bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young Farmers and the Dynamics of Agrarian Transition in China
Authors: Pan Lu
Published: November 2023

For a transformative country like China that still has a large rural population and significant agricultural sector, the role of young farmers in the future of the country’s agrarian transition has extraordinary importance. The social awareness of young farmers and their important role varies in China in the last decade depending on the dynamics of agrarian change and socio-economic transformations. This issue is particularly relevant in the second decade of the twentieth century when the government is actively encouraging young people to commit to agriculture and rural revitalization in China; farming families are in a period of increased opportunity but not without related challenges. This chapter begins with a brief review of agrarian transition in China before exploring the general situation of rural youth in terms of education, vocation, and social mobility in order to provide the reader with a comprehensive background of the situation for young farmers in China. Before concluding, the final section will address the demographic challenges of Chinese agriculture.
Chapter Fourteen: Intuition, Destiny, Love
Authors: Stroeken Koen
Published: November 2023

Dating apps, quantum computation and election of the GOAT in any domain are three cases that illustrate the antagonism of simplex society with intuition and particularly with the claim to intuit destiny.

The chapter takes its cue from the oldest remedy against simplex society. The magic of love, how could dating apps capture it? The apps are a cure worsening the problem because they enhance the simplex of chance. Intuition approaches love as destiny.

Events should be situated in the middle between the given, the pregiven and the immitted. Intuition is the extent to which one captures that middle. It is the human sense of reality. Being conscious of an immission is pre-ception, perceiving an event before it occurs.
Chapter Four: The Human Experiment
Authors: Stroeken Koen
Published: November 2023

This chapter starts from the notorious Milgram experiment to find the historical and sociocultural origins of dehumanization described in the previous chapter. Delving into the unsteady edifice of simplexes on primitiveness and progress brings us to a default frame called ‘normality’ with neolithic origins and discriminating potential. We explore the genealogy of morbid energy condensed and transmitted across generations, from civilizational demonization to cultural essentialism and the superiority of the WEIRD. If we compare the usual suspect, enemy or witch in various societies, modern and premodern, it appears that the one we have to thank our life or welfare for comes to mind first as the cause of evil. The victim of simplication and exclusion is the very one on whose existence the ‘simplicator’ depends.
Ambartsumian Type Theorems
Authors: Kurasov Pavel
Published: November 2023

Obtained spectral estimates will be applied in this chapter to prove a direct analog (for differential operators on graphs) of the celebrated Ambartsumian theorem.
Magnetic Fluxes
Authors: Kurasov Pavel
Published: November 2023

We have already seen that the spectra of quantum graphs are independent of the particular form of the magnetic potential (5.8)—only integrals of the magnetic potential along the edges play a role. One may say that adding magnetic potential is equivalent to a special change of vertex conditions. The goal of this chapter is to look at this connection in more detail.
Vertex Conditions
Authors: Kurasov Pavel
Published: November 2023

The goal of this chapter is to describe the most general vertex conditions for Schrödinger operators on metric graphs and how these conditions are connected to graph’s topology.
Trace Formula and Inverse Problems
Authors: Kurasov Pavel
Published: November 2023

Our aim in this section is to establish an explicit formula allowing one to calculate the Euler characteristic of the metric graph directly from the spectrum of the standard Laplace operator.
Understanding the open string pair production of the Dp/D0 system
Authors: Lu J. X.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Consider a system consisting of Dp and Dp′, placed parallel at a separation and with p − p′ = 2n (assuming p ≥ p′, the integer n ≥ 0 and p′ > 0). When either Dp or Dp′ carries a worldvolume electric flux, one in general expects a non-vanishing open string pair production due to the pair of virtual open string/anti open string connecting the two D branes under the action of the applied flux. However, this will not be true for p′ = 0 and p = 2, 4, 6 when the Dp carries a pure electric flux. In this note, we will explore the case for which a finite non-vanishing open string pair production rate can indeed be produced when a certain worldvolume flux is applied to the Dp brane and understand the physics behind.
Sharpening the A → Z(*)h signature of the Type-II 2HDM at the LHC through advanced Machine Learning
Authors: Esmail W. , Hammad A. , Moretti S.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The A → Z(*)h decay signature has been highlighted as possibly being the first testable probe of the Standard Model (SM) Higgs boson discovered in 2012 (h) interacting with Higgs companion states, such as those existing in a 2-Higgs Doublet Model (2HDM), chiefly, a CP-odd one (A). The production mechanism of the latter at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) takes place via $$ b\overline{b} $$
b

b
¯

-annihilation and/or gg-fusion, depending on the 2HDM parameters, in turn dictated by the Yukawa structure of this Beyond the SM (BSM) scenario. Among the possible incarnations of the 2HDM, we test here the so-called Type-II, for a twofold reason. On the one hand, it intriguingly offers two very distinct parameter regions compliant with the SM-like Higgs measurements, i.e., where the so-called ‘SM limit’ of the 2HDM can be achieved. On the other hand, in both configurations, the AZh coupling is generally small, hence the signal is strongly polluted by backgrounds, so that the exploitation of Machine Learning (ML) techniques becomes extremely useful. In this paper, we show that the application of advanced ML implementations can be decisive in establishing such a signal. This is true for all distinctive kinematical configurations involving the A → Z(*)h decay, i.e., below threshold (mA < mZ + mh), at its maximum (mZ + mh < mA < 2mt) and near the onset of $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

pair production (mA ≈ 2mt), for which we propose Benchmark Points (BPs) for future phenomenological analyses.
Nearly Toroidal, Periodic and Quasi-periodic Motions of Fluid Particles Driven by the Gavrilov Solutions of the Euler Equations
Authors: Baldi Pietro
Published: November 2023

We consider the smooth, compactly supported solutions of the steady 3D Euler equations of incompressible fluids constructed by Gavrilov (Geom Funct Anal (GAFA) 29(1):190–197, 2019), and we study the corresponding fluid particle dynamics. This is an ode analysis, which contributes to the description of Gavrilov’s vector field.
Non-invasive imaging of sympathetic innervation of the pancreas in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Vyakaranam Achyut Ram , Mahamed Maryama M. , Hellman Per , Eriksson Olof , Espes Daniel , Christoffersson Gustaf , Sundin Anders
Published: November 2023

Aims/hypothesis

Compromised pancreatic sympathetic innervation has been suggested as a factor involved in both immune-mediated beta cell destruction and endocrine dysregulation of pancreatic islets. To further explore these intriguing findings, new techniques for in vivo assessment of pancreatic innervation are required. This is a retrospective study that aimed to investigate whether the noradrenaline (norepinephrine) analogue 11C-hydroxy ephedrine (11C-HED) could be used for quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the sympathetic innervation of the human pancreas.

Methods

In 25 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 64 individuals without diabetes, all of whom had previously undergone 11C-HED-PET/CT because of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (or suspicion thereof), the 11C-HED standardised uptake value (SUVmean), 11C-HED specific binding index (SBI), pancreatic functional volume (FV, in ml), functional neuronal volume (FNV, calculated as SUVmean × FV), specific binding index with functional volume (SBI FV, calculated as SBI × FV) and attenuation on CT (HU) were investigated in the entire pancreas, and additionally in six separate anatomical pancreatic regions.

Results

Generally, 11C-HED uptake in the pancreas was high, with marked individual variation, suggesting variability in sympathetic innervation. Moreover, pancreatic CT attenuation (HU) (p<0.001), 11C-HED SBI (p=0.0049) and SBI FV (p=0.0142) were lower in individuals with type 2 diabetes than in individuals without diabetes, whereas 11C-HED SUVmean (p=0.15), FV (p=0.73) and FNV (p=0.30) were similar.

Conclusions/interpretation

We demonstrate the feasibility of using 11C-HED-PET for non-invasive assessment of pancreatic sympathetic innervation in humans. These findings warrant further prospective evaluation, especially in individuals with theoretical defects in pancreatic sympathetic innervation, such as those with type 1 diabetes.

Graphical Abstract
Time to treat the tendon rupture induced by surgery: early hypertrophy of the patellar tendon graft site predicts strong quadriceps after ACLR with bone‐patellar tendon‐bone autograft
Authors: Ito Naoaki , Sigurðsson Haraldur B. , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn , Grävare Silbernagel Karin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Quadriceps dysfunction is ubiquitous after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, especially when using bone‐patellar tendon‐bone (BPTB) autografts. The role of patellar tendon hypertrophy after graft harvest on knee extensor strength is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive ability of patellar tendon (PT) and quadriceps muscle (Quad) cross‐sectional area (CSA) on knee extensor strength 1–2 months after ACLR using BPTB autografts.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional analysis of a cohort 1–2 months after ACLR using BPTB autograft. Peak knee extensor torque, and PT and Quad CSA measured using ultrasound imaging, were collected in 13 males and 14 females. Simple linear regressions compared quadriceps strength index (QI) against limb symmetry index (LSI) in PT and Quad CSA. Multiple linear regressions with sequential model comparisons predicting peak knee extensor torque were performed for each limb. The base model included demographics. Quad CSA was added in the first model, then PT CSA was added in the second model.

Results

Both PT (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.693) and Quadriceps CSA (p = 0.013, R2 = 0.223) LSI had a positive linear relationship with QI. In the involved limb, addition of PT CSA significantly improved the model (R2 = 0.781, ΔR2 = 0.211, p for ΔR2 < 0.001). In the uninvolved limb, the addition of Quad CSA improved the model, but the addition of PT CSA did not.

Conclusion

PT LSI was more predictive of QI than Quad CSA LSI. Involved limb PT CSA mattered more in predicting peak knee extensor torque than did Quad CSA, but in the uninvolved limb, Quad CSA was the most important predictor of peak knee extensor torque. Graft site patellar tendon hypertrophy is key for strong quadriceps early after ACLR. Early targeted loading via exercise to promote healing of the graft site patellar tendon may bring patients a step closer to winning their battle against quadriceps dysfunction.

Level of Evidence

Level I.
Risk of anastomotic leakage with two-row versus three-row manual circular staplers in colorectal anastomosis: a U.S. cohort study
Authors: Wang Tongtong , Sadowsky Mordechai , Blakney Rebekah , Coplan Paul , Petraiuolo William , Soberman Mark , Tomaszewski Joerg , Rene Lexi , Wood Jennifer
Published: November 2023

Purposes

To compare the risk of anastomotic leak (AL) between Ethicon manual circular staplers (two-row) versus Medtronic EEA™ circular stapler with Tri-Staple™ technology (three-row) and between Medtronic EEA™ circular stapler with DST™ Series technology (two-row) versus Tri-Staple™ technology.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in adult patients who underwent a left-sided colorectal surgery 2019–2022 in U.S. Premier Healthcare Database to assess the risk of AL within 30 days post-index procedure. The study devices were Ethicon manual circular staplers, Medtronic EEA™ circular stapler with DST™ technology, and Medtronic EEA™ circular stapler with Tri-Staple™ technology.

Results

Across 447 hospitals, the cumulative incidences (95% confidence intervals [CI]) of AL within 30 days post-index procedure were 7.78% (6.91–8.74%) among 8337 patients in the Ethicon manual circular stapler cohort, 7.54% (6.87–8.27%) among 7928 patients in the Medtronic EEA™ circular stapler with DST™ technology cohort, and 8.19% (6.57–10.07%) among 1306 patients in the Medtronic EEA™ circular stapler with Tri-Staple™ technology cohort. Comparative analyses revealed no difference comparing Ethicon manual circular staplers with Medtronic EEA™ circular staplers with Tri-Staple™ technology (risk ratio [RR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52–1.01) or comparing Medtronic EEA™ circular staplers with DST™ technology to Tri-Staple™ technology (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.53–1.06).

Conclusion

In this analysis of a large cohort of patients undergoing a left-sided colorectal surgery from a U.S. hospital database, the risk of AL observed with manual two-row circular staplers was similar to that seen with three-row devices. This study affirms the safety of manual two-row circular staplers in colorectal anastomosis.
Whole grain intake, diet quality and risk factors of chronic diseases: results from a population-based study in Finnish adults
Authors: Tammi Rilla , Männistö Satu , Maukonen Mirkka , Kaartinen Niina E.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Better diet quality of whole grain consumers could contribute to the associations between whole grain intake and chronic disease risk factors. We examined whole grain intake in relation to diet quality and chronic disease risk factors (anthropometrics, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein and glucose) and the role of diet quality in whole grains’ associations with each risk factor.

Methods

Our data included 5094 Finnish adults who completed a validated food frequency questionnaire and participated in a health examination within the National FinHealth 2017 Study. We assessed diet quality by the modified Baltic Sea Diet Score. P trends were calculated across whole grain intake quintiles by linear regression analysis. Interactions were assessed by including an interaction term in the analyses.

Results

Higher whole grain intake was associated with slightly better diet quality compared with lower intakes in both sexes (P < 0.001). Whole grain intake was inversely associated with body mass index (P < 0.001), waist circumference (P < 0.001) and total cholesterol (P = 0.02) in men. Adjusting for medication use attenuated the inverse associations with diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.06) and HDL cholesterol (P = 0.14) in men. We observed no associations in women. Diet quality did not modify the associations between whole grain intake and chronic disease risk factors.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that whole grain intake was associated with small improvements in the chronic disease risk factors in men, regardless of diet quality. The sex differences may arise from varying health associations of whole grains from different cereal sources.
Psilocybin does not induce the vulnerability marker HSP70 in neurons susceptible to Olney’s lesions
Authors: Iorgu Ana-Maria , Vasilescu Andrei-Nicolae , Pfeiffer Natascha , Spanagel Rainer , Mallien Anne Stephanie , Inta Dragos , Gass Peter
Published: November 2023

S-ketamine, a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, and psilocybin, a 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (serotonin) 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist, are reported as effective rapid-acting antidepressants. Both compounds increase glutamate signalling and evoke cortical hyperexcitation. S-ketamine induces neurotoxicity especially in the retrosplenial cortex (Olney’s lesions). Whether psilocybin produces similar neurotoxic effects has so far not been investigated. We performed an immunohistochemical whole-brain mapping for heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in rats treated with psilocybin, S-ketamine, and MK-801. In contrast to S-ketamine- and MK-801-treated animals, we did not detect any HSP70-positive neurons in retrosplenial cortex of rats treated with psilocybin. Our results suggest that psilocybin might be safer for clinical use compared to S-ketamine regarding neuronal damage.
A Functional approach for constructing dynamic Composite Indicators
Authors: Sarra Annalina , Nissi Eugenia , Evangelista Adelia , Di Battista Tonio
Published: November 2023

This paper contributes to the research on the development of comparable composite indicators by introducing a Functional Weighted Malmquist Productive Index that allows for comparative trend analysis. In analogy with entropy-based weighted methods, this novel dynamic indicator is derived by measuring the degree of diversification of the single method through a family of diversity indices. The paper has the merit of proposing a new dynamic composite indicator that supplements the analysis with Functional Data Analysis (FDA) tools that provide us with useful information about the order and dynamics of the composite index trajectories. The simulation study set up in this paper raises doubts about the robustness of the entropy-based weighted methods while the application of the new index to well-being dataset highlights its practical appeal.
Genetic diversity of Citrullus colocynthis populations using phytochemical analysis and SCoT marker variations
Authors: Badr Abdelfattah , Zaki Hoida
Published: November 2023

Citrullus colocynthis L. Schard (bitter melon) is a drought-resistant medicinal plant growing in Egypt and many other countries in the arid environments of the World. In Egypt, it is abundant in several locations in Egypt's Eastern Desert, extending from the Nile River eastward to the Red Sea, particularly in the Kosseir region on the Red Sea coast. It has a wide range of applications in traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anesthetic features. In this study, the genetic diversity was explored using chemical analysis of the secondary metabolites in seed extract in 15 populations from different sites in the Eastern Desert of Egypt to correlate the chemical variation with genetic differences among populations as revealed by DNA fingerprinting using the Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers. A total of 81 chemical compounds were identified from the 15 populations. Retention time, peak area percentage, molecular weight, and chemical formula were determined for each compound. Ten SCoT primers produced 137 bands in the 15 populations of these; 85 bands were polymorphic, 50 were monomorphic, and two bands were unique to a single population. Populations located in the southern part of the Eastern Desert have similar levels of phytochemical and genetic diversity and are differentiated from populations in the northern part. On the other hand, populations in the middle part show a small resemblance to other populations in the north and south, indicating an impact of the ecology on the genetic differentiation and the chemical composition of the secondary metabolites in C. colocynthis.
Does Having a Sibling Affect Autistic People's Empathy?
Authors: Rum Yonat , Golan Ofer , Allison Carrie , Smith Paula , White Simon R. , Baron-Cohen Simon
Published: November 2023

This study examined whether autistic people with siblings score higher on measures of empathy than those without siblings. Cohorts of autistic children (n = 939; mean age = 7.35 years (SD = 2.15)) and autistic adults (n = 736; mean age = 37 years (SD = 12.39)) from the Cambridge Autism Research Database (CARD) were each divided into two groups: with or without siblings. Empathy was measured using the children version of the Empathy Quotient (EQ) (parent-report) for children. For adults, the EQ (self-report version) and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) were used. Contrary to the hypothesis, autistic children without siblings scored higher on EQ than those with siblings (t(283.70) = 4.20, p < .001; d = 0.50). In adults, there was no difference between autistic adults with and without siblings on both measures, but there was an interaction effect between sex and group on the RMET (f(1732) = 4.10, p = 0.04): whilst autistic males without siblings on average scored lower than females, autistic males with siblings on average performed similarly to females. Future research should investigate the possible effect of siblings on autistic males' empathy performance in a larger cohort of autistic individuals. Children's empathic abilities may be underestimated by their parents when they have siblings due to a contrast effect.
Identifying a green infrastructure to prioritise areas for restoration to enhance the landscape connectivity and the provision of ecosystem services
Authors: Ortega Unai , Ametzaga-Arregi Ibone , Sertutxa Unai , Peña Lorena
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Habitat fragmentation is one of the major causes of the loss of biodiversity that our planet is experiencing. This has affected the ecosystems functioning and, consequently, the provision of ecosystem services (ES). Therefore, the European Commission, in a 2013 communication, established the concept of Green Infrastructure (GI), which is a strategically planned network of multifunctional areas with the aim of protecting biodiversity and ES supply, as well as improving ecological connectivity. Ecological restoration is an essential element to achieve the objectives of the GI, which if well targeted, could reverse widespread ecosystem degradation and improve landscape connectivity.

Objective

In this study, we propose a methodology to prioritise areas to restore by identifying a GI in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve (UBR), in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, where forest plantations of exotic species abound.

Methods

In order to identify the elements of the GI (core areas and corridors) we integrated a multispecies approach based on the movement of key species and an ES-based approach based on multifunctionality. Subsequently, to prioritise areas to restore we identified sectors in the GI, where connectivity is particularly vulnerable (pinch points) using the circuit theory. Thus, forest plantations around the pinch points were prioritised for a future restoration plans depending on their aim: (1) Improve corridors of high importance and low quality for the multispecies approach (2) Improve corridors of high importance and low quality for the ES-based approach, and (3) Improve the connectivity of the GI for the species movement.

Results

The resultant GI included 36% of the UBR surface. We identified 34 pinch points for the corridors of the three especies in the multispecies approach and 64 in the ES-based approach. We prioritised 149 ha of exotic forest plantations around the pinch points to convert into native forest in order to improve the corridors and 167 ha to improve GI connectivity.

Conclusion

This information could be useful for organizations and institutions carrying out restoration actions for the recovering of native forests in the territory.
The untapped potential of actinobacterial lanthipeptides as therapeutic agents
Authors: Ramírez-Rendón Dulce , Guzmán-Chávez Fernando , García-Ausencio Carlos , Rodríguez-Sanoja Romina , Sánchez Sergio
Published: November 2023

The increase in bacterial resistance generated by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in medical practice set new challenges for discovering bioactive natural products as alternatives for therapeutics. Lanthipeptides are an attractive natural product group that has been only partially explored and shows engaging biological activities. These molecules are small peptides with potential application as therapeutic agents. Some members show antibiotic activity against problematic drug-resistant pathogens and against a wide variety of viruses. Nevertheless, their biological activities are not restricted to antimicrobials, as their contribution to the treatment of cystic fibrosis, cancer, pain symptoms, control of inflammation, and blood pressure has been demonstrated. The study of biosynthetic gene clusters through genome mining has contributed to accelerating the discovery, enlargement, and diversification of this group of natural products. In this review, we provide insight into the recent advances in the development and research of actinobacterial lanthipeptides that hold great potential as therapeutics.
Ecological, morphological and phylogenetic survey of Fomes fomentarius and F. inzengae (Agaricomycetes, Polyporaceae) co-occurring in the same geographic area in Central Europe
Authors: Tomšovský Michal , Kaeochulsri Sirapitcha , Kudláček Tomáš , Dálya László Benedek
Published: November 2023

The phenomenon of cryptic species is widespread among various fungal lineages. Fomes inzengae (Ces. & De Not.) Cooke has been recently recognized as a South European kin of wood-decay basidiomycete F. fomentarius (L.) Fr. due to the problematic morphological identification of both species, their taxonomic status has been disputed. The aim of this research is to examine the distribution, host preferences, morphological characters, and phylogenetic relationships between F. fomentarius and F. inzengae in the South Moravian region in Czechia (Central Europe), where both species occur sympatrically. The results revealed the ecological preferences of Fomes spp. along an altitudinal gradient, while F. inzengae is a lowland taxon, F. fomentarius dominates at higher altitudes in forests with abundant Fagus sylvatica. The main contact zone of the two taxa is located in the upper-colline vegetation belt (elevation ca. 400‒550 m a.s.l.). The morphological analysis revealed that the basidiospore size, the width of skeletal hyphae in basidiomes, and the linear density of pores of both taxa are almost identical and can not be used for the identification of the two species. Multigene sequence analyses of ITS, LSU, RPB1, RPB2, and TEF1 markers confirmed that F. fomentarius and F. inzengae are phylogenetically distinct species. The relationship of F. inzengae and F. fomentarius to Globifomes graveolens and Hexagonia spp. is discussed.
Produktivistische Ökologie: Der Energiebegriff der klassischen Moderne und seine Implikationen für eine kritische Soziologie
Authors: Russ Daniela
Published: November 2023

Diverse ökologisch orientierte Entwürfe der jüngeren soziologischen Theorie betrachten die Moderne als eine Gesellschaftsform, für die eine strikte Trennung von Natur und Gesellschaft konstitutiv ist. Nicht selten schließt sich daran die Forderung an, diese Trennung durch Einsicht in Kontinuitäten zu unterlaufen. Anhand einer Rekapitulation des modernen Diskurses um den Begriff der Energie zeigt der Artikel dagegen, dass die Vorstellung der Moderne als anti-ökologische Gesellschaftsform zu kurz greift: Sie unterschlägt, dass das „Herausarbeiten“ des modernen Menschen aus der Natur immer auch bedeutete, Gesellschaft selbst als naturbedingt, bisweilen gar als natürliche, zu begreifen. In einer historisch-soziologischen Analyse der Energiewirtschaft wird daran anschließend gezeigt, dass diese zwar eine reale Trennung zwischen natürlicher und menschlicher Arbeit vollzieht und verdinglicht, dabei jedoch eine darunterliegende Verbundenheit unterstellt. Denn die Realisierung dieser Trennung beruht geradenichtauf der Vorstellung, Gesellschaft sei das Andere der Natur. Vielmehr folgten Wissenschaftler und Ingenieure der klassischen Moderne einer „produktivistischen Ökologie“, der zufolge Gesellschaft erst in ihrer energetischen Gattungsentwicklung zu ihrer natürlichen Bestimmung findet. Diese Vorstellung verliert seit den 1970er-Jahren an Überzeugungskraft. Wenn aber die ökologische Frage heute nicht nur in der Geschichte gescheiterter Trennungen, sondern auch in der Geschichte einer ökologischen Bestimmung des menschlichen Lebenszwecks steht, so das Resümee, dann bedarf es neben einer Kritik des ökologischen Denkens womöglich auch eines positiven Begriffs von energetischer Verdinglichung.
Fasciola Infection Unexpectedly Found During Cholecystectomy: Review on How to Avoid Increasing Surgery Interventions in Non-human Endemic Areas
Authors: Mowlavi Gholamreza , Bargues María Dolores , Najafi Faezeh , Naddaf Saied Reza , Salehabadi Alireza , Vejdan Amir Kazem , Salimi Mahboobeh , Fadavi Arezoo , Arab-Mazar Zahra , Mas-Coma Santiago
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Fascioliasis is caused by Fasciola hepatica of almost worldwide distribution and F. gigantica in wide regions of Asia and Africa. Their adult stage develops in the biliary canals and gallbladder. Infection follows an initial, 3–4 month long invasive, migratory or acute phase, and a several year-long biliary, chronic or obstructive phase.

Methods

The unexpected finding of a fasciolid inside the gallbladder during a cholecystectomy for obstructive lithiasis suspicion in a patient is reported from an area of Iran where human infection had been never reported before and studies on fascioliasis in livestock are absent.

Results

The fluke obtained was phenotypically classified as F. hepatica by morphometry and genotypically as F. gigantica by mtDNA cox1 fragment sequencing, although with F. hepatica scattered mutations in species-differing nucleotide positions. The clinical, radiological, and biological signs observed at the acute and chronic phases often lead to some misdiagnosis. Serological methods may be useful in cases of negative coprology. Diagnostic techniques with insufficient resolution leading to unnecessary invasive interventions are analyzed. The way to avoid unnecessary surgery is described, including analyses to be made, diagnostic tools to be used, and aspects to be considered.

Conclusion

Reaching a correct diagnosis in the confusing presentations avoids procedure delays and unnecessary surgery. A correct drug treatment may be sufficient. Except in extreme pathological presentations, lesions decrease in number and size and finally disappear or calcify after a successful treatment. Finally, the need to increase awareness of physicians about fascioliasis is highlighted, mainly in non-human endemic areas.
An Emerging Role of Extracellular Traps in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Zhang Siyuan , Wang Zhenlin
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complicated, heterogeneous disease likely caused by inflammatory and infectious factors. There is clear evidence that innate immune cells, including neutrophils and eosinophils, play a significant role in CRS. Multiple immune cells, including neutrophils and eosinophils, have been shown to release chromatin and granular proteins into the extracellular space in response to triggering extracellular traps (ETs). The formation of ETs remains controversial due to their critical function during pathogen clearance while being associated with harmful inflammatory illnesses. This article summarizes recent research on neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and eosinophil extracellular traps (EETs) and their possible significance in the pathophysiology of CRS.

Recent Findings

A novel type of programmed cell death called ETosis, which releases ETs, has been proposed by recent study. Significantly more NETs are presented in nasal polyps, and its granule proteins LL‐37 induce NETs production in CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients. Similar to NETs, developed in the tissue of nasal polyps, primarily in subepithelial regions with epithelial barrier defects, and are associated with linked to elevated tissue levels of IL-5 and S. aureus colonization.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of NETs and EETs, as well as an in-depth understanding of the functions of these ETs in CRS.
Bildung, Bildungserfolg und Schule
Authors: Schmitt Anna , Kleine-Niermann Konstantin , Lange Eva , Vatter Lisa , Ziegler Holger
Published: November 2023

Der Beitrag zeichnet nach, dass sich gerade ambulante Hilfen zur Erziehung als unspezifische Hilfen verstehen lassen. Dabei wird eine breite Reihe von schul-, und bildungsrelevanten Fragen und Problematiken zum Thema. Bildungserfolg bleibt aber weitgehend ausgeklammert bzw. spielt als epiphänomenale Folge eine Rolle. Die sozialrechtliche Gestaltung von Hilfen zur Erziehung als Fürsorgeleistungen erschweren es ‚erfolgreiche‘ Bildung als ein zentrales Thema in ambulanten Hilfen zur Erziehung zu bearbeiten.
Psychological profiles associated with positive and negative risk-taking in adults
Authors: Fryt Joanna , Duell Natasha , Szczygieł Monika
Published: November 2023

Although risk is often considered in the context of maladaptive behaviors, risks can also be positive, allowing individuals to pursue meaningful goals in a socially accepted way. In this study, we were interested in examining psychological profiles associated with positive and negative risk-taking in adults (N = 275, ages 19–71 years, M = 39.25; SD = 13.73) using latent profile analysis. Specifically, we examined whether distinct profiles of psychological characteristics such as future time perspective, tolerance to ambiguity, and sensitivity to reward and punishment are differentially associated with positive and negative risk-taking. We used the Future Time Perspective Scale (FTPS), the Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance Scale (MSTAT-II), the Short Version of the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Scale (SPSRQ-SF), the Positive Risk-Taking Scale (PRTS), and the Negative Risk-Taking Scale (NRTS). Findings yielded two profiles: individuals in the first profile, characterized by lower sensitivity to punishment and higher tolerance to ambiguity, future time perspective, and sensitivity to reward, endorsed greater positive and negative risk-taking. Conversely, individuals in the second profile, characterized by heightened sensitivity to punishment and lower tolerance to ambiguity, future time perspective, and sensitivity to reward, endorsed lower positive and negative risk-taking. The study contributes to previous findings by identifying additional psychological characteristics that may be associated with both positive and negative risk-taking in adults.
Leveraging GNSS tropospheric products for machine learning-based land subsidence prediction
Authors: Tasan Melika , Ghorbaninasab Zahrasadat , Haji-Aghajany Saeid , Ghiasvand Alireza
Published: November 2023

Land subsidence is a hazardous phenomenon that requires accurate prediction to mitigate losses and prevent casualties. This study explores the utilization of the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) method for time series prediction of land subsidence, considering various contributing factors such as groundwater levels, soil type and slope, aquifer characteristics, vegetation coverage, land use, depth to the water table, proximity to exploiting wells, distance from rivers, distance from faults, temperature, and wet tropospheric products. Due to the high spatial variability of wet tropospheric parameters, utilizing numerical weather models for extraction is impractical, especially in regions with a sparse network of synoptic stations. This hinders obtaining accurate prediction results because wet tropospheric products play a significant role in subsidence prediction and cannot be ignored in the subsidence prediction process. In this study, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) tropospheric products, including Integrated Water Vapor (IWV) and EvapoTranspiration (ET), are employed as alternatives. Two scenarios were considered: one incorporating GNSS products alongside other parameters, and the other relying solely on the remaining parameters in the absence of GNSS tropospheric products. Ground truth data from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) displacement measurements were used for evaluation and testing. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of GNSS tropospheric products significantly enhanced prediction accuracy, with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) value of 3.07 cm/year in the first scenario. In the second scenario, the absence of wet tropospheric information led to subpar predictions, highlighting the crucial role of wet tropospheric data in spatial distribution. However, by utilizing tropospheric products obtained from GNSS observations, reasonably accurate predictions of displacement changes were achieved. This study underscores the importance of tropospheric indices and showcases the potential of the LSTM method in conjunction with GNSS observations for effective land subsidence prediction, enabling improved preventive measures and mitigation strategies in regions lacking synoptic data coverage.
Linear and nonlinear regression analysis of phenol and P-nitrophenol adsorption on a hybrid nanocarbon of ACTF: kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamic modeling
Authors: Gabr Sahar Saad , Mubarak Mahmoud F. , Keshawy Mohamed , El Sayed Ibrahim El Tantawy , Abdel Moghny Thanaa
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to create activated carbon thin film (ACTF) as a hybrid nanocarbon via a simple and efficient method through a single-step mixing process using thermal functionalization techniques. TEM, BET, BJH, FTIR, XRD, and TGA analyses were used to investigate the prepared ACTF. The results exhibited that ACTF has a porous structure with a high surface area of 318 m2/g and important functional groups, which are considered significant adsorption sites. The adsorption performance of ACTF for phenol and p-nitrophenol (PNP) removal from aqueous solutions using batch adsorption mode was studied. Evaluations were conducted on experimental factors influencing the adsorption process, such as pH, initial phenol and PNP concentrations, adsorbent dose, contact time, and temperature. Under the optimized conditions, the phenol and PNP were removed with a maximum efficiency of 89.98% and 92.5%, respectively. The results of linear and nonlinear isotherms and kinetic models of phenol and PNP showed that both pollutants were well fitted with the Freundlich model (R2 = 0.99, χ2 = 0.13, RMSE = 1.6), (R2 = 0.99, χ2 = 0.42, RMSE = 2.8), and the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.999, χ2 = 0.03, RMSE = 0.31), (R2 = 0.99, χ2 = 0.01, RMSE = 0.24), for phenol and PNP, respectively. According to the calculated thermodynamic results, the adsorption of phenol and p-nitrophenol onto the ACTF surface was a spontaneous and exothermic reaction. The regeneration experiments showed that the spent ACTF could be reused up to the fifth cycle while maintaining noteworthy removal efficiency.
Gene and domain shuffling in lytic cassettes of Enterococcus spp. bacteriophages
Authors: Viglasky Jakub , Piknova Maria , Pristas Peter
Published: November 2023

The genomes of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium bacteriophages were analysed for gene shuffling in the lytic cassettes of bacteriophages infecting. It was found that enterococcal bacteriophages could be classified into well-defined groups based on the size of their genomes and each size group had its own conserved gene composition of lytic cassettes. Enterococcal bacteriophages use a relatively broad spectrum of holins and endolysins with variable cell-wall binding (CWB) and catalytic domains, and most of them utilise a lytic cassette with more than two genes. Enterococcal bacteriophages most commonly use endolysins with amidase catalytic domains and the CWB domain SH3_5. Some bacteriophages possess in their lytic cassette a holin-like gene with the XhlA domain protein, characteristic of hemolysin. Regardless of the shuffling of genes encoding holins and endolysins in lytic modules, a novel example of CWB domain shuffling within enterococcal endolysins was identified.
FISH painting for chromosome identification of aneuploid cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis)
Authors: Ji Xianwen , Aflitos Saulo Alves , Peters Sander , Schranz M. Eric , Philipse-Berendsen Jirska , Vogelaar Aat , Lelivelt Cilia , de Jong Hans
Published: November 2023

A common problem in the cultivation and breeding of cauliflower (Brassica oleraceaL. var.botrytis) is the occurrence of aneuploids in offspring families. To reveal the chromosomal cause of such numerical variants, it was necessary to develop karyotype tools with which chromosomes can be easily identified. Since mitotic chromosomes in this crop are morphologically similar and lack differentiating banding patterns, we tested two Fluorescent in situ Hybridization (FISH) procedures for chromosome identification: (1) FISH painting with diagnostic repetitive DNA patterns and (2) cross-species chromosome painting. The first method consists of a five-colour FISH with 5s rDNA, 45S rDNA, and twoBrassica rapacentromere-specific repeats, and aB. rapaBAC (KBrH092N02) containing a dispersed repeat of an unknown class. The second method is an advanced FISH technology based on hybridising DNA probes of a related species under adapted stringency conditions to identify their homoeologous loci. To this end, we applied four pools of BACs fromArabidopsis thalianain a multicolour FISH for a banding pattern on the chromosomes of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis). Due to the genome triplication and various chromosome rearrangements ofBrassica oleraceacompared toArabidopsis,we used MUMmer whole-genome alignment plot information to selectArabidopsisBAC pools with which all cauliflower chromosomes could be identified. In a sample of 21 plants with aberrant phenotypes, we demonstrated primary trisomy for chromosomes 1–6 and 8, and telo-trisomy for chromosomes 7 and 9. Finally, we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of the two painting methods and eventual alternatives for demonstrating numerical aberrations in the cauliflower populations.

Graphical Abstract
Complexation of histone deacetylase inhibitor belinostat to Cu(II) prevents premature metabolic inactivation in vitro and demonstrates potent anti-cancer activity in vitro and ex vivo in colon cancer
Authors: Finnegan Ellen , Ding Wei , Ude Ziga , Terer Sara , McGivern Tadhg , Blümel Anna M. , Kirwan Grainne , Shao Xinxin , Genua Flavia , Yin Xiaofei , Kel Alexander , Fattah Sarinj , Myer Parvathi A. , Cryan Sally-Ann , Prehn Jochen H. M. , O’Connor Darran P. , Brennan Lorraine , Yochum Gregory , Marmion Celine J. , Das Sudipto
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), belinostat, has had limited therapeutic impact in solid tumors, such as colon cancer, due to its poor metabolic stability. Here we evaluated a novel belinostat prodrug, copper-bis-belinostat (Cubisbel), in vitro and ex vivo, designed to overcome the pharmacokinetic challenges of belinostat.

Methods

The in vitro metabolism of each HDACi was evaluated in human liver microsomes (HLMs) using mass spectrometry. Next, the effect of belinostat and Cubisbel on cell growth, HDAC activity, apoptosis and cell cycle was assessed in three colon cancer cell lines. Gene expression alterations induced by both HDACis were determined using RNA-Seq, followed by in silico analysis to identify master regulators (MRs) of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The effect of both HDACis on the viability of colon cancer patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) was also examined.

Results

Belinostat and Cubisbel significantly reduced colon cancer cell growth mediated through HDAC inhibition and apoptosis induction. Interestingly, the in vitro half-life of Cubisbel was significantly longer than belinostat. Belinostat and its Cu derivative commonly dysregulated numerous signalling and metabolic pathways while genes downregulated by Cubisbel were potentially controlled by VEGFA, ERBB2 and DUSP2 MRs. Treatment of colon cancer PDTOs with the HDACis resulted in a significant reduction in cell viability and downregulation of stem cell and proliferation markers.

Conclusions

Complexation of belinostat to Cu(II) does not alter the HDAC activity of belinostat, but instead significantly enhances its metabolic stability in vitro and targets anti-cancer pathways by perturbing key MRs in colon cancer. Complexation of HDACis to a metal ion might improve the efficacy of clinically used HDACis in patients with colon cancer.
Urologisch gedachtegoed en behoeftes traceren
Authors: Mulders Peter F.A.
Published: November 2023

Samenvatting

Het najaar is weer aangebroken als dit abstractnummer van het tijdschrift op de deurmat valt. En dat in een papierloos tijdperk, waarbij bureaus leeg zijn en postbodes weinig frequent meer rondrijden. Ook de pen is verbannen. Dus wetenschappelijk onderzoek bevindt zich in een nieuw jasje. Tot resultaat komen gaat steeds meer geautomatiseerd, vaak middels registratie van gegevens die zijn verzameld in het verleden.
Abstracts Najaarsvergadering NVU, 3 november 2023
Authors:   Bohn Stafleu van Loghum
Published: November 2023

Samenvatting

Er zijn geen grote studies naar gezondheidsgerelateerde kwaliteit van leven (HRQOL) na peniskanker (PeCa) chirurgie en/of studies die voorspellers voor verminderde HRQOL evalueren.
Where Will Gabapentin’s Bumpy Road Lead us? A Narrative Review of Pediatric Perioperative Gabapentinoids
Authors: Li Galaxy , Li Pulsar
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

Gabapentinoids, including gabapentin and pregabalin, have been commonly administered in the perioperative period since opioid-sparing effects were found in adults in the early 2000s. This review examines the current evidence for and against the perioperative use of gabapentinoids in children and identifies potential future directions for research.

Recent Findings

Many factors led to increasing use of gabapentinoids for surgical patients. The national opioid epidemic hastened the move toward the use of multimodal analgesia and early recovery after surgery protocols for both adults and children. However, subsequent adult studies have found less benefit in postoperative pain reduction than once thought, while others have investigated substantial adverse side effects. The most convincing data supporting the use of pediatric perioperative gabapentinoids show reductions in emergence agitation, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and chronic persistent surgical pain.

As adult trials of perioperative gabapentinoids show decreasing benefits in postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) amidst increasing concerns of adverse side effects, benefits for children focus more on reduction in emergence agitation, PONV, and chronic postsurgical pain with more research needed to explore optimal dosing regimens and potential adverse side effects.
Prolattinomi in gravidanza: gestione clinica
Authors: Auriemma Renata S. , Pirchio Rosa , Del Vecchio Guendalina , Scairati Roberta , Di Meglio Sara , Graziadio Chiara , Pivonello Rosario , Colao Annamaria
Published: November 2023

Sommario

L’iperprolattinemia è tra le principali cause di infertilità femminile. L’introduzione della terapia con dopamino-agonisti (DA) è associata al ripristino della fertilità spontanea in più del 90% delle donne. Pertanto, le pazienti con prolattinoma senza evidente desiderio di fertilità devono essere edotte della necessità di utilizzare un’opportuna terapia contraccettiva. In quelle con desiderio di fertilità, l’approccio clinico risente delle dimensioni tumorali e dei trattamenti già offerti. Infatti, mentre nelle donne con microprolattinoma il rischio di crescita tumorale durante la gravidanza è minimo (∼2%), in quelle con macroprolattinoma tale rischio resta basso (∼5%) in coloro che hanno ricevuto adeguata terapia anti-tumorale prima dell’inizio della gestazione, ma aumenta fino al 21% nelle pazienti con macroadenoma non opportunamente trattate prima della gravidanza. Pertanto, all’accertamento della gravidanza è suggerita la sospensione della terapia con DA nella maggioranza delle pazienti, ma in casi selezionati può essere prudente mantenere la terapia con DA, e in particolare con bromocriptina, per l’intera durata della gestazione. Dopo la gravidanza non vi sono controindicazioni assolute all’allattamento al seno e in un terzo delle pazienti è possibile osservare remissione spontanea dell’iperprolattinemia tale da richiedere la sospensione definitiva dei DA.