bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular biologic study of an enucleated specimen of a case of Eales’ disease
Authors: Shah Amravi , Giridhar Sneha , Patnaik Gazal , Mhatre Radhika , Das Dipankar , Janani M. K. , Mahadevan Anita , Biswas Jyotirmay
Published: September 2021

Eales’ disease is a retinal vasculitis characterized by retinal inflammation, ischemia, and neovascularization. Exact pathogenesis of this disease is yet to be found out. We present a 29-year-old male, diagnosed with Eales’ disease in both eyes with persistent intraocular inflammation. Enucleation of the pthisical right eye was subjected for histopathological examination immunohistochemistry and molecular biologic study for mycobacterial tuberculosis DNA. Our study showed that Eales disease is probably a T cell mediated disease which is triggered by mycobacterial TB DNA. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Exercise-induced oxidative stress and melatonin supplementation: current evidence
Authors: Kruk Joanna , Aboul-Enein Basil Hassan , Duchnik Ewa
Published: September 2021

Melatonin possesses the indoleamine structure and exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions and other physiological properties. Physical exercise can influence secretion of melatonin. Melatonin is used as a natural supplement among athletes to regulate sleep cycles and protect muscles against oxidative damage. Despite decades of research, there is still a lack of a comprehensive and critical review on melatonin supplementation and physical activity relationship. The aim of this literature review is to examine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other biological functions played by melatonin with reference to the effect of physical exercise on melatonin secretion and the effect of this compound supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress in athletes. Evidence shows that intense exercises disturb antioxidant status of competitive athletes, whereas supplementation with melatonin strengthens antioxidant status in trained athletes in various sports as the compound showed high potency in reduction of the oxidative stress and inflammation markers generated during intense and prolonged exercise.
Birth outcomes across the spectrum of maternal age: dissecting aging effect versus confounding by social and medical determinants
Authors: Olapeju Bolanle , Hong Xiumei , Wang Guoying , Summers Amber , Burd Irina , Cheng Tina L. , Wang Xiaobin
Published: September 2021

Background

Given the trend of increasing maternal age and associated adverse reproductive outcomes in the US, this study aimed to assess whether this association is due to an independent aging or confounded by sociodemographic, biomedical, or behavioral determinants in a predominantly Black US population.

Methods

Data was from 8509 women enrolled in the Boston Birth Cohort. Adverse reproductive outcomes included spontaneous preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, and low birth weight. Covariates included sociodemographic (parity, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, income, receipt of public assistance, nativity); biomedical (obesity, hypertensive disorders, diabetes mellitus); and behavioral (consistent intake of multivitamin supplements, support from father of baby, support from family, major stress in pregnancy, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake). Analysis included Lowess and marginal probability plots, crude and adjusted sequential logistic regression models to examine age-outcome associations and to what degree the association can be explained by the above covariables.

Result

Overall, the study sample had high levels of spontaneous preterm birth (18%), cesarean delivery (33%) and low birth weight (26%). Unadjusted models showed no significant difference odds of spontaneous preterm birth by maternal age but higher odds of cesarean section (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.60, 1.95) and low birth weight (aOR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.28) among women 30 years or older. Adjustment for sociodemographic factors, biomedical conditions and behavioral factors revealed higher odds of spontaneous preterm birth: (aOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.49), cesarean section deliveries (aOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.51, 1.87) and low birth weight (aOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.53). Across all ages, optimal BMI status and consistent multivitamin supplement intake were protective of spontaneous preterm birth and low birth weight.

Conclusion

In this high-risk minority population, we demonstrated that the association between increasing maternal age and adverse pregnancy outcomes was due to an independent aging effect and the presence of confounding by sociodemographic, biomedical, and behavioral factors. Some modifiable risk factors to counteract aging effect, include optimizing BMI and consistent intake of multivitamin supplement. A fundamental change in how care is provided to women, particularly low income Black women, is needed with emphasis on the protective role of optimal nutritional status.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03228875
Impact of dorzolamide, benzalkonium-preserved dorzolamide and benzalkonium-preserved brinzolamide on selected biomarkers of oxidative stress in the tear film
Authors: Sedlak Lech , Świerczyńska Marta , Borymska Weronika , Zych Maria , Wyględowska-Promieńska Dorota
Published: September 2021

Background

Long-term use of topical, especially benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-preserved, antiglaucoma medications can cause a negative impact on the ocular surface. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) on selected oxidative stress biomarkers in the tear film.

Methods

The patients were divided into four sex-matched groups: group C (n = 25) – control group – subjects who did not use topical antiglaucoma medications, group DL (n = 14) – patients using preservative-free dorzolamide, group DL + BAC (n = 16) – patients using topical BAC-preserved dorzolamide, group BL + BAC (n = 17) – patients using BAC-preserved brinzolamide. Subjects in all the study groups have been using the eye drops two times daily for 6–12 months. The oxidative stress biomarkers in the tear film samples were measured: total protein (TP) concentration, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) content, total sulfhydryl (-SH) groups content, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Total Antioxidant Response (TAR), and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI).

Results

The advanced oxidation protein products content, Total Oxidant Status as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the group DL + BAC and BL + BAC were higher in comparison with the group C. The total sulfhydryl groups content was lower in the group DL + BAC and BL + BAC when compared to group C. Oxidative Stress Index was higher in the groups DL + BAC and BL + BAC in comparison with the groups DL and C.

Conclusions

Use of topical benzalkonium chloride-preserved carbonic anhydrase inhibitors increases oxidative stress in the tear film.
The impact of helmet use on oral and maxillofacial injuries associated with electric-powered bikes or powered scooter: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Hamzani Yafit , Bar Hai Dror , Cohen Nir , Drescher Michael J. , Chaushu Gavriel , Yahya Bahaa Haj
Published: September 2021

Background

Electric bikes (E-bikes) and powered scooters (P-scooters) have become increasingly popular modes of public transportation, but they have been associated with injuries of all kinds, including dental trauma. Helmet use is promoted as a means of reducing injuries in accidents involving motorized and unmotorized vehicles. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of helmet use on the number and severity of oral and maxillofacial injuries caused by E-bikes and P-scooters.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used. The cohort included all patients referred to the emergency department of a tertiary medical center in 2014–2020 with oral and maxillofacial injuries involving E-bikes or P-scooters. Data were collected from the medical files on demographics, types of injuries, circumstances of occurrence, work-up, treatment, and outcome. Use of a helmet was recorded in each case.

Results

Of the total 1417 patients referred to the emergency department for E-bike and P-scooter-related trauma, 62 had oral and maxillofacial injuries, including 57 riders and 5 pedestrians. All had hard- or soft-tissue injuries; 20 (32.2%) had head injuries and 22 (35.5%) had dentoalveolar injuries. Eleven riders had worn a helmet at the time of injury (17.7%). Helmet use was associated with time of injury (weekday/weekend, daytime/night-time), type of motorized vehicle (E-bike or P-scooter), head injury, and number of bone fractures. Head injuries occurred more often on the weekend (57.9%) than during the week (20.9%) and were more likely to occur in riders who were not protected by a helmet (37.3% vs 18.2%). Patients who used helmets also had a lower rate of fractured bones (18.2%) and dentoalveolar injuries (23.7%) than patients who did not (68.8 and 37.3%, respectively). Interestingly, helmet use had no protective effect on soft-tissue injuries.

Conclusions

Helmet use by E-bike and P-scooter riders decreased the probability of head injury and of hard tissue and dentoalveolar injuries. These results may provide guidance for effective legislation and regulation of helmet use and improved treatment protocols for general and dental physicians.
A mouse model of ankle-subtalar joint complex instability induced post-traumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Liu Peixin , Chen Kaiwen , Wang Shuo , Hua Chunzhuo , Zhang Hongtao , Yu Jia
Published: September 2021

Background

Ankle-subtalar joint complex instability is not uncommonly presented in the clinic, but symptoms and signs similar to other conditions can easily lead to its misdiagnosis. Due to the lack of appropriate animal models, research on ankle-subtalar joint complex instability is limited. The aims of the present study were to establish an animal model of ankle-subtalar joint complex instability in mice and to explore its relationship with post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA).

Methods

Twenty-one male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups: SHAM group (sham surgery group), transected cervical ligament + anterior talofibular ligament (CL+ATFL) group, and transected cervical ligament + deltoid ligament (CL+DL) group. Two weeks after surgery, all mice underwent cage running training. Balance beam and gait tests were used to evaluate the changes in self-movement in the mice after ankle-subtalar ligament injury. Micro-CT and histological staining were used to evaluate the progress of PTOA.

Results

Compared with the SHAM group, balance and gait were affected in the ligament transection group. Twelve weeks after surgery, the time required to cross the balance beam in the CL+ATFL group was 35.1% longer and the mice slipped 3.6-fold more often than before surgery, and the mean step length on the right side was 7.2% smaller than that in the SHAM group. The time required to cross the balance beam in the CL+DL group was 32.1% longer and the mice slipped 3-fold more often than prior to surgery, and the average step length on the right side was 5.6% smaller than that in the SHAM group. CT images indicated that 28.6% of the mice in the CL+DL group displayed dislocation of the talus. Tissue staining suggested that articular cartilage degeneration occurred in mice with ligament transection 12 weeks after surgery.

Conclusions

Transected mice in the CL+ATFL and CL+DL groups displayed mechanical instability of the ankle-subtalar joint complex, and some mice in the CL+DL group also suffered from talus dislocation due to ligament injury leading to loss of stability of the bone structure. In addition, as time progressed, the articular cartilage displayed degenerative changes, which affected the ability of animals to move normally.
Surgical management of focal chondral defects of the knee: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Eschweiler Jörg , Schenker Hanno , Baroncini Alice , Tingart Markus , Maffulli Nicola
Published: September 2021

Background

Focal chondral defects of the knee are common. Several surgical techniques have been proposed for the management of chondral defects: microfractures (MFX), osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT), autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI)—first generation (pACI), second generation (cACI) and third generation (mACI). A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted to compare these surgical strategies for chondral defects in knee at midterm follow-up.

Methods

This Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA extension statement for reporting of systematic reviews incorporating network meta-analyses of health care interventions. PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and Scopus databases were accessed in July 2021. All the prospective comparative clinical trials investigating two or more surgical interventions for chondral defects of the knee were accessed. The network meta-analyses were performed through a Bayesian hierarchical random-effects model analysis. The log odds ratio (LOR) effect measures were used for dichotomic variables, while the standardized mean difference (SMD) for the continuous variables.

Results

Data from 2220 procedures (36 articles) were retrieved. The median follow-up was 36 (24 to 60) months. The ANOVA test found good baseline comparability between symptoms duration, age, sex and body mass index. AMIC resulted in higher Lysholm score (SMD 3.97) and Tegner score (SMD 2.10). AMIC demonstrated the lowest rate of failures (LOR −0.22) and the lowest rate of revisions (LOR 0.89). As expected, MFX reported the lower rate of hypertrophy (LOR −0.17) followed by AMIC (LOR 0.21). No statistically significant inconsistency was found in the comparisons.

Conclusion

AMIC procedure for focal chondral defects of the knee performed better overall at approximately 3 years’ follow-up.
The expressed mutational landscape of microsatellite stable colorectal cancers
Authors: Sveen Anita , Johannessen Bjarne , Eilertsen Ina A. , Røsok Bård I. , Gulla Marie , Eide Peter W. , Bruun Jarle , Kryeziu Kushtrim , Meza-Zepeda Leonardo A. , Myklebost Ola , Bjørnbeth Bjørn A. , Skotheim Rolf I. , Nesbakken Arild , Lothe Ragnhild A.
Published: September 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths with few patients benefiting from biomarker-guided therapy. Mutation expression is essential for accurate interpretation of mutations as biomarkers, but surprisingly, little has been done to analyze somatic cancer mutations on the expression level. We report a large-scale analysis of allele-specific mutation expression.

Methods

Whole-exome and total RNA sequencing was performed on 137 samples from 121 microsatellite stable colorectal cancers, including multiregional samples of primary and metastatic tumors from 4 patients. Data were integrated with allele-specific resolution. Results were validated in an independent set of 241 colon cancers. Therapeutic associations were explored by pharmacogenomic profiling of 15 cell lines or patient-derived organoids.

Results

The median proportion of expressed mutations per tumor was 34%. Cancer-critical mutations had the highest expression frequency (gene-wise mean of 58%), independent of frequent allelic imbalance. Systematic deviation from the general pattern of expression levels according to allelic frequencies was detected, including preferential expression of mutated alleles dependent on the mutation type and target gene. Translational relevance was suggested by correlations of KRAS/NRAS or TP53 mutation expression levels with downstream oncogenic signatures (p < 0.03), overall survival among patients with stage II and III cancer (KRAS/NRAS: hazard ratio 6.1, p = 0.0070), and targeted drug sensitivity. The latter was demonstrated for EGFR and MDM2 inhibition in pre-clinical models.

Conclusions

Only a subset of mutations in microsatellite stable colorectal cancers were expressed, and the “expressed mutation dose” may provide an opportunity for more fine-tuned biomarker interpretations.
Robust Cardinality: a novel approach for cardinality prediction in SQL queries
Authors: B. S. Praciano Francisco D. , Amora Paulo R. P. , Abreu Italo C. , Pereira Francisco L. F. , Machado Javam C.
Published: September 2021

Background

Database Management Systems (DBMSs) use declarative language to execute queries to stored data. The DBMS defines how data will be processed and ultimately retrieved. Therefore, it must choose the best option from the different possibilities based on an estimation process. The optimization process uses estimated cardinalities to make optimization decisions, such as choosing predicate order.

Methods

In this paper, we propose Robust Cardinality, an approach to calculate cardinality estimates of query operations to guide the execution engine of the DBMSs to choose the best possible form or at least avoid the worst one. By using machine learning, instead of the current histogram heuristics, it is possible to improve these estimates; hence, leading to more efficient query execution.

Results

We perform experimental tests using PostgreSQL, comparing both estimators and a modern technique proposed in the literature. With Robust Cardinality, a lower estimation error of a batch of queries was obtained and PostgreSQL executed these queries more efficiently than when using the default estimator. We observed a 3% reduction in execution time after reducing 4 times the query estimation error.

Conclusions

From the results, it is possible to conclude that this new approach results in improvements in query processing in DBMSs, especially in the generation of cardinality estimates.
Using bundling to visualize multivariate urban mobility structure patterns in the São Paulo Metropolitan Area
Authors: Martins Tallys G. , Lago Nelson , Santana Eduardo F. Z. , Telea Alexandru , Kon Fabio , de Souza Higor A.
Published: September 2021

Internet-based technologies such as IoT, GPS-based systems, and cellular networks enable the collection of geolocated mobility data of millions of people in large metropolitan areas. In addition, large, public datasets are made available on the Internet by open government programs, providing ways for citizens, NGOs, scientists, and public managers to perform a multitude of data analysis with the goal of better understanding the city dynamics to provide means for evidence-based public policymaking. However, it is challenging to visualize huge amounts of data from mobility datasets. Plotting raw trajectories on a map often causes data occlusion, impairing the visual analysis. Displaying the multiple attributes that these trajectories come with is an even larger challenge. One approach to solve this problem is trail bundling, which groups motion trails that are spatially close in a simplified representation. In this paper, we augment a recent bundling technique to support multi-attribute trail datasets for the visual analysis of urban mobility. Our case study is based on the travel survey from the São Paulo Metropolitan Area, which is one of the most intense traffic areas in the world. The results show that bundling helps the identification and analysis of various mobility patterns for different data attributes, such as peak hours, social strata, and transportation modes.
A novel mutation in ACADVL causing very long-chain acyl-coenzyme-A dehydrogenase deficiency in a South Asian pediatric patient: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Arunath Visvalingam , Liyanarachchi Manoj Sanjeewa , Gajealan Sundararajah , Jasinge Eresha , Weerasekara Kumudu , Moheb Lia Abbasi
Published: September 2021

Background

Very long-chain acyl-coenzyme-A dehydrogenase deficiency is a rare, severe life-threatening metabolic disorder of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, caused by mutations in ACADVL gene. Here we present a genetically confirmed case of a South Asian baby girl with severe, early-onset form of very long-chain acyl-coenzyme-A dehydrogenase deficiency due to a novel mutation in ACADVL gene.

Case presentation

Index case was the second baby girl of second-degree consanguineous South Asian parents. She had an uncomplicated antenatal period and was born by spontaneous vaginal delivery at term with a birth weight of 2910 g. She had been noted to have fair skin complexion, hypotonia, and 3 cm firm hepatomegaly. Since birth, the baby developed grunting, poor feeding, and recurrent episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia and convulsions with multiple semiology. Her septic screening and urine ketone bodies were negative. The baby had high anion gap metabolic acidosis and elevated transaminases and serum creatine phosphokinase levels. Echocardiogram at 4 months revealed bilateral ventricular hypertrophy. Acylcarnitine profile revealed elevated concentrations of tetradecanoylcarnitine (C14), tetradecanoylcarnitine C14:1, and C14:1/C16. Unfortunately, the baby died due to intercurrent respiratory illness at 4 months of age. Sequence analysis of ACADVL gene in perimortem blood sample revealed homozygous frame shift novel variant NM_001270447.1, c.711_712del p.(Phe237Leufs*38), which confirmed the diagnosis of very long-chain acyl-coenzyme-A dehydrogenase deficiency.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis and management of very long-chain acyl-coenzyme-A dehydrogenase deficiency in improving the outcome of the patients. Implementation of newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry in Sri Lanka will be beneficial to reduce the morbidity and mortality of treatable disorders of inborn errors.
How effective are lexical richness measures for differentiations of vocabulary proficiency? A comprehensive examination with clustering analysis
Authors: Zhang Yanhui , Wu Weiping
Published: September 2021

This study proposed an innovative automated approach to differentiation of the vocabulary proficiency of Chinese speakers. A robust K-means algorithm was designed to compare the oral proficiency between L1 and L2 Chinese speakers regarding lexical richness and how relatively effective the various lexical measures were in performing the differentiation task. Eighteen lexical richness measures were surveyed and compared using the clustering analysis. The effectiveness of each selected measure as well as an overall evaluation of all the measures for the concerned differentiation tasks were comprehensively calibrated. The results demonstrate that, while the L1 versus L2 group difference in lexical richness was observed with statistical significance for each of the chosen measures, the clustering and membership prediction accuracy of individual speakers varied greatly from one measure to another. The implication is that a more fully defined metric of lexical richness is still a worthwhile endeavor for language proficiency assessment, with optimal directions for such endeavors discussed in the concluding remarks.
Hemorrhagic stroke following snake bite in Burkina Faso (West Africa). A case series
Authors: Dabilgou Alfred Anselme , Sondo Apoline , Dravé Alassane , Diallo Ismael , Kyelem Julie Marie Adeline , Napon Christian , Kaboré Jean
Published: September 2021

Background

Snake bites remain a major medical problem in West Africa, and hemorrhagic stroke following a snakebite has emerged as a rare secondary condition. The objective of this study was to determine the neurological complications following snake bite.

Methods

This study included all the cases of hemorrhagic stroke following snake bite admitted in the neurology Department of Yalgado Ouedraogo University Teaching Hospital during the period from January 1st, 2018 to December 31st 2019.

Results

Three cases of hemorrhagic stroke following snake bite were included in the study. The strokes occurred 4–15 days after the snakebite. Traditional treatment was applied in two cases. Complications were significant, including local manifestations and severe anemia in 2 patients who received blood transfusion. Snake anti-venom was applied. At admission, motor deficit, conscience disorders and fever were the most frequent complaints. Patients received repeated dose of snake anti-venom was applied, antitetanus prophylaxis and antibiotherapy during hospitalization. The majority of the patients had completely recovered.

Conclusions

Hemorrhagic stroke following snake bites are rare in Burkina Faso. Clinical outcome of stroke was favorable after treatment by antivenom, anti-tetanus serum and antibiotics.
Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with pine bark beetles and infested pines in south-eastern Australia, including Graphilbum ipis-grandicollis sp. nov.
Authors: Trollip Conrad , Carnegie Angus J. , Dinh Quang , Kaur Jatinder , Smith David , Mann Ross , Rodoni Brendan , Edwards Jacqueline
Published: September 2021

The ophiostomatoid fungi are an assemblage of ascomycetes which are arguably best-known for their associations with bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculonidae) and blue stain (sap stain) of many economically important tree species. These fungi are considered a significant threat to coniferous forests, which has resulted in numerous studies characterising the diversity of bark beetles and their ophiostomatoid associates globally. The diversity of ophiostomatoid fungi present in Australian pine plantations, however, remains largely undetermined. The aims of this study were therefore to reconsider the diversity of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Pinus in Australia, and to establish the baseline of expected taxa found within these plantation ecosystems. To achieve this, we reviewed Australian plant pathogen reference collections, and analysed samples collected during forest health surveillance programs from the major pine growing regions in south-eastern Australia. In total, 135 ophiostomatoid isolates (15 from reference collections and 120 collected during the current study) were assessed using morphological identification and ITS screening which putatively distinguished 15 taxonomic groups. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of representative isolates from each taxon was performed to obtain high-quality sequence data for multi-locus phylogenetic analysis. Our results revealed a greater than expected diversity, expanding the status of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Pinus in Australia to include 14 species from six genera in the Ophiostomatales and a single species residing in the Microascales. While most of these were already known to science, our study includes seven first records for Australia and the description of one new species, Graphilbum ipis-grandicollis sp. nov.. This study also provides an early example of whole genome sequencing (WGS) approaches replacing traditional PCR-based methods for taxonomic surveys. This not only allowed for robust multi-locus sequence extraction during taxonomic assessment, but also permitted the rapid establishment of a curated genomic database for ophiostomatoid fungi which will continue to aid in the development of improved diagnostic resources and capabilities for Australian biosecurity.
Seismic Soundoff
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: September 2021

In this episode, Josef Paffenholz discusses the next trillion-dollar business and how the SEG Advanced Modeling (SEAM) Corporation could play an essential role in its creation. Paffenholz highlights why the oil and gas sector represents the best source to tackle industrial-scale carbon storage, why he believes it is dangerous to link carbon storage to oil price, and how advanced simulations such as SEAM could ignite a trillion-dollar business. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/12531 .
The French Revolution as an Imperial Revolution
Authors: Covo Manuel , Maruschke Megan
Published: September 2021

Attempts to reframe the Age of Revolutions as imperial in nature have not fully integrated the French Revolution. Replying to this gap and criticisms of the Revolution's global turn, this essay positions the Revolution as both a moment of imperial reorganization and a sequence of political reinvention that exceed our current categories of empire and nation-state. These arguments open a forum comprising five contributions set in transimperial contexts that span from the Indian to the Atlantic Ocean. The forum offers some points of reflection regarding the narratives, periodizations, and concepts that guide historians of the French Revolution as they navigate the global turn.

L'effort historiographique consistant à placer l’ère des révolutions dans leur contexte impérial n'est pas encore parvenu à pleinement intégrer la Révolution française. Cet essai propose de pallier ce manque tout en répondant aux critiques émises à l'encontre du « tournant global ». Il invite à interpréter la Révolution à la fois comme un moment de réorganisation impériale et comme une séquence de réinvention politique, dont le contenu déborde les catégories contemporaines d'empire et d'Etat-nation. Cet essai introduit cinq articles qui analysent la Révolution française dans une variété de contextes transimpériaux, des rives de l'Atlantique à celles de l'océan Indien. Le forum propose quelques points de réflexion critiques sur les récits, les périodisations et les concepts qui informent les modalités d'après lesquelles la Révolution française se voit « mondialisée » par les historiens.
The Directory and the Future of France's Colonial Possessions in Africa, 1795–1802
Authors: Røge Pernille
Published: September 2021

This article examines how French revolutionaries envisioned a republican imperial future in Africa between the decreed abolition of slavery and its restoration under Napoléon. Drawing on proposals within the Ministry of the Marine and the Colonies and analyzing French activities in the Senegambian holdings of Saint-Louis and Gorée, the author argues that, although the French Revolution included numerous creative imperial processes vis-à-vis Africa, they did not amount to an imperial revolution in their own right.

Cet article étudie la manière dont les révolutionnaires français envisageaient un avenir impérial et républicain en Afrique entre le décret d'abolition de l'esclavage du 4 février 1794 et sa restauration sous Napoléon. S'appuyant sur des archives manuscrites du ministère de la Marine et des Colonies et analysant les activités françaises à Saint-Louis et Gorée, il démontre que, bien que la Révolution française ait été synonyme de processus impériaux novateurs vis-à-vis de l'Afrique, ces derniers ne constituaient pas pour autant une véritable révolution impériale.
From Paris and Shanghai to Singapore: A Multidisciplinary Study in Evaluating
the Provenance and Dating of Two of Liu Kang’s Paintings
Authors: Lizun Damian
Published: September 2021

This paper focuses on the dating and provenance of two paintings, Climbing the hill and View from St. John’s Fort by the prominent Singaporean artist Liu Kang (1911–2004). Climbing the hill, from the National Gallery Singapore collection, was believed to have been created in 1937, based on the date painted by the artist. However, a non-invasive examination unveiled evidence of an underlying paint scheme and a mysterious date, 1948 or 1949. These findings prompted a comprehensive technical study of the artwork in conjunction with comparative analyses of View from St. John’s Fort (1948), from the Liu family collection. The latter artwork is considered to be depicting the same subject matter. The investigation was carried out with UVF, NIR, IRFC, XRR, digital microscopy, PLM and SEM-EDS to elucidate the materials and technique of both artworks and find characteristic patterns that could indicate a relationship between both paintings and assist in correctly dating Climbing the hill. The technical analyses were supplemented with the historical information derived from the Liu family archives. The results showed that Climbing the hill was created in 1948 or 1949 on top of an earlier composition painted in Shanghai between 1933 and 1937. As for the companion View from St. John’s Fort from 1948, the artist reused an earlier painting created in France in 1931. The analytical methods suggested that Liu Kang used almost identical pigment mixtures for creating new artworks. However, their painting technique demonstrates some differences. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of Liu Kang’s painting materials and his working practice.
Fundamentos de la reproducción biológica
Authors: Martínez Escrich Bárbara , Pineda Reyes Rafael
Published: September 2021

La vida es un entretejido finísimo de supervivencia y reproducción. Sobrevivir en un mundo pleno de supervivencias implica defender lo ya conseguido, pero también mejorarlo creando nueva información. Hay que probar a cambiar, a evolucionar, un proceso que únicamente puede llevarse a efecto por reproducción y sacando provecho del juego conservación y cambio, o lo que es lo mismo, heredabilidad y mutación-recombinación. Para que un fenotipo escolte su genotipo a la generación siguiente (reproducción) ha debido sortear muchos obstáculos: superar el nacimiento y la infancia, llegar al periodo de madurez, protegerse de los elementos, encontrar comida, curar las heridas, mantener los parásitos a raya, evadir a los depredadores, cooperar con los miembros de su especie, competir con los de otras, almacenar reservas, encontrar una pareja conveniente (en caso de reproducción sexual), convencerla para tener descendientes y cuidar de ellos hasta que maduren. Estos obstáculos son escrudiñados inmisericordemente por la selección natural ya que "cuando la naturaleza gasta por un lado se ve obligada a ahorrar por otro" (C. Darwin). En este libro se analizan los principios biológicos fundamentales que subyacen en la reproducción de los distintos tipos de organismos, tanto la asexual o vegetativa como la sexual. Frecuentemente se pone el énfasis en aspectos cuantitativos y evolutivos, de forma que pueda resultar de ayuda a un grupo más diverso y amplio de estudiantes durante su formación básica o universitaria, pero también para especialistas en la materia y para cualquier persona entusiasta del campo. En todo caso, se debe tener en cuenta que los organismos siguen el principio de asignación, esto es, un reparto de los recursos limitados entre el mantenimiento, el crecimiento y la reproducción. Todos estos aspectos se discuten a lo largo del libro donde se consideran aspectos moleculares, celulares, orgánicos y sus consecuencias poblacionales o demográficas.
Civis Romanus sum. Rzymskie prawo publiczne: Wybrane zagadnienia
Authors: Wyrwińska Karolina
Published: September 2021

CIVIS ROMANUS SUM. THE ROMAN PUBLIC LAW – SELECTED ISSUES The present book Civis Romanus sum. The Roman public law – selected issues has been planned as a scientific support for students of Administration at the Faculty of Law and Administration of Jagiellonian University, for auditors of lectures: The Roman administrative practice and The Roman system and administration in a comparative context. The book is a set of essays concerning issues of Roman public law. Some aspects of the Roman public law and subject matters to which a Roman citizenship (civitas Romana) is a common denominator, have been raised herein. The concept of citizenship itself and its importance to Romans and strangers and also the content of rights included in it are extraordinarily interesting and very complex issues. They have been a subject of many scientific works: monographs, articles and handbooks of the Roman public law. This publication is not a handbook in principle and therefore, having freedom (to some extent) of choosing issues to be analysed, I decided to select these which concern the purchase and loss of Roman citizenship, rights entitled to citizens pursuant to the private and public law and a way of realisation of one of these rights – the right to stand for office (ius honorum). Discussing the latter issue required a presentation of process of creating the structure of Roman offices in a period of Republic and either the basis of rules concerning holding offices and indication of competences of particular magistratus. Thus, as Cicero wrote “the office is the power” (Cic. de leg. 3.1.2: For as the law is set over the magistrate, even so are the magistrates set over the people) – holding an office was incredibly prestigious in Rome. It is worth paying the attention to pre-election campaign, looking at a candidate’s profile, discussing the challenges which a candidate had to rise to and indicating which pre- -electoral candidate’s activity was considered to be advantageous or condemnable at the end of the Republic.
Oddziaływanie współczesnych konstytucji na stosunki między podmiotami prywatnymi
Authors: Florczak-Wątor Monika
Published: September 2021

THE INFLUENCE OF CONTEMPORARY CONSTITUTIONS ON RELATIONS BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS The influence of a constitution on the relations between pńvate parties must be seen in a broad perspective. The wide application of constitutional norms, principles and values, and their penetration into the private law system so that they set standards for the behavior of an individual, significantly broaden the constitutional space in which the State, society, and the individual function. Accepting an opinion on the horizontal application of constitutional rights changes our mode of perception of the constitution, its role, and its functions, as well as the possibility thai il will apply in practice. In this way the constitution ceases to be only a collection of principles describing the organization and functioning of the state apparatus and becomes an instrument for the creation of a democratic society and an axiological point of reference for the valuation of the processes thai take place in this society. The main purpose of our research was the presentation of the range of different solutions adopted on the basis of current constitutions and applied in practice under the heading of the horizontal application of constitutional rights. We wanted to achieve this purpose not only by the careful choice of States, but also by the engagement of researchers from different countries and universities in the realization of the project. Therefore our international research team consists of researchers from Albania, Greece, Ukraine, and Poland, and this leads to the bilingual character of our publication.
A dai-liao hybrid conjugate gradient method for unconstrained optimization
Authors: Salihu Nasiru , Odekunle Mathew Remilekun , Waziri Mohammed Yusuf , Halilu Abubakar Sani , Salihu Suraj
Published: September 2021

One of todays’ best-performing CG methods is Dai-Liao (DL) method which depends on non-negative parameter  and conjugacy conditions for its computation. Although numerous optimal selections for the parameter were suggested, the best choice of  remains a subject of consideration. The pure conjugacy condition adopts an exact line search for numerical experiments and convergence analysis. Though, a practical mathematical experiment implies using an inexact line search to find the step size. To avoid such drawbacks, Dai and Liao substituted the earlier conjugacy condition with an extended conjugacy condition. Therefore, this paper suggests a new hybrid CG that combines the strength of Liu and Storey and Conjugate Descent CG methods by retaining a choice of Dai-Liao parameterthat is optimal. The theoretical analysis indicated that the search direction of the new CG scheme is descent and satisfies sufficient descent condition when the iterates jam under strong Wolfe line search. The algorithm is shown to converge globally using standard assumptions. The numerical experimentation of the scheme demonstrated that the proposed method is robust and promising than some known methods applying the performance profile Dolan and Mor´e on 250 unrestricted problems.  Numerical assessment of the tested CG algorithms with sparse signal reconstruction and image restoration in compressive sensing problems, file restoration, image video coding and other applications. The result shows that these CG schemes are comparable and can be applied in different fields such as temperature, fire, seismic sensors, and humidity detectors in forests, using wireless sensor network techniques.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, Clinical Manifestation, Diagnosis Aspects and Nutrition Therapy in Relation to both IgE and IgG Cow’s Milk Protein Allergies among a Population of Saudi Arabia: A Literature Review
Authors: Baghlaf Mashail A , Eid Noura M S
Published: September 2021

Cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) becoming a major public health issue that has attracted the attention of health professionals and researchers. This paper aimed to review the important aspects of both IgE and IgG types of cow’s milk protein allergy in terms of prevalence, clinical manifestation, risk factors, other health-related issues and nutritional therapy proposed for such allergies in the adult and pediatric population in Saudi Arabia. A search on “cow’s milk allergy” was done using PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus Engine for published papers between 1993 and 2020 to find studies yielding knowledge on that context. The prevalence of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) among infants is now in the range of 2–3%. This type of allergy is also detected in adulthood but less frequently. CMPA is defined as an immunological reaction to specific proteins in milk. CMPA is classified based on its type as an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated form and an immunoglobulin G (IgG)-mediated form, each type representing different immunological pathways. The presence of Genetic aspects, family history and short duration of breastfeeding in the infant are among the risk factors contributing to this form of allergy. Its manifestations mainly present as skin presentation, followed by the gastrointestinal and respiratory presentation in most cases in addition to a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction that may occur in 12% of cases. food allergy committees have developed strict diagnosis criteria, including blood testing for food-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE), a skin prick test and double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) as the gold standard. A diet free of cow’s milk protein (CMP) allergen and including the appropriate alternative milk formula is the first line of prevention recommended by many organizations and food allergy experts. As for Saudi Arabia, more research and clinical trials are required to discuss the various aspects of adult and pediatric CMPA and to provide a better understanding along with good control strategies implementation.
Association of Food Insecurity and Weight Status of Women in Tuba Island, Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Hamid Syahrul Bariah , Mat Razali Mohammad Firdaus , Suhaimi Farhanah Ahmad , Md Nor Norazmir
Published: September 2021

Global concern is food insecurity and low weight status, contributing to poor health outcomes. Food deficiency happens when people can't get enough food much of the time; on the other hand, low weight status occurs when people eat more or less than they need. Women are a potentially vulnerable group of people facing weight and food insecurity. Therefore, this research was intended to establish the connection between the status of food insecurity and the weight status of women on Tuba Island. This is a cross-sectional study design, and about 114 women aged 18-45 years have participated in Tuba Island. The Radimer/Cornell hunger and food insecurity questionnaire and anthropometric measurements are the study's measurement methods. Via a face-to-face interview, this research was carried out. With 64.9 percent and 35.1 percent, respectively, the incidence of food insecurity was higher than food security. The prevalence of low weight status (underweight, overweight and obese) was 71.9%, which was just 28.1% higher than good weight status (normal weight). There was a significant relationship between job status (p=0.019) and household income (p=0.006) in terms of food insecurity; however, there was no significant relationship between food insecurity and weight status (p=0.437). This study showed no correlation between food insecurity and women's weight status on Tuba Island, although there is an association between job status and household income with food insecurity.
Effects of Chewing Gum Stimuli on General and Emotional Stroop Test
Authors: WON Sung-Yoon , LEE Dong-Eun
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to determine whether chewing gum affects cognitive function and stress relief. Sixty volunteers (mean age 23.3±3.01 years) without general or neuropsychiatric disease were recruited, and Stroop tests and stress surveys were conducted. Volunteers were administered performed a General and Emotional Stroop test with and without chewing gum, and the response time was recorded. The response time after chewing gum was significantly faster while conducting the General Stroop test. Stimulation of chewing gum may increase blood flow to the brain, which results in increased cognitive function. The response time was longer in the incongruent stimuli test compared to the congruent stimuli test, due to the effect of Stroop interference. However, when the chewing gum stimulus was introduced, the possibility of effectively reducing this effect. Stress index and response time of negative stimuli test showed weak positive correlation. This study suggests that chewing gum may play a positive role in increasing cognitive function and relieving stress.
Antifungal Activity of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Edible Films Enriched with Propolis Extracts and Their Role in Improvement of the Storage Life of Kashkaval Cheese
Authors: Tumbarski Yulian Dimitrov , Todorova Mina Mihaylova , Topuzova Mariyana Georgieva , Georgieva Petya Ivanova , Ganeva Zlatka Angelova , Mihov Rumen Borisov , Yanakieva Velichka Borisova
Published: September 2021

Propolis (bee glue) is a complex biological product known for its antimicrobial activity and antioxidant potential, and widely used as food additive and biopreservative. The aim of the present research was to examine the effects of propolis on the improvement of the storage life of ripened kashkaval cheese. For this purpose, three types of 1% carboxymethyl cellulose edible films containing three different ethanolic propolis extracts in concentration of 1% were prepared. Double-layer edible films were applied on the kashkaval cheese surface, and the samples were designated as T1, T2, and T3. An untreated sample was kept as a control. The four experimental groups (T1, T2, T3, and control) were then stored under refrigeration conditions at 4°C and 75% relative humidity (RH) for 56 days. During the storage period, the cheese was observed for visible changes, and samples for physicochemical and microbiological analyses were taken. The results from physicochemical analysis demonstrated that values of titratable acidity decreased in all experiment groups during the storage period. The results from microbiological analysis revealed that three types of edible films T1, T2, and T3 did not affect the decreasing number of lactic acid bacteria, a normal process for the period after the cheese ripening. The application of T1, T2, and T3 edible films did not affect the increasing number of yeasts in kashkaval cheese through the storage period. However, T1 and T2 edible films effectively inhibited the fungal growth on cheese surface, and no signs of spoilage were observed until the end of the storage for 56 days. In contrast, T3 treatment delayed but did not inhibit the fungal growth, and the first signs of fungal decay appeared between the 35th and 42nd day of the storage, compared to the control (28th day). Thus, the application of propolis can be considered an effective means for the prevention of fungal spoilage of kashkaval cheese.