bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral investigation of soot absorption properties during laser-induced incandescence measurements
Authors: Migliorini Francesca , Dondè Roberto , De Iuliis Silvana
Published: May 2023

The effect of rapid laser irradiation on the optical properties of mature soot particles is investigated by performing wavelength-resolved extinction measurements in the visible spectral region. In particular, the spectral behavior of the absorption properties is explored during laser irradiation, at the peak of the incandescence signal (prompt LII) and few nanoseconds after the peak, and finally when particles have reached an equilibrium condition with the surrounding gas. A significant variation of the absorption coefficient of the laser-irradiated soot particles compared to that of the pristine ones is observed already at the LII peak. Such variation keeps evolving with time until it reaches a final permanent value. Results are presented in relation to the laser fluence used for irradiation and discussed with the aim of stressing the need of knowing the entity of the modification of soot absorption properties during laser irradiation for a correct interpretation of LII data.
Fatiguing freestyle swimming modifies miRNA profiles of circulating extracellular vesicles in athletes
Authors: Lai Zhijie , Lin Wentao , Yan Xu , Chen Xiaobin , Xu Guoqin
Published: May 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by various tissues and cells under normal physiological or pathological conditions. Exercise-induced EVs may be involved in the adaptation of exercise-induced fatigue. The 1500-m freestyle is the longest pool-based swimming event in the Olympic Games, and there is a paucity of information regarding changes in the miRNA profiles of circulating EVs after a single session of fatiguing swimming. In this study, 13 male freestyle swimmers conducted a fatiguing 1500-m freestyle swimming session at the speed of their best previously recorded swimming performance. Fasting venous blood was collected before and after the swimming session for analysis. 70 miRNAs from the circulating EVs were found to be differentially expressed after the fatiguing 1500-m freestyle swimming session, among which 45 and 25 miRNAs were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. As for the target genes of five miRNAs (miR-144-3p, miR-145-3p, miR-509-5p, miR-891b, and miR-890) with the largest expression-fold variation, their functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the target genes were involved in the regulation of long-term potentiation (LTP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glutathione metabolism pathway, dopaminergic synapse, signal transmission, and other biological processes. In summary, these findings reveal that a single session of fatiguing swimming modifies the miRNAs profiles of the circulating EVs, especially miR-144-3p, miR-145-3p, miR-509-5p, miR-891b, and miR-890, which clarifies new mechanisms for the adaptation to a single session of fatiguing exercise from the perspective of EV-miRNAs.
Mid-term outcomes after single anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass in treatment of morbid obesity
Authors: Aghajani Ebrahim , Schou Carl , Gislason Hjortur , Nergaard Bent Johnny
Published: May 2023

Background

According to several short-term studies, single-anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass offers similar weight loss to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) with fewer complication and better comorbidity reduction/resolution. Long-term data on this operation is lacking in the literature. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes of SASI bypass up to 4 years.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort analysis of 366 patients with morbid obesity who underwent primary SASI bypass from January 2018 to February 2022.

Results

The mean age and preoperative body mass index (BMI) were 41 years (range 22–71 years) and 43.9 ± 6.5 kg/m2, respectively. Follow-up was available for 229 patients at 1-year (89%), 112 patients at 2-year (75%), 61 patients at 3-year (75%), and 35 patients at 4-year (71%). The intraoperative, short-term, and long-term complication rates were 0%, 2.5%, 4.6%, respectively. After 4 years, mean percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) was 93.3% and total weight loss (%TWL) was 41.2%. Remission of comorbidities was 93% for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 73% for hypertension, 83% for hyperlipidemia, 79% for sleep apnea, and 25% for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Biliary gastritis and ulcers are seldom. Eight patients developed de novo GERD symptoms requiring proton pump inhibitor treatment. None of the patients in our study had hypoalbuminemia or malabsorption that did not respond to increased protein intake and vitamin or mineral supplementation.

Conclusion

SASI bypass appears to be safe, and one of the most effective bariatric procedures regarding weight loss and obesity related comorbidities. The double-outlet created in this procedure seemingly minimizes nutritional complications.

Graphical abstract
P19-derived neuronal cells express H1, H2, and H3 histamine receptors: a biopharmaceutical approach to evaluate antihistamine agents
Authors: Perez Mariela Gomez , Tanasie Georgiana , Neree Armelle Tchoumi , Suarez Narjara Gonzalez , Lafortune Clara , Paquin Joanne , Marcocci Lucia , Pietrangeli Paola , Annabi Borhane , Mateescu Mircea Alexandru
Published: May 2023

Histamine is a biogenic amine implicated in various biological and pathological processes. Convenient cellular models are needed to screen and develop new antihistamine agents. This report aimed to characterize the response of neurons differentiated from mouse P19 embryonal carcinoma cells to histamine treatment, and to investigate the modulation of this response by antihistamine drugs, vegetal diamine oxidase, and catalase. The exposure of P19 neurons to histamine reduced cell viability to 65% maximally. This effect involves specific histamine receptors, since it was prevented by treatment with desloratadine and cimetidine, respectively, H1 and H2 antagonists, but not by the H3 antagonist ciproxifan. RT-PCR analysis showed that P19 neurons express H1 and H2 receptors, and the H3 receptor, although it seemed not involved in the histamine effect on these cells. The H4 receptor was not expressed. H1 and H2 antagonists as well as vegetal diamine oxidase diminished the intracellular Ca2+ mobilization triggered by histamine. The treatment with vegetal diamine oxidase or catalase protected against mortality and a significant reduction of H2O2 level, generated from the cells under the histamine action, was found upon treatments with desloratadine, cimetidine, vegetal diamine oxidase, or catalase. Overall, the results indicate the expression of functional histamine receptors and open the possibility of using P19 neurons as model system to study the roles of histamine and related drugs in neuronal pathogenesis. This model is less expensive to operate and can be easily implemented by current laboratories of analysis and by Contract Research Organizations.
A critical review of environmental factors influencing the transport dynamics of microplastics in riverine systems: implications for ecological studies
Authors: Owowenu Enahoro Kennedy , Nnadozie Chika Felicitas , Akamagwuna Frank , Noundou Xavier Siwe , Uku Jude Edafe , Odume Oghenekaro Nelson
Published: May 2023

Microplastics (MPs) in rivers present an ecological risk. In this paper, we review hydro-geomorphological, biological, and allochthonous factors that may influence the distribution and transport of MPs in riverine systems. We also review MPs characteristics that may impact their distribution and transport. At the reach scale, hydraulic biotopes and their key features such as flow velocity, bed roughness, depth, and channel morphology are important features that shape the distribution and transport of MPs in riverine systems and should be considered in the design of MPs studies. Microbial-MPs interaction may impact MPs density, aggregation and thus transport dynamics. Instream vegetation may act as a physical trap of MPs, which may impact their horizontal transport and aggregation. Lateral transport of MPs is impacted mostly by precipitation, run-off, point and non-point discharges. The polymer density, size and shapes of MPs are critical factors that influence their transport dynamics in riverine systems. Microplastic sampling protocols should be designed to reflect hydro-geomorphological considerations. The unique interaction of MPs physical characteristics and hydraulic biotopes creates differential exposure of riverine organisms to MPs and should be used to unravel potential impacts. Biomonitoring studies should integrate the complex MPs-hydraulic interaction for ecologically meaningful investigation into organismal exposure to MPs in their preferred biotopes. Overall, our review indicates the influences of hydro-geomorphological features on the transport dynamics of MPs and their ecological significance for the study of MPs in rivers.
Truth is One (No Need for Pluralism)
Authors: Volpe Giorgio
Published: May 2023

In this paper, I discuss the currently most popular argument for alethic pluralism, maintaining that the so-called scope problem provides no compelling reason for abandoning the traditional view that truth is one and the same (substantive) property across the various regions of thought or discourse in which it is ascribed or denied to the things we think or say. I disarm the argument by showing that the scope problem does not arise for a number of non-deflationary, monistic views of truth that meet certain semantic and metaphysical constraints, for one can accept any of these views and provide a plausible account of the fact that mental and linguistic tokenings belonging to different regions of discourse involve radically different ways of engaging with reality ? from detecting pre-existing facts to constituting them.
Neuroimmunomodulatory properties of polysialic acid
Authors: Gretenkort Lina , Thiesler Hauke , Hildebrandt Herbert
Published: May 2023

Polymeric sialic acid (polysialic acid, polySia) is a remarkable posttranslational modification of only few select proteins. The major, and most prominent polySia protein carrier is the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM. Here, the key functions of polySia are to regulate interactions of NCAM and to balance cellular interactions in brain development and plasticity. During recent years, however, increasing evidence points towards a role of polySia in the modulation of immune responses. These immunomodulatory functions can be mediated by polySia on proteins other than NCAM, presented either on the cell surface or released into the extracellular space. This perspective review summarizes our current knowledge and addresses major open questions on polySia and polySia receptors in modulating innate immune responses in the brain.
Who benefits from the international classroom? A longitudinal examination of multicultural personality development during one year of international higher education
Authors: Hofhuis Joep , Jongerling Joran , Jansz Jeroen
Published: May 2023

Enhancing students’ intercultural competences through international higher education requires a thorough understanding of the way in which these competences develop over time, how they relate to outcomes, and which factors predict their growth. To answer these questions, a three-wave longitudinal study was conducted among a sample of first-year students in an international university program (n = 425). Intercultural competences were operationalized through the five dimensions of the Multicultural Personality Questionnaire (MPQ): Cultural Empathy, Openmindedness, Flexibility, Social Initiative and Emotional Stability. We examined development of these traits across one year, as well as their relationship with stress, life satisfaction, and academic performance (GPA). Cultural background (local vs. international student) and prior international experience (yes/no) were included as predictors. Results show that MPQ scores at the beginning of the year negatively relate to change across semester 1, which in turn is negatively related to change across semester 2. These findings suggest the presence of ceiling effects in MPQ development. In semester 1, emotional stability acts as a buffer against stress. In semester 2, stress is lower among students with higher scores on cultural empathy, and lower scores on flexibility. Cultural empathy and social initiative relate positively to academic performance. No significant main effects were found for cultural background, or prior international experience. However, these predictors interact on openmindedness and social initiative: local students with no prior international experience show a significant increase in these dimensions across the first semester, whereas the others do not.
Effects of incomplete sampling on macroinvertebrate secondary production estimates in a forested headwater stream
Authors: Pasqualini Julia , Majdi Nabil , Brauns Mario
Published: May 2023

Estimates of secondary production depend on the efficiency of sampling methods in capturing abundances and body lengths of the entire macroinvertebrate community. The efficiency of common sampling methods in fulfilling these criteria is poorly understood. We compared the effects of a Surber sampler (250 µm mesh size) and a Freeze corer in capturing abundance, biomass, and secondary production of macroinvertebrates in a forested headwater stream. We then examined how the use of nets with different mesh sizes could affect estimates of secondary production. Macroinvertebrate abundance was three times lower, and biomass was three times higher with the Surber than with the Freeze corer. Neither method captured the entire length distribution, and incomplete sampling of body lengths and abundance resulted in underestimating total secondary production by 48% (Surber) and 49% (Freeze corer). We estimated that reducing the mesh size from 250 to 100 µm would reduce the underestimation of production from ~ 48 to ~ 12% due to the inclusion of smaller individuals. Our results improve the efficiency of common sampling methods, allowing a reliable quantification of the role of macroinvertebrates in stream ecosystem functioning.
The SDGs and fossil fuel subsidy reform
Authors: van Asselt Harro
Published: May 2023

This short perspective asks what is the role—and added value—of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their associated institutional structures in the international governance of fossil fuel subsidies and their reform? It argues that whilst some progress has been made, notably through developing a methodology to define and measure fossil fuel subsidies, countries have only to a very limited extent followed up through indicator reporting and through their Voluntary National Reviews. Nevertheless, the SDGs can help highlight the various sustainable development dimensions of fossil fuel subsidies and support ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, thereby indirectly helping to drive reform at the national level.
The biostimulant effect of an extract from Durvillaea potatorum and Ascophyllum nodosum is associated with the priming of reactive oxygen species in strawberry in south-eastern Australia
Authors: Mattner Scott W. , Villalta Oscar N. , McFarlane Dylan J. , Islam Md Tohidul , Arioli Tony , Cahill David M.
Published: May 2023

Strawberry is an important
horticultural crop in Victoria, Australia. Grey mould caused by Botrytis cinerea reduces marketable yield and post-harvest quality of strawberry fruit in the region. We conducted two field experiments in Victoria (Coldstream and Warburton) to evaluate the effectiveness of a commercial seaweed extract from Durvillaea potatorum and Ascophyllum nodosum (Seasol®) on the yield, revenue, and post-harvest rot of strawberry fruit. We applied the extract to strawberry crops (cv. Albion) monthly as a combined drench (10 L ha-1) and foliar spray (1:400), with water as a control. Application of the seaweed extract significantly increased strawberry fruit yields by 8-10% and revenue by AU$0.37-0.59 per plant. Furthermore, the extract significantly reduced the incidence and severity of post-harvest rots in strawberry fruit by 52-87%, respectively. The extract did not affect the firmness, soluble solids concentration (SSC), titratable acidity, or SSC:acid of strawberry fruit. In a separate laboratory experiment, we found that growing strawberry in the seaweed extract (1:400) increased the concentration of peroxidase by 50% and doubled H2O2 in roots soon after treatment. Increases in reactive oxygen species are an indicator of a suite of pathways associated with resistance and tolerance of biotic and abiotic stresses. Overall, the results demonstrate that the seaweed extract can act as a commercially-viable biostimulant for strawberry fruit production in south-eastern Australia.
The Oligopolistic Behavior of Kazakh and Russian Wheat Exporters in the South Caucasus: Evidence from a Residual Demand Elasticity Analysis
Authors: Gafarova Gulmira , Perekhozhuk Oleksandr , Glauben Thomas
Published: May 2023

This study looks at whether Kazakh and Russian wheat exporters leverage their dominant share of the wheat markets in the South Caucasus to exercise market power. We apply a three-stage estimation for systems of simultaneous equations and Zellner’s seemingly unrelated regression to analyze residual demand elasticity. The results of both estimations provide empirical evidence of Russian market power in the wheat markets of the South Caucasus but no evidence of a Kazakh oligopoly. Russian exporters possess greater market power in Armenia than in Georgia. Market power depends on the presence of competitors in the destination market. The results show that Kazakh exporters restrict the market powers of Russian exporters in the Azerbaijani wheat market, while Russian exporters constrain the market power of Kazakh exporters in the Azerbaijani and Georgian wheat markets. Ukrainian wheat exporters are able to intervene in the market powers of Russian exporters in Azerbaijan and Georgia, while they restrict Kazakh oligopoly in the Georgian market. Some export restrictions imposed by wheat exporting countries significantly affected competition in wheat importing countries. Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and the blockade of Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea are restricting wheat trade, severely damaging Ukraine’s competitiveness and export potential, and reducing food security in the South Caucasus, the Middle East, and North Africa.
New peripheries in the making? Analysing German cities from the lens of a suburbanisation of poverty
Authors: Weck Sabine , Dobusch Diane , Pfaffenbach Carmella , Fina Stefan , Schmitz Julian
Published: May 2023

In this paper we discuss evidence on new socio-spatial patterns in the relation between urban and suburban areas due to the involuntary outward residential mobility of low-income households from central urban areas. Our findings build upon research in three German cities from a comparative perspective, with interviews with local experts providing the main source of information. For analysing decentralisation or suburbanisation of poverty processes we focus on the role of the urban housing market, residential settlement changes, and the role of social security systems. We cannot confirm the displacement of low-income households beyond city limits as a general trend. Instead, our findings reveal a local and context-dependent variation of socio-spatial shifts in the three investigated cities, related to city-specific housing market and urban development factors. As a general factor, existing social security systems continue to work towards keeping low-income households inside cities, seemingly preventing a large-scale suburbanisation of poverty. There is, however, a worrying trend in the concentration of low-income households in ever-decreasing segments of affordable housing, alongside increasing burdens on low-income households coping with the current challenges of a housing affordability crisis. City-regional monitoring and further research are needed.
Three-Dimensional Volume Rendering of Pelvic Floor Anatomy with Focus on Fibroids in Relation to the Lower Urogenital Tract Based on Cross-Sectional MRI Images
Authors: Fan Ka Siu , Durnea Constantin , Nygaard Christiana Campani , Khalil Miriam , Doumouchtsis Stergios K.
Published: May 2023

We aimed to assess the feasibility of developing three-dimensional (3D) models of pelvic organs using cross-sectional MRI images of patients with uterine fibroids and urinary symptoms and of obtaining anatomical information unavailable in 2D imaging modalities. We also aimed to compare two image processing applications. We performed a feasibility study analysing MRI scans from three women, aged 30 to 58 years old, with fibroids and urinary symptoms. Cross-sectional images were used to render 3D models of pelvic anatomy, including bladder, uterus and fibroids, using 3D Slicer and OsiriX. Dimensions, volumes and anatomical relationships of the pelvic organs were evaluated. Comparisons between anatomical landmarks and measurements obtained from the two image processing applications were undertaken. Rendered 3D pelvic models yielded detailed anatomical information and data on spatial relationships that were unobtainable from cross-sectional images. Models were rendered in sufficient resolution to aid understanding of spatial relationships between urinary bladder, uterus and fibroid(s). Measurements of fibroid volumes ranged from 5,336 to 418,012 mm3 and distances between the fibroid and urinary bladder ranged from 0.10 to 83.60 mm. Statistical analysis of measurements showed no significant differences in measurements between the two image processing applications. To date, limited data exist on the use of 3D volume reconstructions of routine MRI scans, to investigate pelvic pathologies such as fibroids in women with urinary symptoms. This study suggests that post-MRI image processing can provide additional information over standard MRI. Further studies are required to assess the role of these data in clinical practice, surgical planning and training. Three-dimensional reconstruction of routine two-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging provides additional anatomical information and may improve our understanding of anatomical relationships, their role in clinical presentations and possibly guide clinical and surgical management.
Objectively Assessing the Effect of a Messenger-based Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behavior in University Students: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kellner Mona , Dold C. , Lohkamp M.
Published: May 2023

Aim

Sedentary behavior poses a serious health risk. Students in particular are highly affected by prolonged, uninterrupted periods of sitting due to routines in everyday university life, such as attending lectures, self-study periods in the library, etc. Whereas university students are mostly young and therefore appear to be healthy, evidence-based consequences of prolonged sitting may come to pass in prospective times. Therefore, primary prevention must be initiated to shield university students from the occurrence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Consequently, the study aims to evaluate a messenger-based intervention designed to reduce sedentary time among university students.

Subjects and Methods

The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed in a randomized controlled trial with a convenience sample of thirty-four German university students. ActivPal devices (Pal Technologies Ltd., Glasgow) were applied to measure sedentary behavior objectively before and after a 3-week intervention of messages to interrupt sedentary time. An additional evaluation of the messages was carried out.

Results

Sedentary behavior decreased by about one hour in the intervention group. Explorative analysis shows a statistically significant, negative correlation between sedentary time at baseline and the change of sedentary behavior over time in the intervention group (r = − .81) indicating effectiveness of the intervention for the participants with the highest sedentary times at baseline. Additionally, the messages were considered appropriate by the participants.

Conclusion

A reduction of sedentary time of one hour per day in the intervention group is practically significant. The current investigation had similar findings with prior studies where promising results for the reduction of sedentary behavior were observed through mobile-based interventions. The detected effects of the intervention in this pilot study demonstrate an opportunity for further research in this field.
Experimental investigation on the effect of pulsating flow on heat transfer and pressure drop in conical tubes
Authors: Abdelghany Mohamed T. , Elshamy Samir M. , Sharafeldin M. A. , Abdellatif O. E.
Published: May 2023

In order to boost the heat transfer rate in a conical coiled tube (CCT) using an active technique, a solenoid valve was placed ahead of the CCT and employed as a pulse generator in this research. Experimentally, the effect of pulsation on heat transfer and pressure drop in the CCT was investigated. Experiments were conducted for pulsating flow throughout a Womersley number (Wo) range of 30–48, which corresponds to a pulsating frequency of 4–10 Hz, a Dean number (De) of 1148–2983, and a coil torsion (λ) of 0.02–0.052. Results revealed that pulsating flow yields larger Nu values than steady flow. A rise in heat transfer characteristics is achieved by decreasing both the pulse frequency and the coil torsion. A pulsating flow at 4 Hz (Wo = 30) was shown to promote heat transfer by the most of all the examined frequencies. The average Nu increases as De increases, although the friction factor often decreases as De increases. When the coil torsion is reduced from 0.052 to 0.02 while maintaining the same De and Wo, the average Nu and ƒ increase by 23% and 30%, respectively. A correlation for the average Nusselt number and friction factor was presented, taking frequency and coil torsion into account.
Performance improvement of solar-assisted air-conditioning systems by using an innovative configuration of a desiccant dehumidifier and thermal recovery unit
Authors: Abdelgaied Mohamed , Saber Mohamed A. , Bassuoni M. M. , Khaira Ahmad M.
Published: May 2023

The present study aims to construct an innovative configuration of a desiccant air conditioner that achieves thermal comfort conditions with the lowest electrical power consumption rates. To achieve this, an innovative configuration of a desiccant dehumidifier channel with multi-stages of silica-gel pads and heat exchangers for inter-cooling (DDC-MSSGP&HEI) was incorporated with the suggested air conditioner. The DDC-MSSGP&HEI is characterized by increasing the dehumidification capacity as well as cooling the process air with cooling rates higher than the heat generated by the adsorption heat effect. The thermal recovery unit was also incorporated with the suggested air conditioner to achieve the lowest electrical power consumption rates; it was utilized as a preheating unit to heat the regeneration air before entering into the solar collectors. The results showed that the system could supply air with a temperature of 12.2 °C and a humidity ratio of 7 gw kg
da
−1
, this is because of the positive effect of DDC-MSSGP&HEI. Also, the energy performance of the innovative configuration of a desiccant air conditioner is more efficient where TCOP and ECOP reached 1.96 and 3.14, respectively at a regeneration temperature of 90 °C. Moreover, the energy saving due to the utilization of the thermal recovery unit reached 28.7%. The economic feasibility indicates that the proposed configuration has the potential to save the life cycle cost by a rate of up to 33% compared to the conventional system with a payback period of 5.8 years.
Kierkegaardian Ethics and the Rule of Law
Authors: Neoh Joshua
Published: May 2023

We approach law with deep ambivalence. On the one hand, we take immense pride in living under the rule of law. On the other hand, we often catch ourselves lamenting the existence of law. When we lament the existence of law, we are not just saying that there is too much of it. We are not just complaining about the amount of law. Rather, our complaint goes to the very nature of law itself. We complain that its rules are constraining, that its generality ignores the particularity of each situation, that its coercive force rides roughshod over our autonomy, and the list goes on. However, notwithstanding the frustration with law, it is not that we want to get rid of it. This paper seeks to express and explain our conflicting sentiments about law – why we sometimes view law as a monumental moral achievement and why we are sometimes so frustrated with it. The answer, as this paper will argue, lies in the nature of norms. The value and limit of law is traceable to the value and limit of norms. Kierkegaard helps us see that. This paper will argue that our ambivalence about law mirrors Kierkegaard’s ambivalence about ethics.
Causal inference with recurrent and competing events
Authors: Janvin Matias , Young Jessica G. , Ryalen Pål C. , Stensrud Mats J.
Published: May 2023

Many research questions concern treatment effects on outcomes that can recur several times in the same individual. For example, medical researchers are interested in treatment effects on hospitalizations in heart failure patients and sports injuries in athletes. Competing events, such as death, complicate causal inference in studies of recurrent events because once a competing event occurs, an individual cannot have more recurrent events. Several statistical estimands have been studied in recurrent event settings, with and without competing events. However, the causal interpretations of these estimands, and the conditions that are required to identify these estimands from observed data, have yet to be formalized. Here we use a formal framework for causal inference to formulate several causal estimands in recurrent event settings, with and without competing events. When competing events exist, we clarify when commonly used classical statistical estimands can be interpreted as causal quantities from the causal mediation literature, such as (controlled) direct effects and total effects. Furthermore, we show that recent results on interventionist mediation estimands allow us to define new causal estimands with recurrent and competing events that may be of particular clinical relevance in many subject matter settings. We use causal directed acyclic graphs and single world intervention graphs to illustrate how to reason about identification conditions for the various causal estimands based on subject matter knowledge. Furthermore, using results on counting processes, we show that our causal estimands and their identification conditions, which are articulated in discrete time, converge to classical continuous time counterparts in the limit of fine discretizations of time. We propose estimators and establish their consistency for the various identifying functionals. Finally, we use the proposed estimators to compute the effect of blood pressure lowering treatment on the recurrence of acute kidney injury using data from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial.
What makes a health system good? From cost-effectiveness analysis to ethical improvement in health systems
Authors: Wilson James
Published: May 2023

Fair allocation of scarce healthcare resources has been much studied within philosophy and bioethics, but analysis has focused on a narrow range of cases. The Covid-19 pandemic provided significant new challenges, making powerfully visible the extent to which health systems can be fragile, and how scarcities within crucial elements of interlinked care pathways can lead to cascading failures. Health system resilience, while previously a key topic in global health, can now be seen to be a vital concern in high-income countries too. Unfortunately, mainstream philosophical approaches to the ethics of rationing and prioritisation provide little guidance for these new problems of scarcity. Indeed, the cascading failures were arguably exacerbated by earlier attempts to make health systems leaner and more efficient. This paper argues that health systems should move from simple and atomistic approaches to measuring effectiveness to approaches that are holistic both in focusing on performance at the level of the health system as a whole, and also in incorporating a wider range of ethical concerns in thinking about what makes a health system good.
From biocolonialism to emancipation: considerations on ethical and culturally respectful omics research with indigenous Australians
Authors: Soares Gustavo H. , Hedges Joanne , Sethi Sneha , Poirier Brianna , Jamieson Lisa
Published: May 2023

As part of a (bio)colonial project, the biological information of Indigenous Peoples has historically been under scientific scrutiny, with very limited benefits for communities and donors. Negative past experiences have contributed to further exclude Indigenous communities from novel developments in the field of omics research. Over the past decade, new guidelines, reflections, and projects of genetic research with Indigenous Peoples have flourished in Australia, providing opportunities to move the field into a place of respect and ethical relationships. This review explores the ethical and cultural implications of the use of biological samples from Indigenous communities in biomedical research. A structured framework outlining emerging topics of interest for the development of respectful omics research partnerships with Indigenous Australians is presented. This paper highlights aspects related to Indigenous governance, community and individual consent, respectful handling of biological samples, data management, and communication in order to protect Indigenous interests and rights and to promote communities’ autonomy.
Engaging otherness: care ethics radical perspectives on empathy
Authors: van Dijke Jolanda , van Nistelrooij Inge , Bos Pien , Duyndam Joachim
Published: May 2023

Throughout the years, care ethicists have raised concerns that prevalent definitions of empathy fail to adequately address the problem of otherness. They have proposed alternative conceptualizations of empathy that aim to acknowledge individual differences, help to extend care beyond one’s inner circle, and develop a critical awareness of biases and prejudices. We explore three such alternatives: Noddings’ concept of engrossment, Meyers’ account of broad empathy, and Baart’s concept of perspective-shifting. Based on these accounts, we explain that care ethics promotes a conceptualization of empathy that is radical in its commitment to engage otherness and that is characterized by being: (1) receptive and open, (2) broad and deep in scope, (3) relational and interactive, (4) mature and multifaceted, (5) critical and reflective, (6) disruptive and transformative. This type of empathy is both demanding and rewarding, as it may inspire health professionals to rethink empathy, its challenges, and its contribution to good care and as it may enrich empathy education and professional empathy practices in health care.
The many faces of the politics of shame in European policymaking
Authors: Sanchez Salgado Rosa M.
Published: May 2023

This paper analyzes shaming attempts in the European Parliament (EP) over a long period. Drawing on existing literature on shaming and stigmatization in International Relations, as well as on studies on blame avoidance (Public administration), this paper explores the extent to which (and how) shaming attempts were used in day-to-day European policymaking. The paper first shows how the word ‘shame’ has been employed by key policymakers in different policy areas. Data analyzed include EP speech acts (mainly debates) from 1994 to 2014. The second part of the paper consists of an interpretative and contextualizing qualitative analysis, exploring in-depth social and economic policy areas. This paper shows that, in these policy areas, shaming attempts have often served as an ideological tool, or have become entangled in turf wars between supranational institutions and Member States. The in-depth study also illustrates the circumstances under which shaming attempts have led to compliance, non-compliance or shame backlashes.
Application of an Integrative Drug Safety Model for Detection of Adverse Drug Events Associated With Inhibition of Glutathione Peroxidase 1 in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Janetzki Jack L. , Pratt Nicole L. , Ward Michael B. , Sykes Matthew J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is characterised by declining lung function and a greater oxidative stress burden due to reduced activity of antioxidant enzymes such as Glutathione Peroxidase 1.

Objectives

The extent to which drugs may contribute to this compromised activity is largely unknown. An integrative drug safety model explores inhibition of Glutathione Peroxidase 1 by drugs and their association with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease adverse drug events.

Methods

In silico molecular modelling approaches were utilised to predict the interactions that drugs have within the active site of Glutathione Peroxidase 1 in both human and bovine models. Similarities of chemical features between approved drugs and the known inhibitor tiopronin were also investigated. Subsequently the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event System was searched to uncover adverse drug event signals associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Results

Statistical and molecular modelling analyses confirmed that the use of several registered drugs, including acetylsalicylic acid and atenolol may be associated with inhibition of Glutathione Peroxidase 1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conclusion

The integration of molecular modelling and pharmacoepidemological data has the potential to advance drug safety science. Ongoing review of medication use and further pharmacoepidemiological and biological analyses are warranted to ensure appropriate use is recommended.

Graphical Abstract
Status assessment and opportunities for improving fish welfare in animal experimental research according to the 3R-Guidelines
Authors: Grunow Bianka , Strauch Sebastian M.
Published: May 2023

In mammalian research, the implementation of the 3Rs is ubiquitous. However, the adaptation of procedures for experimental work on fish seems less extensive in comparison, even though fish model organisms are common in a broad range of research fields already. To strengthen animal welfare in experimental research, we provide an overview of current research results, including studies on the nociception of fishes. Furthermore, we describe the potential of implementing the 3Rs in fish experimental research. In the context of "Reduction", we show alternative research methods to lethal sampling. Considering "Refinement", we point out possibilities to improve fish handling and indicate that adaptations to the individual species ecology are necessary. Under the aspect of "Replacement", we describe the high potential of cell cultures that can be obtained from fish tissue and give an overview of the already extensive use in ecotoxicology and virology. In addition, we illustrate that cell cultures could also be increasingly used for basic research.

Graphical abstract
Compliance in small-scale fisheries is linked to fisher-trader relations: not fishers alone (Southeast Asian case study)
Authors: Elsler Laura G. , Neil Muhammad , Ferse Sebastian , Navarrete Forero Gabriela , Glaser Marion , Schlüter Maja
Published: May 2023

Fisher-trader relations are influential in many small-scale fisheries worldwide. The ability to influence emergent fishing practices has shifted traders into focus of fisheries policy-making. Formal policies could be more effective if they were complementary to and build on an understanding of the role of traders, their interaction with fishers, and how these contribute to the emergence of compliant or non-compliant fishing practices. Here, we first compared fishing practices with policies to assess the latter's effectiveness in Indonesia, Spermonde. Second, we identified the roles and interactions of fisher-trader relations in shaping emergent fishing practices using the social-ecological action situation framework. We found that 6 out of 7 fishing practices were at least partially non-compliant with formal policies. Second, fisher-trader relations mediated by social norms enabled more fishing practices to emerge than those focused solely on selling and buying fish. Third, traders' interactions with other fishery actors enabled non-compliant fishing practices. These findings comprehensively characterize fishers' and traders' roles and interactions in the emergence of fishing practices. Policy effectiveness could be enhanced by engaging in traders' interactions with other fishery actors.
The Language of Inclusion: Using Critical Corpus-Based Methods to Study the Presence and Representation of “Women, Children and Vulnerable Groups” in Liberia’s Truth Commission
Authors: Evrard Elke
Published: May 2023

While inclusion, participation and victim-centredness have become catchwords in transitional justice discourse, this rhetoric has not necessarily enabled the articulation of more complex identities and experiences, or the pursuit of varied justice claims. To probe this disconnect, this article engages with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia, a mechanism established to reckon with the country’s history of internal armed conflict, and hailed for its involvement of vulnerable, disenfranchised and oft-overlooked groups. The article combines expressive theories of justice with an innovative corpus-based methodology to critically examine how the Commission made visible, defined and construed these actors through its language of inclusion. Results from word frequency, co-occurrence and sentiment analyses illustrate how the Commission foregrounded the plight and rights of women and children, and their participation as a vehicle for emancipation, but simultaneously reproduced universalist and static identities, fixation on sexual violence and child soldier recruitment, and subject positions lacking in positive or political capabilities. This duality points to inherent tensions in the expressive messaging of TJ institutions, and rather locates the transformative potential of their inclusionary language in the strategic openings it affords for victims’ groups, women and youth organizations in their broader trajectories towards justice and change.
Strategic European partnerships for UK universities post-Brexit: navigating a globally contested field of world-class universities
Authors: Highman Ludovic , Marginson Simon , Papatsiba Vassiliki
Published: May 2023

This paper assesses how UK universities seek to maintain their global dominant position post-Brexit through comprehensive strategic partnerships with key European institutions as part of their internationalisation strategies. Drawing on 24 semi-structured interviews conducted from November 2017 to July 2018 in 12 UK universities vertically differentiated and spread along the highly hierarchised spectrum of British universities in all four nations, we aim to examine which types of universities are most inclined to form international comprehensive university-wide strategic partnerships, and how they identify their partners. The analysis is framed within Bourdieu’s theory of “economy of practices” which considers all university practices as economic practices that are ultimately tailored towards maximising either material or symbolic profit. Unlike in business and industry, where organisations traditionally compete to maximise profit, universities must both compete and collaborate with one another in order to improve (or maintain) their position in the field. UK universities will need to navigate the post-Brexit space they find themselves thrown into, and in the process will need to review international institutional links with both European Union (EU) based and non-EU universities. This paper will assess how UK universities seek to maintain their dominant position in the field through comprehensive strategic partnerships with key foreign institutions.
Overview of fungal terpene synthases and their regulation
Authors: González-Hernández Ricardo A. , Valdez-Cruz Norma A. , Macías-Rubalcava Martha L. , Trujillo-Roldán Mauricio A.
Published: May 2023

Terpenes and terpenoids are a group of isoprene-derived molecules that constitute the largest group of natural products and secondary metabolites produced by living things, with more than 25,000 compounds reported. These compounds are synthesized by enzymes called terpene synthases, which include several families of cyclases and enzymes. These are responsible for adding functional groups to cyclized structures. Fungal terpenoids are of great interest for their pharmacological properties; therefore, understanding the mechanisms that regulate their synthesis (regulation of the mevalonate pathway, regulation of gene expression, and availability of cofactors) is essential to direct their production. For this reason, this review addresses the detailed study of the biosynthesis of fungal terpenoids and their regulation by various physiological and environmental factors.
Influence of sex and strength differences on the load–velocity relationship of the Smith-machine back squat
Authors: Fitas Afonso , Santos Paulo , Gomes Miguel , Pezarat-Correia Pedro , Mendonca Goncalo V.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

We aimed at determining whether the load–velocity relationship of the Smith machine concentric-back squat differs between sexes and persons with different levels of strength.

Methods

Thirty-two participants (16 males: 23.3 ± 3.8 years and 16 females: 26.1 ± 2.7 years) were included. Load and mean concentric velocity (MCV) were obtained individually during an incremental test (30–90% one-repetition maximum—1RM).

Results

We obtained strong linear relationships between the individual MCV and relative load ($${R}^{2}>$$

R

2

>

0.95). Overall, relatively strong persons reached faster MCVs throughout the full range of relative loads (effect size [ES]: 0.48–0.93), except at 1RM. We also obtained steeper slopes and higher velocity intercepts (y intercepts) in relatively strong participants (ES: 0.05 and 0.83, respectively; p < 0.01). Finally, we found that males attained steeper load–velocity relationships (ES favoring relatively strong and weak males: 2.8 and 1.4, respectively) and higher velocity intercepts (ES favoring relatively strong and weak males: 2.0 and 1.0, respectively) than females (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

MCV can be used to estimate relative load on the Smith machine concentric-back squat in males and females with different levels of muscle strength; however, the load–velocity relationship is affected by muscle strength and sex. Therefore, the extraction of individual load–velocity relationships is advisable instead of computing group estimations.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Drug Addiction Treatment: a Systematic Mapping Review
Authors: Romo-Avilés Nuria , Tarriño-Concejero Lorena , Pavón-Benítez Laura , Marín-Torres Jesús
Published: May 2023

“Intervention support and treatment” programs are most likely to have been designed for the substances consumed by men, and to cater for men’s needs, with little regard to the specific needs of women. Gender-based violence (GBV) has become a key area for addressing the treatment of drug addiction from a gender perspective. In this mapping review covering 32 articles, we examine the strategies used to address gender-based violence in drug addiction treatments that include women. The main topics of analysis were as follows: characteristics of drug addiction treatment, conceptualization of GBV, measurement and approach of GBV in treatment for drug addiction, and effects on health associated with GBV and drug addiction. Only 18.75% of the studies on GBV addressed the area of psycho-social care in the treatment of drug addiction. To avoid inequalities in the healthcare offered, gender-sensitive research and interventions are required which include GBV in the treatment of drug addiction.