bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative Effects of Zinc Oxide, in Either Conventional or Nanoformulation, Against Bisphenol A Toxicity on Reproductive Performance, Oxidative Status, Gene Expression and Histopathology in Adult Male Rats
Authors: El-Kossi Dina M. M. H. , Ibrahim Shawky S. , Hassanin Kamel M. A. , Hamad Nashwa , Rashed Noha A. , Abdel-Wahab Ahmed 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used endocrine disruptor that represents a significant risk to male reproductive function. Zinc (Zn) is vital for appropriate development of testes and to guarantee optimal testicular function and spermatogenesis. Our goal was to investigate if zinc oxide (ZnO), either in conventional or nanoformulation, could safeguard adult male rats’ reproductive performance against the damaging effects of BPA. Signaling expression of CYP11A1 and Nrf-2 in the testis, testicular oxidant-antioxidant status, Bax/Bcl-2 apoptotic ratio, and histological examination of various reproductive organs were all evaluated. Twenty-eight adult male albino rats were divided randomly into 4 groups (7 animals each) including the control, BPA, conventional zinc oxide (cZnO) + BPA, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) + BPA groups. The study was extended for 2 successive months. Our findings revealed strong negative effects of BPA on sperm cell characteristics such as sperm motility, viability, concentration and abnormalities. Additionally, BPA reduced serum levels of testosterone, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). Also, it evoked marked oxidative stress in the testes; elevating malondialdehyde (MDA) and reducing total antioxidant capacity (TAC). BPA significantly downregulated testicular mRNA relative expression levels of CYP11A1 and Nrf-2, compared to control. Testicular apoptosis was also prompted by increasing Bax/ Bcl-2 ratio in testicular tissue. Histopathological findings in the testes, epididymis, prostate gland, and seminal vesicle confirmed the detrimental effects of BPA. Interestingly, cZnO and ZnO-NPs significantly alleviated all negative effects of BPA, but ZnO-NPs performed better. In conclusion, our findings point to ZnO, specifically ZnO-NPs, as a viable treatment for BPA-induced testicular dysfunction.
Examining the Motivations Underlying International Students’ Migration Behaviors: the Case of Master’s Students in Spain
Authors: Rueff-Lopes Rita , Sayeras Josep , Velasco Ferran 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study aims to examine the motivations that international graduate students have to either migrate or return home after completing their master’s degree in Spain, one of the most important and yet under-researched host countries in the international European education arena. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 63 international students graduated in a business field of a top-tier highly international private university. Through thematic analysis, we extracted 113 themes, 70 from the group that decided to migrate and 43 from the group that decided to return to their home country. These themes were classified under 13 motivation categories, 5 of them being work-related and 8 non-work-related, thus resulting in a 2 × 2 factor model. Work-related motivations to migrate included the perception of better career opportunities and the desire to work for an ideal company. Salary played a limited role. Non-work-related motivations to migrate included having a global identity, which to our knowledge has not been identified before, and not returning home for political reasons. Work-related motivations for returning included not seeing job opportunities abroad and seeing higher job opportunities in the home country. Non-work-related motivations for returning included the pandemic, personal motivations, and mobility restrictions. Results from this case study bring new insights about the phenomenological motivations of this population for deciding whether to pursue an international career or not and can therefore help professionals like policy makers and career advisors to develop and implement appropriate measures to support their decisions.
Effects of conscious connected breathing on cortical brain activity, mood and state of consciousness in healthy adults
Authors: Bahi Camile , Irrmischer Mona , Franken Katrien , Fejer George , Schlenker Anna , Deijen Jan Berend , Engelbregt Hessel 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBreathwork as a means of inducing non-ordinary states of consciousness is gaining traction as a potential therapeutic modality. We examined the effects of breathwork (in the form of connected breathing) on electroencephalography (EEG) and mood in 20 healthy participants (aged between 23 and 39 years (female = 11, Mage = 29). In addition, to compare with other means of inducing non-ordinary states of consciousness, we assessed the subjective effects of breathwork using the 11 Dimension Altered State of Consciousness questionnaire. EEG spectral power analysis of eyes closed rest recordings before and after the breathwork session showed a decrease in delta (1–4 Hz) and theta (4–8 Hz) frequencies in frontotemporal and parietal regions, respectively no changes were seen in Alpha (9–12 Hz) and Beta (12–30 Hz) bands. However, after decomposing the beta waves in Beta 1 (12–15 Hz), Beta 2 (15–20 Hz), Beta 3 (20–30 Hz), decreases in power were observed across Beta1 and Beta 2 in parietotemporal regions. Notably, the spectral power in gamma increased in experienced practitioners. Scores on the Profile of Mood States questionnaire showed a reduction in negative affect (anger, tension, confusion, and depression) and an increase in esteem. Scores on the 11D-ASC scale indicated that subjective experiences during breathwork were similar to those after medium to high doses of psilocybin, suggesting the occurrence of experiences of mystical quality. Present results indicate that breathwork changes brain activity and mood, and induces mystical experiences. These results are promising and suggest that such techniques could be useful to improve mental well-being.
Influence of Sapwood/Heartwood and Drying Temperature on Off-Gassing of Scots Pine Wood Pellets
Authors: Siwale Workson , Frodeson Stefan , Finell Michael , Arshadi Mehrdad , Henriksson Gunnar , Berghel Jonas 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWood pellets produced from fresh sawdust can form and release uncontrolled gases during bulk storage, a tendency referred to as off-gassing. This study investigated the off-gassing tendencies of Scots pine wood pellets made from separated sapwood and heartwood sawdust. The effects of drying temperature, raw material storage, as well as varying proportions of sapwood and heartwood were also investigated. There was a strong linear correlation between off-gassing and sapwood content, with correlation coefficient (R) values greater than 0.9 at p < 0.001 for all the off-gases. An increase in sapwood content of the feedstock led to a significant increase in off-gassing of CO2, CO, and CH4, and O2 consumption. The drying temperature of the raw material had a significant effect on off-gassing of both sapwood (F(8, 26) = 51.32, p < 0.05) and heartwood (F(8, 26) = 334.1, p < 0.05) pellets. Increasing the drying temperature for heartwood resulted in increased off-gassing, while for sapwood, the off-gassing reduced. Storage of sapwood raw material before pelletization reduced the off-gassing of wood pellets, whereas for heartwood, it had no significant impact. Based on the results, it is suggested that a biological process, in combination with the chemical oxidation of fatty acids, lay behind the off-gassing of wood pellets.
Assessing the Evidential Value of Mental Fatigue and Exercise Research
Authors: Holgado Darías , Mesquida Cristian , Román-Caballero Rafael 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIt has often been reported that mental exertion, presumably leading to mental fatigue, can negatively affect exercise performance; however, recent findings have questioned the strength of the effect. To further complicate this issue, an overlooked problem might be the presence of publication bias in studies using underpowered designs, which is known to inflate false positive report probability and effect size estimates. Altogether, the presence of bias is likely to reduce the evidential value of the published literature on this topic, although it is unknown to what extent. The purpose of the current work was to assess the evidential value of studies published to date on the effect of mental exertion on exercise performance by assessing the presence of publication bias and the observed statistical power achieved by these studies. A traditional meta-analysis revealed a Cohen’s dz effect size of − 0.54, 95% CI [− 0.68, − 0.40], p < .001. However, when we applied methods for estimating and correcting for publication bias (based on funnel plot asymmetry and observed p-values), we found that the bias-corrected effect size became negligible with most of publication-bias methods and decreased to − 0.36 in the more optimistic of all the scenarios. A robust Bayesian meta-analysis found strong evidence in favor of publication bias, BFpb > 1000, and inconclusive evidence in favor of the effect, adjusted dz = 0.01, 95% CrI [− 0.46, 0.37], BF10 = 0.90. Furthermore, the median observed statistical power assuming the unadjusted meta-analytic effect size (i.e., − 0.54) as the true effect size was 39% (min = 19%, max = 96%), indicating that, on average, these studies only had a 39% chance of observing a significant result if the true effect was Cohen’s dz = − 0.54. If the more optimistic adjusted effect size (− 0.36) was assumed as the true effect, the median statistical power was just 20%. We conclude that the current literature is a useful case study for illustrating the dangers of conducting underpowered studies to detect the effect size of interest.
The Perils of Misinterpreting and Misusing “Publication Bias” in Meta-analyses: An Education Review on Funnel Plot-Based Methods
Authors: Afonso José , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Büttner Fionn Cléirigh , Andrade Renato 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPublication bias refers to a systematic deviation from the truth in the results of a meta-analysis due to the higher likelihood for published studies to be included in meta-analyses than unpublished studies. Publication bias can lead to misleading recommendations for decision and policy making. In this education review, we introduce, explain, and provide solutions to the pervasive misuses and misinterpretations of publication bias that afflict evidence syntheses in sport and exercise medicine, with a focus on the commonly used funnel-plot based methods. Publication bias is more routinely assessed by visually inspecting funnel plot asymmetry, although it has been consistently deemed unreliable, leading to the development of statistical tests to assess publication bias. However, most statistical tests of publication bias (i) cannot rule out alternative explanations for funnel plot asymmetry (e.g., between-study heterogeneity, choice of metric, chance) and (ii) are grossly underpowered, even when using an arbitrary minimum threshold of ten or more studies. We performed a cross-sectional meta-research investigation of how publication bias was assessed in systematic reviews with meta-analyses published in the top two sport and exercise medicine journals throughout 2021. This analysis highlights that publication bias is frequently misused and misinterpreted, even in top tier journals. Because of conceptual and methodological problems when assessing and interpreting publication bias, preventive strategies (e.g., pre-registration, registered reports, disclosing protocol deviations, and reporting all study findings regardless of direction or magnitude) offer the best and most efficient solution to mitigate the misuse and misinterpretation of publication bias. Because true publication bias is very difficult to determine, we recommend that future publications use the term “risk of publication bias”.
Archetypal Curves in the Shape and Size Space: Discovering the Salient Features of Curved Big Data by Representative Extremes
Authors: Epifanio Irene , Gimeno Vicent , Gual-Arnau Ximo , Ibáñez-Gual M. Victoria 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCurves are complex data. Tools for visualizing, exploring, and discovering the structure of a data set of curves are valuable. In this paper, we propose a scalable methodology to solve this challenge. On the one hand, we consider two distances in the shape and size space, one well-known distance and another recently proposed, which differentiate the contribution in shape and in size of the elements considered to compute the distance. On the other hand, we use archetypoid analysis (ADA) for the first time in elastic shape analysis. ADA is a recent technique in unsupervised statistical learning, whose objective is to find a set of archetypal observations (curves in this case), in such a way that we can describe the data set as convex combinations of these archetypal curves. This makes interpretation easy, even for non-experts. Archetypal curves or pure types are extreme cases, which also facilitates human understanding. The methodology is illustrated with a simulated data set and applied to a real problem. It is important to know the distribution of foot shapes to design suitable footwear that accommodates the population. For this purpose, we apply our proposed methodology to a real data set composed of foot contours from the adult Spanish population.
Personalized infection prevention and control: a concept whose time has arrived
Authors: Savoldi Alessia , Mutters Nico T. , Tacconelli Evelina 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Personalized medicine has been progressively implemented in several diagnostic and therapeutic patients’ algorithms, based on the common assumption that tailoring interventions, practices, and/or therapies to individual patients’ clinical, biological, epidemiological, and genetic characteristics would optimize their effectiveness and reduce adverse effects. The potential benefit of the precision medicine approach has been recently considered for possible implementation in the field of infection prevention and control. The commentary explores available evidence and assesses possible future scenarios where, through advanced modeling approaches, we would be able to provide personalized prediction algorithms identifying at-risk patients who deserve the implementation of tailored preventive measures.
Outcomes of high-dose oral beta-lactam definitive therapy compared to fluoroquinolone or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole oral therapy for bacteremia secondary to a urinary tract infection
Authors: Geyer Abigail C. , VanLangen Kali M. , Jameson Andrew P. , Dumkow Lisa E. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objective:
Compare outcomes of patients receiving high-dose oral beta-lactam versus standard oral therapy for Enterobacterales bacteremia from a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Design:
Retrospective, multicenter, observational cohort.

Setting:
Three Michigan community teaching hospitals.

Patients:
Adult patients admitted between February 1, 2020, and October 1, 2022, with gram-negative bacteremia from a urinary source were evaluated. Patients receiving active empiric intravenous (IV) antibiotics and transitioned to appropriately dosed oral cephalexin, amoxicillin, fluoroquinolone (FQ), or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) were included. Patients receiving less than 72 hours of oral therapy, diagnosed with renal abscess, lobar nephronia, or expired during admission were excluded.

Methods:
Standard oral therapy was defined as FQ or TMP/SMX. The primary outcome compared the composite of recurrent bacteremia or mortality within 30 days of therapy between groups. Secondary outcomes compared recurrent UTI, emergency department or hospital readmission, and Clostridioides difficile within 30 days.

Results:
194 patients were included (beta-lactam, n = 75 vs standard therapy, n =119). Patients in both groups were treated for a median of 11 days, with 4 days IV and 7 days oral therapy. There was no difference in the primary outcome between groups (beta-lactam 1.3% vs standard therapy 1.7%, OR 1.27 [95% CI 0.11–14.2]). No patients experienced C. difficile in either group (p = 1.0). Infectious disease consultation was independently associated with standard therapy prescribing (OR 4.4 [95% CI 2.24–8.26]).

Conclusion:
High-dose oral beta-lactams were as safe and effective as oral FQ or TMP/SMX for the treatment of bacteremia from a urinary source. Most patients received 8–10 days of therapy in both groups.
Communication in Sudden-Onset Major Incidents: Patterns and Challenges—Scoping Review
Authors: Hansen Peter Martin , Mikkelsen Søren , Rehn Marius 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objective:
To identify and describe patterns and challenges in communication in sudden-onset major incidents.

Methods:
Systematic scoping review according to Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data sources included Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SweMed+, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Non-indexed literature was searched as well. The included literature went through data extraction and quality appraisal as per pre-registered protocol.

Results:
The scoping review comprised 32 papers from different sources. Communication breakdown was reported in 25 (78.1%) of the included papers. Inter-authority communication challenges were reported in 18 (56.3%) of the papers. System overload and incompatibility was described in 9 papers (28.1%). Study design was clearly described in 30 papers (93.8%).

Conclusions:
The pattern in major incident communication is reflected by frequent breakdowns with potential and actual consequences for patient survival and outcome. The challenges in communication are predominantly inter-authority communication, system overload and incompatibility, and insufficient pre-incident planning and guidelines.
RISREAC Study: Assessment of Cutaneous Radiation Injury Through Clinical Documentation
Authors: Ghaffar Aqsa , Xie Yunna , Antinozzi Peter , Ryan Wolf Julie 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objective:
Radiation dermatitis (RD) occurs in 95% of patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) for cancer treatment, affecting 800 million patients annually. We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a historical RD cohort, Radiation Induced Skin Reactions (RISREAC) cohort.

Methods:
This retrospective study evaluated RD-related clinical documentation for 245 breast cancer patients who received RT at the University of Rochester Medical Center, to understand the RD progression, scoring, and management. All statistical analyses were performed at 0.05 level of significance.

Results:
Clinician-documented RD severity was observed for 169 (69%) patients with a mean severity of 1.57 [1.46, 1.68]. The mean descriptor-based severity score of 2.31 [2.18, 2.45] moderately correlated (r = 0.532, P < 0.0001) with documented RD grade. Most patients (91.8%) received skin care treatment during RT, with 66.7% receiving more than 2 modalities.

Conclusions:
The RISREAC cohort is the first retrospective cohort established from clinical documentation of radiation-induced skin changes for the study of RD and cutaneous radiation injury (CRI). RD symptom descriptors were more reliably documented and suitable for all skin types compared to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) or Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grades. A new descriptor-based scoring tool would be useful for RD and CRI.
EXTENSIONS OF CHARACTERS IN TYPE D AND THE INDUCTIVE MCKAY CONDITION, I
Authors: SPÄTH BRITTA 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis is a contribution to the study of$\mathrm {Irr}(G)$as an$\mathrm {Aut}(G)$-set forGa finite quasisimple group. Focusing on the last open case of groups of Lie type$\mathrm {D}$and$^2\mathrm {D}$, a crucial property is the so-called$A'(\infty )$condition expressing that diagonal automorphisms and graph-field automorphisms ofGhave transversal orbits in$\mathrm {Irr}(G)$. This is part of the stronger$A(\infty )$condition introduced in the context of the reduction of the McKay conjecture to a question about quasisimple groups. Our main theorem is that a minimal counterexample to condition$A(\infty )$for groups of type$\mathrm {D}$would still satisfy$A'(\infty )$. This will be used in a second paper to fully establish$A(\infty )$for any type and rank. The present paper uses Harish-Chandra induction as a parametrization tool. We give a new, more effective proof of the theorem of Geck and Lusztig ensuring that cuspidal characters of any standard Levi subgroup of$G=\mathrm {D}_{ l,\mathrm {sc}}(q)$extend to their stabilizers in the normalizer of that Levi subgroup. This allows us to control the action of automorphisms on these extensions. From there, Harish-Chandra theory leads naturally to a detailed study of associated relative Weyl groups and other extendibility problems in that context.
Neoskrjabinolepis paradoxa n. sp. from shrews on Sakhalin Island, Russia, with an amended diagnosis of Neoskrjabinolepis Spassky, 1947 (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea: Hymenolepididae), a key, and a review on geographical distribution of the species
Authors: Kornienko S. A. , Makarikova T. A. , Dokuchaev N. E. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A taxonomic review was performed on cestodes of the genus Neoskrjabinolepis Spassky, 1947 that parasitize different species of Sorex shrews in different regions of the northern Palearctic and in the Nearctic (Alaska, USA). Information on Palearctic Neoskrjabinolepis cestodes published in various articles is summarized. An overview of the geographical distribution of the Neoskrjabinolepis species is also presented. Currently, the genus includes 17 species. In the European part of the Palearctic, four species of the genus are registered; in the Asian part, 13 species; and on the American continent (Seward Peninsula, Alaska, USA), two species. Descriptions, illustrations, and differential diagnoses are given for a new species of Neoskrjabinolepis, i.e. N. paradoxa n. sp., which was found in shrews Sorex unguiculatus Dobson and S. caecutiens Laxmann on Sakhalin Island. A unique feature of the new species is irregularly alternating genital pores in the uterus series in the strobila. Amended new differential features (positioning of the uterus relative to osmoregulatory canals and alternation of genital pores) of genus diagnosis and an identification key for Neoskrjabinolepis spp. are presented.
Los sentimientos del alma: cultural dialogue and the multiple origins of Panamanian típico
Authors: Robles Samuel 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this article, I explore the processes of cultural dialogue through which European and Caribbean dances such as the waltz, the pasillo, the polka, and the danzón became tributaries of Panamanian típico. These genres, particularly the thriving danzón culture in Panama, contributed in various degrees to the shaping of típico as local performers adopted, adapted and reinterpreted rhythms and melodic material from the context of existing musical traditions. Expanding on recent research, I show how this cultural dialogue developed into a platform for innovation from which típico emerges as a distinct genre in the mid 20th century, a reinterpretation of the dance repertoire known as danzón–cumbia by composers which I collectively call the Azuero School. I examine how this repertoire and its performance practice became channels for discontinuous cultural dialogue, experimentation and reinterpretation of multiple influences in a context of political and social change in Panama.