bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic Risk Factors for First-Time Noncontact ACL Injury: A Prospective Study of College and High School Athletes
Authors: Beynnon Bruce D. , Tourville Timothy W. , Hollenbach Helen C. , Shultz Sandy , Vacek Pamela
Published: September 2022

Background:

A comprehensive understanding of the intrinsic risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) disruption is important for identifying individuals at increased risk for suffering this trauma and developing interventions to mitigate risk.

Hypothesis:

A variety of risk factors predispose athletes to first-time, noncontact ACL injury and some of these differ between male and female athletes.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study with nested case-control sampling.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

Sport teams at 28 high schools and 8 colleges were monitored prospectively over 4 years, and 109 of 130 athletes who suffered their first noncontact ACL injury participated in the study. At the time of injury, matched control subjects were randomly selected from among the case’s teammates and a total of 227 athletes participated. Demographic characteristics, joint laxity, lower extremity alignment, strength, and personality characteristics were measured. The association of each risk factor with injury risk was assessed by conditional logistic regression.

Results:

The risk factors that were associated with ACL injury in both male and female athletes included having a parent with prior ACL injury and increases of the following variables: body weight, anterior displacement of the tibia relative to the femur, genu recurvatum, and generalized joint laxity. Risk factors that are unique to female athletes included increased body mass index, increased trunk flexion strength, and prior non-ACL knee injury. The risk factors specific to male athletes were decreased standing quadriceps angle, decreased hip adduction strength, and chronic disease.

Conclusion:

A diverse set of risk factors predispose both male and female athletes to ACL injury, whereas others appear to be sex-specific.

Clinical Relevance:

Different approaches for assessing risk and preventing ACL injury are needed for male and female athletes. In addition, personalized prevention strategies may be needed to target the specific characteristics that place an individual at increased risk of suffering this trauma.
Clinical Features, Risk Factors, and Prediction Nomogram for Primary Spinal Osteosarcoma: A Large-Cohort Retrospective Study
Authors: Huang Zhangheng , Huang Chao , Wang Yu , Wu Ye , Guo Chuan , Li Weilong , Kong Qingquan
Published: September 2022

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study

Objectives

The goal of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of patients with primary spinal osteosarcoma and to construct a practical clinical prediction model for patients to achieve an accurate prediction of overall survival.

Methods

This study included 230 patients diagnosed between 2004-2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Independent risk factors were screened in the training set using Cox regression algorithms, and a prognostic model was developed. Internal and external validation sets were used to test the nomogram model's calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility. A risk classification system based on the nomogram was developed and validated.

Results

Four independent prognostic factors were identified, and based on this a nomogram model was developed for predicting patient prognosis. The C-index of the training set was .737, while that of the validation set was .693. The time-varying area under the curve values was greater than .720 in both cohorts. The calibration curves proved that the prediction model has high prediction accuracy. The decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram is clinically useful. A risk classification system was established, which allows all patients to be divided into two different risk groups.

Conclusions

A nomogram and risk classification system was developed for patients with primary spinal osteosarcoma to accurately predict overall patient survival and achieve risk stratification of patient mortality. These tools are expected to play an important role in clinical practice, informing clinicians in making decisions.
Coethnic Concentration and Asians’ Perceived Discrimination across U.S. Counties during COVID-19
Authors: Lee Rennie , Qian Yue , Wu Cary
Published: September 2022

Aggregate figures unequivocally depict an increase in anti-Asian sentiment in the United States and other Western countries since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is limited understanding of the contexts under which Asians encounter discrimination. The authors examine how coethnic concentration shapes Asians’ experiences of discrimination across U.S. counties during COVID-19 and also assess whether county-level context (e.g., COVID-19 infection rates, unemployment rates) could help explain this relationship. The authors analyze the Understanding Coronavirus in America tracking survey, a nationally representative panel of American households, along with county-level contextual data. The authors find an n-shaped relationship between coethnic concentration and Asians’ perceived discrimination. This relationship is explained largely by county-level COVID-19 infection rates. Together, the context of medium Asian concentration and high COVID-19 cases created a particularly hostile environment for Asians during COVID-19.
Comparative physiological and coexpression network analyses reveal the potential drought tolerance mechanism of peanut
Authors: Ren Jingyao , Guo Pei , Zhang He , Shi Xiaolong , Ai Xin , Wang Jing , Jiang Chunji , Zhao Xinhua , Liu Xibo , Yu Haiqiu
Published: September 2022

Background

Drought stress has negative effects on plant growth and productivity. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of physiological responses and gene expression was performed. The responses and expressions were compared between drought-tolerant (DT) and drought-sensitive (DS) peanut varieties to investigate the regulatory mechanisms and hub genes involved in the impact of drought stress on culture.

Results

The drought-tolerant variety had robust antioxidative capacities with higher total antioxidant capacity and flavonoid contents, and it enhanced osmotic adjustment substance accumulation to adapt to drought conditions. KEGG analysis of differentially expressed genes demonstrated that photosynthesis was strongly affected by drought stress, especially in the drought-sensitive variety, which was consistent with the more severe suppression of photosynthesis. The hub genes in the key modules related to the drought response, including genes encoding protein kinase, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase, potassium transporter, pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein, and aspartic proteinase, were identified through a comprehensive combined analysis of genes and physiological traits using weighted gene co-expression network analysis. There were notably differentially expressed genes between the two varieties, suggesting the positive roles of these genes in peanut drought tolerance.

Conclusion

A comprehensive analysis of physiological traits and relevant genes was conducted on peanuts with different drought tolerances. The findings revealed diverse drought-response mechanisms and identified candidate genes for further research.
Prospective sampling bias in COVID-19 recruitment methods: experimental evidence from a national randomized survey testing recruitment materials
Authors: Kennedy Eric B. , Charifson Mia , Jehn Megan , Jensen Eric A. , Vikse Jenna
Published: September 2022

Background

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, social science research has required recruiting many prospective participants. Many researchers have explicitly taken advantage of widespread public interest in COVID-19 to advertise their studies. Leveraging this interest, however, risks creating unrepresentative samples due to differential interest in the topic. In this study, we investigate the design of survey recruitment materials with respect to the views of resultant participants.

Methods

Within a pan-Canadian survey (stratified random mail sampling, n = 1969), the design of recruitment invitations to prospective respondents was experimentally varied, with some prospective respondents receiving COVID-specific recruitment messages and others receiving more general recruitment messages (described as research about health and health policy). All respondents participated, however, in the same survey, allowing comparison of both demographic and attitudinal features between these groups.

Results

Respondents recruited via COVID-19 specific postcards were more likely to agree that COVID-19 is serious and believe that they were likely to contract COVID-19 compared to non-COVID respondents (odds = 0.71, p = 0.04; odds = 0.74, p = 0.03 respectively; comparing health to COVID-19 framed respondents). COVID-19 specific respondents were more likely to disagree that the COVID-19 threat was exaggerated compared to the non-COVID survey respondents (odds = 1.44, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

COVID-19 recruitment framing garnered a higher response rate, as well as a sample with greater concern about coronavirus risks and impacts than respondents who received more neutrally framed recruitment materials.
Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on maternal psychological status, the couple’s relationship and mother-child interaction: a prospective study
Authors: Viaux-Savelon Sylvie , Maurice Paul , Rousseau Alexandra , Leclere Chloe , Renout Manon , Berlingo Laura , Cohen David , Jouannic Jean-Marie
Published: September 2022

Background

To compare the rate of postpartum depression (PPD) during the first COVID-19 lockdown with the rate observed prior to the pandemic, and to examine factors associated with PPD.

Methods

This was a prospective study. Women who gave birth during the first COVID-19 lockdown (spring 2020) were offered call-interviews at 10 days and 6–8 weeks postpartum to assess PPD using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Post-traumatic symptoms (Perinatal Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire, PPQ), couple adjustment, and interaction and mother-to-infant bonding were also evaluated. The observed PPD rate was compared to the one reported before the pandemic. Factors associated with an increased risk of PPD were studied. The main outcome measures were comparison of the observed PPD rate (EPDS score > 12) to pre-pandemic rate.

Results

Of the 164 women included, 27 (16.5% [95%CI: 11.14–23.04]) presented an EPDS score > 12 either at 10 days or 6–8 weeks postpartum. This rate was similar to the one of 15% reported prior to the pandemic (p = 0.6). Combined EPDS> 12 or PPQ > 6 scores were observed in 20.7% of the mothers [95%CI: 14.8–0.28]. Maternal hypertension/preeclampsia (p = 0.007), emergency cesarean section (p = 0.03), and neonatal complications (p = 0.008) were significantly associated with an EPDS> 12 both in univariate and multivariate analysis (OR = 10 [95%CI: 1.5–68.7], OR = 4.09[95%CI: 1.2–14], OR = 4.02[95%CI: 1.4–11.6], respectively).

Conclusions

The rate of major PPD in our population did not increase during the first lockdown period. However, 20.7% of the women presented with post-traumatic/depressive symptoms.

Trial registration

NCT04366817.
New pathogenic variants of ALMS1 gene in two Chinese families with Alström Syndrome
Authors: Cheng Wan-Yu , Ma Mei-Jiao , Yuan Shi-Qin , Qi Xiao-long , Rong Wei-Ning , Sheng Xun-Lun
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Alström Syndrome (AS) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease with the characteristics of multiorgan dysfunction. Due to the heterogeneity of clinical manifestations of AS, genetic testing is crucial for the diagnosis of AS. Herein, we used whole-exome sequencing (WES) to determine the genetic causes and characterize the clinical features of three affected patients in two Chinese families with Alström Syndrome.

Materials and methods

Three affected patients (initially diagnosed as achromatopsia). and five asymptomatic members were recruited for both genetic and clinical tests. The complete ophthalmic examinations and systemic examinations were performed on all participants. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for mutation detection. The silico analysis was also applied to predict the pathogenesis of identified pathogenic variants.

Results

In family 1, the proband showed low vision, hyperopia, photophobia, nystagmus, and total color blindness. DNA analysis revealed that she carried a compound heterozygote with two novel pathogenic variants in the ALMS1 gene NM_015120.4:c.10379del (NP_055935.4:p.(Asp2252Tyr)) and NM_015120.4:c.11641_11642del (NP_055935.4:p.(Val3881ThrfsTer11)). Further systemic examinations showed short stature, acanthosis nigricans, and sensorineural hearing loss. In family 2, two affected siblings presented the low vision, hyperopia, photophobia, nystagmus, and total color blindness. DNA analysis revealed that they carried a same compound heterozygote with two novel pathogenic variants in the ALMS1 gene NM_015120.4:c.10379del (NP_055935.4:p.(Asn3460IlefsTer49)), NM_015120.4:c.10819C > T (NP_055935.4:p.(Arg3607Trp)). Further systemic examinations showed obesity and mild abnormalities of lipid metabolism. According to the genetic testing results and further systemic analysis, the three affected patients were finally diagnosed as Alström Syndrome (AS).

Conclusions

We found two new compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of the ALMS1 gene and determined the diagnosis as Alström Syndrome in three patients of two Chinese families. Our study extends the genotypic and phenotypic spectrums for ALMS1 -AS and emphasizes the importance of gene testing in assisting the clinical diagnosis for cases with phenotypic diversities, which would help the AS patients with early diagnosis and treatment to reduce future systemic damage.
Pathogenicity and vaccine efficacy of two virulent infectious laryngotracheitis virus strains in Egypt
Authors: El-Saied Mohamed , El-Mahdy Magdy M. , Bayoumi Mahmoud , Soliman Reem A. , Elsayed Marwa. F. , Sakr Ezz El-Din , Bastami Mostafa , El-Safty Munir M. , Shaalan Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an economically crucial respiratory disease of poultry that affects the industry worldwide. Vaccination is the principal tool in the control of the disease outbreak. In an earlier study, we comprehensively characterized the circulating strains in Egypt and identified both CEO-like and recombinant strains are dominant. Herein, we investigated the pathogenicity of two virulent strains representing the CEO-like (Sharkia_2018) and recombinant strain (Qalubia_2018). Additionally, we evaluated the efficacy of different commercial vaccines (HVT-LT, CEO, and TCO) against the two isolates in terms of the histopathological lesion scores and the viral (gC) gene load. A total of 270 White Leghorn-specific pathogen-free male chicks were divided into nine groups of 30 birds, each housed in separate isolators. Birds were distributed as follows; one group was non-vaccinated, non-challenged, and served as a negative control. Two groups were non-vaccinated and infected with the two isolates of interest and served as a positive control to test the pathogenicity. Six groups were vaccinated and challenged; two groups were vaccinated with vector vaccine at one day old. The other four groups were vaccinated with either the CEO- or TCO- vaccine (two groups each) at four weeks of age. Three weeks after vaccination, birds were infected with the virulent ILTV isolates. The larynx, trachea, and harderian gland samples were taken at 1, 3, and 7 days post-infection for histopathological lesion score and molecular detection. Notably, The recombinant strain was more virulent and pathogenic than CEO-like ILTV strains. Moreover, the TCO vaccine was less immunogenic than the vector and CEO vaccines.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells: an emerging target for anticancer immunotherapy
Authors: Wu Yuze , Yi Ming , Niu Mengke , Mei Qi , Wu Kongming
Published: September 2022

The clinical responses observed following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) support immunotherapy as a potential anticancer treatment. However, a large proportion of patients cannot benefit from it due to resistance or relapse, which is most likely attributable to the multiple immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a heterogeneous array of pathologically activated immature cells, are a chief component of immunosuppressive networks. These cells potently suppress T-cell activity and thus contribute to the immune escape of malignant tumors. New findings indicate that targeting MDSCs might be an alternative and promising target for immunotherapy, reshaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment and enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we focus primarily on the classification and inhibitory function of MDSCs and the crosstalk between MDSCs and other myeloid cells. We also briefly summarize the latest approaches to therapies targeting MDSCs.
Risks and benefits of additional surgery for early gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach meeting non-curative resection criteria after endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Park Sin Hye , Yoon Hong Man , Ryu Keun Won , Kim Young-Woo , Kook Myeong-Cherl , Eom Bang Wool
Published: September 2022

Background

Additional surgery is recommended after non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer. However, it is not easy to recommend for tumors located in the upper third of the stomach, because it would be a total or proximal gastrectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the actual risks and benefits of additional gastrectomy for upper third tumors.

Methods

We reviewed the clinicopathological data of patients who underwent total or proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach between March 2002 and January 2021. The incidence of lymph node metastasis and postoperative complications were calculated, and risk factors for lymph node metastasis were identified using logistic regression analysis. Survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test.

Results

A total of 523 patients underwent total or proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer; 379 of them had tumors meeting the non-curative resection criteria for endoscopic submucosal dissection. The overall lymph node metastasis rate was 9.5%, and lymphovascular invasion was the only significant risk factor for lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001). The most common sites of lymph node metastasis were stations 1, 3, and 7, with their rates being 3.2%, 3.7%, and 3.2%, respectively. Overall and severe (Clavien–Dindo grade III or higher) postoperative complication rates were 21.1% and 14.0%, respectively, while postoperative mortality was 0.5% (2/379). The 5-year overall survival rates for patients with and without lymph node metastasis were 96.1% and 81.1%, respectively (p = 0.076).

Conclusions

Before planning an additional gastrectomy after non-curative endoscopic resection for the upper third tumor, we should consider both the benefit of the 9.5% curability for lymph node metastasis and the risks of the 21% postoperative complications and 0.5% mortality.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for post operative brain metastasic surgical cavities: a single institution experience
Authors: Cantaloube Marie , Boucekine Mohamed , Balossier Anne , Muracciole Xavier , Meyer Mickael , Delsanti Christine , Carron Romain , Beltaifa Yassine Mohamed , Figarella-Branger Domnique , Regis Jean , Padovani Laetitia
Published: September 2022

Background

The standard therapy for brain metastasis was surgery combined with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). The latter is however, associated with important neurocognitive toxicity. To reduce this toxicity, postoperative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a promising technique. We assessed the efficacy and the tolerance to postoperative Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GK) on the tumor bed after resection of brain metastases.

Methods

Between February 2011 and December 2016, following macroscopic complete surgical resection, 64 patients and 65 surgical cavities were treated by GK in our institution. The indication for adjuvant radiosurgery was a multidisciplinary decision. The main assessment criteria considered in this study were local control, intracranial metastasis-free survival (ICMFS), overall survival and toxicity.

Results

Median follow-up: 11.1 months. Median time between surgery and radiosurgery: 35 days. Median dose was 20 Gy prescribed to the 50% isodose line, for a median treated volume of 5.6 cc. Four patients (7%) suffered from local recurrence. Local recurrence-free, intracranial recurrence-free and overall survival at 1 year were 97.5%, 57.6% and 62.4% respectively. In total, 23 patients (41%) suffered from intracranial recurrence outside the tumor bed. In univariate analysis: concomitant GK treatment of multiple lesions and the tumor bed was associated with a decrease in ICMFS (HR = 1.16 [1.005–1.34] p = 0.04). In multivariate analysis: a non-lung primary tumor was significantly associated with a decrease in ICMFS (HR = 8.04 [1.82–35.4] p = 0.006). An increase in performance status (PS) and in the initial number of cerebral metastases significantly reduced overall survival (HR = 5.4 [1.11–26.3] p = 0.037, HR = 2.7 [1.004–7.36] p = 0.049, respectively) and One radiation necrosis histologically proven.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed that postoperative GK after resection of cerebral metastases is an efficient and well-tolerated technique, to treat volumes of all sizes (0.8 to 40 cc). Iterative SRS or salvage WBRT can be performed in cases of intracranial relapse, postponing WBRT with its potential side effects.
Cryoprecipitate transfusion in trauma patients attenuates hyperfibrinolysis and restores normal clot structure and stability: Results from a laboratory sub-study of the FEISTY trial
Authors: Morrow Gael B. , Feller Timea , McQuilten Zoe , Wake Elizabeth , Ariëns Robert A. S. , Winearls James , Mutch Nicola J. , Laffan Mike A. , Curry Nicola
Published: September 2022

Background

Fibrinogen is the first coagulation protein to reach critical levels during traumatic haemorrhage. This laboratory study compares paired plasma samples pre- and post-fibrinogen replacement from the Fibrinogen Early In Severe Trauma studY (FEISTY; NCT02745041). FEISTY is the first randomised controlled trial to compare the time to administration of cryoprecipitate (cryo) and fibrinogen concentrate (Fg-C; Riastap) in trauma patients. This study will determine differences in clot strength and fibrinolytic stability within individuals and between treatment arms.

Methods

Clot lysis, plasmin generation, atomic force microscopy and confocal microscopy were utilised to investigate clot strength and structure in FEISTY patient plasma.

Results

Fibrinogen concentration was significantly increased post-transfusion in both groups. The rate of plasmin generation was reduced 1.5-fold post-transfusion of cryo but remained unchanged with Fg-C transfusion. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 activity and antigen levels and Factor XIII antigen were increased post-treatment with cryo, but not Fg-C. Confocal microscopy analysis of fibrin clots revealed that cryo transfusion restored fibrin structure similar to those observed in control clots. In contrast, clots remained porous with stunted fibres after infusion with Fg-C. Cryo but not Fg-C treatment increased individual fibre toughness and stiffness.

Conclusions

In summary, our data indicate that cryo transfusion restores key fibrinolytic regulators and limits plasmin generation to form stronger clots in an ex vivo laboratory study. This is the first study to investigate differences in clot stability and structure between cryo and Fg-C and demonstrates that the additional factors in cryo allow formation of a stronger and more stable clot.
Novel lipid-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with thymoquinone formulation to increase its bioavailability in the brain and organs of Wistar rats
Authors: Fahmy Heba M. , Ahmed Mostafa M. , Mohamed Ayman S. , Shams-Eldin Engy , Abd El-Daim Taiseer M. , El-Feky Amena S. , Mustafa Amira B. , Abd Alrahman Mai W. , Mohammed Faten F. , Fathy Mohamed M.
Published: September 2022

Aims

The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) is a filter for most medications and blocks their passage into the brain. More effective drug delivery strategies are urgently needed to transport medications into the brain. This study investigated the biodistribution of thymoquinone (TQ) and the effect on enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidative stress indicators in different brain regions, either in free form or incorporated into nanocarriers as mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). Lipid bilayer-coated MSNs.

Materials and methods

MSNs and LB-MSNs were synthesized and characterized using a transmission electron microscope and dynamic light scattering to determine the particle size and zeta potential. TQ encapsulation efficiency and TQ's release profile from LB-MSNs were also examined. The impact of loading LB-MSNs with TQ-on-TQ delivery to different brain areas was examined using chromatographic measurement. Furthermore, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione, and catalase were evaluated as oxidant and antioxidant stress biomarkers.

Key findings

The LB-MSNs formulation successfully transported TQ to several areas of the brain, liver, and kidney, revealing a considerable increase in TQ delivery in the thalamus (81.74%) compared with that in the free TQ group and a considerable reduction in the cortex (−44%). The LB-MSNs formulation had no significant effect on TQ delivery in the cerebellum, striatum, liver, and kidney.

Significance

TQ was redistributed in different brain areas after being encapsulated in LB-MSNs, indicating that LB-MSNs have the potential to be developed as a drug delivery system for selective clinical application of specific brain regions.

Conclusions

LB-MSNs are capable nanoplatforms that can be used to target medications precisely to specific brain regions
Chelating agents for diluted geothermal brine reinjection
Authors: Cobos Jacquelin E. , Søgaard Erik G.
Published: September 2022

“Blue energy” could be produced by exploiting the large salinity gradient between geothermal fluids and freshwater through a SaltPower system. This study is an attempt to select the most favorable chemicals to avoid injectivity issues when a diluted geothermal fluid resulting from the SaltPower system is returned to the reservoir. Three synthetic chelating agents (oxalic acid, EDTA, and EDDS) and one natural (humic acid) were evaluated through speciation simulations and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments. The speciation simulation results indicate that the degree of complexing is highly dependent on pH and chelating agent type. The ITC experiments show that the total heat for the formation of soluble metal–ligand complexes in the rock + geothermal brine system follows: EDTA > EDDS > oxalic acid > humic acid. The simulations and calorimetry results suggest that EDTA could be used to avoid the precipitation of Fe(III) oxides and other minerals (e.g., calcite and dolomite) inside the porous media upon the reinjection of diluted geothermal brine coming from SaltPower electricity production.
Evolutionary morphology of sperm in pholcid spiders (Pholcidae, Synspermiata)
Authors: Dederichs Tim M. , Huber Bernhard A. , Michalik Peter
Published: September 2022

Background

Pholcidae represent one of the largest and most diverse spider families and have been subject to various studies regarding behavior and reproductive biology. In contrast to the solid knowledge on phylogeny and general reproductive morphology, the primary male reproductive system is strongly understudied, as it has been addressed only for few species. Those studies however suggested a high diversity of sperm and seminal secretions across the family. To address this disparity and reconstruct the evolution of sperm traits, we investigate the primary male reproductive system of pholcid spiders by means of light, X-ray, and transmission electron microscopy using a comprehensive taxon sampling with 46 species from 33 genera, representing all five subfamilies.

Results

Our data show a high disparity of sperm morphology and seminal secretions within pholcids. We document several sperm characters that are unique for pholcids, such as a helical band (Pholcinae) or a lamellate posterior centriolar adjunct material (Modisiminae). Character mapping revealed several putative synapomorphies for individual taxa. With regard to sperm transfer forms, we found that synspermia occur only in the subfamily Ninetinae, whereas the other subfamilies have cleistospermia. In several species with cleistospermia, we demonstrate that spermatids remain fused until late stages of spermiogenesis before ultimately separating shortly before the coiling process. Additionally, we explored the previously hypothesized correlation between sperm size and minimum diameter of the spermophor in the male palpal organ. We show that synspermia differ strongly in size whereas cleistospermia are rather uniform, but neither transfer form is positively correlated with the diameter of the spermophor.

Conclusions

Our data revealed a dynamic evolution of sperm characters, with convergences across all subfamilies and a high level of homoplasy. The present diversity can be related to subfamily level and allows for assignments of specific subtypes of spermatozoa. Our observations support the idea that Ninetinae are an ancestral clade within Pholcidae that have retained synspermia and that synspermia represent the ancestral sperm transfer form of Pholcidae.
An analysis of the acquisition of a monetary function by cryptocurrency using a multi-agent simulation model
Authors: Shibano Kyohei , Mogi Gento
Published: September 2022

Many types of cryptocurrencies, which predominantly utilize blockchain technology, have emerged worldwide. Several issuers plan to circulate their original cryptocurrencies for monetary use. This study investigates whether issuers can stimulate cryptocurrencies to attain a monetary function. We use a multi-agent model, referred to as the Yasutomi model, which simulates the emergence of money. We analyze two scenarios that may result from the actions taken by the issuer. These scenarios focus on increases in the number of stores that accept cryptocurrency payments and situations whereby the cryptocurrency issuer designs the cryptocurrency to be attractive to people and conducts an airdrop. We find that a cryptocurrency can attain a monetary function in two cases. One such case occurs when 20% of all agents accept the cryptocurrency for payment and 50% of the agents are aware of this fact. The second case occurs when the issuer continuously airdrops a cryptocurrency to a specific person while maintaining the total volume of the cryptocurrency within a range that prevents it from losing its attractiveness.
Improvement in Hurst exponent estimation and its application to financial markets
Authors: Gómez-Águila A. , Trinidad-Segovia J. E. , Sánchez-Granero M. A.
Published: September 2022

This research aims to improve the efficiency in estimating the Hurst exponent in financial time series. A new procedure is developed based on equality in distribution and is applicable to the estimation methods of the Hurst exponent. We show how to use this new procedure with three of the most popular algorithms (generalized Hurst exponet, total triangles area, and fractal dimension) in the literature. Findings show that this new approach improves the accuracy of the original methods, mainly for longer series. The second contribution of this study is that we show how to use this methodology to test whether the series is self-similar, constructing a confidence interval for the Hurst exponent for which the series satisfies this property. Finally, we present an empirical application of this new procedure to stocks of the S &P500 index. Similar to previous contributions, we consider this to be relevant to financial literature, as it helps to avoid inappropriate interpretations of market efficiency that can lead to erroneous decisions not only by market participants but also by policymakers.
Application of the transdisciplinary shipyard energy management framework by employing a fuzzy multiple attribute group decision making technique toward a sustainable shipyard: case study for a Bangladeshi shipyard
Authors: Vakili Seyedvahid , Schönborn Alessandro , Ölçer Aykut I.
Published: September 2022

Shipbuilding is an energy-intensive industrial sector that produces a significant amount of waste, pollution and air emissions. However, the International Maritime Organization concentrates only on reducing emissions during the operational phase. In order to completely phase out emissions from the shipping industry, a life-cycle approach must be taken. The study implemented the proposed transdisciplinary energy management framework in a Bangladeshi shipyard. The framework aims to support shipyard decision makers in making rational and optimized decisions to make shipyards sustainable, while maintaining good product quality and reducing relative cost. This is achieved by applying the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution methods to identify optimal solutions. In addition to making shipyards more sustainable, the framework can enhance both the business and socio-economic prospects of the shipyard and promote the reputation of the shipyard and improve its competitiveness and, in line with this, lead to the promotion of nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement for States. The implementation of the framework shows that the political and legal discipline, the social criteria and the implementation of ISO 14001 and cyber security were the most important criteria and options for the yard's decision makers.
Theoretical exploration of Chinese anthropology and ethnology: the road to construct the Chinese School
Authors: Zhang Jijiao , Wu Yue
Published: September 2022

This paper starts with the four factors that affect Chinese anthropology and ethnology: the Soviet school of ethnology, Marxist ethnology, Western anthropological and ethnological theories, and Chinese experience and theory (government policies and scholar explorations). Based on the influence of foreign theories and the theoretical exploration of local efforts, this paper points out the transformations in Chinese anthropology and ethnology and its research characteristics in different periods. Since the reform and opening up in 1978, Chinese anthropological and ethnological studies have seen the constant expansion of study fields, increasing diversity of study contents, and the introduction of foreign theories and the exploration in Chinese theories in each stage. This shows that China has gradually explored the theoretical research course suitable for its own. The development course and transformations of Chinese anthropological and ethnological theories can be divided into the following three stages: the introduction of foreign theories and reconstruction of Chinese anthropology and ethnology (1978 to 1990), the orientation of Chinese issues and the verification of foreign theories (1990 to 2000), and the establishment of the Chinese School and its increasing international influence (since 2000).
The impact of apraxia and neglect on early rehabilitation outcome after stroke
Authors: Latarnik S. , Stahl J. , Vossel S. , Grefkes C. , Fink G. R. , Weiss P. H.
Published: September 2022

Background

This study aims to characterize the impact of apraxia and visuospatial neglect on stroke patients’ cognitive and functional outcomes during early rehabilitation. Prior work implies an unfavorable effect of visuospatial neglect on rehabilitation; however, previous findings remain ambiguous and primarily considered long-term effects. Even less is known about the impact of apraxia on rehabilitation outcomes. Although clinicians agree on the significance of the first few weeks after stroke for the course of rehabilitation, studies exploring the impact of neglect and apraxia in this early rehabilitation period remain scarce.

Methods

Based on a screening of 515 hospitalized stroke patients from an early rehabilitation ward, 150 stroke patients (75 left-hemispheric strokes, 75 right hemispheric strokes) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in this observational, longitudinal study. The patients’ cognitive and functional statuses were documented at admission to the early rehabilitation ward and discharge. Also, detailed apraxia and neglect assessments were performed at midterm. The predictive values of age and apraxia and neglect severity (as reflected in two components from a principal component analysis of the neglect and apraxia assessments) for cognitive and functional outcomes at discharge were evaluated by multiple regression analyses.

Results

Besides the expected influence of the respective variables at admission, we observed a significant effect of apraxia severity on the cognitive outcome at discharge. Moreover, neglect severity predicted the Early Rehabilitation Barthel Index (Frühreha-Barthel-Index) at discharge. Supplementary moderator analysis revealed a differential effect of neglect severity on the cognitive outcome depending on the affected hemisphere.

Conclusion

Data indicate a strong association between apraxia and visuospatial neglect and early rehabilitation outcomes after stroke.
Viral inactivation by light
Authors: Sadraeian Mohammad , Zhang Le , Aavani Farzaneh , Biazar Esmaeil , Jin Dayong
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, viral infections are one of the greatest challenges for medical sciences and human society. While antiviral compounds and chemical inactivation remain inadequate, physical approaches based on irradiation provide new potentials for prevention and treatment of viral infections, without the risk of drug resistance and other unwanted side effects. Light across the electromagnetic spectrum can inactivate the virions using ionizing and non-ionizing radiations. This review highlights the anti-viral utility of radiant methods from the aspects of ionizing radiation, including high energy ultraviolet, gamma ray, X-ray, and neutron, and non-ionizing photo-inactivation, including lasers and blue light.
Inter- and intra-limb coordination during initial sprint acceleration
Authors: Donaldson Byron J. , Bezodis Neil E. , Bayne Helen
Published: September 2022

In complex movements, centre of mass translation is achieved through effective joint and segment rotations. Understanding segment organisation and coordination is therefore paramount to understanding technique. This study sought to comprehensively describe inter- and intra-limb coordination and assess step-to-step changes and between-individual variation in coordination during initial sprint acceleration. Twenty-one highly trained to world class male (100 m PB 9.89-11.15 s) and female (100 m PB:11.46-12.14 s) sprinters completed sprint trials of at least 20 m from which sagittal plane kinematics were obtained for the first four steps using inertial measurement units (200 Hz). Thigh-thigh, trunk-shank and shank-foot coordination was assessed using a modified vector coding and segment dominancy approach. Common coordination patterns emerged for all segment couplings across sexes and performance levels, suggesting strong task constraints. Between-individual variation in inter-limb thigh coordination was highest in early flight, while trunk-shank and shank-foot variation was highest in late flight, with a second peak in late stance for the trunk-shank coupling. There were clear step-to-step changes in coordination, with step 1 being distinctly different to subsequent steps. The results demonstrate that inter-limb coordination is primarily anti-phase and trailing leg dominant while ankle motion in flight and late stance appears to be primarily driven by the foot.
BIOHACKING E CIBORGUISMO: O MELHORAMENTO HUMANO À LUZ DOS DIREITOS DA PERSONALIDADE
Authors: Tobbin Raissa Arantes , Cardin Valéria Silva Galdino
Published: September 2022

Contextualização: Na pós-modernidade, é fundamental questionar se o aperfeiçoamento do corpo, com o auxílio da ciência e da tecnologia (por meio da biotecnologia, da nanotecnologia e neurotecnologia), seria um direito humano e da personalidade, sobretudo se o corpo com aplicações tecnológicas, o corpo proteico e o ciborgue poderiam receber proteção personalíssima, fundamentada na dignidade, conceito que tem por base ideais humanos.Objetivo: O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar técnicas como o biohacking e o ciborguismo como possibilidade de melhoramento humano à luz dos direitos da personalidade, especialmente sob o prisma da dignidade da pessoa humana.Metodologia: A pesquisa utilizou o método hipotético-dedutivo, fundamentado em pesquisa e revisão bibliográfica de obras, artigos de períodos, legislação e doutrina aplicável à temática do artigo.Resultados: O aperfeiçoamento do corpo com o auxílio da tecnologia é um direito humano e da personalidade, sobretudo diante de enfermidades e condições crônicas que causam dor e sofrimento e que podem ser evitadas com aplicações fundamentadas no corpo pós-humano, no corpo proteico e no ciborguismo, conceitos que também merecem proteção personalíssima. Contudo, é fundamental que esta discussão seja permeada pelas implicações bioéticas e jurídicas que envolvem práticas eugênicas e de discriminação e dominação, tendo em vista a possibilidade de coisificação do ser humano, de servibilidade do corpo e da mente humana diante da máquina.
Ποίηση και κριτική
Authors: Καταβούτα Ουρανία
Published: September 2022

Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή μελετάται το συνολικό έργο του ποιητή Γιάννη Βαρβέρη (1955-2011), με στόχο να παρουσιαστεί το πλήρες πορτραίτο του και να αναδειχτούν οι συνδετικοί αρμοί του. Στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο εξετάζονται τα βασικά θέματα του πρωτότυπου ποιητικού έργου, όπως είναι ο θάνατος, η μνήμη, το σώμα, η αυτοαναφορικότητα, η αυτοδυναμία του ανθρώπου στη συλλογή "Ο άνθρωπος μόνος" και η παρουσία των ζώων, η οποία λαμβάνει εξειδικευμένο χαρακτήρα στη συλλογή "Ζώα στα σύννεφα". Παράλληλα, επισημαίνονται οι γλωσσικές και υφολογικές επιλογές στην ποίησή του, καθώς και ο δραματικός της χαρακτήρας. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο αντικείμενο μελέτης αποτελεί το μεταφραστικό έργο. Αρχικά, εξετάζονται οι επιλογές του από τη γαλλική και αγγλική ποίηση, το παραμύθι, την πεζογραφία του φανταστικού και τον υπερρεαλισμό. Επίσης, διερευνάται η μετάφραση του γαλλικού τραγουδιού, με έμφαση στο έργο των Léo Ferré και Georges Brassens, μελετάται η σύνδεσή του με το πρωτότυπο έργο του Βαρβέρη, καθώς και η ρυθμικότητα στην ποίησή του. Ακόμη, παρουσιάζονται οι ενδογλωσσικές και ξενόγλωσσες θεατρικές μεταφράσεις, οι οποίες αφορούν έργα των Αριστοφάνη, Μενάνδρου, Μολιέρου, Μαριβώ, Μπέκετ, Μρόζεκ και Μπόιτσεφ. Κοινό χαρακτηριστικό των θεατρικών μεταφράσεων αποτελεί ο παραστασιακός στόχος τους, ενώ συχνά διακρίνεται το έρρυθμο στοιχείο και η υφολογική ποικιλία. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο εξετάζονται οι θεατρικές και λογοτεχνικές κριτικές, με τις πρώτες να λαμβάνουν την πρωτοκαθεδρία στην ενασχόληση του Βαρβέρη με τον κριτικό λόγο. Συγκεκριμένα, αναφέρονται οι θεωρητικές του αρχές, ενώ επισημαίνεται η λογοτεχνική και ιστορική πρόθεσή του κατά τη σύνταξη των θεατρικών κριτικών. Ως προς το περιεχόμενο, αυτές διακρίνονται από την έμφαση στο κείμενο, τον ιστορικό χαρακτήρα και την ανάλυση της παράστασης. Ξεχωριστά διερευνώνται οι κριτικές του εμπορικού θεάτρου και της επιθεώρησης, όπως και η σύνδεση της ποίησης με την κριτική κατά την περίοδο συνεργασίας με την εφημερίδα "Η Καθημερινή". Στη συνέχεια, εξετάζονται οι λογοτεχνικές κριτικές, όπου παρατηρείται η έμφαση στην ποίηση, ενώ η συνεργασία του Βαρβέρη με το περιοδικό "Το Δέντρο" και την εφημερίδα "Το Βήμα" διακρίνεται από έναν ευρύτερο σχολιασμό της πολιτιστικής και κοινωνικής πραγματικότητας. Τέλος, μελετάται η υφολογική ποικιλομορφία των θεατρικών και λογοτεχνικών κριτικών. Συμπερασματικά, διαπιστώνεται ότι οι τρεις συνιστώσες του έργου του Γιάννη Βαρβέρη επικοινωνούν μεταξύ τους, διατηρώντας ταυτόχρονα τον διακριτό χαρακτήρα τους.
Η έκθεση των λατρευτικών αντικειμένων στα μουσεία
Authors: Αποστολίδου Αγνή
Published: September 2022

Η έκθεση και ερμηνεία των λατρευτικών αντικειμένων στο Μουσείο αποτελεί το βασικό θέμα της διατριβής και σκοπός της είναι να αποσαφηνίσει τη σχέση ανάμεσα στα λατρευτικά-θρησκευτικά αντικείμενα και στο τρίπτυχο μουσείο – επιμελητής - επισκέπτης. Μέσα από μια διεπιστημονική μέθοδο προσέγγισης (η οποία συνυπολογίζει επιστημονικές θεωρίες που προέρχονται από την αρχαιολογία, τη μουσειολογία, την κοινωνιολογία, τη θρησκειολογία κλπ.) εξετάζονται και αξιολογούνται οι ερμηνευτικές και εκθεσιακές προσεγγίσεις των λατρευτικών αντικειμένων σε μουσεία στην Ελλάδα και στο εξωτερικό. Η διατριβή παρουσιάζεται ως μια πρόταση αναστοχασμού και επαναπροσέγγισης των εκθεσιακών και ερμηνευτικών μέσων των λατρευτικών αντικειμένων στο μουσειακό περιβάλλον, αλλά και ευρύτερα της θρησκείας σε έναν χώρο όπως το μουσείο.
Ετήσια επίπτωση εγκεφαλικών επεισοδίων στον πληθυσμό της Αρκαδίας κατά τα έτη 2015-2016 και διαχρονικές τάσεις για χρονική περίοδο 22 ετών (1994-2016)
Authors: Καρανταλή Ελένη
Published: September 2022

Υπόβαθρο και στόχοι: Η ετήσια επίπτωση και η θνητότητα του αγγειακού εγκεφαλικού επεισοδίου (ΑΕΕ) φαίνεται να ελαττώνεται τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες στις χώρες υψηλού εισοδήματος. Οι επιδημιολογικές μελέτες αποτελούν ακρογωνιαίο λίθο για την αξιολόγηση των συστημάτων υγείας και την οργάνωση στρατηγικών πρόληψης και θεραπείας. Σκοπός της παρούσας πληθυσμιακής μελέτης ήταν να προσδιορίσει την πλέον πρόσφατη ετήσια επίπτωση σε συγκεκριμένο πληθυσμό, καθώς και τις χρονικές τάσεις της επίπτωσης και του ρυθμού θνητότητας του οξέος αγγειακού εγκεφαλικού επεισοδίου στον πληθυσμό του νομού Αρκαδίας. Μέθοδοι: Tρεις πληθυσμιακές καταγραφές διενεργήθηκαν στο νομό της Αρκαδίας: η πρώτη από τον Νοέμβριο του 1993 έως τον Οκτώβριο του 1995, η δεύτερη το 2004 και η τελευταία μεταξύ του 2015 και του 2016. Και στις τρεις καταγραφές χρησιμοποιήθηκαν τα ίδια κριτήρια διασφάλισης της ποιότητας των δεδομένων, ενώ όλα τα πρώτα οξέα ΑΕΕ ανιχνεύθηκαν και διασταυρώθηκαν μέσω πολλαπλών αλληλοεπικαλυπτόμενων πηγών. Στις 28 ημέρες και στο ένα έτος από το σύμβαμα πραγματοποιήθηκε παρακολούθηση της πορείας του εκάστοτε ασθενή είτε μέσω τηλεφωνικής επικοινωνίας με τον ίδιο ή τους συγγενείς του είτε κατ’ ιδίαν εξέτασης μέσω της κλίμακας αναπηρίας modified Rankin Scale. Σε όλους τους ασθενείς καταγράφηκαν εκτενείς πληροφορίες για τους παράγοντες κινδύνου για καρδιαγγειακό σύμβαμα, καθώς και τα χαρακτηριστικά του επεισοδίου. Προσδιορίσθηκαν τόσο η ακατέργαστη ετήσια επίπτωση του ΑΕΕ όσο και η προσαρμοσμένη στον Ευρωπαϊκό πληθυσμό με τη χρήση της παλινδρόμησης Poisson. Ο προσδιορισμός και η σύγκριση του ρυθμού θνητότητας στις 28 ημέρες και στο ένα έτος μετά το ΑΕΕ πραγματοποιήθηκε με την ίδια μέθοδο. Αποτελέσματα: Συνολικά και στις τρεις καταγραφές ανιχνεύθηκαν 1,315 ασθενείς με πρώτο οξύ ΑΕΕ. Η ετήσια επίπτωση του πρώτου οξέος ΑΕΕ προσαρμοσμένη στον Ευρωπαϊκό πληθυσμό βάσει της ηλικίας ήταν 252 ανά 100,000 πληθυσμό (95%CI:231–239) στην πρώτη καταγραφή, 252 (95% CI:223–286) στη δεύτερη και 211 (95% CI:192–232) στην τελευταία. Η συνολική ετήσια επίπτωση προσαρμοσμένη στο φύλο και στην ηλικία ελαττώθηκε κατά 16% (incidence rate ratio:0.84, 95%CI:0.72–0.97). Παρομοίως, ο ρυθμός θνητότητας στις 28 ημέρες ελαττώθηκε κατά 28% (case-fatality rate ratio:0.72, 95%CI:0.58–0.90). Ο συνολικός επιπολασμός των παραγόντων κινδύνου για καρδιαγγειακό σύμβαμα δεν μεταβλήθηκε σημαντικά καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια της μελέτης. Η ετήσια επίπτωση των μείζονων υποτύπων ΑΕΕ παρέμεινε ουσιαστικά αμετάβλητη, με μόνη εξαίρεση την ελάττωση των ΑΕΕ που ταξινομήθηκαν ως «πιθανά».Συμπεράσματα: Στην παρούσα προοπτική πληθυσμιακή μελέτη, η οποία διενεργήθηκε στον νομό Αρκαδίας, στην νοτιο-δυτική Ελλάδα, ανιχνεύθηκε ελάττωση τόσο της ετήσιας επίπτωσης όσο και του ρυθμού θνητότητας του πρώτου οξέος ΑΕΕ.