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This article discusses a new volume titled "Leibniz: Journal Articles on Natural Philosophy," edited by Richard T. W. Arthur. The volume aims to fill a gap in understanding Leibniz's philosophy by collecting and translating 26 of his published articles on natural philosophy, specifically in the fields of physics and applied mathematics. The articles explore themes such as Leibniz's principle of optimality and his rejection of occult qualities in explaining physical phenomena. The volume provides valuable insights into Leibniz's scientific career and the intellectual environment of the late seventeenth century. The translations are reliable and fluent, making this volume an indispensable reference for Leibniz scholars. [Extracted from the article]

The text is a review of the book "The Phenomenicity of God. Nine Studies" by Jean-Yves Lacoste. The author seeks to recover the clarity of thought and precision of discourse about God from the field of phenomenology. The studies address topics such as the relationship between philosophy and theology, the perception and knowledge of God, the existence of the irreducible, and the phenomenicity of faith. The author highlights the importance of love in philosophy and theology, and how love allows us to know God. The text presents a series of philosophical essays on the nature of gift and promise, human experience, and divine knowledge. The importance of anticipating the future in experience and the need to manifest oneself to others are emphasized. The relationship between self-knowledge and existence is also addressed, as well as the experience of liturgy as an intertwining of knowing and knowledge. The author reflects on the interpretation of Thomas Aquinas and his relationship with the knowledge of God. The article talks about the publication of a book in Spain called "Charismatic Logic," which focuses on the movements aroused by a charism of the Holy Spirit. This book is the second of its kind in Spain and collects a series of previously published articles in the newspaper Avvenire, of the Episcopal Conference. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Due to economical and ethical reasons, the two-stage designs have been widely used for Phase 2 single-arm trials in oncology because the designs allow us to stop the trial early if the proposed treatment is likely to be ineffective. Nonetheless, none has examined the usage for published articles that had applied the two-stage designs in Phase 2 single-arm trials in brain tumor. A complete systematic review and discussions for overcoming design issues might be important to better understand why oncology trials have shown low success rates in early phase trials. Methods: We systematically reviewed published single-arm two-stage Phase 2 trials for patients with glioblastoma and high-grade gliomas (including newly diagnosed or recurrent). We also sought to understand how these two-stage trials have been implemented and discussed potential design issues which we hope will be helpful for investigators who work with Phase 2 clinical trials in rare and high-risk cancer studies including Neuro-Oncology. The systematic review was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA)-statement. Searches were conducted using the electronic database of PubMed, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov for potentially eligible publications from inception by two independent researchers up to May 26, 2022. The followings were key words for the literature search as index terms or free-text words: "phase II trials", "glioblastoma", and "two-stage design". We extracted disease type and setting, population, therapeutic drug, primary endpoint, input parameters and sample size results from two-stage designs, and historical control reference, and study termination status. Results: Among examined 29 trials, 12 trials (41%) appropriately provided key input parameters and sample size results from two-stage design implementation. Among appropriately implemented 12 trials, discouragingly only 3 trials (10%) explained the reference information of historical control rates. Most trials (90%) used Simon's two-stage designs. Only three studies have been completed for both stages and two out of the three completed studies had shown the efficacy. Conclusions: Right implementation for two-stage design and sample size calculation, transparency of historical control and experimental rates, appropriate selection on primary endpoint, potential incorporation of adaptive designs, and utilization of Phase 0 paradigm might help overcoming the challenges on glioblastoma therapeutic trials in Phase 2 trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Haemoproteus is a sister genus to malaria parasites (Plasmodium), which both belong to the order Haemosporida (Apicomplexa). Parasites of both genera are flourishing in birds, however, Haemoproteus species are noticeably less investigated. This is unfortunate because knowledge about close relatives of malaria pathogens is important for better understanding the evolutionary origin and basic biological features of the entire group of haemosporidian infections. Moreover, recent findings show that Haemoproteus species can cause severe damage of various bird organs due to megalomeronts and other exo-erythrocytic stages. These haemosporidians are remarkably diverse, but remain neglected partly due to difficulties in species identification. Hundreds of Haemoproteus genetic lineages have been reported in birds, and numerous new lineages are found each year, but most remain unidentified to the species level. Numerous new Haemoproteus pathogens were described during the past 20 years. However, keys for their identification are absent. Identification of Haemoproteus species remains a difficult task and is an obstacle for better understanding of the distribution and epidemiology of these parasites. This study aimed to develop comprehensive keys for the identification of described avian Haemoproteus species using morphological features of their blood stages (gametocytes). Methods: Type and voucher preparations of avian Haemoproteus species were accessed in museums in Europe, Australia and the USA. Gametocytes of most described species were examined, and these data formed a background for this study. The data also were considered from published articles containing parasite species descriptions. The method of dichotomous keys was applied. The most difficult steps in the keys were accompanied with references to the corresponding parasite pictures. Results: In all, 201 published articles were included in this review. Morphological diagnostic features of gametocytes of all described Haemoproteus species were analysed and compared. Illustrated keys for identification of these parasite species were developed. Available information about the molecular characterization of Haemoproteus parasites was provided. Conclusion: This review shows that 177 described species of avian Haemoproteus can be distinguished and identified in blood films using morphological characters of their gametocytes and host cells. These species were incorporated in the keys. Information about possible morphologically cryptic parasites was provided. Molecular markers are available for only 42% of the described Haemoproteus parasites, calling for researchers to fill this gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the scenario of Covid-19, the online learning capacity has increased much more than the face to face or traditional learning. Due to the increased capacity of online learning in higher education, the quality of online learning has serious concerns. To achieve the minimum requirements of quality in online learning for sustainable development, it is important to review the quality assurance principles and strategies. A brief review of the literature was conducted to define the quality of online learning, presented some quality assurance indicators for online learning, and discussed some online learning models by selecting 27 published articles through inclusion and exclusion criteria for performing a systematic review of the literature. The review showed that learner-teacher interaction, learner's prompt feedback, learner's support service, applying appropriate media, tools for online learning, and planned documented technology application for the assurance of quality in online learning are important quality indicators. Some quality assurance models for online learning are also presented in this study for the implication of these models according to the learning requirement to ensure the online learning quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosurfactants are a functionally and structurally heterogeneous group of biomolecules produced by multiple filamentous fungi, yeast, and bacteria, and characterized by their distinct surface and emulsifying ability. The genus Bacillus is well studied for biosurfactant production as it produces various types of lipopeptides, for example, lichenysins, bacillomycin, fengycins, and surfactins. Bacillus lipopeptides possess a broad spectrum of biological activities such as antimicrobial, antitumor, immunosuppressant, and antidiabetic, in addition to their use in skincare. Moreover, Bacillus lipopeptides are also involved in various food products to increase the antimicrobial, surfactant, and emulsification impact. From the previously published articles, it can be concluded that biosurfactants have strong potential to be used in food, healthcare, and agriculture. In this review article, we discuss the versatile functions of lipopeptide Bacillus species with particular emphasis on the biological activities and their applications in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African indigenous (AIVs), and traditional, vegetables play a role in food security. This review examines distribution, use, diversity, and techniques used to study AIVs with special interest on Crotalaria species. Google scholar, PubMed, and the open web were searched for published articles between 1990 and 2020. The AIVs are distributed in almost all African countries but are mostly consumed in East and West Africa. The distribution and genetic diversity of some common AIVs has been documented. There is a need to create awareness on the use and conservation of AIVs because of their role in food security and livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study aimed to analyze data available of the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) among camelids around the world. Methods: The search was performed using seven international databases including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and EMBASE up to 11 October 2018. Random effects model was used to determine the pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and analyzed data from four continents. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were also performed according to continent and gender. Results: In total, 42 studies out of 3517 published articles involving 14,542 camels from 17 countries were included for the final analyses. The global pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in the Camelidae family was 28.16% (95% CI 23.64–32.68%). Besides, the highest seroprevalence rate was in Europe (49.64%) followed by Africa (37.63%), America (21.76%), and Asia (17.58%). Moreover, the overall seroprevalence rates of T. gondii infection were 22% (95% CI 10–33%) and 15% (95% CI 9–22%) for the females and males, respectively. Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed a high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in camelids as these animals play an important role in the transmission cycle of this zoonotic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Akkermansia muciniphila, a common colonizer in the intestinal mucus layer of humans, has gradually been considered as promising candidate for the next‐generation probiotic, given its physiological benefits from animal and human studies. This article comprehensively reviewed A. muciniphila from the published peer‐reviewed articles in the aspects of its role in the host physiology and commonly consumed food that can boost its abundance, which should provide useful and fundamental information for scientists and engineers and even ordinary consumers. Akkermansia muciniphila is not only a crucial biomarker that indicates the physiology of human beings but also has huge potential to become a probiotic given its physiological benefits in various clinical scenarios. Current barriers in terms of regulations, necessity for large‐scale clinical experiments and production feasibility need to be resolved before A. muciniphila can be widely applied as the next‐generation probiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although microsurgery is an established treatment modality for intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF), data regarding the perioperative complication rate, cure rate, and long-term outcomes remain scarce. The aims of this study were to describe our original experience with microsurgery, including the surgical complications and pitfalls, and conduct a systematic review of the relevant literature. A multicenter cohort of patients with dAVF treated by microsurgery was retrospectively assessed. In addition, the PubMed database was searched for published studies involving microsurgery for dAVF, and the complication rate, cure rate, and long-term outcomes were estimated. The total number of patients in our multicenter series and published articles was 553 (593 surgeries). The overall rates of transient complications, permanent complications, death, and incomplete treatment were 11.4, 4.0, 1.2, and 6.5%, respectively. A favorable outcome was achieved for 90.1% patients, even though almost half of the patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage. Of note, the incidence of recurrence was only one per 8241 patient-months of postoperative follow-up. Surgeries for anterior cranial fossa dAVF were associated with a lower complication rate, whereas those for tentorial dAVF were associated with higher complication and incomplete treatment rates. The complication and incomplete treatment rates were lower with simple disconnection of cortical venous drainage than with radical occlusion/resection of dural shunts. Our findings suggest that the cure rate, complication rates, and outcomes of microsurgery for dAVF are acceptable; thus, it could be a feasible second-line treatment option for dAVF. However, surgeons should be aware of the specific adverse events of microsurgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on relationship between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) gene A1298C polymorphism with the risk of ischemic as well as hemorrhagic stroke have shown discordant results. Present meta-analysis was aimed to clarify the relationship between MTHFR gene A1298C polymorphism with risk of stroke. A comprehensive literature search for all published articles was performed in electronic database including PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Trip Databases, Worldwide Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholar up to 31st December 2019. Pooled odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) under dominant, recessive, and allelic models was calculated. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to detect the heterogeneity. In our meta-analysis, a total of 20 studies with 19 case control studies involving 2871 ischemic stroke (IS) cases and 3984 controls and 3 studies with 201 hemorrhagic stroke cases and 1349 controls were included. Our findings suggest that there was a significant relationship between MTHFR gene A1298C gene polymorphism with risk of ischemic stroke (dominant model: OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.06–1.66, recessive model: OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.06–1.99 and allelic model: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.00–1.84, respectively). However, no significant relationship between MTHFR gene A1298C gene polymorphism with the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Findings of this meta-analysis concludes that MTHFR gene A1298 C polymorphism could be capable of increasing stroke susceptibility in Asian, but not in Caucasian population. Genotyping of MTHFR gene A1298C polymorphism may be used as a predictor for the occurrence of ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducts a comprehensive literature review of articles on the triple bottom line (TBL) published from January 1997 to September 2018 to provide significant insights and support to guide further discussion. There were three booms in TBL publications, occurring in 2003, 2011, and 2015, and many articles attempt to address the issue of sustainability by employing the TBL. This literature analysis includes 720, 132, and 58 articles from the Web of Science (WOS), Inspec, and Scopus databases, respectively, and reveals the gaps in existing research. To discover the barriers and points of overlap, these articles are categorized into six aspects of the TBL: economic, environmental, social, operations, technology, and engineering. Examining the top 3 journals in terms of published articles on each aspect reveals the research trends and gaps. The findings provide solid evidence confirming the argument that the TBL as currently defined is insufficient to cover the entire concept of sustainability. The social and engineering aspects still require more discussion to support the linkage of the TBL and to reinforce its theoretical basis. Additionally, to discover the gaps in the data sources, theories applied, methods adopted, and types of contributions, this article summarizes 82 highly cited articles covering each aspect. This article offers theoretical insights by identifying the top contributing countries, institutions, authors, keyword networks, and authorship networks to encourage scholars to push the current discussion further forward, and it provides practical insights to bridge the gap between theory and practice for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated progress towards animal biodiversity research in Georgia, a key area in the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot. By reviewing recently (1990–2018) published articles in all areas of animal diversity research, we unmasked the trends in biodiversity inventory, ecological and biogeographical studies, and conservation issues in Georgia. We concluded that species inventory and biodiversity research in Georgia has significantly increased during the last ten years, however the rate and extent of investigation is far from satisfactory. Major gaps remain in all branches of animal diversity research in Georgia, and consequently existing knowledge is inadequate to address modern challenges related to species and ecosystem conservation. We urge local governmental authorities and international scientific societies to support development of stronger research facilities and cultivate interest in biodiversity inventory and research in Georgia as an important step towards maintaining globally important biodiversity in the Caucasus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, national guidelines for depression have prioritised evidence from randomised controlled trials and quantitative meta-analyses, omitting qualitative research concerning patient experience of treatments. A review of patient experience research can provide a comprehensive overview of this important form of evidence and thus enable the voices and subjectivities of those affected by depression to have an impact on the treatments and services they are offered. This review aims to seek a comprehensive understanding of patient experiences of psychological therapies for depression using a systematic and rigorous approach to review and synthesis of qualitative research. Method: PsychINFO, PsychARTICLES, MEDLINE, and CINAHL were searched for published articles using a qualitative approach to examine experiences of psychological therapies for depression. All types of psychological therapy were included irrespective of model or modes of delivery (e.g. remote or in person; group or individual). Each article was assessed following guidance provided by the Critical Appraisal Skill Programme tool. Articles were entered in full into NVIVO and themes were extracted and synthesized following inductive thematic analysis. Results: Thirty-seven studies, representing 671 patients were included. Three main themes are described; the role of therapy features and setting; therapy processes and how they impact on outcomes; and therapy outcomes (benefits and limitations). Subthemes are described within these themes and include discussion of what works and what's unhelpful; issues integrating therapy with real life; patient preferences and individual difference; challenges of undertaking therapy; influence of the therapist; benefits of therapy; limits of therapy and what happens when therapy ends. Conclusions: Findings point to the importance of common factors in psychotherapies; highlight the need to assess negative outcomes; and indicate the need for patients to be more involved in discussions and decisions about therapy, including tailoring therapy to individual needs and taking social and cultural contexts into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of malignant transformation of fibrous dysplasia (FD) is very rare. Thus, the available knowledge of its characteristics, management, and survival is scarce. Here, we present a systemic review of fibrous dysplasia that had undergone malignant transformation. A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed electronic database. The survival rates and hazard ratios of age, gender, past history of previous radiotherapy, type of FD, and treatment were collected from the published articles and analyzed. Forty-eight cases were eligible for inclusion in the study. Patient's age, gender, past history radiotherapy, and type of FD did not influence the overall survival (OS). The Kaplan Meier analysis showed that the patients who had not received any treatment had poor prognosis with a median survival of 4 months. The patients that received surgery had significantly longer OS than that in the biopsy group. The prognosis of malignant transformation of FD is relatively poor, and surgery is the optimal treatment of choice. Nevertheless, the efficacy of postoperative adjuvant therapy to patient OS is still undefined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is a widespread zoonotic disease of global concern. In Nigeria, the exact picture/status of CE is unclear, as most of the states are largely uninvestigated. Yet, as with every parasitic zoonosis, the first step towards planning a comprehensive management and control programme involves assessment of available national/regional prevalence data, host range, and risk factors at play in the transmission dynamics. Methods: Published articles on echinococcosis were searched on PubMed and Africa Journal Online (AJOL) databases. Inclusion criteria were based on studies reporting prevalence of echinococcosis in animals and humans (including case reports) from 1970 to 2018. Results: In this study, we evaluated and summarized cystic echinococcosis reports in Nigeria and found that post 1970–80s, studies on cystic echinococcosis have remained sparse regardless of the high prevalence recorded in the early years of CE investigation. In addition, information on the genetic population structure and the role of wildlife in CE transmission is still lacking. Conclusions: This study appraises the prevalence and distribution of CE in Nigeria and identified areas where surveillance and control efforts should be focused and intensified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article reviews the book "Deutsches Schiffahrtsarchiv: Wissenschaftliches Jahrbuch des Deutschen Schiffahrtsmuseums 32," edited by Erik Hoops.

A review essay is presented for the book "The Cultural Production of Matthew Arnold," by Antony H. Harrison, and several scholarly essays, including "Defending 'Identity and the Writer:' A. S. Byatt's Delineation of the Proper 'Function of Criticism at the Present Time,'" by Ann Marie Adams, in volume 49, no. 4 of "Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction," and "Un-Gypsying the Gypsies: Arnold's Wandering Metaphor of Time," by Lance Wilder, in volume 87 of "Philosophical Quarterly."

The article presents a retrospective review of the 1969 article "Technology: The Opiate of the Intellectuals" by John McDermott, published in the "New York Review of Books."

The article discusses several essays including "Risks and Decisions for Conservation and Environmental Management," by Mark Burgman, and "Environmental Hazards: Assessing Risk and Reducing Disaster," by Keith Smith. It states that the essay of Smith stresses on the ways for handling risk and eliminating disaster in different socio-economic contexts. The essay of Burgman highlights the risk evaluation cited as managing environmental risks and assessing hazards. It concludes that both essays focus on the significant matters for the assessment and management of environmental risks.

The article reviews several essays and volume which yield details about the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, a school for technicians and engineers. These include volume by David Gugerli, Patrick Kupper and Daniel Speich, and essays from Peter Gruss, Quidi Wu and Philippe Busquin.

The article reviews the periodical "Abenteuer Archäologie."

A review of the book "Enter Title Here," by Rahul Kanakia is presented.

The article presents information on the material that was drawn by authors Lidia Ceriani and Paolo Verme from the book titled "Variabilitàe Mutabilità" by Corrado Gini. It informs that Ceriani and Verme have put a lot of efforts in choosing, translating and presenting Gini's excerpts and have mainly focused on the first part of the book which focuses on the celebrated index of Gini.

The article reviews the book "Présences occidentales au Japon. Du siècle chrétien à la réouverture du XIXe siècle," by Christophe Marquet, edited by Les Éditions du Cerf.

Reviews the book "Acker: Articles from the New Statesman, 1989-1991," by Kathy Acker, edited by Robert Buckeye.

The article reviews the article "Estudios Eclesiásticos," published in the October-December, 2005 issue of the "Revista Teológica de Investigación e Información."

The article reviews the article "Les mystères des XVe et XVIe siècles, carrefour des genres?" by Charles Mazouer, in the book "Genres littéraires en question au Moyen Age," edited by Danièle James-Raoul.

The article presents reviews of several exhibitions and articles including an exhibition titled as "Photography and Culture" by Michael J. Stones and Marlee Bygate, another exhibition titled as "Sight and Sound" by Ian Christie and an article titled as "The dynamics of postmodern identity" by Elena Abrudan.

The article reviews the book "Western Heritage: A Selection of Wrangler Award-Winning Articles," edited by Paul Hutton.

The article reviews the book "Cretan Offerings: Studies in Honour of Peter Warren," edited by Olga Krzyszkowska.

INTERESTING TIMES Writings From a Turbulent Decade [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

HEARTS OF THE CITY The Selected Writings of Herbert Muschamp [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article reviews the book "Special issue: The Western," edited by Richard Raskin.

Features the Found Magazine. Narration of a published article; Information on the magazine; Author of the magazine.