bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paul Hirst, liberal education and the postcolonial project
Authors: Daniels Stephen , Enslin Penny
Published: January 2023

Paul Hirst’s defence of liberal education and his forms of knowledge thesis are likely to seem out of step with contemporary calls to decolonize knowledge by ‘delinking’ it from ‘Western’ Enlightenment traditions. In view of the decolonial challenge, and emphasizing too that Hirst’s work should be located in its time, we consider the extent to which his account of liberal education still has a place in the postcolonial era. We outline Hirst’s defence of liberal education and how it changed over time, and show how philosophy of education in the tradition in which he has been so influential departed from Hirst’s account of liberal education, with some of these trends anticipating postcolonial imperatives. While there is a pressing need for attention to the significance of colonialism in philosophy of education, the discipline has moved on and diversified considerably over the last half century, including by developing more expansive conceptions of liberal education with the potential to contribute to the postcolonial project. Some elements of Hirst’s defence of liberal education are compatible with the postcolonial project, but it would need adjustment to make it relevant to the postcolonial era. After addressing the postcolonial critique of liberal thought in general as complicit in colonialism, we conclude by assessing what contribution Hirst’s conception of liberal education could make to the postcolonial project, noting a degree of openness to aspects of the decolonial project.
Effect of curcumin on γ–ray-induced cell response
Authors: Kostova Nora , Staynova Albena , Popova-Hadjiiska Ljubomira , Georgieva Dimka , Ivanova Ilonka , Aneva Nevena , Atanasova Margarita , Hristova Rositsa
Published: January 2023

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of curcumin as a natural compound against radiation induced γ-foci and stable chromosome aberrations. Whole blood samples form three human volunteers were pretreated with curcumin at different concentrations (0.5, 10, 20 and 100 μg/ml). After 1-hour incubation, the lymphocytes were exposed to γ-rays (0.05, 0.5, 1 and 2 Gy). Radiation induced changes in cells were quantified using γ-H2AX/53BP1 assay and FISH analysis. Our results have shown that curcumin significantly reduced the frequency of both γ-foci and translocations. We found concentration-dependent increase of curcumin protective effect on γ-H2AX/53BP1 foci formation at all radiation doses. Concerning the translocations, after 0.05 and 0.5 Gy γ-rays the values of genomic frequencies are comparable within each dose and we did not observe any impact of curcumin. The most protective effect after 1 Gy exposure was found at 100 μg/ml curcumin. At 2 Gy irradiation, the maximum protection was achieved at 0.5 and 10 μg/ml of curcumin. Concentrations of 20 and 100 μg/ml also prevent lymphocytes but to less extent. Our in vitro study indicates radioprotective efficacy of curcumin against γ-ray induced damages in human lymphocytes. This observation suggests that curcumin may play a role to protect patients undergoing radiological procedures.
Neurosurgery equipment donation in Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Ogunfolaji Oloruntoba , Omar Kassim , Bukenya George , Shituluka Musakanya , Sakaiwa Neontle , Ngwako Ngwao , Adegboyega Gideon , Dada Olaoluwa Ezekiel , Abu-Bonsrah Nancy
Published: January 2023

A common tactic to alleviate current gaps is to donate medical equipment to low-resource areas, however, there is a dearth of recorded experience and evaluation. Providing accessible equipment to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is a crucial component of the attempts to improve access to neurosurgery in African nations; yet, the necessity of promoting neurosurgical equipment in Africa and the effects of these programs have not yet been assessed. Therefore, our goal was to evaluate the extent, advantages and sustainability of the gift of neurosurgical equipment in Africa. A scoping review covering both scholarly and gray literature was used. Selected databases from the time of inception to September 2022 were searched using a search strategy customized for the study title. All studies that addressed the donation of neurosurgical equipment to Africa were given special attention, along with any factors that increased the likelihood of donations and included, but not limited to, agreements signed during the donation. Finally, participating authors also reviewed articles randomly selected to ensure homogeneity. Donating equipment positively impacts neurosurgical units in LMICs, growing their practices while also enhancing safety, quality and affordability. Collaborations between LMICs and HICs (High Income Countries) also make it more likely that the donated neurosurgical equipment will be used to satisfy recipients' needs. Lastly, to guarantee the most advantage, proper follow-up, consideration of equipment durability, maintenance requirements and increased assistance for repairs should be prioritized.
Sexual health and sexual well-being of women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuester-Hauser syndrome after vaginal reconstruction: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Stepanow Clara , Naderer Andrea , Alexopoulos Johanna , Walch Katharina , Wenzl Rene , Leithner Katharina
Published: January 2023

Background

Contradictory findings on sexual health in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuester-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) after vaginal reconstruction point toward the need for more profound assessment of this subject, particularly as it is still unclear what constitutes sexual well-being, especially genital self-image or sexual self-esteem, in women with MRKHS and neovagina.

Aim

The aim of this qualitative study was to assess individual sexual health and sexual well-being in the context of MRKHS after vaginal reconstruction, with an emphasis on genital self-image, sexual self-esteem, sexual satisfaction, and coping with MRKHS.

Methods

Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with women with MRKHS after vaginal reconstruction (n = 10) with the Wharton-Sheares-George surgical method and a matched control group without MRKHS (n = 20). Women were surveyed about their previous and current sexual activities, perception of and attitudes toward their genitals, disclosure to others, coping with the diagnosis, and perception of surgery. Data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis and compared with the control group.

Outcomes

The primary outcomes of the study were major categories, such as sexual satisfaction, sexual self-esteem, genital self-image, and dealing with MRKHS, as well as subcategories related to the content analysis.

Results

Although half the women in the present study indicated that they were coping well with their condition and were satisfied with sexual intercourse, most felt insecure about their neovagina, were cognitively distracted during intercourse, and showed low levels of sexual self-esteem.

Clinical Implications

A better understanding of expectations and uncertainties regarding the neovagina might help professionals to support women with MRKHS after vaginal reconstruction to increase sexual well-being.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first qualitative study focusing on individual aspects of sexual well-being, especially sexual self-esteem and genital self-image, in women with MRKHS and neovagina. The qualitative study indicates good interrater reliability and data saturation. The limitations of this study include the inherent lack of objectivity resulting from the method but also the fact that all the patients had a particular surgical technique, consequently resulting in limited generalizability of these findings.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that integrating the neovagina into the genital self-image is a prolonged process that is essential for sexual well-being and should thus be the focus of sexual counseling.
Effect of topical oxytocin gel on vaginal mucosa in postmenopausal Egyptian women: a clinical randomized trial
Authors: Moussa Asem , Moberg Kerstin Uvnäs , Elgrahy Ismael , Elsayied Mohammad , Abdel-Rasheed Mazen , Farouk Mohamed , Saad Hany , Meshaal Hadeer
Published: January 2023

Background

Vaginal atrophy is common after menopause and is often linked to sexual dysfunction, particularly dyspareunia.

Aim

The study aimed to investigate the effect of intravaginally applied oxytocin on expressions of vaginal atrophy.

Methods

Fifty postmenopausal women aged 47 to 66 years with vaginal atrophy participated in this double-blinded placebo-controlled study. The women were randomized to intravaginal treatment with either gel with 600 IU/mL of oxytocin (oxytocin group) or gel alone (control group) once daily for 2 weeks. The gel consisted of hypromellose, pH 3.8 (Vagovital).

Outcomes

The color of the vaginal mucosa, the vaginal pH, and the cytology of vaginal epithelial cells were investigated before and after treatment.

Results

The color of the vaginal mucosa shifted from pale to red in all 25 patients treated with oxytocin but only in 4 patients in the control group (P < .001). There was a significant decrease in intravaginal pH in the oxytocin group and the control group, with the delta value being significantly greater in the oxytocin group than in the control group (P < .001). The vaginal maturation index increased significantly (P < .001) in the oxytocin group but not in the control group.

Clinical Implications

Topical oxytocin gel offers an effective solution to the sexual dysfunction that is related to vaginal atrophy after menopause.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths include studying different outcomes of applying the oxytocin gel for vaginal atrophy. Limitations include the small-scale population with a relatively short duration of treatment (2 weeks).

Conclusion

Intravaginal treatment with a gel containing 600 IU/mL of oxytocin effectively counteracts physical expressions of vaginal atrophy.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05275270; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05275270).
QUIJOTE scientific results – VII. Galactic AME sources in the QUIJOTE-MFI northern hemisphere wide survey
Authors: Poidevin F , Génova-Santos R T , Rubiño-Martín J A , López-Caraballo C H , Watson R A , Artal E , Ashdown M , Barreiro R B , Casas F J , de la Hoz E , Fernández-Torreiro M , Guidi F , Herranz D , Hoyland R J , Lasenby A N , Martinez-Gonzalez E , Peel M W , Piccirillo L , Rebolo R , Ruiz-Granados B , Tramonte D , Vansyngel F , Vielva P
Published: January 2023

The QUIJOTE-MFI Northern Hemisphere Wide Survey has provided maps of the sky above declinations −30° at 11, 13, 17, and 19 GHz. These data are combined with ancillary data to produce Spectral Energy Distributions in intensity in the frequency range 0.4–3 000 GHz on a sample of 52 candidate compact sources harbouring anomalous microwave emission (AME). We apply a component separation analysis at 1° scale on the full sample from which we identify 44 sources with high AME significance. We explore correlations between different fitted parameters on this last sample. QUIJOTE-MFI data contribute to notably improve the characterization of the AME spectrum, and its separation from the other components. In particular, ignoring the 10–20 GHz data produces on average an underestimation of the AME amplitude, and an overestimation of the free–free component. We find an average AME peak frequency of 23.6 ± 3.6 GHz, about 4 GHz lower than the value reported in previous studies. The strongest correlation is found between the peak flux density of the thermal dust and of the AME component. A mild correlation is found between the AME emissivity (AAME/τ250) and the interstellar radiation field. On the other hand no correlation is found between the AME emissivity and the free–free radiation Emission Measure. Our statistical results suggest that the interstellar radiation field could still be the main driver of the intensity of the AME as regards spinning dust excitation mechanisms. On the other hand, it is not clear whether spinning dust would be most likely associated with cold phases of the interstellar medium rather than with hot phases dominated by free–free radiation.
QUIJOTE scientific results – VI. The Haze as seen by QUIJOTE
Authors: Guidi F , Génova-Santos R T , Rubiño-Martín J A , Peel M W , Fernández-Torreiro M , López-Caraballo C H , Vignaga R , de la Hoz E , Vielva P , Watson R A , Ashdown M , Dickinson C , Artal E , Barreiro R B , Casas F J , Herranz D , Hoyland R J , Lasenby A N , Martinez-Gonzalez E , Piccirillo L , Poidevin F , Rebolo R , Ruiz-Granados B , Tramonte D , Vansyngel F
Published: January 2023

The Haze is an excess of microwave intensity emission surrounding the Galactic Centre. It is spatially correlated with the γ-ray Fermi bubbles, and with the S-PASS radio polarization plumes, suggesting a possible common provenance. The models proposed to explain the origin of the Haze, including energetic events at the Galactic Centre and dark matter decay in the Galactic halo, do not yet provide a clear physical interpretation. In this paper, we present a reanalysis of the Haze including new observations from the Multi-Frequency Instrument (MFI) of the Q-U-I Joint TEnerife (QUIJOTE) experiment, at 11 and 13 GHz. We analyse the Haze in intensity and polarization, characterizing its spectrum. We detect an excess of diffuse intensity signal ascribed to the Haze. The spectrum at frequencies 11 GHz $\, \le \nu \le \,$ 70 GHz is a power law with spectral index βH = −2.79 ± 0.08, which is flatter than the Galactic synchrotron in the same region (βS = −2.98 ± 0.04), but steeper than that obtained from previous works (βH ∼ −2.5 at 23 GHz $\, \le \, \nu \le \,$ 70 GHz). We also observe an excess of polarized signal in the QUIJOTE-MFI maps in the Haze area. This is a first hint detection of polarized Haze, or a consequence of curvature of the synchrotron spectrum in that area. Finally, we show that the spectrum of polarized structures associated with Galactic Centre activity is steep at low frequencies (β ∼ −3.2 at 2.3 GHz ≤ ν ≤ 23 GHz), and becomes flatter above 11 GHz.
Line-driven winds from variable accretion discs
Authors: Kirilov Anthony , Dyda Sergei , Reynolds Christopher S
Published: January 2023

We use numerical hydrodynamics simulations to study line-driven winds launched from an accreting α-disc. Building on previous work where the driving radiation field is static, we compute a time-dependent radiation flux from the local, variable accretion rate of the disc. We find that prior to the establishment of a steady state in the disc, variations of $\sim 15{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ in disc luminosity correlate with variations of ∼ 2–3 in the mass flux of the wind. After a steady state is reached, when luminosity variations drop to $\sim 3{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, these correlations vanish as the variability in the mass flux is dominated by the intrinsic variability of the winds. This is especially evident in lower luminosity runs where intrinsic variability is higher due to a greater prevalence of failed winds. The changing mass flux occurs primarily due to the formation of clumps and voids near the disc atmosphere that propagate out into the low velocity part of the flow, a process that can be influenced by local variations in disc intensity. By computing the normalized standard deviation of the mass outflow, we show that the impact of luminosity variations on mass outflow is more visible at higher luminosity. However, the absolute change in mass outflow due to luminosity increases is larger for lower luminosity models due to the luminosity-mass flux scaling relation becoming steeper. We further discuss implications for CVs and AGN and observational prospects.
Multi-spacecraft observations of shocklets at an interplanetary shock
Authors: Trotta D , Hietala H , Horbury T , Dresing N , Vainio R , Wilson L , Plotnikov I , Kilpua E
Published: January 2023

Interplanetary (IP) shocks are fundamental building blocks of the heliosphere, and the possibility to observe them in situ is crucial to address important aspects of energy conversion for a variety of astrophysical systems. Steepened waves known as shocklets are known to be important structures of planetary bow shocks, but they are very rarely observed related to IP shocks. We present here the first multi-spacecraft observations of shocklets observed by upstream of an unusually strong IP shock observed on 3 November 2021 by several spacecraft at L1 and near-Earth solar wind. The same shock was detected also by radially aligned Solar Orbiter at 0.8 au from the Sun, but no shocklets were identified from its data, introducing the possibility to study the environment in which shocklets developed. The Wind spacecraft has been used to characterize the shocklets, associated with pre-conditioning of the shock upstream by decelerating incoming plasma in the shock normal direction. Finally, using the Wind observations together with ACE and DSCOVR spacecraft at L1, as well as THEMIS B and THEMIS C in the near-Earth solar wind, the portion of interplanetary space filled with shocklets is addressed, and a lower limit for its extent is estimated to be of about 110RE in the shock normal direction and 25RE in the directions transverse to the shock normal. Using multiple spacecraft also reveals that for this strong IP shock, shocklets are observed for a large range of local obliquity estimates (9º–64º).
Exploring the intrinsic scatter of the star-forming galaxy main sequence at redshift 0.5 to 3.0
Authors: Huang Rongjun , Battisti Andrew J , Grasha Kathryn , da Cunha Elisabete , Lagos Claudia del P , Leslie Sarah K , Wisnioski Emily
Published: January 2023

Previous studies have shown that the normalization and scatter of the galaxy ‘main sequence’ (MS), the relation between star formation rate (SFR) and stellar mass (M*), evolves over cosmic time. However, such studies often rely on photometric redshifts and/or only rest-frame UV to near-IR data, which may underestimate the SFR and M* uncertainties. We use MAGPHYS + photo-z to fit the UV to radio spectral energy distributions of 12 380 galaxies in the COSMOS field at 0.5 < z < 3.0, and self-consistently include photometric redshift uncertainties on the derived SFR and M*. We quantify the effect on the observed MS scatter from (1) photometric redshift uncertainties (which are minor) and (2) fitting only rest-frame ultraviolet to near-infrared observations (which are severe). At fixed redshift and M*, we find that the intrinsic MS scatter for our sample of galaxies is 1.4 to 2.6 times larger than the measurement uncertainty. The average intrinsic MS scatter has decreased by 0.1 dex from z = 0.5 to ∼2.0. At low z, the trend between the intrinsic MS scatter and M* follows a functional form similar to an inverse stellar mass-halo mass relation (SMHM; M*/Mhalo versus M*), with a minimum in intrinsic MS scatter at log (M*/M⊙) ∼ 10.25 and larger scatter at both lower and higher M*, while this distribution becomes flatter for high z. The SMHM is thought to be a consequence of feedback effects and this similarity may suggest a link between galaxy feedback and the intrinsic MS scatter. These results favour a slight evolution in the intrinsic MS scatter with both redshift and mass.
Self-consistent dynamical models with a finite extent – II. Radially truncated models
Authors: Baes Maarten
Published: January 2023

Galaxies, dark matter haloes, and star clusters have a finite extent, yet most simple dynamical models have an infinite extent. The default method to generate dynamical models with a finite extent is to apply an energy truncation to the distribution function, but this approach is not suited to construct models with a preset density profile and it imposes unphysical constraints on the orbit population. We investigate whether it is possible to construct simple dynamical models for spherical systems with a preset density profile with a finite extent, and ideally with a different range of orbital structures. We systematically investigate the consistency of radially truncated dynamical models, and demonstrate that no spherical models with a discontinuous density truncation can be supported by an ergodic orbital structure. On the other hand, we argue that many radially truncated models can be supported by a tangential Osipkov–Merritt orbital structure that becomes completely tangential at the truncation radius. We formulate a consistency hypothesis for radially truncated models with such an orbital structure, and test it using an analytical example and the numerical exploration of a large model parameter space using the sphecow code. We physically interpret our results in terms of the occupancy of bound orbits, and we discuss possible extensions of the tangential Osipkov–Merritt orbital structure that can support radially truncated models.
Interferometric H i intensity mapping: perturbation theory predictions and foreground removal effects
Authors: Pourtsidou Alkistis
Published: January 2023

We provide perturbation theory predictions for the H i intensity mapping power spectrum multipoles using the Effective Field Theory of Large Scale Structure, which should allow us to exploit mildly non-linear scales. Assuming survey specifications typical of proposed interferometric H i intensity mapping experiments like Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio transient Detector and PUMA, and realistic ranges of validity for the perturbation theory modelling, we run mock full shape Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analyses at z = 0.5, and compare with Stage-IV optical galaxy surveys. We include the impact of 21cm foreground removal using simulations-based prescriptions, and quantify the effects on the precision and accuracy of the parameter estimation. We vary 11 parameters in total: three cosmological parameters, seven bias and counter terms parameters, and the H i brightness temperature. Amongst them, the four parameters of interest are: the cold dark matter density, ωc, the Hubble parameter, h, the primordial amplitude of the power spectrum, As, and the linear H i bias, b1. For the best-case scenario, we obtain unbiased constraints on all parameters with $\lt 3{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ errors at $68{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ confidence level. When we include the foreground removal effects, the parameter estimation becomes strongly biased for ωc, h, and b1, while As is less biased (<2σ). We find that scale cuts $k_{\rm min} \ge 0.03 \ h\,\mathrm{Mpc}^{-1}$ are required to return accurate estimates for ωc and h, at the price of a decrease in the precision, while b1 remains strongly biased. We comment on the implications of these results for real data analyses.
Drawbacks in the efficient monitoring of gold nanoparticle-based cisplatin delivery systems formation by HPLC–ICP-MS
Authors: Wróblewska Anna M , Gos Nina , Zajda Joanna , Ruzik Lena , Matczuk Magdalena
Published: January 2023

Since chemotherapy suffers many limitations related to side effects of anticancer drugs (e.g. cisplatin - CDDP), nanoparticles are probed as carriers in targeted drug delivery. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are broadly investigated due to their biocompatibility, nontoxicity, and tunable surface. Despite many AuNPs–cisplatin systems (AuNP–CS) reports found in the literature, only a few include studies of their synthesis and formation efficiency using analytical tools providing simultaneously qualitative and quantitative analytical information. Therefore, this research continues our previous study of AuNP–CS formation investigated by capillary electrophoresis with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Namely, it presents the analogical approach but employs the coupling of another separation technique: isocratic reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The study concerns the difficulties of analytical method optimization path and contains a discussion of the observed problematic issues related to the analysis and preparation of AuNP–CS. Moreover, the presented work confronts the performance and applicability of both tools for the scrutiny of AuNP–CS, especially considering the comparison of their resolution power.
Medium-chain fatty acids for the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Castro Carolina B , Dias Cintia B , Hillebrandt Heidi , Sohrabi Hamid R , Chatterjee Pratishtha , Shah Tejal M , Fuller Stephanie J , Garg Manohar L , Martins Ralph N
Published: January 2023

Context

In preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the brain gradually becomes insulin resistant. As a result, brain glucose utilization is compromised, causing a cellular energy deficit that leads to the accumulation of free radicals, which increases inflammation and damages neurons. When glucose utilization is impaired, ketone bodies offer an alternative energy source. Ketone bodies are synthesized from fats, obtained from either the diet or adipose tissue. Dietary medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are preferentially metabolized into ketone bodies, have the potential to supply the insulin-resistant brain with energy.

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to review the effect of MCFA supplements on circulating ketone bodies and cognition in individuals with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and AD.

Data Sources

A comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed on August 12, 2019, to retrieve all publications meeting the inclusion criteria. Alerts were then set to identify any publications after the search date up until January 31, 2021.

Data Extraction

Data were extracted by 2 authors and assessed by a third. In total, 410 publications were identified, of which 16 (n = 17 studies) met the inclusion criteria.

Data Analysis

All studies assessing change in levels of blood ketone bodies due to MCFA supplementation (n = 12) reported a significant increase. Cognition outcomes (measured in 13 studies), however, varied, ranging from no improvement (n = 4 studies) to improvement (n = 8 studies) or improvement only in apolipoprotein E allele 4 (APOE ε4) noncarriers (n = 2 studies). One study reported an increase in regional cerebral blood flow in APOE ε4 noncarriers and another reported an increase in energy metabolism in the brain.

Conclusion

MCFA supplementation increases circulating ketone body levels, resulting in increased brain energy metabolism. Further research is required to determine whether this MCFA-mediated increase in brain energy metabolism improves cognition.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration number CRD42019146967.
Food selectivity and neophobia in children with autism spectrum disorder and neurotypical development: a systematic review
Authors: Rodrigues João Victor S , Poli Maria Clara F , Petrilli Pedro H , Dornelles Rita Cássia M , Turcio Karina H , Theodoro Leticia H
Published: January 2023

Context

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have common eating problems, including food refusal, dietary restrictions, and behavioral problems during eating.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to find more clear evidence on the relationship between food selectivity or food neophobia (FN) and ASD in children up to age 14 years. The PECO-based question was: Are food selectivity and FN behaviors more prevalent in children with ASD than in children with neurotypical development (NTD)?, in which the P is children, E is ASD, C is children with NTD, and O is food selectivity and FN.

Data sources

Clinical studies in the databases PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, comparing children with ASD and those with NTD, were reviewed from October 1966 to October 2021.

Study selection and data extraction

A total of 122 studies were analyzed for summary reading, and only 17 of these were included in the descriptive qualitative analysis. In 9 studies, the analysis of food selectivity was performed via a questionnaire.

Results

The results showed that children with ASD are more selective than those with NTD. Four studies evaluated FN through scales; however, only 2 found higher levels of FN in the ASD group than in children with NTD. The sensory profile was measured using questionnaires in 9 studies, and we found that altered sensory processing is more common in children with ASD.

Conclusion

Children with ASD present greater food selectivity than children with NTD. However, the occurrence of FN was higher in only 50% in which FN was investigated, which points to a need for studies that compare FN between siblings with ASD and those with NTD in the same family nucleus. In addition, atypical oral sensitivity seems to be a sensory characteristic most related to eating disorders.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021247880.
Antibody Correlates of Protection From Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease in a Vaccine Efficacy Trial
Authors: Fong Youyi , Huang Ying , Borate Bhavesh , van der Laan Lars W P , Zhang Wenbo , Carpp Lindsay N , Cho Iksung , Glenn Greg , Fries Louis , Gottardo Raphael , Gilbert Peter B
Published: January 2023

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause serious lung infections in young children and there is currently no available vaccine.

Methods

We used complementary statistical frameworks to analyze 4 RSV serology measurements in mothers and their infants in South Africa who participated in a phase 3 maternal immunization trial of an RSV F protein nanoparticle vaccine as correlates of risk and of protection against different RSV disease endpoints.

Results

We found evidence to support each antibody measurement—encompassing RSV-neutralizing antibodies and F surface glycoprotein-binding antibodies—as an inverse correlate of risk of RSV-associated acute lower respiratory tract infection with severe hypoxia in at least 1 framework, with vaccine-induced fold-rise from the maternal enrollment to day 14 samples of anti-F immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding antibodies having the most consistent evidence. This evidence includes a significant association of fold-rise anti-F IgG with vaccine efficacy (VE); achieving a baseline covariate-adjusted VE of 75% requires a vaccine-induced maternal anti-F IgG fold-rise of around 16. Neither multivariable logistic regression nor superlearning analyses showed benefit to including multiple time points or assays in the same model, suggesting a parsimonious correlate. Post hoc exploratory analyses supported adherence of vaccine-induced maternal anti-F IgG fold-rise to the Prentice criteria for a valid surrogate endpoint.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the vaccine induced protective anti-F antibody responses. If this finding is confirmed, VE could potentially be augmented by increasing these responses.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Early Syphilis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Australia, 2013–2019: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Aung Ei T , Fairley Christopher K , Ong Jason J , Chen Marcus Y , Phillips Tiffany R , Tran Julien , Samra Ranjit , Chow Eric P F
Published: January 2023

Background

We aimed to examine the incidence of syphilis in men who have sex with men (MSM) and identify subgroups of MSM at a higher risk of syphilis infection.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of MSM attending a sexual health clinic in Australia, during 2013–2019, who had at least 2 syphilis serological tests during the study period. The incidence of syphilis was expressed as per 100 person-years. A cox regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for syphilis.

Results

A total of 24 391 individual MSM (75 086 consultations) were included. A total of 1404 new syphilis cases were diagnosed with an incidence of 3.7/100 person-years (95% confidence interval, 3.5–3.9). Syphilis incidence was higher in MSM with human immunodeficiency virus ([HIV] 9.3/100 person-years) than in MSM taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (6.9/100 person-years) or HIV-negative MSM not taking PrEP (2.2/100 person-years). Risk factors associated with high incidence of syphilis included the following: MSM with HIV (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.7), MSM taking HIV PrEP (aHR 2.1), past history of syphilis infection (aHR 2.4), injecting drug use (aHR 2.7), condomless anal sex (aHR 1.7), >4 sexual partners in the last 12 months (aHR 1.2), and concurrent sexually transmitted infection (chlamydia and gonorrhoea) (aHR 1.6).

Conclusions

The incidence of syphilis remains high among MSM, particularly in subgroups with associated risk factors for syphilis infections. These data highlight the need for biomedical and behavioral interventions to be targeted to subgroups of MSM at the highest risk of syphilis infection.
Two saturated states of the vertical shear instability in protoplanetary disks with vertically varying cooling times
Authors: Fukuhara Yuya , Okuzumi Satoshi , Ono Tomohiro
Published: January 2023

Turbulence in protoplanetary disks plays an important role in dust evolution and planetesimal formation. The vertical shear instability (VSI) is one of the candidate hydrodynamic mechanisms that can generate turbulence in the outer disk regions. The VSI requires rapid gas cooling in addition to vertical shear. A linear stability analysis suggests that the VSI may not operate around the midplane where gas cooling is inefficient. In this study, we investigate the nonlinear outcome of the VSI in disks with a linearly VSI-stable midplane region. We perform two-dimensional global hydrodynamical simulations of an axisymmetric disk with vertically varying cooling times. The vertical cooling time profile determines the thicknesses of the linearly VSI-stable midplane layer and unstable layers above and below the midplane. We find that the thickness of the midplane stable layer determines the vertical structure of VSI-driven turbulence in the nonlinear saturated state. We identify two types of final saturated state: (i) T states, characterized by vertical turbulent motion penetrating into the VSI-stable midplane layer, and (ii) pT states, characterized by turbulent motion confined in the unstable layers. The pT states are realized when the midplane VSI-stable layer is thicker than two gas scale heights. We also find that the VSI-driven turbulence is largely suppressed at all heights when the VSI-unstable region lying above and below the midplane is thinner than two gas scale heights. We present empirical formulas that predict the strength of VSI-driven turbulence as a function of the thicknesses of the unstable and stable layers. These formulas will be useful for studying how VSI-driven turbulence and dust grains controlling the disk cooling efficiency evolve simultaneously.
The Refugee’s Dilemma: Evidence from Jewish Migration out of Nazi Germany
Authors: Buggle Johannes , Mayer Thierry , Sakalli Seyhun Orcan , Thoenig Mathias
Published: January 2023

We estimate the push and pull factors involved in the outmigration of Jews facing persecution in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1941. Our empirical investigation makes use of a unique individual-level data set that records the migration history of the Jewish community in Germany over the period. Our analysis highlights new channels, specific to violent contexts, through which social networks affect the decision to flee. We estimate a structural model of migration where individuals base their migration decision on the observation of persecution and migration among their peers. Identification rests on exogenous variations in local push and pull factors across peers who live in different cities of residence. Then we perform various experiments of counterfactual history to quantify how migration restrictions in destination countries affected the fate of Jews. For example, removing work restrictions for refugees in the recipient countries after the Nuremberg Laws (1935) would have led to an increase in Jewish migration out of Germany in the range of 12% to 20% and a reduction in mortality due to prevented deportations in the range of 6% to 10%.
On the Smallest Number of Functions Representing Isotropic Functions of Scalars, Vectors and Tensors
Authors: Shariff M H B M
Published: January 2023

In this article, we prove that for isotropic functions that depend on $P$ vectors, $N$ symmetric tensors and $M$ non-symmetric tensors (a) the minimal number of irreducible invariants for a scalar-valued isotropic function is $3P+9M+6N-3,$ (b) the minimal number of irreducible vectors for a vector-valued isotropic function is $3$ and (c) the minimal number of irreducible tensors for a tensor-valued isotropic function is at most $9$. The minimal irreducible numbers given in (a), (b) and (c) are, in general, much lower than the irreducible numbers obtained in the literature. This significant reduction in the numbers of irreducible isotropic functions has the potential to substantially reduce modelling complexity.
Fiber diameters and parallel patterns: proliferation and osteogenesis of stem cells
Authors: Gu Zhanghong , Fan Suna , Kundu Subhas C , Yao Xiang , Zhang Yaopeng
Published: January 2023

Due to the innate extracellular matrix mimicking features, fibrous materials exhibited great application potential in biomedicine. In developing excellent fibrous biomaterial, it is essential to reveal the corresponding inherent fiber features’ effects on cell behaviors. Due to the inevitable ‘interference’ cell adhesions to the background or between adjacent fibers, it is difficult to precisely reveal the inherent fiber diameter effect on cell behaviors by using a traditional fiber mat. A single-layer and parallel-arranged polycaprolactone fiber pattern platform with an excellent non-fouling background is designed and constructed herein. In this unique material platform, the ‘interference’ cell adhesions through interspace between fibers to the environment could be effectively ruled out by the non-fouling background. The ‘interference’ cell adhesions between adjacent fibers could also be excluded from the sparsely arranged (SA) fiber patterns. The influence of fiber diameter on stem cell behaviors is precisely and comprehensively investigated based on eliminating the undesired ‘interference’ cell adhesions in a controllable way. On the SA fiber patterns, small diameter fiber (SA-D1, D1 means 1 μm in diameter) may seriously restrict cell proliferation and osteogenesis when compared to the middle (SA-D8) and large (SA-D56) ones and SA-D8 shows the optimal osteogenesis enhancement effect. At the same time, the cells present similar proliferation ability and even the highest osteogenic ability on the densely arranged (DA) fiber patterns with small diameter fiber (DA-D1) when compared to the middle (DA-D8) and large (DA-D56) ones. The ‘interference’ cell adhesion between adjacent fibers under dense fiber arrangement may be the main reason for inducing these different cell behavior trends along with fiber diameters. Related results and comparisons have illustrated the effects of fiber diameter on stem cell behaviors more precisely and objectively, thus providing valuable reference and guidance for developing effective fibrous biomaterials.
STOMp: sexual function trial of overactive bladder medication
Authors: Polland Allison , Hamner Jennifer Joy , Arunachalam Divya , Dwarica Denicia Shane , Gupta Ankita , Pennycuff Jon F , Tran Ann D , Tefera Eshetu , Meriwether Kate V , Gutman Robert E
Published: January 2023

Background

Female sexual function has been shown to improve with overactive bladder (OAB) treatment.

Aim

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of anticholinergics (ACHs) or a beta-agonist (BAG) on female sexual function.

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter cohort study. Sexually active women with OAB completed the Overactive Bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) prior to and after 12 weeks of therapy. Sample sizes of 63 per group were calculated to detect a clinically relevant difference in the FSFI.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was FSFI change from baseline at 12 weeks.

Results

A total of 157 patients were recruited, and 91 completed follow-up (58/108, ACH; 31/49, BAG). There were within-group FSFI differences from pre- to posttreatment: a worsening of arousal in the ACH group (P = .046) and an improvement in overall FSFI (P = .04) and pain (P = .04) in the BAG group. After treatment, postmenopausal women in the BAG group had significantly better overall FSFI (P = .01), desire (P = .003), arousal (P = .009), and orgasm (P = .01).

Clinical Implications

While further research is necessary, this study provides information about the comparative effects of OAB treatments on female sexual function, which may ultimately lead to better patient selection and outcomes.

Strengths and Limitations

While there was no difference between the subjects who completed the study and those who did not, the study remained underpowered after the loss to follow-up. The multicenter cohort design allows for generalizability of results.

Conclusion

Although this study was underpowered, an improvement in overall sexual function was seen with BAGs, while ACHs were associated with worsening aspects of sexual function.
Psychometric evaluation of the Swedish version of the PROMIS Sexual Function and Satisfaction Measures in clinical and nonclinical young adult populations
Authors: Hovén Emma , Flynn Kathryn E , Weinfurt Kevin P , Eriksson Lars E , Wettergren Lena
Published: January 2023

Background

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Sexual Function and Satisfaction (SexFS) version 2.0 measurement tool was developed to assess sexual functioning and satisfaction in the general population regardless of health condition and sexual orientation.

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the PROMIS SexFS measure in clinical and nonclinical populations of young adults (aged <40 years).

Methods

The SexFS was answered by a clinical population of young adult women (n = 180) and men (n = 110) with breast cancer and testicular cancer, respectively, and a nonclinical population of young adult women (n = 511) and men (n = 324) from the general population. Psychometric properties were evaluated by examining data quality (score distribution, floor and ceiling effects, proportion of missing data), construct validity (corrected item, total correlation, scaling success), and reliability (Cronbach α).

Outcomes

The following domains of the SexFS 2.0 were investigated: Vaginal Lubrication, Vaginal Discomfort, Vulvar Discomfort- Clitoral, Vulvar Discomfort- Labial, Erectile Function, Interest in Sexual Activity, Satisfaction With Sex Life, Orgasm– Ability, and Orgasm- Pleasure.

Results

The Swedish version of the SexFS 2.0 generated data of acceptable quality. Some noteworthy floor or ceiling effects were identified across domains and respondent groups. Corrected item totals were used to express the coherence between an item and the other items in the domain. The correlation coefficients were above 0.40 for all items, except for 1 of the items within the Vaginal Discomfort domain and for the items in the Erectile Function domain in the nonclinical group of men. High proportions of scaling success were noted across domains (96%-100%). Reliability was satisfactory (α = 0.74-0.92) for all domains, expect for Erectile Function of the nonclinical group (α = 0.53), due to low variability in item responses, which was improved somewhat (α = 0.65) when combined with the clinical group.

Clinical Implications

A flexible tool to measure self-reported sexual function and satisfaction in young men and women is available for researchers and clinicians in Sweden.

Strengths and Limitations

The nationwide population-based sample of patients with cancer, identified from national quality registers, minimized selection bias. However, men in the general population had a lower response rate (34%) compared to the other groups, which introduced a risk of bias in estimates. The psychometric evaluation was limited to young adults (aged 19-40 years).

Conclusion

The results provide evidence for the validity and reliability of the Swedish version of the SexFS measure for the assessment of sexual functioning and satisfaction in young adults from both clinical and nonclinical populations.
Legal Gaps: Concept, Content, Problems of the Role of Legal Doctrine in Overcoming them
Authors: Kostruba Anatoliy , Haliantych Mykola , Iskra Svitlana , Dryshliuk Andrii
Published: January 2023

The presented article considers the essence and content of the most common defect in legal science—“legal gaps”. This study presents various scientific approaches to the definition of legal gaps. Considering various scientific approaches, the authors of this study formulated their original version of this concept considering its absence from the theory of penitentiary law. The study analyses the main conceptual approaches to the problem of the progressiveness of law in the historical context. The main features of legal gaps are named to become able to distinguish them from conflicts of law. The authors outlined a set of features indicating the presence of a legislative gap in a particular case and provided a scientifically sound classification of gaps. The article also focused on the main types of legal gaps. In addition, the authors addressed the presence of legal gaps in Ukrainian legislation. The originality of this study lies in the formulation of new theoretical conclusions and generalizations that will help identify, eliminate, and overcome gaps in civil procedural law.
Is it time for doctors to Rx vibrators? A systematic review of pelvic floor outcomes
Authors: Dubinskaya Alexandra , Horwitz Rainey , Scott Victoria , Anger Jennifer , Eilber Karyn
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Vibrators and similar devices are an underutilized treatment modality in pelvic and sexual medicine, likely because of the limited knowledge on the health benefits of their use.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to review available data regarding the effect of vibrator use on sexual function, pelvic floor function, and chronic unexplained vulvar pain.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review of PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE from inception to March 2021 per the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). The search was based on the following keywords: sex toy woman, pelvic vibrator, sexual stimulation vibrator, vaginal vibrator, vibrator pelvic floor, vibrator incontinence, and vulvar pain vibrator. An overall 586 articles were identified. Studies that met inclusion criteria were reviewed: original research, sample of women, vibrator use, and application to the pelvic/genital area. Exclusion criteria included case reports, unrelated content, vibrator not applied to the pelvic/genital area, male participants, or conditions of interest not addressed. A total of 17 original studies met the criteria and were reviewed in depth.

Results

After review of the literature and identification of articles appropriate for the study, there were 8 studies surrounding sexual function, 8 on pelvic floor function (muscle strength/urinary incontinence), and 1 on vulvar pain. Among the identified studies, vibrators were considered an accepted modality to enhance a woman’s sexual experience, improve pelvic floor muscle function, and facilitate treatment of vulvar pain.

Conclusions

Vibrators are not well studied, and given the promising benefits demonstrated in the articles identified, future research efforts should be directed toward investigating their utility. Considering the potential pelvic health benefits of vibrators, their recommendation to women could be included in our pelvic floor disorder treatment armamentarium.