bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour of adolescents and their parents: a specific analysis by sex and socioeconomic status
Authors: Mesquita Eduardo Duarte de Lima , Tebar William Rodrigues , Correia Dayane Cristina Queiroz , Guica Juziane Teixeira , Torres Wésley , Fernandes Rômulo Araújo , Agostinete Ricardo Ribeiro , Christofaro Diego Giulliano Destro
Published: October 2023

Background

The association of lifestyle habits of parents and of their children has been widely investigated as an important determinant for healthy habits in youth. Although parental sociodemographic characteristics are potential confounding factors in parent-child physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB), it is still unclear whether these factors have a moderating role in this association. This study aimed to analyze the association of parent-child PA and SB according to parental sex and economic level in adolescents.

Methods

The study sample was made up of 1231 adolescents (15.6 ± 1.1 years, 58.2% of girls), 1202 mothers and 871 fathers. The leisure-time and commuting PA was assessed by the Baecke questionnaire, while sedentary behaviour (SB) was assessed according to hours per week of television viewing and computer use, by both adolescents and their parents. Economic status was analyzed using a questionnaire and classified as low, medium, and high. Linear models were used to assess the association of parent-child PA and SB in the different domains according to parental sex and economic level.

Results

Leisure time was associated between boys and their fathers in high (β = 0.23, p = 0.044) and low economic classes (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), and girls and their mothers in low economic class (β = 0.38, p < 0.001). Commuting PA was associated between adolescents and both parents in low economic class (fathers β = 0.21, p = 0.005; mothers (β = 0.15, p = 0.020). TV time of boys was associated with TV time of fathers in low economic class (β = 0.13, p = 0.022) and with TV time of mothers in medium economic class (β = 0.13, p = 0.046). Among girls, TV time was associated with TV time of both parents only in low economic class (fathers β = 0.28, p < 0.001; mothers β = 0.25, p < 0.001). Computer use of girls was associated with computer use of fathers in high economic class (β = 1.72, p = 0.043) and mothers in low economic class (β = 0.57, p = 0.014), while no association was observed among boys.

Conclusion

Economic status was shown to be an important moderator of the association between parent-child PA and SB in adolescents.
Peer reviewers' willingness to review, their recommendations and quality of reviews after the Finnish Medical Journal switched from single-blind to double-blind peer review
Authors: Parmanne Piitu , Laajava Joonas , Järvinen Noora , Harju Terttu , Marttunen Mauri , Saloheimo Pertti
Published: October 2023

Background

There is a power imbalance between authors and reviewers in single-blind peer review. We explored how switching from single-blind to double-blind peer review affected 1) the willingness of experts to review, 2) their publication recommendations, and 3) the quality of review reports.

Methods

The Finnish Medical Journal switched from single-blind to double-blind peer review in September 2017. The proportion of review invitations that resulted in a received review report was counted. The reviewers’ recommendations of “accept as is”, “minor revision”, “major revision” or “reject” were explored. The content of the reviews was assessed by two experienced reviewers using the Review Quality Instrument modified to apply to both original research and review manuscripts. The study material comprised reviews submitted from September 2017 to February 2018. The controls were the reviews submitted between September 2015 and February 2016 and between September 2016 and February 2017. The reviewers’ recommendations and the scorings of quality assessments were tested with the Chi square test, and the means of quality assessments with the independent-samples t test.

Results

A total of 118 double-blind first-round reviews of 59 manuscripts were compared with 232 single-blind first-round reviews of 116 manuscripts. The proportion of successful review invitations when reviewing single-blinded was 67%, and when reviewing double-blinded, 66%. When reviewing double-blinded, the reviewers recommended accept as is or minor revision less often than during the control period (59% vs. 73%), and major revision or rejection more often (41% vs 27%, P = 0.010). For the quality assessment, 116 reviews from the double-blind period were compared with 104 reviews conducted between September 2016 and February 2017. On a 1–5 scale (1 poor, 5 excellent), double-blind reviews received higher overall proportion of ratings of 4 and 5 than single-blind reviews (56% vs. 49%, P < 0.001). Means for the overall quality of double-blind reviews were 3.38 (IQR, 3.33–3.44) vs. 3.22 (3.17–3.28; P < 0.001) for single-blind reviews.

Conclusions

The quality of the reviews conducted double-blind was better than of those conducted single-blind. Switching to double-blind review did not alter the reviewers’ willingness to review. The reviewers became slightly more critical.
Functional network connectivity patterns predicting the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Chen Haifeng , Li Mengyun , Qin Zhiming , Yang Zhiyuan , Lv Tingyu , Yao Weina , Hu Zheqi , Qin Ruomeng , Zhao Hui , Bai Feng
Published: October 2023

Background

Neuro-navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is potentially effective in enhancing cognitive performance in the spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We explored the effect of rTMS-induced network reorganization and its predictive value for individual treatment response.

Methods

Sixty-two amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and AD patients were recruited. These subjects were assigned to multimodal magnetic resonance imaging scanning before and after a 4-week stimulation. Then, we investigated the neural mechanism underlying rTMS treatment based on static functional network connectivity (sFNC) and dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) analyses. Finally, the support vector regression was used to predict the individual rTMS treatment response through these functional features at baseline.

Results

We found that rTMS at the left angular gyrus significantly induced cognitive improvement in multiple cognitive domains. Participants after rTMS treatment exhibited significantly the increased sFNC between the right frontoparietal network (rFPN) and left frontoparietal network (lFPN) and decreased sFNC between posterior visual network and medial visual network. We revealed remarkable dFNC characteristics of brain connectivity, which was increased mainly in higher-order cognitive networks and decreased in primary networks or between primary networks and higher-order cognitive networks. dFNC characteristics in state 1 and state 4 could further predict individual higher memory improvement after rTMS treatment (state 1, R = 0.58; state 4, R = 0.54).

Conclusion

Our findings highlight that neuro-navigated rTMS could suppress primary network connections to compensate for higher-order cognitive networks. Crucially, dynamic regulation of brain networks at baseline may serve as an individualized predictor of rTMS treatment response.

Relevance statement

Dynamic reorganization of brain networks could predict the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease.

Key points

• rTMS at the left angular gyrus could induce cognitive improvement.

• rTMS could suppress primary network connections to compensate for higher-order networks.

• Dynamic reorganization of brain networks could predict individual treatment response to rTMS.

Graphical Abstract
Serological evidence for potential yellow fever virus infection in non-human primates, southeastern Mexico
Authors: Salas-Rojas Mónica , de Oliveira-Filho Edmilson Ferreira , Almazán-Marín Cenia , Rodas-Martínez Alba Zulema , Aguilar-Setién Álvaro , Drexler Jan Felix
Published: October 2023

Background

Arthropod-borne flaviviruses like dengue virus (DENV) and yellow fever virus (YFV) are major human pathogens. In Latin America, YFV is maintained in sylvatic cycles involving non-human primates (NHP) and forest-dwelling mosquitos. YFV supposedly does not circulate north of Panama.

Methods

We conducted a serologic study for flaviviruses and other emerging viruses in NHP from southeastern Mexico. A total of thirty sera of black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi, n = 25), black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra, n = 3), and mantled howler monkeys (Al. palliata, n = 2) sampled in 2012 and 2018 were screened by an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to detected IgG antibodies against DENV, YFV, Zika virus (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), Rift Valley fever virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and Zaire Ebola virus, and confirmed by plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT90) representing all mosquito-borne flavivirus serocomplexes circulating in the Americas.

Results

A total of 16 sera (53.3%; 95% CI, 34.3–71.7) showed IFA reactivity to at least one tested flavivirus with end-point titers ranging from 1:100 to 1:1000. No serum reacted with other viruses. Monotypic and high mean PRNT90 endpoint YFV titers of 1:246 were found in 3 black-handed spider monkey sera (10.0%; 95% CI, 2.1–26.5) sampled in 2018 in Tabasco, compared to all other flaviviruses tested. Monotypic endpoint PRNT90 titers of 1:28 for Ilheus virus and 1:22 for WNV in serum of black howler monkeys sampled in 2018 in Tabasco suggested additional flavivirus exposure.

Conclusions

Our findings may suggest unnoticed YFV circulation. Intensification of YFV surveillance in NHP and vectors is warranted in Mexico and potentially other areas considered free of yellow fever.
Regular medical checkup program (in K-MEDI hub) to enhance the welfare of laboratory dogs and pigs
Authors: Lee Gwang-Hoon , Jo Woori , Park Joon-Suk , Kang Tae-Ku , Sung Soo-Eun , Oh Taeho , Kim KilSoo
Published: October 2023

Background

The importance of animal welfare is being recognized worldwide. Recently, the increasing demand for enhanced laboratory animal welfare has led to clinically featured transformations of animal research institutes. This study aims to describe the process and findings of veterinary medical check-ups and its influence on laboratory dogs and pigs welfare. Regular medical checkups were conducted by the attending veterinarian twice a year to ensure the health and welfare of dogs and pigs in our animal research institute. Based on the findings from the medical checkup, we assessed the current health of dogs and pigs,providing reasonable treatments to prevent the risk of complications.

Results

Blood tests and physical examinations revealed clinically relevant findings. Some of these findings were due to insufficient postoperative care after invasive surgical experiments and the remaining were predictable side effects after surgical experiments. However, one finding involved severe gum bleeding due to retained deciduous teeth. This animal was euthanized because it was judged to reach the humane endpoint. Majority of the dogs and pigs at our animal research institute were considered to be healthy, based on the comprehensive results of the medical checkups.

Conclusions

Regular medical checkups by the attending veterinarian established enhanced animal welfare, ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of animal studies. This pioneering veterinary animal care program can serve as a potential advanced guideline for animal research institutes to improve dogs and pigs welfare.
Method operable design region for robust RP-HPLC analysis of pioglitazone hydrochloride and teneligliptin hydrobromide hydrate: incorporating hybrid principles of white analytical chemistry and design of experiments
Authors: Prajapati Pintu , Rana Bageshree , Pulusu Veera Shakar , Shah Shailesh
Published: October 2023

Background

A combination of pioglitazone hydrochloride with teneligliptin hydrobromide hydrate is used to treat type-2 diabetes. Several chromatographic techniques have been described in the literature for determination of each of these medications separately. But these procedures used organic solvents that could be dangerous for humans and animals, not to mention harmful to the environment. It is vital to substitute or reduce the use of these neurotoxic and teratogenic solvents in the chromatographic analysis of these anti-diabetic medications to ensure the safety of life and safeguard the environment. The chromatographic technique used for sample analysis should have characteristics like robustness, eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendliness following the recently developed idea of white analytical chemistry. Teneligliptin and pioglitazone have not yet been simultaneously estimated using a chromatographic method that has been documented in the literature.

Methods

A white analytical chemistry-assisted RP-HPLC method has been developed to fill this gap, using economical and eco-friendly solvents. The design of the experiment approach was used during the development of the RP-HPLC method to reduce organic waste and guarantee that the procedure complied with all applicable regulations. Response surface models were built using the full factorial design approach, and the analytical design space was investigated. This method allowed for the identification of an optimal chromatographic condition within the method's operational design region, allowing reliable RP-HPLC analysis of pioglitazone and teneligliptin.

Results

The developed RP-HPLC technique underwent validation and was used effectively to assess these drugs in their fixed-dose combinations. Assessments were made of the suggested and published RP-HPLC techniques' validation status, process greenness, cost, and analysis time. For a thorough examination, this review included white analytical chemistry-based RGB models and different green analytical chemistry-based tools.

Conclusion

In allowing the simultaneous estimate of teneligliptin and pioglitazone, the devised approach demonstrated robustness, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness.
Spectral analysis of bipolaron dynamics in nondegenerate conjugated polymers
Authors: Sun S. T.
Published: October 2023

Spectral characteristics of the bipolaron dynamics in nondegenerate polymers have been investigated based on the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model, by using nonadiabatic molecular dynamics and power-spectrum density methods. The results show that the fundamental frequencies of bond-current density are proportional to the saturation velocities of the bipolaron. Further, the dependence of the fundamental frequencies of bond-current density on electric field and temperature can be divided into two cases. For the case of the field higher than a critical value, the thermal effects enhance the fundamental frequency of bond-current density, whereas at field lower than the threshold, the fundamental frequency is inhibited by thermal effects. It reflects the competition between electric field and temperature in bipolaron dynamics. Moreover, in the spectrum of optic mode, the weight of characteristic peak corresponding to breather first rapidly increases and then increases slowly with increasing electric field, which corresponds to the variation of the bipolaron velocity.
Identification and verification of communicating accessory bile duct associated with a biliary circuit by modified and dynamic intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Chikamori Fumio , Yamada Ryo , Ueta Koji , Uemura Sunao , Onishi Kazuhisa , Yoshida Mitsuteru , Tanida Nobuyuki , Yamai Hiromichi , Matsuoka Hisashi , Hokimoto Norihiro , Iwabu Jun , Mizobuchi Kai , Marui Akira , Sharma Niranjan
Published: October 2023

Communicating accessory bile duct (CABD) is a rare anatomical anomaly of the bile duct and forms a biliary circuit. It is difficult to identify during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) without the use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). A modified IOC, in which tube insertion was performed through the infundibulum of the gallbladder, was evaluated dynamically. This procedure allowed us to accurately identify and verify the presence of CABD, a biliary circuit, and the short cystic duct. The short cystic duct could be separated safely without damaging the biliary circuit. Modified and dynamic IOC is recommended for identifying and verifying the presence of CABD during LC.
Magnetic resonance imaging burn injury from metal eyelets on patient’s clothing
Authors: Prescott Sarah , Jarvest Bruce , Poole Harry
Published: October 2023

This case report describes an incident which occurred following a cardiac MRI scan. The patient was permitted to wear their own jogging bottoms for the scan, which had two metal eyelets on them. The day after the MRI examination the patient called the MRI department to inform them that there was a lesion on their abdomen. The patient was assessed and this was diagnosed as a partial thickness burn. This case report describes the lessons learnt from this incident.

1
Three-dimensional clinical assessment for MRONJ risk in oncologic patients following tooth extractions
Authors: Moreno Rabie Catalina , Cavalcante Fontenele Rocharles , Oliveira Santos Nicolly , Nogueira Reis Fernanda , Van den Wyngaert Tim , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To identify clinical and local radiographic predictors for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) by the assessment of pre-operative CBCT images of oncologic patients treated with anti-resorptive drugs (ARDs) undergoing tooth extractions.

Methods

This retrospective, longitudinal, case–control study included clinical and imaging data of 97 patients, divided into study and control group. Patients in the study group (n = 47; 87 tooth extractions) had received at least one dose of ARD, undergone tooth extraction(s), and had a pre-operative CBCT. An age-, gender-, and tooth extraction-matched control group (n = 50; 106 tooth extractions) was selected. Three calibrated, blinded, and independent examiners evaluated each tooth extraction site. Statistical analysis used χ2/Fisher’s exact/Mann–Whitney U test to contrast control and study group, ARD type used, and sites with or without MRONJ development. p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

From the study group, 15 patients (32%) and 33 sites (38%) developed MRONJ after tooth extraction. When controls were compared to study sites, the latter showed significantly more thickening of the lamina dura, widened periodontal ligament space, osteosclerosis, osteolysis, and sequestrum formation. In the study group, MRONJ risk significantly increased in patients who had multiple tooth extractions, were smokers, and had shorter drug holidays. Periosteal reaction and sequestrum formation may indicate latent MRONJ lesions. Additionally, patients given bisphosphonates showed considerably more osteosclerosis than those given denosumab.

Conclusions

Periosteal reaction and sequestrum formation are suspected to be pre-clinical MRONJ lesions. Furthermore, ARD induced bony changes and radiographic variations between ARD types were seen.
Αυτοματοποίηση σύνθεσης ηλεκτρονικών ναυτιλιακών χαρτών από ανοιχτά υδροχωρικά δεδομένα
Authors: Κονταρίνης Στυλιανός
Published: October 2023

Οι επίσημοι ηλεκτρονικοί ναυτιλιακοί χάρτες (electronic navigational charts - ENC) είναι εξειδικευμένα γεωχωρικά οπτικοποιημένα σύνολα δεδομένων, που εκδίδονται από τις υδρογραφικές υπηρεσίες των κρατών μελών του Διεθνούς Υδρογραφικού Οργανισμού (International Hydrographic Organization - ΙΗΟ). Τα σύνολα δεδομένων περιλαμβάνουν κωδικοποιημένες πληροφορίες που συλλέγονται από υδρογραφικές έρευνες, και στοχεύουν κυρίως στην ασφάλεια της ναυσιπλοΐας. Οι περισσότεροι ηλεκτρονικοί ναυτιλιακοί χάρτες δεν είναι διαθέσιμα δημόσια, και μπορούν να αποκτηθούν κρυπτογραφημένα μέσω ενός κεντρικού δικτύου διανομής, το οποίο συντονίζεται από δύο οργανισμούς που λειτουργούν για λογαριασμό των κρατών μελών του IHO που τα παράγουν. H διατριβή περιγράφει μια μεθοδολογία και ένα ολοκληρωμένο σύστημα που αναπτύχθηκε στο Εργαστήριο Χαρτογραφίας του Εθνικού Μετσόβιου Πολυτεχνείου για τη δημιουργία ναυτιλιακών χαρτών με χρήση ανοιχτών δεδομένων και ελεύθερου λογισμικού. Το σύστημα συντάσσει ναυτιλιακούς χάρτες συμβατούς με το πιο πρόσφατο πρότυπο S-101 του IHO, χρησιμοποιώντας ανοιχτά υδροχωρικά δεδομένα που ανακτώνται από υποδομές θαλάσσιων χωρικών δεδομένων (MSDI) και άλλες αξιόπιστες πηγές εθελοντικών γεωγραφικών πληροφοριών (VGI). Για τη δημιουργία των στοιχείων του συστήματος, χρησιμοποιούνται ανοιχτές γεωχωρικές βιβλιοθήκες σε συνδυασμό με τεχνολογίες διανυσματικών πλακιδίων και έχουν αναπτυχθεί προγράμματα λογισμικού για τη σύνθεση των χαρτών. Η μελέτη συζητά επίσης πώς το σύστημα μπορεί να βελτιωθεί περαιτέρω αξιοποιώντας γεωχωρικές υπηρεσίες νέφους και τεχνητή νοημοσύνη για πλήρη αυτοματισμό των διεργασιών και δορυφορική βαθυμετρία για ακριβή απεικόνιση της τοπογραφίας του βυθού της θάλασσας σε περιοχές χαμηλού βάθους.
Η ελληνική μελισσοκομία στη διαχρονία
Authors: Μαυροφρύδης Γεώργιος
Published: October 2023

Η μελισσοκομία εμφανίστηκε στον ελλαδικό χώρο κατά την Εποχή του Χαλκού, το αργότερο στα μέσα της 2ης χιλιετίας π.Χ.. Έως τώρα, ωστόσο, δεν έχουν επιβεβαιωθεί οι χρησιμοποιούμενοι από τους προϊστορικούς μελισσοκόμους τύποι κυψελών. Κατά την κλασική αρχαιότητα ήσαν σε χρήση τρεις επιβεβαιωμένοι τύποι πήλινων κυψελών, οι δύο εκ των οποίων ήσαν άγνωστοι σε άλλες περιοχές της Μεσογείου. Ο τρόπος λειτουργίας των κυψελών αυτών εξακριβώθηκε δια της πειραματικής άσκησης μελισσοκομίας με αντίγραφα των κυψελών της αρχαιότητας. Απεδείχθη ότι ο κάθετος ανάστομος τύπος αρχαίας κυψέλης λειτουργούσε με τη μέθοδο των κινητών κηρηθρών, η οποία εφαρμοζόταν στη νότια Ελλάδα έως πριν κάποιες δεκαετίες. Στο πλαίσιο αυτής της διατριβής κατέστη επίσης σαφής ο τρόπος λειτουργίας του οριζόντιου μονόστομου τύπου στον οποίον τοποθετούνταν μικρά προεκτάματα. Κατά την πρώιμη και μέση βυζαντινή περίοδο συνεχίστηκε, βάσει των αρχαιολογικών τεκμηρίων, η άσκηση μελισσοκομίας με τους οριζόντιους τύπους πήλινων κυψελών που ήσαν γνωστοί από την αρχαιότητα. Μικρογραφίες που απαντούν σε χειρόγραφα και μερικές πληροφορίες της βυζαντινής γραμματείας βοηθούν στην κατανόηση της βυζαντινής μελισσοκομίας και των εφαρμοζόμενων μεθόδων για κυψέλες από διαφορετικά υλικά κατασκευής και όχι μόνο για τις πήλινες που φέρνει στο φως η αρχαιολογική σκαπάνη. Για τη μεταβυζαντινή εποχή, δύο έργα Ελλήνων μελισσοκόμων που συγγράφηκαν σε ξένη γλώσσα και οι ταξιδιωτικές εντυπώσεις ξένων περιηγητών που επισκέφθηκαν την Ελλάδα τον 17ο και τον 18ο αιώνα, βοηθούν ώστε να αποσαφηνιστεί η μελισσοκομία της περιόδου σε ορισμένες περιοχές, όπως στην κεντρική Κρήτη, τη Σύρο και την Αττική. Όσον αφορά στη μελισσοκομία που μετέρχονταν οι Έλληνες κατά τους δύο τελευταίους αιώνες συγκεντρώθηκαν όλες οι σχετικές πληροφορίες, δημοσιευμένες και αδημοσίευτες, ώστε να δημιουργηθεί μια πλήρης εικόνα της και να είναι εφικτές συγκρίσεις στον χώρο και, σε αρκετές περιπτώσεις, στον χρόνο. Από αυτές προκύπτει η ύπαρξη συνέχειας στην άσκηση της μελισσοκομίας από την αρχαιότητα έως των 20ό αιώνα σε περιοχές της νότιας Ελλάδας και η ριζική διαφοροποίηση από τη μελισσοκομία της αρχαιότητας για τη μελισσοκομία της κεντρικής και βόρειας χώρας, καθώς και ορισμένων νησιών του βορείου Αιγαίου και του Ιονίου.
Ανθεκτικότητα και αναπτυξιακός σχεδιασμός
Authors: Πρέπη Άλκηστις
Published: October 2023

Η έννοια της ανθεκτικότητας τα τελευταία χρόνια εμφανίζεται όλο και συχνότερα ως η ιδανική απάντηση σε κάθε είδους επικείμενες απειλές και καταστροφές. Όπως όμως υποστηρίζει η παρούσα διατριβή, με την έννοια που έχει σήμερα στον κυρίαρχο λόγο, η ανθεκτικότητα δεν αποτελεί μια αναγκαιότητα με τεχνικούς όρους, όπως κυρίαρχα παρουσιάζεται, αλλά μια ιδεολογική κατασκευή και το πιο αποτελεσματικό πολιτικό εργαλείο για την εμπέδωση της νεοφιλελεύθερης πολιτικο-οικονομικής πρότασης. Τι είναι, τι θέλει και τι σημαίνει τελικά η ανθεκτικότητα; Πώς και γιατί η έννοια αυτή αναδύθηκε ως το κυρίαρχο νεοφιλελεύθερο εργαλείο διαχείρισης κινδύνων, για να εξελιχθεί σε κεντρικό διακύβευμα της σύγχρονης αναπτυξιακής πολιτικής; Πώς ορίζει τα προβλήματα και τις λύσεις τους σε επίπεδο χωρικής πολιτικής (συγκεκριμένα, στοχεύοντας στην “ανθεκτική” πόλη); Πώς αποτιμάται σήμερα η ανθεκτικότητα ως εφαρμοσμένη πολιτική; Και, εν τέλει, τι είδους κοινωνικό υποκείμενο στοχεύει να διαμορφώσει; Η απάντηση των ερωτημάτων αυτών απαιτεί μία ουσιαστική αποτίμηση των πολιτικών ανθεκτικότητας, για την οποία όμως είναι αναγκαία η θεωρητική πραγμάτευση και κριτική κατανόηση της ανθεκτικότητας ως σχολής σκέψης και ως μοντέλου ανάπτυξης που καταφάσκει στην νεοφιλελεύθερη αντίληψη για τον κοινωνικό μετασχηματισμό. Αρχικά αναδεικνύονται οι θεωρητικές καταβολές των εννοιών που νοηματοδοτούν την ανθεκτικότητα —όπως προσαρμογή, σύστημα, λειτουργία, δομή, (ασταθής) ισορροπία— στοχεύοντας στη θεωρητική ανασύσταση της λογικής της ανθεκτικότητας ως τρόπου σκέψης και ανάλυσης του κοινωνικού γίγνεσθαι. Στην αναζήτηση της γενεαλογίας αυτής εξετάζονται τα ιστορικά ορόσημα και τις συγκεκριμένες ιστορικές και ιδεολογικο-πολιτικές συνθήκες μέσα από τις οποίες διαμορφώνονται τα κεντρικά θεωρητικά εργαλεία που καταλήγουν στην έννοια της ανθεκτικότητας, αλλά και αναδεικνύονται οι καταβολές και οι συγγένειές της με συγκεκριμένα ιδεολογικά ρεύματα. Στη συνέχεια, επιχειρείται η σύνδεση του θεωρητικού υπόβαθρου που διαμορφώνει το πλαίσιο σκέψης της ανθεκτικότητας με τα υλικά αποτελέσματα των ακολουθούμενων πολιτικών που αυτή υπαγορεύει, ιδιαίτερα στο κατεξοχήν πεδίο μέχρι τώρα εφαρμογής τους, τις πόλεις. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό αναδεικνύονται όψεις της συζήτησης γύρω από ορισμένες από τις πιο σημαντικές προκλήσεις της εποχής μας (περιβαλλοντικές καταστροφές, μετανάστευση, ασφάλεια, κ.ά,) μέσα από τρεις μελέτες περίπτωσης, και συγκεκριμένα, τις στρατηγικές ανθεκτικότητας που καταρτίστηκαν για τη Νέα Ορλεάνη, την Αθήνα και τη Ραμάλλα στο πλαίσιο του προγράμματος “100 Ανθεκτικές Πόλεις”, το οποίο χρηματοδοτήθηκε και συντονίστηκε από το Ίδρυμα Ροκφέλερ. Επισημαίνεται ο τρόπος με τον οποίο οι πολιτικές ανθεκτικότητας υπηρετούν τον προσανατολισμό της ανάπτυξης σε νεοφιλελεύθερη κατεύθυνση (με την υποκατάσταση δημόσιων λειτουργιών από την ιδιωτική επιχειρηματική πρωτοβουλία), εμπλέκονται στην εδραίωση και ενίσχυση των κοινωνικών διαχωρισμών, ενώ αποτυγχάνουν στην ενίσχυση της ασφάλειας των πληθυσμών και των υποδομών απέναντι σε φυσικούς κινδύνους.
The role of the deubiquitinase cyld in neuronal physiology and ageing
Authors: Σωτηρίου Αγγελική
Published: October 2023

Η ουβικιτινιλίωση διαδραματίζει κομβικό ρόλο στη διατήρηση της ομοιόστασης κυττάρων και οργανισμών, συντονίζοντας την αποικοδόμηση των πρωτεϊνών και την κυτταρική σηματοδότηση. Τα επίπεδα ουβικιτινιλίωσης διαμορφώνονται δυναμικά μέσω της δράσης ουβικιτινασών και αποουβικιτινασών, ενζύμων που προσθέτουν ή αφαιρούν μόρια ουβικιτίνης από πρωτεϊνικά υποστρώματα. Η πολυουβικιτινιλίωση μέσω αλυσίδων συζευγμένων στη λυσίνη 63 συναντάται σε υψηλά επίπεδα στον εγκέφαλο των θηλαστικών, όπου ρυθμίζει τη δομή και λειτουργία των συνάψεων υποστηρίζοντας θεμελιώδεις νευρικές λειτουργίες. Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή, διερευνήσαμε τον ρόλο της αποουβικιτινάσης CYLD στη φυσιολογία των νευρώνων στον νηματώδη Caenorhabditis elegans. Η CYLD, μία αποουβικιτινάση με ειδικότητα έναντι αλυσίδων πολυουβικιτίνης συζευγμένων στη λυσίνη 63, έχει πρόσφατα συσχετιστεί με την εμφάνιση νευροεκφυλιστικών διαταραχών, όπως η νόσος του Alzheimer και η μετωποκροταφική άνοια. Αποδείξαμε ότι η CYLD-1, η ομόλογη πρωτεΐνη της CYLD στους νηματώδεις, εκφράζεται στο νευρικό σύστημα και σε περιφερικούς ιστούς του C. elegans και αποικοδομεί αλυσίδες πολυουβικιτίνης συζευγμένες στη λυσίνη 63 in vivo. Κατά τη διάρκεια της γήρανσης, η CYLD-1 προστατεύει από τον νευροεκφυλισμό, διατηρεί την κινητική λειτουργία και προάγει τη μακροζωία. Κατά τη νεαρή ηλικία, η CYLD-1 συνεισφέρει στην ομοιόσταση της νευρικής σύναψης, διατηρώντας τον αριθμό των συνάψεων και τη νευροδιαβίβαση μέσω της καταλυτικής της λειτουργίας. Απαλοιφή της CYLD από το νευρικό σύστημα προκαλεί συμπεριφορικά ελλείμματα, περιορίζοντας τη συνειρμική βραχυπρόθεσμη μνήμη. Αναφορικά με τους μοριακούς μηχανισμούς δράσης της CYLD-1, η μελέτη μας αποκάλυψε τη συμμετοχή της στην προώθηση της αυτοφαγικής ροής, τόσο στο νευρικό σύστημα όσο και σε άλλους ιστούς. Μεταλλαγές απώλειας λειτουργίας της CYLD επιφέρουν συσσώρευση αυτολυσοσωμάτων, τα οποία παρουσιάζουν μη φυσιολογική επιμήκη μορφολογία. Επιπλέον, προκαλούν μορφολογικές αλλοιώσεις και απώλεια του φυσιολογικού όξινου pH των λυσοσωμάτων, ευρήματα που συνάδουν με διατάραξη της λυσοσωμικής ενεργότητας. Η μελέτη μας υποστηρίζει τον σημαίνοντα ρόλο της πολυουβικιτινιλίωσης μέσω αλυσίδων συζευγμένων στη λυσίνη 63 ως κύριου ρυθμιστή της νευρωνικής ομοιόστασης. Περαιτέρω αναδεικνύει την πιθανή αξία της CYLD και άλλων απουουβικιτινασών ως πιθανούς θεραπευτικούς στόχους για την βελτίωση της γνωστικής λειτουργίας κατά τη γήρανση και την αντιμετώπιση συνοδών νευροεκφυλιστικών νόσων.
Prebiotic, probiotic, and antibiotic growth promoters use in commercial broilers: A comparative study
Authors: Ali A , Qureshi AS , Rehan S , Deeba F , Usman M
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to observe the effect of Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), a prebiotic, in the replacement of the antibiotics in the broilers. For this purpose, two hundred broiler chicks were bought from a hatchery and allocated into five treatments having four replicates (10 birds in each). Birds were distributed into five groups; control, antibiotics (Zinc Bacitracin 10%), probiotics (Bacillus subtilis) and prebiotics (MOS), and a combination of probiotics and prebiotics groups. Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were prepared and offered to birds. Feed intake and body weight were recorded. At the end of the trial, birds were slaughtered to obtain carcass and gut health data. Data collected were examined by ANOVA under CRD and mean values were compared using Tukey’s HSD (Honestly significant difference) test. Weight gain was higher (P<0.05) in birds fed diet having probiotics and prebiotics in a combination form. Improved (P<0.05) FCR was recorded in birds fed diet having prebiotics alone and in combination with probiotics. The dressing percentage was higher (P<0.05) in birds fed diet having Probiotics + Prebiotics and control birds. Chest yield was higher (P<0.05) in birds fed having Probiotics + Prebiotics. In gut morphometric parameters, there was observed an increase in villus height, and a significant change of increase in villus surface area was seen. In conclusion, the addition of prebiotics in combination with probiotics, in feed, remarkably improved growth performance and carcass yield in commercial broilers.
Investigation of Acute Phase Proteins in Cattle Infected with Mycobacterium bovis
Authors: Çenesiz S , Şahin B , Akpinar RK , Kiliçoğlu Y
Published: October 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious and zoonotic disease that adversely affects human and animal health, caused by the formation of tubercules in a caseous character in the lungs, other tissues and organs. The causative of the disease is Mycobacterium bovis. An increase or decrease in acute phase protein (APP) levels is observed in various bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases in cattle.  Therefore, in this study, it was aimed to determine the changes in the levels of AFPs in cattle infected with M. bovis. In the study, 26 tuberculosis suspected and 10 healthy cattle blood serums collected from various enterprises in Samsun were used. Rose bengal plate test and complement fixation test were applied in serum by taking blood into heparin containing tubes from vena jugularis of cattle. Whole blood samples were subjected to gamma interferon ELISA test. Haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), albumin and total protein (TP) levels, which are among the acute phase proteins, were determined in the blood serums taken from the groups. As a result of the analysis, when the AFP levels of the cattle infected with M. bovis and the cattle in the healthy group were compared, it was determined that haptoglobin (p < 0.01), serum amyloid A (p < 0.01) and total protein (p < 0.01) levels, which are AFPs increased statistically significantly compared to the healthy group, while the albümin (p > 0.05) level decreased, but there was no statistically significant difference.

Keywords: acute phase protein (APP);  cattle; mycobacterium bovis; tuberculosis (TB),
Diagnostic Performances of Clinical and Hematological Parameters in Cats Naturally Infected with Feline PanleukopeniaVirus
Authors: Gülersoy E , Balıkçı C , Erol BB , Şahan A , Günal İ
Published: October 2023

Feline panleukopenia (FP) virus, which is closely related to canine parvovirus, is a fatal viral disease that affects mitotically active tissues such as intestinal cells, lymphoid tissue and bone marrow in cats of all ages and causes a wide variety of clinical findings. Despite its high incidence, there is still a need for studies on the effectiveness of demographic, routine clinical and hemogram data on the diagnosis of FP, which has not been investigated as much as canine parvoviral infection. The Panleukopenia Group of the study consisted of 50 naturally infected cats with panleukopenia, and the Control Group consisted of 10 healthy cats of similar age and body weight. Information on sex, age, body weight, breed and origin of all cats was recorded. Venous blood samples were obtained from the cats eligible for inclusion in the study, and the diagnostic efficacy of clinical examination findings and demographic data along with hemogram parameters were investigated. Most of the Panleukopenia Group cats were indoor and were bought from a breeder. The most prominent clinical finding of the diseased cats was loss of appetite. This was followed by dehydration, stagnation, depression, vomiting, diarrhea and ocular discharge. In clinical examination, respiratory rate, pulse and body temperature values were higher in the Panleukopenia Group (p< 0.017). As a result of hemogram analysis, it was determined that WBC, lymphocyte, monocytes, granulocytes, RBC, Hct, RDW, Hb and THR levels were lower in the Panleukopenia Group (p< 0.040). As a result of the ROC analysis, it was determined that from clinical examination parameters, respiratory rate had excellent, pulse and body temperature had good; from hemogram parameters, WBC and granulocyte had outstanding, lymphocyte and RDW had excellent, monocytes, Hct and THR had good, RBC and Hb had acceptable diagnostic performances. As a result, it was concluded that demographic data and clinical findings along with abnormal leukograms such as leukopenia, lymphopenia and granulocytopenia and abnormal hemogram patterns such as anemia and thrombocytopenia may be helpful in the diagnosis of FP in triage and in cases where antibodies bind to viral epitopes resulting in false negatives.
Effects of Lower Dietary Calcium and Phosphorus on Growth Performance and Bone Mineralizatıon of Broilers
Authors: Ceylan N , Koca S , Yavaş İ , Çenesiz AA
Published: October 2023

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of reduced dietary calcium (Ca) and non-phytate-phosphorus (NPP) levels at 2:1 constant ratio on performance, carcase parameters and bone mineralization of Ross-308 broilers. A total of 11400 one-day-old chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments with twelve replicates and were fed starter diets including either recommended (control treatment, T1) or a 6.25% lower level of both Ca and NPP according to breeder’s recommendations during starter period (SP). After SP, control treatment (T1) continued to be provided through diets containing 0.87 and 0.78 % Ca for grower (GP) and finisher periods (FP), respectively, while 6.25 % reduced group was divided into 4 dietary treatments regarding extent of decrease in Ca and NPP levels and provided by diets containing 0.79;0.65 (T2), 0.79;0.60 (T3), 0.75;0.65 (T4), and 0.75;0.60 (T5) % Ca for GP and FP, respectively. After SP, moderate and even substantial reduction of Ca and NPP significantly decreased feed intake (FI) (quadratic, P<0.05), but obtained similar body weight gain (BWG) and FCR compared to the control (P>0.05). On the other hand, reduced dietary Ca through T1 to T5 significantly decreased the total Ca and NPP intake of broilers (linear and quadratic, P<0.01), and accompanied to significant linear and quadratic relationship between Ca intake and FCR and BWG respectively. It can be concluded that reducing Ca level down to 0.75 and 0.60 % in grower and finisher phase, respectively are possible without compromising the growth performance and bone mineralization of modern broilers.
Effects of caseous lymphadenitis agent (corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis) isolated from superficial abscesses of sheep on oxidative stress factors
Authors: Polat E , Kaya E , Karagülle B , Akin H
Published: October 2023

In this study, it was aimed to determine the incidence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pseudotuberculosis) in caseous lymphadenitis cases in superficial lymph nodes of sheep and to evaluate its effect on oxidative stress factors. Thus, it was aimed to determine the early diagnosability of superficial and visceral caseous lymphadenitis cases and to prevent the spread of diseases and related economic losses. A total of 103 sheep, 50 of which were healthy and 53 of which had caseous lymphadenitis, were evaluated in the study. Microbiological examinations were performed by taking 3-5 ml of pyogenic aspirate from the superficial lymph nodes of sheep with caseous lymphadenitis. Blood samples were taken from sheep with C. pseudotuberculosis isolated in microbiological examinations and the levels of oxidative stress factors were determined. C. pseudotuberculosis was isolated in 23 of the pyogenic aspirates of 53 sheep with caseous lymphadenitis. When sheep isolated from C. pseudotuberculosis were compared with healthy sheep, it was determined that there was a statistically significant decrease in the levels of antioxidant molecules such as GSH-pX (14.62%), GSH (23.81%), SOD (4.70%), CAT (22.23%) (p˂0.001). The level of toxic malondialdehyde (MDA) (18.62%), the end product of lipid peroxidation, was found to be statistically significantly increased in sheep isolated from C. pseudotuberculosis (p˂0.001). As a result, it was determined that oxidative stress factors showed statistically significant variability in cases of superficial caseous lymphadenitis (caused by C.pseudotuberculosis). For this reason, by determining the levels of oxidative stress factors in suspected herds, it was possible to make early diagnosis of the superficial and visceral forms of caseous lymphadenitis, and a basis was established for future studies.
The Effect of Coronal Pre-flaring and Type of Root Canal Irrigation on Working Length Accuracy Using Electronic Apex Locators
Authors: Rifaat Shimaa , Aljami Abdullah , Alshehri Turki , T. Alameer Shahad , Aldossary Alhanoof , Almutairi Wejdan , N. Almaliki Mulham , A. Farooqi Faraz , Taymour Noha
Published: October 2023

Background: Successful root canal treatment is influenced by the apical extent of root canal preparation and the eventual root canal filling. Achieving the full working length until the apical constriction, which is usually 0.5 – 1 mm shorter than the anatomical apex, is crucial. Electronic apex locators were used to detect the working length more accurately. There are six generations of electronic apex locators in the market. The selection of the appropriate irrigation with each apex locator for accurate working length determination is not fully investigated. Methods: The actual working lengths of 120 freshly extracted human single-rooted teeth were measured and compared with their working lengths using 3rd generation (Root ZX) followed by 6th generation (Raypex 6) apex locators in dry medium, presence of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, and 2% chlorhexidine, without coronal pre-flaring and after coronal pre-flaring using the same irrigating media. Data were collected, tabulated, and afterward analyzed using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc to evaluate the significant difference in average working length between actual working length, Root ZX, and Raypex 6 apex locator working lengths accuracy. Results: The significant results were shown in roots that were coronally pre-flared and their working lengths were measured in a dry medium using Raypex 6 apex locator. While using the Root ZX apex locator, the most accurate results were shown in roots that were coronally pre-flared and their working lengths were measured while using a chlorhexidine irrigating solution. Conclusions: It is concluded that it is very important to know the specific irrigating medium to be used with each specific electronic apex locator to achieve the most accurate working length results.
Assessment of non-communicable diseases screening practices among university lecturers in Ghana – a cross sectional single centre study
Authors: Brenyah Joseph Kwasi , Kyei-Dompim Joan , Koranteng Tannor Elliot , Twum Peter , Boakye Okyere Portia , Gyapong-Korsah Barbara , Brenyah Florence , Agyare Christian
Published: October 2023

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. In low-income settings, some NCDs are without symptoms so regular screening for early detection is key. However, routine screening for NCDs is limited in the general public and even among the elite. We therefore set out to assess health screening practices among lecturers in a university in Ghana. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 205 lecturers in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology from February to August 2022. A questionnaire was used to gather data from both male and female university lecturers based on their self-reported declaration of being male or female. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: We found that, 41 (20.0%) lecturers (both men and women) had never checked their blood pressure (BP), 140 (68.3%) check their BP twice a month and 24 (11.7%) do so more than 3 times a month. Overall, 105 (57.18%) lecturers have high BP (>120 mmHg, >80 mmHg). Among the lecturers with hypertension, 59 (50.9%) often checked their BP each month, whereas 22 (18.97%) did not. The study found that, 164 (80%) of the lecturers have never checked their blood sugar level since they assumed lectureship position. Among the lecturers who check their blood sugar, 78 (47.55) are not happy with their blood sugar levels. Lecturer’s age (40 to 49 years) was found to be associated with BP in the bivariate analysis (p=0.036), but not in the multivariate analysis (p=0.114). In the bivariate analyses, female lecturers were found to have a higher risk (OR 1.35; 95% CI 0.29-6.21) of developing hypertension compared to male lecturers. Conclusions: The study has revealed that lecturers, just like the general population have moderate health care checks. The need to setup occupational health therapy units in all universities is overdue.
Boundaries of the built environment: defining the significance of the material presence of spatial morphology in social life
Authors: Vis Benjamin N.
Published: October 2023

Settled societies inhabit environments shaped by building activity. Geographic data in social scientific and geographical research are generally composed of architectural and social categories derived from commonplace lived experience and societal knowledge, thus carrying socio-culturally specific meaning. The mundane pragmatism of such categories conflate spaces and buildings with their use and may obstruct effective comparison. Here I introduce a formal redescriptive ontology for built environments that operates on the basis of how differentiation and subdivision constitute distinct occupiable spaces through boundaries. The ontology consists of formally redescriptive socio-spatial and material concepts called ‘Boundary Line Types’ (BLT). I present and photographically illustrate the definitions of the BLTs, which are formulated on a critical realist basis and rooted in a multidisciplinary body of theory concerning the development and inhabitation of built space. Considering inhabited built environments through this ontology foregrounds the emergent logic by which spaces are divided and connected, creating configurations of boundaries as material frames that afford everyday social life. Since BLTs offer transferrable empirical principles from which these material frames emerge, they also enable diachronic and cross-cultural comparative social research. My proposition to approach social scientific built environment research through constitutive material boundaries offers a comparative complement to commonplace and socio-culturally specific spatial categories that compose most geographic data, enabling formal thick redescriptions and the potential for quantitative spatial analysis.
Prevalence of different types of interproximal contacts in the permanent dentition – a study cast evaluation
Authors: Kailasam Vignesh , Muthu MS , Rao Usha , C Krithika , Kirthiga M , Aarthi J , Warrier Sankara Aravind
Published: October 2023

Background A new classification called OXIS was proposed for categorizing the interproximal contacts of primary molars, modified for the primary canines and its prevalence was established. No such information is available for the permanent dentition. Hence, the aim was to establish the variations in interproximal contacts of the permanent dentition and thereby modify the OXIS classification of primary molars and primary canines to the permanent dentition. Methods We propose a study-cast-based classification of interproximal contacts of the permanent dentition. Three hundred and forty-three pretreatment casts of patients based on an inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Contacts of posterior teeth were classified based on OXIS classification of interproximal contacts, and its modification was used for anterior teeth. Results Among the posterior contacts, the ‘O’ type of contact was least prevalent, while most prevalent was the ‘S’ type for second molar-first molar contact, ‘I’ type for the first molar-second premolar contact, and ‘X’ type for the second premolar-first premolar contact. Among the anterior contacts, least prevalent was ‘S1’ type for the first premolar-canine contact, and I type for the canine-lateral incisor and the lateral incisor-central incisor contacts. There was no statistical significance between right- and left-side contacts (P > 0.05) while significance was seen between maxillary and mandibular contacts (P < 0.05). Similarity of contacts ranged from 5.17% to 10.05%. Conclusion The OXIS classification is applicable to posterior permanent teeth, and its modification is representative of anterior permanent teeth.