bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bimetallic Polymerization Network for Effective Increase in Labile Iron Pool and Robust Activation of cGAS/STING Induces Ferroptosis‐Based Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Zhenxin , Zhou Peng , Li Yuting , Zhang Dazhen , Chu Fuchao , Yuan Feng , Pan Bin , Gao Fenglei
Published: December 2023

Due to the inherent low immunogenicity and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of malignant cancers, the clinical efficacy and application of tumor immunotherapy have been limited. Herein, a bimetallic drug‐gene co‐loading network (Cu/ZIF‐8@U‐104@siNFS1‐HA) is developed that increased the intracellular labile iron pool (LIP) and enhanced the weakly acidic TME by co‐suppressing the dual enzymatic activities of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) and cysteine desulfurylase (NFS1), inducing a safe and efficient initial tumor immunogenic ferroptosis. During this process, Cu2+ is responsively released to deplete glutathione (GSH) and reduce the enzyme activity of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), achieving the co‐inhibition of the three enzymes and further inducing lipid peroxidation (LPO). Additionally, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) storm in target cells promoted the generation of large numbers of double‐stranded DNA breaks. The presence of Zn2+ substantially increased the expression of cGAS/STING, which cooperated with ferroptosis to strengthen the immunogenic cell death (ICD) response and remodel the immunosuppressive TME. In brief, Cu/ZIF‐8@U‐104@siNFS1‐HA linked ferroptosis with immunotherapy through multiple pathways, including the increase in LIP, regulation of pH, depletion of GSH/GPX4, and activation of STING, effectively inhibiting cancer growth and metastasis.
Facile Synthesis of 2D SiOx‐3D Si Hybrid Anode Materials by Ca Modification Effect for Enhanced Lithium Storage Performance
Authors: Ding Juxuan , Sun Jifei , Li Jingwei , Chen Chen , Jiang Xuesong , Wang Zihan , Zhu Xiaoxiao , Mo Zhangchao , Chen Shuanghong , Ban Boyuan , Chen Jian
Published: December 2023

Al‐Si dealloying method is widely used to prepare Si anode for alleviating the issues caused by a drastic volume change of Si‐based anode. However, this method suffers from the problems of low Si powder yield (<20 wt.% Si) and complicated cooling equipment due to the hindrance of large‐size primary Si particles. Here, a new modification strategy to convert primary Si to 2D SiOx nanosheets by introducing a Ca modifier into Al‐Si alloy melt is presented. The thermodynamics calculation shows that the primary Si is preferentially converted to CaAl2Si2 intermetallic compound in Al‐Si‐Ca alloy system. After the dealloying process, the CaAl2Si2 is further converted to 2D SiOx nanosheets, and eutectic Si is converted to 3D Si, thus obtaining the 2D SiOx‐3D Si hybrid Si‐based materials (HSiBM). Benefiting from the modification effect, the HSiBM anode shows a significantly improved electrochemical performance, which delivers a capacity retention of over 90% after 100 cycles and keeps 98.94% capacity after the rate test. This work exhibits an innovative approach to produce stable Si‐based anode through Al‐Si dealloying method with a high Si yield and without complicated rapid cooling techniques, which has a certain significance for the scalable production of Si‐based anodes.
An efficient lightweight authentication scheme for dew‐assisted IoT networks
Authors: Verma Upendra , Sohani Mayank
Published: December 2023

The dew computing is currently considered as one of the promising technology, due to its ability to give data access in the absence of internet. However, dew computing also brings new challenges, particularly security and privacy issues. In dew computing paradigm, authentication and key agreement pose substantial challenges that must be taken into account. In this context, the present work is to provide a secure authentication scheme for Internet of Things and dew server based on elliptic curve cryptography. Moreover, the performance evaluation of proposed scheme has been assessed in terms of communication and computation cost, which shows the proposed scheme outperforms than existing related schemes. The proposed scheme has also been compared with the related schemes in terms of various security features such as location privacy, anonymity, forward secrecy, mutual authentication, key agreement, forgery attack, replay attack, denial of service attack and replay attack. Furthermore, the formal security evaluation has been verified by automated validation internet security protocols and applications (AVISPA) under on‐the‐fly model‐checker (OFMC) and constraint logic based attack searcher (CL‐AtSE) backends. The OFMC backend analyzed 228 visited nodes with four plies using search time of 0.24 s. The CL‐AtSE analyzed three states with translation time of 0.12 s. The OFMC and CL‐AtSE backends have not identified any attack trace. Therefore, the simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme is safe against the security threats.
Assessing the auditory effects of oral chelation therapy drug Deferasirox in individuals with β‐thalassemia major
Authors: Tiwana Balwinder S. , Aggarwal Ankita , Bhagat Sanjeev , Singh Harjinder , Sahni Dimple , Yadav Vishav
Published: December 2023

Objective

Our study aimed to investigate the ototoxicity associated with the iron chelator deferasirox in patients with β‐thalassemia major, who were receiving regular transfusion therapy, along with evaluating the data on audiological tests using appropriate statistical tests.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study was conducted on 100 transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia major patients on oral iron chelating agent‐deferasirox. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) was carried out in all patients to assess the auditory side effects of the drug. Data was collected, compiled, and analyzed statistically using appropriate statistical tests. The relationship between ototoxicity and various demographic parameters such as age, sex, hemoglobin (Hb) level, S. ferritin, duration, and dose of chelation therapy was also assessed.

Results

Sixteen patients had abnormal DPOAE and the number of patients with pure tone average above 25 dB HL which was taken as hearing deficit on PTA was 13. No statistically significant relationship between hearing loss and age, gender, S. ferritin, duration of therapy, cumulative dose, Hb levels were found.

Conclusion

Despite being a lifesaving drug, the advantages of chelating agent‐Deferasirox must be weighed against its probable ototoxic effects. We could not find a relationship of ototoxicity with variable parameters (age, gender, Hb level, Ferritin level, duration, and cumulative dose of drug), thus future research is encouraged to form a definitive basis.
Synthesis, structures and optical properties of mononuclear La, Eu and Tb complexes supported by calix[4]arene ligands bearing three pendant salicylaldiminato arms
Authors: Günzel Lennart , Börner Martin , Kersting Berthold
Published: December 2023

The synthesis and complexation behaviour of a new calix[4]arene ligand H4L3 bearing three pendant salicylaldimine arms towards selected lanthanide ions has been investigated. Reaction of H4L3 with Ln(NO3)3⋅6H2O in MeOH in the presence of NEt3 provides monomeric complexes of composition [Ln(HL3)] (Ln=La3+ (4), Eu3+ (5), Tb3+ (6)). An X‐ray crystallographic analysis for 4 reveals that only two of the three ligand arms are involved in the coordination of the lanthanide ions, to give eight‐coordinated Ln3+ ions in a distorted square‐antiprismatic N2O6 environment. UV‐vis spectrophotometric titrations show that such monomeric species prevail in CH2Cl2/MeOH (1/1 v/v) solution. The apparent stability constants determined by UV‐vis spectrophotometric titration are log K=6.8(2) for 5 and log K=5.8(1) for 6. The Eu and Tb complexes luminesce only weakly at 77 K with luminescence lifetimes of 0.469 and 0.306 s.
On Continuities. Migration and Institutional (Non-)Change
Authors: Jurkiewicz Joanna , Schneider Jens
Published: December 2023

Migration as a driver of cultural change has led not only to reflexions about the role of cultural institutions in producing narratives on belonging or nations but also to criticism of the institutional structures themselves. Manifold approaches have evolved that discuss how cultural institutions can more aptly represent the diversity of migration societies. These have inspired artistic projects, educational programmes and sometimes also institutional change. However, in Germany, these promising developments still seem to be exceptional. While the debates have been around for quite some years and seem to be all-encompassing and happening in various cultural institutions in diverse forms, we hardly notice any change in institutional structures. The chapter aims to identify reasons for this discrepancy based on two case studies of qualitative research in the middle-sized town of Sindelfingen and in Hamburg.
Breath-Hold-Triggered BOLD fMRI in Drug-Resistant Nonlesional Focal Epilepsy—A Pilot Study
Authors: Boßelmann Christian M. , Kegele Josua , Zerweck Leonie , Klose Uwe , Ethofer Silke , Roder Constantin , Grimm Alexander M. , Hauser Till-Karsten
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy may benefit from epilepsy surgery. In nonlesional cases, where no epileptogenic lesion can be detected on structural magnetic resonance imaging, multimodal neuroimaging studies are required. Breath-hold-triggered BOLD fMRI (bh-fMRI) was developed to measure cerebrovascular reactivity in stroke or angiopathy and highlights regional network dysfunction by visualizing focal impaired flow increase after vasodilatory stimulus. This regional dysfunction may correlate with the epileptogenic zone. In this prospective single-center single-blind pilot study, we aimed to establish the feasibility and safety of bh-fMRI in individuals with drug-resistant non-lesional focal epilepsy undergoing presurgical evaluation.

Methods

In this prospective study, 10 consecutive individuals undergoing presurgical evaluation for drug-resistant focal epilepsy were recruited after case review at a multidisciplinary patient management conference. Electroclinical findings and results of other neuroimaging were used to establish the epileptogenic zone hypothesis. To calculate significant differences in cerebrovascular reactivity in comparison to the normal population, bh-fMRIs of 16 healthy volunteers were analyzed. The relative flow change of each volume of interest (VOI) of the atlas was then calculated compared to the flow change of the whole brain resulting in an atlas of normal cerebral reactivity. Consequently, the mean flow change of every VOI of each patient was tested against the healthy volunteers group. Areas with significant impairment of cerebrovascular reactivity had decreased flow change and were compared to the epileptogenic zone localization hypothesis in a single-blind design.

Results

Acquisition of bh-fMRI was feasible in 9/10 cases, with one patient excluded due to noncompliance with breathing maneuvers. No adverse events were observed, and breath-hold for intermittent hypercapnia was well tolerated. On blinded review, we observed full or partial concordance of the local network dysfunction seen on bh-fMRI with the electroclinical hypothesis in 6/9 cases, including cases with extratemporal lobe epilepsy and those with nonlocalizing 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET).

Conclusion

This represents the first report of bh-fMRI in individuals with epilepsy undergoing presurgical evaluation. We found bh-fMRI to be feasible and safe, with a promising agreement to electroclinical findings. Thus, bh-fMRI may represent a potential modality in the presurgical evaluation of epilepsy. Further studies are needed to establish clinical utility.
A Closer Look at the Expressive Power of Logics Based on Word Equations
Authors: Day Joel , Ganesh Vijay , Grewal Nathan , Konefal Matthew , Manea Florin
Published: December 2023

Word equations are equations $$\alpha \doteq \beta $$

α
≐
β

where $$\alpha $$
α
and $$\beta $$
β
are words consisting of letters from some alphabet $$\Sigma $$
Σ
and variables from a set X. Recently, there has been substantial interest in the context of string solving in logics combining word equations with other kinds of constraints on words such as (regular) language membership (regular constraints) and arithmetic over string lengths (length constraints). We consider the expressive power of such logics by looking at the set of all values a single variable might take as part of a satisfying assignment for a given formula. Hence, each formula-variable pair defines a formal language, and each logic defines a class of formal languages. We consider logics arising from combining word equations with either length constraints, regular constraints, or both. We also consider word equations with visibly pushdown language membership constraints as a generalisation of the combination of regular and length constraints. We show that word equations with visibly pushdown membership constraints are sufficient to express all recursively enumerable languages and hence satisfiability is undecidable in this case. We then establish a strict hierarchy involving the other combinations. We also provide a complete characterisation of when a thin regular language is expressible by word equations (alone) and some further partial results for regular languages in the general case.
Robust Feedback Stabilization of Interacting Multi-agent Systems Under Uncertainty
Authors: Albi Giacomo , Herty Michael , Segala Chiara
Published: December 2023

We consider control strategies for large-scale interacting agent systems under uncertainty. The particular focus is on the design of robust controls that allow to bound the variance of the controlled system over time. To this end we consider $${\mathcal {H}}_\infty $$

H
∞

control strategies on the agent and mean field description of the system. We show a bound on the $${\mathcal {H}}_\infty $$

H
∞

norm for a stabilizing controller independent on the number of agents. Furthermore, we compare the new control with existing approaches to treat uncertainty by generalized polynomial chaos expansion. Numerical results are presented for one-dimensional and two-dimensional agent systems.
Disparities in indications and outcomes reporting for pediatric tethered cord surgery: The need for a standardized outcome assessment tool
Authors: Findlay Matthew C. , Tenhoeve Samuel , Terry Skyler A. , Iyer Rajiv R. , Brockmeyer Douglas L. , Kelly Michael P. , Kestle John R. W. , Gonda David , Ravindra Vijay M.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is characterized by abnormal attachment of the spinal cord neural elements to surrounding tissues. The most common symptoms include pain, motor or sensory dysfunction, and urologic deficits. Although TCS is common in children, there is a significant heterogeneity in outcomes reporting. We systematically reviewed surgical indications and postoperative outcomes to assess the need for a grading/classification system.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE searches identified pediatric TCS literature published between 1950 and 2023. Studies reporting surgical interventions, ≥ 6-month follow-up, and ≥ 5 patients were included.

Results

Fifty-five studies representing 3798 patients were included. The most commonly reported non-urologic symptoms were nonspecific lower-extremity motor disturbances (36.4% of studies), lower-extremity/back pain (32.7%), nonspecific lower-extremity sensory disturbances (29.1%), gait abnormalities (29.1%), and nonspecific bowel dysfunction/fecal incontinence (25.5%). Urologic symptoms were most commonly reported as nonspecific complaints (40.0%). After detethering surgery, retethering was the most widely reported non-urologic outcome (40.0%), followed by other nonspecific findings: motor deficits (32.7%), lower-extremity/back/perianal pain (18.2%), gait/ambulation function (18.2%), sensory deficits (12.7%), and bowel deficits/fecal incontinence (12.7%). Commonly reported urologic outcomes included nonspecific bladder/urinary deficits (27.3%), bladder capacity (20.0%), bladder compliance (18.2%), urinary incontinence/enuresis/neurogenic bladder (18.2%), and nonspecific urodynamics/urodynamics score change (16.4%).

Conclusion

TCS surgical literature is highly variable regarding surgical indications and reporting of postsurgical outcomes. The lack of common data elements and consistent quantitative measures inhibits higher-level analysis. The development and validation of a standardized outcomes measurement tool—ideally encompassing both patient-reported outcome and objective measures—would significantly benefit future TCS research and surgical management.
Association between bacterial resistance profile and the development of intra-abdominal abscesses in pediatric patients with perforated appendicitis: cohort study
Authors: Garzon-González Luz Nélida , Padilla Laura Tatiana , Patiño Felipe , Hernández María Alejandra , Valero Juan , Molina Iván Dario , Ávila Fernando Fierro , Camacho-Moreno German
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study was to determine the association between the presence of a microorganism resistant to the antibiotic used in empirical therapy and the development of intra-abdominal abscesses in children with perforated appendicitis.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in patients under 18 years of age who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy between November 1, 2019, and September 30, 2020, in whom perforated appendicitis was documented intraoperatively. Peritoneal fluid samples were taken for bacteria culture purposes, and clinical and microbiological data were collected from all patients.

Results

A total of 232 patients were included in the study. The most isolated microorganisms were Escherichia coli (80.14%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.45%). In addition, 5.31% of E. coli isolates were classified as ESBL-producing organisms. No association was found between a germ resistant to empiric antimicrobial therapy and the development of a postoperative intra-abdominal abscess. Multivariate analysis showed that being a high-risk patient on admission (OR 2.89 (p = 0.01)) was associated with the development of intra-abdominal abscesses postoperatively.

Conclusion

E. coli was the most commonly isolated microorganism, with a low rate of ESBL-producing isolates. No association between resistance and risk of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess was found. However, it was identified that being a high-risk patient on admission was associated with this complication.

Type of study

Prognosis study.

Level of evidence

Level I.
Parasites of firebugs in Austria with focus on the “micro”-diversity of the cosmopolitan trypanosomatid Leptomonas pyrrhocoris
Authors: Kostygov Alexei Yu. , Chmelová Ľubomíra , Reichl Julia , Jászayová Alexandra , Votýpka Jan , Fuehrer Hans-Peter , Yurchenko Vyacheslav
Published: December 2023

In this work, we investigated parasites of the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus in Austria and demonstrated that in addition to the extensively studied Leptomonas pyrrhocoris, it can also be infected by Blastocrithidia sp. and by a mermithid, which for the first time has been characterized using molecular methods. This diversity can be explained by the gregarious lifestyle, as well as the coprophagous and cannibalistic behavior of the insect hosts that makes them susceptible to various parasites. In addition, we showed no tight association of the L. pyrrhocoris haplotypes and geographical locations (at least, considering the relatively small scale of locations in Austria) implying that the natural populations of L. pyrrhocoris are mixed due to the mobility of their firebug hosts.
HIV-1 Vif protein sequence variations in South African people living with HIV and their influence on Vif-APOBEC3G interaction
Authors: Williams Monray Edward
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Despite extensive research, HIV-1 remains a global epidemic with variations in pathogenesis across regions and subtypes. The Viral Infectivity Factor (Vif) protein, which neutralizes the host protein APOBEC3G, has been implicated in differences in clinical outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Most studies on Vif sequence diversity have focused on subtype B, leaving gaps in understanding Vif variations in HIV-1C regions like South Africa. This study aimed to identify and compare Vif sequence diversity in a cohort of 51 South African PLHIV and other HIV-1C prevalent regions.

Methods

Sanger sequencing was used for Vif analysis in the cohort, and additional sequences were obtained from the Los Alamos database. Molecular modeling and docking techniques were employed to study the influence of subtype-specific variants on Vif-APOBEC3G binding affinity.

Results

The findings showed distinct genetic variations between Vif sequences from India and Uganda, while South African sequences had wider distribution and closer relatedness to both. Specific amino acid substitutions in Vif were associated with geographic groups. Molecular modeling and docking analyses consistently identified specific residues (ARGR19, LYS26, TYR30, TYR44, and TRP79) as primary contributors to intermolecular contacts between Vif and APOBEC3G, essential for their interaction. The Indian Vif variant exhibited the highest predicted binding affinity to APOBEC3G among the studied groups.

Conclusions

These results provide insights into Vif sequence diversity in HIV-1C prevalent regions and shed light on differential pathogenesis observed in different geographical areas. The identified Vif amino acid residues warrant further investigation for their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential.
The phenotypic and genetic characteristics of Pseudomonas anguilliseptica strains associated with mortalities in farmed sea bream and sea bass
Authors: Tawfeek Walaa S. , Kassab Amina S. , Okasha Lamiaa A. , Abdelsalam Mohamed , Sherif Ahmed H.
Published: December 2023

To investigate the presence of Pseudomonas anguilliseptica, one hundred specimens of sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were collected alongside water samples during episodes of widespread fish mortality in marine fish farms located in the northern region of Egypt. This study documented the clinical and postmortem manifestations observed in moribund sea bream and sea bass, thus providing evidence for the occurrence of a septicemic-hemorrhagic bacterial disease. Fourteen strains of P. anguilliseptica were isolated and characterized from both sea bream and sea bass specimens. The conventional bacteriology methods were employed to retrieve the causative bacterial agent and subsequently evaluate its phenotypic traits. Moreover, sequencing of the 16 S rRNA was conducted to characterize the identified microorganism. Furthermore, multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) was employed to confirm the identity of P. anguilliseptica and elucidate the phylogenetic interrelationship among various strains. Regardless of their source or the fish species from which the strains were obtained, these isolates showed a high level of phenotypic homogeneity. MLSA displayed a genetic homogeneity among isolates despite their different geographic origins. Antibiogram revealed the sensitivity of some P. anguilliseptica strains for antibiotics (florfenicol, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, cefotaxime, and ciprofloxacin). Isolated strains were harboring some antibiotic-resistant genes, with the most prevalent being tetA gene, followed by ermB gene. Water physico-chemical parameters (low temperature and salinity fluctuation) were convenient for bacterial growth. In addition, P. anguilliseptica strains could resist several antibiotics and harbored antibiotic-resistant genes, resulting in difficulties in fish treatment.
How Learners Use Their Hands for Learning: an Eye-Tracking Study
Authors: Park Babette , Korbach Andreas , Ginns Paul , Brünken Roland
Published: December 2023

The present work reviews and summarizes results of tracing studies up to the present and collects different explanations for found effects of pointing and tracing while learning as an effective touch-based action method. Two explanations are focused finally in order to test them in the presented eye-tracking study. The study (N = 90) with a three-group experimental design investigated whether learners benefit from pointing compared to learners using tracing or no-touch-based action method (pointing vs. tracing vs. no touch). The results replicate previous findings demonstrating benefits of using the hands for learning and provide additional support for the hypothesis that fingers support learning by directing attention. This is due to the fact that the learning group using pointing outperformed, especially in comprehension performance, the no-touch learning group and the learning group that used tracing actions. Eye-movement analysis indicated that the pointing group profited from a higher focus of visual attention and more intense cognitive activity. The question of why the tracing group did not show this same benefit is discussed by considering previous studies and the limitations of the present study. It seems as if the present study does not replicate a previous study. However, when reflecting on the different control group design, the present study delivers additional information on how using fingers affects learning. Moreover, new perspectives with explanations from the review are integrated for interpreting and discussing the presented results and opened herewith for further research on touch-based actions in the frame of movement and learning.
What are the key dimensions that CE emphasizes on? A systematic analysis of circular economy definitions
Authors: Sardianou E. , Nikou V. , Evangelinos K. , Nikolaou I.
Published: December 2023

Today, the concept of the circular economy (CE) has different meanings for various scholars. There are numerous definitions that focus on highlighting different aspects and principles of CE. However, there has been little effort made regarding the focus of CE definitions on various environmental aspects, such as waste management, wastewater treatment, biodiversity, carbon emissions and climate change. To clarify this complex environment, this paper examines the research endeavors surrounding the CE by analyzing 136 descriptions sourced from various entities and researchers. In particular, a more thorough investigation of CE is warranted to explore the possible ways of adopting its principles. To achieve this, Microsoft Excel and Leximancer™ software are employed to thematically and content-wise analyze the descriptions. The results reveal that "waste" and "recycling" are central concepts in CE descriptions, which align with the goals set forth in Union legislative acts, the "Roadmap for a Resource-Efficient Europe," and the European Green Deal aimed at increasing recycling rates and eliminating waste.
Keeping it regional: pseudo-internationalisation of Slovak political science
Authors: Mišík Matúš , Oravcová Veronika , Plenta Peter , Hrabušajová Michaela
Published: December 2023

This article examines the contribution of Slovak political science to international academic discussions by analysing publications by faculty members of Slovak political science departments. Based on an analysis of 2660 publications, our results indicate that while Slovak political scientists publish only small numbers of articles in journals indexed in international databases and few monographs with prestigious publishing houses, they are very productive when it comes to other types of publications, especially articles in non-indexed journals and conference proceedings. However, in both cases, most of their publications outside the national context are limited to regional journals and publishing houses. Although there are significant differences between individual Slovak political science departments in this regard, the predominant focus on regional (and domestic) publication outlets limits the contribution of Slovak political science to main discussions within the discipline. We call this publication strategy, seen as the flip side of internationalisation, which contributes to discussions at the global level, ‘pseudo-internationalisation’. We argue that this is a pragmatic approach adopted by employees of public universities who are expected to publish internationally, but, due to a lack of academic contacts outside their (immediate) neighbourhood, focus on this geographic area.
Brief Report: Virtual Reality to Raise Awareness About Autism
Authors: Koniou Ioulia , Douard Elise , Lanovaz Marc J.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to develop and test a virtual reality application designed to put the participants “in the shoes” of an autistic person during a routine task.

Method

The study involved a randomized controlled trial that included 103 participants recruited from a technical college. Each participant responded to three questionnaires to measure attitudes, knowledge, and openness toward autism. Prior to responding to these questionnaires, the participants in the experimental group also completed an 8-min virtual reality simulation designed by the research team in collaboration with autistic individuals.

Results

The participants who completed the virtual reality simulation reported better attitudes, more knowledge, and higher openness toward autism than the participants in the control group.

Conclusion

The results of the study suggest that virtual reality simulations are promising tools to raise awareness about autism.
High study participation but diverging adherence levels: qualitatively unpacking PrEP use among adolescent girls and young women over two years in Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Krogstad Mudzingwa Emily , de Vos Lindsey , Atujuna Millicent , Fynn Lauren , Mugore Matinatsa , Mabandla Selly , Hosek Sybil , Celum Connie , Bekker Linda-Gail , Daniels Joseph , Medina-Marino Andrew
Published: December 2023

In Southern and Eastern Africa, initiation of daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention has been high among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) offered PrEP. However, persistence and prevention-effective use of PrEP among this critical group continues to be a challenge. We conducted a qualitative sub-study of AGYW from the Community PrEP Study in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa who had high rates of pick up for monthly PrEP refills over two years, but differing levels of PrEP adherence based on tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) measurements in dried blood spots (DBS). Contrasting 22 AGYW with low versus high levels of TFV-DP in DBS, we qualitatively explored factors which influenced PrEP persistence vs. non-persistence, unique patterns of PrEP use (e.g., discarding or stockpiling), and participant recommendations for improving AGYW prevention-effective use of PrEP in the future. Results showed that PrEP misconceptions and mistrust among participants’ social networks negatively influenced adherence. In comparison, supportive families and/or partners and personal trust that PrEP works positively influenced adherence. Those with low adherence described being motivated to come to the site for other study benefits (e.g., reimbursement money, snacks, sanitary pads) and discarding PrEP to avoid stigma associated with being seen with pills. Future PrEP implementation strategies should focus on involving families and partners in PrEP support for AGYW and minimizing PrEP stigma at a community level.

Trial registration NCT03977181. Retrospectively registered on June 6, 2019.
Ab Esse ad Posse Non Valet Consequentia
Authors: Dohrn Daniel
Published: December 2023

While knowledge of mere possibilities is difficult to understand, knowledge of possibilities that are actual seems unproblematic (as far as we know the actual world). The principle that what is actual is possible has been near-universally accepted. After summarizing some sporadic dissent, I present a proposal for how the validity of the principle might be restricted. While the principle certainly holds for sufficiently inclusive objective and epistemic possibilities, it may not hold when the accessibility of possibilities is contextually restricted.
Reinach on the essence of colours
Authors: Taieb Hamid
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to present and evaluate the (unduly neglected) account of the essence of colours developed by the early phenomenologist Adolf Reinach. Reinach claims that colours, as regards their nature or essence, are physical entities. He is opposed to the idea that colours are “subjective” or “psychic”. It might be the case that the colours we see in the world do not exist but are mere appearances. However, their non-existence would not entail any change in their essence: that is, they would not be psychic, but would just be non-existent physical entities. In Reinach’s view, we can be “ontic-neutral essentialists” about colours: we can remain neutral as to the existence of colours but still make claims about their essence. In the first part of the paper, I present Reinach’s take on the essence of colours. In the second part, I address his existential neutrality about colours; in particular, I argue that Reinach’s ontic-neutral essentialism brings to the fore a seldom noted but crucial distinction to be made in the discussion of colours, that between empirical and metaphysical non-realism about colours.
A systematic review and meta-analysis: leadership and interactional justice
Authors: Qandeel Mahmoud Salameh , Kuráth Gabriella
Published: December 2023

This study aims to execute a systematic literature review on leadership styles and interactional justice when found together or with other variables and a meta-analysis to examine their direct relationship, besides elaborating on the definitions of leadership styles. The ProQuest website was utilized to explore interactional justice and leadership concepts in all abstract and summary texts in English and articles in peer-reviewed scholarly journals at any time. Thirty-six studies were related to the systematic review, and there were twenty-two valid cases for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis techniques proved the strength of the relationship between leadership styles and interactional justice, with notable heterogeneity among all investigations and ambiguous proof of publication bias. Fisher’s method found a study to be an outlier, but it was significant in WLS, WAAP, and Cohen's d. The review of definitions showed a high degree of similarity, while the most prominent features of leadership styles were transformational, transactional, and ethical leadership. Yet, the systematic review proved unmistakable evidence of the connection between interactional justice and leadership styles, while those two concepts impacted other variables in a relationship. The relationship between leadership and interactional justice is influenced by many facets, such as their status in the connection, leadership styles, sample number, and study place, pushing the heterogeneity of the results. Although it is possible to mix up these diverse leadership styles, transformational or ethical leadership, both styles treat employees respectfully, avoid concealing information, and make staff feel satisfied. Wise leadership is crucial to shaping a positive interactional environment for workers. Therefore, leaders must pursue integrity and ethical behavior to establish organizational justice, particularly interactional justice.
Mapping the field of digital entrepreneurship: a topic modeling approach
Authors: Dana Léo-Paul , Crocco Edoardo , Culasso Francesca , Giacosa Elisa
Published: December 2023

In the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, digital technologies have ushered in new possibilities, attracting considerable academic attention. Despite the burgeoning research in Digital Entrepreneurship, the field remains fragmented, warranting a synthesized overview and structured research agenda. Consistently with the above, the paper presents a quantitative mapping of Digital Entrepreneurship through a bibliometric analysis of its publications. The research aims to address the need for a comprehensive, bibliometric overview of the topic, which has been echoed in recently published papers. In order to achieve this goal, we collected data from the Web of Science database, a common and scientifically sound choice in entrepreneurship research. The data were analyzed by applying Latent Dirichlet Allocation and topic modeling, thus providing a unique approach to bibliometric mapping. Topic modeling allows for the processing and analysis of significant amounts of scientific data, thus making it an ideal tool for bibliometric research. We find the field of Digital Entrepreneurship to be rather lively and in rapid development, with several publication outlets, affiliations, and countries contributing to it. We found four main topics to be extracted: the implications of Digital Entrepreneurship for innovation, Digital Entrepreneurship as an enabler for empowerment, the transformation of business models through digitalization, and the surge of digital platforms as entrepreneurial ecosystems. Additionally, we have provided a comprehensive overview of the theoretical lenses used amid the sample and a structured research agenda built upon extant gaps. From a theoretical perspective, the article serves as a starting point for future research on the topic and a comprehensive analysis of its present and past. From a practical perspective, the study is of interest to digital entrepreneurs willing to learn more about the opportunities and challenges provided by the digital landscape.
Stroke and Recent Myocardial Infarction, Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, Left Ventricular Thrombus, and Wall Motion Abnormalities
Authors: Fonseca Ana Catarina
Published: December 2023

Purpose of Review

To review the evidence regarding stroke and recent myocardial infarction (MI), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular thrombus (LVT), and wall motion abnormalities (WMA).

Recent Findings

The risk of ischemic stroke associated with acute MI has been greatly reduced with reperfusion treatments that improved myocardium salvage. Acute ischemic stroke is an uncommon complication of diagnostic coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention. For established LVT, anticoagulation is superior to antiplatelet medications to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. The duration of anticoagulation should be at least 3 to 6 months. Direct oral anticoagulants have been used off-label in this context. In patients with low ejection fraction or WMA, there is no evidence that anticoagulation is superior to antiplatelet treatment in preventing ischemic stroke. In patients with ischemic stroke and recent MI (< 3 months), type of MI (STEMI or NSTEMI), timing, and location should be considered when deciding whether intravenous thrombolysis should be used for stroke treatment. Mechanical thrombectomy should be considered as a therapeutic alternative to intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion and recent MI.

Most guidelines regarding prevention of ischemic stroke in patients with these cardiac causes of stroke are derived from expert opinion. There is a need for high quality evidence to support stroke prevention treatments in these patients.
From Empowerment to Exploitation: Predicting Positive and Negative Associations with the Exchange of Sexual Services for Payment
Authors: Johansson Isabelle , Hansen Michael A.
Published: December 2023

Few existing studies have delved into individual-level attitudes towards the exchange of sexual services for payment, leaving a significant gap in our understanding. Various studies have speculated about how certain demographic factors and attitudes may shape people's perceptions of causes and consequences relating to such exchanges, but none have directly investigated this topic. To bridge this gap, we predict individual-level associations between the exchange of sexual services for payment and positive and negative concepts. Using an original survey involving a substantial sample size of adults in the U.S. (n = 611), we examine the extent to which respondents associate these exchanges with sexual freedom, companionship, women's empowerment, poverty, women's exploitation, and human trafficking. Our study reveals some compelling results. When predicting attitudes towards the exchange of sexual services for payment, we find that women exhibit a stronger association with the negative concepts than men. Furthermore, individuals who view the exchange of sexual services for payment as socially acceptable are more likely to have stronger associations with the positive concepts. Surprisingly, the acceptability of exchanging sexual services for payment has no discernable impact on association with the negative concepts. The results add to our understanding of how the public perceives the exchange of sexual services for payment. A more nuanced understanding of public perception can foster constructive dialogues and debates, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of potential policy solutions.
Differences in the permeability assessment of the fractured reservoir rocks using the conventional and the rough discrete fracture network modeling
Authors: Shi Di , Chang Xin , Li Liping , Wu Mingyang , Song Rui , Guo Yintong , Tang Jupeng , Liu Jianjun
Published: December 2023

Permeability assessment of naturally fractured rocks and fractured rocks after fracturing is critical to the development of oil and gas resources. In this paper, based on the discrete fracture network (DFN) modeling method, the conventional discrete fracture network (C-DFN) and the rough discrete fracture network (R-DFN) models are established. Through the seepage numerical simulation of the fractured rocks under different DFN, the differences in permeability of the fractured rocks under different parameters and their parameter sensitivity are analyzed and discussed. The results show that unconnected and independent fractures in the fracture network may weaken the seepage capacity of the fractured rocks. The fractured rock permeability increases with increase in connectivity and porosity and decreases with increase in maximum branch length and fracture dip. The use of C-DFN to equate the fracture network in the fractured rocks may underestimate the connectivity of the fracture network. For the more realistic R-DFN, the promotion of gas flow by connectivity is dominant when connectivity is high, and the hindrance of gas flow by fracture roughness is dominant when connectivity is low or when it is a single fracture. The permeability of the fractured rocks with R-DFN is more sensitive to the parameters than that of the fractured rocks with C-DFN. The higher the connectivity and porosity of the fractured rocks, the more obvious the difference between the permeability of the fractured rocks evaluated by C-DFN and R-DFN.
Enhanced Distinctiveness and Why “Strong Marks” Are Causing Us All Confusion
Authors: Johnson Phillip
Published: December 2023

A “strong” trade mark, one which has a high level of distinctiveness, is entitled to a greater level of protection in the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States than other weaker marks. The psychological and marketing evidence suggests that, in fact, stronger marks are less likely to be confused by consumers. Accordingly, courts and tribunals are required to find confusion in cases involving strong marks even where the facts do not support it. The antecedence for this legal fiction (normative correction or public policy choice) is confused, it makes the law conceptually uncertain and now that marks with a sufficient reputation are entitled to protection from dilution, the fiction has become unsupportable from a normative perspective. Indeed, it appears that a neutral approach – that is not taking into account that it is a “stronger” mark during any confusion analysis – does little, if any, harm to the proprietors of strong marks and clearly benefits competitors. It is argued therefore that the rule giving more protection to strong marks (whether it is inherent or acquired strength) should be abolished.
New gold(III) complexes TGS 121, 404, and 702 show anti-tumor activity in colitis-induced colorectal cancer: an in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Włodarczyk Jakub , Krajewska Julia , Talar Marcin , Szeleszczuk Łukasz , Gurba Agata , Lipiec Szymon , Taciak Przemysław , Szczepaniak Remigiusz , Młynarczuk-Biały Izabela , Fichna Jakub
Published: December 2023

Background

Chronic inflammation in the course of inflammatory bowel disease may result in colon cancer, or colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CACRC). It is well established that CACRC is associated with oxidative stress and secretion of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines, e.g. tumor necrosis factor-α. Recently, we proved that the administration of gold(III) complexes resulted in the alleviation of acute colitis in mice. The aim of the current study was to assess the antitumor effect of a novel series of gold(III) complexes: TGS 121, 404, 512, 701, 702, and 703.

Materials

Analyzed gold(III) complexes were screened in the in vitro studies using colorectal cancer and normal colon epithelium cell lines, SW480, HT-29, and CCD 841 CoN, and in vivo, in the CACRC mouse model.

Results

Of all tested complexes, TGS 121, 404, and 702 exhibited the strongest anti-tumor effect in in vitro viability assay of colon cancer cell lines and in in vivo CACRC model, in which these complexes decreased the total number of colonic tumors and macroscopic score. We also evidenced that the mechanism of action was linked to the enzymatic antioxidant system and inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions

TGS 121, 404, and 702 present anti-tumor potential and are an attractive therapeutic option for colorectal cancer.
Supplier Selection Method for Complex Product Based on Grey Group Clustering and Improved Criteria Importance
Authors: Xu Xiao-jie , Liu Yong , Liu Shi-tong
Published: December 2023

Supplier selection is of great significance and role, which influence the quality of major product development, and economic security and life safety. However, there exists a variety of uncertain information as a result of evaluation experts’ strong subjective consciousness and complexity of decision environment in the process of supplier selection evaluation. To deal with these problems, by exploiting gray incidence analysis, cloud models and TOPSIS, we establish a multi-attribute decision-making supplier selection method for complex product based on gray group clustering and improved criteria importance through intercriteria correlation, and then a case verifies the validity and feasibility of the proposed method. The results show that (1) the proposed model can provide a better portrayal of the uncertainty of the evaluation process in terms of both the fuzziness of the semantic concept and the randomness of the affiliation degree, while taking into account the differences between the evaluated solution and the positive and negative ideal solutions. (2) The proposed model can fully voice the decision-maker’s attitude on the basis of available information, allowing the decision-making process to be better tailored to reality by taking into account the ambiguity and randomness of the evaluation process.
Shakespeare's Visionary Women
Authors: Wright Laura Jayne
Published: December 2023

Shakespeare's visionary women, usually confined to the periphery, claim centre stage to voice their sleeping and waking dreams. These women recount their visions through acts of rhetoric, designed to persuade and, crucially, to directly intervene in political action. The visions discussed in this Element are therefore not simply moments of inspiration but of political intercession. The vision performed or recounted on stage offers a proleptic moment of female speech that forces audiences to confront questions of narrative truth and women's testimony. This Element interrogates the scepticism that Shakespeare's visionary women face and considers the ways in which they perform the truth of their experiences to a hostile onstage audience. It concludes that prophecy gives women a brief moment of access to political conversations in which they are not welcome as they wrest narrative control from male speakers and speak their truth aloud.