bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal variability of plastic litter in two sand beaches of San Andres Island, Colombian Caribbean
Authors: Castellón-Mena Naida Del Carmen , Sarmiento-Devia Ricardo , Romero-Murillo Patricia
Published: November 2024

The majority of marine plastic waste is anthropogenic. Recently, several reports have documented negative impacts on tourist beaches in the Caribbean, especially on the fauna associated with marine coastal ecosystems. This study analyzes the characteristics and seasonal variation of plastic waste considering the most common sizes on two beaches (Spratt Bight and Los Charquitos) of San Andres Island in 2021. Nine hundred twenty-six plastic items were collected from three perpendicular transects established in three beach strips. The largest number of plastic debris (416 items) was found in the dry season (March), followed by the transition (August, 280 items) and rainy season (November, 230 items). Regarding relative abundance, microplastics are the most predominant size class, while fragments are the most common form of plastic debris on San Andres Island beaches.
Role of Oxyrrhis marina as a key predator in regulating phytoplankton dynamics during red tide events of 2018-2019 in the San Jorge Bay, Antofagasta, Chile
Authors: Cameron Henry , Leyton Yanett , Riquelme Carlos
Published: November 2024

Oxyrrhis marina has been reported as an active predator in marine ecosystems, leading us to hypothesize that its grazing activity may impact the dynamics of species during red tide (RT) events in the San Jorge Bay (SJB). We conducted a study on developing one of the largest RT events observed in the SJB between June 2018 and May 2019. We isolated and identified the abundant microorganisms present during the bloom using microscopy techniques. Additionally, we evaluated the grazing activity of O. marina as a predator on phytoplankton species previously isolated from the SJB. Controlled laboratory experiments were conducted with O. marina and six different prey species at a concentration of 1×105 cells mL-1 (1:1) under controlled photoperiod, irradiance, and temperature conditions. The results revealed that the most abundant species during the RT event were Prorocentrum triestinum, P. micans, and O. marina. Regarding grazing preference, after 72 h, O. marina exhibited a significantly higher consumption rate of P. triestinum (19 cells mL-1) compared to the less consumed P. micans (8,627 cells mL-1). The observed strong preference of O. marina for P. triestinum suggests its potential role as a key controller of phytoplankton upwelling during RT periods. This study suggests that the diversity of microorganisms during red tide periods in SJB, Antofagasta, would be regulated by physicochemical and biological factors.
Pour en finir avec le système castro-provincial ? Les provinces en Bohême et en Moravie à l’époque ducale
Authors: Météier Paul-Antoine
Published: November 2024

L’histoire administrative de la Bohême et de la Moravie des xi e -xii e siècles tourne autour de la notion de système castral. Selon ce modèle, le pouvoir des ducs přemyslides s’exprimait au niveau régional par l’intermédiaire de châteaux qui concentraient des fonctions religieuses, militaires et fiscales. Ces châteaux auraient été le centre de territoires appelés provinces, tant en Bohême qu’en Moravie. En revenant aux sources, il apparaît pourtant que ces territoires sont peu attestés, et que lorsqu’ils le sont, on ne les trouve qu’en Bohême. En Moravie, aucune province castrale distincte des duchés confiés à des membres de la dynastie n’est mentionnée, que ce soit dans les sources narratives ou dans les sources diplomatiques. Il apparaît donc nécessaire de remettre en question le caractère systématique traditionnellement attribué à cette organisation castrale, en particulier sur le plan territorial, et de différencier nettement le cas bohémien du cas morave.
Le maître vénérable. Les débuts de la province templière de Provence et Hispanie et le rôle de ses dirigeants
Authors: Vilaginés i Segura Jaume
Published: November 2024

L’extension de la présence templière dans le sud de la France et la péninsule Ibérique est marquée par la création de la province de Provence et Hispanie. Le premier maître en fut Pierre de Rovira, qui la gouverna pendant seize ans. Pendant cette période, il réussit à créer une institution puissante, avec un pouvoir économique et militaire important. Au cours de son mandat, l’ordre du Temple devint le gardien de la nouvelle frontière chrétienne sur l’Èbre. Pierre encouragea la consolidation et la création de commanderies templières, obtint d’importants privilèges des souverains locaux et facilita la formation et la promotion des templiers qui dirigeaient les nouvelles commanderies. À sa mort, il était respecté et vénéré par les frères de l’ordre. Avant lui, deux autres templiers jetèrent les bases de l’organisation dans la future province : Hugues Rigaud et Arnaud de Bedoç. Le premier prit en charge la création de l’importante commanderie de Douzens et l’implantation du Temple dans les comtés catalans. Le second dirigea les débuts et la consolidation de la présence templière dans le Vallès et en Provence, à Richerenches et à Roaix. Avec eux, de nombreux autres chevaliers rejoignirent l’ordre. Parmi eux, Béranger de Rovira, frère du premier maître, et Béranger Raymond jouèrent un rôle de premier plan.
Adopting Optimal Statistical Practices: Reviewers
Authors: Taylor John M.
Published: November 2024

In this installment of the
Methodology Corner
, we briefly discuss how our peer-reviewers might foster optimal statistical practices among our community of researchers. Reviewers are encouraged to seek out training opportunities that enhance their own statistical expertise and to consider tools that might support and enhance the quality of their reviews. We also encourage reviewers with statistical expertise to further lend their time and efforts to reviewership.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2024;63(11):785–786.]
Factors Predicting Posttraumatic Stress and Anxiety in Parents Who Experienced the Great Eastern Anatolian Fault Line Earthquakes: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dörttepe Zümra Ülker , Başkaya Ebru , Solmaz Perihan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To identify levels and predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology and anxiety in parents who experienced the Great Eastern Anatolian Fault Line earthquakes.

Method

A cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted from May to September 2023, with 200 parents who experienced earthquakes along the East Anatolian Fault Line. A descriptive information form, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) were used for data collection. Independent samples
t
test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.

Results

The earthquakes caused significant distress among parents: 53% experienced unemployment, 85% had damaged homes, 31.1% lost a relative, 82% lacked an emergency kit, and 90% were concerned for their children's safety. Significant predictors of PTSD included loss of a loved one or relative, not having an emergency kit, having a severely damaged or uninhabitable home, having a chronic illness, and being anxious about the earthquake's impact on their child. High anxiety and PTSD levels were prevalent, with a positive correlation between STAI and IES-R scores.

Conclusion

Parents were found to have high levels of PTSD symptoms and anxiety. Findings highlight the complex needs of parents in the post-earthquake context, underscoring the critical need for health professionals, including nurses, to provide comprehensive support to individuals who experienced natural disasters. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx
(xx), xx–xx.]
Feasible robust Liu estimator to combat outliers and multicollinearity effects in restricted semiparametric regression model
Authors: Altukhaes W. B. , Roozbeh M. , Mohamed N. A.
Published: November 2024

Regression analysis frequently encounters two issues: multicollinearity among the explanatory variables, and the existence of outliers in the data set. Multicollinearity in the semiparametric regression model causes the variance of the ordinary least-squares estimator to become inflated. Furthermore, the existence of multicollinearity may lead to wide confidence intervals for the individual parameters and even produce estimates with wrong signs. On the other hand, as is often known, the ordinary least-squares estimator is extremely sensitive to outliers, and it may be completely corrupted by the existence of even a single outlier in the data. Due to such drawbacks of the least-squares method, a robust Liu estimator based on the least trimmed squares (LTS) method for the regression parameters is introduced under some linear restrictions on the whole parameter space of the linear part in a semiparametric model. Considering that the covariance matrix of the error terms is usually unknown in practice, the feasible forms of the proposed estimators are substituted, and their asymptotic distributional properties are derived. Moreover, necessary and sufficient conditions for the superiority of the Liu type estimators over their counterparts for choosing the biasing Liu parameter d are extracted. The performance of the feasible type of robust Liu estimators is compared with the classical ones in constrained semiparametric regression models using extensive Monte-Carlo simulation experiments and a real data example.
Rate of approximaton by some neural network operators
Authors: Jiang Bing
Published: November 2024

First, we construct a new type of feedforward neural network operators on finite intervals, and give the pointwise and global estimates of approximation by the new operators. The new operator can approximate the continuous functions with a very good rate, which can not be obtained by polynomial approximation. Second, we construct a new type of feedforward neural network operator on infinite intervals and estimate the rate of approximation by the new operators. Finally, we investigate the weighted approximation properties of the new operators on infinite intervals and show that our new neural networks are dense in a very wide class of functional spaces. Thus, we demonstrate that approximation by feedforward neural networks has some better properties than approximation by polynomials on infinite intervals.
Optimal dividends in a discrete-time dual risk model with stochastic expenses
Authors: Deng Li , Chen Zhichao
Published: November 2024

Dividend policies play a pivotal role in financial management by aiming to maximize shareholders' interest and effectively managing risk. In this paper, we explore the optimal dividend strategy in a discrete-time compound binomial dual risk framework. This model is suitable for a company whose income comes from occasional operating expenses and settlements only once per unit of time. We assume that expenses are subject to dynamic changes influenced by economic factors, following a Markov chain. With or without a ceiling constraint on dividend payments, we prove that the optimal value function serves as the exclusive solution to a discrete Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation through the utilization of the fixed-point theorem. Furthermore, we derive a straightforward computational approach for determining the optimal strategy. Finally, we provide numerical examples to illustrate the theoretical findings and calculation methods.
Étudier le travail des enseignant·es
Authors: Gershon Ori , Mary Marco
Published: November 2024

Ori Gershon et Marco Mary échangent sur les enjeux de l’enquête que chacun·e d’eux a menée sur un lieu de transmission : outre l’éducation du regard nécessaire pour cerner une démarche pédagogique, étudier l’enseignement implique de remettre en jeu nos propres expériences de l’apprentissage, de la hiérarchie et des rapports entre enseignant·e et enseigné·e. Observant des formations consacrées aux danses hip-hop et aux arts traditionnels d’origine turque, tou·tes deux interrogent aussi les effets de la mise en école de danses que les enseignant·es ont, pour leur part, apprises dans un contexte non institutionnel. L’enquête sur l’enseignement se révèle alors comme la source d’un questionnement éthique sur le pouvoir.
Plaisanter sur les inégalités pour bâtir la hiérarchie : le rôle des alliances à plaisanterie dans la formation de la hiérarchie sociale à Madagascar (côte ouest)
Authors: Rossa Maurizio Esposito La
Published: November 2024

Dans la littérature anthropologique océaniste, l’émergence des inégalités a été liée au passage de la guerre aux échanges compétitifs de « dons », instaurant un principe d’équivalence entre vie humaine et biens matériels. Partant de l’intuition de Marcel Mauss selon laquelle les « relations à plaisanterie » représentent une autre forme d’échange compétitif, cet article démontre comment les alliances ziva de Madagascar, fondées sur ces relations à plaisanterie, ont favorisé non pas tant l’émergence des inégalités de biens que la formation d’une hiérarchie sociale à partir d’inégalités existantes. En transformant la dette de vie entre preneurs et donneurs d’épouses en une relation de dépendance entre leurs descendants, ces alliances ont en effet cristallisé les inégalités entre beaux-frères en une hiérarchie entre leurs groupes respectifs. Celle-ci a ensuite été englobée et transformée par la royauté sakalava de la côte ouest, grâce aux alliances à plaisanterie contractées entre les rois étrangers et les groupes locaux conquis. Ainsi, plutôt que de retracer l’origine rêvée des inégalités, cet article analyse le processus d’institutionnalisation des inégalités dans une hiérarchie par le biais d’échanges compétitifs de biens, de plaisanteries et de services rituels.
Les « princes de la Manche » : des États royaux dans l’Europe de l’âge du Bronze ?
Authors: Nicolas Clément , Pailler Yvan , Marcigny Cyril
Published: November 2024

Les sociétés du Bronze ancien de part et d’autre de la Manche sont bien connues grâce aux nombreuses sépultures monumentales sous tumulus disséminées dans le nord-ouest de la France et le sud de l’Angleterre. Dans une perspective néo-évolutionniste, elles sont classiquement rangées parmi les chefferies du fait de la présence de tombes « princières ». Les données sociales et territoriales suggèrent l’existence d’une série d’entités politiques circonscrites dans l’espace (160 à 2 000 km²). Celles-ci semblent fonder leurs richesses sur le contrôle de la production des ressources vivrières, du sel et des minerais, ainsi que de leurs échanges. Ces faits et les interprétations que l’on peut légitimement en tirer (hiérarchie marquée, division en classes, propriété fundiaire, monopole de la violence symbolique, souveraineté du territoire, contrôle du religieux) suggèrent que ces sociétés du Bronze ancien pourraient tout à fait correspondre à des sociétés royales ; et, par conséquent, à une première forme d’« État ».
Matriarcat et origine des inégalités dans la première école de Francfort
Authors: Ahmed Salima Naït
Published: November 2024

Cet article est consacré à la réception et la réinvention du thème du « matriarcat » dans les tout premiers temps de l’école de Francfort. Cherchant à mettre en lumière la transmission méconnue à l’école de Francfort des conceptions évolutionnistes de Engels sur les sociétés primitives, on interroge le surprenant maintien de la notion de « matriarcat » dans le contexte de sa remise en question et de sa complexification par les ethnologues. On expose les modalités épistémiques, historiques et politiques du maintien et des transformations du thème en distinguant deux grandes périodes : la première, de 1923 à 1931 sous l’égide de Carl Grünberg, et la seconde de 1931 à 1938 sous l’influence du programme de recherche de Erich Fromm. Alors que la première est marquée par une conception évolutionniste du développement social, la seconde est caractérisée par une inflexion « culturaliste », laquelle va de pair avec la tentative de « libérer » l’hypothèse matriarcale d’une compréhension littérale.
Approximations of Practice of Mathematics Language Routines and Multilingual Learner Core Practices
Authors: Roberts Sarah A. , Laub Kaylee , Olarte T. Royce , Bianchini Julie A.
Published: November 2024

The authors explored how preservice secondary mathematics teachers (PSTs) understood and applied mathematics language routines (MLRs) and related core practices during a secondary mathematics methods course focused on effective instruction for multilingual learners. The study involved eight PST participants who engaged in four cycles of learning about and implementing a core practice and focal MLR over the course of nine weeks. They present key findings addressing how PSTs comprehended the approximations of practice related to MLRs and multilingual learner core practices, highlighting both the benefits and limitations of the MLRs. Additionally, they discuss the advantages of using approximations of practice and suggest potential next steps for integrating MLRs. They conclude with implications for mathematics teacher education, emphasizing how educators can better support PSTs in teaching multilingual learners effectively.
Instructional Design Features of Non-Digital Simulation Tasks
Authors: Kwon Minsung
Published: November 2024

While simulations, both digital and non-digital, are widely used in practice-based teacher education programs, the underlying instructional design features of these simulation tasks are not often publicly available. To address this research gap in designing simulation tasks, this chapter showcases a mathematics teacher educator's instructional decision in design a non-digital simulation task and presents evidence from preservice teachers' interactions with two simulated students. The findings provide practical insights and strategies for other teacher educators, guiding the design of purposeful simulation tasks that support preservice teachers to refine their probing skills based on students' mathematical needs and promote equitable teaching practices, particularly for traditionally marginalized students. This chapter contributes to the ongoing discussion on the development of simulation-based experiences for effectively preparing them in practice-based teacher education.
A Culturally Responsive Framework for Critically Examining Priorities in Approximations of Practice
Authors: Keazer Lindsay M. , Nolan Kathleen T.
Published: November 2024

A recent focus in research is for mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) to examine the approximations of practice they use to build prospective teachers' (PTs) knowledge and pedagogies for mathematics teaching. This chapter focuses on conducting an audit, or analysis, of the approximations of practice that the first author used to structure learning opportunities during secondary mathematics education coursework in a university-based classroom. Through a critical examination of her approximations, she identifies the strengths and shortcomings in PTs' opportunities to develop culturally responsive pedagogies (CRP). By drawing on a recently developed CRP self-study framework, along with the second author's critical friend contributions, the authors conclude that MTEs should examine opportunities for expanding teacher modeling of CRP practices, as well as collaborate with PTs to collectively brainstorm and problem solve together to enact practices in ways that move beyond what all parties have experienced previously, or are capable of creating individually.
Making Equity Considerations Explicit With Mathematics Discussion Approximations
Authors: DeFino Rosalie A.
Published: November 2024

Supporting preservice teachers to learn to facilitate math discussions in ways that are both mathematically productive and equitable is a goal for many mathematics teacher educators (MTEs). In pursuit of this goal, MTEs may utilize approximations of practice, such as rehearsals of mathematics discussions or enactments in school settings. However, little is known about how MTEs integrate attention to equity considerations into work with such approximations. This chapter calls upon MTEs using approximations of practice to make their attention to issues of equity explicit and to engage in cycles of self-examination to hold themselves accountable for following through on commitments to equity. As an example, a self-study of one MTE's practice in an elementary mathematics methods course is shared. Findings identify challenges that the MTE encountered with maintaining an explicit equity focus with respect to mathematics discussion approximations. Implications for equity-oriented MTEs are discussed.
Simulating Equitable Discussions Using Practice-Based Teacher Education in Math Professional Learning
Authors: Benoit Gregory , Barno Erin , Reich Justin
Published: November 2024

How teachers position students sends powerful messages about what and who is valued in mathematics and can ultimately impact whether students see themselves as mathematical sense-makers. In this chapter, the authors report on a professional learning intervention where they used digital clinical simulations to explore how mathematics teachers position students with algorithmic responses, (mis)conceptions, and alternative approaches. They found that teachers made substantial changes when facilitating simulated small-group discussions, meaning they created space for all student(s) to share their thinking and positioned them all as sense-makers. However, teachers only minimally changed their approach to simulated whole-class discussions. Though some teachers elected to start their whole-class discussion off with the alternative approaches (concrete and non-algorithmic), simulated students were positioned as strugglers in need of remediation not as valuable contributors.
Using Mixed Reality Simulations to Surface Equitable Teaching Practices Among Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Wilhelm Anne Garrison , Walkington Candace , Ndungu Lois , Young Murphy K.
Published: November 2024

In this chapter, the authors explore how mixed-reality simulations (MRSs) can allow students to practice equitable instructional practices in the context of a teacher preparation program. In particular, they explore what evidence of equitable mathematics teaching practices is visible within MRSs and how instructional design decisions influence what is visible in MRSs. Drawing on two rubrics from the equity and access rubrics for mathematics instruction, the authors found that pre-service teachers demonstrated the use of equitable teaching practices in the MRS. Further, the authors provide evidence of the impact of different instructional design decisions on what was visible during MRSs, suggesting the importance of careful attention to the design of MRSs in teacher education and research to capitalize on their potential.
Orienting to Student Sense-Making
Authors: Shaughnessy Meghan , Boerst Timothy A. , Garcia Nicole , Claiborne Brit
Published: November 2024

This chapter reports on work from a decade-long project to develop and study the use of teaching simulations focused on the teaching practices of eliciting and interpreting student thinking to support preservice teachers' (PSTs') learning. The chapter describes how teaching simulations focused on these practices allow teacher educators to support PSTs in orienting to student sense-making that is at the heart of equitable mathematics instruction. The teaching simulation approach is described. Examples illustrate how the approach is designed and facilitated in ways that make visible PSTs' engagement with three teaching performance areas (eliciting the student's process, using mathematical knowledge and skill, and conveying respect for the student as a mathematical thinker and learner) that are crucial for more equitable mathematics instruction. Connections between each of the performance areas and more equitable eliciting and interpreting of student thinking are described alongside the ways in which teacher educators can provide feedback that supports PSTs' development.
Leveraging a Strengths-Based Approach to Approximate Student Feedback for Future Elementary Mathematics Teachers
Authors: Gates Miriam , Earls David
Published: November 2024

In this chapter, the authors describe the design of an approximation for the elementary mathematics methods classroom, focused on providing feedback that builds on children's strengths. This approximation is premised on the idea that using student strengths can be a first step toward designing more equitable instruction in the mathematics classroom. In the multi-phase approximation, prospective teachers (PTs) first complete a fractions task written for third grade. Next, PTs are provided with a set of student work, which they examine with an eye to identifying student strengths. PTs are then asked to use both what they know about the student strengths and appropriate practices to write student feedback. Following the approximation is a discussion of key design decisions and future directions.
Navigating Self-Directed Learning in the Digital Era
Authors: Canaran Özlem
Published: November 2024

Emerging technologies have transformed traditional educational paradigms, elevating self-directed learning (SDL) as a pivotal instructional method aligned with the evolving demands of the digital age. This chapter explores how digital advancements and online technologies are reshaping SDL, particularly concerning learner attributes and the learning process. It begins with a historical overview of SDL, highlighting key concepts and methodologies developed since the 1970s. The chapter then examines online learning environments, discussing their benefits and challenges for SDL. Additionally, it investigates the expanding role of AI chatbots in SDL, offering considerations for their effective and appropriate use. By addressing the current dynamics of SDL, this chapter aims to provide insights for educators and learners navigating this rapidly changing educational landscape.
Experimental Analysis of the Behavior of Multiple Adhesive on the Single Lap Joint Strength
Authors: Desai Chirag R. , Patel Dilip C. , Desai Chaitanya , Hasan Mohd Asif
Published: November 2024

The usage of adhesively bonded lap joints in industrial applications has been growing in recent years because of the numerous advantages compared to other joining processes such as fastening, welding, and riveting. For effective design of the adhesively bonded engineering lap joints, it is essential to govern the failure potential of a particular adhesive joint under a certain load causing some stress and strain. In this work, study has been carried out by the application of multiple adhesives along the bondline region of lap joint. The objective of this paper is to experimentally examine the results of applications of single and multi-adhesives material with very different mechanical behavior along the bondline region in the single lap adhesive joint. Experimental investigations have been carried out for extracting load displacement data using tensile testing machine, Tensometer, having a capacity of 2 tonne. Multi Adhesive joint can minimize the stress concentration and improve joint strength by using different adhesive stiffness along the bondline region of lap joint and the outcome shows computable increase in the strength of the multiple adhesive bonded lap joints associated with those in which single adhesives were used over the full length of the bondline region.
Evaluating Quality Attributes of Cookies Produced from Oat and Wheat Flour Blends
Authors: Dauda Adegbola O. , Babatunde Adesewa O. , Maiyaki-Ibrahim Taofiqat D. , Jimoh Aminat Y.
Published: November 2024

Quality evaluation of cookies from oat flour was studied due to the high nutritional contents of oat cereal. In the study, oat and wheat flour were blended according to ratios of O (100:0), A (95:5), B (90:10), C (85:15), D (80:20), E (75:25), F (70:30) respectively. Cookies were baked in the oven, cooled and then packaged for analyses. Flour functional properties, proximate and mineral compositions, physical properties (colour, weight, diameter, spread ratio, thickness and breaking strength), textural properties and sensory evaluation of the cookies were determined with standard methods. Water and oil absorption capacity, swelling capacity and bulk density of wheat and oat flours were; 2.15ml/g and 2.33ml/g, 1.37ml/g and 1.41ml/g, 4.21ml/g and 4.31ml/g, 0.67ml/g and 0.77ml/g respectively. Moisture, protein, ash, crude fiber, crude fat and carbohydrate ranged from 5.73%-12.52%, 12.84%-18.74%, 2.62%-3.32%, 4.51%-5.41%, 12.56%-16.21%, 44.83%-60.29% respectively, for wheat and oat flours. Increased moisture content could have added to the sample weight. Spread ratio and break strength, lightness, redness and yellowness all decreased with increased addition of wheat flour. However, mineral contents decreased with increased addition of wheat flour, while the textural properties hardness, stringiness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness and chewiness decreased with addition of wheat flour. Sample with 95% oat flour and 5% wheat flour was better accepted amongst other samples. Use of oat flour in cookie production will improve nutritional quality and health benefits of cookies produced, as well as being a good substitute to wheat flour as main baking flour.
Selective autophagy: a therapeutic target for healthy aging?
Authors: Manastireanu Denisa Mihaela , Salazar Nicolle Andrea , Bejarano Eloy , Nieto-Torres José Luis
Published: November 2024

At the molecular level, aging is characterized by the accumulation of unresolved damage to essential components of cells, such as DNA, proteins, and organelles, which over time contributes to cellular malfunction and the onset of age-associated diseases. To counteract this detrimental process, cells are equipped with protective mechanisms that prevent or reverse molecular damage. Arguably, the cellular recycling process of autophagy is one of the most versatile repair pathways that cells display. Autophagy allows the degradation and recycling of surplus and/or damaged cytosolic components, which otherwise may pose a threat to cellular homeostasis. This is achieved via the delivery of cytoplasmic components to lysosomes, which are organelles equipped with a sophisticated set of degradative enzymes that eliminate cellular waste and transform it into building blocks to maintain cellular function. There are different autophagic routes, known as macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy, via which a variety of cellular components, ranging from organelles, DNA, proteins, and lipids, can be delivered to lysosomes for proper turnover. While these autophagy pathways operate to maintain cellular homeostasis over time, an overall deficit in autophagic function leads to aging acceleration and is correlated with the onset of age-related diseases. However, the extent to which specific autophagic pathways and the selective degradation of cellular components contribute to aging, as well as the molecular interplay among the different routes, remain elusive and constitute a main research direction. This narrative review summarizes the implications of autophagy subtypes in aging, focusing on the contributions of each pathway to select cargo degradation and their interaction, and highlights future lines of research toward identifying potential therapeutic routes for the amelioration of selective autophagy to promote healthy aging.
Sacral neuromodulation therapy: a retrospective observational study of reasons for battery depletion diagnosis in implanted pulse generators
Authors: Marco Agnello , Giordano Polisini , Georgiana Mesterca Anca , Mario Vottero , Paola Bertapelle
Published: November 2024

When the battery of a sacral neuromodulation pulse generator (IPG) is nearing depletion, it is possible to experience a loss of clinical efficacy of chronic electrical stimulation. It is currently unknown if, how often and how long after the diagnosis of battery depletion the patient may experience a recurrence of symptoms previously controlled by the therapy. The aim of this work was to retrospectively evaluate the main reasons leading to the diagnosis of IPG battery depletion. We investigated the reasons leading to the diagnosis of battery depletion in all patients who underwent device replacement between January 2021 and January 2023 at our Tertiary Referral Center for Sacral Neuromodulation in Turin (Italy) via medical record analysis and telephone interviews. Data related to the initial diagnosis and the waiting time for IPG replacement were also collected. Fifty-two patients were enrolled. The diagnosis of battery depletion was attributed to the recurrence of symptoms previously managed with sacral neuromodulation (35 patients, 67.3%), self-diagnosis by the patient at home via the Smart Programmer® (12 patients, 23.1%), and a diagnosis made by the clinician during routine outpatient visits (5 patients, 9.6%). Among patients who had good symptom control at the time of battery depletion diagnosis, eight patients (47.1%) experienced a recurrence of symptoms while waiting for the intervention, whereas nine patients (52.9%) were able to replace the stimulator without losing clinical efficacy. Taken together, the diagnosis of an exhausted stimulator is often secondary to the recurrence of symptoms, or frequently manifests even while awaiting replacement intervention.
Neuroimaging and electrophysiology techniques unveiling the mystery of disorders of consciousness: a narrative review
Authors: Wang Qijun , Huang Ying , Meng Xiangqiang , Feng Zhen , Bai Yang
Published: November 2024

The diagnosis and prognosis of disorders of consciousness pose challenges for clinics because human consciousness is still a mysterious and unknown phenomenon. Scientists and clinicians are seeking evidence from neuroimaging and electrophysiology to explore the biological and pathological mechanisms of human consciousness. They attempt to provide new insights into the neuronal foundations of consciousness injury and recovery. These findings have improved the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of disorders of consciousness to some extent. However, they are still not clearly sorted out. Herein, we structure the available knowledge on the basis of neuroimaging (including positron emission tomography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy) and electrophysiology (spontaneous electroencephalography, event-related potentials, brain–computer interfaces, and transcranial magnetic stimulation-evoked electroencephalography) studies and their associations with disorders of consciousness-relevant clinical practice. Our aim is to promote their translation into the clinical management of patients with disorders of consciousness.
Pandit Srinivasa Narayana Iyengar: A pioneer who revived Ayurveda in the Tamil region and advocated for the combined recognition of Ayurveda and Siddha
Authors: Sasikala Asha , Pitta Srinivas , Kancherla Prameeladevi , Thugutla Maheswar
Published: November 2024

The study explores the life and multifaceted contributions of Pandit Srinivasa Narayana Iyengar, a key figure in the revival movement of Ayurveda during Colonial India. Iyengar dedicated his life to the practice of Ayurveda, emphasizing charitable services and contributing to the propagation of Ayurvedic principles. The monthly Ayurvedic medical journal, Vaidya Chandrika, initiated by him, helped in fostering communication between Sanskrit and Tamil-speaking physicians. Other noteworthy endeavors include establishing dispensaries, raw drug stores, and pharmacies for manufacturing medicines. In addition to his active involvement in sociopolitical spheres, Iyengar resisted Western medical dominance, opposing the linguistic and regional divisions within Ayurveda and Siddha. His principles emphasized scientific thinking, observation, and public awareness for the revival of Ayurveda. This article aims to shed light on the invaluable contributions of Pandit S. Narayana Iyengar in professionalizing Ayurvedic practice and encouraging an integrated medical system in Tamil Nadu during a crucial period in history.
Padma Shri Dr. K. Rajagopalan: An exemplary physician who blended the wisdom of traditional Ayurveda with the advancements of modern medicine
Authors: Surendran Emy S. , Meghna Pooleri veetil Padikkal , Acharya Rabinarayan
Published: November 2024

From a passionate Ayurveda scholar to a torchbearer, Padma Shri Dr. K. Rajagopalan has dedicated his life to teaching, preaching, and practicing Ayurveda in his distinctive style. After studying both Ayurveda (DAM) and allopathy (MBBS), he chose to be an Ayurvedic physician following his family tradition. He upheld the science of Ayurveda, claiming it to be potent enough to become the medicine of the future. Besides being an enthusiastic clinician, he was actively associated with various Ayurveda organizations and research programs. The rectitude and resolve behind this remarkable pioneer of Ayurveda is of more consequence, which highlights the major transformations in Ayurveda medical education. He is worthy of admiration, more so for his pivotal role in the formation of the Central Council of Indian Medicine, a statutory body for Ayurveda medical education. He also provided academic and clinical guidance to many of the scholars and physicians of Ayurveda. Among many other prestigious awards and honors accorded him, Dr. K. Rajagopalan received the “Padma Shri,” one of India’s most distinguished civilian awards, in 2003 in recognition of his valuable contributions to Ayurveda. While staying true to the traditions and tenets of Ayurveda, his exemplary accomplishments will be remembered by generations of Ayurveda practitioners all over Kerala.
A walk through the life of luminary Prof. Madhusudan Shastri
Authors: Avhad Anil D.
Published: November 2024

The tradition of teaching and learning through a teacher-disciple lineage is deeply rooted in our country and in Ayurveda. It is important to mention the name of Vaidya Madhusudan Shastri ji in this context. He not only made significant contributions to the field of Ayurveda but also mentored a generation of Ayurvedic practitioners, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Originally from Rajasthan, Vaidya Madhusudan Shastri ji moved to Jamnagar, Gujarat, in 1956. He taught in the Department of Ayurveda Samhita, holding various positions and eventually serving as the Dean. Known for his gentle nature and eloquence, his students highly respected him. Vaidya Madhusudan Shastri ji was renowned for his clinical practice based on a classical patient dietary regime. This article provides a comprehensive look into the life of Vaidya Madhusudan Shastri ji, highlighting his remarkable qualities and achievements in various areas.
Professor Namburi Hanumanta Rao: A master innovator who shaped Ayurveda Pharmaceutics
Authors: Goli Penchala Prasad
Published: November 2024

Many legendary Ayurvedic physicians in Andhra Pradesh have dedicated their lives to patronizing Ayurveda on par with the Allopathic system, and some contributed to Ayurveda through their research, practice, orientation, teaching, manufacturing of medicines, and publication. Namburi Hanumanta Rao (NHR) is a man with all the above skills. Prof. Rao is considered a great Ayurvedic scholar and pioneer in Rasashastra. Prof. Rao did his research in many branches of Ayurveda and had good practice, orientation, teaching ability, skills in manufacturing medicines, and publications. Prof. Rao contributed a lot to propagating Ayurveda on scientific lines. Prof. Rao established Dr. Rao’s Herbal Pharma Pvt. Ltd. in 1987. Diabetes, arthritis, and hair care are three significant components of his pharmacy. He published works like the Manual of Numburi Phased Spot Test (Qualitative standardization of Bhasmas and Sindhuras), Panchabhuta theory (A study of Panchabhuta at the molecular level), and the Nyaya Vaiseshika theory of the Evolution of the Universe closely correlates with the Big Bang theory of modern scientists. He established The Academy of Ayurveda, Sevaniketan, and Yoga Samaj organizations. He innovated many new techniques in Rsasasastra. NHR was a member of many governments and voluntary organizations, received many awards, presented scientific papers in many national and international seminars, visited foreign countries, and served to enrich the Ayurvedic system of medicine in the country and abroad. He was a highly respected personality whose life can be summarized with the quote, “Be Ayurvedist; be Proud of it.”
Vaidya Brahmasree O. Kesavan Nadar Swami: The pioneer who has elevated the prominence of Marma Sastra in the curriculum of Ayurveda
Authors: Chandrika Soumya Mohanan , Peethambaran Sinimol Thekkekkottumughath , Nalinakshan Sreedeepthi Girija
Published: November 2024

This article aims to bring up the professional reminiscences of the great Ayurvedic luminary Brahmasree O. Kesavan Nadar Swami. He was an outstanding Kalari (one of the martial arts of Kerala) and Marma (traditional science dealing with vital energy points of the body) practitioner who lived in the Indian princely state of Travancore of southern India during the era of His Highness Maharaja Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. He flourished to be an eminent scholar of Agasthya Marmasastra. Considering his excellence as a Marma practitioner, he was appointed as a “Granted physician” to the Royal family of Travancore, and he continued his journey as a Marma Vaidya (physician) of the Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram, and retired as the Chief Marma physician. The anecdote collected through his descendants is being published to shed light on his life profile and bring this eminent personality’s memoir to the mainstream.
Arya Vaidyan N Rama Varier: Proponent of Ayurveda traditions in Tami Nadu
Authors: Kusuma Ganji , Pattona Aswathi Mohan , Ilavarasan Raju
Published: November 2024

Arya Vaidyan N. Rama Varier, the founder of Arya Vaidya Nilayam (AVN), was born in 1903 in South Malabar in the Madras Presidency. He studied Ayurveda at Arya Vaidya Patashala, Kottakkal. He was among the first few disciples of Late Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier, a legendary figure in the field of Ayurveda from Kottakkal, Kerala. After relocating to Madurai, Tamil Nadu, he established a clinic with a modest capital and prepared medicines for his practice. His effective treatment and compassion for patients made him a popular physician in the area. He established AVN in 1930, popularizing authentic Ayurveda in Madurai and its surroundings. Varier took the initiative to develop the Ayurveda system in Tamil Nadu and was awarded the title of “Ayurveda Vachaspati” by the Madurai Swadeshi Vaidya Sabha in recognition of his meritorious services to Ayurveda and humanity. Arya Vaidyan N. Rama Varier inspired people from all walks of life to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on the world.
Role of non-neuronal cells in neurorepair: a focus on proteinopathy and neurodegeneration
Authors: Rodríguez-Carreiro Santiago , Nogales Maria del Carmen , Jiménez-Galán David , Carmona-Lorenzo Sara , Caro-Martín Alicia , Navarro Elisa , Esteras Noemí
Published: November 2024

Despite advances in biomedicine, therapies that prevent neuronal loss have not been effective. Several strategies targeting the defining markers of the main neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyloid beta or tau, which are pivotal in Alzheimer’s disease or frontotemporal dementia, or α-synuclein, the leading actor in Parkinson’s disease, have shown limited success. Nevertheless, these proteins do not act only in neurons but also are part of a network involving non-neuronal brain cells, such as astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes, as well as the peripheral immune system. In this review, we aim to cover the role of non-neuronal central and peripheral cells in proteinopathies associated with α-synuclein, amyloid-β and tau, with the objective of identifying new options for regenerative medicine aimed at neuroprotection and neurorepair.
Complex gut–brain interactions underlying inflammatory bowel disease-related depression have translational implications in regenerative medicine: a narrative review
Authors: Fu Hua , Liu Yang
Published: November 2024

Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic gastrointestinal disorders characterized by relapsing intestinal inflammation. In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, patients with inflammatory bowel diseases experience a disproportionately high prevalence of depression and other neuropsychiatric comorbidities. The gut–brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gut and brain, has emerged as a potential pathogenic link underlying this aberrant mind–gut interplay. This review synthesizes the growing evidence implicating gut–brain axis dysregulation as a central mechanism bridging intestinal inflammation and the development of depression in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Regenerative medicine offers promising new avenues for addressing these complex conditions. By focusing on regenerative therapies that target the gut–brain axis, we explore new approaches that could repair or restore normal function in both the gut and brain. These therapies might alleviate chronic intestinal inflammation and restore proper gut–brain signaling via neural, immune-mediated, endocrine, and microbiome-related pathways, ultimately reversing the neurochemical, structural, and functional brain abnormalities implicated in depressive neuropathology. Unraveling the complex gut–brain interactions underlying inflammatory bowel disease-related depression through regenerative medicine has profound translational implications, paving the way for transformative diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms that address the multisystemic burden of these chronic debilitating conditions holistically.
Comparison of the effect of self-care education with two methods, teach-back and smartphone application, on the adherence to treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Manzari Zahra Sadat , Ghaderi Mohammad Sajjad , Vossoughinia Hassan , Rafiei Hossein , Mafi Mohamad Hossein
Published: November 2024

Background:

Self-care is one of the basic principles in the management of chronic diseases, which influences follow-up and adherence to treatment. Therefore, the current study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effect of teach-back (TB) and a smartphone application on adherence to treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods:

The current clinical trial was conducted among 80 patients with IBD in Mashhad, Iran, in 2021–2022. Self-care education (diet, personal and social relationships, medications, sleep, physical activity, sexual relationships, etc.) was provided through TB method in one group and by using a smartphone application in another group. The control group only received the routine education. A checklist for demographic information and the adherence questionnaire in patients with chronic diseases were used for data collection.

Results:

Patients’ mean age was 38.73 ± 10.32 years. The majority of patients had ulcerative colitis (81%) and were married (67%). Mean and standard deviation score of adherence to treatment were the same in all three groups before the intervention (P = 0.668). The mean post-test scores of adherence to treatment in the TB, application, and control groups were 170.04 ± 14.19, 167.99 ± 11.59, and 159.60 ± 10.94, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.003). A significant difference was observed in regards to the mean post-test scores of adherence to treatment between TB and control groups (P = 0.004) and app and control groups (P = 0.048). However, the difference between TB and app groups was not significant (P = 0.989).

Conclusions:

TB method and smartphone application have the same effect on adherence to treatment in patients with IBD. Due to the usability and cost-effectiveness of smartphone applications, this method can be used by health-care providers to educate this group of patients.