bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Judicial Jurisprudence: from Doctrine to Uniformity of Judicial Practice
Authors: Bondar Nikolay , Belyakova Anna , Gadzhiev Hanlar , Gracheva Svetlana , Ibragimova Yuliya , Krakovskiy Konstantin , Lazaryev Valyeriy , Malyutin N. , Molchanova Marina , Povorova Elena , Sidorenko Andrey , Stepanov O. , Shchukin Andrey , Yapryncev I.
Published: April 2024

The collective monographic study analyzes a wide range of problems in the methodology, theory and practice of the judiciary and the administration of justice, which are presented in a systemic unity based on the doctrine of judicial jurisprudence. On this basis, an analysis of domestic judicial jurisprudence was made in the system of modern constitutionalism, which experiences not only the protective, but also the transformative influence of the judiciary.
The development of the concept of judicial jurisprudence at a new, modern stage is an attempt to find optimal approaches to understanding the place and role of
judicial practice in the system of sources of law, which are in demand by the practice of justice itself, and to bring together the positions of supporters and opponents of judicial precedent principles in the modern domestic legal order. The study of the relevant issues involves the analysis of the features of the legal nature of the judicial decisions of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, their importance both for ensuring the uniformity of judicial practice and the development of substantive and procedural legislation.
The work is aimed both at specialists — representatives of the theory and practice of justice, and at a wide range of readers interested in the legal analysis
of the place and role of judicial jurisprudence in the legal system of the Russian Federation.
Sprawa gen. dyw. Aleksandra Karnickiego, czyli jak pomówienia skrzywdziły zasłużonego oficera
Authors: Koreś Daniel
Published: April 2024

The article is dedicated to General Aleksander Karnicki (1869-1943), an officer originating from the Russian Army. Towards the end of World War I, he was promoted to the rank of Major General and commanded the Caucasian Cavalry Division. After joining the Polish Army, he held various important command positions and left his mark in the history of the Polish-Soviet War, including capturing Łuck in 1919 and Ciechanów in 1920. Unfortunately, due to a combination of various unfavorable circumstances, mainly rumors and slander spread by high-ranking, envious, and hostile officers, Karnicki was not appropriately honored after the end of the war with Bolshevik Russia. The shadow cast on his reputation deprived him of the Virtuti Militari Order and almost erased him from the ranks of great commanders of the Polish Army, heroes of the war against the Bolsheviks. Yet, it was Karnicki’s VIII Cavalry Brigade that played a crucial role in the disintegration of the right wing of the Bolshevik Western Front and in Tukhachevsky’s defeat in the Battle of Warsaw in August 1920. This article restores not only the memory of a deserving officer but also honor and basic justice to a man unjustly accused and harmed.
Z Kliczkowa w daleki świat… Pułkownik Wenzel von Kirschbaum (ur. ok. 1600, zm. po 1649)
Authors: Wagner Marek
Published: April 2024

In 2001, while studying the participation of Silesians in Poland’s Crown Army in the first half of the 16th century, Professor Marek Plewczyński formulated the theorem about their significance for the development of Polish military, especially in the field of “military craft, structural engineering, and warfare technology in general.” This opinion is also confirmed for the 17th century. In the course of examining the issue of the origin of the officer corps of the Crown Army cavalry “of the last two Vasas and native kings,” we find a significant number of commanders originating from Silesian and Bohemian lands, for example, from the Gaszyński, Oppersdorf, Oédt, Dobszyc, and Ochapp families, to name just a few of these noble families with significant knightly traditions. These were officers serving in infantry and dragoon regiments, but also in the Crown artillery corps, thus in the mercenary units, established with great difficulty by the last two Vasas – Władysław IV and John Casimir.
La educación en territorios rurales desde las políticas públicas
Authors: Castro Robles Yolanda , González Rodríguez Clara Inés
Published: April 2024

El presente capítulo sitúa a la educación rural en un lugar de gran importancia para el desarrollo educativo del país. Se ofrece un análisis contextual, político y social sobre la manera cómo se ha comprendido la educación rural en las últimas dos décadas, adoptando una perspectiva crítica respecto a la relación entre las políticas educativas y las particularidades del territorio rural, así como sus dinámicas y complejidades.
Educación rural y posacuerdo en Colombia: balance y desafíos en la región Pacífico
Authors: Díaz Ossa Solman Yamile , González Sandoval Rosio
Published: April 2024

En este capítulo se exponen reflexiones que el equipo de educación del Centro de Investigación y Educación Popular/Programa Por la Paz-cinep/ppp ha estado considerando en el acompañamiento a las comunidades educativas en territorios PDET(Programas de Desarrollo con Enfoque Territorial) en relación al balance y los desafíos de la implementación del Acuerdo de Paz con la guerrilla de las FARC para la educación rural en los ámbitos escolar, regional y nacional. Se tomará como punto de partida el reconocimiento de lo estipulado en el Acuerdo Final en el punto 1, así como la responsabilidad del Ministerio de Educación Nacional en la formulación e implementación del Plan Especial de Educación Rural como una hoja de ruta para el cierre de brechas. Posteriormente, se llevará a cabo un análisis del progreso en la implementación del Acuerdo Final en la región del Pacífico colombiano.
An Adaptive Research Approach to COVID-19 Forecasting for Regional Health Systems in England
Authors: Betcheva Lidia , Erhun Feryal , Feylessoufi Antoine , Fryers Peter , Gonçalves Paulo , Jiang Houyuan , Kattuman Paul , Pape Tom , Pari Anees , Scholtes Stefan , Tyrrell Carina
Published: April 2024

A team of researchers worked with public health officials and clinical decision makers to create real-time models to help predict COVID-19 cases and hospital bed needs in the East of England. These models used up-to-date data and allowed officials to explore different scenarios and make informed plans. The models have also been applied in other countries and can be a valuable tool in future epidemics.
Enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa de posible origen laboral atendida en el Servicio Navarro de Salud. Navarra, España, 2017-2022
Authors: García López Vega , Jové Gómez Dunia , Marin Martinez Belén , Chocrón Miño Sara , Castillo Sabogal Andrea , Ibarra García Angela
Published: April 2024

Introducción: La enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa (EPID) describe un amplio grupo de trastornos con inflamación y fibrosis pulmonar. La asbestosis y la silicosis son las principales causas por exposición laboral. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar la proporción de casos de posible origen laboral y describir la exposición, situación clínica y laboral. 
Método: Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo de los casos de EPID, en el período 2017-2022 en el Hospital Universitario de Navarra. Se completó la información con entrevista a los casos de posible origen laboral. 
Resultados: De un total de 1067 casos de EPID, 56 tuvieron un posible origen laboral, 5,2% (3,9-6,6 IC 95%) 36 (64,3%) correspondieron a asbestosis, 15 (26,8%) a silicosis y 5 (8,9%) a neumoconiosis no especificada. Las actividades más frecuentes en silicosis fueron “corte-tallado de piedra” y para asbestosis ”fabricación productos hierro”. La media de edad de los casos de asbestosis fue superior a los de silicosis (78,2 vs. 67,3 años), así como su afectación clínica. Cinco casos (8,9%) habían sido reconocidos como enfermedad profesional 
Conclusiones: La implementación de una herramienta informática en historia clínica ha hecho posible estimar la magnitud y valorar la evolución de las EPID laborales atendidas en el servicio nacional de salud. Las actividades económicas reflejan la estructura económica de riesgo de la región. Sin embargo, existe una falta de su reconocimiento como enfermedad profesional y suponen una carga de enfermedad respiratoria evitable.
Tuberculosis: Implications for Dentistry
Authors: Chong Xue-Mei , McClean Lucy , McMaster Paddy
Published: April 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and is highly infectious. Therefore, precautionary measures should be implemented prior to dental treatment to reduce the risk of infection to staff and other patients. Dental history and examination have a role in identification of TB infection. Complex medical history poses a challenge to safe patient management in a dental setting, and close liaison between different disciplines in managing these patients is of paramount importance. This article explores the classical clinical features of pulmonary TB, its oral manifestations and the dental management of patients with active and latent TB.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should be aware of the clinical features and dental management of patients with active and latent TB.
The Practicability of Quality Assurance Mechanisms in Promoting Tanzanian Universities’ Compliance
Authors: Mrema Daudi , Ndayambaje Irénée , Ntawiha Philothère , Ndabaga Eugene
Published: April 2024

Compliance with any policies, laws and regulations, including university compliance with quality assurance mechanisms globally, depends on the practicability of those mechanisms. Like other countries, Tanzania has quality assurance mechanisms that require universities to comply. However, the existing audit reports have shown non-compliance cases to such mechanisms. This study sought to explore the practicability of the existing quality assurance mechanisms in promoting universities’ compliance in Tanzania. The documentary reviews, interviews, and focus group discussions were used to collect data from the 4 universities and 46 students, academics, and quality assurance directors and officers as a sample size selected purposively. The data were analysed through content analysis. The findings revealed that the existing quality assurance mechanisms are generally practicable; however, there are quality assurance requirements with practicability challenges due to contextual factors. Such requirements include senior academics in administrative duties, academics’ promotion, academics’ recruitment, inclusive and participatory teaching approaches, requirements with extra financial costs, examination scripts’ marking, and invigilation restrictions. This study concludes that the practicability challenges of some quality assurance mechanisms are one reason for non-compliance cases at some Tanzanian universities. It recommends that key stakeholders be involved in establishing mechanisms, and all contextual factors must be addressed to enhance practicability.
Non-Pathogenic Pythium Induced the Resistance in Hydroponic Lettuce Against Root Rot Disease
Authors:   Department of Biotechnology in Plant Pathology, International College, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand, Talubnak Chulalak ,   Department of Plant Production Technology, School of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand, Parinthawong Nonglak ,   Department of Plant Production Technology, School of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand, Schoonbeek Henk-jan ,   Department of Crop Genetics, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, United Kingdom, Jaenaksorn Tanimnun ,   Department of Plant Production Technology, School of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
Published: April 2024

Hy droponics is a common soilless type of culture. It is clean and gives high-yield crop production. Lettuce is the most widely grown leafy vegetable in hydroponics. The Pythium species causes root rot, a serious disease in lettuce. In this study, we investigated an effective elicitor to promote resistance in lettuce after pathogen infection. To evaluate the plant defense gene response profile, the expression stability of five candidate genes was studied using RT-qPCR. The LsPR1 and LsLTC2 gene expression were higher in lettuce leaves treated with non-pathogenic Pythium PyASR23 than in roots compared to untreated plants. To assess the disease, the rate of relative gene expression of LsLTC2, LsPR-1b like, LsERF, LsAOS, and LsDEF was associated with Pythium root rot pathogenesis. As a result, it was revealed that alterations in these gene expressions were a defense response to Pythium infection, which increased after pre-treatment with various elicitors for 24 hours. When the chemically stimulated lettuce was infected with pathogenic PySR31, the expression of these genes increased dramatically. These results suggested that non-pathogenic PyASR23 might be employed as an elicitor in lettuce roots and contribute to disease control by activating plant defense gene expression against the Pythium pathogen.
HDACi vorinostat protects muscle from degeneration after acute rotator cuff injury in mice
Authors: Gil-Melgosa Lara , Llombart-Blanco Rafael , Extramiana Leire , Lacave Isabel , Abizanda Gloria , Miranda Estibaliz , Agirre Xabier , Prósper Felipe , Pineda-Lucena Antonio , Pons-Villanueva Juan , Pérez-Ruiz Ana
Published: April 2024

Aims

Rotator cuff (RC) injuries are characterized by tendon rupture, muscle atrophy, retraction, and fatty infiltration, which increase injury severity and jeopardize adequate tendon repair. Epigenetic drugs, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis), possess the capacity to redefine the molecular signature of cells, and they may have the potential to inhibit the transformation of the fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) within the skeletal muscle into adipocyte-like cells, concurrently enhancing the myogenic potential of the satellite cells.

Methods

HDACis were added to FAPs and satellite cell cultures isolated from mice. The HDACi vorinostat was additionally administered into a RC injury animal model. Histological analysis was carried out on the isolated supra- and infraspinatus muscles to assess vorinostat anti-muscle degeneration potential.

Results

Vorinostat, a HDACi compound, blocked the adipogenic transformation of muscle-associated FAPs in culture, promoting myogenic progression of the satellite cells. Furthermore, it protected muscle from degeneration after acute RC in mice in the earlier muscle degenerative stage after tenotomy.

Conclusion

The HDACi vorinostat may be a candidate to prevent early muscular degeneration after RC injury.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(4):169–183.
Multilevel Democratic Iterative Coordination (MDIC): A Path for Socialism beyond the Market/Central Planning Dilemma
Authors: Laibman David
Published: April 2024

Interest in socialism is growing throughout the world. But “socialism” too often simply means belief in equality, democracy, and solidarity with working and oppressed people. That vision remains crucial; but we also need to re-develop the theory of a socialist system—not just a middle path, a “mixed economy” between the excesses of market-driven behavior (“capitalism”) and the inadequacies of central planning (“socialism”). A re-envisioned socialism can draw upon both historical experience and modern technology, to become a new and distinctive way of life, one that truly meets the awesome challenges of human potential.
Any Restrictions on Reproductive Health Care Harm Reproductive Autonomy: Evidence from Four States
Authors:   Guttmacher Institute, Easter Rachel , Friedrich-Karnik Amy , L. Kavanaugh Megan
Published: April 2024

Key Points Key Points Research in four states—Arizona, Iowa, New Jersey and Wisconsin—that have varying sexual and reproductive health policies illustrates that restrictions appearing to target one type of reproductive health care have ripple effects on all aspects of reproductive care, including abortion and contraception. Research on the Trump administration’s 2019 Title X Final Rule, also known as the “domestic gag rule,” and related state polices provides evidence that policies seemingly aimed only at abortion can negatively impact health care systems and provider delivery of sexual and reproductive health care, as well as patients’ experiences of person-centered care and reproductive autonomy. Living in a state where the policies are generally protective of sexual and reproductive health care does not necessarily insulate individuals from the impact of restrictive federal policies. For example, the number of clinics in the Title X network and the number of people served by those clinics declined in New Jersey after the domestic gag rule took effect, similar to declines seen in states with more restrictive policies, such as Iowa and Wisconsin. The 2019 Title X Final Rule negatively impacted both clinics that chose to stay in and those that left the Title X network, limiting their services and the provision of person-centered care beyond what was dictated by the policy. Policy restrictions trickle down to impact individuals' experiences with care. For example, diminished access to high-quality, more affordable and more comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care resulted in some patients shifting their contraceptive use to a contraceptive method that they preferred less. Policy restrictions on sexual and reproductive health care compound existing inequities. Federal and state policies should fully fund Title X, ensure comprehensive coverage of all contraceptive options, and remove restrictions that silo abortion to promote reproductive autonomy and person-centered care.
Focal cone high harmonic generation driven by a 400  TW laser
Authors: Gjevre J. M. , Perez-Hernández J. A. , Lera R. , Salgado-López C. , Ehret M. , Zeraouli G. , Roso L. , Fedosejevs R.
Published: April 2024

The generation of self-focusing beams of extreme ultraviolet (XUV) radiation using the
focal cone high harmonic generation (FCHHG) technique is examined for
high energy lasers. The FCHHG geometry is created by passing a
focusing laser beam through a gas sheet prior to reaching focus and
thus creating a converging beam of high harmonic radiation. This leads
to a larger interaction area that increases the total area of XUV
emission while not exceeding the saturation intensity of the target
atoms or increasing the density of the atoms. Such a method allows for
scaling of HHG to any incident laser power. An experiment was
conducted demonstrating such scaling to incident 400 TW pulses,
showing both the expected spectral signature of HHG and the
converging cone of XUV radiation. It was found that this technique is
very sensitive to spatial non-uniformity in the driving laser, which
has become more prevalent in high energy laser systems.
Polarization structure of optical vortices in inclined Laguerre–Gaussian beams passed through a uniaxial crystal
Authors: Egorov Yuriy , Rubass Alexander
Published: April 2024

The work shows that in linearly polarized Laguerre–Gaussian beams passing through an anisotropic medium at an angle to the optical axis of the crystal, the distribution of optical vortices is devoid of axial symmetry. It is shown that the trajectories of movement of polarization singularities in the plane of the Laguerre–Gauss beam are different for different cases of input linear polarization at angles γ=±45∘ and there is an exchange of optical vortices, provided that the sign of the topological charge is preserved. It is shown that when the axis of an anisotropic medium is tilted, the movement of optical vortices occurs, accompanied by topological reactions of creation, destruction, or displacement of optical vortices to the periphery of the beam. It is characteristic that at angles of inclination by linear polarization γ=+45∘, topological reactions of creation and annihilation occur, and at angles γ=−45∘, topological reactions of displacement of optical vortices to the periphery of the beam occur.
Brilliant quantum dots’ photoluminescence from a dual-resonance plasmonic grating
Authors: Chai Yuwei , Li Tianhe , Zhang Mengmeng , Liu Mingrui , Yang Gaoling , Karvinen Petri , Kuittinen Markku , Kang Guoguo
Published: April 2024

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have recently caused a stir as a promising and powerful lighting material applied in real-time fluorescence detection, display, and imaging. Photonic nanostructures are well suited for enhancing photoluminescence (PL) due to their ability to tailor the electromagnetic field, which raises both radiative and nonradiative decay rate of QDs nearby. However, several proposed structures with a complicated manufacturing process or low PL enhancement hinder their application and commercialization. Here, we present two kinds of dual-resonance gratings to effectively improve PL enhancement and propose a facile fabrication method based on holographic lithography. A maximum of 220-fold PL enhancement from CdSe/CdS/ZnS QDs are realized on 1D Al-coated photoresist (PR) gratings, where dual resonance bands are excited to simultaneously overlap the absorption and emission bands of QDs, much larger than those of some reported structures. Giant PL enhancement realized by cost-effective method further suggests the potential of better developing the nanostructure to QD-based optical and optoelectronic devices.
Evaluation of the impact of weak end feedback on the SBS threshold in high-power narrow-linewidth fiber amplifiers
Authors: Li Wei , Deng Yu , Qi Chen , Chen Yisha , Ma Pengfei , Liu Wei , Pu Zhou , Si Lei
Published: April 2024

In this work, we quantitatively investigate the SBS threshold in high-power narrow-linewidth fiber amplifiers seeded with phase-modulated single-frequency lasers in presence of weak end feedback. The impacts of the end feedback and spectral linewidths on the SBS threshold are demonstrated in detail through comparative experiments and numerical simulations, respectively. In the experiment, we have pointed out a practical method to estimate the end reflectivity in high-power fiber amplifiers. Based on this estimation, the SBS threshold characters of the high-power narrow-linewidth fiber amplifiers with different end reflectivity and seed linewidths are investigated. By reducing the end reflectivity, a 2.85 times SBS threshold enhancement has been achieved at the most susceptible linewidth (16.8 GHz). Furthermore, we propose a spectral evolution model to investigate the SBS threshold in high-power narrow-linewidth fiber amplifiers, which is even capable for calculating SBS thresholds of the systems with tens of GHz linewidth while weak end reflection is considered. The simulation results demonstrate that end reflection will obviously affect the SBS threshold when the linewidth of the seed laser is broadened beyond 5 GHz, especially for the spectral linewidth of seed lasers nearing the Brillouin frequency shift. Besides, when the end reflectivity is set to be stronger than -65 dB, the SBS threshold performs a tendency to decline and then rise with the growth of seed linewidth. The experiment and simulation results provide a new optimization sight for the SBS effect suppression in high-power narrow-linewidth fiber amplifiers.
Merging diverse bound states in the continuum: from intrinsic to extrinsic scenarios
Authors: Liu Liangliang , Luo Haoqi , Lu Yonghua , Wang Pei
Published: April 2024

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) in photonic crystal slabs are characterized as vortex centers in far-field polarization and infinite quality (Q) factors, which can be dynamically manipulated in momentum space to construct the singularity configurations with functionalities such as merging BICs for further suppress scattering loss of nearby resonance. However, the vast majority of research focuses on two types of intrinsic BICs for simplicity, because these polarization singularities affect each other, and are even prone to annihilation. Here, we introduce the extrinsic (Fabry-Pérot) BICs and combine them with the intrinsic BICs to merge diverse BICs in momentum space. The extrinsic BICs can move independently of the intrinsic BICs, providing an unprecedented degree of freedom to reduce the complexity of constructing merging BIC configurations. Interestingly, an interaction of oppositely charged BICs that is collision beyond annihilation is revealed, which only exchanges the topological charge of BICs but not affect their existence. Following the proposed strategy, four-types-BICs merging and steerable three-types merging are achieved at the Γ and off-Γ points, further boosting the Q factor scaling rule up to Q∝k
x
−14 and Q∝k
x
−6 respectively. Our findings suggest a systematic route to arrange abundant BICs, may facilitate some applications including beam steering, optical trapping and enhancing the light-matter interactions.
Multiple-access ultrastable frequency dissemination based on optical frequency combs via a fiber link
Authors: Zheng Yixuan , Chen Xing , Xu Bing , Chen Yinan , Luo Bin , Yu Song
Published: April 2024

We demonstrate an optical fiber-based, multiple-access frequency transmission using two optical frequency combs. The experimental results using the Allan deviation analysis show that with the phase compensation technique, the frequency instabilities at the remote site are 8.7 × 10−15/1 s and 1.0 × 10−17/103 s, and at the accessing node along the fiber link, the frequency instabilities are 6.9 × 10−15/1 s and 1.1 × 10−17/103 s. Similarly, the power spectral density of phase noise was analyzed in the frequency domain. These experimental results demonstrate that the compensation scheme improved the performance by two to three orders of magnitude. Thus, the proposed frequency transmission technique has potential application for disseminating ultrastable frequency references in the optical fiber network.
Helminth exposure and immune response to the two-dose heterologous Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo Ebola vaccine regimen
Authors: Barry Houreratou , Lhomme Edouard , Surénaud Mathieu , Nouctara Moumini , Robinson Cynthia , Bockstal Viki , Valea Innocent , Somda Serge , Tinto Halidou , Meda Nicolas , Greenwood Brian , Thiébaut Rodolphe , Lacabaratz Christine
Published: April 2024

Background

The exposure to parasites may influence the immune response to vaccines in endemic African countries. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between helminth exposure to the most prevalent parasitic infections, schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminths infection and filariasis, and the Ebola virus glycoprotein (EBOV GP) antibody concentration in response to vaccination with the Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo vaccine regimen in African and European participants using samples obtained from three international clinical trials.

Methods/Principal findings

We conducted a study in a subset of participants in the EBL2001, EBL2002 and EBL3001 clinical trials that evaluated the Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo vaccine regimen against EVD in children, adolescents and adults from the United Kingdom, France, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Uganda and Sierra Leone. Immune markers of helminth exposure at baseline were evaluated by ELISA with three commercial kits which detect IgG antibodies against schistosome, filarial and Strongyloides antigens. Luminex technology was used to measure inflammatory and activation markers, and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines at baseline. The association between binding IgG antibodies specific to EBOV GP (measured on day 21 post-dose 2 and on Day 365 after the first dose respectively), and helminth exposure at baseline was evaluated using a multivariable linear regression model adjusted for age and study group.

Seventy-eight (21.3%) of the 367 participants included in the study had at least one helminth positive ELISA test at baseline, with differences of prevalence between studies and an increased prevalence with age. The most frequently detected antibodies were those to Schistosoma mansoni (10.9%), followed by Acanthocheilonema viteae (9%) and then Strongyloides ratti (7.9%). Among the 41 immunological analytes tested, five were significantly (p < .003) lower in participants with at least one positive helminth ELISA test result: CCL2/MCP1, FGFbasic, IL-7, IL-13 and CCL11/Eotaxin compared to participants with negative helminth ELISA tests. No significant association was found with EBOV-GP specific antibody concentration at 21 days post-dose 2, or at 365 days post-dose 1, adjusted for age group, study, and the presence of any helminth antibodies at baseline.

Conclusions/Significance

No clear association was found between immune markers of helminth exposure as measured by ELISA and post-vaccination response to the Ebola Ad26.ZEBOV/ MVA-BN-Filo vaccine regimen.

Trial registration

NCT02416453, NCT02564523, NCT02509494. ClinicalTrials.gov.
Effect of face-covering use on adherence to other COVID-19 protective behaviours: A systematic review
Authors: Millest Adam , Saeed Sidra , Symons Charles , Carter Holly
Published: April 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns were raised that face covering use may elicit risk compensation; a false sense of security resulting in reduced adherence to other protective behaviours such as physical distancing. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of face covering use on adherence to other COVID-19 related protective behaviours. Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, EmCare, medRxiv preprints, Research Square and WHO COVID-19 Research Database were searched for all primary research studies published from 1st January 2020 to 17th May 2022 that investigated the effect of face covering use on adherence to other protective behaviours in public settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Papers were selected and screened in accordance with the PRISMA framework. Backwards and forwards citation searches of included papers were also conducted on 16th September 2022, with eligible papers published between 1st January 2020 and that date being included. A quality appraisal including risk of bias was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Quality Criteria Checklist. This review is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42022331961. 47 papers were included, with quality ranging from low to high. These papers investigated the effects of face covering use and face covering policies on adherence to six categories of behaviour: physical distancing; mobility; face-touching; hand hygiene; close contacts; and generalised protective behaviour. Results reveal no consistent evidence for or against risk compensation, with findings varying according to behaviour and across study types, and therefore confident conclusions cannot be made. Any policy decisions related to face coverings must consider the inconsistencies and caveats in this evidence base.
Phylogenomic analyses and comparative genomics of Pseudomonas syringae associated with almond (Prunus dulcis) in California
Authors: Maguvu Tawanda E. , Frias Rosa J. , Hernandez-Rosas Alejandro I. , Holtz Brent A. , Niederholzer Franz J. A. , Duncan Roger A. , Yaghmour Mohammad A. , Culumber Catherine M. , Gordon Phoebe E. , Vieira Flavia C. F. , Rolshausen Philippe E. , Adaskaveg James E. , Burbank Lindsey P. , Lindow Steven E. , Trouillas Florent P.
Published: April 2024

We sequenced and comprehensively analysed the genomic architecture of 98 fluorescent pseudomonads isolated from different symptomatic and asymptomatic tissues of almond and a few other Prunus spp. Phylogenomic analyses, genome mining, field pathogenicity tests, and in vitro ice nucleation and antibiotic sensitivity tests were integrated to improve knowledge of the biology and management of bacterial blast and bacterial canker of almond. We identified Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, P. cerasi, and P. viridiflava as almond canker pathogens. P. syringae pv. syringae caused both canker and foliar (blast) symptoms. In contrast, P. cerasi and P. viridiflava only caused cankers, and P. viridiflava appeared to be a weak pathogen of almond. Isolates belonging to P. syringae pv. syringae were the most frequently isolated among the pathogenic species/pathovars, composing 75% of all pathogenic isolates. P. cerasi and P. viridiflava isolates composed 8.3 and 16.7% of the pathogenic isolates, respectively. Laboratory leaf infiltration bioassays produced results distinct from experiments in the field with both P. cerasi and P. syringae pv. syringae, causing significant necrosis and browning of detached leaves, whereas P. viridiflava conferred moderate effects. Genome mining revealed the absence of key epiphytic fitness-related genes in P. cerasi and P. viridiflava genomic sequences, which could explain the contrasting field and laboratory bioassay results. P. syringae pv. syringae and P. cerasi isolates harboured the ice nucleation protein, which correlated with the ice nucleation phenotype. Results of sensitivity tests to copper and kasugamycin showed a strong linkage to putative resistance genes. Isolates harbouring the ctpV gene showed resistance to copper up to 600 μg/ml. In contrast, isolates without the ctpV gene could not grow on nutrient agar amended with 200 μg/ml copper, suggesting ctpV can be used to phenotype copper resistance. All isolates were sensitive to kasugamycin at the label-recommended rate of 100μg/ml.
Building consensus on priority areas for Sub-Saharan Africa’s ageing population research: An e-Delphi study protocol
Authors: Okoh Augustine Chukwuebuka , Onyeso Ogochukwu Kelechi , Ekemezie Wendy , Oyinlola Oluwagbemiga , Akinrolie Olayinka , Kalu Michael ,   on behalf of the Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing-African Network
Published: April 2024

Background

Improvement in medico-social services has increased life expectancy and population ageing in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It was estimated that about 163 million people aged 65 and older will be resident in SSA by 2050. There is inadequate ageing research capacity in SSA which necessitates this study to (a) identify a decade-long ageing research opportunities, challenges, and solutions, and (b) prioritize critical ageing research areas and methodologies relevant to the SSA.

Methods

We designed an e-Delphi protocol following the Reporting Guideline for Priority Setting of Health Research with Stakeholder. The stakeholders will be researchers, practitioners, older adults, and caregivers purposively selected through snowballing quota sampling to complete three rounds of e-Delphi surveys. Round 1 will involve open-ended questions derived from the study objectives. Responses from round 1 will be prepared as a checklist for stakeholders to rate during rounds 2 & 3, using a 9-point scale: low priority (1–3), moderate priority (4–6), and high priority (7–9). The criterion for reaching a consensus will be ≥ 70% of stakeholders rating an item “high priority” and ≤ 15% as “low priority.” Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test will be used to assess the stability of stakeholders’ responses, and qualitative comments will be analysed using content analysis.

Discussion and implications

Setting aging research/practice priorities will help maximize the benefits of research investment and provide valuable direction for allocating public and private research funds to areas of strategic importance.
Increases in the soil ammonia oxidizing phylotypes and their rechange due to long-term irrigation with wastewater
Authors: Aguilar-Rangel Eduardo J. , Savin-Gámez Alba , García-Maldonado José Q. , Prado Blanca , Vásquez-Murrieta María Soledad , Siebe Christina , Alcántara-Hernández Rocío J.
Published: April 2024

Wastewater irrigation is a common practice for agricultural systems in arid and semiarid zones, which can help to overcome water scarcity and contribute with nutrient inputs. Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) are key in the transformation of NH4+-N in soil and can be affected by variations in soil pH, EC, N and C content, or accumulation of pollutants, derived from wastewater irrigation. The objective of this study was to determine the changes in the ammonia oxidizing communities in agricultural soils irrigated with wastewater for different periods of time (25, 50, and 100 years), and in rainfed soils (never irrigated). The amoA gene encoding for the catalytic subunit of the ammonia monooxygenase was used as molecular reporter; it was quantified by qPCR and sequenced by high throughput sequencing, and changes in the community composition were associated with the soil physicochemical characteristics. Soils irrigated with wastewater showed up to five times more the abundance of ammonia oxidizers (based on 16S rRNA gene relative abundance and amoA gene copies) than those under rainfed agriculture. While the amoA-AOA: amoA-AOB ratio decreased from 9.8 in rainfed soils to 1.6 in soils irrigated for 100 years, indicating a favoring environment for AOB rather than AOA. Further, the community structure of both AOA and AOB changed during wastewater irrigation compared to rainfed soils, mainly due to the abundance variation of certain phylotypes. Finally, the significant correlation between soil pH and the ammonia oxidizing community structure was confirmed, mainly for AOB; being the main environmental driver of the ammonia oxidizer community. Also, a calculated toxicity index based on metals concentrations showed a correlation with AOB communities, while the content of carbon and nitrogen was more associated with AOA communities. The results indicate that wastewater irrigation influence ammonia oxidizers communities, manly by the changes in the physicochemical environment.
Identification and pathogen detection of a Neocypholaelaps species (Acari: Mesostigmata: Ameroseiidae) from beehives in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Thu , Yoo Mi-Sun , Lee Jong-Ho , Truong A-Tai , Youn So-Youn , Lee Se-Ji , Yoon Soon-Seek , Cho Yun Sang
Published: April 2024

In this study, we identified a new strain of the genus Neocypholaelaps from the beehives of Apis mellifera colonies in the Republic of Korea (ROK). The Neocypholaelap sp. KOR23 mites were collected from the hives of honeybee apiaries in Wonju, Gangwon-do, in May 2023. Morphological and molecular analyses based on 18S and 28S rRNA gene regions conclusively identified that these mites belong to the genus Neocypholaelaps, closely resembling Neocypholaelaps sp. APGD-2010 that was first isolated from the United States. The presence of 9 of 25 honeybee pathogens in these mite samples suggests that Neocypholaelaps sp. KOR23 mite may act as an intermediate vector and carrier of honeybee diseases. The identification of various honeybee pathogens within this mite highlights their significance in disease transmission among honeybee colonies. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the taxonomy and implications of these mites for bee health management and pathogen dissemination.
Conversational technology and reactions to withheld information
Authors: Gurney Nikolos , Loewenstein George , Chater Nick
Published: April 2024

People frequently face decisions that require making inferences about withheld information. The advent of large language models coupled with conversational technology, e.g., Alexa, Siri, Cortana, and the Google Assistant, is changing the mode in which people make these inferences. We demonstrate that conversational modes of information provision, relative to traditional digital media, result in more critical responses to withheld information, including: (1) a reduction in evaluations of a product or service for which information is withheld and (2) an increased likelihood of recalling that information was withheld. These effects are robust across multiple conversational modes: a recorded phone conversation, an unfolding chat conversation, and a conversation script. We provide further evidence that these effects hold for conversations with the Google Assistant, a prominent conversational technology. The experimental results point to participants’ intuitions about why the information was withheld as the driver of the effect.
Identification of differentially expressed mRNA/lncRNA modules in acutely regorafenib-treated sorafenib-resistant Huh7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Baek Mina , Kim Minjae , Choi Hae In , Binas Bert , Cha Junho , Jung Kyoung Hwa , Choi Sungkyoung , Chai Young Gyu
Published: April 2024

The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is the standard first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but many patients become sorafenib-resistant (SR). This study investigated the efficacy of another kinase inhibitor, regorafenib (Rego), as a second-line treatment. We produced SR HCC cells, wherein the PI3K-Akt, TNF, cAMP, and TGF-beta signaling pathways were affected. Acute Rego treatment of these cells reversed the expression of genes involved in TGF-beta signaling but further increased the expression of genes involved in PI3K-Akt signaling. Additionally, Rego reversed the expression of genes involved in nucleosome assembly and epigenetic gene expression. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed four differentially expressed long non-coding RNA (DElncRNA) modules that were associated with the effectiveness of Rego on SR cells. Eleven putative DElncRNAs with distinct expression patterns were identified. We associated each module with DEmRNAs of the same pattern, thus obtaining DElncRNA/DEmRNA co-expression modules. We discuss the potential significance of each module. These findings provide insights and resources for further investigation into the potential mechanisms underlying the response of SR HCC cells to Rego.
Particle analysis of surgical lung biopsies from deployed and non-deployed US service members during the Global War on Terrorism
Authors: Hayden Leslie , Lightner James M. , Strausborger Stacy , Franks Teri J. , Watson Nora L. , Lewin-Smith Michael R.
Published: April 2024

The role that inhaled particulate matter plays in the development of post-deployment lung disease among US service members deployed to Southwest Asia during the Global War on Terrorism has been difficult to define. There is a persistent gap in data addressing the relationship between relatively short-term (months to a few years) exposures to high levels of particulate matter during deployment and the subsequent development of adverse pulmonary outcomes. Surgical lung biopsies from deployed service members and veterans (DSMs) and non-deployed service members and veterans (NDSMs) who develop lung diseases can be analyzed to potentially identify residual deployment-specific particles and develop associations with pulmonary pathological diagnoses. We examined 52 surgical lung biopsies from 25 DSMs and 27 NDSMs using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to identify any between-group differences in the number and composition of retained inorganic particles, then compared the particle analysis results with the original histopathologic diagnoses. We recorded a higher number of total particles in biopsies from DSMs than from NDSMs, and this difference was mainly accounted for by geologic clays (illite, kaolinite), feldspars, quartz/silica, and titanium-rich silicate mixtures. Biopsies from DSMs deployed to other Southwest Asia regions (SWA-Other) had higher particle counts than those from DSMs primarily deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, due mainly to illite. Distinct deployment-specific particles were not identified. Particles did not qualitatively associate with country of deployment. The individual diagnoses of the DSMs and NDSMs were not associated with elevated levels of total particles, metals, cerium oxide, or titanium dioxide particles. These results support the examination of particle-related lung disease in DSMs in the context of comparison groups, such as NDSMs, to assist in determining the strength of associations between specific pulmonary pathology diagnoses and deployment-specific inorganic particulate matter exposure.
Flottalázadás a globalizáció és a kolonizáció összefüggéseiben. A brazil haditengerészet lázadása
Authors: Balogh Ádám Tibor
Published: April 2024

The study aims to explore the history of the naval revolt that broke out in Rio de Janeiro, the capital of Brazil, in 1893, keeping in mind the aspects of globalization, immigration, and colonization. The six-month-long conflict was of international significance, some of its effects (for example, on world trade) could be felt in other parts of the world. The case was widely covered by the world press: the news reached England, France, Germany, Italy, and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, among others. Immigrants were also involved in the civil war, often unwittingly: they were present at the siege of Rio de Janeiro, they were included in military recruitment, and with the rise of Lusophobia, Portuguese immigrants became victims of violent atrocities. The civil war caused many diplomatic problems. The study aims to point out that in historical studies it is worth paying attention to the elements set in motion by the events of a civil war, because due to globalization we can get a momentary view of a country’s network of interests and relationships by looking at the external reactions.
Nagy-Britannia és Afrika
Authors: Búr Gábor
Published: April 2024

On February 3rd 1960 British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan gave a landmark speech in the South African Parliament. He stated that no one can resist the “wind of change”, the process of decolonisation. This represented a turn in British politics, that for more than a decade after India becoming independent was still trying to preserve as much as possible of its colonial empire, that was not that long ago the biggest empire in history. Letting go of the West African colonies was relatively easy, as the climate and the high population density made the region unfavorable for European settlement. However, there was a desire to turn South and East Africa into “the white man’s land”, therefore Britain was unwilling to give up its positions in this region. Macmillan changed this policy. The new course of decolonisation was not followed by everyone, in South Rhodesia, and primarily in the South African Union the white minority tried to resist the wind of change for a long time. Britain was unable to stop these attempts, therefore the decolonisation process dragged on for decades, concluding only in 1994.
DISSECTING THE ROLES OF THE MEDIA FOR EFFECTIVE GLOBAL TRANSITION; A FRAMEWORK FOR THE INCLUSION OF THE MEDIA IN DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Essien Essien , Ineji Bibiana
Published: April 2024

Communication is imperative for the attainment of the much desired global goals and appropriate communication itself, effectively defines the strategies adoptable towards the actualization of the goals. Mass media are the veritable means through which effective communication is achieved, thus, the exclusion of the roles of the media in development leads to the bereavement of functional communication. With the rise in the technological advancement and improvement in media technologies, more persons are reached at less costs and at a relatively affordable time span. Such advancement has also adversely led to the proliferations of dysfunctional platforms where ill information and distorted contents are raised thereby leading to the retardation of the wheels of development. Considering the Sub-Saharan Africa with particular emphasis on Nigeria as the research interest area, this study identifies that a good percentage of the population here are most vulnerable to such misleading platforms and by this, an invaluable reason why development is yet to be attained in these areas of the globe. The study points out emergent terrorism as a key factor that contributes to regional vulnerability, thereby plunging the residents here into untoward agitations, undirected investments, hunger, homelessness and displacement the result of this which is increased poverty. Rhetorically, can the mass media in the face of these mishap be re-utilized again towards the correction of these anomalies? To answer this question, this research herein dissects the roles of the media in response to effective regional transition