bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel endovascular robotic-assisted system for endovascular aortic repair: first-in-human evaluation of practicability and safety
Authors: Song Chao , Xia Shibo , Zhang Lei , Wang Kundong , Li Haiyan , Guo Wenying , Zhu Longtu , Lu Qingsheng
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To assess the practicability and safety of a novel endovascular robotic system for performing endovascular aortic repair in human.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in 2021 with 6 months post-operative follow-up. Patients with aortic aneurysms and clinical indications for elective endovascular aortic repair were enrolled in the study. The novel developed robotic system is applicable for the majority of commercial devices and various types of endovascular surgeries. The primary endpoint was technical success without in-hospital major adverse events. Technical success was defined as the ability of the robotic system to complete all procedural steps based on procedural segments.

Results

The first-in-human evaluation of robot-assisted endovascular aortic repair was performed in five patients. The primary endpoint was achieved in all patients (100%). There were no device- or procedure-related complications or no in-hospital major adverse events. The operation time and total blood loss in these cases were equal to those in the manual procedures. The radiation exposure of the surgeon was 96.5% lower than that in the traditional position while the radiation exposure of the patients was not significantly increased.

Conclusions

Early clinical evaluation of the novel endovascular aortic repair in endovascular aortic repair demonstrated practicability, safety, and procedural effectiveness comparable to manual operation. In addition, the total radiation exposure of the operator was significantly lower than that of traditional procedures.

Clinical relevance statement

This study applies a novel approach to perform the endovascular aortic repair in a more accurate and minimal-invasive way and lays the foundation for the perspective automation of the endovascular robotic system, which reflects a new paradigm for endovascular surgery.

Key Points

• This study is a first-in-human evaluation of a novel endovascular robotic system for endovascular aortic repair (EVAR).

• Our system might reduce the occupational risks associated with manual EVAR and contribute to achieving a higher degree of precision and control.

• Early evaluation of the endovascular robotic system demonstrated practicability, safety, and procedural effectiveness comparable to that of manual operation.
Analyse von unerwünschten Arzneimittelwirkungen (UAW) bei Fluoreszeinangiographie (FAG) und Indocyaningrünangiographie (ICGA) und der Indikationsstellung vor und während der COVID-19-Pandemie an einer Universitätsaugenklinik
Authors: Kleefeldt Nikolai , Schneider Anna , Kühnel Sophia , Hillenkamp Jost , William Antony
Published: June 2023

Hintergrund

Diese Studie ist eine Analyse der Fluoreszeinangiographie (FAG) und der Indocyaningrünangiographie (ICGA) im universitätsmedizinischen Setting, deren primäres Ziel die Analyse der unerwünschten Arzneimittelwirkungen (UAW) und deren Schweregrad (mild, moderat, schwer) ist. Sekundäres Ziel der Studie ist es, die Indikationsstellung von FAG und ICGA vor und während der COVID-19-Pandemie zu untersuchen.

Methodik

Eine retrospektive Analyse aller FAG und ICGA an der Universitätsaugenklinik in Würzburg im Zeitraum von Januar 2016 bis Ende Dezember 2021 wurde durchgeführt. Dabei wurden UAW, Geschlecht, Alter, Untersuchungszeitpunkte und Indikation ausgewertet. Die Einteilung der UAW erfolgte in mild, moderat und schwer, angelehnt an die Definition von Kornblau et al. [1].

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 4900 Datensätze von 4193 Patienten ausgewertet. Die FAG wurde etwas häufiger bei Männern (54,8 %) als bei Frauen (45,2 %) durchgeführt, und das Durchschnittsalter betrug 63,2 ± 16,9 Jahre (Median: 65 Jahre). UAW traten nur bei 1,65 % aller FAG auf, hiervon waren 1,27 % milde und 0,39 % moderate UAW. Es traten keine schweren UAW auf. Die häufigste UAW war mit 59,26 % eine Nausea. Bei der ICGA traten keine UAW auf. Die jährliche Anzahl der FAG betrug durchschnittlich 816,7 ± 91,1 und war im gesamten Zeitraum bis auf eine signifikant reduzierte Anzahl im Jahr 2016 (im Vergleich zu 2018, 2019 und 2021) relativ konstant. Die häufigste Indikation zur FAG waren venöse retinale Verschlüsse mit 22,93 % (N = 774), hierbei zeigte sich 2021 eine signifikante Zunahme im Vergleich zu den Jahren 2018 bis 2020. Eine ICGA wurde in 4,18 % der Fälle durchgeführt, wobei die häufigste Indikation eine Uveitis mit 31,82 % (N = 63) war.

Diskussion

Im Vergleich zu anderen Studien kam es zu sehr wenigen UAW, und in keinem Fall kam es zu einer lebensbedrohlichen UAW. Venöse retinale Verschlüsse waren sehr häufig die Indikation zur FAG, wahrscheinlich aufgrund der oft notwendigen Wiederholung der Untersuchung bei diesem Krankheitsbild. Kurzzeitig während des ersten Lockdowns (18.03. bis 08.05.2020) konnte eine Abnahme der Angiographien beobachtet werden, aber über einen längeren Zeitraum zeigten sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede im Vergleich zu der Zeit vor der Pandemie.
Efficacy and safety of clonidine for the treatment of impulse control disorder in Parkinson’s disease: a multicenter, parallel, randomised, double-blind, Phase 2b Clinical trial
Authors: Laurencin Chloé , Timestit Noémie , Marques Ana , Duchez Domitille Dilly , Giordana Caroline , Meoni Sara , Huddlestone Marine , Danaila Teodor , Anheim Mathieu , Klinger Hélène , Vidal Tiphaine , Fatisson Marion , Caire Catherine , Nourredine Mikail , Boulinguez Philippe , Dhelens Carole , Ballanger Bénédicte , Prange Stéphane , Bin Sylvie , Thobois Stéphane
Published: June 2023

Background

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are frequently encountered in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Objectives

We aimed to assess whether clonidine, an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, would improve ICDs.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre trial in five movement disorder departments. Patients with PD and ICDs (n = 41) were enrolled in an 8-week, randomised (1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled study of clonidine (75 μg twice a day). Randomisation and allocation to the trial group were carried out by a central computer system. The primary outcome was the change at 8 weeks in symptom severity using the Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease–Rating Scale (QUIP-RS) score. A reduction of the most elevated subscore of the QUIP-RS of more than 3 points without any increase in the other QUIP-RS dimension defined success.

Results

Between 15 May 2019 and 10 September 2021, 19 patients in the clonidine group and 20 patients in the placebo group were enrolled. The proportion difference of success in reducing QUIP-RS at 8 weeks, was 7% (one-sided upper 90% CI 27%) with 42.1% of success in the clonidine group and 35.0% in the placebo group. Compared to patients in the placebo group, patients in the clonidine group experienced a greater reduction in the total QUIP-RS score at 8 weeks (11.0 points vs. 3.6).

Discussion

Clonidine was well tolerated but our study was not enough powerful to demonstrate significant superiority compared to placebo in reducing ICDs despite a greater reduction of total QUIP score at 8 weeks. A phase 3 study should be conducted.

Trial Registration

The study was registered (NCT03552068) on clinicaltrials.gov on June 11, 2018.
Hospital-to-home transitions for children with medical complexity: part 2—a core outcome set
Authors: Haspels Heleen N. , de Lange Annemieke A. , Alsem Mattijs W. , Sandbergen Bettina , Dulfer Karolijn , de Hoog Matthijs , Joosten Koen F. M. , van Karnebeek Clara D. , van Woensel Job B. M. , Maaskant Jolanda M.
Published: June 2023

Appropriate outcome measures as part of high-quality intervention trials are critical to advancing hospital-to-home transitions for Children with Medical Complexity (CMC). Our aim was to conduct a Delphi study and focus groups to identify a Core Outcome Set (COS) that healthcare professionals and parents consider essential outcomes for future intervention research. The development process consisted of two phases: (1) a three-round Delphi study in which different professionals rated outcomes, previously described in a systematic review, for inclusion in the COS and (2) focus groups with parents of CMC to validate the results of the Delphi study. Forty-five professionals participated in the Delphi study. The response rates were 55%, 57%, and 58% in the three rounds, respectively. In addition to the 24 outcomes from the literature, the participants suggested 12 additional outcomes. The Delphi rounds resulted in the following core outcomes: (1) disease management, (2) child’s quality of life, and (3) impact on the life of families. Two focus groups with seven parents highlighted another core outcome: (4) self-efficacy of parents.

   Conclusion: An evidence-informed COS has been developed based on consensus among healthcare professionals and parents. These core outcomes could facilitate standard reporting in future CMC hospital to home transition research. This study facilitated the next step of COS development: selecting the appropriate measurement instruments for every outcome.

What is Known:• Hospital-to-home transition for Children with Medical Complexity is a challenging process.• The use of core outcome sets could improve the quality and consistency of research reporting, ultimately leading to better outcomes for children and families.

What is New:• The Core Outcome Set for transitional care for Children with Medical Complexity includes four outcomes: disease management, children’s quality of life, impact on the life of families, and self-efficacy of parents.
Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Documentation: A Critical Review of the Role of Large Language Models
Authors: Lawson McLean Aaron
Published: June 2023

This article provides a critical analysis of the application of the advanced language
model, GPT-4, in generating surgical operative notes, with a focus on its use in
ophthalmology as presented by Waisberg et al. The discussion underscores the
inherent complexity and specificity of operative notes, the issue of accountability, and
the potential data protection issues associated with the use of AI in healthcare. The
letter emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the
complexities involved in applying AI in healthcare and calls for a more nuanced and
responsible approach to the integration of AI in surgical documentation.
Oribatid mites in different Mediterranean crop rotations fertilized with animal droppings
Authors: Bosch-Serra Àngela D. , Molina M. Gabriela , González-Llinàs Elena , Boixadera-Bosch Rosalia R. , Martínez Belén , Orobitg Jordi , Mateo-Marín Noemí , Domingo-Olivé Francesc
Published: June 2023

Unsustainable soil management is one of the drivers of soil degradation, but impact assessment requires the development of indicators. Oribatids might be considered as early indicators of disturbances due to the stability of their community. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of oribatids as bioindicators of sustainable agricultural practices. Under a dry Mediterranean climate, three fertilization experiments – two under a two-crop rotation system and one under maize monoculture and established 12 years earlier – were sampled 3× for oribatid identification during the last annual cropping cycle. The hypothesis was that different nutrient and crop managements affect the number of oribatid species and individuals present, and these parameters could be used as indicators of soil degradation. In total, 18 oribatid species were identified, and 1974 adult individuals were recovered. Maximum abundance was found prior to sowing. Pig slurry (PS) vs. control, and dairy cattle manure (CM) vs. mineral fertilization increased oribatid abundance. This increase was evident when the average applied rates with PS were ca. 2 Mg of organic matter (OM) ha− 1yr− 1, or higher than ca. 4 Mg OM ha− 1yr− 1for CM. When the preceding crop was wheat and PS or CM were used,Oribatula(Zygoribatula)excavata(which reproduces sexually) predominated. In maize monoculture fertilized with CM,Tectocepheus sarekensisandAcrotritia ardua americana(which can reproduce through parthenogenesis) prevailed vs.Oribatula, which indicated a heavily disturbed soil. Under this specific Mediterranean environment, the predominance of certain parthenogenic oribatid species and the number of individuals provide advanced warning on soil degradation.
Math-Failure Associations, Attentional Biases, and Avoidance Bias: The Relationship with Math Anxiety and Behaviour in Adolescents
Authors: Schmitz Eva A. , Jansen Brenda R. J. , Wiers Reinout W. , Salemink Elske
Published: June 2023

Background

Math anxiety in adolescence negatively affects learning math and careers. The current study investigated whether three cognitive biases, i.e. math-failure associations, attentional biases (engagement and disengagement), and avoidance bias for math, were related to math anxiety and math behaviour (math grade and math avoidance behaviour).

Methods

In total, 500 secondary school students performed three cognitive bias tasks, questionnaires and a math performance task, and reported their grades.

Results

Math-failure associations showed the most consistent associations with the outcome measures. They were associated with higher math anxiety above and beyond sex and education level. Those math-failure associations were also associated with lower grades and more avoidance behaviour, however, not above and beyond math anxiety. Engagement bias and avoidance tendency bias were associated with math avoidance behaviour, though the avoidance bias finding should be interpreted with care given the low reliability of the measure. Disengagement biases were not associated with any math anxiety nor behaviour outcome measure.

Conclusions

Whereas a more reliable instrument for avoidance bias is necessary for conclusions on the relations with math performance and behaviour, the current results do suggest that math-failure associations, and not attentional bias, may play a role in the maintenance of math anxiety.
Helping Parents Support Their Preschool Children’s Learning and Development Through SMS Messages: An Australian Pilot Study
Authors: Simoncini Kym , McKechnie Jacqueline , Hilly Catherine , Matthews Bernadette
Published: June 2023

Families are children’s first and most important teachers. However, their ability to support children’s learning and development at home varies due to knowledge, skills, and confidence. Family interventions aimed at increasing parents’ skills are labour-intensive and expensive. In contrast, text messages are low-cost and scalable. Text messages can provide bite-sized bits of information that remind parents of activities they can do in their everyday lives to support learning. Our pilot study replicated two studies from the United States of America (USA) using text messages to increase children’s language and literacy development. A mixed methods approach comprising a pre- to post-design and survey was used. Approximately 70 families with preschool children in the Australian Capital Territory received three text messages weekly for 18 weeks. Families were randomly assigned to either the language and literacy group or the control group that received general child development messages. Measurement of the impact of text messages on children’s language and literacy skills was not feasible due to COVID-19 constraints. We were able to measure parent knowledge and perceptions of the pilot project pre- and post-text messages. Parent knowledge in both groups moved in the right direction, and approximately 90% of parents reported that the text messages were useful and would recommend the program to other parents. Parents found both sets of texts equally valuable. Our study included highly educated and high-income families, while previous research in the USA were comprised of disadvantaged families. Our findings suggest that text messages about early language and literacy, and general child development are useful to all families.
The potential of bamboo forests as a carbon sink and allometric equations for estimating their aboveground biomass
Authors: Camargo García Juan Carlos , Arango Arango Angela Maria , Trinh Long
Published: June 2023

Bamboo forests in Colombia and the Andean region of South America represent high-value ecosystems that provide ecological and economic benefits with local and global impacts. One of the ecosystem services provided by these forests is associated with their capacity to store carbon. In this study, data collected from monitoring plots were used to estimate the carbon content in different pools. Bamboo biomass (Bba), tree biomass (Btree), litter (Cli) and soil organic carbon (SOC) were assessed. The approximate total ecosystem carbon stock (TECaprox) ranged from 198.4 Mg C ha−1 to 330.9 Mg C ha−1 and bamboo carbon Cba represents approximately 50%. In addition, considering the relevance of developing tools to facilitate bamboo inventory and biomass estimates, allometric equations (AE) to estimate bamboo aboveground biomass (AGB) were fitted using the diameter of culms at breast height (dbh) and the total culm length (l) as predictor variables. The fitted AEs included the weighted linear, weighted log-transformed and weighted nonlinear fixed effect models. To compliance the additivity of biomass components a simultaneous systems of biomass equations (seemingly unrelated regressions) were also fitted. The precision and accuracy were assessed considering the residual diagnostic plots and statistics, such as the root-mean-square error (RMSE), RMSE percentage error (RMSEPE) and the Furnival’s index (Fln) for weighted log-transformed models and cross-validation. The performance of the models was similar with an RMSE of approximately 10 kg and 26% of RMSEPE, with slightly lower error for the weighted log-transformed model for the fitting and validation phases. A proper performance was also evidenced for the simultaneous approach for predicting AGB. Bamboo forests showed high relevance as carbon sinks and therefore might be considered strategic tropical ecosystems for climate change mitigation. On the other hand, the fitted AE exhibited proper performance and therefore provided reliable possibilities for estimating the AGB of bamboo during inventories. For practical reasons, the use of models with dbh as a predictor variable is recommended.
Interaction-Mediated Tool Use Differently Enhances Physical and Social Cognition in Macaques (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Viaro Riccardo , Bernardi Davide , Mazzoni Lorenzo , Fadiga Luciano
Published: June 2023

In primates, learning to use a tool modulates cognitive functions related to the physical properties of objects. However, the impact of tool-use learning on social aspects of cognition has not been explored. We addressed this question via a training paradigm by using six, adult, long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), who were born in captivity and housed in the animal facility of the Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation of the University of Ferrara, Italy. We tested the effects of interaction-mediated tool use on overall cognitive performance in an experimental group (n = 2 males and n = 1 females). To evaluate changes in cognitive performance, we applied the Primate Cognition Test Battery at different stages of the training procedure that involved an interaction between the animal and an experimenter and the macaque using a rake to retrieve food items. As a control, we evaluated the performance of an age- and sex-matched group performing an interactive, manual grasping task. Several parameters related to the recognition of the position and noise of specific objects (i.e., space and causality in physical cognition), and those related to image-object association and object pointing to draw the attention of experimenter (i.e., communication aspects of social cognition) showed a significant improvement in the interaction-mediated tool-use group after the training period. The effects were transient, but the enhancement related to the noise and object pointing persisted for 35 days without further training. The control group showed no changes in cognitive performance. Our results show that interaction-mediated tool use enhances cognitive performance in both physical and social cognition domains.
Exploring the Psychosocial Experiences of Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder During Childhood: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Burnley Annabel , St Clair Michelle , Dack Charlotte , Thompson Hannah , Wren Yvonne
Published: June 2023

Children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) often experience co-occurring psychosocial difficulties, the developmental trajectories of which are still not fully understood. This study sought to explore the manifestation of such difficulties during childhood, through first-hand accounts of those with DLD and their close relatives. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 mothers of children with DLD (aged 6-12 years old) and were analysed alongside the secondary data from interviews of five adults with DLD. Interviews were conducted online; all participants resided in Europe and were fluent in spoken and written English. A process of interpretive phenomenological analysis resulted in the development of five overall themes: experiencing anxiety, social frustrations, maintaining factors, childhood strengths and the parenting experience. Cognitive appraisals appeared particularly important during childhood in both escalating and maintaining anxiety, low self-esteem, emotion dysregulation and social frustrations. High levels of isolation and stress were experienced by all mothers. The findings suggest parents in the United Kingdom and Ireland require more support and guidance at the point of diagnosis than is currently provided. Emphasis was given to the link between children’s experience of anxiety and social behaviours, such as withdrawal, as well as their intolerance of uncertainty. Internalising symptoms were a prioritisation for intervention during childhood by both parents and adults with DLD.
Who Returns to work? Exploring the Role of Interpersonal Problems in Occupational Rehabilitation
Authors: Nilsen David Aleksander , Nissen Oda , Nordfjærn Trond , Hara Karen Walseth , Stiles Tore C.
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Current interventions designed to facilitate return to work (RTW) after long-term sick leave show weak effects, indicating the need for new approaches to the RTW process. The importance of social relationships in the workplace is widely recognized in existing RTW literature, but very little is known about the role of the interpersonal problems of the returning worker. Current research indicates that a subset of these – hostile-dominant interpersonal problems – give particular disadvantages in several life areas. This prospective cohort study aims to test whether higher levels of interpersonal problems predict lower likelihood of RTW when controlling for symptom levels (H1); and whether higher levels of hostile-dominant interpersonal problems specifically predict lower likelihood of RTW (H2). Methods: 189 patients on long-term sick leave completed a 3½-week transdiagnostic RTW program. Before treatment, self-reported interpersonal problems, chronic pain, insomnia, fatigue levels, anxiety and depression were collected. RTW data for the following year were collected from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration. Results: A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis found that (H2) hostile-dominant interpersonal problems significantly predicted RTW (OR = 0.44, [95% CI: 0.19, 0.98], p = .045), while a corresponding analysis (H1) found that general interpersonal problems did not. Conclusion: Hostile-dominant interpersonal problems negatively predict RTW after long-term sick leave, suggesting an overlooked factor in the field of occupational rehabilitation. The findings could open up new avenues for research and interventions entailed to individuals in the field of occupational rehabilitation.
Pharmacogenetic testing and counselling in the community pharmacy: mixed-methods study of a new pharmacist-led service
Authors: Jeiziner Chiara , Meyer zu Schwabedissen Henriette E. , Hersberger Kurt E. , Allemann Samuel S.
Published: June 2023

Background

Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing and counselling (short: PGx service) in the community pharmacy is not routinely practiced. We propose a comprehensive pharmacist-led service where PGx information is integrated into medication reviews.

Aim

To evaluate the pharmacist-led service comprising PGx testing and counselling (PGx service) from the perspective of patients.

Method

For this mixed-methods study, we conducted two follow-up interviews F1 and F2 with patients recruited for the PGx service in a community pharmacy after 1st of January 2020. The semi-structured interviews were held by phone call and covered understanding of PGx, the implementation of recommendations, handling of PGx documents (list of concerned substances and PGx recommendation), gain in medication knowledge, and willingness to pay for the PGx service.

Results

We interviewed 25 patients in F1 and 42 patients in F2. Patients were generally able to understand and use results of the PGx service. At least one PGx recommendation was implemented for 69% of the patients. Handling of PGx documents ranged from patients having forgotten about the PGx results to patients consulting the list for every medication-related decision; the latter often expecting negative effects. Finally, 62% of the patients were willing to pay for the PGx service.

Conclusion

For future PGx testing and counselling, HCPs should consider the patients’ health literacy in a standardized way and use adequate communication skills to enhance the patient's understanding in PGx and to attenuate potential negative expectations.
Impacts of rainfall shocks on out-migration are moderated more by per capita income than by agricultural output in Türkiye
Authors: Delacrétaz Nathan , Lanz Bruno , Delju Amir H. , Piguet Etienne , Rebetez Martine
Published: June 2023

Rural populations are particularly exposed to increasing weather variability, notably through agriculture. In this paper, we exploit longitudinal data for Turkish provinces from 2008 to 2018 together with precipitation records over more than 30 years to quantify how variability in a standardized precipitation index (SPI) affects out-migration as an adaptation mechanism. Doing so, we document the role of three potential causal channels: per capita income, agricultural output, and local conflicts. Our results show that negative SPI shocks (droughts) are associated with higher out-migration in rural provinces. A mediated-moderator approach further suggests that changes in per capita income account for more than one quarter of the direct effect of droughts on out-migration, whereas agricultural output is only relevant for provinces in the upper quartile of crop production. Finally, we find evidence that local conflict fatalities increase with drought and trigger out-migration, although this channel is distinct from the direct effect of SPI shocks on out-migration.
Similarity evaluation of graphic design based on deep visual saliency features
Authors: Liu Zhuohua , Yang Bin , An Jingrui , Huang Caijuan
Published: June 2023

The creativity of an excellent design work generally comes from the inspiration and innovation of its main visual features. The similarity among primary visual elements stands as a paramount indicator when it comes to identifying plagiarism in design concepts. This factor carries immense importance, especially in safeguarding cultural heritage and upholding copyright protection. This paper aims to develop an efficient similarity evaluation scheme for graphic design. A novel deep visual saliency feature extraction generative adversarial network is proposed to deal with the problem of lack of training examples. It consists of two networks: One predicts a visual saliency feature map from an input image and the other takes the output of the first to distinguish whether a visual saliency feature map is a predicted one or ground truth. Unlike traditional saliency generative adversarial networks, a residual refinement module is connected after the encoding and decoding network. Design importance maps generated by professional designers are used to guide the network training. A saliency-based segmentation method is developed to locate the optimal layout regions and notice insignificant regions. Priorities are then assigned to different visual elements. Experimental results show the proposed model obtains state-of-the-art performance among various similarity measurement methods.
On Artificial Intelligence and Manipulation
Authors: Ienca Marcello
Published: June 2023

The increasing diffusion of novel digital and online sociotechnical systems for arational behavioral influence based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as social media, microtargeting advertising, and personalized search algorithms, has brought about new ways of engaging with users, collecting their data and potentially influencing their behavior. However, these technologies and techniques have also raised concerns about the potential for manipulation, as they offer unprecedented capabilities for targeting and influencing individuals on a large scale and in a more subtle, automated and pervasive manner than ever before. This paper, provides a narrative review of the existing literature on manipulation, with a particular focus on the role of AI and associated digital technologies. Furthermore, it outlines an account of manipulation based of four key requirements: intentionality, asymmetry of outcome, non-transparency and violation of autonomy. I argue that while manipulation is not a new phenomenon, the pervasiveness, automaticity, and opacity of certain digital technologies may raise a new type of manipulation, called “digital manipulation”. I call “digital manipulation” any influence exerted through the use of digital technology that is intentionally designed to bypass reason and to produce an asymmetry of outcome between the data processor (or a third party that benefits thereof) and the data subject. Drawing on insights from psychology, sociology, and computer science, I identify key factors that can make manipulation more or less effective, and highlight the potential risks and benefits of these technologies for individuals and society. I conclude that manipulation through AI and associated digital technologies is not qualitatively different from manipulation through human–human interaction in the physical world. However, some functional characteristics make it potentially more likely of evading the subject’s cognitive defenses. This could increase the probability and severity of manipulation. Furthermore, it could violate some fundamental principles of freedom or entitlement related to a person’s brain and mind domain, hence called neurorights. To this end, an account of digital manipulation as a violation of the neuroright to cognitive liberty is presented.
Comparing 12-core and 20-core biopsy for prostate cancer diagnosis with transperineal MR/US fusion biopsy: assessing the effective number of systemic cores using propensity score matching
Authors: Kwon Hyeok Jae , Rhew Seung Ah , Yoon Chang Eil , Shin Dongho , Bang Seokhwan , Park Yong Hyun , Cho Hyuk Jin , Ha U-Syn , Hong Sung-Hoo , Lee Ji Youl , Kim Sae Woong , Moon Hyong Woo
Published: June 2023

Purpose

For transperineal (TP) prostate biopsy, target biopsy for visible lesions on MRI is important, but there is no consensus of the number of systemic biopsy cores. Our study aimed to confirm the diagnostic efficiency of 20-core systemic biopsy by comparison with 12-core using propensity score matching (PSM).

Methods

The 494 patients conducted the naive TP biopsy were retrospectively analyzed. There were 293 patients with 12-core biopsy and 201 patients with 20-core biopsy. PSM was performed for minimizing confounding variables, and the established effects’ value was analyzed for ‘index-positive or negative’ clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) (Index means PIRADS Score ≥ 3 on multiparametric prostate MRI).

Results

At 12-core biopsy, there were 126 cases of prostate cancer (43.0%), and 97 cases of csPCa (33.1%). At 20-core biopsy, there were 91 cases (45.3%) and 63 cases (31.3%). After propensity score matching, for index-negative csPCa, the estimated odds ratio was 4.03 (95% CI 1.35–12.09, p value 0.0128), and for index-positive csPCa, the estimated odds ratio was 0.98 (95% CI 0.63–1.52, p value 0.9308).

Conclusions

The 20-core biopsy did not show a higher detection rate for csPCa in comparison with the 12-core biopsy. However, when MRI did not show a suspicious lesion, 20-core biopsy showed higher odd ratio in comparison with 12-core biopsy. Therefore, if there is a suspicious lesion in MRI, 20-core biopsy is excessive and 12-core biopsy is sufficient. Whereas if there is no suspicious lesion in MRI, it is better to proceed with 20-core biopsy.
Leading Volunteer Motivation: How Leader Behaviour can Trigger and Fulfil Volunteers’ Motivations
Authors: Tsai Amber C Y , Newstead Toby , Lewis Gemma , Chuah Swee-Hoon
Published: June 2023

Events such as pandemics, natural disasters, and other social issues reveal societies’ increasing reliance on voluntary unpaid workers. However, there is a decline in people’s willingness to volunteer with established organisations. While management research has shown that leadership plays a major role in motivating and retaining paid employees, further investigation is needed to understand how leadership motivates volunteers. This paper integrates leadership literature into a widely adopted volunteer motivation model through a narrative review, aiming to distil precise leader behaviours that could be used to fulfil or trigger people’s motivation to perform unpaid work. Our goal is to draw clear conceptual links between the different facets of leader behaviours and volunteer motivation and highlight the role of leadership in triggering and fulfilling volunteer motivation and therefore sustaining vital volunteer workforces. Limitations of our chosen approach, implications, and future research directions are discussed.
Influence of phosphate fertilizers on the radioactivity of agricultural soils and tobacco plants in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
Authors: Mwalongo Dennis A. , Haneklaus Nils H. , Carvalho Fernando P. , Lisuma Jacob B. , Kivevele Thomas T. , Mtei Kelvin M.
Published: June 2023

Three brands of NPK fertilizers that contain variable concentrations of natural radioactivity are commonly used in tobacco plantations in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Tobacco plants are known for hyper-accumulation of natural radionuclides, particularly 238U. This study investigated if the elevated radioactivity in phosphate fertilizers could enhance radioactivity in soils and tobacco plant leaves. The 232Th, 238U, and 40K radionuclide levels in NPK-fertilized soils and tobacco leaves were measured using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The research included a one-year reference experiment with tobacco growing in plots, a ten-year semi-controlled experiment in well-managed tobacco farms, and a field survey of radioactivity in soils and tobacco leaves at three traditional tobacco fields in Migori (Kenya), Urambo (Tanzania), and Kanungu (Uganda). The findings demonstrated that soils and tobacco leaves exposed to NPK fertilizers with increased radioactivity had activity concentrations of 232Th, 238U, and 40K that were considerably higher (at all sites) than in the control samples (with no use of NPK fertilizers). As the continued application of NPK fertilizers raises concentrations of 232Th, 238U, and 40K in agricultural soils, the study assessed radiological risks for humans from exposure to agricultural soils enriched with phosphate fertilizers, and it was found to be below the exposure limit of 1 mSvy-1 suggested by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). However, tobacco consumers, both by snuffing and smoking, may face significant radiological risks, as the snuffing and smoking resulted in effective doses that were 2.41 to 6.53 and 1.14 to 2.45 times greater than the average yearly dose that the general public receives from inhalation of natural radionuclides (United Nations Scientific Committee on Atomic Radiations estimates). Furthermore, the results indicate that the lifetime excess cancer risk for tobacco snuffers and smokers ranged from 5 × 10-5 to 24.48 × 10-3 and 2.0 × 10-5 to 9.18 × 10-3, respectively. The influence of phosphorus-derived fertilizer containing relatively high natural radioactivity, potential human radiation exposure, and radiological risk due to gamma radionuclides is estimated and discussed. The results reveal that applying phosphate fertilizers enhances natural radioactivity in soil and is subsequently influenced by soil to tobacco plant uptake. Therefore, the study recommends that countries use fertilizers with lower radionuclide content to conserve soil quality and reduce gamma-emitting radionuclides in tobacco plants.
MORE: simultaneous multi-view 3D object recognition and pose estimation
Authors: Parisotto Tommaso , Mukherjee Subhaditya , Kasaei Hamidreza
Published: June 2023

Simultaneous object recognition and pose estimation are two key functionalities for robots to safely interact with humans as well as environments. Although both object recognition and pose estimation use visual input, most state of the art tackles them as two separate problems since the former needs a view-invariant representation, while object pose estimation necessitates a view-dependent description. Nowadays, multi-view convolutional neural network (MVCNN) approaches show state-of-the-art classification performance. Although MVCNN object recognition has been widely explored, there has been very little research on multi-view object pose estimation methods, and even less on addressing these two problems simultaneously. The pose of virtual cameras in MVCNN methods is often pre-defined in advance, leading to bound the application of such approaches. In this paper, we propose an approach capable of handling object recognition and pose estimation simultaneously. In particular, we develop a deep object-agnostic entropy estimation model, capable of predicting the best viewpoints of a given 3D object. The obtained views of the object are then fed to the network to simultaneously predict the pose and category label of the target object. Experimental results showed that the views obtained from such positions are descriptive enough to achieve a good accuracy score. Furthermore, we designed a real-life serve drink scenario to demonstrate how well the proposed approach worked in real robot tasks. Code is available online at: https://github.com/SubhadityaMukherjee/more_mvcnn.
Relationship Between Unmet Social Needs and Care Access in a Veteran Cohort
Authors: Gurewich Deborah , Linsky Amy M. , Harvey Kimberly L. , Li Mingfei , Griesemer Ida , MacLaren Risette Z. , Ostrow Rory , Mohr David
Published: June 2023

Background

The association between unmet social needs (e.g., food insecurity) and adverse health outcomes is well-established, especially for patients with and at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This has motivated healthcare systems to focus on unmet social needs. Yet, little is known about the mechanisms by which unmet social needs impact health, which limits healthcare-based intervention design and evaluation. One conceptual framework posits that unmet social needs may impact health by limiting care access, but this remains understudied.

Objective

Examine the relationship between unmet social needs and care access.

Design

Cross-sectional study design using survey data on unmet needs merged with administrative data from the Veterans Health Administration (VA) Corporate Data Warehouse (September 2019–March 2021) and multivariable models to predict care access outcomes. Pooled and separate rural and urban logistic regression models were utilized with adjustments from sociodemographics, region, and comorbidity.

Subjects

A national stratified random sample of VA-enrolled Veterans with and at risk for CVD who responded to the survey.

Main Measures

No-show appointments were defined dichotomously as patients with one or more missed outpatient visits. Medication non-adherence was measured as proportion of days covered and defined dichotomously as adherence less than 80%.

Key Results

Greater burden of unmet social needs was associated with significantly higher odds of no-show appointments (OR = 3.27, 95% CI = 2.43, 4.39) and medication non-adherence (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.19, 2.13), with similar associations observed for rural and urban Veterans. Social disconnection and legal needs were especially strong predictors of care access measures.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that unmet social needs may adversely impact care access. Findings also point to specific unmet social needs that may be especially impactful and thus might be prioritized for interventions, in particular social disconnection and legal needs.
Anomie-Erleben, subjektiver Kontrollverlust und rechtspopulistischer Protest. Das Beispiel PEGIDA
Authors: Reuband Karl-Heinz
Published: June 2023

Untersucht wird, wie sich die Teilnehmer am Protest rechtspopulistischer Bewegungen von der Bevölkerung in ihrem Anomie-Erleben – verstanden als Orientierungslosigkeit – und Kontrollüberzeugungen unterscheiden, und wie sehr Anomie und Kontrollüberzeugungen Ethnozentrismus und „Law and Order“-Orientierungen beeinflussen. Grundlage sind Befragungen unter Teilnehmern des PEGIDA-Protests in Dresden (2015/16) sowie Bevölkerungsbefragungen in Dresden und Düsseldorf (2014). Während sich die PEGIDA-Befragten von der Bevölkerung durch höhere Grade an Anomie unterschieden, erwiesen sie sich in ihren Kontrollüberzeugungen als ähnlich. Sowohl bei den PEGIDA-Befragten als auch bei der Bevölkerung begünstigten Anomie und internale Kontrollüberzeugung Ethnozentrismus sowie „Law and Order“-Orientierungen.
Total knee arthroplasty in pigmented villonodular synovitis osteoarthritis: a systematic review of literature
Authors: Panciera A. , Colangelo A. , Di Martino A. , Ferri R. , Bulzacki Bogucki B. D. , Cecchin D. , Brunello M. , Benvenuti L. , Digennaro V.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS) is a proliferative disease arising from the synovial membrane, mainly affects large joints such as the knee (almost 80% of total). Prostheses implanted in PVNS osteoarthritis show a higher revision rate when compared to primary osteoarthritis, due to the recurrence of disease and the overall surgical complications. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize and compare indications, clinical and functional outcomes, disease-related and surgical-related complications of total knee arthroplasty in PVNS osteoarthritis.

Materials and methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed with a primary search on Medline through PubMed. The PRISMA 2009 flowchart and checklist were used to edit the review. Screened studies had to provide preoperative diagnosis, previous treatments, main treatment, concomitant strategies, mean follow-up, outcomes and complications to be included in the review.

Results

A total of 8 articles were finally included. Most of papers reported the use of non-constrained design implants, mainly posterior stabilized (PS) and in case of PVNS with extensive joint involvement implants with higher degree of constraint to obtain a fulfilling balancing. Recurrence of PVNS has been indicated as the major complication, followed by aseptic loosening of the implant and difficult post-operative course with an increased risk of stiffness.

Conclusion

Total knee arthroplasty represents a valid treatment for patients with PVNS end-stage osteoarthritis, with good clinical and functional results, even in longer follow-up. It would be advisable a multidisciplinary management and a meticulous rehabilitation and monitoring following the procedure, to reduce the emergence of recurrence and overall complications.
Do Meditation, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion Impact Utilitarian Moral Judgment?
Authors: Paruzel-Czachura Mariola , Kocur Dagna
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Meditation practices, mindfulness, and self-compassion have been found to affect our physical and mental well-being in many ways. However, can they also affect our moral judgment, for example, what we think about right and wrong? This study aims to explore the potential influence of meditation, mindfulness and self-compassion on utilitarian moral judgments.

Method

In Study 1 (n = 316), we measured participants’ frequency of meditation, their level of mindfulness, self-compassion, and their utilitarian moral judgment through two well-known moral dilemmas (switch and bridge) and using a two-dimensional model of moral psychology (the Oxford Utilitarianism Scale with negative, i.e., instrumental harm, and positive, i.e., impartial beneficence dimensions). In Study 2 (n = 41), we conducted a psychological 8-week mindfulness course and measured the same variables as in Study 1 before and after the course.

Results

In Study 1, we observed that participants who meditated more often exhibited lower levels of instrumental harm. In Study 2, we found that participants had a lower level of impartial beneficence after the 8-week mindfulness course.

Conclusions

Practices such as meditation may be related to moral judgment, specifically to lower acceptance of harming others (instrumental harm), but they may also reduce the concern for the welfare of as many people as possible (impartial beneficence). Further research is needed to understand better if and how moral judgments may change when people meditate and develop their mindfulness and self-compassion.

Preregistration

The studies were not pre-registered.
A Spanish dancer? No! A troupe of dancers: a review of the family Hexabranchidae Bergh, 1891 (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia, Nudibranchia)
Authors: Tibiriçá Yara , Pola Marta , Pittman Cory , Gosliner Terrence M. , Malaquias Manuel A. , Cervera Juan Lucas
Published: June 2023

Color ontogeny and variations associated with discrete morphological differences may generate taxonomical challenges, which requires multiple data types and in-depth historical review. The nudibranch known as the Spanish dancer, Hexabranchus sanguineus, is a classic example with over 200 years of taxonomic confusion. Currently, H. sanguineus is accepted by most authors as a single species from the Indo-Pacific Ocean with Hexabranchus morsomus as a valid species from the Atlantic Ocean. Yet, despite these species being highly studied, their systematic status remains debatable. Over 30 synonyms have been proposed for H. sanguineus and even a distinct genus for H. morsomus. Here we provide, for the first time, a comprehensive review of all proposed names and an integrative taxonomic revision of the genus including morphological and molecular data. Our results reveal that H. sanguineus is a complex of five species: four previously described and an undescribed species, one of the largest nudibranchs in the world: Hexabranchus giganteus sp. nov. The genus Caribranchus is considered a junior synonym of Hexabranchus Ehrenberg, 1828 and the ontogeny of color pattern is discussed.
Critique of pure Bayesian cognitive science: A view from the philosophy of science
Authors: Crupi Vincenzo , Calzavarini Fabrizio
Published: June 2023

Bayesian approaches to human cognition have been extensively advocated in the last decades, but sharp objections have been raised too within cognitive science. In this paper, we outline a diagnosis of what has gone wrong with the prevalent strand of Bayesian cognitive science (here labelled pure Bayesian cognitive science), relying on selected illustrations from the psychology of reasoning and tools from the philosophy of science. Bayesians’ reliance on so-called method of rational analysis is a key point of our discussion. We tentatively conclude on a constructive note, though: an appropriately modified variant of Bayesian cognitive science can still be coherently pursued, as some scholars have noted.