bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR-22-3p suppresses NSCLC cell migration and EMT via targeting RAC1 expression
Authors: Wang Xuejiao , Wang Xiaobin , Jiang Tao , Zhang Zhipei , Xie Nianlin , Yang Guang
Published: August 2023

Previous studies have demonstrated the tumor-suppressive function of microRNA-22-3p (miR-22-3p) in several cancers, whereas the significance of miR-22-3p in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. In this study, we explored the biological function and molecular mechanism of miR-22-3p in NSCLC cells. First, we assessed the expression of miR-22-3p in NSCLC tissues and cells based on RT-qPCR and TCGA database. Compared with normal lung tissues and cells, miR-22-3p expression was dramatically decreased in lung cancer tissues and cells. miR-22-3p expression was also correlated with lymph node metastasis and tumor size, but not TNM stages. We further explored the in vitro function of miR-22-3p on the migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of NSCLC cells. The results showed that overexpression of miR-22-3p suppressed the migration and EMT of NSCLC cells, whereas silencing miR-22-3p showed the opposite effect. Luciferase assay demonstrated that RAS-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) was the target gene for miR-22-3p. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that miR-22-3p suppressed the cell migration and EMT via downregulation of RAC1 because the inhibitory effect of miR-22-3p on cell migration and EMT of NSCLC cells was reversed by RAC1 overexpression. Based on these novel data, the miR-22-3p/RAC1 axis may be an alternative target in the therapeutic intervention of NSCLC.
INCHAIN: a cyber insurance architecture with smart contracts and self-sovereign identity on top of blockchain
Authors: Farao Aristeidis , Paparis Georgios , Panda Sakshyam , Panaousis Emmanouil , Zarras Apostolis , Xenakis Christos
Published: August 2023

Despite the rapid growth of the cyber insurance market in recent years, insurance companies in this area face several challenges, such as a lack of data, a shortage of automated tasks, increased fraudulent claims from legal policyholders, attackers masquerading as legal policyholders, and insurance companies becoming targets of cybersecurity attacks due to the abundance of data they store. On top of that, there is a lack of Know Your Customer procedures. To address these challenges, in this article, we present , an innovative architecture that utilizes Blockchain technology to provide data transparency and traceability. The backbone of the architecture is complemented by Smart Contracts, which automate cyber insurance processes, and Self-Sovereign Identity for robust identification. The effectiveness of ’s architecture is compared with the literature against the challenges the cyber insurance industry faces. In a nutshell, our approach presents a significant advancement in the field of cyber insurance, as it effectively combats the issue of fraudulent claims and ensures proper customer identification and authentication. Overall, this research demonstrates a novel and effective solution to the complex problem of managing cyber insurance, providing a solid foundation for future developments in the field.
Silvopastoral systems in local livestock landscapes in Hopelchén, Southern Mexico
Authors: Špirić Jovanka , Ramírez M. Isabel
Published: August 2023

Deforestation for livestock remains one of Mexico’s key socio-environmental problems. The municipality of Hopelchén is a deforestation hotspot despite being part of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, the largest forestland on the Yucatan Peninsula. Livestock are part of the local culture and economy, and there is potential for the development of traditional and improved silvopastoral (SP) systems. It is therefore important to identify SP elements in the local livestock landscape and explore the reasons or limitations for their adoption. The quality and quantity of SP elements in a landscape depend on practices carried out by each rancher throughout the livestock production cycle. We aimed to identify local livestock practices that result in SP landscape elements and explain their impact on forest cover in Hopelchén. We identified seven SP elements, six traditional and one improved, being forest strips combined with live or dead fences the most common. Stand-alone live fences are the least common, due to negative local perceptions about their construction and maintenance. Scattered trees are present at very low densities to prevent shading of grass, while forest fragments are maintained as a source of timber. The full potential of traditional SP elements is not being reached as they are mainly used for protection and construction, without exploiting their use as fodder and live fences. Only four producers have alley grazing, the only improved SP element found. To prevent further forest degradation and deforestation, more integrated management and use of forest and tree cover in the livestock landscape should be encouraged.
Exploring Mental Health and Development in Refugee Children Through Systematic Play Assessment
Authors: Bernhardt Katharina , Le Beherec Saskia , Uppendahl Jana , Baur Marie-Anna , Klosinski Matthias , Mall Volker , Hahnefeld Andrea
Published: August 2023

To evaluate a standardized play observation as a measure of young children’s mental health and development in a clinical and refugee population. We conducted individual play observations with 70 refugee children aged 3- to 6-years and compared them to a clinical group of 111 age-matched children regarding their level of play development, social interaction during play, traumatic re-enactments, and emotionless-cold play. Additionally, we assessed children’s mental health, social-emotional development and markers of adversity by parent and educator report as well as their IQ-test scores and learning performance and related these factors to the play variables. Play variables were significantly correlated with IQ-test scores (r = 0.184, p = 0.037), learning performance (r = 0.208, p = 0.010) and vocabulary (r = 0.208, p = 0.021) in the comparison group and with social-emotional development in educator report (r = 0.368, p = 0.011), time spent in Germany (r = 0.342, p < 0.001) and parental distress (r = − 0.292, p = 0.034) in the refugee group. Children with more parent-reported adverse experiences showed less social-interactive play in the overall sample (r = − 0.178, p = 0.011). Our child-centered approach to standardized play observation augments information obtained from parent and educator reports and can provide valuable insights in subgroups where other commonly used tests are not available or applicable.
Metaphors of distance, size and temperature in sociometry of small social groups: A generalizability theory approach
Authors: Kundrát Josef , Rečka Karel , Litschmannová Martina , Vrtková Adéla , Baumgartner František , Benešová Tereza , Paulík Karel , Skanderová Lenka , Fabián Tomáš , Beranová Helena , Ullmannová Dominika
Published: August 2023

We have developed a new interactive instrument that uses psychological distance (represented by visual distance) together with the metaphors of size and temperature to assess liking and influence among primary school students. To test its concurrent validity, we compare its results with an established sociometric instrument. Furthermore, we examine the characteristics of the obtained ratings, the main sources of variability of the observed ratings, and the reliability of person-level results. Our results indicate that the ratings derived from the interactive visual metaphors of distance, size, and temperature show adequate reliability and strongly correlate with a traditional sociometric inventory that uses rating scales. The novelty of our approach lies in the use of generalizability theory, which allows for the decomposition of obtained ratings into class, rater, rated person, dyadic, and idiosyncratic effects. This allows for a more nuanced analysis of the relationships between members of social groups, such as school classes.
Role of microhabitats in shaping diversity of periphytic diatom assemblages
Authors: Nemes-Kókai Zsuzsanna , Borics Gábor , Csépes Eduárd , Lukács Áron , Török Péter , T-Krasznai Enikő , Bácsi István , B-Béres Viktória
Published: August 2023

Diverse macrovegetation can provide heterogeneous habitats for benthic diatoms. The removal of macrophytes as direct plant control, however, can be considered as a threat, which can even lead to remarkable microhabitat alterations. Lake Tisza (Hungary) has a high nature conservation value, but it is also an important recreation centre, which is why very delicate water management is necessary including vegetation thinning. Here, we studied the importance of microhabitat heterogeneity (emergent, submerged and floating macrophytes) in maintaining diverse periphytic diatom assemblages. We hypothesized that the substrate type has greater influencing role on the composition and diversity of diatoms than the lake heterogeneity related to basins. We also assumed that floating vegetation hosts the most different and least diverse diatom assemblages. Our results mostly proved these hypotheses. Heterogeneous assemblages were formed on the different substrates (support hypothesis), however, the basin level differences were also detected (reject hypothesis). Our results also highlighted, that macrophyte species with lesser morphological complexity hosted the least diverse periphytic assemblages (support hypothesis). However, many unique and red list taxa were found on floating plants (reject hypothesis). These findings emphasize the key role of microhabitat complexity in maintaining diverse and healthy functioning of microbial assemblages in a multi-purpose reservoir.
Violence in Queer Families: Symbolic Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships in Russian Law
Authors: Kondakov Alexander Sasha
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper deals with criminal court cases of intimate partner violence in queer families (IPV) in Russia. It aims to uncover ways for these families to be recognized in law, even if only for the purposes of deciding cases of violence among LGBT + partners.

Methods

The study deploys methods of discourse analysis to uncover powers which produce the texts of court rulings. The article is based on close examination of nine cases of IPV occurred in various places across Russia. Eight cases concern bisexual and lesbian women; one case is about men in a same-sex partnership.

Results

The analysis suggests that only the most severe cases of IPV reach criminal courts in Russia (murder, manslaughter, and serious injuries). As courts deal with violence among intimate same-sex partners, they have to discuss LGBT + identities, queer sexualities, and same-sex families more broadly, as well as such forms of violence which are not criminalized but build up to the ultimate violent act (psychological and financial violence, battery).

Conclusions

Regardless of reluctance to recognize queer families in family law, same-sex relationships are already recognized in the legal discourse with the help of various categories for the purposes of processing criminal cases. However, this recognition casts queer families as subordinate and pathological, especially through the widespread invocation of traditional values rhetoric.
Mental Health and well-being During the COVID-19 Pandemic and After the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Authors: Pavlova Iuliia , Rogowska Aleksandra M. , Zhang Stephen X.
Published: August 2023

The study compared the mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A repeated online cross-sectional study was performed twice among university students in Ukraine: in November 2020 (Pre-war sample, n = 752) and September-October 2022 (During-war sample, n = 862). The survey measured life satisfaction (SWLS), perceived stress (PSS-10), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). Stress, anxiety, and life satisfaction levels were similar during the war and pandemic, while symptoms of depression decreased during the war, compared to the pandemic. Network analysis showed that anxiety has a crucial effect on depression and stress, and stress is most closely related to life satisfaction. The association of life satisfaction with anxiety and depression disappeared in wartime, in contrast to the pandemic. The priority of prevention and intervention programs in wartime Ukraine should focus on anxiety as the most influential factor in other mental health and well-being problems. The results showed high resistance and adaptation to war conditions among university students in Ukraine.
The evolving role of reirradiation in the management of recurrent brain tumors
Authors: De Pietro Raffaella , Zaccaro Lucy , Marampon Francesco , Tini Paolo , De Felice Francesca , Minniti Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Despite aggressive management consisting of surgery, radiation therapy (RT), and systemic therapy given alone or in combination, a significant proportion of patients with brain tumors will experience tumor recurrence. For these patients, no standard of care exists and management of either primary or metastatic recurrent tumors remains challenging.

Advances in imaging and RT technology have enabled more precise tumor localization and dose delivery, leading to a reduction in the volume of health brain tissue exposed to high radiation doses. Radiation techniques have evolved from three-dimensional (3-D) conformal RT to the development of sophisticated techniques, including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric arc therapy (VMAT), and stereotactic techniques, either stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). Several studies have suggested that a second course of RT is a feasible treatment option in patients with a recurrent tumor; however, survival benefit and treatment related toxicity of reirradiation, given alone or in combination with other focal or systemic therapies, remain a controversial issue.

We provide a critical overview of the current clinical status and technical challenges of reirradiation in patients with both recurrent primary brain tumors, such as gliomas, ependymomas, medulloblastomas, and meningiomas, and brain metastases. Relevant clinical questions such as the appropriate radiation technique and patient selection, the optimal radiation dose and fractionation, tolerance of the brain to a second course of RT, and the risk of adverse radiation effects have been critically discussed.

Graphical Abstract
Guaranteeing Trade in a Severe Crisis: Cash Collateral Over Bank Guarantees
Authors: Kotidis Antonis , MacDonald Margaux , Malliaropulos Dimitris
Published: August 2023

Banks guarantee international trade through letters of credit. This paper analyzes what happens to trade when the critical role of banks as trade guarantors is compromised. Using the case of the Greek capital controls in 2015, the events around which led to a massive loss of confidence in the domestic banking system, we show that firms whose operations were more dependent on domestic banks suffered a steep decline in imports and, subsequently, exports. This operated through letters of credit, which during the capital controls period had to be backed by firms’ own cash collateral rather than the bank guarantee. As a result, cash-poor firms imported relatively less. Public intervention to guarantee transactions is shown to help mitigate some of the decline in imports.
Developing an Evaluation Rubric for Planning and Assessing SSI-Based STEAM Programs in Science Classrooms
Authors: Mang Ha My Anna , Chu Hye-Eun , Martin Sonya N. , Kim Chan-Jong
Published: August 2023

This multi-phase study designed a program evaluation rubric which used a qualitative rating system to help teachers identify key learning goals, dimensions, and principles related to the socio-scientific issues (SSI)-based science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) approach for science education. This rubric contains 37 criteria that address one or more key principles of the SSI-based STEAM approach embedded in a 6E inquiry-based instructional model. It is organised into seven evaluation categories: (1) learning outcomes, (2) engage, (3) explain, (4) explore, (5) elaborate, (6) evaluate, and (7) enact. The newly developed rubric was used to evaluate six different climate change programs to determine whether it could measure the intended dimensions and principles and to assess its applicability across varying contexts. This research has implications for providing a tool for teachers to plan and design SSI-based STEAM programs.
Trajectories of Unpaid Labour and the Probability of Employment Precarity and Labour Force Detachment Among Prime Working-Age Australian Women
Authors: Ervin Jennifer , Taouk Yamna , Hewitt Belinda , King Tania
Published: August 2023

Worldwide, women are over-represented in precarious and insecure employment arrangements. Importantly, the high unpaid labour demands women experience over the life course compromise paid labour force participation for women. This study explores the way different trajectories of time spent in unpaid labour throughout women’s prime working and child-rearing years (from baseline age of 25–35 yrs to 42–52 yrs) are associated with indicators of precarious employment and labour force detachment later in life. We applied group-based trajectory modelling to 17 waves (2002–2018) of data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey to identify trajectories in unpaid labour. We then examined associations between these estimated trajectories and employment outcomes in wave 19 (2019). Our study shows that chronic exposure to high amounts of unpaid labour over prime working-age years (compared to lower exposure levels) increases women’s probability of precarious employment and labour force detachment later in prime working life. This provides evidence that ongoing inequity in the division of unpaid labour has considerable long-term implications for gender inequality in the paid labour force, and underscores the importance of urgently addressing how men and women share and prioritise time across both paid and unpaid labour domains.
The Virus and the Atmosphere: Reviewing the Trajectory of Human History
Authors: Wagner P.
Published: August 2023

The article compares the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change in terms of natural characteristics of the crisis triggers as well as of socio-political responses.
Toward Planetary Health Ethics? Refiguring Bios in Bioethics
Authors: Anderson Warwick
Published: August 2023

In responding to perceived crises—such as the COVID-19 pandemic—in routinized ways, contemporary bioethics can make us prisoners of the proximate. Rather, we need bioethics to recognize and engage with complex configurations of global ecosystem degradation and collapse, thereby showing us paths toward co-inhabiting the planet securely and sustainably. Such a planetary health ethics might draw rewardingly on Indigenous knowledge practices or Indigenous philosophical ecologies. It will require ethicists, with other health professionals, to step up and become public advocates for environmental sustainability. The COVID-19 pandemic should be seen as opening a portal to planetary health ethics or ecologized bioethics.
Casting Justice Before Swine: Late Mediaeval Pig Trials as Instances of Human Exceptionalism
Authors: Gins Sven
Published: August 2023

In recent years, several cases about the legal personhood of nonhuman animals garnered global attention, e.g. the recognition of ‘basic rights’ for the Argentinian great apes Sandra and Cecilia. Legal scholars have embraced the animal turn, blurring the once sovereign boundaries between persons and objects, recognising nonhuman beings as legal subjects. The zoonotic origins of the Covid-19 pandemic stress the urgency of establishing ‘global animal law’ and deconstructing anthropocentrism. To this end, it is vital to also consider the extensive premodern legal history that humans share with other animals. Over 200 so-called animal trials have been documented in premodern Europe. In these proceedings, certain nonhuman animals—particularly domestic pigs—were prosecuted, often resulting in their capital punishment or anathema. This paper takes a history of ideas approach to these historical instances where Western philosophy of law and philosophical anthropology intersect, problematising the notion that such trials constitute wholesome precedents of the kind of legal personhood presently debated in jurisprudence. My counter-hegemonic analysis of the legal prosecution and execution of several pigs in fifteenth-century France demonstrates that late mediaeval notions of criminality transcended the alleged human-nonhuman divide whilst reaffirming and reifying human distinctiveness. I propose that pig trials were local laboratories where Christian communities reflected upon the natural hierarchy of God’s creation. Ensuing the apparent breach of the prescribed boundaries of nature, these communities renegotiated and re-naturalised everyday interspecies sociability by utilising the offending animals to exemplify particular norms about what it means to be human, generally to the animals’ detriment.
Answering Divine Love: Human Distinctiveness in the Light of Islam and Artificial Superintelligence
Authors: Çelik Yusuf
Published: August 2023

In the Qur’an, human distinctiveness was first questioned by angels. These established denizens of the cosmos could not understand why God would create a seemingly pernicious human when immaculate devotees of God such as themselves existed. In other words, the angels asked the age-old question: what makes humans so special and different? Fast forward to our present age and this question is made relevant again in light of the encroaching arrival of an artificial superintelligence (ASI). Up to this point in history, humans have exceeded other creatures in various respects; now a possibility has arisen that another entity, namely ASI, will exceed humans at least on the level of intelligence and power. In relation to the age of angels, pre-modern Sunni exegesis construed human distinctiveness along the axes of reproductive knowledge and stewardship. Both brittle, distinguishing markers will disappear in the age of the ASI. Conversely, a more resilient and creative Islamic response can be derived from Ibn al-ʿArabī’s (d. 1240) views on God and the imago Dei. Inspired by the Akbarian perspective, this paper construes human distinctiveness in relation to a capacity to expansively respond to God’s love to be recognized, a response that relies on (a) imitating divine virtues that operate in counterintuitive and illogical ways, and (b) exhibiting fragility and lack rather than exceptionalism. ASI, while responding already in part to God’s love, needs to make strides towards these traits before it can answer divine love as commensurately as humans can.
Die Lohnlücke in der Zeitarbeit
Authors: Bachmann Ronald , Flores Fernanda Martínez , Rulff Christian
Published: August 2023

Die Lohnlücke zwischen Personen, die innerhalb und außerhalb der Zeitarbeit beschäftigt sind, wird in Deutschland auf Grundlage verschiedener Datensätze berechnet, was teilweise zu sehr unterschiedlichen Ergebnissen führt. Der vorliegende Artikel untersucht die Lohnlücke in der Zeitarbeit daher anhand zweier Datensätze, den Integrierten Erwerbsbiografien (IEB) des Instituts für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit und der Verdienststrukturerhebung (VSE) des Statistischen Bundesamtes. Hierzu wird die Lohnlücke auf Basis der beiden Mikrodatensätze mithilfe verschiedener ökonometrischer Verfahren analysiert.

Die Ergebnisse der Studie zeigen, dass beim Vergleich von öffentlichen Statistiken auf eine Vergleichbarkeit der zugrundeliegenden Stichprobe geachtet werden sollte. Die Lohnlücke bei den Monatslöhnen ist bei Verwendung von IEB-Daten etwas größer als bei VSE-Daten, was auf Unterschiede in der Zusammensetzung der Stichprobe zurückzuführen ist. Die ökonometrische Analyse der Monatslöhne ergibt für beide Datensätze, dass die bereinigte Lohnlücke, d. h. die Lohnlücke nach Kontrolle für beobachtbare Charakteristika, deutlich geringer ausfällt als die unbereinigte Lohnlücke. Eine zusätzliche Analyse der Stundenlöhne auf Grundlage der VSE zeigt, dass die bereinigte Lohnlücke nahe null liegt. Dies deutet darauf hin, dass die Arbeitszeit eine wichtige Rolle für die Lohnlücke spielt.
Metformin as a promising target for DPP4 expression: computational modeling and experimental validation
Authors: El-Arabey Amr Ahmed , Zhang Haiyan , Abdalla Mohnad , Al-Shouli Samia T. , Alkhalil Samia S. , Liu Yi
Published: August 2023

Metformin is a regularly prescribed and low-cost generic medication. Metformin has been proposed as a target for Dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4) expression in various clinical disorders. We provide insilco investigations on molecular docking and dynamic modeling of metformin and DPP4 potential interactions. Moreover, we conducted bioinformatic studies to highlight the clinical significance of DPP4 expression and mutation in various types of malignancies, as well as the invasion of different immune cells into the tumor microenvironment. We believe the present proposal’s findings have crucial implications for understanding how metformin may confer health advantages by targeting DPP4 expression in malignancies.

Graphical abstract
Ethnic profiling of organised crime? A tendency of mafia-cation in the Netherlands
Authors: Eski Yarin , Sergi Anna
Published: August 2023

This article will explore how the current narratives (and corresponding changes) in Dutch organised crime policing relate to ethnic profiling of minorities in the Netherlands. It will do so by developing a theoretically informed narrative understanding of what we would like to conceptualise as ethnic profiling of organised crime (in the Netherlands), digging deeper into the connection between the role of ethnicity in organised crime studies inasmuch as it relates to the history of the mafia concept and, even further, lingering colonialism in law-and-order approaches. By focusing on (assumed) socio-historical connections between Italy, mafia and organised crime and on the social construction of Italian mafia as organised crime, based on narrative criminology, this article discursively and interpretatively understands the dominant and hidden Dutch narratives on (policing) organised crime. The discovered narratives will be critically discussed in light of the juxtaposition between mafias and ethnic organised crime and post-colonial implications.
The effectiveness of an instagram intervention targeted at men to reduce body dissatisfaction
Authors: Stiff Chris , Cutts Megan
Published: August 2023

Instagram is a hugely popular social media website; however, research has suggested that continued use of the site may lead to increased body dissatisfaction and lower body esteem. Materials intended to reduce these effects are available, but these often focus more on thinness and are intended for use by females. Male users tend to focus more on muscularity and leanness, and so these materials may not fully address male body image issues. In this paper, we created and tested materials intended to address this gap. These materials used two principles; media literacy, which educates users about the veracity of the images they see, and cognitive restructuring, which trains user to recognise unfavourable social comparisons they may make about themselves. Across two experimental studies (study 1 N = 192; study 2 N = 301), we found these materials were effective. Participants reported greater body image esteem, and lower body dissatisfaction after viewing materials. Moreover, they seemed to operate on increasing scepticism regarding the realism of images on social media. Narcissism as an individual difference moderated these effects, showing that high narcissism precluded the need for intervention because such individuals were unaffected by Instagram exposure. Ideas for future studies, including a forthcoming longitudinal examination of these effects are then discussed.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Regulates Host IFN-I Through the RIG-I Signalling Pathway to Inhibit Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Huang Mei , Du Yuqi , Chen Haoming , Li Zixiong , Zhai Taiyu , Ou Zihao , Huang Yiyi , Bu Fan , Zhen Haojun , Pan Ruoru , Wang Yubing , Zhao Xiaohan , Situ Bo , Zheng Lei , Hu Xiumei
Published: August 2023

Numerous recent studies have demonstrated that the commensal microbiota plays an important role in host immunity against infections. During the infection process, viruses can exhibit substantial and close interactions with the commensal microbiota. However, the associated mechanism remains largely unknown. Therefore, in this study, we explored the specific mechanisms by which the commensal microbiota modulates host immunity against viral infections. We found that the expression levels of type I interferon (IFN-I) and antiviral priming were significantly downregulated following the depletion of the commensal microbiota due to treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics (ABX). In addition, we confirmed a unique molecular mechanism underlying the induction of IFN-I mediated by the commensal microbiota. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) can suppress herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection by inducing IFN-I expression via the retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) signalling pathway. Therefore, the commensal microbiota-induced production of IFN-I provides a potential therapeutic approach to combat viral infections. Altogether, understanding the complexity and the molecular aspects linking the commensal microbiota to health will help provide the basis for novel therapies already being developed.

Graphical Abstract
Protonentherapie voor seminoma testis
Authors: Sinnige Peter F. , Reynders Kobe J. , Bakker Pauline A. C.
Published: August 2023

Samenvatting

Seminoma testis wordt gekenmerkt door een hoge ziektevrije en algehele overleving. Bij beperkt lymfogeen gemetastaseerde ziekte is para-aortale en para-iliacale radiotherapie een curatieve behandeloptie. Het belangrijkste nadeel van deze behandeling is het verhoogde risico op secundaire maligniteiten nadien. Dit lijkt voornamelijk te gelden voor tumoren van de maag, pancreas, nieren en blaas. Het risico op tumorinductie is afhankelijk van de bestralingsdosis die op het orgaan komt. Met protonentherapie is het mogelijk om de dosis op deze organen te verminderen ten opzichte van fotonentherapie. Vanaf maart 2022 wordt deze behandeling aangeboden in de drie Nederlandse protonencentra. Dit artikel beschrijft de indicaties en onderbouwing voor het gebruik van protonentherapie bij patiënten met een seminoom. Daarnaast worden enkele technische aspecten besproken.
Association of tyrosine hydroxylase 01 (TH01) microsatellite and insulin gene (INS) variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) with type 2 diabetes and fasting insulin secretion in Mexican population
Authors: Berumen J. , Orozco L. , Gallardo-Rincón H. , Juárez-Torres E. , Barrera E. , Cruz-López M. , Benuto R. E. , Ramos-Martinez E. , Marin-Madina M. , Alvarado-Silva A. , Valladares-Salgado A. , Peralta-Romero J. J. , García-Ortiz H. , Martinez-Juarez L. A. , Montoya A. , Alvarez-Hernández D. A. , Alegre-Diaz J. , Kuri-Morales P. , Tapia-Conyer R.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

A variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the insulin gene (INS) control region may be involved in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The TH01 microsatellite is near INS and may regulate it. We investigated whether the TH01 microsatellite and INS VNTR, assessed via the surrogate marker single nucleotide polymorphism rs689, are associated with T2D and serum insulin levels in a Mexican population.

Methods

We analyzed a main case–control study (n = 1986) that used univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to calculate the risk conferred by TH01 and rs689 loci for T2D development; rs689 results were replicated in other case–control (n = 1188) and cross-sectional (n = 1914) studies.

Results

TH01 alleles 6, 8, 9, and 9.3 and allele A of rs689 were independently associated with T2D, with differences between sex and age at diagnosis. TH01 alleles with ≥ 8 repeats conferred an increased risk for T2D in males compared with ≤ 7 repeats (odds ratio, ≥ 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.95). In females, larger alleles conferred a 1.5-fold higher risk for T2D when diagnosed ≥ 46 years but conferred protection when diagnosed ≤ 45 years. Similarly, rs689 allele A was associated with T2D in these groups. In males, larger TH01 alleles and the rs689 A allele were associated with a significant decrease in median fasting plasma insulin concentration with age in T2D cases; the reverse occurred in controls.

Conclusion

Larger TH01 alleles and rs689 A allele may potentiate insulin synthesis in males without T2D, a process disabled in those with T2D.
TCANet: three-stream coordinate attention network for RGB-D indoor semantic segmentation
Authors: Jia Weikuan , Yan Xingchao , Liu Qiaolian , Zhang Ting , Dong Xishang
Published: August 2023

Semantic segmentation plays a vital role in indoor scene analysis. Currently, its accuracy is still limited due to the complex conditions of various indoor scenes. In addition, it is difficult to complete this task solely relying on RGB images. Since depth images can provide additional 3D geometric information to RGB images, researchers chose to incorporate depth images for improving the accuracy of indoor semantic segmentation. However, it is still a challenge to effectively fuse the depth information with the RGB images. To address this issue, a three-stream coordinate attention network is proposed. The presented network reconstructs a multi-modal feature fusion module for RGB-D features, which can realize the aggregation of two modal information along the spatial and channel dimensions. Meanwhile, three convolutional neural network branches are used to construct a parallel three-stream structure, which can, respectively, process the RGB features, depth features and combined features. On one hand, the proposed network can preserve the original RGB and depth feature streams, simultaneously. On the other hand, it can also contribute to utilize and propagate the fusion feature flow better. The embedded ASPP module is used to optimize the semantic information in the proposed network, so as to aggregate the feature information of different scales and obtain more accurate features. Experimental results show that the proposed model can reach a state-of-the-art mIoU accuracy of 50.2% on the NYUDv2 dataset and on the more complex SUN-RGBD dataset.
G-dual Teleparallel Connections in Information Geometry
Authors: Ciaglia F. M. , Cosmo F. Di , Ibort A. , Marmo G.
Published: August 2023

Given a real, finite-dimensional, smooth parallelizable Riemannian manifold $$(\mathcal {N},G)$$

(
N
,
G
)

endowed with a teleparallel connection $$\nabla $$
∇
determined by a choice of a global basis of vector fields on $$\mathcal {N}$$
N
, we show that the G-dual connection $$\nabla ^{*}$$

∇

∗

of $$\nabla $$
∇
in the sense of Information Geometry must be the teleparallel connection determined by the basis of G-gradient vector fields associated with a basis of differential one-forms which is (almost) dual to the basis of vector fields determining $$\nabla $$
∇
. We call any such pair $$(\nabla ,\nabla ^{*})$$

(
∇
,

∇

∗

)

a G-dual teleparallel pair. Then, after defining a covariant (0, 3) tensor T uniquely determined by $$(\mathcal {N},G,\nabla ,\nabla ^{*})$$

(
N
,
G
,
∇
,

∇

∗

)

, we show that T being symmetric in the first two entries is equivalent to $$\nabla $$
∇
being torsion-free, that T being symmetric in the first and third entry is equivalent to $$\nabla ^{*}$$

∇

∗

being torsion free, and that T being symmetric in the second and third entries is equivalent to the basis vectors determining $$\nabla $$
∇
($$\nabla ^{*}$$

∇

∗

) being parallel-transported by $$\nabla ^{*}$$

∇

∗

($$\nabla $$
∇
). Therefore, G-dual teleparallel pairs provide a generalization of the notion of Statistical Manifolds usually employed in Information Geometry, and we present explicit examples of G-dual teleparallel pairs arising both in the context of both Classical and Quantum Information Geometry.
Metabolic and cardiovascular benefits and risks of 4-hydroxy guanabenz hydrochloride: α2-adrenoceptor and trace amine-associated receptor 1 ligand
Authors: Kotańska Magdalena , Marcinkowska Monika , Kuder Kamil J. , Walczak Maria , Bednarski Marek , Siwek Agata , Kołaczkowski Marcin
Published: August 2023

Background

α2-adrenoceptor ligands have been investigated as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of obesity. Our previous studies have shown that guanabenz reduces the body weight of obese rats, presumably through its anorectic action. This demonstrates an additional beneficial effect on selected metabolic parameters, including glucose levels. The purpose of this present research was to determine the activity of guanabenz's metabolite—4-hydroxy guanabenz hydrochloride (4-OH-Guanabenz).

Methods

We performed in silico analyses, involving molecular docking to targets of specific interest as well as other potential biological targets. In vitro investigations were conducted to assess the selectivity profile of 4-OH-Guanabenz binding to α-adrenoceptors, along with intrinsic activity studies involving α2-adrenoceptors and trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1). Additionally, the effects of 4-OH-Guanabenz on the body weight of rats and selected metabolic parameters were evaluated using the diet-induced obesity model. Basic safety and pharmacokinetic parameters were also examined.

Results

4-OH-guanabenz is a partial agonist of α2A-adrenoceptor. The calculated EC50 value for it is 316.3 nM. It shows weak agonistic activity at TAAR1 too. The EC50 value for 4-OH-Guanabenz calculated after computer simulation is 330.6 µM. Its primary mode of action is peripheral. The penetration of 4-OH-Guanabenz into the brain is fast (tmax = 15 min), however, with a low maximum concentration of 64.5 ng/g. 4-OH-Guanabenz administered ip at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. to rats fed a high-fat diet causes a significant decrease in body weight (approximately 14.8% compared to the baseline weight before treatment), reduces the number of calories consumed by rats, and decreases plasma glucose and triglyceride levels.

Conclusions

The precise sequence of molecular events within the organism, linking the impact of 4-OH-Guanabenz on α2A-adrenoceptor and TAAR1 with weight reduction and the amelioration of metabolic disturbances, remains an unresolved matter necessitating further investigation. Undoubtedly, the fact that 4-OH-Guanabenz is a metabolite of a well-known drug has considerable importance, which is beneficial from an economic point of view and towards its further development as a drug candidate.
Identifying the barriers faced by medical students using virtual reality simulation
Authors: Lloyd James , Akhtar Sohail , Balaji Packianathaswamy
Published: August 2023

Background

Virtual reality technology is increasingly used in medical education to facilitate immersive experiences allowing users to interact with a simulated environment to foster learning. However, the potential barriers to this experience from a user perspective have not been fully explored.

Methods

Twenty final-year medical students participated in answering a pre- and post-simulation questionnaire as part of a facilitated virtual reality simulation session. The questionnaire explored participants’ expectations and experiences of virtual reality, in relation to adverse effects, interest and usefulness through 0–10 rating scales. Free-text questioning was used for further discussion.

Results

Ratings of all assessed adverse symptoms experienced by students were significantly lower than their expected ratings (p < 0.01), and ratings of reported usefulness and interest in virtual reality significantly increased post-simulation (p < 0.01). The median ratings given for all symptoms experienced by students were either 0 or 1/10 (none/minimal). Free-text comments raised problems of visual focussing in those who wear glasses.

Discussion

Our results suggest that virtual reality is an appropriate simulation modality which is acceptable to students. Potential barriers such as cybersickness and discomfort were minimally experienced and did not impact reported usefulness. We promote the generalisability of these findings by demonstrating them on commonly used consumer equipment and a common use case.
Spatiotemporal variability of pH in coastal waters of New Brunswick (Canada) and potential consequences for oyster aquaculture
Authors: Mayrand Elise , Benhafid Zhor
Published: August 2023

There is a void in the knowledge of the acidification status of Eastern Canada's coastal waters. This knowledge is crucial to evaluating the threats posed to marine life, particularly oyster farming, a flagship of New Brunswick seafood production. In this study, we measured the temporal variability of pH and related environmental parameters in three bays of Northeastern New Brunswick. We also evaluated the potential impact of the observed pH levels on the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica Gmelin, 1791), based on the available literature on this species’ sensitivity to acidification. We investigated the presence of inherent cycles of pH with the Fourier transform and the spectral filtering technique. Our results show that pH is highly variable in the studied area, with values ranging from 7.31 to 8.90. A seasonal effect was apparent, as the pH fluctuations were set at the lowest level in winter when the cover of ice and snow on the bay was present. The spectral analysis revealed a clear semidiurnal tidal pattern of pH, this variable being inversely related to the water level in summer and directly related to it in winter. The spectral subtraction of all the tidal components allowed the detection of a circadian rhythm that was not in pace with the alternation between day and night but rather slowly drifted so that the pH troughs occurred at night during the full moon period. Short periodicities of circa 8 and 6 h also existed in two of the three bays. Based on current knowledge of C. virginica’s sensitivity to acidification, this species’ recruitment, growth, and survival are unlikely to be impacted by the present pH levels in the studied area. However, further acidification might overcome the resilience of C. virginica, especially that of the larvae that are produced during the winter in commercial hatcheries.
The importance, orientation and key content of township-level comprehensive spatial planning in China
Authors: Peng Zhenwei , Zhang Li , Dong Shuting , Li Wenqi
Published: August 2023

On the basis of fully understanding the key characteristics and problems of China’s township master plans, this article clarifies the requirements of the territorial spatial planning system reform for the governance system of townships and towns, urban–rural integration and high-quality development, and points out the necessity of overall planning for township-level territorial spaces in China. Then, based on the study of international experience and the division of administrative powers between county-level government and township-level government, it proposes the positioning features of overall planning for township-level territorial spaces, including the communication and implementation of municipal and county planning, innovating the control methods concerning the use of town seat space, and coordinating and guiding the formulation of detailed plans. It also indicates that the key content of overall planning for township-level territorial spaces must include natural resource management, development and utilization of territorial spaces, spatial pattern of town areas, spatial layout of town seats, management and control of village construction, etc.
Primary intraosseous osteolytic meningioma: A case report
Authors: Shafiee Sajad , kahrizsangi Fatemeh Salehi , Ahmadvand Omid , Kargar-soleimanabad Saeed , Babaee Hasan , Yazdani-cherati Reza
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction

and importance: Meningioma, also known as meningeal tumor, is a primary tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). Originates from arachnoid cap cells.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old female patient presented with hard, painless swelling in the right parieto-fronto-temporal region of the skull, which has been growing for the past 6 months. And computed tomography (CT) scans revealed a lytic lesion. The patient underwent a cranitotomy and Resection of tumor with safe margins were performed, after the operation, the patient was neurologically intact and the patient was discharged in stable condition after disappeared the symptoms.

Discussion

Extradural meningiomas make up a small percentage, approximately 1–2%, of all meningiomas, This type of mass comprise a small percentage of all meningiomas, with primary intraosseous meningiomas commonly found in frontotemporal orbits, anterior cranial fossa, paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, neck, and petrous region of the temporal.

Conclusion

Here we present a case of primary intraosseous meningiomas although the origin of this tumor is not well understood, but usually present with the osteoblastic type or osteolytic lesion in rere case.

Highlights
Multi-population mortality modelling: a Bayesian hierarchical approach
Authors: Shi Jianjie , Shi Yanlin , Wang Pengjie , Zhu Dan
Published: August 2023

Modelling mortality co-movements for multiple populations has significant implications for mortality/longevity risk management. This paper assumes that multiple populations are heterogeneous sub-populations randomly drawn from a hypothetical super-population. Those heterogeneous sub-populations may exhibit various patterns of mortality dynamics across different age groups. We propose a hierarchical structure of these age patterns to ensure the model stability and use a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to fit the co-movements over time. Especially, a structural analysis based on the VECM is implemented to investigate potential interdependence among mortality dynamics of the examined populations. An efficient Bayesian Markov Chain Monte-Carlo method is also developed to estimate the unknown parameters to address the computational complexity. Our empirical application to the mortality data collected for the Group of Seven nations demonstrates the efficacy of our approach.
Compensation Thresholds for Collective Sales: Singapore & Australia Compared
Authors: Ti Edward Seng Wei
Published: August 2023

Strata titles are a critically important Australian legal export. New South Wales’ (NSW) strata legislation has been particularly influential, having been adopted in numerous jurisdictions, including Singapore in 1967. As a statutory framework, strata law solves the problem of ‘floating freeholds’ by creating indefeasible ownership of individual units in a building, guides owners in managing the development, and sets out the dispute resolution process when disagreements occur.

In an increasing number of jurisdictions (including Singapore and three states in Australia), strata legislation also enables the strata scheme to be terminated and sold for redevelopment where the requisite majority, as opposed to an unanimity of subsidiary proprietors’ consent to the sale. Strata law imposes compensation thresholds that must minimally be paid to dissenting owners. In Singapore, the rule is that no minority owner should suffer a ‘financial loss,’ while in NSW and Western Australia (WA), this amount is pegged to what the owner would theoretically have obtained had the unit been acquired compulsorily by the state. In this article, I compare strata law in Singapore, NSW, and WA in relation to compensation thresholds and explain why the Australian market value standard should also be adequate to compensate unit owners in Singapore.