bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prior metabolic and bariatric surgery is an independent determinant of severity of decompensation in alcohol‐associated liver disease
Authors: Onghena Louis , van Nieuwenhove Yves , Van Vlierberghe Hans , Devisscher Lindsey , Raevens Sarah , Verhelst Xavier , Lefere Sander , Geerts Anja
Published: November 2024

Background

Patients with a history of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) are susceptible to developing alcohol use disorder, potentially resulting in end‐stage liver disease, with a paucity of data on the evolution of cirrhosis.

Aims

Our aim was to describe the demographics and mortality in hospitalizations over time in individuals diagnosed with cirrhosis due to alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) in relation to prior MBS.

Methods

We included patients hospitalized at the Ghent University Hospital between 1/1/2010 and 01/09/2023 with cirrhosis due to ALD. Data were retrieved retrospectively from all hospitalizations.

Results

46/275 (16.7%) of individuals with cirrhosis admitted with ALD had a history of MBS; they were predominantly female (76.1%), in contrast to the non‐MBS population (29.7%) (p < 0.0001) and were significantly younger at the time of diagnosis (46 vs. 58 years, p < 0.0001). Liver disease evolved at a faster pace in the MBS group with a shorter time to first hospitalization (5 vs. 13 months, p = 0.036), and consecutive hospitalizations. The proportion with primary hospitalization due to acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) was significantly larger in the MBS group (60.9% vs. 27.6%, p < 0.0001), and throughout the following hospitalizations, ACLF remained more prevalent in the MBS group. Modeled transplant‐free survival was lower in the MBS group (p = 0.004), with ACLF as the main cause of death. The weekly amount of alcohol consumed during drinking periods and duration of use were significantly lower in the MBS group.

Conclusions

MBS patients hospitalized with ALD develop acute decompensation at a faster pace, with more overall ACLF hospitalizations, and higher cumulative mortality, despite being 12 years younger on average.

Clinical trial registration

Not applicable.
Stephen Raymond Bicknell
Authors: Bicknell Steve
Published: November 2024

After completing National Service as a vet in Singapore, he worked in practice before joining the State Veterinary Service. In retirement, he enjoyed many hobbies and helping others.
Biofilm characterization and dynamic simulation of advanced rope media reactor for the treatment of primary effluent
Authors: Shewa Wudneh A. , Sun Lin , Bossy Kevin , Dagnew Martha
Published: November 2024

Biofilm modeling is inherently complex, often requiring multiple assumptions and simplifications. In biofilm modeling, default or literature‐based values in biofilm systems are usually used to estimate biofilm parameters, including boundary layer, biofilm density, thickness, attachment, and detachment rates. This study aimed to characterize and model the biofilm of a specific rope‐type fixed media system, removing carbon and total inorganic nitrogen, coupled with sensitivity analysis. Among the five model parameters, the sensitivity analysis of this study showed that boundary layer thickness is the most influential parameter for predicting effluent ammonia and nitrate concentrations, and biofilm density is most sensitive with respect to effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD). The least sensitive parameter is the detachment rate. Based on the calculated mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE), the calibrated BioCord fixed‐film reactor (BFFR) model accurately predicted effluent ammonium and dissolved oxygen (DO) in the continuously aerated bench‐scale reactor (R1) and failed to predict well in the intermittently aerated bench‐scale reactor (R2). RMSE values calculated for NH3‐N and DO in R1 are 0.95 and 0.53 mg/L, respectively. In the BioCord pilot plant's case, ammonium‐N predicted by the model fit the measured values well, while it overpredicted DO concentrations.

Practitioner Points

Fixed biofilm BioCord reactors were studied for primary effluent treatment.

A methodology was developed to characterize biofilms.

Boundary layer thickness is the most influential parameter for predicting effluent ammonia and nitrate concentrations.

Biofilm density is the most sensitive parameter with respect to effluent COD.

The calibrated BFFR model can predict effluent ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate‐nitrogen.
Clinicopathological predictive factors in long‐term survivors who underwent surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A single‐center propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Ingaldi Carlo , D’Ambra Vincenzo , Ricci Claudio , Alberici Laura , Minghetti Margherita , Grego Davide , Cavallaro Virginia , Casadei Riccardo
Published: November 2024

Background

Long‐term survivors (LTSs) after pancreatic resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represent a particular subgroup of patients that remains poorly understood. The primary endpoint was to identify clinicopathological factors associated with LTSs after pancreatic resection for PDAC.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients who had undergone pancreatic resection for PDAC. Long survival was defined as a patient who survived at least 60 months. Patients were divided in two groups: LTS and short‐term survivor (STS). The two groups were compared regarding epidemiological, clinical, and pathological data. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce selection bias with a 1:2 ratio. Multivariable analysis of significative predictive factors before and after PSM was done.

Results

Three hundred and thirty‐three patients were enrolled: 46 (13.8%) in the LTS group and 287 (86.2%) in the STS group. Using PSM, 138 patients were analyzed: 46 in the LTS group and 92 in the STS group. At the multivariate analysis of significative predictive factor after PSM, adjuvant chemotherapy, well‐differentiated tumors (G1), and R0 status were related to long‐term survival (p = 0.052, 0.010 and p = 0.019, respectively). Kaplan–Meier survival curves confirmed these data. Additionally, Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that pathological stage I was a favorable factor with respect to stage II, III, and IV.

Conclusions

Long‐term survival is possible after pancreatic cancer resection, even if in a small percentage. Significant predictors of long‐term survival are administration of adjuvant chemotherapy, American Join Committee on Cancer stage I, well‐differentiated tumor (G1), and R0 resection.
Prehistoric Wetland Sites of Southern Europe: Archaeological Matter, Environmental Context, Research Potential, and Threats to Preservation
Authors: Ballmer Ariane , Hafner Albert , Tinner Willy
Published: November 2024

Archaeological remains of dwellings that were originally built in wetland environments and today in many cases are waterlogged, offer rich materials and data due to their outstanding preservation. At the same time, off-site deposits in wetlands bear detailed information on palaeoenvironmental conditions. The unique methodological possibility to correlate archaeological settlementsequences with temporally uninterrupted palaeoenvironmental records in a high temporal resolution, and thus to reconstruct coherent long-term human–environment relationships, is of particular significance. In this opening chapter, the authors introduce the basic parameters of an overarching, contextual perspective to prehistoric wetland settlements of Mediterranean Europe, not only in geographical terms, but also in (inter-) disciplinary, or methodological terms, respectively. Sites from eastern Spain, southern France, Italy, Slovenia, theBalkan Peninsula, and the Bulgarian Black Seacoastare discussed by archaeologists, dendrochronologists, bioarchaeologists, and palaeoecologists. Whereas the waterlogging of the anthropogenic remains and environmental data allow for advanced archaeological and palaeoenvironmental research, at the same time the in situ-preservation of the relevant sites, deposits and findings is at stake due to natural erosion processes and human interventions, as well as increasingly to climate change. To preserve this exceptional cultural heritage, the authors underline the pressing necessity and importance to record, inventory, and protect, or professionally excavate and document these sites.
Pile-Dwellings at Ljubljansko Barje, Slovenia: 25 Years of Dendrochronology
Authors: Velušček Anton , Čufar Katarina
Published: November 2024

Interdisciplinary research on the pile-dwellings in the Ljubljansko barje, Slovenia, has been carried out, with brief interruptions, since their discovery in 1875. Since 1995 these efforts have been coordinated by the Institute of Archaeology of the ZRC SAZU. Systematic excavations and interdisciplinary research were carried out on prehistoric pile-dwelling sites, and dendrochronology was introduced as a basic method for determining the time frame of their existence. To this end, wood was collected from 16 sites for wood identification, dendrochronology and radiocarbon dating. Between 1995 and 2017, nearly 8800 samples of waterlogged wood, mainly from the piles the dwellings were built on, were collected and examined. Approximately 20% of the samples were oak (Quercus sp.) and ash (Fraxinus sp.), with more than 45 tree rings selected for dendrochronological study. Oak and ash tree-ring chronologies were established for most of the sites. Site chronologies that overlapped were merged into longer chronologies. Dating was carried out using 14C dating supported by a wiggle-matching procedure, and for the 4th millennium BC settlements with the help of teleconnection with German-Swiss reference chronology from sites approximately 500 km away north of the Alps. For the oldest settlementResnikov prekop, which was already inhabited around 4600 BC, we could not establish a chronology due to the insufficient number of wood samples. The most important tree-ring chronologies of oak are: BAR-3330 (time span 3771–3330 BC) dated by dendrochronology, as well as SG-VO (3285–3109 ± 14 cal BC) and ZA-QUSP1 (2659–2417 ± 18 cal BC) both dated by radiocarbonwiggle-matching). BAR-3330 helped us date eight sites, SG-VO two sites, and ZA-QUSP1 three sites indicating the end of the Copper Age on the Ljubljansko barje. Slovenian oak chronologies from different periods have the potential to be teleconnected with those from other regions.
A Palaeoecological Perspective on the Environmental Impact of Prehistoric Societies in Europe with Emphasis on Greece and the Southern Balkans
Authors: Morales-Molino César , van Vugt Lieveke , Ballmer Ariane , Brechbühl Sarah , Ganz Kathrin , Gassner Sylvia , Gobet Erika , Hafner Albert , Lotter André F. , Senn Carolina , Thévenaz Antoine , Tinner Willy
Published: November 2024

Here, we provide an overview on the environmental impact of Europe’s first farmers, focusing on the vegetation shifts that occurred in the southern Balkans during the Neolithisation. First, we draw on recent methodological developments in palaeoecology that contribute to tighten its linkages with archaeology. We start highlighting the importance of highly precise and accurate lake sediment chronologies to enhance comparison with dendrochronologically dated archaeological settlements. Then, we assess modern pollen-vegetation relationships to better interpret the fossil pollen records. The results reveal (i) an overall good match between the main vegetation types of the southern Balkans and their soil pollen assemblages, and (ii) that pollen assemblages from lake surface samples reflect reliably the surrounding vegetation. Afterwards, we summarise our latest results from the region. In Limni Zazari (Greece), continuous pollen recordsof cerealsand ruderal plants allow dating early farming activities around 6250 BC. At Ploča Mičov Grad (Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia), pollen evidence of cereals and weeds place the onset of the Neolithic at 5500–5100 BC, i.e. significantly earlier than the tree-ring inferred age of the settlement. Current efforts aim at producing new palaeoecological records, refining the available ones, and adding palaeoclimaticreconstructionsClimate that allow determining which role climate variability played in the Neolithisation.
Isolino Virginia (Lake Varese, Italy): New Archaeobotanical Research at the Earliest Pile-Dwelling of the Circumalpine Area
Authors: Steiner Bigna L. , Antolín Ferran , Soteras Raül , Rottoli Mauro , Banchieri Daria G.
Published: November 2024

The results of the archaeobotanical analysis and radiocarbon dating programme of the eight cores retrieved from Isolino Virginia (Lake Varese) in 2018 are here presented. We could identify at least two phases of occupation, between 5000 and 4700 and 4250 and 3650 cal BC, with excellent preservation conditions and hence yielding abundant plant macroremains (c. 15,000). The main crops during the 5th millennium cal BC are naked wheat, naked barley, flax, opium poppy and possibly also pea. This crop assemblage connects the site with the Western Mediterranean area instead of the Eastern Italian sites, where glume wheats were the most important crops. Possible changes around 4000 BC are observed. Wild fruit gathering was an important activity during the whole Neolithic occupation of the island.
Archaeobotanical Investigations at the Mid-5th Millennium BCE Pile-Dwelling Site of Ploča Mičov Grad, Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
Authors: Holguin Amy , Antolín Ferran , Charles Mike , Jesus Ana , Martínez Grau Héctor , Soteras Raül , Steiner Bigna L. , Stroud Elizabeth , Bogaard Amy
Published: November 2024

Abundant, well-preserved, waterlogged macrobotanical remains were found in a thick cultural organic layer associated with the Late Neolithic pile-dwelling site of Ploča Mičov Grad, Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia. Located in a biogeographically transitional zone between Mediterranean, alpine and continental regions, and on a topographically accessible link between imposing mountain ranges, the site presents a valuable opportunity to explore how, with the movement of people, plant foods and/or ideas, new subsistence strategies were established in the area. Here, we present the first archaeobotanical results from this lakeshore settlement to investigate changing subsistence strategies. We find that during the Late Neolithic occupation phase lasting an estimated 100 years, populations at the site of Ploča Mičov Grad cultivated a range of cereals (particularly einkorn, emmer, and barley), pulses (including lentil, pea, and bitter vetch) and oil-seed crops (flax and opium poppy), alongside a variety of collected fruits and nuts (such as almond, pistachio, blackberries and strawberry). Crop processing techniques are inferred from the partially charred glume bases consistent with singeing of cereal ears to remove awns before dehusking and from the weed seeds which resemble those found in fine-sieving by-products. Using functional weed ecology, we infer that theagrosystem at Ploča Mičov Grad resembles high-input practices suggesting that cultivation was small-scale and labour-intensive. Such inferences are often not possible due to the preservation conditions of terrestrial assemblages, resulting in a lack of extensive weed datasets in the southwestern Balkans and southern Europe more broadly. Archaeobotanical research on wetland prehistoric sites from this region is currently limited. Our new work highlights the potential of such sites in this area for better understanding of the spread ofagriculture and patterns of plant food use during the Neolithic in the southwestern Balkans.
Neolithic and Bronze Age Pile-Dwellings at Lake Ohrid: Underwater Excavations at Ploča Mičov Grad (North Macedonia)
Authors: Reich Johannes , Hostettler Marco , Ballmer Ariane , Hafner Albert
Published: November 2024

One of the regions of Europe where archaeological lakeshore sites or so-called pile-dwellings are found is the tripoint of Albania, Greece and North Macedonia, which includes dozens of known lakeshore sites on and in different lakes. One of the aims of the ERC Synergy Project EXPLO is the systematic underwater archaeological investigation of key pile-dwelling sites in this region. Currently, more than a dozen prehistoric lake- or river shore sites from the Neolithic and the Bronze and Iron Ages are known in the area surrounding the lakes of Ohrid, Prespa and Maliq (Fig. 5.1) (Naumov in Plattform 23:10–20, 2016; Andoni et al. in New Archaeological Discoveries in the Albanian Regions. Procedings of the International Conference, Tirana 30–31 January 2017. Botimet Albanologjike, Tirana, pp 123–140, 2017; Oberweiler et al. in Bulletin Archéologique Des Écoles Françaises à L’étranger 2020; Lera et al. in Bulletin archéologique des Écoles françaises à l’étranger 2020). Several of these sites still show waterlogged archaeological layers, in which organic matter and wooden construction elements are well preserved. However, only a few are systematically investigated and the number of absolute dates for most of the sites is still rather low. This paper summarises the recent archaeological fieldwork conducted by the University of Bern in partnership with the Museum of Ohrid and the Center for Prehistoric Research in Skopje on the site Ploča Mičov Grad in North Macedonia based on the publications of Hafner et al. (J Archaeol Sci Rep 38, 2021) and Reich et al. (J Archaeol Sci Rep 39, 2021) as well as new preliminary results of the ongoing research. We focus on ongoing research that has provided the first absolute chronologies of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements at Lake Ohrid (Hafner et al. J Archaeol Sci Rep 38, 2021). The main methodology relies on both dendrochronological and radiocarbon datings. This high precision dating, in combination with studies of the material culture, contributes to a better chronological understanding of the prehistory of the surrounding basins and the southwestern Balkans in general.
Imagining Schooling as a Positive Experience: Conclusions and Practical Recommendations
Authors: Hargreaves Eleanore , Buchanan Denise , Quick Laura
Published: November 2024

This final chapter brings together our interpretations of CLIPS children’s life-histories and suggests implications for imagining schooling as a positive experience which promotes wellbeing. We indicate how the theories of Fraser from political science and Ryan and Deci from social psychology enriched our understandings of both wellbeing; and social justice synergies between the two; when applied to the CLIPS data. Watkins’ pedagogical distinction between learning and performance in schooling allowed us to draw well-targeted implications out of our data—in particular because children’s own voices informed and directed these. This rich set of sources added insights into our psychological understandings of children’s motivational Orientations in schooling which appear to be dependent on all children being constantly supported to have a strong Sense of Competence, Autonomy (Agency) and Relatedness. They highlight too how influences of a global performative schooling system influence individual children’s everyday experiences, often leading those who are lower-attainers in mathematics and English to experience status subordination. In this chapter, we present some implications of the life-histories in relation specifically to the following aspects of social justice: Redistribution, suggesting transformative remedies at national or international level; and Recognition and Representation, providing affirmative remedies at school and classroom level.
Sense of Competence and CLIPS children’s Experiences of the Policy Focus on Mathematics and English
Authors: Hargreaves Eleanore , Buchanan Denise , Quick Laura
Published: November 2024

Chapter 7 focuses on the Sense of Competence. This is, a key theme in our study of a group of children who have been categorised systemically as lacking in competence in relation to two prioritised subjects: mathematics and English. In this chapter, we look first at the historical background to the focus on such narrow areas of competence in the primary-school curriculum and then on the wider influences leading to this curriculum narrowing. We review literature indicating how demotivating the two ‘core’ subjects may be to some children. We then provide verbatim quotations from our sample of 23 children to illustrate which factors particularly eroded their Sense of Competence in these two areas—which all the children had found tricky—and we compare these experiences to other areas of learning that the children were intentionally engaged with, such as nature study, art, computers and sport. We portray some troubling descriptions by the children of the anxiety, distress and fear that accompanied many of their experiences of mathematics and English at school. We conclude by pointing out how policy documents emphasising grades in mathematics and English often fail to take account of the children’s needs for wellbeing to accompany their school-work, which is only likely to be experienced when competence, autonomy and relatedness are all promoted on an ongoing basis.
Project Case: Sino-German Platform for Precision Oncology—Tailor-Made Trainings for Medical Professionals
Authors: Porsche Sabine , Cui Shuo
Published: November 2024

Malignant tumour has been the leading cause of death among disease-related deaths for a decade in China, and the incidence and mortality rate of all types of cancers in China are both higher than the worldwide average level (National Bureau of Statistics of China (2020). Annual data, statistical database. Retrieved from: http://www.stats.gov.cn/english/Statisticaldata/AnnualData/ [06.11.2020].). According to the National Cancer Center, 7.5 people were diagnosed with cancer every minute, and there were 2.338 million cancer deaths in 2015 (National Cancer Centre (2019). National cancer report. Retrieved from: https://www.cn-healthcare.com/article/20190623/content-520594.html. [06.11.2020].). In 2018, the three leading forms of cancer among new cases were lung (18.1 per cent), colorectum (12.2 per cent) and stomach (10.6 per cent) (International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO (2018). Number of new cases in 2018, both sexes, all ages. Retrieved from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/160-china-fact-sheets.pdf [06.11.2020].).
Multidisciplinary Investigation on How Avatars and Devices Affect Human Physiology
Authors: Kawaoka Shinpei , Izumi Yoshihiro , Nakata Keisuke , Haruno Masahiko , Tanaka Toshiko , Sumioka Hidenobu , Achanccaray David , Nakae Aya
Published: November 2024

The development of Cybernetic Avatars (CAs) will change our lives dramatically. Such a rapid evolution of new technologies is advantageous but also raises concerns, such as addiction. Herein, we present a new scientific issue regarding how to investigate the effects that using CAs throughout our lives has on our physiology. In this chapter, we discuss how avatars and devices affect human physiology at multiple levels, from gene expression to brain activity. We insist that our multidisciplinary investigation of how CAs affect us will be critical for the further development of our CA society.
Field Experiments in the Real World
Authors: Miyashita Takahiro , Kumazaki Hirokazu , Nishio Shuichi , Hirano Takashi , Arakawa Shinichi , Sodeyama Yoshinao
Published: November 2024

This chapter explores social-field experiments of cybernetic avatars (CAs). Previous chapters introduced the research and development initiatives necessary to achieve a society where individuals can actively participate remotely by operating CAs. To understand the feasibility of social participation through CA utilization, one approach is to conduct experiments in real-world scenarios and evaluate their effectiveness. In the Avatar Symbiotic Society Project, a variety of real-world validation experiments are being conducted across different countries, industries, sectors, teleoperators, and user demographics. This chapter outlines the essential elements for conducting social–field experiments and highlights those done in the fields of nursing care, mental health, and elderly support.
Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict the Risk of Rupture of Intracranial Aneurysms: a Systematic Review
Authors: Daga Karan , Agarwal Siddharth , Moti Zaeem , Lee Matthew B. K. , Din Munaib , Wood David , Modat Marc , Booth Thomas C.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Subarachnoid haemorrhage is a potentially fatal consequence of intracranial aneurysm rupture, however, it is difficult to predict if aneurysms will rupture. Prophylactic treatment of an intracranial aneurysm also involves risk, hence identifying rupture-prone aneurysms is of substantial clinical importance. This systematic review aims to evaluate the performance of machine learning algorithms for predicting intracranial aneurysm rupture risk.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched until December 2023. Studies incorporating any machine learning algorithm to predict the risk of rupture of an intracranial aneurysm were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). PROSPERO registration: CRD42023452509.

Results

Out of 10,307 records screened, 20 studies met the eligibility criteria for this review incorporating a total of 20,286 aneurysm cases. The machine learning models gave a 0.66–0.90 range for performance accuracy. The models were compared to current clinical standards in six studies and gave mixed results. Most studies posed high or unclear risks of bias and concerns for applicability, limiting the inferences that can be drawn from them. There was insufficient homogenous data for a meta-analysis.

Conclusions

Machine learning can be applied to predict the risk of rupture for intracranial aneurysms. However, the evidence does not comprehensively demonstrate superiority to existing practice, limiting its role as a clinical adjunct. Further prospective multicentre studies of recent machine learning tools are needed to prove clinical validation before they are implemented in the clinic.
“I spend more time on the ecosystem than on the disease”: caring for the communicative loop with everyday ADM technology through maintenance and modification work
Authors: Scott Hansen Sne , Langstrup Henriette
Published: November 2024

Automated decision-making (ADM) systems can be worn in and on the body for various purposes, such as for tracking and managing chronic conditions. One case in point is do-it-yourself open-source artificial pancreas systems, through which users engage in what is referred to as “looping”; combining continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps placed on the body with digital communication technologies to develop an ADM system for personal diabetes management. The idea behind these personalized systems is to delegate decision-making regarding insulin to an algorithm that can make autonomous decisions. Based on interviews and photo diaries with Danish “loopers”, this paper highlights two interrelated narratives of how users have to care for the loop by maintaining a stable communication circuit between body and ADM system, and by modifying the loop through analysis and reflection. It shows how the human takes turns with the ADM system through practical doings and anticipation to safeguard continuous management of chronic disease.
Spin-Bounded Correlations: Rotation Boxes Within and Beyond Quantum Theory
Authors: Aloy Albert , Galley Thomas D. , Jones Caroline L. , Ludescher Stefan L. , Müller Markus P.
Published: November 2024

How can detector click probabilities respond to spatial rotations around a fixed axis, in any possible physical theory? Here, we give a thorough mathematical analysis of this question in terms of “rotation boxes”, which are analogous to the well-known notion of non-local boxes. We prove that quantum theory admits the most general rotational correlations for spins 0, 1/2, and 1, but we describe a metrological game where beyond-quantum resources of spin 3/2 outperform all quantum resources of the same spin. We prove a multitude of fundamental results about these correlations, including an exact convex characterization of the spin-1 correlations, a Tsirelson-type inequality for spins 3/2 and higher, and a proof that the general spin-J correlations provide an efficient outer SDP approximation to the quantum set. Furthermore, we review and consolidate earlier results that hint at a wealth of applications of this formalism: a theory-agnostic semi-device-independent randomness generator, an exact characterization of the quantum (2, 2, 2)-Bell correlations in terms of local symmetries, and the derivation of multipartite Bell witnesses. Our results illuminate the foundational question of how space constrains the structure of quantum theory, they build a bridge between semi-device-independent quantum information and spacetime physics, and they demonstrate interesting relations to topics such as entanglement witnesses, spectrahedra, and orbitopes.
The parasitic copepod, Sarcotretes scopeli Jungersen, 1911 castrate its mesopelagic fish host Benthosema glaciale
Authors: Andersen Ø. , Glenner H. , Salvanes A. G. V.
Published: November 2024

The mesopelagic fish Benthosema glaciale [Actinopterygii: Myctophiformes: Myctophidae], abundant in open ocean and deep fjords, is targeted for future exploitation despite existing knowledge gaps on population vital rates. Among these gaps, the vulnerability to pathogens is poorly understood. Parasites rely on the metabolic energy of their host and infections might compromise host physiology and behaviour, which in turn, may affect growth and survival. Parasitic infections by the copepod Sarcotretes scopeli [Crustacea: Copepoda: Pennellidae] have frequently been recorded from the North Atlantic, including west Norwegian fjords. In this paper we present data on how S. scopeli infection affect reproductive investment, energetic status, and growth of its host, the mesopelagic fish B. glaciale. Our results indicate that (i) S. scopeli reduce reproductive investment (measured as gonadosomatic index GSI) of both female and male B. glaciale; (ii) that the energy storage (hepatosomatic index HSI) appeared unaffected in female B. glaciale, while infected male hosts have higher HSI than uninfected, and (iii) that infected fish are in poorer condition than uninfected. These findings may indicate that S. scopeli could have a significant regulatory impact on B. glaciale populations.
Towards streamlined product information: reporting of transporter-mediated drug interactions
Authors: Asmar Valeria , Bergman Erik , Lindhagen Elin , Sherwood Kim , Westman Gabriel , Gaugaz Fabienne Zdenka
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the reporting of risks associated with transporter-mediated drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in medicinal product information and to identify suitable wording for future standardisation of summaries of product characteristics (SmPCs).

Methods

The SmPCs of medicinal products approved in the European Union from 2012 to 2023 were screened for warnings on Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 1B1 and 1B3 (OATP1B1 and OATP1B3), and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP). An in-house search engine for product information was used. Warnings were categorised into different DDI scenarios based on the SmPC texts.

Results

A total of 192 out of 859 approved medicinal products had SmPC text pertaining to OATP1B1, 1B3 and/or BCRP. The majority of products had text for all three transporters Most texts were located in SmPC Sect. 5.2, followed by Sect. 4.5. Numerous interaction-texts either concluded that the interaction lacked clinical relevance or lacked information on the clinical relevance of the finding. The highest number of SmPC texts indicating a clinically relevant interaction with outlined clinical consequences was found for BCRP. The article also presents SmPC texts for each DDI scenario, which the authors consider as examples of explicit wordings with actionable recommendations.

Conclusion

A potential for improvement of SmPC text for transporter-mediated DDI was identified: Warnings without clinical relevance could be omitted, and some warnings with clinical relevance could be updated to provide actionable recommendations to the prescribers. A selection of unambiguous texts was identified as starting point to generate standard texts.
The impact of different radiology report formats on patient information processing: a systematic review
Authors: van der Mee F. A. M. , Ottenheijm R. P. G. , Gentry E. G. S. , Nobel J. M. , Zijta F. M. , Cals J. W. L. , Jansen J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Since radiology reports are primarily written for health professionals, patients may experience difficulties understanding jargon and terminology used, leading to anxiety and confusion.

Objectives

This review evaluates the impact of different radiology report formats on outcomes related to patient information processing, including perception, decision (behavioral intention), action (actual health behavior), and memory (recall of information).

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and PsycInfo were searched for relevant qualitative and quantitative articles describing or comparing ways of presenting diagnostic radiology reports to patients. Two reviewers independently screened for relevant articles and extracted data from those included. The quality of articles was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

Eighteen studies, two qualitative and sixteen quantitative, were included. Sixteen studies compared multiple presentation formats, most frequently traditional unmodified reports (n = 15), or reports with anatomic illustrations (n = 8), lay summaries (n = 6) or glossaries (n = 6). Glossaries, illustrations, lay summaries, lay reports or lay conclusions all significantly improved participants’ cognitive perception and perception of communication of radiology reports, compared to traditional reports. Furthermore, these formats increased affective perception (e.g., reduced anxiety and worry), although only significant for lay reports and conclusions.

Conclusion

Modifying traditional radiology reports with glossaries, illustrations or lay language enhances patient information processing.

Key Points

QuestionIdentifying the impact of different radiology report formats on outcomes related to patient information processing to enhance patient engagement through online access to radiology reports.

FindingsLay language summaries, glossaries with patient-oriented definitions, and anatomic illustrations increase patients’ satisfaction with and understanding of their radiology reports.

Clinical relevanceTo increase patients’ satisfaction, perceived usefulness and understanding with radiology reports, the use of lay language summaries, glossaries with patient-oriented definitions, and anatomic illustrations is recommended. These modifications decrease patients’ unnecessary insecurity, confusion, anxiety and physician consultations after viewing reports.
Advancements in non-destructive archaeometric analysis of ancient ferrous artefacts: insights from SR-X-Ray diffraction investigation using model alloys
Authors: Galai Leila , Bérard Emilie , Réguer Solenn , Foy Eddy , Mocuta Cristian , Toffolon-Masclet Caroline , Guilbert Thomas , Dillmann Philippe
Published: November 2024

The exploration of archaeological heritage aims at understanding past societies through the study of ancient materials. While archaeometric analysis provides valuable insights, invasive sampling raises ethical concerns and is often restricted, necessitating the development of non-invasive techniques. This study presents a methodology based on X-Ray Diffraction using synchrotron radiation. The approach involves the elaboration and characterization of model alloys, with X-ray data analysis using Rietveld refinement and Williamson-Hall plot method. Phase identification along with crystallographical investigations conducted on three medieval armours provides insights into manufacturing techniques and highlights the method’s limitation.
PEDOT:PSS as a conductive polymer binder for ecologically and economically sustainable, carbon-free NMC electrodes
Authors: Grygiel Michał , Ratyński Maciej , Czerwiński Andrzej , Hamankiewicz Bartosz
Published: November 2024

In this work new dispersion medium for positive electrode slurries for lithium-ion batteries, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), is proposed, in combination with PEDOT:PSS conductive polymer as a binder. Dispersion of PEDOT:PSS in concentration of 2.5% w/w with anhydrous DMSO is prepared. The electrodes were prepared with NMC622 active material and prepared PEDOT:PSS/DMSO dispersion with and without addition of conductive carbon. SEM imaging with EDS mapping confirms creation of binding film of the polymer on grains of active material. Chronopotentiometry tests of the electrodes in half-cell lithium-ion setup reveal that the best electrochemical performance was achieved for 97.5% active material and 2.5% PEDOT:PSS without conductive carbon addition (ca. 170 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, 90% retention after 51 cycles). PEDOT:PSS enabled the elimination of the conductive carbon additive from the electrode and reduction of the binder content. It resulted in enhancement of the capacity per gram of electrode paste by approximately 17% compared with standard electrode composition.
Explaining presenteeism behaviour with the theory of planned behaviour – a longitudinal study
Authors: Golz Christoph , Hägerbäumer Miriam , Gerlach Maisa , Meichtry André , Kilcher Gablu , Peter Karin Anne , Blozik Eva
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study uses the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to explore presenteeism, where individuals work despite being ill. The research seeks to understand how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control are associated with presenteeism behaviours.

Methods

A longitudinal design was employed, involving 2814 employees from 16 companies. Data were collected using a survey on two measurement points, which included validated scales and vignettes to assess attitudes toward presenteeism. The data were analysed using cluster analysis and a linear mixed effects regression to evaluate the TPB model.

Results

Three clusters of attitudes toward presenteeism were identified through cluster analysis. The model explained 27.8% of the variance in the fixed effects and 52.6% in the combined fixed and random effects. The regression model found associations between presenteeism and factors such as quantitative demands, work-privacy conflict, and leadership culture. Attitudes towards presenteeism were a strong predictor, with specific clusters showing differing propensities to work while ill.

Conclusion

The study confirms the suitability of the TPB in explaining presenteeism. It highlights the importance of individual attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control in shaping presenteeism. The findings suggest that promoting a health-supportive workplace culture, including open communication about illness, might reduce presenteeism.
Different regimens for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in children: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Barakat Sana Hosny , Hanafy Hind M. , Guimei Maha , Elsawy Elsaid Hamdy , Khalil Ahmed F. M.
Published: November 2024

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in children is challenging due to increased antibiotic resistance and decreased effectiveness of the current therapeutic choices, especially in developing countries. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of triple therapy (TT), sequential therapy (ST), hybrid therapy (HT), concomitant therapy (CT), and ciprofloxacin-based triple therapy (CTT) as an empirical therapy for H. pylori eradication in children. In this randomized controlled trial, 200 children (aged between 3 and 16 years) with both positive rapid urease test and histopathology for H. pylori infection were included. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either TT, ST, HT, CT, or CTT. The eradication status was evaluated using a stool antigen test (SAT) 4 weeks after stoppage of antibiotic therapy and 2 weeks after stoppage of proton pump inhibitors. SAT was performed using an ELISA monoclonal antibody-based kit. The most common presenting symptom was epigastric pain (79%). The most common endoscopic findings were gastric antral erythema (98%) and antral nodularity (54.5%). All gastric biopsies showed superficial lamina propria infiltration with plasma cells and lymphocytes. Active gastritis with neutrophils infiltration was seen in 75% of the cases. Gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia were uncommon histopathological findings (8.5% and 1%, respectively). The eradication rates for TT, ST, HT, CT, and CTT were 70%, 77.5%, 80%, 85%, and 90%, respectively, with the latter achieving a statistically significant difference when compared with TT (p = 0.025). The rate of occurrence of adverse effects among different regimens was not statistically different.

Conclusion: As an empirical treatment for children with H. pylori infection, CTT is safe and provides the highest eradication rate. HT, ST, and CT might not be superior to TT.

Trial registration: This study was registered at the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, Cochrane South Africa, under the identifier PACTR202201686010590. Date of registration: 04 January 2022.

What is Known:• Triple therapy has been the standard eradication regimen for pediatric H. pylori infection. The efficacy of triple therapy has decreased in many countries due to increased antibiotic resistance.

What is New:• This randomized controlled trial is the first to compare triple therapy, sequential therapy, hybrid therapy, concomitant therapy, and ciprofloxacin-based triple therapy for the eradication of pediatric H. pylori infection. Triple therapy exhibited the lowest eradication rate among the studied regimens, suggesting it may not be an adequate therapeutic option for infected children. Ciprofloxacin-based triple therapy appears to be a safe and effective therapeutic choice for pediatric H. pylori infection. Additionally, this study provides the first reported eradication rate of hybrid therapy in pediatric H. pylori infection.
A chronological catalog of methods and solutions in the Space–Time Computational Flow Analysis: I. Finite element analysis
Authors: Tezduyar Tayfun E. , Takizawa Kenji
Published: November 2024

The Space–Time Computational Flow Analysis (STCFA) started in 1990 with the inception of the Deforming-Spatial-Domain/Stabilized Space–Time (DSD/SST) method. The DSD/SST was introduced as a moving-mesh method for flows with moving boundaries and interfaces, which is a wide class of problems that includes fluid–particle interactions, fluid–structure interactions (FSI), and free-surface and multi-fluid flows. The first 3D computations were reported in 1992. The original DSD/SST method is now called “ST-SUPS,” reflecting its stabilization components. As the STCFA evolved, advanced mesh moving methods, FSI coupling methods, and problem-class-specific methods were introduced to increase its scope and the ST Variational Multiscale was introduced to upgrade its stabilization components to the VMS. Complementary general-purpose methods developed in the evolution of the STCFA include the ST Isogeometric Analysis (ST-IGA) and the ST Slip Interface (ST-SI) and ST Topology Change (ST-TC) methods. The ST-IGA delivers superior accuracy through IGA basis functions not only in space but also in time. The ST-SI enables high-fidelity moving-mesh computations even over meshes made of patches with nonmatching meshes at the interfaces between those patches. The ST-TC enables high-fidelity moving-mesh computations even in the presence of topology changes in the fluid mechanics domain, such as an actual contact between moving solid surfaces. The STCFA brought first-of-its-kind solutions in many classes of problems, ranging from fluid–particle interactions in particle-laden flows to FSI in parachute aerodynamics, flapping-wing aerodynamics of an actual locust to ventricle-valve-aorta flow analysis to car and tire aerodynamics with near-actual geometries, road contact, and tire deformation. With the success we see in so many classes of problems, we can conclude that the STCFA has reached a level of remarkable sophistication, scope, and practical value. We present a chronological catalog of the methods and solutions in the STCFA. In Part I of this two-part article, we focus on the methods and solutions in finite element analysis.
The effect of exergame rehabilitation on the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alves Isabel , Moreira Ana Paula , Sousa Teresa , Teles Paulo , Magalhães Bruno Miguel , Goncalves Filipe , Fernandes Carla Silvia
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Exergames, which combine digital games and physical exercise, have become increasingly popular for rehabilitation in the health domain. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of exergame rehabilitation on the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of exergame rehabilitation on the quality of life of cancer patients who had undergone abdominal surgery. Seventy postoperative patients were included, and data collection took place between January 2023 and May 2023. The patients were randomly assigned to either an exergame rehabilitation program (n = 35) or a traditional rehabilitation program (n = 35). The assessed outcome was the quality of life, and data collection occurred at three different time points: upon admission, 48 h postoperatively, and on the 7th day after surgery.

Results

Quality of life was evaluated using the WHOQOL-BREF Scale. At the third assessment, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups (p = 0.016), indicating that the intervention group had a higher quality of life than the control group.

Conclusions

The study showed a positive effect of exergames on the population under investigation. By the 7th day after surgery, the intervention group demonstrated an improvement in their quality of life compared to the control group.

Clinical trial registration

Center of Open Science OSF https://osf.io/286zb/, registered in July, 2023.
Real-world patient experience with medicinal cannabis use for symptom management in an Australian advanced cancer setting: a mixed method, cohort study using the theory of planned behaviour framework
Authors: Ong Jennifer A. , Lo Un Cheng , Musa Hala , Li Jeffery , Gaon Janet , Lacey Judith , Cheung Janet M. Y. , Soriano Michael
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Patient hesitancy to use MC due to the fear of negative social implications leads to intentional non-adherence and compromises therapeutic outcomes. Hence, we aimed to determine the rate of patient adherence to MC and explore factors influencing patient MC use.

Methods

Demographic and quantitative data related to MC usage were extracted from medical records for patients prescribed MC at a single cancer centre in metropolitan Sydney. Qualitative data was generated from semi-structured interviews. Interview guides were developed based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TBP) domains (i.e. Attitudes, Subjective Norms, Behavioural Intention and Perceived Behavioural Control) to elucidate themes influencing MC use. A mixed method approach involving triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods was used for data analysis.

Results

Twenty patients were included in the study, and the majority of patients showed adherence (n = 14, 70%). The MC formulation used (p = .018), symptom relief (p = .001) and side effects experienced (p = .007) significantly influenced MC adherence. In addition to side effects experienced, findings for barriers to adherence were convergent or complementary for other medication-related factors, including the inconvenience of MC co-administration with food, cost and unpleasant taste.

Conclusions

MC adherence is influenced by its effectiveness for symptom relief whereby appropriate MC formulation selection is crucial and should be determined by the indication (or symptom clusters). Social factors such as the views and experiences of close others had little bearing on MC adherence.