bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daidzein Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemic-reperfusion Induced Neuroinflammation in Wistar Rats via Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Jie , Kowsalya Ramalingam
Published: March 2023

Background

Cerebral ischemia is a condition of acute brain damage due to the depletion of oxygenated blood supply to cerebral tissues. Daidzein is an isoflavonoid predominantly present in soya, Pueraria species, and red cloves. Traditional Chinese medicine utilizes daidzein to alleviate diseases such as inflammation, hyperglycemia, gastric diseases, allergies and aches. The neuroprotective effect of daidzein on cerebral ischemic conditions and its mechanism of action was not yet elucidated.

Materials and Methods

24 healthy male adult Wistar rats were grouped into four and the control rats were sham-operated, cerebral ischemic-reperfusion induced rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Low- and high-dose daidzein rats were treated with 25 and 50 mg/kg daidzein respectively for 7 consecutive days before the induction of cerebral ischemic reperfusion. On completion of treatment, the rats were assessed for neurological deficit scoring and then euthanized for further analysis. The percentage of brain water content and cerebral infarct was evaluated. The ability of daidzein on preventing oxidative stress-induced damage was assessed by quantifying lipid peroxidation and antioxidant levels. The neuroprotective Daidzein was evaluated by measuring the acetylcholinesterase activity and brain ATP levels. The anti-inflammatory role of Daidzein was measured by quantifying the nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines. Further, the anti-ischemic role of Daidzein was confirmed by estimating nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and Caspase 3 levels.

Results

Daidzein treatment significantly prevented brain edema and cerebral infarction and neurological deficit in cerebral I/R injured rats. It also scavenged the free radicals and prevented the decline in antioxidant levels of ischemic rats. Daidzein decreased the acetylcholinesterase activity, NO, and inflammatory and significantly increased the brain ATP levels signifying its neuroprotective role in ischemic-induced rats. The reduction in the levels of NF-κB p65 and Caspase 3 confirms daidzein prevents neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis in ischemic rats.

Conclusion

Overall our analysis confirms daidzein is a potent neuroprotective drug which can effectively inhibit postischemic complications.
Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activity of Schinus terebinthifolia Fruit and Isolation of a New Immunomodulatory Polyphenolic Compound
Authors: Alqathama Aljawharah , Abdelhady Mohamed I. S. , Al-Omar Mohsen S. , Barghash Mohamed F. , Shallan Aliaa I.
Published: March 2023

Background:

The fruit of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi is used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of different ailments.

Materials and Methods:

We studied the phytochemical profile of S. terebinthifolia fruit and evaluated its properties, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity.

Results:

Phytochemical investigation of S. terebinthifolia fruit showed an estimated total phenolic content of 67 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g, with respect to gallic acid, while the flavonoid content was 26 mg of quercetin equivalent (QE)/g, in terms of quercetin. Bioassay fractionation of methanolic extract of the fruit resulted in the isolation of a new molecule for the first time from this natural source: 4′,methoxy-6-vinyl-7- O-rhamnosyl-dihydromyricetin or 4′,methoxy-6-vinyl-7- O-rhamnosyl-ampelopsin (Compound 8). Seven other phenolic compounds were isolated, such as (1) gallic acid; (2) afzelin; (3) quercetin 3- O- β-D-glucopyranoside; (4) genistein 7- O- α-l-rhamnopyranoside; (5) ellagic acid; (6) kaempferol and (7) quercetin. The new compound was ascertained using UV, NMR and MS spectra and acid hydrolysis analysis. Significant antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial properties were observed in the alcohol extract, as well as proliferation inhibition in MCF-7 human cancer cell lines. Its activity in elevating glutathione levels in diabetic rats could be due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

Conclusion:

The new compound shows immunomodulatory effects that can be utilized to augment host responses, which is important in both cancer and infectious diseases and thus worth further pharmacological investigation.
Sharing Homes and Beds: Baptist-Bootlegger Coalitions and the Politics of Authenticity in the Regulation of Los Angeles's Short-Term Rental Markets
Authors: Oszkay Yotala
Published: March 2023

Platform economy politics reflect a trend of corporations working with civic actors to achieve shared political goals, reconfiguring once adversarial relationships (e.g., management vs. labor, homeowners vs. tenants). Yet theories on urban politics and policymaking often do not account for such “Baptist-Bootlegger” coalitions (Smith and Yandle 2014; Yandle 1983). This article analyzes how the efforts of two competing Baptist-Bootlegger coalitions shaped the 2018 short-term rental (i.e., Airbnb, HomeAway) ordinance in Los Angeles, CA, USA. I argue that a subtly coordinated partnership of housing groups, neighborhood activists, and hotel market incumbents leveraged their individual authenticity and resources to successfully articulate a shared vision with policymakers. Conversely, an opposing coalition of short-term rental platforms and hosts more explicitly combined their efforts under an organizational framework that conflated economic and moral claims; this hybrid organizational identity was perceived as less authentic by policymaking audiences and precluded potentially more strategic forms of organizing.
Ocular factors predicting requirement for corneal protective oculoplastic surgery
Authors: Arthur Christopher Robert Giles , Hong Chuen Yen , Sadiq Saghir Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Background

Currently there is no universally agreed schema for predicting ocular morbidity in facial nerve palsy. The House Brackmann Scale has limitations in assessing ocular morbidity from facial nerve palsy. Our aim was to create a scoring system to help quantify ocular morbidity to aid in decision making regarding the need for corneal protective oculoplastic surgery.

Methods

We conducted a large cohort study observing 606 patients attending the specialist facial palsy clinic in Manchester UK between March 2002 and October 2017. Retrospective multivariate analysis identified clinical predictors for the 316 patients that required oculoplastic surgery. β coefficients generated in the multivariate analysis helped formulate a new facial nerve palsy scoring instrument to predict the need for corneal protective oculoplastic surgery.

Results

The House Brackmann Scale, corneal lagophthalmos and loss of corneal sensation proved clinically significant predictors for requiring corneal protective oculoplastic surgery. The scoring system derived from these factors provided an accurate and repeatable prediction tool demonstrated by validation studies on our patient population. The area under the ROC curve for the multivariate prediction model was 0.769 (0.726, 0.811). A score of 5 points out of a possible 8 was the best cut off score to recommend oculoplastic surgery, giving a sensitivity of 0.750 and a specificity of 0.671.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that corneal lagophthalmos, corneal sensation and the House Brackmann Scale are important in predicting the need for corneal protective oculoplastic surgery. Our scoring tool is an important clinical decision tool for ophthalmic and ENT colleagues.
How do consumers prefer their care delivered: In-person, telephone or videoconference?
Authors: Snoswell Centaine L , Haydon Helen M , Kelly Jaimon T , Thomas Emma E , Caffery Liam J , Smith Anthony C
Published: March 2023

Aim

To gain a better understanding of consumer experiences with and preferences for telephone and videoconference consultations (telehealth), and how these compare to traditional in-person consultations.

Methods

A national cross-sectional survey was administered to a representative sample of Australian adults who have received a telehealth service within the last year. Consumers were recruited by Qualtrics® through their online sampling service. The sample was representative of the broader Australian population according to gender, age, location (state/territory), and place of residence (urban or remote). Information on demographics (e.g., age, gender, employment status), recent telehealth experience, and preferences for consultation modality was collected. To measure preferences consumers were asked to indicate which modality they would prefer (in-person, telephone, or videoconference) for different scenarios. These included consultations of various time lengths, and for the top ten conditions for which individuals sought a general practitioner.

Results

A total of 1069 consumers completed the survey. When consumers were asked to describe their most recent telehealth appointment, most were for follow-up appointments (67%) and completed by telephone (77%) rather than by videoconference, and with a general practitioner (75%). In-person consultations at a clinic were the top preference in all clinical scenarios presented, except when needing a prescription or to receive test results. In these cases, a telephone consultation was the preferred modality. Inexperience with videoconference and duration of consultation influenced preference for consultation mode. Consumers preferred to have short consultations of around five minutes done by telehealth (telephone or videoconference), while they preferred in-person for longer consultations (up to 60 minutes).

Conclusions

Many Australians have used telehealth in the past year to access healthcare, with telephone being the most common form of communication. Given the option and the experience to date, consumers prefer telephone when consultations related to either prescriptions or test results. Experience with videoconference for consultations increased consumer preferences for using it for future consultations.
Emerging social workers during COVID-19: Exploring perceived readiness and training needs
Authors: Beltran Susanny , Yalim Asli , Morris Ashley , Taylor Lauren
Published: March 2023

Social workers support clients’ psychosocial and resource needs across care settings. Social workers are typically not, however, trained to engage in emergency response practices such as the ones that may be necessary to support needs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article reports findings from a cross-sectional survey of social work students and recent graduates entering the field of social work during COVID-19, exploring their preparation, perceived readiness, and training needs.

The study sample ( N  =  94) included 70 students and 24 recent graduates. The sample was 52% White, 22% Hispanic, and 21% Black/African American. Respondents reported training needs in the areas of trauma-informed care (70%), behavioral health (57%), culturally competent practice (49%), telehealth (48%), loss and grief (44%), and emergency management (43%). No significant differences emerged in self-efficacy ratings of students and recent graduates; both groups reported low self-efficacy in their ability to apply advanced practice skills. After controlling for demographics, receiving training specific to the COVID-19 pandemic (β  =  .271, p < .05), perceived readiness (β  =  .779, p < .001), and satisfaction with training/preparation (β  =  .4450, p < .001) significantly contribute to levels of perceived self-efficacy among SW students and recent graduates.

Social work curricular developments, and continuing education, are needed to prepare and support emerging social workers for practice in the context of COVID-19 and its long-term implications. This includes enhancing social workers’ readiness to engage in telehealth, trauma-informed practice, emergency management, policy interpretation, self-care, and grief support.
Photo-ageing of Poly(Butylene Terephthalate) and Poly(Butylene Terephthalate)-Fibre Glass Systems
Authors: Gardette Jean-Luc
Published: March 2023

The photolysis and photo-oxidation mechanisms of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and poly(butylene terephthalate)-fibre glass (PBT-FG) irradiated under polychromatic light (λ ≥ 2300 nm) were studied. Derivatisation reactions coupled to FTIR analysis of the exposed samples permitted the identification of the various photo-products and the proposal of mechanisms. It was found that the same photo-products were formed in PBT and PBT-FG. Micro-FTIR analysis of the irradiated samples showed that the photochemical reactions were limited to a depth of 50 urn from the exposed surface, both in PBT and PBT-FG.
An Experimental Study of Paint-Stripping Using an Excimer Laser
Authors: Galantucci L.M. , Gravina A. , Chita G. , Cinquepalmi M.
Published: March 2023

An excimer laser paint stripping process on metallic surfaces has been investigated, applicable to all those situations, such as adhesive bonding or spot welding, where a localised removal of the surface coating on single parts before assembly could be less expensive and better in quality than the ones realised with traditional methods. This process, due to the properties of the UV laser radiation used, is also suitable for paint stripping on already thermal treated metallic surfaces and plastic composites surfaces.

The absence of contact of the laser “tool” with the coating and the easy removal of products formed during the process is another important advantage of this method. Treating radioactive or contaminated parts is also possible, keeping the process in a closed chamber. Several kinds of polymer coatings have been tested for paint stripping experiments applied on aluminium and low carbon steel substrates, with different composition, colours, and thicknesses. The results obtained show that high quality surfaces can be obtained using this treatment, but the processing time is long.

These characteristics make the method suitable for treatment of small zones when either high surface quality, or absence of contact, is essential.
Fracture Behaviour of Chopped Glass Strand Reinforced Phenolic Composites
Authors: Gopal P. , Dharani L.R. , Blum Frank D.
Published: March 2023

Modified phenolic composites were fabricated by compression moulding a mixture of chopped glass strands and a cashew nut shell liquid modified phenolic resin. Single edge notched bend (SENB) tests, double edge notched (DEN) tension tests and 3-point flexure tests on unnotched specimens were conducted at various fibre volume fractions and strand lengths. The candidate stress intensity factors of SENB specimens were significantly higher than those of DEN specimens. Glass strand/phenolic interface debonding and strand pull-out were observed for both SENB and DEN specimens. In addition, the DEN specimens exhibited a considerable degree of splitting of glass strands parallel to their axes. By increasing the fibre volume fraction and the strand length, it was possible to improve the flexural strength without adversely affecting the fracture toughness.
New Evidence Supporting the Interfacial Model of Electrically Conductive Polymer Composites: I. Conductivity Behaviour of Polyaniline-Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) Composites
Authors: Tsanov Tihomir , Terlemezyan Levon
Published: March 2023

The change in the conducting properties of polyaniline-poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA)) composite films was investigated as a function of time. For the first time it was shown that the apparent concentration (ϕc), of polyaniline at which a conductivity jump occurs is not constant during ageing. Moreover, the conductivity behaviour of polyaniline-EVA composites is variable and dynamic during storage. The electrical conductivity of the films of low polyaniline content (up to 2.5 wt. %) increased by several orders of magnitude over a period of eight months. It was supposed that the polyaniline phase undergoes flocculation and that subsequently, a continuous conductive network is formed. The conductivity jump was attributed to dynamic interfacial interactions between the constituents of the polyaniline-EVA composites. A decrease in the average conductivity deviations for the samples of low polyaniline content (<2.5 wt.%) was observed, indicating that improvement of conductive pathways took place within the bulk of the insulating EVA matrix. Hence, the present study supported the dynamic interfacial model (particularly the dispersion/flocculation phase transition) of conductive polymer composites, proposed by Wessling.
Time-Dependent Behaviour and Viscoelastic Constitutive Modelling of an Epoxy Polymer
Authors: Xia Zihui , Ellyin Fernand
Published: March 2023

The time-dependent behaviour of a cold cure epoxy polymer was investigated by different types of tests including compression, tension, biaxial loading, strain recovery, stress relaxation, creep and cyclic creep. This epoxy showed nonlinear viscoelastic behaviour since strains were fully recovered after stresses were removed and sufficient time was allowed for the recovery. A linear viscoelastic constitutive model has been extended to the nonlinear regime, and used to simulate the test results. It was found that the model is capable of predicting the observed trends for different types of tests. With one set of specified material constants, the model provides a fairly good prediction for several types of tests. However, this trend may not hold for other types of tests, for which the material constants were not calibrated, although the general trend would be predicted satisfactorily.
Waste Plastics/Cellulose Fibre Composites
Authors: Miller N.A. , Jones M.S. , Stirling C.D.
Published: March 2023

Commingled post-consumer waste plastics, from municipal recycling collections, have been melt blended with Pinus Radiata fibre to form composite materials. Increases in tensile strengths of the order of 30% to 50% over those of the matrix materials have been achieved in these composite materials with the use of suitable coupling agents. Five different coupling agents were trialed but only two, Epolene E-43 (a maleated propylene wax) and Ken-React CAPS L12/L (a proprietary neoalkoxy titanium phosphate) gave significant increases in tensile strength.
Fire Behaviour of Unsaturated Polyesters
Authors: Mortaigne B. , Baudry A. , Dufay J. , Bourbigot S. , Bras M. Le , Cordellier G.
Published: March 2023

This work is concerned with the fire behaviour of unsaturated polyester resins and particularly with the limiting oxygen index and oxygen consumption data. The influence of styrene level on the rate of heat release is shown. The combustion products of the resins are identified. No change in the nature or proportions of the evolved gases could be detected with different amounts of styrene.
Diffusion and Transport of Aromatic Solvents through Prevulcanised Natural Rubber/Styrene Butadiene Rubber Latex Blends
Authors: Varkey Jyothi T. , Thomas Sabu , Rao S. Someswara
Published: March 2023

Molecular transport of aromatic hydrocarbons through crosslinked NR/SBR blends prepared by latex blending has been studied in the temperature range of 28–60°C. NR/SBR blends were vulcanised by conventional and more efficient vulcanising systems. The more efficient system showed higher uptakes than the conventional system. This is due to the difference in crosslink density. The sorption behaviour of the blends was analysed in three different solvents i.e., benzene, toluene and xylene. The effects of various parameters (blend composition, vulcanising systems, temperature and penetrant size) on the sorption parameters were studied. The mechanism of diffusion showed an anomalous behaviour. The entropy, enthalpy and first order kinetic rate constant have been evaluated. Theoretical and experimental results were correlated. The molecular weight between crosslinks ([Formula: see text]c) was calculated from the diffusion data. The experimentally calculated [Formula: see text]c values were very close to the affine model. The mechanical properties of the swollen samples were evaluated and found to be lower than those for the unswollen state.
Polymer Foams as Core Materials in Sandwich Laminates (Comparison with Honeycomb)
Authors: Altstädt V. , Diedrichs F. , Lenz T. , Bardenhagen H. , Jarnot D.
Published: March 2023

The mechanical properties of sandwich laminates with two different closed cell polymer foams (PEI and PMI) as core materials were examined compared with sandwich laminates with honeycomb as core material. The applied test methods were compression, tension, four-point bending and instrumented falling weight impact. To examine the influence of the adhesive bonding between the face sheet and the core material, the sandwich laminates were tested with and without adhesive bonding. For comparison purposes the processing procedure for all sandwich laminates was kept constant. Therefore all sandwich laminates were produced at the same time in the same autoclave. In comparison to a honeycomb core, sandwich laminates with foam as core material showed superior surface quality and impact energy absorption. The influence of the adhesive bonding between face sheet and core material was found to be very small under tensile loading conditions. From microscopical investigations of the bond line it was deduced that in the case of direct bonding, sufficient resin was able to flow during processing from the face laminate into the micropores at the foam core surface without adhesive.
Aggregation Tendency of Particulate Fillers: Determination and Consequences
Authors: Pukánszky Béla , Fekete Erika
Published: March 2023

The agglomeration tendency of 11 commercial CaCO3 fillers with different particle size and specific surface area was investigated with various techniques. Some powder characteristics were measured and also the sedimentation of treated, as well as non-treated fillers were determined in water and toluene. PP composites containing 25 vol% filler were homogenized in an internal mixer. Melting and crystallization, as well as tensile properties were determined on compression moulded plates. Unambiguous determination of aggregation is difficult, since it depends on interaction and experimental conditions. The extent of aggregation is always determined by the relative magnitude of attractive and separating forces under the given sample preparation and/or testing conditions. Observable aggregation begins at 5–7 m2/g specific surface area for the studied fillers, but its extent depends also on their particle size distribution and on surface treatment. Composites with a larger number of aggregates possess inferior mechanical properties, however, the effect depends very much on the characteristics measured.
Kinetics of Formation of Heterocyclic Polymer Networks. 4. Storage Time Effect
Authors: Kramarenko V.Yu. , Sokol V.L. , Karateev A.M. , Privalko V.P.
Published: March 2023

The effect of the time of preliminary storage at room temperature on the kinetics of HMDI trimerization at the fixed HMDI/ER ratio (85/25), and different concentrations of the catalyst, TEA, and the evolution of glass transition parameters of the end products in function of the curing reaction regime, were studied by calorimetry. It was established that both the activation energy Eα and the pre-exponential factor ln A increased, the longer the storage time, and both tended to decrease with the conversion α1 The time for the onset of gelation tgel decreased, the higher the catalyst concentration and/or the longer the preliminary storage time the former proved to be a major factor controlling tgel|. The glass transition temperatures Tg for post-cured samples of series HT “internally diluted” with stiff oxazolidone heterocycles were systematically higher than those for samples of series LT cured at 393 K whatever the catalyst concentration and/or the storage time.
Identifying Patients at High Risk for Post-EVAR Aneurysm Sac Growth
Authors: Bruijn Laura E. , Louhichi Jihene , Veger Hugo T. C. , Wever Jan J. , van Dijk Lukas C. , van Overhagen Hendrik , Hamming Jaap F. , Statius van Eps Randolph G. S.
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

Post-EVAR (endovascular aneurysm repair) aneurysm sac growth can be seen as therapy failure as it is a risk factor for post-EVAR aneurysm rupture. This study sought to identify preoperative patient predictors for developing post-EVAR aneurysm sac growth.

Material and Methods:

A systematic review was conducted to select potential predictive preoperative factors for post-EVAR sac growth (including a total of 34.886 patients), which were evaluated by a retrospective single-center analysis of patients undergoing EVAR between 2009 and 2019 (N=247) with pre-EVAR computed tomography scans and at least 1 year follow-up. The primary study outcome was post-EVAR abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac enlargement (≥5 mm diameter increase). Multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed.

Results:

Potential correlative factors for post-EVAR sac growth included in the cohort analysis were age, sex, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, renal insufficiency, anemia, low thrombocyte count, pulmonary comorbidities, aneurysm diameter, neck diameter, neck angle, neck length, configuration of intraluminal thrombus, common iliac artery diameter, the number of patent lumbar arteries, and a patent inferior mesenteric artery. Multivariate analysis showed that infrarenal neck angulation (hazard ratio, 1.014; confidence interval (CI), 1.001–1.026; p=0.034) and the number of patent lumbar arteries (hazard ratio, 1.340; CI, 1.131–1.588; p<0.001) were associated with post-EVAR growth. Difference in estimated freedom from post-EVAR sac growth for patients with ≥4 patent lumbar arteries versus <4 patent lumbar arteries became clear after 2 years: 88.5% versus 100%, respectively (p<0.001). Of note, 31% of the patients (n=51) with ≥4 patent lumbar arteries (n=167) developed post-EVAR sac growth. In our cohort, the median maximum AAA diameter was 57 mm (interquartile range [IQR] = 54–62) and the median postoperative follow-up time was 54 months (IQR = 34–79). In all, 23% (n=57) of the patients suffered from post-EVAR growth. The median time for post-EVAR growth was 37 months (IQR = 24–63). In 46 of the 57 post-EVAR growth cases (81%), an endoleak was observed; 2.4% (n=6) of the patients suffered from post-EVAR rupture. The total mortality in the cohort was 24% (n=60); 4% (n=10) was AAA related.

Conclusions:

This study showed that having 4 or more patent lumbar arteries is an important predictive factor for postoperative sac growth in patients undergoing EVAR.

Clinical Impact

This study strongly suggests that having 4 or more patent lumbar arteries should be included in preoperative counseling for EVAR, in conjunction to the instructions for use (IFU).
Update of the Bologna Experience in Radioembolization of Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Mosconi Cristina , Cacioppa Laura Maria , Cappelli Alberta , Gramenzi Anna Giulia , Vara Giulio , Modestino Francesco , Renzulli Matteo , Golfieri Rita
Published: March 2023

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primitive liver cancer and is rising in incidence worldwide. Given its low survival and resectability rates, locoregional therapies such as Yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization (Y-TARE) are increasingly being employed. This retrospective study aim was to confirm and update our previous results about overall survival (OR), safety, and efficacy of Y-TARE in patients with unresectable/recurrent ICC.

Materials and Methods

OS was evaluated as primary endpoint while radiological tumor response at 3 months, based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1, was considered as secondary endpoint.

Results

Over a total of 49 patients, the overall median survival was 16 months (27-41 months, 95% confidence interval [CI]) from Y-TARE procedure. A significantly longer survival was recorded in naive patients compared to patients previously submitted to any type of liver-directed treatment and radical surgery (18 vs 14 months, P=.015 and 28 vs 14 months, P=.001, respectively). Target lesion and overall objective response for RECIST 1.1 criteria were 64.6% and 52.1%, respectively. Low rates of postprocedural and late complications were recorded.

Conclusions

In unresectable and recurrent ICC, Y-TARE confirms its safety and its potential in increasing OS, especially in naive patients.
Navigating the Greek Revolution before Navarino. Imperial Interventions in Aegean Waters, 1821–1827
Authors: de Lange Erik
Published: March 2023

Virtually every publication on the Greek Revolution signals the Battle of Navarino (20 October 1827) as a turning point in international involvement with events in Greece. What the historiography tends to ignore, however, is the significant degree of military intervention that preceded 1827, particularly at sea. Yet, the Greek Revolution was six years underway and had already taken to the sea by the time of Navarino. Several naval actors at Navarino had been involved in the maritime handling of the revolution since its very beginning, including the Royal Navy captain Gawen Hamilton, the French Vice-Admiral Henri de Rigny and the Algerine commander Mustapha Bachalî Raïs. What had they been doing before then in the seas around Greece? By looking at the first phases of the Greek Revolution, from 1821 to 1827, this article clarifies how different imperial powers tried to manage the uncertainties and threats that the rebellion brought to the waters of the Mediterranean. It draws from source material on the navies of Great Britain, France, Austria and the Ottoman Empire. The piece provides three insights that highlight the significance and contingencies of imperial involvement in the first phase of the revolution. These insights relate to: (a) belligerency at sea; (b) the security threats of piracy and privateering; and (3) naval interventionism.
The Influence of Service Recovery Strategies on Resilience to Switching Intentions Among Customers of Commercial Banks in Tanzania: The Mediating Effect of Customer Loyalty
Authors: Ismail Ismail J.
Published: March 2023

This study’s primary objective is to investigate how customer loyalty can mediate the relationship between service recovery strategies and customer switching intentions. The logic behind it is that, in today’s uncertain business environments, measuring organizational success by emphasizing customer satisfaction alone is insufficient for creating customer resilience to switching intentions. This is because satisfied customers can switch to other brands, while dissatisfied customers can repurchase. This calls for other studies to look into other factors that can be considered for successfully managing customers. Given that service failure is inevitable, it is important to look at how service recovery strategies can be used to influence resilience to switching intentions through developing customer loyalty. The study adopted a cross-sectional design in which 502 customers from commercial banks were involved, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data. The SEM results show that all dimensions of service recovery, including procedural justice, distributive justice and interactional justice, are significant determinants of customer loyalty. As well, customer loyalty was a significant predictor of switching intentions. Furthermore, customer loyalty is a significant mediator of the relationship between service recovery strategy and the resilience to switching intention among customers. Finally, this study has managerial and theoretical implications for the body of literature.
Understanding the Significance of Listening to Older People's Life Stories in Whole Person Care—An Interview Study of Nurses in Gerontology
Authors: Ferstad Kristin , Rykkje Linda
Published: March 2023

Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the significance of performing a life story interview for gerontological nursing students. Method: The study had a qualitative exploratory design, focusing on hermeneutical understanding using thematic analysis. Seven nurses in older people nursing were interviewed. Findings: Two main themes emerged from the analysis: “Engaging fellowship” and “Understanding the importance of life stories.” The participants experienced increased engagement and fellowship with their patients after the life story interview; the change in their perspective was characterized by renewed interest, connection, and recognition of the individual person. The participants also gained a deeper understanding of the significance of listening to an older person's life story narrative, and this was expressed through them gaining an understanding of people's actions, achieving an altered mindset, gaining a greater generational understanding, and integrating a life story focus in their everyday professional life. Conclusion: Knowledge of human life and stories makes older people's situations easier to understand; this insight affects how we as nurses think about others. Seeing each patient as an individual and unique person and being aware of this in daily care is essential for nursing.
Changes over Time in COVID-19 Vaccination Inequalities in Eight Large U.S. Cities
Authors: Michael Gaddis S. , Carey Colleen M. , DiRago Nicholas V.
Published: March 2023

The authors estimate the associations between community socioeconomic composition and changes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination levels in eight large cities at three time points. In March, communities with high socioeconomic status (SES) had significantly higher vaccination rates than low-SES communities. Between March and April, low-SES communities had significantly lower changes in percentage vaccinated than high-SES communities. Between April and May, this difference was not significant. Thus, the large vaccination gap between communities during restricted vaccine eligibility did not narrow when eligibility opened up. The link between COVID-19 vaccination and community disadvantage may lead to a bifurcated recovery whereby advantaged communities move on from the pandemic more quickly while disadvantaged communities continue to suffer.
Renal Allograft Mucormycosis: An Unusual Case Report
Authors: Mahapatra Himansu Sekhar , Chaudhary Preeti , B Muthukumar , Gupta Vipul , Singh Beauty Suman
Published: March 2023

Mucormycosis of the renal allograft is an extremely rare and rapidly fatal infection with an incidence of 0.2−1.2%. The major predisposing risk factors are uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, anti-rejection treatment, unrelated donors, and cytomegalovirus infection. We describe a case of 27-year-old young adult patient who underwent a live-related renal allograft transplant at our centre and presented 4 weeks post-transplant with high-grade fever and rapid rise in serum creatinine. Initial cultures were repeatedly sterile, and imaging studies were normal. A few days later, he developed graft tenderness, and contrast CT abdomen revealed graft pyelonephritis. He was non-responsive to broad-spectrum antibiotics, and renal function gradually declined to anuric state. Prophylactic antifungal was added and hemodialysis was initiated. A graft biopsy was done, which revealed infiltration of the graft kidney with mucor species. After a week of antifungal treatment, graft nephrectomy was done and dual antifungals were continued. The patient initially improved symptomatically but again deteriorated with new onset fever and pain abdomen. Repeat imaging revealed a moderate intra-abdominal collection managed with per-cutaneous aspiration showing sterile growth and an abdominal drain kept in situ. Four days later, there was an accidental intra-abdominal drain expulsion with oozing of pus with blood which increased acutely with a sudden drop in blood pressure and hematocrit. Emergency exploration was done, which revealed a rent in the external iliac artery. After vascular rent repair surgery, the patient initially showed gradual improvement hemodynamically, but later, he developed superadded bacterial infection at the graft nephrectomy wound site with refractory septic shock and expired. Though early diagnosis, appropriate antifungal agents, and graft nephrectomy may improve the patient outcome, the case fatality rate of renal graft mucormycosis still remains very high.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of members of the LEA gene family in Panax notoginseng and their transcriptional responses to dehydration of recalcitrant seeds
Authors: Jia Jin-Shan , Ge Na , Wang Qing-Yan , Zhao Li-Ting , Chen Cui , Chen Jun-Wen
Published: March 2023

Background

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins play an important role in dehydration process of seed maturation. The seeds of Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen are typically characterized with the recalcitrance and are highly sensitive to dehydration. However, it is not very well known about the role of LEA proteins in response to dehydration stress in P. notoginseng seeds. We will perform a genome-wide analysis of the LEA gene family and their transcriptional responses to dehydration stress in recalcitrant P. notoginseng seeds.

Results

In this study, 61 LEA genes were identified from the P. notoginseng genome, and they were renamed as PnoLEA. The PnoLEA genes were classified into seven subfamilies based on the phylogenetic relationships, gene structure and conserved domains. The PnoLEA genes family showed relatively few introns and was highly conserved. Unexpectedly, the LEA_6 subfamily was not found, and the LEA_2 subfamily contained 46 (75.4%) members. Within 19 pairs of fragment duplication events, among them 17 pairs were LEA_2 subfamily. In addition, the expression of the PnoLEA genes was obviously induced under dehydration stress, but the germination rate of P. notoginseng seeds decreased as the dehydration time prolonged.

Conclusions

We found that the lack of the LEA_6 subfamily, the expansion of the LEA_2 subfamily and low transcriptional levels of most PnoLEA genes might be implicated in the recalcitrant formation of P. notoginseng seeds. LEA proteins are essential in the response to dehydration stress in recalcitrant seeds, but the protective effect of LEA protein is not efficient. These results could improve our understanding of the function of LEA proteins in the response of dehydration stress and their contributions to the formation of seed recalcitrance.
Serum alpha-CGRP levels are increased in COVID-19 patients with headache indicating an activation of the trigeminal system
Authors: Gárate Gabriel , Toriello María , González-Quintanilla Vicente , Pérez-Pereda Sara , Madera Jorge , Pascual Marta , Olmos José Manuel , Pascual Julio
Published: March 2023

Background

Headache is among the most frequent symptoms of acute COVID-19 infection. Its mechanisms remain obscure, but due to its migraine-like characteristics, the activation of the trigeminal system could account for its underlying pathophysiology.

Methods

Our aim was to compare the serum levels of CGRP, as a theoretical marker of trigemino-vascular activation, in 25 COVID-19 inpatients with lung involvement experiencing headache, against 15 COVID-19 inpatients without headache and with those of 25 matched healthy controls with no headache history.

Results

Morning serum alpha-CGRP levels, as measured by ELISA (Abbexa, UK), were increased in COVID-19 patients with headache (55.2±34.3 pg/mL) vs. controls (33.9±14.0 pg/mL) (p < 0.01). Alpha-CGRP levels in COVID-19 patients without headache were also significantly increased (43.3 ± 12.8 pg/mL; p = 0.05) versus healthy controls, but were numerically lower (-28.2%; p = 0.36) as compared to COVID-19 patients with headache.

Conclusion

CGRP levels are increased in COVID-19 patients experiencing headache in the acute phase of this disease, which could explain why headache frequently occurs in COVID-19 and strongly supports a role for trigeminal activation in the pathophysiology of headache in this viral infection.
A national population-based study of cannabis use and correlates among U.S. veterans prescribed opioids in primary care
Authors: Zaman Tauheed , Bravata Dawn M. , Byers Amy L. , Krebs Erin E. , Leonard Samuel J. , Sandbrink Friedhelm , Barker Wylie , Keyhani Salomeh
Published: March 2023

Background

Cannabis is marketed as a treatment for pain. There is limited data on the prevalence of cannabis use and its correlates among Veterans prescribed opioids.

Objective

To examine the prevalence and correlates of cannabis use among Veterans prescribed opioids.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Participants

Veterans with a urine drug test (UDT) from Primary Care 2014–2018, in 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. A total of 1,182,779 patients were identified with an opioid prescription within 90 days prior to UDT.

Main measures

Annual prevalence of cannabis positive UDT by state. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess associations of demographic factors, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and pain diagnoses with cannabis positive UDT.

Results

Annual prevalence of cannabis positive UDT ranged from 8.5% to 9.7% during the study period, and in 2018 was 18.15% in Washington, D.C. and 10 states with legalized medical and recreational cannabis, 6.1% in Puerto Rico and 25 states with legalized medical cannabis, and 4.5% in non-legal states. Younger age, male sex, being unmarried, and marginal housing were associated with use (p < 0.001). Post-traumatic stress disorder (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.22, p < 0.001), opioid use disorder (AOR 1.14; CI 1.07–1.22, p < 0.001), alcohol use disorder or positive AUDIT-C (AOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.28–1.39, p < 0.001), smoking (AOR 2.58; 95% CI 2.49–2.66, p < 0.001), and other drug use disorders (AOR 1.15; 95% CI 1.03–1.29, p = 0.02) were associated with cannabis use. Positive UDT for amphetamines AOR 1.41; 95% CI 1.26–1.58, p < 0.001), benzodiazepines (AOR 1.41; 95% CI 1.31–1.51, p < 0.001) and cocaine (AOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.75–2.36, p < 0.001) were associated with cannabis positive UDT.

Conclusions

Cannabis use among Veterans prescribed opioids varied by state and by legalization status. Veterans with PTSD and substance use disorders were more likely to have cannabis positive UDT. Opioid-prescribed Veterans using cannabis may benefit from screening for these conditions, referral to treatment, and attention to opioid safety.
Cost-utility analysis of the UPRIGHT intervention promoting resilience in adolescents
Authors: Mar Javier , Larrañaga Igor , Ibarrondo Oliver , González-Pinto Ana , Hayas Carlota las , Fullaondo Ane , Izco-Basurko Irantzu , Alonso Jordi , Zorrilla Iñaki , Fernández-Sevillano Jessica , de Manuel Esteban ,   on behalf of the UPRIGHT Consortium, González Nerea , Mateo-Abad Maider , Martínez Patricia Pérez , Vergara Itziar , Gabrielli Silvia , Rizzi Silvia , Zwiefka Antoni , Krzyżanowski Dominik , Mazur Iwona , Jakubowska Luba , Poteralska Renata , Czyż Piotr , Andruszko Urszula , Błasiak Paweł , Krajewska Katarzyna , Pytlarz Grzegorz , Szczygieł-Grüdl Ilona , Hjemdal Odin , Morote Roxanna , Anyan Frederick , Gudmundsdottir Dora Gudrun , Karlsdottir Solveig , Knoop Hans Henrik , Ledertoug Mette Marie , Tidmand Louise , Olafsdottir Anna Sigridur , Arnfjord Unnur B. , Jonsdottir Bryndis Jona
Published: March 2023

Background

As mental health in adulthood is related to mental status during adolescence, school-based interventions have been proposed to improve resilience. The objective of this study was to build a simulation model representing the natural history of mental disorders in childhood, adolescence and youth to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the UPRIGHT school-based intervention in promoting resilience and mental health in adolescence.

Methods

We built a discrete event simulation model fed with real-world data (cumulative incidence disaggregated into eight clusters) from the Basque Health Service database (609,381 individuals) to calculate utilities (quality-adjusted life years [QALYs]) and costs for the general population in two scenarios (base case and intervention). The model translated changes in the wellbeing of adolescents into different risks of mental illnesses for a time horizon of 30 years.

Results

The number of cases of anxiety was estimated to fall by 5,125 or 9,592 and those of depression by 1,269 and 2,165 if the effect of the intervention lasted 2 or 5 years respectively. From a healthcare system perspective, the intervention was cost-effective for all cases considered with incremental cost-utility ratios always lower than €10,000/QALY and dominant for some subgroups. The intervention was always dominant when including indirect and non-medical costs (societal perspective).

Conclusions

Although the primary analysis of the trial did not did not detect significant differences, the UPRIGHT intervention promoting positive mental health was dominant in the economic evaluation from the societal perspective. Promoting resilience was more cost-effective in the most deprived group. Despite a lack of information about the spillover effect in some sectors, the economic evaluation framework developed principally for pharmacoeconomics can be applied to interventions to promote resilience in adolescents. As prevention of mental health disorders is even more necessary in the post-coronavirus disease-19 era, such evaluation is essential to assess whether investment in mental health promotion would be good value for money by avoiding costs for healthcare providers and other stakeholders.
How is parental education associated with infant and young child feeding in Bangladesh? a systematic literature review
Authors: Sarkar Plabon , Rifat M. A. , Bakshi Progati , Talukdar Imdadul Haque , Pechtl Sarah M. L. , Lindström Battle Tobias , Saha Sanjib
Published: March 2023

Background

Education is expected to bring about positive behavioral changes which could lead to improved health behaviors. Parental education is a primary determinant of child health and development. However, some evidence showed inverse associations between high parental education and recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) in Bangladesh. How the association of parental education differs with specific IYCF components has not been reviewed. Therefore, the role of parental education on optimal IYCF practices in Bangladesh appears to be inconclusive. The objective of this review is to summarize how parental education is associated with IYCF practices in Bangladesh.

Method

This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. Record searching, study selection, and data extraction was performed using Endnote online and Covidence tool, respectively. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used for quality assessment of the included studies.

Results

Out of 414 initial hits, 34 studies were included for this review. Of the included studies, 32 were cross-sectional, one was a randomized controlled trial, and one was a retrospective cohort. Most of the studies (n = 24) were nationally representative whereas 10 studies had populations from district and sub-district level. Included studies considered different IYCF-related indicators, including breastfeeding (n = 22), complementary feeding (n = 8), both breastfeeding and complementary feeding (n = 2), both breastfeeding and bottle feeding (n = 1), and pre-lacteal feeding (n = 1). Parental education was found to be positively associated with complementary feeding practices. However, the role of parental education on breastfeeding, in general, was ambiguous. High parental education was associated with bottle-feeding practices and no initiation of colostrum.

Conclusion

Public health interventions need to focus not only on non- and/or low-educated parents regarding complementary feeding but also on educated mothers for initiation of colostrum and proper breastfeeding practices.

Trial registration

This systematic review is registered to PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/) with registration ID: CRD42022355465.