bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Life’s Essential 8 and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Liu Dandan , Cai Xueli , Yang Yingying , Wang Suying , Mei Lerong , Jing Jing , Li Shan , Wang Mengxing , Chen Yun , Meng Xia , Wei Tiemin , Wang Yongjun , Wang Yilong , Pan Yuesong
Published: November 2023

Background

Given that associations of Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) or its imaging markers were unclear, we examined relationship between them.

Methods

The cross-sectional study included community residents from the PolyvasculaR Evaluation for Cognitive Impairment and vaScular Events study. We calculated the total LE8 score, medical LE8 score and behavioural score, and categorised them into low (<60), moderate (60–79) or high (≥80) group. MRI markers included lacunes, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), enlarged perivascular spaces in basal ganglia (BG-EPVS) and cerebral microbleeds (CMB). In respect of, total CSVD score (0–4 points), WMH, lacunes or CMB were categorised as two grades, and BG-EPVS (N>10) was allocated one point. Based on modified total CSVD score (0–6 points), WMH or CMB was modified to three grades, and BG-EPVS (N>20) was allocated one point.

Results

Among 3061 participants in this study, 1424 (46.5%) were male. Higher LE8 score was associated with lower total CSVD score (moderate vs low: cOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.96; high vs low: cOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.59), and the medical score was inversely related to the total CSVD score. Furthermore, the medical score was inversely related to odds of WMH (p<0.05), modified WMH (p<0.05), lacunes (p<0.05) or BG-EPVS (p<0.05), and the behavioural score were inversely related to the odds of lacunes and BG-EPVS.

Conclusions

Higher LE8 score which indicates better cardiovascular status was associated with lower burden of CSVD and its MRI markers. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine the causality.
Implementation of an emerging hospital-based violence intervention program: a multimethod study
Authors: Schenck Christopher S , Dodington James , Paredes Lucero , Gawel Marcie , Nedd Antwan , Vega Pepe , O’Neill Kathleen M
Published: November 2023

Background

Individuals who experience assaultive firearm injury are at elevated risk for violent reinjury and multiple negative physical and psychological health outcomes. Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) may improve patient outcomes through intensive, community-based case management.

Methods

We conducted a multimethod evaluation of an emerging HVIP at a large trauma center using theRE-AIMframework. We assessed recruitment, violent reinjury outcomes, and service provision from 2020 to 2022. Semistructured, qualitative interviews were performed with HVIP participants and program administrators to elicit experiences with HVIP services. Directed content analysis was used to generate and organize codes from the data. We also conducted clinician surveys to assess awareness and referral patterns.

Results

Of the 319 HVIP-eligible individuals who presented with non-fatal assaultive firearm injury, 39 individuals (12%) were enrolled in the HVIP. Inpatient admission was independently associated with HVIP enrollment (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.2; p=0.01). Facilitators ofReachincluded engaging with credible messengers, personal relationships with HVIP program administrators, and encouragement from family to enroll. Fear of disclosure to police was cited as a key barrier to enrollment. For theEffectivenessdomain, enrollment was not associated with reinjury (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.16 to 3.1). Participants identified key areas of focus where needs were not met including housing and mental health. Limited awareness of HVIP services was a barrier toAdoption. Participants described strengths ofImplementation, highlighting the deep relationships built between clients and administrators. For the long-termMaintenanceof the program, both clinicians and HVIP clients reported that there is a need for HVIP services for individuals who experience violent injury.

Conclusions

Credible messengers facilitate engagement with potential participants, whereas concerns around police involvement is an important barrier. Inpatient admission provides an opportunity to engage patients and may facilitate recruitment. HVIPs may benefit from increased program intensity.

Level of evidence

IV.
Growth responses to thinning from below in uneven-aged interior Douglas-fir dominated stands
Authors: Acquah Stella Britwum , Marshall Peter L. , Eskelson Bianca N.I. , Moss Ian , Barbeito Ignacio
Published: November 2023

We assessed the impacts of three approaches to thinning from below with varying spatial patterns on several stand and individual tree variables for interior Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco), interior spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss ×  Picea engelmannii Engelm.), and lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta Dougl. Ex Loud. var. latifolia Englem.) in central British Columbia, Canada. The three thinning treatments were two experimental “clumped” treatments (3 m Clumped and 5 m Clumped) and the Standard (more uniform spacing) thinning treatment that was employed operationally at that time. We used long-term data from 24 plots measured five times over 21 years. Thinning increased stand basal area increment, with the plots that received the 5 m Clumped treatment having significantly higher periodic annual relative basal area increment than the unthinned Control plots. The responses for the two clumped treatments were not any lower than the Standard. The 3 m Clumped treatment was best if one is concerned about fast recovery of the growing space; however, the 5 m Clumped spacing treatment may be preferable if higher individual tree vigour is needed for resistance and resilience to fire, insects, and disease.
How to Write and Speak Clearly and Concisely without Insulting Your Audience's Intelligence
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: November 2023

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

People who are serious about effective writing and speaking are eager to learn and emulate the principles and practices of professionals in the field. In particular, they often worry about their text or presentation being too long, i.e., "over-explaining" for fear of insulting their audience's intelligence. This is a legitimate concern. However, "too long" doesn't actually mean what many people think it means. Let's correct this damaging misapprehension.
Berries as Foods: Processing, Products, and Health Implications
Authors: Aguilera José Miguel
Published: November 2023

Berries are highly regarded as flavorful and healthy fruits that may prevent or delay some chronic diseases attributed to oxidative stress and inflammation. Berries are low in calories and harbor diverse bioactive phytochemicals, antioxidants, dietary fibers, and vitamins. This review delves into the main characteristics of fresh berries and berry products as foods and the technologies associated with their production. The main effects of processing operations and related variables on bioactive components and antioxidants are described. This review critically discusses why some health claims based on in vitro antioxidant data and clinical studies and intervention trials are difficult to assess. The review suggests that the beneficial health effects of berries are derived from a multifactorial combination of complex mixtures of abundant phenolic components, antioxidants, and their metabolites acting synergistically or additively with other nutrients like fibers and vitamins and possibly by modulating the gut microbiota.
State-of-Health Prediction for Lithium-Ion Batteries based on Empirical Mode Decomposition and Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit Neural Network Optimized by Slime Mould Algorithm
Authors: Sun Jing , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: November 2023

State-of-health prediction of lithium-ion batteries has been one of the popular research subjects in recent years. Accurate state-of-health prediction has an especially significant role for battery management systems. This study combines the empirical mode decomposition and bidirectional gated recurrent unit neural network optimized by slime mould optimization algorithm to develop the state-of-health prediction model. First, to deal with the short-term capacity regeneration characteristics and the long-term degradation trend in state-of-health curve, the original battery state-of-health sequence is decomposed into some intrinsic mode functions and one residual sequence by using the empirical mode decomposition. Then, slime mould algorithm is used to automatically find the best hyperparameters of the bidirectional gated recurrent unit model. Finally, the bidirectional gated recurrent unit model is established to predict the state-of-health of lithium-ion batteries. The experimental results show that the proposed state-of-health prediction method always exhibit great accuracy both for the LiCoO2 battery datasets from the Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering and for the LiNCM battery datasets in our own laboratory. Furthermore, for the same type of batteries, the offline established prediction model does not need to be retrained. All these indicate that this combined model has high robustness, excellent universality, and superb practicality.
A Spinel Metal Oxide (Ni–Fe–O) Decorated Glassy Carbon Electrode as a Sensitive Sensor for the Electrochemical Detection of Fenitrothion
Authors: Xiang Li , Li Hao , Chen Zhubin , Tang Jianshe
Published: November 2023

Fenitrothion is a widely prescribed pesticide in agriculture to control penetrating, chewing, and sucking pests on various crops. The electrochemical analytical technique is the obvious choice for establishing a fast, simple, cheap, and sensitive method for fenitrothion analysis. Nickel-iron spinel is an ideal material for electrode modification due to its good electrochemical catalytic properties, high specific surface properties of the nanoparticles, and target trapping ability of the metal hydroxyl sites. Therefore, this work intends to improve the detection of fenitrothion in the environmental matrix by adopting an electrochemical sensor. Herein, NiFe2O4 material was prepared in terms of the hydrothermal synthesis method. Its electrocatalytic performance in fenitrothion detection was evaluated. The synthesized NiFe2O4 was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrocatalytic performance of the electrode modified by NiFe2O4 was studied through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It was observed that the fabricated electrochemical sensor based on NiFe2O4 modified electrode exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity towards fenitrothion, resulting in a wide linear range of detection with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 1 × 10−8 mol l−1.
Assessing Significant Factors Affecting Risky Riding Behaviors of Vietnamese Motorcyclists Using a Contextual Mediated Model
Authors: Vuong Xuan Can , Mou Rui-Fang , Vu Trong Thuat , Nguyen Thi An , Cu Thi Thuc Anh , Nguyen Chi Trung
Published: November 2023

This study explores the significant factors affecting risky riding behaviors of Vietnamese motorcyclists using a contextual mediated model (CMM) in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, where motorcycle crashes are prevalent. The affecting factors include personality traits, riding self-confidence, riding attitude, and risk perception. Personality traits and riding self-confidence are distal factors of CMM that affect risky riding behaviors. On the other hand, riding attitude and risk perception are proximal factors in CMM. A survey was conducted to collect information on motorcyclists’ risky riding behaviors related to the four factors mentioned through a self-reported questionnaire. Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) and structural equation modeling (SEM) with analysis of moment structures (AMOS) are used to determine the effects of the factors on risky riding behaviors. The results discovered that riding attitude and risk perception were the intermediate variables of personality trait and riding self-confidence affecting the risky riding behaviors, and personality trait and riding self-confidence also affected the risky riding behaviors directly. Findings in the model also show that riding attitude was perceived to play a significant role in increasing risky driving behavior. The recommendation is to increase the safety education programs that reduce risky driving behavior.
Evaluation of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Heavy Metals Contained in Packaging Material Digest on Prominent Gut Microbiota
Authors: Mukhi Senna , Dhanashree Biranthabail , Srikantiah Rukmini Mysore , Manjrekar Poornima , Harish Sindhu
Published: November 2023

Several scientific investigations have revealed that the leaching of metals from packaging material into the packed food is an unavoidable process. Hence, this study is aimed at investigating the effect of leached heavy metals from food packing materials on normal human gut flora. We analysed the effect of vanadium, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury present in digested packaging materials (DPM) on standard strains of Escherichia coli ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 70063, and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of laboratory-grade heavy metal salts and heavy metals present in DPM was determined by the agar dilution method. For all four bacteria, the MIC of cadmium and arsenic in the DPM was 7 μg/ml and 1.6 μg/ml, respectively. The MIC of mercury in DPM was 1.6 μg/ml for E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and E. faecalis and 1.4 μg/ml for P. aeruginosa. MIC of vanadium for E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and E. faecalis was 2.2 μg/ml, and for K. pneumoniae was 2.0 μg/ml. The difference in MICs of heavy metals in DPMs and heavy metal salts was not statistically significant. MICs were within CODEX-specified permissible levels. Though heavy metals in packaging material have not shown a deleterious effect on representative human gut flora, there is scope to study their effect on the gut microbiome. Thus, understanding the risk of heavy metal ingestion through unknown sources and avoiding any possible ingestion is crucial to preventing chronic diseases.
Trends of Antihypertensive, Antidiabetic, and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Use among the Health Workers Cohort Study, Mexico 2004 to 2018
Authors: Ortega-Montiel Janinne , Montoya Alejandra , Soria-Saucedo René , Gallegos-Carrillo Katia , Ramírez-Palacios Paula , Salmerón Jorge , Salazar-Martínez Eduardo
Published: November 2023

Background. Hypertension and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases in Mexico and worldwide. According to international practice management guidelines, the principal chronic management therapy is daily oral medication. Aim. We aim to describe the trends of antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs use among the Mexican adult population from 2004–2018. Methods. We analyzed data from the Health Workers Cohort Study (HWCS) for males and females aged >18 years. We calculated the prevalence of chronic diseases and utilization for every kind of antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and NSAIDs (measured by self-reported utilization) at baseline and two follow-ups (2004, 2010, and 2017). Trends were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test. Results. Hypertension prevalence increased from 19.8 to 30.3%, higher than T2D prevalence from 7.0 to 12.8% through fourteen years of follow-up. Like the self-reported dual therapy, the proportion of patients using beta-blockers and angiotensin II receptor blockers increased. Regarding T2D, the prevalence of metformin utilization increased to 83.9%. The utilization of common NSAIDs, mainly for muscular pain, remained around 13 to 16%. Conclusions. Our findings showed a changing prevalence of drug utilization for hypertension and T2D between 2004 and 2018 and consistent use of NSAIDs in the adult Mexican population.
Moving beyond an Addiction Framework for Phubbing: Unraveling the Influence of Intrinsic Motivation, Boredom, and Online Vigilance
Authors: Duradoni Mirko , Raimondi Tommaso , Buttà Federica , Guazzini Andrea
Published: November 2023

Phubbing affects an individual’s social life and well-being. It has been found to affect romantic relationships, communication and social skills, and emotional and behavioral problems. Some relationships that phubbing has with, for example, smartphone addiction, Internet addiction, social media addiction, FoMO, and neuroticism are well known and established in the literature. However, phubbing is not exclusively reducible to addiction or personality-driven dynamics. For this reason, this study is aimed at exploring the motivations behind phubbing behavior. Firstly, the research is aimed at confirming the relationships between phubbing and technology-related addictions (e.g., social media addiction and mobile phone addiction) and personality traits (e.g., neuroticism and conscientiousness). In addition, the study is aimed at examining the relationship between phubbing and three potential individual-level factors for possible phubbing modeling: intrinsic motivation, boredom state, and online vigilance. A total of 551 participants took part in the study (mean

age
=
32

years;

SD
=
14.15

). After confirming the relationships that phubbing has with the abovementioned variables, a hierarchical regression model was produced in order to model the phubbing phenomenon as comprehensively as possible. The final model explained approximately 72% of the variance in phubbing. The primary contributors to the explained variance were variables related to the dependent use of new technologies, dimensions of online vigilance, boredom, and intrinsic motivation for using new technologies. Sociodemographic factors and personality traits accounted for a smaller portion of the variance (3.4% and 9.1%, respectively). These findings suggest that the individual-level factors driving phubbing behavior are related to intrinsic motivation, online vigilance, and boredom, rather than sociodemographic factors or personality traits. The study encourages further research to explore and expand upon the range of motivations underlying phubbing behavior, while considering factors related to dysfunctional or addictive technology use.
OSM May Serve as a Biomarker of Poor Prognosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Promote Tumor Cell Invasion and Migration
Authors: Wei Shuzhang , Chen Yin , Shi Xiaokai , Zuo Li , Zhang Lifeng
Published: November 2023

Background. Currently, the role of oncostatin M (OSM) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has not been investigated. This study will explore the impact of OSM on ccRCC expression, prognosis, and cell function. Materials and Methods. In this study, we used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to evaluate OSM expression characteristics, pathogenic factor distribution, and prognostic aspects in ccRCC. We also combined this analysis with qRT-PCR to verify OSM mRNA expression levels at the tissue level. Then, the effects of OSM on the proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities of ccRCC cells were explored through CCK8, Transwell, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence experiments. Finally, the oncogenic mechanisms associated with OSM in ccRCC were explored through signaling pathway enrichment and single-cell analysis. Results. The results demonstrated that OSM was significantly more expressed in ccRCC than in normal tissues. According to the survival analysis, OSM in ccRCC was considerably worse in the group with high expression than in the group with low expression. Also, the univariate and multivariate Cox analyses of clinical characteristics show that OSM in ccRCC may be able to predict a poor prognosis on its own as a biomarker. In vitro cellular experiments demonstrated that high OSM expression had no discernible impact on ccRCC cell proliferation compared to the control group, but it did promote tumor cell invasion and migration. Signaling pathways and single-cell analysis revealed that OSM might promote ccRCC invasion and migration through M2 macrophages. Conclusion. In conclusion, OSM may serve as an independent poor prognostic biomarker in ccRCC and promote tumor cell invasion and migration. This discovery is expected to provide a new therapeutic target for patients with recurrent and metastatic ccRCC.
Finite Element and Vibration Frequency Analysis of Cracked Solid Beams: A Comparison of Iron, Steel, and Titanium Materials
Authors: Karmaker Rajib , Deb Ujjwal Kumar
Published: November 2023

Different solid materials are widely used in various constructions due to their availability and low cost. However, cracks or conversions in the structures can affect their stiffness and vibration signatures. This research aims to evaluate the load distribution, deformation, and the effects of the cracks on the natural frequencies and deformations of iron, steel, and titanium beams. A finite element‐based model and COMSOL Multiphysics software were employed to measure and compare the frequencies and strengths of the beams. The results showed that the frequencies increased with the load, and titanium beams had the highest frequencies and deflections, while steel beams had the highest stress resistance. This frequency analysis can help to detect very small cracks (less than 0.05 mm) in the beams. The study concluded that steel is the most suitable material for construction due to its elasticity, availability, and low cost.
Supplementary Table S7 from Exogenous Sequences in Tumors and Immune Cells (Exotic): A Tool for Estimating the Microbe Abundances in Tumor RNA-seq Data
Authors: Hoyd Rebecca , Wheeler Caroline E. , Liu YunZhou , Jagjit Singh Malvenderjit S. , Muniak Mitchell , Jin Ning , Denko Nicholas C. , Carbone David P. , Mo Xiaokui , Spakowicz Daniel J.
Published: November 2023

Gene set enrichment analysis of the MSigDB Hallmark pathways using genes significantly associated with microbes in the TCGA and ORIEN datasets.
THE TAX DILEMMA OF ROBOTS, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, AND AUTOMATION: A CATALYST OR BARRIER FOR SUSTAINABLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP?
Authors: Asmoro Priandhita Sukowidyanti
Published: November 2023

This comprehensive analysis delves into the intricate relationship between digitalization,sustainability, and taxation in the context of sustainable entrepreneurship. The research recognizes the transformative potential of digital technologies in addressing environmental and social challenges through entrepreneurial action. It distinguishes digitalization from digitization and digital transformation, highlighting their distinct focuses on technology adoption, performance improvement, and business model changes. It acknowledges the entwined nature of digital and sustainability strategies and the need for a holistic approach. It recognizes the coexistence of economic, social, and environmental values in sustainable development, contrasting this with digitalization's emphasis on efficiency and competitive advantage. The study emphasizes the urgency of aligning digitalization and sustainability, especially in the realm of sustainable entrepreneurship. It highlights digitalization's potential environmental and social costs, such as electronic waste, energy consumption, job displacement, and social detachment. These negative externalities necessitate careful consideration and mitigation. The proposal to use taxation to address these challenges is introduced, focusing on Value Added Tax (VAT) as a practical and adaptable option. VAT's neutrality principle is highlighted to promote economic choices aligned with sustainability objectives. The discussion also touches upon the importance of earmarked taxes to incentivize sustainability efforts, with a call for transparency and traceability in tax revenue allocation.
Cientistas negras nos quadrinhos mainstream: raça, gênero e colonização
Authors: Santos Allana Sobrinho dos , Santos Paloma Nascimento dos
Published: November 2023

A presença da ciência nos quadrinhos é marcada pela inspiração científica de alguns poderes ou porque algumas personagens são cientistas profissionais nas tramas. É fácil elencar um cientista homem nos quadrinhos, mas quando se trata de uma cientista negra, há uma lacuna que indica desconhecimento e ausência. A partir desse contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar uma pesquisa documental e bibliográfica sobre cientistas negras nos quadrinhos mainstream no período de 1970 a 2022. A quantidade de cientistas encontradas, seus perfis e narrativas apontam uma representação ainda pequena, mas abre caminhos para pesquisas sobre raça, gênero e ciências em interface com as histórias em quadrinhos.
As múltiplas faces do horror: o gótico e a weird fiction em Junji Ito
Authors: Salviano Luiz Felipe
Published: November 2023

O quadrinista japonês Junji Ito se mostra bastante influenciado pela literatura, como pode ser comprovado a partir de entrevistas e de seu próprio trabalho que conta, inclusive, com algumas transposições de obras literárias. Contudo, nosso foco aqui recai em uma outra forma de diálogo entre os meios, abordando certos paralelos que podem ser estabelecidos com duas obras literárias. O artigo consiste em uma análise comparativa entre uma história do quadrinista, Nagai Yume (Um Longo Sonho), e dois contos de horror: Dream of a Manikin, de Thomas Ligotti, e Der Sandmann, de E.T.A. Hoffmann. Pretende-se, com isso, identificar ressonâncias da literatura de horror nas criações do quadrinista, bem como investigar como é feita a transposição de determinadas “atmosferas”.
Processo de decolonização do quadrinho contemporâneo brasileiro: entre o local e o global
Authors: Moreira Valter do Carmo
Published: November 2023

Tem por propósito analisar o processo de decolonização do quadrinho brasileiro com foco sobre as implicações simbólicas e culturais desse fenômeno, examinando como o quadrinho brasileiro se internacionaliza e escapa à lógica de centro, participando ativamente do crescente fluxo de trocas simbólicas globais. Este fenômeno não apenas enriquece a produção local, mas também contribui para uma compreensão mais ampla da diversidade cultural e simbólica no contexto global dos quadrinhos. O estudo não apenas lança luz sobre essas transformações, mas também contribui para uma compreensão mais profunda dos impactos culturais da globalização neste campo, desafiando concepções prévias e abrindo espaço para futuras investigações sobre a interseção entre o local e o global no cenário artístico contemporâneo.
Cinema Panopticum, de Thomas Ott: imagens, terror e controle social
Authors: Farinaccio Pascoal
Published: November 2023

Propõe a análise crítica da história em quadrinhos Cinema Panotpticum (2021), de Thomas Ott. Na narrativa, uma garota vai a um parque de diversões onde assiste a pequenos filmes em cabines de cinetoscópio (um aparelho de projeção de imagens inventado em 1894). Pelo olhos da garota, o leitor acompanha, nos filmes, histórias macabras e cruéis. Inicialmente, a reflexão debruça-se, aqui, sobre o conceito de panóptico, estudado por Michel Foucault (2014), para estabelecer uma relação entre o universo das imagens e o controle social. Na sequência, busca-se esclarecer, com apoio em teorias do cinema, o diálogo criativo de Thomas Ott com o cinema expressionista alemão e sua atmosfera de terror; por fim, demonstra-se como o autor recupera algo do fascínio e temor dos primeiros espectadores em face das imagens cinematográficas.
Differences in Cortical Surface Area in Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Bahar Nilgoun , Cler Gabriel J. , Krishnan Saloni , Asaridou Salomi S. , Smith Harriet J. , Willis Hanna E. , Healy Máiréad P. , Watkins Kate E.
Published: November 2023

Approximately 7% of children have developmental language disorder (DLD), a neurodevelopmental condition associated with persistent language learning difficulties without a known cause. Our understanding of the neurobiological basis of DLD is limited. Here, we used FreeSurfer to investigate cortical surface area and thickness in a large cohort of 156 children and adolescents aged 10–16 years with a range of language abilities, including 54 with DLD, 28 with a history of speech-language difficulties who did not meet criteria for DLD, and 74 age-matched controls with typical language development (TD). We also examined cortical asymmetries in DLD using an automated surface-based technique. Relative to the TD group, those with DLD showed smaller surface area bilaterally in the inferior frontal gyrus extending to the anterior insula, in the posterior temporal and ventral occipito-temporal cortex, and in portions of the anterior cingulate and superior frontal cortex. Analysis of the whole cohort using a language proficiency factor revealed that language ability correlated positively with surface area in similar regions. There were no differences in cortical thickness, nor in asymmetry of these cortical metrics between TD and DLD. This study highlights the importance of distinguishing between surface area and cortical thickness in investigating the brain basis of neurodevelopmental disorders and suggests the development of cortical surface area to be of importance to DLD. Future longitudinal studies are required to understand the developmental trajectory of these cortical differences in DLD and how they relate to language maturation.
Engaging Modern Muslims with Their Prophet
Authors: Sanseverino Ruggero Vimercati
Published: November 2023

In contemporary Egypt, the secularization of discourses and practices raises a fundamental challenge to sīra writing concerning its vocation to make the founding narrative and the religious ideals of Islam comprehensible and meaningful to contemporary Muslims. Arguing that the Muslim community’s image of the Prophet does indeed both affect and reflect its religious and spiritual condition, the known Egyptian intellectual and former rector of al-Azhar, ʿAbd al-Ḥalīm Maḥmūd (1910-1978) holds the appearance of de-theologized forms of sīra writing as a symptom of a profound crisis of Islamic intellectuality. Against this background, his prophetological considerations seek to show that this challenge can only be overcome by a sīra writing that engages the audience in a personal and spiritual relationship with the Prophet.
Sira Culture, Hadith and the Veneration of Muḥammad in the Later Middle Period: Ibn Nāṣir al-Dīn al-Dimašqī (d. 842/1438) as a Case Study
Authors: Bori Caterina
Published: November 2023

The article investigates the social and cultural practices of Sira production and consumption in the later Middle Period. It probes into the place held by Sira regarding the veneration of the Prophet, especially in relation to Hadith. Its first part shows that in the Middle Period Sira was intended as a vast literary repository characterized by fluidity of format, diverse social fruition, and plurality of practices in transmission and consumption. It was a literary field characterized by narrative malleability and creativity, for which there was popular demand and scholarly dedication.

The life and work of the Šāfiʿī scholar and Hadith expert Ibn Nāṣir al-Dīn al-Dimašqī (d. 842/1438), in particular his Ǧāmiʿ al-āṯār fī l-siyar wa-mawlid al-muḫtār (The Compilation of Traditions on the Life and Birth of the Chosen One) occupies the second part of the article. Here, Ǧāmiʿ al-āṯār is taken as a written exemplification of the tight relationship between Sira, Hadith and devotion to the Prophet typical of the period, of 14th-15th century Damascus in particular.

Overall, the article argues that the intended meaning and use of a text as rich as Ǧāmiʿ al-āṯār can be fully grasped only when we put it in close conversation with the Hadith culture and veneration for the Prophet of the time. It suggests the existence of a pervasive “Sira culture” binding people in a relationship of meaning to their shared memories of the life of the Prophet. Such culture was nurtured by remembrance of the Prophet’s excellency and life milestones. It aimed at cultivating salvific feelings of love for the Prophet that would assure believers a secure place in the Afterlife.
Histoire de l’islam au XIIe/XVIIIe siècle : deux livres, trois décennies de recherche
Authors: Mayeur-Jaouen Catherine
Published: November 2023

Le XIIe/XVIIIe siècle et le début du XIIIe/XIXe siècle virent émerger dans le monde musulman de grandes figures de réformateurs, muǧaddids et muǧtahids, perçus comme tels par leurs contemporains. Conscients d’une crise générale du monde musulman et désireux de maintenir l’unité de l’umma, ils souhaitaient y remédier par leurs projets de réforme, et participèrent au renouveau du Hadith qui caractérise les XIe/XVIIe et XIIe/XVIIIe siècle, en écho au IXe/XVe siècle. Beaucoup aussi discutèrent le takfīr, pratiqué par Muḥammad b. ʿAbd al-Wahhāb. Comment les étudier, comment les lire, et avec quelles méthodes ? Ce sont les questions que posent les deux livres recensés ici, tout en éclairant les progrès historiographiques dans l’histoire intellectuelle et religieuse du XIIe/XVIIIe siècle.

Le livre important d’Ahmad Dallal, Islam without Europe : Traditions of Reform in Eighteenth-Century Islamic Thought, paru en 2018, part de la lecture attentive des œuvres de six réformateurs, inscrits dans une tradition érudite yéménite et indienne : Ibn al-Amīr al-Ṣanʿānī (1099/1688-1182/1769), Šāh Walī Llāh al-Dihlāwī (Shah Waliullah, 1114/1703-1176/1762), Muḥammad b. ʿAbd al-Wahhāb (1115/1703-1206/1792), ʿUṯmān b. Fūdī (Usman Dan Fodio, 1168/1754-1232/1817), Muḥammad b. ʿAlī l-Šawkānī (1173/1759-1250/1834) et Muḥammad b. ʿAlī l-Sanūsī (1202/1787-1276/1859). Fort savant, militant, mais malheureusement représentatif d’une histoire textuelle peu contextualisée, Islam without Europe est un livre très utile, qui encourage la lecture comparative des principaux auteurs abordés, al-Šawkānī en particulier.

Il est pourtant possible de lire les sources primaires dans une vraie réflexion d’historien. C’est le propos de Stefan Reichmuth dans The World of Murtaḍā al-Zabīdī, paru en 2009, sur Murtaḍā l-Zabīdī (m. 1205/1791), savant indien formé au Yémen et installé en Égypte. Mêlant biographie, étude de réseaux, histoire générale de la pensée islamique au XIIe/XVIIIe siècle dans son ancrage social, politique et économique, le livre conclut à l’humanisme de ce savant musulman et soufi.
Sayyids, Tribal Kinship, and the Imamate in Zaydi Yemen under Imam Yaḥyā Sharaf al-Dīn (d. 965/1558)
Authors: Pukhovaia Ekaterina
Published: November 2023

Studies of Zaydi Yemen tend to underline the divisions, rather than connections, between sayyids, descendants of the Prophet, and tribal groups in the political sphere. This paper answers the question what value family connections to tribes had for ambitious sayyids in early modern Yemen who wanted to become Zaydi imams. To this end, the article examines a section of Imam Yaḥyā Sharaf al-Dīn’s (d. 965/1558) unpublished biography, containing the genealogy of his second wife, Tāj al-Bahāʾ bint al-shaykh Sharaf al-Dīn. The paper argues that the imam and his circle valued the connections that the marriage to a daughter of a shaykh brought to the imamate, and that it is due to its symbolic value for the legitimacy of the imamate that her genealogy was included in the biography.
Changing the Narrative through Mothers, Daughters, and Sons
Authors: Legendre Marie
Published: November 2023

This article offers a reassessment of the ties between the families of two half-brothers, ʿ⁠Abd al-ʿ⁠Azīz and ʿ⁠Abd al-Malik sons of Marwān ibn al-Ḥakam. The first succeeded their father as caliph, while the second was governor of Egypt at the turn of the eighth century. The modern historiography has made much of ninth- and tenth-century narratives of opposition between the two. Those narratives are reassessed with a focus on how ties of kinship were used as a literary tool to build a distinctive memory of the Marwanid family. Even if moments of competition are recorded between the two, the families of those two men were instrumental to the success of the Marwanids as a caliphal family. The focus here is on marriage ties between their sons and daughters as well as on how the sons and their fathers participated in the same marriage patterns. The paper offers to shift our perspective by placing emphasis on family members that are usually not given proper attention: mothers, daughters, sisters and a wider pool of sons.
Entrusting a Witch with a Baby: the 2014 Constituent Assembly and the Failure of a Constitution Making-Process in Tanzania
Authors: Mandi Idd R.
Published: November 2023

Constitution-making, especially the one that relates to a constitutional replacement, is an important process in any democratic polity. Such process offers citizens an opportunity to exercise their most important constitutional and political power, which is called “constituent power” – the power to constitute a constitution and framework of government. The chief purpose of a constitution is to control and limit governmental powers. In order to achieve this objective, it is necessary to deny the government or powerholders the right to make a constitution. Thus, parliament and government generally have no power to make a constitution. Instead, the people have the right to exercise such power. This is the essence of the idea of constituent power. To entrust parliament or Members of Parliament (MP s) with the constitution-making responsibility is like to leave a baby in the custody of a witch, an action that can be perilous. This is what happened in 2014. The Constituent Assembly was convoked to debate a constitutional draft that the Constitutional Review Commission prepared. However, to allow all MP s to participate in the Assembly was a fundamental mistake. Members of Parliament used that opportunity to frustrate all major constitutional reforms that people recommended. This paper discusses the 2014 Constituent Assembly, especially its composition and the consequent impact on the process as a whole. The paper employs the principles of popular sovereignty, constituent power and democracy as its analytical tools.
Proving Environmental Harm in Inter-State Litigation: Challenges and Evolving Strategies
Authors: Sironi De Gregorio Francesca
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the work is to systematize the discipline of the proof of environmental harm in inter-State litigation, examining, in light of the practice of international courts and tribunals, the following five aspects: (i) definition of the actionable ‘environmental damage’; (ii) burden of proof and presentation of evidence; (iii) means and methods of proof; (iv) standard of proof; and (v) evaluation of the damage. The analysis takes into account the most relevant case law and doctrinal studies in the field, reconstructing a general framework, whilst taking into account specificities that might derive from specific applicable regimes. The main aim of the work is to assess whether the challenges in proving environmental harm are fostering – or have already led to – the creation of a different set of applicable rules on evidence.
The Italian Supreme Court and the European ne bis in idem Principle: A Correct Decision Worthy of Some Criticism
Authors: Nascimbeni Alessandro
Published: November 2023

The judgment gives the opportunity to focus on the ne bis in idem principle as established at the European Union level. Accordingly, after an analysis of the facts of the case and of the judgment of the Italian Supreme Court, some inquiries on the nature of the principle will pave the way for a critical assessment of the decision’s legal reasoning, notwithstanding the correctness of the final outcome.
Identities of some names in Gomphrena (Amaranthaceae)
Authors: SANDOVAL-ORTEGA MANUEL HIGINIO , ZUMAYA-MENDOZA SILVIA
Published: November 2023

The typification of names Gomphrena decumbens var. nana, G. filaginoides, G. nitida, and G. pringlei are discussed. Specimens from P, GH, US, and Z are designated as lectotypes. The identity of the name Gomphrena globosa var. albiflora is discussed reaching to the conclusion that it is a synonym of G. palmeri.
A new species of Pinalia (Orchidaceae) with bell-shaped flowers from the mossy forest of southern Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: SAAVEDRA ALJOHN JAY L. , PITOGO KIER MITCHEL E. , BOOS RONNY
Published: November 2023

We present the first orchid species described from the Mount Busa Key Biodiversity Area (KBA 196) in southern Mindanao, Philippines. The new species was discovered growing on moss-covered tree trunks in the upper montane forest. It is primarily distinguished among the genus Pinalia by its very short inflorescence that bears few, closely spaced and relatively large campanulate flowers with trilobed, weakly keeled labellum and a dentate callus on disc. The discovery of this species brings the total number of Pinalia in the Philippines to 39. More importantly, it highlights the need for more field-based research on the flora of southern Mindanao to alleviate knowledge shortfalls that continue to limit our understanding of the region’s biodiversity.
Reinstatement of Aloe verdoorniae (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a distinctively purplish blue-leaved species of maculate aloe endemic to the eastern Gauteng and western Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , FIGUEIREDO ESTRELA
Published: November 2023

Aloe verdoorniae (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), which generally has been included in the synonymy of A. greatheadii var. davyana since 1987, is formally reinstated as an accepted species that is endemic to the eastern Gauteng and western and central Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. Aloe davyana itself was recently reinstated at the rank of species. Aloe verdoorniae differs from A. davyana in several vegetative and reproductive morphological characters so warranting its recognition at the rank of species; the differences are quantified and discussed. The typification of the name A. verdoorniae is reinterpreted and corrected. The species is illustrated and an amplified description is provided for it.
Cephalanthera yintiaolingensis (Orchidaceae, Epidendroidee, Neottieae), a new mycoheterotrophic orchid from Northeast Chongqing, China
Authors: CHEN FENG , XIONG CHI , ZHENG CHANG-BING , JIN XIAO-HUA , HE HAI
Published: November 2023

A new species of Orchidaceae, Cephalanthera yintiaolingensis, is described and illustrated from a nature reserve of Karst region in Northeast Chongqing, Southwest China. Morphologically, it is related to both C. exigua and C. subaphylla in habit and floral morphology. However, it differs from C. exigua by lip having obvious spur, flabellate middle lobe with five to seven lamellae, from C. subaphylla by lacking green blade in its sheath-like leaves, flabellate middle lobe, and obtuse apex in both sepals and petals. Cephalanthera yintiaolingensis was only found in type locality and was assessed as Data Deficient (DD).
TNFα induces Caspase-3 activity in hematopoietic progenitor cells CD34+, CD33+, and CD41 + of myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Iriani Anggraini , Rachman Andhika , Setiabudy Rahayuningsih D. , Kresno Siti B. , Sudoyo Aru W. , Arief Mansyur , Harahap Alida R. , Fatina Marsya Kaila
Published: November 2023

Background

Cytopenia is the primary feature of Myelodysplastic Syndrome, even in the presence of hypercellular bone marrow. TNFα is recognized as both a proinflammatory, and proapoptotic cytokine with a well established role in promoting apoptosis in MDS. Therefore, TNFα has the potential to be a valuable biomarker for predicting the progression of cytopenia in MDS. This study aims to establish the role of TNFα exposure in triggering apoptosis through caspase-3 activity in CD34+, CD33+, and CD41 + cells in MDS.

Methods

This study is an in vitro comparative experimental research. Bone marrow mononuclear cells were isolated as the source of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Subsequently, CD34+, CD33+, and CD41 + cells were exposed to rhTNFα, and the caspase-3 activity was measured using flowcytometry.

Results

In MDS CD33 + and CD41 + caspase-3 activity of rhTNFα exposed cells was significantly higher than without exposed cells. The opposite result was found in CD34 + cells, where the caspase-3 activity without rhTNFα exposed cells was significantly higher than rhTNFα exposed cells.

Conclusion

rhTNFα exposure led to an elevation in caspase-3 activity in MDS progenitor cells, especially in those that had differentiated into myeloid cell CD33 + and megakaryocyte cell CD41+, as opposed to the early progenitor cells CD34+.
Genome-wide association analysis unveils candidate genes and loci associated with aplasia cutis congenita in pigs
Authors: Zhou Fuchen , Wang Shenghui , Qin Haojun , Zeng Haiyu , Ye Jian , Yang Jie , Cai Gengyuan , Wu Zhenfang , Zhang Zebin
Published: November 2023

Background

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the localized or widespread absence of skin in humans and animals. Individuals with ACC may experience developmental abnormalities in the skeletal and muscular systems, as well as potential complications. Localized and isolated cases of ACC can be treated through surgical and medical interventions, while extensive cases of ACC may result in neonatal mortality. The presence of ACC in pigs has implications for animal welfare. It contributes to an elevated mortality rate among piglets at birth, leading to substantial economic losses in the pig farming industry. In order to elucidate candidate genetic loci associated with ACC, we performed a Genome-Wide Association Study analysis on 216 Duroc pigs. The primary goal of this study was to identify candidate genes that associated with ACC.

Results

This study identified nine significant SNPs associated with ACC. Further analysis revealed the presence of two quantitative trait loci, 483 kb (5:18,196,971–18,680,098) on SSC 5 and 159 kb (13:20,713,440–207294431 bp) on SSC13. By annotating candidate genes within a 1 Mb region surrounding the significant SNPs, a total of 11 candidate genes were identified on SSC5 and SSC13, including KRT71, KRT1, KRT4, ITGB7, CSAD, RARG, SP7, PFKL, TRPM2, SUMO3, and TSPEAR.

Conclusions

The results of this study further elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying and genetic architecture of ACC and identify reliable candidate genes. These results lay the foundation for treating and understanding ACC in humans.