bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns and perceptions of vaping among adults living in social housing: a representative survey in Great Britain, 2023
Authors: Jackson Sarah E , Brown Jamie , Lewer Dan , Cox Sharon
Published: September 2024

Background

Vaping products are effective for helping people to stop smoking and may therefore offer a potential means to reduce high rates of smoking in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. This study aimed to examine current patterns and perceptions of vaping among people living in social housing in Great Britain compared with those living in other housing types.

Methods

Data were from the Smoking Toolkit Study; a nationally-representative survey conducted in 2023 (n = 23,245). Logistic regression tested cross-sectional associations between living in social (vs. other) housing and current vaping among adults; vaping frequency, device type, nicotine concentration, and source of purchase among current vapers; use of vaping products as a smoking cessation aid among past-year smokers who tried to quit; and harm perceptions of vaping products relative to cigarettes among current smokers.

Results

Current vaping prevalence was twice as high among adults living in social housing (19.4%) compared with those in other housing types (10.4%; OR = 2.07, 95%CI = 1.84–2.33). This was partly explained by differences in sociodemographic characteristics and smoking status; after adjustment, the odds of being a current vaper were 33% higher (ORadj=1.33, 95%CI = 1.14–1.54). Among vapers, there were no notable differences by housing tenure in vaping frequency, main device type used, usual nicotine concentration, usual source of purchase, or use as a smoking cessation aid. However, current smokers living in social housing were more likely to think vaping is more harmful than cigarettes (31.6% vs. 21.8%; ORadj=1.61, 95%CI = 1.30–1.99).

Conclusions

In Great Britain, adults who live in social housing are more likely to vape than those who live in other housing types, even after accounting for their younger age and higher smoking rates. However, misperceptions about the relative harms of vaping products and tobacco are common among smokers living in social housing. Interventions addressing these misperceptions could help encourage more people living in social housing to switch from smoking to vaping and reduce smoking-related health inequalities.

Pre-registration

The study protocol and analysis plan were pre-registered on Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/n3mvs/).
Examining the relationship between smartphone characteristics and the prevalence of hand discomfort among university students
Authors: Rahimian Benyamin , Banadaki Faeze Dehghan , Moraveji Fatemeh , Varmazyar Sakineh
Published: September 2024

Background

Students are among the groups that use smartphones for long periods throughout the day and night. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between smartphone characteristics and the prevalence of hand discomfort among university students.

Methods

This study included 204 university students, selected based on their willingness to participate and inclusion criteria. Participants reported hand pain and discomfort by completing the Cornell Hand Discomfort Questionnaire (CHDQ). Personal information was collected through a demographic questionnaire. Smartphone characteristics were obtained from the Internet based on the smartphone model self-reported by students.

Results

According to the Cornell questionnaire, 59.3% of students reported experiencing discomfort in their right hand, while 38.2% reported discomfort in their left hand due to smartphone use. Furthermore, 36.3% of students reported experiencing pain in two or more regions on their right hand, while 20.1% reported pain in two or more areas on their left hand. More than half of the students in the right hand (53.5%) and more than one-third (33.3%) in the left hand obtained pain scores of more than 1.5. The chi-square test indicated a statistically significant relationship between the weight of the smartphone and the prevalence of discomfort in the right hand (χ2 = 4.80, p = 0.03). Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was found between the discomfort or pain scores experienced in both hands and the number of painful areas in those hands (right hand: χ2 = 219.04, p = 0.00; left hand: χ2 = 213.13, p = 0.00).

Conclusions

Smartphone use can cause discomfort and pain in the hands of university students. The physical characteristics of the smartphone, such as its weight, play a significant role in contributing to right-hand-related pain among students. It is important to consider ergonomic factors in smartphone design and usage to reduce musculoskeletal problems among users, especially students.
Carbohydrate quality index and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Iranian adults
Authors: Jahromi Mitra Kazemi , Saber Niloufar , Norouzzadeh Mostafa , Daftari Ghazal , Pourhabibi-Zarandi Fatemeh , Ahmadirad Hamid , Farhadnejad Hossein , Teymoori Farshad , Salehi-Sahlabadi Ammar , Mirmiran Parvin
Published: September 2024

Background/aim

In the current study, we aimed to assess the association of carbohydrate quality index (CQI) with the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Iranian adults.

Methods

This case-control study was conducted on 225 newly diagnosed NAFLD patients and 450 controls, aged 20–60 years. A food frequency questionnaire was used to calculate the CQI and its components, including fiber intake, glycemic index, whole grains: total grains ratio, and solid carbohydrates: total carbohydrates ratio. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of NAFLD across the tertile of CQI and its components.

Results

The participant’s mean ± SD of body mass index and age were 26.8 ± 4.3 kg/m2 and 38.1 ± 8.8 years, respectively. The median (interquartile) CQI score in participants of the case and control groups was 20 (15–25) and 23 (18–28), respectively. In the multivariable-adjusted model, the risk of NAFLD decreased significantly across the tertiles of the CQI [(OR: 0.20; %95CI: 0.11–0.39), Ptrend <0.001)]. Also, the odds of NAFLD decreased across tertiles of solid carbohydrates to total carbohydrates ratio [(OR: 0.39; 95%CI: 0.22–0.69), Ptrend <0.001)]. However, a high dietary glycemic index (GI) was associated with increased odds of NAFLD [(OR:7.47; 95%CI: 3.89–14.33, Ptrend<0.001)]. There was no significant relationship between other CQI components, including fiber intake and whole grain/total grains and the risk of NAFLD.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that a diet with a high quality of carbohydrates, characterized by higher intakes of solid carbohydrates, whole grain, and low GI carbohydrates, can be related to a reduced risk of NAFLD.
An antimicrobial microneedle patch promotes functional healing of infected wounds through controlled release of adipose tissue-derived apoptotic vesicles
Authors: Ma Yue , Dong Jia , Li Maojiao , Du Xinya , Yan Zhengbin , Tian Weidong
Published: September 2024

The high incidence and mortality rates associated with acute and chronic wound infections impose a significant burden on global healthcare systems. In terms of the management of wound infection, the reconstruction and regeneration of skin appendages are essential for the recovery of mechanical strength and physiological function in the regenerated skin tissue. Novel therapeutic approaches are a requisite for enhancing the healing of infected wounds and promoting the regeneration of skin appendages. Herein, a novel antimicrobial microneedle patch has been fabricated for the transdermal controlled delivery of adipose tissue-derived apoptotic vesicles (ApoEVs-AT@MNP) for the treatment of infected wounds, which is expected to achieve high-quality scarless healing of the wound skin while inhibiting the bacteria in the infected wound. The microneedle patch (MNP) system possesses adequate mechanical strength to penetrate the skin, allowing the tips to remain inside tissue for continuous active release of biomolecules, and subsequently degrades safely within the host body. In vivo transplantation demonstrates that ApoEVs-AT@MNP not only inhibits bacterial proliferation in infected wounds but also significantly promotes effective and rapid scarless wound healing. Particularly noteworthy is the ability of ApoEVs-AT@MNP to promote the rapid formation of mature, evenly arranged hair follicles in infected wounds, observed as early as 8 days following implantation, which is essential for the restoration of skin function. This rapid development of skin appendages has not been reported this early in previous studies. Therefore, ApoEVs-AT@MNP has emerged as an excellent, painless, non-invasive, and highly promising treatment for infected wounds.
Novel thiazole-based cyanoacrylamide derivatives: DNA cleavage, DNA/BSA binding properties and their anticancer behaviour against colon and breast cancer cells
Authors: Barakat Karim , Ragheb Mohamed A. , Soliman Marwa H. , Abdelmoniem Amr M. , Abdelhamid Ismail A.
Published: September 2024

A novel series of 2-cyano-3-(pyrazol-4-yl)-N-(thiazol-2-yl)acrylamide derivatives (3a–f) were synthesized using Knoevenagel condensation and characterized using various spectral tools. The weak nuclease activity of compounds (3a–f) against pBR322 plasmid DNA was greatly enhanced by irradiation at 365 nm. Compounds 3b and 3c, incorporating thienyl and pyridyl moieties, respectively, exhibited the utmost nuclease activity in degrading pBR322 plasmid DNA through singlet oxygen and superoxide free radicals’ species. Furthermore, compounds 3b and 3c affinities towards calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated using UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic analysis. They revealed good binding characteristics towards CT-DNA with Kb values of 6.68 × 104 M−1 and 1.19 × 104 M−1 for 3b and 3c, respectively. In addition, compounds 3b and 3c ability to release free radicals on radiation were targeted to be used as cytotoxic compounds in vitro for colon (HCT116) and breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells. A significant reduction in the cell viability on illumination at 365 nm was observed, with IC50 values of 23 and 25 µM against HCT116 cells, and 30 and 9 µM against MDA-MB-231 cells for compounds 3b and 3c, respectively. In conclusion, compounds 3b and 3c exhibited remarkable DNA cleavage and cytotoxic activity on illumination at 365 nm which might be associated with free radicals’ production in addition to having a good affinity for interacting with CT-DNA and BSA.

Graphical Abstract
Porcine ex-vivo intestinal mucus has age-dependent blocking activity against transmissible gastroenteritis virus
Authors: Saleem Waqar , Carpentier Nathan , Hinnekens Charlotte , Oh Dayoung , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , Braeckmans Kevin , Nauwynck Hans
Published: September 2024

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) causes high mortality in young piglets (< 3 days of age). With aging, the susceptibility/morbidity/mortality rates drop. We previously hypothesized that the age-related changes in the intestinal mucus could be responsible for this resistance. Hence, this study investigated the effect of porcine intestinal mucus from 3-day and 3-week-old pigs on the free mobility of the virulent TGEV Miller strain, and on the infection in swine testicle (ST) cells. Single particle tracking (SPT) revealed that TGEV had significantly higher diffusion coefficients in 3-day mucus compared to 3-week mucus. TGEV and charged and uncharged control nanoparticles diffused freely in 3-day mucus but were hindered by 3-week mucus in the diffusion model; TGEV mimicked the diffusion behavior of negatively charged carboxylated particles. Inoculation of ST cells with TGEV in the presence of 3-week mucus resulted in a significantly lower average number of infected cells (30.9 ± 11.9/5 fields) compared with 3-day mucus (84.6 ± 16.4/5 fields). These results show that 3-week mucus has a significant TGEV-blocking activity compared to 3-day mucus in free diffusion and infection of the underlying susceptible cells. Additionally, a label-free proteomics analysis revealed an increased expression of mucin 13, known for negatively regulating the tight junctions in intestinal epithelium, in 3-day-old pigs. In 3-week-old pigs, a higher expression of mucin 2, a type of secreted mucin which is known for inhibiting coronavirus infection, was observed. Concludingly, this study demonstrated a protective effect of 3-week mucus against viral infections.
Upcycling sugar beet waste into sustainable organo-nanocatalysis for carbon dioxide fixation and cyclic carbonate synthesis: a research design study
Authors: Moazen Fateme , Eshghi Hossein , Torabi Hossein
Published: September 2024

Environmental pollution is a major global issue due to the increase of various pollutants all over the world. Enhancing pollutant remediation strategies for environmental sustainability necessitates increasing the efficiency of conventional methods or introducing innovative approaches. Nanotechnology, particularly carbon-based nanomaterials, offers substantial promise due to their high surface area and absorption potential. Concurrently, organocatalysts have emerged as sustainable and versatile alternatives to traditional metal-based catalysts in modern chemical research. This study highlights the synthesis and application of organo-nanocatalysts derived from biomass, specifically a spherical carbon nanocatalyst synthesized from sugar beet pulp. This novel green catalyst, characterized by high selectivity and efficiency, successfully converts epoxides and CO2 into valuable cyclic carbonates under solvent-free conditions. The hydroxyl groups on the Sugar Beet-derived Carbon NanoSphere (SCNS) surface act as Bronsted acid sites, facilitating epoxide activation via hydrogen bonding. The integration of carbon-based nanomaterials and organocatalysis represents a promising, sustainable solution for pollutant remediation and green chemistry advancements.

Graphical Abstract
Differential diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome: steroid-responsive radiculopathy in Evans syndrome
Authors: Schulten Thomas , Meyer Ansgar , Krug Utz , Lehmann Helmar C.
Published: September 2024

Guillain-Barré syndrome is the most common acute inflammatory demyelinating peripheral nerve condition. Occasionally, other autoimmune conditions can mimic Guillain-Barré syndrome but may require different diagnostic workup and treatment. We report here two patients with Evans syndrome, a rare hematological autoimmune condition who developed a subacute inflammatory radiculopathy. Similarities and distinguishing clinical and diagnostic features are discussed.
Methods for determining the molecular composition of knee joint structures in osteoarthritis: collagen, proteoglycans and water content: a systematic review
Authors: Raikov Bogdan , Lipina Marina , Azarkin Kirill , Goncharuk Yuliya , Vyazankin Ivan , Kalinsky Eugene , Kudrachev Tagir , Murdalov Emirkhan , Nagornov Eugene , Budylin Gleb , Shirshin Evgeny , Rovnyagina Nataliya , Cherepanov Vadim , Kurpyakov Anton , Telpukhov Vladimir , Belov Nikita , Pogosyan David , Kavalerskiy Gennadiy , Gritsyuk Andrey , Garkavi Andrey , Lychagin Alexey
Published: September 2024

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects articular cartilage, leading to changes on the macro and micro levels of this multi-component tissue. Understanding the processes underlying this pathology plays an important role in planning the following management tactics. Timely detection of the knee joint degradation at the level of tissue changes can prevent its progressive damage due to the early beginning of appropriate treatment. This study aimed to provide an overview of the current level of knowledge about the composition of cartilage and menisci using a wide range of different diagnostic methods. A systematic review of the literature published from 1978 to 2023 was conducted. Original studies of the knee joint cartilage (articular and meniscus) research, reporting content composition and mechanical properties, were included. Studies of the non-knee joint cartilage, tissue research other than cartilage and meniscus, or reporting treatment outcomes were excluded (n = 111). Thirty-one papers were included in this review, which reported on the composition of animal and human cartilage (articular and meniscus). The most frequently investigated parameters were quantitative proteoglycan determination and hydration level of the cartilage. Cartilage and meniscus degeneration, i.e., reduced collagen and proteoglycan content, reduced mechanical properties, and increased hydration level, was shown in every article about osteoarthritis. Among all diagnostic methods, laboratory methods (biochemical and histological analysis) are the most frequently used, compared to the instrumental ones (spectroscopy, MRI, and CT). At the same time, spectroscopy takes the lead and becomes the most common approach for determining cartilage composition (collagen and proteoglycans content).

Graphical Abstract
Major depression recurrence is associated with differences in obesity-related traits in women, but not in men
Authors: Bannert Urs , Siewert-Markus Ulrike , Klinger-König Johanna , Grabe Hans J. , Stracke Sylvia , Dörr Marcus , Völzke Henry , Markus Marcello R.P. , Töpfer Philipp , Ittermann Till
Published: September 2024

Background

Obesity-related cardiometabolic comorbidity is common in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, sex differences and MDD recurrence may modify the MDD-obesity-link.

Methods

Sex-specific associations of MDD recurrence (single [MDDS] or recurrent episodes [MDDR]) and obesity-related traits were analyzed in 4.100 adults (51.6% women) from a cross-sectional population-based cohort in Germany (SHIP-Trend-0). DSM-IV-based lifetime MDD diagnoses and MDD recurrence status were obtained through diagnostic interviews. Obesity-related outcomes included anthropometrics (weight, body mass index, waist- and hip-circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio), bioelectrical impedance analysis of body fat mass and fat-free mass, and subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) from abdominal magnetic resonance imaging. Sex-stratified linear regression models predicting obesity-related traits from MDD recurrence status were adjusted for age, education, and current depressive symptoms.

Results

790 participants (19.3%) fulfilled lifetime MDD criteria (23.8% women vs. 14.5% men, p<0.001). In women, MDDS was inversely associated with anthropometric indicators of general and central obesity, while MDDR was positively associated with all obesity-related traits, except waist-to-hip ratio and fat-free mass. In women, MDDR versus MDDS was associated with higher levels of obesity across all outcomes except fat-free mass. In men, MDD was positively associated with SAT regardless of MDD recurrence. Additionally, lifetime MDD was positively associated with VAT in men. Results remained significant in sensitivity analyses after exclusion of participants with current use of antidepressants.

Conclusions

The MDD-obesity association is modified by MDD recurrence and sex independent of current depressive symptoms. Accounting for sex and MDD recurrence may identify individuals with MDD at increased cardiometabolic risk.
Development of a Predictive Model for Emergency Department Utilization and Unanticipated Hospital Admission in Patients Receiving Cancer Treatment for Solid Tumor Malignancies
Authors: Watson Catherine H. , Alhanti Brooke , Zhao Congwen , Havrilesky Laura J. , Davidson Brittany A.
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE

Unanticipated health care resource utilization, in the form of either emergency department utilization (EDU) or hospital admission (HA), may be an indicator of lower-quality cancer care. The objective of this study was to develop a predictive model for EDU and HAs within 14 days of receipt of systemic therapy for patients with solid tumors.

METHODS

We abstracted electronic health data on oncology encounters from all patients receiving systemic therapy for solid tumors from March 1, 2015, to August 21, 2020, in the Duke University Health System. We defined a primary composite outcome of an EDU or HA within 14 days after the encounter and then developed a predictive model for the primary outcome using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. To evaluate the model, we calculated the area under the receiver operator curve and the calibration slope.

RESULTS

Twelve thousand eight hundred ninety unique patients with 134,641 oncology encounters were included. Five thousand one hundred fifty of these patients (40.0%) had at least one EDU or HA within 14 days of at least one treatment. Forty-six variables were incorporated into the final model. The top predictors, in order of absolute value of the predictive coefficients, were temperature, systolic blood pressure, cancer group, and marital status. The model's AUC was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.722 to 0.732), indicating good sensitivity and specificity to outcome.

CONCLUSION

The model developed in this study demonstrated good sensitivity in identifying patients with solid tumors who are at highest risk for EDU or HA and could be implemented in clinical practice to allow for preventive outpatient interventions.
Protocol-Stipulated Dose Modification to Manage Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With High-Risk Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Heneghan Mallorie B. , Parsons Susan K. , Keller Frank G. , Renfro Lindsay A. , Pei Qinglin , Rodday Angie Mae , Wu Yue , Punnett Angela , Belsky Jennifer A. , Henderson Tara O. , Kelly Kara M. , Castellino Sharon M.
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE

Brentuximab vedotin (BV) incorporation into frontline chemotherapy regimens improved outcomes for classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). The shared mechanism of action of BV and vinca alkaloids as microtubulin inhibitors increased the potential risk of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Rates of CIPN and use of protocol-stipulated dose modifications of a microtubulin inhibitor were examined on the Children’s Oncology Group AHOD1331 study, which compared BV, doxorubicin, vincristine (VCR), etoposide, prednisone, cyclophosphamide (BV-AVE-PC; BV arm) with bleomycin containing doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, cyclophosphamide (ABVE-PC; standard arm) in patients with high-risk cHL ages 2-21 years.

METHODS

AHOD1331 required clinician grading and reporting of ≥grade 2 CIPN. Protocol-stipulated dose modifications of VCR preceded modification of BV for ≥grade 2 CIPN in the BV arm, but only required modification of VCR for ≥grade 3 in the standard arm. Outcomes included CIPN rates, dose modification of microtubulin inhibitors by study arm, clinical factors associated with dose modifications, and event-free survival (EFS) by the presence of dose modification.

RESULTS

Among the 582 patients who began protocol therapy, 112 developed ≥grade 2 CIPN. Cumulative incidence of CIPN did not differ by study arm (19.2 v 19.8%, P = .91). CIPN dose modifications occurred more frequently in the BV arm (9.5% v 2.8%, P = .001); however, most patients with CIPN on the BV arm received full-dose BV. EFS did not differ by the presence of dose modifications after accounting for study arm, age, sex, and stage, although older age was significantly associated with the risk of VCR dose modifications for CIPN.

CONCLUSION

A staged dose modification plan for vinca alkaloids and BV as administered in AHOD1331 minimized the effect of incorporating a second microtubulin inhibitor on CIPN without compromising treatment efficacy in the BV arm.
Morphogens in the evolution of size, shape and patterning
Authors: Mosby Lewis S. , Bowen Amy E. , Hadjivasiliou Zena
Published: September 2024

Much of the striking diversity of life on Earth has arisen from variations in the way that the same molecules and networks operate during development to shape and pattern tissues and organs into different morphologies. However, we still understand very little about the potential for diversification exhibited by different, highly conserved mechanisms during evolution, or, conversely, the constraints that they place on evolution. With the aim of steering the field in new directions, we focus on morphogen-mediated patterning and growth as a case study to demonstrate how conserved developmental mechanisms can adapt during evolution to drive morphological diversification and optimise functionality, and to illustrate how evolution algorithms and computational tools can be used alongside experiments to provide insights into how these conserved mechanisms can evolve. We first introduce key conserved properties of morphogen-driven patterning mechanisms, before summarising comparative studies that exemplify how changes in the spatiotemporal expression and signalling levels of morphogens impact the diversification of organ size, shape and patterning in nature. Finally, we detail how theoretical frameworks can be used in conjunction with experiments to probe the role of morphogen-driven patterning mechanisms in evolution. We conclude that morphogen-mediated patterning is an excellent model system and offers a generally applicable framework to investigate the evolution of developmental mechanisms.
Evolving circuitries in plant signaling cascades
Authors: Zegers Jaccoline M. S. , Irisarri Iker , de Vries Sophie , de Vries Jan
Published: September 2024

Land plants are astounding processors of information; due to their sessile nature, they adjust the molecular programs that define their development and physiology in accordance with the environment in which they dwell. Transduction of the external input to the respective internal programs hinges to a large degree on molecular signaling cascades, many of which have deep evolutionary origins in the ancestors of land plants and its closest relatives, streptophyte algae. In this Review, we discuss the evolutionary history of the defining factors of streptophyte signaling cascades, circuitries that not only operate in extant land plants and streptophyte algae, but that also likely operated in their extinct algal ancestors hundreds of millions of years ago. We hope this Review offers a starting point for future studies on the evolutionary mechanisms contributing to the current diversity and complexity of plant signaling pathways, with an emphasis on recognizing potential biases.
La pluralidad y la alteridad en el patrimonio material
Authors: Κατσάτου Ευαγγελία-Λίλα
Published: September 2024

Συγκριτική έρευνα ανάμεσα σε δύο πόλεις, τη Θεσσαλονίκη και τη Γρανάδα, ως σύνορα μεταξύ Δύσης και Ανατολής στο Μεσογειακό Κόσμο, αλλά και με μία “κοινή μοίρα”, ως τελευταία προπύργια της Μουσουλμανικής Ανατολής στον καθαρά Δυτικό Πολιτισμικό Χώρο της Μεσογείου, όσο και ως τόπων συμβίωσης Χριστιανών, Εβραίων και Μουσουλμάνων (με ιστορικές αλληλεπιδράσεις και μετακίνηση πληθυσμιακών θρησκευτικών ομάδων από τη μία πόλη στην άλλη), αναφορικά με την Πολιτισμική Κληρονομιά τους, τις Τέχνες, την Αρχιτεκτονική, τις Παραδόσεις τους, την Καθημερινή Ζωή τους. Το ερευνητικό μας έργο έχει ως αφετηρία την αναχώρηση των Ισπανών Kατακτητών για το Νέο Κόσμο στα τέλη του 15ου αιώνα (1492). Ωστόσο, αυτό που τράβηξε την προσοχή μας ήταν η κύρια αιτία και αυτό που παρακίνησε τους Ισπανούς του 15ου αιώνα να ξεκινήσουν προς αβέβαιες και εντελώς ανασφαλείς, για την εποχή εκείνη, διαδρομές και κατευθύνσεις, με σκοπό ν΄ ανακαλύψουν και να ανοίξουν νέους δρόμους και νέα εδάφη. Η πτώση της Κωνσταντινούπολης στα χέρια των Οθωμανών τριάντα εννέα χρόνια νωρίτερα, εκτός από το γεγονός ότι είχε τρομοκρατήσει τον Χριστιανικό Κόσμο της εποχής εκείνης, έκλεισε και τους εμπορικούς δρόμους προς τον Δρόμο του Μεταξιού και τις ασιατικές χώρες των μπαχαρικών. Το οθωμανικό “εμπόδιο”, που αποτέλεσε τροχοπέδη στην οικονομική επέκταση των Καθολικών Βασιλέων προς τα ανατολικά εδάφη, καθοδήγησε την προσοχή μας στα παρασκήνια της κεντρικής ιστορικής σκηνής της εποχής, καθώς και στα απόκρυφα της πολιτικής και της καθημερινής ζωής του 15ου αιώνα, όπου βρεθήκαμε για άλλη μια φορά αντιμέτωποι με την αέναη “πάλη” μεταξύ Δύσης και Ανατολής για παγκόσμια κυριαρχία, που στην πραγματικότητα δεν έπαψε ποτέ να υπάρχει. Διατηρώντας το βλέμμα μας στα δύο άκρα της Μεσογείου, που ο Fernand Braudel αποκαλούσε “Εσωτερική Θάλασσα”, παρατηρήσαμε ότι η Γρανάδα και η Θεσσαλονίκη, που βρίσκονται ακριβώς σε αυτά τα χωρικά άκρα, είχαν σημαντικές ιστορικές & καλλιτεχνικές αλληλεπιδράσεις μεταξύ τους και τμήματα της ιστορίας τους που παρουσιάζουν ομοιότητες, παραλληλισμούς και τα μοιράζονται, τα οποία αντικατοπτρίζονται, επίσης, με πολύ εντυπωσιακό τρόπο στα αστικά τοπία και τις καλλιτεχνικές και τοπικές παραδόσεις τους. Αυτή η παρατήρηση είναι που μας κέντρισε το ενδιαφέρον και μας παρακίνησε να εξετάσουμε σε βάθος τους ιδιαίτερους λόγους και αιτίες αυτών των ομοιοτήτων ανάμεσα σε αυτές τις δύο πόλεις, τόσο ως προς το ιστορικό τους πλαίσιο, όσο και ως προς τα πολιτιστικά τους πλαίσια. Έτσι μας αποκαλύφθηκαν μονοπάτια και κόσμοι ολόκληροι και χαθήκαμε στους μύθους τους, στους θρύλους τους, στις αγωνίες και στο μυστήριο των ανθρώπων τους, στα Τείχη των ονείρων, των απογοητεύσεων, των ματαιώσεων και των παραπλανήσεών τους, στα Κάστρα των νεράιδων και των φαντασμάτων τους, στα σοκάκια των μυστικών τους, γεμάτα χρώματα και φαντασία, τις εκστρατείες και τις μάχες τους, τις λύπες των απελάσεων και τις χαρές των αφίξεων, τα όνειρα για Αυτοκρατορίες και τα οράματα των Μεγάλων Ιδεών.
Co-creating the future
Authors: Χατζητρύφωνος Πασχάλης
Published: September 2024

Αυτή η ερευνητική εργασία αποτελεί μια πρακτικά προσανατολισμένη εξερεύνηση για την αναζωογόνηση του κέντρου της πόλης Huyton, στην περιοχή Knowsley, μια κοινότητα που αναζητά νέα πνοή. Το κύριο θέμα του έργου είναι η διαμόρφωση του δημόσιου χώρου (placemaking), που προσεγγίζεται ως μια συνεργατική διαδικασία η οποία εναρμονίζει τον ιεραρχικό στρατηγικό σχεδιασμό του τοπικού Δήμου, που είναι ο φορέας υλοποίησης και χορηγός αυτού του έργου, με τη δημιουργική συμμετοχή της κοινότητας. Ο κύριος στόχος είναι να εξαχθούν πολύτιμες γνώσεις για μια ψηφιακή, συμμετοχική στρατηγική διαμόρφωσης δημόσιου χώρου που θα αναζωογονήσει τις τοπικές περιοχές, ανταποκρινόμενη στις κοινωνικές ανάγκες. Για την επίτευξη αυτού του στόχου, το έργο ξεκίνησε με στενή συνεργασία με αξιωματούχους του Δημοτικού Συμβουλίου της Μητροπολιτικής Περιοχής του Knowsley για την αξιολόγηση ψηφιακών πρωτοτύπων και τη δημιουργία μιας ψηφιακής εμπειρίας αστικού τοπίου για το κέντρο της πόλης. Αυτή η κοινή προσπάθεια οδήγησε στην ανάθεση σε μια εξωτερική δημιουργική εταιρεία για την ανάπτυξη μιας εφαρμογής επαυξημένης πραγματικότητας (AR) για κινητά. Παράλληλα, ένα άλλο μέρος της έρευνας περιλάμβανε εργαστήρια με την κοινότητα. Σε αυτά τα εργαστήρια χρησιμοποιήθηκε η προσέγγιση της αφήγησης ιστοριών για τον οραματισμό του μέλλοντος του κέντρου της πόλης, επιτρέποντας στους κατοίκους να συμμετέχουν τόσο ως σχεδιαστές όσο και ως οραματιστές-αφηγητές του τοπικού μέλλοντος. Αυτές οι συνεδρίες οδήγησαν στη δημιουργία μιας εμπειρίας διαμεσικής αφήγησης με τίτλο "Future Huyton", μια ψηφιακή αφήγηση που συνδέεται με βασικά σημεία του κέντρου της πόλης μέσω της εφαρμογής AR. Η εφαρμογή ενθαρρύνει τους ντόπιους και τους επισκέπτες να αλληλεπιδράσουν με φανταστικά μελλοντικά σενάρια που σχετίζονται με συγκεκριμένα σημεία και να συμβάλουν με τις δικές τους αφηγήσεις και απόψεις. Η έρευνα περνά μέσα από διάφορες φάσεις εξερεύνησης, δοκιμών και επιτυχιών, με στόχο να ανακαλύψει πώς μπορεί να βελτιωθεί και να συντονιστεί η συνεργασία μεταξύ των διαφόρων εμπλεκόμενων φορέων για τη μέγιστη αποτελεσματικότητα στις κοινές προσπάθειες που αποσκοπούν στην τοπική αναζωογόνηση. Το πιο σημαντικό είναι ότι η έρευνα παρουσιάζει μια ψηφιακή στρατηγική για τη διαμόρφωση δημόσιου χώρου (placemaking), η οποία ενθαρρύνει την ενεργή συμμετοχή των τοπικών κοινοτήτων σε δημιουργικές δραστηριότητες και καινοτόμες διαδικασίες συνδημιουργίας, ενώ συνδυάζει την τεχνολογία, τη δημιουργικότητα και τις ευκαιρίες ανάπτυξης. Αυτές οι συνεισφορές στοχεύουν στη διαμόρφωση ενός συμπεριληπτικού περιβάλλοντος για τη διαμόρφωση του δημόσιου χώρου στην περιοχή, βασισμένου σε ισχυρά δημιουργικά και τεχνολογικά θεμέλια.
Low-budget cosmopolitanism
Authors: Βάββα Γεωργία
Published: September 2024

Αυτή η διδακτορική διατριβή, εξερευνώντας της λάιβ τζαζ σκηνή της Αθήνας την περίοδο μετά το 2010, συνεισφέρει στην βιβλιογραφία περί μουσικής και παγκοσμιοποίησης και προσφέρει ένα εθνογραφικό παράδειγμα μιας μουσικής υποκουλτούρας η οποία ξαφνικά πρέπει να λειτουργήσει σε συνθήκες οικονομικής κρίσης. Βασίζεται σε δωδεκάμηνη επιτόπια έρευνα και εστιάζει σε τρεις βασικούς φορείς αλλαγής: την πόλη, τους μουσικούς και τους ιδιοκτήτες τζαζ μουσικών σκηνών. Εξετάζονται θεωρητικά ζητήματα όπως η σχέση τοπικού και παγκόσμιου, κοσμοπολιτισμού από τα κάτω και η αλλαγή των αξιών κατά την διάρκεια της κρίσης, έχοντας ως πεδίο αναφοράς την σχέση της ελληνικής μουσικής βιομηχανίας με την τζαζ σκηνή, οι οποίες θεωρητικοποιούνται βάσει του μοντέλου του Slobin περί υποκουλτούρας και υπερκουλτούρας. Συγκεκριμένα εστιάζω στο φαινόμενο της έκρηξης των λάιβ συναυλιών μικρής κλίμακας, που προέκυψε λόγω της παρακμής της υπερκουλτούρας (ελληνικής ποπ μουσικής βιομηχανίας), στην οποία εργάζονταν αρκετοί μουσικοί της τζαζ. Όπως υποστηρίζω, κατά την μετάβαση από μια περίοδο οικονομικής ευφορίας σε μια περίοδο οικονομικής κρίσης οι μουσικοί και οι μαγαζάτορες, εμπλεκόμενοι σε πολιτικές της αξίας και επαναπροσδιορίζοντας τι είναι αυτό που κάνει την ζωή να αξίζει, δημιουργούν συλλογικά έναν «low-budget κοσμοπολιτισμό», σηματοδοτώντας ένα νέο ήθος στην τζαζ σκηνή της Ελληνικής πρωτεύουσας.
The genome sequence of the Pine-tree Lappet moth, Dendrolimus pini (Linnaeus, 1767)
Authors: Botham Marc , Dainton Katrina ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Dendrolimus pini (the Pine-tree Lappet moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Lasiocampidae). The genome sequence spans 611.10 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.41 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 11,847 protein-coding genes.
Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia and Triple Vessel Disease: A Case of Critical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Integration
Authors: Booker Jeffrey , Zabel Kenneth , Soens Jake , Sheikh Abu Baker
Published: September 2024

Amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia is a rare hematologic disorder characterized by a profound reduction in platelet production due to the near absence of megakaryocytes, leading to severe thrombocytopenia. This case report elucidates the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges encountered in managing such rare hematological conditions alongside significant cardiovascular disease. We detail the case of a patient who presented with chest pain and was diagnosed with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Subsequent investigations revealed severe thrombocytopenia and underlying triple vessel disease, complicating immediate surgical intervention. Initial management strategies aimed at treating presumed immune thrombocytopenia proved ineffective. A definitive diagnosis of amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia was established following a bone marrow biopsy. Despite treatment adjustments, including the administration of thrombopoietin agonists and immunosuppression, platelet counts improved but did not reach levels safe for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This case underscores the critical importance of achieving adequate hematologic stability prior to surgical procedures in patients with complex cardio-hematologic profiles to minimize perioperative risks and optimize patient outcomes, illustrating the ongoing challenges in managing severe thrombocytopenia in cardiac patients.
Sustainable Rice Fallow Crop Production Challenges and Opportunities: An Overview
Authors: Geethika J Devi , E Subramanian , A Gurusamy , P Arunachalam , Saliha B Bhakiyathu , Kumar A Sathish
Published: September 2024

The main objective of this review is to assess the scenario of sustainable production of rice fallow crops. Rice (Oryza sativa.L) is a staple foods in Asia, that is extensively grown in various regions. A rice fallow cropping system is an interesting concept for maintaining the sustainability of crop production and better utilization of resources. However, the following are the criteria for crops that are to be grown as fallow crops. The crops grown under rice fallow conditions utilize the moisture retained in the residues of the previous crop. Therefore, the plants are not subjected to moisture stress until there is residual moisture and soil moisture retention. Hence, short duration crops, varieties and drought tolerant crops are mostly preferred for rice fallow situations. Predominantly, pulses, millets, oil seeds and fibre crops such as cotton are preferred under fallow rice conditions, on the basis of the soil texture.
Acute Pancreatitis in Children: Neither to be Underestimated Nor to be Overlooked
Authors: Cura Yayla Burcu , Tuna Kırsaçlıoğlu Ceyda , Şaylı Tülin
Published: September 2024

Objective: Despite varying presentations of acute pancreatitis (AP) in children, the diagnosis has been increasing in recent years due to increased awareness. We aimed to identify the relationship among etiology, presentation symptoms, treatment response and complications of the children with acute pancreatitis.

Material and Methods: Thirty children diagnosed with AP were evaluated for clinical and laboratory findings, treatment approaches, complications in the tertiary children hospital retrospectively.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 12.4 ± 4.3 years and 60% were male. The drugs (30%), biliary tract diseases (26.7%), infections (16.7%), hyperlipidemia (10%) were the main causes of AP, in 10% of patients no etiological factor was detected. Abdominal pain (83.3%), nausea (70%), loss of appetite (63.3%), vomiting (56.7%), and fever (20%) were the most common symptoms. Ultrasonography, abdominal tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed pancreatitis related changes 63.3%, 85%, 70% of patients, respectively. Oral feeding was started on median 4 days (1-30), with polymeric diet (30%), and medium chain triglyceride rich enteral diet (70%). The median length of hospitalization (LOH) was 16.5 days (4-66). The patients fed with polymeric diet had a shorter hospitalization duration (p<0.036). The delayed initiation of oral feeding caused longer LOH (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Consequently, this study underlines the children with acute abdominal pain, especially who use drugs like asparaginase and valproic acid, or that are known to have gallstone/biliary sludge, need to be examined for acute pancreatitis through pancreatic enzymes and ultrasonography. Moreover, the study also highlights that early feeding in acute pancreatitis is related with shorter hospitalization duration.
Konzept HEIMAT in der modernen deutschen Literatur
Authors:   Zaporizhzhia National University, Mamedova Alla
Published: September 2024

Anthropozentrismus ist heute eine vorrangige Richtung in der Sprachforschung. Ein Mensch, seine innere Welt, seine Wünsche und Interessen, seine Aktivitäten als Einheit der Gesellschaft. Das Thema der Untersuchung ist sein Werk “Faserland”, der Gegenstand der Studie ist der Begriff HEIMAT. Das Werk von Christian Kracht interpretiert dieses Konzept aus einem etwas ungewöhnlichen Blickwinkel. Seine psychokulturellen Merkmale und seine valorative Komponente treten in den Vordergrund. In der modernen deutschen Literatur wird der Begriff Heimat als eines der Bindeglieder in einer ganzen Reihe anderer Begriffe wie Mensch, Natur, Ding dargestellt. In diesem Fall nimmt der Begriff Mansch die führende Position ein. Er ist es, der alle anderen Konzepte um sich herum unterordnet und hierarchisch organisiert. Letztendlich kommen wir zu dem Schluss, dass die Beschreibung eines einzelnen Konzepts nicht möglich ist, weil sie alle stehen in enger Verbindung zueinander. In dieser Arbeit wird das Konzept von Heimat am ausführlichsten anhand von Konzepten wie «Natur» und «Ding» beschrieben. Folglich erscheint uns der Begriff Heimat im Werk von Christian Krach als etwas Ewiges, das nur gute und warme Gefühle in der menschlichen Seele hervorrufen kann. Darüber hinaus sehen wir in K. Krachts «Faserland» tatsächlich ein Deutschland, das Außenstehenden nicht gezeigt werden darf, wir beobachten das Leben eines Landes, das nicht gerne zur Schau gestellt wird, was uns jedoch nicht schmälert Liebe zu diesem Land, sondern macht es noch interessanter und attraktiver.
Semantic-functional characteristics of comparisons in Oksana Zabuzhko’s essay «The Longest Journey»
Authors:   Dnipro State Medical University, Loschynova Inna
Published: September 2024

Today, more and more Ukrainian writers are turning to the essay genre, as it is this genre that makes it possible to respond more quickly to the changes taking place in society. According to O. Taranenko, one of the most important pictorial means of language expression is comparison. Therefore, the purpose of the proposed article is to analyze the semantic, structural and functional features of comparisons in Oksana Zabuzhko’s essay «The Longest Journey». In the analyzed work, comparisons are presented in various grammatical forms, such as: degrees of comparison of adjectives, adverbialized word forms of the instrumental case with a comparative meaning, adverbs, as well as comparative phrases and complex sentences with a subordinate comparative. Using adverbialized word forms of the instrumental case, the writer supplements them with bright meanings, thereby creating certain positive or negative images in the reader's mind according to the author's intention. Comparative phrases and complex sentences with a subordinate comparative are most widely presented in the analyzed essay, which present a wide corpus of comparison objects, among which we can distinguish such thematic groups as «Man», «Artifacts», «Medical terms», «Animal world», «Intertextual vocations», «Names of the elements». With the help of comparisons, Oksana Zabuzhko analyzes the presented facts, gives them an assessment, and also interests the recipient in the information, creates in his mind certain positive or negative images of individual personalities, described events and phenomena, involves the reader in interaction, empathy and search for solutions to the problematic issue.
Terminological aspects of translation in the IT sphere
Authors:   Mykhailo Tuhan-Baranovskyi Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade, Vorobiova Lolita
Published: September 2024

The article deals with the peculiarities of translation of information technology terminology in modern English. The field of scientific interest of this study concerns the theory of translation. The article aims at providing essential information about an area of study of translation and wordformation of IT terms, introducing word-formative processes which can cause a rise of neologism and stating some examples of neologism which occur in the current English language. The objective of this article is to study the peculiarities of translation of IT terminology from English into Ukrainian, to identify key problems and methods of their solution. The ways of reproducing terms in translation are determined. The ways of translating IT terms from English into Ukrainian are analyzed. The theoretical aspects of terminology, in particular the concepts of «term» and «terminological system», were thoroughly studied. Their semantic and structural characteristics were analyzed, which allowed us to better understand the nature and functioning of terms in the language system. Various methods of forming computer vocabulary, such as abbreviation, contamination, reversion, conversion, and the formation of affixed neologisms, were also considered. Several methods of translating complex terms, identified as the most productive are studied. The most effective methods of translating complex terms are considered as: preserving the structure of the original, modifying the structure of the original, transcoding, which includes transcription or transliteration. The results of the study demonstrate the importance of a systematic approach to the translation of IT terminology, improving translation methods in view of current trends in the development of information technology.
Understanding progression in multiple sclerosis: analysis of an in-patient admissions audit
Authors: Foley Hannah , Jarrett Louise , Harrower Timothy
Published: September 2024

Analysis of in-patient data is valuable to reduce avoidable admissions, which are disruptive to patients and costly to the NHS. The audit aimed to identify causes of in-patient admissions of people with multiple sclerosis at a district general hospital. The audit comprised a retrospective evaluation of secondary in-patient admissions data. Primary causes of admissions included chest infections, falls and urinary tract infections. Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis accounted for the largest number of admissions by multiple sclerosis sub-type, disproportionate to representation on the multiple sclerosis nurse caseload. In contrast, primary progressive multiple sclerosis was represented proportionally. Given the crossover between the two sub-types, this paper explores potential reasons for disproportionate representation by sub-type. Several factors may contribute to the admissions data by sub-type, including patient understandings of progression and information provided by clinicians. These findings have implications for the information and support provided by multiple sclerosis services.