations in military SMs. These preliminary findings underscore the need for future retrospective studies using additional Military Health System data bases reporting data on this military subpopulation, especially in the setting of future pathogens outbreaks or pandemics affecting military populations.
Non-thermal emission from mildly relativistic dynamical ejecta of neutron star mergers: spectrum and sky image
Authors: Sadeh Gilad , Linder Noya , Waxman Eli
Published: May 2024

Binary neutron star mergers are expected to produce fast dynamical ejecta, with mildly relativistic velocities extending to β = v/c > 0.6. In a preceding paper, we derived an analytic description of the time-dependent radio to X-ray synchrotron flux produced by collision-less shocks driven by such fast ejecta into the interstellar medium, for spherical ejecta with broken power-law mass (or energy) distributions, M(> γβ)∝(γβ)−s with s = sKN at γβ < γ0β0 and s = sft at γβ > γ0β0 (where γ is the Lorentz factor). Here, we extend our analysis and provide analytic expressions for the self-absorption frequency, the cooling frequency, and the observed angular size of the emitting region (which appears as a ring in the sky). For parameter values characteristic of merger calculation results – a ‘shallow’ mass distribution, 1 < sKN < 3, for the bulk of the ejecta (at γβ ≈ 0.2), and a steep, sft > 5, ‘fast tail’ mass distribution – the analytic results reproduce well (to tens of per cent accuracy) the results of detailed numeric calculations, a significant improvement over earlier order-of-magnitude estimates (based on extrapolations of results valid for γβ ≪ 1).
Architecture and Emotion
Authors: Honarmand Ebrahimi Sara
Published: May 2024

What is the relationship between architecture and emotions? The answer may lie in Winston Churchill’s famous 1943 statement: “we shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us.” But there is more to this relationship than this statement suggests. Researchers who seek to examine this relationship now have access to a large body of scholarship that includes phenomenology, affect theory, emotional geography, and atmospheric experience. The key contribution of this body of scholarship lies in its stress on embodiment and “lived space” of architecture, rather than the physical space. But they largely universalize the body and see the relationship between architecture and emotions through various nature/culture, culture/biology, and reason/emotion divides. They also treat emotions as just another category of (historical) analysis. Histories of emotions (and the senses) have been problematizing these reductive views and ways of analysis since the 1980s. They operate on two main claims: emotions both make history and have history. The word “emotion” itself is a product of the nineteenth century, before which there were “appetites,” “passions,” “affections,” or “sentiments.” These two claims have led to the groundbreaking observation that the relationship between architecture and emotions is not given once and for all; this relationship changes over time and the same building can evoke different emotions in diverse people depending on their gender, age, occupation, ethnicity, previous experiences, and so on. This observation has precedence in the work of feminist scholars of the city, interested in geographies of fear. As early as the 1990s, these scholars emphasized people’s diverse and changing experiences of urban environments. Historians of emotions have expanded upon this scholarship through stressing the temporal and cultural dimensions of emotions, the interrelation between emotions and the senses, and the relationship between architecture and emotions as being biocultural, rather than directional. They endeavor to make the exploration of uncertainties and “feeling differently” an important part of the research practice. It is no longer acceptable to make distinctions between good or bad architecture, between cause and effect, or to argue that we can re-experience the past. The relationship between architecture and emotions is diverse, plural, changing, and laden with feelings of otherwise. An exploration of this changing and unstable relationship should become a scholarly practice that will help us learn more about the buildings as well as the societies they were built in and lived through.
Chronicles (East Norse, Rhymed Chronicles)
Authors: Skovgaard Boeck Simon
Published: May 2024

The East Norse rhymed chronicles form a literary complex of historical, political, and literary texts. They can be split in two groups, one wherein the time span dealt with is restricted to events recent to their composition, and another beginning in legendary times. Among the former the Old Swedish Erikskrönikan (Chronicle of Duke Erik), probably written in the 1320s, stands out as the older, and as a significant literary and historical source. It is the first preserved major contribution to Swedish historiography. Erikskrönikan is preserved in nineteen manuscripts from the fifteenth century onward. Together with Förbindelsedikten (Connecting Composition), Karlskrönikan (Chronicle of Karl), and Sturekrönikan (Chronicle of Sture), it presents Swedish history from 1230 to 1496. A disputed Engelbrektskrönika might be preserved as the first part of Karlskrönikan, contributing to making this by far the largest of the East Norse rhymed chronicles, with 9,628 verses. Karlskrönikan survives in an early manuscript (from c. 1452) and in later copies, the short Förbindelsedikten (632 verses) covers the period between Erikskrönikan and Karlskrönikan, and is a later supplement in some manuscripts. Sturekrönikan consists of two sections with partly contradictious ideals, but this is disguised in the surviving ten manuscripts (the oldest of which is from c. 1500). The texts of the latter group are less important as sources to historical events. Moreover, these texts—the Old Swedish Lilla rimkrönikan (Smaller Rhymed Chronicle), Yngsta rimkrönikan (Younger Rhymed Chronicle), and the Old Danish Rimkrønike (Rhymed Chronicle)—share a monologic form, in which former kings reflect on their lives, vices, and virtues, clearly making these texts useful as moral-didactic exempla. Lilla rimkrönikan survives in several manuscripts, the oldest dated of these is from 1457. The oldest text witness of the Old Danish Rimkrøniken is a fragment from the middle of the fifteenth century, the first complete version is an incunable from 1495, and the text also survives in a Middle Low German translation. All the rhymed chronicles are politically biased and they propagate courtly values and aristocratic or royal politics. The Swedish texts often display a harsh anti-Danish sentiment; in the only Old Danish text that is turned around. Knittel (doggerel verse) is the predominant, and apart from stanzaic divisions of the Old Danish text, almost the only type of versification. The titles are modern designations; they have however, become standard. The compound term (Sw. rimkrönika, Da. rimkrønike) is not attested before the beginning of the seventeenth century. The genre had a post-medieval bloom in the sixteenth century.
Cognitive Grammar
Authors: Broccias Cristiano
Published: May 2024

Cognitive Grammar (CG), previously known as “space grammar,” is a theory of language within the cognitive linguistics camp developed by Ronald Langacker from the late 1970s onward. Its development can be divided into two stages: “classical” CG—from its inception to the turn of the twenty-first century—and contemporary CG. Classical CG aims to offer an alternative to formal/generative grammar by rejecting the view of grammar as an autonomous module of an autonomous language faculty and, consequently, by espousing the view that language should be treated as part of general cognition. Thus, CG rejects the mainstream generative assumption that language consists of a repository of forms (the lexicon of a language) and a set of rules for combining them (the syntax of a language). Instead, lexicon and syntax are seen as two facets of a grammar-lexicon continuum and language is viewed as a “structured inventory of conventional units.” This means that a language consists of linguistic expressions of any length and specificity that are entrenched in the language user’s mind (they are units), are shared among the speakers of the language (they are conventional), and are related to one other by various types of links (they are a “structured” inventory). Importantly, linguistic units emerge out of specific usage events, so CG is described as a usage-based model of language. Also, all linguistic expressions, of any length and specificity, are regarded as symbolic in the sense that they are made up by a semantic pole (the “meaning” of an expression), a phonological pole (the “form” of an expression), as well as their linking. Unlike in other more mainstream approaches, these two poles are construed broadly so that the semantic pole encompasses pragmatic/encyclopedic information and the phonological pole includes bodily manifestations other than speech, such as gesture. A corollary of the symbolic view is that “grammar” is inherently meaningful, as grammatical patterns also consist in the association of a semantic pole and a phonological pole, no matter how abstract they might be. Contemporary CG focuses on offering a unified treatment of language structure, processing, and discourse. One of the key claims is that traditional hierarchical constituency, as represented in syntactic trees, is problematic because grammatical structure is actually often serial or flat. CG has many affinities to Goldberg’s Construction Grammar (CxG) and Croft’s Radical Construction Grammar (RCC), although it is much broader in scope and important differences exist. For example, CxG and RCC also describe linguistic expressions as pairings of form and meaning, but CxG and RCC equate form with syntax while CG equates form with phonology. Instead, syntax, as pointed out earlier, has no independent status in CG.
Argentine Armed Forces
Authors: Tato María Inés
Published: May 2024

The Argentine Armed Forces comprise the Argentine Army, the Argentine Navy, and the Argentine Air Force. The first two date back to the dawn of the nineteenth century and their emergence is closely linked to the struggles for the independence of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata from Spain. In fact, the motto of the Army is “Born with the Homeland in 1810” in reference to the May Revolution, which led to independence in 1816. The Air Force, on the other hand, was created in 1945, although both the Army and the Navy had air corps before that date. Until the mid-twentieth century, military history in Argentina was produced almost exclusively by historians with military training, with a prevailing lack of interest in this subject in the university field. Especially since the 1980s, academic historians began to take an interest in the study of war and the armed forces as part of the general renewal of the historical discipline. This article will refer to some general works on institutional or operational history but will mainly review the academic production on the subject from a social, cultural, and political stance. The academic historiography referring to the Argentine Armed Forces presents marked thematic variations depending on the century, responding to specific historical processes. Numerous wars of different nature characterized Argentina in the nineteenth century: wars of independence (1810–1824); civil wars (1814–1880); wars against the aboriginal peoples (1833–1835, 1878–1885); and wars with neighboring countries, such as the Brazil War (1825–1828) and the Paraguayan War (or War of the Triple Alliance) (1864–1870). Consequently, historians have dealt with the military campaigns associated with these conflicts, the formation and professionalization of the military instrument and its links with the state. In contrast, 20th-century Argentina was practically exempt from military conflicts, except for the Falklands/Malvinas War (1982) and a limited intervention of the Navy in the Gulf War (1990). However, the armed forces played a direct role in politics, involving coups d’état and dictatorships between 1930 and 1983. Therefore, academic studies have focused extensively on their political intervention and doctrinal mutations, particularly in the Army. They have also addressed the Falklands/Malvinas War as the only bilateral conventional war of the twentieth century in which they acted. The transformations of the armed forces after 1982 have also attracted the attention of scholars in the humanities and social sciences.
Children's Literature and Young Adult Literature in Ireland
Authors: Carroll Jane Suzanne
Published: May 2024

Irish children’s and young adult literature is a rich and complex field of inquiry. While the history of Irish children’s publishing can be traced to the eighteenth century, the emergence of a robust, independent, and definably Irish publishing market—and the emergence of a distinct critical discussion around these books—is relatively recent. By the late 1990s, there were a growing number of Irish presses specializing in material for young readers producing a wide range of work in Irish and in English. The increase in output is echoed by the rise of professional networks dedicated to the promotion and study of Irish children’s and young adult literature. The Children’s Literature Association of Ireland (established 1986) and the Irish Children’s Book Trust (established 1989) merged to form Children’s Books Ireland in 1997. IBBY Ireland was formed in 1998. With the formation of research societies such as the Irish Society for the Study of Children’s Literature (established 2002) and the creation of specialist undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a number of Irish universities and third-level institutions, there is now a sense that Irish youth literature is a robust and generative field of critical interest. The key areas of critical interest reflect the key themes of children’s and young adult fiction. Just as Irish writers for children have focused on ideas of space and place, on concerns with history and historical fiction, on stories that engage with and develop images from mythology, so too have critical discussions of Irish children’s and young adult literature developed around these same themes. Critical studies of Irish children’s literature have also opened up new and ambitious conversations about gender and on the representation of minorities: this critical interest reflects and responds to changing ideas about gender and sexuality, and to changes in the island’s racial and cultural population. More recently, a renewed interest in archival studies has created fresh insight into the origins and development of Irish children’s literature, asserted the central value of children’s literature in heritage collections and special collections, and generated new critical discussion into the history and the future of children’s and young adult literature across the island.
Cooperation-Competition (Coopetition)
Authors: Gnyawali Devi , Islam S M Abidul
Published: May 2024

Coopetition involves the simultaneous pursuit of cooperation and competition to create value. This unique strategy blends opposing principles of competition and cooperation and presents intriguing opportunities and challenges. Various factors drive organizations to pursue coopetition, and success in coopetition is enhanced when organizations possess specialized capabilities to navigate the complexities involved. Recognized as a modern strategic approach, coopetition has gained significant attention in academic research and management practice, making it a compelling area of study in contemporary business environments.
The One-Child Policy
Authors: Greenhalgh Susan
Published: May 2024

Since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) introduced its policy advocating only one child per couple, the one-child policy has attracted enormous attention from journalists, scholars, politicians, and ordinary people across the globe. (Although the policy was modified in many areas to allow 1.5 or even 2 children, the leadership continued to advocate one child for all. This essay follows conventional practice in referring to it as the one-child policy.) Today (the mid-2020s), almost a decade after it was abandoned, we have a vast scholarly literature on the policy, but only a partial understanding of it. We know a great deal about rural reactions, but little about urban responses. We know a lot about the policy’s effects on women and girls, but almost nothing about the consequences for men and boys. Moreover, in the literature we find two very different understandings of the subject of interest. For some, the one-child policy refers to the state’s project to limit the number of births per couple. Their assessments of the policy tend to be sharply negative. For others, the one-child policy refers to the state’s efforts to reduce quantity while improving the quality (suzhi素质) of the next generation. For these researchers, the evaluation is more nuanced, recognizing certain benefits along with the terrible costs. This second line of thinking holds that the quantity project would not have succeeded without the quality project, which entailed creating new kinds of persons with new, more modern identities and aspirations. This article covers both approaches. After general overviews, it contains six sections. Moving roughly chronologically, these deal with the policy’s origins, the local politics of enforcement, gender consequences for the younger and older generations, the quality project of optimizing China’s society, and the shift to a two-child (2015) and three-child (2021) policy. This article omits almost all journalistic writings, which tend to focus heavily on coercive enforcement. Most of the work included is in English. For years, many of the issues of greatest concern were too risky for China-based researchers to study. Moreover, many social demographers from China have been trained abroad and published extensively in English-language journals. Although the policy ended in 2015, the debates over its politics and morality are certain to continue. Equally important, the policy profoundly remade China’s society, culture, and politics in ways that will continue to unfold over time. (For technical and other demographic work on the policy, readers should consult the Oxford Bibliographies in Chinese studies article “Population Structure and Dynamics since 1949.”
A phantom human chorionic gonadotropin in the case of molar pregnancy
Authors: Usui Hirokazu , Sato Asuka , Katayama Eri , Nakamura Natsuko , Koga Kaori
Published: May 2024

Accurately interpreting persistent, low human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels is essential for managing gestational trophoblastic disease. Erroneous interpretation can lead to inappropriate interventions, including unnecessary chemotherapy or hysterectomy, or unjustified changes in chemotherapeutic regimens due to misidentification of a false-positive hCG as a true positive. The predominant etiology of phantom hCG is the presence of heterophilic antibodies. Consequently, screening for urine hCG is indispensable for its diagnosis because immunoglobulin is not generally present in urine. Here, we report about phantom hCG after a complete hydatidiform mole. Initial urine hCG evaluations were negative, although the serum hCG levels remained positive, leading to the diagnosis of phantom hCG. After subsequent delivery, urine hCG levels persisted at diminished levels. However, a different assay yielded negative hCG results for both serum and urine samples. The patient subsequently gave birth. The absence of hCG was consistently confirmed over five years.
Infant with a hereditary blistering disorder: an interesting case in the NICU
Authors: Tchignaha Rifkatou , Restivo Jessica , Szialta Christina , Nulman Oksana , Parikh Abhinav
Published: May 2024

This is a case of hereditary skin disorder in a full-term female newborn, with family history of epidermolysis bullosa (EB), who developed skin vesicles on the first day of life (DOL) without mucosal or ocular involvement. A multidisciplinary approach involving dermatology, wound care, and occupational therapy led to full recovery in our patient within six days of life. Special precautions were taken to prevent complications. Upon genetic testing, the patient was found to have a genetic variant of unknown significance (VUS). The goal of this case report is to give a detailed account of the patient’s course, provide management recommendations which could be applied to similar cases and settings in the newborn period.
Dyskeratosis congenita: a rare case report
Authors: Khattab Seham , Nasser Hisham , Al-Janabi Moatasem Hussein , Hasan Fouz
Published: May 2024

Dyskeratosis congenita (DKC) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by lacy reticular skin hyperpigmentation, bone marrow failure, nail dystrophy, and oral leukoplakia. To the best of our knowledge, only around 200 cases were reported in the medical literature, and in this report, we present another distinctive case from Syria. This case report describes a male patient with generalized reticular pigmentation and abnormal nails since childhood. The patient reported a history of recurrent urethral stenosis and corneal density. Dermoscopic examination revealed pigmented lines arranged in a netlike pattern. Histopathological findings were nonspecific. Hematological values were unremarkable. A contrast CT scan revealed changes in the bladder wall. The final diagnosis of Dyskeratosis Congenita was made based on the clinical criteria. This disorder can present with additional cutaneous manifestations and systemic complications. Treatment are generally prescribed to maintain bone marrow function, based on the fact that it is the major cause of death. Regular monitoring and screening for associated conditions are recommended.
Communicating the diagnosis of a hematological neoplastic disease to patients’ minor children: a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Manghisi Beatrice , Borin Lorenza , Monaco Maria Rosaria , Sacco Gaia Giulia Angela , Antolini Laura , Mantegazza Raffaele , Barichello Monica , Mazza Umberto , Zappasodi Patrizia , Onida Francesco , Arcaini Luca , Cairoli Roberto , Gambacorti Passerini Carlo
Published: May 2024

Background

When a hematological malignancy is diagnosed, the whole family carries the burden of the disease; parents often try to protect minor children from suffering by avoiding communication about their disease. Since 2009, patients with minors at the Adult Hematology Division at San Gerardo Hospital (Monza) can take part in the “Emanuela Project”: children can visit parents and talk with psychologists and hematologists, who explain the disease through simple metaphors.

Materials and Methods

The EMY STUDY aimed to evaluate the impact of illness-related communication on children’s behavior, comparing Monza’s experience with other Hematology Units, where the communication is delegated to parents or psychological support. Questionnaires exploring the children’s main behaviors (school performance, appetite, sleeping patterns, attachment to family figures, and family dialogue) were administered to both sick (SP) and healthy (HP) parents. From 2017 to 2021, 32 patients were enrolled, 20 from Monza and 12 from other hospitals; 84 questionnaires were globally collected.

Results

In Monza’s group, no major changes in children’s behavior were observed and an open dialogue about the disease was often possible. Disease communication is considered crucial and perceived as a responsibility of parents together with a professional figure, mainly the hematologist. Patients were satisfied with “Emanuela Project,” reporting positive effects on doctor-patient relationship. Difficulties in separation were significantly higher at other hospitals (P = .019) than in Monza. While at other centers communication is considered parents’ responsibility, Monza’s patients emphasize the role of professional figures (P = .007). Differently from other hospitals, the role of the hematologist is crucial to Monza’s patients (P = .001).

Conclusion

Disease communication to patients’ offspring is a crucial moment in the process of care, and the hematologist can play a major role in this difficult task, with potential positive effects both on children’s well-being and on doctor-patient relationship.
Race and the American Corporation
Authors: Wade Cheryl
Published: May 2024

This chapter provides an overview of the rhetoric of anti-racism and diversity in the twenty-first century. It highlights the interrelation between race and the American corporation. Before 2018, Corporate American discourse relating to race focused on diversity rather than racism, and that focus impacted corporate culture. Racial discourse that moves beyond empty rhetorical flourishes about diversity and inclusion is possible only if business leaders believe in racial justice and its relevance to corporate purpose. The chapter considers the aftermath and impact of George Floyd’s death, referencing how more corporate leaders weighed in on the issue and major U.S. corporations joined a national debate about systemic racism.