bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Vachliotis Ilias D. , Polyzos Stergios A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Purpose of Review
To summarize experimental and clinical evidence on the association between tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and discuss potential treatment considerations.

Recent Findings
Experimental evidence suggests that TNF-α is a cytokine with a critical role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Although, the production of TNF-α may be an early event during the course of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), TNF-α may play a more substantial role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and NAFLD-associated fibrosis. Moreover, TNF-α may potentiate hepatic insulin resistance, thus interconnecting inflammatory with metabolic signals and possibly contributing to the development of NAFLD-related comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and extra-hepatic malignancies. In clinical terms, TNF-α is probably associated with the severity of NAFLD; circulating TNF-α gradually increases from controls to patients with NAFL, and then, to patients with NASH. Given this potential association, various therapeutic interventions (obeticholic acid, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, probiotics, synbiotics, rifaximin, vitamin E, pentoxifylline, ursodeoxycholic acid, fibroblast growth factor-21, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, statins, angiotensin receptor blockers) have been evaluated for their effect on TNF-α and NAFLD. Interestingly, anti-TNF biologics have shown favorable metabolic and hepatic effects, which may open a possible therapeutic window for the management of advanced NAFLD.

Summary
The potential key pathogenic role of TNF-α in NAFLD warrants further investigation and may have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
Examining Motivation of First-Year Undergraduate Anatomy Students Through the Lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A Single Institution Study
Authors: Dempsey Audrey M. K. , Nolan Yvonne M. , Lone Mutahira , Hunt E. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMotivation is critical for meaningful learning among healthcare students studying anatomy. Learners are highly variable, and it is important to ensure learners are equally supported in the diverse aspects of an anatomy curriculum. The implementation of the educational framework, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), in anatomy curricula could potentially enhance student motivation. The multiple means of engagement principle of UDL refers to the enhancement of motivation among students. This study aimed to identify healthcare students’ motivation levels at the start and end of their anatomy module and whether there was any change in motivation. The Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) was distributed to gather the self-reported motivation levels of first-year undergraduate medical, dental and occupational therapy (OT) and speech and language therapy (SLT) students studying anatomy at the start of their respective anatomy modules and again at the end of the module. The overall response rate was 74% and 69%, at the start and end of the study, respectively. Responses were analysed by the respective programme of study. Motivation to study anatomy among medical, dental, OT and SLT students ranged from medium to high on the MSLQ at the start of their respective anatomy modules. By the end of the anatomy modules, dental students reported high levels of motivation to study anatomy, whereas motivation among medical, OT and SLT students ranged from medium to high. A change in students’ self-reported motivation levels while studying anatomy was identified. The study emphasises the benefits of UDL and its flexible nature to enhance motivation.
Fixing the Problem of Unlawfully Appointed Judges in Poland in the Light of the ECHR
Authors: Szwed Marcin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis article seeks to answer the question of how to deal with the problem of unlawful judicial appointments in Poland in a way consistent with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). According to the Polish Constitution, appointments of judges are made upon the request of the National Council of the Judiciary (NCJ). After controversial reforms in 2017, this body lost its independence from politicians. In the four judgments issued so far, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that appointments of Supreme Court judges made upon the request of politicised NCJ were burdened with manifest violation of domestic law and, as a result, panels of courts composed of persons appointed in this way were not ‘tribunal established by law’. Arguably, this conclusion may be extended to other judges appointed in the same way. The question remains, however, what to do with persons appointed with violation of law; in particular, whether such persons can simply be removed from the judiciary. This article argues that even though the domestic authorities have some discretion with regards to choosing the proper measures to fix the problem of unlawfully appointed judges, this is limited by the need to comply with the standards stemming from the ECHR. In particular, it is important to respect unlawfully appointed persons’ right to court. This means that instead of removing all of them without any judicial review, a more individualised approach would be preferable.
Requiring Mobile Devices in the Classroom: the Use of Web-Based Polling Does Not Lead to Increased Levels of Distraction
Authors: Ives Joss , Rieger Georg , Renani Fatemeh Rostamzadeh 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe conducted an observational exploratory study of distraction by digital devices in multiple different sections across three large undergraduate physics courses. We collected data from two different settings based on the type of devices used for classroom polling: lecture sections that required mobile devices for polling and those that used standalone clickers. Our analysis shows no difference in the average distraction level between the two settings. However, we did observe an overall lower level of distraction during active learning modes, as compared to passive learning modes. Based on there being no observable difference in distraction levels in the mobile polling and standalone clicker classrooms, we recommend that instructors should choose the polling technology that best suits their needs without worrying about the impact on student distraction. The observed difference in distraction between the active and passive learning modes is consistent with previous results from the literature, which reinforces support for the use of active learning modes as much as possible.
3D printed reactors and Kessil lamp holders for flow photochemistry: design and system standardization
Authors: Penny Matthew R. , Hilton Stephen T. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA low-cost 3D printed standardized flow-photochemistry setup has been designed and developed for use with a pressure-driven flow system using photochemistry lamps available in most laboratories. In this research, photochemical reactors were 3D printed from polypropylene which facilitated rapid optimization of both reactor geometry and experimental setup of the lamp housing system. To exemplify the rapidity of this approach to optimization, a Kessil LED lamp was used in the bromination of a range of toluenes in the 3D printed reactors in good yields with residence times as low as 27 s. The reaction compared favorably with the batch photochemical procedure and was able to be scaled up to a productivity of 75 mmol h−1.
Relational autonomy and paternalism – why the physician-patient relationship matters
Authors: Hirsch Anna 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBoth paternalism and relational autonomy are two concepts that are much discussed in medical ethics. Strangely enough, they have hardly been considered together. How does the understanding and justification of medical paternalism change if we take a (constitutively) relational understanding of autonomy as a basis? From an individualistic understanding of autonomy, medical paternalism interferes in the individual sphere of a patient. It can be justified if the benefit to the patient clearly outweighs the extent of the violation of their autonomy. I argue that according to a relational understanding of autonomy other justification criteria come to the fore than those we know from the ‘classic paternalism debate’. Building on the concept of maternalism introduced by Laura Specker-Sullivan and Fay Niker, I propose that the nature and quality of the physician-patient relationship, the epistemic access to the patient’s pro-attitudes, the physician’s motivation to intervene, and intersubjective recognition constitute relevant justification criteria. In addition, I argue that these criteria provide helpful indications of how physician-patient relationships should be structured in order to enable relational autonomy in patient care and avoid medical paternalism in general.
Preparation, characterization and densification studies of W-Ag nanocomposites produced by chemical route
Authors: Reddy M. Venkat , Krishnaiah A. , Venkateshwar Reddy P. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractW-Ag has applications in a wide range of cutting-edge fields, counting heat sinks and microwave absorbers for micro—electronic components, electric arc ends, and filaments for welding processes, electrical contacts, and durable electronic connections. Chemical methods provide a number of benefits, including improved purity, and controlled particle size. The present study focused on the fabrication of W-Ag nano composites using chemical synthesis. W-Ag nanocomposites with average size less than 50 nm were synthesized using Tungsten hexacarbonyl (W(CO)6, and silver acetate (CH3-COOAg) as metal precursors in the present study. The W-Ag composites were sintered using conventional sintering. X-ray diffraction studies of as-prepared powders showed amorphous W-phase and FCC Ag, while sintered W-Ag composites exhibited crystalline BCC W and FCC Ag phase. The effect of sintering temperature on relative density and mechanical properties of W-Ag sintered compacts was investigated. Relative density in excess of 97.6%, 98.2% and 98.8% was achieved for W-20.3 wt.% Ag, W-30.1 wt.% Ag and W-39.8 wt.% Ag composites on conventional sintering at 1000°C for 1 h. Vickers hardness of 364 ± 10 and 320 ± 8 Hv and 279 ± 6 were achieved for W-20.3 wt.% Ag, W-30.1 wt.% Ag and W-39.8 wt.% Ag composite compacts respectively. The hardness value of W-Ag composites decreased with an increase in Ag content. The combination of properties realized in this study renders the composites suitable for automotive and heat sink applications.
Post-intensive care syndrome in pediatrics—enhancing understanding through a novel bioecological theory of human development lens
Authors: Rahmaty Zahra , Manning Joseph C. , Macdonald Ibo , Perez Maria-Helene , Ramelet Anne-Sylvie 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The post-intensive care syndrome in pediatrics (PICS-p) framework offers a new understanding of the long-term impact of critical illness on child’s and family’s health. However, a comprehensive theoretical guide to investigate potential factors influencing these outcomes and recoveries is needed.

Objective
The aim of the study is to conceptualize post-intensive care outcomes in children and their families after PICU discharge in the context of the child’s surrounding environment and systems.

Method
We used Theory Adaptation, a shift in the use and perspective of the Bioecological Theory of Human Development (BTHD), and Theory Synthesis, the integration of BTHD and the PICS-p, to provide a novel PICSS-PF perspective for understanding PICS-p within the broader context of the child and family. This integration helps to see higher-order perspectives to link post-PICU outcomes and child development within the context of child’s surroundings.

Results
While PICS-p is a model for understanding and studying post-PICU outcomes and recovery in four domains of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social health, the BTHD offers a new lens for a holistic view of the contextual systems and factors affecting the outcomes and recovery. The BTHD contextual systems include intrapersonal (demographics, clinical), interpersonal (adjacent people’s characteristics and interactions), institutional (family situations, PICU environment), community, social resources, and networks.

Conclusions
Knowing the complex nature of post-PICU outcomes in children and their families, the PICSS-PF helps in the better understanding of the complex interplay of factors that contribute to PICS in children and their families, leading to the development of more effective interventions to address this condition.
How Casinoization Affects the Police in Macao
Authors: Lao Tang In , Xu Jianhua 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe past two decades have witnessed Macao’s development into the casino capital of the world. Casinos have significantly transformed all respects of Macao society—a phenomenon termed as the casinoization of Macao. While much research has explored how casinoization has affected Macao’s socioeconomic developments, empirical research on the relationship between casinoization and law enforcement agencies is extremely limited. Using official statistics and interviews with serving and retired police officers as well as police applicants in Macao, this article examines the quick-money mentality, laissez-faire regulation, and the paradox of plenty, three features of casinoization, and their profound impact on the Macao police. First, the early phase of casino liberalization created a draining effect on human capital from the police force. Second, the lucrative casino tax revenues empowered the government to resolve the labour shortage issue and significantly improve the police image. Third, casinoization inadvertently reinforced the colonial legacy of laissez-faire regulation, hampering the progress of institutional reforms. Fourth, the decline of casino has contributed to the unprecedented “police fever” among the youth in Macao.
Early post-Keynesian journeys from Cambridge into development: Bridges and boundaries
Authors: Saith Ashwani 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis synthetic commentary offers a handful of observations. First, it highlights structural differences between the advanced market/capitalist economy that forms the theoretical scaffolding of Keynesian theory, as against the diverse range of structural and institutional configurations that characterise contemporary developing economies. Second, bearing these distinctions in mind, how far does the notion of “full employment” hold relevance in the context of developing economies? Third, the focus shifts to the central Keynesian policy prescription: reflating economic activity through injecting additional demand into the system, in extremis through pump-priming, digging and filling trenches – would this perform in a poor agrarian economy? Would the multiplier work and deliver in the realities of developing economies? Fourth, the central policy agenda in the South was that of launching industrialisation, leading to a sustained structural transformation of the economy – a la the Kaldorian industrialisation paradigm, which is scarcely visible in the (post-)Keynesianism template. Fifth, it queries the investment function and the role of state investment, and/or of “animal spirits” of capitalist entrepreneurs and agents, whether of domestic or foreign origins. Sixth, there is need to widen the focus, as well argued by Hans Singer, Amiya Bagchi and others, from Keynes-I of The General Theory, to Keynes-II of Bretton Woods, thereby substantially widening the interface with the agenda of development. Finally, there is the inevitable question concerning the nature and role of the state in the contrasting developed-vs-developing-economy, then-and-now scenarios. This discursive commentary is largely a Cambridge dialogue, not inappropriate in a tribute to Geoff Harcourt.
Perceptions, attitudes and beliefs towards soya among healthy Asian women participating in a soya randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yap Beverley , Rajaram Nadia , Ho Weang Kee , Khor Geok Lin , Teo Soo Hwang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The soya–breast cancer risk relationship remains controversial in Asia due to limited and inconsistent research findings and is exacerbated by difficulties in recruiting and retaining participants in intervention trials. Understanding public perceptions towards soya is important for designing effective intervention trials. Here, we administered a close-ended, quantitative survey to healthy, peri- and post-menopausal Asian women in the Malaysian Soy and Mammographic Density (MiSo) Study to assess perception towards soya and explore motivators and barriers that affect study adherence using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Belief (COM-B) Model and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Of 118 participants, the majority reported the belief that soya promotes good health (Supplement = 85⋅7 %, Diet = 90⋅0 %, Control = 87⋅9 %). Most participants reported obtaining information about soya from the internet (Supplement = 61⋅0 %, Diet = 55⋅3 %, Control = 35⋅9 %), while health professionals were least reported (Supplement = 9⋅8 %, Diet = 7⋅9 %, Control = 5⋅1 %). Stratified analyses by study completion and adherence status yielded comparable findings. By the end of the study, dietary arm participants reported a strong belief that soya has no impact on their health (Supplement = 7⋅1 % v. Diet = 20⋅0 % v. Control = 0⋅0 %, P = 0⋅012). Motivation and opportunity strongly facilitated soya consumption, while psychological capability was the most common barrier to consumption though less evident among dietary arm participants. While most Asian women have a positive perception towards soya, theory-based intervention trials are warranted to understand the perception–study adherence relationship and to accurately inform the public of the health effects of soya.
Deliberative processes in health technology assessment of medicines: the case of Spain
Authors: Pinilla-Dominguez Pilar , Pinilla-Dominguez Jaime 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Spain incorporated in 2020 changes in its health technology assessment (HTA), pricing, and reimbursement system for medicines including publishing reports, development of networks of experts, or consultation with stakeholders. Despite these changes, it is unclear how deliberative frameworks are applied and the process has been criticized for not being sufficiently transparent. This study analyses the level of implementation of deliberative processes in HTA for medicines in Spain.

Methods
We review the grey literature and summarize the Spanish HTA, pricing, and reimbursement process of medicines. We apply the deliberative processes for HTA checklist, developed to assess the overall context of the deliberative process, and identify the stakeholders involved and type of involvement following the framework for evidence-informed deliberative processes, a framework for benefit package design that aims to optimize the legitimacy of decision making.

Results
In the Spanish HTA, pricing, and reimbursement process deliberation takes place in order to exchange viewpoints and reach common ground, mainly during the prioritization, assessment, and appraisal steps. It is closed to the public, not clearly summarized in published documents and limited to the Ministry of Health, the regulatory agency, other Ministries, and experts with mostly clinical and/or pharmaceutical background. The views of stakeholders are only represented through consultation. Communication is the most commonly used form of stakeholder engagement.

Conclusions
Despite improvements in transparency of the Spanish HTA process for evaluating medicines, aspects related to stakeholder involvement and implementation of deliberative frameworks need further attention in order to achieve further legitimacy of the process.
Intravenous prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil) bolus in ductus arteriosus-dependent CHD: valid or absolutely contraindicated?
Authors: Colín Ortiz Jose L. , Cruz Hernández Angel , Silva Estrada Jorge A. , Maldonado Alonso Roberto , Corona Villalobos Carlos A. , González Rebeles Guerrero Carlos , Pérez Pérez Linda F. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe use of prostaglandin E1 is well documented in ductus arteriosus-dependent CHD or in neonatal pulmonary pathologies that cause severe pulmonary hypertension. The intravenous infusion is well established in loading infusion and maintenance with an onset of action of 30 minutes until 2 hours or even more. Our aim is to report three patients with pulmonary atresia that presented hypercyanotic spell due to a ductal spasm during cardiac catheterisation in whom the administration of a bolus of alprostadil reversed the spasm and increased pulmonary flow, immediately stabilising the condition of the patients allowing subsequent successful stent placement with no serious complications or sequelae after the administration of the bolus. More studies are needed to make a recommendation regarding the use of alprostadil in bolus in cases where the ductal spasm might jeopardise the life of the patient.
An Efficient Solver for ASP(Q)
Authors: FABER WOLFGANG , MAZZOTTA GIUSEPPE , RICCA FRANCESCO 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAnswer Set Programming with Quantifiers ASP(Q) extends Answer Set Programming (ASP) to allow for declarative and modular modeling of problems from the entire polynomial hierarchy. The first implementation of ASP(Q), called QASP, was based on a translation to Quantified Boolean Formulae (QBF) with the aim of exploiting the well-developed and mature QBF-solving technology. However, the implementation of the QBF encoding employed in qasp is very general and might produce formulas that are hard to evaluate for existing QBF solvers because of the large number of symbols and subclauses. In this paper, we present a new implementation that builds on the ideas of QASP and features both a more efficient encoding procedure and new optimized encodings of ASP(Q) programs in QBF. The new encodings produce smaller formulas (in terms of the number of quantifiers, variables, and clauses) and result in a more efficient evaluation process. An algorithm selection strategy automatically combines several QBF-solving back-ends to further increase performance. An experimental analysis, conducted on known benchmarks, shows that the new system outperforms QASP.