bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility, safety and tolerability of the CREB-binding protein/β-catenin inhibitor OP-724 in patients with advanced primary biliary cholangitis: an investigator-initiated, open-label, non-randomised, two-centre, phase 1 study
Authors: Kimura Masamichi , Ogawa Eiichi , Harada Kenichi , Imamura Jun , Saio Masanao , Ikura Yoshihiro , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Murata Kazumoto , Miura Kouichi , Ieiri Ichiro , Tanaka Atsushi , Kimura Kiminori
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of OP-724, a CREB-binding protein/β-catenin inhibitor, in patients with advanced primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

Design

An open-label, non-randomised, phase 1 trial was conducted at two hospitals in Japan. Patients with advanced PBC classified as stage III or higher according to the Scheuer classification by liver biopsy between 4 September 2019 and 21 September 2021 were enrolled. Seven patients received intravenous OP-724 infusions at escalating dosages of 280 and 380 mg/m2/4 hours two times weekly for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs). The secondary endpoints were the incidence of AEs and the improvement in the modified Histological Activity Index (mHAI) score.

Results

Seven patients (median age, 68 years) were enrolled. Of these seven patients, five completed twelve cycles of treatment, one discontinued prematurely for personal reasons in the 280 mg/m2/4 hours cohort, and one in the 380 mg/m2/4 hours cohort was withdrawn from the study due to drug-induced liver injury (grade 2). Consequently, the recommended dosage was determined to be 280 mg/m2/4 hours. SAEs did not occur. The most common AEs were abdominal discomfort (29%) and abnormal hepatic function (43%). OP-724 treatment was associated with histological improvements in the fibrosis stage (2/5 (40%)) and mHAI score (3/5 (60%)) on histological analysis.

Conclusion

Administration of intravenous OP-724 infusion at a dosage of 280 mg/m2/4 hours two times weekly for 12 weeks was well tolerated by patients with advanced PBC. However, further evaluation of antifibrotic effects in patients with PBC is warranted.

Trial registration number

NCT04047160.
Patient-derived Siglec-6-targeting antibodies engineered for T-cell recruitment have potential therapeutic utility in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Cyr Matthew G , Mhibik Maissa , Qi Junpeng , Peng Haiyong , Chang Jing , Gaglione Erika M , Eik David , Herrick John , Venables Thomas , Novick Scott J , Courouble Valentine V , Griffin Patrick R , Wiestner Adrian , Rader Christoph
Published: November 2022

Background

Despite numerous therapeutic options, safe and curative therapy is unavailable for most patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A drawback of current therapies such as the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) rituximab is the elimination of all healthy B cells, resulting in impaired humoral immunity. We previously reported the identification of a patient-derived, CLL-binding mAb, JML-1, and identified sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin-6 (Siglec-6) as the target of JML-1. Although little is known about Siglec-6, it appears to be an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy due to its absence on most healthy cells and tissues.

Methods

We used a target-specific approach to mine for additional patient-derived anti-Siglec-6 mAbs. To assess the therapeutic utility of targeting Siglec-6 in the context of CLL, T cell-recruiting bispecific antibodies (T-biAbs) that bind to Siglec-6 and CD3 were engineered into single-chain variable fragment–Fc and dual-affinity retargeting (DART)–Fc constructs. T-biAbs were evaluated for their activity in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo.

Results

We discovered the anti-Siglec-6 mAbs RC-1 and RC-2, which bind with higher affinity than JML-1 yet maintain similar specificity. Both JML-1 and RC-1 T-biAbs were effective at activating T cells and killing Siglec-6+target cells. The RC-1 clone in the DART–Fc format was the most potent T-biAb tested and was the only anti-Siglec-6 T-biAb that eliminated Siglec-6+primary CLL cells via autologous T cells at pathological T-to-CLL cell ratios. Tested at healthy T-to-B cell ratios, it also eliminated a Siglec-6+fraction of primary B cells from healthy donors. The subpicomolar potency of the DART–Fc format was attributed to the reduction in the length and flexibility of the cytolytic synapse. Furthermore, the RC-1 T-biAb was effective at clearing MEC1 CLL cells in vivo and demonstrated a circulatory half-life of over 7 days.

Conclusion

Siglec-6-targeting T-biAbs are highly potent and specific for eliminating Siglec-6+leukemic and healthy B cells while sparing Siglec-6−healthy B cells, suggesting a unique treatment strategy for CLL with diminished suppression of humoral immunity. Our data corroborate reports that T-biAb efficacy is dependent on synapse geometry and reveal that synapse architecture can be tuned via antibody engineering. Our fully human anti-Siglec-6 antibodies and T-biAbs have potential for cancer immunotherapy.

Trial registration number

NCT00923507.
Structural retrofitting of impaired dapped-end beams: a review
Authors: Jayasinghe S.C. , Abeysinghe S.A. , Yapa H.D.
Published: November 2022

The geometric reduction prevailing in dapped-end concrete beams forms a disturbed region into the beam-ends. Consequently, material deterioration- and reinforcement-detailing issues prevailing in the end region cause a series of structural distresses. In this light, distresses in dapped-end beams and potential retrofitting options are reviewed in this paper. It is found that the choice of the retrofitting configuration is governed considerably by the prevailing defect. The strength enhancement could be as high as 40%–50% upon the choice of correct configuration whereas possibly be negligible upon inappropriate selection. Generally, the use of diagonal bars and plate jacketing are promising with steel applications. The bars can be prestressed to enhance the retrofitting efficiency. For fibre-reinforced polymer applications, inclined/horizontal stripping and fabric wrapping are impressive approaches, while combined systems show better results. The review also identifies the required future research for formulating comprehensive retrofitting guidelines.
First-principles calculations to investigate structural, elastic, electronic and thermoelectric properties of narrow-band gap half-Heusler RhVX (X = Si, Ge) compounds
Authors: Mebed Abdelazim M , Ali Malak Azmat
Published: November 2022

This research work aims to understand the structural, electronic, elastic and thermoelectric properties of half-Heusler RhVX (X = Si, Ge) compounds. The included properties are explored by using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method under the support of density functional theory by employing Wien2k computational code. Within the calculations, the lattice constant of RhVSi is found as 5.69 Å and for RhVGe as 5.74 Å. These values are in admirable agreement with the existing literature. Further, both the half-Heusler compounds are explored as ductile in ground state from the calculation of elastic and mechanical properties. The narrow indirect bandgap (0.21 eV for RhVSi and 0.33 eV for RhVGe) semiconductor character of both the RhVX compounds is revealed from the results of electronic properties. The thermoelectric performance of RhVX compounds is analyzed by calculating the important parameters such as thermal conductivity (both electronic and lattice), Seebeck coefficients, carrier concentration and figure of merit. Both the RhVX compounds are suggested as suitable candidates for thermoelectric power generators at high temperatures.
Artificial Intelligence Combined with Deep Learning in Film and Television Quality Education for the Youth
Authors: Huang Dong , Hoon-Yang Jong
Published: November 2022

Today, with the rapid development of science and technology, the value of education is more and more valued by people, but the research and development of quality education in film and television are still relatively traditional. The objective is to explore the application and effect of the combination of artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithm in the quality education of youth film and television. In view of the current problems in the quality education of film and television, this work innovatively introduces the augmented reality (AR) technology, and applies artificial intelligence and AR technology to the quality education of film and television for young people. At the same time, a deep learning algorithm is introduced to build a youth film and television quality education system based on artificial intelligence combined with deep learning, and further empirical analysis of the system is carried out in the form of a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire survey shows that, from the perspective of various dimensions of learning attitude, the two groups of learners had significant differences in emotional experience and self-cognition ([Formula: see text]), and more than 90% of the teenagers thought the system resource interface was beautiful; from the perspective of the perceived usefulness of the system, 68.24% of the teenagers believe that the system is easy to operate and useful, and as many as 82.82% of the teenagers believe that the system improves their interest in learning about quality education courses in film and television. Therefore, it is found that the constructed system can improve the learning interest of young people in the quality education course of film and television and make their learning attitude more positive, providing experimental reference for the latter research in the field of youth education.
Green Synthesis, Characterization andIn VitroAntimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) Using Fungal Aqueous Extract
Authors: War John Mohd , Wani Abdul Hamid , Nisa Anees Un , Bhat Mohd Yaqub
Published: November 2022

Research in green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles and their applications in engineering, food, biomedicine and agriculture is growing rapidly. The presence of biologically active metabolites in fungi makes them ideal candidates for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This study aims at discerning an emerging applicability of a basidiomycete mushroom, Phaeolus schweinitzii, for mycosynthesis of AgNPs and their antimicrobial properties. The colour change in P. schweinitzii aqueous extract was used to detect and curate the synthesis of AgNPs. The AgNP surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was observed in the visible spectra at approximately 428[Formula: see text]nm using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The XRD spectrum revealed a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure of AgNPs with an average crystallite size of 38.78[Formula: see text]nm. FT-IR manifested various functional clusters of biomolecules which were involved in bioreduction, capping and stabilization of AgNPs. FE-SEM imaging of AgNPs revealed a spherical shape with an average size of 88.65[Formula: see text]nm. The synthesized AgNPs showed strong antimicrobial activities against Salmonella gallinarum, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum with varying zones of inhibition at different concentrations. The highest concentration (5[Formula: see text]mg/ml) of AgNPs produced a maximum zone of inhibition ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm) against gram negative bacteria (Salmonella gallinarum and E. coli) and lowest ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm) against gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The study also revealed that synthesized AgNPs showed comparatively higher antifungal activity than the positive control (nystatin). The findings from this study explicitly concur with the ever-relevant use of biogenic AgNPs against various pathogenic microorganisms.
Emerging vascular cell-specific roles for mineralocorticoid receptor: implications for understanding sex differences in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wolter Nicole L. , Jaffe Iris Z.
Published: November 2022

As growing evidence implicates extrarenal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in cardiovascular disease (CVD), recent studies have defined both cell- and sex-specific roles. MR is expressed in vascular smooth muscle (SMC) and endothelial cells (ECs). This review integrates published data from the past 5 years to identify novel roles for vascular MR in CVD, with a focus on understanding sex differences. Four areas are reviewed in which there is recently expanded understanding of the cell type- or sex-specific role of MR in 1) obesity-induced microvascular endothelial dysfunction, 2) vascular inflammation in atherosclerosis, 3) pulmonary hypertension, and 4) chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related CVD. The review focuses on preclinical data on each topic describing new mechanistic paradigms, cell type-specific mechanisms, sexual dimorphism if addressed, and clinical implications are then considered. New data support that MR drives vascular dysfunction induced by cardiovascular risk factors via sexually dimorphic mechanisms. In females, EC-MR contributes to obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction by regulating epithelial sodium channel expression and by inhibiting estrogen-induced nitric oxide production. In males with hyperlipidemia, EC-MR promotes large vessel inflammation by genomic regulation of leukocyte adhesion molecules, which is inhibited by the estrogen receptor. In pulmonary hypertension models, MRs in EC and SMC contribute to distinct components of disease pathologies including pulmonary vessel remodeling and RV dysfunction. Despite a female predominance in pulmonary hypertension, sex-specific roles for MR have not been explored. Vascular MR has also been directly implicated in CKD-related vascular dysfunction, independent of blood pressure. Despite these advances, sex differences in MR function remain understudied.
Multimodal Assessment of Changes in Physiological Indicators when Presenting a Video Fragment on Screen (2D) versus a VR (3D) Environment
Authors: Kriklenko Elena , Kovaleva Anastasia , Klimenko Aleksei , Dukuev Usman , Pertsov Sergey
Published: November 2022

The increasing role of virtual environments in society, especially in the context of the pandemic and evolving metaverse technologies, requires a closer study of the physiological state of humans using virtual reality (VR) for entertainment, work, or learning. Despite the fact that many physiological reactions to the content presented in various modalities under VR conditions have already been described, often these studies do not reflect the full range of changes in the physiological reactions that occur to a person during their immersion in the virtual world. This study was designed to find and compare the most sensitive physiological indicators that change when viewing an emotionally intense video fragment in standard format on screen and in virtual reality conditions (in a VR helmet). The research methodology involved randomly presenting a group of subjects with visual content—a short video clip—first on screen (2D) and then in a virtual reality helmet (3D). A special feature of this study is the use of multimodal physiological state assessment throughout the content presentation, in conjunction with psychological testing of the study participants before and after the start of the study. It has been discovered that the most informative physiological indicators reflecting the subjects’ condition under virtual reality conditions were changes in theta rhythm amplitude, skin conductance, standard deviation of normal RR-intervals (SDRR), and changes in photoplethysmogram (PPG). The study results suggest that in the process of immersion in a virtual environment, the participants develop a complex functional state, different from the state when watching on screen, which is characterised by the restructuring of autonomic regulation and activation of emotion structures of the brain.
A Study on the Impact of Nonlinear Source Term in Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model
Authors: Sozhaeswari P. , Sowrirajan R. , Loganathan K. , Gyeltshen Sonam
Published: November 2022

In this work, we study the effect of nonlinear source term in Black-Scholes model by finding the solution of it. We use the mathematical concepts of existence and uniqueness to arrive the conclusion. The transformation of the nonlinear equation into heat equation leads to the existence of solution through fixed-point theorems, semigroup theory, and certain regularity conditions imposed on variables.
Experimental Study on the Performance of Basalt Fiber Modified Pervious Concrete Based on Entropy Method
Authors: Wang Wenhua , Cheng Xiaojun , Zhu Jinzhong , Jiang Da , Sun Hongliang , Liu Siyu
Published: November 2022

In order to solve the problem the permeability coefficient and strength of pervious concrete pavement are difficult to coordinate. In this paper, the basalt fiber was incorporated into pervious concrete, and the single factor control variable method was used to carry out the test of basalt fiber modified pervious concrete, and combined with the microstructure image, the influence law of different diameters, lengths, and dosages of basalt fibers on mechanical properties and pervious properties of pervious concrete were studied. The optimal incorporation index of basalt fiber was determined by a new analysis method—the entropy method. Finally, it is concluded that basalt fiber can improve the mechanical and pervious properties of pervious concrete by changing the internal structure of pervious concrete. In addition, when the diameter of basalt fiber increases from 14 μm to 20 μm, the compressive strength of pervious concrete decreases by 17.79%. The splitting tensile strength showed a trend of increasing to decreasing. The porosity and water permeability increased by 2.55% and 48.66%, respectively. When the basalt fiber length increases from 12 mm to 24 mm, the compressive strength of pervious concrete increases by 20.54%, and the splitting tensile strength increases first and then decreases. The porosity and water permeability increased by 6.40% and 57.68%, respectively. When the content of basalt fiber increases from 2 kg/m3 to 6 kg/m3, the compressive strength of pervious concrete decreases by 16.25%. The splitting tensile strength increases by 23.72%. The porosity and permeability decreased by 7.75% and 39.36%, respectively. Finally, the entropy method is used to comprehensively analyze the optimum incorporation indexes of basalt fiber, which can achieve the optimal mechanical properties and water permeability at the same time with, 20 μm in diameter, 24 mm in length, and 2 kg/m3 in dosage, and it provides a reference value for the popularization and application of basalt fiber pervious concrete in practical engineering.
Solubility Enhancement of a Poorly Water-Soluble Drug Using Hydrotropy and Mixed Hydrotropy-Based Solid Dispersion Techniques
Authors: Abdullah Ali Hezha , Kamal Omer Hunar
Published: November 2022

Purpose. The biopharmaceutics classification system places rosuvastatin calcium in class II has a low and fluctuating oral bioavailability. The research focus is to maximize rosuvastatin calcium solubility in water and dissolution rate by employing and combining various hydrotropic agents to make a solid dispersion using solvent evaporation techniques. Methodology. The experimental study was conducted at Duhok University, College of Pharmacy. Initially, assess rosuvastatin’s solubility in hydrotropic agents including urea, mannitol, citric acid, sodium benzoate, and sodium salicylate at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, and 40% w/v. Then, various ratios of 2 and 3 hydrotropic agents were employed to reduce the concentration of each hydrotropic agent. By using a solvent evaporation procedure, solid dispersions were made. The solid dispersion powders underwent evaluation for their percentage drug content, percentage yield, solubility, dissolution test, XRD, DSC, SEM, and FTIR. For statistical analysis, GraphPad InStat Demo software was used to conduct a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. In comparison to the pure drug, the solubility of hydrotropic solid dispersions and physical mixtures of rosuvastatin with a combination of hydrotropic agents (sodium salicylate, sodium benzoate, and urea) in the ratio of 13.33 for each increased in all formulations significantly, and all manufactured formulations’ drug release ranged from 98.83 to 104.78%, indicating a noticeably higher dissolution rate. Conclusion. The concept of mixed hydrotropic solid dispersion was shown to be an original, risk-free, and cost-effective method for enhancing the bioavailability of drugs that have a low degree of solubility in water.
Machinability Performance Investigation of TiAlN‐, DLC‐, and CNT‐Coated Tools during Turning of Difficult‐to‐Cut Materials
Authors: Chenrayan Venkatesh , Manivannan Chandru , Shahapurkar Kiran , Krishna Ankit , Tirth Vineet , Algahtani Ali , Alarifi Ibrahim M.
Published: November 2022

Titanium alloy‐based components are now attracted by the industries with their distinguished properties even though they are difficult to machine. The tooling industries encounter numerous problems in machining these metals like higher tool wear, huge volumes of cutting fluid consumption, and shorter tool life. The objective of this research is to enhance the surface of the cutting tool with carbon nanotube (CNT) deposition to solve the aforementioned difficulties. This research used the plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition method to coat CNT on high‐speed steel tools. Microstructural investigations were performed using a scanning electron microscope and a Raman spectroscopic technique to ensure the homogenous deposition of CNT. Additionally, scratch testing was also conducted to assess the adhesive strength of the deposited layer to the substrate. Finally, the machining performance of the CNT‐coated tool was compared with commercially available diamond‐like carbon (DLC) and titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN)‐coated tools. Machining experiments conducted under three distinct cutting levels revealed that the CNT‐deposited tool is appropriate for turning more challenging materials. CNT‐coated tools showed substantial decreases in cutting tooltip temperature, turning forces, and tool wear compared to DLC and TiAlN‐coated tools. In particular, tool life studies conducted under elevated machining circumstances recorded the enhancement in tool life as 96.3% and 26.8% in comparison with TiAlN and DLC, respectively.
Cerrado Resiliente: planejando a paisagem com Soluções Baseadas na Natureza (SbN)
Authors: Fernandes Caroline Ferreira , César Luiz Pedro de Mello , Sant’Anna Camila Gomes
Published: November 2022

O planejamento da paisagem orientado pelas Soluções baseadas na Natureza (SbN) vem sendo apresentado em diversas pesquisas como uma forma de promover o desenvolvimento urbano em consonância com a trama verde e azul das cidades. Entretanto, o planejamento urbano tradicional desconsidera importantes funções desempenhadas pela natureza, o que associado ao crescimento desordenado e progressivo das cidades, desintegra o meio urbano do contexto em que ele se insere e contribui para um desequilíbrio ecossistêmico. Este fenômeno vem sendo observado nas cidades localizadas no cerrado brasileiro, tendo em vista o desmatamento da região e a contínua perda da biodiversidade. Soluções que tratam da conexão e preservação das dinâmicas naturais, inclusive a continuidade da troca gênica, podem ser responsáveis pela reintegração sistêmica de áreas degradadas, impactando comunidades e auxiliando na preservação da fauna e flora. Tal questão também se conecta com a necessidade de manutenção de cursos d’água vitais para o abastecimento de 6 das 8 principais bacias hidrográficas do Brasil. Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo é estabelecer uma proposta de infraestrutura verde, em uma escala regional, tendo como recorte a Bacia do Paranoá no Distrito Federal, unidade hidrográfica importante para a manutenção dos recursos naturais da região e para a preservação dos biomas brasileiros. Para tanto, se vale de uma revisão bibliográfica e de uma estratégia de análise e diagnóstico baseada em McHarg (1964). Como resultado, apresenta uma série de estratégias para se planejar uma paisagem resiliente no contexto urbano. Entre elas está a criação de uma rede de paisagens multifuncionais que se conectam através do sistema hidrológico da região e da criação de corredores ecológicos, que visam integrar os elementos da infraestrutura verde dentro deste recorte. Dessa forma, destaca-se o uso de SbN no contexto do planejamento urbano, capaz de estabelecer uma relação harmoniosa entre cidade e meio ambiente.
NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Through Heart-Brain Interaction Initiates Cardiac Inflammation and Hypertrophy During Pressure Overload
Authors: Higashikuni Yasutomi , Liu Wenhao , Numata Genri , Tanaka Kimie , Fukuda Daiju , Tanaka Yu , Hirata Yoichiro , Imamura Teruhiko , Takimoto Eiki , Komuro Issei , Sata Masataka
Published: November 2022

Background:

Mechanical stress on the heart, such as high blood pressure, initiates inflammation and causes hypertrophic heart disease. However, the regulatory mechanism of inflammation and its role in the stressed heart remain unclear. IL-1β (interleukin-1β) is a proinflammatory cytokine that causes cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Here, we show that neural signals activate the NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome for IL-1β production to induce adaptive hypertrophy in the stressed heart.

Methods:

C57BL/6 mice, knockout mouse strains for NLRP3 and P2RX7 (P2X purinoceptor 7), and adrenergic neuron-specific knockout mice for SLC17A9, a secretory vesicle protein responsible for the storage and release of ATP, were used for analysis. Pressure overload was induced by transverse aortic constriction. Various animal models were used, including pharmacological treatment with apyrase, lipopolysaccharide, 2′(3′)-
O
-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP, MCC950, anti–IL-1β antibodies, clonidine, pseudoephedrine, isoproterenol, and bisoprolol, left stellate ganglionectomy, and ablation of cardiac afferent nerves with capsaicin. Cardiac function and morphology, gene expression, myocardial IL-1β and caspase-1 activity, and extracellular ATP level were assessed. In vitro experiments were performed using primary cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts from rat neonates and human microvascular endothelial cell line. Cell surface area and proliferation were assessed.

Results:

Genetic disruption of NLRP3 resulted in significant loss of IL-1β production, cardiac hypertrophy, and contractile function during pressure overload. A bone marrow transplantation experiment revealed an essential role of NLRP3 in cardiac nonimmune cells in myocardial IL-1β production and cardiac phenotype. Pharmacological depletion of extracellular ATP or genetic disruption of the P2X7 receptor suppressed myocardial NLRP3 inflammasome activity during pressure overload, indicating an important role of ATP/P2X7 axis in cardiac inflammation and hypertrophy. Extracellular ATP induced hypertrophic changes of cardiac cells in an NLRP3- and IL-1β–dependent manner in vitro. Manipulation of the sympathetic nervous system suggested sympathetic efferent nerves as the main source of extracellular ATP. Depletion of ATP release from sympathetic efferent nerves, ablation of cardiac afferent nerves, or a lipophilic β-blocker reduced cardiac extracellular ATP level, and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, IL-1β production, and adaptive cardiac hypertrophy during pressure overload.

Conclusions:

Cardiac inflammation and hypertrophy are regulated by heart-brain interaction. Controlling neural signals might be important for the treatment of hypertensive heart disease.
Le manomissioni del ius civile e il momento acquisitivo della cittadinanza romana
Authors: Gagliardi Lorenzo
Published: November 2022

A comparison is made among the three manumissions of the ius civile and it is investigated what was the moment in which the freedmen acquired Roman citizenship and could begin to exercise political rights. It is concluded that the manumissi censu acquired all political rights immediately after the manumission. The manumissi vindicta and testamento, on the other hand, acquired citizenship at the time of manumission, but had to wait for the census both to be admitted to the centuriate assembly and to be registered in the tribes (and therefore to receive the right to vote in the tribal assemblies).
Jacob Coren’s Observatio 40: shipowner liability for inculpable ship collision and its limitation in Roman-Dutch law
Authors: Lubbers Tim
Published: November 2022

In 1617, two Dutch merchantmen collided in a storm on the North Sea. The incident resulted in extensive legal proceedings before the Supreme Court of Holland, Zeeland and West-Friesland, lasting until 1640. In an unprecedented decision, which was published as no. 40 of Jacob Coren’s well-known Observationes, the Court limited the liability of shipowners for inculpable ship collision to the value of their ship. Based both on extensive archival research and the text of Coren’s Observatio, the present article offers a detailed discussion of the facts and proceedings of the case, and sets out how the case was received by Roman-Dutch scholars. As it turns out, limitation of shipowner liability was analysed in terms of noxal surrender in order to reconcile shipowner liability for inculpable ship collision with contemporary perceptions of equity.
The Shaping of the 1857 Security Pact in the Regency of Tunis: A Reappraisal of the Nineteenth Century Constitutional Reforms
Authors: Zeghal Malika
Published: November 2022

This article examines the creation of the 1857 Security Pact (ʿAhd al-amān) in the Regency of Tunis. This law is commonly viewed as having been drafted and imposed by the European powers as a replication of the Ottoman Tanẓīmāt and as having inaugurated an era of modernizing reforms that led to a secularized nation-state, notably due to the notions of equality it introduced. I show instead that this new law aimed to solve concrete problems in a context of severe fiscal crisis and that its creation was more a story of hard-fought diplomatic negotiations than of modernization and secularization. While the Security Pact was imposed by European pressures, and while the Ottoman Tanẓīmāt were invoked during the negotiations, Tunisian political elites shaped its content from the start, in an effort to defend the beylical state’s legal sovereignty and affirm its Muslim character. It was these elites who introduced, against the wishes of the French government, equality for all inhabitants of the Regency (including foreigners) and the principle of a common jurisdiction for the bey’s subjects and for foreigners. These legal changes must not be analyzed as an exceptional rupture (a claim made by those who view the nineteenth century reforms as having initiated a “modern” Tunisia) but as part of a long series of transformations. Although not everyone agreed about their legitimacy, these transformations were understood by reformers within the framework of a long-standing Islamic theory of the practice of change that was based, not on ijtihād, but on the widening of custom (ʿurf) and of the discretionary power of the ruler (siyāsa).
The bodemeyeri and the convexicollis species groups of the genus Geodromicus Redtenbacher, 1857, and additional taxonomic and faunistic data for some species of the Eastern Palaearctic Region (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae)
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V.
Published: November 2022

Two new species-group are established for the Palaearctic species of the Geodromicus Redtenbacher, 1857: the bodemeyeri-group containing G. (s.str.) bodemeyeri Bernhauer, 1902 (Russia (Caucasus), Turkey), G. (s.str.) championi Cameron, 1924 (Pakistan, India, Nepal) and G. (s.str.) zwickianus Fagel, 1976 (Turkey, Iran); the convexicollis-group containing G. (s.str.) convexicollis Luze, 1903 (Middle Asia), G. (s.str.) kashmirensis Cameron, 1930 (Afghanistan, Pakistan, India), G. (s.str.) lebedevianus Roubal, 1929 (Kyrgyzstan), G. (s.str.) macrothorax Kashcheev, 1999 (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan), G. (s.str.) malcolmi sp.n. (India: Uttarakhand) and G. (s.str.) medvedevi Shavrin, 2009 (Pakistan). All these species are (re-)described (except of G. (s.str.) medvedevi) and illustrated. The neotype for G. lebedevianus is designated. Keys to species of the bodemeyeri-group and the convexicollis-group are provided. Five species from the Himalayan Region are redescribed and illustrated: G. (s.str.) affinis Cameron, 1934 and G. (s.str.) alticola Cameron, 1945 (both from Pakistan, India), G. (s.str.) curvipes Cameron, 1924 (India, Nepal), G. (s.str.) ruficornis Cameron, 1941 (India: Kashmir) and G. (s.str.) subsimilis Cameron, 1941 (India, Nepal). Aedeagi for G. (s.str.) curvipes and G. (s.str.) subsimilis are figured for the first time. The following new synonymies are established: G. (s.str.) bodemeyeri = G. convexus Iablokoff-Khnzorian, 1962 syn.n., = G. (s.str.) rivularis Iablokoff-Khnzorian, 1962 syn.; G. (s.str.) championi = G. nepalicus Coiffait, 1977 syn.n.; G. (s.str.) convexicollis = G. cylindricus Tronquet, 1981 syn.n.; G. (s.str.) kashmirensis = G. similis Cameron, 1930 syn.n., = G. consors Cameron, 1945 syn.n., = G. afghanicus Scheerpeltz, 1961 syn.n., = G. karakorus Coiffait, 1977 syn.n.; G. (s.str.) affinis = G. torrentis Puthz, 1973 syn.n.; G. (s.str.) alticola = G. peraffinis Cameron, 1945 syn.n., = G. brancuccii Coiffait, 1984 syn.n. Lectotypes are designated for: G. championi, G. kashmirensis, G. similis and G. curvipes. Distribution maps for all species are provided. Geodromicus (s.str.) championi and G. (s.str.) subsimilis are recorded from Pakistan and Nepal respectively for the first time. Additionally, faunistic records of five species from the Eastern Palaearctic Region are provided. The habitus of G. (s.str.) medvedevi and G. (s.str.) smetanai Shavrin, 2018 are illustrated for the first time.
The first record of Mexiconnus Jałoszyński in Costa Rica with description of a new species (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: November 2022

To date, Mexiconnus Jałoszyński was a monotypic genus known to occur in Chiapas, Mexico. The sole species, M. mexicanus (Franz), was unique among Stenichnini in having strongly broadened protarsi with a conspicuous setal cushion on the ventral side of the protarsomere 1. A new species, M. triops sp. n., is described, based on a male collected in central Costa Rica. In contrast to the type species of the genus, the male of M. triops is wingless, microphthalmous and depigmented, a set of features that suggest a possible endogean life habit.
The Bible in the Bowls
Authors: Waller Daniel James
Published: November 2022

The Bible in the Bowls represents a complete catalogue of Hebrew Bible quotations found in the published corpus of Jewish Babylonian Aramaic magic bowls. As our only direct epigraphic witnesses to the Hebrew Bible from late antique Babylonia, the bowls are uniquely placed to contribute to research on the (oral) transmission of the biblical text in late antiquity; the pre-Masoretic Babylonian vocalisation tradition; the formation of the liturgy and the early development of the Jewish prayer book; the social locations of biblical knowledge in late antique Babylonia and socio-religious typologies of the bowls; and the dynamics of scriptural citation in ancient Jewish magic. In a number of cases, the bowls also contain the earliest attestations of biblical verses not found in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Pre-dating the next available evidence by four to five centuries, the bowls are a valuable resource for biblical text critics.

By making these valuable witnesses to the Hebrew Bible easily available to scholars, The Bible in the Bowls is designed to facilitate further research by linguists, liturgists, biblical text critics, and students of Jewish magic. It collates and transcribes each biblical verse as it appears in the published bowls, furnishes details of the bowls’ publication, and notes various features of interest. The catalogue is also accompanied by an accessible introduction that briefly introduces the incantation bowls, surveys their deployment of scripture in light of their magical goals, and discusses the orthography of the quotations and what this can tell us about the encounter with the biblical text in late antique Babylonia.
Relationship of Hospital Volume to Outcome in Cardiac Surgery Programs in California
Authors: Carey Joseph S. , Robertson John M. , Misbach Gregory A. , Fisher Audrey L.
Published: November 2022

There are more than 120 cardiac surgery programs in California. More than half perform less than 200 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures per year. This study queried the state of California discharge abstract database to analyze the relationship between annual procedural volume and outcomes of all 119 nonfederal hospitals performing cardiac surgery during 1997 through 1999. Unadjusted in-hospital mortality for CABG surgery was 3.91 per cent (923 of 23,619) in hospitals performing fewer than 200 procedures per year and 2.09 per cent (496 of 23,704) in hospitals performing ≥500 procedures annually ( P = 0.001 by Chi-square). Similar findings were noted for CABG + valve and/or aneurysm and for valve procedures. Risk-adjusted CABG data obtained from 78 of 119 hospitals found that a significant difference persisted between a volume of <200 and ≥200 procedures per year ( P = 0.03 by t test). There was wider variation in outcome among lower-volume hospitals. However, many low-volume providers had excellent results. It is concluded that although volume is clearly related to outcome patient-related factors and process variables may be more important. Performance improvement programs should be developed to improve communication between providers with differing outcomes.
Delayed Hemopericardium and Associated Pericardial Mass after Blunt Chest Trauma
Authors: Taylor Michael W. , Garber James C. , Boswell William C. , Boyd Carl R.
Published: November 2022

The finding of a pericardial effusion in the pediatric population evokes an extensive list of differential diagnoses. With the added history of trauma the effusion should be considered secondary to hemorrhage. We present a patient with such a history who was admitted to the hospital with the finding of a large pericardial effusion and an associated pericardial mass. The evaluation and treatment of this rare pathology are discussed as well as a review of the literature.
Prognostic Indices in Breast Cancer are Related to Race
Authors: Kotwall Cyrus A. , Brinker Carla C. , Covington Deborah L. , Hall Tana L. , Maxwell J. Gary
Published: November 2022

African-American (AA) women have a higher mortality from breast cancer than Caucasians (C). This may be attributed to stage of disease at presentation, but specific prognostic factors are not well identified. We sought to identify prognostic factors in our database of early-stage (stage I and II) breast cancer from 1990 to 1999. There were 153 tumors in 150 AA women and 773 tumors in 760 C women. Prognostic factors are listed according to race with relative risk (RR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals. AA women presented significantly more often than C women under the age of 50 years (RR = 1.8) with palpable disease (RR = 1.3), higher-grade tumors (RR = 1.5), more estrogen receptor-negative disease (RR = 1.7), more progesterone receptor-negative disease (RR = 1.4), higher proliferation indices (RR = 1.9), and more lymph node-positive disease (RR = 1.6). Many of these adverse prognostic features persisted in “good” prognostic groups, i.e., those women over the age of 50 years with tumors <20 mm and having node-negative disease. We conclude that prognostic factors are related to race with AA women presenting at an earlier age and more often with palpable disease. More importantly AA women presented significantly more often with higher-grade tumors, hormone receptor-negative tumors, higher proliferation indices, and node-positive disease. These findings may explain a higher breast cancer mortality in AA women.
The Longest Survivor and First Potential Cure of an Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma by Ex Vivo Resection and Autotransplantation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chui A.K.K. , Island E.R. , Rao A.R.N. , Lau W.Y.
Published: November 2022

Bismuth type IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CC) carries a poor prognosis; however, ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (Atx) is theoretically a treatment option. There are only five previously reported cases of this procedure for hilar CC in the English literature, and most of them died early in the postoperative period. The only reported survivor died of tumor recurrence at 13 months. We are reporting a patient who has survived for 17 months without any sign of tumor recurrence. This probably represents the world's first cure for CC using this technique. This patient is a 26-year-old woman with a Bismuth Type IV CC. Portal vein involvement at the confluence was shown on angiogram, and in situ resection was deemed impossible. Ex vivo resection of segments five, six, seven, eight, and part of segment four was performed followed by a partial liver Atx. The pathology specimen demonstrated CC with clear margins. MRI and CT examinations done over the subsequent 17 months showed no evidence of recurrence. In conclusion ex vivo liver resection and Atx can be a viable option for cure among highly selected patients with CC.
Characterizing the Performance and Outcomes of Obesity Surgery in California
Authors: Liu Jerome H. , Zingmond David , Etzioni David A. , O'Connell Jessica B. , Maggard Melinda A. , Livingston Edward H. , Liu Carson D. , Ko Clifford Y.
Published: November 2022

Between 1991 and 2000, the prevalence of obesity increased 65 per cent. As a result, increasing research is being directed at gastric bypass (GB) surgery, an operation that appears to achieve long-term weight reduction. Despite the rapid proliferation of this surgery, the quality of care at a population level is largely unknown. This study examines longitudinal trends in quality and identifies significant predictors of adverse outcomes. Using the California inpatient discharge database, all GB operations from 1996 to 2000 were identified. Demographic, comorbidity, complication, and volume data were obtained. Complications were defined as life-threatening cardiac, respiratory, or medical (renal failure or shock) events. Comorbidity was graded on a modified Charlson score. Annual hospital volume was categorized into four groups: <50, 50–99, 100–199, and 200+ cases. Based on these data, we calculated longitudinal trends in complication rate and performed logistic regression to identify predictors of complications. A total of 16,232 patients were included. The average age was 41 years; 84 per cent were female, and 83.5 per cent were white. The complication rate was 10.4 per cent. Between 1996 and 2000, rates of cardiac and respiratory complications decreased while rates of medical complications remained unchanged. Complications were more likely in men [odd ratio (OR) = 1.69 compared to women] and in patients with comorbidities (OR = 1.60 for each additional comorbid disease). Furthermore, when examining the effect of volume, patients at very low (<50) and low (50–99) volume hospitals were much more likely to have complications (OR = 2.72 and 2.70, respectively) compared to patients at high-volume hospitals (200+), even after controlling for differences in case-mix. The quality of care for obesity surgery has improved between 1996 and 2000. Despite operating on patients with more comorbidity, rates of cardiac and respiratory complications have decreased. Furthermore, this study identifies three independent predictors of complications: gender, comorbidity, and hospital volume. These findings are important initial steps toward improving quality in obesity surgery.
Sweat Gland Carcinoma
Authors: Brichkov Igor , Daskalakis Theodoros , Rankin Linda , Divino Celia
Published: November 2022

Sweat gland carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor of the skin adnexa that can occur in a variety of locations. It is a slow-growing tumor that metastasizes early and often. The rarity of this tumor has led to a relative lack of adequate evidence with regard to treating this entity. Recent advances in immunohistochemical staining have better defined this tumor and have aided in diagnosing its subtypes though histologic grade and presence of regional lymph nodes at the time of diagnosis. These are the best indicators for prognosis and management currently available. Indications for sentinel node biopsy are currently not well defined. Because of the poor prognosis of high-grade sweat gland carcinoma, clinicians should be aware of this entity and be prepared to treat aggressively. Management of sweat gland carcinoma is difficult because extensive study into both surgical and nonsurgical treatment has not been done. We present a case of sweat gland carcinoma of the lower extremity and a review of the clinicopathologic literature of these rare neoplasms, including diagnosis and surgical management.
Antiperistaltic (Retrograde) Intussusception after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Authors: Goverman Jeremy , Greenwald Marc , Gellman Larry , Gadaleta Dominick
Published: November 2022

Adult intussusception has been described after various types of gastrointestinal surgery. In some instances there may be intussusception of the jejunum into the stomach via a gastrointestinal stoma, a rare complication known as jejunogastric intussusception (JGI). We present a retrospective review of two cases of retrograde intussusception occurring years after open Roux- en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for morbid obesity. To our knowledge there have been no documented reports of JGI occurring after RYGB and only scattered reports of JGI after Roux-en-Y reconstruction in general. Two reports of intussusception following RYGB were identified in the English literature and comprised three patients, only one of whom suffered a retrograde intussusception. As the number of RYGB procedures continues to rise, we will likely see more of this entity; and it is therefore crucial that surgeons consider acute and chronic intussusception as a cause of abdominal pain in patients who have undergone RYGB.
Peritoneal Cytology in Patients with Potentially Resectable Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
Authors: Meszoely Ingrid M. , Lee John S. , Watson James C. , Meyers Michael , Wang Hao , Hoffman John P.
Published: November 2022

The prognostic significance of malignant cells in the peritoneal washings of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains poorly defined. Prior reports suggest that positive peritoneal cytology (PPC) is associated with advanced disease and reduced survival. To determine the prognostic value of PPC in patients with pancreatic cancer, we retrospectively reviewed our database between July 1987 and September 2002 and identified 168 patients who had undergone exploration for potentially resectable pancreatic cancer with peritoneal washings performed at the time of exploration. One hundred thirty-five patients underwent resection; 33 were considered unresectable. PPC was reported for 27 patients (16.1%): 13 (9.6%) in the resected and 14 (42.4%) in the unresected group. Median time to macroscopically detected recurrence in the resected group was not significantly different in the PPC versus negative peritoneal cytology (NPC) patients (10 vs 12 months, P = 0.46). Median overall survival of patients with PPC versus NPC approached, but did not reach, significance (15 vs 19 months, P = 0.055). Peritoneal cytology status was not associated with administration of chemoradiation, margin status, antecedent fine-needle aspiration, stage, or site of recurrence. These data suggest that malignant cells in peritoneal washings of patients with potentially resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma should not preclude resection. Long-term survival may be achieved, therefore aggressive treatment should strongly be considered.