bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise-induced increase in muscle insulin sensitivity in men is amplified when assessed using a meal test
Authors: Voldstedlund Christian T. , Sjøberg Kim A. , Schlabs Farina L. , Sigvardsen Casper M. , Andersen Nicoline R. , Holst Jens J. , Hartmann Bolette , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F. P. , Kiens Bente , McConell Glenn K. , Richter Erik A.
Published: April 2024

Aims/hypothesis

Exercise has a profound effect on insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. The euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp (EHC) is the gold standard for assessment of insulin sensitivity but it does not reflect the hyperglycaemia that occurs after eating a meal. In previous EHC investigations, it has been shown that the interstitial glucose concentration in muscle is decreased to a larger extent in previously exercised muscle than in rested muscle. This suggests that previously exercised muscle may increase its glucose uptake more than rested muscle if glucose supply is increased by hyperglycaemia. Therefore, we hypothesised that the exercise-induced increase in muscle insulin sensitivity would appear greater after eating a meal than previously observed with the EHC.

Methods

Ten recreationally active men performed dynamic one-legged knee extensor exercise for 1 h. Following this, both femoral veins and one femoral artery were cannulated. Subsequently, 4 h after exercise, a solid meal followed by two liquid meals were ingested over 1 h and glucose uptake in the two legs was measured for 3 h. Muscle biopsies from both legs were obtained before the meal test and 90 min after the meal test was initiated. Data obtained in previous studies using the EHC (n=106 participants from 13 EHC studies) were used for comparison with the meal-test data obtained in this study.

Results

Plasma glucose and insulin peaked 45 min after initiation of the meal test. Following the meal test, leg glucose uptake and glucose clearance increased twice as much in the exercised leg than in the rested leg; this difference is twice as big as that observed in previous investigations using EHCs. Glucose uptake in the rested leg plateaued after 15 min, alongside elevated muscle glucose 6-phosphate levels, suggestive of compromised muscle glucose metabolism. In contrast, glucose uptake in the exercised leg plateaued 45 min after initiation of the meal test and there were no signs of compromised glucose metabolism. Phosphorylation of the TBC1 domain family member 4 (TBC1D4; p-TBC1D4Ser704) and glycogen synthase activity were greater in the exercised leg compared with the rested leg. Muscle interstitial glucose concentration increased with ingestion of meals, although it was 16% lower in the exercised leg than in the rested leg.

Conclusions/interpretation

Hyperglycaemia after meal ingestion results in larger differences in muscle glucose uptake between rested and exercised muscle than previously observed during EHCs. These findings indicate that the ability of exercise to increase insulin-stimulated muscle glucose uptake is even greater when evaluated with a meal test than has previously been shown with EHCs.

Graphical Abstract
Fabrication of the optical lens on single-crystal germanium surfaces using the laser-assisted diamond turning
Authors: Du Hanheng , Wang Yidan , Li Yuhan , Xing Yintian , Yin Sen , To Suet
Published: April 2024

Single-crystal germanium, as an excellent infrared optical material, has been widely applied in X-ray monochromators, night vision systems, and gamma radiation detectors. However, how to obtain high-quality optical lenses on their surfaces still faces challenges due to their hard and brittle properties. To this end, this paper proposes the in situ laser-assisted diamond turning (ILADT) process, which is the combination of a laser heating technique and a single-point diamond turning process. The in situ laser heating technique is employed to enhance the surface quality of the workpiece material, while the single-point diamond turning process is utilized to fabricate optical lenses. Experimental results showed that optical lenses with high surface quality were successfully machined. The profile error is 0.135 μm, indicating the high machining accuracy. The surface roughness Sa of the aspheric lens is 0.909 nm, indicating the high machining quality achieved by the proposed ILADT process. Therefore, this study provides an effective approach for producing high-quality optical lenses on single-crystal germanium surfaces, which holds great promise for future applications in the manufacturing of optical lenses with exceptional quality.
The characteristics, occurrence, and toxicological effects of alternariol: a mycotoxin
Authors: Saleh Iman , Zeidan Randa , Abu-Dieyeh Mohammed
Published: April 2024

Alternaria species are mycotoxin-producing fungi known to infect fresh produce and to cause their spoilage. Humans get exposed to fungal secondary metabolites known as mycotoxin via the ingestion of contaminated food. Alternariol (AOH) (C14H10O5) is an isocoumarins produced by different species of Alternaria including Alternaria alternata. AOH is often found in grain, fruits and fruits-based food products with high levels in legumes, nuts, and tomatoes. AOH was first discovered in 1953, and it is nowadays linked to esophagus cancer and endocrine disruption due to its similarity to estrogen. Although considered as an emerging mycotoxin with no regulated levels in food, AOH occurs in highly consumed dietary products and has been detected in various masked forms, which adds to its occurrence. Therefore, this comprehensive review was developed to give an overview on recent literature in the field of AOH. The current study summarizes published data on occurrence levels of AOH in different food products in the last ten years and evaluates those levels in comparison to recommended levels by the regulating entities. Such surveillance facilitates the work of health risk assessors and highlights commodities that are most in need of AOH levels regulation. In addition, the effects of AOH on cells and animal models were summarized in two tables; data include the last two-year literature studies. The review addresses also the main characteristics of AOH and the possible human exposure routes, the populations at risk, and the effect of anthropogenic activities on the widespread of the mycotoxin. The commonly used detection and control methods described in the latest literature are also discussed to guide future researchers to focus on mitigating mycotoxins contamination in the food industry. This review aims mainly to serve as a guideline on AOH for mycotoxin regulation developers and health risk assessors.
Duct Stenting in Duct-Dependent Systemic Blood Flow, Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Schranz Dietmar
Published: April 2024

Arterial duct stenting, pioneered in the early 1990s for newborns with a duct-dependent pulmonary and systemic circulation, has evolved significantly over the past decades. This progressive technique has led to the development of novel therapeutic strategies, including the Hybrid approach introduced three decades ago, and more recently, a complete transcatheter approach for treating newborns with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Subsequently, the transcatheter method has been extended to bi-ventricular lesions and patients with pulmonary hypertension, establishing a reverse Potts-shunt pathophysiology. Considering current experiences, this review aims to assess the strengths, weaknesses, and complications associated with ductal stenting, which represents a critical component of these complex treatment strategies. Despite advancements, the mortality rate of Norwood and Hybrid stage-1 procedures has plateaued, underscoring the importance of enhancing the quality of life of affected patients as the primary therapeutic goal. The prerequisite is a gentle, almost atraumatic medicine, particularly during the newborn period. It is essential to recognize that both the Hybrid and total transcatheter approaches demand comparable experience to Norwood surgery. Successful outcomes hinge on much more than merely inserting a stent into the duct; they require meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive management strategies.
The need for surgery in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with biologicals
Authors: Kolho Kaija-Leena , Nikkonen Anne , Merras-Salmio Laura , Molander Pauliina
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in childhood often presents with a more extensive and more aggressive disease course than adult-onset disease. We aimed to evaluate if biological treatment started in childhood decreases the need for intestinal surgery over time.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single-center, cohort study. All pediatric patients with IBD initiated to biological therapy at the Children’s Hospital, were included in the study and followed up to the first surgical procedure or re-operation in their adulthood or until 31.12.2021 when ≥ 18 of age. Data were collected from the pediatric registry of IBD patients with biologicals and medical charts.

Results

A total of 207 pediatric IBD patients were identified [150 with Crohn´s disease (CD), 31 with ulcerative colitis (UC), 26 with IBD unclassified (IBDU)] of which 32.9% (n = 68; CD 49, UC 13, IBDU 6) underwent intestinal surgery. At the end of a median follow-up of 9.0 years (range 2.0-25.9), patients reached a median age of 21.4 years (range 18–36). Patients who had intestinal surgery in childhood were more likely to have IBD-related surgery also in early adulthood. The duration of the disease at induction of the first biological treatment emerged as the only risk factor, with a longer duration in the surgical group than in patients with no surgery.

Conclusion

Despite initiation of biological treatment, the risk of intestinal surgery remains high in pediatric IBD patients and often the need for surgery emerges after the transition to adult IBD clinics.
Unveiling the promising anticancer effect of copper-based compounds: a comprehensive review
Authors: Abdolmaleki Sara , Aliabadi Alireza , Khaksar Samad
Published: April 2024

Copper is a necessary micronutrient for maintaining the well-being of the human body. The biological activity of organic ligands, especially their anticancer activity, is often enhanced when they coordinate with copper(I) and (II) ions. Copper and its compounds are capable of inducing tumor cell death through various mechanisms of action, including activation of apoptosis signaling pathways by reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibition of angiogenesis, induction of cuproptosis, and paraptosis. Some of the copper complexes are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for their ability to map tumor hypoxia in various cancers, including locally advanced rectal cancer and bulky tumors. Several studies have shown that copper nanoparticles can be used as effective agents in chemodynamic therapy, phototherapy, hyperthermia, and immunotherapy. Despite the promising anticancer activity of copper-based compounds, their use in clinical trials is subject to certain limitations. Elevated copper concentrations may promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis by affecting cellular processes.
Development of a finite element groundwater flow model to test drainage management strategies for the expansion of the Dareh-Zar open pit mine, Iran
Authors: Parsasadr Hossein , Mustafa Syed , Golian Mohsen , Bense Victor
Published: April 2024

A finite-element groundwater flow model was developed for the expanding Dareh-Zar open pit mine in southern Iran, to simulate groundwater inflow into the excavation and mine wall pore pressure dynamics. The model was used to test the effectiveness of implementing different drainage management strategies to reduce groundwater inflow rates and mine wall pore pressures, including abstraction wells and horizontal drains. Model predictions suggest the implementation of abstraction wells will reduce groundwater inflow rates by 75% during the first 12 years of mining and 50% during the subsequent 5 years relative to a ‘no drainage’ management scenario, with further reductions in groundwater inflow achieved through horizontal drain installation. Furthermore, the installation of horizontal drains was found to be necessary to reduce mine-wall pore pressures from destabilizing the mine walls. Groundwater management of the decommissioned pit mine was also evaluated, with simulation results suggesting that backfilling the excavation would restore the groundwater level within the open pit mine region to ~2,442 m above sea level, representing a net restoration of ~204 m relative to the water table prior to mine closure.
The Impact of Telemedicine on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Related Clinical Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cox Avery Lin , Tsang Daniel , Spacek Lisa A. , Daskalakis Constantine , Coppock Dagan
Published: April 2024

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exacerbated barriers to care for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH). The quick uptake of telemedicine in the outpatient setting provided promise for care continuity. In this study, we compared appointment and laboratory no-show rates in an urban outpatient HIV clinic during three time periods: (1) Pre-COVID-19: 9/15/2019–3/14/2020 (predominately in-person), (2) “Early” COVID-19: 3/15/2020-9/14/2020 (predominately telemedicine), and (3) “Later” COVID-19: 9/15/2020-3/14/2021 (mixed in-person/telemedicine). Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the two study hypotheses: (i) equivalence of Period 2 with Period 1 and of Period 3 with Period 1 and (ii) improved outcomes with telemedicine over in-person visits. No-show rates were 1% in Period 1, 4% in Period 2, and 18% in Period 3. Compared to the pre-pandemic period, individuals had a higher rate of appointment no-shows during Period 2 [OR (90% CI): 7.67 (2.68, 21.93)] and 3 [OR (90% CI): 30.91 (12.83 to 75.06). During the total study period, those with telemedicine appointments were less likely to no-show than those with in-person appointments [OR (95% CI): 0.36 (0.16–0.80), p = 0.012]. There was no statistical difference between telemedicine and in-person appointments for laboratory completion rates. Our study failed to prove that no-show rates before and during the pandemic were similar; in fact, no-show rates were higher during both the early and later pandemic. Overall, telemedicine was associated with lower no-show rates compared to in-person appointments. In future pandemics, telemedicine may be a valuable component to maintain care in PLWH.
Revolutionizing personalized medicine with generative AI: a systematic review
Authors: Ghebrehiwet Isaias , Zaki Nazar , Damseh Rafat , Mohamad Mohd Saberi
Published: April 2024

Background

Precision medicine, targeting treatments to individual genetic and clinical profiles, faces challenges in data collection, costs, and privacy. Generative AI offers a promising solution by creating realistic, privacy-preserving patient data, potentially revolutionizing patient-centric healthcare.

Objective

This review examines the role of deep generative models (DGMs) in clinical informatics, medical imaging, bioinformatics, and early diagnostics, showcasing their impact on precision medicine.

Methods

Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, the review analyzes studies from databases such as Scopus and PubMed, focusing on AI's impact in precision medicine and DGMs' applications in synthetic data generation.

Results

DGMs, particularly Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), have improved synthetic data generation, enhancing accuracy and privacy. However, limitations exist, especially in the accuracy of foundation models like Large Language Models (LLMs) in digital diagnostics.

Conclusion

Overcoming data scarcity and ensuring realistic, privacy-safe synthetic data generation are crucial for advancing personalized medicine. Further development of LLMs is essential for improving diagnostic precision. The application of generative AI in personalized medicine is emerging, highlighting the need for more interdisciplinary research to advance this field.
Interpretable representations in explainable AI: from theory to practice
Authors: Sokol Kacper , Flach Peter
Published: April 2024

Interpretable representations are the backbone of many explainers that target black-box predictive systems based on artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. They translate the low-level data representation necessary for good predictive performance into high-level human-intelligible concepts used to convey the explanatory insights. Notably, the explanation type and its cognitive complexity are directly controlled by the interpretable representation, tweaking which allows to target a particular audience and use case. However, many explainers built upon interpretable representations overlook their merit and fall back on default solutions that often carry implicit assumptions, thereby degrading the explanatory power and reliability of such techniques. To address this problem, we study properties of interpretable representations that encode presence and absence of human-comprehensible concepts. We demonstrate how they are operationalised for tabular, image and text data; discuss their assumptions, strengths and weaknesses; identify their core building blocks; and scrutinise their configuration and parameterisation. In particular, this in-depth analysis allows us to pinpoint their explanatory properties, desiderata and scope for (malicious) manipulation in the context of tabular data where a linear model is used to quantify the influence of interpretable concepts on a black-box prediction. Our findings lead to a range of recommendations for designing trustworthy interpretable representations; specifically, the benefits of class-aware (supervised) discretisation of tabular data, e.g., with decision trees, and sensitivity of image interpretable representations to segmentation granularity and occlusion colour.
Evaluation of potentially toxic elements and microplastics in the water treatment facility
Authors: Bhat Mansoor Ahmad , Janaszek Agata
Published: April 2024

The potentially harmful effects of consuming potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and microplastics (MPs) regularly via drinking water are a significant cause for worry. This study investigated PTEs (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pd, Zn, Co), MPs, turbidity, pH, conductivity, and health risk assessment in the water treatment plant in Kielce, Poland. Zn had the highest concentrations throughout the water treatment facility, whereas Cd, Pb, and Co had lower concentrations (< 0.1 µg/L). The order of the concentrations among the specified PTEs was like Zn˃Cu˃Ni˃Cr˃Cd˃Pb and Co. The minimum turbidity was 0.34, and the maximum was 1.9 NTU. The range of pH in water samples was 6.51—7.47. The conductivity was 1,203—1,445 ms in water samples. These identified MPs were categorized into fiber and fragments. The color of these identified MPs was blue, red, black, green, and transparent. The minimum and maximum size of the MPs was 196 and 4,018 µm, while the average size was 2,751 ± 1,905 µm. The average concentration of MPs per liter of the water treatment plant was 108.88 ± 55.61. The elements listed are C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, and Ti. Fe and Zn were the predominant elements seen using EDX. HQ values of the PTEs were less than one for adults and children. The human health risk associated with all detected PTEs revealed that the HQ values exhibit a satisfactory degree of non-carcinogenic adverse health risk. HI values for adults and children age groups were less than one. In most water treatment samples, the carcinogenic value exceeds the threshold value of 10−6. The PTEs and MP concentrations in drinking water should be periodically monitored to minimize consumers' environmental pollution and health risks.
Give us ideas! Creating innovativeness through strategic direction of reverse technology transfers
Authors: Schaefer Kerstin J. , Hennemann Stefan , Liefner Ingo
Published: April 2024

This paper addresses the research gap in understanding the role of intra-firm reverse technology transfers for building output versus innovation capabilities. While we understand that some firms use external sources to create new technology before they are able to build internal innovation capability, the role of bridging lack of innovation capability through internal reverse technology transfers has not been explored in this context. We analyze the technology transfer strategy in the case of Huawei Technologies through a mixed methods design combining quantitative survival analysis of patents and qualitative interviews to understand and contextualize its mechanisms. The results show that the company strategically transferred ideas for new and complex technologies from centers of state-of-the-art technology towards its domestic Chinese locations. Tapping into offshore innovation capability is done by hiring experienced personnel that transfers innovative ideas to China instead of developing new products abroad. We find that this systematic transfer of complex ideas enabled Huawei to build output capability by bridging its lack of domestic innovation capability. This might be a way for growing firms to become competitive on the world market before having to build innovation capability at home first.
Some Ways the Ways the World Could Have Been Can’t Be
Authors: Masterman Christopher James
Published: April 2024

Let serious propositional contingentism (SPC) be the package of views which consists in (i) the thesis that propositions expressed by sentences featuring terms depend, for their existence, on the existence of the referents of those terms, (ii) serious actualism—the view that it is impossible for an object to exemplify a property and not exist—and (iii) contingentism—the view that it is at least possible that some thing might not have been something. SPC is popular and compelling. But what should we say about possible worlds, if we accept SPC? Here, I first show that a natural view of possible worlds, well-represented in the literature, in conjunction with SPC is inadequate. Though I note various alternative ways of thinking about possible worlds in response to the first problem, I then outline a second more general problem—a master argument—which generally shows that any account of possible worlds meeting very minimal requirements will be inconsistent with compelling claims about mere possibilia which the serious propositional contingentist should accept.
Towards a Benchmark for Scientific Understanding in Humans and Machines
Authors: Barman Kristian Gonzalez , Caron Sascha , Claassen Tom , de Regt Henk
Published: April 2024

Scientific understanding is a fundamental goal of science. However, there is currently no good way to measure the scientific understanding of agents, whether these be humans or Artificial Intelligence systems. Without a clear benchmark, it is challenging to evaluate and compare different levels of scientific understanding. In this paper, we propose a framework to create a benchmark for scientific understanding, utilizing tools from philosophy of science. We adopt a behavioral conception of understanding, according to which genuine understanding should be recognized as an ability to perform certain tasks. We extend this notion of scientific understanding by considering a set of questions that gauge different levels of scientific understanding, covering information retrieval, the capability to arrange information to produce an explanation, and the ability to infer how things would be different under different circumstances. We suggest building a Scientific Understanding Benchmark (SUB), formed by a set of these tests, allowing for the evaluation and comparison of scientific understanding. Benchmarking plays a crucial role in establishing trust, ensuring quality control, and providing a basis for performance evaluation. By aligning machine and human scientific understanding we can improve their utility, ultimately advancing scientific understanding and helping to discover new insights within machines.
Studies on electromagnetic waves for ferromagnetic materials
Authors: Pinar Izgi Zehra , Sahoo Subhadarshan , Rezazadeh Hadi , Hosseinzadeh Mohammad Ali , Salahshour Soheil
Published: April 2024

With the developing technology, magneto-optical and ferromagnetic materials are gaining importance and are used especially in magneto-optics, ferromagnetism, fluid mechanics, etc. These processes are modeled via Kadomtsev–Petviashvili-type models. In this work, a generalized (3+1)-dimensional variable-coefficient modified Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (vcmKP) system and special cases are considered that simulates electromagnetic, water, and powder-acoustic/ion-acoustic/dust-ion-acoustic waves. As to the novelty of this paper, the travelling wave, soliton solutions of the considered systems are hold by using Bernoulli method which is the well-known ansatz-based method and the analytical method. As far as we know, the obtained solutions are seen for the first time in this study and are important for the development of the use of magneto-optical and ferromagnetic materials in industry and applied sciences, fiber optic communication fields.
The S1 to S2 and S2 to S3 state transitions in plant photosystem II: relevance to the functional and structural heterogeneity of the water oxidizing complex
Authors: Pavlou Andrea , Styring Stenbjörn , Mamedov Fikret
Published: April 2024

In Photosystem II, light-induced water splitting occurs via the S state cycle of the CaMn4O5-cluster. To understand the role of various possible conformations of the CaMn4O5-cluster in this process, the temperature dependence of the S1 → S2 and S2 → S3 state transitions, induced by saturating laser flashes, was studied in spinach photosystem II membrane preparations under different conditions. The S1 → S2 transition temperature dependence was shown to be much dependent on the type of the cryoprotectant and presence of 3.5% methanol, resulting in the variation of transition half-inhibition temperature by 50 K. No similar effect was observed for the S2 → S3 state transition, for which we also show that both the low spin g = 2.0 multiline and high spin g = 4.1 EPR configurations of the S2 state advance with similar efficiency to the S3 state, both showing a transition half-inhibition temperature of 240 K. This was further confirmed by following the appearance of the Split S3 EPR signal. The results are discussed in relevance to the functional and structural heterogeneity of the water oxidizing complex intermediates in photosystem II.
Role of oxalic acid in fungal and bacterial metabolism and its biotechnological potential
Authors: Grąz Marcin
Published: April 2024

Oxalic acid and oxalates are secondary metabolites secreted to the surrounding environment by fungi, bacteria, and plants. Oxalates are linked to a variety of processes in soil, e.g. nutrient availability, weathering of minerals, or precipitation of metal oxalates. Oxalates are also mentioned among low-molecular weight compounds involved indirectly in the degradation of the lignocellulose complex by fungi, which are considered to be the most effective degraders of wood. The active regulation of the oxalic acid concentration is linked with enzymatic activities; hence, the biochemistry of microbial biosynthesis and degradation of oxalic acid has also been presented. The potential of microorganisms for oxalotrophy and the ability of microbial enzymes to degrade oxalates are important factors that can be used in the prevention of kidney stone, as a diagnostic tool for determination of oxalic acid content, as an antifungal factor against plant pathogenic fungi, or even in efforts to improve the quality of edible plants. The potential role of fungi and their interaction with bacteria in the oxalate-carbonate pathway are regarded as an effective way for the transfer of atmospheric carbon dioxide into calcium carbonate as a carbon reservoir.
Patientenindividuelle Verblisterung im Pflegeheim reduziert Fehlerhäufigkeit
Authors: Maier Svenja , Kreuzenbeck Cordula C. J.
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Die vorliegende Studie vergleicht das externe mit dem internen Stellen von Arzneimitteln für Bewohner stationärer Pflegeeinrichtungen. Ziel der Studie ist die quantitative Auswertung der Fehlerhäufigkeit im Vergleich und die Erhebung der Fehlerarten.

Material und Methoden

Untersucht wurden sechs stationäre Pflegeeinrichtungen, bei denen entweder die Arzneimittel intern oder extern in der Apotheke oder dem Blisterzentrum gestellt wurden. Die Datenerhebung erfolgte im Zeitraum von Februar bis Ende Juli 2022, die Analyse mittels Kreuztabelle und Chi-Quadrat sowie Odds-Ratio und relativem Risiko.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 471 Stellvorgänge und 29.216 einzelne Tabletten gezählt und kontrolliert. 35 Stellvorgänge oder 7,4 % waren insgesamt fehlerhaft. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich eine hoch signifikante Verringerung der Fehlerhäufigkeit bei den Stellvorgängen außerhalb der Pflegeeinrichtungen. Der Pearson-Chi-Quadrat ergab für die Fehlerhäufigkeit in Stellvorgängen einen Wert von 38,982 und ist mit < 0,001 als hoch signifikant einzustufen. Der Odds Ratio gibt ein 12,043faches Risiko eines falsch gestellten Medikaments bei intern stellenden Einrichtungen im Vergleich zu externen Stellen an.

Diskussion

Der Zusammenhang zwischen Fehlerhäufigkeiten und Stellen innerhalb der Pflegeheime ist nur leicht positiv. Dies kann vor allem durch die insgesamt geringe Fehlerhäufigkeit erklärt werden. Bemerkenswert ist, dass allein das Stellen durch Apotheken außerhalb des Pflegeheims in einem identischen Verfahren die Fehlerhäufigkeit so deutlich senkt. Dies allein könnte für eine Auslagerung dieser Tätigkeit sprechen.
Limerence, Hidden Obsession, Fixation, and Rumination: A Scoping Review of Human Behaviour
Authors: Bradbury Paula , Short Emma , Bleakley Paul
Published: April 2024

This systematic scoping review explores the behavioural state of limerence and the relationship it has with rumination as part of a precursory phase to stalking, for the purpose of identifying a trajectory in harmful human behaviour. The review also considers how limerence impacts those who experience it, as well as factors which serve as accelerants to this cognitive state. It examines cognitive disorders identifiable on the DSM-5, such as obsessive–compulsive disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and erotomania, and applies them to studies which conceptualise limerence as an obsessive behaviour. At present, there is extraordinarily limited literature focusing on this state of unrequited and intense human emotion towards another person—a phenomenon characterised by limited by self-awareness and restraint, yet also a state that involves obsession and fixation, sharing cognitive characteristics and behaviours intrinsically tied to stalking behaviours. This review argues that behaviours exhibited in a state of limerence can serve as the building blocks upon which more harmful, externally focused stalking behaviours could develop. This review identified that the emerging literature on limerence offers new and important insights into the psychology of obsessive desire as a precursor to other, more proximal forms of violence which warrant greater attention, as they do not fit into existing psychological classifications of obsession because these behaviours are motivated by a lack of reciprocation and rejection. The objective is not to label individuals experiencing limerence as deviant but, rather, to better understand how fixation and obsessive desire can be maintained in the absence of approach behaviours.
Impact of the Use of Cryoprotectants in the Production of Freeze-Dried Soluble Coffee from Cold Brew Arabica Coffee
Authors: Barroso Livia Alves , Viegas Cláudia , Stančiauskaitė Monika , Macedo Ana S. , Lemos Iara Lopes , da Costa Joyce Maria Gomes , Schmiele Marcio , da Silveira João Vinícios Wirbitzki , Brandão Pedro , Amaral Tatiana Nunes , Fonte Pedro
Published: April 2024

Cold brew is a method of coffee extraction that uses low temperature, preserving the volatile compounds of coffee. Freeze-drying allows the preservation of coffee features and nutritional value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different cryoprotectants in cold brew extracts as a basis for freeze-dried coffee production. Thus, the Coffea arabica extracts and the soluble coffee were characterized concerning caffeine content, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic compounds, and antimicrobial activity to verify the potential of this method. The extracts did not show antimicrobial activity with a high soluble solid content. It was observed that the cold extraction methods were efficient regarding the caffeine content, antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic compounds. Freeze-dried coffees also did not show antimicrobial activity, and they maintained the water and humidity activity standards. In general, cryoprotectants displayed an unfavorable influence on the extract and freeze-dried coffee in the analyses performed. The coffee extract without cryoprotectants had a higher antioxidant capacity (88.12%) and content of phenolic compounds (7.74 mg AG/mL of the coffee extract). Only for the analyses of soluble solids, the cryoprotectants mannitol and fructose showed promising results (14.03 °Brix, 14.40 °Brix, 11.33 °Brix, respectively). Thus, for the analyses conducted, the cryoprotectants did not lead to significant advantages for this process.
Predicting response to non-selective beta-blockers with liver–spleen stiffness and heart rate in patients with liver cirrhosis and high-risk varices
Authors: Giuffrè Mauro , Dupont Johannes , Visintin Alessia , Masutti Flora , Monica Fabio , You Kisung , Shung Dennis L. , Crocè Lory Saveria ,   The NSBB-Elasto-Response-Prediction Group, Abazia Cristiana , Faini Clara , Campigotto Michele , Dottor Francesca , Gulotta Marco , Albergati Irma Valeria , Shung Dennis L.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Non-selective beta-blockers (NSBB) are used for primary prophylaxis in patients with liver cirrhosis and high-risk varices (HRVs). Assessing therapeutic response is challenging due to the invasive nature of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement. This study aims to define a noninvasive machine-learning based approach to determine response to NSBB in patients with liver cirrhosis and HRVs.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study on a cohort of cirrhotic patients with documented HRVs receiving NSBB treatment. Patients were followed-up with clinical and elastography appointments at 3, 6, and 12 months after NSBB treatment initiation. NSBB response was defined as stationary or downstaging variceal grading at the 12-month esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). In contrast, non-response was defined as upstaging variceal grading at the 12-month EGD or at least one variceal hemorrhage episode during the 12-month follow-up. We chose cut-off values for univariate and multivariate model with 100% specificity.

Results

According to least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, spleen stiffness (SS) and liver stiffness (LS) percentual decrease, along with changes in heart rate (HR) at 3 months were the most significant predictors of NSBB response. A decrease > 11.5% in SS, > 16.8% in LS, and > 25.3% in HR was associated with better prediction of clinical response to NSBB. SS percentual decrease showed the highest accuracy (86.4%) with high sensitivity (78.8%) when compared to LS and HR. The multivariate model incorporating SS, LS, and HR showed the highest discrimination and calibration metrics (AUROC = 0.96), with the optimal cut-off of 0.90 (sensitivity 94.2%, specificity 100%, PPV 95.7%, NPV 100%, accuracy 97.5%).
Effectiveness of compassion-based interventions at work: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis considering process evaluation and training transfer
Authors: San Román-Niaves Mabel , Vasquez Cristian A. , Coo Cristian , Nielsen Karina , Llorens Susana , Salanova Marisa
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study sought to systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of compassion-based interventions in the workplace. This study examines the mechanisms of the evaluation process and the elements that promote training transfer and its effects on well-being. Through rigorous systematic review methods, a total of nine studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The results of the random effect model indicate a standardized mean difference of -.24, 95% CI [-.62, .14], suggesting a non-significant decrease in stress levels between pre- and post-compassion training. Similarly, the standardized mean difference of -.096, 95% CI [-.50, .31] suggests a non-significant decrease in depression levels between pre- and post-compassion training. These findings indicate that there were no significant differences in the effects of the interventions. Even more, six studies met the key components of the process evaluation and none measured training transfer. According to these results, we proposed in the current study a "Framework for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Compassion-based Interventions in the Workplace," which offers guidelines for quality designing, implementing, and evaluating compassion-based interventions in the workplace, considering four key components: Structural Elements, Process Evaluation, Training Transfer and Well-being Outcomes. This study highlights the importance of improving the methodology of studies, conducting larger-scale trials, and focusing on the key components of compassion-based interventions. Additionally, exploring training transfer and its impact on well-being is suggested. These findings provide a foundation for future research in the field of compassion-based interventions in the workplace.
On the Quadratic Convergence of Newton’s Method for Mean Field Games with Non-separable Hamiltonian
Authors: Camilli Fabio , Tang Qing
Published: April 2024

We analyze asymptotic convergence properties of Newton’s method for a class of evolutive Mean Field Games systems with non-separable Hamiltonian arising in mean field type models with congestion. We prove the well posedness of the Mean Field Game system with non-separable Hamiltonian and of the linear system giving the Newton iterations. Then, by forward induction and assuming that the initial guess is sufficiently close to the solution of problem, we show a quadratic rate of convergence for the approximation of the Mean Field Game system by Newton’s method. We also consider the case of a nonlocal coupling, but with separable Hamiltonian, and we show a similar rate of convergence.
Performance of pilot-scale gravel and sponge bed hydroponic systems vegetated with Duranta erecta treating wastewater in a developing country, Ethiopia, Africa
Authors: Worku Abebe , Tibebu Solomon
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to assess the performance of hydroponics vegetated with Duranta erecta in removing nutrients from domestic wastewater in a pilot-scale study. Domestic wastewater was fed to four lines of hydroponic-constructed filter systems (HCFS). The lines 1 and 3 were filled with gravel, but the lines 2 and 4 were filled with polyester sponges. The experimental biofilters (lines 1 and 2) were planted with Duranta erecta, and the control biofilters (lines 3 and 4) were unplanted. This experiment was operated at hydraulic retention times (HRT) of 1, 3, 5, and 7 days which were conducted sequentially. Results indicated that the planted biofilters in gravel media removed nutrients better than the other planted biofilters in sponge media. Better removal efficiencies of 55 and 47% for total nitrogen (TN) and of 32 and 26% for total phosphorus (TP) removal by planted and control lines, respectively, were obtained at 7 days HRT. At the end of the experiment, TN and TP accumulation in the plant biomass sample increased from 132 to 216 g TN/Kg of dry weight, and from 53to 86 g TP/Kg of dry weight, respectively at 7 days HRT. Hence, it can be concluded that nature-based hydroponic filters planted with Duranta erecta might have a promising potential, mainly with gravel media. HCFS represents a very welcome technology to treat domestic wastewater at a decentralized level in developing countries, including Ethiopia.
Improvement of plant resistance to geminiviruses via protein de-S-acylation
Authors: Zhao Yawen , Li Zhenggang , Wang Zhiying , Huang Liting , Li Gongda , Liu Xiaoshi , Yuan Meiqi , Huang Wei , Ling Lishan , Yang Chengwei , He Zifu , Lai Jianbin
Published: April 2024

Geminiviruses are an important group of viruses that infect a variety of plants and result in heavy agricultural losses worldwide. The homologs of C4 (or L4) in monopartite geminiviruses and AC4 (or AL4) in bipartite geminiviruses are critical viral proteins. The C4 proteins from several geminiviruses are the substrates of S-acylation, a dynamic post-translational modification, for the maintenance of their membrane localization and function in virus infection. Here we initiated a screening and identified a plant protein ABAPT3 (Alpha/Beta Hydrolase Domain-containing Protein 17-like Acyl Protein Thioesterase 3) as the de-S-acylation enzyme of C4 encoded by BSCTV (Beet severe curly top virus). Overexpression of ABAPT3 reduced the S-acylation of BSCTV C4, disrupted its plasma membrane localization, inhibited its function in pathogenesis, and suppressed BSCTV infection. Because the S-acylation motifs are conserved among C4 from different geminiviruses, we tested the effect of ABAPT3 on the C4 protein of ToLCGdV (Tomato leaf curl Guangdong virus) from another geminivirus genus. Consistently, ABAPT3 overexpression also disrupted the S-acylation, subcellular localization, and function of ToLCGdV C4, and inhibited ToLCGdV infection. In summary, we provided a new approach to globally improve the resistance to different types of geminiviruses in plants via de-S-acylation of the viral C4 proteins and it can be extendedly used for suppression of geminivirus infection in crops.
Female Religiosity in Central Asia
Authors: Shanazarova Aziza
Published: April 2024

Through revealing the fascinating story of the Sufi master Aghā-yi Buzurg and her path to becoming the 'Great Lady' in sixteenth-century Bukhara, Aziza Shanazarova invites readers into the little-known world of female religious authority in early modern Islamic Central Asia, revealing a far more multifaceted gender history than previously supposed. Pointing towards new ways of mapping female religious authority onto the landscapes of early modern Muslim narratives, this book serves as an intervention into the debate on the history of women and religion that views gender as a historical phenomenon and construct, challenging narratives of the relationship between gender and age in Islamic discourse of the period. Shanazarova draws on previously unknown primary sources to bring attention to a rich world of female religiosity involving communal leadership, competition for spiritual superiority, and negotiation with the political elite that transforms our understanding of women's history in early modern Central Asia.
Balancing Strategy
Authors: Brinkman Anna
Published: April 2024

What is the relationship between seapower, law, and strategy? Anna Brinkman uses in-depth analysis of cases brought before the Court of Prize Appeal during the Seven Years' War to explore how Britain worked to shape maritime international law to its strategic advantage. Within the court, government ofﬁcials and naval and legal minds came together to shape legal decisions from the perspectives of both legal philosophy and maritime strategic aims. As a result, neutrality and the negotiation of rights became critical to maritime warfare. Balancing Strategy unpicks a complex web of competing priorities: deals struck with the Dutch Republic and Spain; imperial rivalry; mercantilism; colonial trade; and the relationships between metropoles and colonies, trade, and the navy. Ultimately, influencing and shaping international law of the sea allows a nation to create the norms and rules that constrain or enable the use of seapower during war.
Reconsidering Central Bank Independence
Authors: Du Plessis Stan , Freytag Andreas , van Lill Dawie
Published: April 2024

Central bank independence has become one of the most widely accepted tenets of modern monetary policy. According to this view, the main role of independent central banks is to maintain price stability through the adjustment of short-term interest rates. Reconsidering Central Bank Independence argues that the global financial crisis has undermined confidence in this view as central banks increasingly have to address concerns other than price stability, such as financial stability, the need for output recovery and other broader policy goals. Large balance-sheet expansion by central banks followed the global financial crisis, which overlapped considerably with the financial policy of their respective governments. Exploring the consequences of this shift to a more diverse set of policy challenges, this book calls for a return to the consensus role for central banks and analyses what this might mean for their future independence.
« Dans les rues, on ne voit que des musulmans ! »
Authors: Glesener Thomas , Hershenzon Daniel
Published: April 2024

En 1717, une plainte anonyme adressée au roi d’Espagne s’alarmait du nombre excessif de musulmans vivant à Carthagène (Murcie). Cette supplique déclencha une enquête du Conseil de Castille destinée à recenser les musulmans et à clarifier leur statut. Outre les esclaves des galères royales, l’enquête pointa tout particulièrement les
libertinos
, une catégorie méconnue d’esclaves privés résidant et travaillant librement dans la ville tout en étant lourdement endettés vis-à-vis de leurs maîtres en raison des sommes dues pour leur propre rachat. Cet article reconstitue la condition de ces esclaves déliés de leurs maisonnées et met au jour les tensions qu’elle suscita entre des normativités concurrentes. D’une part, le droit des esclaves à travailler pour financer leur affranchissement, tout comme celui des maîtres à vivre des rentes placées sur ces personnes étaient profondément ancrés dans les coutumes locales. D’autre part, en raison de l’augmentation de l’insécurité le long des côtes, les autorités locales et la couronne œuvrèrent à restreindre cet enchevêtrement de droits en obligeant les maîtres à garder leurs esclaves chez eux. Ce conflit entre des régimes d’esclavage différents, l’un inscrit dans les droits locaux, l’autre adossé à la juridiction royale, eut pour enjeu l’accès des esclaves au marché du travail, à la libre résidence ou encore aux protections dispensées par le droit des contrats. En faisant de l’enquête elle-même le nœud problématique de la recherche, cet article interroge le sens d’une procédure qui, en recensant les esclaves, procédait moins à un dénombrement démographique, qu’à une redistribution des droits de cité entre des habitants musulmans.
Do Opportunity Costs of Regulations Appropriately Benefit or Inappropriately Burden Disadvantaged Consumers?
Authors: Kenkel Donald
Published: April 2024

President Biden’s first-day memo “Modernizing Regulatory Review” directs the Office of Management and Budget to “propose procedures that take into account the distributional consequences of regulations… to ensure that regulatory initiatives appropriately benefit and do not inappropriately burden disadvantaged, vulnerable, or marginalized communities.” This paper makes two contributions. First, it discusses how economic analysis can transparently provide the information needed to make value-judgments about what distributional effects are appropriate and inappropriate. Second, it discusses the distributional consequences of regulations that are either designed to reduce internalities or might have the additional benefit of reducing internalities. Examples include tobacco product regulations, appliance energy efficiency standards, and automobile fuel efficiency standards. In many cases, the regulations will increase the prices or decrease the availability of goods that disadvantaged consumers prefer. This paper discussed how to determine whether restricting their consumption opportunities creates net benefits or net costs for disadvantaged consumers. Inframarginal consumers who do not change their consumption face higher opportunity costs but do not receive any benefits from reduced internalities. Empirical challenges include the need to quantify the fraction of inframarginal consumers and the size of the internalities.