bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arzanol, a natural phloroglucinol α‐pyrone, protects HaCaT keratinocytes against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress, counteracting cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species generation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial depolarization
Authors: Piras Franca , Sogos Valeria , Pollastro Federica , Appendino Giovanni , Rosa Antonella
Published: December 2023

Skin oxidative stress results in structural damage, leading to premature senescence, and pathological conditions such as inflammation and cancer. The plant‐derived prenylated pyrone–phloroglucinol heterodimer arzanol, isolated from Helichrysum italicum ssp. microphyllum (Willd.) Nyman aerial parts, exhibits anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. This study explored the arzanol protection against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced oxidative damage in HaCaT human keratinocytes in terms of its ability to counteract cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Arzanol safety on HaCaT cells was preliminarily examined by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and microscopic observation. The arzanol pre‐incubation (5–100 μM, for 24 h) did not induce cytotoxicity and morphological alterations. The phloroglucinol, at 50 μM, significantly protected keratinocytes against cytotoxicity induced by 2 h‐incubation with 2.5 and 5 mM H2O2, decreased cell ROS production induced by 1 h‐exposure to all tested H2O2 concentrations (0.5–5 mM), as determined by the 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) assay, and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS] method). The 2‐h incubation of keratinocytes with H2O2 determined a significant increase of apoptotic cells versus control cells, evaluated by NucView® 488 assay, from the dose of 2.5 mM. Moreover, an evident mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, monitored by fluorescent mitochondrial dye MitoView™ 633, was assessed at 5 mM H2O2. Arzanol pre‐treatment (50 μM) exerted a strong significant protective effect against apoptosis, preserving the mitochondrial membrane potential of HaCaT cells at the highest H2O2 concentrations. Our results validate arzanol as an antioxidant agent for the prevention/treatment of skin oxidative‐related disorders, qualifying its potential use for cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
A multi‐descriptor analysis of substituent effects on the structure and aromaticity of benzene derivatives: π‐Conjugation versus charge effects
Authors: Chagas Julio C. V. , Milanez Bruno D. , Oliveira Vytor P. , Pinheiro Jr Max , Ferrão Luiz F. A. , Aquino Adelia J. A. , Lischka Hans , Machado Francisco B. C.
Published: December 2023

This work provides a detailed multi‐component analysis of aromaticity in monosubstituted (X = CH3, C, C, NH2, NH−, NH+, OH, O−, and O+) and para‐homodisubstituted (X = CH3, CH2, NH2, NH, OH, and O) benzene derivatives. We investigate the effects of substituents using single‐reference (B3LYP/DFT) and multireference (CASSCF/MRCI) methods, focusing on structural (HOMA), vibrational (AI(vib)), topological (ELFπ), electronic (MCI), magnetic (NICS), and stability (S0–T1 splitting) properties. The findings reveal that appropriate π‐electron‐donating and π‐electron‐accepting substituents with suitable size and symmetry can interact with the π‐system of the ring, significantly influencing π‐electron delocalization. While the charge factor has a minimal impact on π‐electron delocalization, the presence of a pz orbital capable of interacting with the π‐electron delocalization is the primary factor leading to a deviation from the typical aromaticity characteristics observed in benzene.
Gestational age at birth influences protein and RNA content in human milk extracellular vesicles
Authors: Vahkal Brett , Altosaar Illimar , Tremblay Eric , Gagné David , Hüttman Nico , Minic Zoran , Côté Marceline , Blais Alexandre , Beaulieu Jean‐François , Ferretti Emanuela
Published: December 2023

Human milk extracellular vesicles (HM EVs) are proposed to protect against disease development in infants. This protection could in part be facilitated by the bioactive EV cargo of proteins and RNA. Notably, mothers birth infants of different gestational ages with unique needs, wherein the EV cargo of HM may diverge. We collected HM from lactating mothers within two weeks of a term or preterm birth. Following purification of EVs, proteins and mRNA were extracted for proteomics and sequencing analyses, respectively. Over 2000 protein groups were identified, and over 8000 genes were quantified. The total number of proteins and mRNA did not differ significantly between the two conditions, while functional bioinformatics of differentially expressed cargo indicated enrichment in immunoregulatory cargo for preterm HM EVs. In term HM EVs, significantly upregulated cargo was enriched in metabolism‐related functions. Based on gene expression signatures from HM‐contained single cell sequencing data, we proposed that a larger portion of preterm HM EVs are secreted by immune cells, whereas term HM EVs contain more signatures of lactocyte epithelial cells. Proposed differences in EV cargo could indicate variation in mother's milk based on infants’ gestational age and provide basis for further functional characterisation.
Short stay unit led by pediatric hospital medicine advanced practice providers
Authors: Potts Brittany K. , Pelletier Jonathan H. , Rawdon Leah , Forbes Michael L.
Published: December 2023

Background

In response to a critical pediatric bed shortage in 2022, an urgent process change was required to provide safe and timely medical care. We proposed a pilot for an advanced practice provider (APP)‐run short stay unit (SSU) for select pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) patients.

Objective

To compare length of stay (LOS) and cost before and after implementation of a PHM APP‐led SSU pilot at a tertiary pediatric hospital.

Designs, Settings, and Participants

Single‐center prospective pilot observational cohort study with historical control. Observation encounters for patients with asthma, bronchiolitis, croup, and dehydration were included.

Intervention

An independent‐practice model SSU staffed by APPs on the PHM service.

Main Outcome and Measures

SSU encounters (September 1, 2022–December 1, 2022) were compared against pre‐SSU encounters (September 1, 2021–August 31, 2022). Cohorts were described with summary statistics. SSU encounters were matched against pre‐SSU encounters based on demographics and diagnosis, and the average effect of treatment was calculated. LOS was abstracted from the enterprise data warehouse and standardized unit cost from the Pediatric Health Information Systems database.

Results

There were 1110 encounters included, 155 in the SSU cohort and 955 in the pre‐SSU cohort: 24.2% asthma, 30.8% bronchiolitis, 8.3% croup, and 36.7% dehydration. Median (interquartile range) unit LOS decreased from 21 (16–26) to 18 (10–22) h, p < .001. Cost decreased from $3593 ($3031–$4560) to $2958 ($2278–$3856), p < .001. After matching, the average treatment effect was reduction of 3.88 h (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.91–5.85) and $593 (95% CI $348–$839). There were no significant differences in 7‐day ED revisit rates.
Subjective expectations and schooling choices in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Gantier Marcelo , Novella Rafael , Repetto Andrea
Published: December 2023

Expectations about future labour market opportunities are essential for education and labour market decisions. This paper uses data from a survey of youths in seven Latin American and Caribbean countries to explore the role of expected returns to education on schooling decisions. We find substantial variation in subjective expectations partly explained by youths' socioeconomic characteristics. Also, we find that enrolment in tertiary education is positively related to perceived education returns. Furthermore, the association of expectations with schooling choices differs across individuals in relevant domains, including gender, skills, and socioeconomic background. Our results suggest that public policies might impact choices and reduce socioeconomic gaps in schooling by providing information on education returns.
Cardiac MR Fingerprinting: Overview, Technical Developments, and Applications
Authors: Rashid Imran , Cruz Gastao , Seiberlich Nicole , Hamilton Jesse I.
Published: December 2023

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is an established imaging modality with proven utility in assessing cardiovascular diseases. The ability of CMR to characterize myocardial tissue using T1‐ and T2‐weighted imaging, parametric mapping, and late gadolinium enhancement has allowed for the non‐invasive identification of specific pathologies not previously possible with modalities like echocardiography. However, CMR examinations are lengthy and technically complex, requiring multiple pulse sequences and different anatomical planes to comprehensively assess myocardial structure, function, and tissue composition. To increase the overall impact of this modality, there is a need to simplify and shorten CMR exams to improve access and efficiency, while also providing reproducible quantitative measurements. Multiparametric MRI techniques that measure multiple tissue properties offer one potential solution to this problem. This review provides an in‐depth look at one such multiparametric approach, cardiac magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF). The article is structured as follows. First, a brief review of single‐parametric and (non‐Fingerprinting) multiparametric CMR mapping techniques is presented. Second, a general overview of cardiac MRF is provided covering pulse sequence implementation, dictionary generation, fast k‐space sampling methods, and pattern recognition. Third, recent technical advances in cardiac MRF are covered spanning a variety of topics, including simultaneous multislice and 3D sampling, motion correction algorithms, cine MRF, synthetic multicontrast imaging, extensions to measure additional clinically important tissue properties (proton density fat fraction, T2*, and T1ρ), and deep learning methods for image reconstruction and parameter estimation. The last section will discuss potential clinical applications, concluding with a perspective on how multiparametric techniques like MRF may enable streamlined CMR protocols.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Neurophysiology of corneal neuropathic pain and emerging pharmacotherapeutics
Authors: Asiedu Kofi
Published: December 2023

The altered activity generated by corneal neuronal injury can result in morphological and physiological changes in the architecture of synaptic connections in the nervous system. These changes can alter the sensitivity of neurons (both second‐order and higher‐order projection) projecting pain signals. A complex process involving different cell types, molecules, nerves, dendritic cells, neurokines, neuropeptides, and axon guidance molecules causes a high level of sensory rearrangement, which is germane to all the phases in the pathomechanism of corneal neuropathic pain. Immune cells migrating to the region of nerve injury assist in pain generation by secreting neurokines that ensure nerve depolarization. Furthermore, excitability in the central pain pathway is perpetuated by local activation of microglia in the trigeminal ganglion and alterations of the descending inhibitory modulation for corneal pain arriving from central nervous system. Corneal neuropathic pain may be facilitated by dysfunctional structures in the central somatosensory nervous system due to a lesion, altered synaptogenesis, or genetic abnormality. Understanding these important pathways will provide novel therapeutic insight.
Exosomal circFAM63Bsuppresses bone regeneration of postmenopausal osteoporosis via regulating miR‐578/HMGA2 axis
Authors: Li Feng , Zhao Xiaodong , Zhang Yang , Zhuang Qingshan , Wang Song , Fang Xichi , Xu Tao , Li Xiaopeng , Chen Gaoyang
Published: December 2023

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) affects hundreds of millions of elderly women worldwide. The imbalance between osteoblast‐mediated bone formation and osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption is the key factor in the progression of PMOP. Recently, exosomal circular RNAs have been considered as critical regulators in physiological and pathological progress. However, their roles in PMOP still require further exploration. Herein, we identified that the expression of exosomal circFAM63B significantly increased in PMOP patients and is closely related to bone density. We further demonstrated that circFAM63B inhibits osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells and bone formation in ovariectomy mice by using a combination of in vitro and in vivo experiment strategies. Mechanistically, circFAM63B promotes HMGA2 expression by inhibiting miR‐578, thereby suppressing bone repair. Our study proved that exosomal circFAM63B suppresses the bone regeneration of PMOP by regulating the miR‐578/HMGA2 axis, which may provide new insights into the pathogenesis and development of PMOP. Knocking down exosomal circFAM63B could be regarded as a new strategy for the treatment of PMOP.
Impact of dietary inflammatory index on gingival health
Authors: Reis Roberta Andrade , Stolf Camila Schmidt , de Carvalho Sampaio Helena Alves , da Costa Silva Bruna Yhang , Özlü Tuğçe , Kenger Emre Batuhan , Miguel Manuela Maria Vianal , Santamaria Mauro Pedrine , Monteiro Mabelle de Freitas , Casati Marcio Zaffalon , Casarin Renato Corrêa Viana
Published: December 2023

Background

Periodontal disease is a biofilm‐dependent chronic inflammatory condition triggered by a host response. Several factors impact systemic inflammation and could lead to changes in disease pathogenesis. Recently, studies have assessed the influence of nutritional patterns on the development of periodontitis. In the present cross‐sectional study, we evaluated the dietary inflammatory profile on periodontal conditions, focusing on clinical, subgingival microbial, and cytokine assessment of individuals with periodontal health or gingivitis.

Methods

One hundred patients with periodontal health or gingivitis were included. Plaque index (PI), Bleeding on probing (BoP), the probing depth (PD), and the clinical attachment level (CAL) for each patient were assessed. Nutritional data and the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) were recorded by two 24‐h food recalls on non‐consecutive days. Biofilm and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) to assess the microbiome profile and inflammatory biomarkers were collected. Multiple regressions focused on the DII, age, and sex as predictors of periodontal conditions were done.

Results

Age and moderate DII scores increased the risk of gingivitis by 1.64 and 3.94 times, respectively. Males with an elevated DII score had 27.15 times higher odds of being diagnosed with gingivitis and BoP (β = 6.54; p = 0.03). Elderly patients with a moderate or high DII score were less prone to gingivitis and increased BoP (p < 0.04) compared with younger subjects. Considering the DII, there were no differences in microbial alpha and beta diversity; however, distinct species abundance and a higher concentration of monocyte‐chemoattractant protein‐1 and interleukin 33 were seen in patients with a higher DII.

Conclusion

A pro‐inflammatory diet significantly contributes to periodontal inflammation, modulating inflammatory biomarkers and affecting the subgingival microbial community in healthy individuals.
Water‐Induced Expanded Bilayer Vascular Graft with Good Hemocompatibility and Biocompatibility
Authors: Zhang Quanchao , Chen Jingyi , Wang Huiwen , Xie Denghang , Yang Zhiwei , Hu Jian , Luo Honglin , Wan Yizao
Published: December 2023

Shape memory polymer (SMP) vascular grafts are promising interventional vascular grafts for cardiovascular disease (CAD) treatment; However, hemocompatibility and biocompatibility, which are the critical issues for the SMP vascular grafts, are not systematically concerned. Furthermore, the water‐induced SMP grafts are more convenient and safer than the thermally induced ones in case of the bioapplication. Herein, in this work, the new water‐induced expanded bilayer vascular graft with the inner layer of crosslinked poly(ε‐caprolactone) (cPCL) and the outer layer of water‐induced SMP of regenerated chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (RCS/PVA) are prepared by hot pressing and programming approaches. The results show that the inner and outer layer surfaces of the prepared grafts are smooth, and they exhibit good interfacial interaction properties. The bilayer grafts show good mechanical properties and can be expanded in water with a diameter expansion of ≈30%. When compared with commercial expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), the bilayer graft shows better hemocompatibility (platelet adhesion, hemolysis rate, various clotting times, and plasma recalcification time (PRT)) and in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility, which thus is a promising material for the vascular graft.
Concomitant traumatic brain injury as a determinant of survival, and neurological and functional outcomes after traumatic spinal cord injury: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Furlan Julio C.
Published: December 2023

Background

Although concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not infrequently associated with spinal cord injury (SCI), there is relatively scarce information about the effects of concomitant TBI on outcomes after SCI.

Objective

To assess the impact of concomitant mild‐to‐moderate TBI on survival, and neurological and functional outcomes within the first year after acute traumatic SCI.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Acute spine trauma centers in the United States.

Participants

This study includes all individuals who were enrolled into the Third National Spinal Cord Injury Study (NASCIS‐3). The study population was classified into SCI + TBI group and SCI‐alone group. TBI was defined as a Glasgow Coma Scale score <15 on admission.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Both groups were compared regarding their survival and neurological outcomes (ie, NASCIS motor, sensory and pain scores) and functional outcome (ie, Functional Independence Measure score) within the first year following SCI. Data analyses were adjusted for major potential confounders.

Results

There were 413 individuals in the SCI‐alone group and 86 individuals in the SCI + TBI group (17.2%). Both groups were comparable regarding gender distribution (p = .621). However, the SCI + TBI group was older (p < .001), had a higher proportion of complete (p = .006) and cervical SCI (p = .003), and had a higher blood alcohol level (p < .001) than the SCI‐alone group. The SCI + TBI group did not significantly differ from the SCI‐alone group regarding survival within the first year after SCI (p = .768). Among the survivors, concomitant mild‐to‐moderate TBI did not significantly affect neurological and functional outcomes at 1 year after SCI in the multiple regression analyses after adjusting for major potential confounders.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that concomitant mild‐to‐moderate TBI did not have a significant impact on survival, neurological recovery, and functional outcomes at 1 year after SCI, even though there were some epidemiological differences between SCI‐alone and SCI + TBI groups.
Engineering highly stable variants of Corynactis californica green fluorescent proteins
Authors: Hung Li‐Wei , Terwilliger Thomas C. , Waldo Geoffrey S. , Nguyen Hau B.
Published: December 2023

Fluorescent proteins (FPs) are versatile biomarkers that facilitate effective detection and tracking of macromolecules of interest in real time. Engineered FPs such as superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) and superfolder Cherry (sfCherry) have exceptional refolding capability capable of delivering fluorescent readout in harsh environments where most proteins lose their native functions. Our recent work on the development of a split FP from a species of strawberry anemone, Corynactis californica, delivered pairs of fragments with up to threefold faster complementation than split GFP. We present the biophysical, biochemical, and structural characteristics of five full‐length variants derived from these split C. californica GFP (ccGFP). These ccGFP variants are more tolerant under chemical denaturation with up to 8 kcal/mol lower unfolding free energy than that of the sfGFP. It is likely that some of these ccGFP variants could be suitable as biomarkers under more adverse environments where sfGFP fails to survive. A structural analysis suggests explanations of the variations in stabilities among the ccGFP variants.
Deterministic and stochastic tendency adjustments derived from data assimilation and nudging
Authors: Chapman William E. , Berner Judith
Published: December 2023

We develop and compare model‐error representation schemes derived from data assimilation increments and nudging tendencies in multidecadal simulations of the Community Atmosphere Model, version 6. Each scheme applies a bias correction during simulation runtime to the zonal and meridional winds. We quantify the extent to which such online adjustment schemes improve the model climatology and variability on daily to seasonal timescales. Generally, we observe about a 30% improvement to annual upper‐level zonal winds, with largest improvements in boreal spring (around 35%) and winter (around 47%). Despite only adjusting the wind fields, we additionally observe around 20% improvement to annual precipitation over land, with the largest improvements in boreal fall (around 36%) and winter (around 25%), and around 50% improvement to annual sea‐level pressure, globally. With mean‐state adjustments alone, the dominant pattern of boreal low‐frequency variability over the Atlantic (the North Atlantic Oscillation) is significantly improved. Additional stochasticity increases the modal explained variances further, which brings the variability closer to the observed value. A streamfunction tendency decomposition reveals that the improvement is due to an adjustment to the high‐ and low‐frequency eddy–eddy interaction terms. In the Pacific, the mean‐state adjustment alone led to an erroneous deepening of the Aleutian low, but this was remedied with the addition of stochastically selected tendencies. Finally, from a practical standpoint, we discuss the performance of using data assimilation increments versus nudging tendencies for an online model‐error representation.
Modeling the Drug delivery Lifecycle of PLG Nanoparticles Using Intravital Microscopy
Authors: Li Zhuoxuan , Kovshova Tatyana , Malinovskaya Julia , Valikhov Marat , Melnikov Pavel , Osipova Nadezhda , Maksimenko Olga , Dhakal Namrata , Chernysheva Anastasia , Chekhonin Vladimir , Gelperina Svetlana , Wacker Matthias G.
Published: December 2023

Polylactide‐co‐glycolide (PLG) nanoparticles hold immense promise for cancer therapy due to their enhanced efficacy and biodegradable matrix structure. Understanding their interactions with blood cells and subsequent biodistribution kinetics is crucial for optimizing their therapeutic potential. In this study, three doxorubicin‐loaded PLG nanoparticle systems are synthesized and characterized, analyzing their size, zeta potential, morphology, and in vitro release behavior. Employing intravital microscopy in 4T1‐tumor‐bearing mice, real‐time blood and tumor distribution kinetics are investigated. A mechanistic pharmacokinetic model is used to analyze biodistribution kinetics. Additionally, flow cytometry is utilized to identify cells involved in nanoparticle hitchhiking. Following intravenous injection, PLG nanoparticles exhibit an initial burst release (<1 min) and rapidly adsorb to blood cells (<5 min), hindering extravasation. Agglomeration leads to the clearance of one carrier species within 3 min. In stable dispersions, drug release rather than extravasation remains the dominant pathway for drug elimination from circulation. This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the interplay between competing kinetics that influence the lifecycle of PLG nanoparticles post‐injection. The findings advance the understanding of nanoparticle behavior and lay the foundation for improved cancer therapy strategies using nanoparticle‐based drug delivery systems.
Flexible Nanogenerators Based on Enhanced Flexoelectricity in Mn3O4 Membranes
Authors: Chowde Gowda Chinmayee , Cavin John , Kumbhakar Partha , Tiwary Chandra Sekhar , Mishra Rohan
Published: December 2023

Atomically thin, few‐layered membranes of oxides show unique physical and chemical properties compared to their bulk forms. Manganese oxide (Mn3O4) membranes are exfoliated from the naturally occurring mineral Hausmannite and used to make flexible, high‐performance nanogenerators (NGs). An enhanced power density in the membrane NG is observed with the best‐performing device showing a power density of 7.99 mW m−2 compared to 1.04 µW m−2 in bulk Mn3O4. A sensitivity of 108 mV kPa−1 for applied forces <10 N in the membrane NG is observed. The improved performance of these NGs is attributed to enhanced flexoelectric response in a few layers of Mn3O4. Using first‐principles calculations, the flexoelectric coefficients of monolayer and bilayer Mn3O4 are found to be 50–100 times larger than other 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). Using a model based on classical beam theory, an increasing activation of the bending mode with decreasing thickness of the oxide membranes is observed, which in turn leads to a large flexoelectric response. As a proof‐of‐concept, flexible NGs using exfoliated Mn3O4 membranes are made and used in self‐powered paper‐based devices. This research paves the way for the exploration of few‐layered membranes of other centrosymmetric oxides for application as energy harvesters.
2D Polymers with Lead Anchoring Groups Enable Perovskite Solar Cells with Over 24% Efficiency
Authors: Lai Hongtao , Tang Xingchen , Bi Leyu , Tian Binqiang , Wang Huanhuan , Ji Xiaofei , Fu Qiang
Published: December 2023

The hygroscopic dopants used in Spiro‐OMeTAD hole‐transport materials (HTMs) in n–i–p perovskite solar cells (PSCs) inevitably cause device degradation. Herein, two polymer interface materials based on lead anchoring groups are developed. It is found that 2D polymers 2DP‐BT and 2DP‐Por can form dense films and exhibit excellent hydrophobicity. Importantly, 2DP‐Por can passivate the surface defects through noncovalent interactions, reducing nonradiative recombination loss. After introducing these polymer interface materials between the perovskite layer and the HTM layer, the optimized devices using 2DP‐Por and 2DP‐BT achieve champion power conversion efficiency of 24.12% and 23.29%, respectively, and the stability is significantly improved. These results indicate that developing polymer interface materials containing lead anchoring groups can improve PSC efficiency and stability and elucidate critical molecular design rules for interface materials.
Radio, Women, and Politics
Authors: Heywood Emma
Published: December 2023

This chapter examines women’s empowerment through the role of radio in promoting participation in politics and decision-making approaches. It focuses on the output of two radio studios, one in Niger and one in Mali, which both broadcast a series of women-related programmes on political engagement.

Radio as a communicative tool draws on multiple formats to promote listener engagement and information retention. Broadcasts must be designed to be ‘listenable’ for their intended audience, and the format and content must therefore ensure that both the message giver (the radio studio) and the message receiver (the listener) have their information needs met.

The chapter analyses the benefits and shortcomings of the formats used by the two studios to allow various voices to be heard and to promote political participation among women in the two countries. In doing so, it questions how the provision of information can help women make first-order strategic choices or decisions on a macro level and whether to engage in politics while meeting their civic responsibilities and gendered expectations.
‘We’re More Than Just a Radio’: Radio Scout and Its Women’s Listening Associations
Authors: Heywood Emma
Published: December 2023

This chapter discusses a ‘bottom-up’ approach to radio broadcasting drawing on the example of a women-only listening association formed in 2018, as a result of the research in this book, in the outskirts of Niamey, Niger’s capital. The chapter draws on concepts of empowering environments to demonstrate how, through collective solidarity or through power with, women have been able to create and develop their own listening associations. This has given members the opportunity, on the one hand, to meet, discuss, and cascade information, improving their lives and those of their families and communities, and, on the other hand, to set up microcredit facilities as part of these associations enabling them to create small businesses and use the income to the benefit of their families, even sending daughters to school and empowering the next generation. The chapter also shows how women, used to being under the domination of men, recognise their capacity to transform their daily lives by participating in community action. In doing so, shifts in women’s critical consciousness emerge in the chapter from perceiving themselves as secondary or incapable of effecting social change.
Radio, Women IDPs, and Women Journalists
Authors: Heywood Emma
Published: December 2023

This final chapter brings together the various threads in the book. It builds on empowerment theories already discussed and intertwines them with concepts of trauma, emotional labour, emotions and affect, and affective proximity by examining humanitarian radio journalism broadcast among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Burkina Faso and the provision of practical responses to their information needs. It considers how women journalists at a radio studio cover the plight of women IDPs in Burkina Faso and the strategies they have used for the IDP women to gain a voice but also be listened to, all the while supported by a Western development media (radio) organisation and its funders.

It first discusses the problems faced by women examined in previous chapters but now in extreme situations. It then examines how women journalists, by being both women and journalists, navigate social structures to gain access to and responses from the IDP women, and it finally investigates the approaches taken by a media development NGO radio studio to best communicate with their IDP listeners but also advocate on their behalf.
Taner Akçam as Scholar-Activist and Armenian-Turkish Relations
Authors: Theriault Henry C.
Published: December 2023

An important debate in the field of comparative genocide studies emerged about 15 years ago. Should scholars of genocide disconnect themselves from the political and even ethical dimensions of engagement with past genocides and prevention of future genocides? In other words, does being a proper scholar require disinterest, or is it permissible—and even laudable—for a scholar of genocide to take ethical stands and to advocate for intervention against ongoing genocides, justice—however defined—for past cases, and prevention of genocide in the future?

The stakes were very high and, as in any academic context, there were numerous factors, possibly including personal ones. Nonetheless, the question of whether scholarship must be engaged or disinterested precipitated a rupture in the membership of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) and led to the formation of the International Network of Genocide Scholars (INoGS) in the mid-2000s. The latter group espoused the view that activist scholarship favoring a particular ethical, policy, or related position, is necessarily tainted by the scholar’s agenda and thus poor scholarship. Many in the former group maintained the position that not taking ethical and policy stands on issues of justice for past genocides, intervention against ongoing genocides or processes that are leading to genocide, and prevention of future genocides is in effect to act as bystanders. Their silence, moreover, enables ongoing and future genocides and perpetuates the suffering of victims of past genocides and the denials and lack of rectification efforts that is their typical affliction.
Periocular Necrotizing Fasciitis
Authors: Mourits Maarten P.
Published: December 2023

Periocular necrotizing fasciitis is a rare—vision- and life-threatening—bacterial or fungal infection of the eyelids.
Anatomy of the Orbit: Overall Aspects of the Peri- and Intra Orbital Soft Tissues
Authors: Gooris Peter J. J. , Cornelius Carl-Peter
Published: December 2023

Soft tissue systems in and around the orbit are presented in detail. The complexity of the soft tissue structures and its topographical location provides optimal environment for the delicate globe and supportive elements.

Anatomic aspects and the protective and physiological function of the eyelids are described. The secretory lacrimal system and the spread of aqueous fluid along the globe and final drainage will be discussed. Anatomical features of the globe and the accompanying extraocular musculature are highlighted. The involved musculature allows for a most efficient guarantee of function and protection. Participating fat compartments provide a cushion and play a gliding role. The control via the neuro-ophthalmologic pathways, motor-, sensory-, and autonomic innervation is the essential base for the function of the eye.
Imaging of the Orbit: “Current Concepts”
Authors: de Win Maartje M. L.
Published: December 2023

Orbital imaging with CT or MRI can be essential in the evaluation of many orbital conditions. Because of its superior bony characterization and fast acquisition, CT is imaging method of first choice in urgent situations like trauma, infection, and evaluation of lesions arising from the orbital wall. Through recent years, CT has also gained a prominent role in (pre)operative planning and navigation, especially through the development of postprocessing software. For the evaluation of more complex orbital disease, MRI is the preferred modality. With its superior soft-tissue differentiation, MRI is useful for determining the extent of orbital lesions, like inflammatory disease, vascular malformations, and orbital tumors. By adding functional MRI techniques, like diffusion and perfusion-weighted imaging, and by combining parameters of different imaging techniques in multiparametric imaging, it is possible to further improve characterization of orbital lesions. In this chapter, the optimal approach to orbital imaging is described, combining knowledge of orbital imaging techniques and imaging indications, together with a structured way of reviewing the orbital images, knowledge of radiological features of common, and more uncommon orbital pathology, and integrating this with the clinical features of the patient.
“The Trouble With Inclusivity:” How Promoting Inclusive Peace Led to an Exclusive Outcome
Authors: Palmiano Federer Julia
Published: December 2023

This chapter is divided into three parts. The first part discusses how the inclusivity norm localized as all-inclusiveness, and how the discourse around all-inclusiveness resulted in a more exclusive rather than inclusive peace process outcome. Through analyzing the provisions for “inclusive” post-agreement structures and mechanisms in ceasefire agreements and other texts, as well as drawing from accounts from negotiating teams, I analyze how inclusivity localized into all-inclusiveness. The second part looks at the power differentials between the negotiating parties and the NGO mediators in this phase of the peace process and analyses why they did not achieve their intended outcome of displacing the exclusive nature of Myanmar politics. The third part discusses the effects of the norm localization of inclusivity as all-inclusiveness on the Myanmar peace process itself. All-inclusiveness actually reified existing identity divisions between EAGs and other armed actors. NGO mediator’s lack of control over the process’ outcome was also illustrated in the conflation of ceasefire agreement and peace agreement logic, and the inclusion of armed actors and non-armed actors.
A Review of the Disaster Risk Assessment Perspectives
Authors: Munasinghe Dayan , Fernando Terrance , Keraminiyage Kaushal , Karunawardena Asiri
Published: December 2023

Researchers have explored different risk assessment approaches from the perspectives of different disciplines to capture urban risks, resulting in many risk assessment frameworks. In these frameworks, the risk environment is analysed using different quantitative and qualitative assessment methods, such as fuzzy set, probability theory, and evidence theory. While each approach has contributed to risk assessment, they suffer from a lack of consensus in defining and measuring the impact of risk in an urban environment.

Therefore, the study aims to conduct a literature survey to consolidate a common set of risk assessment perspectives and approaches for measuring these risks.

A structured review was carried out to achieve the aim of this research. The research question used for conducting the literature review was “What approaches are being used to define and measure the impact of hazard risks in an urban environment?”. The PICO (Population, Intervention, Compression Intervention, and Outcome) method was used to generate the search string for the literature review by considering the keywords in the research question. Initially, 206 research papers were selected through a search strategy, and by applying a screening method, 119 research articles were selected for the detailed review. The Nvivo software was supported for the review purpose; then, a mind map was developed, integrating all the risk assessment perspectives.

Risk assessments were summarised by considering the various researchers’ perspectives. Thirty-four risk perspectives were identified through the literature, and a mind map was developed to understand the connectivity. This mind map was converted into a network diagram, and future requirements of risk perspectives were identified based on the risk assessment network diagram. According to the analysis, risk communication, risk treatment, critical curve, judgment curve, and risk matrix could be identified as future research areas. The risk reduction measuring strategies were identified by considering the feedback loop of the network diagram. Thus, 14 risk reduction strategies could be identified through the analysis.

The risk assessment frameworks focused on holistic approaches, but most research studies did not adequately follow the risk perspectives. Therefore, research gaps were identified in the risk assessment process, and the areas were highlighted as state-of-the-art to conduct future research studies. The feedback loops of the network diagram emphasised the risk reduction strategies, which could be further researched through application to a case study.
How Promotion Guidelines Reflect Swedish Higher Education Institutions’ Societal Collaboration Strategies
Authors: Perez Vico Eugenia , Joelsson Erik , Mattsson Pauline , Nelhans Gustaf
Published: December 2023

This chapter explores the alignment between the stated intention of Swedish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to matter and the assessment of individuals to matter. To achieve this aim, HEIs collaboration strategies are compared with the criteria for the guidance for merits regarding docentship. Our analysis reveals a notable disparity: the societal collaboration visions outlined in strategies were rarely reflected in promotion guidelines. There is a substantial degree of variability in how these guidelines address collaboration merits. Despite the prevalence of ambitious strategies among HEIs, only a minority align these aspirations with guidelines that encompass the breadth and depth required for effective, high-quality collaboration.
High-temperature electroweak baryogenesis with composite Higgs
Authors: von Harling Benedict , Matsedonskyi Oleksii , Servant Géraldine
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Electroweak Baryogenesis (EWBG) paired with the Composite Higgs (CH) scenario provides a well-motivated and testable framework for addressing the questions of the origin of the matter-antimatter asymmetry and the naturalness of the electroweak scale. The appeal of both concepts however experiences increasing pressure from the experimental side, as no conclusive signs of the corresponding new physics have been observed. In this note we present a modification of the minimal CH EWBG model, where electroweak symmetry breaking persists to temperatures far above the usually obtained upper bound of ~ 100 GeV. This allows for an increase of the mass of the main actor of EWBG in this scenario — the dilaton. Such a modification results in relaxing the tension with experimental data, generally modifying the phenomenology, and pointing at collider searches for the heavy dilaton as the main direction for its future tests.
Averaged null energy and the renormalization group
Authors: Hartman Thomas , Mathys Grégoire
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We establish a connection between the averaged null energy condition (ANEC) and the monotonicity of the renormalization group, by studying the light-ray operator ∫ duTuu in quantum field theories that flow between two conformal fixed points. In four dimensions, we derive an exact sum rule relating this operator to the Euler coefficient in the trace anomaly, and show that the ANEC implies the a-theorem. The argument is based on matching anomalies in the stress tensor 3-point function, and relies on special properties of contact terms involving light-ray operators. We also illustrate the sum rule for the example of a free massive scalar field. Averaged null energy appears in a variety of other applications to quantum field theory, including causality constraints, Lorentzian inversion, and quantum information. The quantum information perspective provides a new derivation of the a-theorem from the monotonicity of relative entropy. The equation relating our sum rule to the dilaton scattering amplitude in the forward limit suggests an inversion formula for non-conformal theories.
Longitudinal Galilean and Carrollian limits of non-relativistic strings
Authors: Bidussi Leo , Harmark Troels , Hartong Jelle , Obers Niels A. , Oling Gerben
Published: December 2023

Abstract

It is well known that one can take an infinite speed of light limit that gives rise to non-relativistic strings with a relativistic worldsheet sigma model but with a non-relativistic target space geometry. In this work we systematically explore two further limits in which the worldsheet becomes non-Lorentzian. The first gives rise to a Galilean string with a Galilean structure on the worldsheet, extending previous work on Spin Matrix-related string theory limits. The second is a completely novel limit leading to a worldsheet theory with a Carrollian structure. We find the Nambu-Goto and Polyakov formulations of both limits and explore gauge fixing choices. Furthermore, we study in detail the case of the Galilean string for a class of target space geometries that are related to Spin Matrix target space geometries, for which the Nambu-Goto action (in static gauge) is quadratic in the fields.
JAXVacua — a framework for sampling string vacua
Authors: Dubey A. , Krippendorf S. , Schachner A.
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Moduli stabilisation in string compactifications with many light scalars remains a major blind-spot in the string landscape. In these regimes, analytic methods cease to work for generic choices of UV parameters which is why numerical techniques have to be exploited. In this paper, we implement algorithms based on JAX, heavily utilising automatic differentiation, just-in-time compilation and parallelisation features, to efficiently construct string vacua. This implementation provides a golden opportunity to efficiently analyse large unexplored regions of the string landscape. As a first example, we apply our techniques to the search of Type IIB flux vacua in Calabi-Yau orientifold compactifications. We argue that our methods only scale mildly with the Hodge numbers making exhaustive studies of low energy effective field theories with $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(100) scalar fields feasible. Using small computing resources, we are able to construct $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(106) flux vacua per geometry with h1,2 ≥ 2, vastly out-performing previous systematic searches. In particular, we showcase the efficiency of our methods by presenting generic vacua with fluxes below the tadpole constraint set by the orientifold with up to h1,2 = 25 complex structure moduli.
Hepatitis C in Haftanstalten
Authors: Dichtl Anna , Jamin Daniela , Stöver Heino , Grabski Meryem , Knorr Bärbel
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund

Trotz genereller Fortschritte bei der Hepatitis-C-Behandlung in Deutschland ist unklar, inwieweit dies auch für bestimmte Schlüsselgruppen, wie etwa Inhaftierte, gilt.

Methoden

In einer Kurzbefragung im Juni 2021 wurden die Justizministerien der Bundesländer über Datenerhebungs- und Diagnostikmethoden sowie die Prävalenz von Infektionen mit dem Hepatitis-C-Virus (HCV) und HCV-Behandlungen von Gefangenen in Deutschland befragt. Ergänzend dazu wurden Expert*inneninterviews zu Barrieren und bisher nicht genutzten Chancen der HCV-Behandlung in Haft geführt.

Ergebnisse

Es zeigt sich, dass keine vollständige und flächendeckende Datenerhebung innerhalb der Justizministerien vorliegt. Präventionsmaßnahmen wie Opiatsubstitutionstherapie in Haft sind in allen teilnehmenden Bundesländern verfügbar. Spezifischere Angebote und Maßnahmen (z. B. Rasierer, Spritzentausch) finden sich nur vereinzelt und sind teilweise kostenpflichtig. Die Expert*innen zeigen auf, dass die Behandlung innerhalb der Justizvollzugsanstalten zwar grundsätzlich dem Äquivalenzprinzip nachkommt, aber die Zielgruppe schwerer zu erreichen ist.

Fazit

Wichtig für eine erfolgreiche HCV-Eliminierung in Justizvollzugsanstalten sind eine flächendeckende Aufklärung und Beratung zur HCV-Behandlung, konsequente HCV-Testung und -Behandlung sowie Präventionsmaßnahmen zur Vermeidung von (Re)Infektionen.
Rekonstruktive Beckenbodenchirurgie – Update 2024: prolapsassoziierte Symptome und deren Heilung
Authors: Liedl B. , Barba M. , Wenk M.
Published: December 2023

Der urogenitale Deszensus und die assoziierte Symptomatik von Harninkontinenz, Stuhlinkontinenz, Blasen- und Stuhlentleerungsstörung und Schmerzen treten häufig auf und sind Volkskrankheit mit starker Beeinträchtigung der Lebensqualität und Verursachung großer Kosten für das Gesundheitssystem. Neuere Erkenntnisse der funktionellen Anatomie und Pathophysiologie dieser Beckenbodendysfunktionen zeigen, wie bindegewebige Lockerungen bzw. Defekte zu diesen Dysfunktionen führen. Es werden Ergebnisse der PROpel-Studie (ClinicalTrials.gov-Identifier: NCT00638235) gezeigt, in der eine ausführliche Symptombeobachtung mit PROM („patient-related outcome measures“) präoperativ und postoperativ erfolgte. Eine ligamentäre vaginale Prolapskorrektur erlaubt mittlerweile Symptomheilungen in hohen Prozentsätzen, sowohl von Harndranginkontinenz (bis zu 82 %), Nykturie (bis zu 92 %), Blasenentleerungsstörung (bis zu 87 %), Stuhlinkontinenz (58–72 %), obstruktiver Defäkation (71–84 %) und Schmerzen (53–90 %), wenn sie durch vaginalen Prolaps verursacht sind. Symptome treten bei Frauen mit POP-Q-Stadium II (Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification) ähnlich häufig auf wie bei Frauen mit POP-Q-Stadium III–IV, und die anatomisch gute operative Korrektur führt zu ähnlich hohen Heilungsraten. Bei anatomisch guter (Responder) im Vergleich zur weniger guten Prolapskorrektur (Non-Responder) wurden signifikante Unterschiede der Heilungsraten sowohl für Blasenentleerungsstörung als auch für Harndranginkontinenz und Nykturie gesehen. Die künftige Beckenbodenchirurgie sollte als Ziel die Symptomheilung haben und zur Verbesserung der Lebensqualität führen. Die derzeit verwendeten unterschiedlichen Techniken zur Prolapskorrektur müssen diesbezüglich auf den Prüfstand gestellt werden.