bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic peripheral T-cell lymphomas and EBV-positive T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative diseases: emerging concepts, recent advances, and the putative role of clonal hematopoiesis. A report of the 2022 EA4HP/SH lymphoma workshop
Authors: Climent Fina , Nicolae Alina , de Leval Laurence , Dirnhofer Stefan , Leoncini Lorenzo , Ondrejka Sarah L. , Soma Lorinda , Wotherspoon Andrew , Zamo Alberto , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Ng Siok-Bian
Published: August 2023

Cytotoxic peripheral T-cell lymphomas and EBV-positive T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative diseases were discussed at the 2022 European Association for Haematopathology/Society for Hematopathology lymphoma workshop held in Florence, Italy. This session focused on (i) primary nodal EBV-positive T and NK-cell lymphomas (primary nodal-EBV-TNKL), (ii) extranodal EBV-positive T/NK lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD) in children and adults, (iii) cytotoxic peripheral T-cell lymphomas, NOS (cPTCL-NOS), EBV-negative, and (iv) miscellaneous cases. Primary nodal-EBV-TNKL is a newly recognized entity which is rare, aggressive, and associated with underlying immune deficiency/immune dysregulation. All cases presented with lymphadenopathy but some demonstrated involvement of tonsil/Waldeyer’s ring and extranodal sites. The majority of tumors are of T-cell lineage, and the most frequent mutations involve the epigenetic modifier genes, such as TET2 and DNMT3A, and JAK-STAT genes. A spectrum of EBV-positive T/NK LPD involving extranodal sites were discussed and highlight the diagnostic challenge with primary nodal-EBV-TNKL when these extranodal EBV-positive T/NK LPD cases demonstrate predominant nodal disease either at presentation or during disease progression from chronic active EBV disease. The majority of cPTCL-NOS demonstrated the TBX21 phenotype. Some cases had a background of immunosuppression or immune dysregulation. Interestingly, an unexpected association of cPTCL-NOS, EBV-positive and negative, with TFH lymphomas/LPDs was observed in the workshop cases. Similar to a published literature, the genetic landscape of cPTCL-NOS from the workshop showed frequent mutations in epigenetic modifiers, including TET2 and DNMT3A, suggesting a role of clonal hematopoiesis in the disease pathogenesis.
Open surgical treatment of unicameral bone cysts
Authors: Döring Kevin , Sturz Géraldine D. , Hobusch Gerhard , Puchner Stephan , Windhager Reinhard , Chiari Catharina
Published: August 2023

Background

A variety of treatment options for unicameral bone cysts (UBC) exist. The controversy of open management of UBC is discussed. The aim of this study was to analyze a single institution’s experience in the open surgical treatment of UBC.

Patients and methods

By retrospective analysis of the Vienna Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Registry, 119 patients with open surgery and histologically verified UBC with a mean follow up of 4.8 years (range 1–30 years) were included. Lesion treatment failure was defined as surgically addressed UBC undergoing revision surgery due to persistence or recurrence.

Results

Local revision-free survival for lesion treatment failure was 93% after 1 year, 80% after 2 years, 60% after 5 years and 57% after 10 years. Of the patients 34 (29%) had at least 1 revision surgery due to lesion treatment failure. We found that patients with lesion treatment failure were younger (p = 0.03), had UBC with less minimal distance to the growth plate (p = 0.02) and more septation chambers in radiologic imaging (p = 0.02). Patients with open revision surgery were less likely to require a second revision due to lesion treatment failure than patients with percutaneous revision surgery (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Open surgery for UBC can only be recommended as reserve treatment in younger children with actively growing lesions. Open UBC surgery carries a relatively high risk of almost 30% of lesion treatment failure and therefore the indications should be limited to extensive osteolysis with high risk of pathological fractures, lesions with displaced pathological fractures, and lesions with an ambiguous radiological presentation that require tissue collection.
New analytical model for thermomechanical responses of multi-layered structures with imperfect interfaces
Authors: Shaat M. , Gao X.-L. , Li K. , Littlefield A. G.
Published: August 2023

A new analytical model is developed for thermomechanical responses of multi-layered structures with an arbitrary number of layers and subjected to general thermal and mechanical loading. The formulation is based on an extended Bernoulli–Euler beam theory and a slip-interface model. The former includes Poisson’s effect and covers both the plane stress and plane strain deformations, and the latter allows slipping between two adjacent layers but no jump in the normal displacement or traction. An analytical solution for a multi-layered structure under general thermomechanical loading is derived by using a new approach that first determines one interfacial shear stress and the curvature of the deformed structure. To illustrate the newly developed model, three example problems for two-, three- and five-layer structures respectively are analytically solved by directly applying the new model. In all three cases, the solutions are obtained in closed-form expressions by considering both temperature changes and mechanical loads including body forces, distributed normal and shear stresses on the top and bottom surfaces, and normal forces, transverse shear forces and bending moments at the two ends, unlike existing ones. It is shown that the current solution for two-layer structures recovers an existing solution without considering Poisson’s effect and mechanical loading and the classical solution of Timoshenko for perfectly bonded bi-metal thermostats as two special cases. The closed-form solution for five-layer structures with imperfect interfaces is derived here for the first time. In addition, numerical results are provided for five- and seven-layer transistor stacks to quantitatively demonstrate the new model. It is found that the current results for the five-layer transistor stack agree well with those obtained by others, thereby further validating the new model.
Exploiting ZnO nanoparticles as a modifier for carbon paste electrodes for determination of difloxacin HCl
Authors: Farhan Mona K. , Ismail Nahla S. , Tamam Marwa H. , Abdel-Mottaleb Mohamed S. , Saif Mona
Published: August 2023

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are used to modify carbon paste electrodes for a fast, stable, and sensitive electrochemical determination of difloxacin HCl in pharmaceutical formulation and their photodegradation rate. The small particle size and large surface area of ZnONPs enhance the diffusion rates of the chosen target analyte to many accessible binding sites, increasing the range of the linear structure with a low detection limit and improving the stability and lifetime of the electrode. An initial optimization study included sixteen modified carbon paste electrodes to achieve optimal electrode composition in carbon paste composition, plasticizer type, and the amount of ZnO nanoparticles added as a modifier. We studied the performance parameter of two electrodes, one with ZnONPs (E11) and the other without (E5) to evaluate using ZnONPs as a modifier. The optimized electrode is electrode number eleven (E11), with a paste composition of 39% graphite powder, 39% dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a plasticizer, 15% difloxacin HCl-sodium tetraphenylborate (DIF-TPB) ion-pair as an ion exchanger, and 7% zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) as a modifier, it maintained a Nernstian response over 4 months, with a slope of (57.0 ± 0.4) over the linearity concentration range 6.3$$\times$$×10−6–10−2M with a correlation coefficient (r2) ≥ 0.998 and detection limit 6.3$$\times$$×10−6M within pH range 2–5. The applications of the proposed electrodes are the determination of difloxcine HCl pharmaceuticals formulation and their photocatalytic degradation rate in water samples. The statistical comparison shows no significant difference in accuracy or precision between the reported and the proposed methods.

Graphical Abstract
Idiopathic cervical dystonia and non-motor symptoms: a pilot case-control study on autonomic nervous system
Authors: Colucci Fabiana , Pugliatti Maura , Casetta Ilaria , Capone Jay Guido , Diozzi Enrica , Sensi Mariachiara , Tugnoli Valeria
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, neuropsychiatric manifestations, cognitive impairment, and sensory abnormalities, have been widely reported in patients with idiopathic cervical dystonia (ICD). This study aimed to clarify the autonomic nervous system (ANS) involvement in ICD patients, which is still unclear in the literature.

Methods

We conducted a pilot case-control study to investigate ANS in twenty ICD patients and twenty age-sex-matched controls. The Composite Autonomic System Scale 31 was used for ANS clinical assessment. The laser Doppler flowmetry quantitative spectral analysis, applied to the skin and recorded from indices, was used to measure at rest, after a parasympathetic activation (six deep breathing) and two sympathetic stimuli (isometric handgrip and mental calculation), the power of high-frequency and low-frequency oscillations, and the low-frequency/high-frequency ratio.

Results

ICD patients manifested higher clinical dysautonomic symptoms than controls (p < 0.05). At rest, a lower high-frequency power band was detected among ICD patients than controls, reaching a statistically significant difference in the age group of ≥ 57-year-olds (p < 0.05). In the latter age group, ICD patients showed a lower low-frequency/high-frequency ratio than controls at rest (p < 0.05) and after mental calculation (p < 0.05). Regardless of age, during handgrip, ICD patients showed (i) lower low-frequency/high-frequency ratio (p < 0.05), (ii) similar increase of the low-frequency oscillatory component compared to controls, and (iii) stable high-frequency oscillatory component, which conversely decreased in controls. No differences between the two groups were detected during deep breathing.

Conclusion

ICD patients showed ANS dysfunction at clinical and neurophysiological levels, reflecting an abnormal parasympathetic-sympathetic interaction likely related to abnormal neck posture and neurotransmitter alterations.
Heaps of modules and affine spaces
Authors: Breaz Simion , Brzeziński Tomasz , Rybołowicz Bernard , Saracco Paolo
Published: August 2023

A notion of heaps of modules as an affine version of modules over a ring or, more generally, over a truss, is introduced and studied. Basic properties of heaps of modules are derived. Examples arising from geometry (connections, affine spaces) and algebraic topology (chain contractions) are presented. Relationships between heaps of modules, modules over a ring and affine spaces are revealed and analysed.
Statistical indicators based on mobile phone and street maps data for risk management in small urban areas
Authors: Perazzini Selene , Metulini Rodolfo , Carpita Maurizio
Published: August 2023

The use of new sources of big data collected at a high-frequency rate in conjunction with administrative data is critical to developing indicators of the exposure to risks of small urban areas. Correctly accounting for the crowding of people and for their movements is crucial to mitigate the effect of natural disasters, while guaranteeing the quality of life in a “smart city” approach. We use two different types of mobile phone data to estimate people crowding and traffic intensity. We analyze the temporal dynamics of crowding and traffic using a Model-Based Functional Cluster Analysis, and their spatial dynamics using the T-mode Principal Component Analysis. Then, we propose five indicators useful for risk management in small urban areas: two composite indicators based on cutting-edge mobile phone dynamic data and three indicators based on open-source street map static data. A case study for the flood-prone area of the Mandolossa (the western outskirts of the city of Brescia, Italy) is presented. We present a multi-dimensional description of the territory based on the proposed indicators at the level of small areas defined by the Italian National Statistical Institute as “Sezioni di Censimento” and “Aree di Censimento”.
Simulation of Isolated and Installed Jet Noise at Mach = 0.9: Influence of Numerical Mesh and Physical Insights
Authors: Huet Maxime , Gand Fabien , Rahier Gilles
Published: August 2023

The noise radiated by an isothermal, single-stream jet with a Mach number M = 0.9 and diameter-based Reynolds number ReD = 106 is investigated numerically without and with the presence of a flat plate. Noise sources are predicted with Zonal Detached Eddy Simulations yielding Wall Modelled LES in attached boundary layers (so called ZDES mode 3) together with turbulence tripping inside the nozzle to recover an initially turbulent flow, while radiated pressure is extrapolated with integral methods. Numerical methodology, namely grid and statistical convergence of the signals, is assessed for the isolated jet. Noise levels are accurately simulated at least up to St = 8 and integrated pressure levels collapse within 1 dB with the experiments. In the presence of the plate, a noise radiation methodology based on both Ffowcs Williams Hawkings and Kirchhoff integral methods is proposed to reconstruct the pressure signals at microphone locations with a reduced numerical cost. The simulation compares very favorably with the experimental data, azimuthal noise variations induced by the plate are correctly captured and noise levels collapse within 1 dB. It is concluded the numerical methodology is mature enough for application in an industrial context.
Spatial distribution of indigenous climate indicator development for rural smallholder farmers in Nkomazi local municipality, South Africa
Authors: Ubisi Nomcebo , Kolanisi Unathi , Jiri Obert , Tshitangano Frederick
Published: August 2023

This study aimed at smallholder farmers to use their indigenous knowledge in combination with modern climate indicators when making farming decisions in Nkomazi Local Municipality, South Africa. Twelve villages were sampled in Nkomazi municipality based on their use of IKS with 100 participants applying both qualitative and quantitative research methods. ArcMap v10.7.1 software was used to map the distribution of indigenous climate indicators in these villages, and SPSS v25.0 software was used to analyse the quantitative data. Qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis which is used to interpret patterns of meaning within qualitative data. The most used indicators smallholder farmers relied on for weather predictions included animals (31%) followed by plants (26%). The Poynton model predicted negative results with a 50C temperature increase, meaning that if the hot temperatures continue rising, the farmers' indigenous indicators will decline or disappear, making it difficult for rural smallholder farmers to make informed farm-level decisions. Therefore, the study suggests an integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and local knowledge to adapt to climate change, have access to updated agricultural information and ability to make informed farm-level decisions.
The influence of stormwater infiltration on downslope groundwater chemistry
Authors: Arora Meenakshi , Fletcher Timothy D. , Burns Matthew J. , Western Andrew W. , Yong Chui Fern , Poelsma Peter J. , James Robert B.
Published: August 2023

Stormwater infiltration basins have been used extensively around the world to restore urban hydrology towards more natural flow and water quality regimes. There is, however, significant uncertainty in the fate of infiltrated water and accompanying contaminants that depends on multiple factors including media characteristics, interactions with downslope vegetation, legacy contaminants, and presence of underground infrastructure. Understanding the influence of such factors is thus central to the design and siting of infiltration basins. An extensive field program was established to collect monthly data on ground water quality, including nutrients and major ion concentrations, in a bore network downstream of a stormwater infiltration basin in Victoria, Australia. The groundwater samples were analysed for temperature, pH, EC, turbidity, major ions (Na+, Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, CO32−, HCO3−), NOx and heavy metals. The collected data were used to understand the origin and fate of water and solutes in the subsurface and their interactions with the soil matrix. The results revealed that Ca–HCO3, Na–Cl water types predominate in the study area, grouped in 3 clusters; shallow fresh groundwater in the vicinity of the basin (near basin), deep saline groundwater further downstream of the basin (near-stream) and a mid-section where rock-water interaction (Na–HCO3 water) through cation exchange control the chemistry of groundwater. The results also suggest that as the water moves downstream of the basin, it experiences significant evapotranspiration and concentration due to the presence of deep-rooted vegetation. The results suggest that while infiltration basins can remove infiltrated contaminants, the infiltrated stormwater can mobilise legacy contaminants such as nitrate. Overall, the efficacy of infiltration basins in urban regions depends substantially on the downstream vegetation, urban underground infrastructure and the presence of legacy contaminants in the soils. These all need to be considered in the design of stormwater infiltration basins.
Occurrence and distribution of meso- and macroplastics in the water, sediment, and fauna of the Nile River, Egypt
Authors: Hassan Yasmine A. M. , Badrey Ahmed E. A. , Osman Alaa G. M. , Mahdy Aldoushy
Published: August 2023

The present study described the most recent findings concerning the abundance and distribution of plastic in water, sediment, and fauna in the Nile River of Upper Egypt as an interesting research point. The findings revealed that plastics were abundant in the water, sediments, fish, and crayfish throughout the sites. The Nagaa Hammadi site has the highest abundance of meso- and macroplastics in its water and sediment. African catfish had the highest abundance of meso- and macroplastics compared to the other species, while Nile tilapia had no meso- or macroplastics in its alimentary canal or gills in all sites. The Edfu site has the highest abundance of mesoplastics in the alimentary canals of African catfish, while the Nagaa Hammadi site has the highest abundance of mesoplastics in the gills, and macroplastics appeared only in the alimentary canal of African catfish from the El-wasta site. Only mesoplastics were found in the crayfish’s alimentary canal, with the Nagaa Hammadi site having the highest abundance. No macroplastics were detected in the crayfish’s gills or alimentary canal. Additionally, this work lets us understand how plastics behave in freshwater environments, and it is a step toward decision-makers taking appropriate measures to reduce their risk.
An empirically based model of software prototyping: a mapping study and a multi-case study
Authors: Bjarnason Elizabeth , Lang Franz , Mjöberg Alexander
Published: August 2023

Context

Prototyping is an established practice within product and user interface design that is also used as a requirements engineering (RE) practice within agile development. Even so, there is a lack of theory on prototyping.

Aims

Our main research objective is to support practitioners in improving on their prototyping practices.

Method

We have designed a model that describes key aspects of the practice of prototyping. The model is based on a systematic mapping study consisting of thirty-three primary studies and on empirical data from twelve case companies. We validate and demonstrate the applicability of our model through a focus group at one company and through semi-structured interviews at eleven (other) startup companies.

Results

Our prototyping aspects model (PAM) consists of five aspects of prototyping, namely purpose, prototype scope, prototype media, prototype use, and exploration strategy. This model has enabled practitioners to discuss their prototyping practices in terms of the concepts provided by our model.

Conclusions

The model can be used to categorise prototyping instances and can thereby support practitioners in reflecting and improving on their prototyping practices.
“Stay away from the Park”: A Case for Police-Issued Personal Safety Advice for Women
Authors: Minehan Matthew John
Published: August 2023

Are police officers morally justified in issuing unsolicited personal safety advice to women? Such advice often attracts accusations of ‘victim blaming’, although prevention advice remains a common tool used by police to address many crime and safety risks. While some examples of police advice are clearly outrageous, this article considers whether there is a place for ‘sound’ advice, i.e., advice that is proportionate, easy to follow, empirically justified, and objectively likely to reduce harm. To explore this, the article proposes a thought experiment that compares safety advice dealing with threats to women from human sources with safety advice issued in response to natural phenomena, such as flooding. It argues that, despite apparent differences, safety advice addressing risks from humans and natural phenomena are relevantly similar. Consequently, if advice dealing with natural phenomena is morally justified then advice to women about human threats is also morally justifiable. Nevertheless, the article also considers whether the purported prevalence of sexism in policing may make safety advice for women morally problematic. While levels of sexism in policing may vary across time and location, it is argued that safety advice would be morally justified even if sexism was widespread among police officers. Finally, the article considers whether crime prevention advice may backfire by effectively curtailing women’s freedoms. Rather than curtailing freedom, however, it is argued that sound advice may actually enable women to flourish by helping them overcome fear of crime and achieve non-instrumental goals that they have set for themselves.
The impact of vaccinations and chronic disease on COVID death rates
Authors: Doti James L.
Published: August 2023

This study presents a theoretical and empirical regression model to measure the efficacy of vaccinations in reducing COVID death rates across states over the 3/10/21 to 12/28/22 period. During that period, it was estimated that the availability of vaccinations resulted in a reduction of 427,000 COVID deaths in the nation. To arrive at that estimate, other covariants were held constant. In particular, it was found that chronic disease should be included as an explanatory variable to arrive at unbiased measures of the efficacy of vaccinations in reducing deaths. In addition, the percentage of people over the age of 65 was found to be highly significant. The only ethnic/racial characteristic that was significant in explaining COVID deaths was the percentage of American Indians/Alaska Natives residing in a state. Other ethnic/racial characteristics, as well as variables representing population, density, governmental stringency, and income, were not significant over the period tested.
Why the Moral Equality Account of Hypocrisy Does Not Fail After All
Authors: Vogt David Chelsom
Published: August 2023

The Moral Equality Account of Hypocrisy (ME) is a prominent theory of why hypocrites lack moral standing to blame. Hypocrites make exceptions for themselves and thereby implicitly deny moral equality, which is an essential premise of moral standing to blame. ME has recently faced challenges from philosophers who deny that it is the hypocrite’s rejection of moral equality that causes her to lose moral standing to blame. I have distinguished three main challenges which I discuss and rebut in this article: “The Internal Blame and Blame of Fictional Characters Challenge”, which I attribute to Todd (2019), and “The Hypercrite Challenge” and “The Inegalitarian Norm Challenge”, which are due to Lippert-Rasmussen (2021). The article begins by offering an account of ME. It fills in a few gaps in the theory, by explaining why it is necessary for a blamer to invoke a special right to blame and by determining the type of right that standing to blame is. It also distinguishes between the question of why hypocrisy is wrong or bad, and the question of why it undermines moral standing to blame. I hold that several theories provide plausible answers to the first question, but only ME has so far given a good answer to the second question. When distinguishing properly between these two questions, we see that ME can respond satisfactorily to the three challenges.
Who is at the helm? Mary Wollstonecraft’s contribution to the romantic construct of the imagination
Authors: Péter Ágnes
Published: August 2023

In my essay I pursue the line of inquiry which has recently been proposed by scholars who have reconstructed the historical context of Wollstonecraft’s feminism to bring into sharper focus what can be seen as consistent motives of her thought. Starting out from the thesis of Barbara Taylor that Wollstonecraft’s feminism was deeply rooted in the egalitarian theology of Radical Protestantism (Barbara Taylor, Mary Wollstonecraft and the feminist imagination Cambridge University Press, 2003) I will argue that her brief career shows how, in her analysis of the hierarchy of the cognitive faculties, first she redefined reason by ascribing to it the power of intuitive apprehension, and eventually she replaced reason with imagination as the distinctive attribute of the human mind. Positioning herself—through Price’s theology and moral philosophy—in the Platonic and pagan as well as Christian Neo-Platonic traditions, she arrived several years before Wordsworth or Coleridge not only at an intuition of the creativity of human thinking but at a definition of the imagination as the supreme mental faculty. As a result, in some emotionally highly charged passages of her Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark (1796), she constructed her own version of early Romanticism in England. These passages can be read side by side with passages of epiphany in Wordsworth’s 1805 Prelude as the most powerful examples of the imagination leading through an investment in the quotidian to an apprehension of immortality.
Long-term neurocognitive function and quality of life after multimodal therapy in adult glioma patients: a prospective long-term follow-up
Authors: Pertz Milena , Schlömer Sabine , Seidel Clemens , Hentschel Bettina , Löffler Markus , Schackert Gabriele , Krex Dietmar , Juratli Tareq , Tonn Joerg Christian , Schnell Oliver , Vatter Hartmut , Simon Matthias , Westphal Manfred , Martens Tobias , Sabel Michael , Bendszus Martin , Dörner Nils , Wick Antje , Fliessbach Klaus , Hoppe Christian , Klingner Marcel , Felsberg Jörg , Reifenberger Guido , Gramatzki Dorothee , Weller Michael , Schlegel Uwe ,   for the German Glioma Network
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Multimodal therapies have significantly improved prognosis in glioma. However, in particular radiotherapy may induce long-term neurotoxicity compromising patients’ neurocognition and quality of life. The present prospective multicenter study aimed to evaluate associations of multimodal treatment with neurocognition with a particular focus on hippocampal irradiation.

Methods

Seventy-one glioma patients (WHO grade 1–4) were serially evaluated with neurocognitive testing and quality of life questionnaires. Prior to (baseline) and following further treatment (median 7.1 years [range 4.6–11.0] after baseline) a standardized computerized neurocognitive test battery (NeuroCog FX) was applied to gauge psychomotor speed and inhibition, verbal short-term memory, working memory, verbal and non-verbal memory as well as verbal fluency. Mean ipsilateral hippocampal radiation dose was determined in a subgroup of 27 patients who received radiotherapy according to radiotherapy plans to evaluate its association with neurocognition.

Results

Between baseline and follow-up mean performance in none of the cognitive domains significantly declined in any treatment modality (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, combined radio-chemotherapy, watchful-waiting), except for selective attention in patients receiving chemotherapy alone. Apart from one subtest (inhibition), mean ipsilateral hippocampal radiation dose > 50 Gy (Dmean) as compared to < 10 Gy showed no associations with long-term cognitive functioning. However, patients with Dmean < 10 Gy showed stable or improved performance in all cognitive domains, while patients with > 50 Gy numerically deteriorated in 4/8 domains.

Conclusions

Multimodal glioma therapy seems to affect neurocognition less than generally assumed. Even patients with unilateral hippocampal irradiation with > 50 Gy showed no profound cognitive decline in this series.
Disease Burden Attributed to Drug use in the Nordic Countries: a Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019
Authors:   GBD 2019 Nordic Drug Use Collaborators, Agardh Emilie E. , Allebeck Peter , Knudsen Ann Kristin Skrindo , Aronsson Amanda E. , Flodin Pär , Eikemo Terje A. , Bangah Paul R. , Skogen Jens Christoffer , Gissler Mika , Rönkä Sanna , McGrath John J. , Sigurvinsdóttir Rannveig , Dadras Omid , Deuba Keshab , Hedna Khedidja , Mentis Alexios-Fotios A. , Sagoe Dominic , Shiri Rahman , Weye Nanna , Hay Simon I. , Murray Christopher J. L. , Naghavi Mohsen , Pasovic Maja , Vos Theo , Wennberg Peter , Danielsson Anna-Karin
Published: August 2023

The Nordic countries share similarities in many social and welfare domains, but drug policies have varied over time and between countries. We wanted to compare differences in mortality and disease burden attributed to drug use over time. Using results from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, we extracted age-standardized estimates of deaths, DALYs, YLLs and YLDs per 100 000 population for Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden during the years 1990 to 2019. Among males, DALY rates in 2019 were highest in Finland and lowest in Iceland. Among females, DALY rates in 2019 were highest in Iceland and lowest in Sweden. Sweden have had the highest increase in burden since 1990, from 252 DALYs to 694 among males, and from 111 to 193 among females. Norway had a peak with highest level of all countries in 2001–2004 and thereafter a strong decline. Denmark have had the most constant burden over time, 566–600 DALYs among males from 1990 to 2010 and 210–240 DALYs among females. Strict drug policies in Nordic countries have not prevented an increase in some countries, so policies need to be reviewed.
The 12-Item Mini-DASS: A Concise and Efficient Measure of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Authors: Monteiro Renan P. , Coelho Gabriel Lins de Holanda , Hanel Paul H. P. , Gouveia Valdiney V. , Vilar Roosevelt
Published: August 2023

The 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) is a common instrument for measuring dimensions of emotional distress. In the present research, we tested across five studies (N = 2,096) whether the number of items could be reduced while maintaining high reliability and validity. Specifically, Item Response Theory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis reduced the number of items to 12, which we named Mini-DASS. Our findings revealed the Mini-DASS is as psychometrically robust as the DASS-21. Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis established its invariance across gender and three countries (Brazil, UK, and USA). The Mini-DASS and the DASS-21 demonstrated similar correlation patterns with other well-being measures and the five moral foundations. Notably, we observed negative correlations between depression, anxiety, stress, and the authority and loyalty foundations. In conclusion, the Mini-DASS is a parsimonious, reliable, and valid instrument for measuring depression, anxiety, and stress.
Formation mechanism of macroporous Cu/CuSe and its application as electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Ullah Nabi , Guziejewski Dariusz , Koszelska Kamila , Małecka Magdalena , Ranoszek-Soliwoda Katarzyna , Grobelny Jarosław , Mirceski Valentin
Published: August 2023

Single-step solvothermal method is used to prepare Cu/CuSe as an electrocatalyst for methanol electro-oxidation reaction (MOR). 1,3-butan-diol is selected as a reaction medium, whose viscosity and complex formation with Cu(II) ions dictate the catalyst morphology. The catalyst has a macroporous structure, which is composed of nanoballs with a high purity, crystallinity, and uniform morphology. The electrocatalyst is excellent for MOR, as it delivers current density of 37.28 mA/mg at potential of 0.6 V (vs Ag/AgCl) in the electrolyte of 1 M KOH and 0.75 M methanol at a 50 mV/s scan rate under conditions of cyclic voltammetry. The catalyst also shows good stability for 3600 s with negligible charge transfer resistance and high electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) value of 0.100 mF/cm2.
„Eine Einschätzung, die in Sekunden passieren muss“. Eine qualitative Studie zu Gründen für ausbleibende Interventionen durch das pädagogische Schulpersonal bei Hatespeech unter Schüler:innen
Authors: Krause Norman , Wachs Sebastian , Bilz Ludwig , Schubarth Wilfried
Published: August 2023

Die vorliegende Studie ermittelt erstmals Gründe für ausbleibende Interventionen durch pädagogische Fachkräfte bei Hatespeech-Vorfällen in der Schule anhand des Entscheidungsmodells für Hilfeverhalten, das einen fünfstufigen, kognitiven Abwägungsprozess beschreibt, der einer möglichen Intervention vorausgeht. Ausgewertet wurden 46 episodische Interviews mit Schüler:innen (n = 21), Lehrkräften (n = 16) und anderem pädagogischem Schulpersonal (n = 9) aus Berlin und Brandenburg. Die Analyse des qualitativen Datenmaterials zeigt, dass sich auf allen fünf Stufen des Abwägungsprozesses Gründe finden lassen, warum Interventionen bei Hatespeech ausbleiben: Das Schulpersonal kann Hatespeech nicht immer wahrnehmen (1), deutet es vor dem Hintergrund jugendtypischer bzw. gewaltvoller Sprachnormen teils nicht als interventionswürdig (2), übernimmt die Verantwortung teils nicht – insbesondere bei Online-Hatespeech (3), schätzt die eigenen Interventionskompetenzen als unzureichend ein (4) oder wägt Kosten und Nutzen eines möglichen Eingreifens zulasten einer tatsächlichen Interventionshandlung gegeneinander ab (5). Die Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass eine Sensibilisierung für Hatespeech und ihre Folgen für die Beteiligten, z. B. durch Aufklärung, die Verantwortungsübernahme stärken könnte. Im qualitativen Datenmaterial lassen sich zudem Wünsche des Schulpersonals nach Aus- und Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten sowie Forderungen nach den notwendigen Kapazitäten im Schulalltag finden, um bei Hatespeech angemessen intervenieren zu können.
Kognitive und affektive Facetten strukturierter Unterrichtsreflexion. Eine quasi-experimentelle Studie zu schriftlichen Reflexionen mit und ohne Unterrichtsvideografie
Authors: Krauskopf Karsten , Fehn-Winterling Katharina
Published: August 2023

Aufgrund widersprüchlicher Befunde bezüglich der spezifischen Effekte videobasierter Reflexionsgelegenheiten in der universitären Lehrkräftebildung gilt es, den praktisch aufwändigen Einsatz von Videoaufnahmen des eigenen Unterrichts weiter zu untersuchen. In dieser quasiexperimentellen Studie reflektierten 22 Lehramtsstudierende auf BA-Level eigenständig drei Unterrichtssituationen. Dabei erhielten sie eine strukturierte Instruktion, die am ALACT-Modell orientiert war. Eine videobasierte (n = 11) und eine protokollbasierte (n = 11) Vorgehensweise wurden in einem gemischt-methodischen Vorgehen anhand von Selbsteinschätzungen und qualitativ-inhaltsanalytischen Auswertungen der schriftlichen Reflexionen verglichen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen lediglich deskriptive Unterschiede in den Situationsbeschreibungen. Allerdings fielen die Gedanken zur Situation bei videobasierter Reflexion signifikant differenzierter aus und bezogen sich konkreter auf das pädagogische Handeln. In beiden Gruppen wurde vorwiegend das eigene Handeln (Selbstreflexion) reflektiert und es ergaben sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede in den Schlussfolgerungen bezüglich des eigenen Lehrhandelns. Die Ergebnisse werden hinsichtlich der Bedeutung der strukturierenden Instruktion und des aktuellen Forschungsstands diskutiert.
Evaluating the effects of lymphoedema management strategies on functional status and health-related quality of life following treatment for head and neck cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Mullan Lauren J. , Blackburn Nicole E. , Gracey Jackie , Dunwoody Lynn , Lorimer Jill , Semple Cherith J.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Patients living with head and neck lymphoedema (HNL) after completion of head and neck cancer (HNC) often can experience long-term functional challenges and overall poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This systematic review aims to explore components of effective HNL interventions through identification and synthesising literature on existing HNL management interventions.

Methods

Five electronic databases (MEDLINE via Ovid and PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Scopus) were systematically searched using Medical Subject Headings and free text, as well as citation tracking and Google Scholar for grey literature.

Results

A total of 1910 studies were screened, with 12 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Findings indicated vast heterogeneity within HNL interventions. Patients’ adherence to intervention strategies was reported as low and partially adhered to, particularly at home. This impacted on function domains and overall HRQOL during the post-treatment HNC phase, as well as further increasing the demands placed on healthcare professionals.

Conclusions

Synthesis of the research findings highlighted a need to provide and educate patients with individualised HNL self-management intervention strategies. Promoting adherence was reported as being essential, with self-efficacy and behaviour change techniques being emphasised as a critical element to enhance motivation and therefore effective intervention delivery. Further work is important to address barriers to adherence and promote both motivation and behaviour change, to develop individualised self-management interventions for this cancer population.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

The findings from this systematic review will provide guidance in the development and delivery of individualised self-management HNL interventions for patients who have completed HNC treatment.
Discharging of Spent Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Batteries in Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium Chloride for a Safe Recycling Process
Authors: Amalia Dessy , Singh Pritam , Zhang Wensheng , Nikoloski Aleksandar N.
Published: August 2023

Battery discharging prior to size reduction is an essential treatment in spent lithium-ion battery recycling to avoid the risk of fire and explosion. The main challenge for discharging the residual charges by immersion in an electrolyte solution is corrosion because of electrolysis reactions occurring at the battery terminals. This study investigated the discharging process of 18650 cylindrical lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) in NaCl and NaOH solutions and the generation of corrosion products, with the aim of developing a safe and clean discharging system for practical applications. The results show that water electrolysis is the primary reaction during battery immersion in either NaCl or NaOH solutions. Different forms of corrosion occur in each solution. Unlike the NaCl solution, which severely corroded the positive terminal of the battery, resulting in significant amount of solid residue, build-up of fluoride ions, and chlorine gas evolution, in the NaOH solution, a darkened surface of the negative terminal was the only obvious solid product, with no solid residue in the bulk solution, while oxygen gas was evolved. The NaOH solution was found to reduce battery capacity to a residual capacity range of 0–25 mAH after immersing batteries in the solution for 20 h. This value puts the battery in a safe condition for subsequent mechanical treatment. The results indicated that NaOH creates a clean discharging system and can potentially be reused.
Diversity of Red Yeasts in Various Regions and Environments of Poland and Biotechnological Potential of the Isolated Strains
Authors: Kot Anna M. , Sęk Wioletta , Kieliszek Marek , Błażejak Stanisław , Pobiega Katarzyna , Brzezińska Rita
Published: August 2023

Due to the growing demand for natural carotenoids, researchers have been searching for strains that are capable of efficient synthesis of these compounds. This study tested 114 red yeast strains collected from various natural environments and food specimens in Poland. The strains were isolated by their ability to produce red or yellow pigments in rich nutrient media. According to potential industrial significance of the carotenoids, both their total production and share of individual carotenoids (β-carotene, γ-carotene, torulene, and torularhodin) were analyzed. The total content of carotenoid pigments in the yeast dry matter ranged from 13.88 to 406.50 µg/g, and the percentages of individual carotenoids highly varied among the strains. Most of the yeast isolates synthesized torulene at the highest amount. Among the studied strains, isolates with a total carotenoid content in biomass greater than 200 µg/g and those containing more than 60% torularhodin were selected for identification (48 strains). The identified strains belonged to six genera: Rhodotorula, Sporidiobolus, Sporobolomyces, Buckleyzyma, Cystofilobasidium, and Erythrobasidium. The largest number of isolates belonged to Rhodotorula babjevae (18), Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (7), Sporidiobolus pararoseus (4), and Rhodotorula glutinis (4).
Effects and plasma proteomic analysis of GLP-1RA versus CPA/EE, in combination with metformin, on overweight PCOS women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liao Mingyu , Li Xing , Zhang Hao , Zhou Ling , Shi Liu , Li Weixin , Shen Rufei , Peng Guiliang , Zhao Huan , Shao Jiaqing , Wang Xiujie , Sun Zheng , Zheng Hongting , Long Min
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by reproductive dysfunctions and metabolic disorders. This study aims to compare the therapeutic effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) + Metformin (Met) versus cyproterone acetate/ethinylestradiol (CPA/EE) + Met in overweight PCOS women and identify potential proteomic biomarkers of disease risk in women with PCOS.

Methods

In this prospective, open-label randomized controlled trial, we recruited 60 overweight PCOS women into two groups at a 1:1 ratio to receive CPA/EE (2 mg/day: 2 mg cyproterone acetate and 35-μg ethinylestradiol,) +Met (1500 mg/day) or GLP-1 RA (liraglutide, 1.2–1.8 mg/day) +Met (1500 mg/day) for 12 weeks. The clinical effectiveness and adverse effects were evaluated, followed by plasma proteomic analysis and verification of critical biomarkers by ELISA.

Results

Eighty(80%) patients completed the study. Both interventions improved menstrual cycle, polycystic ovaries, LH(luteinizing hormone) and HbA1c(hemoglobin A1c) levels after the 12-week treatment. GLP-1RA + Met was more effective than CPA/EE + Met in reducing body weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), and waist circumference, FBG(fasting blood glucose), AUCI(area under curve of insulin),TC (Total Cholesterol), IL-6(Interleukin-6) and improving insulin sensitivity, and ovulation in overweight women with PCOS, with acceptable short-term side effects. CPA/EE + Met was more effective in improving hyperandrogenemia, including T(total testosterone), LH, LH/FSH(Luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone), SHBG(sex hormone-binding globulin) and FAI (free androgen index). By contract, GLP-1RA+Met group only improved LH. Plasma proteomic analysis revealed that the interventions altered proteins involved in reactive oxygen species detoxification (PRDX6, GSTO1, GSTP1, GSTM2), platelet degranulation (FN1), and the immune response (SERPINB9).

Conclusions

Both CPA/EE+Met and GLP-1RA + Met treatment improved reproductive functions in overweight PCOS women. GLP-1RA + Met was more effective than CPA/EE + Met in reducing body weight, BMI, and waist, and improving metabolism, and ovulation in overweight women with PCOS, with acceptable short-term side effects. CPA/EE + Met was more effective in reducing hyperandrogenemia. The novel plasma biomarkers PRDX6, FN1, and SERPINB9, might be indicators and targets for PCOS treatment.

Trial registration ClinicalTials.gov Trial No:

NCT03151005. Registered 12 May, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03151005.
Armut im Jugendamt
Authors: Hunold Martin
Published: August 2023

Der Allgemeine Soziale Dienst (ASD) im Jugendamt kann die Armut der Welt nicht beseitigen, aber sie konsequent als gesellschaftliche Gewalt analysieren. Im Folgenden wird danach gefragt, wie in und durch Organisation die Armut von jungen Menschen und ihren Familien macht- und gewaltanalytisch reflektiert und den Adressat_innen ermächtigende Hilfen zur Armutsbewältigung angeboten werden können.
Social and dimensional comparison effects in general and domain-specific test anxiety: a nested factor modeling approach
Authors: Talić Irma , Sparfeldt Jörn R. , Möller Jens , Renner Karl-Heinz , Greiff Samuel , Niepel Christoph
Published: August 2023

The generalized internal/external frame of reference (GI/E) model assumes social and dimensional achievement comparisons to form self-perceptions. These domain-specific comparisons have been shown to shape two facets of test anxiety (i.e., worry and emotionality) both directly and indirectly through academic self-concepts. However, examinations of such domain-specific relations have rarely integrated general components, although the hierarchical nature of both test anxiety and academic self-concept is well-known. Thus, the present study implemented a nested factor modeling approach. We examined social and dimensional comparison effects on worry and emotionality as well as mediation effects of academic self-concepts in the math and verbal domains while controlling for general components. We contrasted this approach with the conventionally used first-order factor model where general components were not considered. Data from N = 348 German secondary school students (Mage = 15.3 years, Grades 9–10) were analyzed using structural equation models. Direct negative within-domain and positive cross-domain achievement-anxiety relations emerged, yet, the pattern of cross-domain relations changed across modeling approaches. Only the nested factor model showed indirect cross-domain mediation relations. Our findings suggest the importance of structural representations of hierarchical constructs. The nested factor model approach enhanced predictions within the GI/E model, particularly those related to dimensional comparisons.
Validation of the short grit scale (Grit-S) in Chinese physical education teachers
Authors: Du Yongqing , Yao Cheng-Kui , Chang Siqi , Zeng Xiaojin , Luo Jie
Published: August 2023

The Short Grit Scale (Grit-S) is a popular instrument used to assess trait-level perseverance and passion for long-term goals in students and/or professional populations. This study examined the psychometric properties and construct validity of the Grit-S in a survey sample of Chinese physical education teachers (N = 256, 26.6% females, Mage = 33.96 years, SDage = 6.04 years). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the Grit-S scores supported the proposed two-factor model, comprising consistency of interest and perseverance of effort as subscales. Moreover, as expected, the Grit-S subscale scores showed acceptable internal consistency as well as satisfactory convergent and criterion validity, correlating with scores of external criteria variables (e.g., Big Five personality traits, self-control, and work burnout). These findings suggest that the Grit-S is an effective instrument for assessing grit in Chinese physical education teachers.