bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug loss from Paclitaxel-Coated Balloons During Preparation, Insertion and Inflation for Angioplasty: A Laboratory Investigation
Authors: Faenger Bernd , Heinrich Andreas , Hilger Ingrid , Teichgräber Ulf
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To investigate drug contamination of the working environment with paclitaxel drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty due to loss of paclitaxel containing particles from the coating during DCB preparation, insertion, and inflation.

Material and Methods

In an experimetal laboratory setting, drug loss during removal of the protective cover and insertion of the DCB through the hemostatic valve of the introducer sheath and after inflation was examined. In seven DCB types of different manufacturers, semi-quantitative image analysis was performed during five standardized tests cycles. Additionally, every DCB type passed one cycle of a wipe test and one cycle of air sampling.

Results

By removing the protective cover, the paclitaxel-covered balloon surface was significantly reduced in 3 out of 7 products (P = 0.043). Overall, extend of decline ranged from 0.4 to 12%. In 6 of 7 products, powdered paclitaxel clusters dropped down upon removal of the protective cover (0.099 ng/cm2 up to approx. 22 ng/cm2). Contamination of the air was detected in none of the DCB types. When pushed through the vascular sheath, none of the investigated DCB types showed a significant loss of paclitaxel from the coated balloon surface. After balloon inflation, the paclitaxel-coated surface area varied between manufacturers ranging from 25.9 to 97.8%.

Conclusion

In some DCB types, the removal of the protective cover already leads to a significant loss of paclitaxel and paclitaxel-coated surfaces. As a result, there will be a contamination of the workplace and a reduction in the therapeutic dose.

Level of Evidence

No level of evidence.
Predictive Factors for Sustained Pain after (sub)acute Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures. Combined Results from the VERTOS II and VERTOS IV Trial
Authors: Firanescu Cristina E. , Venmans Alexander , de Vries Jolanda , Lodder Paul , Schoemaker Marinus C. , Smeets Albert J. , Donga Esther , Juttmann Job R. , Schonenberg Karen , Klazen Caroline A. H. , Elgersma Otto E. H. , Jansen Frits H. , Fransen Hendrik , Hirsch Joshua A. , Lohle Paul N. M.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are treated conservatively or in selected cases with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV). The purpose of this retrospective analysis is to determine predictive factors for a high visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score after conservative, sham or PV and is based on previously published randomized trials.

Methods

The VERTOS II compared conservative versus PV, and VERTOS IV compared sham versus PV treatment. The conservative group received pain medication. The sham and PV group received subcutaneous lidocaine/bupivacaine. In addition, the PV group received cementation, which was simulated in the sham group. Nineteen different predictors of high (≥ 5) versus low (< 5) VAS pain score at 12 months were investigated.

Results

20.7% of patients in the PV group demonstrated a VAS ≥ 5 at the 12-month, compared to 40.1% in the conservative or sham group, with a significant difference (χ2(1) = 15.26, p < 0.0001, OR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.59 to 4.15). In the subgroup analysis, we detected five predictors for the risk of high pain scores (VAS ≥ 5 after 12 months follow-up), namely: female, baseline VAS > 8, long-term baseline pain, mild/severe Genant and new fractures.

Conclusions

Statistically significant more patients had a high pain score at 12 months in the sham and conservative group when compared with the PV group. Five predictors were identified for sustained high local back pain, regardless of the received treatment. Patients with moderate fracture deformity were less likely to have high pain scores at 12 months if they received PV than if they had sham or conservative therapy.
Microbotanical signatures of kreb: differentiating inflorescence phytoliths from northern African wild grasses
Authors: Le Moyne Charles , Fuller Dorian Q. , Crowther Alison
Published: June 2022

Throughout northern Africa, evidence for an intensification of wild grass gathering is reflected in Holocene archaeological contexts. However, both the recovery of macrobotanical assemblages and the specificity of their taxonomic classification are heavily influenced by food processing and post-depositional conditions. In contrast, inflorescence phytoliths provide high levels of taxonomic specificity and preserve well in most archaeological contexts. This study analyses the in situ morphology of inflorescence phytoliths from modern specimens of nine wild C4 grass species commonly observed in ethnographic studies and recovered in seed assemblages from archaeological contexts across northern Africa. Morphological differences in Interdigitate phytoliths within the fertile florets of six Paniceae species enabled differentiation between them. The morphological parameters established in this study provide an additional resource for archaeological and palaeoecological analyses using phytoliths, which demonstrates the effectiveness of applying this method to African wild grass species.
Animal models of pediatric abusive head trauma
Authors: Finnie John W. , Blumbergs Peter C.
Published: June 2022

Background

Abusive head trauma (AHT), previously known as the shaken baby syndrome, is a severe and potentially fatal form of traumatic brain injury in infant children who have been shaken, and sometimes also sustained an additional head impact. The clinical and autopsy findings in AHT are not pathognomonic and, due to frequent obfuscation by perpetrators, the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse are often unclear. The concept has evolved that the finding of the combination of subdural hemorrhage, brain injury, and retinal hemorrhages (“the triad”) is the result of shaking of an infant (“shaken baby syndrome”) and has led to the ongoing controversy whether shaking alone is able to generate sufficient force to produce these lesions.

Objective

In an attempt to investigate whether shaking can engender this lesion triad, animal models have been developed in laboratory rodents and domestic animal species. This review assesses the utility of these animal models to reliably reproduce human AHT pathology and evaluate the effects of shaking on the immature brain.

Results

Due largely to irreconcilable anatomic species differences between these animal brains and human infants, and a lack of resemblance of the experimental head shaking induced by mechanical devices to real-world human neurotrauma, no animal model has been able to reliably reproduce the full range of neuropathologic AHT changes.

Conclusion

Some animal models can simulate specific brain and ophthalmic lesions found in human AHT cases and provide useful information on their pathogenesis. Moreover, one animal model demonstrated that shaking of a freely mobile head, without an additional head impact, could be lethal, and produce significant brain pathology.
Pre-operative radiotherapy is associated with superior local relapse-free survival in advanced synovial sarcoma
Authors: Scheer Monika , Hallmen Erika , Vokuhl Christian , Fuchs Jörg , Tunn Per-Ulf , Münter Marc , Timmermann Beate , Bauer Sebastian , Henssen Anton George , Kazanowska Bernarda , Niggli Felix , Ladenstein Ruth , Ljungman Gustaf , Eggert Angelika , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa ,   Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe [CWS]
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Optimization of local therapies in synovial sarcoma (SS) considered unresectable at diagnosis is needed. We evaluated the effects of neoadjuvant versus adjuvant radiation versus surgery only on long-term outcomes.

Methods

Patients with macroscopic SS tumors before chemotherapy (IRS-group-III) in the trials CWS-81, CWS-86, CWS-91, CWS-96, CWS-2002-P and SoTiSaR-registry were analyzed. Local therapies were scheduled after 3 neoadjuvant chemotherapy cycles.

Results

Median age of 145 patients was 14.5 years. 106 survivors had median follow-up of 7.0 years. Tumor site was 96 extremities, 19 head–neck, 16 shoulder/hip, 14 trunk. Tumors were < 3 cm in 16, 3–5 cm in 28, 5–10 cm in 55, > 10 cm in 34 patients. In a secondary resection during chemotherapy, R0-status was accomplished in 82, R1 in 30, R2 in 21 (12 missing). Radiotherapy was administered to 115 (R0 61, R1 29, R2 20, missing 5), thereof 57 before and 52 after tumor resection. 23 were treated with surgery only. For all patients, 5 year event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) was 68.9% ± 7.6 (95%CI) and 79.1% ± 6.9. To establish independent significance, tumor site, size, surgical results and sequencing of local therapies were analyzed in a Cox regression analysis. Variables associated with EFS and OS are site, size and sequencing of local therapies. Variables associated with local recurrence are site, surgical results and sequencing of local therapies. The only variable associated with suffering metastatic recurrence is tumor size.

Conclusion

Differences in sequencing of local therapy procedures are independently associated with outcomes. Best local control is achieved when tumors are irradiated pre-operatively and undergo R0 or R1 resection thereafter.
Bacteria and protozoa with pathogenic potential in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Viennese recreational areas
Authors: Schötta Anna-Margarita , Stelzer Theresa , Stanek Gerold , Stockinger Hannes , Wijnveld Michiel
Published: June 2022

Ixodes ricinus is the most relevant vector for tick-borne diseases in Austria and responsible for the transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s. l.), which causes Lyme borreliosis in humans; however, also other bacteria and protozoa can be found in ticks and have the potential of infecting people and animals. In this study we collected ticks in popular recreational areas in the city of Vienna in the years 2019 and 2020 and analyzed them for the presence of such putative pathogenic microorganisms. By using reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization we detected DNA of B. burgdorferi s. l., Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis (CNM) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Moreover, we also screened them for the relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia miyamotoi employing real-time PCR. The most frequently detected pathogens were B. burgdorferi s. l. in 28.6% of the ticks in 2019 and 21.3% of the ticks in 2020. The genus Rickettsia was detected in 13.8% of the ticks from 2019 and only in 4.6% from 2020. Babesia spp. were detected in 5.7% in 2019 and 4.2% in 2020. Furthermore, we detected CNM in 4.0% (2019) and 5.6% (2020), A. phagocytophilum in 0.5% (2019) and 1.3% (2020) and finally B. miyamotoi in 3.3% (2019) and 1.7% (2020). Collectively, we show that various microorganisms are prevalent in ticks collected in Vienna and identify hotspots for B. miyamotoi, which we have detected for the first time in the city.
A variation of Hilbert’s axioms for euclidean geometry
Authors: Hähl Hermann , Peters Hanna
Published: June 2022

We propose a variation of Hilbert’s axioms for euclidean geometry which appears to us to be more intuitive, and which supports more directly Euclid’s original approach to the criteria for congruence of triangles.
Solving optimal stopping problems under model uncertainty via empirical dual optimisation
Authors: Belomestny Denis , Hübner Tobias , Krätschmer Volker
Published: June 2022

In this work, we consider optimal stopping problems with model uncertainty incorporated into the formulation of the underlying objective function. Typically, the robust, efficient hedging of American options in incomplete markets may be described as optimal stopping of such kind. Based on a generalisation of the additive dual representation of Rogers (Math. Financ. 12:271–286, 2002) to the case of optimal stopping under model uncertainty, we develop a novel regression-based Monte Carlo algorithm for the approximation of the corresponding value function. The algorithm involves optimising a penalised empirical dual objective functional over a class of martingales. This formulation allows us to construct upper bounds for the optimal value with reduced complexity. Finally, we carry out a convergence analysis of the proposed algorithm and illustrate its performance by several numerical examples.
Preferences of Sjögren’s syndrome patients regarding potential new saliva substitutes
Authors: Assy Zainab , Bikker Floris J. , Mashhour Esra , Asadi Mina , Brand Henk S.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) patients should be involved in the development of new saliva substitutes at an early stage. The purpose of the current study was to explore the preferences of these patients regarding various product characteristics of potential new saliva substitutes.

Material and method

A questionnaire was distributed among SS patients. They could anonymously indicate their preferences for saliva substitute characteristics using 5-point Likert scales.

Results

Fifty-nine SS patients filled in the questionnaire. According to their opinion, the most ideal saliva substitute has a thin-watery consistency with a neutral flavour that should be applied as a spray. Patients demand a prolonged alleviation of dry mouth complaints and neutralization of harmful bacteria. The patients mainly object against the presence of artificial sweeteners and alcohol in saliva substitutes, but have limited objections against the presence of vegetable-based ingredients and natural enzymes. Major objections were against the potential side effects “bitter taste” and “discoloration of teeth”. Age and severity of xerostomia affected desire of flavours. Younger patients preferred menthol flavour, while respondents with severe xerostomia preferred the use of “neutral flavours” significantly more.

Conclusion

The most ideal saliva substitute has thin-watery consistency in spray form with a neutral flavour and providing long alleviation of dry mouth complaints. Besides, it should not contain artificial sweeteners or alcohol, and should not have a bitter taste or cause discoloration of the teeth.

Clinical relevance

Investigating the opinion of SS patients provides tailoured insights into their preference, which may contribute to the development of more effective saliva substitutes.
Fluidization of soil under increasing seepage flow: an energy perspective through CFD-DEM coupling
Authors: Nguyen Thanh T. , Indraratna Buddhima
Published: June 2022

Increasing seepage flow causes soil particles to migrate, i.e., from local piping to complete fluidization, resulting in reduced effectives stress and degraded shear stiffness of the soil foundation. This process has received considerable attention in the past years, however, majority of them concentrate on macro-aspects such as the internal erosion and soil deformation, while there is a lack of fundamental studies addressing the energy transport at micro-scale of fluid-soil systems during soil approaching fluidization. In this regard, the current study presents an assessment of the energy evolution in soil fluidization based on the discrete element method (DEM) coupled with computation fluid dynamics (CFD). In this paper, an upward seepage flow of fluid is modelled by CFD based on the modified Navier–Stokes equations, while soil particles are governed by DEM with their mutual interactions being computed through fluid-particle force models. The energy transformation from the potential state to kinetic forms during fluid flowing is discussed with respect to numerical (CFD-DEM) results and the energy conservation concepts. The results show that majority of the potential energy induced by fluid flows has lost due to frictional mechanisms, while only a small amount of energy is needed to cause the soil to fluidize completely. The contribution of rotational and translational components to the total kinetic energy of particles, and their changing roles during soil fluidization is also presented. The effect of boundary condition on the energy transformation and fluidization of soil is also investigated and discussed.

Graphical abstract
Faintly tired: a systematic review of fatigue in patients with orthostatic syncope
Authors: Wu Ryan E. Y. , Khan Farhaan M. , Hockin Brooke C. D. , Lobban Trudie C. A. , Sanatani Shubhayan , Claydon Victoria E.
Published: June 2022

Background

Orthostatic syncope (transient loss of consciousness when standing—fainting) is common and negatively impacts quality of life. Many patients with syncope report experiencing fatigue, sometimes with “brain fog”, which may further impact their quality of life, but the incidence and severity of fatigue in patients with syncope remain unclear. In this systematic review, we report evidence on the associations between fatigue and conditions of orthostatic syncope.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive literature search of four academic databases to identify articles that evaluated the association between orthostatic syncope [postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), vasovagal syncope (VVS), orthostatic hypotension (OH)] and fatigue. Studies were independently screened using a multi-stage approach by two researchers to maintain consistency and limit bias.

Results

Our initial search identified 2797 articles, of which 13 met our inclusion criteria (POTS n = 10; VVS n = 1; OH n = 1; VVS and POTS n = 1). Fatigue scores were significantly higher in patients with orthostatic syncope than healthy controls, and were particularly severe in those with POTS. Fatigue associated with orthostatic syncope disorders spanned multiple domains, with each dimension contributing equally to increased fatigue. “Brain fog” was an important symptom of POTS, negatively affecting productivity and cognition. Finally, fatigue was negatively associated with mental health in patients with POTS.

Conclusion

In conditions of orthostatic syncope, fatigue is prevalent and debilitating, especially in patients with POTS. The consideration of fatigue in patients with orthostatic disorders is essential to improve diagnosis and management of symptoms, thus improving quality of life for affected individuals.
Clinical outcomes of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy in noncompaction cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tukker Martijn , Schinkel Arend F. L. , Dereci Adem , Caliskan Kadir
Published: June 2022

A subgroup of patients with noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) is at increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). In selected patients with NCCM, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy could be advantageous for preventing SCD. Currently, there is no complete overview of outcome and complications after ICD therapy in patients with NCCM. This study sought to present an overview using pooled data of currently available studies. Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched and returned 915 studies. After a thorough examination, 12 studies on outcome and complications after ICD therapy in patients with NCCM were included. There were 275 patients (mean age 38.6 years; 47% women) with NCCM and ICD implantation. Most of the patients received an ICD for primary prevention (66%). Pooled analysis demonstrates that the appropriate ICD intervention rate was 11.95 per 100 person-years and the inappropriate ICD intervention rate was 4.8 per 100 person-years. The cardiac mortality rate was 2.37 per 100 person-years. ICD-related complications occurred in 10% of the patients, including lead malfunction and revision (4%), lead displacement (3%), infection (2%), and pneumothorax (2%). Patients with NCCM who are at increased risk of SCD may significantly benefit from ICD therapy, with a high appropriate ICD therapy rate of 11.95 per 100 person-years and a low cardiac mortality rate of 2.37 per 100 person-years. Inappropriate therapy rate of 4.8 per 100 person-years and ICD-related complications were not infrequent and may lead to patient morbidity.
Fields of Recognition: A Dialogue Between Pierre Bourdieu and Axel Honneth
Authors: Piroddi Corrado
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to enrich the idea of the institutionalized sphere of recognition developed by Axel Honneth and Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of the “social field” by combining them. First, it underlines the characteristics that the two viewpoints share. Second, the paper argues that their combination can be mutually beneficial for overcoming some of their respective theoretical limits: the issue of the determination of the amplitude of the social field and the nature of the power that institutions of recognition exercise on individuals.
A novel psychometric approach to assessing intersectional hiv stigma: the geometric intersectional stigma scales
Authors: Kalichman Seth C. , Shkembi Bruno , Eaton Lisa A.
Published: June 2022

Recent advances in stigma theories have emphasized intersectionality, but there are currently few approaches to measuring intersectional HIV stigma. Here we present a novel approach to assessing intersectional HIV stigma. Black/African American sexual minority men living with HIV (N = 437) completed newly developed measures of enacted and anticipated stigma along with a battery of instruments to examine construct validity. For each endorsed stigma item, participants rated three personal attributes ascribed to the stigma experiences, specifically race, same-sex sexual behavior, and HIV status. Based on the notion that intersecting orthogonal dimensions such as attributions for experiencing stigma can be conceptualized geometrically, we used the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate intersectional stigma scores. Results showed that the enacted and anticipated stigma scales and the assessment of intersectional stigma attributes demonstrated acceptable response rates, internal consistency and a pattern of associations with correlates that suggests construct validity. In separate tests of construct validity, regression models predicting medication adherence indicated varied results among stigma measures, demonstrating clear advantages to separating the assessment of stigma experiences from the attributes to which stigma experiences are ascribed. Findings from this geometric approach to assessing intersectional HIV stigma were promising and warrant further investigation.
The Effect of Science-Related Populism on Vaccination Attitudes and Decisions
Authors: Kohler Sarah , Koinig Isabell
Published: June 2022

As the COVID-19 pandemic has sadly shown, the decision against vaccination is often linked to political ideologies and populist messages among specific segments of the population: People do not only have concerns about a potential health risk associated with vaccination but seem to have also adopted more populist attitudes towards science. In this study, the relationship between science-related populism and individuals’ attitudes towards vaccination was examined, presuming that scientific-related populism also influences individual responses towards different vaccinations. As different types of diseases and their vaccines might be perceived rather distinctively by the public, different vaccinations were considered. The survey is based on responses from 870 people from Germany and Austria. Results indicate that science-related populism influences responses towards some vaccination types, especially for those that receive extensive media coverage such as COVID-19 and measles (MMR). There was no significant impact of science-related populism on individuals’ vaccination intentions for other vaccines like seasonal influenza, human papillomavirus, or tick-borne encephalitis. In conclusion, limitations and directions for future research are addressed.
A conditional random field framework for language process in product review mining
Authors: Ming Yue , Liu Xiyuan , Shen Gang , Gao Di , Wang Yu
Published: June 2022

The Part-Of-Speech tagging is widely used in the natural language process. There are many statistical approaches in this area. The most popular one is Hidden Markov Model. In this paper, an alternative approach, linear-chain Conditional Random Fields, is introduced. The Conditional Random Fields is a factor graph approach that can naturally incorporate arbitrary, non-independent features of the input without conditional independence among the features or distributional assumptions of inputs. This paper applied the Conditional Random Fields for the car review word Part-Of-Speech tagging and then the feature extraction, which can be used as an input to an opinion mining system. To reduce the computational time, we also proposed applying the Limited-memory BFGS algorithm to train the Conditional Random Fields. Furthermore, this paper evaluated the Conditional Random Fields and the classical graph approach using the car review dataset to demonstrate that the Conditional Random Fields have a more robust result with a smaller training dataset.
Microneedle-Mediated Permeation Enhancement of Chlorhexidine Digluconate: Mechanistic Insights Through Imaging Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kirkby Melissa , Sabri Akmal Bin , Scurr David , Moss Gary
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) is a first-line antiseptic agent typically applied to the skin as a topical solution prior to surgery due to its efficacy and safety profile. However, the physiochemical properties of CHG limits its cutaneous permeation, preventing it from reaching potentially pathogenic bacteria residing within deeper skin layers. Thus, the utility of a solid oscillating microneedle system, Dermapen®, and a CHG-hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) gel were investigated to improve the intradermal delivery of CHG.

Methods

Permeation of CHG from the commercial product, Hibiscrub®, and HEC-CHG gels (containing 1% or 4% CHG w/w) was assessed in intact skin, or skin that had been pre-treated with microneedles of different array numbers, using an Franz diffusion cells and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF–SIMS).

Results

Gels containing 1% and 4% CHG resulted in significantly increased depth permeation of CHG compared to Hibiscrub® (4% w/v CHG) when applied to microneedle pre-treated skin, with the effect being more significant with the higher array number. ToF–SIMS analysis indicated that the depth of dermal penetration achieved was sufficient to reach the skin strata that typically harbours pathogenic bacteria, which is currently inaccessible by Hibiscrub®, and showed potential lateral diffusion within the viable epidermis.

Conclusions

This study indicates that HEC-CHG gels applied to microneedle pre-treated skin may be a viable strategy to improve the permeation CHG into the skin. Such enhanced intradermal delivery may be of significant clinical utility for improved skin antisepsis in those at risk of a skin or soft tissue infection following surgical intervention.
Experimental Identification of Frictional Effects on Interlaminar Toughness of Composite Laminates in 4ENF Test
Authors: Ballarin P. , Airoldi A. , Aceti P. , Ghiasvand S. , Sala G.
Published: June 2022

Background

Understanding and characterizing delamination in composite laminates is fundamental for analysing their structural integrity, since operational loads may promote the propagation of interlaminar defects. Propagation often occurs in mode II and is driven by shear stress. However, the methods used to characterise this propagation mode are affected by frictional effects between crack surfaces.

Objective

This work aims to build up an experimental method to identify the effect of friction in a 4 points End Notched Flexure test, which does not require the use of analytical or numerical models of the specimen.

Methods

This goal is achieved by performing a series of loading–unloading cycles before the delamination test, which helps to calibrate an analytical expression that estimates the energy dissipated by friction, and the analytical expression is then inserted into the formulation of the Irwin-Kies equation. Experimental validation is carried out considering tests on different materials and different friction conditions between the crack surfaces, as well as validation by means of a virtual experiment being performed for comparison with an analytical model presented in literature. The novelty of this method lies in the fact that it does not require the development of any analytical or numerical model of the specimen and consequently no calibration between models and the experiment is required.

Results

Tests on composite specimens show good results, the friction contribution estimated by the method is comparable with those presented in the literature. Moreover, the virtual experiment shows that there is a good match between the results obtained using this method and those obtained using an analytical model presented in the literature.

Conclusions

This method seems to provide satisfactory results for both real and virtual experiments, moreover, the procedure is relatively simple, making it a suitable method for the evaluation of frictional effects in the 4 point End Notched Flexure test.
Polyethylene glycol capped gold nanoparticles ameliorate renal ischemia–reperfusion injury in diabetic mice through AMPK-Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Saleh Hanan , Salama Mohamed , Hussein Rehab Mohamed
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of polyethylene glycol capped gold nanoparticles (PEG-AuNPs) on renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (I/R)–induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in diabetic mice via the activation of adenosine 5′ monophosphate–activated protein kinase—nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (AMPK-Nrf2) pathway. Diabetes was induced in male mice (12/group) by streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days. After 4 weeks, the mice have intravenously received doses of PEG-AuNPs (40, 150, and 400 µg/kg body weight) for 3 consecutive days, and then animals were subjected to 30 min ischemia and 48 h reperfusion. Following the treatment with three different doses of PEG-AuNPs, the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were reduced. Obvious reduction in renal tubular atrophy, glomerular damage, mitochondrial damage, and necrotic area were ultra-structurally detected, and renal interstitial inflammation and apoptosis were diminished. Moreover, PEG-AuNPs increased the recovering of damaged renal cells, suppressed significantly levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), downregulated significantly the level of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), and upregulated the AMPK-Nrf2 pathway. PEG-AuNPs exhibited a promising alternative therapeutic target for diabetic renal I/R-induced AKI through upregulation of AMPK/PI3K/AKT path which additionally stimulated Nrf2-regulated antioxidant enzymes in a dose-dependent manner.

Graphical abstract
What is the “washout” of hepatocellular carcinoma as observed on the equilibrium phase CT?: consideration based on the concept of extracellular volume fraction
Authors: Sakamoto Keiko , Tanaka Shinji , Sato Keisuke , Ito Emi , Nishiyama Marie , Urakawa Hiroshi , Arima Hisatomi , Yoshimitsu Kengo
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To verify the hypothesis that extracellular volume fraction (ECV) and precontrast CT density are the main determinants of washout of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at the equilibrium phase CT.

Materials and methods

Between 2018 and 2020, patients with surgically resected HCC were recruited who had undergone preoperative 4-phase CT. Those larger than 6 cm were excluded to minimize the possibility of intratumoral hemorrhage or degeneration. Two radiologists reviewed the whole images in consensus and divided cases into washout positive and negative groups. Washout positive group at the equilibrium phase was defined as “HCC showing relatively low density as compared to the surrounding background liver (BGL), irrespective of the presence of early enhancement or fibrous capsule”. Several clinico-pathological and radiological features, including ECV and precontrast CT density, were correlated to the presence of washout, using uni- and multi-variable analyses.

Results

27 HCC in 24 patients met the inclusion criteria. 22 (82%) and five HCC belonged to washout positive and negative groups, respectively. Univariable analysis revealed ECV of HCC and BGL, ECV difference between HCC and BGL, and presence of fibrous capsule on the equilibrium phase CT were the significant factors. Multivariable analysis showed ECV of HCC and BGL, and precontrast CT density of BGL, were the independently significant factors related to washout, suggesting washout is more likely observed with lower HCC ECV, higher BGL ECV, and higher BGL precontrast CT density.

Conclusion

Major determinants of washout of HCC may be ECV of HCC and BGL, and precontrast CT density of BGL.
Seeds of Coronilla talaverae (Fabaceae), an endemic endangered species, in Argaric Early Bronze Age levels of Punta de Gavilanes (Mazarrón, Spain)
Authors: Rivera Diego , Ros-Sala Milagros , Obón Concepción , Sánchez-Gómez Pedro , Alcaraz Francisco , Ferrer Pablo , Laguna Emilio , Lahora Agustín , Valera Javier , Coronado-Parra Maria-Teresa , Precioso Maria Luisa
Published: June 2022

Punta de Gavilanes (Mazarrón Bay, Spain) was occupied from third millennium cal BC to the first century BC. Overall, the archaeobotanical remains suggest that agriculture and gathering coexisted in the site since the beginning of the occupation of the site. Depending on the sea level variation, the site passed from island in the middle Holocene to peninsula in the late Holocene. Seeds from this archaeological site associated with radiocarbon dates of ≈ 4200 and ≈ 1500 cal years BP include specimens of eight species of shrubs and trees, of which a winter flowering shrub (Coronilla talaverae Lahora and Sánchez-Gómez), is an endangered species that no longer occurs on Punta de Gavilanes area. The seeds of this endemic Coronilla species are associated with materials dated ≈ 3900 cal years BP in a Bronze Age cultural context. The vanished species was presumably locally exterminated by human alteration of its natural habitat or because of environmental changes. The species of Coronilla identified from Punta de Gavilanes is known from relatively distant seashore areas. This endangered species could be effectively preserved by reintroduction to areas that it occupied prior to human alteration, in particular Punta de los Gavilanes.
Pollinators of Oriental persimmon in Japan
Authors: Kamo Tsunashi , Nikkeshi Aoi , Inoue Hiromitsu , Yamamoto Shunsuke , Sawamura Nobuo , Nakamura Shoko , Kishi Shigeki
Published: June 2022

Japanese farmers who grow Oriental persimmon, Diospyros kaki Thunb. (Ericales: Ebenaceae), occasionally introduce Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) hives into their orchards during the flowering season, mainly because cultivars such as ‘Fuyu’ require pollination for stable fruit set. However, wild pollinators might serve this function. Thus, we aimed at identifying the most important pollinators of D. kaki in Japan by surveying visitation frequency across ten prefectures and pollination efficiency. The predominant flower visitors were Bombus ardens ​ardens Smith (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and A. mellifera, with similar pollination efficiencies. The estimated threshold number of pollen grains for fruit set of D. kaki ‘Fuyu’ was 27, which was comparable to the number deposited by a single visit of either species, meaning one visit of these dominant visitors probably induces fruit set. However, more pollen grains deposited by multiple visits further ensured fruit set. To achieve > 80% fruit set, more than about 70 pollen grains were needed. These results indicate that several visits by the bees would be sufficient for fruit set of D. kaki ‘Fuyu’.
Secondary teachers’ perceptions of the importance of pedagogical approaches to support students’ behavioural, emotional and cognitive engagement
Authors: Kelly Megan L. , Yeigh Tony , Hudson Suzanne , Willis Royce , Lee Megan
Published: June 2022

This article reports on original research investigating the pivotal role that teachers play in student engagement, using a tri-dimensional framework. This framework identifies how teachers’ pedagogical choices impact student engagement in ways that influence students’ external behaviours, internal emotions and internal cognitions. A questionnaire was developed to explore secondary teachers’ (n = 223) perceptions of pedagogies that support students’ behavioural, emotional and cognitive engagement in the classroom. Findings revealed that female participants placed higher importance on pedagogies that support students’ cognitive and behavioural engagement, and participants with leadership roles placed higher importance on pedagogies that support students’ cognitive and emotional engagement. Also emerging from the research was a negative correlation between the importance teachers placed on pedagogies that support cognitive and behavioural engagement and their school’s ICSEA value (the measure of socio-educational advantage in Australian schools). Overall, results support the tri-dimensional framework of student engagement utilised in this study and provide a robust framework for future research to further explore teachers’ pedagogical choices and how these choices impact student engagement.
On quasi norm attaining operators between Banach spaces
Authors: Choi Geunsu , Choi Yun Sung , Jung Mingu , Martín Miguel
Published: June 2022

We provide a characterization of the Radon–Nikodým property for a Banach spaceYin terms of the denseness of bounded linear operators intoYwhich attain their norm in a weak sense, which complement the one given by Bourgain and Huff in the 1970s for domain spaces. To this end, we introduce the following notion: an operator$$T:X \longrightarrow Y$$T:X⟶Ybetween the Banach spacesXandYis quasi norm attaining if there is a sequence$$(x_n)$$(xn)of norm one elements inXsuch that$$(Tx_n)$$(Txn)converges to some$$u\in Y$$u∈Ywith$$\Vert u\Vert =\Vert T\Vert $$‖u‖=‖T‖. We prove that strong Radon–Nikodým operators can be approximated by quasi norm attaining operators, a result which does not hold for norm attaining operators. It shows that this new notion of quasi norm attainment allows us to characterize the Radon–Nikodým property in terms of denseness of quasi norm attaining operators for both domain and range spaces, which in the case of norm attaining operators, was only valid for domain spaces due to the celebrated counterexample by Gowers in 1990. A number of other related results are also included in the paper: we give some positive results on the denseness of norm attaining nonlinear maps, characterize both finite dimensionality and reflexivity in terms of quasi norm attaining operators, discuss conditions such that quasi norm attaining operators are actually norm attaining, study the relation with the norm attainment of the adjoint operator and, finally, present some stability results.
α-Glucosidase inhibitive diarylheptanoids from Ottelia acuminata var. acuminata, a traditional vegetable of Bai Nationality in Yunnan
Authors: Liu Hong-Xing , Ma Jun-Zeng , Ye Yan-Song , Zhao Jian-Jun , Wan Shi-Jie , Hu Xin-Yue , Xu Gang
Published: June 2022

Diabetes is an urgent health issue characterized by ethnic and regional variations, and is inseparable from the different dietary habits. It is worthy to note that the incidence of diabetes in Bai nationality has been reported to be much lower than Han in China. As a daily vegetable of Bai, the phytochemical and antidiabetic study ofOttelia acuminatavar.acuminatahad not been carried out. In this study, 41 metabolites with diverse diarylheptanoid (six new ones, Otteacumienes A–F), flavone, sesquiterpenoid, coumarin, lignan, polyacetylene, and alkaloid skeletons were characterized fromO. acuminatavar.acuminata. Among them, the racemic nature of3was characterized by chiral resolution and calculated ECD methods. The biological study revealed diarylheptanoids showed significantα-glucosidase inhibitory activities with5as the most effective one (60-fold stronger than acarbose). Molecular docking studies indicated that these structures have different binding cavities with acarbose. This study demonstrated thatO. acuminatavar.acuminatamight correlated with the low incidence diabetes of Bai and the diarylheptanoids may have potential therapeutic value for diabetes mellitus.

Graphical Abstract
Amendment with Nanoparticulate Gypsum Enhances Spinach Growth in Saline-Sodic Soil
Authors: Salama Amira M. , Abd El-Halim Abd El-Halim A. , Ibrahim Mahmoud M. , Aiad Mahmoud A. , El-Shal Rania M.
Published: June 2022

The use of nano-gypsum in low doses can be an innovative method to mitigate salinity-sodicity effects and enhance spinach growth in saline-sodic soil. We evaluated nano-gypsum in four low doses of 960, 480, 240, and 120 kg ha−1, in addition to the control and the recommended conventional gypsum dose (~ 30 t ha−1), in a randomized complete pot experiment. The pots of soil were incubated in a laboratory for 2 months and leached 5 times for another 2 months. Then, spinach was grown in the soil for 60 days. The nano-gypsum dose of 240 kg ha−1 with leaching was the best at improving the soil and spinach growth characteristics compared with the other doses and both control and conventional gypsum rate. Moreover, it was considered the critical nano-gypsum threshold rate. Compared to control after soil leaching, the critical rate increased the water-stable aggregate index and reduced bulk density by 57.39% and 16.30%, respectively; accordingly, the saturated hydraulic conductivity increased up to 2.34 times. Improved hydraulic conductivity led to a decrease in exchangeable Na ratio by 91% and reduced both soil salinity and pH by 83% and 1 unit, respectively. These great improvements in the soil properties favored the spinach growth indicators, which increased leaf area index, root hair index, and fresh yield by 2.20, 4.41, and 1.29 times, respectively, when compared to the recommended conventional gypsum rate. Accordingly, nano-gypsum in low doses is considered an innovative alternative to high doses of conventional gypsum to mitigate salinity-sodicity effects and enhance spinach growth in saline-sodic soil.
Values in Science
Authors: Elliott Kevin C.
Published: June 2022

This Element introduces the philosophical literature on values in science by examining four questions: (1) How do values influence science? (2) Should we actively incorporate values in science? (3) How can we manage values in science responsibly? (4) What are some next steps for those who want to help promote responsible roles for values in science? It explores arguments for and against the “value-free ideal” for science (i.e., the notion that values should be excluded from scientific reasoning) and concludes that it should be rejected. Nonetheless, this does not mean that value influences are always acceptable. The Element explores a range of strategies for distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate value influences. It concludes by proposing an approach for managing values in science that relies on justifying, prioritising, and implementing norms for scientific research practices and institutions.
Some Cambridge Controversies in the Theory of Capital
Authors: Harcourt G. C. , Cohen Avi J. , Mata Tiago
Published: June 2022

The Cambridge Capital Controversy was one of the most significant debates in Twentieth Century economics. First published in 1972, this book provides an accessible reconstruction of the controversy with detailed discussion of the major points raised by its primary protagonists: Piero Sraffa and Joan Robinson on the post-Keynesian side (Cambridge, UK) and Robert Solow and Paul Samuelson on the neo-classical side (Cambridge, MA). The book is now considered to be a classic. This fiftieth anniversary edition comes with a new preface by the author and two new afterwords that reflect on the author's contribution to the field and the significance of the book in the history of economics. Topics covered include the measurement of capital, the revival of interest in Irving Fisher's rate of return on investment, the double-switching debate, Sraffa's prelude to a critique of neoclassical theory, and the 'new' theories of the rate of profits in capitalist society.
The effects of closeness to nature, connectedness to nature and eco-friendly behaviours on environmental identity: a study of public university students in South-eastern Turkey
Authors: Atik Ali Derya , Sari Halil Ibrahim , Doğan Yakup
Published: June 2022

The assessment of environmental identity (EID) in terms of connectedness to nature, eco-friendly behaviour (EFB) and closeness to nature variables is the central focus of this study. The elaborated conceptual model recommends that closeness to nature, connectedness to nature and EFBs related to education, economy and recycling are potential predictors of EID. The sample consists of 518 college students studying in different teacher education programmes. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the constructive validity of the scales for each of the measurement models. The theoretical path analysis model was created by considering existing literature. In the present study, the EFBs of the participants had a significant and moderate effect on their EID. Findings confirmed that environmental education behaviours and recycling behaviours had a positive and low effect on EFBs. The results showed that connectedness to nature and closeness to nature had a positive and medium effect on EFB. Promotion of EID sense in pre-service teachers will increase their students’ EID. Finally, advanced degree curricula in environmental protection and nature can be designed and implemented based on target group information.
A diffractive and decolonising reading methodology for education research
Authors: Bellingham Robin A.
Published: June 2022

For white settler researchers aiming to contribute to the work of decolonising education, actively seeking ways to disturb and destabilise long-held onto-epistemological assumptions associated with colonial modernity is important. In this article I investigate how these disturbances might occur in a diffractive and decolonising reading methodology. I outline two prior diffractive reading experiences that drew on decolonial theory and Barad’s diffraction theory: A situated inquiry of the Great Barrier Reef as a pedagogical agent; and a reading of Australian teacher education policy through military imaginaries. In this article I read these prior diffractive reading experiences through one another, attending to further methodological patterns. I identify two connected methods of defamiliarisation that are generative for destabilising colonising ways of knowing, norms and thinking in education. These are: Bringing ostensibly different phenomena together in diffractive relations with one another; and reading difference in the spirit of companionship, that is, in an orientation to learning from difference rather than to master difference. I suggest that if education continues to rely on and wield the same modern critical tools that support colonial-capitalist systems it will be unable to recognise, address and reimagine the continued violence of these systems.
SOLUTIONS OF THE tt*-TODA EQUATIONS AND QUANTUM COHOMOLOGY OF MINUSCULE FLAG MANIFOLDS
Authors: KANEKO YOSHIKI
Published: June 2022

We relate the quantum cohomology of minuscule flag manifolds to the tt*-Toda equations, a special case of the topological–antitopological fusion equations which were introduced by Cecotti and Vafa in their study of supersymmetric quantum field theories. To do this, we combine the Lie-theoretic treatment of the tt*-Toda equations of Guest–Ho with the Lie-theoretic description of the quantum cohomology of minuscule flag manifolds from Chaput–Manivel–Perrin and Golyshev–Manivel.