bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Researching Intergenerational Engagements and Programmes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Methodological Reflexivity on Research Pivots
Authors: Oropilla Czarecah Tuppil
Published: July 2024

This chapter explores methodological reflexivity in studying intergenerational engagements and programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Societal regulations, aimed at reducing infection risks, have inevitably impacted interactions between young children and older adults within families, communities, and early childhood education and care settings. The pandemic is thus framed as a crisis that posed challenges, leading to adaptations, transitions, and transformations for the researcher, who, at the time of writing, was a PhD candidate. These methodological shifts are viewed as ‘pivots,’ opening new research opportunities and fostering the researcher’s growth. Drawing from personal experiences, the implications of using digital platforms in research are discussed. The focus is on the researcher’s reflexivity and positionality, emphasizing the need for creative and innovative research approaches to navigate through the crisis.
PLUM—SKUM: The Making of a Handwashing Video for the Youngest Children After the Outbreak of Covid-19
Authors: Ødegaard Elin Eriksen , Hoffart Håkon
Published: July 2024

This chapter demonstrates how information regarding infection control was recrafted on the principles of critique and attraction to art and imagination in a digital agile response in a time of crisis. The chapter narrates the process of making a video targeting the youngest children by using cultural-historical and aesthetic analytic models and concepts where co-creation, creativity and imagination are crucial. The design was explorative and collaborative, as the process involved ongoing dialogue between the researcher, the artist, a family with children aged two and four years, kindergarten teachers, and children in three groups (1–3-year-olds). Inspired by a cultural-historical methodology of collaborative exploration, we name the event as pedagogical innovation. We start off with a problem experienced in the early days of the pandemic: informing children about the importance of washing one’s hands. The information provided by the health and educational authorities was almost exclusively shaped in a manner best suited to ages four and up. The authors identified a lack of developmental and institutional knowledge and awareness regarding successful communication with children in the tool kit provided by the authorities. Although older children might follow the commands of adults regarding infection control, younger children lack the logical tools to process such information. On the basis of this critique, we responded by engaging children, kindergartens, and families in the co-creation of a 90-second video. This animated short video used imaginative language rather than the more common instruction, with the aim of targeting the youngest children. The result of the creative co-creation was a colourful, abstract cartoon language with stimulating rhythms.
VR Technology in an Engaging Early Childhood Teacher Education
Authors: Tveiterås Nils Christian , Bjørner Thomas
Published: July 2024

In this chapter we discuss and reflect on methodology in research into the use of Virtual Reality technology (VR) in early childhood teacher education and how this technology might influence the students’ learning environment and learning outcomes. The use of digital solutions for online teaching and collaboration is already common in higher education, but despite an increasing interest in VR, the possibilities with this technology are so far less investigated, especially in this field of education. The aim in the chapter is to suggest and discuss how such research might be designed and carried out, including considerations on how perspectives from cultural-historical theory can be relevant. A VR engagement model is proposed where elements from cultural-historical theory is combined with elements from engagement theory and VR research literature. Following the theoretical contribution, a tentative project is described and discussed as a possible context for investigating the model’s usefulness further.
The Use of Digital Artifacts to Analyse Science Concept Formation in Very Young Children
Authors: O’Connor Gillian , Fragkiadaki Glykeria , Fleer Marilyn , Rai Prabhat
Published: July 2024

Research examining conceptual development in pre-school age children has relied predominantly on children’s verbal responses and interactions. During infancy, however, immature verbal language skills limit the use of such commonly used methods. Studying infants and toddlers during the pandemic has added new challenges to this unique and highly demanding research area. In this chapter, we showcase how digital visual methods, developed and introduced in response to this methodological ‘crisis’, offer researchers a means through which many of the challenges inherent in studying very young children, can be overcome. To highlight the affordances of using digital artefacts to analyse very young children’s concept formation, the chapter focuses on science concept formation, during infancy and toddlerhood. Indicative examples from the implementation of a Conceptual PlayWorld as an educational experiment (see Chap. 2) offer illustrative examples of digital data analysis with children aged 8 to 36 months. It is shown that using digital artefacts, subtleties of development reflected in physical movement and interactions (e.g., gestures, embodied peer interactions), can be captured and later analysed. Key points researchers using digital artefacts, are able to look for, capture, and dialectically interrelate when analysing concept formation in very young children specifically are highlighted. We argue that digital artifacts allow the digital recreation of the body shading light to new dimensions of the child’s experience in science and opening a space for reflection for researchers. Consequently, adopting a dialectical lens in analyzing digital data, possible insight into the process of concept formation as it occurs for very young, non-verbal children, is afforded.
A Cultural-Historical Re-conceptualisation of Digital Pre- and Post-survey Design Embedded in a Dynamic Multi-modal Professional Development Program
Authors: Suryani Anne , Fleer Marilyn , Rai Prabhat
Published: July 2024

The dynamic nature of an early childhood education workplace is a challenging one that continuously seeks to test educators*, and therefore it is common for them to consistently seek to improve their knowledge, skills, and competencies. Amongst the myriad of different professional development strategies that exist to help early childhood educators with their professional development, how might we capture teacher development? How do we authentically capture this dynamic context and make visible how teacher practices change and teachers themselves develop? One tradition has been to undertake pre- and post-surveys. Yet this method does not in itself bring out what Vygotsky (The collected works of L. S. Vygotsky (Vol. 5. Child psychology) (Rieber, R. W. (Ed.)). Plenum Press, 1998) theorised as the idea of a developmental ‘crisis’. Further, teacher development was never the focus of Vygotsky’s theory of human development. This chapter provides insights into how this can be achieved through a cultural-historical re-conceptualisation of pre- and post-survey design which includes a series of data collection points over time within and across dynamic practices of a professional development program that was simultaneously challenging and motivating for teachers.
Design Thinking im strategischen Management
Authors: Bürgy Yasmin M. , Harder Deane
Published: July 2024

Eine Strategie soll helfen, die Wettbewerbsposition und Rentabilität einer Organisation langfristig zu sichern. Unsichere und unbeständige Umweltbedingungen erschweren strategische Planungsbemühungen zunehmend. Design Thinking versucht mit iterativen, kreativen und menschen- und kundenzentrierten Methoden Lösungen zu entwickeln und gleichzeitig dabei Risiken zu reduzieren. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie untersucht, inwiefern eine Integration von Design Thinking in den Strategieprozess möglich ist. Dafür wurden 16 leitfadengestützte Interviews mit Expertinnen und Experten durchgeführt, um mit ihnen die typischen Elemente bei der Entwicklung einer Strategie und die mögliche Anwendung von Design Thinking dabei zu erörtern. Die Studie zeigt, dass eine Integration einiger Methoden und Ansätze von Design Thinking in den Strategieprozess sinnvoll ist, um flexibler und schneller auf Änderungen im strategischen Umfeld reagieren zu können.
Bexagliflozin: a comprehensive review of a recently approved SGLT2 inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bassett Ryan L. , Gallo Giovanni , Le Kim-Phuong N. , Volino Lucio R.
Published: July 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a major global health threat, claiming millions of lives annually. Despite recent advancements in managing T2DM, the need for innovative treatment options persists. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition has proven to be an effective therapeutic strategy against T2DM, offering benefits in lowering hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and plasma glucose levels as well as treatment for patients with diabetes who develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). Bexagliflozin is a recently approved, orally administered SGLT2 inhibitor for treating T2DM and exhibits promise in combating CKD stages 3a and 3b. Structurally, bexagliflozin differs from other SGLT2 inhibitors in that it has a cyclopropyloxyethoxy group at the para position of the peripheral phenyl ring. This review article provides an overview of bexagliflozin’s discovery, mechanism of action, binding site interactions, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and clinical applications. Emphasis is placed on the significant contribution of SGLT2 inhibitors, particularly bexagliflozin in glycemic control and treating associated comorbidities such as heart failure and chronic kidney disease in T2DM patients.
Förderung aktiver Mobilität im Alter durch Stadtgestaltung
Authors: Baumgart Sabine , Bolte Gabriele
Published: July 2024

Angesichts einer alternden Gesellschaft ist die Erhaltung einer eigenständigen Mobilität bis in das hohe Alter eine wichtige Zielsetzung. Das mentale und körperliche Wohlbefinden hängt nicht nur von dem individuellen Gesundheitsstatus, sondern wesentlich auch von den räumlichen Bedingungen ab. Darauf können Kommunalpolitik und kommunale Verwaltungen Einfluss nehmen, insbesondere die städtebauliche Planung. In diesem Diskussionsbeitrag werden Perspektiven von Public Health und Stadtplanung auf Stadtentwicklung und Mobilität vor dem Hintergrund von gesundheitlicher Chancengerechtigkeit zusammengeführt.

Die Ergebnisse der AFOOT (Alternd zu Fuß oder mit Fahrrad: urban mobil ohne Stress)-Querschnittstudie zu sozialräumlichen Bedingungen in Klein- und Mittelstädten im Nordwesten Deutschlands und dem Zufußgehen und Radfahren von älteren Menschen zeigen die Bedeutung von Wohnumweltfaktoren wie Nähe von Alltagszielen, Fußwege- und Fahrradinfrastruktur sowie Wegeverbindungen. Präferenzen für die Gestaltung einer alternsgerechten Wohnumgebung und Qualitäten des öffentlichen Raums bestehen hinsichtlich städtebaulicher Gestaltqualität, Aufenthaltsqualität und Sicherheit im öffentlichen Raum.

Für eine Verbesserung der räumlichen Gegebenheiten bedarf es einer Erfassung der Situation durch definierte Indikatoren und eines Monitorings sowie der Integration von Perspektiven älterer Menschen. Strategien und Maßnahmen zur Förderung aktiver Mobilität im Alter zielen auf die multifunktionale Gestaltung öffentlicher Räume, die Priorisierung aktiver Mobilität auf Alltagswegen und die Gewährleistung der Erreichbarkeit von Alltagszielen durch Siedlungsentwicklung. Die sektorübergreifende Zusammenarbeit von Stadtplanung, Verkehrsplanung und Public Health ist für die Förderung der aktiven Mobilität und der Gesundheit älterer Menschen essentiell.
Accuracy of prediction from multi-environment trials for new locations using pedigree information and environmental covariates: the case of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) breeding
Authors: Tadese Diriba , Piepho Hans‑Peter , Hartung Jens
Published: July 2024

Key messages

We investigate a method of extracting and fitting synthetic environmental covariates and pedigree information in multilocation trial data analysis to predict genotype performances in untested locations.

Plant breeding trials are usually conducted across multiple testing locations to predict genotype performances in the targeted population of environments. The predictive accuracy can be increased by the use of adequate statistical models. We compared linear mixed models with and without synthetic covariates (SCs) and pedigree information under the identity, the diagonal and the factor-analytic variance-covariance structures of the genotype-by-location interactions. A comparison was made to evaluate the accuracy of different models in predicting genotype performances in untested locations using the mean squared error of predicted differences (MSEPD) and the Spearman rank correlation between predicted and adjusted means. A multi-environmental trial (MET) dataset evaluated for yield performance in the dry lowland sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) breeding program of Ethiopia was used. For validating our models, we followed a leave-one-location-out cross-validation strategy. A total of 65 environmental covariates (ECs) obtained from the sorghum test locations were considered. The SCs were extracted from the ECs using multivariate partial least squares analysis and subsequently fitted in the linear mixed model. Then, the model was extended accounting for pedigree information. According to the MSEPD, models accounting for SC improve predictive accuracy of genotype performances in the three of the variance-covariance structures compared to others without SC. The rank correlation was also higher for the model with the SC. When the SC was fitted, the rank correlation was 0.58 for the factor analytic, 0.51 for the diagonal and 0.46 for the identity variance-covariance structures. Our approach indicates improvement in predictive accuracy with SC in the context of genotype-by-location interactions of a sorghum breeding in Ethiopia.
Robust design optimization using a non-intrusive second-order approximation of stochastic moments
Authors: Krüger Jan Christoph , Kriegesmann Benedikt
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a new formulation of the second-order fourth-moment method (sometimes referred to as second-order perturbation method or second-order method of moments). The method allows to efficiently predict the stochastic moments of a response function and is therefore often used within robust design optimization. The new approach allows a non-intrusive implementation at the same cost as existing, highly intrusive formulations. Therefore, the new approach can be applied to any objective function without significant implementation effort. It is based on a few finite difference steps into special directions and hence is dependent on the corresponding step sizes. An automatic step size procedure is supplied beside a detailed convergence analysis. The advantages of the new formulation are demonstrated by robust design optimizations of a 2D and a 3D example using the geometrically nonlinear finite element method.
Morphological variation of the kelp Ecklonia radiata in northeastern New Zealand and across its Australasian range
Authors: Hanns Benjamin , Blain Caitlin , Shears Nick T.
Published: July 2024

Understanding the drivers of morphological plasticity, a key mechanism allowing species to flourish under a range of conditions, can provide important information on how a species will adapt to climate-change. The kelp Ecklonia radiata is the dominant canopy-forming macroalgae in temperate Australasia, occurring across a wide environmental range. Previous assessments of morphological variation across Australasia have not included northeastern New Zealand (NENZ) populations, where E. radiata exhibits an anomalous long-stipe morphology. Morphology in NENZ E. radiata over nine locations was quantified to examine variability and its relationship with environmental drivers: depth, wave exposure, turbidity and temperature. Published literature was then reviewed to assess variation across Australasia in relation to similar large-scale environmental drivers. In NENZ, morphology was driven by depth, wave exposure, and turbidity, but not temperature. Thalli had short stipes and relatively long lamina at shallow depths (< 2 m) and across depths at highly wave exposed sites. Stipe length increased with depth and the long stipe morphology dominated deeper depths (4–12 m) at sheltered to moderately exposed sites. However, this relationship varied in relation to turbidity, with more turbid sites having shorter stipes across all depths. Regional variation in morphology across Australasia was most strongly related to wave climate rather than temperature with the long-stipe morphology characterising regions with low energy wave climates such as NENZ. This study highlights the high levels of variability in E. radiata morphology and its complex relationship with environmental stress. If Australasia’s wave climate is to increase in severity, our findings suggest morphological variability expressed across Australasian E. radiata populations will shrink.
Highly Diverse Symbiodiniaceae Types Hosted by Corals in a Global Hotspot of Marine Biodiversity
Authors: Ng Ming Sheng , Soon Nathaniel , Afiq-Rosli Lutfi , Kunning Ismael , Mana Ralph R. , Chang Ying , Wainwright Benjamin J.
Published: July 2024

Symbiotic dinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodiniaceae play vital roles in promoting resilience and increasing stress tolerance in their coral hosts. While much of the world’s coral succumb to the stresses associated with increasingly severe and frequent thermal bleaching events, live coral cover in Papua New Guinea (PNG) remains some of the highest reported globally despite the historically warm waters surrounding the country. Yet, in spite of the high coral cover in PNG and the acknowledged roles Symbiodiniaceae play within their hosts, these communities have not been characterized in this global biodiversity hotspot. Using high-throughput sequencing of the ITS2 rDNA gene, we profiled the endosymbionts of four coral species, Diploastrea heliopora, Pachyseris speciosa, Pocillopora acuta, and Porites lutea, across six sites in PNG. Our findings reveal patterns of Cladocopium and Durusdinium dominance similar to other reefs in the Coral Triangle, albeit with much greater intra- and intergenomic variation. Host- and site-specific variations in Symbiodiniaceae type profiles were observed across collection sites, appearing to be driven by environmental conditions. Notably, the extensive intra- and intergenomic variation, coupled with many previously unreported sequences, highlight PNG as a potential hotspot of symbiont diversity. This work represents the first characterization of the coral-symbiont community structure in the PNG marine biodiversity hotspot, serving as a baseline for future studies.
Psychosocial and biological pathways to aging
Authors: Gellert Paul , Alonso-Perez Enrique
Published: July 2024

While the biological hallmarks of aging are widely recognized as fundamental mechanisms of biological aging, more recently, there have been calls within geroscience to understand the aging process more comprehensively by adding a perspective of the social hallmarks of aging. Social and behavioral factors, such as socioeconomic status, life events or behavior and beliefs can alter the aging process per se and act in complex interactions with biological pathways. In addition, underlying biological pathways have been proposed for various psychosocial concepts, such as views on age and relationship quality. The aim of the present article is to provide narrative insights into theoretical and empirical developments between social and behavioral gerontology and geroscience or biogerontology. This article focuses on the potential of an interdisciplinary aging research but it also sets out the critical perspective that social gerontology provides.
Welches Potential hat ChatGPT 3.5 für eine qualifizierte Patienteninformation?
Authors: Keyßer Gernot , Pfeil Alexander , Reuß-Borst Monika , Frohne Inna , Schultz Olaf , Sander Oliver
Published: July 2024

Einführung

Der Chatbot ChatGPT stellt einen Meilenstein in der Interaktion zwischen Menschen und großen, über das Internet zugänglichen Datenbanken dar. Er ermöglicht mit einer Kommunikation in Alltagssprache die Beantwortung komplexer Fragen und ist damit potenziell eine Informationsquelle für Betroffene rheumatischer Erkrankungen. Ziel der Untersuchung war es herauszufinden, ob ChatGPT (Version 3.5) in der Lage ist, qualifizierte Antworten zur Anwendbarkeit von Verfahren der Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin (CAM; Homöopathie, Ayurveda, Phytotherapie) bei rheumatoider Arthritis (RA), systemischem Lupus erythematodes (SLE) und Granulomatose mit Polyangiitis (GPA) zu liefern. Außerdem wurde untersucht, welchen Einfluss die Art der Fragestellung auf die erhaltenen Ergebnisse haben könnte.

Methodik

Die Befragung erfolgte in 3 Abschnitten. In Abschnitt A wurde eine offene Frage zu Behandlungsmöglichkeiten bei einem der 3 Krankheitsbilder gestellt. In Abschnitt B wurde allgemein nach möglichen Anwendungen für CAM bei einer der 3 Erkrankungen gefragt. In Abschnitt C wurden Applikationsmöglichkeiten für die 3 genannten Verfahren für jede Diagnose erfragt. In den Abschnitten B und C wurden die Fragen jeweils in 2 Modifikationen gestellt. Die erste fragte danach, ob das Verfahren überhaupt anwendbar ist. Die zweite Frage erkundigte sich nach konkreten Anwendungen aus den genannten Verfahren. Die Validität der Ergebnisse wurde anhand des ChatGPT Reliability Scores, einer 7‑stufigen Likert-Skala, ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Zu den offenen Fragen im Abschnitt A lieferte ChatGPT die validesten Ergebnisse. In B und C wurden zahlreiche CAM-Anwendungen vorgeschlagen, die nicht durch wissenschaftliche Evidenz gestützt sind. In diesen Abschnitten waren die Ergebnisse deutlich von der Art der Fragestellung abhängig. Suggerierte die Frage eine Anwendungsabsicht der CAM, entfielen häufig Hinweise auf die fehlende Evidenz, die Qualität der Antwort wurde in den meisten Fällen schlechter bewertet.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Antworten von ChatGPT zur Anwendung von CAM bei definierten rheumatischen Erkrankungen lassen eine ausreichende wissenschaftliche Evidenz vermissen. Zudem beeinflusst die Art der Fragestellung die Qualität der Aussagen erheblich. Eine kritiklose Anwendung von ChatGPT als Instrument der Patientenschulung kann derzeit nicht empfohlen werden.
Immune responses to oligomeric α-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Vega-Benedetti Ana Florencia , Porcedda Clara , Ercoli Tommaso , Fusco Giuliana , Burgaletto Chiara , Pillai Rita , Palmas Francesca , Cantone Anna Flavia , Angius Fabrizio , Solla Paolo , De Simone Alfonso , Cantarella Giuseppina , Giallongo Cesarina , Sogos Valeria , Defazio Giovanni , Carta Anna R.
Published: July 2024

Parkinson’s disease displays clinical heterogeneity, presenting with motor and non-motor symptoms. Heterogeneous phenotypes, named brain-first and body-first, may reflect distinct α-synuclein pathology starting either in the central nervous system or in the periphery. The immune system plays a prominent role in the central and peripheral pathology, with misfolded α-synuclein being placed at the intersection between neurodegeneration and inflammation. Here, we characterized the inflammatory profile and immune-phenotype of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Parkinson’s disease patients upon stimulation with α-synuclein monomer or oligomer, and investigated relationships of immune parameters with clinical scores of motor and non-motor symptoms. Freshly isolated PBMCs from 21 Parkinson’s disease patients and 18 healthy subjects were exposed in vitro to α-synuclein species. Cytokine/chemokine release was measured in the culture supernatant by Multiplex Elisa. The immune-phenotype was studied by FACS-flow cytometry. Correlation analysis was computed between immune parameters and parkinsonian motor and non-motor scales. We found that Parkinson’s disease patients exhibited a dysregulated PBMC-cytokine profile, which remained unaltered after exposure to α-synuclein species and correlated with both motor and non-motor severity, with a strong correlation observed with olfactory impairment. Exposure of PBMCs from healthy controls to α-synuclein monomer/oligomer increased the cytokine/chemokine release up to patient’s values. Moreover, the PBMCs immune phenotype differed between patients and controls and revealed a prominent association of the Mos profile with olfactory impairment, and of NK profile with constipation. Results suggest that a deranged PBMC-immune profile may reflect distinct clinical subtypes and would fit with the recent classification of Parkinson’s disease into peripheral-first versus brain-first phenotype.
Transient secondary pseudo-hypoaldosteronism in infants with urinary tract infections: systematic literature review
Authors: Betti Céline , Lavagno Camilla , Bianchetti Mario G. , Kottanattu Lisa , Lava Sebastiano A. G. , Schera Federica , Lacalamita Marirosa Cristallo , Milani Gregorio P.
Published: July 2024

Infants with a congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract sometimes present with hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis due to under-responsiveness to aldosterone, hereafter referred to as secondary pseudo-hypoaldosteronism. The purpose of this report is to investigate pseudo-hypoaldosteronism in infant urinary tract infection. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines after PROSPERO (CRD42022364210) registration. The National Library of Medicine, Excerpta Medica, Web of Science, and Google Scholar without limitations were used. Inclusion criteria involved pediatric cases with documented overt pseudo-hypoaldosteronism linked to urinary tract infection. Data extraction included demographics, clinical features, laboratory parameters, management, and course. Fifty-seven reports were selected, detailing 124 cases: 95 boys and 29 girls, 10 months or less of age (80% of cases were 4 months or less of age). The cases exhibited hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, acidosis, and activated renin-angiotensin II-aldosterone system. An impaired kidney function was found in approximately every third case. Management included antibiotics, fluids, and, occasionally, emergency treatment of hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, or acidosis. The recovery time averaged 1 week for electrolyte, acid–base imbalance, and kidney function. Notably, anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract were identified in 105 (85%) cases.

Conclusions:This review expands the understanding of overt transient pseudo-hypoaldosteronism complicating urinary tract infection. Management involves antimicrobials, fluid replacement, and consideration of electrolyte imbalances. Raising awareness of this condition within pediatric hospitalists is desirable.

What is Known:

• Infants affected by a congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract may present with clinical and laboratory features resembling primary pseudo-hypoaldosteronism.• Identical features occasionally occur in infant urinary tract infection.

What is New:

• Most cases of secondary pseudo-hypoaldosteronism associated with a urinary tract infection are concurrently affected by a congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract.• Treatment with antibiotics and parenteral fluids typically results in the normalization of sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and creatinine within approximately 1 week.
Analysis of the impact of a university distance learning course on digitalization in medicine on students and healthcare professionals
Authors: Baumgartner Martin , Wagner-Menghin Michaela , Vajda Christian , Lecaks Gernot , Redzic Armin , Dorffner Georg
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The public medical universities in Austria (educating 11,000 students) developed a joint public distance learning series in which clinicians discussed current digital lighthouse projects in their specialty. This study aims to examine the changes in attitude and knowledge of the participants before and after the lecture series to gain insights for future curriculum developments.

Method

The lecture series was announced via various channels at the universities, in health newsletters and in social media. Attitudes toward digitalization in medicine were surveyed before and after the lecture series, together with demographic data. The data were analyzed statistically and descriptively for four groups of interest: female medical students, male medical students, faculty members and members from industry and public agencies.

Results

Out of 351 subjects who attended at least 1 lecture, 117 took part in the survey before and 47 after the lectures. Most participants had a positive attitude towards digitalization (85.3%). They improved their self-assessment of their knowledge from 34.4% to 64.7% (p < 0.05). After the lecture series 55.8% of participants considered digital medical applications to be important or very important today and 68.6% in the future.

Conclusion

The study shows that the presentation and discussion of lighthouse projects improves understanding of digitalization in medicine but does not trigger a strong desire for additional further training.
Esophageal perforation with near fatal mediastinitis secondary to Th3 fracture
Authors: Smolle Maria Anna , Maier Alfred , Lindenmann Jörg , Porubsky Christian , Seibert Franz-josef , Leithner Andreas , Smolle-juettner Freyja-maria
Published: July 2024

A 74-year-old male patient was referred with signs of sepsis 5 days after having been diagnosed with a rib fracture following a fall out of bed. Novel hypodensities were visible on thoracic X‑rays and laboratory tests revealed elevated inflammatory parameters. Subsequently performed thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan showed burst fracture of the 3rd thoracic vertebra, posttraumatic esophageal rupture at the same level and mediastinitis. Furthermore, marked degenerative changes of the spinal column (diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis) were present. The patient underwent emergency thoracotomy and esophagectomy. Gastric pull-up with esophagogastrostomy was postponed for 3 days. After 14 days on the intensive care unit (ICU) and 12 days of i.v. antibiotics, the patient was transferred to the general ward and 7 weeks after trauma the patient was infection-free without difficulties in swallowing. Up to the latest follow-up 41 months following injury, several endoscopic dilations with a bougie due to constrictions at the anastomosis have been performed. Similar to previous cases in the literature, esophageal injury was diagnosed delayed, with the patient already having developed severe complications. This extremely seldom injury should be suspected in young patients following high-energy trauma, but also in older patients after low-energy trauma but known degenerative changes of the vertebral column.
Validity and accuracy of automatic cobb angle measurement on 3D spinal ultrasonographs for children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: SOSORT 2024 award winner
Authors: Wong Jason , Reformat Marek , Parent Eric , Lou Edmond
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Ultrasonography for scoliosis is a novel imaging method that does not expose children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) to radiation. A single ultrasound scan provides 3D spinal views directly. However, measuring ultrasonograph parameters is challenging, time-consuming, and requires considerable training. This study aimed to validate a machine learning method to measure the coronal curve angle on ultrasonographs automatically.

Methods

A total of 144 3D spinal ultrasonographs were extracted to train and validate a machine learning model. Among the 144 images, 70 were used for training, and 74 consisted of 144 curves for testing. Automatic coronal curve angle measurements were validated by comparing them with manual measurements performed by an experienced rater. The inter-method intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), standard error of measurement (SEM), and percentage of measurements within clinical acceptance (≤ 5°) were analyzed.

Results

The automatic method detected 125/144 manually measured curves. The averages of the 125 manual and automatic coronal curve angle measurements were 22.4 ± 8.0° and 22.9 ± 8.7°, respectively. Good reliability was achieved with ICC2,1 = 0.81 and SEM = 1.4°. A total of 75% (94/125) of the measurements were within clinical acceptance. The average measurement time per ultrasonograph was 36 ± 7 s. Additionally, the algorithm displayed the predicted centers of laminae to illustrate the measurement.

Conclusion

The automatic algorithm measured the coronal curve angle with moderate accuracy but good reliability. The algorithm’s quick measurement time and interpretability can make ultrasound a more accessible imaging method for children with AIS. However, further improvements are needed to bring the method to clinical use.
Drug utilization pattern of romosozumab and other osteoporosis treatments in Japan, 2019–2021
Authors: Soen Satoshi , Wang Alex , Hamaya Etsuro , Chien Hsu-Chih , Lin Tzu-Chieh
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Describe real-world treatment of osteoporosis and romosozumab treatment patterns in Japan.

Materials and methods

Data for patients initiating romosozumab or other antiosteoporotic medications between March 01, 2018, and May 31, 2022, were extracted from the Medical Data Vision (MDV) and Japan Medical Data Center (JMDC) databases. Patients were categorized into four cohorts: those who newly initiated romosozumab within the first (MDV: n = 4782; JMDC: n = 2578) or second (MDV: n = 3888; JMDC: n = 2446) year after launch and those who initiated teriparatide (TPTD; MDV: n = 14,576; JMDC: n = 8259) or non-TPTD antiosteoporotic medications within the first year of romosozumab launch (MDV: n = 352,142; JMDC: n = 185,785).

Results

Mean age, sex, baseline cardiovascular history, comorbidities, and concomitant medications were similar across cohorts. In the MDV database, fracture history was higher in the romosozumab year-1 (59.3%), year-2 (64.1%), and TPTD (65.5%) cohorts versus the non-TPTD cohort (24.4%). Similar rates were identified in the JMDC database: romosozumab year-1 (64.7%), year-2 (66.6%), TPTD (67.5%), and non-TPTD (27.8%). Vertebral fractures were most common in all cohorts. 12-month romosozumab discontinuation varied between the year-1 and year-2 cohorts in MDV (62.4% and 58.8%) and JMDC (57.1% and 52.7%), whereas mean number of injections remained consistent (MDV: 9.7 and 9.8; JMDC: 7.3 and 7.8). Romosozumab persistence was lower in year-1 versus year-2 (MDV: 37.6% and 42.9%; JMDC: 41.2% and 47.3%).

Conclusion

Patients initiating romosozumab and TPTD had a high fracture history. Given the dual effects of promoting bone formation and suppressing resorption, improving romosozumab adherence and persistence over time may be important for antiosteoporotic therapy.
Weak Poissonian correlations
Authors: Hauke Manuel , Zafeiropoulos Agamemnon
Published: July 2024

We examine a property of sequences called Poissonian pair correlations with parameter $$0\leqslant \beta \leqslant 1$$

0
⩽
β
⩽
1

(abbreviated as $$\beta$$
β
-PPC). We prove that when $$\beta <1,$$

β
<
1
,

the property of $$\beta$$
β
-PPC, also known as weak Poissonian correlations, can be detected at the behaviour of sequences at small scales, and show that this does not happen for the classical notion of PPC, that is, when $$\beta = 1$$

β
=
1

. Furthermore, we show that whenever $$0\leqslant \alpha < \beta \leqslant 1$$

0
⩽
α
<
β
⩽
1

, $$\beta$$
β
-PPC is stronger than $$\alpha$$
α
-PPC. We also include a discussion on weak Poissonian correlations of higher orders, showing that for $$\beta < 1$$

β
<
1

, Poissonian $$\beta$$
β
-correlations of order $$k+1$$

k
+
1

imply Poissonian $$\beta$$
β
-correlations of k-th order with the same parameter $$\beta$$
β
.
Response to chemotherapy could predict the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil (DCF) followed by surgery: long-term results in a single institute
Authors: Sato Yasuyoshi , Mori Kazuhiko , Atsumi Shinichiro , Sakamoto Kei , Oya Shuichiro , Okamoto Asami , Urabe Masayuki , Miwa Yoshiyuki , Yajima Shoh , Yagi Koichi , Nomura Sachiyo , Yamashita Hiroharu , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: July 2024

Background

Preoperative chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin (FP) followed by surgery has been considered a standard treatment for patients with stage II/III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) based on the results of a phase III trial (JCOG9907) in Japan. Subsequently, the phase III NExT trial (JCOG1109) revealed the survival benefit of the neoadjuvant DCF regimen, which adds docetaxel to FP, and it became a standard treatment. However, the long-term results and prognostic factors of neoadjuvant DCF therapy in the real world are unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 50 patients with ESCC treated with neoadjuvant DCF therapy from July 2012 to December 2017 at The University of Tokyo Hospital.

Results

Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 32.3 [95% confidence interval (CI) 21.0–NA] and 10.0 months (95% CI 6.3–15.6), respectively. Median OS [not reached (95% CI 31.5–NA) vs. 21.4 months (95% CI 13.5–33.0); p = 0.028] and PFS [83.3 months (95% CI 6.4–NA) vs. 7.4 months (95% CI 6.0–12.8] were significantly longer in patients with an objective response than in non-responders. Of 44 surgical cases, median PFS tended to be longer in pathological lymph node metastasis-negative patients. Conversely, survival did not differ according to cStage (II/III vs. IV) or the average relative dose intensity (ARDI, ≥ 85% vs. < 85%).

Discussion

The response to neoadjuvant DCF therapy could predict patient prognosis. Additionally, pN+ tended to increase the recurrence risk, whereas cStage and ARDI did not influence survival.
New spence difference sets
Authors: Davis James A. , Polhill John , Smith Ken , Swartz Eric , Webster Jordan
Published: July 2024

Spence [9] constructed $$\left( \frac{3^{d+1}(3^{d+1}-1)}{2}, \frac{3^d(3^{d+1}+1)}{2}, \frac{3^d(3^d+1)}{2}\right) $$

3

d
+
1

(

3

d
+
1

-
1
)

2

,

3
d

(

3

d
+
1

+
1
)

2

,

3
d

(

3
d

+
1
)

2

-difference sets in groups $$K \times C_3^{d+1}$$

K
×

C
3

d
+
1

for d any positive integer and K any group of order $$\frac{3^{d+1}-1}{2}$$

3

d
+
1

-
1

2

. Smith and Webster [8] have exhaustively studied the $$d=1$$

d
=
1

case without requiring that the group have the form listed above and found many constructions. Among these, one intriguing example constructs Spence difference sets in $$A_4 \times C_3$$

A
4

×

C
3

by using (3, 3, 3, 1)-relative difference sets in a non-normal subgroup isomorphic to $$C_3^2$$

C
3
2

. Drisko [3] has a note implying that his techniques allow constructions of Spence difference sets in groups with a noncentral normal subgroup isomorphic to $$C_3^{d+1}$$

C
3

d
+
1

as long as $$\frac{3^{d+1}-1}{2}$$

3

d
+
1

-
1

2

is a prime power. We generalize this result by constructing Spence difference sets in similar families of groups, but we drop the requirement that $$\frac{3^{d+1}-1}{2}$$

3

d
+
1

-
1

2

is a prime power. We conjecture that any group of order $$\frac{3^{d+1}(3^{d+1}-1)}{2}$$

3

d
+
1

(

3

d
+
1

-
1
)

2

with a normal subgroup isomorphic to $$C_3^{d+1}$$

C
3

d
+
1

will have a Spence difference set (this is analogous to Dillon’s conjecture in 2-groups, and that result was proved in Drisko’s work). Finally, we present the first known example of a Spence difference set in a group where the Sylow 3-subgroup is nonabelian and has exponent bigger than 3. This new construction, found by computing the full automorphism group $$\textrm{Aut}(\mathcal {D})$$

Aut
(
D
)

of a symmetric design associated to a known Spence difference set and identifying a regular subgroup of $$\textrm{Aut}(\mathcal {D})$$

Aut
(
D
)

, uses (3, 3, 3, 1)-relative difference sets to describe the difference set.
On the Kinematics of Growth of Regular Boundaries of Bodies into Fractals
Authors: Gol’dshtein Vladimir , Segev Reuven
Published: July 2024

Generalizing smooth volumetric growth to the singular case, using de Rham currents and flat chains, we demonstrate how regular boundaries of bodies may evolve to fractals.
Nile tilapia and gilthead seabream dietary self-selection of alternative feeds
Authors: Mendes Rodrigo , Conceição Luís E. C. , Dias Jorge , Engrola Sofia , Sánchez-Vázquez Francisco J.
Published: July 2024

Classical assessments of new fish feeds are anthropocentric, focusing mainly on growth. Although this methodology is accurate, it does not consider the fish’ perspective. This study aimed to investigate the behavioural responses and feed preferences of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) through a self-selection trial using self-feeders. Both species were offered three feeds: a control (PD) commercial-like feed and two diets (ORG1 and ORG2) formulated with different inclusions of alternative ingredients to address some of the current environmental concerns and/or ethical issues often associated with commercial formulations. Three groups of tilapia with an average weight of 163.0 g ± 4.3 g (mean ± SD) and four groups of seabreams with 174.7 g ± 27.0 g were tested. Tilapia exhibited a preference for ORG2 (46.5%), influenced by the sensory properties of the feed and post-ingestion signals. Seabream did not show a preference for any feed. These findings highlight the effectiveness of self-selection experiments in allowing fish to express their feeding behaviour and preferences. Therefore, this approach should be considered in the initial screening and design of new aquaculture feeds and ingredients.
Efficacy and safety of infliximab and adalimumab in inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Kamal Mahmoud E. , Werida Rehab H. , Radwan Mahasen A. , Askar Safaa R. , Omran Gamal A. , El-Mohamdy Marwa A. , Hagag Radwa S.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), consists of two primary types: Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD). Infliximab (IFX) and Adalimumab (ADA) are frequently utilized in the management of moderate to severe cases of IBD.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of IFX and ADA in individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe IBD.

Method

This study is a prospective open-labeled randomized parallel study that included moderate to severe IBD patients treated with either IFX or ADA. A total of 56 patients participated, with 34 patients received IFX and 22 patients received ADA. Various measures, including Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Mayo Score/ Disease Activity Index (DAI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, were taken at baseline and week 14 to assess the efficacy of the treatments. In addition, the levels of drugs and sTREM-1 were measured at 14 weeks. Patient safety was monitored throughout the study period.

Results

In the group received IFX, there was a notable decrease in CDAI (P = 0.045), DAI (P = 0.026), and CRP (P = 0.023 for CD, and P = 0.021 for UC) levels. In addition, the group received ADA experienced a significant reduction in CDAI (P = 0.001), DAI (P = 0.032), and CRP (P < 0.018 for CD and P = 0.003 for UC) levels. Responders had higher drug concentrations than non-responders, notably IFX concentration was higher in responders with CD (P = 0.001) and UC (P < 0.001). ADA concentration was higher in UC (P <= 0.001) and all CD patients responded to the treatment. The same trend was observed for sTREM-1 levels in CD and UC patients (P = 0.042, and P = 0.015, respectively) in the IFX group. In UC patients treated with ADA, the level of sTREM-1 was significantly low (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Both IFX and ADA have a good safety profile and deliver a beneficial clinical and laboratory response in moderate-severe IBD patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT05291039. (You can access the study at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05291039 (First Posted: March 22, 2022).
Utilizing Laser-Induced Fluorescence to Evaluate the Efficiency of Carbon Dioxide and Diode Lasers in Dentin Sealing after Tooth Preparation: An in-vitro Study
Authors: Abo-ELsouood Asmaa K. , Moharrum Haythem S. , Zaky Ahmed Abbas , Hamdy Omnia
Published: July 2024

Adhesive dentistry has made it feasible to design restorations with high aesthetic qualities and little invasiveness. However, the freshly cut dentin after the tooth preparation needs to be sealed to prevent its contaminations, bacterial leakage, and hypersensitivity. Consequently, the immediate dentin sealing (IDS) method has been advised. This study examines different dentinal tubule sealing methods via CO2 laser, diode laser (980-nm) and a two-step self-etch adhesive system applied directly to the fresh cut dentin preceding the placement of the provisional phase. The sealing efficiency of each laser and bond system was evaluated based on the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) properties and image analysis by scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the obtained LIF spectra were evaluated using partial least square progression. A two-step adhesive containing a high concentration of S-PRG fillers produced a thick layer that was not perfectly uniform at all sites due to uneven filler distribution in the bond with totally and partially closed dentinal tubules. However, the peaks of the LIF spectra dropped after applying laser because of its sealing effectiveness. Accordingly, CO2 and diode lasers have strong evidence in dentinal tubule sealing and a definitive treatment modality for dentinal hypersensitivity. Moreover, IDS with an adhesive system is superior in occluding dentinal tubules in a biomimetic manner based on its filler content and bioactive properties.
Solving an electrically conducting nanofluid over an impermeable stretching cylinder problem with a spectral reproducing kernel method
Authors: Foroutan M. R. , Hashemi M. S. , Rezapour Shahram , Inc Mustafa , Habibi F.
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a nonlinear mechanical system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with multi-point boundary conditions is considered by a novel type of reproducing kernel Hilbert space method (RKHSM). To begin, we define the unknown variables in terms of the reproducing kernel function. The roots of the Shifted Chebyshev polynomials (SCPs) are then utilized to collocate the resulting system. Finally, Newton’s iterative method is employed to find the unknown expansion coefficients. The solutions of this system of equations, which arise from the flow of an electrically conducting nanofluid over an impermeable stretching cylinder, are numerically analyzed, and convergence analysis is discussed to demonstrate the reliability of the presented method (PM). Tables and figures are provided to further discuss the solutions and assess the effectiveness of the method in comparison to other techniques in the literature.