Early Date Research Articles

Towards a chronological framework for early Irish carved stone: reassessing the evidence of Latinate inscriptions

The Digital Atlas of Early Irish Carved Stone (DAEICS) seeks to record and map key traits of carved stone monuments of late prehistoric and early medieval date, providing fresh perspectives on stone-carving over the course of a millennium. First, however, the question of chronology must be addressed, so here we reassess the potential of Latinate inscriptions as a dating tool. Rather than a comprehensive treatment of palaeography and language, we focus, first, on the small number of monuments that commemorate historically identifiable individuals and, second, on the chronological implications of the use or non-use of formulae, proposing new termini post quem for different variations. We also show that the appearance of Gilla- compound personal names on inscriptions allows the monuments in question to be dated to after 950 CE. The implications of the inscriptions for the date-ranges of some specific cross-forms are explored, above all with respect to the singularly large collection of carved stone monuments at Clonmacnoise, which we argue was the only site in Ireland where stone-carving was sustained over several centuries. Using the dateable inscriptions, we demonstrate that there was a general increase in the average size of recumbent grave-markers between 600 and 1200 CE, a trend indicative of changing strategies of commemoration that has important implications for the chronology of these monuments, especially those that cannot readily be dated on other criteria. This refined chronology will facilitate further research on the key questions raised by these monuments, including patterns of patronage and resource investment, the varied identities of ecclesiastical communities, and networks of carvers and churches.

An updated chronology for Umbeli Belli and its implications for the Middle and Later Stone Ages

We present a series of 12 OSL/IRSL dates that revise and complete the chronology of the important Middle (MSA) and Later Stone Age (LSA) site Umbeli Belli in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. These dates shift the previous radiometric ages thousands of years older than earlier measurements and play a key role in revising the cultural stratigraphy of KwaZulu-Natal. We also discuss how these dates bring the chrono- and cultural stratigraphy of southern Africa into clearer focus. The Robberg sequence of Umbeli Belli is now firmly dated to 21 ± 2 ka, whereas the preceding Early LSA assemblage dates to ~32 ka, representing one of the earliest dates for this cultural expression in the broader region. The final MSA assemblages from Layer 7 to 9 now date to between 35 ka and 40 ka, overlapping more tightly with comparable assemblages from Sibhudu, Umhlatuzana and other sites. Layer 10, which was previously also assigned to the final MSA, now dates to ~47–54 ka, placing the assemblage within the temporal range of the Late MSA. The new dates provide a good explanation for the clear differences in material culture between Layer 10 and the younger layers. We also present two new ages for the deeper horizons 11b and 12 at Umbeli Belli, dating to 76 ± 9 ka and 80 ± 9 ka, respectively.

Effects of grass species and harvest date on cell wall components and feed efficiency of dairy cows

There is a balance between DM yield and feed value when choosing types of grasses on a farm depending on the acreages of farmland and types of ruminants to be fed. Therefore, optimisation of the harvest strategy for grass silage is important for profitable dairy farming. Tall fescue has high DM yield and can replace traditional grasses, such as timothy, in Northern Europe in a changing climate as it has been shown to be more drought tolerant. As differences in climate responses previously have been related to differences in cell wall structure between grass species and, consequently, in digestibility, it is highly relevant to compare these species at similar maturity stages and to investigate if a very early harvest date will diminish potential differences between the species. This study evaluated the effects of harvest date and forage species on the concentration of hydroxycinnamic acids in silages and its relationship to feed efficiency of dairy cows. Tall fescue and timothy were harvested at very early date on May 25 or at early date on May 31 in the spring growth cycle. Forty lactating dairy cows were used in a block design. Cows received 1 of 4 treatments: (1) tall fescue harvested at very early date, (2) timothy harvested at very early date, (3) tall fescue harvested at early date, and (4) timothy harvested at early date. Diets were formulated to have the same forage-to-concentrate ratio (49:51 on DM basis). Tall fescue silages showed greater concentrations of DM, ash, and CP than timothy silages. Grasses harvested at early date showed greater concentrations of NDF, ADL, and cell wall than grasses harvested at very early date. Tall fescue silages showed greater concentration of p-coumaric acid and lower in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) compared to timothy silages. Milk production and composition were not affected by treatments but cows fed tall fescue-based diets showed lower milk protein yield and greater milk urea nitrogen than when timothy-based diets were fed. Furthermore, cows receiving timothy-based diets showed greater feed efficiency compared to cows receiving tall fescue-based diets. Thus, the lower concentration of p-coumaric acid and the higher IVOMD was associated with greater feed efficiency of cows fed timothy-based diets compared to tall fescue-based diets.

Cardiovascular diseases as risk factors of post-COVID syndrome: a systematic review

BackgroundA growing proportion of people experience incomplete recovery months after contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These COVID-19 survivors develop a condition known as post-COVID syndrome (PCS), where COVID-19 symptoms persist for > 12 weeks after acute infection. Limited studies have investigated PCS risk factors that notably include pre-existing cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which should be examined considering the most recent PCS data. This review aims to identify CVD as a risk factor for PCS development in COVID-19 survivors.MethodsFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist, systematic literature searches were performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from the earliest date available to June 2023. Data from observational studies in English that described the association between CVD and PCS in adults (≥ 18 years old) were included. A minimum of two authors independently performed the screening, study selection, data extraction, data synthesis, and quality assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale). The protocol of this review was registered under PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023440834).ResultsIn total, 594 studies were screened after duplicates and non-original articles had been removed. Of the 11 included studies, CVD including hypertension (six studies), heart failure (three studies), and others (two studies) were significantly associated with PCS development with different factors considered. The included studies were of moderate to high methodological quality.ConclusionOur review highlighted that COVID-19 survivors with pre-existing CVD have a significantly greater risk of developing PCS symptomology than survivors without pre-existing CVD. As heart failure, hypertension and other CVD are associated with a higher risk of developing PCS, comprehensive screening and thorough examinations are essential to minimise the impact of PCS and improve patients’ disease progression.

P-301 Real life experience with myolysis by radiofrequency in infertile patients with type 2 and 3 fibroids

Abstract Study question Can transvaginal radiofrequency myolysis (TVRF) be a safe alternative to reduce the fibroid volume without interfering with subsequent RA treatment? Summary answer RFTV myolysis is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of type 2-3 uterine fibroids < 4cm that compromise the endometrial cavity. What is known already The most common benign tumors among women who are in their reproductive years are uterine fibroids. Although most of them are not symptomatic, when they compromise the endometrial cavity, they can lead to reproductive problems. Type 2 and 3 fibroids that are smaller than 4 cm in diameter can cause compromise to the endometrial cavity and are difficult to remove through laparoscopy/hysteroscopy. Study design, size, duration The fibroid volume and % of reduction after 3 months were primary variables. All fibroids were examined with 2D/3D transvaginal ultrasonography to record nº of myomas, volume (the volume of an ellipsoid in cm3 = 4/3 (distance1xdistance2xdistance3), type of fibroid according to the FIGO. The secondary variables were mean procedure time, complications, and reproductive outcome after ART (pregnancy rate (PG), miscarriage Rate (MR), Live born rate (LBR) and obstetrics complications, and type of delivery way. Participants/materials, setting, methods We evaluated thirty-four patients between 2019-2023 with type 2-3 fibroids under 4 cm evaluated by 2D/3D ultrasound, confirming that they compromised the uterine cavity and with a complex surgical approach. Myolysis was carried out by TVRF Main results and the role of chance The average age of our patients was 42 years (range 37-50). In our patients, 52% had fibroids of type 3, and 48% had fibroids of type 2. According to FIGO classification. The average TVRF time for the patients was 4.17 minutes. The average volume was initially 21 cm3, but it decreased to 10 cm3 after one month, and finally dropped to 4.6 cm3 after three months. The volume reduction was >75% when evaluated three months after the TVRF. No complications were reported during the procedure except for mild pain that was controlled with oral analgesia in 21% of patients, and minimal bleeding. In eight patients, the fibroid was extruded towards the endometrial cavity and removed by hysteroscopy. Twenty four out of 34 patients (71%) underwent ART, at least 4 months after TVRF. The reproductive outcome was comparable to what was expected, with a 63% pregnancy rate, 17% miscarriage rate, and 50% ongoing pregnancy rate. Live birth rate was 46%, with 83% reaching term pregnancy, and 16% premature births at 36 and 34 weeks. The rate of cesarean section was 66%. Among the obstetric complications, only one case or IUGR was described Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitation of these data is retrospective analysis of the date and the small sample size, as this is the earliest date on the impact of TVRF on infertile patients. Wider implications of the findings TVRF myolysis is a safe and effective alternative for the infertile women with type 2-3 uterine fibroids < 4 cm that compromise the endometrial cavity that have a complex surgical approach by hysteroscopy/laparoscopy. It appears that TVRF has no impact on reproductive outcomes. Trial registration number not applicable

Iron-rich sandstones in medieval churches in the Cambridge region, UK: distribution, sources and significance

ABSTRACT England’s 13,000 medieval churches are a distinctive landscape feature, not least because they were mostly constructed of local building materials. Especially prominent are churches incorporating iron-rich (ferruginous) stone, in a range of yellow-brown colours. This study investigates churches in an 1,800 km2 area centred on south Cambridgeshire, and interprets the distribution of three iron-rich building stones in space and time. Over 120 churches have been studied in the field, and a further sixty churches provisionally assessed using only photographs. The study confirms existing views that two iron-rich walling stones — the Ely and Gamlingay sandstones — were quarried from the bedrock Woburn Sands Formation (Lower Cretaceous). However, a third walling stone — the Cottenham Sandstone — is re-interpreted as a ferricrete (ironpan) formed by cementation of Quaternary river sediments by iron-rich ground-water. The churches containing ferricrete are shown to lie on the relict floodplains of the ancestral River Cam, rather than following the Woburn Sands outcrop. Cottenham ferricrete was used most commonly during the twelfth to fourteenth centuries with some reuse in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. This result conflicts with a hypothesis based on churches in the London Basin that ferricrete walling indicates a twelfth-century or earlier date. There is no evidence in the Romanesque and later churches of the study area that iron-rich and iron-poor building stones were used to create patterned rubble walling as a visual feature. The lack of patterning supports the view that such walls were not meant to be seen and were usually rendered or lime-washed.

The Invention and Early Use of the Mariner’s Astrolabe

The so-called mariner’s astrolabe attracts much attention. There are at least 40 publications, dating between 1917 and 2023 dealing directly with the subject plus many treatises on the history of navigation and nautical instruments that mention or describe the mariner’s astrolabe. Common to most of these publications are statements about the origin and/or first use of the mariner’s astrolabe which are mostly superficial, misleading or simply false. Almost all of them rely on prior publications, that are generally not cited, and if references are given they are wrong, poorly understood or misleading. These publications have meant that myths and baseless assumptions on the early history of European navigation have proliferated. This article tries to take stock of what we really know about the origin and the early use of an instrument widely used in navigation in the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. The sources of the presumed early dates, myths and assumptions are identified through an investigation of the nomenclature, graphical representations, textual evidence and material evidence relating to the mariner’s astrolabe.

A fresh perspective on advances in pancreatic cancer treatment over the past two decades

In the past two decades, significant advances have been made in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.Numerous first-line treatments, such as gemcitabine combined with erlotinib, gemcitabine combined with albumin-bound paclitaxel, FOLFIRINOX, and NALIRIFOX, have emerged;surgery-centered treatment has gradually become the mains clinical strategy.However, behind these achievements, the new drugs developed with substantial funding have not extended the median survival time of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer to more than one year; the 5-year survival rate for postoperative patients remains below 30%. While harboring hope and being proactive, researchers must also soberly reflect and continually reassess our direction, in anticipation of bringing tangible clinical benefits to pancreatic cancer patients at an early date.

Optimizing pyrethrum planting dates to enhance productivity in a changing climate: A case of southern Highlands in Tanzania

Pyrethrum has excellent potential for growing and industrial production in Tanzania, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides and reducing pest and disease incidence without altering the natural balance. Planting date and seeding rate are critical for the productivity of pyrethrum; however, farmers in recent years have been experiencing climate change, resulting in unreliable planting periods. This study seeks to optimize the planting date for increased crop production. The study was conducted in the Umalila Highlands in the Mbeya region, with demonstration plots established in three villages (Iyunga Mapinduzi, Santilya, and Pashungu) and planted at monthly intervals from January to April. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. The highest flower yield was achieved with early planting dates, particularly in January, with yields progressively decreasing from February to April. Sowing in January produced a yield of approx. 550 kg ha-1, significantly more than the April control with approx. 122 kg ha-1. The survival rate of Pyrethrum plants was highest at about 75% when planted in January and decreased to 72% in February, 67% in March and 57% in April. Pyrethrum planted in January had the most significant plant height, rosette size, and number of stems at all three sites, while April plantings had the worst performance and higher disease scores. Positive correlations were observed between yield and plant traits, such as height, rosette size, and number of stems, with negative correlations between yield and disease scores.

Metagenomic Investigation of the Short-Term Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of the Bacterial Microbiome and the Resistome Downstream of a Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Iskar River in Bulgaria.

Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) aim to reduce contamination in effluent water; however, studies indicate antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) persist post-treatment, potentially leading to their spread from human populated areas into the environment. This study evaluated the impact of a large WWTP serving 125,000 people on the Iskar River in Bulgaria, by characterizing the spatial and short-term temporal dynamics in bacterial community dynamics and resistance profiles of the surface water. Pairs of samples were collected biweekly on four dates from two different locations, one about 800 m after the WWTP effluents and the other 10 km downstream. Taxonomic classification revealed the dominance of Pseudomonodota and Bacteriodota, notably the genera Flavobacterium, Aquirufa, Acidovorax, Polynucleobacter, and Limnohabitans. The taxonomic structure corresponded with both lentic and lotic freshwater habitats, with Flavobacterium exhibiting a significant decrease over the study period. Principal Coordinate Analysis revealed statistically significant differences in bacterial community composition between samples collected on different dates. Differential abundance analysis identified notable enrichment of Polynucleobacter and Limnohabitans. There were shifts within the enriched or depleted bacterial taxa between early and late sampling dates. High relative abundance of the genes erm(B), erm(F), mph(E), msr(E) (macrolides); tet(C), tet(O), tet(W), tet(Q) and tet(X) (tetracyclines); sul1 and sul2 (sulphonamides); and cfxA3, cfxA6 (beta-lactams) were detected, with trends of increased presence in the latest sampling dates and in the location closer to the WWTP. Of note, genes conferring resistance to carbapenems blaOXA-58 and blaIMP-33-like were identified. Co-occurrence analysis of ARGs and mobile genetic elements on putative plasmids showed few instances, and the estimated human health risk score (0.19) according to MetaCompare2.0 was low. In total, 29 metagenome-assembled genomes were recovered, with only a few harbouring ARGs. This study enhances our understanding of freshwater microbial community dynamics and antibiotic resistance profiles, highlighting the need for continued ARGs monitoring.

The Impact of Ketamine-Based Versus Non-Ketamine-Based ECT Anesthesia Regimens on the Severity of Patients’ Depression and Occurrence of Adverse Events: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Objective: To compare efficacy and safety outcomes for ketamine anesthesia + electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) versus nonketamine anesthesia + ECT in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) patients. Data Sources: PubMed and Embase were searched from the earliest date through November 27, 2023. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ketamine + ECT versus nonketamine anesthesia + ECT that reported data on remission (odds ratio [OR]), defined as a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Montgomery-Asburg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score <8-10) and mean differences (MDs) in HAM-D scores after several ECT sessions were compared using inverse variance methods. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane RoB tool. Data Synthesis: Seventeen RCTs (RoB: Low N = 12, Moderate N = 2, High N = 3) with 1181 total patients met inclusion criteria. Patients receiving ECT experienced greater clinical remission (OR: 1.78, [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-2.93], I2 = 11%, N = 9) and lower HAM-D scores after the third through sixth ECT sessions as well as the eighth ECT session when ketamine versus nonketamine anesthesia was used. Ketamine use with ECT significantly increased fear with hallucinations (OR: 1.99, [95% CI: 1.11-3.58], I2 = 0%, N = 7) than with nonketamine anesthesia. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Selecting ketamine-based anesthesia could more quickly and profoundly enhance the beneficial effects of ECT for patients with severe TRD, but the balance of benefits to harm is unclear as there may be additional adverse events. Conclusion: Ketamine is a promising anesthesia adjunct to ECT that may enhance antidepressant effects in exchange for more adverse events.

DID THE AUTHOR OF THE TALE OF IGOR’S CAMPAIGN KNOW THE CHRONICLE NARRATIVES ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN OF 1185? PART TWO

The article is devoted to the problem of textual connections between The Tale of Igor’s Campaign and the narratives about the campaign of Prince Igor in 1185, which are part of the chronicles of the Laurentian group and the Ipatiev Chronicle. Hypotheses and opinions belonging to various scholars are examined in detail: the idea of the absence of such connections, the assumption of the primacy of The Tale in relation to the narrative from the Ipatiev Chronicle, the statement of the secondary nature of the “song” about Igor’s campaign in relation to both narratives. The subject of attention is primarily the overview of concepts by P.E. Vadenyuk, I.P. Khrushchov, V.N. Peretz, A.A. Zimin, B.A. Rybakov, V.Yu. Franchuk, B.I. Yatsenko, L.V. Sokolova, A.N. Uzhankov. As a result of a critical analysis of the existing hypotheses and a comparative analysis of The Tale and two narratives, it is proved that this literary monument is secondary in relation to the narrative contained in the chronicles of the Laurentian group (apparently, to its core as part of the hypothetical Pereyaslav or Chernigov chronicles), and is primary in relation to the text of the narrative from the Ipatiev Chronicle. The idea of the dependence of The Tale of Igor’s Campaign on the narrative of the Laurentian group is assessed as quite convincing, and considerations in favor of the version of the secondary nature of The Tale in relation to the narrative of the Ipatiev Chronicle are recognized as contradicting the facts: the nature of the references to the Kayala River and the sea in both texts indicates that the chronicle was not the source of The Tale, but, on the contrary, the “song” influenced the chronicle narrative. The findings support the early dating of the Tale of Igor’s Campaign (mid to second half of the 1180s) and are indirect arguments in favor of the authenticity of the “song”.

DID THE AUTHOR OF THE TALE OF IGOR’S CAMPAIGN KNOW THE CHRONICLE NARRATIVES ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN OF 1185? PART 1

The article is devoted to the problem of textual connections between The Tale of Igor’s Campaign and the narratives about the campaign of Prince Igor in 1185, which are part of the chronicles of the Laurentian group and the Ipatiev Chronicle. Hypotheses and opinions belonging to various scholars are examined in detail: the idea of the absence of such connections, the assumption of the primacy of the Tale in relation to the narrative from the Ipatiev Chronicle, the statement of the secondary nature of the ‘song’ about Igor’s campaign in relation to both narratives. The subject of attention is primarily the overview of concepts by P.E. Vadenyuk, I.P. Khrushchov, V.N. Peretz, A.A. Zimin, B.A. Rybakov, V.Yu. Franchuk, B.I. Yatsenko, L.V. Sokolova, A.N. Uzhankov. As a result of a critical analysis of the existing hypotheses and a comparative analysis of the Tale and two narratives, it is proved that this literary monument is secondary in relation to the narrative contained in the chronicles of the Laurentian group (apparently, to its core as part of the hypothetical Pereyaslav or Chernigov chronicles), and is primary in relation to the text of the narrative from the Ipatiev Chronicle. The idea of the dependence of The Tale of Igor’s Campaign on the narrative of the Laurentian group is assessed as quite convincing, and considerations in favor of the version of the secondary nature of The Tale in relation to the narrative of the Ipatiev Chronicle are recognized as contradicting the facts: the nature of the references to the Kayala River and the sea in both texts indicates that the chronicle was not the source of The Tale, but, on the contrary, the ‘song’ influenced the chronicle narrative. The findings support the early dating of The Tale of Igor’s Campaign (mid to second half of the 1180s) and are indirect arguments in favor of the authenticity of the ‘song’.

Rhinosinusitis in children with acute respiratory infection: quality of life and features of drug therapy

BACKGROUND: The relevance of the study is due to limited information on the impact of various forms of rhinosinusitis that have arisen against the background of acute respiratory infection on the quality of life of children and effective treatment methods. AIM: To conduct a clinical assessment of the effect on the recovery time and quality of life in children with acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of polypous rhinosinusitis that occurred against the background of a respiratory infection, including antiviral drugs in complex treatment in the early stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A simple controlled randomized comparative clinical trial was conducted, involving 74 children aged 15 to 18 years. The clinical efficacy and safety of the use of antiviral drugs in complex therapy, which are neuraminidase inhibitors on the 5th, 7th and 10th days of treatment, were evaluated in comparison with groups receiving pentanedioic acid imidazolylethanamide. The inclusion criterion was acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic polypous rhinosinusitis against the background of acute respiratory infection. To establish the diagnosis, an examination of ENT organs, computed tomography of the nose and paranasal sinuses were performed, patients subjectively assessed clinical complaints and quality of life in the Russian version of the standard form of the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: Positive dynamics was noted in the early stages in the 2nd subgroup of the 1st group who took neuraminidase inhibitors in addition to complex therapy. Manifested by a decrease in the average score for VAS to 80.0%, difficulty in nasal breathing to 1.7 points on the 10th day of treatment, relative to those taking imidazolylethanamide pentanedioic acid, where there was a decrease in the average score for VAS by 22.4%, difficulty in nasal breathing to 2.54 points. A similar pattern was observed with nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and quality of life indicators according to the SF-36 questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Improvement of clinical symptoms and quality of life indicators at an earlier date in children with polypous rhinosinusitis and acute rhinosinusitis against the background of a previous respiratory infection with the inclusion of neuraminidase inhibitors in complex therapy confirmed higher efficacy.

НОВІ ВІДКРИТТЯ, ПРОБЛЕМИ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ТА ЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ ПІДЗЕМНОЇ СПАДЩИНИ ДАВНЬОГО ГАЛИЧА

The long history of changing ideas is considered and the hypothesis of the urban structure of ancient Halych of the 12th-13th centuries is demonstrated. according to archaeological sources. Based on the analysis of stratigraphic, planning and construction-technological features, the relative chronology of the appearance of the 16 studied relics of monumental architecture was established. The earliest monuments of the first half of the 12th century are examined in detail: an ensemble of palace buildings with a post construction of log walls, the use of a plinth and a tin roof on Kryloska Hill, a complex of churches on Tsarynka, the Church of the Savior on Karpytsia Hill, as well as other objects, on which recent discoveries have been made. The appearance of early sacred objects outside the city is explained by the gradual Christianization of the population of Halych. Analysis of the construction periodization of the Dormition Cathedral in the middle of the 12th century. allows you to review its graphic reconstructions until now and raise the question of developing a new hypothesis of the three-dimensional appearance of the building during the first construction period, from which the recently found detail of a large alabaster ornamentally decorated capital with traces of false gilding comes from. The results of architectural and archaeological soundings at the outer contours of the foundations of the Panteleimon Church confirmed the presence of regular external protrusions of the foundations, which calibrates the construction of the object together with the early paleographic dates of the early 90s of the 12th century. Part makes it possible to argue the use of a measuring foot of 30 cm. Attention is drawn to the problems of preserving a number of known architectural and archaeological objects and the search for unknown monuments by non-invasive research methods.

Improving the complex therapy of dysphonia in respiratory infections and SARS-COV-2

Significantly aggravating the clinical course and negatively affecting the quality of life of patients, voice disorders in acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) and SARS-CoV-2 require correction of treatment. Aim. To determine the effectiveness of Homeovox® in the complex therapy of dysfunctions in patients with respiratory infections and SARS-CoV-2 Materials and methods. The clinical study was conducted by a single-stage observational method, without intervention, at the clinical base of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the South Ural State Medical University in the period 2022–2023. The results of a study of 45 patients who suffered from acute respiratory and coronavirus infection SARS-CoV-2, accompanied by dysphonia, are presented. Results. There was a significant difference in the results of conservative treatment of patients previously divided into 2 groups according to the study design. Thus, in the second group (n=22), in addition to medical and economic standards, who received a multicomponent homeopathic medicine in accordance with the instructions, earlier recovery periods and statistically reliable restoration of vocal function were established until complete restoration of vocal function. Standard medical and economical therapy of patients of the first (n=23) and second groups included: administration of antiviral and antihistamines, local decongestants, irrigation therapy, symptomatic treatment. Conclusion. The assessment of dysphonia on three scales: the VASH scale, the Wilson Yanagihara scale and the GRBAS classification of voice disorders confirmed the restoration of voice function and recovery at an earlier date in patients who additionally took a homeopathic drug

The Effect of Yoga Intervention on Psychological Symptoms, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in People with Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background: Whether yoga is effective in the cardiac rehabilitation of people with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains controversial. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of yoga intervention on psychological symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and major cardiovascular risk factors in people with CAD. Methods: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (from the earliest date available to July 2023). Mean difference (MD), standardized MD (SMD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Results: Seventeen studies, with 5,698 patients, met the study criteria. Compared to control (no exercise), yoga resulted in improved depression MD −0.83 (95% CI: −1.35 to −0.31), stress MD −3.83 (95% CI: −4.8 to 2.86), HRQoL SMD 1.48 (95% CI: 0.55 to 2.4), major cardiovascular risk factors (peak VO2 MD 1.7 mL/kg/min [95% CI: 0.2 to 3.3], systolic blood pressure MD −3.2 mmHg [95% CI: −5.9 to −0.5], and diastolic blood pressure MD −2.42 mmHg [95% CI: −4.08 to −0.76]). Conclusions: Yoga was effective in the improvement of psychological symptoms, HRQoL, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Surface heat fluxes at coarse blocky Murtèl rock glacier (Engadine, eastern Swiss Alps)

Abstract. We estimate the surface energy balance (SEB) of the Murtèl rock glacier, a seasonally snow-covered permafrost landform with a ventilated coarse blocky active layer (AL) located in the eastern Swiss Alps. We focus on the parameterisation of the turbulent heat fluxes. Seasonally contrasting atmospheric conditions occur in the Murtèl cirque, with downslope katabatic jets in winter and a strongly unstable atmosphere over the heated blocky surface in summer. We use a novel comprehensive sensor array both above the ground surface and in the coarse blocky AL to track the rapid coupling by convective heat and moisture fluxes between the atmosphere, the snow cover, and the AL for the time period September 2020–September 2022. The in situ sensor array includes a sonic anemometer for eddy-covariance flux above-ground and sub-surface long-wave radiation measurements in a natural cavity between the AL blocks. During the thaw seasons, the measurements suggest an efficient (∼ 90 %) export of the available net radiation by sensible and latent turbulent fluxes, thereby strongly limiting the heat available for melting ground ice. Turbulent export of heat and moisture drawn from the permeable AL contributes to the well-known insulating effect of the coarse blocky AL and partly explains the climate resiliency of rock glaciers. This self-cooling capacity is counteracted by an early snow melt-out date, exposing the low-albedo blocky surface to the intense June–July insolation and causing reduced evaporative cooling due to exacerbated moisture scarcity in the near-surface AL during dry spells. With climate change, earlier snowmelt and increased frequency, duration, and intensity of heat waves and droughts are projected. Regarding the parameterisation of the turbulent fluxes, we estimated the year-round turbulent fluxes using a modified Louis (1979) scheme. The monthly SEB is closed within 20 W m−2 except during the snowmelt months and under katabatic drainage winds in winter. Detected sensible turbulent fluxes from nocturnal ventilation processes, although a potentially important ground cooling mechanism, are within our 20 W m−2 uncertainty because nighttime wind speeds are low. Wintertime katabatic wind speeds needed to be scaled to close the SEB, which hints at the limits of parameterisations based on the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory in complex mountain terrain and katabatic drainage winds. The present work contributes to the process understanding of the SEB and climate sensitivity of coarse blocky landforms.

Defining the sanctissimus

This article presents the results of a programme of investigation into vallum enclosures around known or suspected early Christian church sites in eastern Scotland. Survey and keyhole excavation results are reported on for four sites: Abersnithock, Aberdeenshire; Migvie, Aberdeenshire; Glamis, Angus; and Dunkeld, Perth and Kinross. At each site a combination of aerial survey, geophysics and evaluative excavation revealed rectilinear or curvilinear ditched enclosures centring on the position of the church, with radiocarbon dating showing these enclosures are of early medieval date. The significance of the church vallums are discussed, including their role as marking the sacred precincts of the early church and the significance of such large enclosures in the early medieval landscapes of Pictland. In addition to the early medieval results, the geophysical survey at Dunkeld revealed part of old Dunkeld town, which was burnt down and abandoned after the Battle of Dunkeld in 1689.

Green finance, green development and decarbonization of the energy consumption structure.

Energy plays a crucial role in global economic development, but it also contributes significantly to CO2 emissions. China has proposed a "dual-carbon" goal, and a key aspect to achieving this objective is finding effective ways to promote the decarbonization of the energy consumption structure (DECS). Compared with traditional finance, green finance is pivotal in advancing green and low-carbon development. However, the mechanism through which green finance impacts DECS has not been thoroughly explored. This study employs an enhanced weighted multi-dimensional vector angle method, which is more systematic and scientific, to measure DECS. Then, dynamic panel data from 30 provinces in China spanning the years 2003 to 2020 are used. A double fixed-effects model is applied to investigate the impact of green finance on the DECS and identify potential pathways. Results reveal that green finance significantly enhances DECS, primarily by reinforcing green development. The critical impact pathway involves the promotion of green technology innovation and green industry development. Moreover, the enhancing effect of green finance on the DECS is considerably significant in regions with relatively low government spending on science and technology (S&T), and where the focus is not on the "Atmospheric Ten" policy. The measurement of DECS is innovative, and the conclusions derived from it can offer compelling evidence for various social stakeholders. The government has the opportunity to establish a green financial system, supporting green technological innovation and the development of green industries. This approach can accelerate the DECS and work toward achieving the "double carbon" goal at an earlier date.