bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic conundrum in necrotizing otitis externa
Authors: Ahmed Abiya A. , Rashid Shaan , Gupta Vinay K. , Molony Neil C. , Gupta Keshav K. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractNecrotizing otitis externa (NOE) is an aggressive and fast‐evolving infection of the external auditory canal. Late diagnoses and untreated cases can lead to severe, even fatal consequences and so early diagnosis and treatment are paramount. NOE is a notoriously challenging diagnosis to make. It is therefore important to understand what diagnostic modalities are available and how otolaryngologists can use them to accurately treat such an aggressive disease. This review aims to evaluate the different diagnostic options available in NOE and discuss their advantages and limitations, thus, providing an up‐to‐date picture of the multimodal approach required in the diagnosis of this disease.
(What) Do We Learn from Code Comparisons? A Case Study of Self-Interacting Dark Matter Implementations
Authors: Meskhidze Helen 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThere has been much interest in the recent philosophical literature on increasing the reliability and trustworthiness of computer simulations. One method used to investigate the reliability of computer simulations is code comparison. Gueguen, however, has offered a convincing critique of code comparisons, arguing that they face a critical tension between the diversity of codes required for an informative comparison and the similarity required for the codes to be comparable. Here, I reflect on her critique in light of a recent code comparison investigating self-interacting dark matter in two computer simulation codes. I argue that the informativeness of this particular code comparison was due to its targeted approach and narrow focus. Its targeted approach (i.e., only the dark matter modules) allowed for simulation outputs that were diverse enough for an informative comparison and yet still comparable. Understanding the comparison as an instance of eliminative reasoning narrowed the focus: we could investigate whether code-specific differences in implementation contributed significantly to the results of self-interacting dark matter simulations. Based on this case study, I argue that code comparisons can be conducted in such a way that they serve as a method for increasing our confidence in computer simulations being, as Parker defines, adequate-for-purpose.
Laboratory Astrophysics: Lessons for Epistemology of Astrophysics
Authors: Boyd Nora Mills 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAstrophysics is often cast as an observational science, devoid of traditional experiments, along with astronomy and cosmology. Yet, a thriving field of experimental research exists called laboratory astrophysics. How should we make sense of this apparent tension? I argue that approaching the epistemology of astrophysics by attending to the production of empirical data and the aims of the research better illuminates both the successes and challenges of empirical research in astrophysics than evaluating the epistemology of astrophysics according to the presence or absence of experiments.
Theory Testing in Gravitational-Wave Astrophysics
Authors: Elder Jamee 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe LIGO-Virgo Collaboration achieved the first ‘direct detection’ of gravitational waves in 2015, opening a new “window” for observing the universe. Since this first detection (‘GW150914’), dozens of detections have followed, mostly produced by binary black hole mergers. However, the theory-ladenness of the LIGO-Virgo methods for observing these events leads to a potentially-vicious circularity, where general relativistic assumptions may serve to mask phenomena that are inconsistent with general relativity (GR). Under such circumstances, the fact that GR can ‘save the phenomena’ may be an artifact of theory-laden methodology.This paper examines several ways that the LIGO-Virgo observations are used in theory and hypothesis testing, despite this circularity problem. First, despite the threat of vicious circularity, these experiments succeed in testing GR. Indeed, early tests of GR using GW150914 are best understood as a response to the threat of theory-ladenness and circularity. Each test searches for evidence that LIGO-Virgo’s theory-laden methods are biasing their overall conclusions. The failure to find evidence of this places constraints on deviations from the predictions of GR. Second, these observations provide a basis for studying astrophysical and cosmological processes, especially through analyses of populations of events. As gravitational-wave astrophysics transitions into mature science, constraints from early tests of GR provide a scaffolding for these population-based studies. I further characterize this transition in terms of its increasing connectedness to other parts of astrophysics and the prominence of reasoning about selection effects and other systematics in drawing inferences from observations.Overall, this paper analyses the ways that theory and hypothesis testing operate in gravitational-wave astrophysics as it gains maturity. In particular, I show how these tests build on one another in order to mitigate a circularity problem at the heart of the observations.
Simulation Verification in Practice
Authors: Kadowaki Kevin 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWith the increased use of simulations as investigative tools in various scientific fields, the question naturally arises as to how these simulations are epistemically justified. One natural approach is to insist that the numerical aspects of simulation justification be performed separately from the physical aspects, but Winsberg (2010) has argued that this is impossible for highly complex simulations. Based on a survey and close examination of a range of astrophysical MHD codes and their attendant literature, I argue that insisting on a strict separation of these aspects of simulation justification is neither epistemically necessary nor advisable.
From the Sins of Greenwashing to the Virtues of Green Marketing
Authors: Bengtson Erik , Mossberg Oskar 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis chapter further develops the virtue perspective. First, by taking stock of the classical virtues. Then, we flip the “sins of greenwashing” to bring to light the corresponding virtues they imply. Thereby, we provide a detailed model for the analysis of rhetorical virtues, specifically tailored for judging the ethical qualities of green marketing. Green marketing is viewed as a specific form of environmental communication, subject to rhetoric’s domain.
A Threat or an Opportunity? Internal Migration in the Context of Climate Extremes in Pakistan
Authors: Salik Kashif Majeed , Shabbir Maryum , Naeem Khansa , Zahid Rana Junaid 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe aim to understand the potential relationship between climate extreme events, displacement, and migration in Pakistan. For this, we conducted 10 in-depth semi-structured interviews and 9 focus group discussions in two districts of Punjab (i.e., Muzaffargarh) and Sindh (i.e., Tharparkar) provinces of Pakistan. The fieldwork was conducted in both rural and urban areas of the sample districts. We employed a thematic approach to explore the links between climate extremes and key migration patterns (such as seasonal, permanent, or circular migration as well as migrant returnees), processes (which include the reasons for migration, cost of travel, network support and settlement in destination areas) and migration outcomes (particularly on migrant’ left-behind household members). We show that climate-induced migration may increase many challenges for the poor, resourceless migrating families that exacerbates food insecurity, social oppression, and indebtedness. Climate-induced migration is an unpleasant phenomenon for women impacting their health, increasing their work burden and mental stresses. Contrasting evidence has also found that showed significant improvement of climate migrant families’ socio-economic conditions overtime. Migrant families can establish small businesses, improve business connections for generating finances, have better opportunities to get private and government jobs, and improved access to microfinance and other government support programmes.
Energydrinks und ihre Auswirkungen auf die Herz-Kreislauf-Funktion bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Oberhoffer F. S. , Bienenstein E. , Li P. , Jakob A. , Hermann M. , Dalla-Pozza R. , Haas N. A. , Mandilaras G. 
Published: June 2023

ZusammenfassungEnergydrinks erfreuen sich großer Beliebtheit unter Kindern und Jugendlichen. Mehrere Behandlungsberichte suggerieren eine Assoziation zwischen dem Konsum von Energydrinks und dem Auftreten unerwünschter kardiovaskulärer Ereignisse bei Minderjährigen. In diesem Artikel werden Ergebnisse der EDUCATE-Studie, welche die akuten Auswirkungen des Energydrinkkonsums auf die Herz-Kreislauf-Funktion bei Kindern und Jugendlichen erstmalig untersucht hat, prägnant dargestellt. Passend zu dieser Studie beschreiben wir das Auftreten eines therapierefraktären Kammerflimmerns nach Energydrinkkonsum bei einer Jugendlichen mit abgeheilter Myokarditis.
1H NMR spectroscopy combined with multivariate data analysis for authentication of “Swabian–Hall Quality Pork” with protected geographical indication
Authors: Decker Christina , Krapf Reiner , Kuballa Thomas , Bunzel Mirko 
Published: June 2023

Abstract1H NMR spectroscopy was applied to analyse samples of “Swabian–Hall Quality Pork” with protected geographical indication (PGI). To obtain maximum chemical information sample preparation was based on both polar extraction and non-polar extraction. A non-targeted approach was used to analyse the 1H NMR data followed by principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and cross-validation (CV) embedded in a Monte Carlo (MC) resampling approach. A total of 275 raw pork samples were collected in the years 2018 to 2021. The correct prediction rate of “Swabian–Hall Quality Pork” was about 92% on average for both models based on either the polar or non-polar metabolites. In addition, 1H NMR data describing the polar and non-polar metabolites were combined in a classification model to improve the prediction accuracy. By performing a mid-level data fusion, a correct prediction rate of 98% was achieved. Furthermore, spectral regions in the NMR spectra of the polar and non-polar metabolites that are relevant for the classification of the pork samples were identified to describe potential chemical marker compounds.
Doubly Intermittent Full Branch Maps with Critical Points and Singularities
Authors: Coates Douglas , Luzzatto Stefano , Muhammad Mubarak 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe study a class of one-dimensional full branch maps admitting two indifferent fixed points as well as critical points and/or unbounded derivative. Under some mild assumptions we prove the existence of a unique invariant mixing absolutely continuous probability measure, study its rate of decay of correlation and prove a number of limit theorems.
Numerical modeling of a cohesively separating soil layer in consideration of locally varying soil distribution
Authors: Golla Christian , Köhler Hannes , Fröhlich Jochen , Rüdiger Frank 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPredicting the cleaning time required to remove a thin layer of soil is a challenging task and subject of current research. One approach to tackle this problem is the decomposition into physical sub-problems which are modelled separately and the subsequent synthesis of these models. In this paper, an existing model for adhesive detachment is extended for the prediction of the cleaning time of cohesively separating soil layers. The extension is based on measurements of the pull-off forces and their correlation to the local water mass fraction. The resulting new model is validated using cleaning experiments with starch in a fully developed channel flow. Furthermore, an inhomogeneous soil distribution and its effect on cleaning results like cleaning time and removal rate is investigated. It is shown that accounting for the local soil distribution in the model leads to a significant improvement of the prediction of the cleaning behaviour.
Well-being and Burnout Amongst Interventional Radiologists in the United Kingdom
Authors: Al Rekabi Ahmad , Chen Mitch , Patel Neeral , Morgan Robert , McCafferty Ian , Haslam Philip , Hamady Mohamad 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To assess the prevalence of burnout amongst Interventional Radiologists (IRs) in the United Kingdom and identify demographic and practice-related stressors that may adversely affect well-being.

Materials and Methods
A survey of 36 questions was divided into two sections. Section A consisted of 14 questions that assessed demographics and work characteristics; Section B assessed burnout, utilizing the 22-item Maslach burnout inventory. Four additional open-ended questions were included to allow participants to voice opinions on the biggest contributors to workplace burnout and plans that could be implemented to alleviate this. The questionnaire was distributed to the British Society of interventional (BSIR) members. The study was conducted between August and September 2022.

Results
Moderate to severe scores in emotional exhaustion (EE) were recorded in 65% of participants (moderate 26%; severe 39%) of participants r. Moderate to severe depersonalization (DP) scores were recorded in 46% of participants (moderate 23%; severe 23%). Low-moderate levels of personal accomplishment (PA) scores were recorded in 77% of respondents (low 50%; moderate 27%). Weekly hours and out-of-hour IR cover were statistically significant in predicting emotional exhaustion.
Age, sex (male), time available for teaching, and weekly hours were statistically significant in predicting the depersonalisation score. Age was a predictive factor for personal accomplishment. The most recurring themes in open response to major contributors of burnout were shortage of IR clinicians and supporting staff as well as the increasing IR workload.

Conclusions
This survey has demonstrated high prevalence of burnout amongst Interventional Radiologists in UK. Urgent measures are required to tackle the workforce shortage, recognition of IR workload and control IR resources.
Management of sphincter insufficiency in patients with neurogenic bladder and bladder augmentation
Authors: Taskinen Seppo , Mäkelä Eija , Pakkasjärvi Niklas 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the need and efficacy of treatment of bladder neck procedures in patients with neurogenic bladder and augmentation.

Methods
The hospital database was reviewed for patients undergoing enterocystoplasty because of neurogenic bladder during 1990–2019. Diagnoses of patients as well as frequency, type, and efficacy of treatment of sphincter insufficiency were evaluated.

Results
Thirty-seven of 87 patients (43%) underwent surgery because of sphincter insufficiency. The median age at bladder augmentation was 11.9 years (IQR 8.5–14.8), and at the last control, 21.8 years (IQR 18.9–31.1). Bladder neck injections (BNI) were performed for 28 patients, fascial sling operation for 14 patients, and bladder neck closure (BNC) was done for five females. Full continence was achieved in 10/28 (36%) patients with one or repeat BNIs and 9/14 (64%) with sling operation. The outcome of BNIs and sling operations was similar in both sexes. All five female patients with BNC became continent. At the end of follow-up, 64 (74%) patients were dry, 19 (22%) had occasional incontinence episodes, and 4 (5%) had daily incontinence episodes necessitating pads.

Conclusions
Treatment of sphincter insufficiency is challenging in patients with bladder augmentation and neurogenic disease. Only 74% of our patients became fully continent despite treatments for sphincter insufficiency.
Evaluation of a semiautomated App Store analysis for the identification of health apps for cardiac arrhythmias
Authors: Lawin Dennis , von Jan Ute , Pustozerov Evgenii , Lawrenz Thorsten , Stellbrink Christoph , Albrecht Urs-Vito 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Smartphone apps are increasingly utilised by patients and physicians for medical purposes. Thus, numerous applications are provided on the App Store platforms.

Objectives
The aim of the study was to establish a novel, expanded approach of a semiautomated retrospective App Store analysis (SARASA) to identify and characterise health apps in the context of cardiac arrhythmias.

Materials and methods
An automated total read-out of the “Medical” category of Apple’s German App Store was performed in December 2022 by analysing the developer-provided descriptions and other metadata using a semiautomated multilevel approach. Search terms were defined, based on which the textual information of the total extraction results was automatically filtered.

Results
A total of 435 of 31,564 apps were identified in the context of cardiac arrhythmias. Of those, 81.4% were found to deal with education, decision support, or disease management, and 26.2% (additionally) provided the opportunity to derive information on heart rhythm. The apps were intended for healthcare professionals in 55.9%, students in 17.5%, and/or patients in 15.9%. In 31.5%, the target population was not specified in the description texts. In all, 108 apps (24.8%) provided a telemedicine treatment approach; 83.7% of the description texts did not reveal any information on medical product status; 8.3% of the apps indicated that they have and 8.0% that they do not have medical product status.

Conclusion
Through the supplemented SARASA method, health apps in the context of cardiac arrhythmias could be identified and assigned to the target categories. Clinicians and patients have a wide choice of apps, although the app description texts do not provide sufficient information about the intended use and quality.
Treatment of COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction with olfactory training, palmitoylethanolamide with luteolin, or combined therapy: a blinded controlled multicenter randomized trial
Authors: Di Stadio Arianna , Gallina Salvatore , Cocuzza Salvatore , De Luca Pietro , Ingrassia Angelo , Oliva Simone , Sireci Federico , Camaioni Angelo , Ferreli Fabio , Mercante Giuseppe , Gaino Francesca , Pace Gian Marco , La Mantia Ignazio , Brenner Michael J. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Few evidence-based therapies are available for chronic olfactory dysfunction after COVID-19. This study investigated the relative efficacy of olfactory training alone, co-ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide with luteolin (um-PEA–LUT, an anti-neuroinflammatory supplement) alone, or combined therapy for treating chronic olfactory dysfunction from COVID-19.

Methods
This double-blinded controlled, placebo-controlled multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted in 202 patients with persistent COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction of > 6 month duration. After a screening nasal endoscopy, patients were randomized to: (1) olfactory training and placebo; (2) once daily um-PEA–LUT alone; (3) twice daily um-PEA–LUT alone; or (4) combination of once daily um-PEA–LUT with olfactory training. Olfactory testing (Sniffin’ Sticks odor identification test) was performed at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 months. The primary outcome was recovery of over three points on olfactory testing, with outcomes compared at T0, T1, T2 and T3 across groups. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA for numeric data and chi-square for nominal data.

Results
All patients completed the study, and there were no adverse events. At 90 days, odor identification scores improved by > 3 points in 89.2% of patients receiving combined therapy vs. 36.8% receiving olfactory training with placebo, 40% receiving twice daily um-PEA–LUT alone, and 41.6% receiving once daily um-PEA–LUT alone (p < 0.00001). Patients receiving treatment with um-PEA–LUT alone demonstrated subclinical improvement (< 3 point odor identification improvement) more often than patients receiving olfactory training with placebo (p < 0.0001.)

Conclusions
Olfactory training plus once daily um-PEA–LUT resulted in greater olfactory recovery than either therapy alone in patients with long-term olfactory function due to COVID-19.

Trial registration
20112020PGFN on clinicaltrials.gov.

Level of evidence
1b (Individual Randomized Clinical Trial).
The hierarchical organization of the precuneus captured by functional gradients
Authors: Jiang Ping , Cui Shunshun , Yao Shanwen , Cai Huanhuan , Zhu Jiajia , Yu Yongqiang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe precuneus shows considerable heterogeneity in multiple dimensions including anatomy, function, and involvement in brain disorders. Leveraging the state-of-the-art functional gradient approach, we aimed to investigate the hierarchical organization of the precuneus, which may hold promise for a unified understanding of precuneus heterogeneity. Resting-state functional MRI data from 793 healthy individuals were used to discover and validate functional gradients of the precuneus, which were calculated based on the voxel-wise precuneus-to-cerebrum functional connectivity patterns. Then, we further explored the potential relationships of the precuneus functional gradients with cortical morphology, intrinsic geometry, canonical functional networks, and behavioral domains. We found that the precuneus principal and secondary gradients showed dorsoanterior-ventral and ventroposterior-dorsal organizations, respectively. Concurrently, the principal gradient was associated with cortical morphology, and both the principal and secondary gradients showed geometric distance dependence. Importantly, precuneus functional subdivisions corresponding to canonical functional networks (behavioral domains) were distributed along both gradients in a hierarchical manner, i.e., from the sensorimotor network (somatic movement and sensation) at one extreme to the default mode network (abstract cognitive functions) at the other extreme for the principal gradient and from the visual network (vision) at one end to the dorsal attention network (top-down control of attention) at the other end for the secondary gradient. These findings suggest that the precuneus functional gradients may provide mechanistic insights into the multifaceted nature of precuneus heterogeneity.
In vitro activity of hyaluronic acid and human serum on periodontal biofilm and periodontal ligament fibroblasts
Authors: Zhu Xilei , von Werdt Livia , Zappalà Graziano , Sculean Anton , Eick Sigrun , Stähli Alexandra 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objectives
A beneficial effect of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (cHA) on periodontal wound healing and regeneration has recently been demonstrated. The present in vitro study was designed to obtain deeper knowledge on the effect of cHA when applied in the gingival sulcus (serum-rich environment) during non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Materials and methods
The influence of cHA, human serum (HS), and cHA/HS on (i) a 12-species biofilm formation, (ii) the adhesion of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) to dentine surface, (iii) the expression and secretion of interleukin-8, and (iv) the expression of receptors of HA in PDLF and gingival fibroblasts (GF) were evaluated.

Results
At 4 h of biofilm formation, cHA and HS in combination (cHA/HS) slightly decreased the colony-forming unit counts in biofilm whereas the metabolic activity of biofilm was reduced in all test groups (cHA, HS, cHA/HS) vs. control. At 24 h, the quantity of biofilm was reduced in all test groups vs. untreated control. The test substances did not affect adhesion of PDLF to dentin. HS increased the expression of IL-8 by PDLF and GF which was partially downregulated by cHA. HS and/or cHA promoted the expression of the HA receptor RHAMM in GF but not in PDLF.

Conclusions
In summary, the present data indicate that serum neither negatively affect the activity of cHA against periodontal biofilm nor had any unwanted influence on the activity of PDLF.

Clinical relevance
These findings lend additional support for the positive effects of cHA on cells involved in periodontal wound healing, thus pointing to its potential use in non-surgical periodontal therapy.