bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of mergers on conflicts at universities—Conclusions from courts decisions
Authors: Stachowiak‐Kudła Monika , Westa Sina , Meix‐Cereceda Pablo , Azorín‐Toboso Juan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDespite the growing popularity of mergers in higher education, limited research examines their impact on conflicts within the affected universities and their surroundings. The article discusses the issue of university mergers in Belgium, Germany, and Spain, which were so severe that they required resolution by a constitutional court. The methods include an analysis of constitutional courts' judgments, supported by the analysis of literature and legal acts concerning higher education. The results indicate that both forced and voluntary mergers lead to fierce conflicts resolved by constitutional courts. Conflicts may arise not only in universities to be merged or already merged but also within the institutional environment of the university. In addition to the unified universities themselves, participants in such conflicts may also include competing universities, professional associations, student unions, and governmental bodies. In court disputes regarding the merging of universities, a violation of the university's right to autonomy and/or of academic freedom in general are usually alleged. The results also show that the different structures and organizational cultures of universities need not presage the failure of the merger.
EMCDDA framework and practical guidance for naming cathinones
Authors: Pulver Benedikt , Fischmann Svenja , Gallegos Ana , Christie Rachel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCathinones are often sold as “legal” alternatives to controlled stimulants such as amphetamine, MDMA and cocaine. Cathinones are the second largest group of new psychoactive substances (NPS), with close to 170 monitored by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Although all cathinones are related to the parent compound cathinone, one of the psychoactive principles in khat, assigning consistent, informative and user‐friendly common names to these substances is challenging. Over time different naming approaches have been applied, leading to cathinones being known by several names. This work provides a framework and practical examples for the consistent naming of cathinones which is easy to understand and can be applied by the forensic community, researchers, clinical practitioners, and policy makers. The scope of the issue and rationale for earlier naming approaches are also discussed. The new naming framework has been developed based on established naming approaches and centered around the common “cathinone,” and “phenone” motifs/scaffolds. The proposed framework establishes clear rules to derive the EMCDDA framework names for cathinones. Each name is, in turn, composed by a principal name containing a parent letter, derived after the “cathinone” or the “phenone” scaffold. Additional substitutions are prepended to the principal name. The framework also provides for exceptions for several cathinones and structural analogs scheduled under UN and EU legislation.
Winter cover cropping increases albedo and latent heat flux in a Texas High Plains agroecosystem
Authors: McNellis Risa , van Gestel Natasja , Thomas R. Quinn , Smith Nicholas G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWinter cover crops represent a land cover change that may sequester carbon in the soil and improve agricultural sustainability. Their adoption may also change the Earth's radiative balance and result in biophysical feedbacks to climate through alterations in albedo and latent heat fluxes. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these alterations to the radiative balance is important for making reliable future climate projections. However, data on cover crop biophysics are limited, requiring models to rely on data from summer plants for parameterization, likely biasing predictions. To address this gap, we measured the albedo and stomatal conductance of two summer crops and three winter crops on farms in the High Plains region of Texas. We also established a winter cover crop field experiment with two cover crops and fallow fields to estimate the change in albedo and latent heat flux that results from a switch to winter cover cropping. We found that albedo was significantly higher in winter‐like conditions than in summer‐like conditions due to an increase in plant albedo and a reduction in leaf area index. The albedo of winter cover crops was higher than the soil albedo, resulting in an increase in top‐of‐atmosphere reflected radiation of 7%–14% when converting from fallow fields to winter cover cropped fields. There was an additional cooling effect through doubling of the estimated latent heat flux caused by the presence of cover crops. The combined changes in albedo and latent heat resulted in a change in the surface energy balance that is associated with an overall cooling effect of winter cover crops on surface atmospheric temperatures. While this effect is likely to be region‐specific, these results strongly indicate that winter cover crops alter the surface albedo and latent heat flux of agricultural fields and provide a direct cooling effect in the High Plains region of Texas.
From forgiveness and reconciliation to social capital and psychosocial well‐being: An evaluation of a multisite intervention in Colombia
Authors: Velez Gabriel , Idrobo Fabio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn 2016, the Colombian government signed a historic peace accord with the FARC‐EP after 50 years of armed conflict. Still, widespread obstacles to forgiveness and reconciliation remained. The current study explores the potential of reconciliation centres (RC) in Medellin to help counteract a return to violence. These seven RCs included three branches of programming about forgiveness and reconciliation to support community well‐being and social capital. A between‐group analysis, as part of a quasi‐experimental design, demonstrated no significant growth in participants’ understanding that restoration is different from reparation or awareness that reconciliation involves approaching the other to rebuild. There was enhanced acceptance that forgiveness is not forgetting and is a personal decision. While social capital increased, the perception that the community likes to help others and that community work benefits others decreased. The findings demonstrate the complicated relationships between reconciliation, community well‐being and social capital, especially for community‐level interventions in violent contexts.
‘We despair’: Examining the role of political despair for collective action and well‐being
Authors: Bird Lucy H. , Thomas Emma F. , Wenzel Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAnecdotally, people often report feeling despair about the political status quo. We conceptualise these feelings as political despair. But what is political despair, and what are its effects? We adapt intergroup emotion theory to analyse political despair in the context of racial inequality (Studies 1 and 2) and climate change (Study 3). Three cross‐sectional studies (total N = 866) tested the measurement of political despair (relative to anger and hope), its pattern of appraisals and outcomes for conventional and radical actions along with well‐being (stress, burnout and optimism). Structural equation modelling differentiated political despair from anger and hope and found that despair is associated with evaluations that the situation is both illegitimate and intractable (unchangeable). Moreover, political despair consistently had a negative relationship with well‐being and positive relationships with conventional and radical collective action. The results suggest political despair is negatively associated with well‐being and impact people's engagement in action for social change.
Network medicine‐based analysis of the hepatoprotective effects of Amomum villosum Lour. on alcoholic liver disease in rats
Authors: Wei Jing , Wang Sihua , Huang Junze , Zhou Xinhua , Qian Zhengming , Wu Tingbiao , Fan Qing , Liang Yongyin , Cui Guozhen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlcoholic liver disease (ALD) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality, and mainly results from prolonged and excessive alcohol use. Amomum villosum Lour. (A. villosum), a well‐known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has hepatoprotective properties. However, its ability to combat alcohol‐induced liver injury has not been fully explored. The objective of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of A. villosum in a rat model of alcohol‐induced liver disease, thereby establishing a scientific foundation for the potential preventive use of A. villosum in ALD. We established a Chinese liquor (Baijiu)‐induced liver injury model in rats. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, in combination with biochemical tests, was used to evaluate the protective effects of A. villosum on the liver. The integration of network medicine analysis with experimental validation was used to explore the hepatoprotective effects and potential mechanisms of A. villosum in rats. Our findings showed that A. villosum ameliorated alcohol‐induced changes in body weight, liver index, hepatic steatosis, inflammation, blood lipid metabolism, and liver function in rats. Network proximity analysis was employed to identify 18 potentially active ingredients of A. villosum for ALD treatment. These potentially active ingredients in the blood were further identified using mass spectrometry (MS). Our results showed that A. villosum plays a hepatoprotective role by modulating the protein levels of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), anti‐nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). In conclusion, the results of the current study suggested that A. villosum potentially exerts hepatoprotective effects on ALD in rats, possibly through regulating the protein levels of ESR1, NR3C1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α.
Identity Theft, Deep Brain Stimulation, and the Primacy of Post‐trial Obligations
Authors: Fins Joseph J. , Merner Amanda R. , Wright Megan S. , Lázaro‐Muñoz Gabriel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPatient narratives from two investigational deep brain stimulation trials for traumatic brain injury and obsessive‐compulsive disorder reveal that injury and illness rob individuals of personal identity and that neuromodulation can restore it. The early success of these interventions makes a compelling case for continued post‐trial access to these technologies. Given the centrality of personal identity to respect for persons, a failure to provide continued access can be understood to represent a metaphorical identity theft. Such a loss recapitulates the pain of an individual's initial injury or illness and becomes especially tragic because it could be prevented by robust policy. A failure to fulfill this normative obligation constitutes a breach of disability law, which would view post‐trial access as a means to achieve social reintegration through this neurotechnological accommodation.
Oncocytic carcinoma of the thyroid: Conclusions from a 20‐year patient cohort
Authors: Gruszczynski Nelson R. , Hasan Shahzeb S. , Brennan Ana G. , De La Chapa Julian , Reddy Adithya S. , Martin David N. , Batchala Prem P. , Stelow Edward B. , Dowling Eric M. , Fedder Katherine L. , Garneau Jonathan C. , Shonka David C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundOncocytic carcinoma (OCA) was recently reclassified as a distinct differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Given its rarity, OCA studies are limited. This study describes the characteristics of OCA in a 20‐year cohort.MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients with OCA at a single tertiary care hospital from 2000 to 2021.ResultsFifty‐one OCA patients (22M:29F) were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 60.3 years; 90% presented as palpable mass; 24% had a family history of thyroid cancer. None had vocal fold paresis. On ultrasound, most tumors were solid and hypoechoic. FNA (n = 14) showed Bethesda‐4 lesions in 93%. All were treated surgically. Histologically, 63% demonstrated angioinvasion, 35% had lymphovascular invasion, and 15% had extrathyroidal extension. Radioactive iodine was used as adjunct therapy in 77%.ConclusionOCA has distinct features that distinguish it from other DTCs, and additional focused studies will help clarify the aggressive nature, treatment options, and prognosis of the disease.
Exploring the experiences and perceptions of trainees undertaking a critical incident debrief training programme: A qualitative study
Authors: Pointon Lucy , Hinsby Kerry , Keyworth Chris , Wainwright Nigel , Bates Jenny , Moores Lucie , Johnson Judith 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesCritical incident debriefing is an occupational health tool for supporting healthcare workers following critical incidents. Demand for debriefing has increased following the Covid‐19 pandemic. There is now a need for more trained debrief facilitators to meet demand, but there is a dearth of literature regarding how best to train facilitators. This study addressed this by exploring participant experiences of an online critical incident debrief training programme.MethodsWe conducted semi‐structured interviews with 14 individuals who received a 5‐day training programme based on the Critical Incident Stress Management model. Participants were recruited from a range of professional disciplines including psychology, nursing and human resources within one British healthcare system. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe analysis produced three themes. Managing trainee experiences and expectations suggested that disciplinary heterogeneity in training groups supported inter‐participant knowledge exchange. However, this variation also meant that training materials did not meet the learning needs of all participants. Modality of training suggested that while online learning was acceptable for some, others experienced screen fatigue and found it hard to build rapport with other participants. Systematic and organisational obstacles to training access and delivery suggested that lack of managerial support and organisational mental health stigma may be barriers to accessing training.ConclusionA 5‐day online CISM‐based training programme was acceptable to participants. Organisations implementing critical incident debrief training may benefit from (1) offering both in‐person and online training options, and (2) tailoring course materials according to the disciplinary make‐up of groups.
Vaccination and its impact on healthcare utilization in two groups of vaccinated and unvaccinated patients with COVID‐19: A cross‐sectional study in Iran between 2021 and 2022
Authors: Kharazmi Erfan , Bayati Mohsen , Majidpour Azad Shirazi Ali 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsOne of the main responsibilities of health systems impacted by the global Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, where the first case was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, is the provision of medical services. The current study looked into the impact of vaccination on the utilization of services provided to COVID‐19 patients.MethodsThis study was conducted in Iran between 2021 and 2022, utilizing a cross‐sectional research design. The research team collected data on the utilization of provided services and the number of COVID‐19 vaccines administered to 1000 patients in Iran through a random sampling approach. The data were analyzed with statistical methods, including the mean difference test, and multiple linear regression.ResultsRegression estimates show that after controlling for confounding variables like age, type of admission, and comorbidities, vaccination reduces the utilization of healthcare services in the general majority of services. The study's results reveal a fall in COVID‐19 patients' utilization of services, specifically in patients administered two or three doses of the vaccine. However, the reduction is not statistically significant. Regression models are in contrast to univariate analysis findings that vaccination increases the mean utilization of healthcare services for COVID‐19 patients in general. Comorbidities are a crucial factor in determining the utilization of diagnostic and treatment services for COVID‐19 patients.ConclusionFull COVID‐19 vaccination and other implementations, including investing in public health, cooperating globally, and vaccinating high‐risk groups for future pandemics, are essential as a critical response to this pandemic as they reduce healthcare service utilization to alleviate the burden on healthcare systems and allocate resources more efficiently.
Cellular Metabolic Labeling of Nucleic Acids and Its Applications
Authors: He Zhiyong , Zhou Xiang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNucleic acids are considered as fundamental molecules of living systems, which serve as universal genetic information messengers and repositories. To uncover the multifaceted aspects of nucleic acid function and metabolism within cells, labeling has become indispensable. This labeling technique enables the visualization, isolation, characterization, and even quantification of specific nucleic acid species. This review delves into cellular metabolic approaches for nucleic acid labeling, wherein enzymatic steps are employed to introduce nucleic acid modifications before conjugation with a label for detection or isolation. The discussion begins with metabolic labeling for DNA, RNA with various reactive groups and post‐transcriptional RNA labeling for RNA methylation and acetylation sites, emphasizing recent advancements in the field and then, we spotlighted pertinent applications for cellular imaging and sequencing. of labeling.
Living with wildlife and associated conflicts in areas adjacent to protected areas, Northern Zimbabwe
Authors: Chakuya Jeremiah , Chikara Milcent , Gandiwa Edson 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHuman–wildlife conflicts (HWCs) are a worldwide problem, especially around protected areas where human and wildlife needs overlap. This study focused on the Chundu communal area and the Nyamakate resettlement area in Northern Zimbabwe, with three primary objectives: (i) to identify problematic wildlife species frequently involved in HWC in these areas; (ii) to examine the temporal variations of HWC cases; and (iii) to assess the effectiveness of current and suggested mitigation measures for managing these conflicts. Data were collected in November 2019 and February 2020, periods identified as peak times for HWC in these areas. A comprehensive three‐stage sampling design was used to collect data for this study. Data were collected through household questionnaires from 16 villages (64 households) in the Nyamakate resettlement area and nine villages (36 households) from the Chundu communal area. The study identified the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) as the most problematic animal in livestock predation, followed by the African lion (Panthera leo) and leopard (Panthera pardus). There were no significant differences in HWC between the dry season (M = 315, SD = 417.79) and the wet season (M = 383, SD = 540.19; t[4] = −0.43, p > 0.05). The study concluded that HWC occurred throughout the year in both communities, unaffected by seasonal variations. It was determined that current mitigation measures are inadequate for managing HWC in both areas. In light of these findings, the study recommends the use of nonlethal methods in HWC management, reserving lethal means as a last resort.
Application of radiogenomics in head and neck cancer: A new tool toward diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Ong Yen Hui , Zheng Weihui , Khong Pek Lan , Ni Qianqian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHead and neck cancer is a significant threat to human health and is characterized by high 5‐year morbidity and mortality rates. Addressing this challenge requires the application of precision medicine, but the inherent heterogeneity of head and neck cancer complicates its treatment. Radiogenomics, an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of genomics and radiology, may represent a solution. Radiogenomics offers the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of this complex and diverse disease. By comprehensively analyzing the genetic information and radiological features of tumors, clinicians can gain a profound understanding of patients' conditions. Gaining such in‐depth insight facilitates early detection and implementation of personalized treatment strategies, both of which are integral components of precision medicine. Tailored treatments, including surgical interventions and targeted therapies, provide improved outcomes and reduced side effects. Radiogenomics represents a groundbreaking advancement that has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of care and outcomes of patients with head and neck cancer. To shed light on this transformative approach, we performed a comprehensive overview of radiomics and radiogenomics‐based diagnostic methods tailored to the unique characteristics of head and neck cancer.
Dumping Syndrome Following Nissen Fundoplication, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Samuk Inbal , Afriat Rachel , Horne Tifha , Bistritzer Tzvy , Barr Joseph , Vinograd Itzhak 
Published: February 2024

Summary:We evaluated the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of dumping syndrome (DS) following Nissen fundoplication in 50 consecutive infants and children who underwent the operation for gastroesophageal reflux. Examination include a preoperative dietary assessment with emphasis on specific postprandial clinical symptoms and technetium scintigraphy to evaluate gastric emptying. In the immediate postoperative period, postprandial glucose levels were examined in all patients with symptoms clinically suggestive of DS. In the late postoperative period (6 months to 5.5 years), all patients with more than one specific clinical symptom of DS were further evaluated by glucose tolerance test (GTT), HbA1C levels, and gastric technetium scintigraphy. DS was diagnosed in 15 patients (30%). Five patients had immediate severe DS (SDS), and 10 in the late postoperative course had latent postoperative DS (LDS). In all patients with DS, preoperative and postoperative gastric emptying scan T½ did not show any statistical significance. High levels of HbA1C ranging from 7.9 to 9% (mean, 8.25 ± 0.5) were found in only three patients. Treatment included parenteral nutrition in one patient. All the others were successfully managed with nutritional manipulation alone, using a combination of lactose‐free formula and fat emulsion. In patients whose postprandial symptoms persisted, pectin 5‐15 g/day divided into six doses was added to the diet. Following 6 months of dietary treatment, the postprandial normoglycomic response was restored. Eleven patients experienced complete resolution of symptoms (78.5%), and three patients (21.4%) showed significant clinical improvement. This study indicates that DS is a common complication following Nissen fundoplication. The GTT is the most reliable examination for establishing the diagnosis. Treatment is simple and effective. The technetium gastric emptying scan and HbA1C level do not play a significant role in the diagnosis.