bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teenagers’ mental health problems predict probable mental diagnosis 3 years later among girls, but what about the boys?
Authors: Carlén Kristina , Suominen Sakari , Augustine Lilly , Saarinen Maiju M. , Aromaa Minna , Rautava Päivi , Sourander André , Sillanpää Matti
Published: June 2022

Background

The prevalence of mental disorders is increasing, and there seems to be a gender difference in prevalence, with girls reporting more mental health problems than boys, especially regarding internalizing problems. Most mental disorders debut early but often remain untreated into adulthood. Early detection of mental disorders is essential for successful treatment, which is not always happening. The study aimed to estimate to what extent teenagers’ self-reports predict probable mental diagnosis as they enter adulthood, particularly regarding gender differences.

Methods

Self-reported mental health problems, Youth Self-Report (YSR) at 15 years (range 3–110, n = 504) from the ongoing Finnish family competence study (FFC) using modified multivariable Poisson regression analysis for prediction of DAWBA (Development and Wellbeing Assessment) interview outcomes 3 years later.

Results

One unit’s increase in YSR was estimated to correspond to an increase in the relative risk of a probable DAWBA-based diagnosis by 3.3% [RR (95% CI) 1.03 (1.03–1.04), p < 0.001]. In gender-specific analysis, the findings applied, particularly to girls.

Conclusions

Youth Self-Report (YSR) scores at pubertal age predicted the risk of a probable mental diagnosis at the onset of adulthood, particularly in girls. Further research is needed to explain the lower sensitivity of YSR among boys.
Characterization of stem cell landscape and identification of stemness-relevant prognostic gene signature to aid immunotherapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zheng Hang , Liu Heshu , Li Huayu , Dou Weidong , Wang Jingui , Zhang Junling , Liu Tao , Wu Yingchao , Liu Yucun , Wang Xin
Published: June 2022

Background

It is generally accepted that colorectal cancer (CRC) originates from cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for CRC progression, metastasis and therapy resistance. The high heterogeneity of CSCs has precluded clinical application of CSC-targeting therapy. Here, we aimed to characterize the stemness landscapes and screen for certain patients more responsive to immunotherapy.

Methods

Twenty-six stem cell gene sets were acquired from StemChecker database. Consensus clustering algorithm was applied for stemness subtypes identification on 1,467 CRC samples from TCGA and GEO databases. The differences in prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME) components, therapy responses were evaluated among subtypes. Then, the stemness-risk model was constructed by weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA), Cox regression and random survival forest analyses, and the most important marker was experimentally verified.

Results

Based on single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) enrichments scores, CRC patients were classified into three subtypes (C1, C2 and C3). C3 subtype exhibited the worst prognosis, highest macrophages M0 and M2 infiltrations, immune and stromal scores, and minimum sensitivity to immunotherapies, but was more sensitive to drugs like Bosutinib, Docetaxel, Elesclomol, Gefitinib, Lenalidomide, Methotrexate and Sunitinib. The turquoise module was identified by WGCNA that it was most positively correlated with C3 but most negatively with C2, and five hub genes in turquoise module were identified for stemness model construction. CRC patients with higher stemness scores exhibited worse prognosis, more immunosuppressive components in TME and lower immunotherapeutic responses. Additionally, the model’s immunotherapeutic prediction efficacy was further confirmed from two immunotherapy cohorts (anti-PD-L1 in IMvigor210 cohort and anti-PD-1 in GSE78220 cohort). Mechanistically, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) results revealed high stemness score group was enriched in interferon gamma response, interferon alpha response, P53 pathway, coagulation, apoptosis, KRAS signaling upregulation, complement, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and IL6-mediated JAK-STAT signaling gene sets.

Conclusions

Our study characterized three stemness-related subtypes with distinct prognosis and TME patterns in CRC patients, and a 5-gene stemness-risk model was constructed by comprehensive bioinformatic analyses. We suggest our stemness model has prospective clinical implications for prognosis evaluation and might facilitate physicians selecting prospective responders for preferential use of current immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Existence and multiplicity of solutions for $p(x)$-Laplacian problem with Steklov boundary condition
Authors: Khaleghi A. , Razani A.
Published: June 2022

We study the existence and multiplicity of weak solutions for an elliptic problem involving$p(x)$p(x)-Laplacian operator under Steklov boundary condition. The approach is based on variational methods.
Gut metabolites predict Clostridioides difficile recurrence
Authors: Dawkins Jennifer J. , Allegretti Jessica R. , Gibson Travis E. , McClure Emma , Delaney Mary , Bry Lynn , Gerber Georg K.
Published: June 2022

Background

Clostridioides difficileinfection (CDI) is the most common hospital acquired infection in the USA, with recurrence rates > 15%. Although primary CDI has been extensively linked to gut microbial dysbiosis, less is known about the factors that promote or mitigate recurrence. Moreover, previous studies have not shown that microbial abundances in the gut measured by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing alone can accurately predict CDI recurrence.

Results

We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study of 53 non-immunocompromised participants with primary CDI. Stool sample collection began pre-CDI antibiotic treatment at the time of diagnosis, and continued up to 8 weeks post-antibiotic treatment, with weekly or twice weekly collections. Samples were analyzed using (1) 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, (2) liquid chromatography/mass-spectrometry metabolomics measuring 1387 annotated metabolites, and (3) short-chain fatty acid profiling. The amplicon sequencing data showed significantly delayed recovery of microbial diversity in recurrent participants, and depletion of key anaerobic taxa at multiple time-points, includingClostridiumcluster XIVa and IV taxa. The metabolomic data also showed delayed recovery in recurrent participants, and moreover mapped to pathways suggesting distinct functional abnormalities in the microbiome or host, such as decreased microbial deconjugation activity, lowered levels of endocannabinoids, and elevated markers of host cell damage. Further, using predictive statistical/machine learning models, we demonstrated that the metabolomic data, but not the other data sources, can accurately predict future recurrence at 1 week (AUC 0.77 [0.71, 0.86; 95% interval]) and 2 weeks (AUC 0.77 [0.69, 0.85; 95% interval]) post-treatment for primary CDI.

Conclusions

The prospective, longitudinal, and multi-omic nature of our CDI recurrence study allowed us to uncover previously unrecognized dynamics in the microbiome and host presaging recurrence, and, in particular, to elucidate changes in the understudied gut metabolome. Moreover, we demonstrated that a small set of metabolites can accurately predict future recurrence. Our findings have implications for development of diagnostic tests and treatments that could ultimately short-circuit the cycle of CDI recurrence, by providing candidate metabolic biomarkers for diagnostics development, as well as offering insights into the complex microbial and metabolic alterations that are protective or permissive for recurrence.
Assessing the reliability and validity of the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) program tool
Authors: Ramezani Niloofar , Bhati Avi , Murphy Amy , Routh Douglas , Taxman Faye S.
Published: June 2022

Background

Fidelity assessment tools can assess whether a program embraces a core set of principles and performs well. A quality fidelity tool with valid scales can be a feedback loop to identify areas that need further work to improve the program. Using data collected from 1816 correctional and reentry programs in the United States in the construction sample and 761 programs in the confirmation sample, this study examined the internal consistency of the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Program Tool, an online resource to capture information about structural features of a program.

Results

The study reports on reliability statistics and factor analyses to highlight individual subscales. Six scales emerged and had acceptable to excellent levels of internal consistency. These scales are staffing, reward-and-sanction, clinical standards for programs, coaching, program duration, and risk-need assessment.

Conclusions

This article discusses fidelity scales from the RNR Program Tool and provides guidance on the importance of tool development processes to ensure accurate, valid, and reliable scales. The purpose of the RNR Program Tool is to create a modern, online tool integrating both the empirical (research) literature on effective practices and clinical standards on quality programming. This process minimizes the need for consultants by giving program administrators the ability to gather information on their programs, score them, and receive instant and targeted feedback with recommendations for improvement to assess their programs against empirical standards in the field. Furthermore, it provides a standardized tool that administrators can use to examine what type of individuals fare better in their programs. The provided targeted feedback can give the programs the ability to seek technical assistance or guidance in specific areas that can strategically strengthen their program.
Systematic and mechanistic analysis of AuNP-induced nanotoxicity for risk assessment of nanomedicine
Authors: Lee Euiyeon , Lee Minhyeong , Kwon San , Kim Jongpil , Kwon Youngeun
Published: June 2022

For decades, nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely implemented in various biomedical fields due to their unique optical, thermal, and tunable properties. Particularly, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have opened new frontiers in sensing, targeted drug delivery, imaging, and photodynamic therapy, showing promising results for the treatment of various intractable diseases that affect quality of life and longevity. Despite the tremendous achievements of AuNPs-based approaches in biomedical applications, few AuNP-based nanomedicines have been evaluated in clinical trials, which is likely due to a shortage of understanding of the biological and pathological effects of AuNPs. The biological fate of AuNPs is tightly related to a variety of physicochemical parameters including size, shape, chemical structure of ligands, charge, and protein corona, and therefore evaluating the effects of these parameters on specific biological interactions is a major ongoing challenge. Therefore, this review focuses on ongoing nanotoxicology studies that aim to characterize the effect of various AuNP characteristics on AuNP-induced toxicity. Specifically, we focus on understanding how each parameter alters the specific biological interactions of AuNPs via mechanistic analysis of nano-bio interactions. We also discuss different cellular functions affected by AuNP treatment (e.g., cell motility, ROS generation, interaction with DNA, and immune response) to understand their potential human health risks. The information discussed herein could contribute to the safe usage of nanomedicine by providing a basis for appropriate risk assessment and for the development of nano-QSAR models.
Would restricting firearm purchases due to alcohol- and drug-related misdemeanor offenses reduce firearm homicide and suicide? An agent-based simulation
Authors: Cerdá Magdalena , Hamilton Ava D. , Tracy Melissa , Branas Charles , Fink David , Keyes Katherine M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Substance-related interactions with the criminal justice system are a potential touchpoint to identify people at risk for firearm violence. We used an agent-based model to simulate the change in firearm violence after disqualifying people from owning a firearm given prior alcohol- and drug-related misdemeanors.

Methods

We created a population of 800,000 agents reflecting a 15% sample of the adult New York City population.

Results

Disqualification from purchasing firearms for 5 years after an alcohol-related misdemeanor conviction reduced population-level rates of firearm homicide by 1.0% [95% CI 0.4–1.6%] and suicide by 3.0% [95% CI 1.9–4.0%]. Disqualification based on a drug-related misdemeanor conviction reduced homicide by 1.6% [95% CI 1.1–2.2%] and suicide by 4.6% [95% CI 3.4–5.8%]. Reductions were generally 2 to 8 times larger for agents meeting the disqualification criteria.

Conclusions

Denying firearm access based on a history of drug and alcohol misdemeanors may reduce firearm violence among the high-risk group. Enactment of substance use-related firearms denial criteria needs to be balanced against concerns about introducing new sources of disenfranchisement among already vulnerable populations.
Porcine Functional Spine Unit in orthopedic research, a systematic scoping review of the methodology
Authors: Hedlund Jacob , Ekström Lars , Thoreson Olof
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic scoping review of previous in vitro spine studies that used pig functional spinal units (FSU) as a model to gain an understanding of how different experimental methods are presented in the literature. Research guidelines are often used to achieve high quality in methods, results, and reports, but no research guidelines are available regarding in vitro biomechanical spinal studies.

Methods

A systematic scoping review approach and protocol was used for the study with a systematic search in several data bases combined with an extra author search. The articles were examined in multiple stages by two different authors in a blinded manner. Data was extracted from the included articles and inserted into a previously crafted matrix with multiple variables. The data was analyzed to evaluate study methods and quality and included 70 studies.

Results

The results display that there is a lack of consensus regarding how the material, methods and results are presented. Load type, duration and magnitude were heterogeneous among the studies, but sixty-seven studies (96%) did include compressive load or tension in the testing protocol.

Conclusions

This study concludes that an improvement of reported data in the present field of research is needed. A protocol, modified from the ARRIVE guidelines, regarding enhanced report-structure, that would enable comparison between studies and improve the method quality is presented in the current study. There is also a clear need for a validated quality-assessment template for experimental animal studies.
Nanosensitizers for sonodynamic therapy for glioblastoma multiforme: current progress and future perspectives
Authors: Guo Qing-Long , Dai Xing-Liang , Yin Meng-Yuan , Cheng Hong-Wei , Qian Hai-Sheng , Wang Hua , Zhu Dao-Ming , Wang Xian-Wen
Published: June 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor, and it is associated with poor prognosis. Its characteristics of being highly invasive and undergoing heterogeneous genetic mutation, as well as the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), have reduced the efficacy of GBM treatment. The emergence of a novel therapeutic method, namely, sonodynamic therapy (SDT), provides a promising strategy for eradicating tumors via activated sonosensitizers coupled with low-intensity ultrasound. SDT can provide tumor killing effects for deep-seated tumors, such as brain tumors. However, conventional sonosensitizers cannot effectively reach the tumor region and kill additional tumor cells, especially brain tumor cells. Efforts should be made to develop a method to help therapeutic agents pass through the BBB and accumulate in brain tumors. With the development of novel multifunctional nanosensitizers and newly emerging combination strategies, the killing ability and selectivity of SDT have greatly improved and are accompanied with fewer side effects. In this review, we systematically summarize the findings of previous studies on SDT for GBM, with a focus on recent developments and promising directions for future research.
Phyllosphere bacterial and fungal communities vary with host species identity, plant traits and seasonality in a subtropical forest
Authors: Li Mengjiao , Hong Lan , Ye Wanhui , Wang Zhangming , Shen Hao
Published: June 2022

Background

Phyllosphere microbes play important roles in host plant performance and fitness. Recent studies have suggested that tropical and temperate forests harbor diverse phyllosphere bacterial and fungal communities and their assembly is driven by host species identity and plant traits. However, no study has yet examined how seasonality (e.g. dry vs. wet seasons) influences phyllosphere microbial community assembly in natural forests. In addition, in subtropical forests characterized as the transitional zonal vegetation type from tropical to temperate forests, how tree phyllosphere microbial communities are assembled remains unknown. In this study, we quantified bacterial and fungal community structure and diversity on the leaves of 45 tree species with varying phylogenetic identities and importance values within a 20-ha lower subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest plot in dry and wet seasons. We explored if and how the microbial community assembly varies with host species identity, plant traits and seasonality.

Results

Phyllosphere microbial communities in the subtropical forest are more abundant and diverse than those in tropical and temperate forests, and the tree species share a “core microbiome” in either bacteria or fungi. Variations in phyllosphere bacterial and fungal community assembly are explained more by host species identity than by seasonality. There is a strong clustering of the phyllosphere microbial assemblage amongst trees by seasonality, and the seasonality effects are more pronounced on bacterial than fungal community assembly. Host traits have different effects on community compositions and diversities of both bacteria and fungi, and among them calcium concentration and importance value are the most powerful explaining variables for bacteria and fungi, respectively. There are significant evolutionary associations between host species and phyllosphere microbiome.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that subtropical tree phyllosphere microbial communities vary with host species identity, plant traits and seasonality. Host species identity, compared to seasonality, has greater effects on phyllosphere microbial community assembly, and such effects differ between bacterial and fungal communities. These findings advance our understanding of the patterns and drivers of phyllosphere microbial community assembly in zonal forests at a global scale.
Killing underweighted low viable newborn piglets: Which health parameters are appropriate to make a decision?
Authors: Geiping Lukas , Hartmann Maria , Kreienbrock Lothar , grosse Beilage Elisabeth
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to estimate the mortality risk and associated factors within the first days of life for underweight or low-vital neonatal piglets. This risk estimation should start a discussion concerning the preconditions for timely killing of compromised newborn piglets to prevent unnecessary pain and suffering. In an observational study, various clinical and laboratory variables were examined in 529 piglets out of four farms. Body weight, crown-rump-length, rectal temperature, a 4-stage vitality score, an intrauterine-growth-retardation score, glucose, lactate, haemoglobin and immunocrit were assessed on the first day of life. Vitality was scored by three factors: movement, abdominal palpation, and colour of the skin. Afterwards the death of the piglets (by killing or spontaneously) was monitored until day 5 of age.

Results

Body weight, rectal temperature and vitality score were significantly associated with probability of death. Piglets with rectal temperatures ≤ 37.5 °C, a body weight < 0.86 kg and impaired vitality scores were found to have the highest probability of death until day 5 of age.

Conclusion

The clinical findings, identified by this model, allow a first estimation of mortality risk for newborn piglets within the first days of life. In a further step veterinarians, farmers and ethicians now need to clarify what probability of death should justifiy the killing of a newborn piglet.
A case study of the impact of a teacher education course on two Iranian EFL teachers’ beliefs and practices about grammar teaching
Authors: Nazari Mostafa , Boustani Azadeh , Sheikhi Mohammad
Published: June 2022

Despite the substantial growth of research on teachers’ beliefs and practices in the past decades, little research has examined the impact of teacher education on in-service teachers’ grammar beliefs and practices. The present study aimed to fill part of this gap in relation to two Iranian novice EFL teachers. Data were collected before and after a grammar-oriented teacher education course from semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. The findings showed that the course influenced the teachers’ beliefs to move from a more teacher-fronted approach toward an approach that marked attention to the importance of learners’ socioemotional states. Moreover, the teachers’ practices after the course featured more attention to the collaborative and pragmatic aspects of grammar instruction. Based on the findings, we provide several implications for teacher education, which highlight the role of sociocultural and personal dimensions in programs that are structured around grammar instruction.
Consequences of COVID-19 pandemics on the mental well-being of general population of Pakistan
Authors: Um-e-Kalsoom  , Bibi Nadia
Published: June 2022

Background

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the epicenter is facing transcending psychiatric problems.

To assess the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of the community of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan), a cross-sectional study design was used to find out depression and anxiety after the first wave of the pandemic. A total of 320 willing individuals participated in the study. Convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data. Demographic information along with a semi-structured interview, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Impact of Life Event Scale-Revised, and Center of Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale were used as measures. The participants of this study were bifurcated into affected (n = 151) and none affected (n = 169) on the basis of the impact of life event cut-off scores.

Results

Data analysis was carried out using t-test and simple linear regression analysis. Results of t-test showed that the pandemic-affected individuals (47%) reported significantly high on the depression and anxiety scores. The verdicts from simple linear regression analysis further demonstrate a history of psychiatric illness, duration of quarantine, and impact of event predicting depression (R2 = .15, p < .001). For anxiety history of psychiatric illness, the impact of life events were significant predictors (R2 = .28, p < .001) whereas the duration of quarantine, death due to COVID-19, and Impact of Event Scale predicted the center of epidemiological studies for depression (R2 .48, p < .001). The finding of the research study concluded that 47% participated individuals were affected due to the pandemic COVID-19.

Conclusions

The outcome of the study further exhibits that history of previous psychiatric illness, impact of life events, death due to COVID-19, and duration of quarantine are significant predictors of depression and anxiety.
Fluid Biomarkers in Dementia Diagnosis
Authors: Schindler Suzanne E.
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article discusses how fluid biomarkers can augment the routine dementia evaluation and improve diagnostic accuracy. The tests that are currently available and the indications for their use are described. Further, tests that are under development and likely to be used in the future are identified.

RECENT FINDINGS

Technical improvements in assay sensitivity and precision have led to the rapid development of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer disease (AD) over the past several years. Studies have found that the ratio of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides (Aβ42/Aβ40) and concentrations of phosphorylated tau isoforms in plasma can identify individuals with AD brain pathology. Blood-based tests may enable much broader use of AD biomarkers in the evaluation of patients with cognitive impairment.

Even after a detailed history, examination, routine laboratory testing, and brain imaging, the cause of dementia sometimes remains unclear. CSF and blood-based biomarkers can evaluate for a range of neurologic disorders that are associated with dementia, including AD. Integrating data from fluid biomarker tests and the routine dementia evaluation may improve the accuracy of dementia diagnosis.
Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Chang Wong Ellen , Chang Chui Helena
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article gives a broad overview of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical approach, and management. Emphasis is placed on understanding the common underlying types of cerebrovascular disease (including atherosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy) and awareness of rare inherited cerebrovascular disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

The pathophysiology of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia is heterogeneous, and the most recent diagnostic criteria for vascular cognitive impairment and dementia break down the diagnosis of major vascular dementia into four phenotypic categories, including subcortical ischemic vascular dementia, poststroke dementia, multi-infarct dementia, and mixed dementia. Control of cardiovascular risk factors, including management of midlife blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugars, remains the mainstay of prevention for vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy requires special consideration when it comes to risk factor management given the increased risk of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Recent trials suggest some improvement in global cognitive function in patients with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia with targeted cognitive rehabilitation.

Thorough clinical evaluation and neuroimaging form the basis for diagnosis. As vascular cognitive impairment and dementia is the leading nondegenerative cause of dementia, identifying risk factors and optimizing their management is paramount. Once vascular brain injury has occurred, symptomatic management should be offered and secondary prevention pursued.
Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome Undergoing Cerebral Revascularization Surgery—A Case Report
Authors: Ajayan Neeraja , Hrishi Ajay Prasad , Kumar Ashutosh , Sethuraman Manikandan
Published: June 2022

Arterial tortuosity syndrome is a rare hereditary autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder characterized by elongation and tortuosity of the large- and medium-sized arteries. We present the case of a 13-year old child with arterial tortuosity syndrome who underwent occipital encephaloduroarteriomyosynangiosis for posterior circulation insufficiency. The constellation of clinical features in our patient portended significant anesthetic concerns, including difficult airway due to craniofacial abnormalities, risk of stroke, and myocardial infarction due to intracerebral and coronary arterial tortuosity and stenosis. The pertinent anesthetic implications are summarized, and we describe the anesthetic technique and use of multimodal neuromonitoring relevant for the case.
Object Orientations and Circulatory Form in Abdulrazak Gurnah’sBy the Sea
Authors: Cooppan Vilashini
Published: June 2022

The circulatory connectivity that defines the Indian Ocean as critical object also inheres in objects themselves and the descriptive economies surrounding them. Combining regional chronotopes, the thingly imaginary of Abdulrazak Gurnah’s novel By the Sea, Graham Harman’s object-oriented ontology, and world literature, this essay explores how a close encounter with objects, stories, and descriptive language can reveal the form and poetics of the Indian Ocean. A concept of regional relationality, encompassing both connectivity and narratability, emerges alongside the liquid reading of Indian Ocean fluidities. Linking descriptive chronotopes of the region to By the Sea’s object worlds and the words that carry them, the essay links a single instance of Indian Ocean literature to larger speculation about the regional object itself. Tracking flows of space, time, memory, affect, description, and narration as they cut across the novel and the region, the author pursues the hermeneutic possibilities of a notion of circulatory form.
Under the Sign of Ariel: Disputed Territories, Rising Tides, and Literary Mauritius
Authors: Lionnet Françoise
Published: June 2022

The continued strategic importance of the Indian Ocean has led to contests over the sovereignty and integrity of its islands and territorial waters. Francophone Mauritian writers have been vocal about a situation they have denounced as unacceptable. Their literary engagement with our fragile planet and its species offers strong aesthetic responses to urgent political impasses. Ananda Devi’s eponymous character Joséphin entertains a relation with the Indian Ocean that can be read as a layered parable of the end of man. Her novel is a brilliant poetic translation of Michel Foucault’s view of history careening toward the vanishing point of the human as well as a powerful echo of traditional Hindu cultural beliefs about the continuum between human and animal life-forms, about rebirth and regeneration. For Édouard Maunick, the island itself is the site of a creative beginning, where new forms of culture and identity are created in the crucibles of colonization and creolization. For Marie-Thérèse Humbert, ocean waves are the ambivalent vector of a rebirth that returns the island and its occupants—human, animal, vegetal and elemental—to a utopian state of uneasy equilibrium beyond the lies and vagaries of neocolonial dispossession.
Unprojection theory, applications to Algebraic Geometry and anisotropy of Simplicial Spheres
Authors: Πετρωτού Βασιλική
Published: June 2022

Η παρούσα διατριβή αποτελείται από δύο μέρη. Το πρώτο μέρος της διατριβής σχετίζεται με τη μελέτη της θεωρίας της αντιπροβολής και την κατασκευή τριών συνδιάστασης 6 οικογενειών τρισδιάστατων Fano πολυπτυγμάτων αντικανονικά εμφυτευμένων στον βαθμωτό προβολικό χώρο. Το δεύτερο μέρος αφορά τη μελέτη των ιδιοτήτων Lefschetz και της ανισοτροπίας του Stanley-Reisner δακτυλίου των μονοπλεκτικών σφαιρών. Στο Κεφάλαιο 2, εισάγουμε κάποιες εισαγωγικές έννοιες και ήδη γνωστά αποτελέσματα από τους κλάδους της Μεταθετικής Άλγεβρας, της Αλγεβρικής Γεωμετρίας και της Συνδυαστικής Άλγεβρας, με ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στους δακτυλίους Gorenstein, στα τρισδιάστατα Fano πολυπτύγματα και στα μονοπλεκτικά συμπλέγματα. Στο Κεφάλαιο 3, υπενθυμίζουμε κάποια ήδη υπάρχοντα αποτελέσματα που σχετίζονται με τη θεωρία της αντιπροβολής. Η θεωρία της αντιπροβολής, η οποία οφείλεται στον Miles Reid, χρησιμοποιεί ιδέες της Αμφίρητης Γεωμετρίας για να κατασκευάσει πιο περίπλοκους μεταθετικούς δακτυλίους ξεκινώντας από απλούστερα αρχικά δεδομένα. Είναι το κύριο μας εργαλείο για τις γεωμετρικές εφαρμογές. Στο Κεφάλαιο 4, αναπτύσουμε μία νέα μορφή παράλληλης αντιπροβολής, την οποία ονομάζουμε Tom και Jerry τριάδες. Χρησιμοποιούμε αυτή τη μορφή για να αποδείξουμε, ξεκινώντας από συνδιάσταση 3, την ύπαρξη δύο συνδιάστασης 6 οικογενειών από τρισδιάστατα Fano πολυπτύγματα. Στο Κεφάλαιο 5, αναπτύσουμε μία δεύτερη μορφή παράλληλης αντιπροβολής, την οποία καλούμε 4-διατομή. Χρησιμοποιούμε αυτή τη μορφή για να αποδείξουμε, ξεκινώντας από συνδιάσταση 2, την ύπαρξη μιας συνδιάστασης 6 οικογένειας από τρισδιάστατα Fano πολυπτύγματα. Στο Κεφάλαιο 6, το οποίο είναι σε συνεργασία με τον Σταύρο Αναργύρου Παπαδάκη, εισάγουμε την έννοια της γενικής ανισοτροπίας μιας μονοπλεκτικής σφαίρας. Αποδεικνύουμε ότι μία μονοπλεκτική σφαίρα είναι γενικά ανισοτροπική υπεράνω οποιουδήποτε σώματος χαρακτηριστικής 2, και ότι μία μονοδιάστατη μονοπλεκτική σφαίρα είναι γενικά ανισοτροπική υπεράνω οποιουδήποτε σώματος. Ως εφαρμογή, δίνουμε μια δεύτερη απόδειξη της g-εικασίας του McMullen για μονοπλεκτικές σφαίρες.
Ευφυές υπολογιστικό σύστημα για την ανίχνευση ελαττωμάτων και ανωμαλιών στην Ηλεκτρολογία
Authors: Λιάκος Κωνσταντίνος
Published: June 2022

Στις μέρες μας υπάρχει ανάγκη για ακόμη πιο εξελιγμένα κυκλώματα. Οι εταιρείες σχεδιασμού, προκειμένου να μειώσουν το λειτουργικό κόστος και να διευκολύνουν τη μαζική παραγωγή ολοκληρωμένων κυκλωμάτων, αναθέτουν την κατασκευή τους σε τρίτους. Η διαδικασία αυτή αυξάνει τον κίνδυνο επιθέσεων εισβολής με τη μορφή ιών υλικού, γνωστών και ως ιών δουρείου ίππου συσκευών. Οι ιοί αυτοί αποτελούν ένα σημαντικό πρόβλημα που έχει τη δυνατότητα να εξελιχθεί σε επιδημία τα επόμενα χρόνια, αποτελώντας σημαντική απειλή τόσο από τεχνολογική όσο και από κοινωνική άποψη.Η πλειονότητα των μελετών αφορά την ανάπτυξη αντιμέτρων κατά των ιών δουρείου ίππου συσκευών, για κυκλώματα συστοιχίας προγραμματιζόμενων πυλών πεδίου και συγκεκριμένα για το στάδιο μετά το πυρίτιο. Επίσης, υπάρχουν περιορισμένες πληροφορίες και δημοσιευμένες μελέτες για τα ολοκληρωμένα κυκλώματα ειδικής εφαρμογής και συγκεκριμένα για το στάδιο πριν από το πυρίτιο. Τα ολοκληρωμένα κυκλώματα ειδικής εφαρμογής αποτελούν πρόκληση λόγω της ποικιλίας των φάσεων σχεδιασμού που έχουν και ιδίως στο στάδιο πριν από το πυρίτιο, καθώς και λόγω της ανάγκης επαγγελματικών εργαλείων για το σχεδιασμό κάθε φάσης.Σε αυτή τη διατριβή μελετήσαμε διάφορες φάσεις για τη διαδικασία σχεδιασμού σε ολοκληρωμένα κυκλώματα ειδικής εφαρμογής και διαπιστώσαμε ότι υπάρχει γενική έλλειψη σε δεδομένα από δημόσια-ελεύθερα κυκλώματα καθώς ότι υπάρχει επίσης μεγάλο πρόβλημα ανισορροπίας μεταξύ μη μολυσμένων και μολυσμένων κυκλωμάτων. Χρησιμοποιήσαμε και σχεδιάσαμε όλα τα περιορισμένα κυκλώματα αναφοράς, για τη φάση επιπέδου πύλης των ολοκληρωμένων κυκλωμάτων ειδικής εφαρμογής, με ένα επαγγελματικό εργαλείο και εξήγαμε χαρακτηριστικά ανάλυσης εμβαδού, ισχύος και χρόνου. Αναπτύξαμε τα δικά μας μοντέλα ταξινόμησης μηχανικής μάθησης, με βάση αυτά τα περιορισμένα δεδομένα και παρατηρήσαμε ότι η έλλειψη δειγμάτων οδηγεί στην ανάπτυξη ανισόρροπων και μη ισχυρών μελετών ταξινόμησης που βασίζονται σε μηχανική μάθηση, για την αντιμετώπιση των ιών δουρείου ίππου συσκευών. Επιλύσαμε το πρόβλημα των περιορισμένων δεδομένων με την ανάπτυξη των δικών μας μοντέλων βαθιάς μάθησης - γενετικών αντιθετικών δικτύων, τα οποία ήταν σε θέση να συνθέσουν νέα παραγόμενα δεδομένα με βάση τα πραγματικά περιορισμένα δεδομένα μας. Τα γενετικά αντιθετικά δίκτυα είναι νέοι αλγόριθμοι βαθιάς μάθησης που χρησιμοποιούνται στον τομέα της υπολογιστικής όρασης, για τη δημιουργία τεχνητών εικόνων. Ήταν η πρώτη φορά που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν γενετικά αντιθετικά δίκτυα σε αυτό το ερευνητικό πεδίο. Έτσι, με βάση τα νέα παραγόμενα δεδομένα μας αναπτύξαμε έναν ισχυρό ταξινομητή βασισμένο σε μηχανική μάθησης, ως αντίμετρο κατά των ιών δουρείου ίππου συσκευών για την φάση επιπέδου πυλών και τον συγκρίναμε με υπάρχουσες μεθόδους για αυτή την φάση. Τέλος, μετατρέψαμε το παραγωγικό μας μοντέλο σε ένα ελεύθερο εργαλείο προκειμένου να χρησιμοποιηθεί ως λύση για την αντιμετώπιση του περιορισμένου αριθμού δεδομένων
Εικονογραφία της γυναικείας μορφής στην τέχνη της Ύστερης Αρχαιότητας
Authors: Κλαπάκη Γαλάτεια
Published: June 2022

Αντικείμενο της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η εξέταση της εικονογραφίας των αυτοκρατειρών και των αριστοκρατισσών κατά την Ύστερη Αρχαιότητα και συγκεκριμένα κατά τον 4ο και 5ο αιώνα. Στο Α΄ Μέρος, «Οι γυναίκες της Ύστερης Αρχαιότητας μέσα από τις πηγές», εξετάζεται τη θέση της γυναίκας (δικαιώματα, υποχρεώσεις, κανόνες συμπεριφοράς, περιορισμούς), όπως αυτή ορίζεται στη νομοθεσία και διαφαίνεται μέσα από τα πατερικά κείμενα και άλλες γραπτές πηγές. Παρουσιάζονται οι νόμοι που καταδεικνύουν σαφώς την κοινωνική θέση των γυναικών, εξετάζεται η θέση των Πατέρων της Εκκλησίας, οι οποίοι περιέβαλλαν με ιδιαίτερη προσοχή τη γυναίκα, είτε ως παρθένο είτε ως σύζυγο είτε ως χήρα και γίνεται σύντομη αναφορά στις πληροφορίες που αντλούμε για τη ζωή των γυναικών της περιόδου από τις επιγραφές και τους παπύρους. Στο Β΄ Μέρος, «Οι αυτοκράτειρες του 4ου και 5ου αιώνα» εξετάζεται η σημασία που δίνεται στην αυτοκράτειρα ως επιλογή του αυτοκράτορα ευλογημένη από τον Θεό και ως καθοριστικό παράγοντα ερμηνείας των γεγονότων της εποχής. Παρουσιάζονται οι αυτοκράτειρες του 4ου και 5ου αιώνα, από την Πρίσκα έως και την Αριάδνη και γίνεται αναφορά στις ευεργεσίες και χορηγίες τους, αφού η φιλανθρωπία τους αποτέλεσε τόσο παράδειγμα προς μίμηση όσο και ακρογωνιαίος λίθος κατά την εγκαθίδρυση της νέας θρησκείας. Τέλος, αναλύονται τα μνημεία που απεικονίζουν αυτοκράτειρες, σε μια προσπάθεια να χρονολογηθούν, να ταυτιστούν με συγκεκριμένα ιστορικά πρόσωπα, βάσει των ιδιαίτερων διακοσμητικών στοιχείων (κοσμημάτων, ιερών αντικειμένων) και του συμβολισμού που αυτά φέρουν, και να διαφωτίσουν τις ιδιαίτερες συνθήκες ή σκοπιμότητες που υπέβαλαν την κατασκευή τους. Στο Μέρος Γ΄ «Οι γυναίκες της αριστοκρατίας» περιγράφεται εν συντομία ο ρόλος της αριστοκρατίας κατά τους κρίσιμους αυτούς αιώνες και η ευρεία απήχηση που είχαν συγκεκριμένες γυναίκες της αριστοκρατίας λόγω της φιλανθρωπίας και του ενάρετου βίου τους. Εν συνεχεία παρουσιάζονται τα μνημεία ταξινομημένα με βάση το υλικό και την εικονογραφία (γλυπτά πορτραίτα, ψηφιδωτά, έργα μικροτεχνίας, αργυρά αντικείμενα, ελεφαντοστά, ξυλόγλυπτα, γυάλινα αγγεία, μετάλλια, κοσμήματα). Επίσης, παρουσιάζονται τα ταφικά μνημεία (σαρκοφάγοι, τοιχογραφίες, ψηφιδωτά), τα οποία έχουν ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον γιατί μαρτυρούν την επιρροή του Χριστιανισμού στην εικόνα της γυναίκας. Τέλος, στα συμπεράσματα γίνεται η σύνοψη και συνολική αποτίμηση της εργασίας. Εξετάζεται η ενδεχόμενη σκοπιμότητα της «κατασκευής» της εικόνας της αυτοκράτειρας (και συνακολούθως της γυναίκας της αριστοκρατίας) σε μια περίοδο εσωτερικών ταραχών και εξωτερικών πιέσεων για το ρωμαϊκό κράτος, όταν η εικόνα της αυτοκράτειρας γίνεται σύμβολο του πλούτου και της ευημερίας της αυτοκρατορίας, αλλά και σύμβολο χριστιανικής αρετής. Την ίδια εποχή, η αριστοκράτισσα «θυσιάζει» την πλούσια ενδυμασία της και, μιμούμενη την εικόνα των αγίων γυναικών και μαρτύρων, προβάλλει, αντί του πλούτου της, την ηθική και υλική υποστήριξή της προς την Εκκλησία.
Online Counseling: Advantages, Disadvantages and Ethical Issues
Authors: Kiriakaki Sofia , Tzovanou Maria , Sotiriou Anastasia , Lampou Maria , Varsamidou Eleni
Published: June 2022

The present research aims to study some aspects of online counseling. More specifically, the possibilities, the difficulties, the effectiveness, as well as issues of ethics, which are raised through the internet practice, are being explored in the light of the mental health specialists that provide it. In addition, it is being examined the way in which covid-19 pandemic affected its demand. In order to conduct the research, a questionnaire was completed by 25 Greek experts who provide online counseling services. Then, their answers were quantified and compared with the data of the existing bibliography. The findings are in accordance with it on pros, cons, demand during the pandemic, and the effectiveness of online counseling compared to the in person one. However, a differentiation was observed, concerning the most prevailing way of conducting online counseling and the counselors’ perception of protection of their personal data. Restrictions such as the type of the sampling and the online giving of the questionnaire could affect the results of the research. Future studies could lead to further conclusions, by taking into account the findings and the limitations.
Changes in the utilisation of acute hospital care in Ireland during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020
Authors: Marron Louise , Burke Sara , Kavanagh Paul
Published: June 2022

Background: Reduced and delayed presentations for non-COVID-19 illness during the COVID-19 pandemic have implications for population health and health systems. The aim of this study is to quantify and characterise changes in acute hospital healthcare utilisation in Ireland during the first wave of COVID-19 to inform healthcare system planning and recovery.

Methods: A retrospective, population-based, observational study was conducted using two national datasets, Patient Experience Time (PET) and Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE). The study period was 6th January to 5th July 2020.

Results: Comparison between time periods pre- and post-onset of the COVID-19 pandemic within 2020 showed there were 81,712 fewer Emergency Department (ED) presentations (-18.8%), 19,692 fewer admissions from ED (-17.4%) and 210,357 fewer non-COVID-19 hospital admissions (-35.0%) than expected based on pre-COVID-19 activity. Reductions were greatest at the peak of population-level restrictions, at extremes of age and for elective admissions. In the period immediately following the first wave, acute hospital healthcare utilisation remained below pre-COVID-19 levels, however, there were increases in emergency alcohol-related admissions (Rate Ratio 1.22, 95% CI 1.03, 1.43, p-value 0.016), admissions with self-harm (Rate Ratio 1.39, 95% CI 1.01, 1.91, p-value 0.043) and mental health admissions (Rate Ratio 1.28, 95% CI 1.03, 1.60, p-value 0.028).

Discussion: While public health implications of delayed and lost care will only become fully apparent over time, recovery planning must begin immediately. In the short-term, backlogs in care need to be managed and population health impacts of COVID-19 and associated restrictions, particularly in relation to mental health and alcohol, need to be addressed through strong public health and health system responses. In the long-term, COVID-19 highlights health system weakness and is an opportunity to progress health system reform to deliver a universal, high-quality, sustainable and resilient health system, capable of meeting population health needs and responding to future pandemics.
Implementation of telemedicine consultations for people with mental health conditions in the community: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Galvin Emer , Desselle Shane , Gavin Blánaid , Quigley Etain , Flear Mark , Kilbride Ken , McNicholas Fiona , Cullinan Shane , Hayden John
Published: June 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic response has led to an exponential increase in the use and spread of telemedicine internationally. In community mental health care settings, telemedicine services were implemented within a few weeks, with little time for rigorous planning. Despite the reported acceptability of telemedicine by patients and clinicians, barriers to its implementation have come to light. There is now a need to investigate these barriers, and facilitators, as telemedicine begins to show potential promise beyond the pandemic. We propose a review that aims to identify the factors affecting the implementation of telemedicine consultations for patients with mental health conditions in the community.

Methods: A systematic review will be conducted and reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Five electronic databases will be searched using a pre-defined search strategy from 2016 to 2021. Only studies of synchronous, interactive telemedicine consultations conducted via video, phone or live messaging between patients and providers will be included. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies will be eligible for inclusion. Only studies published in the English language will be included. Titles and abstracts will be screened by two reviewers. Full text articles will be screened by two reviewers. The methodological quality of studies will be assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) by two reviewers. Data will be extracted and tabulated to address the aims of the review. A narrative synthesis will be conducted and reported factors will be mapped to the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Conclusion: By identifying the factors that influence the implementation of telemedicine consultations for patients with mental conditions in the community, consideration can be given to both barriers and facilitators that could be addressed in future mental health services planning.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42021273422 (04/10/2021)
Older adults identified as frail by Frailty Index and FRAIL scale who were intensively treated for hypertension were at increased risk of 2-year adverse health outcomes in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)
Authors: O'Donoghue Patrick , O'Halloran Aisling , Kenny Rose Anne , Romero-Ortuno Roman
Published: June 2022

Background: Frailty is associated with adverse health outcomes. In frail older adults, blood pressure (BP) treated intensively may result in side effects including orthostatic hypotension, falls or fractures. We hypothesised that frail older adults, with BP treated below the threshold of the 2018 European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension (ESC/ESH) guideline (<130/70 mmHg), could be associated with adverse health outcomes.

Methods: Data was gathered from participants in Wave 1 (W1) of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) who were aged ≥65 years and on treatment for hypertension. Frail classifications as per a 32-item Frailty Index (FI) and FRAIL (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses & Loss of Weight) scale were compared in their ability to predict W2 (2-year) adverse outcomes associated with intensive BP control (‘low’: <130/70 mmHg vs. ‘high’: ≥130/70 mmHg). We created eight participant groups based on frailty-BP status. W2 outcomes were analysed using adjusted binary logistic regression models.

Results: In W1, 1,920 participants were included. Of these 1,274 had complete FI-BP and 1,276 FRAIL-BP data. The frail by FI treated low and frail by FRAIL treated low had increased risk of hospitalisation, heart failure and falls/fracture by W2. The frail by FRAIL treated low also had increased risk of mortality by W2. The frail by FI treated high had increased risk of syncope and falls/fractures. The non-frail by FI or FRAIL did not have increased risk of any of the adverse outcomes studied.

Conclusions: FI and FRAIL captured increased risk of adverse health outcomes when BP was treated below the current ESC/ESH threshold. FI and FRAIL could be more useful than other frailty identification tools to signal risks associated with tighter BP control in frail older adults. Hypertension management guidelines should specify which frailty identification tools clinicians should use to help them make personalised treatment decisions.