bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening and diagnosis of neonatal hypoglycaemia in at-risk late preterm and term infants following AAP recommendations: a single centre retrospective study
Authors: Anderson Enni Jacqueline B , Narasimhan Sudha Rani , Huang Angela , Jegatheesan Priya
Published: March 2023

Background

There is a lack of consensus regarding the definition and treatment threshold for neonatal hypoglycaemia. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has a published clinical report making recommendations on practice guidelines. There is limited literature discussing the impact of these guidelines. In this study, we evaluated the screening and diagnosis of neonatal hypoglycaemia following the AAP guidelines.

Methods

Infants born ≥35 weeks gestational age and admitted to the well–baby nursery between January and December 2017 were included in this study. Our hypoglycaemia policy was based on the AAP clinical report for hypoglycaemia management in newborns. Chart review was done to obtain infant hypoglycaemia risk factors and blood glucose values in the first 24 hours. Data analysis was conducted using Stata V.14.2 (StataCorp).

Results

Of 2873 infants born and admitted to the well–baby nursery, 32% had at least one hypoglycaemia risk factor and 96% of them were screened for hypoglycaemia. Screened infants were more likely to be born at a lower gestational age, via C-section, and to a multiparous older mother. Screened infants and hypoglycaemic infants had lower exclusive breastfeeding rates compared with those who were not screened or not hypoglycaemic, respectively. Sixteen per cent of screened infants were diagnosed with hypoglycaemia; 0.8% of at-risk screened infants and 5% of hypoglycaemic infants were admitted to the NICU for treatment of hypoglycaemia. Thirty-one per cent of preterm infants, 15% of large for gestational age infants, 13% of small for gestational age infants and 15% of infants of diabetic mothers were hypoglycaemic. Hypoglycaemic infants were more likely to be born preterm and via C-section.

Conclusion

Using the AAP time-based definitional blood glucose cut-off values, our incidence of hypoglycaemia found in those who were screened for risk factors was lower compared with other studies. Future long-term follow-up studies will be important.
Engaging, empowering and educating the waiting patient
Authors: Mohammed Amjid , Lockey Andrew S
Published: March 2023

While emergency departments are open to anyone without appointment, the need for prioritisation results in periods of waiting that are both wasteful and frustrating. However, value can be added to patient care by (1) engaging the waiting patient, (2) empowering the waiting patient and (3) educating the waiting patient. If these principles are implemented, they will benefit both the patient and the healthcare system.
Lightning in Brunei: a follow-up of a single strike affecting 29 serving personnel of the Royal Gurkha Rifles
Authors: Makin Seth , Austin I
Published: March 2023

Introduction

On 25 August 2020, 29 British Forces Brunei (BFB) service personnel were hospitalised after being struck by lightning during a company-level training exercise in the Brunei jungle. This paper observes both the initial injury pattern of the personnel and their occupational health status at the 22-month point.

Method

All 29 of the personnel affected by the lightning strike on 25 August 2020 were followed up until the 22-month point, allowing observation of injury patterns and management as well as the long-term outcomes. They were all members of two Royal Gurkha Rifles and received local hospital care and British Defence Healthcare input. Initial data were collected for mandatory reporting processes, and cases were followed up as a routine part of the Unit Health processes.

Results

Of the 29 identified as having lightning-related injuries, 28 returned to Medically Fully Deployable status. Acoustic trauma was the most common injury which was treated in several cases by oral steroids with some receiving intratympanic steroids. Multiple personnel suffered transient or short-lasting sensory changes and pain. 1756 service personnel days were covered by restrictions.

Conclusion

The pattern of the lightning-related injuries was different to that which would be expected from previous reports. This is likely due to the unique nature of each lightning strike, combined with the ample unit support, the fit and resilient cohort and the rapid initiation of treatment, especially with regard to hearing.

Brunei is at high risk of lightning strikes, planning for them is now standard for BFB. Despite lightning strikes having the potential to cause mortality and mass casualty events, this case study shows that such events do not necessarily result in severe long-term injury or mortality.
Association between high deductible health plan coverage and age at pediatric umbilical hernia repair
Authors: Doty Morgan E , Gil Lindsay A , Cooper Jennifer N
Published: March 2023

Background

High deductible health plans (HDHPs) are associated with the avoidance of both necessary and unnecessary healthcare. Umbilical hernia repair (UHR) is a procedure that is frequently unnecessarily performed in young children, contrary to best practice guidelines. We hypothesized that children with HDHPs, as compared with other types of commercial health plans, are less likely to undergo UHR before 4 years of age but are also more likely to have UHR delayed beyond 5 years of age.

Methods

Children aged 0–18 years old residing in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) who underwent UHR in 2012–2019 were identified in the IBM Marketscan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database. A quasi-experimental study design using MSA/year-level HDHP prevalence among children as an instrumental variable was employed to account for selection bias in HDHP enrollment. Two-stage least squares regression modeling was used to evaluate the association between HDHP coverage and age at UHR.

Results

A total of 8601 children were included (median age 5 years, IQR 3–7). Univariable analysis revealed no differences between the HDHP and non-HDHP groups in the likelihood of UHR being performed before 4 years of age (27.7% vs 28.7%, p=0.37) or after 5 years of age (39.8% vs 38.9%, p=0.52). Geographical region, metropolitan area size, and year were associated with HDHP enrollment. Instrumental variable analysis demonstrated no association between HDHP coverage and undergoing UHR at <4 years of age (p=0.76) or >5 years of age (p=0.87).

Conclusions

HDHP coverage is not associated with age at pediatric UHR. Future studies should investigate other means by which UHRs in young children can be avoided.
Integrating ecological vulnerability and climate resiliency: a novel GIS-based method for fire hazard modeling
Authors: Elshabrawy Mohamed , El-Basyouny Karim , Kwon Tae
Published: March 2023

The recent expansion of municipality limits has resulted in an increase in the wildland–urban interface, causing fires in the wildlands to potentially encroach and enter urban centers. This paper proposes a fire-risk modeling framework within a climate resiliency context. The study uses large-scale geospatial datasets in combination with the analytical hierarchy process. Using various high-resolution-detailed datasets, an extensive list of variables was utilized to develop a novel fire-risk model. To support the goal of creating a climate-resilient urban municipality, an ecological vulnerability classification map was constructed to identify developable areas and areas under preservation. Regarding creating awareness for climate adaptation and zone, a brief discussion on the role of each stakeholder is provided. The discussion covers strategies for fire prevention and mitigation in high-risk areas/zones, as well as establishing several cornerstones for strategic planning and action to strengthen climate resilience of urban communities.
A quantitative approach to defining soil nutrient regimes within ecosystem classifications for Northwestern Ontario
Authors: Fleming R.L. , Uhlig P.W. , Morris D.M. , Kwiaton M. , Baldwin K.A. , Hazlett P.W. , Webster K.I. , Chapman K.A.
Published: March 2023

Soil nutrient regimes (SNRs) are often incorporated in ecosystem classifications. Evaluation of actual nutrient levels associated with these SNRs and the development of complementary soil chemistry regimes (SCRs) could broaden their utility. Using data from 618 forest stands in northwestern Ontario, we developed five-category SCRs using K-means clustering and examined relationships among individual nutrients, SCRs, and the SNRs of the Canadian National Vegetation Classification Associations and the Ontario Ecological Land Classification Ecosites. F, A, and B horizon samples were analyzed for organic C (OrgC), total N (TotN), C:N ratio (C:N), cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable bases, base saturation (BaSat), and pH. CEC, pH, and BaSat showed good correspondence across horizons, and together with C:N accounted for much of the variation in chemical properties. There was broad agreement between Association and Ecosite SNRs and B horizon (BHorz) and All horizon (AllHorz) SCRs. C:N decreased while pH and cation metrics increased with increasing SNR and SCR richness. User's accuracies (SNRs vs. SCRs) for the classifications ranged from 31%–39% but increased to 80%–86% for SNR values within ±1 SCR class. Classification trees identified pH class, soil texture, and overstory composition as the principal field-measured factors related to BHorz SCRs.
The Range of State Complexities of Languages Resulting from the Cascade Product — The Unary Case
Authors: Holzer Markus , Rauch Christian
Published: March 2023

We investigate the state complexity of languages resulting from the cascade product of two minimal deterministic finite automata with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] states, respectively. More precisely we study the magic number problem of the cascade product operation and show what range of complexities can be produced in case the left automaton is unary, that is, has only a singleton letter alphabet. Here we distinguish the cases when the involved automata are reset automata, permutation automata, permutation-reset automata, or do not have any restriction on their structure. It turns out that the picture on the obtained state complexities of the cascade product is diverse, and for all cases, except where the left automaton is a unary permutation(-reset) or a deterministic finite automaton without structural restrictions, and the right one is a reset automaton or a deterministic finite automaton without structural restrictions, we are able to identify state sizes that cannot be reached — these numbers are called “magic.”
Viscous dissipation and Joule heating effects on hydro-thermal power law nanofluid through annular duct
Authors: Ahmed Farhan , Iqbal Mazhar
Published: March 2023

This study presents a mathematical model along with numerical simulation to investigate the viscous dissipation and Joule heating effects on electrically conducting magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) forced convection non-Newtonian power law nanofluid flow through annular sector duct. Hydro-thermal power law nanofluid flow through annular sector duct is not investigated in the presence of Joule heating and viscous dissipation effects. The consideration of Joule heating and viscous dissipation effects makes it very much novel in its own right. The main objective of this work is to explore the Joule heating and viscous dissipation effects on hydro-thermal power law nanofluid. Both Copper, Cu/Titanium oxide, TiO2 nanoparticles with base fluid water have been taken as a power law model. Numerically simulation is carried out for viscous, incompressible and steady laminar fully developed fluid flow with constant properties, by using the finite volume method (FVM) and strongly implicit procedure (SIP). It has been observed that viscous dissipation effect on temperature profiles is enhanced in the absence of magnetic field/at lower value of Ha, however, when nanoparticles’ concentration is increased, the effect of magnetic field slightly decreases. Furthermore, by adding Cu nanoparticles from 0% to 5%, we observe the increment in average Nusselt number, Nu up to 16.01% and 16.07% in pseudo-plastic and dilatant fluids, respectively, at [Formula: see text].
MODIFICATION OF OPTIMAL HOMOTOPY ASYMPTOTIC METHOD FOR MULTI-DIMENSIONAL TIME-FRACTIONAL MODEL OF NAVIER–STOKES EQUATION
Authors: JAN HIMAYAT ULLAH , ULLAH HAKEEM , FIZA MEHREEN , KHAN ILYAS , MOHAMED ABDULLAH , MOUSA ABD ALLAH A.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we introduce a new method to create a series solution to the time-fractional Navier–Stokes equations using a combination of the Laplace transform with the optimal homotopy asymptotic method. Caputo’s derivative was applied in the present technique. Three test problems are carried out to validate and demonstrate the method’s efficacy. The system has been found to be a very reliable, effective and powerful technique for solving the proposed model as well as a variety of engineering and science problems.
EXISTENCE AND STABILITY OF SOLUTION IN BANACH SPACE FOR AN IMPULSIVE SYSTEM INVOLVING ATANGANA–BALEANU AND CAPUTO–FABRIZIO DERIVATIVES
Authors: AL-SADI WADHAH , WEI ZHOUCHAO , MOROZ IRENE , ALKHAZZAN ABDULWASEA
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the necessary conditions relating to the existence and uniqueness of solution to impulsive system fractional differential equation with a nonlinear p-Laplacian operator. Our problem is based on two kinds of fractional order derivatives. That is, Atangana–Baleanu–Caputo (ABC) fractional derivative and the Caputo–Fabrizio derivative. To achieve our main aims, we will first convert the proposed impulse system into an integral equation form. Next, we prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions with the help of Leray–Schauder’s theory and the Banach contraction principle. We analyze the operator for continuity, boundedness, and equicontinuity. Further, we investigate the stability solution to the proposed impulsive system by using stability techniques. In the last part, we demonstrate the results via an illustrative example for the application of the results.
A Context-focused Attention Evolution Model for Aspect-based Sentiment Classification
Authors: Deng Xiaoheng , Han Dingjie , Jiang Ping
Published: March 2023

Due to their inherent capability in the semantic alignment of aspects and their context words, Attention and Long-Short-Term-Memory (LSTM) mechanisms are widely adopted for Aspect-Based Sentiment Classification (ABSC) tasks. Instead, it is challenging to handle long-range word dependencies on multiple entities due to the deficiency in attention mechanisms. To solve this problem, we propose a Context-Focused Aspect-Based Network to align attention before LSTM, making the model focus more on aspect-related words and ignore irrelevant words, improving the accuracy of final classification. This can either alleviate attention distraction or reinforce the text representation ability. Experiments on two benchmark datasets show that the results achieve respectable performance compared to the state-of-the-art methods available in ABSC. Our approach has the potential to improve classification accuracy by adaptively adjusting the focus on context.
Identification of global transcriptional variations in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells two months postheat injury helps categorization heat-tolerant or heat-intolerant phenotypes
Authors: Horowitz Michal , Kopeliovich Dani , Berdugo Reouven , Smith Yoav , Elgavish Sharona , Schermann Haggai , Moran Dani S.
Published: March 2023

Thermal intolerance may limit activity in hostile environments. After heat illness, two physiologically distinct phenotypes evolve: heat tolerant (HT) and heat intolerant (HI). The recognition that heat illness alters gene expression justified revisiting the established physiological concept of HI. We used a DNA microarray to examine the global transcriptional response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs) from HI and HT phenotypes, categorized 2-mo postheat injury using a functional physiological heat-tolerance test (HTT, 40°C)-Recovery (R, 24°C) protocol. The impact of recurrent heat stress was studied in vitro using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from controls (participants with no history of heat injury), HI, and HT (categorized by functional HTT) with a customized NanoString array. There were significant differences under basal conditions between the HI and HT. HI were more immunological alerted. Almost no shared genes were found between end-HTT and recovery phases, suggesting vast cellular plasticity. In HI, mitochondrial function was dysregulated, canonical pathways associated with exercise endurance-NRF2 and insulin were downregulated, whereas AMPK and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) were upregulated. HT exhibited reciprocal responses, suggesting that energy dysregulation found in HI interfered with performance in the heat. The endoplasmic-reticulum stress response was also suppressed in HI. In vitro HTT (43°C) abolished differences between HI and HT PBMCs including the HSPs genes, whereas controls showed profound HSPs upregulation.
Contribution of Climate-Smart Forage and Fodder Production for Sustainable Livestock Production and Environment: Lessons and Challenges from Ethiopia
Authors: Tulu Diriba , Gadissa Sileshi , Hundessa Feyisa , Kebede Erana
Published: March 2023

Sustainable farm animal raising is dependent on the production of sufficient quantities and quality of forages and fodder, especially in dry regions. Improved forage and feed species are an option for these aspects because adequate feed resources enhance soil health and carbon, generate income, and reduce emissions. Therefore, the purpose of this review paper was to investigate the role of climate-smart forage production in sustaining farm animal production and maintaining the environment in arid and semiarid regions. Seasonal fluctuations in feed supply cause temporal scarcity in Ethiopia, with more acute gaps in dry periods, particularly in drought-prone regions. To address these problems in the country, improve forages to strengthen farm productivity, climate change resilience, and environmental sustainability, particularly in arid and semiarid areas. The country has a long history and is of some exemplary practices in indigenous improved forage production, but the input of improved forage to the total biomass production in feed resources is still low due to many factors like scarcity of land and water for irrigation, lack of awareness, forage seed, and policy recommendations. Despite the potential profits of feed and forage grasses and legumes, the availability of species adapted to a wide range of situations in actual use in the livestock sector has been insufficient. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that climate-resilient forage species be popularized to sustain livestock production and the environment, particularly in the country’s arid and semiarid regions.
Co-creation Approach in Practice: Naming a Cafe Located within a Rural Health Service Provides Added Value to a Health Strategy
Authors: Vargas Carmen , Hargous Carolina Venegas , Harfield Janine , Bell Colin , Whelan Jillian
Published: March 2023

Objective. The Victorian Government in Australia has developed Healthy Choices guidelines to ensure that healthy foods and drinks are offered and promoted in places such as hospitals. This brief report aims to present complex theoretical attributes related to cocreation through an accessible example of a competition to create a new name for the previously understated hospital “kiosk.” Methods. A mixed-methods approach using an online survey and semistructured interviews were used to obtain detailed insights from hospital staff members to engage in a naming competition for a hospital-based cafe. Results. The level of engagement in this activity was higher than anticipated by the management staff. Conclusions. Active involvement of staff members through a cocreation process can enable the development of innovative healthy eating strategies and increase staff engagement to further changes in the cafe. Implications for public health cocreation in public health promises effective stakeholder engagement and requires significant scientific advancement. This brief report illustrates theoretical constructs of cocreation through a naming competition activity that occurred as part of a larger project to improve Wimmera Base Hospital’s food environment.
The m6A Reader YTHDF2 Promotes Bladder Cancer Progression by Suppressing RIG-I–Mediated Immune Response
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Yuqing , Zhou Lingli , Zhou Houhong , Ye Liefu , Ou Tong , Hong Huaishan , Zheng Shiwen , Zhou Ziyu , Wu Kang , Yan Zeqin , Thiery Jean Paul , Cui Jun , Wu Song
Published: March 2023

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification of mammalian mRNAs. Recent studies have shown that m6A methyltransferases METTL3 and METTL14 play important roles in urothelial bladder carcinoma (BLCA). To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the m6A regulatory landscape in bladder cancer, we investigated the role of YTHDF2, a crucial m6A reader, in BLCA. YTHDF2 was frequently upregulated at both the RNA and protein level in BLCA. Functionally, YTHDF2 promoted the proliferation and tumor growth of BLCA cells in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Integrative RNA sequencing and m6A sequencing analyses identified RIG-I as a downstream target of YTHDF2. Mechanistically, YTHDF2 bound to the coding sequence of DDX58 mRNA, which encodes RIG-I, and mediated its degradation in an m6A-dependent manner. Knockdown of RIG-I inhibited apoptosis and promoted the proliferation of BLCA cells. Depleting RIG-I was also able to reverse the effects of YTHDF2 deficiency. YTHDF2-deficient BLCA cells implanted orthotopically in recipient mice activated an innate immune response and promoted recruitment of CD8+ T lymphocytes into the tumor bed and the urothelium. Moreover, YTHDF2 deficiency enhanced the efficacy of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin immunotherapy treatment. This study reveals that YTHDF2 acts as an oncogene in BLCA. YTHDF2 inhibits RIG-I to facilitate immune evasion, supporting testing YTHDF2 inhibition in combination with immunotherapy.

Significance:

YTHDF2 regulates RIG-I–mediated innate immune signaling to support bladder cancer progression, highlighting the functional importance of m6A modifications in bladder cancer and uncovering therapeutic opportunities to improve patient outcomes.
Identification of a First-in-Class Small-Molecule Inhibitor of the EIF4E-RBM38 Complex That Enhances Wild-type TP53 Protein Translation for Tumor Growth Suppression
Authors: Lucchesi Christopher A. , Zhang Jin , Gao Mingchun , Shaw Jared , Chen Xinbin
Published: March 2023

EIF4E, an mRNA cap-binding protein, is necessary for cap-dependent translation. Overexpression of EIF4E is known to promote cancer development by preferentially translating a group of oncogenic mRNAs. Thus, 4EGI-1, a disruptor of EIF4E-EIF4G1 interaction, was developed to inhibit oncoprotein expression for cancer therapy. Interestingly, RBM38, an RNA-binding protein, interacts with EIF4E on TP53 mRNA, prevents EIF4E from binding to TP53 mRNA cap, and inhibits TP53 expression. Thus, Pep8, an eight amino acid peptide derived from RBM38, was developed to disrupt the EIF4E-RBM38 complex, leading to increased TP53 expression and decreased tumor cell growth. Herein, we have developed a first-in-class small-molecule compound 094, which interacts with EIF4E via the same pocket as does Pep8, dissociates RBM38 from EIF4E, and enhances TP53 translation in RBM38- and EIF4E-dependent manners. Structure-activity relationship studies identified that both the fluorobenzene and ethyl benzamide are necessary for compound 094 to interact with EIF4E. Furthermore, we showed that compound 094 is capable of suppressing three-dimensional tumor spheroid growth in RBM38- and TP53-dependent manners. In addition, we found that compound 094 cooperates with the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin and EIF4E inhibitor 4EGI-1 to suppress tumor cell growth. Collectively, we showed that two distinct approaches can be used together to target EIF4E for cancer therapy by enhancing wild-type TP53 expression (094) and by suppressing oncoprotein expression (4EGI-1).
Surgical Efficacy among Laparoscopic Ultrasonic Dissectors in Adenomyosis
Authors: Ji Limei , Jin Lanying , Zheng Shunjie , Shao Mingjun , Cui Dawei , Hu Min
Published: March 2023

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of ultrasonic dissectors for adenomyomectomy using the double/multiple-flap method combined with temporary occlusion of the temporary bilateral uterine artery and the utero-ovarian vessels for the treatment of symptomatic adenomyosis. Design: This was a retrospective study. Participants: In total, 162 patients with symptomatic adenomyosis were included, and all of them had originally been scheduled to group A (n = 82) and group B (n = 80) with each group representing a different surgical application. All eligible women were informed of the potential complications, benefits, and alternatives of each approach before they were assigned to one of the two groups, and patients chose group A or group B by themselves. In group A, we performed laparoscopic ultrasonic dissectors in adenomyosis with the double/multiple-flap method combined with temporary occlusion of the bilateral uterine artery and utero-ovarian vessels, while in group B, we performed adenomyomectomy with scissors. During the period of treatment, we evaluated operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and the degree of fatigue of surgeons’ fingers. Results: The estimated blood loss, operative time, and the degree of fatigue of surgeons’ fingers in group A were significantly lower than that in group B (p < 0.001). No serious perioperative complications were observed in either group. Limitations: This was a retrospective study. Conclusion: The use of ultrasonic dissectors in laparoscopic adenomyomectomy with temporary occlusion of the bilateral uterine artery and the utero-ovarian vessels leads to improvements and releases the fatigue of surgeons’ fingers in laparoscopic adenomyomectomy.
Optimal Renal Artery-Aorta Angulation Revealed by Flow Simulation
Authors: Csonka David , Kalmár Nagy Károly , Szakály Péter , Szukits Sándor , Bogner Péter , Koller Akos , Kun Szilárd , Wittmann István , Háber István Ervin , Horváth Iván Gabor
Published: March 2023

Introduction: In the circulatory system, the vessel branching angle may have hemodynamic consequences. We hypothesized that there is a hemodynamically optimal range for the renal artery’s branching angle. Methods: Data on the posttransplant kinetics of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were analyzed according to the donor and implant sides (right-to-right and left-to-right position; n = 46). The renal artery branching angle from the aorta of a randomly selected population was measured using an X-ray angiogram (n = 44). Computational fluid dynamics simulation was used to elucidate the hemodynamic effects of angulation. Results and Discussion: Renal transplant patients receiving a right donor kidney to the right side showed faster adaptation and higher eGFR values than those receiving a left donor kidney to the right side (eGFR: 65 ± 7 vs. 56 ± 6 mL/min/1.73 m2; p < 0.01). The average branching angle on the left side was 78° and that on the right side was 66°. Simulation results showed that the pressure, volume flow, and velocity were relatively constant between 58° and 88°, indicating that this range is optimal for the kidneys. The turbulent kinetic energy does not change significantly between 58° and 78°. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is an optimal range for the renal artery’s branching angle from the aorta where hemodynamic vulnerability caused by the degree of angulation is the lowest, which should be considered during kidney transplantations.
Association of White Matter Disease With Functional Recovery and 90‐Day Outcome After EVT: Beyond Chronological Age
Authors: Benali Faysal , Fladt Joachim , Jaroenngarmsamer Tanaporn , Bala Fouzi , Singh Nishita , Alhabli Ibrahim , Ospel Johanna , Tymianski Michael , Hill Michael D. , Goyal Mayank , Ganesh Aravind ,   ESCAPE‐NA1 Investigators
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients with white matter disease (WMD) – a key marker of cerebral small vessel disease – may have less brain reserve to cope with ischemic injury. The relationship of WMD to functional recovery after endovascular thrombectomy is uncertain. We aim to explore the association between WMD and functional outcome, assessed at multiple time‐points postendovascular thrombectomy.

Methods

In this post hoc analysis, we analyzed noncontrast computed tomography‐imaging from the ESCAPE‐NA1 (Safety and Efficacy of Nerinetide [NA‐1] in Subjects Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy for Stroke) trial and assessed WMD by using the total Fazekas‐score (score range: 0–6). The primary outcome was repeated measurements of the modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores (i.e., day‐5/discharge, day‐30, and day‐90). Secondary outcome measures were the ordinal‐mRS at 90‐days, 90‐day‐mRS0–2, and 90‐day‐mortality. Mixed‐linear and binary/ordinal logistic regressions were performed, adjusting for age, sex, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, cortical atrophy, chronic infarctions, stroke laterality, follow‐up infarct volume, and alteplase–nerinetide interaction. Sensitivity analyses were done including only those patients for whom magnetic resonance imaging was available.

Results

We included 1102 patients with noncontrast computed tomography (median age 71, interquartile range: 61–80; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 17, interquartile range: 12–21). The median total Fazekas‐score was 1(interquartile range: 0–2). Out of 1202 patients, 566 had follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging. We observed heterogeneity in functional recovery with varying degrees of WMD‐burden (
P
<0.001). Patients with Fazekas=3–6 fared worse at every time‐point after endovascular thrombectomy, compared with patients with Fazekas=0–1. At 30‐days, the adjusted difference of the mean mRS=0.47; 95% CI, 0.22–0.72 and at 90‐days: adjusted difference=0.60 (95% CI, 0.36–0.85). Higher WMD‐burdens were also associated with worse 90‐day mRS (adjusted common odds ratio for Fazekas=3–6 versus 0–1: 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03–1.96). Similar results were found in magnetic resonance imaging‐only sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Patients with more WMD showed worse functional recovery after endovascular thrombectomy, compared with patients without WMD, even after adjusting for age and chronic disease markers like atrophy and chronic infarctions. These data may further help inform treatment expectations and recovery‐related planning, by using simple visual ratings on routinely acquired noncontrast computed tomography.
Astronomical Imagery in Two Epigrams Ascribed to Germanicus Caesar (Anthologia Palatina 9.17 and 9.18)
Authors: Lightfoot Jessica
Published: March 2023

The presence of astronomical imagery in two consecutive epigrams on the theme of pursued hares in book 9 of the Anthologia Palatina (9.17 and 9.18) both strengthens their ascription to Germanicus Caesar and suggests that his astronomical and literary interests extended beyond the youthful production of a Latin translation of Aratus’ Phaenomena. The meaning of these two epigrams can only be understood fully by paying attention to the interplay of astronomical imagery between them and by considering Germanicus’ innovative account of two constellations in his Aratea: the Dog and the Hare.
The Didactic Oracle
Authors: Frank Rebecca A.
Published: March 2023

Plutarch’s ‘Delphic dialogues’—De E apud Delphos, De Pythiae oraculis, and De defectu oraculorum—contain a series of conversations held at Delphi regarding different aspects of the god, the oracle, and the oracular sanctuary. In these dialogues Delphi stands as a touchstone for humans to access divine knowledge through the oracular responses, but also through its physical presence. I argue that through these dialogues Plutarch presents Delphi as an ideal location for philosophical inquiry because it is a sanctuary to a philosophical god whose presence permeates Delphic ritual and cult as well as the physical dedications. The Delphic oracle may no longer play a pivotal role in the political sphere, but Plutarch makes the case for a new role for the sanctuary as a philosophical center where individuals from different schools of thought may gather to share knowledge and work together in their search for deeper understanding.
Eggs, hatching and embryos variability in loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta show significant differences among nests coming from two Italian nesting grounds
Authors: Zuffi Marco Alberto Luca , Bollaro Luna , Mancusi Cecilia , Marsili Letizia , Nicolosi Paola , Raimondi Giovanni , Terracciano Giuliana , Caruso Chiara , Tonelli Laura , Venturi Lucia , Mingozzi Toni
Published: March 2023

Analysis of embryonic asymmetry may inform on pathologies, metabolic deficiencies or on functional anomalies. In Chelonians, range and relative numbers of abnormalities that occur at the embryonic stages are poorly known. The relative importance of the abnormalities causing embryonic death in the context of the conditions of incubation is not known. As for Caretta caretta, very little information is available on the biometry and anomalies of dead embryos in the Mediterranean basin. We compared data on biometric variability of carapace length and width, flippers asymmetries, clutch size, and hatching success from nests of Loggerhead coming from: the Ionian Calabrian coast (Southern Italy), where nesting has longly documented, and the Northern Tyrrhenian coast (Tuscany, Central Italy), where nesting activity has started only recently. Dead embryos were found inside nests after hatchling emergence. The turtles that nested in the two areas laid similar clutch sizes, but the Northern Tyrrhenian coast shows less hatched eggs and a lower hatching success, higher number of dead embryos and of unhatched eggs. Embryos from the Northern Tyrrhenian coast were significantly smaller than the Ionian Calabrian ones. Estimated stages ranged from 26 to 31b in both regions, stages 29-31b were more abundant in the Ionian Calabrian. Left vs right fore-flipper length varied significantly, with left flipper being longer than right flipper, but this asymmetry did not differ between the two regions. Flipper asymmetry seems to be a shared pattern in both juvenile and adult stages, likely not being the cause of mortality of our studied embryos.
Passages of a Marxist Critique of Art in Peru: From Artworks to Plastic Objects (1976–82)
Authors: Mitrovic Pease Mijail
Published: March 2023

This essay explores the theory of the plastic object as it was developed by the Peruvian art critic Mirko Lauer in the 1970s and 1980s, in dialogue with other ideas related to the Teoría Social del Arte (Social Theory of Art) developed in Latin America. Focusing on the Peruvian cultural debate, the author reconstructs Lauer’s trajectory and emphasises his critique of ‘Marxist aesthetics’, and explores them as conceptual tools for discussing the horizon of contemporary art today.
Voluntary Costly Signals in Religious Communities: A Political Interpretation
Authors: Potz Maciej
Published: March 2023

The article advances a political interpretation of ritual behavior in religious communes, grounded in costly signaling theory of religion. Both asceticism, often involving self-inflicted pain or severe deprivation, and ecstatic behavior, incurring considerable energetic and emotional expenditure, can perform the role of voluntary costly signals (VCS) – uncoerced displays broadcasting features that predispose the signaler to higher status or position of authority in the community. VCS, as all costly signals, help the group determine the distribution of relevant traits, but, in contrast to most applications of the signaling theory, it is leadership qualifications, and not commitment, that these signals communicate. The discussion of the VCS’ empowering mechanism is illustrated with cross-cultural evidence, focusing on Russian Skoptsy and American Shakers. Voluntary costly signaling had demonstrably contributed to the creation and stability of these groups’ power regimes.
Civilising Violence: International Law and Colonial War in the British Empire, 1850–1900
Authors: Szabla Christopher
Published: March 2023

What was the relationship between international law and colonial warfare in the period of both increasingly formal imperialism and international law’s professionalisation and codification in the nineteenth-century’s second half? Existing work may lead to assumptions that international law would not be seen to apply to colonial wars, or served to justify them alone. This article turns away from previous focuses on the intellectual history of international law, prescriptive sources such as military manuals, and approaches extending from criminal law and colonial policing to demonstrate how and why imperial officials, politicians, and activists believed international law applied to colonial wars. Examining the British Empire, it shows how arguments about the use of international law in this period initially varied in the service of imperial interests, how and why public activism increasingly encouraged a more consistent approach – and discusses implications for the history and present of the law of armed conflict.
Righting Injustices Towards the Sámi
Authors: Sønneland Anne Margrethe , Lingaas Carola
Published: March 2023

One of the mandates of the Norwegian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (trc) is to contribute to reconciliation between the majority population and the Sámi and Kven population. The Commission is tasked to create greater equality between the majority and minority populations as well as increasing the knowledge about the Sámi and Kven population in the majority. In this paper, we will focus on the Sámi indigenous people.

We will examine three aspects: first, the assumption that the reconciliation should be between the majority population and the Sámi population rather than between the State and the population targeted by the Norwegianisation policies. Second, how such a reconciliation between the State and the Sámi is possible when there are ongoing conflicts over the use of land and water, exemplified by the Fosen windmill case. Finally, the trc believes that a common understanding of the Norwegianisation policies and its consequences will lay the foundation for a continued reconciliation between the Sámi and the majority population. The paper discusses the involvement of the majority population in the process as well as the issues of public hearings and reparations.

By means of an interdisciplinary examination of the Norwegian trc, this paper presents sociological and legal perspectives. It draws on research from Latin American trc s, particularly the Peruvian trc, and thereby offers comparative perspectives.
La Nature Juridique du Contrat BOT au Regard de la Jurisprudence et la Doctrine Libanaises
Authors: Waked Jaber Rita
Published: March 2023

Resumé

Les textes législatifs qui ont dessiné le cadre du contrat BOT au Liban n’ont pas abordé la question de la qualification dudit contrat. Il convient donc de se tourner vers la qualification qui y a été donnée par les tribunaux ainsi que les commentaires qui ont été émis par la doctrine à leur propos. Je analyserai dans cet article les décisions qui ont été rendues jusque-là et qui ont opté dans leur ensemble pour la qualification de ces contrats de contrats de concession avant d’aborder la question de la nature juridique de ces contrats telle qu’envisagée par la doctrine. Nous conclurons par une analyse de la portée des arguments critiquant la qualification du contrat BOT de contrat de concession.
Naturalism and the Projectability Challenge
Authors: Lutz Matt
Published: March 2023

In a recent paper in this journal, Bengson, Cuneo and Reiser (hereafter bcr) present a novel epistemic challenge to naturalist moral realism, which they call the Projectability Challenge. The Projectability Challenge aims to show that there is an important epistemic phenomenon, projectability, that naturalists are unable to explain, but which non-naturalists can explain. This flips a familiar dynamic on its head, since it is typically argued that the moral naturalist has epistemic advantages over the moral non-naturalist (see, e.g., Joyce 2006, Ch. 6; Bedke 2009). In this response, I argue that bcr dramatically underestimate the theoretical resources available to naturalists to explain the phenomenon of projectability. While bcr argue that no variety of moral naturalism can explain projectability, I contend that all varieties of moral naturalism can explain projectability. There is no projectability problem for any kind of naturalist realism.
The Effectiveness of Science Diplomacy between Adversarial States: Insights from US–Cuban and US–Iranian Science Collaborations
Authors: Rüland Anna-Lena
Published: March 2023

The American Association for the Advancement of Science and the British Royal Society’s science diplomacy taxonomy has received much criticism. Some argue that there is a lack of empirical evidence to underpin the taxonomy’s three science diplomacy dimensions. This particularly applies to the third dimension, science for diplomacy, and its effectiveness. Others criticise the taxonomy for painting the picture of compliant scientists who would discard their academic ideals to support foreign policy objectives. Against the backdrop of these two points of criticism, this study investigates if scientists are willing to support political objectives through science collaborations. It also examines under which conditions science for diplomacy is effective. Using the epistemic community approach, expert interviews and a case study, the study argues that science for diplomacy is effective if it is promoted by a close-knit epistemic community and shows that scientists oppose the instrumentalisation of scientific collaboration for political purposes.
Let’s Just Talk About the Weather: Weather Satellites and Space Diplomacy
Authors: Borowitz Mariel
Published: March 2023

Over the past 70 years, the world has established an impressive history of international co-operation on weather monitoring via satellite, but this co-operation has not always been consistent. Following the launch of the first weather satellites, an international World Weather Watch system was established, and the United States engaged in bilateral co-operation and data exchange with the Soviet Union. However, more recently, co-operation in this area has been more challenging. While the World Weather Watch continues to operate, there were questions in the 2010s about the United States’ ability to maintain its full contribution to the international weather monitoring system, and suggestions to pursue bilateral co-operation with China in this area were spurned by Congress. This article investigates the variation in diplomatic efforts in this area, focusing on the key actors involved in space diplomacy, the underlying goals of space diplomacy efforts and the processes by which space diplomacy occurs.
Transitions from the Evangelical Lutheran to the Orthodox Church in Finland
Authors: Kupari Helena
Published: March 2023

Since the turn of the millennium, the Orthodox Church of Finland has welcomed up to 1,000 new members annually, excluding infant baptisms. This is over 1.5 percent of the church’s current total membership. In this study, I investigate Finnish cultural workers’ transitions to Orthodox Christianity, based on interviews of twenty-nine people. As a theoretical framework, I use Henri Gooren’s conversion career approach. My interlocutors’ narratives demonstrate how the appeal of Orthodoxy is constructed vis-à-vis the Lutheran-dominated religious and cultural landscape. Another key finding is the overlapping influence of life crises, social networks, and character traits on processes of individual religious change.
Musical Instruments in Samāʿ Literature: al-Udfuwī’s Kitāb al-Imtāʿ bi-aḥkām as-samāʿ
Authors: Klein Yaron
Published: March 2023

Samāʿ literature reveals a tension in premodern Islamicate societies. While musical practices were ubiquitous and practiced in many contexts, Islamic legal tradition regarded them with suspicion. Musical instruments occupied a central place in these discussions, perhaps, because as physical objects associated with what is otherwise in the non-tangible domain of sound they were seen as the quintessential manifestation of music. Udfuwī’s Imtāʿ is one of the most comprehensive works in the genre, and its chapter on instruments is unique in both the length and place it ascribes to percussion instruments. Udfuwī argues for their permissibility and stresses their social importance throughout history.
Establishment of in vitro germination of Distichlis spicata and response to osmotic stress
Authors: Castelán-Fentanes María Luisa , García-Morales Soledad , Contreras-Jiménez José Luis , Ríos-Meléndez Selma , Bibbins-Martínez Martha Dolores , Villalobos-López Miguel Angel , Arroyo-Becerra Analilia
Published: March 2023

Distichlis spicata var. stricta (L) Greene is a grass able to grow during drought or flooding seasons, as well as in poor, saline, and alkaline soils, making it an ideal model system to study salinity and water stress tolerance in plants. However, it is known to have an extremely low germination rate in the field, as low as 3%. Here, we established in vitro conditions to study the factors that affect D. spicata under osmotic and salt stress. Treatments that included mechanical scarification, 4°C stratification, and 20% NaDCC (w/v) disinfection significantly increased the germination rate up to 84% in only 5 days. Furthermore, saltgrass had good seed germination under high salinity (ionic) stress caused by 150 and 200 mM NaCl (50% and 30%, respectively). Saltgrass was sensitive to osmotic agents Mannitol and Sorbitol during the germination stage, suggesting that this is a main limiting developmental stage for D. spicata success under osmotic environments.