bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, crystal and electronic structure of the Zintl phase Ba16Sb11. A case study uncovering greater structural complexity via monoclinic distortion of the tetragonal Ca16Sb11 structure type.
Authors: Baranets Sviatoslav , Ovchinnikov Alexander , Samarakoon S. M. Gayomi K. , Bobev Svilen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe binary Zintl phase Ba16Sb11 has been synthesized and structurally characterized. Detailed studies via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods indicate that although Ba16Sb11 appears to crystallize in the tetragonal Ca16Sb11 structure type (space group P
21m with a=13.5647(9) Å, c=12.4124(12) Å, Z=2, R1=3.14 %; wR2=4.77 %), there exists an extensive structural disorder. Some Ba16Sb11 crystals were found to be monoclinic and the structure was solved and refined in space group P21 (a=18.3929(12) Å, b=13.5233(8) Å, c=18.3978(12) Å, β=94.6600(10)°; Z=4, R1=5.84 %; wR2=9.58 %). The latter corresponds to a 2‐fold superstructure of the tetragonal one, which provides a disorder‐free structural model. In both descriptions, the disordered tetragonal and the ordered monoclinic superstructure, the basic building units that make up the structure of this Ba‐rich compound are pairs of face‐shared square antiprisms of Ba atoms, which are centered by Sb atoms. The dimerized antiprisms are linked into parallel chains via square prisms of Ba atoms, which are also centered by Sb atoms. The Zintl concept can be applied in a straightforward manner and as result, the structure of Ba32Sb22 (=2×Ba16Sb11) can be rationalized as (Ba2+)32(Sb3−)20[Sb2]4−. The partitioning of the valence electrons is done taking into an account the homoatomic Sb−Sb contacts (d=3.01 Å), which can be clearly distinguished in the lower symmetry space group. Electronic structure calculations of Ba16Sb11 are in good accordance with the Zintl rationalization and predict a semiconductor with a band gap of 0.77 eV.
Geopolitics of Oil and Gas in the MENA Region
Authors: Hafner Manfred , Raimondi Pier Paolo , Bonometti Benedetta 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe chapter examines key geopolitical aspects related to oil and gas in the MENA region. By proposing several key case studies related to the Gulf, Mashreq and Maghreb, the chapter outlines how the entire MENA region has become a major geopolitical hotspot given its key role in the current global energy system. Furthermore, the chapter takes into account several regional and international developments in order to assess the role of natural resources in the growing global energy competition.
Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation in the MENA Region
Authors: Hafner Manfred , Raimondi Pier Paolo , Bonometti Benedetta 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe energy transition both in MENA countries and at the international level entails massive consequences for the region. The chapter presents different factors determining the future geopolitical role for MENA oil and gas exporters as well as MENA hydrocarbon-poor countries. By doing so, the chapter identifies the possible strategies, competitive advantages and constraints that will define the future geopolitical relevance both in the hydrocarbon sector (for hydrocarbon-exporters) and in the clean energy sector (for all MENA countries).
National Histories, Private Memories: Indonesia and the Japanese Occupation
Authors: Wray Jacob 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Education authorised the publication of a history textbook in which some of Imperial Japan’s most controversial acts of wartime aggression were significantly downplayed, if not altogether omitted. The publication of the textbook angered the governments and peoples of many former occupied territories. The governments of China and South Korea, for instance, accused Japan of attempting to rewrite history and thus denying responsibility for the brutalities it inflicted upon colonial subjects during the Second World War. Okinawans denounced the omission of the forced mass suicides which took place during the Battle of Okinawa, the Taiwanese government made representations over the depiction of the colonial administration in Formosa, and activists in Hong Kong organised large-scale protests at which a petition condemning the textbook collected some 400,000 signatures.
Dexamethasone improves thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis via the AKT-mTOR pathway
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Chen Si , Wang Yan , Zhang Zeyang , Zhang Hui , Wang Ziyi , Tao Ziyou , Wang Jianyao , Zhang Peng 
Published: July 2023

AbstractClinically, thymoma patients are often complicated with myasthenia gravis (MG). Dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory effects, could be used as an immunosuppressant for thymoma-associated MG, but the mechanism of action remains to be explored. In this study, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of potential targets was performed by screening the intersection targets of dexamethasone and thymoma-associated MG from the database. Furthermore, the key targets and core active components were identified by topological analysis of the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Molecular docking technology was applied to screen the complexes with stable binding of dexamethasone and core targets. Patients with thymoma were divided into two groups according to whether they received dexamethasone before operation, and immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to verify the selected target of dexamethasone in treating thymoma-associated MG. The results showed that the action pathway of dexamethasone on the disease was closely enriched to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (PKB/AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways. The expressions of AKT1 and its downstream molecule mTOR in the thymoma microenvironment of thymoma-associated MG patients who did not receive dexamethasone before operation were higher than those in the group receiving dexamethasone before operation. This study demonstrates that dexamethasone can promote apoptosis through the AKT-mTOR pathway for the treatment of thymoma-associated MG, as validated by network pharmacology predictions and clinical specimen experiments, and can be verified by large-scale clinical trials in the future. This study also provides theoretical support and new research perspectives for this disease.
Adherence to oral anticoagulation measured by electronic monitoring in a Belgian atrial fibrillation population
Authors: Knaepen Lieselotte , Delesie Michiel , Vijgen Johan , Dendale Paul , Ector Joris , Desteghe Lien , Heidbuchel Hein 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Stroke prevention using oral anticoagulation (OAC) is the first management priority in atrial fibrillation (AF). Despite the importance of good therapy adherence, real-world adherence is still suboptimal. Patient education and adherence monitoring with new technologies are recommended. The main purpose of this sub-analysis of the AF-EduCare trial was to evaluate the effect of personalized follow-up strategies on adherence to OAC.

Methods
Regimen adherence was monitored by the electronic Medication Event Monitoring System cap at the start of the trial (M1) and after 12 months (M2), each for three months. Patients were part of one of three education groups (In-person, Online or App-based) or the standard care (SC) group. All are qualified for OAC therapy.

Results
A total of 768 patients were evaluated (11.8% SC vs. 86.8% any education group, mean age: 70.1 ± 7.9 years). Patients were taking non-vitamin K OAC (once daily 53.8%; twice daily 35.9%) or vitamin K antagonists (9.4%), equally distributed over the different study arms (p = 0.457). Mean therapy adherence was high (M1:93.8 ± 10.8%; M2:94.1 ± 10.1%). During both monitoring periods, the education group scored significantly higher than SC (M1:94.2 ± 10.0% vs. 91.3 ± 15.0%; p = 0.027; M2:94.4 ± 9.3% vs. 91.6 ± 14.0%; p = 0.006). More patients in the In-person and Online groups were able to keep or improve their adherence to > 90% compared to the SC.

Conclusion
Overall adherence to OAC in all study groups, even in SC, was very high, without attrition over time. Nevertheless, targeted education led to a small but significantly improved adherence compared to SC.

Graphical Abstract
AI-ChatGPT/GPT-4: An Booster for the Development of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the New Era!
Authors: Peng Shengxin , Wang Deqiang , Liang Yuanhao , Xiao Wenshan , Zhang Yixiang , Liu Lei 
Published: July 2023

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) has been driving the continuous development of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) fields. The latest release of ChatGPT/GPT-4 has shown us that AI can potentially transform the healthcare industry. In this study, we propose various ways in which ChatGPT/GPT-4 can display its talents in the field of PM&R in future. ChatGPT/GPT-4 is an essential tool for Physiatrists in the new era.
Distribution of the soft tick Carios vespertilionis in lowlands and low mountain regions of Germany
Authors: Fritzsche Anja , Zaenker Stefan , Gottwald Jannis , Keil Renate , Zaenker Christian , Bröker Michael , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn Germany, the knowledge about ticks infesting bats is limited, and is restricted only to a few studies, most of them dating back decades. To further improve our knowledge on ticks parasitising bats, healthy and sick bats in central Germany were examined for ticks. In total 519 larvae and one nymph of Carios vespertilionis were collected from nine bat species: Eptesicus nilssonii, Eptesicus serotinus, Myotis daubentonii, Myotis myotis, Nyctalus leisleri, Pipistrellus nathusii, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, and Vespertilio murinus. Either the presence of C. vespertilionis was new for some areas or it was confirmed in some federal states in central Germany. The infestation rate was mostly low (n = 1–5 larvae/bat). However, in two cases a high number of ticks was observed. The highest infestation of 97 C. vespertilionis larvae was recorded on one Parti-coloured bat (V. murinus).
Identifying the drivers of silky shark distribution and an evaluation of protection measures
Authors: Murray Shona , Meeuwig Jessica J. , Thompson Christopher D. H. , Mouillot David 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) has experienced a significant population decline associated with intense targeted and incidental fishing pressure. Large marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly advocated for the conservation of oceanic species like silky sharks, recognising that the benefits of MPAs to such species depend on a comprehensive understanding of their distribution, abundance and life history. We combined mid-water stereo-baited remote underwater video system (BRUVS) records with environmental, geographic and anthropogenic variables to document the distribution and abundance of silky shark populations, identify the most important predictors of their presence, abundance and body size, and determine if their abundance is greater within MPAs than in locations not designated as MPAs. From 1418 deployments of mid-water BRUVS across three ocean basins, 945 silky sharks were identified at 18 locations, with young-of-year (< 87 cm TL) observed at four of these. Our study revealed generally low abundances of silky sharks as recorded on mid-water BRUVS across their cosmopolitan distribution, although our models identified seamounts as hotspots of abundance. Human pressure was a significant variable within our models, with proximity to human populations and ports being key drivers of silky shark abundance and body size. We did not observe a higher abundance of silky sharks inside MPAs compared to locations not designated as MPAs, suggesting that these MPAs have not been placed in areas where silky sharks remain relatively abundant. We therefore recommend expanding the current MPA network in line with the 30 × 30 initiative to more effectively protect key habitats such as seamounts.
Composite material consisting of microporous beta-TCP ceramic and alginate-dialdehyde-gelatin for controlled dual release of clindamycin and bone morphogenetic protein 2
Authors: Ritschl Lucas , Schilling Pia , Wittmer Annette , Bohner Marc , Bernstein Anke , Schmal Hagen , Seidenstuecker Michael 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study was to produce a composite of microporous β-TCP filled with alginate-gelatin crosslinked hydrogel, clindamycin and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2) to prolong the drug-release behaviour for up to 28 days. The most promising alginate-di-aldehyde(ADA)-gelatin gel for drug release from microcapsules was used to fill microporous β-TCP ceramics under directional flow in a special loading chamber. Dual release of clindamycin and BMP-2 was measured on days 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 14, 21 and 28 by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After release, the microbial efficacy of the clindamycin was checked and the biocompatibility of the composite was tested in cell culture. Clindamycin and the model substance FITC-protein A were released from microcapsules over 28 days. The clindamycin burst release was 43 ± 1%. For the loaded ceramics, a clindamycin release above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) until day 9 and a burst release of 90.56 ± 2.96% were detected. BMP-2 was released from the loaded ceramics in low concentrations over 28 days. The release of active substances from β-TCP and hydrogel have already been extensively studied. Directional flow loading is a special procedure in which the ceramic could act as a stabilizer in the bone and, as a biodegradable system, enables a single-stage surgical procedure. Whether ADA-gelatin gel is suitable for this procedure as a more biodegradable alternative to pure alginate or whether a dual release is possible in this composite has not yet been investigated.
Graphical Abstract
Anxiety and COVID-19 Anxiety in Positive Youth Development: A Latent Profile Analysis Study
Authors: Pivec Tina , Kozina Ana 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated anxiety and triggered a new and specific COVID-19 anxiety in all age groups, especially in adolescence. The aim of the present study was to identify differences between anxiety and COVID-19 anxiety in profiles of positive outcomes by using the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework (i.e., the Five Cs of competence, confidence, character, caring, and connection) on a sample of 1,977 adolescents from Slovenia (57.4% females; Mage = 15.34 years) from lower- and upper-secondary schools. Latent profile analysis revealed four distinctive profiles: High PYD, Self-efficacious, Socio-emotional, and Low PYD. The High PYD profile reported lower anxiety and moderate COVID-19 anxiety; the Self-efficacious profile reported lower anxiety and the lowest COVID-19 anxiety; the Socio-emotional profile reported moderate anxiety and the highest COVID-19 anxiety; and the Low PYD profile reported higher anxiety and moderate COVID-19 anxiety. The study findings suggest that higher levels of competence, confidence, and connection can mitigate anxiety, while higher levels of caring are associated with COVID-19 anxiety. Nonetheless, the study supports the promotion of all Five Cs of the PYD framework to prevent anxiety, COVID-19 anxiety, and maladaptive developmental outcomes. The study provides important insights into profiling responses to extreme situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Registered Studies on the Promising Dipeptide Carnosine
Authors: Pfeffer Tilman , Wen Dan , Stefanidis Konstantinos , Peters Verena , Ries Markus 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCarnosine (β-Alanyl-L-Histidine) is a naturally occurring endogenous dipeptide and over-the-counter dietary supplement with a multimodal mechanism of action. The use of carnosine and its analogues in is as diverse as its mode of action and application. Carnosine’s ready availability and protective properties make it an interesting candidate for clinical use. We have now examined the mode of use in registered clinical studies. In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated the status of clinical studies on carnosine and carnosine analogues. We searched all 16 primary clinical trials registries listed in the WHO Clinical Trials Registry. Registered studies to published studies were identified and the ratio of published/unpublished studies as well as the time to publication and thematic focus were evaluated. The 16 selected registries listed 70 studies on carnosine, of which 34 have been completed and 25 have been published to date, with an average time to publication of 28 months. Carnosine/carnosine analogues were used as dietary supplements in 56% of the studies. Twelve studies were clinical trials in healthy volunteers that focused on dietary changes and underlying physiology. The other 22 studies deal with various clinical pictures, in particular metabolic and psychological disorders. This structured evaluation shows that the applications of carnosine are very versatile, and the registration in one of the clinical registries and the timely publication would facilitate the planning of further studies.
Single-dose pharmacokinetics and lung function of nebulized niclosamide ethanolamine in sheep
Authors: Weiss Anne , Bischof Robert J , Landersdorfer Cornelia B , Nguyen Tri-Hung , Davies Andrew , Ibrahim Jibriil , Wynne Paul , Wright Phillip , Ditzinger Günter , Montgomery A Bruce , Meeusen Els , McIntosh Michelle P , Sommer Morten OA 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Niclosamide is approved as an oral anthelminthic, but its low oral bioavailability hinders its medical use requiring high drug exposure outside the gastrointestinal tract. An optimized solution of niclosamide for nebulization and intranasal administration using the ethanolamine salt has been developed and tested in a Phase 1 trial. In this study we investigate the pulmonary exposure of niclosamide following administration via intravenous injection, oral administration or nebulization.

Methods
We characterized the plasma and pulmonary pharmacokinetics of three ascending doses of nebulized niclosamide in sheep, compare it to intravenous niclosamide for compartmental PK modelling, and to the human equivalent approved 2 g oral dose to investigate in the pulmonary exposure of different niclosamide delivery routes. Following a single-dose administration to five sheep, niclosamide concentrations were determined in plasma and epithelial lining fluid (ELF). Non-compartmental and compartmental modeling was used to characterize pharmacokinetic profiles. Lung function tests were performed in all dose groups.

Results
Administration of all niclosamide doses were well tolerated with no adverse changes in lung function tests. Plasma pharmacokinetics of nebulized niclosamide behaved dose-linear and was described by a 3-compartmental model estimating an absolute bioavailability of 86%. ELF peak concentration and area under the curve was 578 times and 71 times higher with nebulization of niclosamide relative to administration of oral niclosamide.

Conclusions
Single local pulmonary administration of niclosamide via nebulization was well tolerated in sheep and resulted in substantially higher peak ELF concentration compared to the human equivalent oral 2 g dose.
Portable gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method for the in-field screening of organic pollutants in soil and water at pollution incidents
Authors: Duff Denise , Lennard Chris , Li Yarong , Doyle Christopher , Edge Katelyn J. , Holland Ian , Lothridge Kevin , Johnstone Paul , Beylerian Paul , Spikmans Val 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEnvironmental pollution incidents generate an emergency response from regulatory agencies to ensure that the impact on the environment is minimised. Knowing what pollutants are present provides important intelligence to assist in determining how to respond to the incident. However, responders are limited in their in-field capabilities to identify the pollutants present. This research has developed an in-field, qualitative analytical approach to detect and identify organic pollutants that are commonly detected by regulatory environmental laboratories. A rapid, in-field extraction method was used for water and soil matrices. A coiled microextraction (CME) device was utilised for the introduction of the extracted samples into a portable gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) for analysis. The total combined extraction and analysis time was approximately 6.5 min per sample. Results demonstrated that the in-field extraction and analysis methods can screen for fifty-nine target organic contaminants, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons, monoaromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, phthalates, organophosphorus pesticides, and organochlorine pesticides. The method was also capable of tentatively identifying unknown compounds using library searches, significantly expanding the scope of the methods for the provision of intelligence at pollution incidents of an unknown nature, although a laboratory-based method was able to provide more information due to the higher sensitivity achievable. The methods were evaluated using authentic casework samples and were found to be fit-for-purpose for providing rapid in-field intelligence at pollution incidents. The fact that the in-field methods target the same compounds as the laboratory-based methods provides the added benefit that the in-field results can assist in sample triaging upon submission to the laboratory for quantitation and confirmatory analysis.
Toxicological and histopathological alterations in the heart of young and adult albino rats exposed to mosquito coil smoke
Authors: Abdrabouh Abeer El-Said 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMosquito coil repellents are well-known indoor air pollutant with significant health concerns. The present study investigated the toxic effects of mosquito coil smoke on the heart of young and adult male rats. The animals were subjected to the smoke for 6 h/day, 6 days/week, for 4 weeks. Within the first hour after lighting the coil, significant amounts of formaldehyde, total volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) were detected. Both exposed ages, particularly the young group, showed a significant increase in the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, and the levels of troponin I, myoglobin, Na+levels, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein) as well as a significant decrease in K+levels and cardiac Na–K ATPase activity, indicating development of cardiac inflammation and dysfunction. Furthermore, the toxic stress response was validated by significant downregulation at expression of the detoxifying enzyme cytochrome p450. Histopathological studies in both age groups, especially the young group, revealed cardiomyocyte degeneration and necrotic areas. Moreover, upregulation at the pro-apoptotic markers, caspase3, P53, and cytochrome C expressions, was detected by immunohistochemical approach in heart sections of the exposed groups. Finally, the myocardial dysfunctional effects of the coil active ingredient, meperfluthrin, were confirmed by the docking results which indicated a high binding affinity of meperfluthrin, with Na–K ATPase and caspase 3. In conclusion, both the young and adult exposed groups experienced significant cardiac toxicity changes evidenced by cell apoptosis and histopathological alterations as well as disruption of biochemical indicators.Graphical Abstract