bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sick leave and disability pension in a cohort of TMD-patients – The Swedish National Registry Studies for Surgically Treated TMD (SWEREG-TMD)
Authors: Salinas Fredricson Adrian , Krüger Weiner Carina , Adami Johanna , Rosén Annika , Lund Bodil , Hedenberg-Magnusson Britt , Fredriksson Lars , Svedberg Pia , Naimi-Akbar Aron
Published: May 2022

Background

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common and affect approximately 10% of the adult population. TMD is usually associated with headache, pain in the masticatory muscles and/or the temporomandibular joint, clicking or crepitations during mandibular movement as well as painful and/or reduced mouth opening. This study aimed to investigate the level TMD-patients use social insurance benefits before and after their first time of diagnosis or first surgical event, compared to the general population. Furthermore, the aim was to investigate the differences in the use of social insurance benefits between surgically and non-surgically treated TMD-patients that were diagnosed in a hospital setting.

Methods

All Swedish citizens aged 23–59 diagnosed with TMD in a hospital setting and/or surgically treated for the condition during 1998–2016 were identified via the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. A non-exposed comparison cohort was collected via the Total Population Registry. Outcome and sociodemographic data were collected via Statistics Sweden. Main outcome was annual net days on sick leave and disability pension five years before (-T5) and five years after (T5) diagnosis and/or surgical treatment (T0). Regression analysis was conducted with generalized estimated equations.

Results

The study included 219 255 individuals (73% female) – 19 934 in the exposed cohort and 199 321 in the comparison cohort. The exposed group was classified into three subgroups: non-surgical, surgically treated once, and surgically treated twice or more. The mean annual net days of sick leave and disability pension combined during the ten-year follow-up was 61 days in the non-surgical group, 76 days in the surgically treated once group, and 104 days in the surgically treated twice or more subgroup. The corresponding number for the non-exposed comparison cohort was 32 days.

Conclusion

Patients diagnosed with TMD in a hospital setting are 2–3 times more dependent on the use of social benefits than the general population. The reliance on sick leave and disability pension is seen as early as five years before diagnosis, and the reliance remains after surgical treatment. The reliance is stronger in patients with several surgical interventions. These findings indicate that patients diagnosed with TMD constitute a patient group with a high burden of health issues causing long-term dependence on social security benefits.
Reliability and validity test of a novel three-dimensional acetabular bone defect classification system aided with additive manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Hu Yi , Ying Hua , Mao Yuanqing , Zhu Zhenan , Li Huiwu
Published: May 2022

Background

Accurate assessment of acetabular defects and designing precise and feasible surgical plans are essential for positive outcomes of hip revision arthroplasty. Additive manufacturing (AM) is a novel technique to print physical object models. We propose a three-dimensional acetabular bone defect classification system aided with AM model, and further assess its reliability and validity under blinded conditions.

Methods

We reviewed 104 consecutive patients who underwent hip revision arthroplasty at our department between January 2014 and December 2019, of whom 45 had AM models and were included in the reliability and validity tests. Three orthopedic surgeons retrospectively evaluated the bone defects of these 45 patients with our proposed classification, made surgical plans, and repeated the process after 2 weeks. The reliability and validity of the classification results and corresponding surgical plans were assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient or kappa correlation coefficient.

Results

The reliability and validity of the classification results were excellent. The mean initial intra-class correlation coefficient for inter-observer reliability was 0.947, which increased to 0.972 when tested a second time. The intra-observer reliability ranged from 0.958 to 0.980. Validity of the classification results also showed a high kappa correlation coefficient of 0.951–0.967. When considering corresponding surgical plans, the reliability and validity were also excellent, with intra-class correlation coefficients and kappa correlation coefficients measuring all over 0.9.

Conclusions

This three-dimensional acetabular defect classification has excellent reliability and validity. Using this classification system and AM models, accurate assessment of bone defect and reliable surgical plans could be achieved. This classification aided with AM is a promising tool for surgeons for preoperative evaluation.
A multicentre validation study of a smartphone application to screen hand arthritis
Authors: Reed Mark , Rampono Broderick , Turner Wallace , Harsanyi Andreea , Lim Andrew , Paramalingam Shereen , Massasso David , Thakkar Vivek , Mundae Maninder , Rampono Elliot
Published: May 2022

Background

Arthritis is a common condition, and the prompt and accurate assessment of hand arthritis in primary care is an area of unmet clinical need. We have previously developed and tested a screening tool combining machine-learning algorithms, to help primary care physicians assess patients presenting with arthritis affecting the hands. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the screening tool among a number of different Rheumatologists.

Methods

Two hundred and forty-eight consecutive new patients presenting to 7 private Rheumatology practices across Australia were enrolled. Using a smartphone application, each patient had photographs taken of their hands, completed a brief 9-part questionnaire, and had a single examination result (wrist irritability) recorded. The Rheumatologist diagnosis was entered following a 45-minute consultation. Multiple machine learning models were applied to both the photographic and survey/examination results, to generate a screening outcome for the primary diagnoses of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.

Results

The combined algorithms in the application performed well in identifying and discriminating between different forms of hand arthritis. The algorithms were able to predict rheumatoid arthritis with accuracy, precision, recall and specificity of 85.1, 80.0, 88.1 and 82.7% respectively. The corresponding results for psoriatic arthritis were 95.2, 76.9, 90.9 and 95.8%, and for osteoarthritis were 77.4, 78.3, 80.6 and 73.7%. The results were maintained when each contributor was excluded from the analysis. The median time to capture all data across the group was 2 minutes and 59 seconds.

Conclusions

This multicentre study confirms the results of the pilot study, and indicates that the performance of the screening tool is maintained across a group of different Rheumatologists. The smartphone application can provide a screening result from a combination of machine-learning algorithms applied to hand images and patient symptom responses. This could be used to assist primary care physicians in the assessment of patients presenting with hand arthritis, and has the potential to improve the clinical assessment and management of such patients.
Lichen cell factories: methods for the isolation of photobiont and mycobiont partners for defined pure and co-cultivation
Authors: Zakeri Zakieh , Junne Stefan , Jäger Fabia , Dostert Marcel , Otte Volker , Neubauer Peter
Published: May 2022

Background

Due to their huge biodiversity and the capability to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites, lichens have a great potential in biotechnological applications. They have, however, hardly been used as cell factories to date, as it is considered to be difficult and laborious to cultivate lichen partners in pure or co-culture in the laboratory. The various methods used to isolate lichen fungi, based on either the ascospores, the conidia, or the thallus, have so far not been compared or critically examined. Therefore, here we systematically investigate and compare the known methods and two new methods to identify the most suitable technology for isolation of fungi from lichens.

Results

Within this study six lichen fungi species were isolated and propagated as pure cultures. All of them formed colonies within one month. In case of lichens with ascocarps the spore discharge was the most suitable method. Spores were already discharged within 2 days and germinated within only four days and the contamination rate was low. Otherwise, the soredia and thallus method without homogenization, as described in this work, are also well suited to obtain pure fungal cultures. For the isolation of algae, we were also successful with the thallus method without homogenization.

Conclusion

With the methods described here and the proposed strategic approach, we believe that a large proportion of the lichen fungi can be cultivated within a reasonable time and effort. Based on this, methods of controlled cultivation and co-cultivation must now be developed in order to use the potential of lichens with regard to their secondary metabolites, but also for other applications.
Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health in Vietnam (REACH VN): study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a family dementia caregiver intervention in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Duyen , Nguyen Huong , Pham Thang , Nguyen Anh T. , Nguyen Hung T. , Nguyen Ngoc B. , Nguyen Bien H. , Harvey Danielle , Gitlin Laura , Hinton Ladson
Published: May 2022

Background

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) are a public health challenge for Vietnam because of its rapidly aging population. However, very few community-based programs exist to support people living with AD/ADRD and their family caregivers. Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health in Vietnam (REACH VN) is a culturally adapted family caregiver intervention shown in a pilot study to be feasible and promising in terms of preliminary efficacy. We describe the protocol for a larger cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of REACH VN among family caregivers of people living with dementia in a semi-rural area outside of Hanoi, Vietnam.

Methods

Thirty-two clusters with approximately 350 caregivers will be randomized to either REACH VN intervention or enhanced usual care. REACH VN is a multicomponent intervention delivered in-home or by phone over the course of 2 to 3 months. To be eligible, family caregivers need to be ≥18 years old, be the person who provides the most day-to-day care for people living with dementia, and have a score ≥ 6 on the Zarit Burden Interview-4. The primary outcomes are caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview-12) and psychological distress (Patient Health Questionnaire-4). Secondary outcomes include caregiver somatic symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-15) and perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10). These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Exploratory analyses to examine potential mediators of primary outcomes are also planned.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale study to test the efficacy of a community-based family dementia caregiver intervention in Vietnam. Results from this study will help inform efforts to widely deliver the REACH VN intervention or similar community-based family dementia caregiver support programs in Vietnam and other low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04542317. Registered on 9 September 2020
Detection of vector-borne pathogens in owned dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture living in the Mediterranean area
Authors: Tabar María-Dolores , Tabar Javier , Naranjo Carolina , Altet Laura , Roura Xavier
Published: May 2022

Background

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) results from a multifactorial degenerative process that leads to rupture of the ligament. Vector-borne pathogens (VBP) in dogs can induce joint disease but their role in CCLR has not been previously investigated. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the prevalence of VBP in dogs with CCLR.

Methods

This was a prospective study that included 46 dogs presented for CCLR surgical treatment and 16 control dogs euthanized for diseases unrelated to the joints. Specimens collected included blood, synovial fluid, and synovial membrane biopsy. Pathogen testing consisted of serology for Leishmania infantum (quantitative ELISA), Ehrlichia canis/ewingii, Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/platys, and Dirofilaria immitis (4DX IDEXX test), and PCR for L. infantum, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp., Bartonella spp., piroplasms (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.), and filariae (D. immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides, Acanthocheilonema reconditum, and Cercopithifilaria spp.) on both EDTA-whole blood (EB) and synovial fluid (SF) samples. SF cytology and histopathological evaluation of synovial membrane were also performed.

Results

The prevalence of VBP was 19.6% in the CCLR group and 18.8% in the control group, with no statistical difference among them. The presence of synovitis was not more frequent in CCLR dogs (45.6%) than in control dogs (43.7%). Lymphoplasmacytic infiltration was the most common inflammatory pattern detected in the joints of both groups of dogs.

Conclusions

This study failed to demonstrate a role of canine VBP in CCLR or the presence or different pattern of joint inflammation in pathogen-positive dogs.

Graphical Abstract
Infection and seroprevalence of Borrelia persica in domestic cats and dogs in Israel
Authors: Baneth Gad , Dvorkin Ann , Ben-Shitrit Bar , Kleinerman Gabriela , Salant Harold , Straubinger Reinhard K. , Nachum-Biala Yaarit
Published: May 2022

Background

Relapsing fever borreliosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia, inflicting recurrent episodes of fever and spirochetemia in humans. Borrelia persica, the causative agent of relapsing fever in Israel, is prevalent over a broad geographic area that extends from India to Egypt. It is transmitted by the soft tick Ornithodoros tholozani and causes disease in humans as well as domestic cats and dogs. The goal of this study was to survey domestic dogs and cats in Israel for infection with B. persica.

Methods

Blood, sera and demographic and clinical data were collected from dogs and cats brought for veterinary care in central Israel. PCR followed by DNA sequencing was used to detect B. persica DNA in blood samples, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect antibodies reactive with B. persica antigens in sera from the same animals. This is the first serological survey of B. persica in dogs and the first survey for antibodies reactive with a relapsing fever Borrelia sp. in cats globally.

Results

Four of the 208 dogs (1.9%) and three of 103 cats (2.9%) sampled were positive by PCR for B. persica DNA, and 24 dogs (11.5%) and 18 cats (17.5%) were seropositive for B. persica antigen by ELISA. The ratio between PCR-positivity and seropositivity in both the dog and cat populations was 1:6. All four PCR-positive dogs and two of three PCR-positive cats were seronegative, suggesting a probable recent infection. Thrombocytopenia showed significant association with seropositivity in dogs (P = 0.003). In cats, anemia had a significant association with seropositivity (P = 0.0001), and thrombocytopenia was associated with the combined prevalence of seropositivity or PCR-positivity (P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Borrelia persica infection is more prevalent and widespread in domestic canine and feline populations in Israel than previously thought. Dogs and cats may play a role as reservoirs and sentinels for human infection. Precautions should be taken to prevent transfusion-transmitted infection between blood donor and recipient animals.

Graphic Abstract
Robotic-assisted closed-chest management of a fungal-infected prosthetic aortic graft: a case report
Authors: Giammarino Ashley T , Sarmiento Iam Claire , Scheinerman SJacob , Winalski John , Lazzaro Richard S , Brinster Derek R , Hemli Jonathan M
Published: May 2022

Background

Fungal prosthetic graft infections are associated with high mortality, typically requiring aggressive surgical debridement. We present an alternative, minimally invasive approach to address these challenging clinical cases.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old Caucasian male with prior aortic root and arch replacement presented with localized chest wall tenderness after being hit by a car door. Computed tomography angiogram incidentally identified fluid in the anterior mediastinum, surrounding his ascending aortic graft. Rather than undertaking a high-risk reoperative sternotomy and redo complex aortic reconstruction, we elected to proceed with a robotic-assisted, minimally invasive debridement of the aortic graft, coupled with an omental wrap, entirely within the closed chest. Microbiology was positive for Aspergillus species. The patient made an uncomplicated recovery and was discharged home on antifungal therapy, likely to continue indefinitely.

Conclusions

Infected prosthetic aortic grafts can be successfully managed with debridement and pedicled omental flap coverage via a minimally invasive approach within the closed chest, obviating the morbidity of a complex reoperative open procedure.
Pseudomonas species prevalence, protein analysis, and antibiotic resistance: an evolving public health challenge
Authors: Elbehiry Ayman , Marzouk Eman , Aldubaib Musaad , Moussa Ihab , Abalkhail Adil , Ibrahem Mai , Hamada Mohamed , Sindi Wael , Alzaben Feras , Almuzaini Abdulaziz Mohammad , Algammal Abdelazeem M. , Rawway Mohammed
Published: May 2022

Psychrotrophic Pseudomonas is one of the significant microbes that lead to putrefaction in chilled meat. One of the biggest problems in the detection of Pseudomonas is that several species are seemingly identical. Currently, antibiotic resistance is one of the most significant challenges facing the world's health and food security. Therefore, this study was designed to apply an accurate technique for eliminating the identification discrepancy of Pseudomonas species and to study their resistance against various antimicrobials. A total of 320 chicken meat specimens were cultivated, and the isolated bacteria’ were phenotypically recognized. Protein analysis was carried out for cultured isolates via Microflex LT. The resistance of Pseudomonas isolates was recorded through Vitek® 2 AST-GN83 cards. Overall, 69 samples were identified as Pseudomonas spp. and included 18 Pseudomonas lundensis (P. lundensis), 16 Pseudomonas fragi (P. fragi), 13 Pseudomonas oryzihabitans (P. oryzihabitans), 10 Pseudomonas stutzeri (P. stutzeri), 5 Pseudomonas fluorescens (P. fluorescens), 4 Pseudomonas putida (P. putida), and 3 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolates. Microflex LT identified all Pseudomonas isolates (100%) correctly with a score value ≥ 2.00. PCA positively discriminated the identified isolates into various groups. The antimicrobial resistance levels against Pseudomonas isolates were 81.16% for nitrofurantoin, 71% for ampicillin and ampicillin/sulbactam, 65.22% for cefuroxime and ceftriaxone, 55% for aztreonam, and 49.28% for ciprofloxacin. The susceptibilities were 100% for cefotaxime, 98.55% for ceftazidime, 94.20% for each piperacillin/tazobactam and cefepime, 91.3% for cefazolin. In conclusion, chicken meat was found to be contaminated with different Pseudomonas spp., with high incidence rates of P. lundensis. Microflex LT is a potent tool for distinguishing Pseudomonads at the species level.
A new paradigm for diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases: peripheral exosomes of brain origin
Authors: Younas Neelam , Fernandez Flores Leticia Camila , Hopfner Franziska , Höglinger Günter U. , Zerr Inga
Published: May 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of maladies, characterized by progressive loss of neurons. These diseases involve an intricate pattern of cross-talk between different types of cells to maintain specific signaling pathways. A component of such intercellular cross-talk is the exchange of various types of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Exosomes are a subset of EVs, which are increasingly being known for the role they play in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, e.g., synucleinopathies and tauopathies. The ability of the central nervous system exosomes to cross the blood–brain barrier into blood has generated enthusiasm in their study as potential biomarkers. However, the lack of standardized, efficient, and ultra-sensitive methods for the isolation and detection of brain-derived exosomes has hampered the development of effective biomarkers. Exosomes mirror heterogeneous biological changes that occur during the progression of these incurable illnesses, potentially offering a more comprehensive outlook of neurodegenerative disease diagnosis, progression and treatment. In this review, we aim to discuss the challenges and opportunities of peripheral biofluid-based brain-exosomes in the diagnosis and biomarker discovery of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In the later part, we discuss the traditional and emerging methods used for the isolation of exosomes and compare their advantages and disadvantages in clinical settings.
Suitability of Hermetia illucens larvae meal and fat in broiler diets: effects on animal performance, apparent ileal digestibility, gut histology, and microbial metabolites
Authors: Hartinger Kristina , Fröschl Katharina , Ebbing Marco Antonio , Bruschek-Pfleger Barbara , Schedle Karl , Schwarz Christiane , Gierus Martin
Published: May 2022

Background

The possibility of partially replacing soybean meal (SBM) with Hermetia illucens (HI) defatted larvae meal in broiler nutrition has frequently been suggested. For sustainability reasons, however, the larvae fat produced during defatting should also be used and could be particularly beneficial regarding gut health due to its fatty acid composition. To evaluate the suitability of HI larvae as protein and fat source, a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two types of protein, i.e. SBM (S) or SBM and 15% of its crude protein replaced by HI larvae meal (L), and three levels of fat sources, namely 0 (0 L), 50% (50 L) or 100% HI larvae fat (100 L) at the expense of soybean oil was applied.

Results

In the starter phase, an interaction showed higher body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) if 50% or 100% HI larvae fat was fed with HI larvae meal. Moreover, BW, ADG and FCR improved when feeding HI larvae meal as protein source. Additionally, we observed an increased average daily feed intake in the grower, finisher, and overall phase in the L groups and an improved FCR in 0 L compared to 50 L groups during the overall period. Regarding apparent ileal digestibility, HI larvae meal feeding increased dry matter, organic matter, and fat digestibility. Feeding HI larvae meal as protein source decreased the concentrations of agmatine, spermidine, spermine and ammonia in the caecal digesta, whereas fat source affected agmatine with higher concentrations in 50 L compared to 0 L in the colonic digesta. In contrast, caecal ethanolamine concentrations increased in HI larvae meal groups compared to SBM. Caecal butyric acid concentrations decreased with HI larvae meal feeding. An interaction was found for the jejunal villus area, being higher in L + 100 L compared to S + 100 L. Furthermore, L groups had greater villus width.

Conclusions

A partial replacement of SBM with HI larvae meal and soybean oil with HI larvae fat in broiler diets without impairing animal performance or gut health seems possible. Feeding HI larvae meal affected broiler performance positively in the starter phase and improved apparent ileal digestibility.
Psychometric properties of the Farsi version of the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory (F-EPSI) among Iranian University men and women
Authors: Sahlan Reza N. , Blomquist Kerstin K. , Bodell Lindsay P.
Published: May 2022

Background

Limited research has validated eating pathology assessments in Iranian men and women. The purpose of the current study was to translate and validate a Farsi version of the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory (F-EPSI) in Iranian university students.

Methods

Men (n = 279) and women (n = 486) completed questionnaires including the F-EPSI.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that the F-EPSI had an acceptable fit to the data and supported the eight-factor model. The scale was partially invariant across genders. Men reported higher scores on Excessive Exercise and Muscle Building subscales, and women reported higher scores on Body Dissatisfaction and Restricting subscales. The F-EPSI subscales had good 5- to 6-month test–retest reliability. The F-EPSI demonstrated convergent validity with clinical impairment, eating pathology, and body mass index (BMI). Finally, individuals scoring above the Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA) cutoffs reported higher scores on the F-EPSI subscales, further supporting convergent validity of the scale.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that the F-EPSI will enable researchers to examine eating pathology symptoms among men and women in Iran.
Horizontal augmentation techniques in the mandible: a systematic review
Authors: Smeets Ralf , Matthies Levi , Windisch Peter , Gosau Martin , Jung Ronald , Brodala Nadine , Stefanini Martina , Kleinheinz Johannes , Payer Michael , Henningsen Anders , Al-Nawas Bilal , Knipfer Christian
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Placement of dental implants has evolved to be an advantageous treatment option for rehabilitation of the fully or partially edentulous mandible. In case of extensive horizontal bone resorption, the bone volume needs to be augmented prior to or during implant placement in order to obtain dental rehabilitation and maximize implant survival and success.

Methods

Our aim was to systematically review the available data on lateral augmentation techniques in the horizontally compromised mandible considering all grafting protocols using xenogeneic, synthetic, or allogeneic material. A computerized and manual literature search was performed for clinical studies (published January 1995 to March 2021).

Results

Eight studies ultimately met the inclusion criteria comprising a total of 276 procedures of xenogeneic, allogeneic, or autogenous bone graft applications in horizontal ridge defects. Particulate materials as well as bone blocks were used as grafts with a mean follow-up of 26.0 months across all included studies. Outcome measures, approaches and materials varied from study to study. A gain of horizontal bone width of the mandible with a mean of 4.8 mm was observed in seven of eight studies. All but one study, reported low bone graft failure rates of 4.4% in average.

Conclusions

Only limited data are available on the impact of different horizontal augmentation strategies in the mandible. The results show outcomes for xenogeneic as well as autologous bone materials for horizontal ridge augmentation of the lower jaw. The use of allogeneic bone-block grafts in combination with resorbable barrier membranes must be re-evaluated. Randomized controlled clinical trials are largely missing.
Daniel Maximin’s Lone Sun
Authors: Thomas Leanna
Published: May 2022

This essay explores how Daniel Maximin constructs an imagined past in his novel Lone Sun by wrenching archival sources out of their domain and context and selectively situating them in a narrative replete with cultural and oral traditions. It examines how Maximin remembers those who go unaccounted for and counters the commodification of select heroes by giving voice to the voiceless and minimizing the iconization of Victor Schoelcher and sacrificial hero Louis Delgrès. Maximin’s novel proves a resistant act intended to fracture the continuity of French colonial power maintained through its archival system and selective memory commodification.
Additive and epistatic effects influence spectral tuning in molluscan retinochrome opsin
Authors: Smedley G. Dalton , McElroy Kyle E. , Feller Kathryn D. , Serb Jeanne M.
Published: May 2022

The relationship between genotype and phenotype is non-trivial because of the often complex molecular pathways that make it difficult to unambiguously relate phenotypes to specific genotypes. Photopigments, comprising an opsin apoprotein bound to a light-absorbing chromophore, present an opportunity to directly relate the amino acid sequence to an absorbance peak phenotype (λmax). We examined this relationship by conducting a series of site-directed mutagenesis experiments of retinochrome, a non-visual opsin, from two closely related species: the common bay scallop, Argopecten irradians, and the king scallop, Pecten maximus. Using protein folding models, we identified three amino acid sites of likely functional importance and expressed mutated retinochrome proteins in vitro. Our results show that the mutation of amino acids lining the opsin binding pocket is responsible for fine spectral tuning, or small changes in the λmax of these light-sensitive proteins. Mutations resulted in a blue or red shift as predicted, but with dissimilar magnitudes. Shifts ranged from a 16 nm blue shift to a 12 nm red shift from the wild-type λmax. These mutations do not show an additive effect, but rather suggest the presence of epistatic interactions. This work highlights the importance of binding pocket shape in the evolution of spectral tuning and builds on our ability to relate genotypic changes to phenotypes in an emerging model for opsin functional analysis.
Εκπαιδευτική Πολιτική και καινοτομίες Η χρήση των Διαδραστικών Πινάκων στην Ελληνική Πρωτοβάθμια Εκπαίδευση. Mια εμπειρική έρευνα
Authors: ΒΑΣΙΛΑΚΗ ΑΣΠΑΣΙΑ
Published: May 2022

Η εισαγωγή των Τεχνολογιών της Πληροφορίας και της Επικοινωνίας (Τ.Π.Ε.) στην εκπαίδευση αφορά ακόμη και σήμερα την καινοτομική διδακτική και αποτελεί ένα σημαντικό στοιχείο του εκπαιδευτικού σχεδιασμού στο πλαίσιο της Εκπαιδευτικής Πολιτικής των χωρών. Σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι να διερευνηθούν οι σύγχρονες τάσεις ενσωμάτωσης της τεχνολογίας στην εκπαιδευτική πράξη, και ιδιαίτερα η εφαρμογή των διαδραστικών πινάκων (Δ.Π.) στην πρωτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση. Αναλύοντας με τη χρήση της Κριτικής Ανάλυσης Λόγου (Fairclough, 1995) το κείμενο του ελληνικού Υπουργείου Παιδείας Νέο Σχολείο: πρώτα ο Μαθητής και ειδικά η ενότητα «Ψηφιακό σχολείο- Επτά άξονες λειτουργίας» (2010) επιχειρήθηκε στη συνέχεια μέσω της Μελέτης Περίπτωσης η εμπειρική αποτύπωση, ανάλυση και ερμηνεία της νέας αυτής διδακτικής πραγματικότητας.Στα ευρήματα της έρευνας αναδεικνύεται η παιδαγωγική σχέση ανάμεσα σε εκπαιδευτικούς- μαθητές και Δ.Π. αλλά και οι πρώτες δυσκολίες που εμφανίζονται στο εμβρυακό αυτό στάδιο εφαρμογής. Οι εκπαιδευτικές και διδακτικές ανάγκες που αποκαλύφθηκαν μετατοπίζουν ξανά το ερευνητικό ενδιαφέρον στο κομμάτι της Εκπαιδευτικής Πολιτικής, επισημαίνοντας την ανάγκη ουσιαστικής εκπαίδευσης των εκπαιδευτικών σε επίπεδο τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης.
Ιδεολογήματα και εννοιολογήσεις στην οργάνωση και λειτουργία των Πρότυπων Πειραματικών Σχολείων
Authors: ΚΑΛΕΡΑΝΤΕ ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΑ
Published: May 2022

ρυθμίσεις(2011/2015) για τα Πρότυπα Πειραματικά Σχολεία αλλά και την πολιτική των προθέσεων, με βάση τις οικονομικές, πολιτικές και κοινωνικές συνθήκες, που ως«αφηγήσεις» ενεργοποιούνται, ως εσωτερικοί αυτοματισμοί και   θέτουν ζητήματα για τη λειτουργικότητα των θεσμών, όπως της εκπαίδευσης.Διερευνούμε τη νομοθετική εξέλιξη (2011/2015) ενός θεσμού και ιδιαίτερα των ρυθμίσεων και προϋποθέσεων εισαγωγής των μαθητών στα ιδιαίτερου τύπου σχολεία. Ειδικότερα, με βάση τα κριτήρια επιλογής, εννοιολογούνται θέματα για την αξιολόγηση κάποιου ιδιαίτερου προσόντος ή δεξιότητας. Παράλληλα, συνεξετάζουμε, τις περιόδους που υπήρχε αξιολόγηση για την εισαγωγή των μαθητώνσε αυτόν τον τύπο   σχολείων, το περιεχόμενό της και συνακόλουθα το μαθητικό κοινό στο οποίο απευθυνόταν συγκριτικά με το νέο διαμορφούμενο νομοθετικό πλαίσιο της επιλογής με κλήρωση.Ταυτόχρονα, ανιχνεύουμε κοινωνικές νοηματοδοτήσεις και συμβολικές υποστασιοποιήσεις για τις έννοιες, χαρισματικό άτομο, άτομο με υψηλή νοημοσύνη, που διαμορφώνουν ένα πλαίσιο, σημασιακών τάξεων αναφοράς στην αξία της«διαφοράς», για τη δημιουργία ιδιαίτερων σχολείων. Στόχος μας είναι να συσχετίσουμε την εξελικτική λειτουργία των ιδιαίτερων σχολείων για χαρισματικά άτομα με την ταξική κατανομή και τις φιλελεύθερες διευθετήσεις, που ενισχύουν-με την επίκληση του «δικαιώματος στη διαφορά»- περιεχόμενο θέσεων, αξιοποιώντας πολιτικές δομές του έθνους-κράτους αλλά και παγκοσμιοποιημένες πολιτικές αποφάσεις. Τα νέα ιδεολογήματα που προτάσσονται, ως ipso iure, μέσα από τα νέα φετιχ- τον «εκσυγχρονισμό», την «καινοτομία», την «αναδόμηση»- επιβάλλουν και νομιμοποιούν, ως «κατασκευή», την «εκπαιδευτική ορθότητα» διευρυμένου τύπου διαφοροποιήσεων. Ίσως ο τελευταίος νόμος του 2015 αναιρεί τις εκπαιδευτικές δομικές διαφοροποιήσεις, επαναφέροντας το διάλογο στην   ανάγκη αναμόρφωσης της δημόσιας παιδείας με διευρυμένες δομές ευκαιρίας.Λέξεις-κλειδιά: πειραματικά-πρότυπα σχολεία, χαρισματικά άτομα, νομοθεσία, διαφορετικότητα, δημόσια παιδεία, δομές ευκαιρίας
Ατομικοί και περιβαλλοντικοί παράγοντες πρόβλεψης του φαινομένου του σχολικού εκφοβισμού
Authors: ΚΑΠΑΡΗ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΑ Δ , ΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ ΠΗΛΙΟΣ Δ
Published: May 2022

Η παρούσα έρευνα αποσκοπεί στη διερεύνηση της σχέσης του σχολικού εκφοβισμού και της θυματοποίησης τόσο με ατομικά χαρακτηριστικά των μαθητών όσο και με χαρακτηριστικά του σχολείου και της ευρύτερης κοινότητας. Στην έρευνα συμμετείχαν 667 μαθητές της Β΄ Γυμνασίου, προερχόμενοι από τέσσερις δήμους της Αττικής οι οποίοι διέφεραν σημαντικά μεταξύ τους ως προς το οικονομικό επίπεδο και ως προς το επίπεδο εγκληματικότητας. Οι συμμετέχοντες συμπλήρωσαν ένα αυτοσχέδιο ερωτηματολόγιο αυτοαναφοράς, το οποίο αφορούσε: (i) στο βαθμό σχολικής εμπλοκής, κοινωνικής ένταξης και ικανοποίησης των μαθητών από το σχολείο τους, (ii) στο ψυχοκοινωνικό κλίμα του σχολείου, και (iii) στη συχνότητα των περιστατικών εκφοβισμού και θυματοποίησης.Τα ευρήματά μας καταδεικνύουν ότι το φαινόμενο του σχολικού εκφοβισμού συνδέεται κυρίως με την ποιότητα των αλληλεπιδράσεων που αναπτύσσονται ανάμεσα στα μέλη της σχολικής κοινότητας και όχι με εξωγενείς παράγοντες που δεν υπόκεινται στον έλεγχο της σχολικής μονάδας.
ASEAN and the Frankenstein dilemma: Will ASEAN become a monster?
Authors: Syam M Husni , An Aqimuddin Eka
Published: May 2022

Background: International organizations are pivotal as actors in international relations. Although its establishment represents a state, they have their objectives separate from their creators. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations [ASEAN] was created to handle cooperation and maintain peace and security in Southeast Asia. Although ASEAN was equipped with institutional organs to fulfil its purposes, member states' influence is unavoidable. This situation raises the Frankenstein dilemma in which creators cannot fully control its creature. This research aims to elaborate on ASEAN as a separate institution with independent objectives and how far member states can manage ASEAN as its creation.

Methods: This study uses descriptive-analytical legal research as a method to examine ASEAN constitutional instruments and its first legal text to elaborate on its capacity as a legal person and its role in distinguishing interests between member states. The two ASEAN constitutional instruments are the Bangkok Declaration, 1967, and The ASEAN Charter, 2007, while the first legal instrument is the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. All of the resources were gathered from ASEAN legal instruments database. 

Results: After carefully examining the documents, since its establishment ASEAN has kept member states at arms-length to realize their interests; the ASEAN position is only to legalize what its member state wants. Even after 40 years, this situation has not changed. While ASEAN has independent objectives and structures, its member states always made institutional designs to control ASEAN's capacity to act in the international forum. In this case, ASEAN is always under the authority of its member states and has never evolved like Frankenstein's creature.

Conclusions: ASEAN will never turn into a monster as ASEAN never has sole interests that contradict its members. ASEAN member states always design ASEAN constitutional and legal instruments to restrict its role as an independent legal person in international forums.
Formacja apostolska liderów świeckich
Authors: Lipiec Dariusz
Published: May 2022

Określenie liderzy świeccy w niniejszym artykule oznacza te osoby spośród laikatu, które stoją na czele grup religijnych lub kierują dziedzinami apostolstwa powierzonymi im przez duszpasterzy. Formacja apostolska tych osób obejmuje działania zmierzające do ukształtowania w nich postaw i umiejętności koniecznych do przewodzenia zespołami ludzkimi. Związana jest ona ściśle z innymi wymiarami formacji chrześcijańskiej: ludzkim, duchowym i intelektualnym. Powinny być one kształtowane łącznie ze względu na owocność ich posługi oraz ze względu na ich dobro, którym jest realizacja powołania chrześcijańskiego. W ramach formacji apostolskiej, biorąc pod uwagę nauki o zarządzaniu, kładzie się akcent na postawę liderów świeckich zarówno wobec realizowanych celów, jak i budowanie wspólnoty religijnej oraz dobro jej członków. Konieczne jest, aby liderzy ci byli do swojej pracy odpowiednio przygotowani. Najlepsze przygotowanie mogą oni otrzymać podczas studiów akademickich z teologii, lecz gdy jest to niemożliwe, trzeba organizować dla nich kursy i szkolenia. Podstawowym miejscem ich organizacji jest diecezja.
Iluzje polityczne stwarzane przez misjonarzy wśród Asyryjczyków w Hakkari: opis działalności misyjnej sporządzony przez R. Termena
Authors: Rucki Mirosław
Published: May 2022

Celem referatu jest ukazanie problemu religijno-politycznego ostatnich dziesięcioleci istnienia wspólnot chrześcijańskich w regionie Hakkari południowo-wschodniej Turcji przed ich totalną zagładą. Źródłem opracowania jest raport rosyjskiego generała Ryszarda Termena (1870–1937), który w latach 1905–1908 był wicekonsulem w wilajecie Wan. Znaczną część raportu stanowią opisy działalności misjonarzy rosyjskich (reprezentujących Kościół prawosławny), francuskich (Kościół katolicki), angielskich (Kościół anglikański) i amerykańskich (Kościoły protestanckie) wśród chrześcijańskiej ludności asyryjskiej regionu Hakkari.
Termen wskazuje, że Asyryjczycy należący do Kościoła Wschodu („niestoriańskiego”) pomimo bardzo silnego przywiązania do swojej wiary i tradycji, chętnie zmieniali przynależność denominacyjną, kiedy widzieli nadzieję wsparcia politycznego. Po części zjawisko to było wynikiem politycznej natury islamu, który jako dominująca religia Turcji Osmańskiej nadawał chrześcijanom status obywateli drugiej kategorii. Wskutek dyskryminacji chrześcijan, korupcji urzędników i bezkarności band muzułmańskich Kurdów, Asyryjczycy w stanie skrajnej rozpaczy gotowi byli do masowej emigracji lub do powstania zbrojnego w sojuszu z dowolnym państwem prowadzącym wojnę przeciwko Turcji. Każda niemuzułmańska władza polityczna jawiła się im jako korzystna, o czym dobitnie świadczą niezwykle pozytywne wrażenia Asyryjczyków wyjeżdżających zarobkowo do Rosji.
Innym ważnym elementem zmiany denominacji w celach politycznych było to, że Asyryjczycy uważali chrześcijaństwo za jednolitą religię, przejawiającą się w różnych formach. Za cenę krwi opierali się przyjęciu islamu, ale po kilka razy przechodzili na prawosławie, anglikanizm lub katolicyzm, kiedy widzieli płynące z tego korzyści materialne i polityczne.
I w końcu najważniejszy chyba problem religijno-politycznego charakteru misji był związany z tym, że na Zachodzie Kościół już nie miał takiego wpływu na politykę rządów, jak na Wschodzie, i często obietnice misjonarzy – zarówno te wyartykułowane, jak i te domniemane przez Asyryjczyków – były bez pokrycia. Skończyło się to katastrofą chrześcijaństwa w Hakkari, gdyż Asyryjczycy ulegli wpierw rozbiciu jedności religijnej, a potem zdradzeni przez polityczne władze Zachodu zostali zmasakrowani przez przeważające siły muzułmańskich Kurdów i Turków.
Family Counseling for the Polish Community in France: Is It Needed and Is It Possible? A Report from Research on Polish Catholics in France
Authors: Słowik Małgorzata
Published: May 2022

Poradnictwo rodzinne dla Polonii francuskiej – czy potrzebne i czy możliwe? Raport z badań nad polskimi katolikami we Francji
Życie Polaków na emigracji, choć wydaje się łatwiejsze na poziomie ekonomicznym, to nie wyklucza przeżywania trudnych sytuacji rodzinnych. Emigracja nie zawsze sprzyja rozwiązaniu takich problemów, czasem przeciwnie: zaostrza „stare” problemy lub generuje nowe. W polskich rodzinach polonijnych, mogą zderzać się różne postawy wobec wartości i stylów życia na obczyźnie. W specyficznym położeniu znajdują się ponadto ci, którzy weszli w tzw. związki mieszane (pod względem kulturowym czy wyznaniowym). W literaturze i badaniach naukowych nad Polonią można znaleźć niewiele informacji o życiu rodzinnym emigrantów, w tym Polonii francuskiej, której dotyczy ten tekst. Prezentowany tekst oparto na przeprowadzonych w latach 2019–2020 badaniach, których celem było określenie potrzeb i możliwości rozwoju poradnictwa rodzinnego dla Polonii w strukturach Polskiej Misji Katolickiej we Francji. Problemy badawcze wyrażono w pytaniach: Jakie są problemy rodzinne Polonii francuskiej w opinii badanych osób? Na jaką pomoc w zakresie poradnictwa rodzinnego mogą liczyć rodziny polonijne we Francji? Jaką ofertą z zakresu poradnictwa rodzinnego zainteresowane są osoby badane? Czy osoby badane są gotowe ponosić koszty za uzyskiwaną pomoc w zakresie poradnictwa rodzinnego? Jakie są możliwości i utrudnienia w organizowaniu poradnictwa rodzinnego dla Polonii we Francji? Chcąc rozwiązać powyższe problemy, posłużono się metodą sondażu diagnostycznego z zastosowaniem technik: ankiety, wywiadu swobodnego, wywiadu pogłębionego i zogniskowanego wywiadu grupowego. W rezultacie badań stworzono „mapę problemów rodzinnych” doświadczanych i/lub obserwowanych przez badanych, określono ich zapotrzebowanie na poradnictwo rodzinne oraz określono możliwości i utrudnienia w organizowaniu poradnictwa rodzinnego w strukturach PMK we Francji. Wyniki przeprowadzonych badań są reprezentatywne dla tej części francuskiej Polonii, która deklaruje wyznanie katolickie.
Lo Statuto albertino e il ‘paradosso’ delle riforme: brevi cenni sulle evoluzioni di una Carta „ottriata, perpetua ed irrevocabile”
Authors: Gambale Piero
Published: May 2022

L’articolo esamina in primo luogo le tradizionali caratteristiche dello Statuto albertino quale Carta costituzionale ‘ottriata, perpetua ed irrevocabile’; in un secondo momento, esso evidenzia come, nonostante tale formale ‘fissità’ e l’assenza di una sua autonoma legittimazione istituzionale, lo Statuto albertino vivrà diverse fasi evolutive, proprio perché alla base del suo processo di adozione vi è quel patto politico esplicitamente stretto tra la Corona e tutto il movimento liberale. Proprio la ‘forma di governo’ e le sue evoluzioni – secondo l’Autore – rappresentano una possibile ‘lente’ per individuare alcune ‘stagioni della Carta statutaria: così nell’articolo si parla, all’inizio della fase statutaria, di una ‘stagione’ indubbiamente incentrata intorno alla logica di funzionamento propria del regime monarchico-costituzionale e nella quale prevale la volontà del Re. Una seconda ‘stagione’ della forma di governo è quella che evolve verso il modello parlamentare, nella quale però solo in parte si realizzò il consolidamento del Potere Legislativo quanto piuttosto il rafforzamento del Potere Esecutivo sotto il duplice versante dell’organizzazione e degli strumenti normativi adottati. In conclusione, l’articolo intende evidenziare come le ‘stagioni’ della Carta albertina non siano state lineari ma forse piuttosto individuabili attraverso una sorta di stop and go back, tra tentativi di distaccarsi dal testo formale e tendenze ad adottare prassi e interpretazioni più coerenti con le previsioni statutarie.
Constitutional reforms in Poland after 7 April 1989
Authors: Rytel-Warzocha Anna
Published: May 2022

The political events of the late 1980s, as well as the results of the Round Table negotiations, needed their formal confirmation in the Constitution in order to secure their durability. During the political transformation in the years 1989–1991, there were seven amendments of the Constitution of 1952 adopted, out of which the first two were particularly important. The first amendment of April 1989 restored, among others, the office of the President as a head of state and the Senate, as well as established the National Council of the Judiciary as the body protecting independent courts and judges. The second amendment of December 1989 introduced the fundamental principles such as a democratic state ruled by law, social justice, political pluralism, freedom of economic activity and property protection. The current Constitution of 1997 has been amended only twice – in 2006 in regard to the extradition of a Polish citizen (art. 55 par. 3) and in 2009 in regard to passive electoral rights (art. 99 par. 3). As shown by the political experience after 2015, the procedure for adopting the amendment to the Constitution set out in art. 235 is extremely difficult, which has led to a situation in which it is bypassed and the content of constitutional provisions is changed by ordinary provisions.
The two-fold nature of constitutional ontology from the perspective of the pure theory of law
Authors: Wróblewska Iwona , Włoch Wojciech
Published: May 2022

The subject of the article is the issue of the political nature of the constitution and its scientific description from the point of view of pure Kelsen’s theory of law. We propose in it the thesis that although politics is not an object of legal knowledge, it is a necessary condition of the ontology of constitution. According to this theory, the cognition and description of the constitution (metaphorically speaking: its epistemology) relate to the content of valid norms, while its ontology consists of two elements: legal authorization and political will. The ontology of the constitution has a two-fold character: first, its creation and effectiveness is based primarily on the will of the constitution’s creator and on the will of entities applying the constitution (political aspect); secondly, its objectively validity presupposes that the creator of the constitution has a normative authorization to establish it (legal aspect). The inclusion by pure theory of law of the political at the ontological level is concomitant with its complete removal from the epistemological field. the consequence of such a cleansing of the cognitive field is, firstly, the dependence of the description on the condition of efficacy, i.e. ultimately on the acts of will of the subjects performing the functions of state organs, and, secondly, the ‘defencelessness’ in the event that the legal researcher finds a content incompatibility between the constitution and the acts of its application.
About the need to change the scope of the evidence proceedings in administrative court cases
Authors: Kopacz Marta
Published: May 2022

The aim of the article is to present arguments in favor of changing the current scope of evidence proceedings in administrative court cases. The taking of evidence in these cases is not independent in nature. The factual basis for adjudication by administrative courts are the administrative files of the case, which the administrative body transfers to the court together with the complaint and the response to the complaint. On the other hand, the evidentiary proceedings before the administrative court serve only to verify the completeness of the evidence collected in these files and the correctness of the findings of the authority in terms of the facts based on them. However, the current legal status is insufficient to achieve this goal. The article proposes directions for changes in this area. The need to separate a chapter devoted to the evidentiary proceedings was noticed. It was also postulated to extend the scope of these proceedings, and to allow the possibility of taking supplementary evidence from the document also outside the trial.