bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compatibility study of patiromer with juices/liquids and soft foods
Authors: Khoeiklang Martin , Wilhelm Maria , Li Lingyun , Quinn Carol P. Moreno
Published: August 2023

Patiromer powder for oral suspension (patiromer o.s.) is a once-daily, potassium (K+) binder approved for the treatment of hyperkalemia. It is known that patiromer o.s. can be mixed with water, apple juice, or cranberry juice. This in vitro study assessed whether mixing patiromer o.s. with a variety of other liquids and soft foods would affect the total K+-exchange capacity (TKEC) of patiromer. Juices (grape, orange, pear, or pineapple), nectars (apricot or peach), and other liquids/soft foods (milk, thickener, apple sauce, chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding, or yoghurt) were assessed for compatibility with patiromer o.s. at low and high ratio levels, equivalent to patiromer active moiety doses of 8.4 g and 25.2 g per 80 mL (1/3 cup), respectively. Mixtures were stirred, rested for 45 min, diluted with water, and centrifuged. Residues were washed, vacuum filtered, and dried. TKEC of the residue was evaluated; the prespecified acceptance criterion for patiromer was 8.4–10.0 mmol/g. Mean TKECs of the patiromer in juices/nectars were 8.7–8.9 mmol/g for the low ratio and 8.5–8.6 mmol/g for the high ratio. For other liquids/soft foods, the mean TKEC for patiromer at low and high ratios was 8.5–8.7 mmol/g. All tested vehicles were within the prespecified range. Mixing of patiromer o.s. with juices/liquids and soft foods does not adversely affect the K+-binding capability of patiromer. Use of different vehicles for suspending patiromer o.s. may help with its palatability, enhance patient experience, and reduce nonadherence.

Graphical Abstract

The potassium binder, patiromer powder for oral suspension, can be mixed with water, juices (apple, cranberry, grape, orange, pear, or pineapple), nectar (apricot or peach), other liquids (milk or thickener), and soft foods (apple sauce, chocolate or vanilla pudding, or yoghurt) for the treatment of hyperkalemia.
Comparison of volumetric and areal bone mineral density in CT and scout scans using spectral detector technology
Authors: Hammel Johannes , Birnbacher Lorenz , Campbell Graeme , Coulon Philippe , Ushakov Lev , Pfeiffer Franz , Makowski Marcus R. , Kirschke Jan , Pfeiffer Daniela
Published: August 2023

Background

To determine whether denoised areal bone mineral density (BMD) measurements from scout scans in spectral detector computed tomography (CT) correlate with volumetric trabecular BMD for opportunistic osteoporosis screening.

Methods

A 64-slice single-source dual-layer spectral CT scanner was used to acquire scout scan data of 228 lumbar vertebral bodies within 57 patients. Scout scans in anterior–posterior (AP) view were performed with a dose of < 0.06 mSv and spectrally decomposed into areal BMD (aBMD) values. A spectral dictionary denoising algorithm was applied to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Volumetric trabecular bone mineral density (vBMD) was determined via material decomposition. A 3D convolutional network for image segmentation and labeling was applied for automated vBMD quantification. Projected maps were used to compare the classification accuracy of AP and lateral scout scans.

Results

The denoising algorithm led to the minimization of anticorrelated noise in spectral maps and an SNR increase from 5.23 to 13.4 (p < 0.002). Correlation analysis between vBMD and measured AP aBMD, projected AP, and lateral aBMD showed a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.68, 0.81, and 0.90, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for the osteoporosis classification task were higher in lateral projection images than in AP crystallizing in an increased area under the curve value of 0.99 versus 0.90.

Conclusion

Denoised material-specific aBMD maps show a positive correlation to vBMD, enabling spectral scout scans as an opportunistic predictor for osteoporotic patients. This could be applied routinely as a screening tool in patients undergoing a CT examination.

Relevance statement

Scout-based DEXA could be applied routinely as a screening tool in patients undergoing a CT examination.

Key points

• Spectral scout scans can be used as a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-like screening tool.

• Spectral dictionary denoising on projection images increases the signal-to-noise ratio.

• Positive correlation between volumetric and areal bone mineral density is observed.

• Lateral projections increase osteoporosis classification accuracy compared to anterior-posterior projections.

Graphical Abstract
Prevalence and factors associated with flares following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and spondyloarthritis: a national cohort study
Authors: Fong Warren , Woon Ting Hui , Chew Li-Ching , Low Andrea , Law Annie , Poh Yih Jia , Yeo Siaw Ing , Leung Ying Ying , Ma Margaret , Santosa Amelia , Kong Kok Ooi , Xu Chuanhui , Teng Gim Gee , Mak Anselm , Tay Sen Hee , Chuah Tyng Yu , Roslan Nur Emillia , Angkodjojo Stanley , Phang Kee Fong , Sriranganathan Melonie , Tan Teck Choon , Cheung Peter , Lahiri Manjari
Published: August 2023

Objective

To determine prevalence and factors associated with flares post Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Methods

A retrospective multi-centre study was conducted (January 2021 to February 2022). Data were collected during index visit, defined as first post-vaccine visit in which the patient had a physician-defined flare, or if at least 3 months had elapsed since first vaccine dose, whichever came first. Factors associated with flares were identified using mixed effects Cox regression and expressed as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Total of 2377 patients were included (1563 RA, 415 PsA and 399 SpA). Among patients with RA, PsA and SpA, 21.3%, 24.1% and 21.8% experienced a flare respectively. Of those who experienced a flare, only 10.2%, 11.0% and 14.9% were severe in patients with RA, PsA and SpA respectively. Patients with low or moderate/high disease were more likely to flare compared to those in remission in patients with RA only (HR: 1.68, 95% CI 1.22–2.31; HR: 2.28, 95% CI 1.50–3.48, respectively). Receiving the Moderna vaccine was associated with a higher HR of flare compared to the Pfizer vaccine in patients with PsA only (HR: 2.21, 95% CI 1.20–4.08). Patients who had two vaccine doses were found to be less likely to flare (HR: 0.08, 95% CI 0.06–0.10). HRs of flares were not significantly different among RA, PsA and SpA.

Conclusion

About one-fifth of patients experienced a disease flare post COVID-19 mRNA vaccination, but most flares were non-severe. Patients with active disease prior to vaccination should be monitored closely for disease flares, especially in patients with RA.
Olfactory mucosa steroid injection in treatment of post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction: a randomized control trial
Authors: Lasheen Hisham , Abou-Zeid Mohamed Aly
Published: August 2023

Background

Olfactory dysfunction can be a troublesome condition affecting the quality of life of the patient. Post-viral olfactory dysfunction is the most common cause attributing to up to 40% of anosmia. COVID-19 infection commonly causes anosmia in 30–66% of patients. The long-term effect of post-COVID olfactory dysfunction is reported to be increasing in incidence. Steroids are usually used in the treatment of olfactory dysfunction and most commonly used locally in the form of nasal steroid sprays, rinses, or drops. Oral systemic steroids are sometimes used; however, they have several known side effects. Other treatments experimented include giving vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies, in addition to olfactory training, counseling, and acupuncture. In this study, the effect of intranasal steroid injection is studied in post-COVID olfactory dysfunction.

Results

Forty patients with olfactory dysfunction post-COVID-19 for more than 3 months were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A patients received 8 doses of dexamethasone over 2 months (twice weekly) injected near the olfactory mucosa in the nasal septum and middle turbinate, compared to group B who received saline injected in the same way as placebo. Numerically, nasal injection of corticosteroids in group A showed more subjective improvement using the questionnaire of olfactory disorders-negative statement QOD-NS than the control patients in group B but this improvement was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

The use of intranasal corticosteroids injection should be considered in the treatment of post-COVID anosmia.
Myxoid solitary fibrous tumor with rapid growth due to increased mucinous components: a case report
Authors: Kondo Kaoru , Shiotani Toshio , Furukawa Shinichi , Watanabe Mototsugu , Kataoka Kazuhiko
Published: August 2023

Background

Myxoid solitary fibrous tumors are defined as solitary fibrous tumors with ≥ 50% mucinous components. As they are a rare type of pleural tumor, no reports on their rapid growth before surgery exist.

Case presentation

Herein, we report the case of a 63-year-old male patient with a myxoid solitary fibrous tumor. The tumor had grown rapidly from 27 to 50 mm over 6 months, and a contrast-enhancing area was observed in approximately one-quarter of the tumor on computed tomography. The tumor was located in the parietal pleura at the ventral part of the left fourth intercostal space without adhesion or invasion into surrounding organs. It was completely resected via video-assisted thoracic surgery. Based on histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, the tumor was identified as a myxoid solitary fibrous tumor. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 2 and has had recurrence-free survival for 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to report the rapid growth of myxoid solitary fibrous tumor despite its predominantly benign nature. Myxoid solitary fibrous tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of rapidly growing preoperative tumors.
Aortic valve neocuspidization using bovine pericardium for prosthetic valve endocarditis in a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Go Seimei , Takasaki Taiichi , Katayama Keijiro , Takahashi Shinya
Published: August 2023

Background

Hemodialysis patients are at high risk for prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) because of the risk of bacteria entering with each hemodialysis session. To avoid the use of artificial materials as much as possible, we performed aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) using bovine pericardium.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old patient had undergone aortic valve replacement using a bioprosthetic valve 4 months previous. For the past month, he had had PVE caused by Candida glabrata. Because the pericardium had already been incised in the previous surgery and there was not enough pericardium left for neocuspidization, we performed AVNeo using bovine pericardium. The previously implanted bioprosthetic valve revealed sticky fungal warts on the leaflet and valve ring, which prevented the movement of the valves. We cut all of the threads holding the valve and removed the bioprosthetic valve. Three valves were cut from the bovine pericardium using a unique template following the method of Ozaki et al. and were fixed to the valve ring with a running suture. The postoperative course was good.

Conclusions

We believe that this treatment is an effective method for PVE because we can avoid the use of artificial materials as much as possible.
The alarms should no longer be ignored: survey of the demand, capacity and provision of adult community eating disorder services in England and Scotland before COVID-19
Authors: Viljoen David , King Emily , Harris Sophie , Hollyman Jonathan , Costello Kate , Galvin Eimear , Stock Melissa , Schmidt Ulrike , Downs James , Sekar Murali , Newell Ciaran , Clark-Stone Sam , Wicksteed Amy , Foster Caroline , Battisti Francesca , Williams Laura , Jones Roshan , Beglin Sarah , Anderson Stephen , Jebarsan Thuthirna , Ghuys Viviane , Ayton Agnes
Published: August 2023

Aims/method

This national pre-pandemic survey compared demand and capacity of adult community eating disorder services (ACEDS) with NHS England (NHSE) commissioning guidance.

Results

Thirteen services in England and Scotland responded (covering 10.7 million population). Between 2016–2017 and 2019–2020 mean referral rates increased by 18.8%, from 378 to 449/million population. Only 3.7% of referrals were from child and adolescent eating disorder services (CEDS-CYP), but 46% of patients were aged 18–25 and 54% were aged >25. Most ACEDS had waiting lists and rationed access. Many could not provide full medical monitoring, adapt treatment for comorbidities, offer assertive outreach or provide seamless transitions. For patient volume, the ACEDS workforce budget was 15%, compared with the NHSE workforce calculator recommendations for CEDS-CYP. Parity required £7 million investment/million population for the ACEDS.

Clinical implications

This study highlights the severe pressure in ACEDS, which has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Substantial investment is required to ensure NHS ACEDS meet national guidance, offer evidence-based treatment, reduce risk and preventable deaths, and achieve parity with CEDS-CYP.
Defining severity of personality disorder using electronic health records: short report
Authors: Monk-Cunliffe Jonathan , Kadra-Scalzo Giouliana , Finamore Chloe , Dale Oliver , Khondoker Mizanur , Barrett Barbara , Shetty Hitesh , Hayes Richard D. , Moran Paul
Published: August 2023

Severity of personality disorder is an important determinant of future health. However, this key prognostic variable is not captured in routine clinical practice. Using a large clinical data-set, we explored the predictive validity of items from the Health of Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) as potential indicators of personality disorder severity. For 6912 patients with a personality disorder diagnosis, we examined associations between HoNOS items relating to core personality disorder symptoms (self-harm, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, performance of occupational and social roles, and agitation and aggression) and future health service use. Compared with those with no self-harm problem, the total healthcare cost was 2.74 times higher (95% CI 1.66–4.52; P < 0.001) for individuals with severe to very severe self-harm problems. Other HoNOS items did not demonstrate clear patterns of association with service costs. Self-harm may be a robust indicator of the severity of personality disorder, but further replication work is required.
Psychological distress, self-harm and suicide attempts in gender minority compared with cisgender adolescents in the UK
Authors: White James , Trinh Mai-Han , Reynolds Colleen A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Few population-based studies have compared the mental health of gender minority and cisgender adolescents.

Aims

To compare reports of psychological distress, behavioural and emotional difficulties, self-harm and suicide attempts between gender minority and cisgender adolescents.

Method

Data came from the Millennium Cohort Study (n = 10 247), a large nationally representative birth cohort in the UK. At a 17-year follow-up, we assessed gender identity, psychological distress (Kessler K6 scale), behavioural and emotional difficulties (parent and child reports on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), self-harm in the previous year, suicide attempts, substance use, and victimisation including harassment and physical and sexual assaults. Multivariable modified Poisson and linear regression models were used. Attenuation after the inclusion of victimisation and substance use was used to explore mediation.

Results

Of the 10 247 participants, 113 (1.1%) reported that they were a gender minority. Gender minority participants reported more psychological distress (coefficient 5.81, 95% CI 4.87–6.74), behavioural and emotional difficulties (child report: coefficient 5.60; 95% CI 4.54–6.67; parent/carer report: coefficient 2.60; 95% CI 1.47–3.73), self-harm including cutting or stabbing (relative risk (RR) 4.38; 95% CI 3.55–5.40), burning (RR 3.81; 95% CI 2.49–5.82), taking an overdose (RR 5.25; 95% CI 3.35–8.23) and suicide attempts (RR 3.42; 95% CI 2.45–4.78) than cisgender youth. These associations were partially explained by differences in exposure to victimisation.

Conclusions

Gender minority adolescents experience a disproportionate burden of mental health problems. Policies are needed to reduce victimisation and services should be adapted to better support the mental health of gender minority adolescents.
Thyroglobulin Cutoff Values for Detecting Excellent Response to Therapy in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Sipos Jennifer A , Aloi Joseph , Gianoukakis Andrew , Lee Stephanie L , Klopper Joshua P , Kung Jacqueline T , Lupo Mark A , Morgenstern David , Prat-Knoll Cristina , Schuetzenmeister Andre , Goldner Whitney S
Published: August 2023

Context

Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) is a biochemical marker for detecting persistent or recurrent differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) post-thyroidectomy. Tg can indicate DTC before structural disease (SD) is visible with imaging procedures.

Objective

This work aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of the Elecsys® Tg II assay at a Tg cutoff of 0.2 ng/mL for ruling out SD in adults with DTC after total/near-total thyroidectomy, with or without radioiodine ablation (RAI).

Methods

Patients were enrolled into 2 cohorts: longitudinal (Tg assessed every 6 months over 2 years under thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] suppression therapy following thyroidectomy with or without RAI) and cross-sectional with confirmed SD (Tg assessed once >12 weeks after thyroidectomy). Analyses were performed for both cohorts combined and in the longitudinal cohort.

Results

The study included 530 clinically evaluable samples, the majority (n = 424 samples) from patients who had not received RAI treatment. Following correction for SD prevalence (4.97% in the longitudinal cohort), an Elecsys Tg II cutoff of 0.2 ng/mL ruled out SD with a negative predictive value of 99.9% (95% CI, 99.5%-100%). The assay had excellent sensitivity (98.5%-100%) and acceptable specificity (53.4%-53.5%) for detecting SD (Tg ≥ 0.2 ng/mL) for both cohorts combined and in the longitudinal cohort, with similar findings in RAI-treated and non-RAI-treated subgroups.

Conclusion

In this cohort of DTC patients post-thyroidectomy, a Tg cutoff of 0.2 ng/mL was highly effective for ruling out the presence of SD under TSH-suppressed conditions, including in patients who had not received RAI treatment.
Προοπτική, πολυκεντρική μελέτη καταγραφής επίπτωσης συστηματικών μυκητιάσεων σε νοσηλευόμενους ενήλικους ασθενείς με αιματολογικές κακοήθειες και/ή μεταμόσχευση μυελού των οστών
Authors: Αποστολίδη Ειρήνη
Published: August 2023

Οι διηθητικές μυκητιακές λοιμώξεις αποτελούν κύρια αιτία θνητότητας και θνησιμότητας για τους ασθενείς με αιματολογικές κακοήθειες. Ο σίδηρος διαδραματίζει σημαντικό ρόλο στην παθογένεση των λοιμώξεων, συμπεριλαμβανομένων και των διηθητικών μυκητιάσεων. Έρευνες έχουν δείξει ότι η υπερφόρτωση του οργανισμού με σίδηρο είναι πιθανό να αποτελεί έναν ακόμη παράγοντα κινδύνου για την ανάπτυξη διηθητικών μυκητιακών λοιμώξεων. Διεξήγαμε μια προοπτική, πολυκεντρική μελέτη σε ασθενείς με νεοδιάγνωση οξείας μυελογενούς λευχαιμίας ή μυελοδυσπλαστικού συνδρόμου σε εκτροπή, για να αποσαφηνίσουμε εάν η αυξημένη συγκέντρωση σιδήρου στις αποθήκες σιδήρου του μυελού των οστών και τα αυξημένα επίπεδα σιδήρου ορού και φερριτίνης είναι ανεξάρτητοι παράγοντες κινδύνου για την ανάπτυξη διηθητικών μυκητιακών λοιμώξεων. Συνολικά, 98 ασθενείς καταγράφηκαν (76 με οξεία μυελογενή λευχαιμία) και παρακολουθήθηκαν για ένα έτος μετά τη διάγνωσή τους. 22 ασθενείς διεγνώσθησαν με διηθητική μυκητίαση κατά το διάστημα παρακολούθησης (διηθητική ασπεργίλλωση n=16, καντινταιμία n=5, μουκορμύκωση n=1). Αυξημένος σίδηρο στις αποθήκες σιδήρου του μυελού των οστών εντοπίστηκε σε 39 ασθενείς (31/76 ασθενείς χωρίς διηθητική μυκητίαση και 7/22 ασθενείς με διηθητική μυκητίαση). Η μονοπαραγοντική ανάλυση έδειξε ότι μόνο η διάγνωση της οξείας μυελογενούς λευχαιμίας αυτή καθ’ αυτή αποτελεί ανεξάρτητο παράγοντα για την ανάπτυξη διηθητικής μυκητιακής λοίμωξης [OR (95% CI) 7.40 (1.05 – 325.42)]. Στη μονοπαραγοντική και στην πολυπαραγοντική ανάλυση, το αυξημένο BMIS score (≥3) στη διάγνωση δε φάνηκε να αποτελεί ανεξάρτητο παράγοντα κινδύνου. Ομοίως, ο σίδηρος και η φερριτίνη ορού δε διέφεραν στις δύο ομάδες που είχαν παρόμοια δημογραφικά χαρακτηριστικά. Στην κοορτή μας που αποτελείται από Έλληνες ασθενείς με πρωτοδιάγνωση οξείας μυελογενούς λευχαιμίας ή μυελοδυσπλαστικό σύνδρομο σε εκτροπή, οι δείκτες υπερφόρτωσης του οργανισμού με σίδηρο δεν αποτελούν ανεξάρτητο παράγοντα κινδύνου για διηθητικές μυκητιάσεις.
Διάλογος Εκκλησίας και Πολιτείας για τη νομοθέτηση θεμάτων σχετικών με τις αμβλώσεις από το 1978 έως το 1986
Authors: Ντάλλα Μαρία
Published: August 2023

Αντικείμενο της έρευνας είναι η μελέτη του διαλόγου μεταξύ της Ελληνικής Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας και της Πολιτείας για τη νομοθέτηση θεμάτων σχετικών με τις αμβλώσεις. Ως χρονικό πλαίσιο ορίζεται η οκταετία από την ψήφιση ενός κρίσιμου νομοθετήματος, το 1978, το οποίο έφερε στο προσκήνιο το πρόβλημα των αμβλώσεων και άνοιξε τον δρόμο προς την κατεύθυνση της νομιμοποίησης, έως την ψήφιση του νόμου 609/1986, με τον οποίο νομιμοποιήθηκαν οι αμβλώσεις. Προκειμένου να κατανοηθεί το ιστορικό πλαίσιο, μελετάται η θεσμική διαδρομή της άμβλωσης, παρουσιάζονται οι δράσεις του γυναικείου κινήματος, οι αντιδράσεις της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας, ο ρόλος των Μέσων Μαζικής Ενημέρωσης και ο αντίκτυπος του νομοθετήματος στα μέρη του διαλόγου και τις μεταξύ τους σχέσεις, συμπεριλαμβανομένου του γυναικείου κινήματος. Η ουσία του διαλόγου μελετάται μέσα από την κατηγοριοποίηση και την ανάλυση των επιχειρημάτων και των αντεπιχειρημάτων που διατυπώθηκαν κατά τη διάρκεια της περιόδου ενδιαφέροντος. Μεγάλο μέρος της έρευνας αφιερώθηκε στη μελέτη δημοσιευμάτων του ημερήσιου και περιοδικού τύπου. Από την πλευρά της Εκκλησίας, τα επιχειρήματα συγκεντρώθηκαν από Εγκυκλίους και Διαγγέλματα, Υπομνήματα και Εισηγήσεις Συνοδικών Επιτροπών, ψηφίσματα από συγκεντρώσεις, φυλλάδια από Μητροπόλεις και θρησκευτικές οργανώσεις, τηλεγραφήματα και συγγράμματα εκφραστών της εκκλησιαστικής θέσης, κληρικών ή λαϊκών. Από την πλευρά της Πολιτείας και τα νομοθετήματα καθαυτά, η μελέτη επικεντρώθηκε σε εισηγητικές εκθέσεις, πρακτικά των αρμόδιων Κοινοβουλευτικών Επιτροπών, τροπολογίες που κατατέθηκαν, είτε ενσωματώθηκαν στο τελικό κείμενο του νόμου είτε όχι, και πρακτικά Συνεδριάσεων της Ολομέλειας ή του αντίστοιχου Τμήματος Διακοπής των Εργασιών της Βουλής. Από τη μελέτη των επιχειρημάτων προκύπτουν συμπεράσματα που αφορούν τους όρους και τον χαρακτήρα του διαλόγου, την ουσία και το εύρος των επιχειρημάτων που διατυπώθηκαν και την εξέλιξή τους κατά τη διάρκεια της περιόδου ενδιαφέροντος. Αναλύονται και αξιολογούνται οι παράγοντες που συνέβαλαν στη νομιμοποίηση των αμβλώσεων στην Ελλάδα και σκιαγραφείται η κοινωνία τηςεποχής που μελετήθηκε, ήτοι ο ηθικός κώδικας, οι κοινωνικές αγκυλώσεις, η θέση της γυναίκας και η σταδιακή αφομοίωση νέων ιδεών.
Διαστάσεις του κινήματος κατά της λιτότητας στην ισπανική κοινωνία και πολιτική: Μια κυβερνολογική προσέγγιση
Authors: Δημητρίου Γιώργος
Published: August 2023

Όπως στην Ελλάδα έτσι και στην Ισπανία η δεκαετία 2010-2019 υπήρξε πολιτικά και κινηματικά ιδιαίτερα παραγωγική. Ο στόχος μου είναι να συμπυκνώσω τα βασικά χαρακτηριστικά του κινήματος κατά της λιτότητας στην Ισπανία με την ταυτόχρονη αποτίμηση των επιτευγμάτων του. Παράλληλα, θα αναφερθώ στην κριτική που δέχτηκαν οι πολιτικές στρατηγικές του Podemos και των δημοτιστικών παρατάξεων, που αναδύθηκαν από το κίνημα 15Μ. Από την αμφισβήτηση του μεταπολιτικού συστήματος της ισπανικής Μετάβασης (Transición), μέχρι την έμφαση στη σχεσιακότητα, τη φροντίδα και την εκθήλυνση της πολιτικής (όπως αποτυπώθηκε στη στρατηγική του νέου δημοτισμού) προκύπτουν χρήσιμες εμπειρίες για τις προϋποθέσεις κατασκευής του νέου homo politicus, μέσω πιο συμμετοχικών και συμπεριληπτικών τεχνικών διακυβέρνησης. H έννοια της κυβερνολογικής θα με βοηθήσει να συγκεκριμενοποιήσω τους λόγους για τους οποίους τα αιτήματα εκδημοκρατισμού παραμένουν εξίσου επίκαιρα και πολυεπίπεδα.
Informal economic activity and political consumption
Authors: Komninou Margarita
Published: August 2023

Drawing upon findings from an ethnographic study conducted in crisis-ridden Greece, this article explores consumer participation in the informal economy and illustrates the diversity of political discourse embedded within this type of economic activity. The study focused on 24 consumers from three distinctive theoretical categories (termed ‘ethical consumers’, ‘active citizens’ and ‘disqualified consumers’) and involved a variety of data collection methods (including observation, kitchen tours, shop-along and interviews). Empirical evidence demonstrates that to fully appreciate consumer activity and consumer agency in the informal economy, it is imperative to recognise informal modes of acquisition and exchange that do not resemble formal market transactions.
A new host record for the pea crab Pinnotheres pisum (Linnaeus, 1767) (Decapoda: Pinnotheridae) in the western Mediterranean, with an update on host species
Authors: MARCO-HERRERO ELENA , RAMÍREZ-AMARO SERGIO , DÍAZ A. JULIO , ORDINES FRANCESC , MASSUTÍ ENRIC
Published: August 2023

Pinnotheres pisum (Linnaeus, 1767) is one of the pinnotherid crab species with the highest number of reported bivalve hosts. Here we first report this species living in the bivalve Glossus humanus (Linnaeus, 1758), and provide an update on P. pisum symbiotic associations (i.e., known hosts), reaching up to 34 taxa. Partial sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I were first obtained from P. pisum and the G. humanus host from the Mediterranean Sea, confirming conspecificity with specimens from the Atlantic Ocean of the same species.
The altered sputum microbiome profile in patients with moderate and severe COPD compared to the healthy group in the Indian population
Authors: Hazra Druti , SM Fayaz , Chawla Kiran , Sintchenko Vitali , Martinez Elena , Magazine Rahul , Siddalingaiah Nayana
Published: August 2023

Background: Microbial culture-independent sequencing techniques have advanced our understanding of host-microbiome interactions in health and disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the dysbiosis of airway microbiota in patients with moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and compare them with healthy controls.

Methods: The COPD patients were investigated for disease severity based on airflow limitations and divided into moderate (50%≤FEV1<80% predicted) and severe groups (FEV1<50% predicted). Spontaneous sputum samples were collected and, the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA coding gene were sequenced to examine the microbiome profile of COPD and healthy participants. 

Results: A total of 45 sputum samples were collected from 17 severe COPD, 12 moderate COPD cases, and 16 healthy volunteers. The bacterial alpha diversity (Shannon and Simpson’s index) significantly decreased in the moderate and severe COPD groups, compared to healthy samples. A significantly higher proportion of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were present in moderate COPD, and Proteobacteria numbers were comparatively increased in severe COPD. In healthy samples, Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria were more abundant in comparison to both the COPD groups. Among the most commonly detected 20 bacterial genera, Streptococcus was predominant among the COPD sputum samples, whereas Prevotella was the top genus in healthy controls. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA>2) revealed that marker genera like Streptococcus and Rothia were abundant in moderate COPD. For severe COPD, the genera Pseudomonas and Leptotrichia were most prevalent, whereas Fusobacterium and Prevotella were dominant in the healthy group.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest a significant dysbiosis of the respiratory microbiome in COPD patients. The decreased microbial diversity may influence the host immune response and provide microbiological biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of COPD.
Continued dysregulation of the B cell lineage promotes multiple sclerosis activity despite disease modifying therapies
Authors: Londoño Ana C. , Mora Carlos A.
Published: August 2023

A clear understanding of the origin and role of the different subtypes of the B cell lineage involved in the activity or remission of multiple sclerosis (MS) is important for the treatment and follow-up of patients living with this disease. B cells, however, are dynamic and can play an anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory role, depending on their milieu. Depletion of B cells has been effective in controlling the progression of MS, but it can have adverse side effects. A better understanding of the role of the B cell subtypes, through the use of surface biomarkers of cellular activity with special attention to the function of memory and other regulatory B cells (Bregs), will be necessary in order to offer specific treatments without inducing undesirable effects.
A historical perspective on the insect central complex: Anatomy, development, and function
Authors: Gillet Valentin , Kluge Janka , Patel Rickesh N.
Published: August 2023

The central complex (CX), a remarkable brain region at the core of insect behaviors, has been the subject of extensive research for decades. In this review, we offer a comprehensive historical perspective on the anatomy, development, and function of the CX. The CX consists of discrete and highly structured neuropils found at the center of the brain, and conserved across insects and arthropods. The developmental processes that shape it are themselves conserved across all panarthropods. In early research, the CX had been shown to receive visual information and control motor function. Using increasingly advanced methods throughout the years, it has become clear that the CX is involved in high-level behavioral control, including multimodal sensory cue integration as well as learning and memory.

Its numerical simplicity presents a rare opportunity to study structure-function relationships in small brains, gain insights into evolutionary neurobiology, and develop novel neuromorphic technologies inspired by insect brains. Since the CX is a highly conserved brain region that controls a multitude of complex behaviors, it is uniquely suited to gain a detailed understanding of the computations required for these processes at the level of neural circuits.
Identification of a rare class of emission-line stars in transition between pre-main sequence to Main Sequence phase
Authors: Bhattacharyya Suman , Mathew Blesson , Banerjee Gourav , R Anusha , K T Paul , S Kartha Sreeja
Published: August 2023

Over time, pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars evolve into main-sequence (MS) stars. Stars evolving from PMS to MS phase is a significant subject of research that aims to better understand stellar phases and their properties. Existing literature shows a lack of study of stars in between PMS and MS phase. 'We focused on what belongs in the midst of these two phases. Classical Be (CBe) and Herbig Ae/Be (HAeBe) stars, corresponding to MS and PMS phases, are two well known categories of emission-line stars. Through optical and infrared photometric analysis of a sample of 2167 CBe and 225 HAeBe stars, we identified 98 such rare stars which are in transition between PMS and MS phase. Those rare stars are termed as 'Transition Phase' (TP) candidates in our study. Using the machine learning approach, the potential of the identified TP candidates was verified. 'This article provides a brief overview
Five decades of determining Planck’s constant using light emitting diodes in Undergraduate Laboratories - A Review
Authors: Venkatreddy Harish , Nambhihalli Gopalakrishna Shivaprasad , Godekere Visweswaraiah Ashok , Naik Keemya Naik Nagendra
Published: August 2023

Determination of Planck’s constant using LEDs has been a favourite experiment even from student perspective because of its simplicity and taught in undergraduate laboratories for the past five decades. Several modifications and improvements adopted in both experiment procedure as well as data analysis part of this experiment during this period have been revisited in this paper. From the simplest experiment to determine turn-on voltages using human judgement with naked eye to advanced equipment to detect even pico ampere current flowing through LED’s have been proposed by various researchers. Many of these proposals were successful in arriving at Planck’s constant with excellent agreement with standard value. Reasons for yielding unrealistic values of Planck’s constant have also been reported by several researchers.
Topologies Induced by Vertex Set of Graphs
Authors: Paulraj Gnanachandra , K Lalithambigai
Published: August 2023

In this paper, subbasis for different topologies on vertex set of  a  simple graph without isolated vertices is introduced. Some properties of these topologies are investigated. Interior, closure, exterior and boundary of a vertex induced subgraph were defined and some basic properties were studied.
Influence of Celebrity Endorsements on the Purchase of Ice Cream during Covid Pandemic
Authors: Saldanha Avil
Published: August 2023

Covid 19 had a devastating effect on the Indian ice cream sector, resulting in a huge reduction in ice cream sales. The current study focuses on the possibility of the use of celebrity endorsement by ice cream brands to revive sales. The objectives of the study are to find whether celebrity endorsement influences the frequency of ice cream purchase. The study further investigates the relationship of demographic variables like age, gender, and income on the influence of celebrity endorsement on consumers' purchase intention. 480 respondents of various age groups, genders, and income groups were a part of this study. The respondents were chosen from the South Indian states of Karnataka and Kerala. The results of the study indicate that celebrity endorsement influences the purchase frequency of ice cream by consumers. The study found that perception of celebrity endorsement influence on purchase intention varied among respondents of different gender and income groups respectively. However, no such difference in perception concerning celebrity influence was observed among respondents of various age groups.
Stability Mapping for Risk Management in Banking Companies
Authors: Kumar Suresh
Published: August 2023

challenging task for most banks. Numerous approaches are used to assess financial stability to determine the operation of the banks under stress conditions and to identify the indicators that affect the financial developments of the system. The relationship between the macroeconomic variables and financial markets can be assessed by performing stability mapping. Risk management can be performed by accurate identification of stability indicators, appropriate assessment of deterioration in asset quality, and other economic aspects. Financial stability reports (FSRs) and heat maps are used in several banks to assess risk factors that affect financial stability using minimal indicators. This paper provides a detailed study of the banking sector's stability mapping schemes used for risk management. Mapping schemes like banking stability map (BSM), Global financial stability map (GFSM), Self-Organizing Map (SOM), and construction of financial stability maps (FSM) are discussed. An overall evaluation of underlying parameters and inherent risk factors that affect the banking stability is performed using a banking stability map. The indicators involved in the profitability of the capital and banking sector and the financing and liquidity of the system are discussed thoroughly. Stability mapping enables appropriate risk management by identifying the crucial indicators for shock absorption in banking.
Impact of Industry 4.0 on Human Resource Process
Authors: Vidhya Priya Periasamy , Sundharesalingam Poosappan
Published: August 2023

This paper is aimed at understanding the impact of industry 4.0 on the Human Resources Management Process by use of specific technologies. Industry 4.0 made HR Processes easy, accurate, and fast. The study focuses mainly on, the efficiency of AI and HR automation based on time consumption and error-free process and how far it is efficient in engaging employees with Data Analytics. In this research, the impact of Industry 4.0 on HR is assessed by getting responses from HR Managers and HR Staff in the organisation. Descriptive research design is used in this project and the Judgmental sampling method is used for samples. Here the impact of these technologies is assessed with respective employee engagement, process automation, and cost-effectiveness.
AI in Retail Industry: Reshaping Shopping Experience and Business Profitability
Authors: Chandramana Sudeep
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is depicted as the actions of machines doing tasks that usually require human intelligence. Though this idea of Artificial Intelligence can be traced back to Greek mythology, it was only during modern history, the world witnessed the development of programme-driven computer machines. Now it has become a web of millions of codes and algorithms and is increasingly playing an integral role in every industry sector. E-commerce Industry had once disrupted the age-old traditional retail industry, especially in India where the retailers now largely depend on these platforms for their product’s sale. Today it's coming in the form of Artificial Intelligence which will be a great advantage for the retail industry. To be competitive today, retailers need to respond to their customers like never before, at the same time reducing the amount of waste and inefficiency in their operations. They can get there with data, but it takes intelligent analysis to make sense of the vast amount of data. This article analyses the emerging trends and practices of using Artificial Intelligence in retail industry in order to enhance customer experiences and result in value additions to retail businesses.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Retail Business, Digital Retailing, Smart Retailing
Revisiting Rule Consequentialism
Authors: Guha Debashis
Published: August 2023

Under mounting pressure from the international communities and organizations to curb carbon emission causing disturbing climate change, and the growing pressure of domestic environmentalists and the common man in India, the government is hard-pressed to enact laws on carbon emission. However, the moot problem is whether to consider a pro-active rule of action seriously to curb carbon emission while keeping the collective scenario in view or to consider a case-by-case scenario in view. A number of people argue that a collective approach is much better, and for that matter, pro-active general rules of actions are desirable for their outcomes or consequences are good or worthwhile. This is what we now call rule consequentialism, which is much different from the case-by-case act consequentialism. In this case, the rightness of political action is determined by following some rules (or policies) which are amenable to worthwhile consequences. Similarly, we may conceive of a number of general rules of action such as “curb corruption”, “curb apartheid”, “curb exploitation of woman” and so on. In this paper, I would like to revisit rule consequentialism as a normative theory of rightness of action that is not immoderately overdemanding on moral agents. However, I would justify why rule consequentialism is not only overdemanding of moral agents but immoderate as well. Hence, it is an untenable normative theory of rightness of action.
Philosophy of Liberal Nationalism in the context of Refugee Immigration
Authors: Ahluwalia Shaheena
Published: August 2023

In recent times, the world has seen an explosion of episodes of forced migration. Whether another state has led the attack, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or by its own state such as Myanmar, ousting the Rohingyas, this international political reality of forced exit can neither be denied nor ignored. Consequent to the international political reality, some states have tightened their borders as they hold nationalist concerns against immigration of such kind. Their concern stems from the philosophy of nationalism which claims the protection of borders and sovereignty in light of the influx of refugees and the burden on the state. This paper aims to elaborate on the interaction of political and legal philosophy related to Liberalism and Nationalism. I put forward the hypothesis that the current reality of international politics - the influx of victims of forced migration such as refugees should be rethought with the application of the philosophy of liberal nationalism. Liberalism and nationalism are two very different moral and political philosophies. Liberal claims protect individual freedom, advocate open borders, and promote equality of all before the law and consent of the governed. Nationalist philosophy promotes the interests of the state, and advocates devotion to the state, its ideology, culture and ethos. In the context of forced migration, the ideas of these disunited philosophies can be utilised to balance and accommodate the concerns of refugees, states and citizens. For this, I will examine the philosophies of liberalism, nationalism and liberal nationalism, which present an inclusive form of nationalism.
Metaphorical Engagements in Feminist Philosophy: Two Close Readings
Authors: Mishra Aastha
Published: August 2023

Metaphors have been inserted by philosophers in philosophical discourses to simplify abstract and intricate concepts. The practice of using metaphor denotes its rhetorical, aesthetic, linguistic and cognitive function. In basic formulation, metaphor has also been used by philosophers as a device, strategy, method, stylist ornament and a medium of expression. In this background, the following paper intends to vindicate the intimate interaction between philosophy and metaphor, with marked emphasis on the domain of feminist philosophy. Categorically, by considering the context of feminist philosophical discourses, in this work, I explore the contributions of two influential feminist thinkers, namely, Young and Irigaray to elucidate the proposed metaphorical narrative. I suggest that these feminist philosophers ‘talk metaphorically’ beyond its ornamental or aesthetic value; beyond objectivism. To the contrary, I propose and argue that their employment of metaphor appeals to an epistemological thematic. Furthermore, I shall exhibit the close affinity between the metaphors they insert in their respective pursuits. Questions that shall be considered here are: Why metaphor matters in philosophical contexts? What does it mean to talk metaphorically in feminist philosophical scholarship? What and how do these feminist thinkers contribute to this endeavor? What is the implication of their respective contributions? Thus, I aim at uncovering and deepening the appearance, connotation and influence of metaphor in feminist scholarship.
Transformation in Destination Attractiveness Attributes after Covid 19 Pandemic: A Review
Authors: Roy Bindu , Bhatia Archana , Maitra Rekha
Published: August 2023

From a historical perspective, it is impossible to envision tourism without travellers’ mobility. However, the Covid-19 pandemic unlocked new avenues for tourism, including virtual travel. The pandemic seriously impacted the travel and tourism industries due to border closures that grounded the transportation industry and led to job losses. Historically, tourism has quickly bounced back after disasters, pandemics, and epidemics. Hence, a new outlook was developed with the introduction of the New Normal or “business as usual”. The pandemic of covid-19 has compelled tourism industry stakeholders to explore and analyze the transformative attributes of tourist destination attractiveness to revive the industry and regain tourists’ confidence. The research study is constructed on secondary data and literature analysis. The researchers have examined numerous studies representing transformative destination attractiveness to examine the characteristics. The study concludes that there is a paradigm shift in the attributes affecting tourist destination attractiveness which will help the tourism stakeholders in marketing and restarting tourism after the pandemic. These transformative attributes will increase the number of visitors, assisting the tourism industry's recovery from the pandemic.

Keywords: Tourist Destination Attractiveness, Transformative Attributes, Revival of tourism
Overplaying-Welfarism and Social Security: The Case of the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Worker’s Welfare Board
Authors: Gangadhara Manjunath
Published: August 2023

The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment notes that the unorganized sector of workers constitutes about 93% of India’s labour workforce. Despite the presence of a vast majority- the role of welfare policies and their impact on the unorganised labour workforce has largely been unascertained. This can be seen with the exclusion of unorganised workers with the various benefits under the new labour codes, despite substantive recommendations by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour on the same. The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 provides for the establishment of State Welfare Boards that use the construction cess collected to formulate various welfare schemes for the benefit of construction workers. The Supreme Court in the year 2012 expressed grave concerns about the ineffective utilization of funds by the State Welfare Boards, and in this regard, a Model Welfare Scheme was formulated in 2016. Using data from the annual reports of the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board-this paper finds glaring inconsistencies in the current schemes formulated by the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, such as the inclusion of schemes not envisaged under the Model Welfare Scheme and not meeting the necessary conditions envisaged under the Model Welfare Scheme to name a few.  The paper compares the schemes along with the ILO’s Convention 102 on Social Security- asserting that despite India being a non-signatory to the convention- its mandate on the minimum standards of social security needs to be followed. Such disparity in the formulation of welfare schemes not only ensures that the intended beneficiaries of such schemes continue to be left out of the result of welfare, but it also adds an unnecessary burden on the State both in terms of expenditure and resources. The paper recommends significant policy reforms such as the removal of schemes contrary to both the Model Welfare Scheme and the ILO Convention 102 on Social Security and larger transparency on scheme-wise expenditure for better implementation of welfare schemes by the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
The Traditional Knowledge Bill, 2016: Biopiracy and Protection of Cultural Rights
Authors: Khan Afrin , Chhangani Deepika
Published: August 2023

Traditional knowledge is such knowledge which has been present and preserved by a traditional or indigenous community from time immemorial which has a market potential to be exploited commercially. The authors through this paper put forth the urgency of this critical legal issue which can be a huge monetization market for developing and culturally rich countries like India. The research has given a special focus on the historical background of various cases of biopiracy which can create a base in understanding this urgency both in terms of substantive and procedural law. As an apt description given under the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Traditional Knowledge Bill, 2016[1], it is of urgent consideration to identify legal regulation over commercial misappropriation of Traditional Knowledge. Against this background, it would be pertinent to examine The United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2007 (UNDRIP) with the central aim of understanding the scope and extent of protection of traditional knowledge owned by indigenous people.