bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of brain target engagement in Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis by the investigational nanomedicine, CNM-Au8, in the REPAIR phase 2 clinical trials
Authors: Ren Jimin , Dewey Richard B. , Rynders Austin , Evan Jacob , Evan Jeremy , Ligozio Shelia , Ho Karen S. , Sguigna Peter V. , Glanzman Robert , Hotchkin Michael T. , Dewey Richard B. , Greenberg Benjamin M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Impaired brain energy metabolism has been observed in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). In both diseases, mitochondrial dysfunction and energetic impairment can lead to neuronal dysfunction and death. CNM-Au8® is a suspension of faceted, clean-surfaced gold nanocrystals that catalytically improves energetic metabolism in CNS cells, supporting neuroprotection and remyelination as demonstrated in multiple independent preclinical models. The objective of the Phase 2 REPAIR-MS and REPAIR-PD clinical trials was to investigate the effects of CNM-Au8, administered orally once daily for twelve or more weeks, on brain phosphorous-containing energy metabolite levels in participants with diagnoses of relapsing MS or idiopathic PD, respectively.

Results

Brain metabolites were measured using 7-Tesla 31P-MRS in two disease cohorts, 11 participants with stable relapsing MS and 13 participants with PD (n = 24 evaluable post-baseline scans). Compared to pre-treatment baseline, the mean NAD+/NADH ratio in the brain, a measure of energetic capacity, was significantly increased by 10.4% after 12 + weeks of treatment with CNM-Au8 (0.584 units, SD: 1.3; p = 0.037, paired t-test) in prespecified analyses of the combined treatment cohorts. Each disease cohort concordantly demonstrated increases in the NAD+/NADH ratio but did not reach significance individually (p = 0.11 and p = 0.14, PD and MS cohorts, respectively). Significant treatment effects were also observed for secondary and exploratory imaging outcomes, including β-ATP and phosphorylation potential across both cohorts.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate brain target engagement of CNM-Au8 as a direct modulator of brain energy metabolism, and support the further investigation of CNM-Au8 as a potential disease modifying drug for PD and MS.
Role of spinal astrocytes through the perisynaptic astrocytic process in pathological pain
Authors: Ko Hyoung-Gon , Chun Heejung , Han Seunghyo , Kaang Bong-Kiun
Published: December 2023

Pathological pain is caused by abnormal activity in the neural circuit that transmits nociceptive stimuli. Beyond homeostatic functions, astrocytes actively participate in regulating synaptic transmission as members of tripartite synapses. The perisynaptic astrocytic process (PAP) is the key structure that allows astrocytes to play these roles and not only physically supports synapse formation through cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) but also regulates the efficiency of chemical signaling. Accumulating evidence has revealed that spinal astrocytes are involved in pathological pain by modulating the efficacy of neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA through transporters located in the PAP and by directly regulating synaptic transmission through various gliotransmitters. Although various CAMs contribute to pathological pain, insufficient evidence is available as to whether astrocytic CAMs also have this role. Therefore, more in-depth research is needed on how pathological pain is induced and maintained by astrocytes, especially in the PAP surrounding the synapse, and this will subsequently increase our understanding and treatment of pathological pain.
Histone demethylase KDM4B accelerates the progression of glioblastoma via the epigenetic regulation of MYC stability
Authors: Wang Zhongze , Cai Huarui , Li Zekun , Sun Wei , Zhao Erhu , Cui Hongjuan
Published: December 2023

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant and invasive human brain tumor. Histone demethylase 4B (KDM4B) is abnormally expressed in GBM, but the molecular mechanisms by which KDM4B affects the malignant tumor progression are not well defined.

Methods

GBM cell lines and xenograft tumor samples were subjected to quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blot, immunohistochemical staining (IHC), as well as ubiquitination, immunoprecipitation (IP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays to investigate the role of KDM4B in the progression of GBM.

Results

Here, we report that KDM4B is an epigenetic activator of GBM progression. Abnormal expression of KDM4B is correlated with a poor prognosis in GBM patients. In GBM cell lines, KDM4B silencing significantly inhibited cell survival, proliferation, migration, and invasion, indicating that KDM4B is essential for the anchorage-independent growth and tumorigenic activity of GBM cells. Mechanistically, KDM4B silencing led to downregulation of the oncoprotein MYC and suppressed the expression of cell cycle proteins and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. Furthermore, we found that KDM4B regulates MYC stability through the E3 ligase complex SCFFBXL3+CRY2 and epigenetically activates the transcription of CCNB1 by removing the repressive chromatin mark histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3). Finally, we provide evidence that KDM4B epigenetically activates the transcription of miR-181d-5p, which enhances MYC stability.

Conclusions

Our study has uncovered a KDM4B-dependent epigenetic mechanism in the control of tumor progression, providing a rationale for utilizing KDM4B as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of MYC-amplified GBM.
Generation of a bank of clinical-grade, HLA-homozygous iPSC lines with high coverage of the Spanish population
Authors: Kuebler B. , Alvarez-Palomo B. , Aran B. , Castaño J. , Rodriguez L. , Raya A. , Querol Giner S. , Veiga A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell therapies are an interesting new area in the field of regenerative medicine. One of the approaches to decrease the costs of iPSC-derived therapies is the use of allogenic homozygous human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donors to generate iPSC lines and to build a clinical-grade iPSC bank covering a high percentage of the Spanish population.

Methods

The Spanish Stem Cell Transplantation Registry was screened for cord blood units (CBUs) homozygous for the most common HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 haplotypes. Seven donors were selected with haplotypes covering 21.37% of the haplotypes of the Spanish population. CD34-positive hematopoietic progenitors were isolated from the mononuclear cell fraction of frozen cord blood units from each donor by density gradient centrifugation and further by immune magnetic labeling and separation using purification columns. Purified CD34 + cells were reprogrammed to iPSCs by transduction with the CTS CytoTune-iPS 2.1 Sendai Reprogramming Kit.

Results

The iPSCs generated from the 7 donors were expanded, characterized, banked and registered. Master cell banks (MCBs) and working cell banks (WCBs) from the iPSCs of each donor were produced under GMP conditions in qualified clean rooms.

Conclusions

Here, we present the first clinical-grade, iPSC haplobank in Spain made from CD34 + cells from seven cord blood units homozygous for the most common HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 haplotypes within the Spanish population. We describe their generation by transduction with Sendai viral vectors and their GMP-compliant expansion and banking. These haplolines will constitute starting materials for advanced therapy medicinal product development (ATMP).
AI-driven molecular generation of not-patented pharmaceutical compounds using world open patent data
Authors: Shimizu Yugo , Ohta Masateru , Ishida Shoichi , Terayama Kei , Osawa Masanori , Honma Teruki , Ikeda Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2023

Developing compounds with novel structures is important for the production of new drugs. From an intellectual perspective, confirming the patent status of newly developed compounds is essential, particularly for pharmaceutical companies. The generation of a large number of compounds has been made possible because of the recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI). However, confirming the patent status of these generated molecules has been a challenge because there are no free and easy-to-use tools that can be used to determine the novelty of the generated compounds in terms of patents in a timely manner; additionally, there are no appropriate reference databases for pharmaceutical patents in the world. In this study, two public databases, SureChEMBL and Google Patents Public Datasets, were used to create a reference database of drug-related patented compounds using international patent classification. An exact structure search system was constructed using InChIKey and a relational database system to rapidly search for compounds in the reference database. Because drug-related patented compounds are a good source for generative AI to learn useful chemical structures, they were used as the training data. Furthermore, molecule generation was successfully directed by increasing and decreasing the number of generated patented compounds through incorporation of patent status (i.e., patented or not) into learning. The use of patent status enabled generation of novel molecules with high drug-likeness. The generation using generative AI with patent information would help efficiently propose novel compounds in terms of pharmaceutical patents. Scientific contribution: In this study, a new molecule-generation method that takes into account the patent status of molecules, which has rarely been considered but is an important feature in drug discovery, was developed. The method enables the generation of novel molecules based on pharmaceutical patents with high drug-likeness and will help in the efficient development of effective drug compounds.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Node fault diagnosis algorithm for wireless sensor networks based on BN and WSN
Authors: Li Ming
Published: December 2023

Wireless sensor networks, as an emerging information exchange technology, have been widely applied in many fields. However, nodes tend to become damaged in harsh and complex environmental conditions. In order to effectively diagnose node faults, a Bayesian model-based node fault diagnosis model was proposed. Firstly, a comprehensive analysis was conducted into the operative principles of wireless sensor systems, whereby fault-related features were then extrapolated. A Bayesian diagnostic model was constructed using the maximum likelihood method with sufficient sample features, and a joint tree model was introduced for node diagnosis. Due to the insufficient accuracy of Bayesian models in processing small sample data, a constrained maximum entropy method was proposed as the prediction module of the model. The use of small sample data to obtain the initial model parameters leads to improved performance and accuracy of the model. During parameter learning tests, the limited maximum entropy model outperformed the other two learning models on a smaller dataset of 35 with a distance value of 2.65. In node fault diagnosis, the diagnostic time of the three models was compared, and the average diagnostic time of the proposed diagnostic model was 41.2 seconds. In the node diagnosis accuracy test, the proposed model has the highest node fault diagnosis accuracy, with an average diagnosis accuracy of 0.946, which is superior to the other two models. In summary, the node fault diagnosis model based on Bayesian model proposed in this study has important research significance and practical application value in wireless sensor networks. By improving the reliability and maintenance efficiency of the network, this model provides strong support for the development and application of wireless sensor networks.
Dietary patterns and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in China’s multi-ethnic regions
Authors: Zhu Xingren , Qucuo Nima , Zhang Ning , Tang Dan , Hu Yifan , Xie Xiaofen , Zhao Xing , Meng Qiong , Chen Liling , Jiang Xiaoman , Zhuoma Duoji , Zeng Qibing , Xiao Xiong
Published: December 2023

Background

The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been rising rapidly in western China. Diet acts as an effective therapy for MAFLD. However, there has been scarce research on the association between a posteriori diet patterns (DPs) and MAFLD in this region.

Method

We identified three a posteriori DPs which were “Sichuan Basin pattern” characterized by a high intake of fish/seafood, poultry, fresh fruit and vegetables, indicating a balanced and modern DP; the “Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau dietary pattern” characterized mainly by a high intake of animal oil and salt, indicating an agricultural and poor DP; and the “Qinghai–Tibet Plateau dietary pattern” characterized by a high intake of coarse grains, wheat products, tubers and tea, respectively, indicating a high-altitude DP. Then, we performed marginal structural models that combined logistic regression and inverse probability exposure weighting (IPEW) to examine the associations between MAFLD and these a posteriori DPs.

Result

We found the “Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau dietary pattern” revealed stronger positive association (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.40–1.60) with MAFLD than that of the “Qinghai–Tibet Plateau dietary pattern” (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.14–1.30). In contrast, the “Sichuan Basin dietary pattern” showed no significant association with MAFLD. In the further stratified analysis, we found those above associations were stronger in ethnic minorities and rural residents than their counterparts.

Conclusion

Our study implied the unfavourable effects of “Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau dietary pattern” on MAFLD and provided evidence that reducing the intake of oil and sodium may be optimal for MAFLD control in the multi-ethnic region in western China.
Subjects suffering from bipolar disorder taking lithium are less likely to report physical pain: a FACE-BD study
Authors: Risch Nathan , Dubois Jonathan , Etain Bruno , Aouizerate Bruno , Bellivier Frank , Belzeaux Raoul , Dubertret Caroline , Haffen Emmanuel , Januel Dominique , Leboyer Marion , Lefrere Antoine , Samalin Ludovic , Polosan Mircea , Rey Romain , Roux Paul , Schwan Raymund , Walter Michel ,   FondaMental Advanced Centres of Expertise in Bipolar Disorders (FACE-BD) Collaborators, Courtet Philippe , Olié Emilie
Published: December 2023

Background

Physical pain is a common issue in people with bipolar disorder (BD). It worsens mental health and quality of life, negatively impacts treatment response, and increases the risk of suicide. Lithium, which is prescribed in BD as a mood stabilizer, has shown promising effects on pain.

Methods

This naturalistic study included 760 subjects with BD ( FACE-BD cohort) divided in two groups: with and without self-reported pain (evaluated with the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire). In this sample, 176 subjects were treated with lithium salts. The objectives of the study were to determine whether patients receiving lithium reported less pain, and whether this effect was associated with the recommended mood-stabilizing blood concentration of lithium.

Results

Subjects with lithium intake were less likely to report pain (odds ratio [OR] = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35–0.95; p = 0.036) after controlling for sociodemographic variables, BD type, lifetime history of psychiatric disorders, suicide attempt, personality traits, current depression and anxiety levels, sleep quality, and psychomotor activity. Subjects taking lithium were even less likely to report pain when lithium concentration in blood was ≥0.5 mmol/l (OR = 0.45, 95% CI, 0.24–0.79; p = 0.008).

Conclusions

This is the first naturalistic study to show lithium’s promising effect on pain in subjects suffering from BD after controlling for many confounding variables. This analgesic effect seems independent of BD severity and comorbid conditions. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the analgesic effect of lithium salts and to determine whether lithium decreases pain in other vulnerable populations.
Postoperative Measurement of the Retropharyngeal Space Predicts the Risk of Dysphagia After Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion
Authors: Yoshida Shinsuke , Tanaka Satoshi , Ogihara Satoshi , Saita Kazuo , Oya Soichi
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Postoperative dysphagia is a common complication of anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF), although its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Patients with severe dysphagia may suffer from serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia, in addition to difficulty with oral intake or malnutrition; therefore, a prompt indicator for postoperative management would be helpful. We quantitatively evaluated the retropharyngeal space (RS) after ACDF and investigated its association with postoperative dysphagia.

METHODS:

This multicenter retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 82 consecutive patients who underwent ACDF. The anteroposterior distance (APD) of the RS was measured at the C2 level using a lateral radiographic view on postoperative day 1. Postoperative dysphagia was subjectively assessed using the Bazaz-Yoo Dysphagia Severity Scale. We statistically evaluated the association between the APD of the RS and postoperative dysphagia.

RESULTS:

The mean APD of the RS in all 82 patients was 3.6 mm preoperatively and significantly increased to 8.2 mm postoperatively (P < .0001). Twenty-two patients (26.8%) had postoperative dysphagia. Multivariable analysis revealed that the postoperative APD was associated with postoperative dysphagia (odds ratio 1.27, 95% CI 1.10-1.50, P = .0007). The receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve 0.70, 95% CI 0.58-0.83) demonstrated that the postoperative APD of the RS cutoff value was 6.1 mm, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 35%. With this cutoff value, the positive and negative predictive values for postoperative dysphagia were 36% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Our data demonstrate that a value of 6.1 mm for the APD of the RS is an effective indicator for dysphagia after ACDF, which contributes to optimizing the patient management in the acute postoperative period.
Τα ελληνικά παιδικά βιβλία σε εκδόσεις του εξωτερικού (2010- 2020)
Authors: Παπουτσή Αικατερίνη
Published: December 2023

Η ανάδειξη παιδικών βιβλίων από γλώσσες και χώρες που θεωρούνται περιφερειακές αποτελεί ένα σύγχρονο αίτημα της παγκόσμιας λογοτεχνίας. Βιβλία από μικρές χώρες μπορούν να θίξουν παγκόσμια ζητήματα και να αποτελέσουν πηγή πολιτισμικών στοιχείων για τη συγκεκριμένη χώρα. Μέσα σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, η παρούσα έρευνα επιχειρεί να παρουσιάσει την εικόνα των μεταφρασμένων ελληνικών παιδικών βιβλίων στην μετάφραση της λογοτεχνίας παγκοσμίως εστιάζοντας στα ελληνικά παιδικά βιβλία που έχουν μεταφραστεί την περίοδο 2010-2020. Στόχος είναι η ανάδειξη των παραγόντων που επηρεάζουν την επιλογή -ή όχι- ενός ελληνικού παιδικού βιβλίου για μετάφραση. Παράλληλα, επιδιώκεται να διαμορφωθεί μία διδακτική πρόταση που θα στηρίζεται στη μετάφραση και τα μεταφρασμένα βιβλία. Διεξήχθη έρευνα που, αρχικά, συγκέντρωσε τα παιδικά βιβλία που έχουν μεταφραστεί το διάστημα αυτό και αναλύθηκαν τα στοιχεία των βιβλίων με βάση τους παράγοντες που τέθηκαν στο Θεωρητικό Μέρος. Στη συνέχεια πραγματοποιήθηκαν συνεντεύξεις που αιτιολόγησαν την παρουσία συγκεκριμένων χαρακτηριστικών και κατέθεσαν προτάσεις για την ενίσχυση της μετάφρασης των ελληνικών παιδικών βιβλίων. Τέλος, διεξήχθησαν συμπεράσματα με βάση την έρευνα και διαμορφώθηκε μια διδακτική πρόταση για το πως μπορούν αν αξιοποιηθούν τα μεταφρασμένα ελληνικά παιδικά βιβλία στη γλωσσική διδασκαλία της ελληνικής σε σχολεία της Διασποράς.
Study of the patellofemoral joint of the elite athlete
Authors: Σαμέλης Παναγιώτης
Published: December 2023

Η αστάθεια της επιγονατιδομηριαίας άρθρωσης (ΕΜΑ) αποτρέπει το άτομο από συμμετοχή σε αθλητικές δραστηριότητες και αποθαρρύνει την επιδίωξη υψηλών αθλητικών επιδόσεων. Νεαρή ηλικία εμφάνισης πρωτοπαθούς (οξέος, τραυματικού) εξαρθρήματος της επιγονατίδας σχετίζεται με αυξημένο αριθμό και βαρύτητα υποκείμενων παραγόντων που προδιαθέτουν σε επιγονατιδομηριαία αστάθεια σε σύγκριση με ασθενείς μεγαλύτερης ηλικίας. Επιπλέον, στους νεαρούς ασθενείς το εξάρθρημα της επιγονατίδας προκαλείται μετά από σχετικά μικρή φόρτιση της ΕΜΑ. Αντιθέτως, το εξάρθρημα της επιγονατίδας είναι εξαιρετικά σπάνιο σε αθλητές υψηλών επιδόσεων παρά την επανειλημμενη έκθεση σε σχετικά αυξημένα φορτία. Η παρούσα μελέτη υποστηρίζει ότι η αυξημένη σταθερότητα της ΕΜΑ σε αθλητές πρωταθλητικού επιπέδου οφείλεται στην υποκείμενη ανατομία, η οποία διαφέρει όχι μόνο από τους ασθενείς με επιγονατιδομηριαία αστάθεια, αλλά και από τον γενικό ασυμπτωματικό πληθυσμό. Δείκτες της ΕΜΑ, όπως ο δείκτης Insall-Salvati, η γωνία της μηριαίας τροχιλίας, το βάθος της μηριαίας τροχιλίας, η κλίση του έξω τοιχώματος της μηριαίας τροχιλίας, η ασυμμετρία των τοιχωμάτων της μηριαίας τροχιλίας και η απόσταση κνημιαίου κυρτώματος και μηριαίας τροχιλίας διαφέρουν σημαντικά μεταξύ αθλητών υψηλών επιδόσεων και γενικού ασυμπτωματικού πληθυσμού, υποδεικνύοντας έτσι αυξημένη σταθερότητα της ΕΜΑ στους πρώτους. Δεν βρέθηκε διαφορά για άλλους δείκτες επιγονατιδομηριαίας αστάθειας, όπως η κλίση της επιγονατίδας, η γωνία επαλληλίας και δείκτης κάλυψης τροχιλίας – επιγονατίδας. Επομένως η παρούσα μελέτη συμπληρώνει την υπάρχουσα γνώση για την σταθερότητα της ΕΜΑ, η οποία είναι μέγιστη στους αθλητές υψηλών επιδόσεων και, τουλάχιστον εν μέρει, οφείλεται σε ιδιαίτερη – καλύτερη - οστική ανατομία. Ωστόσο, δεν θα πρέπει να παραβλέπεται ότι εκτός από την φυσιολογική ανατομία της ΕΜΑ, παράγοντες όπως ο νευρομυϊκός συντονισμός μεταξύ κορμού και άκρων καθώς και η αποφασιστικότητα για υψηλές αθλητικές επιδόσεις αποτελούν αναπόσπαστα χαρακτηριστικά του πρωταθλητή.
Emerging Challenges to Public Procurement: Covid-19 and Regulatory Approaches to Public Contracting in the EU, the United Kingdom, and France
Authors: Erdoğan Şimal Efsane , Ştefan Oana
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the use of public procurement as a tool to manage the health crisis and, most recently, the Ukraine crisis, has raised concerns. In their efforts to fight the pandemic, as well as for palliation of the economic effects of lockdowns, Member States have implemented various procurement adjustments, and since 2020 we have seen the European Commission resorting to guidance that, in effect, puts in abeyance public procurement rules related to transparency, equality, and competition. Against this backdrop, the article reflects on the regulatory tensions stemming from the use of public procurement as a crisis management tool. Relying on comparative legal analysis, the article looks at the changes in public procurement spurred by the SARS-CoV-2 crisis in the EU, France, and the UK. The article expresses particular interest in evaluating the discretion left to the contracting authorities and the extent to which allowing such discretion can negatively influence public procurement principles such as transparency, legal certainty, equality, and open competition.
An Overview of the Recent Case Law of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Latvia
Authors: Neimanis Jānis
Published: December 2023

The article highlights recent trends in the case law of the Latvian Constitutional Court with regard to the response to COVID-19, empowerment of marginalised groups, and protection of democracy. These developments emphasise the Court's role in upholding the rule of law, promoting equality, and safeguarding democracy in Latvia. During the pandemic, its rulings shaped the legal framework for managing the crisis while balancing public health against individuals’ rights. Analysis shows that the decisions on emergency measures, restrictions to fundamental rights, and executive powers ensured government actions' legality and proportionality, with the Court demonstrating commitment to empowering marginalised groups through case law addressing gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, minority rights, and disability-related rights. The paper shows how, by providing legal protection and promoting inclusivity, the Court advanced the rights of marginalised communities while, additionally, protecting democracy remained a paramount concern for the institution, whereby it safeguarded the Latvian constitutional order, separation of powers, independence of the judiciary, and the rule of law. The discussion illustrates how vigilant scrutiny of legislation and government actions can preserve democratic values, uphold the integrity of institutions, and ensure accountability.
From Tradition to Evidence: Rethinking the Law on Eyewitness Identification in Estonia
Authors: Palu Annegrete , Soo Anneli
Published: December 2023

Eyewitness identification is a procedural act that is influenced by various psychological factors. Scientific research has demonstrated that the way identification procedures are conducted and administered affects witnesses’ identification decisions and their confidence in those decisions. Research into these variables has also led to best-practice guidelines for conducting eyewitness identification. However, the legal system in Estonia, as have those in many other places, has been slow to adopt the recommendations and has adhered to traditional principles instead, which is reflected in the law on eyewitness identification. This article analyses whether Estonia's law governing eyewitness identification is consistent with evidence-based recommendations. It first presents an overview of variables related to the reliability of identification evidence over which the criminal-justice system has control, and then compares the most important findings from scientific literature (and the resulting best practices) with the current law. Finally, it highlights specific areas of law wherein adjustments could produce better alignment with the findings from scientific research. The authors conclude that the law today, leaving many decisions up to law-enforcement entities, displays a need for additional official guidelines. The article highlights the importance of using scientific research to inform legal practices.
A Differentiated Approach When Working with Children’s Books
Authors: Simonova P.
Published: December 2023

The article discusses the problem of a differentiated approach in literary reading lessons, used to improve the reading activity of children of primary school age when working with a book. Examples of classes are given, as well as types of tasks for children with different levels of training. Differentiated tasks for different groups of readers maintain a high level of educational motivation for primary schoolchildren, helping each child to feel successful, extract information in each lesson and draw conclusions from the text read by solving educational problems.
The SEC’s Short-Sale Experiment: Evidence on Causal Channels and Reassessment of Indirect Effects
Authors: Black Bernard S. , Desai Hemang , Litvak Katherine , Yoo Woongsun , Yu Jeff Jiewei
Published: December 2023

During 2005–2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission conducted a randomized trial in which it removed short-sale restrictions from one third of the Russell 3000 firms. Early studies found modest market microstructure effects of removing the restrictions but no effect on short interest, stock returns, volatility, or price efficiency. More recently, many studies have attributed a wide range of indirect outcomes to this experiment, mostly without assessing the causal channels for those outcomes. We examine the three most often cited causal channels for these indirect effects: short interest, returns, and managerial fear. We find no evidence to support these channels. We then reexamine the principal findings in four recent studies using a sample that closely matches the actual experiment and a common research design and find minimal support for the reported indirect effects. Our findings highlight the importance of confirming a causal channel or an economic mechanism and show that sample selection and specification choices can produce statistical significance even without an underlying economic mechanism.

This paper was accepted by David Sraer, finance.

Supplemental Material: The internet appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4918 .
Integrated management of an adult patient with Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA: a case report with a six-year follow-up
Authors: Vergatti Anita , Abate Veronica , Della Monica Matteo , De Filippo Gianpaolo , Rendina Domenico , Barbato Antonio
Published: December 2023

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (MPS-IVA) is a rare lysosomal storage disease caused by N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfate-sulfatase enzyme deficiency. MPS-IVA patients show severe extra-skeletal and skeletal manifestations, featured by bone pain and deformities, frailty fractures and early onset osteoporosis. The enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with elosulfase alpha stabilizes the MPS-IVA extra-skeletal manifestations but does not significantly improve MPS-IVA skeletal manifestations. We administered an integrated therapy to an MPS-IVA 41-year-old male patient, composed of zoledronic acid, cholecalciferol and a normocalcemic (calcium intake >1 g/day), hyposodic (sodium intake <5 g/day), and normocaloric diet (bone-diet), other than ERT. During the six-year follow-up, the patient did not develop any adverse events, obtaining an improvement of bone mineral density and quality of life. Given our results, we propose this integrated treatment (i.e. ERT, zoledronic acid, cholecalciferol, and bone diet) in the management of MPS-IVA adult patients.
Retinal metastases as the initial presentation of advanced lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Oliveira-Silva Catarina , Pereira Maria Manuel , Ferreira Catarina , Macedo Eduardo , Mendes Marta , Marques Ana Rita , Brandão Ilídio
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Most lung cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Common metastatic sites include the brain, bone, liver and adrenal glands. Ocular metastases, however, are extremely rare. We present a case of advanced lung adenocarcinoma presenting exclusively with photopsias attributable to retinal metastases. Case description: We describe a woman in her fifties, a lifetime non-smoker with an unremarkable medical and family history, who presented to the emergency department with photopsias for a week. Ophthalmology evaluation revealed decreased visual acuity bilaterally, and a fundus examination disclosed lesions suggestive of bilateral retinal metastases. A comprehensive evaluation diagnosed a stage IVb lung adenocarcinoma with exon 19 mutation on epidermal growth factor receptor gene. Subsequently, she developed complaints of headaches and dizziness. She received frontline osimertinib 80 mg daily, preceded by upfront whole-brain radiation therapy with partial orbital inclusion for symptomatic ocular and brain metastases. After ten radiation therapy sessions, her complaints were resolved and an ophthalmology revaluation revealed improvement in visual acuity and resolution of photopsia complaints. The patient is currently on osimertinib and preserves an ECOG score of 0. Conclusion: Retinal metastases usually indicate advanced disease, so presenting with isolated ocular symptoms is exceedingly rare. Especially in cases of uncommon metastases, a multidisciplinary approach is fundamental for a prompt diagnosis and timely treatment, impacting prognosis and quality of life.
Impact of the African Institute for Mathematical Science Teacher Training Program on Students’ Interest to Learn Mathematics and Science, Rwanda
Authors: Sibomana Aimable , Mukagihana Josiane , Ndiritu Joseph
Published: December 2023

This study examined the impact of the Rwanda African Institute for Mathematical Science, Teacher Training Program (AIMS-TTP) on 228 secondary school students’ interest to learn Mathematics and science taught by 7058-trained teachers over 5-years across 14 districts. Students were exposed to various AIMS-TTP interventions, including industrial visits, science hours, and international day for women and girls in science, mathematics competition, robotics and mathematics challenge, and the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO). A survey research design was employed to collect data about students’ interest to learn Mathematics and science, and data on students’ choices of combinations were obtained from the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) for the academic years 2017 to 2022. Data analysis using bivariate correlation and regression analyses revealed a positive and significant relationship (p<.05) between AIMS-TTP interventions and students’ interest to learn Mathematics and science. Besides, linear regression model indicated that hands-on activities, exposure to mathematics and science role models, science hour and smart classroom were the best predictors of students’ interest to learn mathematics and science (β=.197, p< .05; β=.217, p<.05; β=.234, p< .05; and β=.218, p<.05 respectively). They contributed 66.7 % (Adjusted, R2 = .667, p < .05) of the variance in students’ interest in learning mathematics and science. The AIMS-TTP interventions significantly improved students’ interest to learning mathematics and science. Recommendations include comprehensive training programs with direct student engagement, diverse competitions, and ongoing teacher support through professional development. Future research should focus on students’ STEM interest in Technical, Vocational Education, and Training schools.
The Relationship Between Teacher Leadership and Organizational Happiness of Secondary School Teachers
Authors: Tore Esra , Duman-Saka Burcin
Published: December 2023

The study aims to analyze the relationship between teacher leadership and the organizational happiness of secondary school teachers. The research was designed in the relational survey model. The research sample group involves 358 teachers working in the state schools in the Bakirkoy district of Istanbul province. The Teacher Leadership Scale and the Organizational Happiness Scale were used to collect the data. The social sciences statistics program was used in the analysis of the data. It was found that teachers' teacher leadership and organizational happiness levels were high. There was a low level of positive significant relationship between teacher leadership and organizational happiness. and between the positive emotions sub-dimension of organizational happiness and the total score of teacher leadership. However, there was no relationship between the negative emotions sub-dimension of organizational happiness and teacher leadership. It was concluded that teacher leadership significantly positively affects teachers' organizational happiness.
Impact of Growth Characteristics on Properties of 2 by 8 Southern Yellow Pine Structural Lumber
Authors: França Tamara S. F. A. , França Frederico J. N. , Seale R. Daniel , Shmulsky Rubin
Published: December 2023

Southern pine is one of the most important softwood resources in the United States, and the majority of southern pine is for lumber production, more specifically for construction. The lumber used for construction is required to meet strength-specifications as a method of ensuring the strength values within different classes. Most of the southern pine lumber is visually graded, which is based on knot, slope of grain, and wane. However, the presence of pith is not included in the visual grading system. The presence of pith indicates presence of juvenile wood, which has a negative effect on mechanical properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pith on rings per inch, percentage of latewood, modulus of elasticity (MOE), and modulus of rupture (MOR) in 292 samples of southern pine No. 2 2 by 8 lumber. Lumber without pith had significantly greater MOE (11.1 vs. 10.0 GPa), MOR (39.7 vs. 36.4 MPa), and specific gravity (12% moisture content [MC]; 0.55 vs. 0.52) than did lumber with pith. The results show that the presence of pith is an important factor that can improve lumber grading, and it could be included in the visual grade system.
OS LUGARES QUE CONTAM HISTÓRIAS E RESGATAM A MEMÓRIA DA COMUNIDADE QUILOMBOLA MATINHA DOS PRETOS
Authors: Yuri Caetano do Carmo  , Emmanuel Oguri Freitas
Published: December 2023

Com o fim da escravidão de jure ocorrido no março de 1888, fortaleceu-se a tentativa de se escrever a história do Brasil a partir dos grandes heróis da “descoberta” e, consequentemente, apagou-se dos grandes debates públicos e acadêmicos a necessidade de uma ampla discussão do processo de escravidão e de suas marcas na história nacional.
La dimensión histórica de España en El caballero encantado
Authors: Careaga Raquel Arias
Published: December 2023

Resumen: En 1909 Benito Pérez Galdós publica El caballero encantado . De claras reminiscencias cervantinas, su autor propone un viaje a las diversas dimensiones sociales del país. Pero, además, revisita épocas y un pasado cuestionado en la línea que seguirá la obra de Américo Castro. Pérez Galdós rompe con la representación realista permitiendo a sus personajes moverse en dimensiones diversas para aprehender una visión más completa de España. Lejos de una añoranza nostálgica, Galdós encuentra en el pasado el impulso necesario para renovar el país en su presente y en su futuro, resignificando el relato del sentido histórico español. Abstract: In 1909, Benito Pérez Galdós published El caballero encantado , a work clearly reminiscent of Cervantes. The author proposes a journey through the various social spheres of Spain. Moreover, he revisits past eras and a contested history, foreshadowing the work of Américo Castro. Pérez Galdós breaks with realistic representation by allowing his characters to traverse fantastical dimensions, grasping a more complete vision of Spain. Far from nostalgic yearning, Galdós finds in the past the vital impulse to renew Spain in both its present and future, redefining the narrative of Spanish historical identity.
Feminist, Non-Feminist, and Anti-Feminist Uses of Feminist Memory
Authors: Rosa Sharon Crozier-De
Published: December 2023

Abstract: In 2020, to celebrate the centenary of women’s suffrage in the United States, President Donald J. Trump issued a posthumous pardon for Susan B. Anthony who illegally cast her vote in an 1872 election. In 2018, the British Government announced that it would include contentious Irish republican feminist icon Constance Markievicz in their centenary suffrage commemorations, prompting the government of the Republic of Ireland to gift her portrait to the British parliament. While different in nature, these two events also shared some similarities, not least of these being the use of feminist memory by non-feminist actors. Certain feminist and non-feminist celebrations of feminism’s legacies risk signifying that the feminist project is completed, thereby foreclosing alternative storytelling and inhibiting future feminist imaginaries. However, believing in the affirmative capacity of reflective and reflexive feminist remembering can help us to confront our own political and affective subjectivities to generate a more intersectional use of feminist memory that harnesses the power of past feminist radicalisms to imagine feminist futures that do not yet exist. Abstract: En 2020, pour célébrer le centenaire du droit de vote des femmes aux États-Unis, le président Donald J. Trump a accordé un pardon à titre posthume à Susan B. Anthony qui avait voté illégalement lors d’une élection en 1872. En 2018, le gouvernement britannique a annoncé qu’il inclurait l’icône contestée du féminisme républicain irlandais, Constance Markievicz, dans ses commémorations du centenaire du suffrage, incitant ainsi le gouvernement de la République d’Irlande à offrir un portrait de cette dernière au parlement britannique. Bien que de nature différente, ces deux événements partagent certaines similitudes, la plus importante étant notamment l’utilisation de la mémoire féministe par des acteurs non féministes. Certaines célébrations féministes et non féministes des héritages du féminisme risquent de laisser entendre que le projet féministe est achevé, excluant ainsi des récits alternatifs et inhibant les futurs imaginaires féministes. Cependant, croire en la capacité affirmative de la mémoire féministe réfléchie et réflexive peut nous aider à confronter nos propres subjectivités politiques et affectives à générer une utilisation plus intersectionnelle de la mémoire féministe qui exploite la puissance des radicalismes féministes passés pour imaginer des avenirs féministes qui n’existent pas encore.
« A museum and a laboratory of Feminism » : dynamiques mémorielles et enjeux politiques au siège du National Woman’s Party, 1930–1960
Authors: Delahaye Claire
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Entre les années 1930 et 1960, l’organisation féministe états-unienne National Woman’s Party (NWP) se préoccupe intensément de préserver son rôle dans les luttes suffragistes passées. Afin de revendiquer sa place dans cette histoire militante, elle se lance alors dans une vaste entreprise historiographique, au sein de laquelle son siège à Washington, Alva Belmont House, joue un rôle prépondérant. En effet, ce lieu de mémoire peut être analysé comme un espace de production des savoirs historiques, à travers des usages et pratiques spécifiques. La mobilisation des archives militantes et des sources de presse permet d’étudier la façon dont la mémoire est construite, matérialisée et transmise depuis ce lieu, ainsi que les enjeux de pouvoir qui s’y rattachent. En retour, cela révèle la façon dont un mouvement social peut utiliser, voire instrumentaliser le passé à des fins politiques. Abstract: Between the 1930s and 1960s, the National Woman’s Party (NWP), an American feminist organization, was intensely committed to the preservation of the role it played in past suffragist struggles. In order to assert its place in this activist history, it embarked on a vast historiographical undertaking in which its Washington headquarters, the Alva Belmont House, played a leading role. Indeed, this place of memory can be analyzed as a space where historical knowledge was produced, through specific uses and practices. The mobilization of militant archives and press sources enables us to study the way in which memory is constructed, materialized and transmitted from this site, as well as the issues of power involved. This, in turn, reveals how a social movement can use, or even instrumentalize, the past for political ends.
Pas de statue pour Hubertine : quand notre mémoire d’une pionnière du suffragisme fait des vagues
Authors: Cadène Nicole
Published: December 2023

Abstract: En 1914, la disparition d’Hubertine Auclert, qui avait voué sa vie au combat féministe, provoque une grande émotion. On envisage de lui ériger une statue, mais ce projet ne se concrétisera pas. C’est autour de lieux de mémoire plus confidentiels que son souvenir est préservé. Nous avons identifié trois moments, chacun associé à des lieux différents. Jusqu’en 1930, la tombe de la suffragiste s’impose comme un lieu de pèlerinage féministe. Les années suivantes offrent l’apparence d’un creux de la vague mémoriel, mais c’est alors que la militante Marie-Louise Bouglé recueille dans sa bibliothèque les archives d’Auclert, les préservant de la destruction. Cependant, si dans le sillage de la deuxième vague du féminisme Auclert gagne une certaine reconnaissance, le Panthéon lui reste fermé. En cela, elle est emblématique des femmes, et plus encore des féministes, qui occupent une place seconde dans la mémoire nationale française. Abstract: In 1914, the death of Hubertine Auclert, who had dedicated her life to the feminist cause, stirred great emotion. The idea of erecting a statue in her honour was considered, but never materialized. Auclert’s memory is thus preserved in more confidential sites of remembrance. We have identified three moments, each associated with a different place. Until 1930, the suffragist’s tomb was a place of feminist pilgrimage. The following years appear to have been a low point in the history of her memory, but it was then that activist Marie-Louise Bouglé collected Auclert’s archives for safekeeping in her library, preserving them from destruction. However, while Auclert gained a degree of recognition in the wake of the second wave of feminism, the Panthéon remains closed to her. In this respect, she is emblematic of women, and even more so of feminists, who occupy a place of secondary importance in France’s national memory.
Lycurgus' Extreme Wisdom: Competing Views of the Lawgiver in Plato and Xenophon
Authors: Shapiro Susan O.
Published: December 2023

Abstract: As part of the ongoing reassessment of Xenophon's philosophical works, scholars have taken a renewed interest in the relationship between Xenophon and Plato, who occasionally criticize one another's works. Although ancient commentators assumed that the two men must have been rivals, a closer look at each one's comments on the other's work reveals that their criticisms were more philosophical than personal. After discussing two examples in which Plato and Xenophon criticize one another's works, in this paper I suggest that an unusual comment made by Xenophon about Lycurgus, the legendary Spartan lawgiver, is an oblique but critical reference to a statement in Plato's Symposium about Lycurgus' wisdom.
Loyalty, Subjecthood, and Violence: Veracruz’s Afro-descendants in the Early Mexican War of Independence, 1812–1813
Authors: Malfavon Alan
Published: December 2023

Abstract: This article is centered around the experiences of Afro-descendant men in the 1812–1813 period of the Mexican War of Independence as it occurred in the port-city of Veracruz and it Sotavento (Leeward) hinterland. It argues that Black men had complex, active, and essential roles in providing the backbone of regional royalist and insurgent armies. It pieces together the fragmented military and political agency of Veracruz’s Afro-descendant men as reflected in published and unknown archival sources of the colonial and national archive, such as military reports and correspondence, constitutions, decrees, 19th Century published accounts, and a lengthy court case. This article sheds light on how Afro-descendant men were pushed to participate by their individual and collective needs, reacting to localized, and transatlantic, conditions that promised, or excluded them from, social, economic, and political advancement. By centering Veracruz’s Afro-descendant men as instrumental players of the war, even in leadership roles, this article seeks to problematize traditional narratives of the struggle that negate and erase Black History in the Mexican struggle for liberation. This article also places their experiences within the backdrops of Atlantic World politics during the Age of Revolutions. It examines the ways by which they reacted to limiting frameworks of citizenship influenced by localized, and transatlantic, Anti-Black stereotypes and fears, along with the adoption of the 1812 Cádiz Charter. This article argues that these men found themselves amidst the paradox of being militarily wanted but politically rejected by nineteenth century Spanish colonialism. This led Afro-descendant men to seek new opportunities of belonging and empowerment, joining the insurgency to improve their sociopolitical status. This article seeks to humanize voiceless Afro-descendant historical actors placing them as essential players of Veracruz’s, and the Greater Caribbean’s, early-nineteenth century regional dynamics.