bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Confessional Intelligence: Early Modern Papal Diplomats and Information‐Gathering Regarding England and Poland
Authors: KEENAN CHARLES R. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis essay examines the information‐gathering practices of papal nuncios and legates to argue that they performed much of the same intelligence work, and in a similar manner, as other diplomatic agents in the early modern Europe. It focuses in particular on papal diplomats’ efforts to gather information regarding two areas that proved especially challenging for the papacy – England and Poland‐Lithuania – both of which were far from Rome and which contained large numbers of non‐Catholics, who would understandably be wary of these diplomats’ intelligence work. The essay explores the mechanisms by which nuncios gathered information, including via ambassadors, members of religious orders, and informal networks of informants; their efforts to verify the information they received; and their methods to securely convey that information to their superiors in the Roman curia.
‘They Hide from Me, Like the Devil from the Cross’: Transalpine Postal Routes as Intelligence Work, 1555–1645
Authors: MIDURA RACHEL 
Published: May 2023

AbstractTracing patterns of letter interception across the Alps provides a new geography of Habsburg communications, espionage, and counter‐espionage in seventeenth‐century Europe. Using the correspondence of the Tassis family of imperial and Spanish postmasters, this article demonstrates that despite increasingly martial rhetoric, battles in information security took place along different geography than the military campaigns of the Thirty Years War. Instead of the ‘Spanish Road’, the article proposes the consideration of two alternative roads debated by postal administrators: the ‘German Road’ through Augsburg and the ‘Swiss Road’ through Lucerne. Letter interceptions along these roads demonstrate that information security differed from martial security in two key ways: First, Habsburg postal systems relied upon international cooperation rather than territorial control. The desire to avoid information leaks had to be balanced with the financial necessity of contracting postal operations to Alpine towns such as Lindau. Second, postmasters themselves responded to the information security needs of cosmopolitan private patrons and multiple princes, complicating their allegiances as state agents. Cases such as the imperial Postmistress General of Brussels and Spanish postmaster of Milan demonstrate that postmasters served as both ‘honorable spies’ and spy‐catchers, proposing new itineraries to circumvent espionage.
Nanomaterial interfaces designed with different biorecognition elements for biosensing of key foodborne pathogens
Authors: Atay Elif , Altan Aylin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFoodborne diseases caused by pathogen bacteria are a serious problem toward the safety of human life in a worldwide. Conventional methods for pathogen bacteria detection have several handicaps, including trained personnel requirement, low sensitivity, laborious enrichment steps, low selectivity, and long‐term experiments. There is a need for precise and rapid identification and detection of foodborne pathogens. Biosensors are a remarkable alternative for the detection of foodborne bacteria compared to conventional methods. In recent years, there are different strategies for the designing of specific and sensitive biosensors. Researchers activated to develop enhanced biosensors with different transducer and recognition elements. Thus, the aim of this study was to provide a topical and detailed review on aptamer, nanofiber, and metal organic framework–based biosensors for the detection of food pathogens. First, the conventional methods, type of biosensors, common transducer, and recognition element were systematically explained. Then, novel signal amplification materials and nanomaterials were introduced. Last, current shortcomings were emphasized, and future alternatives were discussed.
Review of analytical methods for screening and quantification of fentanyl analogs and novel synthetic opioids in biological specimens
Authors: Palmquist Kaitlyn B. , Truver Michael T. , Shoff Elisa N. , Krotulski Alex J. , Swortwood Madeleine J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and other novel synthetic opioids (NSO), including nitazene analogs, prevail in forensic toxicology casework. Analytical methods for identifying these drugs in biological specimens need to be robust, sensitive, and specific. Isomers, new analogs, and slight differences in structural modifications necessitate the use of high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), especially as a non‐targeted screening method designed to detect newly emerging drugs. Traditional forensic toxicology workflows, such as immunoassay and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS), are generally not sensitive enough for detection of NSOs due to observed low (sub‐μg/L) concentrations. For this review, the authors tabulated, reviewed, and summarized analytical methods from 2010–2022 for screening and quantification of fentanyl analogs and other NSOs in biological specimens using a variety of different instruments and sample preparation approaches. Limits of detection or quantification for 105 methods were included and compared to published standards and guidelines for suggested scope and sensitivity in forensic toxicology casework. Methods were summarized by instrument for screening and quantitative methods for fentanyl analogs and for nitazenes and other NSO. Toxicological testing for fentanyl analogs and NSOs is increasingly and most commonly being conducted using a variety of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS)‐based techniques. Most of the recent analytical methods reviewed exhibited limits of detection well below 1 μg/L to detect low concentrations of increasingly potent drugs. In addition, it was observed that most newly developed methods are now using smaller sample volumes which is achievable due to the sensitivity increase gained by new technology and new instrumentation.
Effects of simulated gut pH environment on bacterial composition and pheromone production of Dendroctonus valens
Authors: Cao Qingjie , Zhao Yu , Koski Tuuli‐Marjaana , Li Huiping , Sun Jianghua 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBark beetles are an economically and ecologically important insect group, with aggregation behavior and thus host colonization success depends on pheromone‐mediated communication. For some species, such as the major invasive forest pest in China, red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens), gut microbiota participates in pheromone production by converting tree monoterpenes into pheromone products. However, how variation in gut microenvironment, such as pH, affects the gut microbial composition, and consequently pheromone production, is unknown. In this study, we fed wild caught D. valens with 3 different pH media (main host diet with natural pH of 4.7; a mildly acidic diet with pH 6 mimicking the beetle gut pH; and highly acidic diet with pH 4), and measured their effects on the gut pH, bacterial community and production of the main aggregation and anti‐aggregation pheromone (verbenone). We further tested the verbenone production capacity of 2 gut bacterial isolates in different pH environments (pH 6 and 4). Compared to natural state or main host diet, feeding on less acidic diet (pH 6) diluted the acidity of the gut, whereas feeding on highly acidic diet (pH 4) enhanced it. Both changes in gut pH reduced the abundance of dominant bacterial genera, resulting in decreased verbenone production. Similarly, the highest pheromone conversion rate of the bacterial isolates was observed in pH mimicking the acidity in beetle gut. Taken together, these results indicate that changes in gut pH can affect gut microbiota composition and pheromone production, and may therefore have the potential to affect host colonization behavior.
The geography and socioeconomic characteristics of U.S. households reliant on private wells and septic systems
Authors: Hernandez Ariana , Pierce Gregory 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHouseholds reliant on unregulated, non‐grid water and sanitation infrastructure, like private wells and septic systems, face water quality and reliability deficiencies and associated negative impacts on human health at greater proportions than households reliant on publicly‐regulated, water and sewage systems. This study uses the 2019 American Housing Survey to produce the first joint, nationally‐representative analysis of household reliance on wells and septics in decades. We find that there are lower proportions of U.S. households off the regulated water grid than other contemporary estimates. We also find that while 9.1% of U.S. households rely on both private well and septics simultaneously, a slightly higher proportion of households rely on only one of these systems, with the companion infrastructure being publicly regulated. Our results show that both private well and septic reliant households are much more likely to be non‐Hispanic White, live in a single family home (a detached or attached one‐family dwelling) or mobile home (a portable habitable structure that was originally fitted with wheels to facilitate movement), and to live outside a metropolitan area than those reliant on publicly regulated service. Yet, surprisingly both private well and septic reliant households do not have lower average incomes than households reliant on regulated systems. These results suggest that federal, state and local financial assistance, technical assistance and educational programs can be better targeted to ensure that in‐need private well and septic reliant households can operate and maintain their essential water and sanitation infrastructure.
Air trapping in small airway diseases: A review of imaging technique and findings with an overview of small airway diseases
Authors: Tan Samantha , Saffar Bann , Wrobel Jeremy , Laycock Andrew , Melsom Stephen 
Published: May 2023

SummaryAir trapping is a common finding radiologists encounter on CT imaging of the thorax. This term is used when there are geographic areas of differing attenuation within the lung parenchyma. Most commonly, this is the result of abnormal retention of air due to complete or partial airway obstruction from small airway pathologies. Perfusional differences due to underlying vascular diseases could also result in these appearances, and hence, inspiratory and full expiratory phase CT studies are required to accurately diagnose air trapping. It is important to note that this can occasionally be present in healthy patients. Multiple diseases are associated with air trapping. Determining the aetiology relies on accurate patient history and concomitant findings on CT. There is currently no consensus on accurate assessment of the severity of air trapping. The ratio of mean lung density between expiration and inspiration on CT and the change in lung volume have demonstrated a positive correlation with the presence of small airway disease. Treatment and resultant patient outcome depend on the underlying aetiology, and hence, radiologists need to be familiar with the common causes of air trapping. This paper outlines the most common disease processes leading to air trapping, including Constrictive bronchiolitis, Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, DIPNECH, and Post‐infectious (Swyer‐James/Macleod). Various diseases result in the air trapping pattern seen on the expiratory phase CT scan of the thorax. Combining patient history with other concomitant imaging findings is essential for accurate diagnosis and to further guide management.
Intermediaries, isomorphic activism and programming for social accountability in Pakistan
Authors: Kirk Tom 
Published: May 2023

AbstractUsing ethnographic research from Pakistan, this paper argues that social accountability programmes that overlook the role of intermediaries in clientelistic states risk undermining the wider democratising projects they seek to support. It proposes a theory of ‘isomorphic activism’ that describes how these public authorities appropriate others' opportunities to participate in politics and, in the process, undermine democratic norms. Isomorphic activism is shown to be more likely when programmes are based on ideals of civil society that render activism a technical exercise, depoliticise it and blind donors to power inequalities. The challenges the paper highlights are important given calls for development programmes to change by whom and how politics is done, whilst granting local ownership to participants and demonstrating value for money. They should also be of interest to those concerned by the spread of reductive views of civil society activism within donor organisations.
New‐onset atrial fibrillation in critically ill adult patients—an SSAI clinical practice guideline
Authors: Andreasen Anne Sofie , Wetterslev Mik , Sigurdsson Martin Ingi , Bove Jeppe , Kjærgaard Jesper , Aslam Tayyba Naz , Järvelä Kati , Poulsen Mette , De Geer Lina , Agarwal Arnav , Kjær Maj‐Brit Nørregaard , Møller Morten Hylander 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundAcute or new‐onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in critically ill adult patients, and observational data suggests that NOAF is associated to adverse outcomes.MethodsWe prepared this guideline according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. We posed the following clinical questions: (1) what is the better first‐line pharmacological agent for the treatment of NOAF in critically ill adult patients?, (2) should we use direct current (DC) cardioversion in critically ill adult patients with NOAF and hemodynamic instability caused by atrial fibrillation?, (3) should we use anticoagulant therapy in critically ill adult patients with NOAF?, and (4) should critically ill adult patients with NOAF receive follow‐up after discharge from hospital? We assessed patient‐important outcomes, including mortality, thromboembolic events, and adverse events. Patients and relatives were part of the guideline panel.ResultsThe quantity and quality of evidence on the management of NOAF in critically ill adults was very limited, and we did not identify any relevant direct or indirect evidence from randomized clinical trials for the prespecified PICO questions. We were able to propose one weak recommendation against routine use of therapeutic dose anticoagulant therapy, and one best practice statement for routine follow‐up by a cardiologist after hospital discharge. We were not able to propose any recommendations on the better first‐line pharmacological agent or whether to use DC cardioversion in critically ill patients with hemodynamic instability induced by NOAF. An electronic version of this guideline in layered and interactive format is available in MAGIC: https://app.magicapp.org/#/guideline/7197.ConclusionsThe body of evidence on the management of NOAF in critically ill adults is very limited and not informed by direct evidence from randomized clinical trials. Practice variation appears considerable.
Maternal alcohol consumption and the risk of miscarriage in the first and second trimesters: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis
Authors: Saxov Kristina Rantzau , Strandberg‐Larsen Katrine , Pristed Sofie G. , Bruun Niels Henrik , Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntroductionAccording to a precautionary principle, it is recommended that pregnant women and women trying to conceive abstain from alcohol consumption. In this dose–response meta‐analysis, we aimed to examine the association between alcohol consumption and binge drinking and the risk of miscarriage in the first and second trimesters.Material and methodsThe literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library in May 2022, without any language, geographic or time limitations. Cohort or case–control studies reporting dose‐specific effects adjusting for maternal age and using separate risk assessments for first‐ and second‐trimester miscarriages were included. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. This study is registered with PROSPERO, registration number CRD42020221070.ResultsA total of 2124 articles were identified. Five articles met the inclusion criteria. Adjusted data from 153 619 women were included in the first‐trimester analysis and data from 458 154 women in the second‐trimester analysis. In the first and second trimesters, the risk of miscarriage increased by 7% (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–1.20) and 3% (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.99–1.08) for each additional drink per week, respectively, but not to a statistically significant degree. One article regarding binge drinking and the risk of miscarriage was found, which revealed no association between the variables in either the first or second trimester (OR 0.84 [95% CI 0.62–1.14] and OR 1.04 [95% CI 0.78–1.38]).ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis revealed no dose‐dependent association between miscarriage risk and alcohol consumption, but further focused research is recommended. The research gap regarding miscarriage and binge drinking needs further investigation.
Towards precision dosing of aripiprazole in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Linking blood levels to weight gain and effectiveness
Authors: Hermans Rebecca A. , Sassen Sebastiaan D. T. , Kloosterboer Sanne Maartje , Reichart Catrien G. , Kouijzer Mirjam E. J. , de Kroon Matthias M. J. , Bastiaansen Dennis , van Altena Daphne , van Schaik Ron H. N. , Nasserinejad Kazem , Hillegers Manon H. J. , Koch Birgit C. P. , Dierckx Bram , de Winter Brenda C. M. 
Published: May 2023

AimsAripiprazole is one of the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic drugs to children and adolescents worldwide, but it is associated with serious side‐effects, including weight gain. This study assessed the population pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole and its active metabolite and investigated the relationship between pharmacokinetic parameters and body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and behavioural problems. Secondary outcomes were metabolic, endocrine, extrapyramidal and cardiac side‐effects and drug effectiveness.MethodsTwenty‐four children and adolescents (15 males, 9 females) aged 6–18 years were included in a 24‐week prospective observational trial. Drug plasma concentrations, side‐effects and drug effectiveness were measured at several time points during follow‐up. Relevant pharmacokinetic covariates, including CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1) genotypes, were determined. Nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling (NONMEM®) was used for a population pharmacokinetic analysis with 92 aripiprazole and 91 dehydro‐aripiprazole concentrations. Subsequently, model‐based trough concentrations, maximum concentrations and 24‐h area under the curves (AUCs) were analysed to predict outcomes using generalized and linear mixed‐effects models.ResultsFor both aripiprazole and dehydro‐aripiprazole, one‐compartment models best described the measured concentrations, with albumin and BMI as significant covariates. Of all the pharmacokinetic parameters, higher sum (aripiprazole plus dehydro‐aripiprazole) trough concentrations best predicted higher BMI z‐scores (P < .001) and higher Hb1Ac levels (P = .03) during follow‐up. No significant association was found between sum concentrations and effectiveness.ConclusionsOur results indicate a threshold with regard to safety, which suggests that therapeutic drug monitoring of aripiprazole could potentially increase safety in children and adolescents with ASD and behavioural problems.
Increasing brain N‐acetylneuraminic acid alleviates hydrocephalus‐induced neurological deficits
Authors: Wang Zhangyang , Nie Xiaoqun , Gao Fang , Tang Yanmin , Ma Yuanyuan , Zhang Yiying , Gao Yanqin , Yang Chen , Ding Jing , Wang Xin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimsThis metabolomic study aimed to evaluate the role of N‐acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) in the neurological deficits of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and its potential therapeutic effect.MethodsWe analyzed the metabolic profiles of NPH using cerebrospinal fluid with multivariate and univariate statistical analyses in a set of 42 NPH patients and 38 controls. We further correlated the levels of differential metabolites with severity‐related clinical parameters, including the normal pressure hydrocephalus grading scale (NPHGS). We then established kaolin‐induced hydrocephalus in mice and treated them using N‐acetylmannosamine (ManNAc), a precursor of Neu5Ac. We examined brain Neu5Ac, astrocyte polarization, demyelination, and neurobehavioral outcomes to explore its therapeutic effect.ResultsThree metabolites were significantly altered in NPH patients. Only decreased Neu5Ac levels were correlated with NPHGS scores. Decreased brain Neu5Ac levels have been observed in hydrocephalic mice. Increasing brain Neu5Ac by ManNAc suppressed the activation of astrocytes and promoted their transition from A1 to A2 polarization. ManNAc also attenuated the periventricular white matter demyelination and improved neurobehavioral outcomes in hydrocephalic mice.ConclusionIncreasing brain Neu5Ac improved the neurological outcomes associated with the regulation of astrocyte polarization and the suppression of demyelination in hydrocephalic mice, which may be a potential therapeutic strategy for NPH.
Cask wine: Describing drinking patterns associated with Australia's cheapest alcohol
Authors: Torney Alexandra , Room Robin , Callinan Sarah 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntroductionIn Australia, cask wine is the cheapest alcoholic beverage available, offering the lowest price per standard drink. Despite this, there is little research on the contextual correlates of cask wine consumption. Therefore, the current study aims to describe how cask wine consumption has changed over the last decade. Then, through comparisons between cask and bottled wine, how prices, typical drinking locations, and patterns of consumption differ between the beverages.MethodsCross‐sectional data was drawn from two sources. Four waves of the National Drug Strategy Household Survey were used (2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019) in order to examine consumption trends over time. The International Alcohol Control study (2013) in Australia was additionally used to explore pricing and consumption trends in greater detail.ResultsCask wine was considerably cheaper than other forms of wine at $0.54 per standard drink (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45–0.62, p < 0.05). Consumption trends associated with cask wine differed from that of bottled wine, being consumed almost entirely at home and in significantly greater quantity (standard drinks per day 7.8, 95% CI 6.25–9.26, p < 0.05). Among the heaviest drinkers, 13% (95% CI 7.2–18.8, p < 0.05) consumed cask wine as their main drink, compared to 5% (95% CI 3.76–6.24, p < 0.05) consuming bottled wine.ConclusionsCask wine drinkers are disproportionately more likely to consume higher amounts of alcohol, paying less per drink doing so compared to bottled wine drinkers. As all cask wine purchases were under $1.30, a minimum unit price may largely affect cask wine purchases, applying to a far smaller proportion of bottled wine.