bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Return of Borders in the World Economy: An EU-Perspective
Authors: Sjöholm Fredrik
Published: May 2024

As the European Union (EU) grapples with increased external and internal trade barriers, it stands at a crossroads. This paper examines the EU's changing perspective on globalization, reflecting a shift from its traditionally open, rules-based trade policy. The rise of internal protectionist measures, coupled with increasing economic insularity in the US and China, are challenging this policy. The study advocates revitalizing the EU's internal market and fostering robust international trade policies, contrasting this with the current trend of implementing various types of selective industry support. It further underscores the EU's heightened responsibility in global trade liberalization, emphasizing the urgency for new trade agreements, particularly with the US, and a reinvigorated role for the WTO. This examination, set against the backdrop of evolving US and China trade dynamics, is pivotal to understanding the broader theme of the book, charting the historical trajectory, drivers and implications of changing global perspectives on borders and globalization.
The Boundaries of the Internal Market In- and Outside the EU
Authors: Öberg Marja-Liisa
Published: May 2024

This chapter addresses the question of the outer limits of the European Union’s (EU) internal market and its significance in the Union's foreign policy, especially in relations with the EU’s neighbouring countries. The internal market forms the core of European integration and has gained increased importance in the external context. Through an analysis of the relevance of the internal market within the EU as well as in the Union's policies towards the neighbourhood countries, the chapter argues that the extension of the boundaries of the internal market forms a highly significant part of the Union's external policy consolidating its leading role in the region. The expansion of the internal market offers third countries a strong opportunity to identify themselves as belonging to the wider European community and ensures a long-term commitment to the European integration project. While the formal, physical and administrative borders of the EU remain, the boundaries of the internal market continue to be blurred and the European integration project broadened and deepened for the benefit of security and prosperity in the region.
The EU's Dependence on Russian Energy—A Force that Divides or Unites the Union?
Authors: Becker Torbjörn , Åslund Anders
Published: May 2024

This chapter analyzes how the European Union (EU) and Russia's interdependence has developed with a focus on Russian energy exports to the EU. The main question is whether this will lead to division or greater cohesion in the EU when Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has forced the EU to reconsider its dependence on Russian energy. The chapter details the different types of energy EU countries imported from Russia and discusses the sanctions implemented by both sides. The effects of sanctions will be felt both in Europe and in Russia in the short term, but in the longer term, Russia is the big loser both in terms of relations with the EU and its own economic development. Energy exports are a fundamental driver of the Russian economy and without major institutional changes, the country will not be able to rid itself of its dependence on fossil energy exports. For the EU, the major challenge will be to deal with the internal fissures that are exposed when it reconsiders its relationship with Russia. The authors argue that this is a historic opportunity to accelerate the green transition in the EU while improving the Union's security by making itself independent of Russian energy.
The EU’s Fight against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in a Digital and Fragmented World
Authors: Bergström Maria
Published: May 2024

Money laundering (ML) poses a clear and present threat to citizens, democratic institutions and the financial system. The rules to prevent dirty money from being laundered through the financial system have grown into a huge regulatory framework. A selection of analytical and partly overlapping perspectives with specific challenges for the emerging regulatory framework is continuously identified and presented: Firstly, the increase in private–public cooperation where private actors have been involved in shaping the regulatory framework and been assigned “policing” tasks. Secondly, the exchange of information and the specific challenges posed by digitalisation. Thirdly, the interaction between administrative law and criminal law and different types of sanctions. Fourthly, the increased focus on EU security policy and the long-standing so-called securitisation of ML and terrorist financing (TF), which has led, among other things, to an increased competence for the EU institutions to regulate this area.

What shortcomings and legal challenges remain, and are they addressed by the existing and recently updated instruments as well as recent legislative proposals, or is there room for further reform? These analytical and partly overlapping perspectives are addressed in this chapter followed by current reform proposals, and finally, the new EU legislative package and remaining challenges.
Migration and Cities: An Introduction
Authors: Triandafyllidou Anna , Moghadam Amin , Kelly Melissa , Şahin-Mencütek Zeynep
Published: May 2024

This chapter introduces the empirical context and analytical framework within which the volume is inscribed. We discuss how urbanisation processes are differentiated among smaller and larger urban centres and how they take up different forms in different world regions. We also note that migration is part and parcel of urbanisation processes and may be experienced as a challenge or as an opportunity. The chapter and the book are part of the broader southern turn in Urban Studies that invites us to pay more attention to developments in Asia, Africa, and Latin America as well as in drawing comparative perspectives with Europe and North America. The chapter explains how the book is organised and offers an overview of its contents. In the concluding section we also discuss the main analytical findings that bring together this volume and make a contribution to the extant literature on the role of migration in (re)making cities.
Settlement and Rental Housing Experiences Among Recent Immigrants in the Suburbs of Vancouver: Burnaby, Richmond, and Surrey
Authors: Teixeira Carlos , Lopez Anabel
Published: May 2024

The suburbanization of immigrants in Canada is a relatively recent phenomenon, and these suburban settlement experiences and residential patterns are varied and complex. This chapter explores the settlement and housing experiences of recent immigrants in Burnaby, Richmond, and Surrey – three culturally diverse and fast-growing Vancouver suburbs – as well as the interactions between suburbanization processes and the housing strategies of migrants. Securing good-quality, affordable housing is key to the successful resettlement and integration of immigrants. For this study, data were collected from questionnaire surveys administered to 137 immigrants renting in the suburbs of Vancouver. The findings revealed that transitioning from their homelands was a stressful and costly experience. Given the escalating housing costs in the rental and homeownership markets and low vacancy rates, most participants had difficulties finding housing. Participants coped by sharing housing with relatives or friends to save money or by renting a basement. They also reported financial stress, with most living in unaffordable rental housing. The low vacancy rates in Vancouver’s suburbs have created a ‘landlord’s market’ and about one-third of participants reported perceived discrimination based on income, large family size, immigrant status, and general mistrust of their cultural, religious, racial, or ethnic backgrounds.
Suburban Migration: Interrogating the Intersections of Global Migration and Suburban Transformation
Authors: Zhuang Zhixi Cecilia
Published: May 2024

Suburbanisation as a global phenomenon has presented multifaceted patterns of evolution and transformation in various contexts. Migrant settlements in suburban spaces just add more complexities to suburbia by bringing diverse demographics, (inter)cultural practices, new built forms, and new meanings of space and community. These migrant spaces challenge conventional suburban socio-spatial organisations of land, infrastructure, and resources as well as suburban governance, planning, and design. The manifestations of migrant suburbs where diversity and urban growth are juxtaposed inevitably present profound implications for governments, practitioners, and academics in a myriad of ways, such as changing land uses and physical forms (e.g. neighbourhood characters), competing claims for space and rights to the city (e.g. who has the access), and increasing awareness of equity and social inclusion (e.g. who belongs to and in the community). This chapter draws on the migration-related suburbanisation processes in different contexts and applies the theory of the production of space to cast light upon the narratives of everyday suburban life, diversity management, growth and development, policy and governance, and socio-spatial (in)equity and (in)justice.
Governing Diversity Beyond City and State: Epistemic and Ethical Challenges of African Urbanisation
Authors: Landau Loren B.
Published: May 2024

Despite the rapid growth of cities worldwide, scholarly approaches to urban policymaking often overlook Sub-Saharan Africa’s urban revolution. Here cities are growing rapidly without the potential for employment or expanding public infrastructure. The result is a form of do-it-yourself urbanism that engenders a diversity of urban socio-economic and political forms. Drawing on freshly collected survey data from Nairobi, Accra, and Johannesburg that identify city residents’ migration trajectories, attitudes, and institutional engagements, this chapter will explore what Africa’s urban transformation means for scholarly analysis of political participation, spatial planning, and social cohesion. Doing so effectively means enhancing – or at times redefining – conventional meanings of political community, representation and urban inclusion, and modes of urban analysis.
Supporting Disaster Preparedness Through User-Centred Interaction Design in Immersive Environments
Authors: Blackler Alethea , Helsby-Clark Nagida , Ostwald Michael J. , Foth Marcus
Published: May 2024

At a time when wildfires and severe floods are challenging human society in unprecedented ways, we examine how immersive virtual environments can be used to enhance community preparedness for, and engagement with, disaster scenarios. Drawing on research from the fields of interaction design and participatory design, we explore the capacity of three-dimensional (3D) immersive virtual environments to foster increased situational awareness and risk perception among diverse communities—from first responders to local populations. Investigating tangible interfaces and interaction schemas applied to spatialised settings, we demonstrate how immersive environments can support effective scenario testing and rehearsal of responses to hazardous situations. Application of the described methods can equip users with response strategies that may prove productive in augmenting risk perception and deliberation.
Creatively Reimagining Place and Community in a World of Extreme Weather
Authors: Grehan Helena , Smaill Belinda , Ostwald Michael J.
Published: May 2024

This chapter explores connections between place, community and narrative in the context of a world beset by extreme weather events. Drawing on insights and readings from three disciplines—theatre studies, screen studies and architecture—the chapter constructs a rich picture of the ways these fields contribute to definitions of place and can potentially enhance disaster preparedness and recovery activities. Edward S. Casey’s theories of place and community provide a connecting thread throughout the chapter, along with his ideas about selfhood, “implacement” and the environment as a source of danger. As both an example of a work that begins to address these themes and a catalyst for discussion, the chapter examines the television series Fires (Ayres et al., Fires [TV Series]. Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 2021), which dramatises the 2019–2020 Black Summer fire season in Australia. Starting with a broad view of the context depicted in this series, the focus then shifts to individual experience and finally emotional responses. The chapter concludes by considering future research opportunities through which the disciplines of theatre studies, screen studies and architecture can leverage applications of advanced technology to contribute to disaster preparedness, responsiveness and recovery.
Reimagining Extreme Event Scenarios: The Aesthetic Visualisation of Climate Uncertainty to Enhance Preparedness
Authors: Del Favero Dennis , Thurow Susanne , Pagnucco Maurice , Frohne Ursula
Published: May 2024

Responding to the rapidly escalating climate emergency, this chapter outlines transformative multidisciplinary research centred on the visualisation of unpredictable extreme event scenarios. It proposes a unique, scientifically grounded artistic approach to one of the world’s most immediate challenges—preparing communities for extreme climate events, such as firestorms and flash floods. As preparedness is a function of prior threat experience, it argues that visualising threat scenarios in advance can be a key to surviving and adapting in an era of increasing climate instability. This approach can enable communities to viscerally experience and rehearse threat perception, situational awareness, adaptive decision making and dynamic response to unexpected life-threatening extreme events. Using experimental case studies at The University of New South Wales’s iCinema Research Centre and international benchmarks, this chapter explores how advances in immersive visualisation and artificial intelligence aesthetics can be integrated to provide a framework that enables the virtual prototyping of unforeseen geolocated climate scenarios to facilitate readiness in the face of accelerating climate uncertainty.
Statistical Submersions with Parallel Almost Complex Structures
Authors: Takano Kazuhiko , Kazan Sema
Published: May 2024

The aim of the present paper is to study statistical submersions with parallel almost complex structures. First, we define the notion of the generalized Kähler-like statistical submersion and give examples of the Kähler-like statistical submersions. In addition, we investigate total space and fibers under certain conditions. After, we introduce some results on J-invariant, $$J^{*}$$

J

∗

-invariant and anti-invariant generalized Kähler-like statistical submersions.
Rv2231c, a unique histidinol phosphate aminotransferase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, supports virulence by inhibiting host-directed defense
Authors: Zarin Sheeba , Shariq Mohd. , Rastogi Nilisha , Ahuja Yashika , Manjunath P. , Alam Anwar , Hasnain Seyed Ehtesham , Ehtesham Nasreen Zafar
Published: May 2024

Nitrogen metabolism of M. tuberculosis is critical for its survival in infected host cells. M. tuberculosis has evolved sophisticated strategies to switch between de novo synthesis and uptake of various amino acids from host cells for metabolic demands. Pyridoxal phosphate-dependent histidinol phosphate aminotransferase-HspAT enzyme is critically required for histidine biosynthesis. HspAT is involved in metabolic synthesis of histidine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, and novobiocin. We showed that M. tuberculosis Rv2231c is a conserved enzyme with HspAT activity. Rv2231c is a monomeric globular protein that contains α-helices and β-sheets. It is a secretory and cell wall-localized protein that regulates critical pathogenic attributes. Rv2231c enhances the survival and virulence of recombinant M. smegmatis in infected RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Rv2231c is recognized by the TLR4 innate immune receptor and modulates the host immune response by suppressing the secretion of the antibacterial pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF, IL-12, and IL-6. It also inhibits the expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 along with antigen presenting molecule MHC-I on macrophage and suppresses reactive nitrogen species formation, thereby promoting M2 macrophage polarization. Recombinant M. smegmatis expressing Rv2231c inhibited apoptosis in macrophages, promoting efficient bacterial survival and proliferation, thereby increasing virulence. Our results indicate that Rv2231c is a moonlighting protein that regulates multiple functions of M. tuberculosis pathophysiology to increase its virulence. These mechanistic insights can be used to better understand the pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis and to design strategies for tuberculosis mitigation.
Howe Duality of Type P
Authors: Davidson Nicholas , Kujawa Jonathan R. , Muth Robert
Published: May 2024

We establish classical and categorical Howe dualities between the Lie superalgebras $$\mathfrak {p}(m)$$

p
(
m
)

and $$\mathfrak {p}(n)$$

p
(
n
)

, for $$m,n \ge 1$$

m
,
n
≥
1

. We also describe a presentation via generators and relations as well as a Kostant $$\mathbb {Z}$$
Z
-form for the universal enveloping superalgebra $$U(\mathfrak {p}(m))$$

U
(
p
(
m
)
)

.
Extrapolation of Compactness on Banach Function Spaces
Authors: Lorist Emiel , Nieraeth Zoe
Published: May 2024

We prove an extrapolation of compactness theorem for operators on Banach function spaces satisfying certain convexity and concavity conditions. In particular, we show that the boundedness of an operator T in the weighted Lebesgue scale and the compactness of T in the unweighted Lebesgue scale yields compactness of T on a very general class of Banach function spaces. As our main new tool, we prove various characterizations of the boundedness of the Hardy-Littlewood maximal operator on such spaces and their associate spaces, using a novel sparse self-improvement technique. We apply our main results to prove compactness of the commutators of singular integral operators and pointwise multiplication by functions of vanishing mean oscillation on, for example, weighted variable Lebesgue spaces.
Update zur Diagnostik der Drittfenstersyndrome
Authors: Dlugaiczyk Julia , Rösch Sebastian , Mantokoudis Georgios
Published: May 2024

Hintergrund

Die Diagnostik von Drittfenstersyndromen stellt in der klinischen Praxis häufig eine Herausforderung dar.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die vorliegende Arbeit gibt einen aktuellen Überblick über diagnostische Optionen bei diesen Krankheitsbildern, mit besonderem Fokus auf das Syndrom der oberen Bogengangsdehiszenz (SCDS), das Syndrom des erweiterten vestibulären Aquädukts (LVAS) und die X‑chromosomale Malformation der Cochlea.

Material und Methoden

Dazu erfolgte eine Literaturrecherche in der Datenbank PubMed bis Dezember 2023 und die Aufarbeitung eigener Fälle.

Ergebnisse

Audiovestibuläre Testverfahren zur Diagnose eines Drittfenstersyndroms werden in der Literatur am häufigsten im Rahmen des SCDS beschrieben. Für vestibulär evozierte myogene Potenziale wurden hier Grenzwerte mit unterschiedlichen Sensitivitäten/Spezifitäten für verschiedene Messparameter definiert. Neuere Entwicklungen umfassen die Anwendung der Elektrocochleographie, der Breitbandtympanometrie, des Video-Kopfimpulstests und des vibrationsinduzierten Nystagmus. Beim LVAS kommen zunehmend genetische Analysen zum Einsatz.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Diagnose eines Drittfenstersyndroms ergibt sich immer aus der Synthese von Symptomen, klinischen Zeichen, apparativen Untersuchungsbefunden und der Bildgebung.
Myeloid-derived growth factor ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis by regulating macrophage polarization
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhao Conghui , Yang Zi , Du Conglin , Chang Zhichao , Wen Xin , Zhang Xiujuan , liu Yi , Hu Liang , Gao Zhenhua
Published: May 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by inflammatory conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. According to reports, IBD prevalence is increasing globally, with heavy economic and physical burdens. Current IBD clinical treatment is limited to pharmacological methods; therefore, new strategies are needed. Myeloid-derived growth factor (MYDGF) secreted by bone marrow-derived mononuclear macrophages has beneficial effects in multiple inflammatory diseases. To this end, the present study aimed to establish an experimental IBD mouse model using dextran sulfate sodium in drinking water. MYDGF significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis, suppressed lymphocyte infiltration, restored epithelial integrity in mice, and decreased apoptosis in the colon tissue. Moreover, the number of M1 macrophages was decreased and that of M2 macrophages was increased by the action of MYDGF. In MYDGF-treated mice, the NF-κB and MAPK pathways were partially inhibited. Our findings indicate that MYDGF could mitigate DSS-induced mice IBD by reducing inflammation and restoring epithelial integrity through regulation of intestinal macrophage polarization via NF-κB and MAPK pathway inhibition.

Key messages

MYDGF alleviated DSS-induced acute colitis.

MYDGF maintains colon epithelial barrier integrity and relieves inflammation.

MYDGF regulates colon macrophage polarization.

MYDGF partially inhibited the activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathway.
Multi-omics bioactivity profile-based chemical grouping and read-across: a case study with Daphnia magna and azo dyes
Authors: Gruszczynska Hanna , Barnett Rosemary E. , Lloyd Gavin R. , Weber Ralf J. M. , Lawson Thomas N. , Zhou Jiarui , Sostare Elena , Colbourne John K. , Viant Mark R.
Published: May 2024

Grouping/read-across is widely used for predicting the toxicity of data-poor target substance(s) using data-rich source substance(s). While the chemical industry and the regulators recognise its benefits, registration dossiers are often rejected due to weak analogue/category justifications based largely on the structural similarity of source and target substances. Here we demonstrate how multi-omics measurements can improve confidence in grouping via a statistical assessment of the similarity of molecular effects. Six azo dyes provided a pool of potential source substances to predict long-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates (Daphnia magna) for the dye Disperse Yellow 3 (DY3) as the target substance. First, we assessed the structural similarities of the dyes, generating a grouping hypothesis with DY3 and two Sudan dyes within one group. Daphnia magna were exposed acutely to equi-effective doses of all seven dyes (each at 3 doses and 3 time points), transcriptomics and metabolomics data were generated from 760 samples. Multi-omics bioactivity profile-based grouping uniquely revealed that Sudan 1 (S1) is the most suitable analogue for read-across to DY3. Mapping ToxPrint structural fingerprints of the dyes onto the bioactivity profile-based grouping indicated an aromatic alcohol moiety could be responsible for this bioactivity similarity. The long-term reproductive toxicity to aquatic invertebrates of DY3 was predicted from S1 (21-day NOEC, 40 µg/L). This prediction was confirmed experimentally by measuring the toxicity of DY3 in D. magna. While limitations of this ‘omics approach are identified, the study illustrates an effective statistical approach for building chemical groups.
From route to dive: multi-scale habitat selection in a foraging tropical seabird
Authors: Dunn Ruth E. , Freeman Robin , Nicoll Malcolm A. , Ramsden Julia , Trevail Alice M. , Wood Hannah , Votier Stephen C.
Published: May 2024

Comprehending how environmental variability shapes foraging behaviour across habitats is key to unlocking insights into consumer ecology. Seabirds breeding at high latitudes are exemplars of how marine consumers can adapt their behaviours to make use of predictable foraging opportunities, but prey tends to be less predictable in tropical oceanic ecosystems and may require alternative foraging behaviours. Here we used GPS and time-depth recorder loggers to investigate the foraging behaviour of central placed adult red-footed boobies (Sula sula rubripes), a tropical seabird that forages in oceanic waters via diving, or by capturing aerial prey such as flying fish in flight. Dive bout dynamics revealed that red-footed boobies appeared to exploit denser, but more sparsely distributed prey patches when diving further from the colony. Furthermore, although we found no evidence of environmentally driven habitat selection along their foraging routes, red-footed boobies preferentially dived in areas with higher sea surface temperatures and chlorophyll-a concentrations compared to conditions along their foraging tracks. This multi-scale variation implies that habitat selection differs between foraging routes compared to dive locations. Finally, red-footed booby dives were deepest during the middle of the day when light penetration was greatest. Ultimately, we highlight the importance of gaining insights into consumer foraging across different ecosystems, thereby broadening understanding of how animals might respond to changing environmental conditions.
Extracellular matrix stiffness and tumor-associated macrophage polarization: new fields affecting immune exclusion
Authors: Yu Ke-Xun , Yuan Wei-Jie , Wang Hui-Zhen , Li Yong-Xiang
Published: May 2024

In the malignant progression of tumors, there is deposition and cross-linking of collagen, as well as an increase in hyaluronic acid content, which can lead to an increase in extracellular matrix stiffness. Recent research evidence have shown that the extracellular matrix plays an important role in angiogenesis, cell proliferation, migration, immunosuppression, apoptosis, metabolism, and resistance to chemotherapeutic by the alterations toward both secretion and degradation. The clinical importance of tumor-associated macrophage is increasingly recognized, and macrophage polarization plays a central role in a series of tumor immune processes through internal signal cascade, thus regulating tumor progression. Immunotherapy has gradually become a reliable potential treatment strategy for conventional chemotherapy resistance and advanced cancer patients, but the presence of immune exclusion has become a major obstacle to treatment effectiveness, and the reasons for their resistance to these approaches remain uncertain. Currently, there is a lack of exact mechanism on the regulation of extracellular matrix stiffness and tumor-associated macrophage polarization on immune exclusion. An in-depth understanding of the relationship between extracellular matrix stiffness, tumor-associated macrophage polarization, and immune exclusion will help reveal new therapeutic targets and guide the development of clinical treatment methods for advanced cancer patients. This review summarized the different pathways and potential molecular mechanisms of extracellular matrix stiffness and tumor-associated macrophage polarization involved in immune exclusion and provided available strategies to address immune exclusion.
Characterisation of premature cell senescence in Alzheimer’s disease using single nuclear transcriptomics
Authors: Fancy Nurun N. , Smith Amy M. , Caramello Alessia , Tsartsalis Stergios , Davey Karen , Muirhead Robert C. J. , McGarry Aisling , Jenkyns Marion H. , Schneegans Eleonore , Chau Vicky , Thomas Michael , Boulger Sam , Cheung To Ka Dorcas , Adair Emily , Papageorgopoulou Marianna , Willumsen Nanet , Khozoie Combiz , Gomez-Nicola Diego , Jackson Johanna S. , Matthews Paul M.
Published: May 2024

Aging is associated with cell senescence and is the major risk factor for AD. We characterized premature cell senescence in postmortem brains from non-diseased controls (NDC) and donors with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using imaging mass cytometry (IMC) and single nuclear RNA (snRNA) sequencing (> 200,000 nuclei). We found increases in numbers of glia immunostaining for galactosidase beta (> fourfold) and p16INK4A (up to twofold) with AD relative to NDC. Increased glial expression of genes related to senescence was associated with greater β-amyloid load. Prematurely senescent microglia downregulated phagocytic pathways suggesting reduced capacity for β-amyloid clearance. Gene set enrichment and pseudo-time trajectories described extensive DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress associated with increased β-amyloid leading to premature senescence in microglia. We replicated these observations with independent AD snRNA-seq datasets. Our results describe a burden of senescent glia with AD that is sufficiently high to contribute to disease progression. These findings support the hypothesis that microglia are a primary target for senolytic treatments in AD.
The role of vitamins and nutrients in rosacea
Authors: Algarin Yanci A. , Pulumati Anika , Jaalouk Dana , Tan Jiali , Nouri Keyvan
Published: May 2024

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition displaying symptoms like flushing, erythema, papules, and pustules. Oral antibiotics, despite long-term adverse effects, are often used due to topical treatment limitations, underscoring the need for cost-effective choices like dietary modifications. Our review investigates the role of vitamins and minerals in rosacea, and provides evidence-based recommendations for supplementation and topical treatment of these nutrients for rosacea. An online search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1998 to 2023. Included studies were summarized and assessed for quality and relevance in rosacea management. Varied outcomes emerged concerning the impact of essential vitamins and minerals on rosacea treatment. Vitamin A derivatives, specifically oral isotretinoin, demonstrated significant efficacy, with a 90% reduction in lesions, complete remission in 24% of patients, and marked improvement in 57% of patients. Vitamin B3 derivatives, such as topical 1-methylnicotinamide 0.25% and NADH 1%, improved symptoms in 76.4% (26/34) and 80% of patients, respectively. Outcomes for vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc supplementation varied across studies. However, zinc sulfate solution 5% significantly reduced acne rosacea severity for patients with 40% and 60% exhibiting a moderate or good response, respectively. Omega-3 fatty acids showed significant improvement in alleviating xerophthalmia in 64% of patients with ocular rosacea. Vitamins and minerals hold potential in managing rosacea symptoms, offering a safe and cost-effective alternative or adjunctive treatment option. Currently, there are no established recommendations regarding their supplementation for rosacea. Studies assessing serum levels of vitamins and minerals in relation to rosacea are warranted, as this avenue holds potential for future advancements in the field.
Effect of low-volume combined aerobic and resistance high-intensity interval training on vascular health in people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cox Emily R. , Gajanand Trishan , Keating Shelley E. , Hordern Matthew D. , Burton Nicola W. , Green Daniel J. , Ramos Joyce S. , Ramos Maximiano V. , Fassett Robert G. , Cox Stephen V. , Coombes Jeff S. , Bailey Tom G.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

We compared the effects of low-volume combined aerobic and resistance high-intensity interval training (C-HIIT), combined moderate-intensity continuous training (C-MICT) and waitlist control (CON) on vascular health after 8-weeks of supervised training, and an additional 10-months of self-directed training, in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Sixty-nine low active adults with T2D were randomised to 8-weeks of supervised C-HIIT (3 times/week, 78-min/week), C-MICT (current exercise guidelines, 4 times/week, 210-min/week) or CON. CON underwent usual care for 8-weeks before being re-randomised to C-HIIT or C-MICT. This was followed by 10-months of self-directed training for participants in C-HIIT and C-MICT. Vascular outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 8-weeks, and 12-months.

Results

After 8-weeks, supervised C-HIIT significantly improved relative flow-mediated dilation (FMD) compared with CON (mean difference [MD] 0.8% [0.1, 1.4], p = 0.025). Although not significantly different from CON, the magnitude of change in relative FMD following 8-weeks of supervised C-MICT was similar (MD 0.8% [–0.1, 1.7], p = 0.080). There were no differences in haemodynamic indices, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), or aortic reservoir pressure between groups at 8-weeks. After 12-months, there was a significant reduction in haemodynamic indices (time effect, p < 0.05) for both C-HIIT and C-MICT, with no between-group difference. The reduction in cfPWV over 12-months was significantly greater in C-MICT than C-HIIT (group × time effect, p = 0.018). There was no difference in FMD over time or between groups at 12-months.

Conclusions

Short-term supervised C-HIIT and C-MICT both increased brachial artery FMD compared with CON. Long-term C-HIIT and C-MICT were beneficial for improving haemodynamic indices, but not brachial artery FMD. C-MICT was superior to C-HIIT for improving cfPWV at 12-months.

Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Identifier ACTRN12615000475549.
Full robotic versus open ALPPS: a bi-institutional comparison of perioperative outcomes
Authors: Guidetti Cristiano , Müller Philip C. , Magistri Paolo , Jonas Jan Philipp , Odorizzi Roberta , Kron Philipp , Guerrini Gianpiero , Oberkofler Christian E. , Di Sandro Stefano , Clavien Pierre-Alain , Petrowsky Henrik , Di Benedetto Fabrizio
Published: May 2024

Background

In primarily unresectable liver tumors, ALPPS (Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged hepatectomy) may offer curative two-stage hepatectomy trough a fast and extensive hypertrophy. However, concerns have been raised about the invasiveness of the procedure. Full robotic ALPPS has the potential to reduce the postoperative morbidity trough a less invasive access. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of open and full robotic ALPPS.

Methods

The bicentric study included open ALPPS cases from the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland and robotic ALPPS cases from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy from 01/2015 to 07/2022. Main outcomes were intraoperative parameters and overall complications.

Results

Open and full robotic ALPPS were performed in 36 and 7 cases. Robotic ALPPS was associated with less blood loss after both stages (418 ± 237 ml vs. 319 ± 197 ml; P = 0.04 and 631 ± 354 ml vs. 258 ± 53 ml; P = 0.01) as well as a higher rate of interstage discharge (86% vs. 37%; P = 0.02). OT was longer with robotic ALPPS after both stages (371 ± 70 min vs. 449 ± 81 min; P = 0.01 and 282 ± 87 min vs. 373 ± 90 min; P = 0.02). After ALPPS stage 2, there was no difference for overall complications (86% vs. 86%; P = 1.00) and major complications (43% vs. 39%; P = 0.86). The total length of hospital stay was similar (23 ± 17 days vs. 26 ± 13; P = 0.56).

Conclusion

Robotic ALPPS was safely implemented and showed potential for improved perioperative outcomes compared to open ALPPS in an experienced robotic center. The robotic approach might bring the perioperative risk profile of ALPPS closer to interventional techniques of portal vein embolization/liver venous deprivation.
The effectiveness of personalised surveillance and aftercare in breast cancer follow-up: a systematic review
Authors: van Maaren Marissa C. , van Hoeve Jolanda C. , Korevaar Joke C. , van Hezewijk Marjan , Siemerink Ester J. M. , Zeillemaker Anneke M. , Klaassen-Dekker Anneleen , van Uden Dominique J. P. , Volders José H. , Drossaert Constance H. C. , Siesling Sabine ,   on behalf of the NABOR project group, van Maaren Marissa C. , Retel Valesca P. , Knottnerus Bart , van Leeuwen-Stok Elise , Guerrero-Paez Cristina , Burgers Jako S. , Zeillemaker Anneke M. , Peeters Marie-Jeanne T. F. D. Vrancken , van Hezewijk Marjan , Siemerink Ester J. M. , Honkoop Aafke H. , Veltman Jeroen , Mann Ritse , Wiegersma Jannet , Claassen Saskia , van der Lee Marije L. , van Uden-Kraan Cornelia F. , Korevaar J. C. , van Korevaar M. , Siemerink E. , Zeillemaker A. M. , Klaassen-Dekker A. , Drossaert C. H. C. , Siesling S. C.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Breast cancer follow-up (surveillance and aftercare) varies from one-size-fits-all to more personalised approaches. A systematic review was performed to get insight in existing evidence on (cost-)effectiveness of personalised follow-up.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane were searched between 01–01-2010 and 10–10-2022 (review registered in PROSPERO:CRD42022375770). The inclusion population comprised nonmetastatic breast cancer patients ≥ 18 years, after completing curative treatment. All intervention-control studies studying personalised surveillance and/or aftercare designed for use during the entire follow-up period were included. All review processes including risk of bias assessment were performed by two reviewers. Characteristics of included studies were described.

Results

Overall, 3708 publications were identified, 64 full-text publications were read and 16 were included for data extraction. One study evaluated personalised surveillance. Various personalised aftercare interventions and outcomes were studied. Most common elements included in personalised aftercare plans were treatment summaries (75%), follow-up guidelines (56%), lists of available supportive care resources (38%) and PROs (25%). Control conditions mostly comprised usual care. Four out of seven (57%) studies reported improvements in quality of life following personalisation. Six studies (38%) found no personalisation effect, for multiple outcomes assessed (e.g. distress, satisfaction). One (6.3%) study was judged as low, four (25%) as high risk of bias and 11 (68.8%) as with concerns.

Conclusion

The included studies varied in interventions, measurement instruments and outcomes, making it impossible to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of personalised follow-up. There is a need for a definition of both personalised surveillance and aftercare, whereafter outcomes can be measured according to uniform standards.
Low avascular necrosis rates in femoral neck fractures: efficacy of cannulated screw fixation
Authors: Scattergood S. D. , Berry A. L. , Flannery O. , Burdon A. , Mitchell S. R. , Fletcher J. W. A.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Cannulated screw fixation for femoral neck fractures is often limited by concerns of avascular necrosis (AVN) occurring, historically seen in 5–40% of fixed intracapsular fractures. This study aims to assess the outcomes, particularly the AVN rate, associated with current surgical techniques within our unit.

Methods

We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study, manually searching operative records between July 14, 2014, and December 1, 2018, identifying patients with intracapsular fractured neck of femur fixed with cannulated screws, with a minimum of two years follow-up. Patient records and radiographs were reviewed for clinical and radiographic diagnoses of AVN, non-union, post-operative metalwork infection, and screw penetration of the head. Additionally, fracture pattern and displacement, screw configuration, reduction techniques, and adequacy of reduction were recorded, with radiographs independently analyzed by four orthopedic surgeons.

Results

Fifty-six patients were included; average age of 67 years (range 30–100). Forty-two patients (75%) sustained displaced fractures and 14 patients (25%) had undisplaced fractures. Two (4%) patients developed AVN, with no cases of non-union, post-operative metalwork infection or screw penetration of the head. Eight patients (14%) sustained a high-energy injury, though none of these patients developed AVN. All fractures required closed reduction; no open reductions performed. Twenty-seven (64%) of reductions were adequate.

Conclusion

Our observed AVN rate is notably lower than the widely reported figures, even among a significant proportion of displaced fractures that were fixed. This study underscores that with adequate fixation, cannulated screws represent an excellent option for treating intracapsular neck of femur fractures, even in cases of displaced fracture patterns with imperfect reduction.
A simulator-based approach for testing and assessing human supervised autonomous ship navigation
Authors: Brandsæter Andreas , Madsen Andreas
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes and demonstrates a simulator-based approach for testing and assessing human operators’ ability and performance in supervising autonomous ships. In the autonomy concept studied here, it is assumed that the autonomous navigation system is capable of detecting and notifying the human operator prior to entering a challenging situation. The system will attempt to resolve the situation with a proposed evasive maneuver, but the system may occasionally make errors or select sub-optimal solutions. When the human operator is notified about a challenging situation, the operator should closely assess the situation, and intervene if (and only if) necessary. The proposed approach allows us to test and quantify the human operators’ abilities and performances in supervising an autonomously navigated ship. The approach is demonstrated on 56 simulator experiments, involving seven different navigators that perform eight different traffic scenarios. The scenarios are all based on real traffic data collected from a Norwegian ferry-crossing. The demonstration shows that the candidates are successful in supervising the autonomous ship in low-complexity traffic scenarios where it is easy for the operator to interpret the system’s decisions. The operators’ ability to intervene when and only when needed does, however, decline in more complex scenarios, and their performance is highly dependent on the traffic scenario and vary significantly between the candidates.
Intervention modalities for brain fog caused by long-COVID: systematic review of the literature
Authors: Gorenshtein Alon , Liba Tom , Leibovitch Liron , Stern Shai , Stern Yael
Published: May 2024

Individuals suffering from long-COVID can present with “brain fog”, which is characterized by a range of cognitive impairments, such as confusion, short-term memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. To date, several potential interventions for brain fog have been considered. Notably, no systematic review has comprehensively discussed the impact of each intervention type on brain fog symptoms. We included studies on adult (aged > 18 years) individuals with proven long- COVID brain-fog symptoms from PubMed, MEDLINE, Central, Scopus, and Embase. A search limit was set for articles published between 01/2020 and 31/12/2023. We excluded studies lacking an objective assessment of brain fog symptoms and patients with preexisting neurological diseases that affected cognition before COVID-19 infection. This review provided relevant information from 17 studies. The rehabilitation studies utilized diverse approaches, leading to a range of outcomes in terms of the effectiveness of the interventions. Six studies described noninvasive brain stimulation, and all showed improvement in cognitive ability. Three studies described hyperbaric oxygen therapy, all of which showed improvements in cognitive assessment tests and brain perfusion. Two studies showed that the use of Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin (PEA-LUT) improved cognitive impairment. Noninvasive brain stimulation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy showed promising results in the treatment of brain fog symptoms caused by long-COVID, with improved perfusion and cortical excitability. Furthermore, both rehabilitation strategies and PEA-LUT administration have been associated with improvements in symptoms of brain fog. Future studies should explore combinations of interventions and include longer follow-up periods to assess the long-term effects of these treatments.
Inclusion body myositis, viral infections, and TDP-43: a narrative review
Authors: Văcăraş Vitalie , Vulturar Romana , Chiş Adina , Damian Laura
Published: May 2024

The ubiquitous RNA-processing molecule TDP-43 is involved in neuromuscular diseases such as inclusion body myositis, a late-onset acquired inflammatory myopathy. TDP-43 solubility and function are disrupted in certain viral infections. Certain viruses, high viremia, co-infections, reactivation of latent viruses, and post-acute expansion of cytotoxic T cells may all contribute to inclusion body myositis, mainly in an age-shaped immune landscape. The virally induced senescent, interferon gamma-producing cytotoxic CD8+ T cells with increased inflammatory, and cytotoxic features are involved in the occurrence of inclusion body myositis in most such cases, in a genetically predisposed host. We discuss the putative mechanisms linking inclusion body myositis, TDP-43, and viral infections untangling the links between viruses, interferon, and neuromuscular degeneration could shed a light on the pathogenesis of the inclusion body myositis and other TDP-43-related neuromuscular diseases, with possible therapeutic implications.
Avian functional diversity retained in a tropical rainforest fragment after more than 120 years of turnover
Authors: LOW Bing Wen , WEE Shelby Qi Wei , SOH Malcolm Chu Keong , ER Kenneth Boon Hwee
Published: May 2024

Deforestation is linked to the increasing prevalence of small forest fragments worldwide and an associated loss in functional diversity. However, our long-term understanding on how biodiversity and functional roles respond in such isolated fragments is limited, especially in Southeast Asia. We compared the bird community in a small primary rainforest fragment in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, using historical records in 1898 and contemporary surveys conducted in 1998 and 2018–2021. Species composition was expectedly dissimilar between the 1898 and contemporary bird communities (50%), driven mostly by turnover (45.5%) rather than nestedness (4.5%). Despite the changes in community composition and species extirpations, both species richness and functional diversity were retained. Our results suggest that small forest fragments can form novel bird communities that are functionally similar to previous communities that inhabited the fragment, leading to the retention of functional diversity. Such functional redundancy may be encouraged through habitat restoration initiatives adjacent to fragmented forests.
Impact of human capital and natural resources on environmental quality in South Asia
Authors: Tariq Nazish , Ali Minhaj , Usman Muhammad
Published: May 2024

This study examines the importance of human capital and natural resources on environmental quality in South Asia by using panel data that ranges from 1975 to 2021. Advanced cointegration approaches establish the long-term linkages between human capital, natural resources, economic growth, economic growth squared, urban population, industrial value added, and ecological footprint. To explore the long and short-run association among these variables, this study applied the panel autoregressive distributed lags (ARDL) model. The outcome designates that human capital has a negative and significant alliance with environmental quality, whereas economic growth and economic growth square affect environmental quality positively and negatively, confirming the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. Urban population growth and natural resources have significant negative associations with environmental pollution, whereas industrial value added increases the pollution levels in South Asia. Lastly, the outcome of the interaction between human capital and natural resource rent on the ecological footprint has a significant positive effect. This study recommends that South Asian nations improve their human capital to promote industrial modernization, expansion of green technology, and energy-efficient habits. Utilizing natural resources also helps South Asian nations maintain a clean ecosystem. Additionally, South Asian nations ought to vigilantly track the negative consequences of industrialization on the atmosphere. Thus, ecological sustainability requires human capital and natural resources.