bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Renin-Angiotensin System Antagonists Intake and Blood Pressure Responses During Ambulatory Surgical Procedures: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gurunathan Usha , Roe Adrian , Milligan Caitlin , Hay Karen , Ravichandran Gowri , Chawla Gunjan
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

There is limited evidence to inform the association between the intake of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and intraoperative blood pressure (BP) changes in an ambulatory surgery population.

METHODS:

Adult patients who underwent ambulatory surgery and were discharged on the same day or within 24 hours of their procedure were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The primary outcome of the study was early intraoperative hypotension (first 15 minutes of induction). Secondary outcomes included any hypotension, BP variability, and recovery. Hypotension was defined as a decrease in systolic BP of >30% from baseline for ≥5 minutes or a mean BP of <55 mm Hg. Four exposure groups were compared (no antihypertensives, ACEI/ARB intake <10 hours before surgery, ACEI/ARB intake ≥10 hours before surgery, and other antihypertensives).

RESULTS:

Of the 537 participants, early hypotension was observed in 25% (n = 134), and any hypotension in 41.5% (n = 223). Early hypotension occurred in 30% (29 of 98) and 41% (17 of 41) with the intake of ACEI/ARBs <10 and ≥10 hours before surgery, respectively, compared to 30% (9 of 30) with other antihypertensives and 21% (79 of 368) with no antihypertensives (P = .02). Those on antihypertensives also experienced any hypotension more frequently than those who were not on antihypertensives (P < .001). After adjusting for age and baseline BP in a regression analysis, antihypertensive exposure groups were observed to be associated only with any intraoperative hypotension (P = .012). In the ACEI/ARB subset, there was no evidence of an association between time since the last ACEI/ARB dose, and hypotension or minimum mean or systolic BP. Compared to normal baseline BP, BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg increased the odds of early and any hypotension (odds ratio [OR], 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1–7.1 and OR, 7.7; 95% CI, 3.7–14.9, respectively; P < .001). Intraoperative variability in systolic and diastolic BP demonstrated significant differences with age, baseline BP, and antihypertensive exposure group (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Early and any hypotension occurred more frequently in those on antihypertensives than those not on antihypertensives. Unadjusted associations between antihypertensive exposure and intraoperative hypotension were largely explained by baseline hypertension rather than the timing of ACEI/ARBs or type of antihypertensive exposure. Patients with hypertension and on treatment experience more intraoperative BP variability and should be monitored appropriately.
Adult Children of the Prison Boom: Family Troubles and the Intergenerational Transmission of Criminal Justice Contact
Authors: Wildeman Christopher , Sampson Robert J. , Baker Garrett
Published: January 2024

Intergenerational transmission processes have long been of interest to demographers, but prior research on the intergenerational transmission of criminal justice contact is relatively sparse and limited by its lack of attention to the correlated “family troubles” and familial incarceration that predate criminal justice contact. In this article, we provide a test of the intergenerational transmission of criminal justice contact after adjusting extensively for these factors that predate such contact by linking longitudinal data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods with official arrest histories from 1995 to 2020. The results provide support for three conclusions. First, parental criminal justice contact is associated with a shorter time to first arrest and a larger number of arrests even after rigorously accounting for selection. Second, robustness checks demonstrate that neither the magnitude nor the significance of the findings is sensitive to model choices. Third, associations are strongest among White individuals and inconsistently significant for African American and Hispanic individuals. Despite large recent crime declines, the results indicate that parental criminal justice contact elevates the criminal justice contact of the adult children of the prison boom, independent of the often-overlooked troubles that predate criminal justice contact, and that these associations are strongest among the White population.
Standardization of zebrafish drug testing parameters for muscle diseases
Authors: Karuppasamy Muthukumar , English Katherine G. , Henry Clarissa A. , Manzini M. Chiara , Parant John M. , Wright Melissa A. , Ruparelia Avnika A. , Currie Peter D. , Gupta Vandana A. , Dowling James J. , Maves Lisa , Alexander Matthew S.
Published: January 2024

Skeletal muscular diseases predominantly affect skeletal and cardiac muscle, resulting in muscle weakness, impaired respiratory function and decreased lifespan. These harmful outcomes lead to poor health-related quality of life and carry a high healthcare economic burden. The absence of promising treatments and new therapies for muscular disorders requires new methods for candidate drug identification and advancement in animal models. Consequently, the rapid screening of drug compounds in an animal model that mimics features of human muscle disease is warranted. Zebrafish are a versatile model in preclinical studies that support developmental biology and drug discovery programs for novel chemical entities and repurposing of established drugs. Due to several advantages, there is an increasing number of applications of the zebrafish model for high-throughput drug screening for human disorders and developmental studies. Consequently, standardization of key drug screening parameters, such as animal husbandry protocols, drug compound administration and outcome measures, is paramount for the continued advancement of the model and field. Here, we seek to summarize and explore critical drug treatment and drug screening parameters in the zebrafish-based modeling of human muscle diseases. Through improved standardization and harmonization of drug screening parameters and protocols, we aim to promote more effective drug discovery programs.
Diagnosis to Delivery: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Postmeal Walking in Women with Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Christie Hannah E. , Winter Meagan , Meyer Barbara J. , Francois Monique E.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether advice to perform postmeal walking could be an effective and feasible alternate to standard-care continuous walking for the management of gestational diabetes (GDM).

Methods

Forty women with GDM were randomised between 28-30 weeks’ gestation into either standard-care (CTL; 30-min continuous walking, most days/wk) or standard-care with advice to PMW (daily 10-min walks after three main meals) for ~seven weeks. The primary outcome for this randomised controlled trial was postprandial glucose assessed by continuous glucose monitors (CGM). CGM and ActivPAL inclinometers (physical activity parameters) were each worn for 7-d at ~28 and ~ 35 weeks gestation. Delivery outcomes were also collected. A linear mixed model compared the across time between groups.

Results

Twenty-six women (PMW: n = 12, CTL: n = 14; age 34 ± 5 y) completed the trial. Mean 3 h postprandial glucose at dinner was higher in the PMW vs. CTL group at baseline and across the intervention (main effect group: p = 0.04). 24 h, nocturnal and fasting glucose were similar between groups. The PMW group spent ~57 min/d more time sedentary and ~ 11 min/d less time stepping vs. CTL (main effect group: p = 0.02 and 0.05). Adherence to the prescribed thirty min/d of physical activity was high, regardless of whether accumulated as 3x 10-min or one single bout of walking.

Conclusions

Distributing activity as ten minute bouts after main meals did not improve postprandial glucose outcomes compared to standard-care control. More research on the optimal duration and intensity of postmeal walks to improve postprandial responses are needed. Strategies that mitigate sedentary time and increase the minutes of physical activity accumulated across the day in pregnancy are also warranted.
Concussion Symptoms and Neurocognitive Performance of Children and Adolescents on Antidepressants
Authors: DALEY MARY M. , HOWELL DAVID R. , LANOIS COREY J. , BERKNER PAUL D. , MANNIX REBEKAH C. , OLDHAM JESSIE R. , MEEHAN WILLIAM P.
Published: January 2024

Introduction/Purpose

There is a well-established association between preexisting depression/anxiety and greater postconcussion symptom burden, but the potential impact of antidepressant medications has not been fully explored. The primary objective of this study was to compare preinjury/baseline and postinjury concussion symptom scores and neurocognitive performance of athletes on antidepressant medications, both with healthy controls and with those with depression/anxiety not on antidepressants.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study using data collected from 49,270 junior and high school athletes from computerized neurocognitive assessments (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test [ImPACT]) administered between 2009 and 2018 held by the Massachusetts Concussion Management Coalition. The main outcome measures were symptom scores and neurocognitive performance measures, all of which were assessed both at baseline and postinjury. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and Tukey pairwise comparisons for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Multivariate regression models were used to adjust for potential confounding variables.

Results

Both at baseline and postinjury, athletes with depression/anxiety had mean total symptom scores that were more than double that of healthy controls regardless of antidepressant use. Although there were no significant differences in neurocognitive performance at baseline, depression/anxiety was associated with small but significant decreases in postinjury visual memory and visual motor scores.

Conclusions

Both at baseline and after sustaining a concussion, young athletes with depression/anxiety experience significantly greater symptom burden compared with healthy controls regardless of antidepressant use.
Regular Running Is Related to the Knee Joint Cartilage Structure in Healthy Adults
Authors: Jandacka Daniel , Casula Victor , Hamill Joseph , Vilímek Dominik , Jandackova Vera Kristýna , Elavsky Steriani , Uchytil Jaroslav , Plesek Jan , Skýpala Jiří , Golian Milos , Burda Michal , Nieminen Miika T.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether regular running distance and biomechanics are related to medial central femur cartilage (MCFC) structure.

Methods

The cross-sectional study sample consisted of 1164 runners and non-runners aged 18-65 years. Participants completed questionnaires on physical activity and their running history. We performed quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of knee cartilage - T2 relaxation time (T2) mapping (high T2 indicate cartilage degeneration), and a running biomechanical analysis using a 3-D motion capture system. A 14-day monitoring of the physical activity was conducted.

Results

Those aged 35-49 years were at a 84% higher odds of having MCFC T2 in the highest level (85th percentile, P < 0.05) compared to youngest adults indicating that MCFC structures may be altered with ageing. Being male was associated with a 34% lower odds of having T2 at the highest level (P < 0.05) compared to females. Non-runners and runners with the highest weekly running distance were more likely to have a high T2 compared to runners with running distance of 6-20 km per week (P < 0.05). In addition, the maximal knee internal adduction moment was associated with a 19% lower odds of having T2 at the highest level (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Female compared to males and a middle-aged cohort compared to the younger cohort appeared to be associated with the degeneration of MCFC structures. Runners who ran 6-20 km/week were associated with a higher quality of their MCFC compared to highly active individuals and non-runners. Knee frontal plane biomechanics was related to MCFC structure indicating a possibility of modifying the medial knee collagen fibril network through regular running.
Sex Differences in Sympathetic Responses to Lower Body Negative Pressure
Authors: Jarrard Caitlin P. , Watso Joseph C. , Atkins Whitley C. , McKenna Zachary J. , Foster Josh , Huang Mu , Belval Luke N. , Crandall Craig G.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Trauma-induced hemorrhage is a leading cause of death in prehospital settings. Experimental data demonstrate that females have a lower tolerance to simulated hemorrhage (i.e., central hypovolemia). However, the mechanism(s) underpinning these responses are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to compare autonomic cardiovascular responses during central hypovolemia between the sexes. We hypothesized that females would have a lower tolerance and smaller increase in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) to simulated hemorrhage.

Methods

Data from 17 females and 19 males, aged 19-45, were retrospectively analyzed. Participants completed a progressive lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) protocol to presyncope to simulate hemorrhagic tolerance with continuous measures of MSNA and beat-to-beat hemodynamic variables. We compared responses at baseline, at two LBNP stages (40 mmHg and 50 mmHg), and at immediately before presyncope. In addition, we compared responses at relative percentages (33%, 66%, and 100%) of hemorrhagic tolerance, calculated via the cumulative stress index (i.e., the sum of the product of time and pressure at each LBNP stage).

Results

Females had lower tolerance to central hypovolemia (female: 561 ± 309 vs. male: 894 ± 304 min*mmHg [time*LBNP]; p = 0.003). At LBNP 40 mmHg and 50 mmHg, females had lower diastolic blood pressures (main effect of sex: p = 0.010). For the relative LBNP analysis, females exhibited lower MSNA burst frequency (main effect of sex: p = 0.016) accompanied by a lower total vascular conductance (sex: p = 0.028; main effect of sex).

Conclusions

Females have a lower tolerance to central hypovolemia, which was accompanied by lower diastolic blood pressure at 40 and 50 mmHg LBNP. Notably, females had attenuated MSNA responses when assessed as relative LBNP tolerance time.
Η ελληνική εκπαίδευση και η πολιτιστική διπλωματία στην σκιά του ψυχρού πολέμου
Authors: Παναγιωτίδης Χαράλαμπος
Published: January 2024

Η δεκαετία του 1970 είναι ιδιαίτερα σημαντική για την σύγχρονη ελληνική ιστορία, καθώς τότε διαμορφώθηκαν οι βάσεις για την οικοδόμηση του πλέον σταθερού πολιτεύματος στην χώρα. Την πτώση της δικτατορίας το 1974 διαδέχτηκε η περίοδος της Μεταπολίτευσης, η οποία έδωσε οριστικές λύσεις σε προβλήματα που ταλάνιζαν τους Έλληνες ακόμη και πριν από την Επανάσταση του 1821 , όπως ήταν το γλωσσικό ζήτημα αλλά και το πολιτειακό που απασχολούσε ήδη από την επαναστατική περίοδο. Ο πολιτισμός και η έννοια του ελληνισμού απασχόλησαν ιδιαίτερα την πολιτική και την κοινωνία, ειδικά μπροστά στην ένταξη της χώρας στην ΕΟΚ και της ολοένα και αυξανόμενης παγκοσμιοποίησης. Η νεολαία έπαιξε σημαντικό ρόλο στην διαμόρφωση τόσο του πολιτιστικού πλαισίου όσο και στην πολιτική ατζέντα με θέματα που τους απασχολούσαν. Σημαντική παράμετρος ήταν η Ελληνορθόδοξη Εκκλησία, η οποία στο πλαίσιο των δράσεών της επανέλαβε μετά από αιώνες την ιεραποστολή, κάτι που βοήθησε και στην προβολή της χώρας στο εξωτερικό. Η αμφισβήτηση των παραδοσιακών δομών της κοινωνίας, τα ατομικά, κοινωνικά και πολιτικά δικαιώματα ξεκινούν να εδραιώνονται είτε ως πρακτικές είτε ως αιτήματα για μεταρρυθμίσεις την δεκαετία του 1970. Ύστερα από την μακροχρόνια καταπίεση που υπέστη ο ελληνικός λαός, μια πνοή ελευθερίας με στοιχεία υπερβολής διακατέχει τον πληθυσμό. Αναμφισβήτητα η περίοδος αυτή προσέφερε πολλά στον εκδημοκρατισμό, την πολιτιστική άνθιση και την εμβάθυνση της θέσης της χώρας στην δύση, πολιτικά, οικονομικά και πολιτιστικά, με μελανά σημεία την δικτατορία και την τουρκική εισβολή στην Κύπρο. Σε κάθε περίπτωση η μελέτη των γεγονότων προσφέρει ερμηνευτικά εργαλεία για τον τρόπο με τον οποίο διαμορφώθηκε η χώρα και η πολιτική της τις επόμενες δεκαετίες. Η παρούσα εργασία στοχεύει στην ανάδειξη των πολιτικών σε επίπεδο πολιτιστικής και δημόσιας διπλωματίας την περίοδο της δικτατορίας και της Μεταπολίτευσης.
The impact of intellectual property rights on firms and economic growth
Authors: Ταγαράκη Θεανώ-Μαρία
Published: January 2024

Με στόχο τη συμβολή στη βιβλιογραφία για τη Βιομηχανική Ιδιοκτησία (ΒΙ) και την καινοτομία, η διατριβή διερευνά τρία ερευνητικά θέματα στον τομέα με επίκεντρο την Ελλάδα. Το πρώτο κεφάλαιο εξετάζει το κλείσιμο των τριών Ελληνικών Γραφείων Διπλωμάτων Ευρεσιτεχνίας. Συμπεραίνεται ότι το κλείσιμό αυτό είχε αρνητικό αντίκτυπο στην περιφερειακή δραστηριότητα διπλωμάτων ευρεσιτεχνίας, ενώ δεν παρατηρήθηκε καμία επίδραση στις αιτήσεις βιομηχανικών σχεδίων. Ο μέσος αριθμός αιτήσεων για διπλώματα ευρεσιτεχνίας μειώθηκε 38% - 41% και παρατηρείται ακόμα μακροπρόθεσμη επίδραση. Το επόμενο κεφάλαιο εξετάζει την επίδραση των Δικαιωμάτων ΒΙ στην απόδοση των εταιρειών στην Ελλάδα μεταξύ 2004-2018 εν μέσω περιόδων ανάπτυξης και ύφεσης. Η έρευνα καταλήγει ότι η κατάθεση ΒΙ αυξάνει τα επιχειρηματικά περιουσιακά στοιχεία και τις πωλήσεις, αλλά η κερδοφορία δεν επηρεάζεται. Δεδομένου ότι τα εμπορικά σήματα είναι η πιο διαδεδομένη ΒΙ στην Ελλάδα, το «branding» είναι σημαντικό για τις ελληνικές επιχειρήσεις. Οι καταθέσεις ΒΙ αποδίδονται κυρίως σε μικρές επιχειρήσεις, αλλά στις μεγαλύτερες και παλαιότερες εταιρείες φαίνεται να έχουν μεγαλύτερο αντίκτυπο. Οι καταθέσεις που υλοποιούνται για πρώτη φορά έχουν μεγαλύτερη επίδραση. Κατά τη διάρκεια και μετά την οικονομική κρίση του 2009, η κατάθεση ενός δικαιώματος ΒΙ αύξησε σημαντικά τις πωλήσεις και τα περιουσιακά στοιχεία. Το τελευταίο κεφάλαιο διερευνά την επίδραση της δημόσιας χρηματοδότησης στην επιχειρηματική απόδοση. Οι ΜΜΕ στην Ελλάδα αντιμετώπισαν προβλήματα με τις ταμειακές ροές, την πρόσβαση στη χρηματοδότηση και την αστάθεια της αγοράς μεταξύ 2009-2017. Η έρευνα επικεντρώνεται στο πρόγραμμα «Ενίσχυση των ΜΜΕ που δραστηριοποιούνται στους τομείς Μεταποίησης-Τουρισμού-Εμπορίου & Υπηρεσιών» που ξεκίνησε το 2013. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι, σε σύγκριση με τις μη συμμετέχουσες εταιρίες, οι δείκτες πωλήσεων, περιουσιακών στοιχείων, επενδύσεων, κερδών και καινοτομίας των συμμετεχουσών ΜΜΕ βελτιώθηκαν. Ο αντίκτυπος διέφερε ανάλογα με τον κλάδο και την ηλικία της εταιρείας. Τα ευρήματα θα μπορούσαν να συνεισφέρουν στη διαμόρφωση πολιτικών για την Ελλάδα και άλλες χώρες με συγκρίσιμα οικονομικά πλαίσια.
The impact of CDK4/6 inhibitors on the quality of life of working-age women with metastatic breast cancer: a population-based cohort study from Portugal
Authors: Caetano Ana , Tavares Alda , Pires Mariana , Costa Cláudia , Monteiro Joana , Roque Ricardo , Santos Rita , Santos Luís , Gomes Inês , Fraga Teresa , Pereira Tatiana , Póvoa Sara , Garcia Rita , Pêgo António , Madeira Pedro , Pazos Isabel , Broco Sofia , Carvalho Teresa , Sousa Gabriela
Published: January 2024

Background Breast cancer frequently leads to reduced work capacity and increased absenteeism among working-age women diagnosed with this condition. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of CDK4/6i combined with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) or fulvestrant on quality of life (QoL) and work activity in a cohort of Portuguese patients with hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) metastatic breast cancer who started this treatment regimen. Methods This unicentric prospective observational cohort study was conducted in 35 Portuguese women with stage IV HR+/HER2- breast cancer receiving CDK4/6i combined therapy. The objectives of the study were evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 version 3 (QLQ-C30) and the breast cancer-specific Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-BR23), and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire - General Health (WPAI:GH) questionnaires at four different time points throughout treatment. Results The results obtained revealed a significant improvement in EORTC QLQ-C30 score from baseline in emotional functioning, social functioning, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, and financial difficulties, as well as in future perspective and breast symptoms, as assessed by EORTC QLQ-BR23 score. However, a significant deterioration from baseline in systemic therapy side effects was also observed. Despite the limitations regarding the cohort size, an increase in work absenteeism was also observed, as determined by WPAI:GH scores. This can possibly be attributed to pain-related bone metastases observed in those patients. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the impact of combined CDK4/6i therapy on the QoL and work activity of Portuguese patients with metastatic breast cancer. Our results indicate that although patients’ QoL did not appear to be affected, there was a significant decrease in work activity, as evidenced by preliminary results of the increased rate on work absenteeism.
Factors associated with health facility delivery in Kitui County: a cross sectional study
Authors: Mutiiria Mathew Munyamaara , Mbugua Gabriel Gatimu , Marwanga Doris
Published: January 2024

Background High maternal mortality rate is a major public health concern in developing countries. Skilled birth delivery is key to reducing maternal mortality, yet health facility delivery (skilled birth delvery) remains low in Kitui County, Kenya. Our study estimated prevalence of unskilled delivery and identified factors associated with health facility delivery in Kitui County. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted December 2017-February 2018. 245 women from five administrative wards were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Variables that had p value ≤0.05 in bivariate analysis were included in multivariate regression model to assess for confounders. Variables with a p value of ≤0.05 in multivariate analysis were considered statistically significant at 95% CI. Results We interviewed 245 (240 analyzed) women from the five wards; the majority were 16-25 years age group (45.5%; 110/240). Mean age was 27±6.6 years. Prevalence of health facility delivery was 50.4%. Distance from a health facility, number of children in a household, occupation of the respondent’s partner, number of antenatal clinic (ANC) visits and means of transport were significant factors for not delivering in a health facility. On multivariate analysis, women who lived ≥5km from health facility were less likely to deliver in a health facility (AOR =0.36; 95% CI 0.15- 0.86). Women who attended ≥ 4 ANC visits were 4 times more likely to deliver in a health facility (95% CI 2.01-8.79). Conclusions More than half of the respondents delivered in a health facility. A long distance (over5kms radius) from the health facility is a hindrance to accessing ANC services. Inadequate ANC visits was associated with home delivery. Improving accessibility of health care services and health education on family planning would increase delivery at a health facility. We recommend Kitui County introduce five satellite clinics/ambulatory services so that expectant women can access maternal services easily.
Queen Euphrosyne and Princess Elizabeth: Hospitaller consorores or donate in the 12th century?
Authors: Hunyadi Zsolt
Published: January 2024

The study examines the chronology of the settlement of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John in Hungary and Central Europe, and render the events a new context, partly through the re-interpretation of charter materials and narrative sources. A characteristic feature of Central Europe is that the members of the dynasty played a significant, sometimes decisive role in the establishment (Hospitallers) and foundation (Stephanites) of hospitaller orders, in contrast to Western Europe, where the establishment and consolidation of a monastic community was mainly ensured by private donations. In the Kingdom of Hungary, the wife of King Géza II, Queen Euphrosyne of Kievan origin, and their daughter, Princess Elisabeth, along with her husband Prince Frederick, played an important role in the early support of the Hospitallers in the Czech lands. The conclusion of the study, partly through a correction of the chronology of the Annales Posonienses, is that Euphrosyne made her major donation around 1176, and following it she took the habit of the Order as a consoror or donat, and she spent her last years in one of its monasteries.
Der Aufstieg der Landsmannschaft aus Elsass-Burgund im preußischen Zweig des Deutschen Ordens im späten 14. Jahrhundert
Authors: Gotowko Piotr
Published: January 2024

The rise of the brethren from Alsace-Burgundy in the Prussian branch of the Teutonic Order in the late 14th century
 
In the late fourteenth century, brethren of the Teutonic Order from Alsace-Burgundy, who had not played any role in the Prussian branch of the Teutonic Orden so far, gained much importance. At the end of 1379, not a single brother from that region had an important administrative function. Eighteen years, however, later they controlled two of six seats of the highest dignitaries, and two offices in the Komtur’s rank and two in the Pfleger’s rank. Key to such a success was – beside personal and professional connections – cooperation with the two Frankish Grand Masters, with the brethren from Swabia and also with one brother from probably Lower Austria. From the very beginning, the most important figures from Alsace-Burgundy were Johann Marschalk von Frohburg, then especially Werner von Tettingen, Konrad von Kyburg and Rudolf von Kyburg.
How Can We Study Educational Inequalities in Different Cultural Contexts? Interdisciplinary Research Methods in Early Childhood Education and Care
Authors: Ślusarczyk Magdalena
Published: January 2024

The increasing diversity in cities and schools is a pan-European experience. Concurrently, the time of subsequent crises (migration/refugee crises) has had severe impacts on the key institutions safeguarding the rights and needs of citizens. This also concerns the youngest generation in the education system, especially in the light of data concerning the still high and even growing rates of child poverty in Europe. Therefore, focusing on finding common solutions to early educational inequalities has become one of the key issues of research in the area of early childhood education. Diversity enables us to learn about conditions that may increase the effectiveness and desirability of early childhood education and care (ECEC) for children at risk, be it due to economic strain, possessing a migration background, disability and so forth. At the same time, however, it poses a methodological challenge due to the different construction of child welfare and education systems, the different policies and social solutions promoted and, last but not least, the different dimensions of the aforementioned diversity, namely ethnic, social or disability. This article discusses methodological challenges and strategies in an international and interdisciplinary project on combined inequalities among children in ECEC settings. The objective is to demonstrate how mixed-methods can be used for interdisciplinary interventions, connecting social research to the broader impact on the community.
Demographic Perspective of Self-reported Health of Senior Citizens in Nepal
Authors: Sharma Mahendra Prasad
Published: January 2024

The health of the elderly (senior Citizen) has become the growing concern as the ageing population increases. Self-reported health is widely used measure of health status through individual. The aim of this study is to identify the major demographic factors of self-reported health among the senior citizen in Nepal. In this study, demographic variables include; Age, sex, marital status, migration status, residence status (rural-urban), and ecological area. This study has utilized data from Nepal Ageing Survey (2015) which is the biggest survey on aging in Nepal till now. Binary Logistic Regression has been used to determine the association between demographic, and self-reported health of elderly. Odds Ratio (OR) is used as a measure of effect. The level of significance is set at 95 percent confidence interval with a p-value of 0.05. The study attempts to examine the role they play in the health status of the elderly (good or bad). The conclusion of the study found significant effect in the health status of the elderly based on age, sex, ecological regions, and settlement status. There is not found significant impact of marital status and migration status on health.
Exposición a sílice de mineros en altitud. Dosis inhalada, método de evaluación en condición de hipobaria
Authors: Zamora Saá Margarita , Jara-Jegó Rodolfo
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: Evaluar la exposición a sílice de mineros chilenos en altitud usando diferentes metodologías, con el propósito de determinar el método más seguro para controlar la exposición. 
Métodos: Los 46 mineros que conforman la muestra trabajan a 3000 metros sobre el nivel del mar con sistema de turnos no convencionales, en jornadas de 12 horas diarias por 4 días consecutivos, después de los cuales se descansa por otros 4 días. Se tomaron muestras de sílice en cada uno de los puestos de trabajo de estos 46 mineros en altitud. Los resultados de las concentraciones se presentan en (mg/m3). La exposición se evaluó usando el Threshold Limit Value y otras dos metodologías que incorporan parámetros respiratorios. Se determinó el grupo de mineros en riesgo con cada uno de estos métodos y se comparó la proporción de mineros expuestos en cada caso.
Resultados: evaluando con el Threshold Limit Value (método 1) se obtuvo un 43,48% de mineros en riesgo. Con los métodos que incluyen parámetros respiratorios se obtuvo una proporción de mineros sobre-expuestos del 82,61% con el método 2, y 73,91% con el método 3.
Conclusiones: de los tres métodos analizados, el que considera el parámetro respiratorio volumen minuto, a través de la estimación de la dosis inhalada, es el más seguro para definir el grupo de mineros en riesgo por exposición a sílice a gran altura.
The Dental Implications of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease in Children
Authors: Gilani Maleeha , Anthonappa Robert
Published: January 2024

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is common in children and has numerous extra-oesophageal manifestations which dental practitioners should be aware of. This article illustrates the role of the dentist in recognizing the signs and symptoms of GORD in children. A risk-based management system is illustrated to guide clinicians in managing children exhibiting erosive tooth wear.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental implications of GORD in children and its management provide useful clinical information for dental practitioners.
Management of Severe Mental Illness in the Dental Setting: A Grey Matter?
Authors: Dusara Karishma , Cousins Hannah
Published: January 2024

Dental professionals treat patients with a range of mental illnesses. This article focuses on severe mental illness (SMI) and highlights the challenges that people with a severe mental illness may experience when accessing dental care. Additionally, it looks at the oral implications of SMI and the management strategies that dental professionals can employ to support patients in the dental setting. This article will not cover all mental illnesses and readers can also consult the recent series on mental health covered by Dental Update.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Severe mental illness is a condition that may frequently present in patients treated in primary dental care. Therefore, it is essential dental professionals have an understanding of how this can affect dental care.
Penetrating Mid-facial Injury from a Wooden Branch
Authors: Williams Christina , Allison Nicola , Mustafa Shakir F
Published: January 2024

This case report discusses the management of a patient with severe penetrating wooden branch wounds to the left mid-face following a fall in the garden. Penetrating trauma is classified as an injury that is caused by a foreign object piercing the skin, causing damage to the underlying tissues resulting in an open wound. Penetrating injuries to the head and neck often require attendance to an emergency care unit and subsequent treatment. There are numerous vital structures that can be affected and an understanding of the complex anatomy is vital to the safe management of these patients.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Treatment of facial trauma demands comprehensive understanding of the vital structures of the head/neck along with efficacious treatment delivery.
Dental Grillz
Authors: Shegar Sugan , Wilson Nairn HF
Published: January 2024

Dental grillz, which come in many forms, have gained global popularity. This article explores their origins, online purchasing process and potential risks. A case study highlights limitations in remote provision and ill-fitting grillz. Risks include periodontal disease, caries and occlusal derangement. Dentists can play a role in minimizing these risks. The article emphasizes the need for increased awareness among dental professionals and parents regarding the potential drawbacks of grillz, particularly among teenagers.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: The popularity of dental grillz is rising, hence clinicians need guidance and an awareness of the associated risks
Locating Eigenvalues of Symmetric Matrices - A Survey
Authors: Hoppen Carlos , Jacobs David , Trevisan Vilmar
Published: January 2024

We survey algorithms for locating eigenvalues of symmetric matrices taking advantage of the underlying graph. We present applications in spectral graph theory.
(Not So) Minor Encounters: Little Amal from The Jungle to The Walk
Authors: Meera Suhaila
Published: January 2024

Abstract: How do we comprehend the scale of contemporary Syrian child displacement, much less represent it theatrically—and ethically? In this essay, I explore how the Good Chance Theatre has continued to try, through the evolving figure of Little Amal, an unaccompanied Syrian girl who appears in two transnational performances, The Jungle (2017) and The Walk (2021). Drawing on interviews with directors, actors, and puppeteers, I argue that both productions renegotiate the adoptive gaze Western European and North American audiences usually impose upon Syrian refugee children. The eight locally cast child actors that played Little Amal across The Jungle ’s original tour produced a Brechtian doubling of performances that complicated violent spectatorial relations, while The Walk ’s twelve-foot-tall puppet of Little Amal resists adoptive logics’ reliance on humanitarian tropes of liminality and minority. Complicating hegemonic binaries of insider/outsider, seeing/being seen, and even life/death, The Jungle and The Walk invite Euro-American onlookers to reconsider their relation to the refugee ‘crisis,’ undercut the individual logic of adoption, and call for a collective response. Little Amal’s (not so) minor encounters, I find, lay bare the inherent theatricality of the current refugee rights paradigm as applied to displaced peoples of all ages. Reclaiming the figurative and embodied potential of the Syrian child refugee, Amal reveals mass displacement to be a shared human phenomenon: already lived by so many, and looming for all.
Waif, Orphan, Refugee: Staging Korean War Reparation in Lloyd Suh’s Bina’s Six Apples
Authors: Kim Heidi
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Lloyd Suh’s play for young audiences, Bina’s Six Apples , provides a foundation for a formulation of Korean American refugeetude. The refugee status of Koreans before and during the Korean War was a particularly ill-defined one; from a U.S. perspective, it was a label but not a legal status, and the consequent erasure of this particular aspect of militarism has had lasting effects on the U.S. imaginary. The 2022 premiere stages the Korean refugee experience onstage with attention to the dignity and creativity of the persons involved and without the explicit presence of the state. Bina’s Six Apples revises Cold War narratives, particularly countering the role of the Korean child or adoptee in narratives of U.S. saviorship and humanitarianism, and suggesting in keeping with contemporary concerns that we consider the child as an independent refugee and political actor. Furthermore, it suggests a means by which Korean (American) refugeetude is constructed transgenerationally. Feminist refugee epistemology importantly refocuses us on the creativity and storytelling that Bina hears and performs, a reflexive commentary on Suh’s work of historical reparation.
Characterizing amyloid protein conformation with a multi-resonant metasurface based biosensor in the infrared window
Authors: Chen Chen , Wagn Kaifei , Hou Xun
Published: January 2024

Misfolding of amyloid protein will cause neurodegeneration and trigger conformational disease. The lack of an effective detection approach is a brake on unveiling the mechanism of protein misfolding. We theoretically proposed a novel metasurface-based biosensor for characterizing the protein’s conformation. The coupling complementary split ring resonator (cSRR) was engineered to manipulate incident waves in the near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) windows at the same sensing surface. The cSRRs had the advantages of intensifying the electric field and sharpening the resonance profile, resulting in a highly qualified biosensing performance. In the NIR window, the biolayer’s refractive index and thickness change were detected by the dual-wavelength, which resolved into an optogeometrical parameter of the amyloid biolayer. In the MIR window, the resonant wave specifically triggered the rotation-vibration transition of amyloid protein molecules with different conformations, which was shown as the unique Amide I and II bands in the fingerprint spectrum. Thus, our proposed biosensor presented sensitive detection of biolayer and specific identification of constituent molecules. It is helpful to interpret the protein’s misfolding behavior on the molecular level by associating the biolayer’s structure and the constituent molecule’s conformational change.
Quantum random number generation based on phase reconstruction
Authors: Li Jialiang , Huang Zitao , Yu Chunlin , Wu Jiajie , Zhao Tongge , Zhu Xiangwei , Sun Shihai
Published: January 2024

Quantum random number generator (QRNG) utilizes the intrinsic randomness of quantum systems to generate completely unpredictable and genuine random numbers, finding wide applications across many fields. QRNGs relying on the phase noise of a laser have attracted considerable attention due to their straightforward system architecture and high random number generation rates. However, traditional phase noise QRNGs suffer from a 50% loss of quantum entropy during the randomness extraction process. In this paper, we propose a phase-reconstruction quantum random number generation scheme, in which the phase noise of a laser is reconstructed by simultaneously measuring the orthogonal quadratures of the light field using balanced detectors. This enables direct discretization of uniform phase noise, and the min-entropy can achieve a value of 1. Furthermore, our approach exhibits inherent robustness against the classical phase fluctuations of the unbalanced interferometer, eliminating the need for active compensation. Finally, we conducted experimental validation using commercial optical hybrid and balanced detectors, achieving a random number generation rate of 1.96 Gbps at a sampling rate of 200 MSa/s.
Peer review of GPT-4 technical report and systems card
Authors: Gallifant Jack , Fiske Amelia , Levites Strekalova Yulia A. , Osorio-Valencia Juan S. , Parke Rachael , Mwavu Rogers , Martinez Nicole , Gichoya Judy Wawira , Ghassemi Marzyeh , Demner-Fushman Dina , McCoy Liam G. , Celi Leo Anthony , Pierce Robin
Published: January 2024

The study provides a comprehensive review of OpenAI’s Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4) technical report, with an emphasis on applications in high-risk settings like healthcare. A diverse team, including experts in artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing, public health, law, policy, social science, healthcare research, and bioethics, analyzed the report against established peer review guidelines. The GPT-4 report shows a significant commitment to transparent AI research, particularly in creating a systems card for risk assessment and mitigation. However, it reveals limitations such as restricted access to training data, inadequate confidence and uncertainty estimations, and concerns over privacy and intellectual property rights. Key strengths identified include the considerable time and economic investment in transparent AI research and the creation of a comprehensive systems card. On the other hand, the lack of clarity in training processes and data raises concerns about encoded biases and interests in GPT-4. The report also lacks confidence and uncertainty estimations, crucial in high-risk areas like healthcare, and fails to address potential privacy and intellectual property issues. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the need for diverse, global involvement in developing and evaluating large language models (LLMs) to ensure broad societal benefits and mitigate risks. The paper presents recommendations such as improving data transparency, developing accountability frameworks, establishing confidence standards for LLM outputs in high-risk settings, and enhancing industry research review processes. It concludes that while GPT-4’s report is a step towards open discussions on LLMs, more extensive interdisciplinary reviews are essential for addressing bias, harm, and risk concerns, especially in high-risk domains. The review aims to expand the understanding of LLMs in general and highlights the need for new reflection forms on how LLMs are reviewed, the data required for effective evaluation, and addressing critical issues like bias and risk.
Social and structural determinants associated with the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among female commercial sex workers in Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Kawser Mahbuba , Khan Md. Nazrul Islam , Hossain Kazi Jahangir , Islam Sheikh Nazrul
Published: January 2024

Female commercial sex workers (FCSWs) bear higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among key populations. The association of structural determinants and STIs among FCSWs was not at the forefront of research earlier in Bangladesh. This study examined how structural factors correlate with the prevalence of STIs at physical/social/economic/policy levels among FCSWs in Dhaka city. 495 FCSWs were screened for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Structural variables (Individual risks, high-risk sexual behaviors, work environments) were extracted from the previous multi-level study on FCSWs and analyzed in 2020 to determine whether macro/micro-structural factors were associated with STIs. The prevalence of STIs was 43.6% (95% CI: 39.1%-48). Most (n = 207/495) FCSWs were infected with Syphilis or Hepatitis B, only 1.8% had co-infection, and none was positive for HIV. Multiple logistic regression revealed that ’Individual risk’ factors like age (≤18 years, adjusted odds ratio = AOR = .28; 18.1–29.9 years, AOR = .57), years in the sex industry (<1 year AOR = .15; 1–5 years, AOR = .39), and condoms as contraceptives (AOR = 2.7) were significantly associated with STIs. Considering ‘High-risk behaviors’ like monthly coitus with regular clients (AOR = .33), performing no anal sex ever (AOR = .03), and consistent condom use (AOR = .13) were less likely to be associated with STIs (P<0.05), while the association of ever group sex with STIs reported to double (AOR = 2.1). ’Work environment’ like sex on roads/parks/shrines/markets (AOR = 2.6) and ever HIV-testing (AOR = 2.5) were significantly linked with STIs. However, micro-level factors like experiencing forced sex in the past year (AOR = 1.79) and condoms collected from hotel boys (AOR = .34) were significantly associated with STIs in the ‘Hierarchical- model’ with increasing model-power. ‘Micro-structural’ determinants predominated over ‘Macro/policy-level factors’ and profoundly influenced STIs. FCSWs need comprehensive and integrated interventions to promote accurate condom use perception, eliminate risky sexual behaviors, and provide quality reproductive health care. Necessary steps at the policy level are urgently needed to decriminalize commercial sex work.
Implementation of cervical cancer prevention and screening across five tertiary hospitals in Nepal and its policy implications: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Dangal Ganesh , Dhital Rolina , Dwa Yam Prasad , Poudel Sandesh , Pariyar Jitendra , Subedi Kirtipal
Published: January 2024

In Nepal, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women despite the existing policies. This study intends to assess the implementation of cervical cancer prevention and screening through service utilization by women, knowledge and attitude among health professionals, and the perceptions of stakeholders in Nepal. This mixed-methods study was conducted in 2022 across five tertiary hospitals in Kathmandu, Nepal. The quantitative study comprised the health professionals and women attending gynecology outpatient clinics from the selected hospitals. The qualitative study comprised stakeholders including service providers and experts on cervical cancer from selected hospitals, civil societies, and the Ministry of Health and Population. The utilization of screening through pap smear among 657 women across five hospitals was 22.2% and HPV vaccination was 1.5%. The utilization of cervical cancer screening was associated with older age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.09, CI: 1.07, 8.19], married (AOR = 3.024, CI: 1.12, 8.19), higher education (AOR = 3.024, CI:1.12, 8.42), oral contraceptives use (AOR = 2.49, CI: 1.36, 4.39), and ever heard of cervical cancer screening (AOR = 13.28, CI: 6.85, 25.73). Among 254 health professionals, the knowledge score was positively associated with them ever having a training [Standardized Beta (β) = 0.20, CI: 0.44, 2.43)] and having outreach activities in their hospital (β = 0.19 CI: 0.89, 9.53) regarding cervical cancer screening. The female as compared to male health professionals (β = 0.16, CI: 0.41, 8.16, P = 0.03) and having a cervical cancer screening guideline as compared to none (β = 0.19 CI: 0.89, 9.53, P = 0.026) were more likely to have a better attitude for screening. The qualitative findings among 23 stakeholders reflected implementation challenges in policy, supply, service delivery, providers, and community. This study showed low utilization of prevention and services by women and implementation gaps on cervical cancer prevention and screening services across five tertiary hospitals in Kathmandu, Nepal. The findings could help designing more focused interventions.