bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cymbeline and the Renewal of Constancy
Authors: Lander Jesse M. 
Published: May 2024

This chapter argues that accounts of virtue in Shakespeare's drama are enriched by a consideration of the work done on virtue ethics by contemporary moral philosophers, such as Elizabeth Anscombe, Bernard Williams, and Martha Nussbaum. The chapter considers the example of constancy, informed by the early modern revival of stoicism, in Cymbeline and concludes that a virtue that at first appears antiquated and alien actually provides evidence of the continuing salience of virtue in contemporary ethical debates.
Everyday Dramaturgy: Virtue and the Craft of Living
Authors: Curran Kevin 
Published: May 2024

This Afterword reflects on the idea of virtue as “everyday dramaturgy,” the applied craft of living among others. The starting point of the discussion is a reconsidering of a deceptively simple question: what is virtue? In the course of reflecting on this question, two assertions are made: first, that virtue is fundamentally theatrical; and second, that theatre – actual theatre – has an important role to play in the cultivation of virtue at a social scale. The Afterword shows how we partake of virtue in our family kitchens, in the city streets and places of public congregation, and in the classrooms where we teach and learn. And it shows how we experience virtue in particularly heightened form in the theatre, where people come together by choice, through no external compulsion, to feel, judge, witness, and thereby to create a world which they’ve decided matters.
Flame spray pyrolyzed carbon-encapsulated Au/Fe3O4 nanoaggregates enabled efficient photothermal therapy and magnetic hyperthermia of esophageal cancer cells
Authors: Wang Zida , Liu Gongzhe , Zhou Jiangping , Zhao Xiaogang , Cai Jie 
Published: May 2024

Multifunctional magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles with magnetic hyperthermia and photothermal therapy could kill cancer cells efficiently. Herein, carbon-encapsulated Au/Fe3O4 (Au/Fe3O4@C) was fabricated using an enclosed flame spray pyrolysis. The nanostructures, including an Fe3O4 core (51.9–55.2 nm) with a decreasing carbon shell thickness and an Au core (4.68–8.75 nm) coated with 2–4 graphite layers, were tailored by tuning the C2H4 content in the reacting gas mixture. Saturation magnetization (33.7–48.2 emu/g) and optical absorption were determined. The carbon shell facilitated the dispersion of Au/Fe3O4 and restrained their laser-induced and magnetic field-induced coalescence and growth. Au/Fe3O4@C exhibited excellent magnetic resonance imaging capability (91.4 mM−1 s−1) and photothermal performance (65.4°C for 0.8 mg/mL Au/Fe3O4@C at a power density of 1.0 W/cm2 after 300 s near-IR laser irradiation (808 nm)). Moreover, the combined application of photothermal and magnetic-heating properties reduced the required intensity of both laser and magnetic field compared to the intensity of separate situations. Our work provides a unique, intriguing approach to preparing multicomponent core/shell nanoaggregates that are promising candidates for esophageal cancer cell therapy.
Exploration of morpholine-thiophene hybrid thiosemicarbazones for the treatment of ureolytic bacterial infections via targeting urease enzyme: Synthesis, biochemical screening and computational analysis
Authors: Munir Rubina , Zaib Sumera , Zia-ur-Rehman Muhammad , Javed Hira , Roohi Ayesha , Zaheer Muhammad , Fatima Nabiha , Bhat Mashooq Ahmad , Khan Imtiaz 
Published: May 2024

An important component of the pathogenicity of potentially pathogenic bacteria in humans is the urease enzyme. In order to avoid the detrimental impact of ureolytic bacterial infections, the inhibition of urease enzyme appears to be an appealing approach. Therefore, in the current study, morpholine-thiophene hybrid thiosemicarbazone derivatives (5a-i) were designed, synthesized and characterized through FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. A range of substituents including electron-rich, electron-deficient and inductively electron-withdrawing groups on the thiophene ring was successfully tolerated. The synthesized derivatives were evaluated in vitro for their potential to inhibit urease enzyme using the indophenol method. The majority of compounds were noticeably more potent than the conventional inhibitor, thiourea. The lead inhibitor, 2-(1-(5-chlorothiophen-2-yl)ethylidene)-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)hydrazinecarbothioamide (5g) inhibited the urease in an uncompetitive manner with an IC50 value of 3.80 ± 1.9 µM. The findings of the docking studies demonstrated that compound 5g has a strong affinity for the urease active site. Significant docking scores and efficient binding free energies were displayed by the lead inhibitor. Finally, the ADME properties of lead inhibitor (5g) suggested the druglikeness behavior with zero violation.
Acceptance of smart sensing, its determinants, and the efficacy of an acceptance-facilitating intervention in people with diabetes: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Knauer Johannes , Baumeister Harald , Schmitt Andreas , Terhorst Yannik 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundMental health problems are prevalent among people with diabetes, yet often under-diagnosed. Smart sensing, utilizing passively collected digital markers through digital devices, is an innovative diagnostic approach that can support mental health screening and intervention. However, the acceptance of this technology remains unclear. Grounded on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study aimed to investigate (1) the acceptance of smart sensing in a diabetes sample, (2) the determinants of acceptance, and (3) the effectiveness of an acceptance facilitating intervention (AFI).MethodsA total of N = 132 participants with diabetes were randomized to an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). The IG received a video-based AFI on smart sensing and the CG received an educational video on mindfulness. Acceptance and its potential determinants were assessed through an online questionnaire as a single post-measurement. The self-reported behavioral intention, interest in using a smart sensing application and installation of a smart sensing application were assessed as outcomes. The data were analyzed using latent structural equation modeling and t-tests.ResultsThe acceptance of smart sensing at baseline was average (M = 12.64, SD = 4.24) with 27.8% showing low, 40.3% moderate, and 31.9% high acceptance. Performance expectancy (γ = 0.64, p &lt; 0.001), social influence (γ = 0.23, p = .032) and trust (γ = 0.27, p = .040) were identified as potential determinants of acceptance, explaining 84% of the variance. SEM model fit was acceptable (RMSEA = 0.073, SRMR = 0.059). The intervention did not significantly impact acceptance (γ = 0.25, 95%-CI: −0.16–0.65, p = .233), interest (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.38–1.52, p = .445) or app installation rates (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.47–2.73, p = .777).DiscussionThe high variance in acceptance supports a need for acceptance facilitating procedures. The analyzed model supported performance expectancy, social influence, and trust as potential determinants of smart sensing acceptance; perceived benefit was the most influential factor towards acceptance. The AFI was not significant. Future research should further explore factors contributing to smart sensing acceptance and address implementation barriers.
Association of different domains of physical activity with diabetic kidney disease: a population-based study
Authors: He Pengfei , Deng Yuanyuan , Dong Shaoning , Li Hongdian , Liu Cong , Ma Yu , Tang Cheng , Zhang Mianzhi 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe aim of this cross-sectional study was to elucidate the associations between various domains of physical activity, such as occupation-related (OPA), transportation-related (TPA), leisure-time (LTPA) and overall physical activity (PA), and diabetic kidney disease.MethodsOur study encompassed 2,633 participants, drawn from the cross-sectional surveys of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018, and employed survey-weighted logistic regression, generalized linear regression, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses to ascertain the relationship between different domains of physical activity and diabetic kidney disease.ResultsAfter controlling for all confounders, multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed a lack of correlation between the various domains of physical activity and the prevalence of diabetic kidney disease. Multiple generalized linear regression analyses showed that durations of PA (β = 0.05, 95% CI, 0.01–0.09, P = 0.012) and TPA (β = 0.32, 95% CI, 0.10–0.55, P = 0.006) were positively associated with eGFR levels; and LTPA durations were inversely associated with UACR levels (β = -5.97, 95% CI, -10.50 - -1.44, P = 0.011). The RCS curves demonstrated a nonlinear relationship between PA, OPA, and eGFR, as well as a nonlinear correlation between PA and ACR. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses largely aligned with the outcomes of the multivariate generalized linear regression, underscoring the robustness of our findings.ConclusionOur population-based study explored the association between different domains of physical activity and diabetic kidney disease. Contrary to our expectations, we found no significant association between the duration of physical activity across all domains and the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy. Nonetheless, renal function markers, including eGFR and UACR, exhibited significant correlations with the duration of total physical activity (TPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), respectively, among diabetic patients. Interestingly, our findings suggest that diabetic patients engage in physical activity to preserve renal function, ensuring moderate exercise durations not exceeding 35 hours per week.
Association between triglyceride-glucose index and risk of endometriosis in US population: results from the national health and nutrition examination survey (1999–2006)
Authors: Liu Penglin , Wang Yixiao , Ji Xuechao , Kong Wenzhi , Pan Zangyu , Xu Chunyu , Geng Yuning , Miao Jinwei 
Published: May 2024

Background and AimsThe association of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a promising novel biomarker for insulin resistance, with the risk of endometriosis has not been investigated to date. This nationwide study aimed to explore the association between the TyG index and the endometriosis risk.MethodsData were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2006). Female participants who provided complete data on the TyG index and endometriosis were enrolled in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized to assess the association of the TyG index with endometriosis, adjusted by multiple potential confounders. Meanwhile, in-depth subgroup analyses were conducted.ResultsA total of 1,590 eligible participants were included, among whom 135 (8.5%) women were diagnosed with endometriosis. The fully adjusted multivariate logistic model showed TyG index was significantly associated with the endometriosis risk (odds ratio [OR]Q4 versus Q1 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–3.62; P for trend=0.013). In subgroup analyses, the significantly positive association between TyG index and the risk of endometriosis was also found in parous women (ORQ4 versus Q1 2.18, 95% CI: 1.20–3.96), women without diabetes (OR Q4 versus Q1 2.12, 95% CI: 1.19–3.79), women who smoke currently (OR Q4 versus Q1 3.93, 95% CI: 1.33–11.58), women who drink currently (OR Q4 versus Q1 2.54, 95% CI: 1.27–5.07), and in women who use oral contraceptives (OR Q4 versus Q1 1.91, 95% CI: 1.04–3.51). Additionally, significantly increasing trends in the odds of endometriosis across the quartiles of the TyG index were observed in the above-mentioned subgroups (all P for trend&lt;0.05).ConclusionsThis population-based study found that a higher TyG index, representing an increased level of insulin resistance, was associated with a higher risk of endometriosis among the US population. Our findings suggested TyG index might be a promising tool for the risk assessment of endometriosis. Prospective studies are warranted to further verify these findings.
Impact of ultrasound elastography in evaluating Bethesda category IV thyroid nodules with histopathological correlation
Authors: Latia Monica , Borlea Andreea , Mihuta Monica Simina , Neagoe Octavian Constantin , Stoian Dana 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionFine needle aspiration (FNA) is the gold standard method recommended in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Bethesda IV cytology results are identified in 7-9% of nodules investigated through FNA, with reported malignancy rate in a wide range of 10-40%. The recommended treatment is either surgical or risk additional molecular testing before surgery. However, a large number of nodules belonging to this category (60-80%) are observed to be benign after surgical excision, which can put the patient at risk of unnecessary surgical morbidity. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of conventional ultrasound, the ACR TI-RADS score and elastography in cases of Bethesda IV cytology on FNA.MethodsWe evaluated ninety-seven consecutive cases with Bethesda category IV results on FNA by using conventional B-mode ultrasound, qualitative strain or shear-wave elastography (Hitachi Preirus Machine, Hitachi Inc., Japan and Aixplorer Mach 30 Supersonic Imagine, Aix-en-Provence, France) and all nodules were classified according to the ACR TI-RADS system. Conventional ultrasound was used to categorize the nodules as potentially malignant based on the following features: hypoechogenicity, inhomogeneity, a taller than wide shape, irregular margins, presence of microcalcifications, an interrupted thyroid capsule and suspicious cervical lymph nodes. Elastography classified nodules with increased stiffness as suspicious for malignancy.ResultsWe considered pathology results as the gold standard diagnosis, finding that 32 out of 97 nodules were carcinomas (33%) and 65 out of 97 were benign nodules (67%). The benign group included twenty cases of non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). Finally, we compared ultrasound data with pathology results, which showed that nineteen out of the 32 malignant nodules presented with increased stiffness on elastography (p=0.0002). On conventional ultrasound, we found that microcalcifications (p=0.007), hypoechogenicity and irregular margins (p=0.006) are features which can distinguish between benign and malignant nodules with statistical significance.DiscussionIntegrating elastography as a parameter of the ACR TI-RADS score in the evaluation of Bethesda category IV nodules showed a sensitivity of 90.62% in detecting thyroid cancer cases (p=0.006). We can conclude that elastographic stiffness as an addition to high risk features observed on conventional ultrasound improves the detection of malignant nodules in cases with Bethesda IV cytology.
Encephalitozoon hellem infection after haploidentical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children: a case report
Authors: Shang Yue , Ren Yuanyuan , Liu Lipeng , Chen Xia , Liu Fang , Li Xiaolan , Wan Yang , An Wenbin , Yang Wenyu , Zhu Xiaofan , Guo Ye 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundEncephalitozoon hellem (E. hellem) infection is a zoonotic disease, rarely observed in individuals, causing various clinical manifestations including diarrhea, keratoconjunctivitis, cystitis, etc. E. hellem infection after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is a rare, serious complication.Case presentationHerein, we present a case of E. hellem infection developing during HLA-haploidentical HSCT in a 9-year-old boy who suffered from aplastic anemia. On 15 days after HSCT, the patient developed recurrent and prolonged fever, diarrhea and hematuria. It is challenging to differentiate whether the symptoms mentioned in this case are caused by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or a specific infection. Based on the result of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and clinical observation, the patient was diagnosed as E. hellem infection, and received albendazole and decreased the immunosuppressive treatment. Finally, he had recovered.ConclusionWe should pay attention to the uncommon disease caused by the E. hellem infection after HSCT, especially in cases with immune reconstitution unrecovered. Among those rare infection, mNGS can be performed for better understanding the source of infection and targeted therapy, which can benefit the patients.
Integrin activating molecule-talin1 promotes skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Xu Dan , Yuan Xiandun , Li Zhaohua , Mu Rong 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundIntegrin-dependent cell adhesion and migration play important roles in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The roles of integrin activating molecules including talins and kindlins, however, are unclear in SSc.ObjectivesWe aimed to explore the function of integrin activating molecules in SSc.MethodsTranscriptome analysis of skin datasets of SSc patients was performed to explore the function of integrin-activating molecules including talin1, talin2, kindlin1, kindlin2 and kindlin3 in SSc. Expression of talin1 in skin tissue was assessed by multiplex immunohistochemistry staining. Levels of talin1 in serum were determined by ELISA. The effects of talin1 inhibition were analyzed in human dermal fibroblasts by real-time PCR, western blot and flow cytometry.ResultsWe identified that talin1 appeared to be the primary integrin activating molecule involved in skin fibrosis of SSc. Talin1 was significantly upregulated and positively correlates with the modified Rodnan skin thickness score (mRSS) and the expression of pro-fibrotic biomarkers in the skin lesions of SSc patients. Further analyses revealed that talin1 is predominantly expressed in the dermal fibroblasts of SSc skin and promotes fibroblast activation and collagen production. Additionally, talin1 primarily exerts its effects through integrin β1 and β5 in SSc.ConclusionsOverexpressed talin1 is participated in skin fibrosis of SSc, and talin1 appears to be a potential new therapeutic target for SSc.
Effects of immune cells on ischemic stroke and the mediating roles of metabolites
Authors: Hu Haoxiang , Zhou Mi , Zhao Yunhan , Mao Jiesheng , Yang Xiaokai 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivePrevious studies have not shown an association between IgD-CD24-B-cell absolute count (IgD-CD24-AC) and ischemic stroke (IS). Our study aimed to assess the causal effect of IgD-CD24-AC on IS and to explore the role of ascorbic acid 2-sulfate (AA2S) as a potential mediator.MethodsOur study was based on the largest available genome-wide association study (GWAS). Inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR–Egger, weighted median (WMN), simple mode, and weighted mode methods were used to assess causal effects, with IVW as the primary outcome. Subsequently, we further performed a two-step MR analysis to evaluate whether AA2S mediated this causal effect. In addition, several sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate heterogeneity, including Cochran’s Q test, the MR–Egger intercept test, the MR-PRESSO global test, and the leave-one-out analysis.ResultsUsing the IVW approach, the risk ratio of IgD-CD24-AC to IS was estimated to be 1.216 (95% CI = 1.079–1.371, p = 0.001). This result was supported by the WMN method (OR = 1.204, 95% CI = 1.020–1.421, p = 0.028) and the MR–Egger method (OR = 1.177, 95% CI = 0.962–1.442, p = 0.133). We also observed the same trend with the simple model and weighted model. Furthermore, the proportion of genetically predicted IgD-CD24-AC mediated through AA2S levels was 3.73%.ConclusionOur study revealed a causal relationship between IgD-CD24-AC and IS, a small part of which was mediated by AA2S. These findings offer critical insights for developing immune-targeted therapies in the future and lay a strong foundation for advancements in precision medicine.
A systematic review on safety and surgical and anesthetic risks of elective abdominal laparoscopic surgery in infants to guide laparoscopic ovarian tissue harvest for fertility preservation for infants facing gonadotoxic treatment
Authors: van der Perk M. E. Madeleine , van der Kooi Anne-Lotte L. F. , Broer Simone L. , Mensink Maarten O. , Bos Annelies M. E. , van de Wetering Marianne D. , van der Steeg Alida F. W. , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M. 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundInfertility is an important late effect of childhood cancer treatment. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is established as a safe procedure to preserve gonadal tissue in (pre)pubertal girls with cancer at high risk for infertility. However, it is unclear whether elective laparoscopic OTC can also be performed safely in infants &lt;1 year with cancer. This systematic review aims to evaluate the reported risks in infants undergoing elective laparoscopy regarding mortality, and/or critical events (including resuscitation, circulatory, respiratory, neurotoxic, other) during and shortly after surgery.MethodsThis systematic review followed the Preferred reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. A systematic literature search in the databases Pubmed and EMbase was performed and updated on February 15th, 2023. Search terms included ‘infants’, ‘intubation’, ‘laparoscopy’, ‘mortality’, ‘critical events’, ‘comorbidities’ and their synonyms. Papers published in English since 2000 and describing at least 50 patients under the age of 1 year undergoing laparoscopic surgery were included. Articles were excluded when the majority of patients had congenital abnormalities. Quality of the studies was assessed using the QUIPS risk of bias tool.ResultsThe Pubmed and Embase databases yielded a total of 12,401 unique articles, which after screening on title and abstract resulted in 471 articles to be selected for full text screening. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review, which included 1778 infants &lt;1 years undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery. Mortality occurred once (death not surgery-related), resuscitation in none and critical events in 53/1778 of the procedures.ConclusionThe results from this review illustrate that morbidity and mortality in infants without extensive comorbidities during and just after elective laparoscopic procedures seem limited, indicating that the advantages of performing elective laparoscopic OTC for infants with cancer at high risk of gonadal damage may outweigh the anesthetic and surgical risks of laparoscopic surgery in this age group.