bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fat‐soluble vitamin deficiency and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency among adults with chronic pancreatitis: Is routine monitoring necessary for all patients?
Authors: Estes‐Doetsch Holly , Roberts Kristen , Newkirk Melanie , Parker Anna
Published: October 2023

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is often associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), which may increase risk for fat‐soluble vitamin depletion. Although vitamin D deficiency is widespread among the general population, vitamins A, E, and K deficiencies may more uniquely present in patients with CP. Yet, it is unclear whether fat‐soluble vitamin status should be routinely monitored in all patients with CP or limited to those with EPI. The purpose of this review is to describe the laboratory status of vitamins A, E, and K in adult patients with CP and their association with exocrine pancreatic function. Five primary, observational studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Biochemical deficiencies in fat‐soluble vitamins were observed across trials but results varied with respect to whether EPI increased risk. Challenges related to the diagnosis and treatment of EPI along with potential confounders may contribute to the heterogeneity among study results. Although more studies are needed to determine the influence of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy on fat‐soluble vitamin status as well as effective vitamin repletion strategies, clinicians should consider periodically screening for deficiencies in all patients with CP regardless of EPI to avoid associated health effects of vitamin depletion.
Energetics of reactions in an atmospheric pressure plasma jet with argon carrier gas and hexamethyldisiloxane reagent
Authors: Laghi Giulia , Watson Sean , Reuter Stephan , Gherardi Matteo , Wertheimer Michael R.
Published: October 2023

We report on a methodology for measuring the energy dissipated per AC high voltage cycle in a cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet (CAPJet). This method is adapted from research by Nisol et al. on plasma polymerization of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) organosilicon vapor in a large area planar dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. Here too, we measured ΔEg, the energy difference with and without small HMDSO vapor concentrations in the argon carrier gas flow. From ΔEg we then derived Em, the energy per molecule, and compared values with those of Nisol. Good agreements were found, including in film structures determined from attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, thus suggesting that realistic Em values can be successfully obtained also for the CAPJet case.
Distributed adaptive consensus protocol for heterogeneous nonlinear uncertain multi‐agent system with disturbance
Authors: Wen Hao , Liang Zixuan , Zhou Hexiong , Yao Baoheng , Mao Zhihua , Lian Lian
Published: October 2023

This study presents a distributed adaptive sliding mode consensus protocol (DASMCP) to solve the consensus problem of the high‐order heterogeneous closed‐loop nonlinear uncertainty multi‐agent system without prior knowledge. The proposed adaptive gains adjustment mechanism can decrease the states and input chattering. In addition, the DASMCP is independent of prior knowledge of communication topology and error dynamics, and its finite time convergence bound can be preset. Moreover, two simulation examples are shown to verify the performance and the engineering application scenario.
Simple Disulfides: Studies of Some Exponents of a Family Involved in Prominent Processes
Authors: Cayón Vanina M. , Erben Mauricio F. , Romano Rosana M. , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mitzel Norbert W. , Fa Ge Mao , Della Védova Carlos O.
Published: October 2023

Exploring the fundamental chemistry and intrinsic properties of disulfide‐containing species has become an increasingly popular means to understand their action in various scientific fields, applications, and systems. In this study several representatives of this extensive family with the general formula CCl3SSR, where R represents CH2CH3, CH2CF3, C(CH3)3, C6H5 and C(O)CH3,were prepared and characterized by vibrational spectroscopy methods (FTIR and Raman), NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X‐ray structure determinations and photo electron spectroscopy. When complemented with computational chemistry, this range of methods and techniques sheds new light on numerous different processes. It is worth noting that the importance in disulfides compounds is related to inherent properties of this chemical family, such as chirality, theories involving the origin of life and its evolution, and, lately, the mechanisms of S−S bond formation in processes concerning therapies based on the use of peptides and COVID‐19.
Entropy‐Driven Morphology Regulation of MAX Phase Solid Solutions with Enhanced Microwave Absorption and Thermal Insulation Performance
Authors: Luo Wei , Jiang Xu , Liu Yi , Yuan Xiaoyan , Huo Jinghao , Li Peitong , Guo Shouwu
Published: October 2023

Morphology regulation and composition design have proved to be effective strategies for the fabrication of desirable microwave absorbers. However, it is still challenging to precisely control the microstructure and components of MAX phases. Herein, an entropy‐driven approach, a transition from irregular grains (low entropy) to sheet structure (high entropy), is proposed to modulate the morphology of MAX phases. The theoretical calculation indicates that the morphology evolution can be ascribed to the enlarged energy difference between (11_00) and (0001) facets. The enriched structural defects and optimized morphologies yield significant dipolar polarization, interfacial polarization, multiple reflections, and scattering, which all enhance the electromagnetic wave absorption performance of (V0.25Ti0.25Cr0.25Mo0.25)2GaC. Specifically, its minimum reflection loss can reach up to −47.12 dB at 12.13 GHz, and the optimal effective absorption bandwidth is 4.56 GHz (2.03 mm). Meanwhile, (V0.25Ti0.25Cr0.25Mo0.25)2GaC shows also pronounced thermal insulation properties affording it good reliability in the harsh working environment. This work offers a novel approach to designing and regulating the morphology of the high entropy MAX phase, and also presents an opportunity to elucidate the relationship between entropy and electromagnetic wave absorption performance.
Partial‐Interpenetration‐Controlled UiO‐Type Metal‐Organic Framework and its Catalytic Activity
Authors: Kim Yeonghun , Lee Sanghyeop , Chen Ying‐Pin , Lee Byeongchan , Lee Sunggi , Park Jinhee
Published: October 2023

An unprecedented correlation between the catalytic activity of a Zr‐based UiO‐type metal‐organic framework (MOF) and its degree of interpenetration (DOI) is reported. The DOI of an MOF is hard to control owing to the high‐energy penalty required to construct a partially interpenetrated structure. Surprisingly, strong interactions between building blocks (inter‐ligand hydrogen bonding) facilitate the formation of partially interpenetrated structures under carefully regulated synthesis conditions. Moreover, catalytic conversion rates for cyanosilylation and Knoevenagel condensation reactions are found to be proportional to the DOI of the MOF. Among MOFs with DOIs in the 0–100% range, that with a DOI of 87% is the most catalytically active. Framework interpenetration is known to lower catalytic performance by impeding reactant diffusion. A higher effective reactant concentration due to tight inclusion in the interpenetrated region is possibly responsible for this inverted result.
Mesopredators in forest edges
Authors: Luskin Matthew Scott , Arnold Lindsey , Sovie Adia , Amir Zachary , Chua Marcus Aik Hwee , Dehaudt Bastien , Dunn Ashlea , Nursamsi Ilyas , Moore Jonathan H. , Mendes Calebe P.
Published: October 2023

Fragments and edges account for most remaining forest habitats globally. Apex predators and megaherbivores often decline in these degraded habitats while smaller generalist omnivores can persist or thrive in forest edges, especially if they can utilize nonnative resources (“cross‐boundary food subsidies”). Outcomes for small‐medium carnivores (mesopredators) remain unclear or idiosyncratic. We tested responses of a widespread and common forest mesopredator to edges and the composition of the adjacent nonforested areas using 91 camera trapping surveys in Southeast Asia. Leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis and Prionailurus javanensis) showed a hump‐shaped relationship with forest cover and a positive association with oil palm plantations, but they did not increase near other types of nonnative land cover. Leopard cats' success in edges appears due to their hunting abundant rodent prey inside oil palm plantations, providing natural pest management for farmers. Abundant leopard cats also hunt and suppress native small vertebrates, which may trigger negative ecological cascades and suppress biodiversity in forest edges.
Migrant Successfully Accessing Their Vocation in Sweden: The Significance Labour Market Initiatives to Facilitate the Integration of Migrants and Refugees
Authors: Osman Ali
Published: October 2023

This chapter addresses how integration is conceptualised in Swedish refugee integration policy and how this conceptualisation shapes integration practices in Sweden. I look at the consequences of these practices for refugees who have successfully returned to the vocation acquired in their country of origin. To make sense of the measures, I use Foucault’s theory of governmentality. The chapter shows how the policy and practice of governmentality functions as a control mechanism to classify, categorise, and order immigrants’ knowledge and competence, but more importantly, to inculcate in immigrants that their existing knowledge and competence is irrelevant, or partly relevant, in relation to accessing their vocation in Sweden. I suggest that the success of these policy practices is contingent not on the measures per se, but rather on serendipity, which seems to be a red thread running through informants’ success stories.
Understanding Recognition of Prior Learning as a Tool for the Labour Market Integration of Skilled Migrants
Authors: Andersson Per
Published: October 2023

In the integration of skilled migrants, recognition of their prior learning is a key factor. One concern is the object of the recognition process, the formal and the actual competence of the individual. Another concern is the subject of the process, the migrant. Starting from the individual and her/his experience and competence entails a different process and result than starting from professional regulations and labour-market needs. A final concern is the process of recognition. Recognition processes could be seen solely as a matter of classification and assessment, but this misses the fact that the recognition process also means a learning process for the individual. This chapter discusses problems and opportunities relating to the recognition of prior learning targeting skilled migrants in relationship to these three concerns of object, subject, and process of recognition.
Education for Access to the Swedish Labour Market and Society: A Historical Comparison of Practices for the Integration of Immigrants in the 1960s and Early 2000s
Authors: Broberg Åsa , Herrera Lázaro Moreno
Published: October 2023

The policies and strategies for the integration of immigrants into the Swedish labour market and society evolved considerably between the mid-1900s and early 2000s. While it could be reasonably claimed that there was a similar line of development in many other countries, the Swedish case has particularities that could well be associated with aspects of the welfare state and a traditional concern with social integration. From a historical perspective, this chapter analyses some of the core features of this development and examines questions such as how perceptions about work, education and integration have evolved. In relation to the first decades of the twenty-first century, the cases presented depict a new reality and a diversity of approaches that, it is argued, enrich the process of integration of immigrants into the labour market and society. This chapter will shed more light on the relationship between migration and societal change. In this investigation, the relationship between work, vocation and education is of particular interest. The chapter will also demonstrate how the changing character of this relationship can be understood as part of the idea structures of integration. Even though the analysis relates primarily to a Swedish context, it may be relevant to other national settings.
Successful Integration of Refugees in Vocational Education and Training: Experiences from a New Pre-vocational Programme
Authors: Stalder Barbara E. , Kammermann Marlise , Michel Iris , Schönbächler Marie-Theres
Published: October 2023

To support refugees and temporarily admitted persons in their endeavour to access vocational education and training, the Swiss federal government and the cantons have launched the pre-apprenticeship to support integration PAI. Based on a multi-source mixed-method design with 432 participants and 184 employers, we describe the PAI programme and explore participants’ learning environments at the workplace and school, their individual characteristics, and their social environment. We investigate factors contributing to participants’ successful transition to regular apprenticeships by comparing participants who could secure an apprenticeship at the end of the PAI with those who did not. Results show that participants appreciated the learning in the workplace and school and felt well-supported by teachers and in-company trainers. They were highly motivated and had good performances, which the employers also confirmed. Those having secured an apprenticeship found their work more interesting, engaged more in learning, and had better learning outcomes than those with an uncertain pathway. We conclude that the PAI programme is a valuable means to foster the integration of refugees and temporarily admitted persons in vocational education and training and highlight factors contributing to the programme’s success.
Entwicklung und Validierung eines Fragebogens zur Erfassung postural-strukturell-biomechanisch orientierter Überzeugungen von Physiotherapeut:innen zu Schmerzen
Authors: Bassimtabar Ahura , Alfuth Martin
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund

Physiotherapeut:innen verwenden in der klinischen Praxis häufig das postural-strukturell-biomechanische (PSB) Modell, um das Symptom Schmerz mit biomechanischen Defiziten zu erklären. Ein adäquates Wissen über Schmerz umfasst jedoch nicht nur die Kenntnis über die Neurophysiologie des Schmerzes, sondern auch die Kenntnis, dass allein PSB-orientierte Erklärungen über die Entstehung und Verstärkung von Schmerzen veraltet sind. Ein Fragebogen zur Erfassung von PSB-orientierten Überzeugungen existiert bisher nicht.

Ziel

Ziel dieser Studie war, einen neuen Fragebogen zur Erfassung der postural-strukturell-biomechanisch orientierten Überzeugungen von Physiotherapeut:innen zu Schmerzen zu konzipieren und hinsichtlich seiner Reliabilität (interne Konsistenz), Validität und Übereinstimmung zu prüfen.

Methoden

Der Essential Knowledge of Pain Questionnaire (EKPQ) wurde auf Grundlage einer Literaturrecherche und von Diskussionen zwischen Experten konstruiert. Anschließend wurde eine Pilotstudie durchgeführt, in der 32 Physiotherapieschüler:innen aus einer Fachschule für Physiotherapie online (SoSci Survey) mittels der deutschen Version des Revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (rNPQ-D) und des EKPQ hinsichtlich ihres Wissens über und ihrer Überzeugungen zu Schmerzen befragt wurden.

Ergebnisse

Die interne Konsistenz des EKPQ war mit Cronbach’s α = 0,784 akzeptabel. Es bestand eine positive signifikante Korrelation von r = 0,518 (p = 0,002) zwischen den beiden Fragebögen. Die Bland-Altman-Analyse ergab eine mittlere Differenz zwischen den Fragebögen von 28,9 (± Standardabweichung der Differenz 15,3) % mit einer oberen Grenze der 95 %-Übereinstimmung von 58,8 % und einer unteren Grenze der 95 %-Übereinstimmung von −1,0 %. Im rNPQ‑D erzielten die Teilnehmer:innen einen Score von im Mittel 60,7 %, im EKPQ einen Score von im Mittel 31,8 %.

Schlussfolgerung

Der neu konstruierte Fragebogen EKPQ scheint ein reliables und valides Instrument zu sein, um PSB-orientierte Überzeugungen von Therapeut:innen zu Schmerzen zu erfassen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen darüber hinaus, dass ein hohes Wissen über Schmerzneurophysiologie im rNPQ eine PSB-Orientierung nicht ausschließt. Ob der EKPQ neben dem rNPQ als zusätzliches Assessment zur Überprüfung von Überzeugungen zu Schmerzen dienen kann, sollte zukünftig mit passenden Studiendesigns, z. B. Delphi-Studie, untersucht werden.

Graphic abstract
Resilienz durch bauliche Hochwasservorsorge – Eine kritische Analyse des Rechtsrahmens nach den Hochwasserereignissen vom Juli 2021
Authors: Faßbender Kurt
Published: October 2023

Welche Gefahren und Schäden die klimabedingt zunehmenden Hochwasserereignisse verursachen können,
ist erst vor kurzem durch die Überschwemmungen in Österreich und Slowenien erneut deutlich geworden.
In Deutschland haben zuletzt die Hochwasserereignisse vom Juli 2021 gezeigt, dass der geltende Rechtsrahmen
keine hinreichende Resilienz zu gewährleisten vermag. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden im Folgenden die
Regelungen zur baulichen Hochwasservorsorge sowie deren Vollzug kritisch analysiert und Ansätze zur
Lösung präsentiert. Dabei plädiert der Beitrag unter anderem dafür, den Wiederaufbau
nach einem Hochwasser kritisch zu überdenken und unter Berücksichtigung von Rückzugsoptionen
positiv zu gestalten.
Straftaten gegen Luchse in Deutschland – eine Bestandsaufnahme
Authors: Gerhold Sönke Florian , Aschermann Johannes
Published: October 2023

Als Hauptgrund für die Stagnation der Populationsentwicklung des Eurasischen Luchses in Deutschland
wird in der ökologischen Fachliteratur die illegale Tötung von Luchsen genannt. Dennoch ist in
der Bundesrepublik bis heute nicht eine einzige Person rechtskräftig wegen eines solchen Tatvorwurfs
verurteilt worden. Die Hintergründe dessen sind unklar. Der vorliegende Beitrag erläutert daher
unter Bezugnahme auf die tatsächlichen Erkenntnisse über die Populationsentwicklung sowie das
Hell- und Dunkelfeld von Luchstötungen in Deutschland das auf Luchse anwendbare Recht und untersucht,
ob dieses jedenfalls theoretisch eine ausreichende Handhabe gegen Luchswilderer bietet.
A new technique to derive tight convex underestimators (sometimes envelopes)
Authors: Locatelli M.
Published: October 2023

The convex envelope value for a given function f over a region X at some point $$\textbf{x}\in X$$

x
∈
X

can be derived by searching for the largest value at that point among affine underestimators of f over X. This can be computed by solving a maximin problem, whose exact computation, however, may be a hard task. In this paper we show that by relaxation of the inner minimization problem, duality, and, in particular, by an enlargement of the class of underestimators (thus, not only affine ones) an easier derivation of good convex understimating functions, which can also be proved to be convex envelopes in some cases, is possible. The proposed approach is mainly applied to the derivation of convex underestimators (in fact, in some cases, convex envelopes) in the quadratic case. However, some results are also presented for polynomial, ratio of polynomials, and some other separable functions over regions defined by similarly defined separable functions.
Training software architects suiting software industry needs: A literature review
Authors: Pantoja Yépez Wilson Libardo , Hurtado Alegría Julio Ariel , Bandi Ajay , Kiwelekar Arvind W.
Published: October 2023

The ability to define, evaluate, and implement software architectures is a fundamental skill for software engineers. However, teaching software architecture can be challenging as it requires students to be involved in real-context projects with high degrees of complexity. This involves making trade-off decisions among several quality attributes. Furthermore, the academic perception of software architecture differs from the industrial viewpoint. To address this issue, a study was conducted to identify and analyze the strategies, challenges, and course experiences used for teaching software architectures. The study analyzed 56 articles reporting on teaching experiences focused specifically on software architectures or focused on software engineering in general but discussing software architecture. The main contributions of this work include identifying strategies used in educating software architecture students aligned with the needs of the software industry. These strategies include short design projects, large development projects, and projects with actual clients. Additionally, the study compared curriculum contents in software development and architecture courses and identified recurring topics such as architecture patterns, quality attributes, and architectural views. This study also recognizes the set of skills that students of software architecture should develop during training, such as leadership and negotiation. The challenges in software architecture training were discussed, such as instructors’ lack of experience in actual projects, the abstract and fuzzy nature of software architectures, and the difficulty of involving clients and industry experts. Evaluation methods commonly used in training software architects, such as surveys, pre-test/post-test, and quality metrics on architectural artifacts, were identified and described. Overall, this study guides researchers and educators in improving their software architecture courses by incorporating strategies reported by the literature review. These strategies can bring architecture courses closer to the needs and conditions of the software industry.
Violent video games: content, attitudes, and norms
Authors: Andersson Alexander , Milam Per-Erik
Published: October 2023

Violent video games (VVGs) are a source of serious and continuing controversy. They are not unique in this respect, though. Other entertainment products have been criticized on moral grounds, from pornography to heavy metal, horror films, and Harry Potter books. Some of these controversies have fizzled out over time and have come to be viewed as cases of moral panic. Others, including moral objections to VVGs, have persisted. The aim of this paper is to determine which, if any, of the concerns raised about VVGs are legitimate. We argue that common moral objections to VVGs are unsuccessful, but that a plausible critique can be developed that captures the insights of these objections while avoiding their pitfalls. Our view suggests that the moral badness of a game depends on how well its internal logic expresses or encourages the players’ objectionable attitudes. This allows us to recognize that some games are morally worse than others—and that it can be morally wrong to design and play some VVGs—but that the moral badness of these games is not necessarily dependent on how violent they are.
Sensory Symptoms and Signs of Hyperarousal in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome: Findings from the FORWARD Registry and Database Multisite Study
Authors: Lachiewicz Ave M. , Stackhouse Tracy M. , Burgess Kristin , Burgess Debra , Andrews Howard F. , Choo Tse-Hwei , Kaufmann Walter E. , Kidd Sharon A.
Published: October 2023

This study was designed to increase our understanding about characteristics and the impact of sensory symptoms (SS) and signs of hyperarousal (HA) in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) from childhood through early adulthood and by gender. Data derived from the Fragile X Online Registry With Accessible Research Database (FORWARD), a natural history study of FXS, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate linear and logistic regression models to examine SS and signs of HA, their impact on behavioral regulation and limitations on the subject/family. The sample (N = 933) consisted of 720 males and 213 females. More males were affected with SS (87% vs. 68%) and signs of HA (92% vs. 79%). Subjects who were endorsed as having a strong sensory response had more comorbidities, including behavioral problems. The predominant SS was difficulty with eye gaze that increased with age in both genders. As individuals age, there was less use of non-medication therapies, such as occupational therapy (OT)/physical therapy (PT), but there was more use of psychopharmacological medications and investigational drugs for behaviors. Multiple regression models suggested that endorsing SS and signs of HA was associated with statistically significantly increased ABC-C-I subscale scores and limited participation in everyday activities. This study improves our understanding of SS and signs of HA as well as their impact in FXS. It supports the need for more research regarding these clinical symptoms, especially to understand how they contribute to well-known behavioral concerns.
Sunny, hot and humid nesting locations with diverse vegetation benefit Osmia bees nearby almond orchards in a mediterranean area
Authors: Polidori Carlo , Rodrigo-Gómez Sara , Ronchetti Federico , Ferrari Andrea , Selfa Jesús , Gil-Tapetado Diego
Published: October 2023

Wild bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) play an important role as pollinators of many crops and managed populations of Osmia spp. (Megachilidae), through the installation of trap-nests, proved to be efficient in several fruit orchards. In order to optimize the trap-nest protocols, it is necessary to understand which environmental factors play a major role in the reproductive success of these bees. Here, we studied how climate, land use and vegetation affect nest occupation rate (OR, i.e. total number of colonized tunnels/total number of tunnels in the trap-nest), brood productivity (BP, i.e. total number of brood cells built in a completed nest tunnel) and parasitism rate (PR, i.e. total number of parasitized brood cells/BP) in Osmia bees nearby almond orchards in South-East Spain, a largely understudied Mediterranean area. We found that the summer solar radiation positively influenced all three parameters, while spring solar radiation positively affected OR and BP, and negatively PR. Higher abundance of pastures and forests compared with crops increased OR, though not BP, and reduced PR. Vegetation evenness and diversity of dominant plant species also positively affected OR and BP, while they were unimportant for PR. OR was not affected by climate, but BP increased with maximum temperature in the warmest month and decreased with temperature annual range. PR also increased with high temperature, as well as with precipitation. Arid conditions limited OR and BP and boosted parasitism. Overall, it seems that Osmia bees nearby almond field in this area would benefit from trap-nest installation in well solar-radiated, hot and humid sites with a diverse vegetation. Since we have also found a negative association between PR and BP in nests with at least one parasitized cell, environmental conditions which improve productivity will also likely reduce parasitism in these bees.

Implications for insect conservation Optimization of trap-nesting protocols for maintaining abundant Osmia populations is crucial to an effective use of these bees as managed pollinators. In our study we suggest that trap-nests locations should be chosen also taking into account a number of local climatic and habitat factors, given their importance in affecting key traits of reproductive success in these solitary bees.
Evaluation of the effects of silk and polyethylene terephthalate sutures on postoperative complications in impacted lower third molar surgery
Authors: Dilan Orhan Zeynep , Levent Ciğerim , Volkan Kaplan , Mehmet Güzel , Abdurrahman Galayene , Mohammad Alsmadi , Anıl Özyurt
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of silk and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) sutures on postoperative complications in impacted lower third molar surgery. This prospective, randomized, split-mouth, double-blind clinical study was performed between January 2021 and June 2022 at the Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. The patients were categorized into two groups in terms of using suture material. PET suture was used in Group 1, and the silk suture in Group 2 for wound closure following impacted lower third molar surgery. The statistical significance level was accepted as p < 0.05 in the study. Forty patients (21 women, 19 men; mean age: 26.1 ± 7.25 years) were included in the study. When values for swelling and trismus evaluation were analyzed, there was no significant intergroup difference (p > 0.05). However, the VAS values of the silk group patients were higher at the 12th and 24th hours (p < 0.05). In addition, the plaque accumulation value in the silk group was higher than that in the PET group on the second postoperative day (p < 0.05). The results indicated that the plaque accumulation in the PET suture was less on the second postoperative day. Also, PET suture group patients felt less pain during the 12th and 24th hours. These results support to use PET sutures in impacted lower third molar surgery.

Graphical Abstract
Hepatic β-arrestins: potential roles in liver health and disease
Authors: Eissa Alzahraa Muhammad , Hassanin Mohamed H. , Ibrahim Islam A. A. E. H.
Published: October 2023

Β-arrestins are intracellular scaffolding proteins that have multifaceted roles in different types of disorders. In this review article, we gave a summary about the discovery, characterization and classification of these proteins and their intracellular functions. Moreover, this review article focused on the hepatic expression of β-arrestins and their hepatocellular distribution and function in each liver cell type. Also, we showed that β-arrestins are key regulators of distinct types of hepatic disorders. On the other hand, we addressed some important points that have never been studied before regarding the role of β-arrestins in certain types of hepatic disorders which needs more research efforts to cover.
Single-fraction radiosurgery outcomes for large vestibular schwannomas in the upfront or post-surgical setting: a systematic review and International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS) Practice Guidelines
Authors: Tuleasca Constantin , Kotecha Rupesh , Sahgal Arjun , de Salles Antonio , Fariselli Laura , Paddick Ian , Pollock Bruce E. , Régis Jean , Sheehan Jason , Suh John H. , Yomo Shoji , Levivier Marc
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To perform a systematic review of literature specific to single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for large vestibular schwannomas (VS), maximum diameter ≥ 2.5 cm and/or classified as Koos Grade IV, and to present consensus recommendations on behalf of the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS).

Methods

The Medline and Embase databases were used to apply the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach. We considered eligible prospective and retrospective studies, written in the English language, reporting treatment outcomes for large VS; SRS for large post-operative tumors were analyzed in aggregate and separately.

Results

19 of the 229 studies initially identified met the final inclusion criteria. Overall crude rate of tumor control was 89% (93.7% with no prior surgery vs 87.7% with prior surgery). Rates of salvage microsurgical resection, need for shunt, and additional SRS in all series versus those with no prior surgery were 9.6% vs 3.3%, 4.7% vs 6.4% and 1% vs 0.9%, respectively. Rates of facial palsy and hearing preservation in all series versus those with no prior surgery were 1.3% vs 3.4% and 34.2% vs 40.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

Upfront SRS resulted in high rates of tumor control with acceptable rates of facial palsy and hearing preservation as compared to the results in those series including patients with prior surgery (level C evidence). Therefore, although large VS are considered classic indication for microsurgical resection, upfront SRS can be considered in selected patients and we recommend a prescribed marginal dose from 11 to 13 Gy (level C evidence).
Lessons learned from replicating a study on information-retrieval-based test case prioritization
Authors: Minhas Nasir Mehmood , Irshad Mohsin , Petersen Kai , Börstler Jürgen
Published: October 2023

Replication studies help solidify and extend knowledge by evaluating previous studies’ findings. Software engineering literature showed that too few replications are conducted focusing on software artifacts without the involvement of humans. This study aims to replicate an artifact-based study on software testing to address the gap related to replications. In this investigation, we focus on (i) providing a step-by-step guide of the replication, reflecting on challenges when replicating artifact-based testing research and (ii) evaluating the replicated study concerning the validity and robustness of the findings. We replicate a test case prioritization technique proposed by Kwon et al. We replicated the original study using six software programs, four from the original study and two additional software programs. We automated the steps of the original study using a Jupyter notebook to support future replications. Various general factors facilitating replications are identified, such as (1) the importance of documentation; (2) the need for assistance from the original authors; (3) issues in the maintenance of open-source repositories (e.g., concerning needed software dependencies, versioning); and (4) availability of scripts. We also noted observations specific to the study and its context, such as insights from using different mutation tools and strategies for mutant generation. We conclude that the study by Kwon et al. is partially replicable for small software programs and could be automated to facilitate software practitioners, given the availability of required information. However, it is hard to implement the technique for large software programs with the current guidelines. Based on lessons learned, we suggest that the authors of original studies need to publish their data and experimental setup to support the external replications.
Flow Rate Dependency of Steady-State Two-Phase Flows in Pore Networks: Universal, Relative Permeability Scaling Function and System-Characteristic Invariants
Authors: Valavanides Marios S.
Published: October 2023

The phenomenology of steady-state two-phase flow in porous media is conventionally recorded by the relative permeability diagrams in terms of saturation. Yet, theoretical, numerical and laboratory studies of flow in artificial pore network models and natural porous media have revealed a significant dependency on the flow rates—especially when the flow regime is capillary to capillary/viscous and part of the disconnected non-wetting phase remains mobile. These studies suggest that relative permeability models should incorporate the functional dependence on flow intensities. In the present work, a systematic dependence of the pressure gradient and the relative permeabilities on flow rate intensity is revealed. It is based on extensive simulations of steady-state, fully developed, two-phase flows within a typical 3D model pore network, implementing the DeProF mechanistic–stochastic model algorithm. Simulations were performed across flow conditions spanning 5 orders of magnitude, both in the capillary number, Ca, and the flow rate ratio, r, and for different favorable /unfavorable viscosity ratio fluid systems. The systematic, flow rate dependency of the relative permeabilities can be described analytically by a universal scaling function along the entire domain of the independent variables of the process, Ca and r. This universal scaling comprises a kernel function of the capillary number, Ca, that describes the asymmetric effects of capillarity across the entire flow regime—from capillarity-dominated to mixed capillarity/viscosity- to viscosity-dominated flows. It is shown that the kernel function, as well as the locus of the cross-over relative permeability values, are single-variable functions of the capillary number; they are both identified as viscosity ratio invariants of the system. Both invariants can be correlated with the structure of the pore network, through a function of Ca. Consequently, the correlation is associated with the wettability characteristics of the system. Among the potential applications, the proposed, universal, flow rate dependency scaling laws are the improvement of core analysis and dynamic rock-typing protocols, as well as integration into field-scale simulators or associated machine learning interventions for improved specificity/accuracy.
Electrophysiological Activity from the Eye Muscles, Cerebellum and Cerebrum During Reflexive (Classical Pavlovian) Versus Voluntary (Ivanov-Smolensky) Eye-Blink Conditioning
Authors: Todd Neil P. M. , Govender Sendhil , Keller Peter E. , Colebatch James G.
Published: October 2023

We report an experiment to investigate the role of the cerebellum and cerebrum in motor learning of timed movements. Eleven healthy human subjects were recruited to perform two experiments, the first was a classical eye-blink conditioning procedure with an auditory tone as conditional stimulus (CS) and vestibular unconditional stimulus (US) in the form of a double head-tap. In the second experiment, subjects were asked to blink voluntarily in synchrony with the double head-tap US preceded by a CS, a form of Ivanov-Smolensky conditioning in which a command or instruction is associated with the US. Electrophysiological recordings were made of extra-ocular EMG and EOG at infra-ocular sites (IO1/2), EEG from over the frontal eye fields (C3’/C4’) and from over the posterior fossa over the cerebellum for the electrocerebellogram (ECeG). The behavioural outcomes of the experiments showed weak reflexive conditioning for the first experiment despite the double tap but robust, well-synchronised voluntary conditioning for the second. Voluntary conditioned blinks were larger than the reflex ones. For the voluntary conditioning experiment, a contingent negative variation (CNV) was also present in the EEG leads prior to movement, and modulation of the high-frequency EEG occurred during movement. US-related cerebellar activity was prominent in the high-frequency ECeG for both experiments, while conditioned response-related cerebellar activity was additionally present in the voluntary conditioning experiment. These results demonstrate a role for the cerebellum in voluntary (Ivanov-Smolensky) as well as in reflexive (classical Pavlovian) conditioning.
Multidisciplinaire NDF-nascholing 'Eerste hulp bij diabetisch voetulcus'
Authors: Stienstra Rinke
Published: October 2023

Dit artikel is gebaseerd op de NDF-nascholing en het artikel dat Jaap Kroon, stafarts diabetes PoZoB, Nicolaas Schaper, emeritus hoogleraar endocrinologie en (diabetes)podotherapeut Lian Stoeldraaijers hebben gepubliceerd in Huisarts en Wetenschap. De informatie is met hun toestemming overgenomen. Zie: Kroon J, Schaper N, Stoeldraaijers L., "Eerste hulp bij een diabetisch voetulcus", H&W 2021;64(3):53-8.
Clinical advances in oncolytic virus therapy for malignant glioma: a systematic review
Authors: Jiang Shan , Chai Huihui , Tang Qisheng , Shi Zhifeng , Zhou Liangfu
Published: October 2023

Purpose

In the past decade, there has been little progress in the treatment of malignant glioma. Recently, oncolytic virus has made great progress in glioma treatment, and a number of clinical trials have shown their potential of prolonging the survival time of glioma patients. Our objective is to evaluate effectiveness and safety of oncolytic virus (OV) in malignant glioma treatment.

Methodology

Based upon PRISMA, we collected relevant published clinical trials by searching medical databases up to January 16, 2023, applying the language restrictions in English and Chinese. We cross-searched the terms: ‘glioma’, ‘glioblastoma’, ‘oncolytic viruses’, ‘oncolytic virotherapy’ with filter ‘clinical trial’. Two researchers independently extracted the data regarding case definitions, published years, trial phase, characteristics of patients, administration of drug, overall survival (OS), and adverse events.

Results

19 published clinical trials in OV treatment of malignant glioma were included in the further systematic review analysis. None of them induced irresistible adverse effects attributing to OV treatment, median overall survival varied from 3.25 to 20.2 months after treatments. According to trials providing patient’s detailed molecular diagnosis, we find that the effectiveness of OV treatment has no significant difference in patients with different IDH or MGMT status.

Conclusions

Current clinical trials have initially shown the potential of oncolytic virotherapy as a new treatment for malignant glioma. Besides development of virus types, the strategy of OV use is an urgent problem to be solved in future clinical application, such as repeated administrations, innovative drug delivery systems, and biomarkers.
Changes in brown adipose tissue induced by resveratrol and its analogue pterostilbene in rats fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet
Authors: Gómez-García Iker , Fernández-Quintela Alfredo , Portillo María Puy , Trepiana Jenifer
Published: October 2023

Natural bioactive compounds have attracted a great deal of attention since some of them can act as thermogenesis activators. In recent years, special interest has been placed on resveratrol and its analogue pterostilbene, a dimethylether derivative that shows higher bioavailability. The aim of the present study is to compare the effects of resveratrol and its derivative pterostilbene on the thermogenic capacity of interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) in rats under a high-fat high-fructose diet. Rats were divided into four experimental groups: control, high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHF) and HFHF diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg body weight/day of pterostilbene (PT30) or resveratrol (RSV30), for eight weeks. Weights of adipose tissues, iBAT triglycerides, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) and citrate synthase (CS) activities, protein levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), sirtuins (SIRT1 and 3), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), glucose transporter (GLUT4), fatty acid synthase (FAS), nuclear respiratory factor (NRF1), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), CD36 and FATP1 fatty acid transporters, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 (PGC1) activation and the batokines EPDR1 and NRG4 were assessed in iBAT. The results show that some key proteins related to thermogenesis were modified by either pterostilbene or resveratrol, although the lack of effects on other crucial proteins of the thermogenic machinery suggest that these compounds were not able to stimulate this process in iBAT. Overall, these data suggest that the effects of stilbenes on brown adipose tissue thermogenic capacity depend on the metabolic status, and more precisely on the presence or absence of obesity, although further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Scoring AI-generated policy recommendations with Risk-Adjusted Gain in Net Present Happiness
Authors: Breeden Joseph
Published: October 2023

Ethical considerations for assessing the collective benefit of an AI’s policy recommendations are different from assessing the ethical consequences from interacting with an individual. The study of population ethics provides a framework for studying collective benefit or harm in abstract terms. Research into happiness has made significant strides in identifying some key drivers of subjective well-being as measured both individually and collectively across societies. This research examines models from population ethics and statistical studies of subjective well-being to create a measure of benefit with which to judge AI recommendations. These models include refining estimations of the interaction between cultural aspects and economic development and incorporating measures of inequality of happiness and satisfaction through a society. When the impacts of a proposed policy are simulated for multiple successive years, risk discounting is used to measure Net Present Happiness, thus solving the conundrum of considering future generations in ethical considerations as posed in population ethics. Lastly, the Risk-Adjusted Gain in Net Present Happiness is proposed as a reasonable approach to ranking AI policy recommendations and as an AI objective function.
Nutritional diversity and food potential of indigenous pigmented rice landraces from Koraput regions of Eastern Ghats
Authors: Panda Debabrata , Rani Kalpna , Behera Prafulla K. , Pradhan Bhubaneswar , Lenka Sangram K.
Published: October 2023

Compressive nutritional, nutraceuticals and mineral profiling was carried out in eight diverse pigmented rice landraces originated from Koraput and compared them with improved variety (IR 64). The proximate compositions such as moisture content varied from 8.23 to 11.65 g 100 g−1, ash 0.68–1.46 g 100 g−1, fat 1.07–2.23 g 100 g−1, protein 7.00–9.63 g 100 g−1, carbohydrate 76.37–80.66 g 100 g−1, fiber 0.11–1.69 g 100 g−1 and energy 346.3–362.11 kcal 100 g−1 in the studied rice lines. These landraces are rich in phenol, flavonoid, and antioxidant concentrations and varied from 3.0 to 9.0 mg g−1, 0.150 to 0.950 mg 100 g−1, and 10.8 to 40.20%, respectively. Principal component analysis explained 47.2% of the overall variation and reflected huge difference between explored genotypes. The heritability and genetic advance varied from 30.22–99.90% and 2.5–111.5%, respectively. In compared to improved IR 64 variety, rich in energy content was recorded in Paradhan, Bhatamali and Haladiganthi indicated its nutritional superiority. Further, exceptional rich in phenol, flavonoid, vitamin C, vitamin E and antioxidant capacity was recorded in Kalachudi, Bedagurumukhi and Kandulakanthi, which may create opportunities for its large-scale commercialization and cultivation. These nutrition rich landraces also hold great potential for future crop improvement programs aimed at enhancing quality.
Capturing Human Environmental DNA: Ethical Challenges
Authors: de Groot Nina F.
Published: October 2023

In May 2023, it was reported that human genomic information can be captured relatively easy and inadvertently from environmental samples, such as air or water. Humans, as well as all other organisms, shed fragments of DNA continuously. There is a large variety of potential applications of such environmental DNA, for instance in biology, but also for criminal justice purposes. However, capturing human DNA from such environmental sources raises ethical issues. This article explores some key ethical issues of human environmental DNA, in particular those revolving around consent, privacy, commodification, and the possibility of genetic surveillance. The article suggests that insights from the digital data protection debate, in particular non-individual-based approaches to data control and governance, can be a valuable starting point for evaluating the ethical, legal, and policy aspects of human environmental DNA. As we leave genetic traces everywhere (just as we also leave digital traces everywhere online), seeking individual control over all of that information seems not only practically hardly possible, but also ethically problematic. Therefore, we need new approaches on how best to articulate and address the challenges that novel genetic information processing techniques bring about. Approaches and concepts from the online digital data debate, such as group privacy and predictive privacy, can offer a valuable way forward to think about how to effectively deal with the complex issues that human environmental DNA raises.