bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physician knowledge, practice patterns, and barriers encountered regarding guideline‐concordant use of bone modifying agents for prostate cancer
Authors: Mitchell Aaron P. , Persaud Sonia , Palyca Paul , Salner Andrew , Farooki Azeez , Ostroff Jamie S. , Morris Michael J. , Chimonas Susan
Published: October 2023

Background

Guidelines recommend bone‐modifying agents (BMAs) for patients with castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and bone metastasis, but not for castrate‐sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC). Physicians beliefs and practices regarding BMA therapy are poorly understood.

Methods

This was a qualitative interview study with embedded Likert‐scale elements. Study participants were physicians who treat prostate cancer, located within an academic cancer center or an affiliated community‐based network. Participants were asked about their experiences and practice patterns regarding BMA therapy. Participants used Likert‐scale items to identify the most common barriers to guideline‐concordant BMA use and the most effective potential interventions. Participants were subsequently asked to rank the three most common barriers and the three most effective interventions to reduce underuse (for CRPC) and overuse (for CSPC).

Results

Nineteen physicians were invited and 15 participated; one physician did not answer some questions as outside of their practice scope. All were aware of the recommendation for BMAs in CRPC. 14% (2/14) were unaware of the recommendation against BMA use for CSPC; an additional 29% (4/14) believed that BMA use could be appropriate for CSPC depending on the metastatic disease burden. 36% (5/14) were unaware of recommendations for screening and treatment of low bone mineral density. The most common barriers (occurring “often” or “sometimes”) were obtaining dental clearance (11/15) and insufficient clinic time (6/15). The interventions identified as most effective to reduce underuse were dental navigation (11/15) and electronic medical record (EMR)‐based guidance (9/15). The interventions identified as most effective to reduce overuse were peer‐to‐peer education (14/15) and EMR‐based guidance (13/15).

Conclusions

Awareness of guideline recommendations for screening and treatment of low bone mineral density and against BMA use for CSPC was good, but not complete. Dental navigation, peer‐to‐peer education, and EMR‐based guidance were preferred intervention strategies to improve guideline‐concordant use.
Exploring the effects of B10 biodiesel contamination on Canavalia ensiformis growth and nutrition in artificially contaminated soil
Authors: Lancheros Andres , Brito Osmar , Guimarães Maria de Fátima
Published: October 2023

Soil contamination caused by fossil fuels and biofuels can alter the chemical and physical properties of soil, limiting its use for agricultural, residential, and recreational purposes. Phytoremediation offers a cost‐effective and manageable solution to mitigate these environmental impacts that can be applied to large areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean) growth and nutrition during the remediation of B10 biodiesel in artificially contaminated soil. The experimental design was fully randomized, with four replications and three contamination levels with B10, 0%, 1%, and 2% vol/wt, evaluated over 20, 40, and 60 days after sowing. Plant growth was assessed: shoot and root dry biomass, height, number of leaves, leaf area, and plant nutrition: macro‐ and micronutrient vegetable tissue. Dry biomass of shoots and roots, plant height, the number of leaves, and the leaf area decreased significantly in inverse proportion to the level of contamination. Twenty days after sowing, C. ensiformis growing in B10‐contaminated soil reduced the nitrogen and potassium concentrations, while phosphorus and sulfur increased, and calcium and magnesium remained unaffected. However, all except potassium tended to equilibrium after 60 days of sowing. Regarding micronutrients, manganese increased after 20 days of sowing, while iron decreased, and copper and zinc remained unchanged. Despite its growth and nutrition limitations, C. ensiformis is a viable option for phytoremediation in areas contaminated with hydrocarbons. Its nitrogen absorption capacity makes it an ideal natural fertilizer for the remediation of fuel‐contaminated soils.
Fault estimation of continuous‐time switched affine systems with actuator faults under dwell time constraint
Authors: Liao Fang , Zhu Yanzheng , He Xiao , Zhou Donghua
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates the problem of fault estimation for a class of continuous‐time switched affine systems with actuator faults. In most of the existing results of switched affine systems based on the min‐switching approach, the candidate Lyapunov function is usually common, such that it is conservative to derive the practical stability conditions. To overcome this restriction, a class of switched Lyapunov function is introduced to increase more degrees of freedom of the designed min‐switching strategy and to ensure the stability of error systems. At the same time, the proposed dwell‐time dependent switching strategy can avoid the frequent switchings commonly existing in the min‐switching mechanism. Then, a new intermediate estimator is designed to estimate the state and fault simultaneously, and the intermediate estimator based fault estimation is performed under the proposed mixed switching law. Moreover, the gains of fault estimator are explicitly calculated via resolving the conditions of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, two examples including a flyback DC‐DC power converter are illustrated to verify the effectiveness and advantage of proposed fault estimation approach.
A More Sustainable and Greener Process for Preparing 3,4,5‐Trisubstituted Furan‐2‐one Derivatives
Authors: Zaharani Lia , Ghafarikhaligh Mahta , Khaligh Nader Ghaffari
Published: October 2023

Treatment of 4,4′‐trimethylenedipiperidine with two equivalents of glacial acetic acid gave a cream‐like liquid with a pale yellow color. Then, its ionic chemical structure was demonstrated by different spectroscopic techniques. The thermal behavior of the new ionic liquid was also studied by TGA/DTA and DSC techniques to record its phase transitions and thermal stability and compare those with another analog, i. e., 1H,4H‐piperazine‐N,N′‐diium diacetate. Then, the multicomponent condensation of halogen‐substituted benzaldehydes with dimethyl 2‐(phenylamino) fumarate was investigated using the new ionic liquid in ethanol, an eco‐friendly medium. Excellent yield with 100 % conversion was obtained and pure products could be isolated directly from ethanol. After separating pure products, the residue solution was employed in the next run without separation, concentration, purification, or activation. Furthermore, the synthesis of methyl 2‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐5‐oxo‐4‐(phenylamino)‐2,5‐dihydro‐furan‐3‐carboxylate was carried out on a large scale using the current catalytic process, affording a conversion of 100 % and a high yield of the crystalline product even after ten consecutive runs. Energy efficiency, cost‐ and time‐saving, and waste prevention demonstrate the newly developed metal‐ and halogen‐free catalysis as a more sustainable catalytic process for preparing 3,4,5‐trisubstituted furan‐2‐one derivatives on the laboratory and industrial scale.
Exploring the Cathode Active Materials for Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries with High Energy Density
Authors: Hong Seung‐Bo , Lee Young‐Jun , Lee Han‐Jo , Sim Hui‐Tae , Lee Hyobin , Lee Yong Min , Kim Dong‐Won
Published: October 2023

All‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) are considered promising alternatives to current lithium‐ion batteries that employ liquid electrolytes due to their high energy density and enhanced safety. Among various types of solid electrolytes, sulfide‐based electrolytes are being actively studied, because they exhibit high ionic conductivity and high ductility, which enable good interfacial contacts in solid electrolytes without sintering at high temperatures. To improve the energy density of the sulfide‐based ASSLBs, it is essential to increase the loading of active material in the composite cathode. In this study, the Ni‐rich LiNixCoyMn1‐x‐yO2 (NCM) materials are explored with different Ni content, particle size, and crystalline form to probe suitable cathode active materials for high‐performance ASSLBs with high energy density. The results reveal that single‐crystalline LiNi0.82Co0.10Mn0.08O2 material with a small particle size exhibits the best cycling performance in the ASSLB assembled with a high mass loaded cathode (active mass loading: 26 mg cm−2, areal capacity: 5.0 mAh cm−2) in terms of discharge capacity, capacity retention, and rate capability.
Instructors' views regarding the level of importance and implementation of quality standards in intensive English programs
Authors: Ataman Orhan , Adıgüzel Abdullah
Published: October 2023

The aim of this research was to determine instructors' views regarding the level of importance and implementation of quality standards in intensive English programs (IEPs) of higher education in Türkiye. A descriptive research method was used for the study. The authors used a questionnaire produced from simplified versions of IEP quality standards of 12 accreditation bodies. The questionnaire consisted of 7 standard areas and 70 items. As for the data gathering process, stratified sampling method was used. Universities in Türkiye were divided into 6 categories according to their scores in the University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP) list, and 258 instructors working at universities in different URAP categories participated in the research. As a result of the study, it was seen that all of the standard areas were considered important by instructors. Six of the standard areas were found to be met “to a great extent,” whereas the “Continuous Improvement” standard area was found to be met “moderately” according to instructors' views. Also, the instructors who experienced the accreditation process gave more importance to quality standards. Finally, it was determined that the level of implementation of the quality standards was rated higher at accredited IEPs.
Schiff–Sherrington phenomenon in a cat with complete spinal cord transection from traumatic dorsocranial luxation of the second lumbar vertebra
Authors: Holland Christopher T.
Published: October 2023

A young stray entire female domestic shorthair cat was presented with symmetrical forelimb extensor rigidity, neck hyperextension and hindlimb paraplegia, characteristic of Schiff–Sherrington phenomenon (SSP), within 30 min of a motor vehicle accident. Radiographic and post‐mortem studies disclosed complete transection of the spinal cord from traumatic dorsocranial luxation of the second lumbar vertebra, displacement of the sacrum from the ilium, seventh lumbar and first caudal vertebrae and multiple pelvic fractures. Other causes of forelimb extensor rigidity and neck hyperextension such as decerebrate and decerebellate rigidity were excluded by a lack of neurological signs consistent with these entities and unremarkable findings on post‐mortem examination of the cranial cavity and brain and histological examination of the cerebrum, brainstem and cerebellum. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first report of SSP in the cat outside the experimental arena of decerebrate or non‐decerebrate preparations following post‐brachial spinal cord transection/cold block.
Use of montmorillonite to improve flame retardancy, thermal stability and reducing smoke toxicity of chicken feather protein‐based rigid polyurethane foam
Authors: Zhang Xu , Sun Simiao , Yuan Dehe , Wang Zhi , Xie Hua
Published: October 2023

The aim of this article is to solve the problem of improving the flame retardancy of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) while improving the environmental pollution caused by flame retardancy. Using the special layered structure of montmorillonite (MMT) and the stable chemical bond formed by the reaction with chicken feather (CF) protein, RPUF co‐modified with MMT and CF was successfully prepared by using the “one‐step method” of all‐water foaming. It was found by experiments and theoretical calculations that the addition of MMT improved the flame retardancy of the samples. When 3 wt% of MMT was added, RPUF‐CF1/MMT3 had the highest initial decomposition temperature and the largest activation energy, and its thermal stability was the best. In addition, RPUF‐CF1/MMT3 had the smallest peak heat release rate (28.77, 32.04, and 42.18 kW/m2) and total heat release (1.87, 2.15, and 2.38 MJ/m2) at different radiation fluxes. Meanwhile, RPUF‐CF1/MMT3 had the smallest smoke density (32.17 and 28.32), the largest light transmission (57.05% and 60.91%), the lowest toxic gas emission and the lowest fire risk.

Highlights

Flame retardant modified bioprotein‐based RPUF by MMT is proposed.

The flame retardant mechanism depends on the “sandwich biscuit” structure of MMT and its POSi bond with chicken hair protein.

MMT‐modified RPUF can improve its thermal stability, flame retardancy and smoke toxicity.
Why Is Development Elusive? Structural Adjustments of Africa in the Longue Durée
Authors: Ndlovu-Gatsheni Sabelo
Published: October 2023

The current age of resurgent and insurgent decolonisation of the twenty-first century has led to the reopening of basic epistemological questions and the need to look into historical, systemic, structural, institutional and agential forces behind the making and remaking of the modern world from a decolonial perspective. Consequently, the tasks of locating Africa historically in the macro-histories of the unfolding of Euromodernity and the evolving capitalist world economy and explicating how Africa was integrated into the evolving modern world capitalist system, the nationalist and decolonial initiatives of remaking the world after empire, and the re-disciplining and re-adjustment of African lives and economies in the service of hyper-globalisation, has gained new impetus.
Beyond Deconstruction and Towards Decoloniality: Pedagogy and Curriculum Design in SWANA and South Asia Studies in US Higher Education
Authors: Zeweri Helena , Farmer Tessa
Published: October 2023

In the United States area studies programs were created to train future generations of regional experts to become policymakers or to work in humanitarian and development aid. These programmes, entangled with US imperial policy, illuminate how decolonising area studies is not solely an epistemological problem for researchers but also an ethical problem for students in higher education, especially among development majors. In this chapter, we consider pedagogical and curricular practices that could contribute to developing a decolonial approach within introductory area studies programs that are designed to support practice-based development majors. We offer approaches that can equip students with the tools to imagine alternative pathways to engage in and with the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) and South Asia regions in ways that more closely align with a decolonial praxis.
A View to Beyond 6G
Authors: Yrjölä Seppo , Matinmikko-Blue Marja , Ahokangas Petri
Published: October 2023

This chapter adopts a futures research approach and applies causal layered analysis to present 6G visions specifically focusing on the different national perspectives between China, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and the USA. The chapter identifies the assumptions behind mobile communications, analyzes the different national visions, and presents based on the multiple ideologies and epistemes of the stakeholders and transformed futures beyond 6G mobile communications. The chapter concludes with policy implications for developing global mobile communications.
The Evolution of Mobile Communications
Authors: Yrjölä Seppo , Matinmikko-Blue Marja , Ahokangas Petri
Published: October 2023

This chapter introduces the evolution of mobile communications. As the mobile communications’ context is expected to become increasingly platform-based and ecosystemic, it is important to distinguish relevant perspectives and map the developments in the field. This chapter provides an outlook from the first (1G) to fifth (5G) generation of mobile communications by looking at technology and standardization, relevant regulatory developments and contents, and specifically characterizes the business ecosystems toward the sixth generation of mobile communications (6G). The purpose of the chapter is to provide a contextual setting for the discussions presented in the subsequent chapters by showing the emergence and evolutionary continuum of mobile communications from 1 to 6G.
Scalar QED in AdS
Authors: Ankur  , Carmi Dean , Di Pietro Lorenzo
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We consider scalar QED with Nf flavors in AdSD. For D < 4 the theory is strongly-coupled in the IR. We use the spin 1 spectral representation to compute and efficiently resum the bubble diagram in AdS, in order to obtain the exact propagator of the photon at large Nf. We then apply this result to compute the boundary four-point function of the charged operators at leading order in 1/Nf and exactly in the coupling, both in the Coulomb and in the Higgs phase. In the first case a conserved current is exchanged in the four-point function, while in the second case the current is absent and there is a pattern of double-trace scaling dimension analogous to a resonance in flat space. We also consider the BCFT data associated to the critical point with bulk conformal symmetry separating the two phases. Both in ordinary perturbation theory and at large Nf, in integer dimension D = 3 an IR divergence breaks the conformal symmetry on the boundary by inducing a boundary RG flow in a current-current operator.
Efficacy and Safety of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy with the Routine Use of Prasugrel for Flow Diversion of Cerebral Unruptured Aneurysms
Authors: Suyama Kenichiro , Nakahara Ichiro , Matsumoto Shoji , Morioka Jun , Tanabe Jun , Hasebe Akiko , Watanabe Sadayoshi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Prasugrel is not approved for patients treated with flow diverters, which have a high metal coverage ratio. However, robust antiplatelet therapy with prasugrel may prevent thromboembolic complications. We administered prasugrel and aspirin to all patients treated with flow diverters and reported the safety of the antiplatelet therapy regimen.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center study evaluated the angiographic and clinical data of consecutive patients treated with flow diverters for cerebral unruptured aneurysms between June 2020 and May 2022. All patients received dual antiplatelet therapy, including prasugrel and aspirin. The administration of prasugrel ended 3 or 6 months after the procedure, whereas aspirin use continued for at least 12 months. Periprocedural complications (< 30 days post-procedure) and delayed complications (> 30 days post-procedure) were recorded.

Results

During the study period, 120 unruptured aneurysms were treated with flow diverters in 110 patients. All patients, except one, survived longer than 12 months after the procedure. The rate of thromboembolic complications was 6.4%, and more than half of the patients had transient symptoms; one (0.9%) had a major ischemic stroke. One patient (0.9%) each had an asymptomatic, small subarachnoid hemorrhage and significant hemorrhagic complications with melena. The rate of permanent neurological deficits was 1.8%, and the mortality rate was 0.9%.

Conclusions

Dual antiplatelet therapy comprising routine use of prasugrel and aspirin for flow diverter-implanted patients possibly contributed to a low rate of thromboembolic complications and low risk of hemorrhagic complications.
Trends and characteristics of severe road traffic injuries in children: a nationwide cohort study in Japan
Authors: Nakao Shunichiro , Katayama Yusuke , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Hirose Tomoya , Tachino Jotaro , Ishida Kenichiro , Ojima Masahiro , Kiguchi Takeyuki , Umemura Yutaka , Kiyohara Kosuke , Oda Jun
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate temporal trends of characteristics of severe road traffic injuries in children and identify factors associated with mortality using a nationwide database in Japan.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of Japan Trauma Data Bank (JTDB) from 2004 to 2018. We included patients with traffic injuries under the age of 18 who were hospitalized. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. We evaluated trends in characteristics and assessed factors associated with in-hospital mortality using a logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 4706 patients were analyzed. The most common mechanism of injury was bicycle crash (34.4%), followed by pedestrian (28.3%), and motorcycle crash (21.3%). The overall in-hospital mortality was 11.2%. We found decreasing trends in motorcycle crash and in-hospital mortality and increasing trends in rear passenger seats in cars over the 15-year period. The following factors were associated with in-hospital mortality: car crash (aOR 1.69, 95%CI 1.18–2.40), pedestrian (aOR 1.50, 95%CI 1.13–1.99), motorcycle crash (aOR 1.42, 95%CI 1.03–1.95) [bicycle crash as a reference]; concomitant injuries to head/neck (aOR 5.06, 95%CI 3.81–6.79), thorax (aOR 2.34, 95%CI 1.92–2.87), abdomen (aOR 1.74, 95%CI 1.29–2.33), pelvis/lower-extremity (aOR 1.57, 95%CI 1.23–2.00), spine (aOR 3.01, 95%CI 2.02–4.43); and 5-year increase in time period (aOR 0.80, 95%CI 0.70–0.91).

Conclusions

We found decreasing trends in motorcycle crash and in-hospital mortality, increasing trends in rear passenger seats in cars over the 15-year period, and factors associated with in-hospital mortality such as type of mechanisms and concomitant injuries. Strengthening child road safety measures, particularly for rear passenger seats in vehicles, is imperative to enhance our dedication to injury prevention.
Verletzungen des medialen Bandapparats des Kniegelenks
Authors: Herbst Elmar , Glasbrenner Johannes , Deichsel Adrian , Briese Thorben , Peez Christian , Raschke Michael J. , Kittl Christoph
Published: October 2023

Verschiedene mediale Strukturen sind für die Hemmung der Valgus‑, Außenrotations- und anteromedialen Rotation zuständig. Aus Verletzungen dieser Strukturen können unterschiedlich ausgeprägte isolierte und kombinierte Instabilitäten resultieren. Das hintere Schrägband („posterior oblique ligament“, POL) wird, im Gegensatz zu früheren Spekulationen, nicht mehr als Hauptstabilisator der anteromedialen Rotationsinstabilität (AMRI) angesehen. Die akuten proximalen medialen Rupturen sind die Domäne der konservativen Therapie, mit sehr guten klinischen Ergebnissen. Im Gegensatz dazu bedingen akute distale Rupturen meistens ein operatives Vorgehen. Chronische Instabilitäten treten überwiegend in Kombination mit Instabilitäten des vorderen Kreuzbands (VKB) auf. Die klinische Untersuchung ist speziell bei diesen Instabilitäten ein wichtiger Bestandteil zur Indikationsstellung einer Operation für eine zusätzliche mediale Rekonstruktion. Bei hochgradigen medialen und anteromedialen Instabilitäten sollte an eine operative Versorgung gedacht werden. Biomechanisch erscheint eine kombinierte mediale und anteromediale Rekonstruktion den anderen Rekonstruktionsarten überlegen. Derzeit fehlen klinische Studien, um genau diesen biomechanischen Vorteil auch klinisch zu belegen.
Development of an optical particle number sensor based on continuous wave laser-induced incandescence
Authors: Kammerer Matteo , Purkl Fabian , Geigle Klaus Peter
Published: October 2023

In this work, the development of a new particle counting sensor based on continuous-wave laser-induced incandescence is described. We demonstrate the sensor, which makes use of a focussed laser beam emitted by a compact laser diode, as an alternative device to established laboratory techniques to count soot particles. Simulations help understanding the cause–effect relationships based on known theory with the implementation of specific laser beam characteristics that influence the absorption process. The main goal of this work was to demonstrate the sensor’s ability to determine the soot particle number concentration of a test aerosol. This has been confirmed through a comparison with established laboratory instruments, like scanning mobility particle sizer or condensation particle counter. The observed size dependency of the laser induced incandescence sensor’s detection efficiency was successfully corrected with prior knowledge of the investigated particle size distribution. Furthermore, the sensor’s detection limit with respect to the particle diameter was determined to be well below 100 nm with a dependency on the applied laser power.
Soziotechnische Innovationen für Sorgegemeinschaften
Authors: Wörle Tobias , Schaller Michael , Fischer Florian
Published: October 2023

Mit dem steigenden Bedarf an pflegerischer Unterstützung im häuslichen Umfeld geht zugleich eine Abnahme in der Bereitschaft sowie den Möglichkeiten zur familialen Pflege einher (u. a. aufgrund gesellschaftlicher Fragmentierung und Individualisierung). Daher bedarf es neuer Formen sozialer Unterstützungsnetzwerke (Sorgegemeinschaften), in denen professionelle Akteure gemeinsam mit informell Pflegenden und Ehrenamtlichen aktiv sind. Hier kann die Digitalisierung ein Instrument darstellen, das in der Gestaltung und Koordination von Pflegearrangements für ältere Menschen auf sozialräumlicher Ebene zu unterstützen vermag. Grundlegende Voraussetzung ist jedoch, dass entsprechende Technologien zum einen partizipativ und zum anderen integriert in bestehende Strukturen entwickelt werden. Das bedeutet, dass nicht nur die Bedürfnisse und Bedarfe der zukünftigen Nutzer:innen umfassend in den Entwicklungsprozess einbezogen werden, sondern diese auch zu aktiv Mitentscheidenden werden. Darüber hinaus sollte sich die entwickelte Technik an bestehenden Versorgungsstrukturen und sozialräumlichen Gegebenheiten orientieren. Dieser konzeptionelle Beitrag nimmt sich dieser beiden Anforderungen an und zeigt anhand eines konkreten Fallbeispiels aus einem partizipativen Technikentwicklungsprojekt auf, wie soziotechnische Innovationen für und mit Sorgegemeinschaften so entwickelt, implementiert und nutzbar gemacht werden können, dass sie nachhaltig wirksam werden.
The challenges of research data management in cardiovascular science: a DGK and DZHK position paper—executive summary
Authors: Steffens Sabine , Schröder Katrin , Krüger Martina , Maack Christoph , Streckfuss-Bömeke Katrin , Backs Johannes , Backofen Rolf , Baeßler Bettina , Devaux Yvan , Gilsbach Ralf , Heijman Jordi , Knaus Jochen , Kramann Rafael , Linz Dominik , Lister Allyson L. , Maatz Henrike , Maegdefessel Lars , Mayr Manuel , Meder Benjamin , Nussbeck Sara Y. , Rog-Zielinska Eva A. , Schulz Marcel H. , Sickmann Albert , Yigit Gökhan , Kohl Peter
Published: October 2023

The sharing and documentation of cardiovascular research data are essential for efficient use and reuse of data, thereby aiding scientific transparency, accelerating the progress of cardiovascular research and healthcare, and contributing to the reproducibility of research results. However, challenges remain. This position paper, written on behalf of and approved by the German Cardiac Society and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, summarizes our current understanding of the challenges in cardiovascular research data management (RDM). These challenges include lack of time, awareness, incentives, and funding for implementing effective RDM; lack of standardization in RDM processes; a need to better identify meaningful and actionable data among the increasing volume and complexity of data being acquired; and a lack of understanding of the legal aspects of data sharing. While several tools exist to increase the degree to which data are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR), more work is needed to lower the threshold for effective RDM not just in cardiovascular research but in all biomedical research, with data sharing and reuse being factored in at every stage of the scientific process. A culture of open science with FAIR research data should be fostered through education and training of early-career and established research professionals. Ultimately, FAIR RDM requires permanent, long-term effort at all levels. If outcomes can be shown to be superior and to promote better (and better value) science, modern RDM will make a positive difference to cardiovascular science and practice. The full position paper is available in the supplementary materials.
Electrochemistry in sensing of molecular interactions of proteins and their behavior in an electric field
Authors: Vacek Jan , Zatloukalová Martina , Dorčák Vlastimil , Cifra Michal , Futera Zdeněk , Ostatná Veronika
Published: October 2023

Electrochemical methods can be used not only for the sensitive analysis of proteins but also for deeper research into their structure, transport functions (transfer of electrons and protons), and sensing their interactions with soft and solid surfaces. Last but not least, electrochemical tools are useful for investigating the effect of an electric field on protein structure, the direct application of electrochemical methods for controlling protein function, or the micromanipulation of supramolecular protein structures. There are many experimental arrangements (modalities), from the classic configuration that works with an electrochemical cell to miniaturized electrochemical sensors and microchip platforms. The support of computational chemistry methods which appropriately complement the interpretation framework of experimental results is also important. This text describes recent directions in electrochemical methods for the determination of proteins and briefly summarizes available methodologies for the selective labeling of proteins using redox-active probes. Attention is also paid to the theoretical aspects of electron transport and the effect of an external electric field on the structure of selected proteins. Instead of providing a comprehensive overview, we aim to highlight areas of interest that have not been summarized recently, but, at the same time, represent current trends in the field.

Graphical abstract
Nano-topographical surface engineering for enhancing bioactivity of PEEK implants (in vitro—histomorphometric study)
Authors: Mostafa Dawlat , Kassem Youssef M. , Omar Samia Soliman , Shalaby Yousreya
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Dental implants are currently becoming a routine treatment decision in dentistry. Synthetic polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer is a prevalent component of dental implantology field. The current study aimed to assess the influence of Nd:YAG laser nano-topographical surface engineering combined with ultraviolet light or platelet rich fibrin on the bioactivity and osseointegration of PEEK implants in laboratory and animal testing model.

Materials and methods

Computer Aided Design-Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD CAM) discs of PEEK were used to fabricate PEEK discs (8 mm × 3 mm) N = 36 and implant cylinders (3 mm × 6 mm) N = 72. Specimens were exposed to Nd:YAG laser at wavelength 1064 nm, and surface roughness topography/Ra parameter was recorded in nanometer using atomic force microscopy. Laser modified specimens were divided into three groups: Nd:YAG laser engineered surfaces (control), Nd:YAG laser/UV engineered surfaces and Nd:YAG laser/PRF engineered surfaces (N = 12 discs–N = 24 implants). In vitro bioactivity test was performed, and precipitated apatite minerals were assessed with X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vivo histomorphometric analysis was performed in rabbits with BIC% calculation.

Results

Ra mean value of PEEK laser engineered surfaces was 125.179 nm. For the studied groups, XRD patterns revealed distinctive peaks of different apatite minerals that were demonstrated by SEM as dispersed surface aggregations. There was a significant increase in the BIC% from control group 56.43 (0.97) to laser/UV surfaces 77.30 (0.78) to laser/PRF 84.80 (1.29) (< 0.0001).

Conclusions

Successful engineered nano-topographical biomimetic PEEK implant could be achieved by Nd:YAG laser technique associated with improving bioactivity. The combination with UV or PRF could be simple and economic methods to gain more significant improvement of PEEK implant surface bioactivity with superior osteointegration.
The German Environmental Tax Reform: a difference-in-differences analysis of its impacts in European comparison
Authors: Kühnhenrich Daniel
Published: October 2023

In 1998, the red-green Schröder government implemented the Environmental Tax Reform (ETR), raising taxes on petrol, diesel, natural gas and heating oil and introducing a new duty on electricity in Germany. At the same time, it cut non-wage labour costs by reducing public pension contributions. The goal was to achieve Germany’s Kyoto Protocol emissions targets and to reduce a level of unemployment unprecedented since World War II while avoiding the burden on the public budget through revenue recycling. Employing microdata from household budget surveys of 1998 and 2003, this article analyses whether increased duties on motor fuels and electricity lead to a substantial reduction in households’ consumption of these goods. Considering the ETR as a natural experiment, it uses the difference-in-differences approach in a European context with Germany as the treatment group and Italy, Spain and the UK as the control group. Ordinary least square regressions reveal that motor fuel demand is price inelastic, while electricity consumption increased despite the substantial rise in prices. Quartile regressions show that the effect of the motor fuel tax is slightly higher at the bottom than at the upper tail of the distribution supporting the notion that low-level consumers are more likely to find alternative substitutes.
Nationwide analysis of open groin hernia repairs in Italy from 2015 to 2020
Authors: Ortenzi M. , Botteri E. , Balla A. , Podda M. , Montori G. , Sartori A.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed operations in general surgery. A total of 130.000 inguinal hernia repairs are performed yearly in Italy, and approximately 20 million inguinal hernias are treated worldwide annually. This report represents the trend analysis in inguinal hernia repair in Italy from a nationwide dataset for the 6-year period from 2015 to 2020.

Materials and methods

Based on regional hospital discharge records, all the inguinal hernia repairs performed in public and private hospitals in Italy between 2015 and 2020 were reviewed based on diagnosis and procedure codes. For the aim of this study, data from the AgeNas (The National Agency for Regional Health Services) data source were analyzed.

Results

Elective inguinal hernia repairs outnumbered urgent operations over the 6-year study period, ranging from 122,737 operations in 2015 to 65,780 in 2020 as absolute numbers, and from 87.96 to 83.3% of total procedures in 2019 and 2020 respectively, with an annual change ranging from − 66.58%, between 2020 and 2019, to − 2.49%, between 2019 and 2018 (mean = − 18.74%; CI =− 46.7%–9.22%; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

This large-scale review of groin hernia data from a nationwide Italian dataset provides a unique opportunity to obtain a snapshot of open groin hernia repair activity. More specifically, there is a trend to perform more elective than urgent procedures and there is a steady decrease in the amount of open hernia repairs in favor to laparoscopy.
An innovative mixed reality approach for maxillofacial osteotomies and repositioning
Authors: Brunzini Agnese , Mazzoli Alida , Pagnoni Mario , Mandolini Marco
Published: October 2023

Craniomaxillofacial surgeries are performed using custom-made physical cutting guides and resin dental splints that present several drawbacks (e.g. time and cost required for their design and production). The literature commonly provides augmented/mixed reality (AR/MR) solutions for assisting maxillofacial osteotomies and repositioning without any interactive guide. This work proposes a new MR application, useful for osteotomy and repositioning, providing interactive, fast, and intuitive feedback to the surgeon, who is then supported in performing the bone fragment resection and replacement frame by frame. The proposed application speeds up the surgery and reduces under/overshooting errors. Moreover, the idea of integrating osteotomy and repositioning assistance in the same MR application is rarely found in the literature. It is an entirely novel approach to craniomaxillofacial surgery. The MR application has been designed with a three-button menu. The “App Start” calibrates the app, the “Osteotomy Mode” visualises the holograms of the cutting lines and drilling points, and the “Repositioning Mode” visualises the step-by-step real-time feedback to precisely support the surgeon placing the osteotomised bone fragment towards the final pre-planned position. The MR app has been developed in Unity and deployed on Microsoft HoloLens V2. A laboratory test bench was realised to validate the accuracy of the proposed MR-based approach. The validation protocol consists of two tasks to test the osteotomy and repositioning modes using a 3D-printed skull phantom. For osteotomy, the accuracy is 0.89 mm (genioplasty), 1.24 mm (maxillary osteotomy), 1.33 mm (orthognathic surgery), and 2.89 mm (mandibular angle osteotomy). For repositioning, the accuracy is 0.6 mm (anteroposterior deviation), 0.7 mm (mediolateral deviation), and 0.6° (angular deviation).
Working memory during spontaneous migraine attacks: an fMRI study
Authors: Ruiz-Tagle Amparo , Figueiredo Patrícia , Pinto Joana , Vilela Pedro , Martins Isabel Pavão , Gil-Gouveia Raquel
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate the neural correlates of working memory during a spontaneous migraine attack compared to the interictal phase, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Background

Cognitive disturbances are commonly observed during migraine attacks, particularly in the headache phase. However, the neural basis of these changes remains unknown.

Methods

In a fMRI within-subject test-retest design study, eleven women (32 years of age, average) with episodic migraine were evaluated twice, first during a spontaneous migraine attack, and again in a pain-free period. Each session consisted in a cognitive assessment and fMRI while performing a working memory task (N-back).

Results

Cognitive test scores were lower during the ictal session than in the pain-free session. Regions typically associated with working memory were activated during the N-back task in both sessions. A voxel wise between session comparison showed significantly greater activation in the left frontal pole and orbitofrontal cortex during the attack relative to the interictal phase.

Conclusion

Migraine patients exhibited greater activation of the left frontal pole and orbitofrontal cortex while executing a verbal working memory task during a spontaneous migraine attack when compared to the interictal state. Given the association of these regions with pain processing and inhibitory control, these findings suggest that patients recruit inhibitory areas to accomplish the cognitive task during migraine attacks, a neural signature of their cognitive difficulties.
Connected coordinated motion planning with bounded stretch
Authors: Fekete Sándor P. , Keldenich Phillip , Kosfeld Ramin , Rieck Christian , Scheffer Christian
Published: October 2023

We consider the problem of connected coordinated motion planning for a large collective of simple, identical robots: From a given start grid configuration of robots, we need to reach a desired target configuration via a sequence of parallel, collision-free robot motions, such that the set of robots induces a connected grid graph at all integer times. The objective is to minimize the makespan of the motion schedule, i.e., to reach the new configuration in a minimum amount of time. We show that this problem is -complete, even for deciding whether a makespan of 2 can be achieved, while it is possible to check in polynomial time whether a makespan of 1 can be achieved. On the algorithmic side, we establish simultaneous constant-factor approximation for two fundamental parameters, by achieving constant stretch for constant scale. Scaled shapes (which arise by increasing all dimensions of a given object by the same multiplicative factor) have been considered in previous seminal work on self-assembly, often with unbounded or logarithmic scale factors; we provide methods for a generalized scale factor, bounded by a constant. Moreover, our algorithm achieves a constant stretch factor: If mapping the start configuration to the target configuration requires a maximum Manhattan distance of d, then the total duration of our overall schedule is $$\mathcal {O}(d)$$

O
(
d
)

, which is optimal up to constant factors.
On the Personal, Intersubjective, and Metaphysical Senses of Death: An Inquiry into Edmund Husserl’s Transcendental Phenomenological Approach to Death
Authors: Toronyai Gábor
Published: October 2023

In this short study, I attempt to reconstruct the main conceptual components of Edmund Husserl’s concept of death following the leading clue of his late transcendental phenomenological methodology. First, I summarise his thoughts on death, from the point of view of “the natural attitude”, as an event in the world. Then, I try and explore the manifold senses of the limit phenomenon of death as a multidimensional transcendental phenomenological problem in all of its intersubjective-world constitutive, personal-primordial, and metaphysical-constructive layers of meanings, respectively. By doing so, I also hope that the path we travel can serve the reader as an opportunity for a personal and reflective confrontation with death.
Sesamol defends neuronal damage following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion: a crosstalk of autophagy and Notch1/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling
Authors: El-Sayyad Shorouk Mohamed , El-Ella Dina M. Abo , Hafez Mohamed M. , Al-Mokaddem Asmaa K. , Ali Bassam Mohamed , Awny Magdy M. , El-Emam Soad Z.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Sesamol (SES) is a phenolic compound found in sesame seed oil. Several studies have revealed its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its complete underlying mechanistic perspective about cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) lesions has not yet been disclosed. Consequently, we aimed to scrutinize its neuroprotective mechanism against cerebral injury during a global cerebral I/R in a rat model, considering its impact on autophagy and Notch1/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling regulation.

Methods

To affirm our purpose, adult Wistar rats were allotted into five groups: sham and the other four groups in which transient global cerebral ischemia was induced by bilateral common ligation (2VO) for 1 h, then reperfusion for either 24 h or 5 days: I/R (1/24), I/R (1/5), SES + I/R (1/24), and SES + I/R (1/5). In treated groups, SES (100 mg/kg, p.o., for 21 days) was administered before cerebral I/R induction. The assessment of histopathological changes in brain tissues, immunohistochemistry, biochemical assays, ELISA, and qRT-PCR were utilized to investigate our hypothesis.

Results

Advantageously, SES halted the structural neuronal damage with lessened demyelination induced by cerebral I/R injury. Restoring oxidant/antioxidant balance was evident by boosting the total antioxidant capacity and waning lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, SES reduced inflammatory and apoptosis markers. Additionally, SES recovered GFAP, Cx43, and autophagy signaling, which in turn switched off the Notch-1/NLRP3 inflammasome trajectory.

Conclusions

Our results revealed the neuroprotective effect of SES against cerebral I/R injury through alleviating injurious events and boosting autophagy, consequently abolishing Notch1/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling.
The popularity function: a spurious regression? The case of Austria
Authors: Neck Reinhard , Schneider Friedrich
Published: October 2023

In this paper we apply the unit root and cointegration methodology as well as other methods of modern econometric time series analysis to estimate popularity functions for the Austrian parties in power since the mid-1970s. We find only very rare evidence for economic variables influencing the popularity of the main political parties in the federal government, thereby challenging previous studies that claimed to have established such influences. When considering the determinants of the popularity of the incumbent party (the sum of the popularities of the parties in government), the unemployment rate turns out to have a negative short-run influence. The robustness of this result is checked by various methods, demonstrating the usefulness of the applied methodology to clarify such issues.
TV Series in Mainstream Media Depicting Autism and Self-Diagnosis of Autism in a General Population of Young Adults
Authors: Mittmann Gloria , Schrank Beate , Steiner-Hofbauer Verena
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The prevalence of autism diagnoses has increased in recent years. The portrayal of autistic characters in mainstream media, such as TV series, may be a contributing factor. This study investigated whether young adults who consume media featuring autistic characters are more likely to self-diagnose with autism.

Methods

348 participants filled out an online questionnaire exploring their media consumption, subjective diagnosis of autism and objective indicators of autism using an Emotion Recognition Task.

Results

Results from linear regression analysis indicated a significant correlation between media consumption and self-diagnosis, while valence of the series and objective diagnosis did not have a significant influence. The study found no gender differences.

Conclusion

The results suggest a need for further research on the relationship between media consumption and self-diagnosis, including for other forms of media beyond TV series.
Quantifying Spatial Complexity of Settlement Plans Through Fractal Analysis
Authors: Bruvoll Hallvard
Published: October 2023

In this paper, I investigate the possibilities and limitations of fractal analysis methods applied to archaeological and synthetic settlement plans, with the goal of providing quantitative measures of spatial randomness or noise, as well as potential tools for automated culture-historical attribution of settlement plans and socio-economic intra-site differentiation. The archaeological sample is made from Linear Pottery settlements in south-west Slovakia and Trypillia settlements in the Southern Bug—Dnieper interfluve in central Ukraine, all based upon high-quality geomagnetic site plans. Synthetic plans are constructed as geometrically ideal versions of the archaeological ones, with varying degrees of added spatial noise. A significant correlation between fractal dimension and noise level is revealed for synthetic settlement plans, independently of size, density, house-size distribution and basic layout. However, several methodological challenges persist, and further systematic exploration on larger samples is needed before these results may be generalised. All analysis is performed in the R language and the script is made freely available in order to facilitate further development.
50 Years of Dirty Hands: An Overview
Authors: Nick Christina , de Wijze Stephen
Published: October 2023

This chapter introduces the Special Issue and offers an overview of the corpus of work on the topic since the publication of Michael Walzer’s seminal article, ‘Political Action: The Problem of Dirty Hands’.