bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention in adults of transmission of infection with multidrug-resistant organisms: an updated systematic review from Making Healthcare Safer IV
Authors: McCarthy Sean , Motala Aneesa , Shekelle Paul G
Published: September 2024

Background

Healthcare-associated infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) remain a high priority patient safety topic, despite broad acceptance as standard-of-care safety practices to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infection, catheter-associated urinary tract infection and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Prior editions of Making Healthcare Safer have mixed certainty evidence for various other patient safety practices.

Objectives

As part of Making Healthcare Safer IV, we performed an updated systematic review on the certainty of evidence for the following safety practices at reducing in-facility MDRO infections in adult patients: universal gloving, contact precautions, cohorting, environmental decontamination, patient decolonisation and the adverse effects of isolation.

Methods

We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library 2011–May 2023 for systematic reviews and original research studies, both randomised and observational. Settings were limited to high-income countries. Screening and eligibility were done in duplicate, while data extraction was done by one reviewer and checked by a second reviewer. The synthesis of results is narrative. Certainty of evidence was based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) framework.

Results

Three systematic reviews and three original research studies provided moderate certainty evidence that patient decolonisation reduced MDRO infections, although restricted to certain populations and organisms. One systematic review provided low certainty evidence that universal gloving was beneficial, again limited to certain populations. One systematic review and two original research studies provided low certainty evidence of benefit for environmental decontamination. One systematic review and one new original study provided low certainty evidence of benefit for cohorting in outbreak settings, and very low certainty evidence of benefit in endemic settings. Six original research studies provide mixed evidence for benefit of contact precautions. There is very low certainty evidence of a signal of increased non-infectious adverse events under patients in contact isolation.

Conclusion

In general, the reviewed patient safety practices reduced MDRO infections, but certainty of evidence was low.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023444973.
‘Another world of pain’—athlete and sport physiotherapist perspectives on the unique experience of pain in sport
Authors: Purcell Ciarán , Fullen Brona , Barry Walsh Caoimhe , Van Oirschot Garett , Ward Tomas , Caulfield Brian
Published: September 2024

Our objectivewasto explore athlete’s and sports physiotherapists’ experiences of sports-related pain in the upper and lower limb. Using a constructivist and pragmatic perspective, we carried out focus groups comprising a deliberate criterion sample of athletes and sports physiotherapists. We used a topic guide that moved from open exploratory questions to questions focusing on the phenomena of sports-related pain in athletes. We coded, developed candidate themes and refined finalised themes using reflexive thematic analysis. A member of our research team acted as a critical friend adding additional perspectives. We followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). We completed five focus groups comprising 12 athletes (n=5 female, n=7 male) and four sports physiotherapists (n=4 male) including one initial pilot (two athletes). We developed four final themes (1–4) and nine subthemes (1.1–4.3): (1) Athlete Pain Lens (1.1—pain is part of being an athlete and 1.2—pain shapes the life of an athlete), (2) Exploring And Navigating Pain (2.1—the sports-related pain spectrum and 2.2—making sense of pain), (3) The Emotional Toll of Pain (3.1—challenging emotions and 3.2—the impact of time) and (4) Coping, Community and Communication (4.1—coping with pain, 4.2—influence of community and support network and 4.3—communication, the broken key). We highlighted the distinct and challenging phenomenon of sports-related pain experienced by athletes and physiotherapists. Through effective communication, members of the athlete’s community may recognise, and adjust to these challenges.
A method for long-term year-round water temperature monitoring in salmonid spawning habitats in remote dynamic streams
Authors: Dunmall Karen M. , Cabral Brian , Mochnacz Neil J. , Reist James D.
Published: September 2024

Warming temperatures have added urgency to characterizing the thermalscapes and thermal tolerances of cold-adapted fishes to effectively manage and conserve such species. This is especially relevant at high latitude and high elevation streams, which are experiencing rapid environmental changes, yet are data-poor, remote, and difficult to access. Here, we describe a method to assess temporal and spatial variation in surface and hyporheic water temperatures that can be effectively deployed to remain year-round in remote dynamic streams. We then demonstrate the utility of this method by assessing Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma spawning sites in a remote river. Characterizing and quantifying the amount of viable thermal habitat for cold-adapted species improves predictions of how warming may affect high latitude and high elevation stream ecosystems. Together with species-specific thermal tolerances, this information can then be used to identify the thermal refugia that are essential for conservation of endemic species, and assess risks associated with range expansions of potentially colonizing species.
Maps depicting the within-tree wood property variation of some North American conifers: a review
Authors: Schimleck Laurence , Dahlen Joseph , Mora Christian , Antony Finto , Eberhardt Thomas L. , Onakpoma Ighoyivwi
Published: September 2024

Knowledge of wood property variation within trees is critical for understanding age effects on wood formation and for improved utilization of forests, and maps provide an effective way to efficiently summarize and visually represent variability. Despite the importance of maps, examples for North American conifers are rare. Most studies focus on plantation grown trees, with the majority examining loblolly and radiata pine. For these species almost all maps can be categorized into two groups related to tracheid differentiation processes. One group includes properties related to secondary cell wall formation, e.g., density, and the second relates to tracheid enlargement, e.g., tracheid length. Maps for trees from natural forests are largely limited to density and are highly variable indicating site effects are large. The degree of variation within a species made it impossible to develop conclusions regarding general patterns of variation as with plantation grown trees. The identified density maps are consistent with the three radial variation patterns defined by Panshin and de Zeeuw (1980) (Type 1 (increase), 2 (decrease then increase), and 3 (decrease)). A focused research effort to better visualize wood property variation is required, particularly for species demonstrating Type 2 and 3 radial density patterns.
A simple and consistent credit risk model for Basel II/III, IFRS 9 and stress testing when loan data history is short
Authors: Engelmann Bernd
Published: September 2024

In the current regulatory environment, banks are required to quantify credit risk by means of default probabilities, loss rates conditional on default and expected exposures for a number of purposes: regulatory capital calculation, loan loss provisioning and stress testing. The nature of each credit risk parameter might be different for each application, e.g., forward looking default probabilities are needed for loan loss provisioning while regulatory capital is based on long-term averages. These different requirements for each purpose create a substantial burden especially for small and medium-sized banks. This paper describes a simple framework that allows the consistent calculation of credit risk parameters for all risk applications. It assumes that a bank is using a scorecard based on loan-level data where the data history might only span a couple of years. These data are combined with a macroeconomic model in a suitable way to derive risk parameters compliant with all regulatory requirements.
Do All Problems Have Technical Fixes?
Authors: Hill Robin K.
Published: September 2024

Robin K. Hill suggests we look at the underlying presumption of the technology imperative.
Cyclotron Radiation Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Oblath Noah S. , VanDevender Brent A.
Published: September 2024

Major advances in experimental nuclear and particle physics are often motivated by the need to answer challenging questions. In 2009, Monreal and Formaggio were motivated by the problem of measuring the absolute mass of the neutrino to propose the technique that would come to be called cyclotron radiation emission spectroscopy (CRES). They needed to measure the energies of the electrons from tritium beta decay with extremely high precision, which could be achieved by measuring the frequency of the cyclotron radiation from many individual magnetically trapped electrons. The technique was put into practice first by the Project 8 Collaboration and then by the He6-CRES Collaboration for the study of nonstandard weak interactions. In this review, we present the CRES experiments that have been performed to date, describe the phenomenology of CRES that has so far been explored, and cover potential applications of CRES that have been proposed.
Whole Exome Sequencing in Children With Type 1 Diabetes Before Age 6 Years Reveals Insights Into Disease Heterogeneity
Authors: Ribeiro Andreia Fiúza , Fitas Ana Laura , Pires Marcela Oliveira , Matoso Paula , Ligeiro Dário , Sobral Daniel , Penha-Gonçalves Carlos , Demengeot Jocelyne , Caramalho Íris , Limbert Catarina
Published: September 2024

Aims: This study is aimed at comparing whole exome sequencing (WES) data with the clinical presentation in children with type 1 diabetes onset ≤ 5 years of age (EOT1D).

Methods: WES was performed in 99 unrelated children with EOT1D with subsequent analysis to identify potentially deleterious rare variants in MODY genes. High‐resolution HLA class II haplotyping, SNP genotyping, and T1D‐genetic risk score (T1D‐GRS) were also evaluated.

Results: Eight of the ninety‐nine EOT1D participants carried a potentially deleterious rare variant in a MODY gene. Rare variants affected five genes: GCK (n = 1), HNF1B (n = 2), HNF4A (n = 1), PDX1 (n = 2), and RFX6 (n = 2). At diagnosis, these children had a mean age of 3.0 years, a mean HbA1c of 10.5%, a detectable C‐peptide in 5/8, and a positive islet autoantibody in 6/7. Children with MODY variants tend to exhibit a lower number of pancreatic autoantibodies and a lower fasting C‐peptide compared to EOT1D without MODY rare variants. They also carried at least one high‐risk DR3‐DQ2 or DR4‐DQ8 haplotype and exhibited a T1D‐GRS similar to the other individuals in the EOT1D cohort, but higher than healthy controls.

Conclusions: WES found potentially deleterious rare variants in MODY genes in 8.1% of EOT1D, occurring in the context of a T1D genetic background. Such genetic variants may contribute to disease precipitation by a β‐cell dysfunction mechanism. This supports the concept of different endotypes of T1D, and WES at T1D onset may be a prerequisite for the implementation of precision therapies in children with autoimmune diabetes.
A Characterization of Women Living with HIV in Belgium
Authors: Nasreddine Rakan , Yombi Jean Cyr , Darcis Gilles , Van Frankenhuijsen Maartje , Van Petersen Lida , Abels Chloé , Dos Santos Mendes Sofia , Delforge Marc , De Wit Stéphane
Published: September 2024

Objectives. The primary objective of this study was to characterize women living with HIV (WLWH) in Belgium. The secondary objective was an exploratory analysis comparing women and men living with HIV (MLWH). Methods. This was a cross‐sectional, observational, multicenter study. Inclusion criteria for the primary objective were all adult treatment‐naïve and experienced WLWH actively being treated at one of the participating centers. For the secondary objective, inclusion criteria were all adult naïve and experienced women and MLWH, actively being treated at a single participating center. Data were collected between December 2022 and March 2023. A multivariable analysis was performed on all women included to evaluate for associations with having hypertension (HTN) or being virologically nonsuppressed (HIV‐1 VL ≥200 copies/mL). In the exploratory analysis of women and MLWH, a multivariable analysis was carried out to evaluate whether female gender was associated with having HTN or being virologically nonsuppressed. Results. Overall, 2797 WLWH were included. The majority were Black (73.5%) and 48.5% were aged ≥50 years. The most common comorbidity was HTN (17.3%) and most individuals were virologically suppressed (HIV‐1 VL <50 copies/mL; 85.6%). Black race was associated with having HTN (p < 0.0001). Prior AIDS‐defining illness (p = 0.02) and a CD4+ T‐cell count <500 cells/µL (p < 0.0001) were associated with being nonsuppressed. A total of 1094 WLWH and 1878 MLWH were included in the exploratory analysis. HTN was higher among WLWH (20.2% vs. 12% MLWH). Female gender was not found to be associated with having HTN (p = 0.86) or being nonsuppressed (p = 0.14). Conclusion. In this analysis of WLWH in Belgium, the results depict an ageing population that is predominantly Black. The most common comorbidity observed was HTN. Women had a low rate of virologic nonsuppression, and female gender was not associated with being nonsuppressed.
Low‐Cost Low‐Loss Tunable Dual‐Band Filter Using Coupled Lines With Variable Coupling Coefficients
Authors: Qunliang Wang , Yanfeng Jiang , Yanxiong Wang
Published: September 2024

A novel low‐loss tunable filter using its own coupled lines is proposed in the paper. The filter is based on a substrate‐integrated suspended line (SISL) structure with two inner layers, fabricated on a low‐cost FR4 substrate. The suspension line and the cavity are completely covered by copper. In the novel structure, the coupled line can be tuned and has a variable coupling coefficient. The performance of the dual‐band filter can be flexibly tuned by using the coupled lines. The passband widths can be tuned independently with the range from 0.31 to 0.92 GHz. The center frequencies of the passbands can also be tuned independently, with the tuning range of 1.1 GHz. A low insertion loss of less than 0.54 dB is shown in the proposed filter. The proposed filter shows potential application in future tunable microwave circuit.
Benfotiamine Supplementation Increases Thiamine in Muscle of Endurance‐Trained Mice and Affects the Energy Metabolism
Authors: Gonçalves Álisson C. , Vieira Jéssica F. , Rodrigues Ana Carolina N. , Murta Eddie F. C. , Marchini Júlio S. , Michelin Márcia A. , Portari Guilherme V.
Published: September 2024

Background. Benfotiamine, a synthetic analog of thiamine, offers greater bioavailability compared to other thiamine salts and increases thiamine stores upon oral intake. Thiamine is essential for energy metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral benfotiamine supplementation on energy metabolism, particularly the Krebs cycle function, in the muscle of endurance‐trained mice, and to assess its impact on endurance performance. Methods. Twenty‐five mice were randomly assigned to four groups: a standard diet with sedentary behavior (Sta‐Sed), a benfotiamine‐supplemented diet with sedentary behavior (Ben‐Sed), a standard diet with swimming training (Sta‐Tr), and a benfotiamine‐supplemented diet with swimming training (Ben‐Tr). The trained groups underwent five weekly swimming sessions for six weeks, followed by an exhaustive test. Thiamine and its esters were measured in erythrocytes and gastrocnemius muscle. Gene expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDHa) and alpha‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH), along with levels of pyruvic, lactic, and hydroxybutyric acids in muscle, was analyzed. Results. The benfotiamine‐supplemented groups had higher thiamine levels in erythrocytes and muscles compared to the standard‐diet groups. No differences were observed in PDHa and OGDH gene expression. The Ben‐Tr group exhibited increased muscle lactic acid levels and a higher lactic acid to pyruvic acid ratio compared to the sedentary groups. Hydroxybutyric acid levels were also elevated in the Ben‐Tr group. No significant differences in exhaustive test duration were found between the groups. Conclusion. Benfotiamine supplementation increases thiamine levels in erythrocytes and muscle but does not affect the gene expression of thiamine‐dependent enzymes. Although it alters energy metabolism in trained muscle, it does not enhance endurance performance in mice.
Supplementary Data 2 from Epigenetic Induction of Cancer-Testis Antigens and Endogenous Retroviruses at Single-Cell Level Enhances Immune Recognition and Response in Glioma
Authors: Lai Thomas J. , Sun Lu , Li Kevin , Prins Terry J. , Treger Janet , Li Tie , Sun Matthew Z. , Nathanson David A. , Liau Linda M. , Lai Albert , Prins Robert M. , Everson Richard G.
Published: September 2024

hERV raw counts and FPKM values
Data from MYC is Sufficient to Generate Mid-Life High-Grade Serous Ovarian and Uterine Serous Carcinomas in a p53-R270H Mouse Model
Authors: Blackman Alexandra , Rees Amy C. , Bowers Robert R. , Jones Christian M. , Vaena Silvia G. , Clark Madison A. , Carter Shelby , Villamor Evan D. , Evans Della , Emanuel Anthony J. , Fullbright George , O’Malley Matthew S. , Carpenter Richard L. , Long David T. , Spruill Laura S. , Romeo Martin J. , Orr Brian C. , Helke Kristi L. , Delaney Joe R.
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) have fundamentally changed how ovarian cancer etiology, early detection, and treatment are understood. MYC, an oncogene, is amongst the most amplified genes in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), but it has not previously been utilized to drive HGSOC GEMMs. We coupled Myc and dominant-negative mutant p53-R270H with a fallopian tube epithelium (FTE)-specific promoter Ovgp1 to generate a new GEMM of HGSOC. Female mice developed lethal cancer at an average of 14.5 months. Histopathologic examination of mice revealed HGSOC characteristics, including nuclear p53 and nuclear MYC in clusters of cells within the FTE and ovarian surface epithelium. Unexpectedly, nuclear p53 and MYC clustered cell expression was also identified in the uterine luminal epithelium, possibly from intraepithelial metastasis from the FTE. Extracted tumor cells exhibited strong loss of heterozygosity at the p53 locus, leaving the mutant allele. Copy-number alterations in these cancer cells were prevalent, disrupting a large fraction of genes. Transcriptome profiles most closely matched human HGSOC and serous endometrial cancer. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the Myc and Trp53-R270H transgenes were able to recapitulate many phenotypic hallmarks of HGSOC through the utilization of strictly human-mimetic genetic hallmarks of HGSOC. This new mouse model enables further exploration of ovarian cancer pathogenesis, particularly in the 50% of HGSOC which lack homology-directed repair mutations. Histologic and transcriptomic findings are consistent with the hypothesis that uterine serous cancer may originate from the FTE.
Significance:
Mouse models using transgenes which generate spontaneous cancers are essential tools to examine the etiology of human diseases. Here, the first Myc-driven spontaneous model is described as a valid HGSOC model. Surprisingly, aspects of uterine serous carcinoma were also observed in this model.
Successful establishment of a coral nursery for active reef restoration in Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep archipelago
Authors: C.A. Riyas  , K.K. Idreesbabu  , Rajeev Raghavan  , S. Sureshkumar
Published: September 2024

The achievements in successfully establishing coral nurseries using asexually reproduced transplants in Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep archipelago are presented. During the present study, the survival and growth of 180 fragments of corals fixed on concrete blocks with iron frames laid over a 40 m2 area near reefs inside the lagoon of Kavaratti atoll were assessed. Significant differences in growth were observed between acroporid and non-acroporid corals after two years of transplantation. Acropora muricata (31.1 ± 0.4 cm) and Isopora palifera (15.9 ± 3.4 cm) displayed the highest and lowest growth rates among acroporid corals and Pocillopora damicornis (481.9 ± 68.4 cm3) and Hydnophora microconos (33.4 ± 15.7 cm3) had the highest and lowest rates, among non-acroporid corals. A diverse fish assemblage comprising 21 species belonging to 10 families was observed at the transplantation site, with Chromis viridis and Dascyllus aruanus being the dominant species. The success achieved in this study makes it an ideal approach to be used elsewhere in the Lakshadweep archipelago and the wider Indian Ocean region to develop underwater tourism and promote science-based management and restoration of coral reefs.
Additional documentation of the Slender Skimmer Orthetrum sabina (Drury, 1770) preying on the Pied Paddy Skimmer Neurothemis tullia (Drury, 1773) in Nepal
Authors: Miya Mahamad Sayab , Chhetri Apeksha
Published: September 2024

Orthetrum sabina is one of the most common dragonflies found in Nepal, but its feeding behavior has not often been reported from there. An example of this species preying on Neurothemis tullia is reported from Maidi Lake, Nepal. This observation was made during a field survey of Odonata using direct observation along transects around the lake. It adds to our knowledge of the species’ feeding behavior, elaborating the previous findings and providing scope for further ecological studies on Odonata.
Ranunculus cantoniensis DC. (Ranunculaceae): an addition to the flora of West Bengal, India
Authors: Sarkar Jayantanath , Mukhopadhyay Srijan , Roy Biswajit
Published: September 2024

This is the first report of the occurrence of Ranunculus cantoniensis DC., a native Indian herb, from Coochbehar District of West Bengal. Line drawings, photographic plates, and a diagnostic description are provided for easy identification. This report constitutes a new addition to the flora of West Bengal.
Polygenic Scoring for Detection of Ascending Thoracic Aortic Dilation
Authors: DePaolo John , Biagetti Gina , Judy Renae , Wang Grace J. , Kelly John J. , Iyengar Amit , Goel Nicholas J. , Desai Nimesh D. , Szeto Wilson Y. , Bavaria Joseph E. , Levin Michael G. , Damrauer Scott M.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Ascending thoracic aortic dilation is a complex heritable trait that involves modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. Polygenic scores (PGS) are increasingly used to assess risk for complex diseases. The degree to which a PGS can improve aortic diameter prediction in diverse populations is unknown. Presently, we tested whether adding a PGS to clinical prediction algorithms improves performance in a diverse biobank.

METHODS:

The analytic cohort comprised 6235 Penn Medicine Biobank participants with available echocardiography and clinical data linked to genome-wide genotype data. Linear regression models were used to integrate PGS weights derived from a genome-wide association study of thoracic aortic diameter performed in the UK Biobank and were compared with the performance of the previously published aorta optimized regression for thoracic aneurysm (AORTA) score.

RESULTS:

Cohort participants had a median age of 61 years (IQR, 53–70) and a mean ascending aortic diameter of 3.36 cm (SD, 0.49). Fifty-five percent were male, and 33% were genetically similar to an African reference population. Compared with the AORTA score, which explained 30.6% (95% CI, 29.9%–31.4%) of the variance in aortic diameter, AORTA score+UK Biobank–derived PGS explained 33.1%, (95% CI, 32.3%–33.8%), the reweighted AORTA score explained 32.5% (95% CI, 31.8%–33.2%), and the reweighted AORTA score+UK Biobank–derived PGS explained 34.9% (95% CI, 34.2%–35.6%). When stratified by population, models including the UK Biobank–derived PGS consistently improved upon the clinical AORTA score among individuals genetically similar to a European reference population but conferred minimal improvement among individuals genetically similar to an African reference population. Comparable performance disparities were observed in models developed to discriminate cases/noncases of thoracic aortic dilation (≥4.0 cm).

CONCLUSIONS:

We demonstrated that inclusion of a UK Biobank–derived PGS to the AORTA score confers a clinically meaningful improvement in model performance only among individuals genetically similar to European reference populations and may exacerbate existing health care disparities.
Views of Polish High School Students on the Criteria for Assessing Farm Animal Welfare
Authors: Stępnik Konrad , Adamczyk Krzysztof , Łapczyński Mariusz , Opala Aleksandra
Published: September 2024

We surveyed young people’s opinions on the criteria for assessing farm animal welfare, which provided information on how they understand the human-animal relationship. Among the Polish high school students surveyed, the prevailing opinion was that the most important criterion for assessing farmed animals’ welfare is their sentience. Most respondents considered the method of housing to be the least important criterion. Among high school students, the dominant belief was that animals are capable of suffering. Respondents differed mainly in their beliefs about the intensity of emotions and suffering experienced by nonhuman vertebrates. These differences affected the dietary choices of young people and their willingness to take actions that indirectly contribute to ensuring a higher level of animal welfare. The results of the research indicate the need to consider the perspective of young people as a specific social category in debates on welfare.
Age and growth rate estimated by skeletochronology in loggerhead sea turtles from French Mediterranean waters
Authors: Medetian Dimitri , Miaud Claude
Published: September 2024

Skeletochronology was used to determine the ages of 30 loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) found in French Mediterranean waters. Histological sections were performed with 30 humeri collected on stranded C. caretta on the coast of Provence and the Gulf of Lion. Lines of arrested growth (LAGs) were used to evaluate age, considering only one period of arrested growth per year. Two successive LAGs delimit an interval that is proportional to the individual’s body growth. In a first step, we created a skeletogram for each individual that identified its LAGs. Secondly, we measured the areas delineating successive intervals to determine individual growth patterns over the years. Two methods were used to deduce sea turtle age from histological sections: the correction factor (CF) method and the growth rate (GR) method, the latter using Von Bertalanffy growth function. Age estimations varied from 4.3 to 24.7 years (mean ± SD = 10.1 ± 4.8) with the CF method and from 6.2 to 25.6 years (mean ± SD = 12.2 ± 5.2) with the GR method, with no significant difference between the methods. The study sample was thus mostly composed of juveniles, which is also the most frequent life stage observed in the study area. The annual curved carapace length growth rate calculated with every LAG interval varied from 1.0 to 6.9 cm/year (mean ± SD = 3.5 ± 1.4, ). High variability in interindividual growth rates were observed, which is of interest in understanding the complex lifecycle of these long-lived marine reptiles.
Time Metaphors in the Menologium
Authors: Castaño Emilia , Verdaguer Clavera Isabel
Published: September 2024

This article explores the predominant metaphorical construals of time in the Menologium. Drawing on Conceptual Metaphor Theory and previous research on the role of space and motion in the conceptualization of time in Modern English and Old English, the Menologium is analyzed from a linguistic point of view to get an insight into how conventional time metaphors were used to describe the course of the Anglo-Saxon liturgical year. This analysis shows a persistent metaphorical link between time, motion and the circular and sagittal – front-back – spatial axes reflected in the use of lexical items such as the preposition ymb or motion verbs to describe the passing of time. The result is a complex time model which is simultaneously cyclical and linear, where days, months and years are conceptualized as circular but also bounded time units sequentially proceeding towards a stationary observer, the reader. In this view the various parts of a year and liturgical feasts are seen as periodically recurring in a time framework that also sees each point in time as unique. This analysis of the Menologium complements previous studies of the poem with a conceptual metaphor approach in which cognitive linguistics is brought to bear on literary analysis.
Subgenera Cladoconnus Reitter and Tetramelus Motschulsky of Euconnus Thomson discovered in China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: September 2024

The occurrence of Euconnus subgenera Cladoconnus and Tetramelus in China is recorded for the first time, with ten new species. Euconnus pingpong sp. nov. and E. sagittarius sp. nov. are placed in Cladoconnus, and eight species are placed in Tetramelus: E. punctator sp. nov., E. aurilobatus sp. nov., E. magnirufus sp. nov., E. tetraspinosus sp. nov., E. gansuminor sp. nov., E. microrufus sp. nov., E. sinespinosus sp. nov., and E. mediorufus sp. nov. The presence of Cladoconnus in China was expected, as this subgenus occurs in the Russian Far East, on the Korean Peninsula and in Japan. Euconnus sagittarius belongs to the E. ussuriensis species group of Cladoconnus, while E. pingpong seems to be remotely related to this species complex. All Chinese species of Tetramelus are wingless, microphthalmous, and males have strongly impressed metaventrites. They show close similarities to the European E. oblongus species group, into which they can be included. The unique character of seven out of eight newly described species of Tetramelus is a male metatrochanteral (and in one case additionally protrochanteral) modification.
An illustrated catalog of the South American Austroleptidae (Diptera: Tabanomorpha), with a compilation of all known records and new records from Chile and Argentina
Authors: FACHIN DIEGO AGUILAR , GONZÁLEZ CHRISTIAN R. , ELGUETA MARIO , HAUSER MARTIN
Published: September 2024

A list of all eight species of Austroleptis Hardy, 1920, the only genus of Austroleptidae, from South America is provided, including photos of type specimens of four Chilean species and all distributional records given in the literature and from labels of newly examined material, which are added into a map. The list of species, including photos of additional material, is presented in a catalog format that gives all nomenclatural information and relevant literature about the species. Two undescribed species are indicated and four described species have their distribution expanded: A. atriceps Malloch, 1932 is now recorded in La Araucanía Region, Chile, and in Río Negro Province, Argentina; A. breviflagella Nagatomi & Nagatomi, 1987 has its first records for Ñuble and La Araucanía Regions; A. fulviceps Malloch, 1932 is now reported from Maule and Ñuble Regions; and A. penai Nagatomi & Nagatomi, 1987 is now reported from Los Lagos Region.
Introduction
Authors: Makhloufi Lilia
Published: September 2024

The introduction outlines the significance of urban heritage, encompassing both tangible and intangible elements, for social cohesion, cultural diversity and collective memory. It identifies how continuous urbanisation has threatened many old cities, resulting in the loss of historical structures and cultural identity. It discusses the comparative and interdisciplinary approach to urban heritage adopted in the book, and outlines the chapters’ contents, spanning case studies on the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Western Europe.
2. Urban Development of Palmyra, Post-war Damage Assessment and Recovery Policy
Authors: Rumayed Ousama
Published: September 2024

Chapter Two analyses the urban development of Palmyra, Syria, where historical heritage has been severely damaged by conflict. The war in Syria wrought devastation upon numerous significant archaeological sites and monuments dating from the Prehistoric, Byzantine, Roman and Islamic periods. Against this backdrop, Ousama Rumayed focuses on the post-war period, outlining the recovery policy to preserve the city’s archaeological park and monuments. Through a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis, the author identifies internal and external factors favourable to securing the future of this heritage and harnessing its vast cultural and socio-economic potential.
4. Sustainable Cultural Heritage through Participatory Planning
Authors: Razem Maiss , AlHalalsheh Sura
Published: September 2024

Chapter Four presents a case study on the historical neighbourhood of Lweibdeh in the Jordanian capital city of Amman. Amidst the profound rehabilitation of the physical landscape, Maiss Razem and Sura AlHalalsheh consider the interactions between this old neighbourhood and the local communities that inhabit it. Here, the transect walks method brings to light various resources valued by these communities, such as shared values, social interactions and stakeholder networking dynamics.
11. The Historic Urban Landscape Approach as a Tool for Port Said Heritage Conservation
Authors: Abdelsadeq S. Hussein Amany
Published: September 2024

In Chapter Eleven, Amany Abdelsadeq S. Hussein investigates Port Said, located at the Mediterranean end of the Suez Canal in Egypt. Her analysis draws upon UNESCO’s 2011 Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape, which integrates heritage conservation strategies within the wider framework of city development. The application of this approach as a tool for the conservation and management of historic areas in Port Said entails consideration of cultural, social and economic values and their dynamic interactions. It also explores the possible adjustment of current local policies to achieve real urban heritage preservation.
Compulsory Community Treatment Orders and health outcomes for Māori in New Zealand
Authors: Beaglehole Ben , Frampton Chris , Newton-Howes Giles , Kirikiri Arahia , Lacey Cameron
Published: September 2024

Background:

We have previously analysed outcomes for all community treatment orders commenced during a 10-year period in New Zealand. Given Te Tiriti O Waitangi obligations to scrutinise health and consider equity for Māori, we completed this analysis to consider community treatment-order outcomes according to ethnicity.

Methods:

Ministry of Health databases provided demographic, service use and medication dispensing data for community treatment-order recipients between 2009 and 2018. As non-Māori on community treatment orders are older, less deprived and less likely to be diagnosed with a Psychotic Disorder, data were categorised according to age (<35/⩾35 years), level of deprivation (New Zealand Dep levels ⩽3, 4–6 and ⩾7) and diagnosis (Psychotic Disorder/non-Psychotic Disorder). The incidences of key outcome measures (admissions, community care, medication dispensing) were calculated for periods on/off community treatment orders for Māori and non-Māori to consider the differential impact of community treatment orders according to ethnicity.

Results:

Māori have high rates of community treatment order utilisation and are younger, more likely to be diagnosed with a Psychotic Disorder and spend longer receiving compulsory treatment than non-Māori. Non-Māori are more likely to receive more additional depot antipsychotic medication on–community treatment orders compared with periods off-community treatment order than Māori but other clear patterns of response distinguishing between Māori and non-Māori were not present.

Conclusion:

The differences between Māori and non-Māori for community treatment-order utilisation suggest the presence of structural inequity in underlying mental illness distribution and treatment provision. Māori cultural expertise at all levels of healthcare including healthcare planning and delivery is required to make advances and reduce disparity.
Re-education camp as a spatial governance form: Separation, structure, and staging in Rwanda’s ingando camps
Authors: Purdeková Andrea
Published: September 2024

Compared to other forms of encampment, contemporary re-education camps do not draw much comparative work in sociology and politics. Even less is known about the governance of such camps, and the ways in which unique spatial aspects of encampment are meant to facilitate the intended social and ideological transformation which is their hallmark. Taking post-genocide Rwanda’s uniquely widespread system of ingando “solidarity” camps as its case study, this article argues that three aspects of spatial governance in particular—separation, (hyper)structure, and staging—are central to the modus operandi of re-education camp as a technology of transformative power. The ingando system was born amid a crisis of citizenship in the wake of mass atrocity and shaped by a rebel-turned-ruler elite aiming to reconstruct citizenship sifted through the lens of glorified militarism. The ingando camps are not only about learning together, but their remoteness is meant to unsettle, their structure is meant to foster discipline, and their staging and experiential aspects are meant to simulate values of unity as cohesion and submission to a broader goal.
India and the Ganga Waters Treaty: Analysis of the Water Sharing Mechanism
Authors: Lad Rahul M. , Jaybhaye Ravindra G.
Published: September 2024

India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers between them. Notwithstanding, the Ganga Waters Treaty (GWT) 1996 remains the sole water-sharing mechanism that specially focuses on the sharing of Ganga water during lean season. According to the GWT 1996, Farakka would be the water distribution point between the two countries. The present study is based on 10 years of flow data (2012–2021) of river Ganga at the point of Farakka. The flow data analysis reveals that the sharing of water between India and Bangladesh is in accordance with the formula laid down in the GWT 1996. The analysis further shows that India has received less quantum of water as compared to the historical average (1949–1988) given in the GWT 1996 for almost one-third of the 10-day intervals. The trends in water availability significantly confirm that India, an upper riparian, has mostly managed to ensure the required flow level at Farakka. According to the results of the study, four-fifths of the treaty period witnessed a higher quantum of water at Hardinge Bridge in Bangladesh as compared to the flow released at Farakka. This indicates that despite fluctuations in flow availability, India has largely managed to uphold the treaty mechanism.
When We Know Better, We Do Better: Educators’ Storied Reflections on Black Teacher Attrition and Retention
Authors: Mawhinney Lynnette , Cabral Leana , Pierce Jill C.
Published: September 2024

This article reports on experiences and perspectives of Black teachers (current and former) within the School District of Philadelphia. Findings are based on interviews and focus groups with 30 educators who shared their thoughts related to Black teacher attrition and retention in the district. Their perspectives deepen our understandings of Black teachers’ experiences of different forms of racism in schools—interpersonal and systemic forms of racism that must be abolished to support these educators and sustain them in their careers. Recommendations are drawn from the expertise of participants who shared their storied experiences with researchers in the hopes of systemic changes that will do better by Black teachers and other educators of color, honoring their deep expertise and sustaining them at this critical time characterized by racially disproportionate attrition within the field.
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale
Authors: Ashouri Ahmad , Yousefi Shahab , Abdoli Fatemeh , Nasirimoghadam Arezoo , Aliyaki Hajar
Published: September 2024

This study evaluates the Persian version of the Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale (UGRS), developed to assess grief-related rumination. The UGRS, originally validated in Western and Eastern cultures, had not been examined in a Iranian context. The research involved translating the UGRS into Persian, followed by a thorough psychometric evaluation involving 325 bereaved Persian-speaking adults. The Persian UGRS demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s ω = 0.92) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.85). Confirmatory factor analyses supported a second-order hierarchical model of grief rumination. Concurrent validity was affirmed through significant correlations with depression, anxiety, prolonged grief, and PTSD. Known-groups validity highlighted higher rumination levels among individuals with lower education, those who lost close family members, and women. These findings underscore the Persian UGRS’s reliability and validity, offering a robust tool for assessing grief-related rumination in the Iranian population.
Self-management Elucidates How Practicing Physical Exercises Influences the Health Related Quality of Life of Independently Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Ziv Ido , Caspi Dafna , CoJocaru Daniela
Published: September 2024

According to active aging theory, self-management plays a pivotal role for well-being of older adults as they navigate the aging process. The current quasi-experimental study, employing a between-within design, examines the impact of guided group physical training on changes in self-management and its subsequent effect on quality of life among a sample of independently living old adults. We assessed balance, strength, mobility, self-management, and quality of life were among 149 older adults (123 females, 26 males), mean age = 77.21. Half of the participants then began a 6 months of chair exercise training, consisting of one session per week. However, the training program was interrupted after 22 sessions due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Subsequently, participants were re-evaluated following the initial lockdown announcement but before its implementation. Show first, that practicing physical exercises, among the intervention group, led to increases in the three measured physiological abilities—balance, strength and movement—as well self-management and physical and mental quality of life. Second, the physiological abilities, were fully indirectly associated through self-management with physical and mental quality of life. The present findings provide a clear understanding of the role of self-management as a psychological outcome of reflected physical activity, as well as a mediator for health related quality of life. Further, self-management abilities among older adults can be regarded as a protective factor against adverse psychological outcomes at times of trauma.
Insight into influence of degradation metabolism of Firmicutes on the microstructure of anthracite coal
Authors: Wang Yuewu , Liu Bingjun , Xue Sheng , Yang Yang , Chen Jian , Zhang Jingbei , Zheng Chunshan , Zhou Tianyao
Published: September 2024

Promoting the permeability of deep, low-permeability coal seams through biological means is currently a research hotspot for enhancing the efficiency of coalbed methane extraction. In this study, we selected anthracite coal from Sihe Mine for microbial anaerobic degradation culture experiments. The effects of adding functional microorganisms on the microstructure of anthracite coal were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing of samples before and after the cultivation and microcharacterization experiments of coal samples. The results showed that the maximum methane migration during the period of biodegradation reached 0.640 mL/g coal, and the cumulative migration of the whole cycle was as high as 1.318 mL/g coal. 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing results indicated that the bacterial community structure had undergone significant succession after the biodegradation experiments, and that the Firmicutes represented by Bacillus(82.41% of the total) occupied the dominant niche. Metabolic pathway analysis based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database showed that the degradation of aromatic compounds by microorganisms appeared to be significantly enhanced by the addition of nitrogen sources. Also, the relative abundance of a number of key metabolic enzyme genes capable of catalyzing the oxygen-containing functional groups into the structure of the coal molecule and the de-cyclization reaction were increased. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) experiments revealed that biodegradation stimulated by nitrogen source reduced the aromaticity of coal by 59.62% and enhanced the hydroxyl functional group content by 1.822 times. Mercury pressure and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption experiments showed that the micropore pore volume of the treated coal decreased by 34.09%, and the macropore pore volume accounted for an increased 168.28%, with an average pore size increment of 60.72 nm. Therefore, the nitrogen source can stimulate Firmicutes on the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and increase the content of oxygen-containing functional groups, which might promote the development of pores in coal and make the difficult-to-desorption methane migrates rapidly. This study investigated the effect of nitrogen source on the degradation of coal by Firmicutes. This will help improve the efficiency of gas extraction and ensure the safety of coal mine production.
Endoscopic Cartilage Myringoplasty with Anterior Margin Preservation for Repairing Large Anterior Perforations
Authors: Li ShiQi , Li Xiaohua , Li Yuguang
Published: September 2024

Objective: This study compared the graft outcomes and complications of endoscopic cartilage inlay myringoplasty with preservation of anterior margins (IPAM) and the cartilage underlay technique with raising the tympanomeatal flap (CUTF) for repairing large anterior perforations. Materials and Methods: In total, 55 patients with large anterior perforations were recruited and allocated to the IPAM (n = 28) or the CUTF (n = 27) group. The graft success rate, hearing gain, operation time, and postoperative complications were compared between the groups at 12 months. Results: The mean operation times were 29.3 ± 2.7 minutes and 46.4 ± 3.9 minutes in the IPAM and CUTF groups, respectively ( P < .001). The residual perforation rate was 0.0% in the IPAM group and 11.1% in the CUTF group ( P = .222). All patients completed the 12-month follow-up. The overall graft success rate was 96.4% in the IPAM group and 88.9% in the CUTF group ( P = .577). No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of postoperative pure-tone averages for air conduction and bone conduction, air-bone gaps (ABGs), or ABG changes. In the CUTF group, 22.2% of the patients reported altered taste perception, 3.7% experienced bony external auditory canal (EAC) stenosis, and 3.7% developed EAC cholesteatoma. By contrast, the IPAM group did not have any cases of altered taste perception, EAC stenosis, or cholesteatoma. Conclusions: Endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with IPAM and anterior perichondrium folding is a simple, effective, and minimally invasive technique for repairing large anterior perforations. It offers a high graft success rate and better hearing improvement compared to CUTF.