bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actinomyces israelii and Fusobacterium nucleatum brain abscess in an immunocompetent patient: case report.
Authors: LAMTIRI LAARIF Mouhsine , SCHILS Raphael , LIFRANGE Fréderic , VALKENBORGH Christophe , PITTI Pauline , BROUWERS Pauline , BIANCHI Elettra , MEEX Cécile , HAYETTE Marie-Pierre
Published: March 2023

Introduction . Brain abscess is the most common focal infectious neurological injury. Until the 19th century this condition was fatal, however the development of neuroimaging for early diagnosis, neurosurgery and antibiotic therapy in the 20th century has led to new therapeutic strategies decreasing mortality from 50% in the 1970s to less than 10% nowadays. In this context we report a case of brain abscess with a dental origin.
Case report .  A 63-year-old immunocompetent man without any addiction presented to the emergency department with dysarthria and frontal headache at home. The clinical examination was normal. Further investigations revealed a polymicrobial brain abscess as a consequence of an ear, nose or throat (ENT) infection with locoregional extension with a dental starting point involving Actinomyces israelii and Fusobacterium nucleatum. In spite of a rapid diagnosis and a neurosurgical management associated with an optimal treatment by a dual therapy made of ceftriaxone and metronidazole the patient unfortunately died.
Conclusion. This case report shows that despite a low incidence and a good prognosis following the diagnosis, brain abscesses can lead to patient’s death. Thereby, when the patient's condition and urgency allow, a thorough dental examination of patients with neurological signs following the recommendations would improve the diagnosis made by the clinician. The use of microbiological documentation, the respect of pre-analytical conditions, the interaction between the laboratory and the clinicians are indispensable for an optimal management of these pathologies.
Distinct cellular expression and subcellular localization of Kv2 voltage-gated K+channel subtypes in dorsal root ganglion neurons conserved between mice and humans
Authors: Stewart Robert G. , Camacena Miriam , Copits Bryan A. , Sack Jon T.
Published: March 2023

The distinct organization of Kv2 voltage-gated potassium channels on and near the cell body of brain neurons enables their regulation of action potentials and specialized membrane contact sites. Somatosensory neurons have a pseudounipolar morphology and transmit action potentials from peripheral nerve endings through axons that bifurcate to the spinal cord and the cell body within ganglia including the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Kv2 channels regulate action potentials in somatosensory neurons, yet little is known about where Kv2 channels are located. Here we define the cellular and subcellular localization of the Kv2 paralogs, Kv2.1 and Kv2.2, in DRG somatosensory neurons with a panel of antibodies, cell markers, and genetically modified mice. We find that relative to spinal cord neurons, DRG neurons have similar levels of detectable Kv2.1, and higher levels of Kv2.2. In older mice, detectable Kv2.2 remains similar while detectable Kv2.1 decreases. Both Kv2 subtypes adopt clustered subcellular patterns that are distinct from central neurons. Most DRG neurons co-express Kv2.1 and Kv2.2, although neuron subpopulations show preferential expression of Kv2.1 or Kv2.2. We find that Kv2 protein expression and subcellular localization is similar between mouse and human DRG neurons. We conclude that the organization of both Kv2 channels is consistent with physiological roles in the somata and stem axons of DRG neurons. The general prevalence of Kv2.2 in DRG as compared to central neurons and the enrichment of Kv2.2 relative to detectable Kv2.1, in older mice, proprioceptors, and axons suggest more widespread roles for Kv2.2 in DRG neurons.

Significance statement

The subcellular distribution of Kv2 voltage-gated potassium channels enable compartment-specific modulation of membrane excitability and organization of membrane contact sites. Here we identify subcellular distributions of the Kv2 paralogs, Kv2.1 and Kv2.2, in somatosensory neurons that bear similarities to and distinctions from central neurons. The distribution of Kv2 channels is similar in mouse and human somatosensory neurons. These results identify unique locations of Kv2 channels in somatosensory neurons that could enable roles in sensory information processing.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Schools Using Built Environment Testing in Ottawa, Canada: A Multi-Facility Prospective Surveillance Study
Authors: Thampi Nisha , Burhunduli Tasha , Strain Jamie , Raudanskis Ashley , Moggridge Jason A. , Hinz Aaron , Doukhanine Evgueni , Castellani  , Fralick  , Kassen Rees , McCready Janine , Nott Caroline , Wong  , MacFadden Derek R.
Published: March 2023

Classroom and staffroom floor swabs across six elementary schools in Ottawa, Canada were tested for SARS-CoV-2. Schools in neighbourhoods with historically elevated COVID-19 burden had lower environmental swab positivity. Environmental test positivity did not correlate with student grade groups, school-level absenteeism, pediatric COVID-19-related hospitalizations, or community SARS-CoV-2 wastewater levels.

Environmental SARS-CoV-2 sampling was performed in six schools in Ottawa, Canada. The percentage of floor swabs detecting SARS-CoV2 was not correlated with absenteeism, pediatric hospitalizations, or wastewater data. Schools in neighbourhoods with previously elevated COVID-19 rates had lower test positivity.
Molnupiravir’s real-world effectiveness in COVID-19 non-hospitalized patients at high risk of severe disease: a single-center study
Authors: Gmizic I , Todorovic N , Sabanovic M , Kekic N , Boskovic N , Milosevic I , Stevanovic G
Published: March 2023

Objective

To assess the real-world effectiveness of molnupiravir (MOL) in reducing the need for hospitalization in at-risk, non-hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19.

Methods

A single-center, non-randomized, observational retrospective study of non-hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 treated at the Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center in Belgrade, Serbia.

Results

Between December 15th, 2021, and February 15th, 2022, 320 patients were eligible for inclusion in the study. Of these, 165 received treatment with molnupiravir (51.6%), while both groups were similar in gender and age distribution. The treatment group had a higher proportion of vaccination (75.2% vs. 51%, p<0.001) but was similar to the control group in terms of multiple comorbidity predomination (65.5% vs. 65.2%, p 0.956). The majority of patients who received MOL didn’t require hospitalization (92.7 vs. 24.5%, p<0.001) and needed oxygen supplementation less frequently than those in the control group (0.6% vs. 31%, p<0.001). During the follow-up period of 12.12±3.5 days, none of the patients on MOL were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (vs. 10.3%, p<0.001). Molnupiravir significantly reduced the risk of hospitalization by 97.9% (HR 0.021, p<0.001).

Conclussion

Our study has proven the effectiveness of molnupiravir in preventing hospitalization in a population at risk for developing severe forms of COVID-19.
Functional and long-lived melanocytes from human pluripotent stem cells with transient ectopic expression of JMJD3
Authors: Kobori Chie , Takagi Ryo , Yokomizo Ryo , Yoshihara Sakie , Mori Mai , Takahashi Hiroto , Javaregowda Palaksha Kanive , Akiyama Tomohiko , Ko Minoru S.H. , Kishi Kazuo , Umezawa Akihiro
Published: March 2023

Background

Melanocytes are an essential part of the epidermis, and their regeneration has received much attention because propagation of human adult melanocytesin vitrois too slow for clinical use. Differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells to melanocytes has been reported, but the protocols to produce them require multiple and complex differentiation steps.

Method

We differentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) that transiently express JMJD3 to pigmented cells. We investigated whether the pigmented cells have melanocytic characteristics and functions by qRT-PCR, immunocytochemical analysis and flow cytometry. We also investigated their biocompatibility by injecting the cells into immunodeficient mice for clinical use.

Result

We successfully differentiated and established a pure culture of melanocytes. The melanocytes maintained their growth rate for a long time, approximately 200 days, and were functional. They exhibited melanogenesis and transfer of melanin to peripheral keratinocytes. Moreover, melanocytes simulated the developmental processes from melanoblasts to melanocytes. The melanocytes had high engraftability and biocompatibility in the immunodeficient mice.

Conclusion

The robust generation of functional and long-lived melanocytes are key to developing clinical applications for the treatment of pigmentary skin disorders.
Extracellular vesicles of Euryarchaeida: precursor to eukaryotic membrane trafficking
Authors: Mills Joshua , Gebhard L. Johanna , Schubotz Florence , Shevchenko Anna , Speth Daan R. , Liao Yan , Duggin Iain G. , Marchfelder Anita , Erdmann Susanne
Published: March 2023

Since their discovery, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have changed our view on how organisms interact with their extracellular world. EVs are able to traffic a diverse array of molecules across different species and even domains, facilitating numerous functions. In this study, we investigate EV production inHaloferax volcanii, as representative for Euryarchaeida. We uncover that EVs enclose RNA, with specific transcripts preferentially enriched, including those with regulatory potential, and conclude that EVs can act as an RNA communication system between haloarchaea. We demonstrate the key role of an EV-associated Ras superfamily GTPase for EV formation inH. volcaniithat is also present across other diverse evolutionary branches of Archaea. Ras superfamily GTPases are key players in eukaryotic intracellular vesicle formation and trafficking mechanisms that have been crucial for the emergence of Eukaryotes. Therefore, we propose that archaeal EV formation could reveal insights into the origin of the compartmentalized eukaryotic cell.
FMRP regulates tangential neuronal migration via MAP1B
Authors: Messaoudi Salima , Allam Ada , Stoufflet Julie , Paillard Théo , Fouquet Coralie , Doulazmi Mohamed , Le Ven Anaïs , Trembleau Alain , Caillé Isabelle
Published: March 2023

The Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) represents the most prevalent form of inherited intellectual disability and is the first monogenic cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. FXS results from the absence of the RNA-binding protein FMRP (Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein).

Neuronal migration is an essential step of brain development allowing displacement of neurons from their germinal niches to their final integration site. The precise role of FMRP in neuronal migration remains largely unexplored.

Using live imaging of postnatal Rostral Migratory Stream (RMS) neurons in Fmr1-null mice, we observed that the absence of FMRP leads to delayed neuronal migration and altered trajectory, associated with defects of centrosomal movement. RNA-interference-induced knockdown ofFmr1shows that these migratory defects are cell-autonomous. Notably, the primary FMRP mRNA target implicated in these migratory defects is MAP1B (Microtubule-Associated Protein 1B). Knocking-down MAP1B expression effectively rescued most of the observed migratory defects. Finally, we elucidate the molecular mechanisms at play by demonstrating that the absence of FMRP induces defects in the cage of microtubules surrounding the nucleus of migrating neurons, which is rescued by MAP1B knockdown.

Our findings reveal a novel neurodevelopmental role for FMRP in collaboration with MAP1B, jointly orchestrating neuronal migration by influencing the microtubular cytoskeleton.
Transcriptional adaptation of drug-tolerantMycobacterium tuberculosisin mice
Authors: Wynn Elizabeth A , Dide-Agossou Christian , Reichlen Matthew , Rossmassler Karen , Al Mubarak Reem , Reid Justin J , Tabor Samuel T , Born Sarah E M , Ransom Monica R , Davidson Rebecca M , Walton Kendra N , Benoit Jeanne B , Hoppers Amanda , Bauman Allison A , Massoudi Lisa M , Dolganov Gregory , Nahid Payam , Voskuil Martin I , Robertson Gregory T , Moore Camille M , Walter Nicholas D
Published: March 2023

Transcriptome evaluation ofMycobacterium tuberculosisin the lungs of laboratory animals during long-term treatment has been limited by extremely low abundance of bacterial mRNA relative to eukaryotic RNA. Here we report a targeted amplification RNA sequencing method called SEARCH-TB. After confirming that SEARCH-TB recapitulates conventional RNA-seqin vitro, we applied SEARCH-TB toMycobacterium tuberculosis-infected BALB/c mice treated for up to 28 days with the global standard isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol regimen. We compared results in mice with 8-day exposure to the same regimenin vitro. After treatment of mice for 28 days, SEARCH-TB suggested broad suppression of genes associated with bacterial growth, transcription, translation, synthesis of rRNA proteins and immunogenic secretory peptides. Adaptation of drug-stressedMycobacterium tuberculosisappeared to include a metabolic transition from ATP-maximizing respiration towards lower-efficiency pathways, modification and recycling of cell wall components, large-scale regulatory reprogramming, and reconfiguration of efflux pumps expression. Despite markedly different expression at pre-treatment baseline, murine andin vitrosamples had broadly similar transcriptional change during treatment. The differences observed likely indicate the importance of immunity and pharmacokinetics in the mouse. By elucidating the long-term effect of tuberculosis treatment on bacterial cellular processesin vivo, SEARCH-TB represents a highly granular pharmacodynamic monitoring tool with potential to enhance evaluation of new regimens and thereby accelerate progress towards a new generation of more effective tuberculosis treatment.
Cell-type-specific efferocytosis determines functional plasticity of alveolar macrophages
Authors: Better Julian , Wetstein Michael , Estiri Mohammad , Malainou Christina , Ferrero Maximiliano Ruben , Langelage Martin , Kuznetsova Irina , Vazquez-Armendariz Ivonne , Kimmig Lucas , Mansouri Siavash , Savai Rajkumar , Wilhelm Jochen , Alexopoulos Ioannis , Sommer Natascha , Herold Susanne , Matt Ulrich
Published: March 2023

Resolution of lung injuries is vital to maintain gas exchange. Concurrently, there is an increased risk of secondary bacterial infections. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are crucial to clear bacteria and control initiation and resolution of inflammation, but environmental cues that switch functional phenotypes of AMs remain elusive. Here, we discovered an incapacity of AMs to mount an effective immune response to bacteria during resolution of inflammation. AM efferocytosis of neutrophils (PMNs), a hallmark of resolution of inflammation, switched mitochondrial metabolism to shift AM functions. Mechanistically, PMN-derived myeloperoxidase (MPO) fueled canonical glutaminolysis via uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) resulting in decreased mtROS-dependent killing of bacteria and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Instead, MPO-enhanced UCP2 expression inhibited mitochondrial hyperpolarization and boosted efferocytosis irrespective of the presence of bacterial pathogens. In contrast, efferocytosis of epithelial cells resulted in a distinct anti-inflammatory phenotype of AMs maintaining phenotypic plasticity towards bacteria. Overall, uptake of apoptotic PMNs switches AMs to prioritize resolution of inflammation over antibacterial responses and similarly affects murine macrophages at extra-pulmonary sites, and human AMs.

One sentence summary

Neutrophil efferocytosis reprograms mitochondrial metabolism to switch alveolar macrophages to a pro-resolution phenotype at the cost of bacterial control.
Does macroeconomic stability promote economic growth? Some econometric evidence from SAARC countries
Authors: Siddik Md. Nur Alam
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this research is to examine the influence of macroeconomic stability on economic growth of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data of 1991–2020, fixed effect regression analysis, pooled ordinary least squares and generalized method of moments techniques have been conducted to demonstrate whether macroeconomic stability contributes to economic growth. Moreover, cross-sectional dependency test, unit root test, correlation analysis and granger causality tests have been run.

Findings

Robust findings indicate that inflation has negative impacts on economic growth which indicates that lower level of macroeconomic instability promotes countries’ economic growth. This study also observed that foreign direct investment, domestic credit delivered to private sector, currency exchange and institutional difference across countries are affirmatively connected while labor force is negatively associated with economic growth.

Originality/value

Empirical findings of this study signify that macroeconomic stability have significant effects on economic growth. Findings of this study have superior contributions for the policy makers to achieve sustainable economic growth.
Scaling organizational agility: key insights from an incumbent firm's agile transformation
Authors: Hutter Katja , Brendgens Ferry-Michael , Gauster Sebastian Peter , Matzler Kurt
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the key challenges experienced and lessons learned when organizations undergo large-scale agile transformations and seeks to answer the question of how incumbent firms achieve agility at scale.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on a case study of a multinational corporation seeking to scale up agility, the authors combined 36 semistructured interviews with secondary data from the organization to analyze its transformation since the early planning period.

Findings

The results show how incumbent firms develop and successfully integrate agility-enhancing capabilities to sense, seize and transform in times of digital transformation and rapid change. The findings highlight how agility can be established initially at the divisional level, namely with a key accelerator in the form of a center of competence, and later prepared to be scaled up across the organization. Moreover, the authors abstract and organize the findings according to the dynamic capabilities framework and offer propositions of how companies can achieve organizational agility by scaling up agility from a divisional to an organizational level.

Practical implications

Along with in-depth insights into agile transformations, this article provides practitioners with guidance for developing agility-enhancing capabilities within incumbent organizations and creating, scaling and managing agility across them.

Originality/value

Examining the case of a multinational corporation's exceptional, pioneering effort to scale agility, this article addresses the strategic importance of agility and explains how organizational agility can serve incumbent firms in industries characterized by uncertainty and intense competition.
Formal salesforce controls and service-sales ambidexterity: the moderating role of salespeople's grit
Authors: Amenuvor Fortune Edem , Mensah Kobby , Nkukpornu Atsu , Boateng Henry , Akasreku Frank , Owusu-Antwi Kwasi
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The study examines the effects of behavior-based and outcome-based control systems on service-sales ambidexterity, role conflict, emotional exhaustion and job performance in salespeople.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 704 salespeople in Ghana. The proposed hypotheses are tested through the structural equations modeling technique.

Findings

The study finds that both behavior-based and outcome-based controls have positive and significant effects on service-sales ambidexterity in salespeople. Similarly, the study discovers that service-sales ambidexterity has a positive and significant impact on both role conflict and emotional exhaustion in salespeople. The study also finds that role conflict and emotional exhaustion both have a negative impact on job performance. Finally, the study finds that salespeople's grit moderates the negative relationship between emotional exhaustion and job performance.

Practical implications

The results imply that while salespeople's service-sales ambidexterity may be beneficial to their individual and firm performance, it may also lead to role conflict and emotional exhaustion.

Originality/value

The current study demonstrates how control mechanisms can lead to service-sales ambidexterity in salespeople and how this can lead to role conflict and emotional exhaustion.
Explaining resilience model of historical bazaars using artificial neural network
Authors: Heydari Torkamani Mina , Shahbazi Yaser , Belali Oskoyi Azita
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Historical bazaars, a huge treasure of Iranian culture, art and economy, are places for social capital development. Un-supervised management in past decades has led to the demolition and change of historical bazaars and negligence of its different aspects. The present research aims to investigate the resilience of historical bazaars preserving their identity and different developments.

Design/methodology/approach

The artificial neural network (ANN) has been applied to investigate the resilience of historical bazaars. This model consists of three main networks for evaluating the resilience of historical networks in terms of adaptability, variability and reactivity.

Findings

The ANN proposed to evaluate the resilience of historic bazaars based on the mentioned factors is efficient. By calculating mean squared error (MSE), the model accuracy for evaluating adaptability, variability and reactivity were obtained at 7.62e-25, 2.91e-24 and 1.51e-24. The correlation coefficient was obtained at a significance level of 99%. This indicates the considerable effectiveness of the artificial intelligence model in modeling and predicting the qualitative properties of historical bazaars resilience.

Originality/value

This paper clarifies indexes and components of resilience in terms of adaptability, variability and reactivity. Then, the ANN model is obtained with the least error and very high accuracy that predict the resilience of historical bazaars.
Dialog chatbot as an interactive online tool in enhancing ESP vocabulary learning
Authors: Qasem Fawaz , Ghaleb Mukhtar , Mahdi Hassan Saleh , Al Khateeb Ahmed , Al Fadda Hind
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Based on an experimental study on English for Specific Purposes (ESP) students, at the Business Department at the University of Bisha, the purpose of the study is to examine the effect of chatbot use on learning ESP in online classrooms during COVID-19 and find out how Dialogflow chabot can be a useful and interactive online platform to help ESP learners in learning vocabulary well.

Design/methodology/approach

The research paper is based on an experimental study of two groups, an experiential group and a controlled group. Two tests were carried out. Pre-tests and post-test of vocabulary knowledge were conducted for both groups to explore the usefulness of using the Dialogflow chatbot in learning ESP vocabulary. A designed chatbot content was prepared and included all the vocabulary details related to words' synonyms and a brief explanation of words’ meanings. An informal interview is another tool used in the study. The purpose of using the interview with the participants was to elicit more data from the participants about using the chatbot and about how and in what aspects chatbot using the conversational program was useful and productive.

Findings

The findings of the study explored that the use of chatbots plays a major role in enhancing and learning ESP vocabulary. That was clear as the results showed that the students who used the chatbot Dialogflow in the experimental group outperformed their counterparts in the control group.

Research limitations/implications

The study displays an important pedagogical implication as the use of chatbots could be applied in several settings to improve language learning in general or learning ESP courses in particular. Chatbot creates an interesting environment to foster build good interactions where negotiation of meaning takes place clearly seems to be of great benefit to help learners advance in their L2 lexical development.

Originality/value

Examining and exploring whether the use of chatbots plays a major role in enhancing and learning ESP vocabulary in English as Foreign Language setting.
Applying design of experiments to optimize the performance level of a curling sport team
Authors: Antony Jiju , Lauterbach Laynes , Viles Elisabeth , Tanco Martin , Furterer Sandy , Snee Ronald D.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This article presents a novel case study that analyzes the applicability of DoE in the curling sport in order to improve their own performance and the performance of its athletes. Specifically, this study analyzes the most important factors to increase accuracy and precision in the draw game with curlers' opinions. It was decided to use the “Last Stone Draw (LSD)’ as an appropriate play situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, this study analyzes most important factors to increase accuracy and precision in the draw game with curlers opinions from the German Curling association. Three research techniques were used in this study: case study, interviews and a well-designed experiment. The analysis through the use of DoE includes a measurement system analysis, an initial variance test between two players, a screening and a characterization experiment.

Findings

The results obtained from DoE suggest that the factors routine, stress, release, balance, and the previous play situation have a substantial impact on the score of the player's draw game. However, no factor has a statistically significant impact on the average distance to the center of the target. Moreover, the DoE analysis also concludes that the accuracy and precision of the player's performance is not affected equally by all analyzed factors, but they turn into highly significant when examining their relationship to the other factors.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can be beneficial to other sports events in improving the performance. Moreover, DoE has proved to be an invaluable tool for many people in the German Curling Association in understanding the factors which influence the curlers performance and also factors which do not affect the curlers performance.

Originality/value

This research attempts to contribute to the existing sports management literature by identifying a way in which DoE can be an effective tool in non-manufacturing settings for identification of most important factors which influence the curling performance.
Post‐orgasmic illness syndrome with positive intradermal test for autologous semen
Authors: Kawamura Hisho , Watanabe Tomoya , Yamamura Hitomi , Sano Saori , Kanaoka Miwa , Watanabe Yuko , Ohta Mitsuyasu , Yamaguchi Yukie
Published: March 2023

Post‐orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare disease characterized by flu‐like symptoms persisting for 2–7 days after ejaculation. POIS has been chiefly attributed to allergic reactions to autologous seminal plasma. However, the exact pathophysiology remains unclear, and there is no effective treatment. We present the case of a 38‐year‐old man with a 10‐year history of recurrent episodes of flu‐like symptoms of 1‐week duration after ejaculation. The patient was diagnosed with irritating bowel syndrome because of fatigue, myalgia, and lateral abdominal pain. After starting infertility treatment and increasing the frequency of intercourse with his wife, the patient noticed these symptoms after ejaculation. Based on these episodes and symptoms, POIS was suspected. To diagnose POIS, a skin prick test and an intradermal test were performed using his seminal fluid, with the latter yielding a positive result. The patient was diagnosed with POIS, and treatment with antihistamines was continued. Due to its rarity, POIS is often underdiagnosed and underreported; however, the skin test can be a valid diagnostic tool. In this case, the intradermal test result was positive according to the broadly accepted criteria for POIS. Although quality of life is often severely affected in patients with POIS, a lack of a clear understanding of the pathogenesis of POIS prevents early diagnosis. To make diagnoses earlier, it is undoubtedly important to take a detailed medical history and perform skin allergy tests, although the latter requires further validation.
A counterexample to secularization theory? Assessing the Georgian religious revival
Authors: Stolz Jörg , Gugushvili Alexi , Molteni Francesco , Antonietti Jean‐Philippe
Published: March 2023

Secularization theory allows for transitory religious revivals under certain conditions, such as extreme societal crises or state weakness. The country of Georgia has witnessed the largest religious revival of Orthodox countries and one of the most striking religious resurgences worldwide. This paper gives both a statistical and historical description of this revival and asks whether it is a counterexample to secularization theory. We show that the main thrust of the religious revival in Georgia lasted 25 years and seized the entire society in what was mainly a period effect. The most significant cause for the revival was a major societal and economic crisis starting in 1985 combined with a very weak state, creating massive individual insecurity. In these circumstances, the Georgian Orthodox Church was able to provide identity for individuals and legitimacy for governments. Other possible causes of the revival—state funding, too rapid modernization, or emigration—can be excluded as primary drivers of the process. The Georgian case shows a situation in which secularization theory expects transitory revivals and is thus not a counterexample.
The Black Foe: Being Towards Death1
Authors: Mills Jon
Published: March 2023

The ontology of death is universal, hence archetypal. Nowhere do we witness any organic creature escape its talons. Analytical psychology has had an intimate relationship to death for the simple fact that it contemplates the soul, the numinous, and an afterlife. From Hegel to Heidegger, Freud and Jung, death was an existential force that sustained and transformed life, the positive significance of the negative. Rather than merely a destructive phenomenon, death informs Being, the power of nothingness that dialectically drives life. In this paper, I will introduce the notion of what I call the omega principle, the psychological orientation and trajectory of our being towards death, which we may say is a universal preoccupation and recapitulation of the collective unconscious that subsumes our personal relation to death, an eternal return of the objective psyche constellated as esse in anima.
Effects of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on the physicochemical and structural characteristics of starch in blends of glutinous and japonica rice
Authors: Wang Dengyu , Fan Hongchen , Wang Bing , Liu Linlin , Shi Yanguo , Zhang Na
Published: March 2023

In this study, the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation on the physicochemical and structural characteristics of mixed starches in blends of glutinous and japonica rice were investigated. Five starter cultures improved in varying degrees the hydration ability, transparency, and freeze–thaw stability of the mixed starches. Mixed starch I, prepared by fermentation of Lactobacillus acidophilus HSP001, exhibited optimal water‐holding capacity, solubility, and swelling power. In comparison, mixed starches V and III involved fermentation of L. acidophilus HSP001 and Latilactobacillus sakei HSP002, using ratios of 2:1 and 1:1 to achieve higher transparency and freeze–thaw stability, respectively. The LAB‐fermented, mixed starches exhibited excellent pasting properties due to their high peak viscosities and low setback values. Moreover, the viscoelasticity of mixed starches III–V, prepared by compound fermentation of L. acidophilus HSP001 and L. sakei HSP002 in ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1, respectively, proved superior to their single strain fermentation counterparts. Meanwhile, LAB fermentation resulted in reduced gelatinization enthalpy, relative crystallinity, and short‐range ordered degree. Thus, the effects of five LAB starter cultures on mixed starches were inconsistent, but these results provide a theoretical basis for the application of mixed starches.

Practical Application

Lactic acid bacteria was used to ferment blends of glutinous and japonica rice.

Fermented mixed starch had better hydration, transparency, and freeze–thaw stability.

Fermented mixed starch exhibited nice pasting properties and viscoelasticity.

LAB fermentation corroded starch granules, leading to the decrease of ΔH.

Relative crystallinity and short‐range order of fermented mixed starch decreased.
Could Accounting Have Saved Itself from the Antitrust Laws?Revisiting the Antitrust Investigations into the US Accounting Profession 1966–1990
Authors: Doron Michael E.
Published: March 2023

While the role of lobbying in the US public accounting profession has been the subject of several studies, what has not been addressed is the profession's historic reluctance to lobby and the impact this may have had on the profession. This paper provides a case study of public accounting's interaction with government and the need for the profession to articulate the impact of government policies on the practice of accounting. It reviews and assesses the antitrust investigations by the US Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission that led to the repeal of the profession's anticompetitive ethics rules, rules that had governed American public accounting for most of the 20th century. These investigations are often blamed for an increased competitive atmosphere in public accounting that prioritized growth and profitability over quality in attest services. Using records obtained from Freedom of Information Act requests and archival sources, I attempt to reconstruct the US Government's motivations and the efforts of the American Institute of CPAs. I find a troubling lack of understanding of the audit profession by executive branch regulators and Congress and a reticence by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to advocate for the profession that led to what many observers see as a profound misapplication of the antitrust laws. While this study deals only with the US, similar regulatory changes took place in Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
“It's all my fault”: a qualitative study of how heterosexual couples experience living with vulvodynia
Authors: Myrtveit‐Stensrud Linn , Haugstad Gro Killi , Rème Silje Endresen , Schaller Sidsel Louise , Groven Karen Synne
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Vulvodynia, a chronic genital pain disorder with a high lifetime prevalence among women, has a significant negative impact on both women and their partners. Although there is a growing body of literature on the experiences of women with vulvodynia, there has been little research on the condition's implications for partners and romantic relationships. The aim of this study is to explore how heterosexual couples experience living with vulvodynia.

Material and methods

Eight Norwegian women diagnosed with vulvodynia by gynecologists were recruited with their partners (couples aged 19–32 years). Data was collected via individual semi‐structured interviews and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Three main themes were identified in the analysis: Mysterious disorder, Social exclusion and Sexual expectations. The results show that the couples struggle with understanding the pain, as well as navigating their social and sexual lives. We discuss these findings in light of a new theoretical model: the fear‐avoidance‐endurance model of vulvodynia.

Conclusions

Heterosexual couples living with vulvodynia experience communication difficulties with partners, health professionals, and their social network. This sustains avoidance and endurance behavior, increasing pain and dysfunction over time and giving rise to feelings of powerlessness and loneliness. Social expectations regarding male and female sexuality also promote guilt and shame for both parties in couples affected by vulvodynia. Our results suggest that heterosexual couples living with vulvodynia, as well as health professionals treating them, should be helped to communicate more effectively in order to break vicious circles of maladaptive avoidance and endurance behavior.
Accuracy of colposcopy in the Swedish screening program
Authors: Alfonzo Emilia , Zhang Chenyang , Daneshpip Forogh , Strander Björn
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Sensitivity and specificity of colposcopy vary greatly between studies and efficacy in clinical studies seldom corresponds with effectiveness in a real‐life setting. It is unclear whether colposcopists’ experience affects assessment; studies show divergent results. The study's objective was to investigate the accuracy of colposcopies in the Swedish screening program, the variability in colposcopists’ assessments and whether degree of experience affects accuracy in a routine setting.

Material and methods

Cross‐sectional register study. All colposcopic assessments with a concomitant histopathological sample from women aged at least 18 years, performed between 1999 and September 2020 in Sweden. The main outcome measure was accuracy. The accuracy of colposcopic assessments was calculated as overall agreement with linked biopsies, with three outcomes: Normal vs Atypical, Normal vs Low‐Grade Atypical vs High‐Grade Atypical, and Non‐High‐Grade Atypical vs High‐Grade Atypical. A time‐trend analysis was performed. The accuracy of identifiable colposcopists related to experience was analyzed.

Results

In total, 82 289 colposcopic assessments with linked biopsies were included for analysis of the outcome Normal vs Atypical; average accuracy was 63%. Overrating colposcopic findings was four times more common than underrating. No time trend in accuracy was noted during the study period. Accuracy in distinguishing High‐Grade from Non‐High‐Grade lesions was better: 76%. Among identifiable colposcopists, overall accuracy was 67%. Some had significantly better accuracy than others, but no correlation with experience was found.

Conclusions

Colposcopy, including in a referral setting, has low accuracy in distinguishing Normal from Atypical. Increased experience alone does not lead to improvement. This is supported by the substantial differences in performance between colposcopists.
Deciphering structural aspects of reverse cholesterol transport: mapping the knowns and unknowns
Authors: Sacher Sukriti , Mukherjee Abhishek , Ray Arjun
Published: March 2023

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cholesterol‐loaded foam cells play a pivotal role in forming atherosclerotic plaques. Induction of cholesterol efflux from these cells may be a promising approach in treating CVD. The reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway delivers cholesteryl ester (CE) packaged in high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) from non‐hepatic cells to the liver, thereby minimising cholesterol load of peripheral cells. RCT takes place via a well‐organised interplay amongst apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), scavenger receptor‐B1 (SR‐B1), and the amount of free cholesterol. Unfortunately, modulation of RCT for treating atherosclerosis has failed in clinical trials owing to our lack of understanding of the relationship between HDL function and RCT. The fate of non‐hepatic CEs in HDL is dependent on their access to proteins involved in remodelling and can be regulated at the structural level. An inadequate understanding of this inhibits the design of rational strategies for therapeutic interventions. Herein we extensively review the structure–function relationships that are essential for RCT. We also focus on genetic mutations that disturb the structural stability of proteins involved in RCT, rendering them partially or completely non‐functional. Further studies are necessary for understanding the structural aspects of RCT pathway completely, and this review highlights alternative theories and unanswered questions.
The effect of mandala art therapy on the comfort and resilience levels of mothers who have children with special needs: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Özsavran Musa , Ayyıldız Tülay Kuzlu
Published: March 2023

Background

The study was conducted in order to determine the effect of mandala therapy applied to mothers who have children with special needs on the mothers' comfort and resilience levels.

Methods

The study was conducted as a randomized controlled study at a special education school in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 51 mothers (24 mothers in the experimental group and 27 mothers in the control group) who had children with special needs. A 16‐h mandala therapy was applied to the mothers in the experimental group. Identifying Information Form, General Comfort Questionnaire and Adult Resilience Scale were used as data collection tools.

Results

According to the regression analysis performed in order to explain the difference between the first and third measurements of General Comfort Questionnaire, mandala art therapy was found to be effective, and the model established was determined to be statistically significant. It was also determined that the change that occurred between the third and first measurements performed in order to identify the change in the general comfort levels of the individuals was higher in the experimental group in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). It was seen that the mothers' mean scores obtained from the Adult Resilience Scale total scale and its subscales significantly increased in the second and third measurements (P < 0.05) but that the increase in the mean scores of the control group was not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Mandala Art Therapy is a method that improves the comfort levels and resilience of mothers who have children with special needs. It might be beneficial for mothers to perform these applications at special education schools in collaboration with nurses.
Patient satisfaction following dental implant treatment: A survey
Authors: Pradyachaipimol Natthasit , Tangsathian Teerawut , Supanimitkul Kakanang , Sophon Navawan , Suwanwichit Tharntip , Manopattanasoontorn Sukuma , Arunyanak Sirikarn P. , Kungsadalpipob Kajorn
Published: March 2023

Purposes

This aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the factors associated with patient satisfaction in patients with a dental implant‐supported single crown or fixed prosthesis.

Materials and methods

One hundred and ninety‐six patients with dental implants functioning more than 1 year were provided with a 13‐question questionnaire to report their satisfaction regarding the functional aspects, aesthetic outcome, cleansing ability, general satisfaction, treatment cost, and overall satisfaction. Patient satisfaction was reported using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The association of these variables and each aspect of satisfaction were investigated by multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

One hundred forty‐four of 196 patients reported high overall satisfaction (VAS > 80%). All aspects of patient satisfaction levels were very high (mean VAS > 80%), except for satisfaction in cleansing ability and treatment cost (mean VAS < 75%). The patients with a history of implant failure had significantly lower satisfaction in the functional aspects, aesthetic outcome, and general satisfaction than patients without implant failure (p ≤ 0.001). The subjects who experienced mechanical complication were less satisfied with treatment cost (p = 0.002). Sinus augmentation negatively affected functional satisfaction compared with individuals without sinus augmentation (p = 0.041). The subjects with a higher income or a posterior implant had significantly higher overall satisfaction (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, restoration by specialists positively affected general satisfaction compared with being restored by post‐graduate students (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Patients restored with a dental implant‐supported single crown or fixed prosthesis had very high patient satisfaction. Implant failure, mechanical complication, and sinus augmentation negatively affected patient satisfaction in multiple aspects. In contrast, the factors positively affecting patient satisfaction were a posterior implant, patient's monthly income, and restoration by specialists. These results have to be interpreted with care due to the cross‐sectional study design.
Intravenous thrombolysis versus antiplatelet therapy in minor stroke patients with large vessel occlusion
Authors: Duan Chunmiao , Xiong Yunyun , Gu Hongqiu , Wang Shang , Yang Kai‐Xuan , Hao Manjun , Feng Xueyan , Zhao Xingquan , Meng Xia , Wang Yongjun
Published: March 2023

Aim

Our study aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of intravenous t‐PA compared with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and aspirin alone for minor stroke with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤5 and large vessel occlusion (LVO).

Methods

Patients with minor stroke harboring LVO within 4.5‐h time window were included from the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR‐III) between August 2015 and March 2018 in China. Clinical outcomes including modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, recurrent stroke, and all‐cause mortality at 90 days and 36‐h symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) were collected. Multivariable logistic regression models and propensity score matching analyses were used to determine the association between treatment groups and clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 1401 minor stroke patients with LVO were included. Overall 251 patients (17.9%) received intravenous t‐PA, 722 patients (51.5%) received DAPT, and 428 patients (30.5%) received aspirin alone. The intravenous t‐PA was associated with greater proportions of mRS 0–1 (aspirin versus t‐PA: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 0.80; p = 0.004; DAPT versus t‐PA: aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.19; p = 0.23). Using propensity score matching analyses, the results were similar. There was no difference in 90‐day recurrent stroke among the groups. The rates of all‐cause mortality in intravenous t‐PA, DAPT, and aspirin groups were 0%, 0.55%, 2.34%, respectively. No patient developed sICH within 36 h of intravenous t‐PA.

Conclusion

In patients with minor stroke harboring LVO within 4.5‐h time window, intravenous t‐PA was associated with higher odds for the excellent functional outcome, as compared with the aspirin alone. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted.