bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rational drug design targeting intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Wang Hanping , Xiong Ruoyao , Lai Luhua
Published: August 2023

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are proteins that perform important biological functions without well‐defined structures under physiological conditions. IDPs can form fuzzy complexes with other molecules, participate in the formation of membraneless organelles, and function as hubs in protein–protein interaction networks. The malfunction of IDPs causes major human diseases. However, drug design targeting IDPs remains challenging due to their highly dynamic structures and fuzzy interactions. Turning IDPs into druggable targets provides a great opportunity to extend the druggable target‐space for novel drug discovery. Integrative structural biology approaches that combine information derived from computational simulations, artificial intelligence/data‐driven analysis and experimental studies have been used to uncover the dynamic structures and interactions of IDPs. An increasing number of ligands that directly bind IDPs have been found either by target‐based experimental and computational screening or phenotypic screening. Along with the understanding of IDP binding with its partners, structure‐based drug design strategies, especially conformational ensemble‐based computational ligand screening and computer‐aided ligand optimization algorithms, have greatly accelerated the development of IDP ligands. It is inspiring that several IDP‐targeting small‐molecule and peptide drugs have advanced into clinical trials. However, new computational methods need to be further developed for efficiently discovering and optimizing specific and potent ligands for the vast number of IDPs. Along with the understanding of their dynamic structures and interactions, IDPs are expected to become valuable treasure of drug targets.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics
Nanotechnology‐enhanced radiotherapy and the abscopal effect: Current status and challenges of nanomaterial‐based radio‐immunotherapy
Authors: Viswanath Dhushyanth , Park Jeehun , Misra Rahul , Pizzuti Vincenzo J. , Shin Sung‐Ho , Doh Junsang , Won You‐Yeon
Published: August 2023

Rare but consistent reports of abscopal remission in patients challenge the notion that radiotherapy (RT) is a local treatment; radiation‐induced cancer cell death can trigger activation and recruitment of dendritic cells to the primary tumor site, which subsequently initiates systemic immune responses against metastatic lesions. Although this abscopal effect was initially considered an anomaly, combining RT with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies has been shown to greatly improve the incidence of abscopal responses via modulation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that nanomaterials can further improve the reliability and potency of the abscopal effect for various different types of cancer by (1) altering the cell death process to be more immunogenic, (2) facilitating the capture and transfer of tumor antigens from the site of cancer cell death to antigen‐presenting cells, and (3) co‐delivering immune checkpoint inhibitors along with radio‐enhancing agents. Several unanswered questions remain concerning the exact mechanisms of action for nanomaterial‐enhanced RT and for its combination with immune checkpoint inhibition and other immunostimulatory treatments in clinically relevant settings. The purpose of this article is to summarize key recent developments in this field and also highlight knowledge gaps that exist in this field. An improved mechanistic understanding will be critical for clinical translation of nanomaterials for advanced radio‐immunotherapy.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Military Workforce Analytics
Authors: Straver Michelle C.
Published: August 2023

As a consequence of the closed, hierarchical nature of military organizations, good planning is key to ensuring that a military workforce will be well-situated to meet future demands. This chapter explores the role of data-driven decision support (referred to as analytics) in military workforce planning. As an applied research field, analytics aims to provide actionable insights and practical solutions to questions posed by decision-makers. Since data underlie all analytics, this chapter touches on the challenges of data-related issues such as accessibility, integration, and completeness, highlighting the importance of understanding the data and the context around it. Next, several areas where analytics are used to solve military workforce planning problems are discussed. This will give the reader a sense of the breadth of the domain, as well as the various approaches that can be employed by a practitioner.
Scale, the Local and Cultural Policy’s Geographies
Authors: Bell David , Orozco Lourdes
Published: August 2023

David Bell and Lourdes Orozco introduce key debates in human geography about spatial scale and about the scale of the local, set in the context of cultural policy’s geographies. The chapter’s focus is on how different understandings of spatial scale matter for cultural policy research and practice. Unpacking the local scale and showing it to be relational and translocal, the chapter then deploys key concepts to a case study—a previous research project by the authors that investigated small arts venues, their neighbourhoods and their audiences. By focusing on the urban, neighbourhood and individual (person/building) scales, and then discussing these relationally as an arts ecology, the case study shows how a scalar approach can bring new ways of understanding cultural policy’s geographies.
Scaling Heritage: Situated Policy in an Expanded Ontology
Authors: Graham Helen
Published: August 2023

Policy contains a certain political ontology; on behalf of others, for their benefit, to direct their subsequent action. This is a political ontology that can work at any scale, including the local. Yet ‘local’ also smuggles in other ontologies. Local can also mean not universal, not replicable, not lasting. In this chapter an idea of ‘local policy’ as ‘situated policy’ is developed, drawing on Donna Haraway’s ‘situated knowledges’ and Bruno Latour and Michael Callon’s ideas of scale. ‘Situated policy’ offers an analytical means of working with the intrinsic political ontology of policy—that policy seeks to set a direction and direct others’ behaviour—while investing it with a self-conscious recognition that all policy is itself produced in a local place and that to have impact policy will need to negotiate with multiple other locals and different political ontologies as it meets the ground.
Community Management of Local Cultural Assets: Implications for Inequality and Publicness
Authors: Rex Bethany
Published: August 2023

Rex offers a much-needed examination of the application of the community asset transfer (CAT) process to cultural infrastructure in England. CAT is the transfer of publicly owned buildings to a third-sector organisation. Several local authorities have sought to transfer buildings used for cultural activity in response to funding cuts implemented by central government in 2010. Drawing on original research conducted in three locations across England, the chapter explores the inequalities that arise from implementing this approach in a period of austerity. It also argues that the business models underpinning these organisations limit their ambitions to make culture accessible to a broad range of demographic groups. The chapter argues that cultural policy should consider these spaces as key sites where its ambitions for the cultural sector to become more democratic could be realised.
Devolved Responsibility: English Regional Creative Industries Policy and Local Industrial Strategies
Authors: Bulaitis Zoe Hope , Gilmore Abigail
Published: August 2023

The potential for cultural and creative industries (CCIs) to support national economic growth was first identified by the UK mapping report (DCMS, Creative industries mapping document. HMSO, 1998) and recently reiterated in a “sector deal” for creative industries (Bazalgette, Independent review of the creative industries. Department for Media, Culture and Sport, September 22. www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-of-the-creative-industries, 2017) accompanying the UK’s Industrial Strategy (BEIS, Industrial strategy: Building a Britain fit for the future. Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, November 27. Accessible via www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-strategy-building-a-britain-fit-for-the-future, 2017). This chapter explores the role of these narratives of CCI policymaking within two city-regional Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) pilots in the West Midlands and the North West of England. Using discourse analysis of LIS pilots, it compares their social practices and discourses which reveal “the local”, the rhetoric of creativity and the boundary work (Lamont & Molnár, The study of boundaries in the social sciences. Annual Review of Sociology, 28, 167–195. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurevsoc.28.110601.141107, 2002) within policy processes. It finds evidence of contractual relationships between the national and the local, and, following Paasi (Regional geography in 2020. In A. Kobayashi (Ed.), International encyclopedia of human geography. Elsevier, 2020), discursive practices and social interactions that mark out borders of these city-regions, revealing the agency of place within centrally driven policy instruments designed to support economic growth at a sub-national level.
Circularity at Micro Level: A Business Perspective
Authors: Patil Rashmi Anoop , van Langen Sven Kevin , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: August 2023

Circularity assessment at the micro-level (for businesses) is critical for a systemic transition towards a CE as businesses are an integral part of the economy. There are wide-ranging indicators and varying practices and tools for measuring the circularity of businesses due to lack of a standard to monitor and report progress towards the implementation of the CE. Besides, most small and medium businesses lack the know-how or resources to measure their circularity. To cater to such needs, we present a generic methodology and a comprehensive set of indicators for assessing circularity at the micro-level that aligns well with the CE principles and goals. Further, a real-world case study is discussed based on publicly available data (reported by the company), as an example of how companies are trying to become circular in practice. At the end of the chapter, major strategies (along with examples) are recommended that can aid businesses in chartering towards circularity.
Analysis of local extracellular matrix identifies different aetiologies behind bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve degeneration and suggests therapies
Authors: Beusch Christian M. , Simonson Oscar E. , Wedin Johan O. , Sabatier Pierre , Felldin Ulrika , Kadekar Sandeep , Österholm Cecilia , Végvári Ákos , Zubarev Roman A. , Fromell Karin , Nilson Bo , James Stefan , Ståhle Elisabeth , Grinnemo Karl-Henrik , Rodin Sergey
Published: August 2023

Aortic valve degeneration (AVD) is a life-threatening condition that has no medical treatment and lacks individual therapies. Although extensively studied with standard approaches, aetiologies behind AVD are unclear. We compared abundances of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins from excised valve tissues of 88 patients with isolated AVD of normal tricuspid (TAV) and congenital bicuspid aortic valves (BAV), quantified more than 1400 proteins per ECM sample by mass spectrometry, and demonstrated that local ECM preserves molecular cues of the pathophysiological processes. The BAV ECM showed enrichment with fibrosis markers, namely Tenascin C, Osteoprotegerin, and Thrombospondin-2. The abnormal physical stress on BAV may cause a mechanical injury leading to a continuous Tenascin C-driven presence of myofibroblasts and persistent fibrosis. The TAV ECM exhibited enrichment with Annexin A3 (p = 1.1 × 10–16 and the fold change 6.5) and a significant deficit in proteins involved in high-density lipid metabolism. These results were validated by orthogonal methods. The difference in the ECM landscape suggests distinct aetiologies between AVD of BAV and TAV; warrants different treatments of the patients with BAV and TAV; elucidates the molecular basis of AVD; and implies possible new therapeutic approaches. Our publicly available database (human_avd_ecm.surgsci.uu.se) is a rich source for medical doctors and researchers who are interested in AVD or heart ECM in general. Systematic proteomic analysis of local ECM using the methods described here may facilitate future studies of various tissues and organs in development and disease.
Absence of Principal Eigenvalues for Higher Rank Locally Symmetric Spaces
Authors: Weich Tobias , Wolf Lasse L.
Published: August 2023

Given a geometrically finite hyperbolic surface of infinite volume it is a classical result of Patterson that the positive Laplace–Beltrami operator has no $$L^2$$

L
2

-eigenvalues $$\ge 1/4$$

≥
1
/
4

. In this article we prove a generalization of this result for the joint $$L^2$$

L
2

-eigenvalues of the algebra of commuting differential operators on Riemannian locally symmetric spaces $$\Gamma \backslash G/K$$

Γ
\
G
/
K

of higher rank. We derive dynamical assumptions on the $$\Gamma $$
Γ
-action on the geodesic and the Satake compactifications which imply the absence of the corresponding principal eigenvalues. A large class of examples fulfilling these assumptions are the non-compact quotients by Anosov subgroups.
Calorons and Constituent Monopoles
Authors: Foscolo Lorenzo , Ross Calum
Published: August 2023

We study anti-self-dual Yang–Mills instantons on$${\mathbb {R}}^{3}\times S^{1}$$R3×S1, also known as calorons, and their behaviour under collapse of the circle factor. In this limit, we make explicit the decomposition of calorons in terms of constituent pieces which are essentially charge 1 monopoles. We give a gluing construction of calorons in terms of the constituents and use it to compute the dimension of the moduli space. The construction works uniformly for structure group an arbitrary compact semi-simple Lie group.
Experimental and numerical analysis of the pyrolysis dynamics of a single wood particle: presentation of the radiographic technique
Authors: Kazimierski Paweł , Januszewicz Katarzyna , Hercel Paulina , Kardaś Dariusz
Published: August 2023

Pyrolysis is an oxygen-free process for the thermal decomposition of raw materials. The heat conduction and flow of pyrolysis products (i.e., the gas fraction and liquid vapour generated during pyrolysis) influence the process and products. In this work, the influence of the orientation of wooden particle fibres with respect to the direction of the heat source on the dynamics of the process was investigated, where there were two particle sizes oriented along or across the heat source. The novelty of this work lies in the use of a radiographic technique for analysing the influence of wooden fibres' orientation on the degradation process. The research showed that during pyrolysis, the mass loss rate in the particles with fibres oriented across the heat source and along the heat source was different. A similar tendency was characteristic for the drying process. The dynamics of pyrolysis of a single wood particle depends on many factors—particle size, process parameters, arrangement of fibres in wood, etc. The analysis of the dynamics presented in the publications is based on the analysis of the dynamics of mass loss, which is a very large simplification. The publication contains experimental analysis and mathematical calculations of the pyrolysis process for samples of various sizes and samples with different fibre arrangement. The result of the research is the determination of trends regarding the shape of the particle and the arrangement of fibres on the process, which provides knowledge that can be translated into industrial pyrolysis processes.
Using genomics and morphometrics to monitor data-poor and commercially exploited octopod populations
Authors: Hua Qiaz Q. H. , Thomson Vicki A. , Strugnell Jan M. , Martino Jasmin C. , Gillanders Bronwyn M. , Doubleday Zoe A.
Published: August 2023

Over 150 species of benthic octopods have been described within the ‘catch-all’ Octopus genus (Family: Octopodidae) and yet, many Octopus species harvested by fisheries remain unidentified to species-level due to a lack of distinguishing traits. Within species, there is also limited information on how populations differ genetically and the level of connectivity between populations. Therefore, we sampled octopods from commercial fisheries in southeast Australia, in order to identify the species, examine the phylogeographic relationships among species and the level of population genetic structuring within species, as well as to look for any adaptive genetic variation. The mitochondrial gene, cytochrome oxidase subunit III (COIII), was sequenced in 346 octopods along with single nucleotide polymorphisms using double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq). Morphometric traits were also measured in mature specimens. The southern keeled octopus (‘Octopus’berrima) and pale octopus (‘Octopus’pallidus) were identified using COIII data. For ‘Octopus’berrima, we found that some populations whilst being morphologically similar were genetically distinct. In contrast, ‘Octopus’pallidus populations were both morphologically and genetically distinct across the studied regions. Our results provide key information to better inform conservation and management decisions for developing octopod fisheries in southeast Australia and highlight the importance of genomics tools in the conservation management of commercially and recreationally important species.
Enhancing insecticidal efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab through pH-sensitive encapsulation
Authors: Jalali Elham , Bel Yolanda , Maghsoudi Shahab , Noroozian Ebrahim , Escriche Baltasar
Published: August 2023

Nanotechnology is a promising way to enhance the stability of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal proteins under environmental conditions. In this work, two emulsions were prepared through the Pickering emulsion technique, stabilized by Cu2+-SQDs/S-CN nanocomposites and by GO nanosheets. In addition, a pH-sensitive polymer was incorporated into these emulsions, allowing the Bt protein, Cry1Ab, to be released in an alkaline pH environment, as it occurs in the lepidopteran pests’ gut. The effectiveness of these two nanomaterials in protecting Cry1Ab from degradation, and therefore enhancing its pesticidal activity, was assessed by exposing samples of the purified unprotected protein and encapsulated protein to high-intensity UV light and 40°C temperature treatments. The UV treatment results were evaluated using SDS-PAGE analysis and pointed out that Cry1Ab could be structurally protected by the emulsions. The bioassays with first instar larvae of the lepidopteran pest Ostrinia nubilalis confirm the nanomaterial protection to UV and temperature treatments, i.e., decreasing about half the degradation rate and increasing up to 12-fold the residual activity after UV treatment. Our results indicate that encapsulation could be an effective strategy to improve the effectiveness of Cry1Ab under environmental conditions.

Key points

• Pickering emulsions are effective for solubilized Cry1Ab encapsulation.

• Structural and toxicity Cry1Ab properties are enhanced by pH-sensitive encapsulation.

• Cu2+−SQDs/S-CN and GO nanomaterials improve the efficacy of Bt insecticides.
Short-term outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with or without lateral tenodesis or anterolateral ligament reconstruction: a retrospective cohort
Authors: Hantouly Ashraf T. , Ahmed Abdulaziz F. , Fermin Theodorakys Marin , Macchiarola Luca , Sideris Vasileios , Papakostas Emmanouil , Hooghe Pieter D’ , Al-Khelaifi Khalid , Olory Bruno , Zikria Bashir
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) alone, ACLR with lateral tenodesis, and ACL and ALL reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of prospectively collected data on all ACL procedures was performed at Aspetar Specialized Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital between January 2020 and January 2021. Patients were treated with ACLR alone, ACLR with lateral tenodesis, or ACLR with ALL reconstruction. The primary outcome was the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (sIKDC) score. The secondary outcomes were the ACL Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scores, pivot shift grade, subjective knee stability, and subjective pain on activity.

Results

A total of 100 cases were included. The most common technique was ACLR with lateral tenodesis (42%), followed by ACLR alone (38%) and ACL with ALL reconstruction (20%). The mean age was 28.15 years (15–60), and 94% of the patients were males. Meniscal procedures were more frequent in the ACLR alone group (65.8%). There was no association between subjective stability, sIKDC, ACL-RSI, and pivot shift grade and the three ACLR techniques while adjusting for age, sex, and concomitant meniscus procedures at six weeks, 12 weeks, six months, and nine months. However, there was a significant decrease in postoperative flexion in the ACL and ALL reconstruction group by a mean of 22° (95% CI − 40.7 − 3.4; P = 0.02) at 6 weeks compared to ACLR alone, which was not evident on later follow-ups.

Conclusion

ACLR with/without lateral augmentation procedures yields similar subjective IKDC, ACL-RSI, pivot shift grade, and subjective knee instability at short-term follow-up. Therefore, lateral extra-articular augmentation procedures are safe to be performed.
Urban Trees and Hydrological Ecosystem Service: A Novel Approach to Analyzing the Relationship Between Landscape Structure and Runoff Reduction
Authors: Amini Parsa Vahid , Istanbuly Mustafa Nur , Kronenberg Jakub , Russo Alessio , Jabbarian Amiri Bahman
Published: August 2023

Urban stormwater runoff has posed significant challenges in the face of urbanization and climate change, emphasizing the importance of trees in providing runoff reduction ecosystem services (RRES). However, the sustainability of RRES can be disturbed by urban landscape modification. Understanding the impact of landscape structure on RRES is crucial to manage urban landscapes effectively to sustain supply of RRES. So, this study developed a new approach that analyzes the relationship between the landscape structural pattern and the RRES in Tabriz, Iran. The provision of RRES was estimated using the i-Tree Eco model. Landscape structure-related metrics of land use and cover (LULC) were derived using FRAGSTATS to quantify the landscape structure. Stepwise regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between landscape structure metrics and the provision of RRES. The results indicated that throughout the city, the trees prevented 196854.15 m3 of runoff annually. Regression models (p ≤ 0.05) suggested that the provision of RRES could be predicted using the measures of the related circumscribing circle metric (0.889 ≤ r2 ≤ 0.954) and the shape index (r2 = 0.983) of LULC patches. The findings also revealed that the regularity or regularity of the given LULC patches’ shape could impact the patches’ functions, which, in turn, affects the provision of RRES. The landscape metrics can serve as proxies to predict the capacity of trees for potential RRES using the obtained regression models. This helps to allocate suitable LULC through optimizing landscape metrics and management guidance to sustain RRES.
Effect of vaporizing cannabis rich in cannabidiol on cannabinoid levels in blood and on driving ability – a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Egloff Laura , Frei Priska , Gerlach Kathrin , Mercer-Chalmers-Bender Katja , Scheurer Eva
Published: August 2023

The aim of this prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, cross-over study was to determine cannabinoid levels in blood and driving-related ability after single (S1) and repetitive (S2) vaporization of cannabis rich in cannabidiol (CBD) containing < 1% Δ9-etrahydrocannabinol (THC). Healthy adult volunteers (Nsingle = 27, Nrepetitive = 20) with experience in smoking vapor-inhaled two low-THC/CBD-rich cannabis products both with < 1% THC (product 1: 38 mg CBD, 1.8 mg THC; product 2: 39 mg CBD, 0.6 mg THC) and placebo. Main outcomes were THC- and CBD-levels in whole blood and overall assessment of driving-related ability by computerized tests. Among 74 participants included, 27 (mean age ± SD, 28.9 ± 12.5 years) completed S1, and 20 (25.2 ± 4.0) completed S2. Peak concentrations and duration of detectability depended on the THC-content of the product. After single consumption THC dropped below 1.5 µg/L after 1.5 h, but was detected in some participants up to 5 h. Pairwise comparison of driving-related ability revealed no significant differences between low-THC/CBD-rich products (P1, P2) and placebo. Detection of THC after consumption of low-THC/CBD-rich cannabis might have legal consequences for drivers. Regarding overall driving-related ability, no significant differences were observed between the interventional products. This trial was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00018836) on 25.10.2019 and with the Coordination Office for Human Research (kofam) which is operated by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) (SNCTP000003294).
Three-dimensional plasticity-based topology optimization with smoothed finite element analysis
Authors: Li Xifan , Zhang Xue , Zhang Yujia
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a novel plasticity-based formulation for three-dimensional (3D) topology optimization of continuum structures. The proposed formulation addresses the optimization problem by combining mixed rigid-plastic analysis with density-based topology optimization, resulting in a volume minimization approach. Unlike conventional stress-constrained topology optimization methods that rely on linear elastic structural analysis, our developed formulation focuses on enhancing the loading capacity of the designed structures based on the plastic limit theory, leading to more cost-effective designs. To improve computational efficiency, we employ the smoothed finite element technique in our proposed method, enabling the utilization of linear tetrahedral elements for 3D mesh refinement. Moreover, the final formulation of our developed method can be efficiently solved using the advanced primal–dual interior point method, eliminating the need for a separate nonlinear finite element structural analysis. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in offering enhanced design possibilities for continuum structures.
Vertebral compression fractures managed with brace: risk factors for progression
Authors: Gutierrez-Gonzalez R. , Ortega C. , Royuela A. , Zamarron A.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for vertebral compression fracture (VCF) progression in patients treated conservatively with a brace. Then, a case–control study was designed.

Methods

All patients over 50 years old with diagnosis of thoracic or lumbar VCF (T5 to L5) in absence of underlying oncological process, treated conservatively with brace, and consecutively attended at our department from January 2017 to June 2021 were retrospectively selected for analysis. Patients missed for follow-up or dead during the first 3 months of follow-up were excluded.

Results

Five hundred and eighty-two consecutive patients were recorded. Incomplete follow-up excluded 74 patients and other 19 died in the first three months after diagnosis, so 489 cases were finally analyzed. Median follow-up was 21 (IQR 13;30) weeks. Increased collapse of the vertebral body was found in 29.9% of VCFs with a median time to progression of 9 (IQR 7;13) weeks. Male gender (OR 1.6), type A3 fracture of the AOSpine classification (OR 2.7), thoracolumbar junction location (OR 1.7), and incorrect use of the brace (OR 3.5) were identified as independent risk factors for progression after multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Male gender, type A3 fracture of the AOSpine classification, thoracolumbar junction location, and incorrect use of the brace were identified as independent risk factors for VCF progression, which resulted in worse pain control, when treated with brace. Thus, other treatments such as percutaneous vertebral augmentation could be considered to avoid progression in selected cases, since collapse rate has been demonstrated lower with these procedures.
Practice behaviors as trigger factor for the onset of Musicians’ Dystonia
Authors: Passarotto Edoardo , Doll-Lee Johanna , Altenmüller Eckart , Lee André
Published: August 2023

Musician’s Dystonia (MD) is a task-specific movement disorder that results in an involuntary cramping of muscles involved in playing an instrument such as the upper limbs or the embouchure. It is usually painless and occurs in general only at the instrument. The pathophysiology of MD is not completely understood. The present study aimed at assessing differences in practice behaviors between pianists affected by MD and Healthy Controls (HC) in the years preceding the onset of the disease. Thus, we investigated to what extent practice quantity can be considered a trigger of Musicians’ Dystonia. The results showed that despite comparable practice behaviors in childhood, MD pianists incremented the amount of daily practice to a greater extent than their healthy colleagues, especially in the second and in the third decade of life. Thus, subsequent logistic regression analysis showed that high amounts of daily practice might significantly increase the risk of developing MD. Furthermore, gender-related differences in practice behaviors across groups were identified, indicating that male pianists from the MD group might not have practiced significantly more than HC male pianists before the onset of the disease. To the authors’ knowledge, these are the first empirical evidence of the role of dysfunctional practice behaviors in triggering MD, which has clinical and educational implications.
Clinical outcomes of tooth-supported monolithic zirconia vs. porcelain-veneered zirconia fixed dental prosthesis, with an additional focus on the cement type: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shihabi Shahed , Chrcanovic Bruno Ramos
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To compare the failure rates and the prevalence of technical complications between full-coverage tooth-supported monolithic zirconia (MZ) and porcelain-veneered zirconia (PVZ) fixed dental prosthesis, based on a systematic literature review.

Methods

An electronic search was performed in three databases, supplemented by hand searching. Several statistical methods were used.

Results

Seventy-four publications reported 6370 restorations (4264 PVZ; 2106 MZ; 8200 abutment teeth; 3549 patients), followed up until 152 months. A total of 216 prostheses failed, and survival was statistically significant different between groups. PVZ had higher occurrence of complications than MZ; the difference was especially greater for either minor or major chipping. The difference in prevalence of either minor or major chipping was statistically significant for PVZ prostheses between cementation with glass ionomer and adhesive resin cement (higher), adhesive resin and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC, higher), and between RMGIC (higher) and glass ionomer cement. For MZ the difference was significant only for minor chipping between RMGIC (higher) and adhesive resin cement. Abutment teeth to PVZ prostheses more often lost vitality. Decementation was not observed with RMGIC. Air abrasion did not seem to clinically decrease the decementation risk. The 5-year difference in the occurrence of minor or major chipping between MZ and PVZ prostheses was statistically significant, but nor for catastrophic fracture.

Conclusion

Tooth-supported PVZ prostheses present higher failure and complication rates than MZ prosthesis. The difference in complications is striking when it comes to chipping.

Clinical relevance

Awareness of the outcome differences between different types of zirconia prostheses is important for clinical practice.
Earth, Water, Air, and Fire – Thinking about Farming and Farmscapes
Authors: Höhn Alexa , Mushayikwa Emmanuel , Schoeman Alex
Published: August 2023

Farming has changed the face of the earth in Africa as much as elsewhere. But histories of African farmscapes, shaped by millennia of agriculture, are obscured by narratives of pristine landscapes, whether of forests or savanna, and the role of farming in transforming African farmscapes is seldom taught in schools. We present examples of farming strategies and systems from western and southern Africa, which we hope are inspiring and maybe, at times, even surprising. Our exploration of the farmscapes, structured along the classical elements of Earth, Fire, Water, and Air, describes how plants and people deal with the influence these elements have on successful farming and how these influences show up in farmscapes. We hope these stories of flexibility, adaptation, and success and failure motivate teachers and students to think out of the box in grappling with the challenges our world is facing. These stories also provide opportunities for teaching about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goals of Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Life on Land (SDG 15).
Local Understandings of Decent Work and the Legitimacy of Global Labour Standards: Insights from Garment Suppliers in Egypt and Jordan
Authors: Holzberg Britta
Published: August 2023

This paper contributes to the debates on the effectiveness and legitimacy of global labour standards. Theoretically, the paper integrates literature on labour standards in global production networks with cognitive framing and sensemaking literature to capture decent work understandings of suppliers and to theoretically underpin their relevance for the debates on the legitimacy and effectiveness of global labour standards. Empirically, the study explores cognitive decent work frames of garment suppliers and discusses them in reference to global decent work frames. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with thirty owners and managers in Egypt and Jordan served to identify suppliers’ decent work frames. Owners and managers dominantly framed decent work as a (paternalistic) family responsibility and as a business responsibility. Further notions that recurred across interviews were the framing of decent work as a human responsibility, religious (Islamic) responsibility, philanthropic responsibility, and regulatory responsibility. The findings show that supplier frames partly go beyond, partly undermine, and partly accord with global conceptualisations of decent work. They imply the need to strengthen and better communicate the human rights orientation of global labour standards and to give local social partners the autonomy to supplement and specify standards according to their context-specific needs. Global regulations otherwise risk crowding out informal, locally specific decent work practices that benefit workers in GPNs.
“Doing the Right Thing” and “Making a Difference”: The Role of Personal Ethical Values in Diversity and Inclusion Consulting
Authors: Greene Anne-marie , Kirton Gill
Published: August 2023

This article focuses on the salience of personal ethical values for diversity work. Theory and practice of diversity management (DM) are located in a wider business ethics agenda which acknowledges the rhetorical value of the business case for diversity, but which also integrates the moral responsibilities attached to people management. Drawing on findings from a qualitative study of external diversity and inclusion (D&I) consultants in the UK, the analysis reveals the extent to which personal ethical values act as motivators for and influences on DM work. The research finds that the unique positioning of external D&I consultants facilitates a productive tension towards their work with organizations, allowing them space and opportunity to navigate ethical tensions such that they stand as particularly valuable equality practitioners.
Time Trends in Adolescent School Absences and Associated Bullying Involvement Between 2000 and 2019: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Alanko K. , Melander K. , Ranta K. , Engblom J. , Kosola S.
Published: August 2023

Education is a central determinant of adolescent health. School absences and bullying involvement jeopardize wellbeing, mental health, and educational attainment. We analyzed time trends in school absenteeism over two decades and examined the association of absenteeism with bullying involvement.

We analyzed data from the nationwide School Health Promotion study, with self-reported data from Finnish middle school students in grades 8 and 9 (ages 14–17, N = 1 000 970). Questionnaires assessed frequency of illness absences (IA), truancy, frequency of bullying victimization, bullying perpetration, and involvement in both bullying perpetration and victimization. Frequent school absences were defined as occurring on more than 3 days during the prior month (2000–2015), or at least weekly (2017–2019).

Frequent IA increased from 12% to 2000 to 22% in 2015. In 2017–2019, frequent IA was reported by 3.5%. Frequent truancy declined from 9% to 2000 to 4% in 2015, and remained at 4% during 2017–2019. Bully victimization was reported at least weekly by 6.9%, perpetration by 5.4% and victimization-perpetration by 1.9% of participants in total. In a logistic regression model, every type of bullying involvement increased odds for both IA and truancy.

Since bullying involvement was associated with both IA and truancy, particular concern should be raised for adolescents involved in bullying, and for their social and educational functioning. The concurrent increase in IA and decrease in truancy may reflect destigmatization of mental health problems or other changes in reporting absenteeism.
Effects of diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole, and wastewater from constructed wetlands on Eisenia fetida: impacts on mortality, fertility, and oxidative stress
Authors: Drzymała Justyna , Kalka Joanna
Published: August 2023

Soil contamination with micropollutants is an important global problem and the impact of these pollutants on living organisms cannot be underestimated. The effects of diclofenac (DCF) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX), their mixture (MIX), and wastewater containing these drugs on the mortality and reproduction of Eisenia fetida were investigated. The impact on the activities of antioxidant enzymes in earthworm cells was also assessed. Furthermore, the influence of the following parameters of the vertical flow constructed wetlands on wastewater toxicity was investigated: the dosing system, the presence of pharmaceuticals and the plants Miscanthus giganteus. The compounds and their mixture significantly affected the reproduction and mortality of earthworms. The calculated values of LC50,28 days values were 3.4 ± 0.3 mg kg−1 for DCF, 1.6 ± 0.3 mg kg−1 for SMX, and 0.9 ± 0.1 mg kg−1 for MIX. The EC50 (reproduction assay) for DCF was 1.2 ± 0.2 mg kg−1, whereas for SMX, it was 0.4 ± 0.1 mg kg−1, and for MIX, it was 0.3 ± 0.1 mg kg−1, respectively. The mixture toxicity index (MTI) was calculated to determine drug interactions. For both E. fetida mortality (MTI = 3.29) and reproduction (MTI = 3.41), the index was greater than 1, suggesting a synergistic effect of the mixture. We also observed a negative effect of wastewater (raw and treated) on mortality (32% for raw and 8% for treated wastewater) and fertility (66% and 39%, respectively) of E. fetida. It is extremely important to analyze the harmfulness of microcontaminants to organisms inhabiting natural environments, especially in the case of wastewater for irrigation of agricultural fields.
A scientometric analysis of mine closure research
Authors: Ndaguba Emeka , Marais Lochner
Published: August 2023

Mine closure is a global challenge. To date, there has been no scientometric analysis of the mine closure literature. This paper uses a scientometric analysis to assess the literature on mine closure. We assessed 2078 papers published since 2002. There was a rapid increase in the research output, with 76% of the papers published in the last 10 years. We identify the journals and co-citation index of journals associated with mine closure research. Geography journals are prominent with 20% of papers, but there is also evidence of journals linked to mining and interdisciplinary journals. Four clusters of universities are working on mine closure (the University of Western Australia, the University of Queensland, the University of the Free State and the University of Alberta) and the co-citation index groups journals into three clusters (environmental and ecological concerns, environmental health, multidisciplinary issues). The co-citation index groups the themes into 20 clusters, which we have regrouped into five themes (health, environment, geography, society, and regulation/politics). We draw seven conclusions. Although original social science research focused on the impact of mining, (1) there is clear evidence of work focusing on mine closure and (2) this work is rapidly increasing. The geography remains important (3) but has negative effects. Despite the geographical focus, ideas and concepts are substantially integrated across the available work (4). Focusing on geographical journals might prevent work from being published in multidisciplinary journals (5). Papers linking theory and mine closure are limited (6) and the available work needs careful thought on planning closures in cities and communities (7).
Chemical reduction and quantum interpretation: A case for thomistic emergence
Authors: Miller Ryan
Published: August 2023

The debate between ontological reductionists and emergentists in chemistry has revolved around quantum mechanics. What Franklin and Seifert (BJPS 2020) add to the long-running dispute is an attention to the measurement problem. They contend that all three realist interpretations of the quantum formalism capable of resolving the measurement problem also obviate any need for chemical emergence. I push their argument further, arguing that the realist interpretations of quantum mechanics actually subvert the basis for reduction as well, by undercutting the idea that fundamental physical particles are actual parts of molecules. With both reduction and traditional synchronic emergence pictures ruled out, the only option for realists about quantum chemistry is strong Thomistic emergence.
Risk Factors for Child-to-Parent Violence: A Scoping Review
Authors: Junco-Guerrero Mirian , Fernández-Baena Francisco Javier , Cantón-Cortés David
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Child-to-parent violence (CPV) is a socially relevant domestic violence due to its exponential prevalence and negative individual, family, and social consequences. This scoping review aimed to analyze the risk variables involved in CPV and establish the relationships between them and the differences in these factors depending on the sex of the victim and the aggressor.

Methods

Studies from 2012 to 2022 were reviewed through the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Dialnet Plus, ERIC, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Psychology Database and Pubmed. A total of fifty-two studies were included.

Results

The risk factors found are individual (e.g., aggressor’s personality characteristics), familial (e.g., the parents’ educational style), and social (e.g., peer violence). The study indicates differences in risk variables depending on the sex of the aggressor and the victim, such as the aggressor’s personality characteristics, the influence of child abuse, or dating violence in adolescents.

Conclusion

Although the studies identified differences in risk factors for CPV depending on sex, further research is required to clarify the contradictory findings. This review has certain limitations, such as the predominance of cross-sectional studies and the focus on research carried out in Spain. Nonetheless, it carries practical implications as it expands our understanding of the risk factors associated with CPV. This knowledge can be utilized to develop educational and clinical prevention programs that take these factors into consideration.
Employment of Co(II)–Fe(III) layered double hydroxide as magnetic adsorbent for rapid recovery of molybdenum-99
Authors: Ghamry Mohamed A. , Attia Mohamed A. , Hamoud Moustafa A. , Mahmoud Mamdoh R.
Published: August 2023

Co(II)–Fe(III) Layered double hydroxide (LDH) was prepared by co-precipitation methods for recovery of 99Mo(VI) from aqueous solutions. The data showed that 99Mo(VI) anions are efficiently adsorbed (R% ˃ 98), in the pH range 2.5–11. The kinetic data showed that about 82% of 99Mo(VI) are adsorbed onto the synthesized LDH in the first ten minutes, while the equilibrium is attained at 120 min. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS°) are estimated in the temperature range 20–50 °C. The effect of different foreign anions, (Cl−, SO42−, CO32−and NO−3) at various concentrations is evaluated. The synthesized adsorbent showed maximum adsorption capacity of 255.175 mg g−1 for 99Mo(VI) at pH = 3.5, which is mostly higher than those reported in literature.
The potential of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as an emerging drought resistant fibre crop
Authors: Gill Alison R. , Loveys Beth R. , Cavagnaro Timothy R. , Burton Rachel A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Periods of drought are projected to increase in intensity and frequency across many parts of the world, affecting freshwater availability for agriculture and limiting cropping productivity. Exploring innovative opportunities to utilise novel drought resistant crops should be prioritized to sustainably meet growing demand for food and fibre. The potential benefits of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as a drought resistant fibre crop have been touted, but the underlying evidence base of such claims is conflicting. Hemp has several drought resistance traits that allow it to thrive under water deficit, including deep roots and effective stomatal regulation, but studies report varying results for water requirements and water use efficiency.

Scope

In this context, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the current state of knowledge regarding fibre hemp water use in a range of environments and between varieties, highlighting physiological attributes that contribute to its drought resistance with a view to guiding and stimulating further research.

Conclusions

With relatively low water requirements compared to other fibre crops, hemp shows great potential as a drought resistant crop, offering exciting possibilities to produce sustainable fibre in a changing climate.