bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of PI3Kα Mediates Protection From Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury Linked to Preserved Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Zhabyeyev Pavel , McLean Brent , Bassiouni Wesam , Valencia Robert , Paul Manish , Darwesh Ahmed M. , Seubert John M. , Hazra Saugata , Oudit Gavin Y.
Published: June 2023

Background

Identifying new therapeutic targets for preventing the myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury would have profound implications in cardiovascular medicine. Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury remains a major clinical burden in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results

We studied several key mechanistic pathways known to mediate cardioprotection in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion in 2 independent genetic models with reduced cardiac phosphoinositide 3‐kinase‐α (PI3Kα) activity. P3Kα‐deficient genetic models (PI3KαDN and PI3Kα‐Mer‐Cre‐Mer) showed profound resistance to myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. In an ex vivo reperfusion protocol, PI3Kα‐deficient hearts had an 80% recovery of function compared with ≈10% recovery in the wild‐type. Using an in vivo reperfusion protocol, PI3Kα‐deficient hearts showed a 40% reduction in infarct size compared with wild‐type hearts. Lack of PI3Kα increased late Na
+
current, generating an influx of Na
+
, facilitating the lowering of mitochondrial Ca
2+
, thereby maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative phosphorylation. Consistent with these functional differences, mitochondrial structure in PI3Kα‐deficient hearts was preserved following ischemia–reperfusion injury. Computer modeling predicted that PIP3, the product of PI3Kα action, can interact with the murine and human Na
V
1.5 channels binding to the hydrophobic pocket below the selectivity filter and occluding the channel.

Conclusions

Loss of PI3Kα protects from global ischemic–reperfusion injury linked to improved mitochondrial structure and function associated with increased late Na
+
current. Our results strongly support enhancement of mitochondrial function as a therapeutic strategy to minimize ischemia–reperfusion injury.
Prolylcarboxypeptidase Alleviates Hypertensive Cardiac Remodeling by Regulating Myocardial Tissue Angiotensin II
Authors: Nguyen Binh Y. , Zhou Fangchao , Binder Pablo , Liu Wei , Hille Susanne S. , Luo Xiaojing , Zi Min , Zhang Hongyuan , Adamson Antony , Ahmed Fozia Z. , Butterworth Sam , Cartwright Elizabeth J. , Müller Oliver J. , Guan Kaomei , Fitzgerald Elizabeth M. , Wang Xin
Published: June 2023

Background

Prolonged activation of angiotensin II is the main mediator that contributes to the development of heart diseases, so converting angiotensin II into angiotensin 1‐7 has emerged as a new strategy to attenuate detrimental effects of angiotensin II. Prolylcarboxypeptidase is a lysosomal pro‐X carboxypeptidase that is able to cleave angiotensin II at a preferential acidic pH optimum. However, insufficient attention has been given to the cardioprotective functions of prolylcarboxylpeptidase.

Methods and Results

We established a CRISPR/CRISPR‐associated protein 9–mediated global prolylcarboxylpeptidase‐knockout and adeno‐associated virus serotype 9–mediated cardiac prolylcarboxylpeptidase overexpression mouse models, which were challenged with the angiotensin II infusion (2 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks, aiming to investigate the cardioprotective effect of prolylcarboxylpeptidase against hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy. Prolylcarboxylpeptidase expression was upregulated after 2 weeks of angiotensin II infusion and then became downregulated afterward in wild‐type mouse myocardium, suggesting its compensatory function against angiotensin II stress. Moreover, angiotensin II–treated prolylcarboxylpeptidase‐knockout mice showed aggravated cardiac remodeling and dampened cardiac contractility independent of hypertension. We also found that prolylcarboxylpeptidase localizes in cardiomyocyte lysosomes, and loss of prolylcarboxylpeptidase led to excessive angiotensin II levels in myocardial tissue. Further screening demonstrated that hypertrophic prolylcarboxylpeptidase‐knockout hearts showed upregulated extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 and downregulated protein kinase B activities. Importantly, adeno‐associated virus serotype 9–mediated restoration of prolylcarboxylpeptidase expression in prolylcarboxylpeptidase‐knockout hearts alleviated angiotensin II–induced hypertrophy, fibrosis, and cell death. Interestingly, the combination of adeno‐associated virus serotype 9–mediated prolylcarboxylpeptidase overexpression and an antihypertensive drug, losartan, likely conferred more effective protection than a single treatment protocol to mitigate angiotensin II–induced cardiac dysfunction.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that prolylcarboxylpeptidase protects the heart from angiotensin II–induced hypertrophic remodeling by controlling myocardial angiotensin II levels.
Contested Religious and Cultural Issues
Authors: Mbaya Henry
Published: June 2023

This article discusses the encounter between the missionaries of the Glasgow Missionary Society (Free Church of Scotland, hence Presbyterians), and the Wesleyans (Methodists) in the nineteenth century and the AmaXhosa in the Eastern Frontier of the Cape Colony. It specifically highlights the AmaXhosa’s contestations of some European Christian teachings, cultural values, and a way of life, which the Presbyterian and Wesleyan missionaries tried to impose on them in the process of ‘Christianizing’ and ‘civilizing’ them. The study illustrates that contrary to the commonly held conception that the Xhosa readily embraced the gospel, conversion to Christianity was a long and drawn-out process that entailed contestations and resistance on many levels and in many forms.
The Beginnings of African American Pentecostalism
Authors: Melton J. Gordon
Published: June 2023

African American response to the pentecostal movement began soon after the introduction of the Apostolic Faith to Texas, where the movement experienced its first noticeable success. It spread within the Black community of Houston following the baptism of the Holy Spirit by Holiness minister Lucy Farrow. One of its number, William Seymour, introduced it to Southern California. An early congregation in Houston became the first congregation affiliated with the Church of God in Christ, which, by the mid-1920s, became the largest pentecostal denomination in the state. Toward the end of the second decade of the century, Robert C. Lawson introduced the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World to San Antonio. The story of Black Pentecostalism’s emergence in Texas underscores the importance of African Americans to the larger pentecostal narrative even as it highlights the role of Texas in hosting the early expansion of the Apostolic Faith.
Toward a Holistic Pentecost
Authors: Stone Selina
Published: June 2023

Pentecostalism is often celebrated as a holistic or embodied spirituality that overcomes the dualisms inherent to modernity, and that juxtapose the body and the spiritual. However, historically and in the present, pentecostals struggle to address the problems of inequity and oppression that impact certain bodies in the church and the world. This article explores this tension in Classical Pentecostalism with a focus on Azusa Street and contemporary Pentecostalism in Britain. Through a case study of a “progressive” pentecostal church, I demonstrate that even in contexts that prioritize social engagement, the realities of class, race, and gender oppressions can continue unnamed and unchallenged. Resources may be located, I argue, in the African roots of the movement that provide an integrated worldview in which all aspects of life are considered spiritual and thus the oppressed are empowered to resist social, economic, and political as well as spiritual oppression.
Exploring Experience
Authors: Åkerlund Truls , Andersen John Daniel
Published: June 2023

This article contributes to pentecostal research by arguing that applied phenomenology can enhance the understanding of pentecostal experience and enrich work with systematic theology by increasing the amount of relevant data. Phenomenology is especially appropriate for pentecostal theology and research due to the shared emphasis on embodiment, importance of experiences, consistency of appearances, and realism of phenomena. Despite this methodological fit, our systematic literature review reveals a lack of phenomenological works in the corpus of pentecostal studies, and we provide some considerations for integration and suggestions for further empirical research grounded in a phenomenological sensibility.
Bibliometrics and Pentecostal Scholarship
Authors: Eller Daniel W. , Isgrigg Daniel D.
Published: June 2023

The Society for Pentecostal Studies celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 2020. To commemorate the half-century mark, the editors of Pneuma assembled a special issue that included a history of the Society. While the fiftieth-anniversary commemorative volume captured the growth of the Society, absent was a consideration of the impact of Pneuma. As such, the fifty-year anniversary deserves a more quantifiable discussion of the journal’s impact on scholarship. By using a combination of information science and theological reflection, this article offers fresh insights on the journal’s impact in the realm of scholarly publishing. It fleshes out significant theological trends in Pentecostalism covered in its fifty-year history using bibliometrics. An index of all 710 peer-reviewed research articles published from 1978 to 2022 was created. Bibliometrics were used to assess that scholarship’s impact, understand where pentecostal studies flourished, and uncover possible gaps in pentecostal research where further study may be needed. Bibliometric research in theological studies acts as a mirror for researchers by quantifiably reflecting trends in pentecostal research that may have been anecdotally assumed or overlooked altogether. It places possible bias into sharp focus and offers new tools for discussing sensitive research and publication issues such as gender politics, diversity, and inclusivity.
Of Social Discipline and Control
Authors: Neo Ric , Yin Jason
Published: June 2023

Recent scholarship on disinformation points to a range of adverse effects on society, including its potential to fragment institutions and incite violence. Despite this, little research has looked into the stratified effects of fake news in society – particularly on how minorities are disproportionately victimised by the problem. This study sets out to analyse the qualitative impact of fake news on racial, ethnic and sexual minority communities in Indonesia through the theory of gendered and stratified misinformation. Three research questions are addressed: first, what disinformation campaigns affecting minority groups have emerged in Indonesia? Next, how have these campaigns influenced and shaped social behavior of minorities? Lastly, how is the state implicated in the problem, and to what extent are state responses considered adequate? Drawing upon primary data collected through interviews with Indonesian citizens belonging to major minority groups, this study’s findings reveal the disproportionate impact fake news has on minority communities in Indonesia. It sheds light on how fake news has been weaponised by hegemonic groups in society to both amass various forms of political and religious capital, as well as to socially control and discipline minority groups. Furthermore, it shows how the state is implicated through politicised policing of fake news.
A checklist of the bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) of Minnesota
Authors: PORTMAN ZACHARY M. , GARDNER JOEL , LANE IAN G. , GERJETS NICOLE , PETERSEN JESSICA D. , ASCHER JOHN S. , ARDUSER MIKE , EVANS ELAINE C. , BOYD CRYSTAL , THOMSON ROBIN , CARIVEAU DANIEL P.
Published: June 2023

Research studies and conservation actions aimed at improving conditions for bees require a basic understanding of which species are present in a given region. The US state of Minnesota occupies a unique geographic position at the confluence of eastern deciduous forests, northern boreal forests, and western tallgrass prairie, which has led to a diverse and unique bee fauna. In recent years there have been multiple ongoing bee-focused inventory and research projects in Minnesota. Combined with the historic specimens housed in the University of Minnesota Insect Collection and other regional collections, these furnished a wealth of specimens available to form the basis of a statewide checklist. Here, we present the first comprehensive checklist of Minnesota bee species, documenting a total of 508 species in 45 genera. County-level occurrence data is included for each species, and further information on distribution and rarity is included for species of regional or national interest. Some species have their taxonomy clarified, with Perdita citrinella Graenicher, 1910 syn. nov. recognized as a junior synonym of Perdita perpallida Cockerell, 1901, P. bequaerti syn. nov. recognized as a junior synonym of P. pallidipennis Graenicher, 1910 stat. nov., Anthidiellum boreale (Robertson, 1902) stat. nov. recognized as a full species, and Anthidiellium beijingense Portman & Ascher nom. nov. is proposed for A. boreale Wu to resolve the homonymy with A. boreale (Robertson). We further include a list of species that may occur in Minnesota and highlight 11 species occurring in the state that are considered non-native. Recent collecting efforts, as well as increased taxonomic attention paid to Minnesota bees, have resulted in 66 species that have only been documented in the last 10 years. As a first step in determining native bees of conservation concern, we document 38 species that have not been detected in the state during the last 50 years and discuss their conservation status, along with other species for which evidence of decline exists. The checklist of Minnesota bees will continue to grow and change with additional surveys and research studies. In particular, recent surveys have continued to detect new bee species, and many bee groups are in need of taxonomic revision, with the most recent revisions for many genera occurring decades ago. Overall, this checklist strengthens our understanding of the bees of Minnesota and the broader region, informs conservation assessments, and establishes a baseline for faunal change.
Fishes of Afghanistan; a revised and updated annotated checklist
Authors: ÇIÇEK ERDOĞAN , FRICKE RONALD , EAGDERI SOHEIL , SUNGUR SEVIL , COAD BRIAN W , HAMDARD MOHAMMAD HAMID
Published: June 2023

The current status of the ichthyofauna of Afghanistan is revised, and an updated checklist is presented. The confirmed fishes of Afghanistan comprise 121 species belonging to 11 orders, 22 families, and 68 genera. Among these, 18 species (14.9%) are alien, and 7 species (5.8%) are considered endemic to Afghanistan. The orders with the largest numbers of species in the ichthyofauna of Afghanistan are Cypriniformes (88 species), followed by Siluriformes (14 species), Anabantiformes (4 species), Acipenseriformes, Salmoniformes, and Cyprinodontiformes (3 species in each). At the family level, Cyprinidae have the greatest number of species (36 species; 29.8% of the total species), followed by Nemacheilidae (22 species), Leuciscidae (12 species), Danionidae (8 species), and Sisoridae (6 species). A total of 48 species previously reported from Afghanistan have been excluded from the checklist, either in the present study or in previous studies. According to the IUCN Red List criteria, among 121 listed fish species, 19 (15.7%) are in the threatened categories, with 4 (3.3%) CR, 6 (5.0%) EN, and 9 (7.4%) VU. Of the total number of taxa assessed, 5.0% (6 species) are NT and 51.2% (62 species) are LC. A total of 29 species are (24.0%) Not Evaluated (NE) and 5 species (4.1%) are classified as DD.
Mussel-inspired cationic chitosan-based flocculants with floc enlarging capacity for efficient removal of anionic dye
Authors: Lu Xi , He Changyuan , Gao Zhiwei , Ban Wenzheng , Chen Chong , Zhou Chaomei , Gu Yingchun , Chen Sheng
Published: June 2023

Biomass-based flocculants have been widely studied and applied to wastewater treatment due to their environmental friendliness. However, these flocculants tend to generate flocs with small size and lead to difficult solid-liquid separation after the flocculation. The key to solving
the floc size problem is enhancing intermolecular or intramolecular interaction forces by changing the molecular structure and functional groups of flocculants. Herein, we developed a mussel-inspired cationic biomass flocculant by functionalizing chitosan (CS) with cation component acryloyloxyethyltrimethyl
ammonium chloride (DAC) and mussel-inspired monomer N-2-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenethyl) acrylamide (DAA) through free radical polymerization. The prepared flocculant could provide multiple interaction forces such as electrostatic interaction, cation-π interaction, π −π
stacking, and hydrogen bonding to pollutants. As a result, the spent CS-g-p (DAC-co-DAA) flocculant generate dye-containing flocs with dramatically increased size when compared with its counterpart CS-g-pDAC without catechol groups and are capable to realize more than 95% removal efficiency
towards organic dyes such as MB and CR over a broad pH range from 3 to 9. This study provides some insights in how to apply this mussel-inspired strategy to develop environmentally friendly biomass-derived flocculants with floc enlarging capacity to treat organic wastewaters in wide pH range.
Effect of entecavir plus peginterferon α-2a on hepatitis B virus-RNA, IL-21 expression level, immune function and prognosis in patients with hepatitis B
Authors: Chang Caifang , Guo Chenxu , Yuan Xiaoxia , Fan Jingjing , Ji Zhihong , Yong Chen
Published: June 2023

Combination of interferon and nucleotide analogues might be more effective in inhibiting replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV), thereby alleviating hepatic fibrosis and hepatocyte necrosis. Herein, we explored the impact of co-treatment of entecavir (ETV) and PEG-IFNα-2a
on HBV-RNA, IL-21 level, immune function and prognosis in HBeAg-positive patients with low HBsAg level. Patients treated with ETV over 12 months received PEG-IFNα-2a treatment. Serum HBV markers and HBV-DNA were examined at 12, 24 and 48 weeks, and disappearance of HBsAg were
measured at 24 weeks as an evaluation index for efficacy. Besides, levels of IL-21, serum albumin, and complement C3 were measured. During follow-up, we found that, HBsAg serological conversion appeared in 6.0% of all patients, with HBsAg disappearance in 18.1% and HBsAg <10 IU/mL in 10.8%.
The HBeAg level in non-disappearing group was lower than HBsAg disappearing group (P <0.05) with AUC score of 0.720 for HBsAg suggested by HBeAg conversion rate (P <0.05). Of note, HBsAg levels decreased at 12 weeks of treatment (≥0.5 log IU/mL) and HBsAg was prone to
disappearance (P <0.05). AUC of HBsAg disappearance predicted by the HBsAg levels at 12 weeks and 24 weeks were 0.810 (95% CI: 0.686–0.935, P = 0.000) and 0.842 (95% CI: 0.736–0.947, P = 0.000) compared with baseline. Combination of ETV and PEG-IFNα-2a
resulted in enhancement of serum IL-21 level (210.803±72.477) and reduction of IL-21 expression (157.084±38.697). The IL-21 level was negatively correlated with immune function indicators serum albumin and serum complement C3. HBsAg conversion rate and early HBsAg changes are
crucial to prediction of HBsAg disappearance. With ETV achieving great virological response, combination of ETV with PEG-IFNα-2a enhanced HBsAg loss, reducing IL-21 expression, and improving immune function in patients.
Diffusion behavior of bismuth in eco-friendly Bi–S based free cutting steel at high temperature
Authors: Tian An-Fu , Liu Hai-Tao , Huang Yun-Hong
Published: June 2023

Deformation cracks during continuous casting and hot rolling are easy to occur in the Bi–S based free cutting steel, and the cracks are related to the diffusion of bismuth. The diffusion behavior of bismuth in the steel and the effect of the microstructure and alloying elements
were studied by the diffusion annealing experiment combined with SEM, EDS and TEM analysis. The results show that the bismuth tends to diffuse along the grain boundaries (GBs) and the interfaces between the MnS phase and steel matrix, and then enrich to form the bismuth phases. The bismuth
phases with lower melting point would be in liquid form at high temperature and resulted in the cracks along the GBs and interfaces. The bismuth diffusion is more likely to occur toward the parallel rolling direction than the vertical rolling direction in the steel because of the pearlite
and MnS phases with the long strip shape and banded distribution. The addition of boron and titanium has the effect of inhibiting the diffusion of bismuth in the steel, which is mainly attributed to the faster diffusion rate of boron and the priority to occupy the defect sites of the GBs and
the interfaces between the MnS phase and steel matrix.
Midazolam nanocrystal facilitates submandibular lymphatic metabolism via cAMP signal transduction pathway
Authors: Cheng Qun , Qiu Weihua , Guo Xiaoming
Published: June 2023

Midazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine for sedation, but its application is limited by its poor solubility. This study explored the impact of midazolam nanocrystals on Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP0 signal transduction. A rat model of hypercalcemia was established and divided
into model group, control group, midazolam nanocrystal group, midazolam group, inhibitor group and agonist group. After treatment, the contents of cAMP and cGMP were detected by radioimmunoassay, and transformation rate, proliferation and apoptosis of lymphocytes were analyzed. Additionally,
we observed microcirculation of lymphocytes and calculated contraction activity, overall lymphatic contractile activity and lymph dynamic index. The structure of the prepared nanocrystals was uniform and stable. Higher cGMP concentration and lymph viscosity of rats in the midazolam nanocrystal,
midazolam and inhibitor groups were lower, while cGMP was raised in the agonist group. Besides, modeled rats exhibited decreased cAMP concentration, T lymphocyte conversion rate, lymphatic vessel contraction frequency, contraction activity index, total contraction activity index, lymph dynamic
index/flow and lymphocyte output (p < 0.05), which were all increased in the midazolam nanocrystal group, midazolam group and agonist group but decreased in the inhibitor group (p < 0.05). Moreover, Midazolam nanocrystals improved lymphocyte proliferation and decreased
apoptosis (<0.05). Midazolam nanocrystals can increase the concentration of cAMP and conversion rate of T lymphocytes, thereby reducing the concentration of cGMP, promoting lymphocyte proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, and effectively improving the contraction frequency and contraction
activity of lymphatic vessels. The cGMP can elevate total contractile activity index and lymph dynamics index, and enhance lymphatic transport function, while reducing lymph viscosity.
Accelerated prediction of perovskite material properties with classical machine learning and graph neural network
Authors: Dong Zhihao , Ji Yujin , Li Youyong
Published: June 2023

Perovskite materials, possessing a plethora of exceptional properties, have garnered significant attention. Nonetheless, owing to their intricate structure and chemical composition, several obstacles remain in the preparation, characterization, and application of perovskite materials.
The rapid advancement of machine learning technologies has expedited research on perovskite materials in recent years. This technique aids researchers in rapidly screening and optimizing the properties of perovskite materials, while also uncovering hidden patterns and trends from vast amounts
of experimental and computational data. In this paper, we designed traditional machine learning models built upon manual descriptors, as well as structure-based graph neural network (GNN) models, to precisely forecast various characteristics of perovskite materials. Our results demonstrate
that the end-to-end GNN model performs exceptionally well for various properties when sufficient data is available. This highlights the versatility and value of the method in expediting the development of novel perovskite materials.
Cobalt nanoparticle production using algal extract: A nanocarrier for antimicrobial potential
Authors: Shu Hua Lee , Gopinath Subash C.B. , Anbu Periasamy , Yaakub Ahmad Radi Wan
Published: June 2023

The present study aimed to characterize CoNPs that were synthesized using a simple, inexpensive, and eco-friendly way from algal-extract of Elodea canadensis. Further, this study also assessed the antimicrobial potential of the synthesized CoNPs. The CoNPs formation was preliminarily
proved through colour change from light-pink to brown within 15 min upon adding the algal-extract to the cobalt (II) nitrate solution. The maximum absorption peaks at 450 nm for the algae-encapsulated CoNPs were obtained using UV-Vis spectrum. FTIR result proved that CoNPs were capped with
active components from E. canadensis as distinct peaks were observed at 3288.4 and 1641.8 cm−1 in the infrared spectra of the algal-extract and bio-reduced CoNPs. A FE-SEM revealed that CoNPs were agglomerated and had smooth surfaces. In addition, FE-TEM indicated that
the synthesized CoNPs had assorted sizes and shapes. Meanwhile, the XRD displayed several broad peaks at 2θ = 52.37°, 54.21°, and 56.09° with mean size of 14.022 nm that affirmed the crystalline nature of algal synthesized CoNPs. The antimicrobial potential of the
biosynthesized CoNPs was assessed using the disc-diffusion test.
Flavonoids inhibitory effect and mechanism on laryngeal carcinoma cell cytotoxicity in AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Bai Zhigang , Zhang Dongli , Shi Enhong
Published: June 2023

Laryngeal carcinoma is a head and neck tumor. Although its survival rate has been improved, some patients die from tumor recurrence or metastasis. This experiment explored the effect and mechanism of flavonoids on laryngeal cancer cell cytotoxicity. Immunohistochemical staining was
performed on laryngeal carcinoma tissues. A total of 6 groups were set up in this experiment as follows: the experimental group was added with flavonoids (at 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/L concentrations). Cytotoxicity, proliferation, apoptosis and migration ability were detected respectively.
The expressions of Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) and Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) proteins were determined. NF-κB/p65 was highly expressed in laryngeal carcinoma tissue cells cytoplasm. The cytotoxicity
test proved that, the flavonoids were less toxic to DU4475 and EVC304 cells. After the Hep-2 cells were cultured in vitro for 48 h, as the concentration of flavonoids increased, the cells gradually became round, and their volume and adhesion gradually decreased. The number and density
of Hep-2 cells decreased dose and time-dependently. The apoptosis rate and relative wound surface area in experimental group were increased (p <0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. The expressions of AGEs, RAGE and NF-κB in experimental group were decreased (p <0.05).
NF-κB/p65 is positively expressed in laryngeal cancer tissues. In conclusion, Flavonoids are less toxic to normal cells and can significantly reduce AGEs, RAGE and NF-κB expressions, also inhibiting Hep-2 cell proliferation. Flavonoids herein significantly inhibited
the migration of Hep-2 cells, thus exerting therapeutic effects.
Satellite-Based Ranking of the World’s Hottest and Coldest Cities Reveals Inequitable Distribution of Temperature Extremes
Authors: Li Jiufeng , Zhan Wenfeng , Chakraborty T. C. , Liu Zihan , Du Huilin , Liao Weilin , Luo Ming , Li Long , Miao Shiqi , Fu Huyan , Wang Shasha , Huang Fan , Li Manchun
Published: June 2023

The identification of the world’s hottest and coldest cities fascinates both the public and the scientific community. However, the ranking of city temperatures, especially from the perspective of human discomfort, has been difficult. Here we estimated the monthly mean maximum and minimum 1-km resolution urban temperatures of 13,135 cities worldwide (2003–19) from the thermal discomfort perspective by combining in situ measurements, satellite-based land surface temperatures, fine-resolution intracity data, and reanalysis data. Manama, Bahrain, was identified as the hottest city (48.18° ± 1.31°C) and Yakutsk, Russia (−42.96° ± 0.72°C), as the coldest city. The global city temperatures followed a power-law pattern, characterized by cities with <0.3 million inhabitants covering 80% of the top 20% global cities with extreme temperatures. Our study reveals an inequitable pattern of global city temperature extremes and highlights the urgency of developing appropriate strategies to reduce climate change risks in small- and medium-sized cities with low development levels.
The New Parochialism? Polish Migrant Catholic Parishes on the Path of Change
Authors: Isański Jakub , Nowak Marek , Kozak Jarosław , Eade John
Published: June 2023

The text engages with the ongoing discussion about the role played by religion in social life, with attention paid to transnational dynamics of religiosity in migrants’ individual experiences, expectations and modes of involvement. We concentrate on the research problem: how does the Roman Catholic Church, through the networks of the faithful, facilitate, challenge, and intersect with the adaptation or integration of migrants in their new settings? The study draws on a survey conducted with a sample ( n = 620) Polish Catholics in Great Britain in 2019. With the cluster analysis, we distinguished five categories of participants in parish life. The results of the study concern the declared expectations of the respondents in the confessional and non-confessional (charity, leisure, tourist, or cultural) activities. It shows two paths of respondents’ religious experience: the old parochialism and the new one. The first attitude, represents a general religious-community context, while the second one emphasizes socio-cultural background and cooperative style of work based on associations and goals-achievement. Our findings concern the socio-cultural specificity of migrants resulting from belonging to migrant parishes outside Poland and how this specificity can be juxtaposed with information concerning mainstream Catholic parishes in Great Britain.
From Sequences to Variables: Rethinking the Relationship between Sequences and Outcomes
Authors: Helske Satu , Helske Jouni , Chihaya Guilherme K.
Published: June 2023

Sequence analysis is increasingly used in the social sciences for the holistic analysis of life-course and other longitudinal data. The usual approach is to construct sequences, calculate dissimilarities, group similar sequences with cluster analysis, and use cluster membership as a dependent or independent variable in a regression model. This approach may be problematic, as cluster memberships are assumed to be fixed known characteristics of the subjects in subsequent analyses. Furthermore, it is often more reasonable to assume that individual sequences are mixtures of multiple ideal types rather than equal members of some group. Failing to account for uncertain and mixed memberships may lead to wrong conclusions about the nature of the studied relationships. In this article, the authors bring forward and discuss the problems of the “traditional” use of sequence analysis clusters as variables and compare four approaches for creating explanatory variables from sequence dissimilarities using different types of data. The authors conduct simulation and empirical studies, demonstrating the importance of considering how sequences and outcomes are related and the need to adjust analyses accordingly. In many typical social science applications, the traditional approach is prone to result in wrong conclusions, and similarity-based approaches such as representativeness should be preferred.
Contralateral Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis Caused by Sphenoid Sinusitis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Joo Yeon-Hee , Kim Sang-Wook , Cho Hyun-Jin , Jeon Yung Jin
Published: June 2023

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare but life-threatening infectious disease whose diagnosis and treatment are challenging. CST can result in ocular and neurologic morbidities, as well as fatal systemic complications due to systemic thrombus. Occasionally, these clinical symptoms can be a result of contralateral sinusitis. A 75-year-old female presented with severe headache and fever. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a multifocal filling defect in both cavernous sinuses, with heterogeneous enhancement and thrombosis of the right superior ophthalmic vein. Intravenous antibiotic was administered, and endoscopic sinus surgery was performed. The patient was discharged 40 days after admission and there were no neurologic symptoms and no evidence of sequelae during the 10-month follow-up. Symptoms of CST on the contralateral side are often missed, which delays initiation of appropriate treatment. When CST secondary to paranasal sinusitis is diagnosed, clinicians should consider contralateral as well as ipsilateral infection of the paranasal sinus. Preventing disease progression and complications through early and aggressive antibiotic administration along with sinus surgery is crucial.
Introduction: Laboring in the Extractive University
Authors: Burawoy Michael , Eby Margaret , Gepts Thomas , Germain Justin , Pasquinelli Natalie , Torres Carpio Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

The twin pressures of dwindling state funding and widening student access has created a crisis of higher education that reverberates into the hidden abode of teaching and learning. In this special issue we reconnect pedagogy to its context of determination (and nondetermination) by bringing theories of the labor process to bear on the dilemmas and challenges faced by teaching assistants (TAs). Our project of auto-ethnography was suspended between two crises—COVID-19 and an unprecedented university-wide strike by graduate students. Elizabeth Torres Carpio advances the idea of the university's “selective recognition” that expands the work of street-level educators -TAs facing increasing numbers of students from economically poor and culturally diverse backgrounds. Natalie Pasquinelli considers the way faculty manage TAs as apprentices through hegemonic “status control.” Justin Germain focuses on the autonomy that allows TAs to turn teaching into “innovation games,” offering the players a sense of accomplishment. Thomas Gepts examines the “arrhythmic” time bind in which graduate students are caught between commitments to future-oriented research and present-oriented teaching. Margaret Eby shows how the “power of silence” allows TAs to conceal their anxiety and defend their autonomy. The university extracts the labor of TAs by giving them “constrained autonomy” to absorb, divert, and conceal the pressures descending from a top-heavy administrative structure. We extend the idea of “constrained autonomy” to other occupations.
Dynamic Analysis of the Timing of Survey Participation: An Application of Event History Analysis of the Stochastic Process of Response in a Probability-Based Multi-Wave Panel With Computer-Assisted Interview Modes
Authors: Becker Rolf
Published: June 2023

The response patterns across the fieldwork period are analyzed in the context of a panel study with a sequential mixed-mode design including a self-administered online questionnaire and a computer-assisted telephone interview. Since the timing of participation is modelled as a stochastic process of individuals’ response behaviour, event history analysis is applied to reveal time-constant and time-varying factors that influence this process. Different distributions of panelists’ propensity for taking part in the web-based survey or, alternatively, in the computer-assisted telephone interview can be considered by hazard rate analysis. Piecewise constant rate models and analysis of sub-episodes demonstrate that it is possible to describe the time-related development of response rates by reference to individuals’ characteristics, resources and abilities, as well as panelists’ experience with previous panel waves. Finally, it is shown that exogenous factors, such as a mixed-mode survey design, the incentives offered to participants and the reminders that are sent out, contribute significantly to time-related response after the invitation to participate in a survey with a sequential mixed-mode design. Overall, this contribution calls for a dynamic analysis of response behaviour instead of the categorization of response groups.
Remission of Type 2 Diabetes After Treatment With a High-Fiber, Low-Fat, Plant-Predominant Diet Intervention: A Case Series
Authors: Panigrahi Gunadhar , Goodwin Sally M. , Staffier Kara Livingston , Karlsen Micaela
Published: June 2023

Background: Prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is rising, and its burden on the healthcare system remains a challenge. Consumption of a plant-predominant diet is a promising approach for achieving remission, which has emerged as a therapeutic target. Objective: To establish feasibility of achieving T2D remission with a plant-predominant diet in a cohort of free-living individuals. Methods: Patients referred to a wellness clinic were treated with a low-fat, whole food, plant-predominant diet while receiving standard medical treatment. Included patients were adults, mostly elderly, with HbA1c > 6.5%, with or without use of antidiabetic medications. Results: N = 59 patients were included in this analysis, with mean age 71.5 years (range 41-89). Twenty-two (37%) patients achieved T2D remission. Mean differences showed a significant decrease post-lifestyle change (T2) compared to prior to lifestyle change (T1) for the following outcomes [least squares mean difference (95% CI)]: BMI [−2.6 (−4.8, −.3)] kg/m2; HbA1c [ −1.3 (−1.6, −1.0)] %; and fasting glucose [−29.6 (−41.8, −17.5)] mg/dL. No significant differences were observed for systolic or diastolic blood pressure, HDL, LDL, or triglycerides. Conclusion: A lifestyle-based treatment intervention promoting adherence to a plant-predominant diet and integrated as part of routine care can successfully achieve T2D remission in wellness clinic patients.
Cultural Restitution and the ‘Rediscovery’ of the Holocaust in Italy, 1989–2003
Authors: Gaudenzi Bianca
Published: June 2023

This article illustrates the role played by restitution in bringing about the first substantial changes in the political and public awareness of Italy's anti-Jewish persecutions after the end of the Cold War. More specifically, it analyses how political discourses changed between the years 1989 and 2003 vis-à-vis restitution campaigns on one side and historiographical advances on the other. This proves particularly relevant in the case of post-war Italy, which was exceptional in turning the restitution of national collections into a moment of cathartic rebirth while whitewashing - or all together forgetting - fascism's persecution of its Jewish and colonial subjects. As the article demonstrates, the conflation of international and domestic factors played a crucial role in pushing Italy (as well as several other countries) to start confronting – albeit partially – its antisemitic past. Restitution constituted only a piece of this puzzle, but a crucial one. It afforded the opportunity to document the involvement of many Italians in the persecution of their fellow citizens and to highlight the state's responsibility for the deportations. Furthermore, it provided an international platform for voicing some of the most explicit admissions of accountability, which had until that point found little if any space in the domestic realm. Restitution thereby represented one of the most visible ways for Jewish communities to exercise their newly found political weight to foster the long-awaited recognition of Italy's persecutory behaviour.
‘Aryanisation’ in Central and Eastern Europe and the Equalisation of Burdens Files: The Case of the Sudetenland
Authors: Nachum Iris
Published: June 2023

Only recently have historians studying the Holocaust recognised the unique value of German compensation files as historical source material. The Federal Republic of Germany created these files after World War II in the context of Wiedergutmachung, that is, compensation for damages inflicted by the Nazis on racial, religious and political grounds. This article draws attention to a different body of compensation records, one that has so far been ignored by historians of Nazi persecution: case files created under the Lastenausgleichsgesetz (Equalisation of Burdens Law [LAG]). This West German law was meant to compensate ethnic Germans for property they lost when they were expelled from Central and Eastern Europe after the war. The article demonstrates that LAG files can be especially illuminating of the interaction between Nazi profiteers and their Jewish victims in Central and Eastern Europe.
Right abdominal pregnancy with hemorrhagic shock after previous left tubal pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Suryawan Aloysius , Rahardjo Theresia Monica , Suparman Erna , Mahardhika Jeffrey Christian
Published: June 2023

Abdominal pregnancy is the rarest ectopic pregnancies, with an incidence of 1 per 10,000 live births, and life-threatening because the symptoms are not specific and diagnosis is made after abdominal pain, amenorrhea and vaginal bleeding occur. We present a rare case of abdominal pregnancy in a 31-year-old Indonesian woman with severe abdominal pain within 24 hours before hospital admission, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness and weakness. She felt the pain increasing since the last 2 weeks and limiting her movement. She has a history of a left tubal pregnancy 5 years ago. Ultrasonography examination revealed an ectopic pregnancy, and she was rushed to the operation room for emergency exploratory laparotomy. An abdominal pregnancy was found, located in the right adnexa with excessive fluid in cavum Douglass and a foetus in around 11–12 weeks of gestation accompanied by free fluid in the subdiaphragmatic, subhepatic and pelvic cavity. The surgery was a successful, four units of whole blood were transfused, and the patient was safely discharged from the hospital. The current concept on management of abdominal pregnancy supports immediate surgical intervention with pregnancy termination, as found in this case, because the patient’s condition is hemodynamically unstable indicating hemorrhagic shock correlated with massive hemoperitoneum. A prompt diagnosis and good teamwork in treatment plays an important role for such a life-threatening condition to avoid maternal morbidity and mortality in a case of abdominal pregnancy.
Representing “The People”: What Can Social Media Images Reveal About Populist Propaganda in Brazil?
Authors: Rodarte André K. , Hyunsik Kim Torie , Lukito Josephine
Published: June 2023

This study explores the visual content posted by far-right populist parliamentarians in Brazil, asking how “the people” are represented through imagery. Scholars have previously argued that populists have failed to foster the voice of “the people” in Latin America, but have they also failed to signify and cultivate an authentic visual representation of them? To answer this question, we collected the social media imagery posted by federal deputies of the 56th Legislature, a period characterized as one of illiberal backlash in Brazil. We employed visual analytics as a method of data analysis, demonstrating that clustering images according to their color similarities facilitates the study of key themes of populist communication, namely: the leader’s bodily performance, nationalism, the “enemy,” and “the people.” Besides this methodological contribution, our findings suggest that parliamentarians played a crucial role in enabling and sustaining far-right populist discourses. These politicians defined “the people” solely through the battles set in motion at the level of political affiliations. The voices of those claimed to be represented by them were diluted in visuals of mass demonstrations, which provided the primary occasion for their incorporation into populist communication.
Health Policies as Education Policies? A Review of Causal Evidence and Mechanisms
Authors: Gopalan Maithreyi , Edara Rohitha
Published: June 2023

Despite lagging behind other high-income countries, the United States has made slow but steady improvements in health, especially for children from low-income households, through a series of health policies and programs since the 1990s. Have these health benefits spilled over to educational attainment and achievement? In this article, we systematically review the causal impact of various health policies and programs on children’s educational outcomes in the United States. We find that several health policies and programs aimed at improving the physical health of children and parents have modest spillover effects on key educational outcomes for school-age children. On the other hand, there is a paucity of research on policies aimed at improving children and adolescents’ mental health (and limited evidence on their efficacy on educational outcomes where research exists). We contextualize the effects of these health policies by providing benchmarks from other education policies and conclude with some key open questions and suggestions that can guide research and policymaking at the health-education nexus.
Training Program Design: A Public Health Education Internship Supervisor Training E-Module
Authors: Cox Carol , Rhodes Darson
Published: June 2023

Internships for public health education students train the next generation of professionals by exposing them to diverse learning environments and encouraging them to apply classroom knowledge and academic competencies to solve real-world problems in the field. Interns work under a supervisor who provides professional guidance, training, and mentorship as interns create project-based deliverables to meet authentic agency needs. Expected to provide education, although they have not been specifically trained in teaching, supervisors report lack of time and resources for supervision as well as need for assistance in educating and evaluating interns.
The crosstalk between Stroke and Cancer: Incidence of cancer after a first-ever cerebrovascular event in a population-based study
Authors: Vaz Catarina Guedes , Rodrigues Jéssica , Pereira Diogo , Matos Ilda , Oliveira Carla , Bento Maria José , Magalhães Rui , Correia Manuel , Maia Luis F
Published: June 2023

Objectives:

To determine the cancer incidence after the first-ever cerebrovascular event (CVE) and compare it to the cancer incidence in the population from the same region.

Methods:

We evaluated 1069 patients with a first-ever CVE (Ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack) from a prospective population registry of stroke and transient focal neurological attacks, diagnosed between 2009 and 2011. We conducted a structured search to identify cancer-related variables and case-fatality for a period of 8 years following CVE. Cancer incidence in CVE patients was compared to the North Region Cancer Registry (RORENO).

Results:

We found that 90/1069 (8.4%) CVE patients developed cancer after a first-ever CVE. Overall cancer annual incidence rate was higher after a CVE (820/100,000, 95%CI: 619–1020) than in general population (513/100,000, 95%CI: 508–518). In the 45–54 age group cancer incidence post-CVE was 3.2-fold (RR, 95%CI: 1.6–6.4) higher compared to the general population, decreasing gradually in older age-groups. Median time between CVE and cancer was 3.2 years (IQR = 1.4–5.2). Lower respiratory tract and colorectal were the most frequent cancer types. In univariable models, male sex (sHR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.17–2.72, p = 0.007), tobacco use (sHR = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.31–3.18, p = 0.002) and peripheral artery disease (sHR = 2.37, 95%CI: 1.10–5.13, p = 0.028) were associated to higher cancer risk after CVE. After adjustment, tobacco use (sHR = 1.84, 95%CI: 1.08–3.14, p = 0.026) remained associated to a higher risk of cancer.

Conclusions:

At the population level, patients presenting a first-ever CVE have higher cancer incidence, that is particularly prominent in younger age-groups. Higher cancer incidence, delayed cancer diagnosis and increased mortality post-CVE warrants further research on long-term cancer surveillance in first-ever CVE survivors.