bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stocks and flows: Material culture and consumption behaviour in early modern Venice (c. 1650–1800)
Authors: Viale Mattia
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the evolution of consumption practices in Venice in the long eighteenth century through the combined use of post‐mortem inventories and household budgets. Although Italy experienced a period of relative decline between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, our findings suggest that Venetian households enjoyed a rich and vibrant material culture that was fully comparable with those of the most advanced European urban economies. However, although new products, practices, and fashions were adopted by Venetian society, the architecture of consumption did not undergo sudden and extreme changes; rather, consumption was gradually refined, following the path that it had begun during the Renaissance. We therefore argue that the Venetian economy did not experience a consumer revolution but, instead, consumer evolution. Moreover, this study shows that sophisticated consumption practices were not exclusive to the more dynamic economies of the continent but were widespread even in those regions that were victims of the Little Divergence. We thus suggest that the relationship between consumption development and economic development was not necessarily causal and that the diffusion of new consumption practices throughout society was a necessary, but insufficient, prerequisite for economic take‐off.
Rethinking the history of British popular culture, 1850–1914
Authors: McWilliam Rohan
Published: July 2023

This article explores the way in which the history of Victorian popular culture has been rethought by historians since 2000. In the mid to late 20th century, the social history of leisure was often shaped by Marxist assumptions and devoted to emphasising the role of social class in determining forms of pleasure. In the 21st century historiography, class still matters but so do issues around race, gender and space.
Vertebrates, but not ants, protect rainforest from herbivorous insects across elevations in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Sam Katerina , Jorge Leonardo Re , Koane Bonny , Amick Pita K. , Sivault Elise
Published: July 2023

Aim

The effects of insectivorous predators on herbivorous prey should have a cascading effect releasing herbivory pressure and favouring plant's biomass. However, it remains unclear whether different types of predators regulate herbivores to the same degree across seasons, and how their interactions affect lower trophic levels across elevations where predator communities differ significantly. Therefore, we investigated the impact of excluding flying vertebrate predators and ants (individually and in combination) on arthropods and herbivory across tropical seasons along a rainforest gradient spanning 3500 m a.s.l.

Location

Papua New Guinea.

Taxon

Multi‐taxon.

Methods

We excluded predators from 560 saplings in two 6‐month‐long predator exclusion experiments, controlling for seasonality. Saplings were spread across eight sites, evenly spaced at 500 m elevational increments from 200 to 3700 m a.s.l. We measured change in the abundance of arthropods and herbivory damage and analysed them by linear and generalized linear mixed models.

Results

Exclusion of flying vertebrate predators, but not ants, led to a significant increase in both arthropod density and herbivory damage. The density of arthropods increased significantly by 37% when flying vertebrates were excluded and by 33% when both flying vertebrates and ants were excluded. Both season and elevation significantly influenced this effect. Leaf damage increased significantly by 50% in exclosures of flying vertebrates alone and by 36% in combined exclosures of flying vertebrates and ants. In contrast, the exclusion of ants alone had no significant effect on arthropod density or leaf damage, which increased by 12% and 9%, respectively, although the effect decreased with increasing elevation.

Main conclusions

The overall effect of flying vertebrate predators on arthropod density and leaf damage remains consistently strong along the whole elevational gradient. In contrast, ant‐driven trophic cascades were detected only in lowland. Disappearance of insectivorous flying vertebrates could lead to substantial negative consequences for plants.
The patient perspective: The struggles of living with thalassemia as an adult
Authors: Sawh Radhika N.
Published: July 2023

Today it has become the norm for individuals diagnosed with severe forms of thalassemia who have access to hypertransfusion regimens, chelation therapy, and annual surveillance to survive well beyond childhood. However, with this improvement in prognosis and subsequent transition to adult care, it has become apparent that most adult healthcare providers, including many adult hematologists and primary care providers, are ill‐prepared to care for these patients and the complications that accompany their survival into adulthood. Collaborative efforts are needed to develop comprehensive approaches to contend with the challenges faced by adult patients to ensure they are properly managed and supported.
Years of life lost to revolution and war in Iran
Authors: Farzanegan Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2023

How was life expectancy in Iran affected by the Islamic Revolution and subsequent war with Iraq? This study examines the joint effect of regime change and the war against Iraq on life expectancy in Iran between 1978 and 1988. If there had been no revolution and war in Iran, how would the life expectancy of Iranians have developed? To answer this question, we use a synthetic control model to construct a counterfactual Iran based on a weighted average of other comparable countries, which reproduces the situation of pre‐revolution Iran but does not experience the revolution and war. We then compare the life expectancies of the counterfactual and actual Iran that underwent a regime change and war with Iraq. Our results indicate that an average Iranian's total life expectancy would have been approximately five years longer without the revolution and war. The revolution had a moderate long‐term impact on total life expectancy at birth, with the most significant influence being attributed to the war itself, particularly on male life expectancy. Our main findings are robust to a series of tests, including placebo tests. We investigate possible reasons that may explain the impact on longevity.
Repeat patient testing quality control (RPT‐QC): Background and theory
Authors: Flatland Bente , Freeman Kathleen P.
Published: July 2023

Repeat‐patient testing quality control (RPT‐QC) is a version of statistical quality control (SQC) in which individual patient samples, rather than commercial control materials, are used. Whereas conventional SQC assumes control material stability and repeatedly measures the same lot of control material over time, RPT‐QC uses a unique patient sample for each QC event and exploits the labile nature of patient samples under prescribed storage conditions for QC purposes. Advantages of RPT‐QC include commutability, lower cost, and QC at concentrations of medical interest. Challenges include sample procurement and the establishment of control limits. The objective of this review is to compare and contrast the principles and procedures of RPT‐QC and conventional SQC and to provide an overview of RPT‐QC control limit establishment.
The strength-based clinical supervision workbook: A complete guide for mental health trainees and supervisors
Authors: Rankine Matt
Published: July 2023

Review of The strength-based clinical supervision workbook: A complete guide for mental health trainees and supervisors. Christopher L. Heffner and Jessica A. Cowan Routledge, 2023. ISBN: 978-0-367-43935-4, pp.214, Paperback, NZD90.
Mechanistic snapshots of rhodium-catalyzed acylnitrene transfer reactions
Authors: Jung Hoimin , Kweon Jeonguk , Suh Jong-Min , Lim Mi Hee , Kim Dongwook , Chang Sukbok
Published: July 2023

Rhodium (Rh) acylnitrene complexes are widely implicated in catalytic C–H amidation reactions but have eluded isolation and structural characterization. To overcome this challenge, we designed a chromophoric octahedral Rh complex with a bidentate dioxazolone ligand, in which photoinduced metal-to-ligand charge transfer initiates catalytic C–H amidation. X-ray photocrystallographic analysis of the Rh-dioxazolone complex allowed structural elucidation of the targeted Rh-acylnitrenoid and provided firm evidence that the singlet nitrenoid species is primarily responsible for acylamino transfer reactions. We also monitored in crystallo reaction of a nucleophile with the in situ–generated Rh-acylnitrenoid, which provided a crystallographically traceable reaction system to capture mechanistic snapshots of nitrenoid transfer.
Assessment of the Glycan-Binding Profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Sanchez Hector , O’Toole George A. , Berwin Brent
Published: July 2023

P. aeruginosa
cells bind to a variety of glycans as part of their interaction with host cells, and a number of
P. aeruginosa
-encoded receptors and target ligands have been described that allow this microbe to bind to such glycans. Here, we extend this work by studying the glycans used by
P. aeruginosa
PAO1 cells to bind to phagocytic cells and by using a glycan array to characterize the suite of such molecules that can facilitate host cell binding by this microbe.
Infrared photoluminescence and dynamic properties of ZnGa2Se4
Authors: Asadullayeva S. G. , Ismayilova N. A. , Naghiyev T. G.
Published: July 2023

The optical properties of the ZnGa2Se4 are investigated by infrared (IR) reflectivity, Raman scattering, photoluminescence and DFT simulations. We have analyzed pairs of lines of FL corresponding to 1.24[Formula: see text]eV and 1.22[Formula: see text]eV at low energy excitations, about these FL maxima haven’t any information in other works. Studies show that depending on the temperature, the intensity of luminescence decreases and formed new third maximum. The energy difference between each of these peaks is 0.02[Formula: see text]eV, which corresponds to the energy of the most intense phonon in the Raman spectrum.
Quadratic equations in metabelian Baumslag–Solitar groups
Authors: Mandel Richard , Ushakov Alexander
Published: July 2023

For a finitely generated group G, the Diophantine problem over G is the algorithmic problem of deciding whether a given equation [Formula: see text] (perhaps restricted to a fixed subclass of equations) has a solution in G. In this paper, we investigate the algorithmic complexity of the Diophantine problem for the class [Formula: see text] of quadratic equations over the metabelian Baumslag–Solitar groups [Formula: see text]. We prove that this problem is [Formula: see text]-complete whenever [Formula: see text], and determine the algorithmic complexity for various subclasses (orientable, nonorientable, etc.) of [Formula: see text].
Optical wave propagation for the sixth-order nonlinear partial differential equation in optical fiber
Authors: Zhao Ya-Nan , Guo Li-Feng
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a sixth-order nonlinear partial differential equation which can be used to describe the propagation pulse in optical fibers is studied by using the methods of trial equation and complete discrimination system for polynomial. We have obtained some exact optical wave solutions, including singular solutions, solitary wave solutions, and elliptic function double periodic solutions, which can be completely classified in parameter space.
Diastolic myocardial mechanics and their relation to ventricular filling pressures and postoperative course in functionally single ventricles
Authors: Yu Jeong Jin , Grosse-Wortmann Lars , Slorach Cameron , Mertens Luc , Dragulescu Andreea , Friedberg Mark K.
Published: July 2023

Diastolic dysfunction affects outcomes in patients with functionally single ventricles (FSVs) but is difficult to assess. We found that incoordinate wall motion was the only echo parameter that correlated with FSV end-diastolic pressure, oxygen saturation, pulmonary vascular resistance and flow, and duration of endotracheal intubation. Analysis of incoordinate wall motion in the nondominant (secondary) ventricle strengthened these associations. Analyzing incoordinate wall motion should be included in the assessment of the FSV after the Fontan procedure.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Quadrupled Semitendinosus Graft or Synthetic Ligament: Knee Stability and Clinical Outcomes at Three Years Follow-Up
Authors: Moretti Lorenzo , Cassano Giuseppe D. , Caricato Alessandro , Caiaffa Elio , D’Aprile Matteo , Angiulli Francesco , Spinarelli Antonio , Moretti Biagio , Solarino Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgeries is increasing and graft choice is important for a rapid return to activity, especially in patients older than 30 years. The aim of this study is to compare in term of quality of life and knee stability of patients who undergone ACLR using quadrupled semitendinosus (ST4) graft against patients who undergone ACLR with synthetic ligaments. Thirty-nine patients undergoing ACLR were enrolled in the study and were divided into two groups: ACLR with synthetic ligaments-LARS (group A) and ACLR with quadrupled semitendinosus graft ST4 (group B). They underwent surgery at Policlinico di Bari Orthopedic Unit between January 2017 and January 2020. Group A was composed by nineteen patients (36.16 ± 4.41 mean age-years, 22.47 ± 2.63 mean BMI-kg/m2, 39.37 ± 10.05 mean time evaluation after surgery-months) and group B was composed by twenty patients (34.95 ± 3.59 mean age-years, 21.1 ± 2.88 mean BMI-kg/m2, 36.75 ± 8.69 mean time evaluation after surgery-months). For each patient, the following data were recorded: age; side of injury, BMI, date of surgery, anterior knee laxity with the arthrometer, and Lysholm knee scoring scale. Mean value of anterior tibial translation (ATT) in group A was 3.09 mm ± 0.65 and in group B was 2.66 mm ± 1.61 (

p

value of 0.1139). Mann–-Whitney U test used to compare the Lysholm means values between groups showed a

p

value of 0.9307. LARS has comparable clinical and functional outcomes compared with hamstring autografts at short-term of 3 years follow-up. Level of Evidence: IV.
Trends in Prevalence and Disability-Adjusted Life-Years of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias in China from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Zhu Zeyu , Zheng Zhilin , Zhou Chen , Cao Lanxiao , Zhao Guohua
Published: July 2023

Introduction: China has the largest population of people with dementia in the world and is estimated to have approximately a quarter of the entire population with dementia worldwide, bringing a heavy burden on the public and healthcare systems. We aimed to analyze the burden of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in China over the past three decades. Methods: The data on disease burden owing to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in China from 1990 to 2019 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 datasets. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to assess the temporal trends, and the ratio of years lived with disability (YLDs) to disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) was used as an indicator to evaluate the healthcare system. Result: In China, the overall age-standardized rates (ASRs) of the prevalence and DALYs of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias increased from 1990 to 2019, and their EAPCs were 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57–0.75) and 0.26 (95% CI, 0.21–0.31), respectively. ASRs and the total number of dementia in females remained higher than in males, but the upward trend in ASRs among men was more pronounced than in women. The female-to-male ratio of the age-standardized DALY rate peaked in the 75–79 year age group in 2019 (female-to-male ratio of 1.32). The YLDs:DALYs ratio in China experienced a gradual increase and finally stayed above the global average since 2011. Conclusion: China has experienced a remarkably rising burden of dementia over the past three decades. The more significant burden of dementia was in females, but the potentially increasing burden of dementia in males cannot be underestimated.
Myxoid Soft Tissue Tumors: A 20-Year Experience on Fine Needle Aspiration with Application of the Proposed WHO Reporting System for Soft Tissue Cytopathology
Authors: Saoud Carla , Schowinsky Jeffrey , Ali Syed Z.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Myxoid soft tissue tumors represent a heterogenous group of neoplasms. The study presented our experience on cytopathology of myxoid soft tissue tumors on fine needle aspiration (FNA) and aimed to apply the recently proposed WHO system for reporting soft tissue cytopathology. Material and Methods: We performed a 20-year retrospective search of our archives to identify all FNAs performed on myxoid soft tissue lesions. All cases were reviewed, and the WHO reporting system was applied. Results: 129 FNAs performed in 121 patients (62 males; 59 females) showed a prominent myxoid component, accounting for 2.4% of all soft tissue FNAs. The FNAs were performed on 111 (86.7%) primary tumors, 17 (13.2%) recurrent tumors, and one (0.8%) metastatic lesion. A spectrum of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions including both benign and malignant neoplasms was identified. Overall, the most common tumors identified were myxoid liposarcoma (27.1%), intramuscular myxoma (15.5%), and myxofibrosarcoma (13.1%). The sensitivity and specificity of FNA regarding the nature of the lesion (benign vs. malignant) were 98% and 100%, respectively. When the WHO reporting system was applied, the frequency of the categories was as follows: benign (7.8%), atypical (34.1%), soft tissue neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (18.6%), suspicious for malignancy (3.1%), and malignant (36.4%). The risk of malignancy calculated in each category was as follows: benign (10%), atypical (31.8%), soft tissue neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (50%), suspicious for malignancy (100%), and malignant (100%). Conclusion: A diverse group of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions can show a prominent myxoid component on FNA. The WHO reporting system for soft tissue cytopathology is easily applicable and appears to correlate well with the malignant potential of myxoid tumors.
Efficacy and Safety of CT-Guided Kidney Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Glomerular Diseases in Complicated Patients
Authors: Vian Javier , Shabaka Amir , Lallena Silvia , Gatius Serena , Lopez de la Manzanara Virginia , Barrera-Ortega Jeronimo , Méndez-Fernández Ramiro J.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Kidney biopsy is the cornerstone for the diagnosis of glomerular diseases and to guide treatment. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided kidney biopsy is currently the gold standard to obtain cortical specimens. However, in cases where ultrasound-guided kidney biopsy is not deemed safe (obese patients, deep kidneys, or kidneys with a complicated anatomy), CT-guided kidney biopsy could be a convenient alternative to obtain renal tissue samples. The aim of this study was to describe the diagnostic yield and complications of CT-guided kidney biopsies in patients with glomerular diseases that were previously discarded for ultrasound-guided kidney biopsy. Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective, single-center, observational study including patients who underwent CT-guided native kidney biopsies in our center after being contraindicated for ultrasound-guided biopsy. Patients’ records were reviewed retrieving baseline characteristics and pre-biopsy clinical, laboratory parameters and concomitant medication. The biopsy needle gauge, site of puncture, and number of needle passes were recorded. The diagnostic yield was evaluated by the number of glomeruli obtained, the rate of specimens that were adequate to reach diagnosis, and the number of biopsies that had to be repeated. Complications were defined as minor (hypotension, hematoma) and major (arteriovenous fistulae, major bleeding requiring embolization, or nephrectomy). The diagnostic yield and complications were compared to ultrasound-guided native kidney biopsies performed during the same period. Results: 56 CT-guided native kidney biopsies were performed during the study period. The number of glomeruli obtained per patient was 11.5 ± 6.3, which was inferior to that obtained from ultrasound-guided biopsies (14.08 ± 8.47, p < 0.05). However, the rate of specimens that were adequate to reach a diagnosis was similar (92.9% vs. 90.8%, p = 0.437). The number of needle passes was higher in CT-guided kidney biopsies (2.0 ± 0.7 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5, p < 0.05), as well as the incidence of post-biopsy perirenal asymptomatic hematomas (66.1% vs. 24.5%, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in other post-biopsy minor complications (1.8% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.621). There were no major complications after CT-guided kidney biopsies. Conclusions: CT-guided percutaneous kidney biopsy is a valid alternative for the diagnosis of glomerular diseases in patients with special characteristics such as obesity or deep kidneys that contraindicate ultrasound-guided biopsy. In this population, CT-guided kidney biopsies are safe and provide a high diagnostic yield, reaching a diagnosis in >90% of patients that had been previously discarded for ultrasound-guided biopsy.
Effects of Age, Sex, and Extracellular Matrix Integrity on Aortic Dilatation and Rupture in a Mouse Model of Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Weiss Dar , Rego Bruno V. , Cavinato Cristina , Li David S. , Kawamura Yuki , Emuna Nir , Humphrey Jay D.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Transmural failure of the aorta is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality; it occurs when mechanical stress exceeds strength. The aortic root and ascending aorta are susceptible to dissection and rupture in Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder characterized by a progressive reduction in elastic fiber integrity. Whereas competent elastic fibers endow the aorta with compliance and resilience, cross-linked collagen fibers confer stiffness and strength. We hypothesized that postnatal reductions in matrix cross-linking increase aortopathy when turnover rates are high.

METHODS:

We combined ex vivo biaxial mechanical testing with multimodality histological examinations to quantify expected age- and sex-dependent structural vulnerability of the ascending aorta in
Fbn1

C1041G/+

Marfan versus wild-type mice without and with 4-week exposures to β-aminopropionitrile, an inhibitor of lysyl oxidase–mediated cross-linking of newly synthesized elastic and collagen fibers.

RESULTS:

We found a strong β-aminopropionitrile–associated sexual dimorphism in aortic dilatation in Marfan mice and aortic rupture in wild-type mice, with dilatation correlating with compromised elastic fiber integrity and rupture correlating with compromised collagen fibril organization. A lower incidence of rupture of β-aminopropionitrile–exposed Marfan aortas associated with increased lysyl oxidase, suggesting a compensatory remodeling of collagen that slows disease progression in the otherwise compromised
Fbn1

C1041G/+

aorta.

CONCLUSIONS:

Collagen fiber structure and function in the Marfan aorta are augmented, in part, by increased lysyl oxidase in female and especially male mice, which improves structural integrity, particularly via fibrils in the adventitia. Preserving or promoting collagen cross-linking may represent a therapeutic target for an otherwise vulnerable aorta.
A new genus in the braconid subfamily Miracinae from the Oriental region, with descriptions of seven new species from India and Sri Lanka
Authors: RANJITH A.P. , ACHTERBERG CORNELIS VAN , PRIYADARSANAN DHARMA RAJAN
Published: July 2023

A new genus in the braconid subfamily Miracinae is described from the Oriental region including a new species from south India. Additionally, six new species of the genus Centistidea Rohwer is described from India and Sri Lanka. Taxonomic keys to separate the new genus from other miracine genera, to the extant species of Rugosimirax gen. nov. and to the Oriental species of Centistidea are provided.
The datafication of digital journalism: A history of everlasting challenges between ethical issues and regulation
Authors: Porlezza Colin
Published: July 2023

Data permeates nearly all spheres of society, and journalism is no exception to this since data has become a cornerstone of reality construction and perception. This contribution sets out to historicize the datafication processes in digital journalism and the way in which European institutions of media (self-)regulation have dealt with ethical issues regarding the use of data in algorithmic journalism in three areas: accountability, transparency, and privacy. The article shows that the process of datafication in journalism cannot be observed and analyzed in isolation, given that there is a double reflexivity between data-driven societal transformation processes and what happens in journalism. However, almost all press councils in Europe have so far ignored data-driven phenomena like algorithms or news automation. As a consequence, if self-regulators do not regulate, other institutions will, with the risk of news organizations being forced to make decisions on the grounds of regulatory frameworks that are not primarily intended for journalism.
Constitutive model and experimental study of molded pulp material
Authors: Li Zhihang , Tang Junjie , Mao Kuanmin , Zhu Zhou
Published: July 2023

Molded pulp products can improve the utilization of recycled paper by achieving close to zero waste emission and a 100% recycling rate, while satisfying the national goals for recycled packaging materials of various countries. Molded pulp products are often designed using finite-element simulations to optimize their performance, which requires the input of accurate material properties. However, studies on the constitutive model, an essential factor related to material properties, are still rare. This study investigated the mechanical behavior of the molded pulp material to simplify the parameters and improve the accuracy of the constitutive model. The fiber distribution and connection within the molded pulp material were investigated; treating the pores of the molded pulp as a virtual material enhances the meso-mechanical model and gives a transversely isotropic constitutive model. The elastic modulus in the thickness direction was calculated as 1.5997 MPa, and the experimentally measured value is 1.5368 MPa. The error of proposed model is 4.1%, but significantly smaller than treating molded pulp as an isotropic material, the error of which is ~80 times larger of experimental result.
Effect of Footwear Type on Biomechanical Risk Factors for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Malus Jan , Urbaczka Jan , Rygelova Marketa , Casula Victor , Nieminen Miika , Monte Andrea , Horka Veronika , Uchytil Jaroslav
Published: July 2023

Background:

Regular walking in different types of footwear may increase the mediolateral shear force, knee adduction moment, or vertical ground-reaction forces that could increase the risk of early development of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Purpose:

To compare kinematic and kinetic parameters that could affect the development of knee OA in 3 footwear conditions.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 40 asymptomatic participants performed walking trials in the laboratory at self-selected walking speeds under barefoot (BF), minimalistic (MF), and neutral (NF) footwear conditions. Knee joint parameters were described using discrete point values, and continuous curves were evaluated using statistical parametric mapping. A 3 × 1 repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine the main effect of footwear for both discrete and continuous data. To compare differences between footwear conditions, a post hoc paired t test was used.

Results:

Discrete point analyses showed a significantly greater knee power in NF compared with MF and BF in the weight absorption phase ( P < .001 for both). Statistical parametric mapping analysis indicated a significantly greater knee angle in the sagittal plane at the end of the propulsive phase in BF compared with NF and MF ( P = .043). Knee joint moment was significantly greater in the propulsive phase for the sagittal ( P = .038) and frontal planes ( P = .035) in BF compared with NF and MF and in the absorption phase in the sagittal plane ( P = .034) in BF compared with MF and NF. A significant main effect of footwear was found for anteroposterior (propulsion, ↑MF, NF, ↓BF [ P = .008]; absorption, ↑BF, MF, ↓NF [ P = .001]), mediolateral (propulsion, ↑MF, NF, ↓BF [ P = .005]; absorption, ↑NF, MF, ↓BF [ P = .044]), and vertical (propulsion, ↑NF, BF, ↓MF [ P = .001]; absorption, ↑MF, BF, ↓NF [ P < .001]) ground-reaction forces. Knee power showed a significant main effect of footwear (absorption, ↑NF, MF, ↓BF [ P = .015]; propulsion, ↑MF, NF, ↓BF [ P = .039]).

Conclusion:

Walking in MF without sufficient accommodation affected kinetic and kinematic parameters and could increase the risk of early development of knee OA.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Intravenous lidocaine improves postoperative cognition in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study
Authors: Wang Xian-xue , Dai Jing , Wang Qi , Deng Hui-wei , Liu Yun , He Gui-fan , Guo Hua-jing , Li Ya-lan
Published: July 2023

Background

The risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD) in laparoscopic surgery should not be overlooked. Intravenous lidocaine can reduce perioperative inflammatory response in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, while the effect of intraoperative intravenous lidocaine on postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery has not been well studied. We investigated whether intraoperative lidocaine improves postoperative cognitive function after laparoscopic radical resection for colorectal cancer.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, randomized double blinded controlled trial to investigate the effect of intravenous lidocaine on rapid postoperative recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous lidocaine or saline. The primary outcome was cognitive dysfunction defined by a decrease from pre- to postoperative ≥ 2 of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, at the 3rd and the 7th postoperative days. Secondary outcomes were the MMSE raw score and parameters of the patients’ postoperative recovery such as agitation and length of stay in the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU), length of hospital stay, markers of inflammation (white blood cell count and CRP), and incidence of complications.

Results

Seventy-three patients in the lidocaine group and 77 patients in the control group completed the trial. The rate of cognitive dysfunction was lower in the lidocaine group than that in the control group, both at the 3rd (18.57% vs. 63.64% for each group respectively; RR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.19–0.32; p < 0.0001) and at the 7th postoperative day (12.33% vs. 53.25% for each group respectively; RR = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.22–0.35; P < 0.001). The postoperative MMSE scores were also higher in the lidocaine group than in the control group both at the 3rd (median 25 vs. 24 respectively) and at the 7th postoperative day (26 vs. 24 respectively). Also, patients in the lidocaine group displayed a lower white blood cell count than the control group at the 1st postoperative day (8.5 ± 2.7 vs. 10.4 ± 3.3; p < 0. 001). No differences were evidenced for the other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Intraoperative intravenous lidocaine can significantly improve postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (16/1/2022, registration number: ChiCTR2200055683)
Integration of ZnO nanorods with silver ions by a facile co-precipitation for antimicrobial, larvicidal, and ovicidal activity
Authors: Elgazzar Elsayed , Ayoub H. A. , El-Wahab Z. A. , Mostafa Wageha A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Infectious diseases prompted by micro-organisms such as fungi, parasites, or microbes, have influenced many countries’ public health causing death. Scientists declared that metal oxide composites have various advantages in the medical field such as the antimicrobial feature has freshly been revealed as well as its role in suppressing mosquito population.

Methods

In this work silver doped zinc oxide nanorods (Ag/ZnO NRs, 10 wt.%) were prepared by simple chemical route, and their microstructural characteristics were investigated by XRD, EDX, SEM, and TEM techniques. The antimicrobial, larvicidal, and ovicidal of the synthesized nanocomposites were examined.

Results

The synthesized nanocomposite exhibited binary phase of crystallite size 112 nm was calculated from Williamson-Hall method. EDX spectrum revealed the purity of the composite consists of Zn, O, and Ag elements. The SEM and TEM micrographs showed the particles in nanorods with high density on the surface. The energy gap $$({\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{g}})$$

(

E
g

)

was evaluated from the UV–Vis absorbance in the range from 2.90 $$-$$
-
3.08 eV inside the visible spectrum. The antimicrobial activity of the nanorods was examined against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) with inhibition zones 10.5 and 14.5 mm, respectively. Whereas gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were 14 and 17 mm, respectively. Further, Candida albicans was investigated with inhibition zone 7.5 mm. Besides, the insecticidal impact of the nanocomposite against Culex pipiens larvae was performed at 30 mg/l causing 100% larval mortality with LC50 (11.78 mg/l). The micrograph images showed deformations in the larval body as well as egg resulting in zero egg hatchability.

Conclusion

The findings approved that synthesized nanorods have a significant impact on controlling pathogens that impart different diseases to humans and the environment.

Graphical Abstract
Expression of circ-PHC3 enhances ovarian cancer progression via regulation of the miR-497-5p/SOX9 pathway
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Lan Suwei , Wang Lingxiang , Zhao Jingyun , Jia Xinzhuan , Xu Jie , Sun Guangyu , Liu Leilei , Gong Shan , Wang Na , Shan Baoen , Zhang Fenghua , Zhang Zhengmao
Published: July 2023

Background

Accumulating studies have reported indispensable functions of circular RNAs (circRNA) in tumor progression through regulation of gene expression. However, circRNA expression profiles and functions in human ovarian carcinoma (OC) are yet to be fully established.

Methods

In this research, deep sequencing of circRNAs from OC samples and paired adjacent normal tissues was performed to establish expression profiles and circ-PHC3 levels between the groups further compared using RT-qPCR. The effects of ectopic overexpression of miR-497-5p and SOX9 and siRNA-mediated knockdown of circ-PHC3 and an miR-497-5p inhibitor were explored to clarify the regulatory mechanisms underlying circ-PHC3 activity in OC proliferation and metastasis. Information from public databases and the luciferase reporter assay were further utilized to examine the potential correlations among circ-PHC3, miR-497-5p and SOX9.

Results

Our results showed significant upregulation of circ-PHC3 in both OC cell lines and tissues. In the luciferase reporter assay, downregulation of circ-PHC3 led to suppression of metastasis and proliferation, potentially through targeted effects on the miR-497-5p/SOX9 axis in OC. SOX9 overexpression or miR-497-5p suppression rescued OC cell proliferation and invasion following silencing of circ-PHC3. Moreover, SOX9 inhibition induced restoration of OC cell invasion and proliferation under conditions of overexpression of miR-497-5p. Thus, circ-PHC3 appears to exert effects on cancer stem cell differentiation through regulation of the miR-497-5p/SOX9 axis.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings suggest that circ-PHC3 enhances OC progression through functioning as an miR-497-5p sponge to promote SOX9 expression, supporting its potential as a promising candidate target for OC therapy.
Pregnancy outcomes in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective chart review and literature review
Authors: Peterson Christopher , Abohelwa Mostafa , Shahbandar Sima , Landis Dylan , Ray Nandini , Manal Nabeela , Lamey Patrice , Reddy Akhila , Rizi Mariam , Payne Drew
Published: July 2023

Objective: Pregnant women are at a higher risk for severe 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection compared to non-pregnant women. Because of this, careful monitoring and studies of this population should be carried out. Here we identify the clinical characteristics, neonatal outcomes, and population demographics of COVID-positive pregnant women admitted to the University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.
Methods: This retrospective study reviewed a cohort of pregnant patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and its affiliated University Medical Center between April 12, 2020, and January 25, 2021
Results: Thirty-six patients met inclusion criteria. The average patient age was 29 ± 4.8 years, and 61.1% of patients identified their ethnicity as Hispanic or Latino origin.  The mean length of stay was 3.3 ± 3.6 days, and the remaining number of weeks of pregnancy at delivery was 37.8 ± 2.3 weeks. No deaths occurred in the mothers; three pregnancies did not result in a live birth. Notable findings included an increased rate of pre-term births (18.2%), an increased rate of NICU admissions (16.7%), and an increased rate of gestational diabetes (13.9%) compared to national averages in pregnant women.
Conclusions: Many of our findings confirmed the existing literature concerning pregnancy outcomes among COVID-19-positive pregnant women, including relatively high preterm birth and NICU admission rates. The number of women who identified their ethnicity as Hispanic or Latino was high, which may reflect the overall demographics in West Texas. Furthermore, our gestational diabetes rate was also higher than the national average, possibly reflecting the high obesity rates in this area. We recommend further research on the mechanisms of preterm birth in COVID-19 illness and on ways to improve the health and healthcare outcomes in West Texas residents.
Flight behaviour monitoring and quantification of aedes aegypti using convolution neural network
Authors: Javed Nouman , Paradkar Prasad N. , Bhatti Asim
Published: July 2023

Mosquito-borne diseases cause a huge burden on public health worldwide. The viruses that cause these diseases impact the behavioural traits of mosquitoes, including locomotion and feeding. Understanding these traits can help in improving existing epidemiological models and developing effective mosquito traps. However, it is difficult to understand the flight behaviour of mosquitoes due to their small sizes, complicated poses, and seemingly random moving patterns. Currently, no open-source tool is available that can detect and track resting or flying mosquitoes. Our work presented in this paper provides a detection and trajectory estimation method using the Mask RCNN algorithm and spline interpolation, which can efficiently detect mosquitoes and track their trajectories with higher accuracy. The method does not require special equipment and works excellently even with low-resolution videos. Considering the mosquito size, the proposed method’s detection performance is validated using a tracker error and a custom metric that considers the mean distance between positions (estimated and ground truth), pooled standard deviation, and average accuracy. The results showed that the proposed method could successfully detect and track the flying (≈ 96% accuracy) as well as resting (100% accuracy) mosquitoes. The performance can be impacted in the case of occlusions and background clutters. Overall, this research serves as an efficient open-source tool to facilitate further examination of mosquito behavioural traits.
Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation in metabolic syndrome: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Qiu Bo , Liang JiaXu , Li Cong
Published: July 2023

Objective

The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing worldwide, posing serious threats to human health. This study aimed to evaluate the role of FMT in the treatment of obesity and/or metabolic syndrome and its impact on clinically important parameters.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to April 31, 2022 and further assessed articles that met the eligibility criteria. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were used to analyze continuous data. The I2 statistic was used to measure study heterogeneity. Univariate meta-regression or subgroup analyses were performed to explore the covariates that might contribute to heterogeneity. Potential publication bias was assessed using the Egger’s test. We used the GRADEpro guideline development tool to assess the quality of the evidence.

Results

Nine studies, comprising 303 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. In the short-term outcomes (<6 weeks after FMT), compared with the placebo group, patients in the FMT group had lower FBG (MD = -0.12 mmol/L, 95% Cl: -0.23, -0.01), HbA1c (MD = -0.37 mmol/mol, 95%Cl: -0.73, -0.01), and insulin levels (MD = -24.77 mmol/L, 95% Cl: -37.60, -11.94), and higher HDL cholesterol levels (MD = 0.07 mmol/L, 95% Cl: 0.02, 0.11).

Conclusions

FMT, as an adjunctive therapy, does not produce any serious adverse effects and may be useful in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, especially in improving HbA1c, insulin sensitivity, and HDL cholesterol. However, there was no significant difference between the FMT group and the placebo group in terms of weight reduction.
Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplementation on glucose metabolism in diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome: An umbrella review and updated meta-analysis
Authors: Pathomwichaiwat Thanika , Jinatongthai Peerawat , Prommasut Napattaoon , Ampornwong Kanyarat , Rattanavipanon Wipharak , Nathisuwan Surakit , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: July 2023

Aims

This study aims to comprehensively review the existing evidence and conduct analysis of updated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of turmeric (Curcuma longa, CL) and its related bioactive compounds on glycemic and metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) together with a sub-group analysis of different CL preparation forms.

Methods

An umbrella review (UR) and updated systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) were conducted to evaluate the effects of CL compared with a placebo/standard treatment in adult T2DM, prediabetes, and MetS. The MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials, and Scopus databases were searched from inception to September 2022. The primary efficacy outcomes were hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). The corrected covered area (CCA) was used to assess overlap. Mean differences were pooled across individual RCTs using a random-effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed for various CL preparation forms.

Results

Fourteen SRMAs of 61 individual RCTs were included in the UR. The updated SRMA included 28 studies. The CCA was 11.54%, indicating high overlap across SRMAs. The updated SRMA revealed significant reduction in FBG and HbA1C with CL supplementation, obtaining a mean difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) of –8.129 (–12.175, –4.084) mg/dL and –0.134 (–0.304, –0.037) %, respectively. FBG and HbA1C levels decreased with all CL preparation forms as did other metabolic parameters levels. The results of the sensitivity and subgroup analyses were consistent with those of the main analysis.

Conclusion

CL supplementation can significantly reduce FBG and HbA1C levels and other metabolic parameters in T2DM and mitigate related conditions, including prediabetes and MetS.

Trial registration

PROSPERO (CRD42016042131).
Artificial intelligence: The blind spot of info-communication platform policy-making and regulation in Latin America
Authors: Monje Daniela , Caballero Francisco Sierra
Published: July 2023

The social dimension of artificial intelligence is a strategic line of research that has been barely addressed to date in relation to information and communication technology policy-making. Debates on new expert information systems have generally revolved around taxation, content moderation, security, privacy and transparency, in addition to new forms of assessment that artificial intelligence assumes in platform capitalism. The existing theoretical and regulatory gaps require, however, a comprehensive approach to the economic, political, philosophical, geopolitical and ecological aspects of communication in the relations between states, international bodies and global corporations. Accordingly, the aim here is to review the state of the art of policy-making on artificial intelligence in Latin America as well as to draw a number of parallels with the current situation in the European Union for the purpose of performing an exploratory analysis on the main regulatory challenges facing public policy-makers from a practical and theoretical perspective.
Does Daylight Saving Time in the Southern United States Save Energy? – Evidence from a Natural Experiment in Arizona
Authors: Li Chenghao
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates why Arizona does not implement Daylight Saving Time based on energy consumption in the Southern states of the United States. Daylight Saving Time is a practice of adjusting clocks to extend daylight during the day, which can affect energy usage and conservation. While Daylight Saving Time is commonly believed to save energy, Arizona has been exempt from it since 1968, citing concerns of increased energy consumption due to longer daytime. This study employs synthetic control to construct a synthetic Arizona with Daylight Saving Time and compare it with Arizona without Daylight Saving Time. This paper provides evidence supporting the Daylight Saving Time exemption in Arizona by analyzing state-level panel data on energy consumption and related factors.
Politics of Socratic Humor
Authors: Lombardini John
Published: July 2023

How was Socrates funny? Was he an ironist? Did he mock his interlocutors and, in doing so, show disdain for both them and the institutions of Athenian democracy? These questions were debated with great seriousness by three generations of Greek writers and helped to define a primary strand of the Western tradition of political thought. This book reconstructs the debate between ancient Greek authors concerning the nature and purpose of Socratic humor. It compares the Socrates presented in Aristophanes, Plato, Xenophon, Aristotle, and the Hellenistic philosophical schools in order to demonstrate that humor was a key aspect of Socrates’s legacy in and after the classical period. It further shows how these ancient depictions of Socratic humor were shaped by the political context in which they were written and illustrates why Socratic intellectualism was thought to be dangerous to democratic authority. Practices of humor are connected with the operations of power; this book details how humor enabled Socrates to navigate relations of power between himself and his interlocutors. By attending to the politics of humor, these ancient writers explored the political implications of Socratic conversation in ways that shed new light on the relationships between humor, power, and democratic authority.
The 'love-hate' relationship present in lignocellulosic materials
Authors: Hubbe Martin A. , Lucia Lucian A.
Published: July 2023

The three main types of chemical components in wood are cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. These three components have rather different physical and chemical characteristics. In some respects, the three types of materials can be described as “incompatible.” However, most of the biomass existing on the planet depends on their successful interactions. It can be useful to think of wood as being a natural composite structure. Concepts related to composites also are useful as we envision possible new and improved uses of wood-derived materials.