bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multitarget and suspect screening of antimicrobials in soil and manure by means of QuEChERS — liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Vergara-Luis I. , Bocayá N. , Irazola-Duñabeitia M. , Zuloaga O. , Lacuesta M. , Olivares M. , Prieto A.
Published: August 2023

The present work aimed to develop an accurate analytical method for the simultaneous analysis of twenty-four antimicrobials in soil:compost and animal manure samples by means of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QqQ). For this purpose, the effectiveness of two extraction techniques (i.e. focused ultrasound solid–liquid extraction (FUSLE) and QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe)) was evaluated, and the clean-up step using solid-phase extraction (SPE) was also thoroughly studied. The method was successfully validated at 10 μg·kg−1, 25 μg·kg−1, and 50 μg·kg−1 showing adequate trueness (70–130%) and repeatability (RSD < 30%), with few exceptions. Procedural limits of quantification (LOQPRO) were determined for soil:compost (0.45 to 7.50 μg·kg−1) and manure (0.31 to 5.53 μg·kg−1) samples. Pefloxacin could not be validated at the lowest level since LOQPRO ≥ 10 μg·kg−1. Sulfamethazine (7.9 ± 0.8 µg·kg−1), danofloxacin (27.1 ± 1.4 µg·kg−1) and trimethoprim (4.9 ± 0.5 µg·kg−1) were detected in soil samples; and tetracycline (56.8 ± 2.8 µg·kg−1), among other antimicrobials, in the plants grown on the surface of the studied soil samples. Similarly, sulfonamides (SAs), tetracyclines (TCs) and fluoroquinolones (FQs) were detected in sheep manure in a range of 1.7 ± 0.3 to 93.3 ± 6.8 µg·kg−1. Soil and manure samples were also analysed through UHPLC coupled to a high-resolution mass-spectrometer (UHPLC-qOrbitrap) in order to extend the multitarget method to suspect screening of more than 22,281 suspects. A specific transformation product (TP) of sulfamethazine (formyl-sulfamethazine) was annotated at 2a level in manure samples, among others. This work contributes to the efforts that have been made in the last decade to develop analytical methods that allow multitarget analysis of a wide variety of antimicrobials, including TPs, which is a complex task due to the diverse physicochemical properties of the antimicrobials.
Superfair Stochastic Games
Authors: Flesch János , Predtetchinski Arkadi , Sudderth William
Published: August 2023

A two-person zero-sum stochastic game with a nonnegative stage reward function is superfair if the value of the one-shot game at each state is at least as large as the reward function at the given state. The payoff in the game is the limit superior of the expected stage rewards taken over the directed set of all finite stop rules. If the game has countable state and action spaces and if at least one of the players has a finite action space at each state, then the game has a value. The value of the stochastic game is obtained by a transfinite algorithm on the countable ordinals.
Peptide nucleic acid conjugates and their antimicrobial applications—a mini-review
Authors: Tsylents Uladzislava , Siekierska Izabela , Trylska Joanna
Published: August 2023

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a nucleic acid mimic with high specificity and binding affinity to natural DNA or RNA, as well as resistance to enzymatic degradation. PNA sequences can be designed to selectively silence gene expression, which makes PNA a promising tool for antimicrobial applications. However, the poor membrane permeability of PNA remains the main limiting factor for its applications in cells. To overcome this obstacle, PNA conjugates with different molecules have been developed. This mini-review focuses on covalently linked conjugates of PNA with cell-penetrating peptides, aminosugars, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and non-peptidic molecules that were tested, primarily as PNA carriers, in antibacterial and antiviral applications. The chemistries of the conjugation and the applied linkers are also discussed.
Outcomes of drain versus no drain in total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Albasha Anas , Salman Loay A. , Elramadi Ahmed , Abudalou Abedallah , Mustafa Ahmed , Hejleh Hasan Azzam Abu , Ahmed Ghalib
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The use of suction drains in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of patients who received suction drains versus those who did not, focusing on blood loss, blood transfusion need, and length of hospital stay.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital between January 1, 2015, and December 30, 2019, and included 262 patients who underwent unilateral non-traumatic primary TKA and were over 18 years old. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved the study (MRC-02–20-278).

Results

A total of 262 patients were included, with an age range of 47 to 91 years. Most of the included patients were females, 74.4% (195). Hypertension was the most frequent risk factor, 67.6%, followed by diabetes. Of 262 patients, 156 (59.5%) received a drain. The drain group had significantly longer hospital stay, 30% longer tourniquet time, greater haemoglobin and haematocrit drops, higher count of transfused packed RBC units, and lower use of anticoagulants. Moreover, tranexamic acid (TXA) use (n = 106) in surgery reduced hospital stays, tourniquet time, drain output, and increased pre- and postoperative haemoglobin and hematocrit levels compared to no TXA group (n = 156) (p < 0.05, z-score reported).

Conclusions

This study found that patients who received a drain had longer hospital stays and greater blood loss and transfusion rates compared to those who did not. The use of TXA in surgery was associated with improved outcomes and reduced overall complications.
Less Invasive Primary Treatment for Colorectal Cancer After Implementation of National Screening: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Dressler Jannie , Njor Sisse H. , Jørgensen Lars N. , Rasmussen Morten
Published: August 2023

Background

The effect of organized colorectal cancer (CRC) screening on type of primary treatment remains sparsely investigated. This study evaluated the difference in primary treatment strategy between patients diagnosed with screen‐detected (SD‐CRC) and non‐screen‐detected colorectal cancer (NSD‐CRC) in a national CRC screening program.

Methods

This was a retrospective national register‐based cohort study. Data on patients aged between 50 and 75 years and diagnosed with SD‐CRC or NSD‐CRC were retrieved from the national colorectal cancer screening database and the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database. Outcomes related to surgical invasiveness were compared between the two cohorts. Differences were expressed as relative risks using log‐binomial generalized linear regression models. UICC stage IV specific outcomes were analyzed using the same method. All analyses were adjusted for sex, age, type of cancer (colonic/rectal), and Charlson comorbidity index.

Results

The study included 4707 patients with SD‐CRC and 7328 with NSD‐CRC. Therapeutic flexible endoscopy (SD‐CRC: n = 636 vs. NSD‐CRC: n = 334, RR: 2.50, P < 0.001), (robotic‐assisted) laparoscopic resection ((n = 616 vs. n = 773, RR: 1.27, P < 0.001), n = 2759 vs. n = 3471, RR: 1.11, P < 0.001), and radical resection (n = 3890 vs. n = 4834, RR: 1.02, P = 0.002) were significantly more frequent in the SD‐CRC group. The rates of emergency priority (n = 32 vs. n = 562, RR: 0.09, P < 0.001), open surgery (n = 391 vs. n = 1410, RR: 0.53, P < 0.001), supplementary organ resection (n = 259 vs. n = 860, RR: 0.56, P < 0.001), and stoma formation (n = 526 vs. n = 1040, RR: 0.89, P = 0.007) were significantly lower in the SD‐CRC group. The rate of patients undergoing surgery with UICC stage IV disease was significantly higher in the SD‐CRC group (SD‐CRC: n = 262, NSD‐CRC: n = 994, RR: 1.43, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

SD‐CRC remained associated with less invasive primary surgical treatment following adjustment for potential healthy user bias. UICC stage IV disease may be less advanced in patients with SD‐CRC.
Brain mechanisms for processing caress-like touch in skin-picking disorder
Authors: Schienle Anne , Schlintl Carina , Wabnegger Albert
Published: August 2023

Skin-picking disorder (SPD) is characterized by repetitive touching and picking of one’s skin. The picking is typically experienced as pleasant although this behavior leads to tissue damage. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigated how individuals with SPD react to caress-like touch, which stimulates C-tactile afferents. A standardized touch procedure was used. Seventy females with a primary diagnosis of SPD and 62 healthy females received CT-optimal brushing of their forearms (3 cm/s) and non-optimal brushing (30 cm/s) during an fMRI session. The two types of tactile stimulation were rated according to pleasure, arousal, and urge to pick one’s skin. Relative to healthy controls, patients with SPD showed greater activation in parietal regions (supramarginal/angular gyrus) during CT-optimal touch. Moreover, the deactivation of the middle/ inferior frontal cortex displayed by control participants was absent in the SPD group. Being touched was rated as less pleasant, more arousing, and elicited a greater urge to perform skin-picking in participants with SPD. The mentioned frontal and parietal brain regions are sources of attentional control. They are involved in integrating somatosensory information and switching attention between external/internal stimuli. The present study adds to the limited database on the dysfunctional processing of touch in SPD. This study was preregistered on the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00022123, June 8th, 2020).
Genetic characterization and phylogenetic relationships of Phyllodistomum parasites in Indian subcontinent: insights from freshwater fish and shrimp hosts
Authors: Choudhary Kirti , Ray Shailendra , Agrawal Nirupama , Shamsi Shokoofeh
Published: August 2023

Phyllodistomum is the large digenean group of fish parasites, with 25 species described so far in the Indian subcontinent. Here, we redescribed two adult species of Phyllodistomum (P. srivastava Rai 1964 and P. parorchium Jaiswal 1957) collected from freshwater fish Heteropneustes fossilis Bloch, 1974 and Glossogobius giuris Ham, 1822, respectively, and an unknown Phyllodistomum metacercaria from shrimp (Macrobrachium dayanum Henderson, 1893). These parasites were genetically characterized using 28S and first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) regions of the nuclear ribosomal DNA and CoxI region of the mitochondrial (mt) DNA to establish the link between metacercaria and adult. Morphologically, both the unknown metacercaria in shrimp and adult Phyllodistomum srivastava in fish, resembled in terms of crenulated margin of hind body, arrangement of diagonal testes, bipartite seminal vesicle, and compact paired vitelline masses. The two adult parasite species, P. srivastava from P. parorchium, were different in terms of shape and size of the body, ratio of suckers, the absence of crenulated margin of hind body, a single chambered seminal vesicle, and deeply lobed paired vitelline masses, in the former species. Comparison of the 28S, ITS, and mtCoxI sequence data suggested P. srivastava and Phyllodistomum metacercaria belong to the same species, and supported the distinction between P. srivastava and P. parorchium. Exploring the potential impact of Phyllodistomum infection on host behaviour and health would be prospective areas for future research.
Sulfadiazine analogs: anti-Toxoplasma in vitro study of sulfonamide triazoles
Authors: Arafa Fadwa M , Osman Doaa Hassan , Tolba Mona Mohamed , Rezki Nadjet , Aouad Mohamed R , Hagar Mohamed , Osman Mervat , Said Heba
Published: August 2023

Toxoplasmosis is an infection that prevails all over the world and is caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Promising novel compounds for the treatment of T. gondii are introduced in the current investigation. In order to test their in vitro potency against T. gondii tachyzoites, six 1,2,3-triazoles-based sulfonamide scaffolds with terminal NH2 or OH group were prepared and investigated as sulfadiazine equivalents. When compared to sulfadiazine, which served as a positive control, hybrid molecules showed much more anti-Toxoplasma activity. The results showed that the IC50 of the examined compounds 3(a–f) were recoded as 0.07492 μM, 0.07455 μM, 0.0392 μM, 0.03124 μM, 0.0533 μM, and 0.01835 μM, respectively, while the sulfadiazine exhibited 0.1852 μM. The studied 1,2,3-triazole-sulfadrug molecular conjugates 3(a–f) revealed selectivity index of 10.4, 8.9, 25.4, 21, 8.3, and 29; respectively. The current study focused on the newly synthesized amino derivatives 3(d–f), as they contain the more potent amino groups which are recognized to be essential elements and promote better biological activity. Extracellular tachyzoites underwent striking morphological alterations after 2 h of treatment as seen by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the intracellular tachyzoite exposed to the newly synthesized amino derivatives 3(d–f) for a 24-h period of treatment revealed damaged and altered morphology by transmission electron microscopic (TEM) indicating cytopathic effects. Moreover, compound 3f underwent the most pronounced changes, indicating that it had the strongest activity against T. gondii.
Unstructured surface mesh smoothing method based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Wang Nianhua , Zhang Laiping , Deng Xiaogang
Published: August 2023

In numerical simulations such as computational fluid dynamics simulations or finite element analyses, mesh quality affects simulation accuracy directly and significantly. Smoothing is one of the most widely adopted methods to improve unstructured mesh quality in mesh generation practices. Compared with the optimization-based smoothing method, heuristic smoothing methods are efficient but yield lower mesh quality. The balance between smoothing efficiency and mesh quality has been pursued in previous studies. In this paper, we propose a new smoothing method that combines the advantages of the heuristic Laplacian method and the optimization-based method based on the deep reinforcement learning method under the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient framework. Within the framework, the actor artificial neural network predicts the optimal position of each interior free node with its surrounding ring nodes. At the same time, a critic-network is established and takes the mesh quality as input and outputs the reward of the action taken by the actor-network. Training of the networks will maximize the cumulative long-term reward, which ends up maximizing the mesh quality. Training and validation of the proposed method are presented both on 2-dimensional triangular meshes and 3-dimensional surface meshes, which demonstrates the efficiency and mesh quality of the proposed method. Finally, numerical simulations on perturbed meshes and smoothed meshes are carried out and compared which prove the influence of mesh quality on the simulation accuracy.
Space–time flow computation with boundary layer and contact representation: a 10-year history
Authors: Takizawa Kenji , Tezduyar Tayfun E.
Published: August 2023

In computation of flow problems with moving solid surfaces, moving-mesh methods such as the space–time (ST) variational multiscale method enable mesh-resolution control near the solid surfaces and thus high-resolution boundary-layer representation. There was, however, a perception that in computations where the solid surfaces come into contact, high-resolution boundary-layer representation and actual-contact representation without leaving a mesh protection opening between the solid surfaces were mutually exclusive objectives in a practical sense. The introduction of the ST topology change (ST-TC) method in 2013 changed the perception. The two objectives were no longer mutually exclusive. The ST-TC makes moving-mesh computation possible even without leaving a mesh protection opening. The contact is represented as an actual contact and the boundary layer is represented with high resolution. Elements collapse or are reborn as needed, and that is attainable in the ST framework while retaining the computational efficiency at a practical level. The ST-TC now has a 10-year history of achieving the two objectives that were long seen as mutually exclusive. With the ST-TC and other ST computational methods introduced before and after, it has been possible to address many of the challenges encountered in conducting flow analysis with boundary layer and contact representation, in the presence of additional intricacies such as geometric complexity, isogeometric discretization, and rotation or deformation of the solid surfaces. The flow analyses conducted with these ST methods include car and tire aerodynamics with road contact and tire deformation and ventricle-valve-aorta flow. To help widen awareness of these methods and what they can do, we provide an overview of the methods, including those formulated in the context of isogeometric analysis, and the computations performed over the 10-year history of the ST-TC.
A novel lytic phage exhibiting a remarkable in vivo therapeutic potential and higher antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Abdelghafar Aliaa , El-Ganiny Amira , Shaker Ghada , Askoura Momen
Published: August 2023

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a nosocomial bacterium responsible for variety of infections. Inappropriate use of antibiotics could lead to emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa strains. Herein, a virulent phage; vB_PaeM_PS3 was isolated and tested for its application as alternative to antibiotics for controlling P. aeruginosa infections.

Methods

Phage morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The phage host range and efficiency of plating (EOP) in addition to phage stability were analyzed. One-step growth curve was performed to detect phage growth kinetics. The impact of isolated phage on planktonic cells and biofilms was assessed. The phage genome was sequenced. Finally, the therapeutic potential of vB_PaeM_PS3 was determined in vivo.

Results

Isolated phage has an icosahedral head and a contractile tail and was assigned to the family Myoviridae. The phage vB_PaeM_PS3 displayed a broad host range, strong bacteriolytic ability, and higher environmental stability. Isolated phage showed a short latent period and large burst size. Importantly, the phage vB_PaeM_PS3 effectively eradicated bacterial biofilms. The genome of vB_PaeM_PS3 consists of 93,922 bp of dsDNA with 49.39% G + C content. It contains 171 predicted open reading frames (ORFs) and 14 genes as tRNA. Interestingly, the phage vB_PaeM_PS3 significantly attenuated P. aeruginosa virulence in host where the survival of bacteria-infected mice was markedly enhanced following phage treatment. Moreover, the colonizing capability of P. aeruginosa was markedly impaired in phage-treated mice as compared to untreated infected mice.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, isolated phage vB_PaeM_PS3 could be potentially considered for treating of P. aeruginosa infections.
Multicenter phase II study of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin in older patients with advanced gastric cancer: the Tokyo Cooperative Oncology Group (TCOG) GI-1601 study
Authors: Kawabata Ryohei , Chin Keisho , Takahari Daisuke , Hosaka Hisashi , Muto Osamu , Shindo Yoshiaki , Nagata Naoki , Yabusaki Hiroshi , Imamura Hiroshi , Endo Shunji , Kashiwada Tomomi , Nakamura Masato , Hihara Jun , Kobayashi Michiya , Sagawa Tamotsu , Saito Soh , Sato Atsushi , Yamada Takeshi , Okano Naohiro , Shimada Ken , Matsushima Masashi , Kataoka Masato , Matsumoto Shigemi , Goto Masahiro , Kotaka Masahito , Shiraishi Takeshi , Yamai Hiromichi , Nagashima Fumio , Ishizuka Naoki , Yamaguchi Kensei
Published: August 2023

Background

Capecitabine plus oxaliplatin(CapeOX) is a standard treatment option for advanced gastric cancer (AGC). We conducted a prospective multicenter phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CapeOX as a first-line therapy for AGC in older patients.

Methods

Chemotherapy-naive patients aged ≥ 70 years with AGC were eligible. Initial treatment comprised capecitabine (2000 mg/m2on days 1–14) and oxaliplatin (130 mg/m2on day 1) every 3 weeks. After the initial feasibility assessment, the dose was reduced considering toxicity (capecitabine, 1500 mg/m2on days 1–14; and oxaliplatin, 100 mg/m2on day 1 every 3 weeks). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS).

Results

In total, 108 patients were enrolled, of whom 104 were evaluated. Thirty-nine patients received the original-dose treatment, whereas 65 received the reduced-dose treatment. The median OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and time to treatment failure (TTF) were 12.9 (95% CI 11.6–14.8), 5.7 (95% CI 5.0–7.0), and 4.3 (95% CI 3.9–5.7) months, respectively, for all patients; 13.4 (95% CI 9.5–16.0), 5.8 (95% CI 4.1–7.8), and 5.3 (95% CI 3.5–7.2) months in the original-dose group; and 12.8 (95% CI 11.3–15.3), 5.7 (95% CI 4.4–7.0), and 4.1 (95% CI 3.7–5.7) months in the reduced-dose group. The most common grade 3/4 toxicities were neutropenia (17.9%), anemia (12.8%), and thrombocytopenia (12.8%) in the original-dose group and neutropenia (13.8%) and anorexia (12.3%) in the reduced-dose group.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate CapeOX's efficacy and safety in older AGC patients.
Web accessibility and inclusivity of tourist destinations at social media management. An intercultural analysis of Andalusia and Northern Morocco
Authors: Montero Alexander Aguirre , Sales Lola Hernández , Idrissi Mohammed Youbi , López-Sánchez José Antonio
Published: August 2023

Tourists with disabilities, representing approximately 15% of the world's population, especially need everything planned for their tourist experiences. Therefore, the contents and level of digital accessibility are vital and significantly impact the final decision to travel to one destination.

This work analyses a total of 165 digital contents (152 in Andalusia and 13 corresponding to Northern Morocco) from the perspective of web accessibility and inclusive communication in social media. The method used is multidisciplinary, carrying out a series of analyses through the statistical language R, TAW as an online tool to analyse the website's accessibility and synthesise guidelines for communicating inclusively in social networks.

The main results show the scarce involvement of public bodies in inclusive communication and digital accessibility, designing content from the universal design perspective. There is no substantial difference between the two regions studied, identifying that European legislation and national regulatory framework in Andalusia's case do not favour a better level of web accessibility, although this is a mandatory aspect. Furthermore, very few differences have been noted in analysing the level of Smart Tourism Destinations when accessibility is fundamental in their conceptualisation. Finally, this research can be identified as state-of-the-art in tourism marketing as a conceptual approach and a starting point for measuring inclusive communication in social networks.

Nowadays, accessible tourism is an opportunity to be placed at the centre of recovery plans in the post-COVID-19 era. Therefore, let us facilitate more inclusive societies, using tourism as a lever to achieve this goal.
Total torsion of three-dimensional lines of curvature
Authors: Raffaelli Matteo
Published: August 2023

A curve $$\gamma $$
γ
in a Riemannian manifold M is three-dimensional if its torsion (signed second curvature function) is well-defined and all higher-order curvatures vanish identically. In particular, when $$\gamma $$
γ
lies on an oriented hypersurface S of M, we say that $$\gamma $$
γ
is well positioned if the curve’s principal normal, its torsion vector, and the surface normal are everywhere coplanar. Suppose that $$\gamma $$
γ
is three-dimensional and closed. We show that if $$\gamma $$
γ
is a well-positioned line of curvature of S, then its total torsion is an integer multiple of $$2\pi $$

2
π

; and that, conversely, if the total torsion of $$\gamma $$
γ
is an integer multiple of $$2\pi $$

2
π

, then there exists an oriented hypersurface of M in which $$\gamma $$
γ
is a well-positioned line of curvature. Moreover, under the same assumptions, we prove that the total torsion of $$\gamma $$
γ
vanishes when S is convex. This extends the classical total torsion theorem for spherical curves.
The dark side of niche construction
Authors: Coninx Sabrina
Published: August 2023

Niche construction denotes the alteration, destruction, or creation of environmental features through the activities of an organism, modifying the relation between organism and environment. The concept of niche construction found application in various fields of research: evolutionary biology, enculturation, ontogenetic development, and local organism-environment coordination. This is because it provides a useful tool emphasizing different aspects of the dynamic interplay between organisms and their actively constructed environment. Traditionally, niche construction is considered a positive mechanism in the complementarity of organism and environment. In contrast, this paper sheds light on the dark side of niche construction, that is, the different manners in which organisms may modify environmental features that are in some way or another harmful to them. First, the paper introduces a paradigmatic distinction of four kinds of niche construction as commonly addressed in recent literature, using more or less extended spatio-temporal scales as the distinguishing feature. Second, the paper elaborates on the concept of negative niche construction, providing normative criteria of (mal)adaptation that are suitable for the evaluation of environmental alterations, given the chosen spatio-temporal scale. Of particular interest are inter-scale conflicts: those cases of environmental constructions which appear adaptive concerning one spatio-temporal scale but maladaptive concerning another. Third, the paper distinguishes the concept of niche construction as a valuable instrument to better understand central aspects of modern medicine and the entangled contribution of evolutionary, socio-cultural, personal, and situational aspects to different health issues, using chronic pain as an illustrative case study.
Exploring the impact of chat-based collaborative activities and SRL-focused interventions on students’ self-regulation profiles, participation in collaborative activities, retention, and learning in MOOCs
Authors: Psathas Georgios , Tegos Stergios , Demetriadis Stavros N. , Tsiatsos Thrasyvoulos
Published: August 2023

Despite their potential to deliver a high-quality learning experience, massive open online courses (MOOCs) pose several issues, such as high dropout rates, difficulties in collaboration between students, low teaching involvement, and limited teacher–student interaction. Most of these issues can be attributed to the large number, diversity, and variation in self-regulated learning (SRL) skills of participants in MOOCs. Many instructional designers try to overcome these issues by incorporating collaborative activities. Others try to scaffold students’ SRL levels by making SRL-focused interventions. However, limited research combines the study of SRL-focused interventions with students’ engagement in collaborative activities, course retention, and learning outcomes of MOOC environments. We deployed a programming-oriented MOOC in which we incorporated chat-based collaborative activities, supported by a learning analytics dashboard. Students were asked to complete SRL-focused questionnaires at the beginning and the end of the course. Based on their score, we calculated an average score that forms their SRL level, creating three groups: (a) control, (b) general intervention, and (c) personalized intervention in which we provided personalized interventions. We compared the students’ learning outcomes, participation in collaborative activities, and retention in the MOOC. These comparisons provided evidence regarding the positive impact of different intervention modes on students’ engagement in collaborative activities and their learning outcomes, with respect to their various SRL profiles. Students allocated to the general and personalized intervention groups displayed increased participation in the collaborative activities and learning outcomes, as compared to students assigned to the control group. We also documented that the SRL interventions positively affected students’ course retention.
„Trau dich! Sei laut und wehr’ dich!“ AusBildung bis 18 aus der Sicht von Teilnehmenden aus Wien
Authors: Wöhrer Veronika , Gündüz Dilara
Published: August 2023

Seit 2016 in Österreich das Ausbildungspflichtgesetz beschlossen wurde, wurden im Rahmen der AusBildung bis 18 (AB18) Angebote und Maßnahmen für Jugendliche am Übergang von Schule zu Beruf ausgebaut und neu strukturiert. Bislang gibt es einige Studien zur AB18, jedoch noch wenig Forschung zur Sicht der jugendlichen Teilnehmenden. In diesem Text werden problemzentrierte Interviews und partizipative Forschungen mit Jugendlichen aus unterschiedlichen Maßnahmen der AB18 in Wien analysiert. Es zeigt sich, dass die Jugendlichen besondere Hürden auf ihren Bildungswegen zu meistern hatten, die durch Migration, schwierige Familienverhältnisse, Mobbing und/oder gesundheitliche Themen gegeben waren. Die jungen Menschen empfanden vor allem das Jugendcoaching und die AusbildungsFit Einrichtungen als hilfreich. Vor allem individuelle, längerfristige und kompetenzorientierte Unterstützung wurde geschätzt. Die jungen Menschen haben aber auch zahlreiche Ideen für Veränderungen und Verbesserung. Sie erleben an Normen gemessen zu werden, denen sie nicht entsprechen können, und fordern ein Umdenken von Arbeitgeber*innen. Neben konkreten Ideen zu finanziellen und organisatorischen Punkten, fordern sie auch mehr Mitsprache in der Gestaltung der Maßnahmen sowie eine Reduktion struktureller Hürden.
Growing into participation? Influences on youth’s plans to engage socially or politically and their changes over time
Authors: Malschinger Paul , Valls Ona , Flecker Jörg
Published: August 2023

In the social sciences, adolescents’ interest in social and political issues and their participation has been a subject of controversy. While there is an ongoing public debate about young people’s lack of political engagement, many social and political processes depend on participation. For this reason, we should consider whether and how young people get involved socially or politically and how important future participation is to them. In this study, we analysed whether young people in Vienna are politically or socially engaged and how different factors shape their aim of social and political participation for the future. Therefore, we used data from a five-wave panel study with young people in Vienna. At the beginning of the study period about 3000 respondents participated, the students were attending 8th grade at the Neue Mittelschule (the lower track of lower secondary school) in the 2017–2018 academic year and they were then surveyed annually over the next four years (2019–2022). For the analysis, we used cross-sectional data from the fourth wave (the survey year 2021) to explore the way in which young people considered their political and social engagement. In addition, we used longitudinal data from five waves of the panel survey (2018–2022) to determine how the subjective importance of social and political participation changes over time. Our results show that the different forms of social and political participation varied widely and, based on linear multilevel models with a repeated measurement design, we argue that while sociodemographic factors such as gender and social class are crucial for the youth’s social and political participation, engagement is also shaped by their family resources. In contrast to previous research findings, we found that the importance young people attach to engaging socially and politically decreases between the ages of 15 and 19 years. Our findings reveal new insights for achieving future social and political participation by young people.
Effect of Undercooling on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hyper-eutectic Ni–Sn Alloy
Authors: Munawar Ahmed , Sadeeda  , Asif Varda , Jafri Ali , Nisar Fatima , Wegener Mareike , Su Jing , Kargl Florian
Published: August 2023

In this study, container-less solidification of hyper-eutectic Ni–Sn alloy has been performed by using the electromagnetic levitation technique. The effect of undercooling on the formed microstructure and on the mechanical properties have been investigated. Growth velocities were determined by high-speed video-imaging of the solidification process. A step change in the growth velocities that are increasing with increasing undercooling is observed. This aligns with an observed first change in the microstructure between low and intermediate undercoolings. At the lower undercoolings, a pro-eutectic Ni3Sn phase along with lamellar eutectic structure in the inter-dendritic region is found. At intermediate undercooling of 100–150 K, a divorced eutectic microstructure is observed whereas at undercoolings above 165 K α-Ni precipitates are observed within β-Ni3Sn dendrites. Microhardness testing revealed higher strength for the lamellar phase as compared to the non-lamellar phase. Nano-indentation has been performed to determine the hardness and strength of individual phases in the microstructure.
Markers for Major Complications at Day-One Postoperative in Fast-Track Metabolic Surgery: Updated Metabolic Checklist
Authors: Hart J. W. H. ‘t , Takken R. , Hogewoning C. R. C. , Biter L. U. , Apers J. A. , Zengerink H. , Dunkelgrün M. , Verhoef C.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

In fast-track metabolic surgery, the window to identify complications is narrow. Postoperative checklists can be useful tools in the decision-making of safe early discharge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of a checklist used in metabolic surgery.

Methods

Retrospective data from June 2018 to January 2021 was collected on all patients that underwent metabolic surgery in a high-volume bariatric hospital in the Netherlands. Patients without an available checklist were excluded. The primary outcome was major complications and the secondary outcomes were minor complications, readmission, and unplanned hospital visits within 30 days postoperatively.

Results

Major complications within 30 days postoperatively occurred in 62/1589 (3.9%) of the total included patients. An advise against early discharge was significantly more seen in patients with major complications compared to those without major complications (90.3% versus 48.1%, P < 0.001, respectively), and a negative checklist (advice for discharge) had a negative predictive value of 99.2%. The area under the curve for the total checklist was 0.80 (P < 0.001). Using a cut-off value of ≥3 positive points, the sensitivity and specificity were 65% and 82%, respectively. Individual parameters from the checklist: oral intake, mobilization, calf pain, willingness for discharge, heart rate, drain (>30 ml/24 h), hemoglobin, and leukocytes count were also significantly different between groups.

Conclusion

This checklist is a valuable tool to decide whether patients can be safely discharged early. Heart rate appeared to be the most predictive parameter for the development of major complications. Future studies should conduct prediction models to identify patients at risk for major complications.

Graphical Abstract
Nephrectomy for xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis—a not-so-simple solution
Authors: Kelly Caroline , Anderson Steven , Looney Aisling , Shannon Naomi , Senaratne Radha , O’Connor Eabhann , Breen Kieran , Lennon Gerald , McGuire Barry , Murphy Michael , Moran Diarmaid , Galvin David
Published: August 2023

Background

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition of the kidney, associated with high patient morbidity, often requiring targeted antibiotic therapy and surgical removal of the affected kidney.

Aim

We report the outcomes of patients undergoing nephrectomy for XGP in our institution over a 12-year period.

Methods

Following ethical approval, a retrospective review of histological samples of renal tissue demonstrating features of XGP from June 2010 to 2022 was conducted. Laboratory, imaging, and clinical data of included participants were collected.

Results

Eleven patients were included (8 women, 3 men), mean age of 58.1 (35–81). Recurrent urinary tract infection was the most common clinical presentation (55%, n = 6). Other presentations included flank pain (36%, n = 4), collection/ abscess (45%, n = 5), and nephro-cutaneous fistulae (9%, n = 1). The majority of patients had bacteriuria (91%, n = 10), and Escherichia coli was the most common bacteria isolated (55%, n = 6). Antibiotic resistance was seen in 60% of positive urine samples (n = 6). An open nephrectomy was performed in all but one case (91%, n = 10). A postoperative complication occurred in 73% (n = 8), with 50% (n = 4) of complications Clavien Dindo grade 3 or higher, including one patient mortality.

Conclusions

XGP is a difficult and complex condition to treat. All patients in this series presented with infection or associated sequelae thereof. Complex XGP cases therefore often require open nephrectomy and have high rates of postoperative complications. Careful consideration of antibiotic and operative intervention is therefore essential to ensure the best outcome for these patients.
The T1D Index: Implications of Initial Results, Data Limitations, and Future Development
Authors: Ogle Graham D. , Gregory Gabriel A , Wang Fei , Robinson Thomas IG , Maniam Jayanthi , Magliano Dianna J , Orchard Trevor John
Published: August 2023

Purpose of the Review

Current global information on incidence, prevalence, and mortality of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To address this gap in evidence, JDRF, Life for a Child, International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes, and International Diabetes Federation have developed the T1D Index, which uses a Markov mathematical model, and machine learning and all available data to provide global estimates of the burden on T1D. This review assesses the methodology, limitations, current findings, and future directions of the Index.

Recent Findings

Global prevalence was estimated at 8.4 million in 2021, with 1.5 million <20 years (y). T1D prevalence varied from 1.5 to 534 per 100,000, with T1D accounting for <0.1–17.8% of all diabetes in different countries. A total of 35,000 young people <25 y are estimated to have died at clinical onset of T1D from non-diagnosis. An estimated 435,000 people <25 y were receiving “minimal care.” Health-adjusted life years (HALYs) lost for individuals diagnosed with T1D at age 10 y in 2021 ranged from 14 to 55 y.

These results show that interventions to reduce deaths from non-diagnosis, and improve access to at least an intermediate care level, are needed to reduce projected life years lost. The results have significant uncertainties due to incomplete data across the required inputs. Obtaining recent incidence, prevalence, and mortality data, as well as addressing data quality issues, misdiagnoses, and the lack of adult data, is essential for maintaining and improving accuracy. The index will be updated regularly as new data become available.
Die Corona Pandemie in Deutschland
Authors: Rendtel Ulrich
Published: August 2023

Der Artikel präsentiert die Resultate der Grohmann Vorlesung, die am Ende der Corona Pandemie in Deuschland gehalten wurde. Er gibt einen Überblick über die Defizite des Monitorings der Pandemie in Deutschland und schlägt Alternativen vor, wie man bei zukünftigen Pandemien verfahren sollte. Der Artikel analysiert die Schwächen des offiziellen Meldesystems der Inzidenzzahlen und der Vorhersagen von Erkrankungsfällen. Die Vorgehensweise der wissenschaftlichen Kommission zur Evaluierung der Corona Schutzmaßnahmen wird kontrastiert mit alternativen Ansätzen und Ergebnissen. Schließlich werden weitere Zugänge zum Monitoring über Abwasserproben und repräsentative Stichproben vorgestellt. Der Artikel schließt mit einem Plädoyer für eine stärkere Rolle von Statistikern bei Entscheidungen über zukünftige Pandemien.
Facing the Dilemma of the Out-of-Field Teaching Phenomenon in Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Authors: Nakar Sonal , Du Plessis Anna Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

In a rapidly changing workforce environment with skill shortages and a need for different pathways to training and education, vocational education and training (VET) has a significant influence on building stability in the workforce. The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the causes, implications, and consequences of the out-of-field teaching phenomenon for VET. This phenomenological study examines VET teachers’ lived experiences and professional identity as an approach for studying out-of-field teaching in VET. The findings highlight the complex nature of out-of-field teaching in the economic culture of VET, with unique dilemmas. VET teachers experience conflicting and dilemmatic situations regarding occupational professionalism when they are expected to teach outside of their expertise while they are held responsible for students’ safe learning environments, outcomes, and satisfaction. The study revealed aspects of harmonious and tensioned relationships between these elements of the work and teachers’ identities. In conclusion, evidence-informed strategies are shared to support teachers’ capacity building and approaches to address concerns of the out-of-field phenomenon and the influence it has on quality teaching in VET.
Comparison study of a landslide-event hazard mapping using a multi-approach of fuzzy logic, TRIGRS model, and support vector machine in a data-scarce Andes Mountain region
Authors: Vega Johnny , Hidalgo Cesar
Published: August 2023

Landslides are a significant global hazard, especially prevalent in regions with high rainfall, active tectonic processes, and rugged topography, such as the Colombian Andean region. Therefore, it is crucial to identify areas prone to landslides in order to protect human lives and mitigate the adverse impacts on national economies, especially in developing countries situated in tropical and mountainous regions. Assessing landslide hazard and susceptibility is a fundamental step in comprehending the fundamental characteristics of slopes susceptible to failure, particularly under extreme rainfall conditions. Various researchers have devised methods and techniques to assess and map landslides, employing heuristic, statistical, and deterministic approaches. This study carried out a geographic information system-based approach for shallow landslides, with the objective to compare different methods for a landslide-event hazard mapping using the landslide records on May 18, 2015, triggered by a rainstorm in the La Liboriana basin (Colombia). In the first place, a fuzzy logic gamma model was applied using landslide conditioning factors. Then, the deterministic model TRIGRS was applied to assess shallow landslides. Finally, a support vector machine (SVM) model was used to obtain an intermediate scale solution. All models consider the rainfall that triggered the aforementioned landslide event. The results indicated that the SVM (radial basis function) model permits to obtain a better performance (AUC = 0.95) in landslide hazard zonation rather than quantitative heuristic fuzzy gamma model (AUC = 0.86) and the deterministic TRIGRS model (AUC = 0.60), obtaining best accurate at predicting the landslide hazard in the study area.
Self-Compassion and Compassion for Others: A Multiple Mediation Study of Personal Values
Authors: Cha Jane E. , Serlachius Anna S. , Cavadino Alana , Kirby James N. , Consedine Nathan S.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Self-compassion has been associated with numerous benefits at a personal level. However, despite suggestions that self-compassion might also lead to benefits for others, findings are inconsistent, and evidence regarding putative mechanisms is lacking. This pre-registered study examined whether personal values (self-transcendence, self-enhancement, conservation) mediated the link between self-compassion and compassion for others (within one’s social network) in a general population sample.

Method

A community sample (n = 707) anonymously completed measures indexing demographics, self- and other-focused compassion, and personal values in an online survey.

Results

As predicted, self-compassion was associated with higher compassion for others. A parallel multiple mediation model showed that differences in self-transcendence values (but not conservation or self-enhancement) were significant mediators (a3b3 = 0.94, 95% CI [0.40, 1.55]).

Conclusions

Self-compassion may be a way to enhance compassion for others, and differences in personal values (i.e., self-transcendence) may help explain this important link. Findings suggest the importance of evaluating motivation-related mediators in self-compassion research. Moreover, the research emphasizes the importance of identifying specific pathways through which self-compassion can potentially yield benefits. Further work in this area can enhance our understanding of the construct as well as inform future self-compassion interventions.

Pre-registration

This study was pre-registered in AsPredicted.org (#86706).
Multitarget, multiagent PLGA nanoparticles for simultaneous tumor eradication and TME remodeling in a melanoma mouse model
Authors: Ramzy Asmaa , Soliman Aya H. , Hassanein Sally I. , Sebak Aya A.
Published: August 2023

Despite the fact that chemoimmunotherapy has emerged as a key component in the era of cancer immunotherapy, it is challenged by the complex tumor microenvironment (TME) that is jam-packed with cellular and non-cellular immunosuppressive components. The aim of this study was to design a nanoparticulate system capable of sufficiently accumulating in the tumor and spleen to mediate local and systemic immune responses, respectively. The study also aimed to remodel the immunosuppressive TME. For such reasons, multi-functional polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were engineered to simultaneously eradicate the cancer cells, silence the tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs), and re-educate the tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) using doxorubicin, losartan, and metformin, respectively. These agents were also selected for their ability to tip the balance of the splenic immune cells towards immunostimulatory phenotypes. To establish TAM and TAF cultures, normal macrophages and fibroblasts were incubated with B16F10 melanoma cell (Mel)-derived secretome. Drug-loaded PLGA NPs were prepared, characterized, and tested in the target cell types. Organ distribution of fluorescein-loaded PLGA NPs was evaluated in a mouse model of melanoma. Finally, the local and systemic effects of different combination therapy programs were portrayed. The in vitro studies showed that the drug-loaded PLGA NPs could significantly ablate the immunosuppressive nature of Mel and skew TAMs and TAFs towards more favorable phenotypes. While in vivo, PLGA NPs were proven to exhibit long blood circulation time and to localize preferentially in the tumor and the spleen. The combination of either metformin or losartan with doxorubicin was superior to the monotherapy, both locally and systemically. However, the three-agent combo produced detrimental effects in the form of compromised well-being, immune depletion, and metastasis. These findings indicate the potential of TME remodeling as means to prime the tumors for successful chemoimmunotherapy. In addition, they shed light on the importance of the careful use of combination therapies and the necessity of employing dose-reduction strategies.

Graphical Abstract

D-NPs doxorubicin-loaded NPs, M-NPs metformin-loaded NPs, L-NPs losartan-loaded NPs, TAMs tumor-associated macrophages, TAFs tumor-associated fibroblasts, PD-L1 programmed death ligand 1, TNF-α tumor necrosis factor alpha, TGF-β transforming growth factor beta, CD206/40/86 cluster of differentiation 206/40/86, α-SMA alpha-smooth muscle actin, MMPs matrix metalloproteases