bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Southern Ontario
Authors: Robinson Sarah J. , Kotwa Jonathon D. , Jeeves Simon P. , Himsworth Chelsea G. , Pearl David L. , Weese J. Scott , Lindsay L. Robbin , Dibernardo Antonia , Toledo Nikki P. L. , Pickering Bradley S. , Goolia Melissa , Chee Hsien-Yao , Blais-Savoie Juliette , Chien Emily , Yim Winfield , Yip Lily , Mubareka Samira , Jardine Claire M.
Published: May 2023

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from wildlife has raised concerns about spillover from humans to animals, the establishment of novel wildlife reservoirs, and the potential for future outbreaks caused by variants of wildlife origin. Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are abundant in urban areas and live in close proximity to humans, providing the opportunity for spillover of SARS-CoV-2. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and exposure has been reported in Norway rats. We investigated SARS-CoV-2 infection and exposure in Norway rats from Southern Ontario, Canada. From October 2019 to June 2021, 224 rats were submitted by collaborating pest control companies. The majority of samples were collected in Windsor (79.9%; n = 179), Hamilton (13.8%; n = 31), and the Greater Toronto Area (5.8%; n = 13). Overall, 50.0% (n = 112) were female and most rats were sexually mature (55.8%; n = 125). Notably, 202 samples were collected prior to the emergence of variants of concern (VOC) and 22 were collected while the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) was the predominant circulating VOC in humans. Nasal turbinate (n = 164) and small intestinal (n = 213) tissue samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-PCR. Thoracic cavity fluid samples (n = 213) were tested for neutralizing antibodies using a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) (GenScript cPass); confirmatory plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) was conducted on presumptive positive samples. We did not detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in any samples tested. Two out of eleven samples positive on sVNT had neutralizing antibodies confirmed positive by PRNT (1 : 40 and 1 : 320 PRNT70); both were collected prior to the emergence of VOC. It is imperative that efforts to control and monitor SARS-CoV-2 include surveillance of rats and other relevant wildlife species as novel variants continue to emerge.
Supplementary Table 2 from Metastatic Prostate Cancers with BRCA2 versus ATM Mutations Exhibit Divergent Molecular Features and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Hwang Justin , Shi Xiaolei , Elliott Andrew , Arnoff Taylor E. , McGrath Julie , Xiu Joanne , Walker Phillip , Bergom Hannah E. , Day Abderrahman , Ahmed Shihab , Tape Sydney , Makovec Allison , Ali Atef , Shaker Rami M. , Toye Eamon , Passow Rachel , Lozada John R. , Wang Jinhua , Lou Emil , Mouw Kent W. , Carneiro Benedito A. , Heath Elisabeth I. , McKay Rana R. , Korn W. Michael , Nabhan Chadi , Ryan Charles J. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S.
Published: May 2023

Comparison of the frequencies of additional molecular features between non-castrate (NC) and castrate (C) samples in ATMm, BRCA2m, HRDother, and HRP groups. The significant differences between the two groups are highlighted (red box).
Data from Combination Treatment with Sipuleucel-T and Abiraterone Acetate or Enzalutamide for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: STAMP and STRIDE Trials
Authors: Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Subudhi Sumit K. , Pieczonka Christopher M. , Karsh Lawrence I. , Quinn David I. , Hafron Jason M. , Wilfehrt Helen M. , Harmon Matthew , Sheikh Nadeem A. , Shore Neal D. , Petrylak Daniel P.
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurpose:
We present long-term outcomes from 2 randomized studies [STAMP (with abiraterone, NCT01487863) and STRIDE (with enzalutamide, NCT01981122)] that were performed to study the impact of sequential or concurrent administration of androgen receptor–targeting agents (ARTAs) on sipuleucel-T immune response and overall survival (OS) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Experimental design:
Sipuleucel-T was administered per current prescribing information. Results from STRIDE are presented together with updated STAMP results. Survival status of patients was updated using demographic information to query the National Death Index (NDI). Kaplan–Meier methodology was used to analyze survival.
Results:
Updated data reduced patient censoring in each study compared with the original analyses; the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for OS are now estimable. Updated median OS (95% CI) is 33.3 (24.1–40.7) months for STAMP and 32.5 (26.0–45.1) months for STRIDE. There was no notable impact on median OS [HR, 0.727 (0.458–1.155); P = 0.177, reference = STRIDE]. OS with sequential administration was similar to concurrent administration [NDI update: HR, 0.963 (0.639–1.453); P = 0.845, reference = concurrent arm]. Sipuleucel-T potency, measured as antigen-presenting cell (APC) activation, was higher in subsequent infusions compared with the first infusion. Humoral responses (IgG + IgM antibody titers) to PA2024 and prostatic acid phosphatase were significantly elevated versus baseline. No new safety signals were observed.
Conclusions:
Median OS was consistent regardless of whether the agents were administered sequentially or concurrently, including after NDI update. Results suggest that sipuleucel-T induces an immunologic prime-boost effect after initial sipuleucel-T exposure, even when combined with ARTAs.
Subsets of IFN Signaling Predict Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Patients with Melanoma
Authors: Horowitch Brooke , Lee Daniel Y. , Ding Min , Martinez-Morilla Sandra , Aung Thazin Nwe , Ouerghi Feriel , Wang Xueting , Wei Wei , Damsky William , Sznol Mario , Kluger Harriet , Rimm David L. , Ishizuka Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

IFN signaling in the tumor microenvironment is a critical determinant of both response and resistance of cancer to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). We hypothesized that distinct patterns of IFN signaling in melanoma are associated with clinical response or resistance to ICIs.

Experimental Design:

Two tissue microarrays containing samples from 97 patients with metastatic melanoma who received nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab at Yale New Haven Hospital between 2011 and 2017 were randomized into discovery and validation cohorts. Samples were stained and visualized using multiplexed immunofluorescence microscopy for STAT1, STAT1 phosphorylated at Y701 (pSTAT1Y701), and PD-L1, and signals were quantified using the automated quantitative analysis method of quantitative immunofluorescence. Treatment response was assessed using RECIST, and overall survival was analyzed. For in vitro studies, human melanoma cell lines were stimulated with IFNγ and IFNβ, and Western blotting was performed.

Results:

Pretreatment STAT1 levels were higher in responders to ICIs [complete response/partial response/stable disease (SD) for > 6 months] than in nonresponders (SD < 6 months/progressive disease). Higher pretreatment STAT1 levels were associated with improved survival after ICIs in both the discovery and validation cohorts. Western blot analysis of human melanoma cell lines stimulated with IFN demonstrated distinct patterns of upregulation of STAT1 compared with pSTAT1Y701 and PD-L1. When combining STAT1 and PD-L1 markers, patients with STAT1highPD-L1low tumors had improved survival compared with those with STAT1lowPD-L1high tumors.

Conclusions:

STAT1 may better predict melanoma response to ICIs than current strategies, and combined STAT1 and PD-L1 biomarkers may provide insight into IFN-responsive versus IFN-resistant states.
Patient-Reported Outcomes as Interradiographic Predictors of Response in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Bhatt Ambika S. , Schabath Matthew B. , Hoogland Aasha I. , Jim Heather S.L. , Brady-Nicholls Renee
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

Minimally invasive biomarkers have been used as important indicators of treatment response and progression in cancers such as prostate and ovarian. Unfortunately, all biomarkers are not prognostic in all cancer types and are often not routinely collected. Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) provide a non-obtrusive, personalized measure of a patient's quality of life and symptomatology, reported directly from the patient, and are increasingly collected as part of routine care. Previous literature has shown correlations between specific PROs (i.e., insomnia, fatigue) and overall survival. Although promising, these studies often only consider single time points and ignore patient-specific dynamic changes in individual PROs, which might be early predictors of treatment response or progression.

Experimental Design:

In this study, PRO dynamics were analyzed to determine if they could be used as interradiographic predictors of tumor volume changes among 85 patients with non–small cell lung cancer undergoing immunotherapy. PRO questionnaires and tumor volume scans were completed biweekly and monthly, respectively. Correlation and predictive analysis were conducted to identify specific PROs that could accurately predict patient response.

Results:

Changes in tumor volume over time were significantly correlated with dizziness (P < 0.005), insomnia (P < 0.05), and fatigue (P < 0.05). In addition, cumulative changes in insomnia could predict progressive disease with a 77% accuracy, on average 45 days prior to the next imaging scan.

Conclusions:

This study presents the first time that patient-specific PRO dynamics have been considered to predict how individual patients will respond to treatment. This is an important first step in adapting treatment to improve response rates.
Current populations of Colobus vellerosus (Geoffory, 1834) & Cercopithecus lowei (Thomas, 1923) and land-use, land cover changes in Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Ghana
Authors: Edward Debrah Wiafe  , Akuaku Karen K. , Sarkodie Isaac , Boakye Maxwell Kwame
Published: May 2023

Background and Research aim: This study evaluated the density of two primate species Colobus vellerosus and Cercopithecus lowei and the change in land-use types in Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary in Ghana, from 2007 to 2019. Method: Total counts of individual monkeys were done in all six patches of forest in the Sanctuary in 2019. Using Landsat imagery, land-cover maps of the study area were examined to evaluate the change that has occurred over a nine-year period between 2010 and 2019. Results: A total of 602 individuals of C. vellerosus were counted in 34 groups (0.58 group/ha). Group locations were: 15 at Boabeng (0.12 groups/ha), five at Fiema (0.08 group/ha), three at Bomini (0.09 group/ha), four at Busuyna (0.13 group/ha), three at Bonte (0.06 group/ha), and four at Akrudwa (0.11 group/ha). C. lowei was only encountered at Boabeng and Fiema, with a total of 351 individuals distributed in 26 groups. In 2010, forest covered a land area of 1,540.08 ha, and it was estimated to have increased to 2,643.12 ha in 2019. Farmlands covered 5,069.07 ha in 2010, and in 2019 were estimated to cover 4,155.03 ha. Built-up areas in 2010 covered an area of 433.89 ha, and in 2019 had declined to 244.89 ha. Conclusion: The monkey populations have increased and spread to occupy all patches in the Monkey Sanctuary. On LULCC, 72% increase, 18% reduction, and 44% reduction in forest cover, farmland and built-up areas were observed respectively. Implications for conservation: There is a blend of traditional and conventional conservation efforts contributing to the increase in primate population, the occupancy of previously ‘empty’ forest patches and change in areas of land-use types.
Odonate fauna (Insecta: Odonata) of Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir, India: a preliminary report
Authors: Nisar Ahmad Paray  , Altaf Hussain Mir
Published: May 2023

The current study was conducted to investigate the variety of Odonata in Kashmir from November 2020 to November 2022. The study revealed the existence of 24 species, which includes 18 species of Anisoptera (dragonflies) under eight genera & two families and six species of Zygoptera (damselflies) in five genera & three families. New records of four species Orthetrum sabina (Drury, 1770), O. internum McLachlan, 1894, Aeshna petalura Martin, 1906, and Anax guttatus (Burmeister, 1839) from the region are provided herewith. Libellulidae (12 spp.) followed by Aeshnidae (six spp.) were recorded as two dominant families. This study provides some important baseline information on the odonates of Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir, India.
Relationship Between Endothelial Dysfunction and the Outcomes After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: Okawa Keisuke , Sogo Masahiro , Morimoto Takeshi , Tsushima Ryu , Sudo Yuya , Saito Eisuke , Ozaki Masatomo , Takahashi Masahiko
Published: May 2023

Background

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the utility of ED as a prognostic marker after AF ablation supplementary to the CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc score is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ED and 5‐year cardiovascular events in patients undergoing AF ablation.

Methods and Results

We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients who underwent a first‐time AF ablation and for whom the endothelial function was assessed by the peripheral vascular reactive hyperemia index (RHI) before ablation. We defined ED as an RHI of <2.1. Cardiovascular events included strokes, heart failure requiring hospitalization, arteriosclerotic disease requiring treatment, venous thromboses, and ventricular arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death. We compared the 5‐year incidence of cardiovascular events after AF ablation between those with and without ED. Among the 1040 patients who were enrolled, 829 (79.7%) had ED, and the RHI value was found to be associated with the CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc score (
P
=0.004). The 5‐year incidence of cardiovascular events was higher among patients with ED than those without ED (98 [11.8%] versus 13 [6.2%]; log‐rank
P
=0.014). We found ED to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular events after AF ablation (hazard ratio [HR], 1.91 [95% CI, 1.04–3.50];
P
=0.036) along with a CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc score of ≥2 (≥3 for women) (HR, 3.68 [95% CI, 1.89–7.15];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of ED among patients with AF was high. Assessing the endothelial function could enable the risk stratification of cardiovascular events after AF ablation.
Planning for Livability? State-built New Towns and Urban Traffic Externalities in China
Authors: Wang Kunlun
Published: May 2023

Congestion and long commutes would lower the livability of cities. To curb such externalities, various policies have been adopted to limit urban sprawl. However, the empirical relationship between urban sprawl and traffic externalities is ambiguous. This paper investigates this issue by examining state-built new towns (a particular feature of China's urbanization processes) and congestion delay indices (measured from the data for urban trips). The results show that the number of new towns was positively correlated with intra-urban congestion and negatively correlated with traveling speed. Further, the congestion effects were severe during rush hours. Cities with more new-town projects have more residents choosing long-distance commuting modes, and greater average commuting time and distance. This finding shows a worse job–housing balance in the city. Moreover, these traffic externalities were primarily caused by new towns built since 2008, which have a larger scale and longer distances to the urban center.
Mechanisms behind differential white grub host susceptibility to entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Katumanyane Agil , Slippers Bernard , Wondafrash Mesfin , Malan Antoinette P. , Hurley Brett P.
Published: May 2023

Control of white grubs, the sporadic root-feeding larvae of scarabid beetles, is difficult due to their cryptic nature and resistance to chemical insecticides. Potential exists for the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) for such control. The successful infection of white grubs by EPN, however, is limited by the white grubs’ innate reduced susceptibility in form of behavioural, morphological and physiological defences. This study aimed to determine the different physiological defence mechanisms of white grubs against attack by EPN. The white grub species, Pegylis sommeri and Schizonycha affinis, which were previously found to have a low level of susceptibility to EPN, and Maladera sp. 4, which had previously shown a relative high level of susceptibility, were examined. The ability of the EPN to penetrate the white grubs and of the EPN symbiotic bacteria to grow inside the insect haemolymph, the encapsulation rates, as well as the nematode growth inside the insect haemolymph, were determined. The results showed that the ability of the nematodes to penetrate white grubs, the encapsulation rates and growth in the haemolymph varied between EPN and white grub species. The different species of the EPN symbiotic bacteria were able to grow in the haemolymph of all the white grub species tested. The results indicate that the white grub species investigated tended to resist the initial penetration of most of the EPN studied, thus avoiding infection.
Guardians of Legality?
Authors: Thin Sarah
Published: May 2023

There is an essential conflict at the heart of the international judicial function. On the one hand, interstate courts and tribunals (ict s) are viewed as guardians of international legality; organs of the international community itself. On the other, they are the tools of their creator states. Accordingly, traditional conceptions of the international judicial function frame ict s as dispute settlors pure and simple, a perspective which comes into conflict with a more community-oriented role for ict s. This article explores these different approaches to the international judicial function, presenting them as two opposing perspectives: one bilateralist, one based on the community interest in legality and the international rule of law. It then assesses the practice and procedure of the icj, itlos, and the wto dsm in relation to jurisdiction and admissibility against these differing views of the international judicial function. It concludes that, although the bilateralist perspective still holds considerable sway, a more systemic, community interest-oriented international judicial function is clearly emerging in the field of international adjudication.
Korean Judicial Decision
Authors: Lee Seokwoo
Published: May 2023

The lawsuit in this case re Comfort Women Victims was brought to recover damages for the sovereign act of the Defendant, a foreign State, which is unlawful; therefore, Seoul Central District Court rejected it and rendered a judgment as in the Order.
The Military Career of the Fifth Marquis of Távara (1604–1665)
Authors: García Hernán Enrique
Published: May 2023

The military career of the Marquis of Távara, a less well-known historical figure among the nobility of Early Modern Spain, deserves attention because his life-experience progressed from his local roles in particular kingdoms to culmination in major duties such as President of the Council of Orders. His career advanced from mere adventurer to maestre de campo (field commander of a tercio), thereafter he held vice-regal office in Sicily and Navarre and the captaincies-general of Aragon, Galicia, Old Castile and Extremadura, and he was involved in the wars against the Portuguese and Catalans during the crisis of the 1640s. Also, he held responsibility for the Monarchy’s entire artillery, and he became an active member of the Council of War. Quite apart from his aristocratic origins, this paper explores how his meritorious military career in combination with his three strategic marriages assisted him in setting and shaping a strategy for military promotion.
Operative Case Volume for Vascular Integrated Residents and Fellows Following the Elective Surgery Shutdown due to COVID-19
Authors: Tolaymat Besher , Chatterjee Lena , Lombardi Joseph V. , Tjaden Bruce L. , Batista Philip M. , Carpenter Jeffrey P. , McMackin Katherine K.
Published: May 2023

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, nonemergent surgery was postponed in efforts to limit disease spread. To determine whether these changes affected vascular integrated resident (VR) and fellow (VF) operative volume, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case log data was reviewed. Case volume and standard deviation for each major category was for graduates of 2020 and 2021 were compared to the year prior to the pandemic, 2019. There were only 3 significant changes when comparing 2020/2021 to the prepandemic baseline of 2019, with increase in abdominal obstructive cases for VRs (8.1 in 2021 vs 5.9 in 2019, P = .021), an increase in upper extremity cases for VFs (18.9 in 2021 from 15.8 in 2019, P = .029), and a decrease in venous cases for VFs (39.6 in 2021 from 48.4 in 2019, P = .011). Postponing nonemergent surgery did not translate to significant changes in operative cases for graduating VRs and VFs.
Positive action paradox in UK police recruitment: A critical perspective
Authors: Hesketh Ian , Stubbs Gareth
Published: May 2023

Police recruitment across the UK is under intense political and social pressure to increase representation and legitimacy. This layered in to a quest to raise the number of police officers in England and Wales by 20,000. However, despite decades of reform initiatives, police recruitment continues to be a challenging and potentially exclusionary process for candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds. Research in this area mainly comprises macro-level process evaluation and subsequent extrapolation of the results into positive action initiatives. There is a paucity of research at the micro-interaction level among social actors. In this paper, we present a case study of police recruitment in a large English Police Constabulary over four recruitment cohorts in 2018. We conducted 26 long-form, in-depth interviews with new police recruits. Utilising the embeddedness theoretical framework based on sociological studies of the labour market, we attempt to understand police recruitment at the micro-social interaction level. We demonstrate that police recruitment has a high level of social embeddedness within the Constabulary. Candidates utilise social connections throughout the recruitment process to develop competence in the recruitment stages, while also building their respective police social identities. Although positive action recipients also receive significant organisational and instrumental support, they build a relationship with the abstract organisation and not existing police officers. This creates an imbalance in social identity development and may have implications for how positive action initiative recipients may struggle within the policing environment. Further implications exist for positive action design and implementation.
Large-Scale, Primary Care–Based Hepatitis C Treatment in an Urban, Medically Underserved Patient Population
Authors: Fluker Shelly-Ann , Darby Rapheisha , McDaniel Kathryn , Quairoli Kristi , Mbonu Collins , Kilakkathi Sindhu , Koumtouzoua Sarah , Jagannathan Ram , Miller Lesley S.
Published: May 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a critical public health concern in the United States. HCV is highly curable, but access to care is limited for many patients. Primary care models can expand access to HCV care. The Grady Liver Clinic (GLC) is a primary care–based HCV clinic founded in 2002. During 20 years, using a multidisciplinary team, the GLC expanded its operations in response to advances in HCV screening and treatment. We describe the clinic model, patient population, and treatment outcomes of the clinic from 2015 through 2019. During this period, 2689 patients were seen in the GLC, and 77% (n = 2083) initiated treatment. Eighty-five percent (1779 of 2083) of patients who started treatment completed treatment and were tested for cure, and 1723 (83% of the total treated cohort, 97% of those tested for cure) were cured. Building on a successful primary care–based treatment model, the GLC dynamically responded to the changes in HCV screening and treatment guidelines, continually increasing access to HCV care. The GLC serves as a model of primary care–based HCV care that aims to achieve HCV microelimination in a safety-net health system. Our findings support the notion that for the United States to achieve elimination of HCV by 2030, generalists can and should provide HCV care, particularly in medically underserved patient populations.
Implementing a Surveillance-Based Approach to Create a Statewide Viral Clearance Cascade for Hepatitis C Among People With HIV and HCV Coinfection in Connecticut
Authors: Wegener Maximilian , Brooks Ralph , Speers Suzanne , Nichols Lisa , Villanueva Merceditas
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

Highly effective direct-acting antiviral medications have made it feasible to achieve elimination of hepatis C virus (HCV), including for people with HIV and HCV coinfection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers guidance for a laboratory surveillance–based HCV viral clearance cascade, which allows public health departments to track the outcomes of people with HCV based on the following steps: ever infected, virally tested, initial infection, and cured or cleared. We examined the feasibility of this approach among people with HIV and HCV coinfection in Connecticut.

Methods:

We matched an HIV surveillance database, which included cases from the enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System as of December 31, 2019, and the HCV surveillance database, the Connecticut Electronic Disease Surveillance System, to define a cohort of coinfected people. We used HCV laboratory results obtained from January 1, 2016, through August 3, 2020, to determine HCV status.

Results:

Of 1361 people who were ever infected with HCV as of December 31, 2019, 1256 (92.3%) received HCV viral testing, 865 of 1256 people tested (68.9%) were HCV infected, and 336 of 865 infected people (38.8%) were cleared or cured. People who had undetectable HIV viral loads at most recent HIV test (<200 copies/mL) were more likely than those with detectable HIV viral loads to achieve HCV cure ( P = .02).

Conclusions:

A surveillance-based approach that includes data based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HCV viral clearance cascade is feasible to implement, can help track population-level outcomes longitudinally, and can help identify gaps to inform HCV elimination strategies.
Advanced treatment strategies in breast cancer: A comprehensive mechanistic review
Authors: Mumtaz Samaira , Ali Shaukat , Mumtaz Shumaila , Pervaiz Asim , Tahir Hafiz M , Farooq Muhammad A , Mughal Tafail A
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer is a destructive lump type that affects women globally. Despite the availability of multi-directional therapeutic strategies, advanced stages of breast cancer are difficult to treat and impose major healthcare burdens. This situation reinforces the need to identify new potential therapeutic compounds with better clinical features. In this context, different treatment methods were included such as Endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, antimicrobial peptide-dependent growth inhibitor, liposome-based drug delivery, antibiotics used as a co-medication, photothermal, immunotherapy, and nano drug delivery systems such as Bombyx mori natural protein sericin and its mediated nanoparticles are promising biomedical agents. They have been tested as an anticancer agent against various malignancies in pre-clinical settings. The biocompatible and restricted breakdown properties of silk sericin and sericin-conjugated nanoparticles made them perfect contenders for a nanoscale drug-delivery system.
Toward a Spirituality of Politics
Authors: Lado Ludovic
Published: May 2023

This article revisits Francis’s vision of politics as one of the highest forms of charity. It argues that Francis’s concept of “political charity” goes beyond a mere repetition of classical church social teaching on politics to ground a spirituality for Christian politicians. He does this mainly in two ways: the first is by inscribing the main Christian virtue of love at the heart of political practice; the second is by portraying both politics and economics as Christian vocations to be embraced as noble paths to holiness. Finally, I introduce an African perspective into the discussion for context and illustration.
Enhancing Ressourcement: Johann Adam Möhler’s Retrieval of Anselm
Authors: Kaplan Grant
Published: May 2023

This article begins by suggesting a wider or more formal understanding of the movement known as ressourcement. After engaging a recent volume of essays on retrieval, the article takes up the work of one contemporary and one bygone theologian in order to highlight how their work embodies the call for a broader understanding of returning to the sources. It then uses Johann Adam Möhler’s reading of Anselm and later medieval theology as exemplary of this call.
Umwelt-Theory, Self-Transcendence, and Openness-to-God: Attending Theologically to Human Animality
Authors: Belton Dylan S.
Published: May 2023

Christian theological anthropology has been critiqued for its habit of sharply distinguishing the human from the nonhuman and for thereby depreciating human animality in one form or another. Within the context of modern theological anthropology, the result of this habit has often been a vision of the human according to which the less animal we are, the more self-transcendent and God-open we are. In light of recent theological and interdisciplinary interest in the Umwelt-theory of Jakob von Uexküll (1864–1944), I indicate how Uexküll’s influential account of animal Umwelten can be a resource for theologians seeking to articulate human self-transcendence and God-openness in a manner that avoids the depreciation—whether explicit or implicit—of our animality.
Pope Francis, Culture of Encounter, the Common Good, and Dharma: Public Theological Conversations Today
Authors: Patrick Gnana
Published: May 2023

Pope Francis is able to communicate common values across borders of religion, regions, and sociopolitical systems. Catholic social teaching on the common good, particularly as articulated and promoted by him as part of a culture of encounter, conveys a relevant message for our times. Approaching the pope’s initiative from a South Asian context, I argue that an engagement with dharma, a religioethical vision, can be part of this culture of encounter, especially in public theological conversations about the common good. Specifically, the themes of the common good, like integral ecology and care for the vulnerable, as earnestly promoted by Pope Francis, can converse with dharma for mutual enrichment, even while the basic teachings on human dignity, freedom, and inalienable rights can usefully enrich the latter.
Social Cognitive Theory, Driving Cessation, and Alternative Transportation in Later Life
Authors: Fields Noelle L. , Dabelko-Schoeny Holly , Murphy Ian E. , Highfill Christine , Cao Qiuchang , White Katie , Sheldon Marisa , Jennings Claire , Kunz-Lomelin Alan
Published: May 2023

Having viable alternative transportation options could help individuals stop driving when appropriate. This study employs the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to understand the barriers and facilitators of alternative transportation among a sample of adults aged 55 and older ( N = 32). Using a daily transportation data collection app, MyAmble, the research team asked participants questions structured around environmental, individual, and behavioral factors as outlined in the SCT framework. Responses were analyzed using directed content analysis. Findings suggest a substantial reliance on motor vehicles and it was evident that many participants had never seriously considered what they would do if they could no longer drive. We posit that SCT principles may be applied to help older adults build self-efficacy to transition to driving cessation when needed.
Do you mind a closer look? A jingle-jangle fallacy perspective on mindfulness
Authors: Altgassen Elisa , Geiger Mattis , Wilhelm Oliver
Published: May 2023

Mindfulness is defined inconsistently, and its various measures resemble established personality self-report scales. Therefore, jingle and jangle fallacies are likely to undermine the construct’s utility. To address these issues, we conducted two studies to test three hurdles of validity: 1) a sound definition and measurement model, 2) empirical distinctiveness, and 3) incremental criterion validity. We established an overarching and inclusive mindfulness definition covering twelve aspects. Based on this definition, we used an item sampling algorithm to select items from eight mindfulness scales. We established an eclectic bi-factor and a single-factor model, both fitting the data well. Bivariate latent variable correlations between a single mindfulness factor and big-five/six personality factors reached up to .68. Although 50% of mindfulness' variance was unaccounted for by the personality factors, it provided no meaningful incremental criterion validity over personality factors. Our results indicate that mindfulness has little or no incremental utility above established personality factors.
The Support Needs and Current Practices of Public Health Nurses in the Republic of Ireland Who Provide Support to Breastfeeding Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Walsh Annemarie , McCluskey Rachel , Cassidy Deirdre , McGoldrick Gerardine , Howlin Claire , Muldoon Kathryn , Butler Éadaoin , Byrne Gobnait
Published: May 2023

Background:

Breastfeeding continuation rates are low in Ireland. The Breastfeeding Observation and Assessment Tool (BOAT) was developed to assist public health nurses in assessing breastfeeding challenges; however, little is known of its actual usage, the level of training experienced or desired by public health nurses, or their level of confidence in the support they provide to breastfeeding mothers.

Research Aim:

To identify the current practices and support needs of public health nurses who provide breastfeeding support in Ireland.

Method:

An online questionnaire was devised to collect respondents’ confidence with breastfeeding issues, caseload, and practices. It was distributed to public health nurses with a current child health caseload in one Community Healthcare Organization. Mann Whitney U tests were used to ascertain the relationship between public health nurses’ confidence level and those with qualifications in midwifery or as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Results:

The survey was completed by 66 public health nurses. Only 14 respondents (21.2%) indicated that they always used the BOAT. The most common reason for not doing so was a lack of education on its use ( n = 17, 25.8%). Postholders also certified as IBCLCs were considered by participants to be the most appropriate professionals to resolve certain breastfeeding issues. Confidence levels to manage breastfeeding issues were highest among public health nurses with IBCLC credentialing ( U = 12.5, p = .001) while no difference was seen when comparing those with a midwifery degree to those without ( U = 184.0, p = .92). Face-to-face workshops and blended-learning approaches were ranked as the preferred formats for breastfeeding education (Median rank = 2).

Conclusions:

Breastfeeding education incorporating a face-to-face component is needed to support public health nurses who work with breastfeeding mothers, as is prioritization of recruitment in the community of public health nurses with IBCLC credentials.
Vacuum-bag-only consolidation of C/PEKK fiber placed preforms with engineered gas evacuation channels
Authors: Swamy Jagadeesh N , Grouve Wouter JB , Wijskamp Sebastiaan , Akkerman Remko
Published: May 2023

Vacuum-bag-only (VBO) consolidation of automated fiber placed (AFP) thermoplastic composites can be a cost-effective processing route for large and complex thermoplastic composite structures. This paper explores the possibility of two-step AFP and VBO consolidation of advanced thermoplastic composites. Two commercially available carbon fiber reinforced Poly-Ether-Ketone-Ketone (C/PEKK) thermoplastic tapes were evaluated. Different process parameters were needed for the two material systems. Further, for the first time, an attempt was made to create in-plane air evacuation channels by deliberately introducing gaps between the tapes in the preforms during the placement. In the case of one material system, the VBO consolidation of preforms with and without gaps yielded good consolidation quality with less than 1% voids. In the other case, VBO consolidation of preforms with gaps showed a improved consolidation quality with less than 1% voids than the preform without gaps, indicating that the gaps possibly help accelerate the gas evacuation process.
The regional survey movement and popular autoethnography in early 20th-century Britain
Authors: Parker Harry
Published: May 2023

This article’s subject is the theory and practice of ‘regional survey’, the method of social and environmental study associated with Scottish thinker Patrick Geddes (1854–1932). Despite being overlooked or dismissed in most accounts of early 20th-century social science, regional survey had a wide influence on the development of the nascent disciplines of anthropology, sociology, and human geography. Emerging from late 19th-century field biology, the regional survey came to typify a methodological moment in the natural and social sciences that favoured the holistic analysis of geographically delimited areas. By the interwar period, the kinds of projects that went under its name can clearly be seen as forerunners of the post-Second World War tradition of community studies. Additionally, in its self-presentation as a civic, participatory exercise, the regional survey can be read as a form of popular autoethnography that contrasts with other, more familiar social-scientific ventures in the first half of the 20th century, and defies the dichotomy between ‘gentlemanly’ and ‘technical’ modes of social science. As a result, this article argues, the regional survey provides an alternative point of departure for thinking about the origins and development of the modern social sciences in Britain.
Research on the dynamic evolution and influence factors of industrial energy efficiency in China Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: You Jiansheng , Zhao Rui
Published: May 2023

Improving the Yangtze River Economic Belt's industrial energy efficiency is not only an important measure to alleviate China's energy shortages but also a drive to promote green economic development. The Super-EBM model, Malmquist productivity index, exploratory spatial data analysis, and Spatial Dubin model are used in this article to investigate the spatial-temporal dynamic development characteristics and influencing factors of industrial energy efficiency in 108 cities of the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2011 to 2020. The findings demonstrate that the industrial energy efficiency of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and its three urban agglomerations went through three stages, including the “oscillation period,” “stability period,” and “enhancement period,” and decreases from east to west in the spatial dimension. The Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration has the highest industrial energy efficiency, followed by the Middle-reach Yangtze River urban agglomeration, and the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration is the lowest. Further, this article identifies seven influencing factors including government intervention, industrial structure, degree of openness, R&D investment, urbanization, economic development, and environmental regulation. This article provides suggestions for industrial energy efficiency improvement.
A review of the development of gangrene in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus – A 44-year follow-up study
Authors: Rua Joana , Isenberg David
Published: May 2023

Objectives

This review addresses the question of what happens long-term to those systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients who develop gangrene. It also seeks to find common clinical and serological features, risk factors and triggers and how best to manage this challenging complication.

Methods

We reviewed 850 patients with SLE attending a UK tertiary referral center, followed up over 44 years, assessing their demographics, clinical and serological features, treatment in the acute phase, their long-term outcome and long-term management.

Results

Ten out of 850 patients (1.2%) developed gangrene; the mean age of onset was 17 years (range 12–26 years) Eight out of 10 patients had a single episode of gangrene. One of the other two was not willing to have anticoagulation. The first episode of gangrene ranged from presentation to 32 years after SLE onset, mean duration of SLE at the onset of the gangrene was 18.5 years SD 11.5 years. Anti-phospholipid (PL) antibodies were over-represented in the patients with gangrene. All had active SLE at the time the gangrene developed. All patients were treated with intravenous (IV) iloprost infusions, and the antiphospholipid-antibody positive patients were anti-coagulated, most staying on long term anticoagulation. Underlying possible triggers were treated appropriately. Two patients who did not respond to the initial treatment needed further immunosuppression. All patients suffered digit loss.

Conclusion

Although rare, gangrene is a sinister, potentially late developing complication of SLE, it rarely recurs. It is associated with anti-phospholipid antibodies, active disease, and other possible triggers such as infection and cancer. Anticoagulation therapy, steroids and iloprost, and further immunosuppression may be needed to stop the evolution of gangrene.
Sustainable and Smart Manufacturing in Paramakudi Engineering Cluster
Authors: Bhaskaran Ethirajan
Published: May 2023

The Paramakudi Engineering Cluster which is an induced cluster was formed during 2018 at Small Industries Development Corporation (SIDCO) Industrial Estate, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu with 32 Micro- and Small-Enterprises has got old machineries like lathe, drilling machine, welding machine, 40 T power press. Due to the non-availability of the latest machinery, they approached the Ministry of Micro-, Small- and Medium-Enterprises (MSME), Government of India (GOI) and got grant from GOI, Government of Tamil Nadu (GOTN), then they put special purpose vehicle (SPV) contribution, got Term loan from Canara Bank and got latest machinery like shearing machine, laser cutting machine, compressor with drier, Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) press brake, Power Press, Electric Overhead Travelling (EOT) crane etc and put-up Common Facility Centre (CFC). The objective is to study the capacity utilisation (CU) of machineries and service charges (SC) collected and to study on the financial performance of enterprises on revenue generated ( Rg) and gross profit ( Pg) before and after Cluster Development Approach (CDA) in CFC. The methodology was adopted by collecting the above primary data and analysing using Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, trend analysis, regression analysis, structural equation modelling and t-test. The annual average increase in CU of machineries during various time period T from t = 1 to 4 i.e., from 2017-18 to 2021-22 (Tt) is 14.93 % [CU = 9.08 + 14.93 Tt, p = 0.23, R2 = 0.59] and an annual average decrease in service charge collected is ₹107.5 [SC = 1100–107.5 Tt, p = 0.002, R2 = 0.99]. One unit increase in CU leads to 4.4 unit decrease in service charge collected [SC = 1036.29–4.41 CU, p = 0.20, R2 = 0.63]. There is an increase in the mean value of Rg and Pg. By adopting a CDA productivity of Paramakudi Engineering Cluster is increased and also competitiveness of the enterprises in the cluster is increased to move up in the value chain. Due to CDA, MSEs in Paramakudi Engineering Cluster have adopted smart and sustainable manufacturing to reduce cost and increase profit.
Does Active Aging Reduce Mortality Risk Among Older Adults? A Survival Analysis in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Chin Lung , Hairi Noran Naqiah , Awang Halimah
Published: May 2023

Active aging is important for promoting the health, wellbeing, and participation of older adults. This study investigated the association between active aging and mortality risk among 2 230 respondents aged 60 and older. Principal component analysis extracted a five-factor structure from 15 indicators of active aging. The mean active aging score was 55.57 and the median was 53.33. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that individuals with active aging scores of 53.33 and above had significantly longer survival than those below the median. Cox regression analysis indicated the significance of active aging in reducing mortality risk by 2.5% after adjusting for sex, marital status, age, ethnicity, chronic diseases, and risk factors. The active aging approach comprising health, economic, and social factors is crucial in improving survival among older adults. Hence, policies and programs that promote active aging should be encouraged to enhance the health and wellbeing of older adults and their engagement in society.
Ingesta-associated choledocholithiasis in horses: 2 cases and literature review
Authors: Linn-Peirano Sarah C. , Hepworth-Warren Kate , Kinsella Hannah , Diaz-Campos Dubraska , Brenseke Bonnie M. , Cianciolo Rachel E. , Schroeder Eric , Schreeg Megan E.
Published: May 2023

Equine ingesta-associated choledocholithiasis is a rare cause of morbidity and mortality. We describe here the clinical, gross, histologic, and microbiologic features of this condition in 2 horses and compare the features to 2 previous cases. Case 1 was a 4-y-old Thoroughbred mare with colic. Case 2 was an 18-y-old American Paint Horse mare with colic, chronic weight loss, and inappropriate mentation. Both had elevated biochemical markers of hepatocellular injury and cholestasis and were euthanized given a poor prognosis. Case 1 had a well-formed 5-cm choledocholith surrounding a piece of hay, and had chronic neutrophilic cholangiohepatitis, bridging fibrosis, and extrahepatic obstruction. Case 2 had an ill-formed choledocholith with occasional hay fragments, wood stick, and twigs, and had regionally extensive hepatocellular necrosis with mild neutrophilic cholangiohepatitis and bridging fibrosis. Enterococcus casseliflavus and Escherichia coli were isolated in both cases; Clostridium spp. were also isolated from case 2. All 4 reported cases had increased activity of cholestatic enzymes, hyperbilirubinemia, portal inflammation, and bridging fibrosis. Colic, pyrexia, leukocytosis with neutrophilia, and elevated hepatocellular enzyme activity were documented in 3 cases. Foreign material in all 4 cases was plant origin (choledochophytolithiasis), including hay ( n = 2), sticks/twigs ( n = 2), and grass awns ( n = 1). Ingesta-associated choledocholithiasis may be considered as a cause of colic, pyrexia, and elevated cholestatic biomarkers in horses.
Research Report Beyond Stereotypes: Afghan Men as Allies for Gender Equality and Feminist Peace
Authors: Yousaf Farooq , Peacock Dean
Published: May 2023

Analyses of women’s rights and gender equality in Afghanistan have historically depicted a clear binary: patriarchal and conservative men resisting aspirational women. However, such analyses have failed to account for the significant number of men in Afghanistan who have been vocal advocates for women’s rights and have worked tirelessly towards building a gender-just society. To challenge stereotypical representations, this report draws on primary interview data to explore the views of Afghan male allies who are working for gender equality and feminist peace in the country. The report discusses the allies’ perspectives on gender relations and their commitment towards feminist peace. The report also offers an analysis of the current situation in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime and its implications for our male allies and their work. Through their stories, the report hopes to shed light on the challenges faced by men who support women’s rights in Afghanistan and challenge the narrow portrayal of Afghan men as culturally and religiously conservative and opposed to gender equality.