bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of a mobile application for femoral anteversion measurement in adult patients
Authors: Lee Joon Woo , Oh Minjoon , Choi Mi Na , Lee Seung Yeol
Published: May 2023

Background

Femoral torsion is primarily measured by computed tomography (CT), which has cost and radiation exposure concerns. Recently, femoral anteversion measurement by a simple radiograph-based mobile application was developed for patients with cerebral palsy. This study aimed to validate the use of a mobile application that can reconstruct a three-dimensional model of the femur from conventional radiographs for adults.

Methods

Medical records of 76 patients undergoing conventional femur anteroposterior/lateral radiography and femur CT were reviewed. To measure femoral anteversion on the reconstructed 3-dimensional images from both the mobile application and CT, we drew a line which connects the posterior margins of each femoral condyle and another line which passes through the center of the femoral head and the midpoint of the femoral neck. After the reliability test, a single examiner measured femoral anteversion on the mobile application and CT. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between anteversion on the mobile application and CT.

Results

Femoral anteversion measured on both CT and the mobile application showed excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.808–0.910). The correlation coefficient between femoral anteversion measured using CT and the mobile application was 0.933 (p < 0.001). The correlation of femoral anteversion between CT and the mobile application was relatively higher in the absence of metallic implants (correlation coefficient: 0.963, p < 0.001) than in the presence of metallic implants (correlation coefficient: 0.878, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Using two simple radiographs, the mobile application showed excellent validity and reliability for femoral anteversion measurement in adults as compared to CT. With the high accessibility and cost-effectiveness of this mobile application, femoral torsion measurement might be easily performed with simple radiography in clinical settings in the near future.
Osteoarthritis genetic risk acting on the galactosyltransferase gene COLGALT2 has opposing functional effects in articulating joint tissues
Authors: Kehayova Yulia S. , Wilkinson J. Mark , Rice Sarah J. , Loughlin John
Published: May 2023

Background

Investigation of cartilage and chondrocytes has revealed that the osteoarthritis risk marked by the independent DNA variants rs11583641 and rs1046934 mediate  their effects by decreasing the methylation status of CpG dinucleotides in enhancers and increasing the expression of shared target gene COLGALT2. We set out to investigate if these functional effects operate in a non-cartilaginous joint tissue.

Methods

Nucleic acids were extracted from the synovium of osteoarthritis patients. Samples were genotyped, and DNA methylation was quantified by pyrosequencing at CpGs within the COLGALT2 enhancers. CpGs were tested for enhancer effects using a synovial cell line and a reporter gene assay. DNA methylation was altered using epigenetic editing, with the impact on gene expression determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In silico analysis complemented laboratory experiments.

Results

The rs1046934 genotype did not associate with DNA methylation or COLGALT2 expression in the synovium, whereas the rs11583641 genotype did. Surprisingly, the effects for rs11583641 were opposite to those previously observed in cartilage. Epigenetic editing in synovial cells revealed that enhancer methylation is causally linked to COLGALT2 expression.

Conclusions

This is the first direct demonstration for osteoarthritis genetic risk of a functional link between DNA methylation and gene expression operating in opposite directions between articular joint tissues. It highlights pleiotropy in the action of osteoarthritis risk and provides a cautionary note in the application of future genetically based osteoarthritis therapies: an intervention that decreases the detrimental effect of a risk allele in one joint tissue may inadvertently increase its detrimental effect in another joint tissue.
Therapeutic and prophylactic effects of oral administration of probiotic Enterococcus faecium Smr18 in Salmonella enterica-infected mice
Authors: Rashid Muzamil , Narang Anmol , Thakur Shubham , Jain Subheet Kumar , Kaur Sukhraj
Published: May 2023

Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi causes chronic enteric fever known as typhoid. Prolonged treatment regimen used for the treatment of typhoid and indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of resistant strains of S. enterica that has further increased the severity of the disease. Therefore, alternative therapeutic agents are urgently required. In this study, probiotic and enterocin-producing bacteria Enterococcus faecium Smr18 was compared for both its prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in S. enterica infection mouse model. E. faecium Smr18 possessed high tolerance to bile salts and simulated gastric juice, as treatment for 3 and 2 h resulted in 0.5 and 0.23 log10 reduction in the colony forming units, respectively. It exhibited 70% auto aggregation after 24 h of incubation and formed strong biofilms at both pH 5 and 7. Oral administration of E. faecium in BALB/c mice infected with S. enterica significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the mortality of the infected mice and prevented the weight loss in mice. Administration of E. faecium prior to infection inhibited the translocation of S. enterica to liver and spleen, whereas, its administration post-infection completely cleared the pathogen from the organs within 8 days. Further, in both pre- and post-E. faecium-treated infected groups, sera levels of liver enzymes were restored back to normal; whereas the levels of creatinine, urea and antioxidant enzymes were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced compared to the untreated-infected group. E. faecium Smr18 administration significantly increased the sera levels of nitrate by 1.63-fold and 3.22-fold in pre- and post-administration group, respectively. Sera levels of interferon-γ was highest (tenfold) in the untreated-infected group, whereas the levels of interleukin-10 was highest in the post-infection E. faecium-treated group thereby indicating the resolution of infection in the probiotic-treated group, plausibly due to the increased production of reactive nitrogen intermediates.
Combatting over-specialization bias in growing chemical databases
Authors: Dost Katharina , Pullar-Strecker Zac , Brydon Liam , Zhang Kunyang , Hafner Jasmin , Riddle Patricia J. , Wicker Jörg S.
Published: May 2023

Background

Predicting in advance the behavior of new chemical compounds can support the design process of new products by directing the research toward the most promising candidates and ruling out others. Such predictive models can be data-driven using Machine Learning or based on researchers’ experience and depend on the collection of past results. In either case: models (or researchers) can only make reliable assumptions about compounds that are similar to what they have seen before. Therefore, consequent usage of these predictive models shapes the dataset and causes a continuous specialization shrinking the applicability domain of all trained models on this dataset in the future, and increasingly harming model-based exploration of the space.

Proposed solution

In this paper, we propose cancels (CounterActiNg Compound spEciaLization biaS), a technique that helps to break the dataset specialization spiral. Aiming for a smooth distribution of the compounds in the dataset, we identify areas in the space that fall short and suggest additional experiments that help bridge the gap. Thereby, we generally improve the dataset quality in an entirely unsupervised manner and create awareness of potential flaws in the data. cancels does not aim to cover the entire compound space and hence retains a desirable degree of specialization to a specified research domain.

Results

An extensive set of experiments on the use-case of biodegradation pathway prediction not only reveals that the bias spiral can indeed be observed but also that cancels produces meaningful results. Additionally, we demonstrate that mitigating the observed bias is crucial as it cannot only intervene with the continuous specialization process, but also significantly improves a predictor’s performance while reducing the number of required experiments. Overall, we believe that cancels can support researchers in their experimentation process to not only better understand their data and potential flaws, but also to grow the dataset in a sustainable way. All code is available under github.com/KatDost/Cancels.
Overview of multifunctional cysteinyl cathepsins in atherosclerosis-based cardiovascular disease: from insights into molecular functions to clinical implications
Authors: Cheng Xian Wu , Narisawa Megumi , Wang Hailong , Piao Limei
Published: May 2023

Cysteinyl cathepsins (CTSs) are widely known to have a proteolysis function that mediates recycling of unwanted proteins in endosomes and lysosomes, and investigation of CTSs has greatly improved with advances in live-imaging techniques both in vivo and in vitro, leading to three key findings. (1) CTSs are relocated from the lysosomes to other cellular spaces (i.e., cytosol, nucleus, nuclear membrane, plasma membrane, and extracellular milieu). (2) In addition to acidic cellular compartments, CTSs also exert biological activity in neutral environments. (3) CTSs also exert multiple nontraditional functions in, for example, extracellular matrix metabolism, cell signaling transduction, protein processing/trafficking, and cellular events. Various stimuli regulate the expression and activities of CTSs in vivo and vitro—e.g., inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, neurohormones, and growth factors. Accumulating evidence has confirmed the participation of CTSs in vascular diseases characterized by atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, thrombosis, calcification, aneurysm, restenosis/in-stent-restenosis, and neovasel formation. Circulating and tissue CTSs are promising as biomarkers and as a diagnostic imaging tool in patients with atherosclerosis-based cardiovascular disease (ACVD), and pharmacological interventions with their specific and non-specific inhibitors, and cardiovascular drugs might have potential for the therapeutic targeting of CTSs in animals. This review focuses on the update findings on CTS biology and the involvement of CTSs in the initiation and progression of ACVD and discusses the potential use of CTSs as biomarkers and small-molecule targets to prevent deleterious nontraditional functions in ACVD.
Integrated single-nucleus sequencing and spatial architecture analysis identified distinct injured-proximal tubular types in calculi rats
Authors: Wang Zhu , Deng Qiong , Gu Yanli , Li Min , Chen Yeda , Wang Jieyan , Zhang Ying , Zhang Jianwen , Hu Qiyi , Zhang Shenping , Chen Wei , Chen Zhenhua , Li Jiaying , Wang Xisheng , Liang Hui
Published: May 2023

Background

Urolithiasis with high prevalence and recurrence rate, has impacts on kidney injury in patients, becomes a socioeconomic and healthcare problem in worldwide. However, the biology of kidney with crystal formation and proximal tubular injury remains essentially unclear. The present study aims to evaluate the cell biology and immune-communications in urolithiasis mediated kidney injury, to provide new insights in the kidney stone treatment and prevention.

Results

We identified 3 distinct injured-proximal tubular cell types based on the differentially expression injury markers (Havcr1 and lcn2) and functional solute carriers (slc34a3, slc22a8, slc38a3 and slc7a13), and characterized 4 main immune cell types in kidney and one undefined cell population, where F13a1+/high/CD163+/high monocyte & macrophage and Sirpa/Fcgr1a/Fcgr2a+/high granulocyte were the most enriched. We performed intercellular crosstalk analysis based on the snRNA-seq data and explored the potential immunomodulation of calculi stone formation, and founded that the interaction between ligand Gas6 and its receptors (Gas6-Axl, Gas6-Mertk) was specifically observed in the injured-PT1 cells, but not injured-PT2 and -PT3 cells. The interaction of Ptn-Plxnb2 was only observed between the injured-PT3 cells and its receptor enriched cells.

Conclusions

Present study comprehensively characterized the gene expression profile in the calculi rat kidney at single nucleus level, identified novel marker genes for all cell types of rat kidney, and determined 3 distinct sub-population of injured-PT clusters, as well as intercellular communication between injured-PTs and immune cells. Our collection of data provides a reliable resource and reference for studies on renal cell biology and kidney disease.
Do Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and financial development contribute to economic diversification? Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Owolabi Oluwarotimi Ayokunnu , Adedeji Adedayo Oluseun , Aderounmu Busayo , Oku Asa-Ruth Oboko , Ogunbiyi Toun
Published: May 2023

This study based on a panel of 37 sub-Saharan Africa countries over the period of 2000–2019 explores the effect of a number of Information and Communications Technology variables namely fixed broad band, fixed line telephone, Information and Communications Technology good imports, internet, mobile, and secure internet servers, and financial development measured by private sector domestic credit to GDP on economic diversification as measured by a computed Herfindahl–Hirschman Index of economic diversification. Model estimation was performed using pooled ordinary least squares regression, panel data fixed effects regression, and generalized method of moments regression. The results from findings indicated that the Information and Communications Technology variables: fixed-line telephone, and ICT imports significantly reduced economic diversification, while internet and mobile were, respectively, insignificant for boosting economic diversification, and fixed broadband and secure internet servers were insignificant in adversely affecting economic diversification. As regards financial development, it was insignificant in boosting economic diversification of sub-Saharan Africa countries. The study recommended amongst others that individuals in sub-Saharan Africa countries should have improved access to Information and Communications Technology infrastructure and governments should ensure adequate provision of quality Information and Communications Technology infrastructure.
A heterozygous mutation in UBE2H in a patient with developmental delay leads to an aberrant brain development in zebrafish
Authors: Shin Unbeom , Choi Yeonsong , Ko Hwa Soo , Myung Kyungjae , Lee Semin , Cheon Chong Kun , Lee Yoonsung
Published: May 2023

Background

Ubiquitin-related rare diseases are generally characterized by developmental delays and mental retardation, but the exact incidence or prevalence is not yet fully understood. The clinical application of next-generation sequencing for pediatric seizures and developmental delay of unknown causes has become common in studies aimed at identification of a causal gene in patients with ubiquitin-related rare diseases that cannot be diagnosed using conventional fluorescence in situ hybridization or chromosome microarray tests. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of ubiquitin–proteasome system on ultra-rare neurodevelopmental diseases, through functional identification of candidate genes and variants.

Methods

In our present work, we carried out genome analysis of a patient with clinical phenotypes of developmental delay and intractable convulsion, to identify causal mutations. Further characterization of the candidate gene was performed using zebrafish, through gene knockdown approaches. Transcriptomic analysis using whole embryos of zebrafish knockdown morphants and additional functional studies identified downstream pathways of the candidate gene affecting neurogenesis.

Results

Through trio-based whole-genome sequencing analysis, we identified a de novo missense variant of the ubiquitin system-related gene UBE2H (c.449C>T; p.Thr150Met) in the proband. Using zebrafish, we found that Ube2h is required for normal brain development. Differential gene expression analysis revealed activation of the ATM-p53 signaling pathway in the absence of Ube2h. Moreover, depletion of ube2h led to induction of apoptosis, specifically in the differentiated neural cells. Finally, we found that a missense mutation in zebrafish, ube2h (c.449C>T; p.Thr150Met), which mimics a variant identified in a patient with neurodevelopmental defects, causes aberrant Ube2h function in zebrafish embryos.

Conclusion

A de novo heterozygous variant in the UBE2H c.449C>T (p.Thr150Met) has been identified in a pediatric patient with global developmental delay and UBE2H is essential for normal neurogenesis in the brain.
Comparing intraoperative hemodynamics and medication use during cranial nerve monitoring with partial muscle relaxants versus without in cerebellopontine angle tumors: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Osman Safinaz H. , Gaber Muhammad M. , Fadel Nasser A. , Aboldahab Hesham A. , Mohamed Mohamed M.
Published: May 2023

Background

There are many methods used for cranial nerve monitoring in cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor excision with or without muscle relaxant which may affect hemodynamics and consumption of drug doses. The partial neuromuscular blockade, on the other hand, appears to be compatible with monitoring in some patients, according to clinical experience. In this study, we evaluated hemodynamic changes and drug consumption differences between partial and without muscle relaxants.

Forty patients ages ranging from 18 to 60 years old had CPA surgery and were given either a muscle relaxant to maintain neuromuscular blockade level train-of-four (TOF) count two (group A) or a placebo of normal saline to maintain train-of-four (TOF) count four (group B). Fentanyl was given to both groups. The dose of fentanyl was modified to 0.5–1 mcg\kg/h, while the dose of propofol was modified to have bi-spectral index between 40 and 60. The total amount of propofol and fentanyl, as well as mean blood pressure and heart rate, are all measured intraoperatively.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in propofol and fentanyl doses between both research groups (p = 0.003, p = 0.002) respectively during the intraoperative period. Furthermore, there is a difference in as there were significant differences between two groups in time between stop of anesthesia and eye opening which is shorter in group with partial muscle relaxant reflecting shorter duration of anesthesia and recovery time (stop anesthesia to eye opening time) (p = 0.003, p > 0.001) respectively. Also, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of nausea and vomiting, shivering, bradycardia, or hypotension between the two study groups.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that partial muscle relaxant (train of four count 2) has benefits over no muscle relaxant (train of four count 4) for patients undergoing cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery because it can reduce anesthetic duration and generate rabid recovery. Furthermore, partial muscle relaxants exhibit the same hemodynamic stability, side effects, and surgical interruptions as group without muscle relaxants.
Systematic review on the application of computational fluid dynamics as a tool for the design of coronary artery stents
Authors: Valentim Moisés Xavier Guimarães , Zinani Flávia Schwarz Franceschini , da Fonseca Cleiton Elsner , Wermuth Diego Pacheco
Published: May 2023

Background

Every year thousands of people die from atherosclerosis. This heart disease causes artery hardening, which impairs blood flow. For this type of disease, the primary treatment is the application of stents. Observing the importance of the application of stents in the treatment of atherosclerosis, the present work aimed to carry out a systematic review of the literature on the applicability of computational fluid dynamics in the design of stents for coronary arteries.

Main body of abstract

To achieve the objective of this work, a review protocol was used. According to the method employed, we selected 16 articles to be read and analyzed in detail. Based on these studies, it was possible to verify that the works had two primary goals. The first was to model blood flow precisely to have CFD as a simulation and design tool. The second was to search for geometries of better performance, considering flow parameters that are believed to affect the stent lifespan—increasing time for stent replacement. Regarding the mathematical models for blood flow, it was verified that non-Newtonian models in transient regimes presented the best results. Regarding stent geometry, it was found that strut geometry and stent thickness can greatly influence wall shear stress parameters, which affect restenosis formation, and that the design of stents with innovative geometries has the potential to increase the lifespan of arterial stents.

Short conclusion

After completing the work, a document that serves as a knowledge base for works that apply stents as a treatment and support material for further research was obtained.
Real-World Perspectives and Practices for Pneumonitis/Interstitial Lung Disease Associated With Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Use in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Expressing Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Rugo Hope S. , Crossno Christine L. , Gesthalter Yaron B. , Kelley Kristen , Moore Heather N. , Rimawi Mothaffar F. , Westbrook Kelly E. , Buys Saundra S.
Published: May 2023

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is an antibody drug conjugate with a topoisomerase I payload that targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). T-DXd is approved for patients with previously treated HER2-positive or HER2-low (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH−) metastatic/unresectable breast cancer (BC). In a second-line HER2-positive metastatic BC (mBC) population (DESTINY-Breast03 [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03529110 ]), T-DXd demonstrated significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) over ado-trastuzumab emtansine (12-month rate: 75.8% v 34.1%; hazard ratio, 0.28; P < .001), and in patients with HER2-low mBC treated with one prior line of chemotherapy (DESTINY-Breast04 [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03734029 ]), T-DXd demonstrated significantly longer PFS and overall survival than physician's choice chemotherapy (10.1 v 5.4 months; hazard ratio, 0.51; P < .001, and 23.4 v 16.8 months; hazard ratio, 0.64; P < .001, respectively).

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an umbrella term used for a group of diseases characterized by lung injury including pneumonitis, which can lead to irreversible lung fibrosis. ILD is a well-described adverse event associated with certain anticancer therapies, including T-DXd. An important part of T-DXd therapy for mBC consists of monitoring for and managing ILD. Although information on ILD management strategies is included in the prescribing information, additional information on patient selection, monitoring, and treatment can be beneficial in routine clinical practice. The objective of this review is to describe real-world, multidisciplinary clinical practices and institutional protocols used for patient selection/screening, monitoring, and management related to T-DXd–associated ILD.
Anesthetic Complications in Children Undergoing Mehta Spine Casting: A Case Series
Authors: Ekeoduru Rhashedah A.
Published: May 2023

Elongation-derotation flexion casting, commonly referred to as Mehta casting, is a relatively new treatment for infantile idiopathic scoliosis. Surgeons have noted remarkable, sustained improvement in scoliosis following treatment with serial Mehta plaster casts. There is scant literature regarding anesthetic complications during Mehta cast placement. This case series examines 4 children who underwent Mehta casting at a single tertiary institution. Complications included endotracheal tube obstruction, hypothermia, pressure point injuries, and prolonged exposure to general anesthesia (GA) that potentially increases the risk of long-term neurodevelopmental delay.
Survival and Symptomatic Relief After Cytoreductive Hepatectomy for Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastases: Long-Term Follow-up Evaluation of More Than 500 Patients
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Hallbera , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Vierkant Robert A. , Starlinger Patrick , Thiels Cornelius A. , Warner Susanne G. , Smoot Rory L. , Truty Mark J. , Kendrick Michael L. , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R. , Nagorney David M. , Cleary Sean P.
Published: May 2023

Background

Distant metastases are the strongest predictor of poor prognosis for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Cytoreductive hepatectomy (CRH) can relieve symptoms of hormonal excess and prolong survival for patients with liver metastases (NETLMs), but long-term outcomes are poorly characterized.

Methods

This retrospective single-institution analysis analyzed patients who underwent CRH for well-differentiated NETLMs from 2000 to 2020. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated symptom-free interval and overall and progression-free survival. Multivariable Cox regression analysis evaluated factors associated with survival.

Results

The inclusion criteria were met by 546 patients. The most common primary sites were the small intestine (n = 279) and the pancreas (n = 194). Simultaneous primary tumor resection was performed for 60 % of the cases. Major hepatectomy comprised 27% of the cases, but this rate decreased during the study period (p < 0.001). Major complications occurred in 20%, and the 90-day mortality rate was 1.6%. Functional disease was present in 37 %, and symptomatic relief was achieved in 96%. The median symptom-free interval was 41 months (62 months after complete cytoreduction and 21 months with gross residual disease) (p = 0.021). The median overall survival was 122 months, and progression-free survival was 17 months. In the multivariable analysis, worse overall survival was associated with age, pancreatic primary tumor, Ki-67, number and size of lesions, and extrahepatic metastases, with Ki-67 as the strongest predictor (odds ratio [OR], 1.90 for Ki-67 [3–20%; p = 0.018] and OR, 4.25 for Ki-67 [>20%; p < 0.001]).

Conclusion

The study showed that CRH for NETLMs is associated with low perioperative morbidity and mortality and excellent overall survival, although the majority will experience recurrence/progression. For patients with functional tumors, CRH can provide durable symptomatic relief.
Nordic Walking in Water on Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: PLOYDANG TAWATCHAI , KHOVIDHUNKIT WEERAPAN , TANAKA HIROFUMI , SUKSOM DAROONWAN
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Aquatic Nordic walking (ANW) is a novel whole-body low-impact exercise that can be practiced by a variety of older adults with chronic conditions. However, its efficacy on several aspects of health is largely unknown.

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the effects of regular ANW on glycemic control and vascular function in older adults with type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment.

Methods

Thirty-three older adults with type 2 diabetes age 60–75 yr were randomly allocated to nonexercising control (n = 17) or ANW (n = 17) groups. Nordic walking was performed in a pool at water temperature of 34°C–36°C, three times per week for 12 wk.

Results

Measures of functional physical fitness including chair stand, timed up and go, chair sit and reach, reach and back scratch, and 6-min walk test scores were all improved after ANW (all P < 0.05). Plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance decreased (all P < 0.05) in ANW. Vascular reactivity as assessed by brachial flow-mediated dilation increased, and arterial stiffness as assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity decreased in ANW (all P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Middle cerebral artery pulsatility index decreased with ANW under normocapnia condition (P < 0.05). Cerebrovascular conductance increased with ANW under hypercapnia condition. Montreal Cognitive Assessment score increased in the ANW group (P < 0.001). Changes in Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores were positively associated with corresponding changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (r = 0.540, P = 0.031).

Conclusions

Nordic walking in water was a safe and effective innovative exercise modality to improve glycemic control, vascular function, physical fitness, cerebrovascular reactivity, and cognitive function in older adults with type 2 diabetes.
Notes on the genus Xenodiscula Pilsbry, 1919 (Gastropoda: Scolodontidae), with the description of a new species from NW Ecuador
Authors: Roosen Marijn , Weijsenfeld Jonas , Dorado Carles
Published: May 2023

Xenodiscula Pilsbry, 1919 is a poorly known genus of micro gastropods with a seemingly wide distribution in Middle and South America. The main purpose of this paper is to describe a new species from the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena hotspot, Xenodiscula yumbo sp. nov., as well as providing a redescription and updated distribution data for all known taxa. Hopefully this will stimulate further research into this genus.
Dataset: A consolidated and harmonised Verbal Autopsy dataset from Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites in South Africa
Authors: Cowan Eilidh , D'Ambruoso Lucia , Price Jessica , Fottrell Edward , Herbst Kobus
Published: May 2023

This data note provides details of the development of a Verbal Autopsy (VA) dataset produced with the South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN) drawing on datasets from health and socio-demographic surveillance sites’ (HDSS) ‘ covering a population of over 250,000 in two rural provinces in South Africa for the period 2012-2019. The purpose of the data set was to refine an analytical tool within VA, which provides unique information on care seeking and utilisation at and around the time of death complementary to that of medical cause of death. On an individual basis, the dataset includes demographic data, probable cause of death data, and data on care seeking and utilisation at or around the time of death drawn from longitudinal population cohorts. The purpose of this publication is to describe both the dataset and methods in formatting and processing the data for other researchers who may be interested in similar data. The data described in this paper are available to be requested from the respective HDSS repositories.
Using responsive feedback from routine monitoring data to guide course corrections for a family planning intervention in Nigeria
Authors: Meekers Dominique , Olutola Olaniyi , Abu Turk Lynn
Published: May 2023

Background: This paper aims to promote the use of interrupted time series analyses of routine data as a responsive feedback tool to improve public health programs on an ongoing basis. This methodology is demonstrated by measuring the effect of a radio campaign to promote a family planning call center in Nigeria on the demand for family planning information and explains how the results were used to adapt the program.  

Methods: We used a single group interrupted time series design (ITS) as a responsive feedback mechanism to determine whether the radio campaign influenced use of the Honey&Banana call center. ITS is ideal when a control group is not available and assumes that an interruption of the trend in the outcome measure occurs after the intervention starts. ITS uses the pre-intervention trend to predict what would have happened if the intervention were absent.  

Results: After conducting ITS analyses, the results show that the number of calls requesting family planning information increased throughout the campaign period, with a gain of about 500 additional calls per month, and then decreased after the campaign ended. However, the number of calls gained from the campaign was substantially lower than anticipated.  

Conclusions: While end-of-project impact evaluations are necessary, there should be regular feedback system to provide program implementers with information about the status of the project, such as failures, successes, and areas of improvements. This would allow implementers to make necessary adjustments as needed throughout the intervention period. The finding that the radio campaign was not living up to expectations helped program implementers to end the campaign prematurely and re-allocate resources to a more promising activity. Our research shows that basic ITS analysis of routine data can be a useful tool for receiving regular feedback to guide programming improvements.
Optimal Subscription Planning for Digital Goods
Authors: Alaei Saeed , Makhdoumi Ali , Malekian Azarakhsh
Published: May 2023

Alaei et al. consider the problem of a streaming platform that offers different set of contents with different subscription fees with the goal of maximizing revenue. They characterize the necessary and sufficient condition for the consumer preferences under which a single-tier subscription is optimal. In particular, they show the preferences of the consumers for different contents must be aligned for a single-tier subscription to be optimal. This condition is often violated in practice, establishing the suboptimality of a single-tier offering. They further show that a subscription fee proportional to the number of contents is near-optimal.
‘Grasping in the Dark’
Authors: Davies Huw J.
Published: May 2023

This chapter focuses on John Campbell, Fourth Earl of Loudoun, the newly appointed commander-in-chief of the British Army in North America. It looks at how he was taking command of a defeated and discontented regular force, which was — with some justification — regarded with suspicion by the local colonial forces. Although war with France had not yet been declared, the chapter stresses that an effective state of hostility existed in North America. Loudoun's mission was therefore both immense and ill-defined. The chapter then elaborates on his task to establish close cooperation between the Thirteen Colonies, man, train and equip colonial defence forces and rebuild the tattered reputation of the regular British Army after a series of defeats and humiliations in both Europe and America. It was a challenge which neither he nor any of his successors would fully meet. The chapter follows how Loudoun played a pivotal role in the suppression of the Jacobite Rebellion in 1745–1746. It was during these conflicts that the British Army suffered a series of humiliating defeats and ruined its reputation. However, as the chapter uncovers, it also created the conditions for a mid-century transformation based largely on the accumulation of global experiences of warfare, and set in train Britain's accidental military enlightenment.
‘The Scientifics’
Authors: Davies Huw J.
Published: May 2023

This chapter discusses how Thomas Mitchell became one of Sir George Murray's best map-makers. It recounts how they toured Portugal and Spain between 1815 and 1819, making extensive trigonometrical surveys of the terrain over which the British, Portuguese, Spanish and French armies fought for six years between 1808 and 1814. The chapter also digs into the Duke of Wellington's opinions about the campaigns in the Peninsula, noting that Mitchell's account illustrates that Wellington thought not just about the battles, but the operations that led to, and arose from, those battles. It then investigates how Wellington achieved much of his successes by the end of the war in carefully orchestrated campaigns that did not necessarily have to result in large set-piece battles. The chapter emphasizes that his forces were relying on superior planning, which accounted for all eventualities, speed of manoeuvre, which allowed the British to seize and keep the initiative, and a close link between tactical and strategic objectives. The chapter studies military geography and the formation of lines of operation, which for Henry Lloyd was the central element of military planning.
Conclusion
Authors: Davies Huw J.
Published: May 2023

This chapter defines that the eighteenth-century military enlightenment was a period of experimentation, innovation and development for European armies. The phenomenon was, for the British, both accidental and asymmetric. The chapter begins by explaining that Britain's military enlightenment was accidental because the phenomenon itself was the product of defeat and humiliation on the battlefield which prompted a period of self-reflection. It demonstrates that this coincided with the opportunistic imperial expansion of the late eighteenth century, which facilitated a process of knowledge exchange based on a unique experience of war on a global scale. As the chapter highlights, a dynamic relationship between military thought, experience and knowledge exchange was therefore facilitated. The chapter then elaborates that Britain's military enlightenment was also asymmetric because the experience of the military enlightenment was an uneven and sometimes contradictory process. The chapter concludes by looking at a variety of reasons for a mid-eighteenth-century interest in the professional development of the Army.
Oscar Wilde on Trial
Authors: Bristow Joseph
Published: May 2023

Among the most infamous prosecutions of a literary figure in history, the two trials of Oscar Wilde for committing acts of “gross indecency” occurred at the height of his fame. After being found guilty, Wilde spent two years in prison, emerged bankrupt, and died in a cheap hotel room in Paris a few years after his release. The trials prompted a new intolerance toward homosexuality: habits of male bonding that were previously seen as innocent were now viewed as a threat, and an association grew in the public mind between gay men and the arts. This book assembles accounts from a variety of sources, including official and private letters, newspaper accounts, and previously published (but very incomplete) transcripts, to provide the most accurate and authoritative account to date of events that were pivotal in both legal and cultural history.
Oscar Wilde and Alfred Douglas: The Scandalous Affair that Inflamed the Marquess
Authors: Bristow Joseph
Published: May 2023

This chapter highlights the period that began with Oscar Wilde's intense intimacy with John Sholto Douglas. It draws attention to Wilde and Douglas's mutual interest in an evolving homophile literary subculture, probing an account of the circumstances that resulted in Douglas's insulting visiting card accusing Wilde of posing as a sodomite. It also examines the reasons that brought about the withdrawal of Wilde's libel suit on 5 April 1895, his discreet departure from the Old Bailey, and his subsequent arrest at the Cadogan Hotel, Sloane Street. The chapter reveals materials that Douglas's solicitor amassed in order to support his lengthy plea of justification. This was a demoralizing outcome that made Wilde responsible for hefty legal costs that compounded the prospect of bankruptcy.
Imprisonment: Pentonville, Wandsworth, Reading
Authors: Bristow Joseph
Published: May 2023

This chapter begins by analyzing the diverse ways in which commentators immediately responded to Oscar Wilde's sentence, noting how many of the press's remarks were hostile but there were a small number of dissenting voices. Skeptical reporters as well as correspondents with the press raised exigent questions about the proceedings, especially the presentation of evidence by individuals who admitted their involvement in the criminal world. The chapter mentions that journalists addressed the repercussions that harsh prison life had on Wilde's mental and physical health. The chapter highlights the refusal of the prison authorities to grant Wilde access to books other than John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and the Bible. It recounts the invaluable retrospective on the events that culminated in Wilde's trials.
Subgroup B
Authors: Neuwirth Angelika , Wilder Samuel
Published: May 2023

This chapter assesses subgroup B of the second group of suras: the hymnic suras 87 and 96. Both of these suras begin with a personal address to the proclaimer, who is further thematized as an actor in the respective sura contexts. It is these suras that introduce for the first time, and represent exemplarily, the idea of “scripture” as a source of authority for the “recitation” of the proclaimer, who virtually “dictates,” so to speak, from a written template in his recitation. Already in sura 87, the proclamation is authorized through reference to the “first scriptures.” At first sight it is the identity of what is communicated with that which earlier prophets had already proclaimed, and thus a first reference to an emerging consciousness of nearness to the biblical tradition.
Subgroup C
Authors: Neuwirth Angelika , Wilder Samuel
Published: May 2023

This chapter addresses subgroup C of the second group of suras: suras 82, 81, 84, 86, and 85. Sura 82 carries the idea of unavoidable human responsibility, which attributes to the physical creation of humanity a causal role for his societal duties. It begins with an idhā series that includes four verses about the cosmic dissolution, which offer a counterimage to the Christian image of the eschatological vision of the coming of the Son of man. However, the theme of the dissolution of the cosmos already quite quickly becomes a qur'anic topos, unfolded in more detailed image series in suras 81 and 84. In all three suras the proclaimer or his performance receive special attention. The conception of the heavenly checking of the deeds of humans, which replaces the symbolic conception of the weighing of the deeds on the Final Day, is taken up again in suras 86 and 85.
The Navy Goes to War 1914–1915
Authors: Prior Robin
Published: May 2023

This chapter discusses how the British Navy dominated the war at sea in 1914. Britain had the dreadnought battleship, which allowed them to ensure naval supremacy. However, Britain struggled to keep its dominance to protect trade routes for war-like materials and food and convoy routes that allowed troops from the Empire to join the small British army on the Western Front. The chapter explains the main issues for Admiral Sir Berkeley Milne, which led to the attempt to direct the campaign against the Goeben from London with unfortunate results. It mentions how the period of the naval war finished early in the new year with a British victory of a kind at the Dogger Bank, but Milne and Winston Churchill did not emerge well from the naval skirmishes.
Rue Morgue – 1917
Authors: Prior Robin
Published: May 2023

This chapter covers the aftermath of the Battle of the Somme. The aftermath brought a political change in Britain, which included Lloyd George taking the Prime Minister position. George promoted the prosecution of the war while also attempting to conserve lives. Moreover, the Prime Minister marginalised his military advisers by ramming through with a Supreme War Council, that would meet at Versailles and provide alternative military advice to the British and French governments. The chapter elaborates on the Battle of Arras and the Third Battle of Ypres, which showcased Britain's improved artillery accuracy. It notes the impasse after the campaign in 1918 that would need resolution as per George's discretion.
The War at Sea 1916–1918
Authors: Prior Robin
Published: May 2023

This chapter tackles the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. Prior to the battle, quiet primarily reigned in the North Sea after the Battle of Dogger Bank. However, the Admiralty caught wind of Reinhard Scheer designing to trap and sink a section of the Grand Fleet, so British commanders and John Jellicoe were ordered to intercept him. The chapter explains the aftermath wherein the Germans caused great inconvenience with the submarine campaign and Britain was required to ration food and restrict non-war cargoes to see them through. It also highlights how the Admiralty under Jellicoe were slow to implement and slow to extend the convoy system, so Lloyd George fired Jellicoe in June 1917.
1918 – the Whirlwind
Authors: Prior Robin
Published: May 2023

This chapter explains how Lloyd George achieved unity of command in March 1918. It discusses that George's relations with the military dwindled after the series of disappointing war results in 1917. George suggested that the generals assembled at Versailles for an Executive War Board and control the reserve forces behind the front. Moreover, the move aims to have Douglas Haig continue to handle central reserves and the Executive War Board. Since the casualties in 1917 and any of Haig and Robertson's offensives were not sustainable, George primarily focused on controlling manpower instead of just commanding the military power. The chapter looks into the failure of German assault troops against Georg Bruchmüller's artillery.
The Norway Campaign
Authors: Prior Robin
Published: May 2023

This chapter covers the British Intelligence sources picking up various reports surrounding the German naval preparations aimed at Norway. Despite the failure to disrupt the German invasion of Norway, Winston Churchill ignored, or was unaware, of the intelligence failures. He told the War Cabinet to take the chance to apply overwhelming pressure at sea. However, the troops at Narvik were trained but fought in an impossible environment and without proper equipment, so they were captured by ski troops. Churchill took the blame for the fiasco, especially when he attempted to operate the campaign from London with little to vague ideas of the conditions of the environment.
Slouching Towards a Strategy – Anglo-American Planning 1940–1942
Authors: Prior Robin
Published: May 2023

This chapter focuses on the Anglo-American planning devised between Prime Minister Winston Churchill and American President Franklin Roosevelt. Roosevelt hardly wanted Britain to be overrun by the Nazis, and so Britain received as much aid as the President deemed was within the limits of what public opinion would bear. However, this did not amount to much for Britain. The chapter explains how the discussions resulted in the recognition of Germany as a major foe and the establishment of military missions in both countries. It clarifies that a coherent Anglo-American strategy was impossible if the United States remained as a benevolent neutral.
The End in Africa
Authors: Prior Robin
Published: May 2023

This chapter explores the difficulty of settling on an area of operations with an ally, referencing the development of an Allied plan. It also notes the appointment of Dwight Eisenhower as the Supreme Commander of the Torch landings. The North African landings took place on November 1942 after a logistical and organisational triumph which saw men delivered from the United States and various parts of Britain to three main landing areas simultaneously. The outcome triggered tension between the theatre commander Eisenhower and Winston Churchill. The chapter details the Tunisian campaign wherein Churchill felt constrained making usually detailed interventions in an American operation.
The Weight of the War – The Strategic Bombing of Germany
Authors: Prior Robin
Published: May 2023

This chapter details the strategic bombing of Germany. It tackles the operation and development of Bomber Command. The Churchill War Cabinet did not have a fearsomely destructive weapon despite their belief in the Bomber Command. Due to its slow speed, the Bomber Command struggled to aim its bombs at particular objectives, such as the economic base of the German military. The chapter highlights the involvement of Winston Churchill in the British policy of area bombing. It cites the reasons why Churchill settled with the Bomber Command campaign, which include how the bombing was the only way to bring the war to German people and the Nazi regime.