bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connectedness and spillover between African equity, commodity, foreign exchange and cryptocurrency markets during the COVID-19 and Russia-Ukraine conflict
Authors: Anyikwa Izunna , Phiri Andrew
Published: October 2023

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, financial and commodity markets have exhibited significant volatility and displayed fat tail properties, deviating from the normal probability curve. The recent Russia-Ukraine war has further disrupted these markets, attracting considerable attention from both researchers and practitioners due to the occurrence of consecutive black swan events within a short timeframe. In this study, we utilized the Quantile-VAR technique to examine the interconnectedness and spillover effects between African equity markets and international financial/commodity assets. Daily data spanning from January 3, 2020, to September 6, 2022, was analyzed to capture tail risks. Our main findings can be summarized as follows. Firstly, the level of connectedness in returns is more pronounced in the lower and upper tails compared to the median. Secondly, during times of crisis, African equity markets primarily serve as recipients of systemic shocks. Lastly, assets such as Silver, Gold, and Natural Gas exhibit greater resilience to systemic shocks, validating their suitability as hedging instruments for African equities, in contrast to cryptocurrencies and international exchange rates. These findings carry significant implications for policymakers and investors in Africa equities.
Effect of physicochemical parameters on the L-methioninase activity of Methylobacterium sp. and its in vitro anticancer activity in combination with tamoxifen citrate
Authors: Dayanand Kavya , Nadumane Varalakshmi Kilingar
Published: October 2023

Background

Methionine dependence is a metabolic abnormality observed exclusively in cancer cells. Methionine depletion using methioninase is therefore an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. The current study focuses on the purification of L-Methioninase from a bacterial isolate, Methylobacterium sp. JUBTK33, for its anticancer application in conjunction with Tamoxifen in MCF-7, HepG2, and HeLa cancer cell lines.

Results

L-methioninase was purified from Methylobacterium sp. JUBTK33 using a DEAE-Sephadex G-200 column, resulting in a 6.15-fold purification with a specific activity of 17.89 U/mg. At 40 °C and pH 8.5, the enzymatic biochemical characteristics demonstrated increased enzyme activity. Na+ ions (1 mM) significantly enhanced the enzyme’s activity, while Li+, Mn++, Ni++, Fe++, and K+ had little impact. The highest activity was observed at a 225 µM (2.5%) substrate concentration of methionine, with Vmax and Km values of 0.48 U/mL/min and 48.23 µM, respectively. The enzyme’s potential anticancer effect in combination with TAM was evaluated on HepG2, MCF-7, and HeLa cell lines. It was found to be highly effective on MCF-7 cell lines, with a combination of L-MET-TAM (5 and 10 µg/mL) resulting in 3.72% and 1.0% cell viabilities, and IC50 values of 9.701 µg/mL and 5.72 µg/mL, respectively. On the normal HEK-293 cell line, the combination of L-MET-TAM (10 µg/mL) demonstrated approximately an 18% protective effect compared to TAM alone.

Conclusion

The combination approach demonstrated remarkable success against cancer cells in vitro, highlighting the need for further investigations to develop it into an effective treatment strategy.
Management practices and technologies for efficient biological sample collection from domestic animals with special reference to Indian field conditions
Authors: Ragavan Gokula Kannan , Selvaraj Purushothaman , Murugesan Dharman , Krishnaswamy Gopalan Tirumurugaan , Chinnaiyan Soundararajan , Gopal Dhinakar Raj , Ramasamy Parthiban Aravindh Babu , Kumaragurubaran Karthik , Palavesam Azhahianambi
Published: October 2023

Management strategies and the use of advanced technologies are equally important for determining the sample number and sampling frame for successful field sampling for animal disease prevalence studies. The quality of the biological samples collected in the field has a direct bearing on the integrity of the data generated, prevalence estimates and subsequent policy decisions on disease control. Hence, compromising the quality of biological samples collected in the field could potentially undermine the priority setting principles in disease control strategies. Biological samples collected from domestic animals in the field are precious materials and require meticulous planning for sample collection, sample storage in the field, transportation, and storage in the laboratory. Poorly managed field sampling has a significant detrimental impact on the sample quality and quantity and directly affects the accuracy of disease prevalence data. A bad choice of sampling tools, containers, storage and transport all have a negative impact on the integrity of the sample and consequently have an impact on the outcome. Over the last two years, as part of our one health animal sampling work in India, we have observed challenges and opportunities in the field sampling of animals for disease prevalence studies. This paper aims to provide information on management practices and technologies for efficient biological sample collection from the field and ensure that good quality samples are available for testing.
Complications of unintentional dural puncture during labour epidural analgesia: a 10-year retrospective observational study
Authors: Poma S. , Bonomo M. C. , Gazzaniga G. , Pizzulli M. , De Silvestri A. , Baldi C. , Broglia F. , Ciceri M. , Fuardo M. , Morgante F. , Pellicori S. , Roldi E. M. , Delmonte M. P. , Mojoli F. , Locatelli A.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Unintentional dural puncture (UDP) occurs in 0.5–1.5% of labour epidural analgesia cases. To date, little is known about evidence of UDP-related complications. This work aimed to assess the incidence of intrapartum and postpartum complications in parturients who experienced UDP.

Methods

This is a 10-year retrospective observational study on parturients admitted to our centre who presented UDP. Data collection gathered UDP-related complications during labour and postpartum. All women who displayed UDP received medical therapy and bed rest. An epidural blood patch (EBP) was not used in this population. Once asymptomatic, patients were discharged from the hospital.

Results

Out of 7718 neuraxial analgesia cases, 97 cases of UDP occurred (1.25%). During labour, complications appeared in a small percentage of analgesia procedures performed, including total spinal anaesthesia (1.0%), extended motor block (3%), hypotension (4.1%), abnormal foetal heart rate (2%), inadequate analgesia (14.4%), and general anaesthesia following neuraxial anaesthesia failure (33.3% of emergency caesarean sections). During the postpartum period, 53.6% of parturients exhibited a postdural puncture headache, 13.4% showed neurological symptoms, and 14.4% required neurological consultation and neuroimaging. No patient developed subdural hematoma or cerebral venous sinus thrombosis; one woman presented posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome associated with eclampsia. Overall, 82.5% of women experienced an extension of hospital stay.

Conclusion

Major complications occurred in a small percentage of patients during labour. However, since they represent high-risk maternal and neonatal health events, a dedicated anaesthesiologist and a trained obstetric team are essential.

No major neurological complications were registered postpartum, and EBP was not performed. Nevertheless, all patients with UDP were carefully monitored and treated until complete recovery before discharge, leading to an extension of their hospitalization.
Single-Exon Deletions of ZNRF3 Exon 2 Cause Congenital Adrenal Hypoplasia
Authors: Amano Naoko , Narumi Satoshi , Aizu Katsuya , Miyazawa Mari , Okamura Kohji , Ohashi Hirofumi , Katsumata Noriyuki , Ishii Tomohiro , Hasegawa Tomonobu
Published: October 2023

Context

Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a life-threatening condition characterized by the inability of the adrenal cortex to produce sufficient steroid hormones. E3 ubiquitin protein ligase zinc and ring finger 3 (ZNRF3) is a negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. R-spondin 1 (RSPO1) enhances Wnt/β-catenin signaling via binding and removal of ZNRF3 from the cell surface.

Objective

This work aimed to explore a novel genetic form of PAI.

Methods

We analyzed 9 patients with childhood-onset PAI of biochemically and genetically unknown etiology using array comparative genomic hybridization. To examine the functionality of the identified single-exon deletions of ZNRF3 exon 2, we performed three-dimensional (3D) structure modeling and in vitro functional studies.

Results

We identified various-sized single-exon deletions encompassing ZNRF3 exon 2 in 3 patients who showed neonatal-onset adrenal hypoplasia with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiencies. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that the 3 distinct single-exon deletions were commonly transcribed into a 126-nucleotide deleted mRNA and translated into 42-amino acid deleted protein (ΔEx2-ZNRF3). Based on 3D structure modeling, we predicted that interaction between ZNRF3 and RSPO1 would be disturbed in ΔEx2-ZNRF3, suggesting loss of RSPO1-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Cell-based functional assays with the TCF-LEF reporter showed that RSPO1-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was attenuated in cells expressing ΔEx2-ZNRF3 as compared with those expressing wild-type ZNRF3.

Conclusion

We provided genetic evidence linking deletions encompassing ZNRF3 exon 2 and congenital adrenal hypoplasia, which might be related to constitutive inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by ΔEx2-ZNRF3.
Predictors of Cardiovascular Morbidities in Adults With 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Charoensri Suranut , Auchus Richard J
Published: October 2023

Context

The prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic complications among adults with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is unknown.

Objective

We sought to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic morbidities among adults with 21OHD and to identify clinical factors and biomarkers associated with cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods

A 10-year retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on adult patients with confirmed 21OHD, aged 18 to 70 years, who had at least one clinical visit for assessment at the University of Michigan. The presence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and other metabolic comorbidities was extracted from medical records based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Medical treatments, glucocorticoid (GC) and mineralocorticoid doses, as well as specific biomarkers of disease control since age 18, were collected for analysis.

Results

A total of 254 patients with 21OHD, median age of 35 years (interquartile range, 28.25-46 y), were included in the analysis. The prevalence of CVDs in the entire cohort was 7.5%. An increase in prevalence was seen from early adulthood, reaching 25% in patients older than 60 years. Increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09), hypertension (OR, 4.27; 95% CI, 1.41-12.92), and higher GC doses (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.11-2.06) were significantly associated with prevalent CVDs. Higher plasma renin activity was significantly associated with CVDs (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.15) but not other biochemical markers of disease.

Conclusion

Cardiometabolic morbidities are prevalent among adults with 21OHD. Hypertension, age, and GC exposure are the main predictive factors of established CVDs in our cohort.
A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Cardiovascular and Bone Health Care Utilization During Treatment With Thyroid Hormone
Authors: Penna Gustavo C , Bianco Antonio C , Ettleson Matthew D
Published: October 2023

Context

Combination therapy with levothyroxine and liothyronine (LT4 + LT3) and desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) make up >10% of new thyroid hormone (TH) prescriptions in the United States.

Objective

To assess health care utilization related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and bone health (BH) events (atrial fibrillation [AF], heart failure [HF], myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, and osteoporosis/fractures [FX]) in participants taking LT4+LT3 or DTE surveyed in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey database.

Materials and Methods

Multi-year cross-sectional analysis examining 5437 participants (≥18 years old) treated with LT4, LT4+LT3, or DTE between 2016 and 2020. Health care utilization was assessed through outpatient, emergency, and hospital visits for AF, HF, MI, stroke, FX, and a composite index. A weighted analysis provided national estimates of health care utilization parameters. Utilization was re-analyzed following propensity score–based matching to balance sociodemographic and clinical covariates between treatment groups. Additionally, provider type and specialty data were obtained from visits associated with TH prescriptions.

Results

5106 participants were treated with LT4 monotherapy, 252 with DTE, and 79 with LT4 + LT3. Prevalence of combined outpatient CVD and BH-related care utilization was lower among DTE/LT4+LT3 vs LT4 users (3.5% vs 7.7%; P = .008). There were no differences in emergency/hospital events. After covariate balancing, CVD and BH-related care utilization was similar between groups in outpatient and emergency/hospital settings. LT3 and DTE made up 7.6% of all TH prescriptions. For visits associated with DTE prescriptions, nurse practitioners and alternative medicine professionals were more likely to be identified as the primary provider type.

Conclusion

No significant differences in CVD- and BH-related health care utilization were identified between LT4 and DTE/LT4+LT3 users after covariate balancing. Non-MD providers were more likely to prescribe DTE.
Muscle Quality in Relation to Prediabetes Phenotypes: A Population-Based Study With Mediation Analysis
Authors: Qiu Shanhu , Cai Xue , Zhou Xiaoying , Xu Jinshui , Sun Zilin , Guo Haijian , Wu Tongzhi
Published: October 2023

Context

Prediabetes is associated with an increased risk of physical disability, yet no studies have assessed the extent to which muscle quality, a measure reflecting muscle functionality, was altered in prediabetes and its specific phenotype.

Objective

We evaluated their associations in a general US population with mediation analysis.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014. Participants with prediabetes were stratified as having an isolated defect (impaired fasting glucose [IFG], impaired glucose tolerance [IGT], or impaired hemoglobin A1c [IA1c]), 2 defects (IFG + IGT, IFG + IA1c, or IGT + IA1c), or all defects (IFG + IGT + IA1c). Muscle quality was calculated as dominant grip strength divided by dominant arm muscle mass measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

We included 2351 participants (938 with prediabetes and 1413 with normoglycemia). Despite higher grip strength and larger arm muscle mass, arm muscle quality was lower in prediabetes and all prediabetes phenotypes (except for IGT) than normoglycemia (all P < .04), and was unrelated to prediabetes awareness. Arm muscle quality was decreased and the odds of low arm muscle quality was increased in prediabetes with increasing numbers of glucometabolic defects (both P < .001), with insulin resistance being the predominant mediator. HbA1c-defined prediabetes (IA1c) had lower arm muscle quality and higher odds of low arm muscle quality than blood glucose–defined prediabetes (IFG, IGT, or IFG + IGT).

Conclusion

Muscle quality was impaired in prediabetes and its specific phenotype. Relative to blood glucose, elevated HbA1c might be a better predictor of reduced muscle quality.
In Situ Spatial Reconstruction of Distinct Normal and Pathological Cell Populations Within the Human Adrenal Gland
Authors: Fu Rui , Walters Kathryn , Kaufman Michael L , Koc Katrina , Baldwin Amber , Clay Michael R , Basham Kaitlin J , Kiseljak-Vassiliades Katja , Fishbein Lauren , Mukherjee Neelanjan
Published: October 2023

The human adrenal gland consists of concentrically organized, functionally distinct regions responsible for hormone production. Dysregulation of adrenocortical cell differentiation alters the proportion and organization of the functional zones of the adrenal cortex leading to disease. Current models of adrenocortical cell differentiation are based on mouse studies, but there are known organizational and functional differences between human and mouse adrenal glands. This study aimed to investigate the centripetal differentiation model in the human adrenal cortex and characterize aldosterone-producing micronodules (APMs) to better understand adrenal diseases such as primary aldosteronism. We applied spatially resolved in situ transcriptomics to human adrenal tissue sections from 2 individuals and identified distinct cell populations and their positional relationships. The results supported the centripetal differentiation model in humans, with cells progressing from the outer capsule to the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis. Additionally, we characterized 2 APMs in a 72-year-old woman. Comparison with earlier APM transcriptomes indicated a subset of core genes, but also heterogeneity between APMs. The findings contribute to our understanding of normal and pathological cellular differentiation in the human adrenal cortex.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Antithyroid Drug–Related Liver Injury
Authors: Khan Adeel Ahmad , Ata Fateen , Aziz Afia , Elamin Hana , Shahzad Aamir , Yousaf Zohaib , Donato Anthony
Published: October 2023

Context

Antithyroid drugs (ATDs) are the cornerstone of hyperthyroidism management. Hepatotoxicity due to ATDs can range from mild transaminase elevation to liver transplantation requirement and mortality.

Objective

The primary objective of the systematic review was to assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with drug induced liver injury (DILI) due to ATDs.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of PUBMED, SCOPUS, and EMBASE on characteristics and outcomes of adults (>18 years) with DILI due to ATDs. We defined DILI as bilirubin ≥2.5 mg/dL or international normalized ratio >1.5 with any rise in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aminotransferase (AST), or alkaline phosphatase (ALP), or an elevation of ALT or AST >5 times or ALP >2 times the upper limit of normal without jaundice/coagulopathy.

Results

The review included 100 articles describing 271 patients; 148 (70.8%) were female (N = 209). Mean age was 42.9 ± 17.2 years. Graves’ disease was the most common indication for ATDs. Carbimazole/methimazole (CBM/MMI) was the most common offending agent (55.7%). DILI pattern was hepatocellular in 41.8%, cholestatic in 41.3%, and mixed in 16.9%. Outcomes included death in 11.8%, liver transplantation in 6.4%, partial improvement in 2.2%, and complete resolution in 79.6% with a median time (IQR) to resolution of 45 (20-90) days. Patients in the propylthiouracil (PTU) group had higher initial bilirubin, initial AST, initial ALT, peak ALT, peak AST, severe and fatal DILI, liver transplantation, and mortality than CBM/MMI. Rechallenge of antithyroid medication was infrequently reported (n = 16) but was successful in 75%.

Conclusion

DILI due to ATDs can present with different patterns and should prompt immediate drug discontinuation. Referral to a hepatologist should be considered if severe as transplantation is sometimes required. PTU-induced DILI may have worse outcomes than CBM/MMI.
Digital Meters
Authors: McAlpine Heather
Published: October 2023

This article discusses best practices for teaching text encoding in undergraduate literary studies courses. It examines learning outcomes associated with text encoding and ways of incorporating encoding into the teaching of literary analysis, as well as advantages and challenges, concluding that encoding activities and assignments offer unique opportunities for learning.
Firearm-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries in Adults: A Scoping Review
Authors: Reyes Gabriel , Gadot Ron , Ouellette Lara , Nouri Shervin H. , Gopinath Shankar P. , Patel Akash J.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Firearm-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) has emerged as a significant public health issue in the United States, coinciding with a rapid increase in gun-related deaths. This scoping review aims to update our understanding of firearm-related TBI in adult populations.

METHODS:

A comprehensive search of 6 online databases yielded 22 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies predominantly focused on young adult men who were victims of assault, although other vulnerable populations were also affected.

RESULTS:

Key factors in evaluating patients with firearm-related TBI included low Glasgow Coma Scale scores, central nervous system involvement, hypotension, and coagulopathies at presentation. Poor outcomes in firearm-related TBIs were influenced by various factors, including the location and trajectory of the gunshot wound, hypercoagulability, hemodynamic instability, insurance status, and specific clinical findings at hospital admission.

CONCLUSION:

Proposed interventions aimed to reduce the incidence and mortality of penetrating TBIs, including medical interventions such as coagulopathy reversal and changes to prehospital stabilization procedures. However, further research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of these interventions. The findings of this scoping review hope to inform future policy research, advocacy efforts, and the training of neurosurgeons and other treating clinicians in the management of firearm-related TBI.
Impact on splicing inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeof random 50-base sequences inserted into an intron
Authors: Perchlik Molly , Sasse Alexander , Mostafavi Sara , Fields Stanley , Cuperus Josh T.
Published: October 2023

Intron splicing is a key regulatory step in gene expression in eukaryotes. Three sequence elements required for splicing—5′ and 3′ splice sites and a branchpoint—are especially well-characterized inSaccharomyces cerevisiae, but our understanding of additional intron features that impact splicing in this organism is incomplete, due largely to its small number of introns. To overcome this limitation, we constructed a library inS. cerevisiaeof random 50-nt (N50) elements individually inserted into the intron of a reporter gene and quantified canonical splicing and the use of cryptic splice sites by sequencing analysis. More than 70% of approximately 140,000 N50 elements reduced splicing by at least 20%. N50 features, including higher GC content, presence of GU repeats, and stronger predicted secondary structure of its pre-mRNA, correlated with reduced splicing efficiency. A likely basis for the reduced splicing of such a large proportion of variants is the formation of RNA structures that pair N50 bases—such as the GU repeats—with other bases specifically within the reporter pre-mRNA analyzed. However, multiple models were unable to explain more than a small fraction of the variance in splicing efficiency across the library, suggesting that complex nonlinear interactions in RNA structures are not accurately captured by RNA structure prediction methods. Our results imply that the specific context of a pre-mRNA may determine the bases allowable in an intron to prevent secondary structures that reduce splicing. This large data set can serve as a resource for further exploration of splicing mechanisms.
Οι εργάτες του τουρισμού
Authors: Φαγογένης Κωνσταντίνος
Published: October 2023

Η διατριβή θέτει ως γενικό της στόχο τη προσέγγιση του τουριστικού φαινόμενου μέσα από την οπτική των εργαζομένων στον τουρισμό, και πιο συγκεκριμένα μέσα από τη μελέτη της οργανωμένης συνδικαλιστικής δράσης των εργαζομένων στα ξενοδοχεία. Η μελέτη εστιάζει στη συνδικαλιστική δράση του Συνδέσμου Ξενοδοχοϋπαλλήλων Κέρκυρας και στις ιστορίες ζωής των ενεργών μελών του από το 1974 έως το 1990. Το πρώτο ερευνητικό ερώτημα που εξετάζεται αφορά τη διερεύνηση των συνδικαλιστικών ταυτοτήτων που παράχθηκαν και χαρακτήρισαν τον Σύνδεσμο Ξενοδοχοϋπαλλήλων Κέρκυρας σε κάθε μια από τις υποπεριόδους της μεταπολίτευσης: (α) κατά την περίοδο του εκδημοκρατισμού του Συνδέσμου Ξενοδοχοϋπαλλήλων Κέρκυρας (1974-1981) και β) κατά την περίοδο της θεσμοποίησης του σωματείου (1981-1990). Στη βάση της παραπάνω περιοδολόγησης επιχειρείται, μέσα από την αρχειακή έρευνα, να αποτυπωθούν οι μεταβολές ως προς το περιεχόμενο των συνδικαλιστικών αιτημάτων, τα ρεπερτόρια της δράσης καθώς και τη νοηματική πλαισίωση της συνδικαλιστικής δράσης, που χαρακτήριζαν την κάθε υποπερίοδο. Το δεύτερο ερευνητικό ερώτημα αφορά τους λόγους και τα κίνητρα της συνδικαλιστικής ενεργοποίησης και αδρανοποίησης των εργαζομένων στα ξενοδοχεία της Κέρκυρας, που παρατηρήθηκε κατά τη διάρκεια του εξεταζόμενου χρονικού διαστήματος. Μελετήθηκαν, συγκεκριμένα, 23 καταγεγραμμένες ιστορίες ζωής πρωταγωνιστών της συνδικαλιστικής δράσης, για να αποσαφηνιστούν οι διαδικασίες με τις οποίες οι εμπειρίες που εμπεριέχονταν στο βιογραφικό απόθεμα των υποκειμένων καθώς και οι εργασιακές τους εμπειρίες στις επιχειρήσεις του τουρισμού, εμπλαισιωμένες στο ιστορικό, κοινωνικό και πολιτικό συγκείμενο, αποτέλεσαν το ευνοϊκό υπόστρωμα για την ανάληψη οργανωμένης συνδικαλιστικής δράσης. Η συνδυαστική έρευνα στο αρχείο του σωματείου (και στις υπόλοιπες αρχειακές πηγές), παράλληλα με την αξιοποίηση των συνεντεύξεων και της βιογραφικής προσέγγισης, αφενός επέτρεψε την εξέταση του τουριστικού φαινομένου ως ενός πεδίου κοινωνικού ανταγωνισμού μεταξύ εργοδοσίας και οργανωμένης εργασίας για τη διεκδίκηση περισσότερων ωφελημάτων από την τουριστική ανάπτυξη. Με αυτό τον τρόπο, η διατριβή θέλησε να συνεισφέρει στην απομάγευση της εργασίας στον τουρισμό, που συχνά παρουσιάζεται ως ένας κλάδος εντός του οποίου οι σχέσεις εκμετάλλευσης είτε απουσιάζουν είτε είναι αόρατες. Αφετέρου, η διερεύνηση των συνδικαλιστικών αγώνων και των βιογραφικών διαδρομών των ενεργών μελών του ΣΞΚ, αποκάλυψε επιπλέον και όψεις της λειτουργίας του τουρισμού ως μηχανισμού παραγωγής κοινωνικής συναίνεσης στην ελληνική κοινωνία τη μεταπολιτευτική περίοδο.
Perspectives and factors associated with informal human milk sharing: a mixed-methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Vickers Niamh , Matthews Anne , Paul Gillian
Published: October 2023

Background The practice of informal human milk sharing is a relatively new phenomenon and poses significant questions in the domain of infant feeding. Informal human milk sharing is a means of donating human milk from another lactating individual who is not the child’s biological parent, in a casual manner, that is, without the involvement of health professionals or agencies. The advent of digital technology has facilitated the donation and receipt of human milk through digital online platforms and thus has amplified this modern practice. This research aims to comprehensively examine and synthesize evidence about the motivations, barriers, facilitators and experiences of individuals who both donate (donors) and the primary care givers of the infants who receive (recipients) human milk informally to provide to infants. Methods A mixed-methods systematic review will be undertaken. This review will consider qualitative, quantitative and primary mixed-methods studies which report on the factors associated with informal milk sharing, and on donors’ and recipients’ experiences of the practice. Primary mixed-method studies will be included if the individual qualitative and quantitative components can be extracted. Five databases will be searched for studies on informal human milk sharing published from inception of the database. Study quality will be evaluated using the standardized JBI critical appraisal tools, selected based on the methodology in each individual study. Data extraction will be conducted using the JBI mixed methods data extraction form followed by data transformation, synthesis and integration. This mixed-methods systematic review will follow a convergent integrated approach in accordance with JBI guidance. Discussion Informal human milk sharing is a novel practice in the domain of infant feeding. This review will enable a thorough understanding of this practice from both the donors and recipients’ perspective and will have implications for healthcare professionals, policy and future clinical decision-making. Protocol registration number PROSPERO CRD42023405653
The genome sequence of the Common Sycamore Aphid, Drepanosiphum platanoidis (Schrank, 1801)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , James Reuben ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Drepanosiphum platanoidis (the Common Sycamore Aphid; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hemiptera; Aphididae). The genome sequence is 284.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 15 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 19.45 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,286 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the Clouded-bordered Brindle, Apamea crenata (Hufnagel, 1766)
Authors: Broad Gavin R. , Sivess Laura , Fletcher Chris , Januszczak Inez , Holt Stephanie ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Apamea crenata (the Clouded-bordered Brindle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 580.4 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.25 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 18,427 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the August Thorn, Ennomos quercinarius (Hufnagel, 1767)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Phillips Dominic ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Ennomos quercinarius (the August Thorn; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence is 491.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.68 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 11,355 protein coding genes.
HIIU-SUUREMÕISA AND KOLGA. TWO MANOR ENSEMBLES OF THE DE LA GARDIE AND STENBOCK FAMILIES IN THE MIRROR OF THE 17TH–18TH CENTURY NOBLE CULTURE
Authors: Maiste Juhan
Published: October 2023

Kolga (Kolck) and Hiiu-Suuremõisa (Dagö-Grossenhof) are two ofthe most prominent manor ensembles in Estonia. Belonging to theDe la Gardie and Stenbock families, their architectural historieshave been thoroughly studied both in Sweden and Estonia. In the1930s, Professor Sten Karling compiled a survey of Jacob and MagnusGabriel De la Gardie’s projects for the castles of Haapsalu andKuressaare (Arensburg). Based on unpublished archival materials,the primary aim of this article is to introduce new data about theambitions and main trends of the Baltic high nobility in their farawayEstonian estates. The second and even more important task of theessay is to offer a new outlook on the building activities regardingthe Baltic villa rustica in its golden age within the Baltic aristocraticarchitecture. Beside the patrons of both manor ensembles – the Dela Gardies and Stenbocks, the author has studied multiple sources ofinternational and local architectural development in tandem with thearchival findings and comparative art-historical research, to shinea new light on the main trends of the Baltic cultural history of theEnlightenment period.
THE KOLGA MANOR ‘CHAPEL’ THAT ISN’T A CHAPEL
Authors: Hiiop Hilkka
Published: October 2023

In the Estonian context, Kolga is a truly a gigantic manor, which wasowned by the powerful noble families of De la Gardie and Stenbock.The focus of this article is the interior of the two-storey-high spacein the northern avant-corps of the Kolga manor house, called the‘chapel’, which has survived almost untouched. A brief survey isalso provided of the fragments of the finishing details that havebeen preserved in the other rooms of the manor house. The articleis based on research dealing with the building’s interior finishing(in 2014) and archaeology (in 2021), which has been conducted bythe Estonian Academy of Art, and on information obtained in thecourse of the on-going conservation.What has the recent research and ongoing conservation work addedto the interpretation of the interior in Kolga Manor’s northern avantcorps?As is known from previous studies, the northern avant-corpsroom’s décor probably dates back to the period of a Neoclassicalreconstruction in the early 19th century. Only the building sectionitself dates back to the earlier Baroque period, which also explainsthe existence of previous finishing layers under the current one. TheNeoclassical approach transformed it into a two-storey space andmasterfully added an illusory design. However, the room, which fora long time has been called the ‘(home) church’ or ‘chapel’, probablyhad a secular function and was used as a ballroom or music hall.
ROMANTICISM AND REMEMBERING
Authors: Bowdler Roger
Published: October 2023

This article looks at the celebrated poem Elegy in a CountryChurchyard (1751) by Thomas Gray, and links it to the place of itsinspiration, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire. The development ofEnglish churchyard memorials is considered, followed by a briefdiscussion of the Graveyard School of poetry, which consideredthemes of mortality and melancholy set in the context of burialgrounds. This formed a strand of proto-romanticism and wasinfluential across Europe. The poem is then analysed in terms of itsdiscussion of rural approaches to death and remembrance. A surveyof mid-18th century churchyard memorials at Stoke Poges is thenprovided, and their imagery discussed: most of these post-date thepublication of the poem. Thomas Gray died in 1771 and was buriedin the tomb of his mother and aunt. He subsequently received amemorial in Westminster Abbey. A later owner of Stoke Park, themanor house of the estate, John Penn, was eager to commemoratethe poet. He commissioned the celebrated architect James Wyatt todesign a memorial which would be visible from the main house.This was erected in 1799, and consisted of a sarcophagus raised on

a tall base, the sides of which were inscribed with extracts fromthe Elegy. This was a highly unusual form of parkland memorialcelebrating a poet and his best-known work, which has subsequentlybecome one of the best-known verses in the English language.There is irony in that the poem is a discussion of rural humilityand yet was celebrated through an imposing monument, raisedby an extremely wealthy owner as a feature in his private park.
Hide-and-Seek Game with Capacitated Locations and Imperfect Detection
Authors: Bahamondes Bastián , Dahan Mathieu
Published: October 2023

We consider a variant of the hide-and-seek game in which a seeker inspects multiple hiding locations to find multiple items hidden by a hider. Each hiding location has a maximum hiding capacity and a probability of detecting its hidden items when an inspection by the seeker takes place. The objective of the seeker (respectively, hider) is to minimize (respectively, maximize) the expected number of undetected items. This model is motivated by strategic inspection problems, where a security agency is tasked with coordinating multiple inspection resources to detect and seize illegal commodities hidden by a criminal organization. To solve this large-scale zero-sum game, we leverage its structure and show that its mixed-strategy Nash equilibria can be characterized using their unidimensional marginal distributions, which are pure equilibria of a lower dimensional continuous zero-sum game. This leads to a two-step approach for efficiently solving our hide-and-seek game: First, we analytically solve the continuous game and derive closed-form expressions of the equilibrium marginal distributions. Second, we design a combinatorial algorithm to coordinate the players’ resources and compute equilibrium mixed strategies that satisfy the marginal distributions. We show that this solution approach computes a Nash equilibrium of the hide-and-seek game in quadratic time with linear support. Our analysis reveals novel equilibrium behaviors driven by a complex interplay between the game parameters, captured by our closed-form solutions.

Funding: This work was supported by the Georgia Tech Stewart Fellowship and the Georgia Tech New Faculty Start Up Grant.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/deca.2023.0012 .
Assessing of exercise intensity for a rhythmik exercise program based on cardiopulmonary functions
Authors: Ryu Ha-Rin , Eum Hee-Jung , Kim Dae-Young
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the determination of exercise intensity for a rhythmik exercise program based on cardiopulmonary functions. Nine female participants in their 20s to 40s performed a rhythmik exercise program for 60 min per session, three sessions weekly, for 8 weeks. All participants underwent a grade exercise test to measure their minute ventilation (VE), oxygen uptake (VO2), maximal volume of minute oxygen consumption (VO2max), heart rate (HR), and oxygen pulse (O2 pulse) at the time of anaerobic threshold (AT) and maximal exercise time (ETmax). To determine the exercise intensity of the rhythmik exercise program, the Polar Heart Monitor was used for quantification, and the Borg Scale was used to measure the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). We did not observe any significant effects on the reaching time of AT, VE, VO2, VO2max, HR, and O2 pulse at either AT or ETmax. However, maximal value of VE (VEmax) was significantly enhanced at ETmax. The exercise intensity of the rhythmik exercise program was found to be low at 62.85% of HR-max with an RPE of 12.22. Our results suggest that the rhythmik exercise program did not directly improve cardiopulmonary functions; however, considering the unstructured nature of the rhythmik exercise program, anticipated positive effects on cardiopulmonary fitness are achievable through changes in the program contents and exercise time according to the goals of the participants.
A comparative study on the reliability and validity of body composition results by impedance method measurement device
Authors: Lee Jong-Baek , Sung Bong-Ju , Ko Byoung-Goo , Cho Eun-Hyung , Seo Tae-Beom
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze the reliability and validity of the body composition results for each impedance device and use them as primary data for body composition research. Total of 58 participants, including 24 men and 34 women, were recruited. The correlation was analyzed by measuring two repetitive measurements for each device. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) equipment was used as ref-erence equipment for body composition research. All data were ana-lyzed as IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 25.0, and the validity and reliability were estimated by calculating the timely correlation coefficient. As a result of the study, repeated measurements of the measuring instru-ment showed high reliability by gender and age, especially in the child age group, with relatively higher reliability than those in their 50s or old-er. In the validity analysis between DEXA, in the case of the male group, the validity of the fat mass amount was relatively higher than the body fat amount and body fat rate. In the case of the women’s group, the va-lidity of the body fat amount and body fat rate was relatively higher than that of the fat mass amount. The company B had the highest validity for body fat rate and body fat amount in both men and women. However, the validity for men’s fat mass amount was the lowest. In subsequent studies, it is believed that studies that have expanded the population further and studies targeting special groups such as athletes should be conducted.
A suspected case of serotonin syndrome induced by palonosetron and ramosetron administration
Authors: Lee Yo-Seob , Yi Jae-Woo
Published: October 2023

Serotonin syndrome occurs when serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) levels increase and is accompanied by symptoms of mental status chang-es, neuromuscular abnormalities, and autonomic hyperactivity. Sero-tonin receptor 3 antagonists, such as palonosetron or ramosetron, are commonly used for their antiemetic effects during general anesthesia. However, overdosage of these drugs carries a risk of serotonergic tox-icity as they increase serum serotonin levels due to inhibition of sero-tonin reuptake. Serotonin syndrome caused by 5-HT3 antagonists is thought to be caused by the synergistic effects of high doses of seroto-nergic drugs or the combination of two or more serotonergic drugs with different mechanisms of action. The incidence of serotonin syndrome is unknown because it is a rare condition that cannot be selected for in randomized clinical trials. Therefore, physicians must focus on the clini-cal manifestations of the syndrome and manage patients before the condition becomes life-threatening.
Exploring collaboration in the implementation of a national assessment strategy: perspectives of advanced practice educators
Authors: Macarthur Vicky , Clarkson Melanie
Published: October 2023

Background:

Despite an increasingly competitive market, collaboration on course design between higher education institutes (HEIs) is still relatively under-researched, particularly in the UK. With the implementation of advanced clinical practice apprenticeships, this study focused on a series of workshops facilitated by the Association of Advanced Practice Educators UK (AAPEUK). These workshops aimed to ensure that faculty staff of HEIs, who were intending to deliver the advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) apprenticeship end-point assessments (EPAs), were informed and provisions met the requirements of the EPA assessment plan.

Method:

This study used a mixed methodology to explore perceptions of the UK's collaborative community of practice, which has been developed in relation to a national assessment strategy, the ACP Apprenticeship EPA ( Institute for Apprentices and Technical Education 2018 ). The survey used open and closed questions, and data and results were analysed separately. The participants of this study were all members of the End Point Assessment Organisation Network (EPAO).

Results:

The study collected both quantitative and qualitative data from 16 participants to understand their experiences in the EPAO Network. The thematic analysis of the data resulted in three key themes: collaboration, support, and quality and consistency.

Discussion:

The respondents found creating an environment where sharing experiences in an honest, open and generous group, and supporting each other, were valued. Such measures drove professional growth and empowered educators in the implementation of the ACP EPA.

Conclusion:

The study's findings demonstrated the benefits of learning communities working as a community of practice, and the positive impact that collaboration had on individuals and faculties in higher education settings.
Taking the lead: the leadership pillar in action
Authors: Mellors Emma
Published: October 2023

While leadership is a core pillar of advanced practice, it can be difficult for clinicians to identify in their own practice. In health and social care, the challenge is for practitioners to translate this pillar into practice and unlock their full potential as leaders. For leadership to flourish in advanced practice, it is essential to increase its recognition from the perspective of the individual and throughout an organisation. This article aims to challenge conventional notions of leadership by exploring the who, what and why in ‘taking the lead’, and offering a practical perspective for individual application. It recognises the unique challenges faced in health and social care settings, and emphasises the importance of candour and open dialogue as a means to embody leadership. Clinicians are encouraged to identify and cultivate their leadership skills through introspection and practical implementation. Advanced practice, synonymous with change, provides a network of emerging leaders capable of driving change through diverse and innovative approaches. Embracing the opportunities of advanced practice requires a movement to challenge traditional leadership paradigms, necessitating vision and compassion.
Embedding principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity within a multidisciplinary non-medical prescribing education programme
Authors: Churchouse Wendy , Esney Louise , Griffiths Beth , Sewell Peter , Rees Joanna
Published: October 2023

Non-medical prescribing is a key component of advanced practice. In the UK, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Competency Framework (2021) for prescribers and professional regulators stipulates that all consultations and prescribing must respect and comply with legislation in regards equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Evidence indicates that discrimination and unconscious bias is present in health care, with a range of sub-groups experiencing intersectionality and stigma. While EDI was fully embedded in the authors' university's non-medical prescribing programme, informal learner feedback indicated that the EDI content could be expanded further. Therefore, the academic team worked in collaboration with the learners to explore their educational needs and quantify their confidence and knowledge of EDI in clinical practice. The authors identified two key findings. First, that learners, at the start of their non-medical prescribing programme, had disproportionally high levels of ‘perceived’ knowledge and confidence of EDI compared to learners at the end of their programme. This could be related to the ‘Dunning-Kruger effect’ and limited understanding of the complexities associated with intersectionality and unconscious bias. Second, changing the EDI content of the curriculum generated positive learner feedback and evaluations. By sharing their experiences the authors aim to inspire other education providers to critically review their curriculum to ensure that EDI principles are fully embedded and transparent. They also aim to assert that it is the professional responsibility of every practitioner and health and social care worker to improve EDI across health care.
UK advanced practice educator networks
Authors: Jones Anna , Haigh Kathy , MacLaine Katrina , Henderson Colette , Thomas Jonathan
Published: October 2023

Over the past three decades, several advance practice networks have developed across the UK. This article examines three of the largest, from their inception to contemporary forms, and highlights the differences between each.