bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fifty Years of Catholic-Pentecostal Dialogue, 1972–2022
Authors: Robeck Cecil M.
Published: July 2022

This article offers a sweeping view of the first fifty years of the International Roman Catholic–Pentecostal Dialogue, from the perspective of an historian who has participated in this ongoing discussion for the past thirty-seven years. While the first two rounds of dialogue were especially difficult because of the political disputes between the then Assemblies of God General Superintendent, Thomas F. Zimmerman, and David du Plessis, the former General Secretary of the Pentecostal World Conference, the Dialogue has survived and produced six major studies so far, with a seventh round that has resumed after COVID-19 in July 2022. Today, this ecumenical dialogue is the oldest and most widely accepted in the world that features Pentecostals. The article explains some of the difficulties participants have faced, challenges they have overcome, and it explains how the dialogue has opened doors for further communication between Catholics and Pentecostals. It concludes with the recognition that the dialogue has contributed to problem solving and has helped to open the path towards the establishment of the Christian Unity Commission of the Pentecostal World Fellowship.
Seismic Surveys off the South African Coastline
Authors: Glazewski Jan , du Toit Louise
Published: July 2022

In two recent South African cases, the applicants sought interim interdicts preventing the respondent companies – Shell and Searcher – from continuing with, or alternatively commencing, their seismic surveys along the eastern and the western/southwestern coasts of South Africa respectively. In both matters, rights in relation to searching for mineral or petroleum resources had been granted in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002. The High Courts paid special attention to the inadequate public consultation processes that had been followed and highlighted the duty of Shell and Searcher to meaningfully consult with the affected communities and individuals. In both cases, the Courts found that the requirements for an interim interdict had been met, and Shell and Searcher were accordingly prohibited from continuing with or commencing their seismic surveys of the respective portions of the South African coast, pending the outcomes of the main applications.
igo s’ Initiatives as a Response to Crises and Unforeseen Needs
Authors: Bonucci Nicola , Marceau Gabrielle , Ouellet André-Philippe , Walker Rebecca
Published: July 2022

This article aims at reviewing the practice of ‘initiatives’ by Intergovernmental Organizations (igo s) when responding to crises or the unforeseen needs of their respective memberships. It forms part of a broader research project on the role of igo s in international law where more than 100 initiatives were identified so far, focusing on 14 igo s. The notion of an igo’s initiative, conceptualised as activities of the Executive Heads and the secretariat’s staff that enhance the remit of an organization beyond those functions initially or formally envisaged by its constituent instrument, is examined. A descriptive analysis of over 30 initiatives indicate that they may be successful in addressing modern unforeseen challenges, whether they stem from international emergencies, climate change, dynamic technological advancements, or global health crises such as the covid-19 pandemic- especially when such initiatives are accepted and supported by igo s’ members.
Children and Youth Participation in Decision- Making in Tanzania: A Need for Vibrant Councils at Local Levels
Authors: Makulilo Victoria
Published: July 2022

Despite commitments by the Tanzanian government to protect and promote human as well as establishing junior and youth councils; there is very low participation of children and youth in governance and accountability. This paper was set to explain why there is low participation of children and youth in decision-making in Tanzania. Using a human rights approach and qualitative analysis of secondary data from previous studies, this paper found out that the low participation of children and youth in decision making is a result of weak implementation of policies and laws coupled by inadequate support from the government. The paper, therefore, recommends for effective implementation of policies and laws by the government. This should be done through (a) fast-tracking establishment of National Youth Council and Junior Councils as stipulated in policies and law and (b) establishing regulatory frameworks to oversee the functioning of those councils.
The Paradox of Bodaboda Youth as Agents for Promoting and Preventing Violent Extremism in Tanzania
Authors: Sambaiga Richard F.
Published: July 2022

The arrival of Motorcycle taxis (bodaboda) in the public transport sector in African and beyond have had far reaching opportunities and challenges in other realms of public affairs especially the economy and security. This paper examines the paradoxical nature of Bodaboda Youth in terms of their role in either promoting or/and preventing violent extremism in Tanzania. It seeks a nuanced understanding of the security dimensions of the bodaboda phenomenon with a focus on what the influx of bodaboda means for violent extremism (VE) and prevention of violent extremism (PVE) in Tanzania and elsewhere in Africa. Drawing on empirical evidence from Tanzania, and inspired by sound actor oriented perspectives, the article, defends the contention that Bodaboda Youth can actively and creatively participate VE operatives and PVE practices. Analytically, the paper challenges dominant discourses, which have tended to present a rather one-sided and reductionist view that represent youth as perpetrators of violence thereby silencing the diverse ways through which youth actually participate in addressing, reducing or containing violence.
Corpuscular Conchology
Authors: Ezra Ruth
Published: July 2022

In 1741, Jacques Gautier d’Agoty asserted his position as the inventor of tri-color mezzotint, advertising his process in the pages of the Mercure de France December 1741, with an image of a Drap d’or shell. This article takes the shell as a case study to demonstrate one way in which Gautier’s early artistic experimentation with print processes fed his later natural philosophical theorizing, which he published in the pages of his new scientific journal, the Observations (1752–1757). The burr of the Drap d’or’s copperplate, the stratigraphy of its tonal inking, and the corrosive action of its mordant informed Gautier’s conception of shell discoloration as a process based on the collapse of a mollusk’s surface texture and the movement of salts in and out of its pores. His first-hand experience of achieving mechanical color impressions with mezzotint furnished him with an artistic metaphor with which he could then comprehend a natural process.
Introduction: Meanings of Mobility Among Peasants in Europe, 1300–1800
Authors: Klír Tomáš , Lindström Jonas
Published: July 2022

Migration is a fundamental but often neglected chapter in the history of European peasant societies. Knowledge of migration in Medieval and Early Modern rural Europe adds significantly to our understanding of phenomena as diverse as serfdom, the land market, social stratification, the diffusion of agricultural practices, and responses to climate change. To advance this knowledge, we need to consult both documentary evidence and archaeological data, and study diverse parts of Europe. This special issue of the Journal of Migration History collects articles devoted to various aspects of mobility among peasants and its multiple meanings. Written by historians and archaeologists, they present a plethora of perspectives, methods, and approaches to the study of migration in the past. This introductory article describes the themes and scope of the articles. We argue for the importance of migration to peasant studies but also for the integration of peasant studies into mainstream migration history.
Rural Migration in Premodern Europe: Sweden, 1613–1618
Authors: Andersson Martin
Published: July 2022

Although most people in the past lived in agrarian communities, premodern rural migration has long been a neglected subject within the field of migration history. The aim of this study is to enhance our knowledge of rural household migration in premodern Europe. It is based on the Älvsborg lösen taxation records, in which household migration data was registered for the Swedish population during a five-year period at the beginning of the seventeenth century. The study focuses on rural household migration rates, distances and destinations. It shows that 5 per cent of rural households in Sweden moved annually, with about two-thirds of these being ‘local’ migrants, which is consistent with what has previously been reported for other European regions. Migration was consequentially not only part of the life-course of most individuals, but also of great importance for the rural economy and societies in premodern Europe.
Factors Influencing the Use of Animal Models in Animal Experimentation: A Survey
Authors: Borgi Marta , Fasano Laura , Laurenzano Sara , Vitale Augusto
Published: July 2022

Methodological choices in animal experimentation are influenced by a variety of factors. The analysis of the relative weight of such factors on the practice of animal experimentation can offer a better idea of the influences characterizing the work of researchers today. To this aim, we conducted structured interviews and sent out questionnaires to researchers using animal models. The results showed that the main factor influencing the researchers’ work with animals was the appropriateness of the chosen animal model to respond to the question addressed. Ethical issues came as the next important factor, mostly based on considerations regarding animal suffering. The general public opinion appeared to be of little significance, indicating that a gap still exists between animal researchers and society. This paper shows animal experimentation is influenced by both external (e.g., adherence to scientific objectivity) and internal factors (e.g., ethical concerns), providing a varied profile of the contemporary animal researcher.
My Fish and I: Human-Fish Interactions in the 21st Century
Authors: Galhardo Leonor
Published: July 2022

‘My fish and I’ is an account of the diversity of human-fish interactions. This includes their benefits, detriments/harms as well as their moral and animal welfare. Fish are not easily perceived as individual animals having mental states, interests, needs and a degree of individuality. Additionally, fish have been handled as a simple resource in innumerable human interactions. Important ethical approaches address animal-human interactions based upon the individual’s cognitive ability and capacity to feel pleasure and pain. Given the ample evidence that fish have neuroanatomical structures that support the capacity to feel (sentience) and have complex behavioural and cognitive abilities, a moral duty is imposed upon us. Some human-centered and eco-centered moral views complement different perceptions of the nature of our relationship with fish. This occurs both at the individual level and as species or populations face a serious need for conservation. The concepts and assessments in the developments of animal welfare science provide ample basis for an evolution in the quality of human-fish interactions. However, many stakeholders must take part in this evolution. This is especially true as it concerns those areas of activity involving many individual fish and higher levels of suffering. Examples of these are aquaculture and commercial fisheries where there is much more at stake. Consumers will have the last word in this role, namely by reducing fish consumption.
Reasonable Pluralism, Moderate Confucian Perfectionism, and Pluralistic Neutrality
Authors: Li Zhuoyao
Published: July 2022

Moderate Confucian perfectionism aims to take advantage of both the capacity of liberalism to accommodate reasonable pluralism and the richness of Confucianism to endorse shared values without much controversy. Drawing from John Rawls’s proviso, Franz Mang offers an internal critique of moderate Confucian perfectionism by constructing a “wide view of moderate perfectionism” according to which active promotion of Confucianism or Confucian values violates the liberal condition to accommodate reasonable pluralism. In this article, I will argue that Mang’s internal critique not only reveals the weakness of moderate Confucian perfectionism but also pushes moderate perfectionism closer to neutrality, which can be demonstrated by adopting a pluralistic understanding of liberal neutrality. Furthermore, the pluralistic understanding of liberal neutrality leads to a convergent view of the relationship between political liberalism and moderate perfectionism, on the basis of which a modified proviso can be constructed to take advantage of both freestanding political reasons and freestanding perfectionist reasons. This modified proviso not only meets the liberal condition to accommodate reasonable pluralism but also strengthens the case for political liberalism.
Polydimethylsiloxane-based stretchable conductive elastomer fiber by using oil bath-spinning for wearable devices
Authors: Wang Xuan , Tang Jia , Huang Yaoli , Bi Siyi , Jiang Jinhua , Chen Nanliang , Shao Huiqi
Published: July 2022

Flexible stretchable conductors are widely used in various wearable devices and flexible electronic components due to their unique engineering structure adaptability. Fiber has anisotropic stretchability due to its linear structure and it is used in the study of stretchable conductors. However, traditional fibers have low axial stretchability and poor adhesion to conductive particles, so they are not suitable for high-strain engineering structures. Here, a simple and fast preparation method with oil bath thermal curing and a blade coating method is proposed to obtain polydimethylsiloxane-based stretchable elastomer fibers. The fibers have excellent flexibility, stretchability (greater than 100%), elasticity (recovery rate greater than 96%), conductivity (176.5 S/m), and rapid electromechanical response. In particular, the fibers have good weaving ability for their stable performance under bending and twisting load, which is important to weave flexible high conductivity fabric. The effect of conductive particle types (carbon black, carboxylated multi-arm carbon nanotubes) on the fiber properties is also studied. The results show that the carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane fiber has better stable performance under bending and twisting load due to a uniform and dense conductive layer formed. This work provides a research basis for the preparation of silicone rubber-like fibrous composite materials, and the prepared polydimethylsiloxane-based stretchable conductive elastomer fibers have broad application prospects in flexible wearable electronic devices.
Tension control of a yarn winding system based on the nonlinear active disturbance-rejection control algorithm
Authors: Zhang Hua , Xia Huidi , Lu Yongfa , Wu Jie , Zhang Xianghao , Wei Yikun
Published: July 2022

This research proposes a new system for controlling yarn tension in the winding operation based on active disturbance-rejection control (ADRC) technology, which controls and minimizes the fluctuation of tension during winding. The mechanical structure of the winding machine was analyzed to clarify the main factors affecting the yarn tension. Proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control is the most common control method of the winding machine. In order to compare the control effects of ADRC and PID control, the mathematical model of the yarn-tension control system was established on the MATLAB platform by means of system identification. Through the simulation on this model, the results showed that under the action of disturbance, the overshoot of the yarn tension controlled by the active disturbance-rejection controller was smaller, the adjustment time was shorter, and the steady-state error was smaller. An experimental platform was built to test the control effect of the controller under different parameters, thereby verifying the performance and stability of the active disturbance-rejection controller. The results showed that the controller had good performance and stability.
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum: A case series
Authors: Thomas Teena , Gachinmath Supriya , Kumari Pooja
Published: July 2022

Arcanobacterium haemolyticum formerly known as Corynebacteria haemolyticum is a Gram positive bacilli. It is a fastidious, facultative anerobic, catalase negative, beta haemolytic and non motile bacterium. Gram positive bacilli are usually considered to be non-pathogenic as the majority are part of normal flora of human skin and mucous membranes. Hence, diagnosis of such infection and its treatment may be delayed by a failure of recognition. However, this bacterium has been implicated in wound, superficial and deep-seated soft tissue infections, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, meningitis, pneumonia, and also septicemia. The early diagnostic evaluation of this organism is emphasized. We report a case series which illustrates the significance of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum in skin and soft tissue infections.
Reasons for in-hospital delays to emergency surgical care in a resource-limited setting: Surgery versus anesthesiology perspective
Authors: Robinson Brittany , Purcell Laura N. , Reiss Rachel , Msosa Vanessa , Mtalimaja Onias , Charles Anthony
Published: July 2022

Patients experience delays in emergency surgical care. Our 3-month mixed-methods observational prospective study examined the duration of in-hospital delays (IHDs) to emergency surgery at a tertiary hospital in Malawi and perceived reasons for such delay, assessing the correlation between surgery and anesthesia. Delays over two hours occurred in the majority, and almost 20% waited over twelve hours. However, we found no correlation between surgeons and anaesthetists in the perceived reasons for In-hospital delays to emergency surgical care.
Non-fragile consensus control for nonlinear singular multi-agent systems: An event-triggered sampling scheme
Authors: Niu Qi , Li Lin , Wang Chaoli
Published: July 2022

This paper is devoted to the problem of non-fragile consensus control for a class of nonlinear singular multi-agent systems based on an event-triggered control strategy. To reduce the resource occupancy, a decentralized event-triggered sampling consensus control protocol for each agent is proposed, which does not require continuous communication among agents. Analysis of non-fragile consensus problem in the multi-agent systems is transformed into asymptotical stability issues of some lower dimensional subsystems via nonsingular transformation. Using the Lyapunov theory, sufficient conditions are obtained such that for all possible norm-bounded parameter variations in the protocol gains, the designed protocol can bring all agents’ states to a point of agreement. Furthermore, the corresponding protocol design method is also given. Numerical examples are included to illustrate the effectiveness of the derived results.
Application of solar cells and wireless system for detecting faults in phasor measurement units using non-linear optimization
Authors: Manoharan Hariprasath , Teekaraman Yuvaraja , Kuppusamy Ramya , Radhakrishnan Arun
Published: July 2022

This research study examines the integration of wireless system and solar cells for detection and location of faults in power grids by implementing minimum number of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) after considering zero injection buses. A fault in the grid networks indicates a failure in the entire network that interfaces the normal flow of current which can be measured using wireless systems. The fault location in power grid is problematic because of high existence in several lateral tap-offs. In addition, the identification of exact location with presence of faults in the power system and severity of the faults are challenging tasks due to bulk and complex nature of the electrical power system state estimation. The major requirement of PMU placement approach is to find the minimum number of PMUs and their location with maximum wireless coverage under fault conditions with a prerequisite for the projected algorithm. The integrated algorithm is tested and validated for different fault conditions where the results are compared with different conventional methods using different optimization models such as heuristics, decision rules and mathematical programming where the outcomes proves to be much effective in terms of number of PMU installation for proper placements and detection, location in number of fault systems thus achieving 82% reliability using Ant Lion Optimizer (ALO).
Vitamin D: an essential adjuvant therapeutic agent in breast cancer
Authors: Thabet Romany H , Gomaa Adel A , Matalqah Laila M , Shalaby Erin M
Published: July 2022

Low serum levels of vitamin D have been reported as a risk factor for breast cancer. This narrative review provides an update on the impact of vitamin D on hormone receptors, notably estrogen receptor subunits, and gives insights on possible therapeutic interventions to overcome breast cancer. In addition, evidence that supports the beneficial use of vitamin D as adjuvant treatment of breast cancer is summarized. Vitamin D deficiency is significantly widespread in patients with triple-negative tumors. Several studies have observed a possible modulatory effect of vitamin D or its analogues on the expression of different hormone receptors in breast cancer and increased sensitivity to tamoxifen. Vitamin D possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in patients with breast cancer, and the mechanism of action of vitamin D in patients with breast cancer is discussed. In conclusion, vitamin D appears to have a beneficial role in the prevention and management of breast cancer, however, large-scale, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the effects of vitamin D in breast cancer prevention or treatment.
Finishing of OFHC copper using fluid filled open-cell porous flexible abrasive impregnated tools
Authors: Kumar Mayank , Sidpara Ajay M , Racherla Vikranth
Published: July 2022

Super finishing of oxygen-free high thermal conductivity (OFHC) copper disks is of great interest as copper is widely used material for high power rated mirrors in laser and other optical systems. It is difficult to super finish copper using traditional finishing processes as it is soft and can be scratched easily. Flexible tools that conform to component shape and maintain low as well as uniform pressure are needed for finishing of soft materials. In this work, open-cell porous flexible abrasive tools are developed using solvent casting method with polyurethane as the base polymer and SiC particles as abrasives. The open-cell porous tools are saturated with deionized water before use. The tools are self-replenishing as the abrasives are uniformly dispersed in the tool and the fluid trapped in pores acts as coolant as well as lubricant. The viscoelastic behavior of the fabricated tools with different abrasive concentrations is characterized using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). Spot finishing experiments are carried out to optimize the tool RPM, tool compression, and abrasive concentration for better surface finish. The average areal surface roughness (Sa) of copper disk reduced to 54 nm from 946 nm.
Computational analysis of bidirectional carbon fibre/epoxy nanocomposites using different failure criteria
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Saini JS
Published: July 2022

Numerical analysis provides an opportunity to solve complex problems using mathematical models. The increasing trend of numerical simulations supports many industries and research organisations to reduce the experimental work. In the present study, considering the positive aspects of numerical analysis, investigations have been done using different failure criteria on the carbon fibre/epoxy composites. Various failure criteria have been discussed that can be used for unidirectional and bidirectional fibre reinforced polymer composites. In this study, the best-suited failure criteria, i.e. Maximum stress, Tsai-Wu and Hashin criteria were combined with the progressive damage analysis to investigate the failure of bidirectional woven carbon fiber/epoxy polymer composites. The experimental validations were also done for numerical predictions. It was found that the Hashin failure criterion gave the results closest to the experimental failure analysis of pin joints. In pin joints prepared from carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminates, Hashin failure criteria predicted the increment in ultimate failure loads in the range of 12–16% for higher values of width to diameter (W/D) and edge to diameter (E/D) ratios. For pin joints prepared from multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) added carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminates, the prediction given by Hashin failure criteria was in the range of 15–19%.
Biomechanical analysis of tracheal stent during cough reflex
Authors: Hassani Kamran , Kazem Golmohammadi Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Tracheal stenting is a common method which is widely used to cure different tracheal disorders including airways stenosis, chronic coughs, and accidents. In this study, we aimed to analyze the reaction of the trachea wall to exhale in three phases of light, moderate, and vigorous activities at air flows of 15 L/min (light), 26 L/min (medium), and 30 L/min (vigorous). Fluid structure interaction (FSI) was used for the numerical analysis using computed tomography (CT) images. The flow was assumed incompressible and turbulent. The stent is silicone with a Young’s modulus equal to 1 MPa, Poisson’s ratio 0.28, and density of 2330 kg/m3. The stent length was 60 mm and fix support boundary condition was applied for all inputs and outputs. Numerical simulation was performed using ANSYS software. The induced stresses, strains, wall deformation, flow pressure, and the flow velocity were obtained. The results showed that the stent prevented the local deformation of the wall of trachea and it reduced the induced strain in the position. But the stenting could lead to stress concentration. Finally, the stent prevented the damage to the trachea muscles during coughs in row.
Magnetically induced electromechanical fields in a flexoelectric composite microplate
Authors: Guo Ziwen , Qu Yilin , Zhang Gongye , Mi Changwen
Published: July 2022

We studied electromechanical fields in a composite plate with flexoelectric and piezomagnetic layers. The governing equations and complete boundary conditions are proposed in terms of the couple stress theory to characterize the size-dependent effects and flexoelectric effects. The constitutive relations of centrosymmetric cubic and hexagonal crystals are both provided. To demonstrate the newly developed model, the static bending and forced vibration problems of a simply supported rectangular plate are studied with the aid of Navier’s technique. Numerical results showed that various deformed shapes and electric potential distributions in the current microplate can be effectively manipulated by varying the magnitude of magnetic fields or flexoelectric coefficients. The relevant electromechanical properties can also be adjusted by altering the thickness ratio of the piezomagnetic and flexoelectric layers, which leads to a maximum value of the displacement or electric potential for an optimal thickness ratio. This paper provides an innovative idea for non-contact flexoelectric applications when magnetic fields are involved.
Prevalence and Trends of Drinking Water Disinfection Byproducts-Related Cancers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tafesse Nebiyou , Porcelli Massimiliano , Gari Sirak Robele , Ambelu Argaw
Published: July 2022

Background:

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) from chlorinated drinking water have been linked to an increased risk of cancer in the bladder, stomach, colon, and rectum. No studies showed the independent trends and prevalence of these cancers in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and trends of disinfection byproducts-related cancers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods:

Data were collected from the Addis Ababa Cancer Registry. Spatial data sets were produced and classified into households receiving chlorinated surface water and less chlorinated groundwater. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to evaluate whether there was a disinfection byproducts-related cancers (DBRCs) trend among communities receiving chlorinated water. Negative binomial regression was used to analyze the incidence rate.

Results:

A total of 11, 438 cancer cases were registered between 2012 and 2016, and DBRCs accounted for approximately 17%. The majority of the total cancer cases were female; 7,706 (67%). The prevalence of DBRCs was found to be higher in communities supplied with chlorinated water. From 2012 to 2016, the trend of colon cancer increased (β = 10.3, P value = .034); however, esophageal cancer decreased (β = −6.5, P value = .018). Approximately 56% of colorectal cancer patients and 53% of stomach cancer patients are known to be using chlorinated surface water for drinking regularly. In addition, approximately 57.1% and 54% of kidney and bladder cancer patients, respectively, used chlorinated surface water.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of DBRCs in this study was found to be high. The colon cancer trend increased substantially from 2012 to 2016. The prevalence of DBRCs was higher in communities supplied with chlorinated surface water. Similarly, the prevalence of DBRCs was higher among males than females. Further study is required to validate the association between DBRCs and water chlorination.
A review of the anti-diabetic potential of saffron
Authors: Sani Anis , Tajik Ali , Seiiedi Seiied Sina , Khadem Razieh , Tootooni Haniye , Taherynejad Mohammadhossein , Sabet Eqlidi Nasim , Alavi dana Seyyed mohammad matin , Deravi Niloofar
Published: July 2022

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders that affect people of all genders, ages, and races. Medicinal herbs have gained attention from researchers and have been widely investigated for their antidiabetic potential. Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) and its main constituents, that is, crocin and crocetin, are natural carotenoid compounds, widely known to possess a wide spectrum of properties and induce pleiotropic anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and neuro-protective effects. An increasing number of experimental, animal and human studies have investigated the effects and mechanism of action of these compounds and their potential therapeutic use in the treatment of diabetes. This narrative review presents the key findings of published clinical studies that examined the effects of saffron and/or its constituents in the context of diabetes mellitus. Moreover, an overview of the proposed underlying mechanisms mediating these effects, the medicinal applications of saffron, and the new findings regarding its effect on diabetes and various cellular and molecular mechanisms of action will be debated.
Alcohol norms and alcohol intake among high school students
Authors: Møller Sanne Pagh , Tolstrup Janne S. , Hviid Signe Skovgaard , Bendtsen Pernille
Published: July 2022

Aims:

To analyse whether parental alcohol norms were associated with the alcohol intake of high school students and whether this association persisted across different levels of alcohol intake in school and trustful communication with parents.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study among 70,544 high school students (mean age 18 years) participating in the Danish National Youth Study 2014. We examined the associations between parental alcohol norms and individual alcohol intake as the number of drinks at the most recent school party and the frequency of binge drinking in the last 30 days using negative binomial regression. We then performed joint analyses of parental alcohol norms and alcohol intake at school level, and parental alcohol norms and trustful communication with parents.

Results:

The mean intake of alcohol at the most recent school party was 9.9 units of alcohol for boys and 7.6 units of alcohol for girls. A total of 36.2% of boys and 24.7% of girls were binge drinking frequently (more than four occasions in the last month). Lenient parental alcohol norms and a low level of trustful communication with parents were associated with a higher intake at the most recent school party and with the frequency of binge drinking. Joint analyses showed that these associations persisted across different levels of school level alcohol intake and levels of trustful communication with parents.

Conclusions:

Among high school students, parental alcohol norms were strongly associated with alcohol intake and consistently so across different levels of school level alcohol intake and level of trustful communication with parents. This indicates that the role of parents in preventing excessive drinking is important, even in older adolescents.
Revisiting socio-economic inequalities in sedentary leisure time in Sweden: An intersectional analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (AIHDA)
Authors: Ericsson Lovisa , Wemrell Maria , Lindström Martin , Perez-Vicente Raquel , Merlo Juan
Published: July 2022

Aims:

Swedish public health reports have repeatedly provided information about socio-economic inequalities in sedentary leisure time, despite that, in the interest of health equity, physical activity should be equally distributed in the population. Such public health reports, however, neither consider the intersection of multiple socio-demographic factors nor the individual heterogeneity around group averages. Drawing on intersectionality theory, this study aimed to revisit previous findings on sedentary leisure time from Swedish public health surveys and demonstrate how the analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (AIHDA) can be used for analysing complex health inequalities.

Methods:

Using data from Swedish national public health surveys (2004–2015), we applied the AIHDA to define 72 intersectional groups by categories of age, gender, educational achievement, migration status and household composition. We then calculated (a) the absolute and relative risk of sedentary leisure time and (b) the discriminatory accuracy (DA) of the intersectional grouping.

Results:

The average risk of sedentary leisure time ranged from 5.8% among native-born, highly educated, young women living alone to 41.0% among immigrated young men, living alone, with low education. The risk was higher in strata comprising immigrated people with low education and lower in strata including native-born, highly educated people. However, the DA of the grouping was poor, indicating a substantial overlap of individual risk between groups.

Conclusions:

Using the AIHDA and drawing on intersectionality, this study provides an improved mapping of the socio-economic distribution of sedentary leisure time in Sweden, with the poor DA suggesting universal rather than targeted physical activity interventions.
Effect of electropulsing treatment on the recovery of AZ31B magnesium alloy
Authors: Zhang Meng , Wang Wenyang , Wu Tong , Zhang Jianhai , Liu Changyi , Song Mingkai , Zhao Hongwei
Published: July 2022

Electropulsing treatment (EPT) is a potential annealing method with advantages of performance improvement and equipment simplification. In the current paper, the effect of EPT on the recovery of AZ31B magnesium alloy during a two-stage plastic deformation process was studied. The tensile properties, residual stress, microstructure, and recovery kinetics were evaluated. The residual stress decreased and the cumulative elongation increased slightly, whereas the yield strength retained relatively high after EPT. A typical recovery process was observed. Moreover, the recovery kinetics was accelerated by the improved pulse current density, which led to lower residual stress and higher cumulative elongation. Thus, satisfactory recovery can be achieved by adjusting the pulse current during EPT. Analysis of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) and kernel average misorientation (KAM) indicated that the dislocation density decreased after EPT. Therefore, the pulse current has a significant impact on the dislocation mobility and annihilation, accounting for the recovery behavior of AZ31B magnesium alloy. A model of the recovery kinetics was established to demonstrate the effect of the pulse current on recovery evolution in AZ31B magnesium alloy.
Effectiveness and safety of low-dose interferon alpha-2a treatment in Behçet’s Syndrome with refractory vascular or neurological involvement: a case series
Authors: Sun Luxi , Hou Yunxia , Zhang Lifan , Liu JinJing , Li Lu , Wang Zhimian , Yu Xin , Zhang Menghao , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhao Yan , Zheng Wenjie
Published: July 2022

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of low-dose interferon alpha-2a (IFNα2a) in Behçet’s syndrome (BS) patients with refractory vascular/cardiac or neurological involvement.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, we consecutively included 25 BS patients with refractory vascular/cardiac ( n = 16) or neurological involvement ( n = 9) who received IFNα2a treatment in our center between June 2018 and September 2021. The low-dose IFNα2a (3 million IU, every other day) was used as an add-on treatment with the continuation of glucocorticoids (GCs) and immunosuppressants.

Results:

In total, 25 patients (20 males, 5 females) with a mean age of 31.92 ± 9.25 years were included. IFNα2a was administered for BS patients with refractory vascular/cardiac involvement ( n = 16) and neurological involvement ( n = 9). Before the initiation of IFNα2a, patients had insufficient response or intolerance to conventional therapies. After a median follow-up of 23 [interquartile range (IQR), 11–30] months, all patients achieved clinical improvement. The Behçet’s disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) score improved significantly (5 versus 0, median, p < 0.0001). BS Overall Damage Index (BODI) and vasculitis damage index (VDI) remain stable ( p > 0.05). Decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR; 24 (IQR, 12–43.5) versus 5 (IQR, 2.75–10.5) mm/h, p = 0.0001] and C-reactive protein [CRP; 6.64 (IQR, 3.67–19.82) versus 1.24 (IQR, 0.24–3.12) mg/liter, p < 0.005] was achieved effectively. The median GCs dosage tapered from 26.25 (IQR, 11.88–41.25) to 10.00 (IQR, 7.50–10.63) mg/d, p < 0.0001. Immunosuppressants were also reduced in number ( p < 0.005). No serious adverse events were observed during follow-up.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that low-dose IFNα2a, combined with GCs and immunosuppressants, is well-tolerated and effective for BS patients with refractory vascular/cardiac or neurological involvement and has a steroid- and immunosuppressant-sparing effect.
Franksousaite, PbCu(Se6+O4)(OH)2, the Se6+ analogue of linarite, a new mineral from the El Dragón mine, Potosí, Bolivia
Authors: Yang Hexiong , McGlasson James A. , Gibbs Ronald B. , Downs Robert T.
Published: July 2022

A new mineral species, franksousaite (IMA2021-096), ideally PbCu(Se6+O4)(OH)2, has been found from the El Dragón mine, Antonio Quijarro Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia. It occurs as short prismatic crystals included in colourless anglesite. Associated minerals are Co-bearing krut'aite–penroseite, chalcomenite, schmiederite, olsacherite, phosgenite, anglesite and cerussite. Franksousaite is blue in transmitted light, transparent with very pale blue streak and has a vitreous lustre. It is brittle and has a Mohs hardness of 2–2½. Cleavage is perfect on {100}. The calculated density is 5.64 g/cm3. An electron microprobe analysis yielded an empirical formula (based on 6 O apfu) of Pb1.02Cu0.98[(Se0.84S0.17)Σ1.01O4)](OH)2, which is simplified to PbCu[(Se,S)O4)](OH)2.

Franksousaite is the Se6+ analogue of linarite, PbCu(SO4)(OH)2. It is monoclinic, with space group P21/m and unit-cell parameters a = 9.8208(3), b = 5.7340(2), c = 4.74980(10) Å, β = 102.683(2)°, V = 260.947(13) Å3 and Z = 2. The crystal structure of franksousaite consists of Jahn-Teller-distorted Cu2+O6 square bipyramids, which form chains along b by sharing trans edges across their square planes. The chains are decorated by SeO4 tetrahedra and linked to one another by hydrogen bonds to form layers parallel to (100). These layers are bound together by double layers of PbO8 and SeO4 polyhedra. The PbO8 polyhedron exhibits one-sided coordination typical of Pb2+ with a stereochemically active 6s2 lone-electron-pair. The major structural difference between franksousaite and linarite lies in the  vs.  bond distances (1.615 vs. 1.482 Å), accounting for the larger unit-cell volume for franksousaite. A comparison of Raman spectra for the four minerals in the linarite group (linarite, franksousaite, munakataite and schmiederite) reveals the obvious differences among them, especially in the range from 700 to 1000 cm–1, indicative of the presence or absence of (Se4+O3)2–, (Se6+O4)2–, and/or (SO4)2– groups.
Improving NK cell function in multiple myeloma with NKTR-255, a novel polymer-conjugated human IL-15
Authors: Fernandez Rafael Alonso , Mayoral Jessica Encinas , Pierre-Louis Laetitia , Yao Yao , Xu Yan , Mu Shidai , Martinez-Lopez Joaquin , Primo Daniel , Miyazaki Takahiro , Prabhala Rao , Anderson Kenneth C. , Overwijk Willem W. , Munshi Nikhil C. , Fulciniti Mariateresa
Published: July 2022

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by an immunosuppressive microenvironment that enables tumor development. One of the mechanisms of immune evasion used by MM cells is the inhibition of natural killer (NK) cell effector functions; thus, the restoration of NK cell antitumor activity represents a key goal to increase tumor cell recognition, avoid tumor escape and potentially enhancing the effect of other drugs. In this study, we evaluated the ability of the investigational medicine NKTR-255, an IL-15 receptor agonist, to engage the IL-15 pathway and stimulate NK cells against MM cells. We observed that incubation with NKTR-255 was able to tilt the balance toward an activated phenotype in NK cells isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with MM, with increased expression of activating receptors on the surface of treated NK cells. This resulted in an enhanced degranulation, cytokine release, and anti-tumor cytotoxicity when the NK cells were exposed to both MM cell lines and primary MM cells. We further evaluated the in vivo effect of NKTR-255 in fully humanized immunocompetent mice subcutaneously engrafted with H929 MM cells. Compared with placebo, weekly injection of the mice with NKTR-255 increased the number of circulating NK cells in peripheral blood and delayed tumor growth. Finally, we observed that combination of NKTR-255 with the anti-CD38 antibody, daratumumab, was effective against MM cells in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our data suggest a significant impact of NKTR-255 in inducing NK cell function against MM cells with important translational implications.
Gradually shifting clinical phenomics in migraine spectrum: a cross-sectional, multicenter study of 5438 patients
Authors: Ran Ye , Yin Ziming , Lian Yajun , Xu Yanmei , Li Yajie , Liu Jiale , Gu Qun , Yan Fanhong , Ge Zhaoli , Lian Yu , Hu Dongmei , Chen Sufen , Wang Yangyang , Wang Xiaolin , Wang Rongfei , Chen Xiaoyan , Liu Jing , Zhang Mingjie , Han Xun , Xie Wei , Yu Zhe , Cao Ya , Li Yingji , Li Ke , Dong Zhao , Yu Shengyuan
Published: July 2022

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate whether MwoA and MwA are different manifestations of a single disease, distinct clinical entities, or located at two poles of a spectrum.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 5438 patients from 10 hospitals in China were included: 4651 were diagnosed with migraine without aura (MwoA) and 787 with migraine with aura (MwA). We used a validated standardized electronic survey to collect multidimensional data on headache characteristics and evaluated the similarities and differences between migraine subtypes. To distinguish migraine subtypes, we employed correlational analysis, factor analysis of mixed data (FAMD), and decision tree analysis.

Results

Compared to MwA, MwoA had more severe headaches, predominantly affected females, were more easily produced by external factors, and were more likely to have accompanying symptoms and premonitory neck stiffness. Patients with MwA are heterogeneous, according to correlation analysis; FAMD divided the subjects into three clear clusters. The majority of the differences between MwoA and MwA were likewise seen when typical aura with migraine headache (AWM) and typical aura with non-migraine headache (AWNM) were compared. Furthermore, decision trees analysis revealed that the chaotic MwA data reduced the decision tree’s accuracy in distinguishing MwoA from MwA, which was significantly increased by splitting MwA into AWM and AWNM.

Conclusions

The clinical phenomics of headache phenotype varies gradually from MwoA to AWM and AWNM, and AWM is a mid-state between MwoA and AWNM. We tend to regard migraine as a spectrum disorder, and speculate that different migraine subtypes have different “predominant regions” that generate attacks.
Exploring the lncRNA localization landscape within the retinal pigment epithelium under normal and stress conditions
Authors: Kaczynski Tadeusz J. , Au Elizabeth D. , Farkas Michael H.
Published: July 2022

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as a class of genes whose importance has yet to be fully realized. It is becoming clear that the primary function of lncRNAs is to regulate gene expression, and they do so through a variety of mechanisms that are critically tied to their subcellular localization. Although most lncRNAs are poorly understood, mapping lncRNA subcellular localization can provide a foundation for understanding these mechanisms.

Results

Here, we present an initial step toward uncovering the localization landscape of lncRNAs in the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) using high throughput RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq). To do this, we differentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into RPE, isolated RNA from nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions, and performed RNA-Seq on both. Furthermore, we investigated lncRNA localization changes that occur in response to oxidative stress. We discovered that, under normal conditions, most lncRNAs are seen in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm to a similar degree, but of the transcripts that are highly enriched in one compartment, far more are nuclear than cytoplasmic. Interestingly, under oxidative stress conditions, we observed an increase in lncRNA localization in both nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. In addition, we found that nuclear localization was partially attributable to the presence of previously described nuclear retention motifs, while adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing appeared to play a very minimal role.

Conclusions

Our findings map lncRNA localization in the RPE and provide two avenues for future research: 1) how lncRNAs function in the RPE, and 2) how one environmental factor, in isolation, may potentially play a role in retinal disease pathogenesis through altered lncRNA localization.