bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pantoea peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis: a report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Monk Brian C. , Vijayvargiya Prakhar , Hassanein Mohamed , Knott Zackary A. , Dossabhoy Neville R. , Obi Yoshitsugu
Published: September 2024

Background

Pantoea spp., a non-encapsulated, non-spore-forming Gram-negative rod bacterium that belongs to the Erwiniaceae family, can be found as a colonizer in humans, plants, and the environment, such as water and soil. Although it has the pathogenic potential to cause disease in humans, patients infected with this pathogen generally experience favorable outcomes. In this article, we present two cases of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis caused by Pantoea spp. along with literature review.

Case presentation

The first case is a 66-year-old male patient with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on PD, admitted for P. dispersa peritonitis. He presented with abdominal pain and cloudy dialysis effluent, responding well to intraperitoneal vancomycin and cefepime. Antibiotics were deescalated to ceftazidime monotherapy on the basis of antibiotic susceptibility testing. Despite initial recovery with a 3-week course of antibiotics, he developed recurrent peritonitis with P. dispersa, necessitating PD catheter removal and transition to hemodialysis. The second case is a 42-year-old male patient with ESKD on PD who was admitted after 6 days of bloody PD fluid without trauma or associated symptoms. With elevated PD fluid cell counts and positive PD fluid culture showing Streptococcus mitis and P. agglomerans, he was empirically treated for PD-associated peritonitis with intraperitoneal vancomycin and cefepime. Due to a suboptimal response in repeat PD fluid cell counts at day 5, the PD catheter was removed, and he was switched to hemodialysis, followed by a 3-week course of intravenous ceftriaxone.

Conclusions

We described two unique cases of Pantoea peritonitis in PD, recurrent P. dispersa peritonitis and refractory P. agglomerans peritonitis, both of which resulted in PD catheter removal. Our cases indicate the formation of bacterial biofilm as a potential reason for recurrence of infection and underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and need for PD catheter removal in Pantoea peritonitis.
Do they really boil their drinking water? a descriptive study in a rural district of the Lao people’s democratic republic
Authors: Kawamoto Sae , Nonaka Daisuke , Inthavong Nouhak
Published: September 2024

Background

For safe drinking water, household water treatments (HWT) is important to reduce the risk of diarrhea in low-and-middle countries including Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). However, the measurement of HWT relies chiefly on self-report in most nationwide surveys. Thus, the validity of self-reported measurement is of concern. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of households with the presence of boiled water among households that report boiling practices in a rural area of the Lao PDR.

Methods

This study was conducted with randomly selected 108 households in the four villages in the catchment area of the two health centers, in Xepon district of the Savannakhet province, between September and October 2023. The inclusion criterion of the households was the households that report boiling as HWT. Surveyors conducted interviews with an adult household member and observations on boiled water through household visits, using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were conducted to summarize the collected information using the frequency with proportion for categorical variables and the median with interquartile range for continuous variables. Bivariate analyses were conducted to assess an association between each of the factors and the presence of boiled water, using Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Among the 108 households that reported boiling practice, 91 households were able to show the surveyor self-reported boiled water. Thus, the proportion of households with the presence of boiled water was 90.1% (95% confidence interval: 82.5–95.1%). Households with a fixed schedule of boiling were significantly more likely to present boiled water, compared to households without (94.5% vs. 50.0%). Not all household members do not necessarily drink boiled water: approximately a quarter (25.7%) of the participants reported that some household members drink unboiled water.

Conclusions

This study showed that among households that reported boiling drinking water, 90.1% were able to present a container with self-reported boiled water. It suggests that the self-reported measure of boiling practices can be valid in the study villages.
The psychometric properties of the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) measurement system in neurorehabilitation populations: a systematic review
Authors: Ataman Rebecca , Alhasani Rehab , Auneau-Enjalbert Line , Quigley Adria , Michael Henry Ukachukwu , Ahmed Sara
Published: September 2024

Objective

To systematically review the literature of existing evidence on the measurement properties of the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) measurement system among neurorehabilitation populations.

Data sources

The Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guided this systematic review in which we searched nine electronic databases and registries, and hand-searched reference lists of included articles.

Study selection

Two independent reviewers screened selected articles and extracted data from 28 included studies.

Data extraction

COSMIN’s approach guided extraction and synthesizing measurement properties evidence (insufficient, sufficient), and the modified GRADE approach guided synthesizing evidence quality (very-low, low, moderate, high) by diagnosis.

Data synthesis

Neuro-QoL has sufficient measurement properties when used by individuals with Huntington’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, lupus, cognitive decline, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The strongest evidence is for the first four conditions, where test-retest reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness are nearly always sufficient (GRADE: moderate-high). Structural validity is assessed only in multiple sclerosis and stroke but is often insufficient (GRADE: moderate-high). Criterion validity is sufficient in some stroke and Huntington’s disease domains (GRADE: high). Item response theory analyses were reported for some stroke domains only. There is limited, mixed evidence for responsiveness and measurement error (GRADE: moderate-high), and no cross-cultural validity evidence

Conclusions

Neuro-QoL domains can describe and evaluate patients with Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke, but predictive validity evidence would be beneficial. In the other conditions captured in this review, a limited number of Neuro-QoL domains have evidence for descriptive use only. For these conditions, further evidence of structural validity, measurement error, cross-cultural validity and predictive validity would enhance the use and interpretation of Neuro-QoL.
Low-dose high-resolution chest CT in adults with cystic fibrosis: intraindividual comparison between photon-counting and energy-integrating detector CT
Authors: Frings Marko , Welsner Matthias , Mousa Christin , Zensen Sebastian , Salhöfer Luca , Meetschen Mathias , Beck Nikolas , Bos Denise , Westhölter Dirk , Wienker Johannes , Taube Christian , Umutlu Lale , Schaarschmidt Benedikt M. , Forsting Michael , Haubold Johannes , Sutharsan Sivagurunathan , Opitz Marcel
Published: September 2024

Background

Regular disease monitoring with low-dose high-resolution (LD-HR) computed tomography (CT) scans is necessary for the clinical management of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). The aim of this study was to compare the image quality and radiation dose of LD-HR protocols between photon-counting CT (PCCT) and energy-integrating detector system CT (EID-CT) in pwCF.

Methods

This retrospective study included 23 pwCF undergoing LD-HR chest CT with PCCT who had previously undergone LD-HR chest CT with EID-CT. An intraindividual comparison of radiation dose and image quality was conducted. The study measured the dose-length product, volumetric CT dose index, effective dose and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Three blinded radiologists assessed the overall image quality, image sharpness, and image noise using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (deficient) to 5 (very good) for image quality and image sharpness and from 1 (very high) to 5 (very low) for image noise.

Results

PCCT used approximately 42% less radiation dose than EID-CT (median effective dose 0.54 versus 0.93 mSv, p < 0.001). PCCT was consistently rated higher than EID-CT for overall image quality and image sharpness. Additionally, image noise was lower with PCCT compared to EID-CT. The average SNR of the lung parenchyma was lower with PCCT compared to EID-CT (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In pwCF, LD-HR chest CT protocols using PCCT scans provided significantly better image quality and reduced radiation exposure compared to EID-CT.

Relevance statement

In pwCF, regular follow-up could be performed through photon-counting CT instead of EID-CT, with substantial advantages in terms of both lower radiation exposure and increased image quality.

Key Points

Photon-counting CT (PCCT) and energy-integrating detector system CT (EID-CT) were compared in 23 people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF).

Image quality was rated higher for PCCT than for EID-CT.

PCCT used approximately 42% less radiation dose and offered superior image quality than EID-CT.

Graphical Abstract
Fetal hemochromatosis: rare case of hepatic and extrahepatic siderosis involving thyroid on fetal MRI
Authors: Natarajan Sumathi , Kashyap Ravindar , Rajan Saira , Muthusamy Dhivakar
Published: September 2024

Background

Neonatal hemochromatosis (NH) is a rare condition that is characterized by severe neonatal liver disease in association with hepatic and extrahepatic excess iron deposition (siderosis), while sparing the reticuloendothelial system. The most common cause of fetal liver injury leading to the NH phenotype (accounting for over 95% of cases) is gestational alloimmune liver disease. This condition is caused by the transfer of maternal IgG antibodies through the placenta, targeting a fetal hepatocyte antigen. Prenatal diagnosis, particularly the identification of iron overload involving both liver and thyroid, is of significant importance and can have a profound impact on patient care. To our knowledge, no case has been reported on prenatal diagnosis of iron overload involving both liver and thyroid.

Case presentation

We present an exceptionally rare case of fetal hemochromatosis in a primigravida, a case that significantly contributes to our understanding of this condition. The diagnosis was made with the presence of hepatic and extrahepatic siderosis involving the thyroid using Ultrasonography (USG) and fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings. A 23-year-old primigravida was referred to our center in view of oligohydramnios, Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and echogenic bowel at 29 weeks of gestation. USG and fetal MRI showed features of coarse liver echotexture and iron overload involving the liver and thyroid; this is the first case describing iron accumulation in the fetal thyroid gland diagnosed in utero.

Conclusion

This case underscores the critical importance of performing MRI in suspected cases of fetal hemochromatosis for early diagnosis and intervention, emphasizing the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.
Computer-aided diagnosis of breast cancer from mammogram images using deep learning algorithms
Authors: Dada Emmanuel Gbenga , Oyewola David Opeoluwa , Misra Sanjay
Published: September 2024

Even though accurate detection of dangerous malignancies from mammogram images is mostly dependent on radiologists' experience, specialists occasionally differ in their assessments. Computer-aided diagnosis provides a better solution for image diagnosis that can help experts make more reliable decisions. In medical applications for diagnosing cancerous growths from mammogram images, computerized and accurate classification of breast cancer mammogram images is critical. The deep learning approach has been widely applied in medical image processing and has had considerable success in biological image classification. The Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Inception, and EfficientNet are proposed in this paper. The proposed models attain better performance compared to the conventional CNN. The models are used to automatically classify breast cancer mammogram images from Kaggle into benign and malignant. Simulation results demonstrated that EfficientNet, with an accuracy between 97.13 and 99.27%, and overall accuracy of 98.29%, perform better than the other models in this paper.
Liposome drug delivery in combating the widespread topical antibiotic resistance: a narrative review
Authors: Rizkita Leonny Dwi , Putri Rachma Greta Perdana , Farid Muhammad , Rizkawati Muflihah , Wikaningtyas Pratiwi
Published: September 2024

Background

The increasing trend of antibiotic resistance has posed challenges for scientists, especially in developing better drug formulations. The discovery of new antibiotics could take years. Therefore, the management of an ideal drug delivery system has become a primary focus nowadays.

Main body of abstract

Almost all skin diseases could be treated with the administration of topical drugs, especially infectious skin diseases. The increasing cases of antimicrobial resistance require innovative strategies and actions. In dermatokinetics, achieving optimal drug concentrations in the deepest layers of skin tissue is a significant challenge. Human skin has remarkably complex characteristics, presenting a major obstacle in efficiently maintaining drug efficacy. Nanocarriers are an important part of nanomedicine which provide excellent drug penetration through various drug delivery systems. Lipid-based nanovesicles, such as liposome, are the oldest and most potential nanovesicles for such a purpose. Several studies have shown the efficacy of liposome-contained antibiotics and offered the lowest microbial inhibition concentration (MIC). It is suggested that liposome also delivers greater drug accumulation compared to blank drugs.

Short conclusion

Liposome is a flexible lipid-based drug delivery that enhances drug permeation through skin tissue by mimicking the lipid bilayer system of the organ. It is non-toxic, less immunogenic, and easily degraded by enzyme. The incorporation of liposome into antibiotics may reduce the inefficient drug dosage since the encapsulation will protect the active compounds prior to being released from the vehicle. Thus, the lowest MIC and less clinical side effects will be obtained.

Graphical abstract
Analytical estimate of effective charge and ground-state energies of two to five electron sequences up to atomic number 20 utilizing the variational method
Authors: Shaheen Kousar , Zafar Roohi , Javaid Saba , Rajput Ahmed Ali
Published: September 2024

Background

The variational method, a quantum mechanical approach, estimates effective charge distributions and ground-state energy by minimizing the Hamiltonian's expectation value using trial wave functions with adjustable parameters. This method provides valuable insights into system behavior and is widely used in theoretical chemistry and physics. This paper aims to investigate ground-state energies and isoelectronic sequences using the variational method, introducing a novel approach for analyzing multi-electron systems. This technique allows for determining effective charge values and ground-state energies for 2–5 electrons sequence up to Z ≤ 20. Hydrogenic wave functions are used as a trial wave function to calculate effective charge in 1 s, 2 s, and 2p states. Two varying parameters were used to calculate an approximate wave function for the system. These values are then used in non-relativistic Hamiltonian with electron–electron interaction terms to calculate the ground-state energy of an atom.

Result

The results align with the reported experimental values, showing a marginal 1% error.

Conclusion

A Python algorithm is established based on the variational principle. It was found that, based on a few selected parameters in scripting the program, a very promising result was obtained. Furthermore, adding more variational parameters can minimize the difference between experimental and theoretical values, and this technique can be extended to elements with higher atomic numbers.
Age as an important variable that affects auditory and language results after cochlear implant
Authors: Abdelhamid Nihal Hisham , Fadel Hanaa
Published: September 2024

Cochlear implant (CI) benefits deaf children's speech perception, language development and speech production. Early fitting of an implant results in improved outcomes. Over a period of more than 3 decades, cochlear implantation (CI) is firmly known as safe and effective treatment for children with bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) who develop minimal or no benefit from conventional hearing aid use. The primary aim of CI is to improve auditory perception of the child and hence the spoken language. The development of functional spoken language would be the major long-term benefits of CI. Children who received a cochlear implant before a real delay in spoken language development (i.e., between 12–16 months) were more able to achieve age-appropriate spoken language. These results strengthen the idea of doing cochlear implantation before 24 months of age, especially for children with a better ear aided pure tone with average thresholds greater than 65 dB prior to surgery.The main aim is to study the effect of age on CI patients results by applying simple questioners on 31 CI children, that are easy to assess the auditory perception and discrimination as an important prerequisite for language development.

Results There was an inverse correlation between; age at CI, categories of auditory performance (CAPS), and meaningful auditory integration scale (MAIS) scores. While; there was direct correlation between MAIS & CAPS scores.

Conclusions The auditory perception development after CI in children being 3 years old or younger is much better than the older children which would be reflected on their speech perception and acquiring their 1st word and sentence, but language development did not differ between both groups for this period of follow up. With a need of further detailed full language aspects assessment and follow up to ensure these results.
Betahistine in the treatment of peripheral vertigo: an evidence-based review
Authors: Silva Gameiro Bárbara , Silva Fonseca Ana Catarina , Guimarães Bruna Sofia Costa , Gomes Andrade Carolina Ferreira , Pereira Diogo Teixeira China , Ferreira Rosa Inês Magalhães , da Conceição Coelho Moreira Maria
Published: September 2024

Background

Vertigo is a common presenting symptom in clinical practice, predominantly of vestibular etiology, and often medicated with betahistine, despite the lack of knowledge concerning its mechanism of action. This paper’s objective was to review the scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of betahistine on peripheral vertigo.

Methods

A systematic search of articles written in English, published within the past 10 years, was conducted in April 2024, on online evidence-based medicine databases, using the MeSH terms “betahistine,” “ménière disease,” “acute vestibular neuritis,” “paroxysmal vertigo,” “acute peripheral vestibulopathy,” and “labyrinthitis.” The Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy of the American Academy of Family Physicians was used to evaluate the level of evidence and strength of recommendation.

Results

This review included 12 articles for evidence analysis. Concerning Menière’s disease, despite contradictory results, three of the articles analyzed showed a positive effect of betahistine, which is in line with the recommendations of the European Academy of Otology and Neurotology and NICE guidelines, while the American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology guidelines suggest offering betahistine as maintenance therapy. For benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the established treatment is repositioning maneuvers, and three of the five studies analyzed proved the addition of betahistine to be beneficial. In regard to peripheral vertigo from other causes, two out of three articles revealed a positive recommendation for the use of betahistine.

Conclusion

There is a potential benefit to the utilization of betahistine for various etiologies of peripheral vertigo. However, additional studies are required to establish more robust evidence.
Heritage, urban form and spatial resignification in the production of sustainable Olympic legacies: an urban design analysis of the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games
Authors: Latuf de Oliveira Sanchez Renata
Published: September 2024

The Olympic Games have been associated with many urban transformation projects throughout their history, often focusing on city expansion. Recent sustainability concerns, however, constitute a pressing challenge, with the regeneration of central areas fulfilling a key role in existing urban agendas. In this paper, the legacy of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at two proposed centralities was analysed, namely, the Olympic Park, intended as a future neighbourhood to the west of the city, and Porto Maravilha (PM), an urban project aimed at revitalizing a central, historical area of the city. By comparing the Olympic Park and the first provided areas in PM, in terms of selecting urban design criteria through qualitative in loco assessments, this paper focused on analysing the impacts of urban forms and heritage on the consolidation of these two centralities, as well as encouraging social interaction and integration into the city. The analysis results indicated that urban design attributes such as human-scaled, mixed-use, context-based urban spaces could interfere with social interaction and the usability of spaces. Moreover, the repurposing of heritage buildings contributed to urban cohesion for legacy transformation. Hence, novel insights into urban design and heritage could become important for future editions of the Olympics so that host cities may fulfil their sustainability agendas.
The critical role of miRNAs in modulating PRRSV infection in swine: a review
Authors: Wang Yu-Chen , Shao Zhi-Yong , Yi Wei-Xue , Wu Li-Jun , Liu Wei , Chen Xia-Bing , Cao Rui-Ge , He Bin
Published: September 2024

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a severe threat to pig farming worldwide and contributes to substantial financial losses. Endogenous short RNAs, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), play various roles in controlling viral infections in both human and animals through virus‒host interactions, mediating immune-related gene responses in target cells despite their unknown precise roles in infectious illnesses. Thus, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in EMBASE, PubMed and Web of Science databases to compile this review, focusing on the function, role, and involvement of miRNAs in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection. In addition to possible exogenous miRNAs such as miR2911 and miR168, our study provides strong evidence demonstrating the important effects of endogenous miRNAs such as miR-181, miR-26, and miR-145 on PRRSV infection, which were also anticipated to bind to certain locations within PRRSV genomes. Our study highlights that miRNAs can serve as a treatment strategy of PRRS and further research is needed to validate their clinical safety and efficacy.
Response to Imatinib in a Patient With Gastric Adenocarcinoma With KIT Q556_K558 In-Frame Deletion: A Case Report
Authors: Ninomiya Kiichiro , Ennishi Daisuke , Okamoto Kunio , Ando Midori , Nakamura Satoko , Tomida Shuta , Ayada Yoshiyuki , Makimoto Go , Ichihara Eiki , Okita Natsuko , Toyooka Shinichi , Maeda Yoshinobu , Tabata Masahiro
Published: September 2024

Imatinib may be a useful targeted agent for patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma who have KIT mutations.
Reappraisal of the Previously Described False Localizing Sign at C1-2 in Cases of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension
Authors: Fote Gianna , Shahin Hania , Brown Nolan J. , Falcone Joseph , Lopez Alexander , Kuan Edward C. , Hsu Frank P. K. , Oh Michael Y. , Mohyeldin Ahmed
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

We present an illustrative case of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) in the setting of a suspected C1-2 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak that was successfully treated with muscle, collagen, and epidural blood patch. We examined the literature to identify similar cases reporting Cl-2 retrospinal fluid collections identified on imaging in the setting of SIH and quantified the success of targeted treatment to this area despite previous reports that caution about a “C1-2 false localizing sign.”

METHODS:

A systematic search was performed identifying cases of SIH resulting from CSF leak with C1-2 fluid collection observed on imaging. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were queried, and articles were screened for possible inclusion by 2 authors and supervised by the senior author.

RESULTS:

In total, 28 studies were included with a total of 32 patients. The number of patients in each study with C1-2 fluid collections, number of patients with fluid collections at multiple levels, specific intervention used, and outcomes of each intervention were recorded, with a focus on whether treatment occurred at the levels exhibiting fluid signal.

CONCLUSION:

Although the C1-2 fluid signal in SIH has previously been described as a “false localizing sign,” our study indicates that treating this level as the source of CSF leak results in successful and durable outcomes. Most SIH cases with signal at C1-2 did not have a fluid signal at any other level and were treated successfully and most commonly through epidural blood patch at the C1-2 level. Symptom resolution was also reported after direct repair of C1-2 CSF leaks through primary closure, Gelfoam patch, and muscle fragment with fibrin. In patients with SIH, C1-2 fluid signal, and no other source of CSF leak identified on imaging, surgical intervention at the C1-2 level seemed to have a high success rate.
Theoretical model of impact mitigation mechanisms inherent to the North American bison skull
Authors: Persons Andrea Karen , Hammi Youssef , Elder Steven H. , Priddy Lauren B. , Priddy Matthew W. , Butler Ryan , Schemmel Avery , Whitehurst Elizabeth , Lee Nayeon , Horstemeyer Mark F.
Published: September 2024

North American bison (Bovidae: Bison bison) incur blunt impacts to the interparietal and frontal bones when they engage in head-to-head fights. To investigate the impact mitigation of these bones, a finite element analysis (FEA) of the skull under loading conditions was performed. Based on anatomical and histological studies, the interparietal and frontal bones are both comprised of a combination of haversian and plexiform bone and are both underlain by bony septa. Additionally, the interparietal bone is thicker than the frontal bone. Data regarding the mechanical properties of bison bone are scarce, but the results of a phylogenetic analysis infer that the material properties of the closely related domestic cow bone are a suitable proxy for use in the FEA. Results of the FEA suggest that the thickness of the interparietal bone in conjunction with the bony septa may prevent fracture stresses by helping to absorb and disperse the blunt impact energy throughout the skull. Monotonic stress levels of 294 MPa, which are below the compressive strength of bone were exhibited in the simulated bison head impacts indicating no fracture of the bones.
Η διοικητική οργάνωση, το πλαίσιο λειτουργίας και η εκπαιδευτική δράση των δραματικών σχολών στην Ελλάδα από τις αρχές της παρουσίας τους μέχρι το 1983
Authors: Βασιλείου Αγγελική
Published: September 2024

Σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η ιχνηλάτηση της ιστορίας των Δραματικών Σχολών στην Ελλάδα. Επιχειρείται η αποτύπωση των ιδεών, των τάσεων, των αισθητικών επιλογών, των διδακτικών και εκπαιδευτικών μεθόδων και των νομοθετικών παρεμβάσεων που συνδημιούργησαν τη θεατρική εκπαίδευση και παράλληλα το εγχώριο θεατρικό γίγνεσθαι. Πρόκειται κατά κύριο λόγο για πρωτογενή έρευνα του αρχειακού υλικού που βρίσκεται στη Διεύθυνση Καλλιτεχνικής Εκπαίδευσης του Υπουργείου Πολιτισμού. Παράλληλα, κατέφυγα στη διεξαγωγή μιας σειράς συνεντεύξεων με καλλιτέχνες που φοίτησαν ή δίδαξαν στις Δραματικές Σχολές της υπό εξέταση περιόδου, ώστε να συμπληρωθεί η εικόνα. Στην διατριβή αυτή κρίθηκε σκόπιμο να συμπεριληφθεί ένα κεφάλαιο το οποίο αφορά σε σημαντικούς δασκάλους υποκριτικής της Δύσης, που διαπιστώθηκε μέσα από τα προγράμματα σπουδών και τις συνεντεύξεις, ότι επηρέασαν τη διδασκαλία της υποκριτικής και την οργάνωση των Δραματικών Σχολών στην Ελλάδα. Δεν εξετάζονται οι απόψεις τους περί υποκριτικής αλλά η μετουσίωσή τους σε εκπαιδευτική δράση και σχολείο. Επίσης, θίγεται εν συντομία το ιστορικό πλαίσιο, μέσα στο οποίο γεννήθηκαν και λειτούργησαν οι Δραματικές Σχολές, καθώς η θεατρική εκπαίδευση επηρεάζεται από τη θεατρική παραγωγή και αναπαράσταση αλλά παράλληλα την επηρεάζει και τη διαμορφώνει. Προκύπτει τοιουτοτρόπως η «ακτινογραφία» μιας ολόκληρης θεατρικής γενιάς. Συνοψίζοντας, επειδή οι Δραματικές Σχολές αποτελούν αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι της ιστορίας του νεοελληνικού θεάτρου, ο πρώτος άξονας της παρούσης είναι η πλήρης καταγραφή των Δραματικών Σχολών στην Ελλάδα μέχρι το 1983, οπότε και άλλαξε η νομοθεσία που διέπει τη λειτουργία τους. Ένας άλλος άξονας της διατριβής αυτής είναι η διερεύνηση του κατά πόσο οι εν λόγω Σχολές εκπλήρωσαν τους στόχους τους και πως συνέβαλλαν στην ανανέωση και την εξέλιξη του θεατρικού τοπίου. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό τίθεται η πρόκληση υπέρβασης του υποκειμενισμού που διαχρονικά χαρακτηρίζει τον χώρο και η προσπάθεια να γίνει μια πιο αντικειμενική αποτίμηση. Τέλος, επιχειρείται μια κριτική θεώρηση του προγράμματος σπουδών, του τρόπου με τον οποίο αντιμετωπίστηκε και των προοπτικών που προκύπτουν ενδεχομένως, έτσι ώστε, μέσα από τη μελέτη του παρελθόντος, να έχουμε εργαλεία σκέψης και ανάλυσης που θα διευρύνουν τους ορίζοντές μας και θα μας βοηθήσουν να αλλάξουμε, ό,τι κρίνουμε αναγκαίο, γρηγορότερα και αποτελεσματικότερα.
Geometry of multi-slit Loewner chains and semigroups of finite shift
Authors: Θεοδοσιάδης Ελευθέριος
Published: September 2024

Η παρούσα διατριβή πραγματεύεται δύο θέματα Μιγαδικής ανάλυσης που σχετίζονται μεοικογένειες συναρτήσεων Riemann που εξαρτώνται από κάποια παραμετρική συνάρτηση που ονομάζεταιη καθοδηγητική συνάρτηση της οικογένειας. Το ένα είναι η θεωρία Loewner και το άλλο είναιη θεωρία ημιομάδων ολομορφικών συναρτήσεων του μοναδιαίου δίσκου. Αυτήη διατριβή αποτελείται από τέσσερα έργα, τα τρία από τα οποία βρίσκονται στη διασταύρωση τωνδύο θεωριών και η άλλη αναφέρεται αποκλειστικά σε ημιομάδες.Στο Paper I, ασχολούμαστε με την εξίσωση Loewner τόσο στον μοναδιαίο δίσκο (ακτινική περίπτωση) και στο άνω ημιεπίπεδο (χορδική περίπτωση). Οι λύσειςσε αυτές τις εξισώσεις, οι οποίες εξαρτώνται από τις μεταβλητές του χώρου και του χρόνου, είναιπου ονομάζονται (αντίστοιχα ακτινικές ή χορδικές) αλυσίδες Loewner. Κύριος σκοπός του είναι να παρουσιάσειρητά, λύσεις για ορισμένες επιλογές οδηγικών λειτουργιών και επιπλέοννα οπτικοποιήσει τη γεωμετρία τους καθώς εξελίσσεται ο χρόνος. Ειδικότερα, ασχολούμαστε μεσύμμορφες απεικονίσεις με πεπερασμένα πολλές σχισμές, και για τις δύο περιπτώσεις. Έτσι, η παραπάνω εξέλιξη περιλαμβάνει την ανάπτυξη πολλαπλών καμπυλών είτε στομοναδιαίο δίσκο ή στο άνω ημι-επίπεδο. Δεύτερον, ανακαλύπτουμε τη σύνδεση αυτών των οικογενειών με τη θεωρία των ημιομάδων, τις οποίες αξιοποιούμε για να συνδέσουμε την ακτινωτήμε τη χορδιακή περίπτωση μέσω ενός μετασχηματισμού Möbius, αν και στη γενικήθεωρία αυτό δεν είναι πάντα δυνατό.Το δεύτερο Paper είναι συνέχεια του Paper I, όπου επεκτείνουμε τομελέτη των χορδικών αλυσίδων Loewner του Paper I σε αλυσίδες με άπειραπολλές σχισμές. Και πάλι, μελετάμε τη γεωμετρία των αλυσίδων καθώς ο χρόνος εξελίσσεταικαι βρίσκουμε την ίδια γεωμετρική συμπεριφορά όπως στο Paper I. Ωστόσο αυτόΗ μελέτη είναι πιο περίπλοκη και απαιτεί διαφορετική προσέγγιση που περιλαμβάνειτεχνικές από την κλασική σύνθετη ανάλυση και τη χρήση της αρμονικήςμέτρο. Στο Paper III συγκεντρωνόμαστε σε συγκεκριμένο τύπο ημιομάδων. Kαλέστε αυτές τις ημιομάδες, ημιομάδες πεπερασμένης μετατόπισης. Στη γενική θεωρία των ημιομάδων,αρκετοί συγγραφείς έχουν μελετήσει την ταχύτητα σύγκλισης μιας ημιομάδας προςτο σημείο Denjoy-Wolff, ως προς την Ευκλείδεια απόσταση. Προς αυτή την κατεύθυνση,εξετάζουμε επίσης την ταχύτητα σύγκλισης για αυτή την περίπτωση, ως προςτην Ευκλείδεια απόσταση, την υπερβολική απόσταση και επίσης ως προς τοαρμονικό μέτρο. Στο Paper IV, παρουσιάζουμε μερικά υπολογιστικά παραδείγματα αλυσίδων Loewner. Μερικά από αυτά σχετίζονται με αυτά που εμφανίζονται στα Paper I και II. Δουλεύουμεομοίως με την έννοια ότι λύνουμε ρητά την εξίσωση Loewner για διάφορες περιπτώσεις κοθοφηγητικών συναρτήσεων. Επιπλέον, έχουμε συγκεντρώσει μερικές αλυσίδες Loewnerπου δεν εμφανίζονται στη βιβλιογραφία και ανακτούμε τις καθοδηγητικές συναρτήσεις. Πρόθεσή μας είναι να οπτικοποιήσουμε αυτά τα στοιχειώδη παραδείγματα σε μια προσπάθειανα συγκρίνουμε τη γεωμετρία των αλυσίδων με τις αντίστοιχες καθοδηγητικές συναρτήσεις τους.
Wave attenuation by Cystoseira sensu lato in two shallow Mediterranean coastal waters
Authors: PAPADIMITRIOU EVANGELOS , HANNACHI AMEL , PAPADIMITRIOU APOSTOLOS , BEYREM HAMMOUDA , KEFALAS IOANNIS , MAHMOUDI EZZEDDINE , SELLEMI BADDREDDINE , SMITH CHRIS , PAPATHANASIOU VASILIS , FRACHETTI SIMONETTA , DANOVARO ROBERTO , ORFANIDIS SOTIRIS
Published: September 2024

Coastal protection from erosion is an important ecosystem service provided by marine vegetation. Seaweeds and seagrasses can attenuate wave action in coastal areas and increase sediment retention. Here we investigated for the first time the effects of erect Cystoseira sensu lato forests in attenuating the wave energy in two Mediterranean shallow areas (Greece and Tunisia). The hydrodynamic effects were measured using the dissolution rate of gypsum cones (fd) r. Experiments were carried out in Greece, on the species Ericaria barbatula, and in Tunisia on the species E. brachycarpa and Cystoseira crinitophylla. Wave attenuation was directly related to percent cover of these macroalgal forests under different spatial and temporal conditions. On average, Cystoseira s.l. forests with 100 % cover reduced the wave action by 38 % more than the control (0 % cover). This study shows that Cystoseira s.l. forests under specific conditions play a key role for protecting the Mediterranean coasts from erosion, and can present a nature-based solution as an alternative to unsustainable and costly artificial constructions.
Metabolomic characterization of human glioblastomas and patient plasma: a pilot study
Authors: Liu Yin Allison , Aboud Orwa , Dahabiyeh Lina A. , Bloch Orin , Fiehn Oliver
Published: September 2024

Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is a clinically challenging primary brain tumor with poor survival outcome despite surgical resection and intensive chemoradiation. The metabolic heterogeneity of GBM can become biomarkers for treatment response, resistance, and outcome prediction. The aim of the study is to investigate metabolic distinctions between primary and recurrent GBM tissue and patient plasma to establish feasibility for metabolic profiling. Methods A single-center cohort study analyzed tissue and blood samples from 15 patients with GBM using untargeted metabolomic/lipidomic assays. Metabolomic, lipidomic, and biogenic amine analyses were conducted on GBM tissue and patient plasma at diagnosis and recurrence using untargeted mass spectrometry. The study utilized a small but longitudinally collected cohort to evaluate alteration in metabolites, lipids, and biogenic amines between specimens at diagnosis and recurrence. Results Exploratory analysis revealed significant alteration in metabolites, lipids, and biogenic amines between diagnostic and recurrent states in both tumor and plasma specimens. Notable metabolites differed at recurrence, including N-alpha-methylhistamine, glycerol-3-phosphate, phosphocholine, and succinic acid in tissue, and indole-3-acetate, and urea in plasma. Principal component analysis revealed distinct metabolomic profiles between tumor tissue and patient plasma. Distinct metabolic profiles were observed in GBM tissue and patient plasma at recurrence, demonstrating the feasibility of using metabolomic methodologies for longitudinal studies. One patient exhibited a unique tumor resistance signature at diagnosis, possibly indicating a high-risk metabolomic phenotype. Conclusions In this small cohort, the findings suggest the potential of metabolomic signatures of GBM tissue and patient plasma for risk stratification, outcome prediction, and the development of novel adjuvant metabolic-targeting therapies. The findings suggest metabolic discrepancies at diagnosis and recurrence in tissue and plasma, highlighting potential implications for evaluation of clinical response. The identification of significant changes in metabolite abundance emphasizes the need for larger studies using targeted metabolomics to validate and further explore these profiles.
Prevalence, satisfaction and preference of tooth shades and their correlation with age, gender and skin shade: A cross sectional study
Authors: Chawda Tanay , Bajantri Prashanth , Natarajan Srikant , Ono Alisha , Shetty Thilak , Rodrigues Shobha , Pai Umesh , M Mahesh , Saldanha Sharon , Hegde Puneeth , Mukherjee Sandipan , Sales Ann , Kamath Vignesh
Published: September 2024

Shade selection is one of the most important factors that determines the satisfaction of the patient with the dental prosthesis and thus the overall success of the treatment. Conventional methods of shade selection require the presence of existing teeth or past dental/photographic records. In the absence of these, shade selection becomes challenging and must be done subjectively and arbitrarily based on the patient’s age and sex. This study aims to assess the prevalence, satisfaction, and preference of tooth shades, investigating their correlation with age, sex, and skin shade in a diverse sample of 120 participants. Methods A total of 120 participants, evenly distributed among 60 males and 60 females, were surveyed. Participants were categorized into age groups (n=15) and asked about their satisfaction with existing tooth shades and their preferences. Results The most common existing tooth shade was Value 2 (52.5%). Statistical analysis using Chi-square tests revealed that Value 2 was the most desired shade among males and females alike, particularly in the age group of 41 to 50 years (p < 0.001). Shade 2L1.5 was the most prevalent (n=26), with Value 2 (59.16%) being the most sought-after shade, followed by Shade 2L1.5 (n=21), Shade 2M1 (n=18), Shade 1M1 (n=15), and Shade 2R1.5 (n=14). Existing tooth shades of Value 0 were the least common. The highest satisfaction with existing shades was observed in males aged 41 to 50 (n=15), followed by males aged 51 to 60 (n=14) and females aged 31 to 40 (n=12) and 41 to 50 (n=12). Significant differences in satisfaction were noted among males (p < 0.001). Conclusions This study reveals a consistent and strong preference among both males and females for tooth shades classified as Value 2, following the VITA Tooth-Guide 3D Master shade guide. This universal preference suggests the relevance and acceptance of this shade category across diverse patient groups.
Protocol for a pilot clinical trial of the senolytic drug combination Dasatinib Plus Quercetin to mitigate age-related health and cognitive decline in mental disorders
Authors: Schweiger Abigail , Diniz Breno , Nicol Ginger , Schweiger Julie , Dasklakis-Perez Andes E. , Lenze Eric J
Published: September 2024

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia are linked to accelerated aging leading to reduced lifespan, health span and cognitive decline. Cellular senescence, in which cells lose proliferative capacity and develop a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), plays a role in this process. Emerging research suggests that the senolytic regimen of dasatinib+quercetin (D+Q) reduces senescent cells, potentially mitigating age-related health and cognitive decline. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and safety of D+Q in older adults with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Methods This single-center study will recruit 30 participants total aged 50 years or older with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder or 60 years or older with TRD; the difference in age limits is because individuals with schizophrenia are biologically about 10 years older than general population owing to metabolic burden. Each participant will receive two consecutive days of 100 mg oral dasatinib plus 1250 mg oral quercetin at baseline and weeks one through three, (i.e., two days on, five days off) along with lifestyle risk management education. Questionnaires and assessments will measure health and cognitive function as well as psychiatric function at baseline, week 10, and one year. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will measure structural and functional brain health at baseline and 10 weeks. Blood sampling for SASP testing will occur at seven time points: baseline, weeks one through four, week 10, and one year. Conclusion This pilot aims to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the senolytic regimen and D+Q’s potential to counteract accelerated aging in adults with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and TRD. Trial registration Dasatinib Plus Quercetin for Accelerated Aging in Mental Disorders is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05838560; posted May 1, 2023.
A survey measuring employee’s inclusion in Malaysia
Authors: Yee Yen Yuen , Jun Wei Ong
Published: September 2024

Background Organizations recognized the importance of workplace inclusion. However, up to date, few organizations had developed strategic initiatives to improve workplace diversity. This research examines the impact of awareness of inclusion, inclusive leadership, psychosocial capital, and meaningful engagement on employee’s inclusion in the context of Malaysia. Methods The study employed a quantitative survey approach and collected data through a questionnaire survey administered to 204 participants. Descriptive analysis, reliability analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were utilized to explore the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. Results The findings indicate a significant correlation between awareness of inclusion and psychosocial capital with employee’s inclusion. However, no significant correlations were found between inclusive leadership and meaningful engagement with employee’s inclusion. These results underscore the importance of fostering an inclusive culture and nurturing psychosocial support to enhance employee’s inclusion experiences in the workplace. Conclusion This study contributes to the knowledge by being one of the pioneer research in Malaysia that provides insights into the factors influencing employee’s inclusion in Malaysia. The findings is important for organizations, particularly small and medium enterprise in Malaysia to promote employee inclusion in a multi-racial diversity society.
Progress on Pu-238 production at Idaho National Laboratory from February 2022 to July 2023
Authors: Zillmer Andrew , Green William , Lower Justin , Mitchell Jill , Grayson Brittany , Rosvall Erik , Fradeneck Austen , Fishler Joshua , Marlow Ryan , Hill Mark
Published: September 2024

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has continued to qualify irradiation positions in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) for Pu-238 production to support NASA deep space missions. Over the past year, INL qualified Np-237 targets for ATR’s North East Flux Trap (NEFT), Inner-A and H positions. Work has begun to requalify the South Flux Trap (SFT) and to qualify the East Flux Trap (EFT) for the ATR GEN I target and is midway through the qualification process. This paper gives an overview of operational and technical activities from February 2022 to July 2023.
Sociology of values: research methodology
Authors: Gazieva Inna
Published: September 2024

The monograph is devoted to a relatively young branch of sociology — the "sociology of values", which studies values as a social phenomenon. The paper identifies key issues that are considered within the framework of the sociology of values, including the relationship of values with culture, history and the social structure of society, the processes of formation and change of values among young people, as well as the influence of values on social conflicts and social dynamics.
The monograph proposes the author's approach to the study of values based on their structure, highlighting four key elements: value attitude, value preference, value attitude and value action. Special attention is paid to their role in social and managerial activities, using the example of the State Youth Personnel Policy. The relationship between the levels of this policy and the elements of values is analyzed, demonstrating their close relationship and influence on each other.
It is addressed to sociologists, students, postgraduates and teachers of humanities universities and faculties, specialists in the field of youth work, as well as a wide range of readers interested in the study of social values.
Comments to the Editor on “The Willingness to Pay for Diversification”
Authors: Pitkäjärvi Aleksi , Vacca Matteo
Published: September 2024

Mahmoud [ Mahmoud O (2022) The willingness to pay for diversification. Management Sci. 68(8):6235–6249] presents experimental evidence showing that people have an intrinsic preference for diversification that is driven by risk aversion and loss aversion, with risk-averse and loss-averse individuals being more willing to pay for diversification. We document numerous discrepancies between the results reported in the paper and the results calculated from the experimental data. In particular, the data show that risk-averse individuals are actually less willing to pay for diversification, whereas the effect of loss aversion is nonmonotonic and not statistically significant. We thus show that the data do not support the paper’s claim of a preference for diversification driven by risk aversion and loss aversion.

This paper was accepted by Tomasz Piskorski, finance.

Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the OP Group Research Foundation [Grants 20220057 and 20220089].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.01581 .