bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the anti‐nociceptive, sedative and clinicophysiological effects of epidural detomidine, detomidine–lidocaine and lidocaine in donkeys
Authors: Marzok Mohamed , Almubarak Adel I. , Kandeel Mahmoud , El‐Khodery Sabry
Published: December 2022

Background

Epidural analgesia using the alpha‐2 agonist detomidine (DE), alone or in combination with lidocaine (LD), is frequently employed for standing surgical procedures in horses, but its use has not been evaluated in donkeys.

Methods

In a randomised controlled prospective trial, 24 healthy adult donkeys were assigned to four groups (n= 6), each receiving 40 μg/kg of DE, 0.22 mg/kg of LD, combined DE and LD (DELD) or 0.9% sterile normal saline epidurally. After epidural injection of each treatment, the onset, degree and duration of sedation and anatomical extension of anti‐nociception were observed.

Results

DE and DELD treatments resulted in complete bilateral analgesia with loss of sensation in the tail, perineum, inguinal area, chest and the caudal aspect of the upper pelvic limb, and extended distally to the dorsal metatarsal area. DE and DELD resulted in a significantly (p< 0.05) longer duration of anti‐nociception (110 ± 15.4 min and 141.6 ± 14.7 min, respectively) than LD (75.8 ± 4.9 min). The DELD duration of sedation was significantly (p< 0.05) longer than the DE duration (118.3 ± 19.4 min and 108.3 ± 7.5 min, respectively).

Limitation

The current study's main limitation is using only one dose of DE.

Conclusion

DE and DELD produced a very effective, safe and acceptable sedative and analgesic effect in the perineal and inguinal regions of donkeys.
The occurrence, fate, toxicity, and biodegradation of phthalate esters: An overview
Authors: Puri Mehak , Gandhi Kavita , Kumar M. Suresh
Published: December 2022

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are a class of emerging xenobiotic compounds that are extensively used as plasticizers. In recent times, there has been an increasing concern over the risk of this pervasive pollution exposure causing endocrine disruption and carcinogenicity in humans and animals. The widespread use of PAEs in home and industrial applications has resulted in their discharge in aquatic bodies via leaching, volatilization, and precipitation. In this overview, the current state of PAE pollution, its potential origins, its fate, as well as its effects on the aquatic environment are discussed. A state‐of‐the‐art review of several studies in the literature that focus on the biological degradation of PAEs is included in this study. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive view of current research on PAEs in the environment, highlighting its fate and alleviated risks on the aquatic biotas, their challenges, future prospects, and the need for good management and policies for its remediation.

Practitioner Points

Occurrence of phthalate esters was summarized in various environmental matrices along with its serious ecotoxicological implications on biota.

Wastewater is the prime source of PAEs contamination.

Lack of species‐specific effects on biota due to dose, exposure route, and susceptibility.

The predominant route to mineralization in PAEs is biodegradation.

A critical analysis of worldwide PAE production and consumption identifies the necessity for global PAE production, consumption, and release policies.
Global perspective on food fraud with special emphasis on the prevalence of food fraud practices and policies in Pakistan
Authors: Asghar Waqas , Akhtar Aqsa , ur Rahman Hafiz Ubaid , Sami Abdul , Khalid Nauman
Published: December 2022

Food supply chains worldwide are under threat from food adulteration and food fraud during various stages of production and storage, and the incidence of such fraudulent practices has been increasing. Many food regulatory authorities have been established over the years on either side of the globe, contributing to food safety and the creation of awareness regarding food frauds. One of the world's most populous countries, Pakistan is home to a multicultural and multiethnic society, and the people across the country consume a variety of processed and non‐processed foods. In this regard, multiple food safety and food quality control standards are in place, aimed at alleviation of food fraud, and production and provision of safe food in Pakistan. Moreover, many regulatory bodies such as the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority, apart from providing food consultation, testing, and certification services, are working to regulate and enforce quality standards, ensuring safe food production and distribution, and correct labeling. At the provincial level, regulatory bodies are actively working to achieve similar objectives, and their portfolio includes inspections of food establishments throughout their respective jurisdictions and the imposition of penalties for violations.
Spontaneous emission from excited quantum kinks
Authors: Evslin Jarah , Martín-Caro Alberto García
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Many kink solutions enjoy internal excitations, called shape modes. In some 1+1d scalar models, such as the ϕ4 double-well model, when a kink’s shape mode is excited twice it may decay to a ground state kink plus a meson. We analytically calculate the decay rates of both the twice-excited shape mode and also a coherent state corresponding to the classically excited shape mode. In the case of the ϕ4 model, we find that the latter agrees with the classical result of Manton and Merabet.
Multi-critical points in black hole phase transitions
Authors: Tavakoli Masoumeh , Wu Jerry , Mann Robert B.
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We present the first examples in black hole thermodynamics of multicritical phase transitions, in which more than three distinct black hole phases merge at a critical point. Working in the context of non-linear electrodynamics, we explicitly present examples of black hole quadruple and quintuple points, and demonstrate how n-tuple critical points can be obtained. Our results indicate that black holes can have multiple phases beyond the three types observed so far, resembling the behaviour of multicomponent chemical systems. We discuss the interpretation of our results in the context of the Gibbs Phase Rule.
Influence of Ingestion of Game Meat on Blood Concentration of Lead in Southern Germany: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wepler Martin , Schreckenberg Jan , Paul Bastian , Fröba Gebhard , Muth Claus-Martin
Published: December 2022

Consumption of game meat may exert additional lead exposure with potential health risks. The purpose of the present pilot study was to determine blood lead concentration in game meat and no game meat consumers in southern Germany. Concentration of lead in blood (µg·L− 1) was significantly higher in game meat consumers (n = 190; 21.3 [20.0; 29.7]) compared to study participants consuming no game meat (n = 74; 20.0 [20.0; 20.0], p < 0.0001). In study participants with no game meat consumption, blood lead concentration was significantly higher in those who perform active hunting (80.3 [50.5; 110.0]) as well as active shooting (80.3 [50.5; 110.0]) than in those with no hunting or shooting activities (20.0 [20.0; 20.0], p < 0.01). In conclusion, game meat consumers as well as active hunters and shooters should take in to account their potential for an increased lead exposure and the corresponding health risks.
“Just” accuracy? Procedural fairness demands explainability in AI-based medical resource allocations
Authors: Rueda Jon , Rodríguez Janet Delgado , Jounou Iris Parra , Hortal-Carmona Joaquín , Ausín Txetxu , Rodríguez-Arias David
Published: December 2022

The increasing application of artificial intelligence (AI) to healthcare raises both hope and ethical concerns. Some advanced machine learning methods provide accurate clinical predictions at the expense of a significant lack of explainability. Alex John London has defended that accuracy is a more important value than explainability in AI medicine. In this article, we locate the trade-off between accurate performance and explainable algorithms in the context of distributive justice. We acknowledge that accuracy is cardinal from outcome-oriented justice because it helps to maximize patients’ benefits and optimizes limited resources. However, we claim that the opaqueness of the algorithmic black box and its absence of explainability threatens core commitments of procedural fairness such as accountability, avoidance of bias, and transparency. To illustrate this, we discuss liver transplantation as a case of critical medical resources in which the lack of explainability in AI-based allocation algorithms is procedurally unfair. Finally, we provide a number of ethical recommendations for when considering the use of unexplainable algorithms in the distribution of health-related resources.
Primary ovarian leiomyoma: a rare ovarian tumour
Authors: Pervan Mascha , Gembicki Michael , Princk Henriette , Rody Achim , Hanker Lars , Hemptenmacher Franziska , Banys-Paluchowski Maggie
Published: December 2022

After performing laparoscopic unilateral adnexectomy in a 53-year-old woman for a rapidly grown unilateral adnexal mass, pathologists reported a primary ovarian leiomyoma with no genuine ovarian tissue. This rare diagnosis is found in less than 100 reports after systematic literature review, a greater number of asymptomatic ovarian leiomyomas can be expected. Thorough preoperative diagnostic measures are essential as rare cases of malignancy have been described.
MAl4Ir2 (M = Ca, Sr, Eu): superstructures of the KAu4In2 type
Authors: Zaremba Nazar , Pavlyuk Volodymyr , Stegemann Frank , Hlukhyy Viktor , Engel Stefan , Klenner Steffen , Pöttgen Rainer , Janka Oliver
Published: December 2022

Three new iridium aluminum intermetallics CaAl4Ir2, SrAl4Ir2, and EuAl4Ir2 were synthesized from the elements using silica or tantalum ampoules. They crystallize in the tetragonal crystal system with space group P4/ncc and lattice parameters of a = 782.20(1) and c = 779.14(2) pm for CaAl4Ir2, a = 797.62(1) and c = 772.75(2) pm for SrAl4Ir2, and finally a = 791.78(5) and c = 773.31(5) pm for EuAl4Ir2. All compounds crystallize isostructurally and adopt a new structure type that can be derived from the KAu4In2 type structure. To compare the structures from a crystallographic point of view, a group–subgroup relation between KAu4In2 and EuAl4Ir2 as well as KAu4In2 and KAu4Sn2 have been established using the Bärnighausen formalism. Finally, quantum-chemical calculations have been conducted, showing that in all three title compounds, a polyanionic [Al4Ir2]δ– network exists with significant (polar) bonding interactions, while the respective Caδ+, Srδ+, and Euδ+ cations are located in octagonal channels.

Graphical abstract
Using soft maximin for risk averse multi-objective decision-making
Authors: Smith Benjamin J. , Klassert Robert , Pihlakas Roland
Published: December 2022

Balancing multiple competing and conflicting objectives is an essential task for any artificial intelligence tasked with satisfying human values or preferences. Conflict arises both from misalignment between individuals with competing values, but also between conflicting value systems held by a single human. Starting with principle of loss-aversion, we designed a set of soft maximin function approaches to multi-objective decision-making. Bench-marking these functions in a set of previously-developed environments, we found that one new approach in particular, ‘split-function exp-log loss aversion’ (SFELLA), learns faster than the state of the art thresholded alignment objective method Vamplew (Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligenceg 100:104186, 2021) on three of four tasks it was tested on, and achieved the same optimal performance after learning. SFELLA also showed relative robustness improvements against changes in objective scale, which may highlight an advantage dealing with distribution shifts in the environment dynamics. We further compared SFELLA to the multi-objective reward exponentials (MORE) approach, and found that SFELLA performs similarly to MORE in a simple previously-described foraging task, but in a modified foraging environment with a new resource that was not depleted as the agent worked, SFELLA collected more of the new resource with very little cost incurred in terms of the old resource. Overall, we found SFELLA useful for avoiding problems that sometimes occur with a thresholded approach, and more reward-responsive than MORE while retaining its conservative, loss-averse incentive structure.
Measuring the Agreement of Mathematical Peer Reviewers
Authors: Löwe Benedikt
Published: December 2022

We investigate the possibility of arguing for or against the philosophical position that mathematics is an epistemic exception on the basis of agreement data from the mathematical peer review process and argue that Cohen’s $$\kappa $$
κ
, the standard agreement measure used for inter-rater agreement, is unable to detect epistemic exceptionality from peer review data.
Spatial and temporal assessment of human-water interactions at the Inle Lake, Myanmar: a socio-hydrological DPSIR analysis
Authors: Peters Kristin , Wagner Paul D. , Phyo Ei Wai , Zin Win Win , Kyi Cho Cho Thin , Fohrer Nicola
Published: December 2022

Freshwater resources as a key aspect of socio-economic development, provide a large number of services in human and environmental systems. Nevertheless, human appropriation of these water resources and the modification of landscapes lead to potential threats on water availability and quality from local to global scales. The Inle Lake in Myanmar is an economically, traditionally, and ecologically important freshwater ecosystem that faced severe degradation from the 2000s. In its catchment area, a Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework is applied for an assessment period of 30 years from 1990 to 2020. The analysis results are complemented with a socio-hydrological survey, water quality assessment, a land use classification based on ground truth and satellite data, and hydrologic models. The resulting land use changes, − 13% forest, + 13% agriculture, and + 5% urban areas, lead to increased water yield, decreased evapotranspiration, and increased sediment yield. Together with other drivers and pressures such as climate change and anthropogenic pollution, these human activities are major threats for freshwater resources and the ecosystem. However, the existing awareness of the local population for the environmental degradation is obstructed by national and international crises and responses to negative developments can accelerate degradation if they are unplanned and short-term solutions. Our study shows that environmental degradation processes have a complex nature and can only be tackled in a coordinated way with a long-term perspective. DPSIR is a suitable approach to assess human-water dynamics and disentangle the complex interconnectedness of social and environmental systems in freshwater ecosystems, even in data-scarce regions.
The alleviation of drought-induced damage to growth and physio-biochemical parameters of Brassica napus L. genotypes using an integrated approach of biochar amendment and PGPR application
Authors: Lalay Gul , Ullah Abd , Iqbal Nadeem , Raza Ali , Asghar Muhammad Ahsan , Ullah Sami
Published: December 2022

Drought is a major abiotic stress, affecting the metabolism, growth, and productivity of plants worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed/hypothesized to investigate the ameliorative effects of biochar and rhizobacteria in drought-damaged Brassica napus L. genotypes. The plants were divided into two groups based on the drought stress employment (15 days and 30 days). Both groups were then treated with PGPR, biochar, and their co-application, and the samples were taken from shoots and roots of both genotypes. Our results revealed that the drought resulted in a substantial decline in total flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) as well as nutrient uptake in shoots and roots of both the studied genotypes. Contrarily, sugar and glycine betaine (GB) contents increased in both shoots and roots under drought stress conditions. However, the plants with co-application of biochar and PGPR showed better improvement of nutrient uptake, leaf relative water content (RWC), and growth parameters compared to drought-stressed, control, and the plants with sole biochar and PGPR application. In addition, the co-application of PGPR and biochar produced higher levels of sugar, proteins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and enzymatic activities (POD, SOD, GR, and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR)) than those that were not treated with biochar and PGPR or treated solely. Relative to Westar genotype, the Punjab sarson showed higher drought tolerance. In conclusion, we suggest that the co-application of biochar and PGPR can be an effective strategy for overcoming the drought-induced damage in plants.

Graphical Abstract
Strengthening agroecological resilience through commons-based seed governance in the Philippines
Authors: Kliem Lea
Published: December 2022

The Filipino agricultural sector is exposed to multiple climatic, economic, and social risks that will likely intensify in the near future. Building agroecological resilience has been proposed to protect small-scale farmers’ livelihoods and improve food security in the context of (unexpected) shocks and disruptions, and slow system changes such as climate change. This paper argues that commons-based seed production, based on collective management and ownership of seeds and varieties, can play a central role in building resilience capacities in smallholder communities. I explore this by applying an indicator-based framework to assess the contribution of the Filipino farmer network Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG) to agroecological resilience. I find that the networks’ commons-based seed governance builds agroecological resilience in various ways. By equipping small-scale farmers with the tools to regain control over seed production and breeding, they become stewards of an actively evolving collection of varieties. The in situ maintenance and development of traditional, open-pollinated varieties and a network of diversified trial and backup farms build up buffering capacities and foster agrobiodiversity and local adaptation. A focus on regionally available natural resources reduces vulnerabilities to external factors. Adaptive capacities are strengthened through a high degree of flexibility and responsiveness achieved by self-organization and polycentric organizational structures. Broad participation, shared learning and spaces for experimentation support the development of farmers’ capacities to respond to diverse challenges. Commons-based approaches to seed governance can thus strengthen agroecological resilience and long-term food security in smallholder agricultural systems.
Loss aversion in social image concerns
Authors: Petrishcheva Vasilisa , Riener Gerhard , Schildberg-Hörisch Hannah
Published: December 2022

Does loss aversion apply to social image concerns? In a laboratory experiment, we first induce social image in a relevant domain, intelligence, through public ranking. In a second stage, subjects experience a change in rank and are offered scope for lying to improve their final, also publicly reported rank. Subjects who care about social image and experience a decline in rank lie more than those experiencing gains. Moreover, we document a discontinuity in lying behavior when moving from rank losses to gains. Our results are in line with loss aversion in social image concerns.
Yet it Endures: The Persistence of Original Sin
Authors: Eichengreen Barry , Hausmann Ricardo , Panizza Ugo
Published: December 2022

Notwithstanding announcements of progress, “international original sin” (the denomination of external debt in foreign currency) remains a persistent phenomenon in emerging markets. Although some middle-income countries have succeeded in developing markets in local-currency sovereign debt and attracting foreign investors, they continue to hedge their currency exposures through transactions with local pension funds and other resident investors. The result is to shift the locus of currency mismatches within emerging economies but not to eliminate them. Other countries have limited original sin by limiting external borrowing, passing up valuable investment opportunities in pursuit of stability. We document these trends, analyzing regional and global aggregates and national case studies. Our conclusion is that there remains a case for an international initiative to address currency risk in low- and middle-income economies so they can more fully exploit economic development opportunities.
Analysis of planar waveguides with a thin overlayer and nonlinear cladding
Authors: Kubica Jacek M.
Published: December 2022

The aim of this paper is to analyse a planar optical waveguide with Kerr-type nonlinear cladding and a thin linear overlayer separating the cladding and the guiding core. The results of numerical calculations show that the bistable behaviour of the nonlinear waveguides can be easily controlled by changing the parameters of this additional layer. The analysis is based on the self-consistent iteration procedure which provides relevant dispersion characteristics limited to physically stable solutions.
The Boosted DC Algorithm for Linearly Constrained DC Programming
Authors: Aragón-Artacho F. J. , Campoy R. , Vuong P. T.
Published: December 2022

The Boosted Difference of Convex functions Algorithm (BDCA) has been recently introduced to accelerate the performance of the classical Difference of Convex functions Algorithm (DCA). This acceleration is achieved thanks to an extrapolation step from the point computed by DCA via a line search procedure. In this work, we propose an extension of BDCA that can be applied to difference of convex functions programs with linear constraints, and prove that every cluster point of the sequence generated by this algorithm is a Karush–Kuhn–Tucker point of the problem if the feasible set has a Slater point. When the objective function is quadratic, we prove that any sequence generated by the algorithm is bounded and R-linearly (geometrically) convergent. Finally, we present some numerical experiments where we compare the performance of DCA and BDCA on some challenging problems: to test the copositivity of a given matrix, to solve one-norm and infinity-norm trust-region subproblems, and to solve piecewise quadratic problems with box constraints. Our numerical results demonstrate that this new extension of BDCA outperforms DCA.
Efficacy and safety of liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and severe obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Jiang Wenlong , Li Weiguo , Cheng Jing , Li Wen , Cheng Fangzhou
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To observe the efficacy and side effects of liraglutide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

The study conducted in an outpatient setting was a two-center, prospective randomized controlled study. T2DM patients with severe OSA were randomized to the control group (continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP] and drug treatment without liraglutide) or the liraglutide group (CPAP and drug treatment including liraglutide). Demographic and clinical characteristics, sleep-disordered breathing indices, cardiac function indices, and side effects were evaluated and compared between the two groups before and after 3 months.

Results

Of 90 patients, 45 were randomized to the intervention arm (with liraglutide) and 45 to the control arm (without liraglutide). One patient in the liraglutide group dropped out of the study on day 8 after enrollment due to obvious gastrointestinal symptoms. No significant differences were found between the two groups in baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, cardiac function indicators, or sleep disorder respiratory indices (P > 0.05). After 3 months, the body mass index (BMI), apnea hypopnea index (AHI), and mean systolic blood pressure in the liraglutide treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The minimum oxygen saturation was significantly higher in the liraglutide group compared with that in the control group after 3 months of follow-up (P < 0.05). No difference was found between the two groups in the summary of side effects (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Liraglutide combined with CPAP can effectively reduce BMI, lower mean systolic blood pressure, and improve AHI scores and hypoxia in T2DM patients with severe OSA. Liraglutide did not increase side effects.
Management of hazardous fly-ash energy waste in the adsorptive removal of diclofenac by the use of synthetic zeolitic materials
Authors: Medykowska Magdalena , Wiśniewska Małgorzata , Szewczuk-Karpisz Katarzyna , Panek Rafał
Published: December 2022

Zeolite-carbon composites (Na-P1(C), Na-X(C)) and pure zeolites (Na-P1, Na-X) were synthesized from hazardous high-carbon fly ash waste (HC FA) via hydrothermal reaction with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). These solids were applied in the removal of diclofenac (DCF) from aqueous solution, with and without poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). The experiments included adsorption–desorption measurements, as well as electrokinetic and stability analyses. The obtained results showed that HC FA and Na-P1(C) had the greatest adsorption capacity towards DCF, i.e., 26.51 and 21.19 mg/g, respectively. PAA caused considerable decrease in the DCF adsorption due to the competition of both adsorbates of anionic character for active sites. For example, the adsorbed amount of DCF on Na-P1 without PAA was 14.11 mg/g, whereas the one measured with PAA was 5.08 mg/g. Most of prepared solids were effectively regenerated by the use of NaOH. Desorption degree reached even 73.65% in the single systems (with one adsorbate) and 97.24% in the mixed ones (with two adsorbates). Zeolitic materials formed suspensions of rather low stability, which underwent further deterioration in the organic molecules presence. All the results obtained in this study indicated that HC FA can be successfully managed in the removal of organic substances.
Rapid evaluation of the design and manufacture of cooling systems of photovoltaic solar panels
Authors: Almeshaiei Eisa , Al-Habaibeh Amin , Mina Nicholas , Akib Shatirah
Published: December 2022

A new methodology is presented in this paper to encourage the growth of renewable energy technologies in hot and arid countries. PV solar panels are characterized by a decrease in efficiency with the increase in temperatures. This means in hot sunny countries, the actual output will decrease, affecting the power output despite the high availability of sun irradiation. In order to address this issue, a new methodology has been developed and presented in this paper to support system’s designers and manufacturers; which allows rapid testing and assessment of the design in consistent way within a short period of time. The approach, named Rapid Evaluation of Solar panels Cooling (RESC), is novel as it combines rapid laboratory testing, with in-situ experimental data to evaluate the cooling technologies that are integrated into solar panels. Modular and scalable designs of passive (chimney effect) and active (fan) cooling methods were tested. The results show that the suggested approach is successful in comparing between the cooling technologies to assess their performance and the payback period within a short period of time. Carbon savings are also calculated for the suggested cooling technologies. The results show that the best energy performance was found to be for the fan-cooled system with overall 12.3% improvement in annual energy output. However, when compared to the payback period on financial investment, the passive cooling is found to more appealing. The key advantage of cooling technologies is found to be in producing an additional significant level of power during summer days when the surface temperature of the panel is at 70 °C or above. Hence, in such conditions, the cooling process could result in an increase in power output of about 53.15% relative to the uncooled standard panels.
Large esophageal gastrointestinal stromal tumors resected thoracoscopically after oral imatinib therapy: a report of two cases
Authors: Kurosaki Takeshi , Hoshino Isamu , Kuwayama Naoki , Suitou Hiroshi , Kano Masayuki , Tonooka Toru , Chiba Satoshi , Soda Hiroaki , Nabeya Yoshihiro , Takayama Wataru
Published: December 2022

Esophageal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are very rare, accounting for 2–5% of all GISTs. As with other GISTs, the principle of surgical treatment is complete resection with negative margins. In addition to biological grades of GISTs itselves, local recurrence due to capsular damage is a known risk. We describe two cases of massive esophageal GISTs that were successfully resected thoracoscopically after 2 months administration of 400 mg imatinib, with some discussion of the literature. Case 1, the patient was a 51-years-old man. After treated with 400 mg of imatinib as preoperative chemotherapy for 2 months, we performed surgery that included right thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy, gastric tube reconstruction, and jejunostomy. The resection specimen and histopathology were esophageal GIST-LtMtAeG, 110 × 95 mm. The postoperative course was uneventful, and was discharged on postoperative day 14. The patient has been recurrence free for 11 months postoperatively. Case 2, the patient was a 70-years-old man. After treated with 400 mg of imatinib as preoperative chemotherapy for 2 months, we performed surgery that included right thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy, gastric tube reconstruction, and jejunostomy. The resection specimen and histopathology were esophageal GIST-LtAeG, 90 × 52 mm. The postoperative course was uneventful, and was discharged on postoperative day 14. The patient has been recurrence free for 9 months postoperatively.
Evaluation of the contamination of the subsurface and groundwater by monoaromatic hydrocarbons in an eastern Amazonian town in northern Brazil
Authors: Gomes Karen Jamile Moreira , Oliva Pedro Andrés Chira , da Rocha Herson Oliveira , de Alcantara Mendes Rosivaldo , da Costa Amilton César Gomes , dos Santos Miranda Camila , de Oliveira Almeida Nelise
Published: December 2022

The present study evaluated the contamination by monoaromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) of the subsurface of gas stations and adjacent residences in the Amazonian town of Bragança, in northern Brazil. We combined the ground penetrating radar (GPR) geophysical tool, to detect possible plumes of contamination by BTEX, with gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS), which were used to diagnose the presence of BTEX in water samples obtained from boreholes located within the study area. The GPR identified low-amplitude reflections in the vadose zone of two gas stations, whose attenuation near the surface was due to the low permittivity recorded in the radargrams, which may have been caused by the reduced permittivity of the hydrocarbons (gas vapor) in comparison with water. The GC–MS identified benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and/or xylene in 13 water samples (19.7% of the samples collected). Only three of the samples contained two contaminants, invariably toluene and xylene, whereas all the others contained only a single BTEX. Toluene and xylene were the BTEX compounds found most frequently in the samples. However, none of the samples collected in the study exceeded the threshold established by Brazilian legislation for BTEXs in drinking water. The integrated application of GPR and CG-MS produced satisfactory results for the diagnosis of the contamination of the subsurface of the gas stations surveyed in the present study.
Urologische zorg in het tuchtrecht; een overzicht van 10 jaar
Authors: Oomen Robert J. A. , Kil Paul J. M. , van Balken Michael R.
Published: December 2022

Samenvatting

Het is van belang een overzicht te hebben van de tuchtklachten om deze te voorkomen. In online database van tuchtuitspraken werden daarom alle uitspraken betreffende urologische zorg van 2010 tot en met 2019 opgezocht. Per uitspraak werden statistieken bijgehouden. Het blijkt dat bij ongeveer 25 % van de uitspraken een maatregel werd opgelegd, waarvan een waarschuwing het meest voorkwam (64 %). Drie onderwerpen waren meer vertegenwoordigd dan andere: torsio testis, het missen van een maligniteit en schade van een ingreep. Het aantal opgelegde maatregelen bij urologische klachten is hoger dan algemene getallen. Urologen worden verhoudingsgewijs vaker aangeklaagd, net als veel andere snijdende specialisten. Er is één casus in de afgelopen 10 jaar waarbij grensoverschrijdend gedrag een rol speelde. Veel uitspraken betreffen acute en oncologische zorg, met name het missen of te laat stellen van een diagnose. Een maatregel wordt vaak opgelegd bij het ongemotiveerd niet volgen van geldende richtlijnen of de adviezen vanuit multidisciplinair overleg.
KADAM topical warm oxygen therapy device for diabetic foot ulcer-a novel approach
Authors: Maiya G. Arun , Nataraj Megha , K Gagana , Hande Manjunatha , Rodrigues Gabriel Sunil , Shenoy Rajgopal , Prasad Shiva S.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a significant healthcare burden demanding prompt attention. In the past decade, newer technologies such as topical oxygen therapy have grown increasingly popular. The purpose of the study was to determine effect of KADAM-a topical warm oxygen therapy (TWOT) medical device in healing of DFU.

Methods

The KADAM medical device developed by Yostra Labs Pvt Ltd, delivered pure oxygen between 93 ± 3% concentration at an optimal temperature range of 39-42º Celsius to DFU wound site.

Results

A total of 40 diabetic foot ulcer individuals, aged over 18 years were included in the study. Individuals with the Grade 1 DFU were 34 (85%), grade 2 were 5 (12.5%) and grade 3 were 1 (2.5%). The changes in initial area and final area for the various diabetic foot ulcer grades were as follows: 0.32 [0.12, 0.96] (< 0.001) for grade 1 ulcer, 0.76 [0.54, 1.17] (P = 0.013) for grade 2 ulcer and 1.26 for grade 3 ulcer. The percentage reduction in wound size achieved for the grade 1 & 2 DFU were 100%, and grade 3 was 75%.

Conclusion

Topical warm oxygen therapy serves as an adjunctive modality to facilitate diabetic foot ulcer healing in the clinical practice.
Efficacy and safety of medications for antihistamine-refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Kendziora Benjamin , Frey Jessica , Reinholz Markus , Ruëff Franziska , Oppel Eva , Zuberbier Torsten , Hartmann Daniela , Schlager Justin G. , French Lars E.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Most medications for antihistamine-refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) have not been compared head-to-head. This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluates their relative efficacy and safety.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched until 05 May 2022 for randomized controlled trials investigating systemic medications for antihistamine-refractory CSU. The change in the urticaria activity score over seven days (UAS7) and occurrence of adverse events were compared between treatments using random-effects network meta-analysis models.

Results

In all, 32 studies with 3641 patients receiving 31 different systemic medical interventions were included. Among currently available drugs, omalizumab 300 mg injected every 4 weeks and cyclosporine 3–5 mg/kg daily per os were most effective in reducing the UAS7 with a reduction of −10.45 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −12.35, −8.55) and of −10.40 (95% CI: −19.4, −1.4) compared to placebo. Similar efficacies were shown by the nonapproved agents ligelizumab 72 mg injected every 4 weeks (−11.67, 95% CI: −16.80, −7.15) and fenebrutinib 400 mg daily per os (−9.50, 95% CI: −17.56, −1.44). The odds ratio for the occurrence of an adverse event with placebo as comparator was 1.09 for omalizumab (95% CI: 0.83, 1.42), 2.16 for cyclosporine (95% CI: 0.77, 6.07: GRADE; moderate certainty), 0.89 for ligelizumab (95% CI: 0.47, 1.69), and 2.14 for fenebrutinib (95% CI: 0.62, 7.38) in the mentioned dosages.

Conclusion

Omalizumab 300 mg injected every 4 weeks and cyclosporine 3–5 mg/kg daily per os are the most effective currently available drugs for antihistamine-refractory CSU. Cyclosporine shows a relatively less favorable safety profile.
Methanesulfonic Acid (MSA) in Hydrometallurgy
Authors: Binnemans Koen , Jones Peter Tom
Published: December 2022

This paper reviews the properties of methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and its potential for use in hydrometallurgy. Although MSA is much less known than sulfuric, hydrochloric or nitric acid, it has several appealing properties that makes it very attractive for the development of new circular flowsheets in hydrometallurgy. Unlike other organic acids such as acetic acid, MSA is a very strong acid (pKa =  − 1.9). In addition, it is very stable against chemical oxidation and reduction, and has no tendency to hydrolyze in water. In terms of its environmental impact, MSA has low toxicity and is biodegradable. In nature, it is part of the geochemical sulfur cycle. A useful property is the high solubility of its salts in water: methanesulfonate salts have a much higher solubility in water than sulfate salts. Additionally, MSA and its salts are compatible with the electrowinning of metals because the anode reaction involves the formation of oxygen gas (unlike chlorine gas formation in chloride electrolytes) and no cathodic reduction of the anion occurs (unlike nitrate reduction in nitrate electrolytes). MSA is particularly interesting for lead hydrometallurgy, where it offers more environment-friendly alternatives to HBF4 and H2SiF6. However, MSA can also be adopted in all hydrometallurgical processes that require strong Brønsted acids. It can be used in the metallurgy of copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths, as well as in the recycling of metals from end-of-life products. Although MSA itself is a non-oxidizing acid, in combination with hydrogen peroxide it yields strongly oxidizing lixiviants that can leach copper from chalcopyrite or dissolve metallic silver. The global production of MSA is expected to increase rapidly in the near future thanks to both the industrialization of a new sustainable synthesis process and its many applications (cleaning fluids, electrolytes for electroplating, redox-flow batteries, catalysts in organic synthesis, and as a solvent for high-molecular-weight polymers). As a result, MSA will become more widely available and a lower price will make it an increasingly attractive option.

Graphical Abstract
Liquid crystal-like active layer for high-performance organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Wang Zhifang , Martin-Jimenez Daniel , Zhang Yingying , Wiche Miguel , Liu Lacheng , Ebeling Daniel , Zhong Qigang , Fontein Florian , Schirmeisen Andre , Huang Lizhen , Wang Zi , Wang Wenchong , Chi Lifeng
Published: December 2022

High carrier mobility and uniform device performance are of crucial importance for organic field-effect transistor (OFET)-based device and integrated circuit applications. However, strategies for achieving high device performance with small variations from batch to batch are still desired. Here, we report a thin liquid crystal-like film of 2,8-difluoro-5,11-bis(triethylsilylethynyl) anthradithiophene (dif-TES-ADT) grown on a N,N′-ditridecylperylene-3,4,9,10-tetra-carboxylic diimide (PTCDI-C13) template, confirmed by atomic force microscopy and polarized fluorescence microscopy. The liquid crystal-like films with large crystalline domains are further employed as carrier transport channels for OFETs. As a result, we achieved high-performance OFETs with a saturation carrier mobility of 1.62 ± 0.26 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a small variation of 16% among three batches. This finding provides a new strategy to design materials and device structures to simultaneously achieve high carrier mobility and device uniformity.
Replika in the Metaverse: the moral problem with empathy in ‘It from Bit’
Authors: McStay Andrew
Published: December 2022

This paper assesses claims of computational empathy in relation to existing social open-ended chatbots and intention that these chatbots will feature in emergent mixed reality contexts, recently given prominence due to interest in the Metaverse. Against the background of increasing loneliness within society and use of chatbots as a potential remedy for this, the paper considers two leading current social chatbots,Replikaand Microsoft’sXiaoice, their technical underpinnings, empathetic claims and properties that have scope to scale into the Metaverse (if it coheres). Finding scope for human benefit from social chatbots, the paper highlights problematic reliance on self-disclosure to sustain the existence of chatbots. The paper progresses to situate Microsoft’s empathetic computing framework in relation to philosophical ideas that inform Metaverse speculation and construction, including Wheeler’s ‘It from Bit’ thesis that all aspects of existence may be computed, Chalmers’ philosophical championing that virtual realities are genuine realities, Bostrom’s proposal and provocation that we might already be living in a simulation, and longtermist belief that future complex simulations need to be protected from decisions made today. Given claims for current and nascent social chatbots, belief in bit-based possible and projected futures, and industrial buy-in to these philosophies, this paper answers whether computational empathy is real or not. The paper finds when diverse accounts of empathy are accounted for, whilst something is irrevocably lost in an ‘It from Bit’ account of empathy, the missing components are not accuracy or even human commonality of experience, but the moral dimension of empathy.
Clinical characterization of pediatric supratentorial tumors and prediction of pituitary insufficiency in two tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Babiker Amir , Idris Amani , Aldawsari Mohammed , Abah Moath Abu , Alaqeel Bothainah , Almotawa Asim , Masuadi Emad , AlShaikh Adnan , Azzubi Moutasem , Al Dubayee Mohammed , Al Alwan Ibrahim , Maghnie Mohamad
Published: December 2022

Background:

Post-operative pituitary insufficiency (PI) occurs in children with supra-tentorial tumors (STT) because of surgery or the mass effect of the tumor. We assessed the prevalence and clinical characteristics of STTs and predicted postoperative PI in our patients.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included children who underwent surgery for STT in two tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia (2009–2019). We focused on clinical, radiological, and histopatho- logical features of STTs. We also used a linear regression model to predict post-operative PI.

Results:

The study included 55 children (1–18 years, mean: 9.5 ± 4.9 years, 32 [54%] females) with an initial presentation of STT that required surgery excluding recurrent episodes. The calculated period prevalence of STT was 18.2%, and the prevalence of postoperative PI was 58.2% (n = 32/55). The most common symptoms were headache and visual disturbances, and 20% patients had preoperative symptoms of PI. Baseline preoperative investigations for PI were performed in 60% of patients, and dynamic tests were conducted in only seven patients. A residual cortisol deficiency was presumed in 24 (43.7%) patients and 18 (32.7%) patients who developed central diabetes insipidus (DI) post-operatively. Overall, the brain imaging correlated well with the histopathological diagnosis (kappa = 0.48; P < .001). Craniopharyngioma (n = 15/55, 27.3%) was the commonest STT. Predictive factors for a postoperative residual PI included age (10.9 ± 4.8 years; p-value = .027), female gender (p-value = .016 [OR = 8.31; 95% CI (1.48–46.71)], presentation with headache (P value = .039 [OR = 9.27; 95% CI (1.12–76.72)]), and visual disturbances (p-value = .044 [OR = 5.07; 95% CI (1.04–24.61)].

Conclusion:

STTs commonly occurred in our study population, and females were more prone to develop a residual PI. On-time surveillance of an intact endocrine system during the perioperative period is essential for the prediction and early management of PI.
Locked Out of Development
Authors: Hertog Steffen
Published: December 2022

This Element argues that the low dynamism of low- to mid-income Arab economies is explained with a set of inter-connected factors constituting a 'segmented market economy'. These include an over-committed and interventionist state with limited fiscal and institutional resources; deep insider-outsider divides among firms and workers that result from and reinforce wide-ranging state intervention; and an equilibrium of low skills and low productivity that results from and reinforces insider-outsider divides. These mutually reinforcing features undermine encompassing cooperation between state, business and labor. While some of these features are generic to developing countries, others are regionally specific, including the relative importance and historical ambition of the state in the economy and, closely related, the relative size and rigidity of the insider coalitions created through government intervention. Insiders and outsiders exist everywhere, but the divisions are particularly stark, immovable and consequential in the Arab world.
Modern Information Optics with MATLAB
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Poon Ting-Chung
Published: December 2022

An easy-to-understand course book, based on the authentic lectures and detailed research, conducted by the authors themselves, on information optics, holography and MATLAB. This book is the first to highlight the incoherent optical system, provide up-to-date, novel digital holography techniques, and demonstrate MATLAB codes to accomplish tasks such as optical image processing and pattern recognition. This title is a comprehensive introduction to the basics of Fourier optics as well as optical image processing and digital holography. A step-by-step guide which details the vast majority of the derivations, without omitting essential steps, to facilitate a clear mathematical understanding. This book also features exercises at the end of each chapter, providing hands-on experience and consolidating understanding. An ideal companion for graduates and researchers involved in engineering and applied physics, as well as interested in the growing field of information optics.
How can reporting on foreign animal diseases affect meat purchases? The case of African swine fever
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Schulz Lee L. , Hoffman Elizabeth , Tonsor Glynn T.
Published: December 2022

Consumers tend to overestimate food risks, and news reporting that draws attention to the deadly aspects of animal disease can cause fear in consumers even when a disease is not a food safety issue. We utilize an online survey experiment with U.S. pork consumers to assess how prior knowledge of African swine fever (ASF) and how news headlines and article content can affect pork purchases. We find that consumers are generally unaware of ASF, and almost half of respondents, who are all typically pork consumers, would be unwilling to purchase pork if there were an ASF outbreak in the United States. Within our experiment consumers who have less prior knowledge of ASF hesitated to buy pork, when first hearing of an outbreak. While additional information that ASF is not a human health threat helped mitigate pork avoidance, the placement of food safety assurance in either the headline or body of the article does not show a significantly different impact on consumer willingness to pay. As part of preparation efforts for a potential outbreak, our results emphasize the role of consumers’ prior knowledge and perceptions of the disease, which relays the importance of media cooperation in proactively informing the public about ASF outbreaks and highlighting the nonimpact on human health.