bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aktuelle Diagnostik und Therapie bei Ohrmuscheldysplasien und Gehörgangsfehlbildungen
Authors: Brandt Hannes H. , Bodmer Daniel
Published: November 2023

Angeborene Fehlbildungen der Ohrmuschel und des äußeren Gehörgangs können mit schweren ästhetischen und funktionellen Defiziten einhergehen. Neben dem Verständnis embryologischer Grundlagen ist auch die Klassifikation derartiger Anomalien für die Behandlung essenziell. Die frühzeitige Erkennung einer Fehlbildung sowie die Einleitung zeitgerechter Diagnostik sind essenziell, um durch eine adäquate Therapie langfristige Einschränkungen zu verhindern. Ohrmuscheldysplasien werden heute meist operativ, seltener mittels Epithese korrigiert. Die Methoden des „tissue engineering“ sind seit Langem in der Erprobung und könnten in Zukunft eine wesentliche Rolle spielen. Die Behandlung von Gehörgangsstenosen und -atresien bezweckt neben einer Hörverbesserung auch die Verhinderung von Folgeerkrankungen. Darunter finden sich u. a. Cholesteatome oder rezidivierende Infekte. Die Hörrehabilitation umfasst konventionelle und implantierbare Hörgeräte, wobei der Trend zu Letzteren tendiert.
Crustose coralline algal factors determining the success of limpet (Patellogastropoda: Patellidae) settlement: species, exposure time, area and soluble cues
Authors: Castejón Diego , García Loreto , Andrade Carlos A. P.
Published: November 2023

Crustose coralline algae (CCA) play a key role in invertebrate recruitment, yet their influence on the settlement of patellid limpets is under discussion. This study is aimed at resolving the role of CCA as a settlement inducer for patellid limpets, providing insight into the influence of different CCA-related factors. The larvae of the economically valuable limpetPatella candeiwere used as a model. Six assays were performed: (1) different CCA assemblages, (2) exposure time, (3) artificial removal of epibionts, (4) substrate area, (5) soluble cues (CCA-conditioned seawater), and (6) substrate selection in a choice experiment. Settlers were identified by velum loss and teleoconch development. Species composition of the CCA assemblages significantly influenced settlement, with a preference forTitanoderma pustulatumand combinedNeogoniolithonsp. andHydrolithon farinosumcrusts. The substrates dominated byAgissea inamoena, marginal presence of CCA or which epibionts were artificially removed, were statistically similar to those in the negative control. The ratio of settlers increased until 4 days of exposure, after which it remained stable over time. The results support that CCA releases soluble cues with settlement-inducing effect onP. candeilarvae, explaining why the ratio of settlers increased with substrate area. The choice experiment suggests thatP. candeilarvae have limited selectivity with respect to the substrate surface. In conclusion, the present study points to the relevance of CCA assemblages as settlement substrates for limpet larvae, with an impact on limpet recruitment in the wild as well as on the production of post-larvae for limpet aquaculture.
Equationally defined classes of semigroups
Authors: Higgins Peter M. , Jackson Marcel
Published: November 2023

We apply, in the context of semigroups, the main theorem from the authors’ paper “Algebras defined by equations” (Higgins and Jackson in J Algebra 555:131–156, 2020) that an elementary class $${\mathscr {C}}$$
C
of algebras which is closed under the taking of direct products and homomorphic images is defined by systems of equations. We prove a dual to the Birkhoff theorem in that if the class is also closed under the taking of containing semigroups, some basis of equations of $${\mathscr {C}}$$
C
is free of the $$\forall $$
∀
quantifier. We also observe the decidability of the class of equation systems satisfied by semigroups, via a link to systems of rationally constrained equations on free semigroups. Examples are given of EHP-classes for which neither $$(\forall \cdots )(\exists \cdots )$$

(
∀
⋯
)
(
∃
⋯
)

equation systems nor $$(\exists \cdots )(\forall \cdots )$$

(
∃
⋯
)
(
∀
⋯
)

systems suffice.
Organ-on-a-chip models for development of cancer immunotherapies
Authors: Chernyavska M. , Masoudnia M. , Valerius T. , Verdurmen W. P. R.
Published: November 2023

Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach in the treatment of diverse cancer types. However, the development of novel immunotherapeutic agents faces persistent challenges due to poor translation from preclinical to clinical stages. To address these challenges, the integration of microfluidic models in research efforts has recently gained traction, bridging the gap between in vitro and in vivo systems. This approach enables modeling of the complex human tumor microenvironment and interrogation of cancer-immune interactions. In this review, we analyze the current and potential applications of microfluidic tumor models in cancer immunotherapy development. We will first highlight current trends in the immunooncology landscape. Subsequently, we will discuss recent examples of microfluidic models applied to investigate mechanisms of immune-cancer interactions and for developing and screening cancer immunotherapies in vitro. First steps toward their validation for predicting human in vivo outcomes are discussed. Finally, promising opportunities that microfluidic tumor models offer are highlighted considering their advantages and current limitations, and we suggest possible next steps toward their implementation and integration into the immunooncology drug development process.
Diagnostic performance of Node Reporting and Data System (Node-RADS) for regional lymph node staging of gastric cancer by CT
Authors: Loch Florian N. , Beyer Katharina , Kreis Martin E. , Kamphues Carsten , Rayya Wael , Schineis Christian , Jahn Janosch , Tronser Moritz , Elsholtz Fabian H. J. , Hamm Bernd , Reiter Rolf
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Diagnostic performance of imaging for regional lymph node assessment in gastric cancer is still limited, and there is a lack of consensus on radiological evaluation. At the same time, there is an increasing demand for structured reporting using Reporting and Data Systems (RADS) to standardize oncological imaging. We aimed at investigating the diagnostic performance of Node-RADS compared to the use of various individual criteria for assessing regional lymph nodes in gastric cancer using histopathology as reference.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center study, consecutive 91 patients (median age, 66 years, range 33–91 years, 54 men) with CT scans and histologically proven gastric adenocarcinoma were assessed using Node-RADS assigning scores from 1 to 5 for the likelihood of regional lymph node metastases. Additionally, different Node-RADS criteria as well as subcategories of altered border contour (lobulated, spiculated, indistinct) were assessed individually. Sensitivity, specificity, and Youden’s index were calculated for Node-RADS scores, and all criteria investigated. Interreader agreement was calculated using Cohen’s kappa.

Results

Among all criteria, best performance was found for Node-RADS scores ≥ 3 and ≥ 4 with a sensitivity/specificity/Youden’s index of 56.8%/90.7%/0.48 and 48.6%/98.1%/0.47, respectively, both with substantial interreader agreement (κ = 0.73 and 0.67, p < 0.01). Among individual criteria, the best performance was found for short-axis diameter of 10 mm with sensitivity/specificity/Youden’s index of 56.8%/87.0%/0.44 (κ = 0.65, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study shows that structured reporting of combined size and configuration criteria of regional lymph nodes in gastric cancer slightly improves overall diagnostic performance compared to individual criteria including short-axis diameter alone. The results show an increase in specificity and unchanged sensitivity.

Clinical relevance statement

The results of this study suggest that Node-RADS may be a suitable tool for structured reporting of regional lymph nodes in gastric cancer.

Key Points

• Assessment of lymph nodes in gastric cancer is still limited, and there is a lack of consensus on radiological evaluation.

• Node-RADS in gastric cancer improves overall diagnostic performance compared to individual criteria including short-axis diameter.

• Node-RADS may be a suitable tool for structured reporting of regional lymph nodes in gastric cancer.
Parameters predicting postoperative pain and quality of life after hemorrhoidectomy: follow-up results from a prospective multicenter randomized trial
Authors: Mallmann Christoph , Langenbach Mike Ralf , Florescu Razvan-Valentin , Köhler Andreas , Barkus Jörg , Ritz Jörg-Peter , Gebauer Florian , Lefering Rolf , Boenicke Lars
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Pain and reduced quality of life (QoL) are major subjects of interest after surgery for hemorrhoids. The aim of this study was to find predictive parameters for postoperative pain and QoL after hemorrhoidectomy.

Methods

This is a follow-up analysis of data derived from a multicenter randomized controlled trial including 770 patients, which examines the usefulness of tamponade after hemorrhoidectomy. Different pre-, intra-, and postoperative parameters were correlated with pain level assessed by NRS and QoL by the EuroQuol.

Results

At univariate analysis, relevant (NRS > 5/10 pts.) early pain within 48 h after surgery was associated with young age (≤ 40 years, p = 0.0072), use of a tamponade (p < 0.0001), relevant preoperative pain (p = 0.0017), pudendal block (p < 0.0001), and duration of surgery (p = 0.0149). At multivariate analysis, not using a pudendal block (OR 2.64), younger age (OR 1.55), use of a tamponade (OR 1.70), and relevant preoperative pain (OR 1.56) were significantly associated with relevant early postoperative pain. Relevant pain on day 7 was significantly associated only with relevant early pain (OR 3.13, p < 0.001). QoL overall remained at the same level. However, n = 229 (33%) patients presented an improvement of QoL and n = 245 (36%) an aggravation. Improvement was associated with a reduction of pain levels after surgery (p < 0.0001) and analgesia with opioids (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Early relevant pain affects younger patients but can be prevented by avoiding tamponades and using a pudendal block. Relevant pain after 1 week is associated only with early pain. Relief in preexisting pain and opioids improve QoL.

Trial registration

DRKS00011590 12 April 2017.
Prevention of cerebral thromboembolism by oral anticoagulation with dabigatran after pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation: the ODIn-AF trial
Authors: Schrickel Jan Wilko , Beiert Thomas , Linhart Markus , Luetkens Julian A. , Schmitz Jennifer , Schmid Matthias , Hindricks Gerhard , Arentz Thomas , Stellbrink Christoph , Deneke Thomas , Bogossian Harilaos , Sause Armin , Steven Daniel , Gonska Bernd-Dieter , Rudic Boris , Lewalter Thorsten , Zabel Markus , Geisler Tobias , Schumacher Burghard , Jung Werner , Kleemann Thomas , Luik Armin , Veltmann Christian , Coenen Martin , Nickenig Georg
Published: November 2023

Background and objectives

Long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) following successful catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial. Prospective data are missing. The ODIn-AF study aimed to evaluate the effect of OAC on the incidence of silent cerebral embolic events and clinically relevant cardioembolic events in patients at intermediate to high risk for embolic events, free from AF after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Methods

This prospective, randomized, multicenter, open-label, blinded endpoint interventional trial enrolled patients who were scheduled for PVI to treat paroxysmal or persistent AF. Six months after PVI, AF-free patients were randomized to receive either continued OAC with dabigatran or no OAC. The primary endpoint was the incidence of new silent micro- and macro-embolic lesions detected on brain MRI at 12 months of follow-up compared to baseline. Safety analysis included bleedings, clinically evident cardioembolic, and serious adverse events (SAE).

Results

Between 2015 and 2021, 200 patients were randomized into 2 study arms (on OAC: n = 99, off OAC: n = 101). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of new cerebral microlesions between the on OAC and off OAC arm [2 (2%) versus 0 (0%); P = 0.1517] after 12 months. MRI showed no new macro-embolic lesion, no clinical apparent strokes were present in both groups. SAE were more frequent in the OAC arm [on OAC n = 34 (31.8%), off OAC n = 18 (19.4%); P = 0.0460]; bleedings did not differ.

Conclusion

Discontinuation of OAC after successful PVI was not found to be associated with an elevated risk of cerebral embolic events compared with continued OAC after a follow-up of 12 months.

Graphical abstract
SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and multiple sclerosis: a large multicentric study on relapse risk after the third booster dose
Authors: Di Filippo Massimiliano , Ferraro Diana , Ragonese Paolo , Prosperini Luca , Maniscalco Giorgia Teresa , Gallo Antonio , Cavalla Paola , Lorefice Lorena , Nociti Viviana , Di Sabatino Elena , Clerico Marinella , Guaschino Clara , Radaelli Marta , Fantozzi Roberta , Buttari Fabio , Laroni Alice , Gajofatto Alberto , Calabrese Massimiliano , Malucchi Simona , Paolicelli Damiano , De Luca Giovanna , Tomassini Valentina , Lanzillo Roberta , Moccia Marcello , Solaro Claudio , Cocco Eleonora , Gasperini Claudio , Tortorella Carla ,   the RIREMS (Rising Researchers in MS) group
Published: November 2023

Background

COVID-19 vaccines have been recommended to people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and, to ensure durable immunity, a third booster dose has been administered in several countries. Data about potential risks associated with the third booster dose in pwMS, such as vaccine-triggered disease exacerbations, are still scarce.

Objective

To investigate whether the administration of a third booster dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines was associated with an increased risk of short-term disease reactivation in a large cohort of pwMS.

Methods

We retrospectively selected 1265 pwMS who received a third booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including the presence, number and characteristics of relapses in the 60 days prior to and after the third booster dose.

Results

In the selected cohort, the relapse rate in the two months after administration of the third booster dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines did not increase when compared with the prior two months. Indeed, the percentage of pwMS experiencing relapses in the 60 days following the administration of the third booster dose was 2.1%, similar to the percentage recorded in 60 days prior to vaccination, which was 1.9%.

Conclusions

The third booster dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines appeared to be safe for pwMS.
Post-mortem dignity between piety and professionalism. Plea for a moment of silence in everyday clinical practice
Authors: Fürholzer Katharina
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Death is an inevitable part of clinical practice and affects, in its very own way, not only next of kin and friends but also the members of the clinical team, in particular physicians and nurses, as those who take care of a patient in the very last moments of his or her life. Nevertheless, in clinical everyday life, it is no matter of course to meet the end of human life not only on a physical but also metaphysical level.

Definition of the problem

In Western sociocultural contexts, silence is commonly regarded as an adequate expression of respect in the context of death. Considering that time is a more than limited resource in Western healthcare systems, it can, however, be challenging for the clinical team to pause and pay respect to the life that has passed and to generally deal with the unfathomability of human finiteness. Instead, death tends to become drowned out by a strident clinging to the common routines of patient care, in the course of which everyday clinical noises can turn into a roaring, almost inhuman cacophony—a cacophony that may not do justice to the dignity of the deceased, the relatives, or the clinic team.

Objective

With that said, this article focuses on forms of bidding farewell in clinical patient care, with an emphasis on post-mortem silence. Drawing on examples from literature, medical ethics, and the law, I will plead for a moment of silence in everyday clinical practice as a possible means to interrupt the noise of medicine in the immediate aftermath of death to honor the dignity of both the dead and the living.
The geometry of discrete asymptotic-geodesic 4-webs in isotropic 3-space
Authors: Müller Christian , Pottmann Helmut
Published: November 2023

The geometry of webs has been investigated over more than a century driven by still open problems. In our paper we contribute to extending the knowledge on webs from the perspective of the geometry of webs on surfaces in three dimensional space. Our study of AGAG-webs is motivated by architectural applications of gridshell structures where four families of manufactured curves on a curved surface are realizations of asymptotic lines and geodesic lines. We describe all discrete AGAG-webs in isotropic space and propose a method to construct them. Furthermore, we prove that some sub-nets of an AGAG-web are timelike minimal surfaces in Minkowski space and can be embedded into a one-parameter family of discrete isotropic Voss nets.
Towards a bound on the Higgs mass in causal set quantum gravity
Authors: de Brito Gustavo P. , Eichhorn Astrid , Fausten Ludivine
Published: November 2023

In the Standard Model of particle physics, the mass of the Higgs particle can be linked to the scale at which the Standard Model breaks down due to a Landau pole/triviality problem: for a Higgs mass somewhat higher than the measured value, the Standard Model breaks down before the Planck scale. We take a first step towards investigating this relation in the context of causal set quantum gravity. We use a scalar-field propagator that carries the imprints of spacetime discreteness in a modified ultraviolet behavior that depends on a nonlocality scale. We investigate whether the modification can shift the scale of the Landau pole in a scalar field theory with quartic interaction. We discover that the modifications speed up the onset of the Landau pole considerably, so that the scale of new physics occurs roughly at the nonlocality scale. Our results call into question, whether a separation between the nonlocality scale and the discreteness scale, which is postulated within causal set quantum gravity, and which has been argued to give rise to phenomenological consequences, is in fact achievable. Methodologically, our paper is the first to apply continuum functional Renormalization Group techniques in the context of a causal-set inspired setting.
Correlation among irrational parenthood cognitions, fertility stress, and social support in patients with repeated implantation failure and the mediating effect of fertility stress: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Lvy Yan , Zhang Fang , Cai Zhongbo , Zhong Danting , Xing Lanfeng
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study investigated the relationships among irrational conceptions of parenthood, fertility stress, and social support, as well as the mediating effect of fertility stress, in patients with repeated implantation failure.

Methods

Patients who underwent assisted reproductive technology due to repeated implantation failure at the Reproductive Centre at Women's Hospital between January 2020 and August 2022 were selected using cross-sectional research and convenience sampling. A total of 129 patients with recurrent implantation failure were investigated using the Irrational Parenthood Cognitions Questionnaire (IPCQ), Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS).

Results

The differences in irrational parenthood cognitions, fertility, stress, and social support among patients with repeated implantation failure in the education and yearly household income subgroups were statistically significant (P<0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that irrational parenthood cognitions were favorably correlated with all measures of reproductive stress (r=0.384 to 0.664, all P<0.01) and negatively correlated with social support (r=-0.310, p<0.01). The fertility stress of patients with repeated implantation failure fit the structural equation model of irrational parenthood cognitions and social support well [X2/df=2.04, Comparative Fit Index (CFI)=0.944, Tucker–Lewis (TLI)=0.905, Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation (RMSEA)=0.090]. The bootstrap test results revealed that the mediating effect of the 95% CI ranged between -0.506 and -0.109, and the interval did not contain 0. Fertility stress had a strong mediating effect on the relationship between irrational parenthood cognitions and social support.

Conclusions

The mediating effect of reproductive stress on the relationship between irrational parenthood cognitions and social support in patients with repeated implantation failure was significant. It is important for medical and nursing staff to address physical and psychological illnesses and develop effective intervention strategies from the perspectives of fertility stress, social support, and cultural background, with the ultimate goal of improving mental health.
The δ15N in Orbicella faveolata organic matter reveals anthropogenic impact by sewage inputs in a Mexican Caribbean coral reef lagoon
Authors: Rico-Esenaro Serguei Damián , de Jesús Adolfo Tortolero-Langarica José , Iglesias-Prieto Roberto , Carricart-Ganivet Juan P.
Published: November 2023

Coral-reef ecosystems provide essentials services to human societies, representing the most important source of income (e.g., tourism and artisanal fishing) for many coastal developing countries. In the Caribbean region, most touristic and coastal developments are in the vicinity of coral reefs where they may contribute to reef degradation. Here we evaluated the influence of sewage inputs in the coral reef lagoon of Puerto Morelos during a period of 40 years (1970–2012). Annual δ15N values were determined in the organic matter (OM) extracted from coral skeletons of Orbicella faveolata. Average protein content in the OM was 0.33 mg of protein g−1 CaCO3 (±0.10 SD) and a 0.03% of OM relative to the sample weight (n =100). The average of N g−1 CaCO3 was 0.002% (± 0.001 SD). The results showed an increase (p < 0.001) in δ15N over the time, positively correlated with population growth derived from touristic development. These findings emphasize the need to generate urban-planning remediation strategies that consider the impact on natural environments, reduce sewage pollution, and mitigate local stressors that threaten the status of coral-reef communities in the Caribbean region.
Elections and Corruption: Incentives to Steal or Incentives to Invest?
Authors: Fazekas Mihály , Hellmann Olli
Published: November 2023

By now, most political systems around the world hold regular multiparty elections of different quality and type. However, we know relatively little about the effect of elections on corruption, especially in high-discretion, public procurement contracts implementing development aid. To address this gap in the literature, we employ unmatched comparisons and matching estimators to analyze a global government contracting dataset that provides an objective proxy for corruption: the incidence of single bidding in competitive markets. We find that, all things being equal, corruption risks increase in the immediate pre-election period: single bidding is higher by 1.3–6.1% points. We demonstrate that the corruption-enhancing effect of elections is stronger under conditions of (i) high electoral competitiveness, (ii) medium-level party institutionalization, and (iii) “localized collective goods” clientelism.
Impaired immune responses and prolonged viral replication in lung allograft recipients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the early phase after transplantation
Authors: Glueck Olaf M. , Liang Xiaoling , Badell Irina , Wratil Paul R. , Graf Alexander , Krebs Stefan , Blum Helmut , Hellmuth Johannes C. , Scherer Clemens , Hollaus Alexandra , Spaeth Patricia M. , Karakoc Burak , Fuchs Thimo , Zimmermann Julia , Kauke Teresa , Moosmann Andreas , Keppler Oliver T. , Schneider Christian , Muenchhoff Maximilian
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Lung transplant recipients are at increased risk of severe disease following infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to high-dose immunosuppressive drugs and the lung is the main organ affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several studies have confirmed increased SARS-CoV-2-related mortality and morbidity in patients living with lung allografts; however, detailed immunological studies of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the early phase following transplantation remain scarce.

Methods

We investigated patients who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the early phase (18–103 days) after receiving double-lung allografts (n = 4, LuTx) in comparison to immunocompetent patients who had not received solid organ transplants (n = 88, noTx). We analyzed SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody responses against the SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIA), and immunoblot assays. T cell responses were investigated using Elispot assays.

Results

One LuTx patient suffered from persistent infection with fatal outcome 122 days post-infection despite multiple interventions including remdesivir, convalescent plasma, and the monoclonal antibody bamlanivimab. Two patients experienced clinically mild disease with prolonged viral shedding (47 and 79 days), and one patient remained asymptomatic. Antibody and T cell responses were significantly reduced or undetectable in all LuTx patients compared to noTx patients.

Conclusion

Patients in the early phase following lung allograft transplantation are vulnerable to infection with SARS-CoV-2 due to impaired immune responses. This patient population should be vaccinated before LuTx, protected from infection post–LuTx, and in case of infection treated generously with currently available interventions.
Cloud-load forecasting via decomposition-aided attention recurrent neural network tuned by modified particle swarm optimization
Authors: Predić Bratislav , Jovanovic Luka , Simic Vladimir , Bacanin Nebojsa , Zivkovic Miodrag , Spalevic Petar , Budimirovic Nebojsa , Dobrojevic Milos
Published: November 2023

Recent improvements in networking technologies have led to a significant shift towards distributed cloud-based services. However, adequate management of computation resources by providers is vital to maintain the costs of operations and quality of services. A robust system is needed to forecast demand and prevent excessive resource allocations. Extensive literature review suggests that the potential of recurrent neural networks with attention mechanisms is not sufficiently explored and applied to cloud computing. To address this gap, this work proposes a methodology for forecasting load of cloud resources based on recurrent neural networks with and without attention layers. Utilized deep learning models are further optimized through hyperparameter tuning using a modified particle swarm optimization metaheuristic, which is also introduced in this work. To help models deal with complex non-stationary data sequences, the variational mode decomposition for decomposing complex series has also been utilized. The performance of this approach is compared to several state-of-the-art algorithms on a real-world cloud-load dataset. Captured performance metrics ($$R^2$$

R
2

, mean square error, root mean square error, and index of agreement) strongly indicate that the proposed method has great potential for accurately forecasting cloud load. Further, models optimized by the introduced metaheuristic outperformed competing approaches, which was confirmed by conducted statistical validation. In addition, the best-performing forecasting model has been subjected to SHapley Additive exPlanations analysis to determine the impact each feature has on model forecasts, which could potentially be a very useful tool for cloud providers when making decisions.
Non-dualism as the Foundation of Dualism: the Case of Shinran Shōnin
Authors: Schmidt-Leukel Perry
Published: November 2023

Starting from the allegation of the Pure Land tradition “as a deviant form of Buddhism,” the paper looks at non-dualist and dualist features in the teachings of the Japanese medieval Pure Land master Shinran Shōnin (1173–1263). It is suggested that Shinran should be understood within the Mahāyāna framework of the two truths or realities (satyadvaya). Shinran retains both perspectives in a paradoxical way implicating that non-dualism needs to be realized in a spiritual practice with strong dualist aspects. Non-dual ultimate reality manifests itself within conventional reality as the all-embracing compassionate “other-power” (tariki) that evokes an existential attitude of radical entrusting (shinjin) thereby evoking a liberative transformation “naturally” (jinen).
Stir Fry with a Side of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygen: Management of Cardiogenic Shock Secondary to Unintentional Aconitine Ingestion
Authors: Goumeniouk Natasha L. , Maclean Davis N. , Howie Joshua S. , Waechter Jason E. , Couillard Philippe , Shaw Jeffrey A. , Lucyk Scott N.
Published: November 2023

Plant exposures leading to systemic or topical toxicity are common presentations seen in the emergency department. While often nonfatal, certain highly toxic plants result in cardiovascular or respiratory failure requiring invasive management. We describe a 65-y-old patient who presented with a refractory ventricular dysrhythmia secondary to an unintentional ingestion of an aconitine-containing plant after incorrect identification. Despite aggressive treatment with vasopressors, intravenous fluids, antiarrhythmics, as well as electrolyte correction and multiple attempted synchronized cardioversions, the patient remained in a refractory dysrhythmia with cardiogenic shock. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygen (ECMO) therapy was initiated successfully and resulted in rapid resolution of the unstable dysrhythmia. The patient was weaned from ECMO in under 48 h and was discharged without neurological or cardiovascular sequelae. This case highlights management options available to clinicians who encounter toxicity associated with aconitine ingestion. Fatal consequences were averted, and caution is required with the use of plant-identifying applications and resources.
Enforcing Morality
Authors: Wall Steven
Published: November 2023

What parts of morality ought the law to enforce? What considerations justify its enforcement? What is the relationship between the legal and social enforcement of morality? Are there principled moral limits that constrain the enforcement of morality? How should we think about the pragmatic limits to the effective enforcement of morality? These are some of the main questions addressed by Steven Wall in this comprehensive and provocative study of a fundamental debate in jurisprudence and political theory. The book defends the practice of ethical environmentalism: the deliberate effort to improve the ethical character of the social environment of a society by political, legal and other means. The presumptive case for ethical environmentalism is presented and then assessed in light of a range of important considerations, including fair treatment, governmental neutrality, the value of personal liberty, rights to do wrongs, and free expression.
Ensemble approaches for leveraging machine learning models in load estimation
Authors: Cheung C. , Seabrook E. , Valdés J.J. , Hamaimou Z.A. , Biondic C.
Published: November 2023

Helicopter component load estimation can be achieved through a variety of machine learning techniques and algorithms. A range of ensemble integration techniques were investigated in order to leverage multiple machine learning models to estimate main rotor yoke loads from flight state and control system parameters. The techniques included simple averaging, weighted averaging and forward selection. Performance of the models was evaluated using four metrics: root mean squared error, correlation coefficient and the interquartile ranges of these two metrics. When compared, every ensemble outperformed the best individual model. The ensembles using forward selection achieved the best performance. The resulting output is more robust, more highly correlated and achieves lower error values as compared to the top individual models. While individual model outputs can vary significantly, confidence in their results can be greatly increased through the use of a diverse set of models and ensemble techniques.
Endroits of Planetary Ordering: Violence, Law, Space, & Capital in the Diplomatic History of 19th Century Europe
Authors: Quiroga-Villamarín Daniel R.
Published: November 2023

If Derrida once praised English for the richness of the expression “to enforce the law,” in this article I return the favor and embrace the ambiguity of the French word endroit. While it means nothing more than place, I suggest one could draw from Benjamin’s work on dwelling to ponder on the meaning of being within the spaces of 19th century (counter) revolutionary internationalism. In this vein, I read Benjamin’s unfinished Arcades Project—and, in particular, its analysis of the rise of iron & glass architecture that accompanied the conquering bourgeois and the persistent aristocracy—to analyze the new built environments of the fin de siècle North Atlantic diplomacy. Despite the growing interest in the history of global governance, for historians and critical legal scholars alike, the spatial dimension of “the international” have been a largely unexplored affair. Conversely, I suggest Benjamin’s insistence on the materiality of architecture reminds us that international law’s castles were not built solely in the air. In this vein, I suggest one can trace a material history of the spaces in which revolutionary and counterrevolutionary internationalisms struggled to fashion a shell for themselves during Europe’s turbulent 19th century.
The Cultural Impact of the Persian Language in and around Bidlis
Authors: Genç Vural
Published: November 2023

It may seem perplexing, in the beginning, to see Iranian poet Khayyām'srubaies and other Persian poems on the gravestones of Bidlis from the late nineteenth century. However, when scrutinizing Bidlis's political and cultural history, it is clear that Persian language and culture has deep, longstanding roots in this city and been integrated into high Iranian-Islamic culture in both respects. Based mainly on primary archival sources and inscriptions, I touch on the adventures and preponderance of Persian—thelingua francaof the rulers of Bidlis, a Kurdish principality located on the Ottoman-Iranian frontier—and its intellectuals after the city was integrated into the Ottoman world, and thus the decaying ascendancy of Persian.

Mohammad Amin Riyāhī's book,Nofūz-e zabān o adabīyāt-e Fārsī dar qalamrov-e Osmānī, is a well-known study in this respect, but mostly focuses on the adventures of Persian in and around court circles. Another comprehensive book on the subject,The Persianate World: The Frontiers of a Eurasian Lingua Franca, illustrates the frontiers of Persian's usage in the vast geography stretching from China, Central Asia, and India to the Ottoman world. By focusing on a limited area like Bidlis, the region's most prestigious principality, this article attempts to elucidate the impact of Persian in the Ottoman-Iranian frontiers, unearthing its influence as a language of both diplomacy and literature as well as alingua francaof Bidlis intellectuals in the lands ruled by Kurdish rulers.
Trimethylamine increases intestinal fatty acid absorption: in vitro studies in a Caco-2 cell culture system
Authors: Rodrigues Catarina , Ismael Shámila , Castela Inês , Barreiros-Mota Inês , Almeida Maria João , Santos Gilberto Maia , Calhau Conceição , Rocha Júlio César , Faria Ana , Araújo João R.
Published: November 2023

Although elevated blood levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) have been associated with atherosclerosis development in humans, the role of its gut microbiota-derived precursor, TMA, in this process has not been yet deciphered. Taking this into account, and the fact that increased intestinal fatty acid absorption contributes to atherosclerosis onset and progression, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of TMA on fatty acid absorption in a cell line that mimics human enterocytes. Caco-2 cells were treated with TMA 250 μM for 24 h. Fatty acid absorption was assessed by measuring the apical-to-basolateral transport and the intracellular levels of BODIPY-C12, a fluorescently labelled fatty acid analogue. Gene expression of the main intestinal fatty acid transporters was evaluated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Compared to control conditions, TMA increased, in a time-dependent manner and by 20–50 %, the apical-to-basolateral transport and intracellular levels of BODIPY-C12 fatty acid in Caco-2 cells. Fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4) and fatty acid translocase (FAT)/CD36 gene expression were not stimulated by TMA, suggesting that TMA-induced increase in fatty acid transport may be mediated by an increase in FAT/CD36 and/or FATP4 activity and/or fatty acid passive transport. This study demonstrated that TMA increases the intestinal absorption of fatty acids. Future studies are necessary to confirm if this may constitute a novel mechanism that partially explains the existing positive association between the consumption of a diet rich in TMA sources (e.g. red meat) and the increased risk of atherosclerotic diseases.
Cooperation Versus Competition: How Do Helping Coworkers Affect Work–Family Conflict?
Authors: Lu Junting , Zhang Zhe , Jia Ming
Published: November 2023

Although studies pay increasing attention to how organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) affects work–family conflict, most research ignores the boundary conditions and underlying mechanisms of this relationship. Drawing on goal interdependence theory and conservation of resources theory, this research sees two types of goal interdependence as important boundary conditions of how helping behavior affects work–family conflict. We use a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to test our theoretical model. Specifically, using two-wave survey data collected from 386 employees and 90 supervisors in a manufacturing company, our quantitative study shows that the interaction of helping behavior with cooperative goal interdependence is positively associated with work–goal progress, whereas its interaction with competitive goal interdependence is negatively associated with work–goal progress. In turn, work–goal progress is negatively associated with work–family conflict. The results further reveal that the indirect effect of helping behavior on work–family conflict via work–goal progress is positive and significant only when the level of competitive (cooperative) goal interdependence is high (low). We use 196 employees from the same organization to conduct our qualitative study, the results of which further substantiate and extend the findings from our quantitative study. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.
Incidental finding of atrial myxoma following curative treatment for paediatric neuroblastoma
Authors: Legro Tyler , Mehta Brinda , Patel Priti
Published: November 2023

Cardiac tumours are uncommon in the general population and even more so in the paediatric population. Here we present a case of an asymptomatic 7-year-old male with history of high-risk neuroblastoma who underwent 1-year post-treatment surveillance scan with an incidental finding of intracardiac lesion found to be an atrial myxoma.
Real-world experience with edoxaban for anticoagulation in children at risk for coronary artery thrombosis
Authors: Sagiv Eyal , Newland David M. , Slee April , Olson Aaron K. , Portman Michael A.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Direct oral anticoagulants have the potential to improve care in children requiring chronic anticoagulation. Edoxaban has favourable pharmacokinetics that could benefit younger patients but data on long-term safety and efficacy for specific paediatric indications are lacking.

Study Aims:

We present a single-centre experience using edoxaban in children who require chronic anticoagulation for large coronary artery aneurysms secondary to Kawasaki disease.

Methods:

Weight-based dosing of once-daily oral edoxaban was offered as alternative to standard anticoagulation for patients aged 1–18 years. Chart review was performed for a median follow-up period of 49 months on edoxaban. Steady-state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of edoxaban were also explored.

Results:

Sixteen patients on chronic therapy with edoxaban were included. No major bleeding events were reported. Two patients experienced coronary artery thrombosis after 23 and 38 months on edoxaban, 7 and 11 years after diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, respectively. This predicts 70% event-free rate at 12 years from diagnosis. Area under the curve estimates over the dosing interval of 24 hours were similar to those reported in adults.

Conclusions:

Edoxaban use is feasible and well-tolerated for long-term use in paediatric population. We suggest appropriate exposure using weight-based once-daily dosing strategy that may be comparable to standard-of-care anticoagulation in prevention of coronary artery thrombosis. Larger studies are needed to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy of edoxaban in this population.
Understanding knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to dietary sodium intake in a multi-ethnic population in Singapore
Authors: Chan Cindy Mei Jun , Dickens Borame Sue Lee , Chong Mary Foong-Fong
Published: November 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to fill the current gap in the understanding of the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours (KAB) related to dietary Na among adult residents in Singapore.

Design:

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between October and December 2020 on 955 participants selected through random sampling.

Setting:

The survey was conducted in Singapore.

Participants:

Participants were recruited from the Singapore Population Health Study Online Panel.

Results:

Participants’ mean age was 46·6 ± 14·1 years old and 58 % of them were females. Most of the participants were Chinese (82·1 %), 10·5 % were Indian and 4·5 % were Malay. Findings from the weighted data showed that most participants were aware of the health impact of high Na consumption. However, many participants were unaware of the recommended intake for salt (68%) and Na (83%), had misconceptions, and were unable to correctly use food labels to assess NA content (69%). Findings also alluded to the presence of knowledge gaps in the sources of Na in their diet. While 59 % of the participants reported to be limiting their consumption of Na, many reported facing barriers such as not knowing how to limit their Na intake. Participants also felt that there were limited options for low-Na foods when eating out and were lacking awareness of low-Na products.

Conclusions:

Findings highlighted substantial gaps in participants’ knowledge and skills in managing their Na consumption. This suggests the need for more public education and improvements in the food environment.
Toward an economic reformulation of public pension funding
Authors: Costrell Robert M. , McGee Josh B.
Published: November 2023

We propose an economic reformulation of contribution policy integrating: (1) formalization of sustainability as the steady-state contribution rate, incorporating both the expected return on risky assets and a low-risk discount rate for liabilities; (2) derivation of contribution adjustment policies required for convergence toward the target funded ratio and contribution rate; and (3) a stylized optimization framework for simultaneous determination of the target portfolio return and funded ratio. This analysis provides new theoretical insights into the basis for pre-funding vs. pay-as-you-go, resting on the convexity of the long-run risk–return relationship, and also potentially practical guidelines for contribution policy.
Diurnal oscillations of MRI metrics in the brains of male participants
Authors: Carlucci Matthew , Lett Tristram , Chavez Sofia , Malinowski Alexandra , Lobaugh Nancy J. , Petronis Art
Published: November 2023

Regulation of biological processes according to a 24-hr rhythm is essential for the normal functioning of an organism. Temporal variation in brain MRI data has often been attributed to circadian or diurnal oscillations; however, it is not clear if such oscillations exist. Here, we provide evidence that diurnal oscillations indeed govern multiple MRI metrics. We recorded cerebral blood flow, diffusion-tensor metrics, T1 relaxation, and cortical structural features every three hours over a 24-hr period in each of 16 adult male controls and eight adult male participants with bipolar disorder. Diurnal oscillations are detected in numerous MRI metrics at the whole-brain level, and regionally. Rhythmicity parameters in the participants with bipolar disorder are similar to the controls for most metrics, except for a larger phase variation in cerebral blood flow. The ubiquitous nature of diurnal oscillations has broad implications for neuroimaging studies and furthers our understanding of the dynamic nature of the human brain.
Growth in fluctuating light buffers plants against photorespiratory perturbations
Authors: von Bismarck Thekla , Wendering Philipp , Perez de Souza Leonardo , Ruß Jeremy , Strandberg Linnéa , Heyneke Elmien , Walker Berkley J. , Schöttler Mark A. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Nikoloski Zoran , Armbruster Ute
Published: November 2023

Photorespiration (PR) is the pathway that detoxifies the product of the oxygenation reaction of Rubisco. It has been hypothesized that in dynamic light environments, PR provides a photoprotective function. To test this hypothesis, we characterized plants with varying PR enzyme activities under fluctuating and non-fluctuating light conditions. Contrasting our expectations, growth of mutants with decreased PR enzyme levels was least affected in fluctuating light compared with wild type. Results for growth, photosynthesis and metabolites combined with thermodynamics-based flux analysis revealed two main causal factors for this unanticipated finding: reduced rates of photosynthesis in fluctuating light and complex re-routing of metabolic fluxes. Only in non-fluctuating light, mutants lacking the glutamate:glyoxylate aminotransferase 1 re-routed glycolate processing to the chloroplast, resulting in photooxidative damage through H2O2production. Our results reveal that dynamic light environments buffer plant growth and metabolism against photorespiratory perturbations.
Integrative analysis reveals a conserved role for the amyloid precursor protein in proteostasis during aging
Authors: Nithianandam Vanitha , Bukhari Hassan , Leventhal Matthew J. , Battaglia Rachel A. , Dong Xianjun , Fraenkel Ernest , Feany Mel B.
Published: November 2023

Aβ peptides derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) have been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the normal function of APP and the importance of that role in neurodegenerative disease is less clear. We recover the Drosophila ortholog of APP, Appl, in an unbiased forward genetic screen for neurodegeneration mutants. We perform comprehensive single cell transcriptional and proteomic studies of Appl mutant flies to investigate Appl function in the aging brain. We find an unexpected role for Appl in control of multiple cellular pathways, including translation, mitochondrial function, nucleic acid and lipid metabolism, cellular signaling and proteostasis. We mechanistically define a role for Appl in regulating autophagy through TGFβ signaling and document the broader relevance of our findings using mouse genetic, human iPSC and in vivo tauopathy models. Our results demonstrate a conserved role for APP in controlling age-dependent proteostasis with plausible relevance to Alzheimer’s disease.