bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder in people with dementia: a structured literature review
Authors: Ruisch J.E. , Nederstigt A.H.M. , van der Vorst A. , Boersma S.N. , Vink M.T. , Hoeboer C.M. , Olff M. , Sobczak S.
Published: March 2023

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with cognitive dysfunctions and is an independent risk factor for dementia. A recent study has found the prevalence of PTSD in people with dementia is 4.7%–7.8%. However, little is known about the effectiveness of PTSD treatment for people with dementia. The primary aim of the current study is to review previous studies on the treatment of PTSD in people with dementia. A structured literature review was performed using a ‘Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses’ analysis in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL. Two independent researchers screened titles and abstracts. The inclusion criteria were: PTSD symptoms present, diagnosis of dementia, PTSD treatment form described and effects of the treatment mentioned. Articles that matched these criteria were included and content and quality were analyzed. We included nine articles, all case reports, with a total of 11 cases. The discussed treatment options are eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) (n = 3), prolonged exposure (n = 1), cognitive behavioural therapy (n = 1) and pharmacological treatment (n = 4). All articles reported a positive effect of the intervention on several monitored symptoms. Evidence for positive effects and feasibility of EMDR were most reliable, and it was applied in two articles of sufficient quality published in 2018 and 2019. EMDR ‘on‐the‐spot’ was described with positive effect in one article in which three cases were discussed. The quality of included papers ranged from insufficient to sufficient. This review shows that people with PTSD and dementia can benefit from PTSD treatment. EMDR, prolonged exposure, acceptance and commitment therapy and pharmacological treatment are applicable in this population. EMDR treatment is most described in this population (n = 5) and shows positive results, and the studies are of sufficient quality (n = 3). Further research in the form of a randomised controlled trial is required to study the effectivity of different treatment interventions in this population.
A community‐based cross‐sectional study of anxiety and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Liu Fen , Hu Xing , Zhu Xiaoli , Dong Xinying , Ge Jie , Xu Shunlin , Li Gang , Li Lu , Li Shugang , Wei Zhimin
Published: March 2023

Background

The prevalence of anxiety and other psychological disorders has increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic, especially among the elderly. Anxiety and metabolic syndrome (MetS) may aggravate each other. This study further clarified the correlation between the two.

Methods

Adopting a convenience sampling method, this study investigated 162 elderly people over 65 years of age in Fangzhuang Community, Beijing. All participants provided baseline data on sex, age, lifestyle, and health status. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) was used to assess anxiety. Blood samples, abdominal circumference, and blood pressure were used to diagnose MetS. The elderly were divided into MetS and control groups according to the diagnosis of MetS. Differences in anxiety between the two groups were analysed and further stratified by age and gender. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the possible risk factors for MetS.

Results

Compared with the control group, anxiety scores of the MetS group were statistically higher (Z = 4.78, P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between anxiety levels and MetS (r = 0.353, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that anxiety (possible anxiety vs no anxiety: odds ratio [OR] = 2.982, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.295–6.969; definite anxiety vs no anxiety: OR = 14.573, 95%CI 3.675–57.788; P < 0.001) and BMI (OR = 1.504, 95% CI 1.275–1.774; P < 0.001) were possible risk factors for MetS.

Conclusion

The elderly with MetS had higher anxiety scores. Anxiety may be a potential risk factor for MetS, which provides a new perspective on anxiety and MetS.
A generative design of collaborative innovation space
Authors: Klooker Marie , Hölzle Katharina
Published: March 2023

A workplace for collaboration can be a powerful tool for fostering collaborative innovation in an organization. However, many organizations have failed in realizing the benefits of collaborative innovation workplaces. Applying a sociomaterial lens to an empirical investigation of the creation and genesis of workplaces for collaborative innovation in six organizations, we expand the focus beyond identifying workplace's material and social elements to the emergence of a collaborative innovation space as an effective workplace for collaboration. We develop a dynamic generative design model for collaborative innovation spaces. This model draws the attention to practices involved in the creation of such space instead of spatial characteristics only. It presents three dimensions for creating collaborative innovation spaces: the collaborative workplace consisting of collaborative spatial layout, work practices, and organizational structures. All are created and manifested by means of a collaborative–participatory design approach and the practice of generative reflection instead of conventional evaluation measures. Ultimately, a mindset shift is set in motion, generating a sustainable emergence of a collaborative innovation space. We conclude that a collaborative innovation space as an in‐between space cannot be deliberately designed but rather evolves over time. Using our generative design model, organizations and stakeholder can actively become part of this emergence process.
Exploring the dynamics of openness and formal appropriability and its impact on innovation performance in start‐ups
Authors: Gimenez‐Fernandez Elena M. , Stefan Ioana , Beukel Karin , Sandulli Francesco
Published: March 2023

A tension between openness and formal appropriability (FA) emerges in start‐ups as they require both in order to attract investors or innovation partners, yet their limited resources are a challenge in this pursuit. This paper sheds light on this tension through the study of the dynamics of openness and formal appropriability over time and the impact of combining openness and formal appropriability mechanisms (FAMs) on innovation performance. Using a longitudinal panel sample of Spanish start‐ups during a period of ten years, it is found that start‐ups change their openness and formal appropriability strategies over their development and that a combination of openness and formal appropriability enhances start‐ups' innovation performance. This combinative strategy is more relevant for start‐ups during the early years of start‐up growth, and if they have a high R&D intensity. The study contributes to literature that analyses the trade‐off between openness and appropriability, and bridges entrepreneurship and open innovation literatures, providing valuable implications for managers.
Comparison of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 expressions in yak testes at different ages
Authors: Song Juanjuan , Yuan Ligang , Wang Hua , Chen Guojuan , Chen Shaoyu
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to investigate the distribution and expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (TIMP‐2) in yak testes. The testes of healthy yaks at different ages: newborn [3 days], young [1 year], adult [4 years], and old [9 years] were collected for microscopic analyses using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, as well as western blot to compare the expression of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2. Furthermore, the levels of MMP‐2mRNA and TIMP‐2mRNA was detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results of immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence demonstrated that MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 were mainly located in gonocytes of newborn, Sertoli cells of young, spermatozoa of adult and Leydig cells of old. The protein levels of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 exhibited a downward from newborn to adult, but increased again in old yaks. The analysis of qPCR showed that MMP‐2 was higher in young compared with newborn or adult(**p < .01), but a lower expression was detected in adult compared with old yak testicular tissues (*p < .05). Compared with adults, TIMP‐2 was significantly higher in newborn and young yaks (**p < .01), and slightly higher in old yaks (*p < .05). Hence, The location of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 in gonocytes were associated with the development of newborn yak testes. The expression of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 in Sertoli cells at young and adult yaks suggested that they provided a clue for the regulation of spermatogenesis. The positive labeling of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 in Leydig cells in old yaks suggested that both may be involved in the interstitial metabolism of the testes during this period. This study revealed the possible role of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 in testicular functionality of yaks at different ages.
Insights from the mandatory insurer climate risk disclosure survey in the United States
Authors: Lin Xiao , Kim Kyeonghee , Ivantsova Anastasia
Published: March 2023

We document the implementation of the Insurer Climate Risk Disclosure Survey in the United States and provide an overview of its historical development since 2009. By 2020, the Survey is mandatory in 15 states or jurisdictions for insurers that meet the premium threshold. We find that the coverage of the Survey has reached 80% of Property & Liability premiums and close to 100% of life premiums, but the majority of US insurers—especially small or less diversified insurers who are most vulnerable to climate risk—are not covered by this survey. We highlight research opportunities exploiting the unique institutional setting of the Survey while also documenting the caveats of the Survey.
The novel HLA‐DRB1*16:71 allele characterised by two different sequencing‐based typing techniques
Authors: Dhuyser Adèle , Pérès Michaël , Morel Thomas , Clément Sandra , Aarnink Alice
Published: March 2023

The novel allele HLA‐DRB1*16:71 differs from HLA‐DRB1*16:01:01:01 by one non‐synonymous nucleotide substitution in exon 2.
Subcellular localization requirements and specificities for plant immune receptor Toll‐interleukin‐1 receptor signaling
Authors: Bernoux Maud , Chen Jian , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Newell Kim , Hu Jian , Deslandes Laurent , Dodds Peter
Published: March 2023

Recent work shed light on how plant intracellular immune receptors of the nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) family are activated upon pathogen effector recognition to trigger immune responses. Activation of Toll‐interleukin‐1 receptor (TIR) domain‐containing NLRs (TNLs) induces receptor oligomerization and close proximity of the TIR domain, which is required for TIR enzymatic activity. TIR‐catalyzed small signaling molecules bind to EDS1 family heterodimers and subsequently activate downstream helper NLRs, which function as Ca2+ permeable channel to activate immune responses eventually leading to cell death. Subcellular localization requirements of TNLs and signaling partners are not well understood, although they are required to understand fully the mechanisms underlying NLR early signaling. TNLs show diverse subcellular localization while EDS1 shows nucleocytosolic localization. Here, we studied the impact of TIR and EDS1 mislocalization on the signaling activation of different TNLs. In Nicotiana benthamiana, our results suggest that close proximity of TIR domains isolated from flax L6 and Arabidopsis RPS4 and SNC1 TNLs drives signaling activation from different cell compartments. Nevertheless, both Golgi‐membrane anchored L6 and nucleocytosolic RPS4 have the same requirements for EDS1 subcellular localization in Arabidopsis thaliana. By using mislocalized variants of EDS1, we found that autoimmune L6 and RPS4 TIR domain can induce seedling cell death when EDS1 is present in the cytosol. However, when EDS1 is restricted to the nucleus, both induce a stunting phenotype but no cell death. Our data point out the importance of thoroughly investigating the dynamics of TNLs and signaling partners subcellular localization to understand TNL signaling fully.
“There is a Fabulous Play in the House of Cards:” Gender and Memory-Mapping in the Film Tasher Ghawr
Authors: KS Janani , Karmakar Manali , R Priyankha , Ravi Rohini
Published: March 2023

The pandemic's collective memory features large-scale destruction in the public and private realms. This paper studies the latter by speculating on the complex interrelationship between gender, media, and collective memory. By foregrounding the potential of fictional experientialities to engage with real-life phenomena, the paper analyzes the movie Tasher Ghawr as an epitome of women’s experience of the COVID-19 lockdown. This movie was selected pertaining to its current relevance. The paper undertakes a qualitative investigation through a textual analysis of the movie’s narrative. The researchers use theories such as collective memory, gender performativity, affect, and counter-memory to illustrate how the protagonist Sujatha’s individual gendered memory constantly constructs and deconstructs the collective memory of women as it pertains to the pandemic. The notion of collective memory is highlighted as complexly entangled and dialogically engaged with the memories of the individuals. This paper demonstrates this by constructing Sujatha as a subject defined by the norms embedded in the female collective memory and then shedding light on her subversive brilliance in questioning the stronghold of these discourses. This act of subversion produces a new strand of collective memory where women are no longer simply victims. The results of this study indicate that while women are constructed as subjects through collective memory processes, they also demonstrate a potential to subvert and question the stronghold of this collective memory that presupposes their submissiveness and servility. For future researchers, this movie provides ample critical space to discuss the notion of traumatic memory.
Application of blood flow restriction in hypoxic environment augments muscle deoxygenation without compromising repeated sprint exercise performance
Authors: Wang Anjie , Brothers R. Matthew , Hurr Chansol
Published: March 2023

Repeated sprint exercise (RSE) is a popular training modality for a wide variety of athletic activities. The purpose of this study was to assess the combined effects of systemic hypoxia and blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle deoxygenation and RSE performance. Twelve healthy young men performed a standard RSE training modality (five sets of 10 s maximal sprint with a 60 s rest) under four different conditions: (1) normoxic control (NC), normoxia (N, 20.9%) + control BFR (C, 0 mmHg); (2) normoxic BFR (NB), normoxia (N, 20.9%) + BFR (B, 140 mmHg); (3) hypoxic control (HC), hypoxia (H, 13.7%) + control BFR (C, 0 mmHg); and (4) hypoxic BFR (HB): hypoxia (H, 13.7%) + BFR (B, 140 mmHg). BFR was only administered during the rest period of the respective RSE trials. In the local exercising muscles, muscle oxygen saturation () and neuromuscular activity were measured using near‐infrared spectroscopy and surface electromyography, respectively. SmO2was lower in systemic hypoxia conditions relative to normoxia conditions (P < 0.05). A rther decrease in SmO2was observed in HB relative to HC (Set 1: HC 70.0 ± 17.5 vs. HB 57.4 ± 11.3%,P = 0.001; Set 4: HC 67.5 ± 14.6 vs. HB 57.0 ± 12.0%,P = 0.013; Set 5: HC 61.0 ± 15.3 vs. HB 47.7 ± 11.9%,P < 0.001). No differences in RSE performance were observed between any of the conditions (P > 0.05). Interestingly, an elevated neuromuscular activity was seen in response to the BFR, particularly during conditions of systemic hypoxia (P < 0.05). Thus, RSE with BFR administered during rest periods under systemic hypoxia led to severe local hypoxia without compromising training workload.
Almost-Optimal Deterministic Treasure Hunt in Unweighted Graphs
Authors: Bouchard Sébastien , Dieudonné Yoann , Labourel Arnaud , Pelc Andrzej
Published: March 2023

A mobile agent navigating along edges of a simple connected unweighted graph, either finite or countably infinite, has to find an inert target (treasure) hidden in one of the nodes. This task is known as treasure hunt. The agent has no
a priori
knowledge of the graph, of the location of the treasure, or of the initial distance to it. The cost of a treasure hunt algorithm is the worst-case number of edge traversals performed by the agent until finding the treasure. Awerbuch et al. [
3
] considered graph exploration and treasure hunt for finite graphs in a restricted model where the agent has a fuel tank that can be replenished only at the starting node
s
. The size of the tank is
B = 2 (1+α) r
, for some positive real constant α, where
r
, called the radius of the graph, is the maximum distance from
s
to any other node. The tank of size
B
allows the agent to make at most ⌊ B ⌋ edge traversals between two consecutive visits at node
s
.

Let
e(d)
be the number of edges whose at least one endpoint is at distance less than
d
from
s
. Awerbuch et al. [
3
] conjectured that it is impossible to find a treasure hidden in a node at distance at most
d
at cost nearly linear in
e(d)
. We first design a deterministic treasure hunt algorithm working in the model without any restrictions on the moves of the agent at cost
𝒪(e(d)
log
d
) and then show how to modify this algorithm to work in the model from Awerbuch et al. [
3
] with the same complexity. Thus, we refute the preceding 20-year-old conjecture. We observe that no treasure hunt algorithm can beat cost Θ (
e(d)
) for all graphs, and thus our algorithms are also almost optimal.
Neural Network Assisted Depth Map Packing for Compression Using Standard Hardware Video Codecs
Authors: Siekkinen Matti , Kämäräinen Teemu
Published: March 2023

Depth maps are needed by various graphics rendering and processing operations. Depth map streaming is often necessary when such operations are performed in a distributed system and it requires in most cases fast performing compression, which is why video codecs are often used. Hardware implementations of standard video codecs enable relatively high resolution and frame rate combinations, even on resource constrained devices, but unfortunately those implementations do not currently support RGB+depth extensions. However, they can be used for depth compression by first packing the depth maps into RGB or YUV frames. We investigate depth map compression using a combination of depth map packing followed by encoding with a standard video codec. We show that the precision at which depth maps are packed has a large and nontrivial impact on the resulting error caused by the combination of the packing scheme and lossy compression when the bitrate is constrained. Consequently, we propose a variable precision packing scheme assisted by a neural network model that predicts the optimal precision for each depth map given a bitrate constraint. We demonstrate that the model yields near optimal predictions and that it can be integrated into a game engine with very low overhead using modern hardware.
Comparative Study of Prism Octahedron Network via Eccentric Invariants
Authors: Ali Haidar , Abdulkhaleq Ali Didar , Nadeem Muhammad , Ali Parvez , Kirmani Syed Ajaz K. , Sesay Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Topological indices are empirical features of graphs that characterize the topology of the graph and, for the most part, are graph independent. An important branch of graph theory is chemical graph theory. In chemical graph theory, the atoms corresponds vertices and edges corresponds covalent bonds. A topological index is a numeric number that represents the topology of underline structure. In this article, we examined the topological properties of prism octahedron network of dimension

m

and computed the total eccentricity, average eccentricity, Zagreb eccentricity, geometric arithmetic eccentricity, and atom bond connectivity eccentricity indices, which are used to utilize the distance between the vertices of a prism octahedron network.
Yield and Profitability of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) as a Function of Increasing Levels of Phosphorus and Varieties in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Dawit Mesfin , Habte Abera
Published: March 2023

Sweet potato is among the most important food security crops in Ethiopia. However, its productivity is constrained by poor soil fertility and a lack of improved varieties. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth and yield response and profitability of three sweet potato varieties to rates of phosphorus (P) in Southern Ethiopia. Five rates of P (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 kg ha−1) and three sweet potato varieties (Awassa-83, Kulfo, and Local) were considered as treatments that were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The vine length, internodes length, diameter, and the number of vines were significantly varied among varieties while P had a nonsignificant effect on these parameters. The tuber yield of sweet potato was influenced by the combined effect of variety and P rate. The highest marketable yield (30.22 t ha−1) was obtained at 30 kg P ha−1 from variety Awassa-83 and the lowest marketable yield (6.57 t ha−1) was obtained from Kulfo at 0 kg P ha−1. Thus, improvement of sweet potato productivity in the study area could be achieved through the use of Awassa-83 variety with P at a rate of 10 kg ha−1.
Citrobacter koseri: A Cause of Silicone Oil Related Endophthalmitis after Post Pars Plana Vitrectomy
Authors: Sborgia Luigi , Albano Valeria , Sborgia Giancarlo , Boscia Francesco , Alessio Giovanni
Published: March 2023

Purpose. We present a rare case of Citrobacter koseri culture-positive endophthalmitis in a postvitrectomy silicone oil-filled eye. Case report. A 64-year-old male patient presented to our ophthalmology emergency room with representative symptoms of acute endophthalmitis. He underwent a plana vitrectomy oil-filled tamponade previously. Preoperative and postoperative findings of the case were reported. Results. Culture tests of aqueous, silicone oil, and vitreous taps were positive for Citrobacter koseri. Conclusions. Culture-positive endophthalmitis in a silicone oil-filled eye has very rarely been in the literature. The described cases were caused by acute inflammatory reactions to silicone oil and were culture-negative. The postvitrectomy culture-positive endophthalmitis caused by Citrobacter is a very rare condition, and its management is not so smooth. Approaching with silicone oil removal, intraoperative intravitreal antibiotic injection, and silicone oil reinjection was performed in our case with good outcomes.
Tropical Cyclone Intensity Probabilistic Forecasting System Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Meng Fan , Yang Kunlin , Yao Yichen , Wang Zhibin , Song Tao
Published: March 2023

Tropical cyclones (TC) are one of the extreme disasters that have the most significant impact on human beings. Unfortunately, intensity forecasting of TC has been a difficult and bottleneck in weather forecasting. Recently, deep learning‐based intensity forecasting of TC has shown the potential to surpass traditional methods. However, due to the Earth system’s complexity, nonlinearity, and chaotic effects, there is inherent uncertainty in weather forecasting. Besides, previous studies have not quantified the uncertainty, which is necessary for decision‐making and risk assessment. This study proposes an intelligent system based on deep learning, PTCIF, to quantify this uncertainty based on multimodal meteorological data, which, to our knowledge, is the first study to assess the uncertainty of TC based on a deep learning approach. In this study, probabilistic forecasts are made for the intensity of 6–24 hours. Experimental results show that our proposed method is comparable to the forecast performance of weather forecast centers in terms of deterministic forecasts. Moreover, reliable prediction intervals and probabilistic forecasts can be obtained, which is vital for disaster warning and is expected to be a complement to operational models.
On the Optimal Control of HIV-TB Co-Infection and Improvement of Workplace Productivity
Authors: Seidu Baba , Makinde Oluwole Daniel , Seini Ibrahim Yakubu
Published: March 2023

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) have long been known to have a synergistic relationship. This is a result of each of the diseases impacting negatively on the immune system of the infected persons. The impact of these diseases on workforce productivity is studied in this paper from the viewpoint of dynamical systems. In this paper, we present a nonlinear ordinary differential equation model to study the dynamics of HIV-TB co-infection and its effect on workforce productivity. The main model is first decoupled into two basic submodels of HIV-only and TB-only models, whose qualitative properties are presented before the qualitative properties of the main model are studied. While the HIV-only model is shown to have a globally asymptotically stable disease-free equilibrium whenever its basic reproduction number is less than unity, the TB-only model is shown to exhibit backward bifurcation under some conditions. To investigate the impact of various intervention strategies on the control of the co-infection and improvement of workforce productivity, five time-dependent controls (involving transmission prevention for the two diseases, therapy for the two diseases, and capacity building for improved workforce productivity) are incorporated into the basic model to form an optimal control problem, which is qualitatively analyzed using Pontryagin’s maximum principle and numerically simulated. Incremental cost-effectiveness analysis is conducted with the results of the numerical simulations. It is observed that the most cost-effective strategy for fighting the spread of the co-infection with enhanced productivity is that of combining both preventative and curative measures along with skills training.
Vascular Normalization Was Associated with Colorectal Tumor Regression upon Anti-PD-L1 Combinational Therapy
Authors: Zhang Yan , Gao Jiayan , He Yan , Qi Ziwei , Qian Long , Chen Wanpei , Xu Haiyan , Yue Yanhua , Mao Xunyuan , Guo Shuxin , Zhou Yan , Zhou Shuru , Qin Songbing , Zhang Xueguang , Huang Yuhui
Published: March 2023

Anti-PD-L1 therapy exhibits durable efficacy, but only in a small fraction of cancer patients. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) is a crucial obstacle that impedes cancer immunotherapy. Here, we found that anti-PD-L1 therapy coupled with CD4+ T cell depletion induced colorectal tumor regression and vascular normalization, while monotherapy only retarded tumor growth without affecting the tumor vasculature. Moreover, simultaneous PD-L1 blockade and CD4+ T cell depletion eradicated intratumoral PD-L1+ lymphoid and myeloid cell populations, while additively elevating the proportions of CD44+CD69+CD8+, central memory CD44+CD62L+CD8+, and effector memory CD44+CD62L-CD8+ T cells, suggesting a reduction in immunosuppressive cell populations and the activation of CD8+ T cells in the TME. Moreover, anti-PD-L1 therapy reduced the proportions of intratumoral PD-L1+ immune cells and suppressed tumor growth in a CD8+ T cell dependent manner. Together, these results suggest that anti-PD-L1 therapy induces tumor vascular normalization and colorectal tumor regression via CD8+ T cells, which is antagonized by CD4+ T cells. Our findings unveil the positive correlation of tumor regression and vascular normalization in colorectal tumor models upon anti-PD-L1 therapy, providing a potential new strategy to improve its efficacy.
Does a New Modification of the Two-Step Injection Technique for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Reduce Pain Compared to the Conventional Technique? A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Moaddabi Amirhossein , Valletta Alessandra , Koochek Dezfuli Mohammad , Soltani Parisa , Ebrahimikiyasari Saeedeh , Hosseinnataj Abolfazl , Tafti Kioumars Tavakoli , Spagnuolo Gianrico
Published: March 2023

Background. The ability to control pain is an essential part of dental procedures and the need for optimal pain control and reduction of discomfort is the primary concern of every dentist. This study aims to compare the pain and vital signs during inferior alveolar nerve block between conventional and a new modification of the two-step injection techniques. Methods. In this institutional single-blind randomized clinical trial, attendees of dental school at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences from February to May 2022 were included. Inclusion criteria were 20–60 years old and healthy (ASA1) individuals who were willing to participate in this study. Individuals who were taking medications affecting their understanding of pain and patients with active infections at the injection site were excluded. These individuals were divided into two groups. First, superficial anesthesia was performed and afterward, conventional and two-step injection techniques were performed. For the two-step injection method, 6 mm of the needle was injected into the mucosa and one-third of the local anesthetic solution was released from the computer-controlled injection toolkit. Afterward, a 25 mm 30-gauge needle was reinserted into the previous hole delivering the remaining local anesthetic. The pain during injection was measured by a patient-reported numerical rating scale (NRS). Moreover, vital signs were monitored immediately before and after the injection. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Mann–Whitney U test, independent T-test, and Fisher’s exact χ2 test were performed for statistical analysis (α = 0.05). Results. This study involved 32 adults aged between 20 and 50 years old with 1 : 1 female/male sex distribution. The pain score was significantly higher in the conventional injection technique compared to the two-step injection technique in all sex and age groups. There were no significant differences in vital signs between the conventional and two-step injection techniques. There was no significant difference in the mean pain scores of females and males, regardless of their injection techniques. Conclusion. Utilizing the two-step injection technique in patients for inferior alveolar block reduces pain during injection without altering patients’ vital signs significantly. This trial is registered with IRCT20220106053646N1.
Intravenously Administered Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell (HucMSC) Improves Cardiac Performance following Infarction via Immune Modulation
Authors: Liang Xiaoting , Liu Jing , Li Mimi , Lin Fang , Zhuang Rulin , Meng Qingshu , Ma Xiaoxue , Xin Yuanfeng , Gong Xin , He Zhiying , Han Wei , Zhou Xiaohui , Liu Zhongmin
Published: March 2023

Overactive inflammatory responses contribute to progressive cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI). Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) has generated significant interest as potent immune modulators that can regulate excessive immune responses. We hypothesized that intravenous (iv) administration of human umbilical cord-derived MSC (HucMSC) exerts systemic and local anti-inflammation effects, leading to improved heart function after MI. In murine MI models, we confirmed that single iv administration of HucMSC (

30
×

10

4

) improved cardiac performance and prevented adverse remodeling after MI. A small proportion of HucMSC is trafficked to the heart, preferentially in the infarcted region. HucMSC administration increased CD3+ T cell proportion in the periphery while decreased T cell proportion in both infarcted heart and mediastinal lymph nodes (med-LN) at 7-day post-MI, indicating a systematic and local T cell interchange mediated by HucMSC. The inhibitory effects of HucMSC on T cell infiltration in the infarcted heart and med-LN sustained to 21-day post-MI. Our findings suggested that iv administration of HucMSC fostered systemic and local immunomodulatory effects that contributed to the improvement of cardiac performance after MI.
Spatiotemporal Tipping Induced by Turing Instability and Hopf Bifurcation in a Population Ecosystem Model with the Fear Factor
Authors: Xiao Min , Chen Gong , Wang Feilong , Cheng Zunshui , Yao Yi
Published: March 2023

Population ecosystems can display the tipping points at which extinctions of species happens. To predict the appearance of tipping points and to understand their evolution mechanism are of uttermost importance for ecological balance. Using techniques from bifurcation theory, we can predict the emergence of tipping points based on a spatiotemporal predator-prey system having a fear effect before an instability is encountered. In the case of no time delay, the tipping induced by Turing instability is studied. The conditions for Turing instability and local asymptotic stability of coexisting equilibrium points are given. It is ascertained that the introduction of diffusion causes the ecosystem to change from stable to unstable, and then the tipping occurs. Then, we investigate another tipping due to Hopf bifurcation. The delay-dependent stability criterion and Hopf bifurcation condition are derived, and the onset of Hopf bifurcations (tipping point) is also determined. In order to further probe into the mechanism of tipping evolution, explicit formulae are derived to ascertain the stability of bifurcated oscillations and the direction of bifurcation via the center manifold reduction. It is revealed that many tipping points may exist in ecological competition systems, and the tipping occurs many times as the fear delay increases. Finally, several simulation examples are provided to substantiate the analytical results.
Observation of Long Rough Dab (Hippoglossoides platessoides) Eggs in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard
Authors: Spotowitz Lisa , Kloppmann Matthias , Fischer Philipp
Published: March 2023

The long rough dab (Hippoglossoides platessoides) is one of the most common bottom dwelling fish species in the Barents Sea with a limited commercial value, even though it is regularly caught as bycatch. Adult H. platessoides can be found in large numbers along the west coast of Svalbard, but nothing is known about the spawning area of this species or the distribution of their eggs and larvae within Svalbard fjords. Recent findings of H. platessoides eggs in Kongsfjorden indicate that a spawning population exists either within the fjord or on the west Spitsbergen shelf.
Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Utilization and Barriers by Senior Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Residents at Two Teaching Referral Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Ayalew Zewdie , Abicho Temesgen Beyene , Alemu Dirijit Mamo , Aspler Anne
Published: March 2023

Background. POCUS has become an integral part of the practice of emergency medicine. POCUS is a highly focused, limited, goal-directed exam with the expressed purpose of answering selected questions used at the bedside for critically ill patients who are not stable. We aimed to assess POCUS utilization and barriers by senior-year emergency medicine and critical care residents at two tertiary academic and referral hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to August 30, 2022 in St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College and Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital using an electronic survey of senior-year (second and third years) emergency medicine and critical care residents. Data were collected using Goggle form, exported to SPSS version 24, and then analyzed. Result. Seventy-six residents out of 78 (97.4%) responded to the online survey. The mean age was 29.9 years with an SD of 2.87. Fifty-six residents (73.7%) were male and 45 (59.2%) were year 2 residents. Sixty-one (76.3%) had previous POCUS training. Fifty residents (82.0%) received training from the classroom. Twenty-seven residents (35.5%) rated their current level of knowledge as good for sterile transducer techniques, 28 (36.8%) rated fair for their knobology, and 27 (35.5%) rated very good for their transducer selection knowledge. Thirty-two (42.1%) rated very good about their ability to interpret IVC. 26 (34.2%) responded that they had good ability to interpret FAST/EFAST. Forty-nine (64.5%) residents claimed lack of an ultrasound machine followed by 33 (43.4%) lack of organized curriculum were the main barriers to POCUS utilization. Forty-two (55.3%) residents preferred to complete face-to-face teaching, while 33 (43.4%) preferred blended learning both face-to-face and online. Conclusion. POCUS is performed by the majority of EMCC residents. The most frequent scans performed by residents were FAST, IVC, and lung scans. Lack of ultrasound machine and organized curriculum was the main barrier to US utilization. Availability of equipment, face-to-face training, and having an organized curriculum are recommended by residents to improve their skills in the future.
ALKBH5 Inhibits Cancer Cell Proliferation in Prostate Cancer through KLF4/TERT Signaling
Authors: Li Ermao , Zhu Yazhi , Feng Juling , Li Yi , Wang Jue , Yang Jieru , Kang Ran , Wang Xiaolan , Yin Kai
Published: March 2023

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), as a reversible chemical modification of RNA, is a new type of posttranscriptional gene regulation, which plays an important role in cell differentiation and tumorigenesis, and is also a research hotspot in epigenetic transcriptomics in recent years. The purpose of this study was to discuss the action mechanism of m6A demethylase ALKBH5 in the occurrence of prostate cancer (PCa). We found that ALKBH5 was lowly expressed in PCa, and the decreased expression of ALKBH5 was responsible for the poor prognosis of prostate carcinomas. Moreover, ALKBH5 downregulated the expression of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) by reducing its mRNA stability, which reduced the transcriptional activity of KLF4 on the downstream target telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and decreased TERT expression and telomerase activity, eventually inhibiting PCa cell growth. The findings of this study reveal the action mechanism of ALKBH5 in PCa from the perspective of epitranscriptomics, which would provide new ideas for the prevention of PCa.
PRDM16, Negatively Regulated by miR-372-3p, Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Invasion in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yin Guangwei , Yan Chengquan , Hao Jing , Zhang Chunying , Wang Pengfei , Zhao Chaofei , Cai Shengyong , Meng Bin , Zhang Aili , Li Lin
Published: March 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors. The alternation of microRNA (miRNA) expression is associated with prostate cancer progression, whereas its way to influence progression of prostate cancer remains elusive. The expression levels of PRDM16 mRNA and miR-372-3p in PCa cell lines were analyzed using qRT-PCR. The protein expression of PRDM16 in PCa cell lines was also analyzed using western blot. CCK-8, wound healing, and Transwell assays were applied to examine cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in prostate cancer cells, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was utilized to validate the interaction between miR-372-3p and PRDM16. In the present study, markedly decreased PRDM16 mRNA and protein expression levels were observed in prostate cancer cells. PRDM16 overexpression hampered cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, while silencing PRDM16 had the opposite effect. Moreover, miR-372-3p could target the regulation expression of PRDM16. Rescue experiments demonstrated that upregulating miR-372-3p conspicuously restored the inhibitory effect of increased PRDM16 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in PCa. Overall, our study clarifies the biological role of miR-372-3p/PRDM16 axis in prostate cancer progression, which may be effective biomarkers for clinical treatment of prostate cancer.
Proportionate Atomism: Solving the Problem of Isomorphic Variants in Plato’s Timaeus
Authors: Schroeder Lea Aurelia
Published: March 2023

The principles governing elemental composition, variation, and change in Plato’s Timaeus appear to be incompatible, which has led commentators to prioritize some of the principles to the exclusion of others. Call this seeming incompatibility the problem of isomorphic variants. In this paper, I develop the theory of proportionate atomism as a solution to this problem. Proportionate atomism retains the advantages of rival interpretations but allows the principles of material composition, variation, and change to combine into an internally coherent and explanatorily powerful atomic physics.
The Effectiveness of the “Top-Down, Bottom-Up” Approach for Understanding the Implementation of Regional Autonomy in Batu City Tourism Development
Authors: Wijayanto Purbayakti Kusum , Hakim Luqman , Zauhar Soesilo , Said Abdullah
Published: March 2023

Community involvement in determining the direction of autonomous region development is still rare. Regional autonomy, conceptualized as the local government’s freedom to take care of domestic affairs, is the best way to implement a decentralized governmental approach. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of implementing regional autonomy in the development of Batu City tourism using a qualitative approach with a descriptive type of research. The research locations are Batu City and Batu City’s local government office. Batu City was chosen because it has a history of tourism development in a relatively short period of time. The study found that the state still manages Batu City’s tourism development policy and development, so the tourism has not referred to the local tourism development master plan. The study aims to know the effectiveness of participatory policy approaches in developing Batu City tourism as an autonomous region.
Financial Inclusion Expectation Gap
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: March 2023

The objective of this article is to define the financial inclusion expectation gap, offer some insight into the nature and the causes of it, and suggest ways to reduce the gap. The discussion in the article provides helpful insights into this problem towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is hoped that such an attempt can provide insights to understand the expectation gap in financial inclusion.
The [Transplanted] Thinking Heart
Authors: Schuback Marcia Sá Cavalcante
Published: March 2023

This article discusses the relation between philosophy and heart from the viewpoint of a transplanted heart. It is a reflection on Jean-Luc Nancy’s thoughts on the heart as intruder in the thought of the world. Departing from the personal experience of a heart transplant, Nancy develops a deconstruction of the idea and experience of the self, showing that the need of another heart in the body of philosophy and in the body of the world has to do with the urgence of experiencing the self as soi-autre, as selfother, which is perhaps nothing but rhythm. Reading passages of his last book Cruor, the article aims to think together the rhythm of a transplanted heart, and of the heart of selfother.
Nancy’s Thinking of the Event
Authors: Raffoul François
Published: March 2023

Jen-Luc Nancy’s thinking of the event stems from his understanding of being as based on no principle, ground or essence. Nothing preexists the event of being, no principle, arche or prior substance. With such a statement, a thinking of the event emerges: not preceded by any principle or ground, being is nothing but the event of itself. In turn, the event is no longer anchored in a principle that itself would not be happening. Thus, preceded by nothing and grounded in no essence, the event of being can only come as a surprise. The event is always the bringing forth of the unprecedented: the event always comes as a surprise. I first show how Nancy thinks the event from the very motif of the surprise, indeed claiming that an event is surprising or it is not an event. In a second part, I explore Nancy’s thinking of the event of the world, understood as creation ex nihilo. Ultimately, I show that Nancy understands the eventfulness of the event in terms of the essencelessness of existence.
Compearance
Authors: Calabrò Daniela
Published: March 2023

The analyses at the core of this essay focus attention on the concepts of “Compearance” and “Exposition” in Jean-Luc Nancy’s philosophical reflection. Starting from the analyses carried out by Sartre, Lévinas and Derrida, this paper aims to define and highlight one of the fundamental concepts in Nancy’s philosophical work, which is touching. A “corpus of touch” that is a syncopated corpus, interrupted and mixed with other bodies; here the whole sense of compearance and exposition is at stake.
Questioning the “We” in Times of Global Threats with Butler and Levinas
Authors: Angelino Lucia
Published: March 2023

Today, the “we” has not lost its place in contemporary debates. On the contrary, it has become a crucial question in the political and philosophical debates relating to global-scale disasters and traumatic events, which expose all of humanity to the same risks and same threats. In a dramatic and paradigmatic way, these events invite us to “mourn” the fantasy of self-sufficiency of the I and remind us to which extent our lives are immediately linked to those of others. At the same time, however, these events, which yields the potential to reveal a relationality constitutive of “who we are,” also suggest the need to reframe our understanding of the “we,” and to overcome the us/them divide upon which it has been construed until now. In this essay, I take up this challenge by first engaging in a critical discussion of Judith Butler’s ethics of vulnerability, and then turning to the ethical philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas.
Compensation in Cases of Mass Atrocities at the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court
Authors: Pérez-León-Acevedo Juan-Pablo
Published: March 2023

Within their different mandates, the ICJ and the ICC have decided on compensation for mass atrocities, including the same factual scenarios and related dual state/individual responsibility. However, no publication has examined these developments jointly and comparatively. Thus, this article seeks to determine how both courts are and should be developing compensation jurisprudence on mass atrocity cases. This article suggests that these two courts should construe a coherent, principle-based, and human rights-oriented international law of compensation for mass atrocities. Despite the differences in the compensation law and practice of the ICJ and the ICC, there are common elements such as the violation of an international obligation (wrongful act/international crime), damages, and the causal link between them. There are also some similarities concerning compensation goals, proof matters, and damage valuation. Both courts can and should conduct an adapted use of each other’s jurisprudence, considering their different mandates rather than doing so mechanically.
The “Externalities” of Joint Interpretations in Investment Arbitration: Learning from the Past
Authors: Yu Chen
Published: March 2023

The joint interpretation mechanism is gaining increasing attention in the recent practice and study of international investment law. In the past, the NAFTA Free Trade Commission exercised this interpretative authority by issuing the controversial Notes of Interpretation which limit the scope of fair and equitable treatment (FET) to customary international law. While much has been debated about the legitimacy of the Notes in the context of NAFTA arbitration, this article examines its influence on tribunals not bound by it (i.e. non-NAFTA tribunals). An extensive review of cases shows that non-NAFTA tribunals are generally cautious about directly applying the Notes to their own interpretation, while some followed NAFTA precedents shaped by the Notes. Considering the possible proliferation of the joint interpretation mechanism in the future, this article further examines the role of third states’ joint interpretations in treaty interpretation through the lens of Articles 31 and 32 of the VCLT.