bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the serological test for paratuberculosis in cattle according to tuberculosis status
Authors: Jurado‐Martos Francisco , Cardoso‐Toset Fernando , Tarradas Carmen , Galán‐Relaño Ángela , Sánchez‐Carvajal José María , Ruedas‐Torres Inés , Vera‐Salmoral Eduardo , Larenas‐Muñoz Fernanda , Carrasco Librado , Gómez‐Laguna Jaime , Lorenzo Belén Huerta , Luque Inmaculada
Published: September 2023

Background

Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are the most widely used diagnostic tools in bovine paratuberculosis (bPTB) control. However, their diagnostic accuracy may be compromised by bovine tuberculosis (bTB) infection, as both diseases share diagnostic targets.

Methods

The bPTB and bTB infection status of 228 animals was determined using microbiological tissue culture as a reference test. The diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and predictive values) of the bPTB‐ELISA on blood serum samples, taking into account the bPTB animal‐level prevalence of the area and the bTB status of the animals, was evaluated.

Results

A sensitivity of 40.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.5%–53.9%) and a specificity of 94.7% (95% CI: 91.4%–98.0%) were obtained for bPTB‐ELISA in all animals. A bPTB‐ELISA‐positive animal would have a post‐test probability of 70% or more of being infected in areas with a bPTB prevalence of 23% or more. A negative bPTB‐ELISA result, in areas with a bPTB prevalence of 41% or less, would rule out the disease with more than 70% certainty. In bTB‐positive animals, sensitivity increased (94.4% [95% CI: 81.4%–100%] vs. 25.1% [95% CI: 11.8%–38.4%]) and specificity decreased (82.6% [95% CI: 71.8%–93.4%] vs. 99.4% [95% CI: 98.0%–99.9%]). The bPTB‐ELISA is a good tool to rule out bPTB co‐infection in bTB‐positive animals, while in bTB‐negative animals, it allows confirmation of disease with more than 70% probability if disease prevalence is 6% or more.

Limitations

The observed differences could be enhanced by the effect of frequent application of the intradermal tuberculin test, which was unknown in the animals studied.

Conclusions

These results provide useful guidance for the application and interpretation of ELISA as a tool for bPTB disease control.
The application advances of dendrimers in biomedical field
Authors: Li Longjie , Deng Yukai , Zeng Yonghui , Yan Bei , Deng Yulian , Zheng Ziyang , Li Siqi , Yang Yuhang , Hao Jinwei , Xiao Xianjin , Wang Xinyu
Published: September 2023

Dendrimers are a family of nano‐sized three‐dimensional polymers with unique dendritic branching structures and compact spherical geometries. In recent years, dendrimers have made a series of breakthroughs in the biomedical field. In this review, we introduce the synthesis principles, modification methods, and new materials designed based on dendrimers; discuss the importance of cytotoxicity of dendrimers for applications; and elaborate on their applications in the field of molecular assembly and cancer diagnosis and treatment. We speculate that in the near future, more new materials based on dendrimers will be applied in the biomedical field.
Prevalence of canine herpesvirus 1 and associated risk factors among bitches in Iranian breeding kennels and farms
Authors: Rezaei Mahdieh , Jajarmi Maziar , Kamani Saba , Khalili Mohammad , Babaei Homayoon
Published: September 2023

Background

Canine herpesvirus 1 (CHV‐1) is an important cause of death in newborn puppies and of fertility problems in adult dogs. Identification of risk factors may help to reduce infection rates and alleviate concerns for dog owners and breeders. This study was designed to screen for CHV‐1 infection in bitches of breeding kennels and farms in Iran and relate this to possible risk factors.

Methods

A total of 63 vaginal samples were collected from dogs in 5 breeding kennels (n = 47) and from 7 farms (n = 16). Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the CHV‐1 specific glycoprotein B (gB) gene. Prevalence rates were evaluated in relation to various risk factors, including region, housing, vaccination, deworming, pregnancy, reproductive problems, number of dogs living together and hygiene conditions.

Results

In total, 21 (33.3%) of 63 vaginal samples were positive for CHV‐1 DNA. The prevalence rate in farms (7/16; 43.7%) was higher than in kennels (14/47; 29.7%). No association was found between CHV‐1 prevalence and potential risk factors.

Conclusions

CHV‐1 is highly prevalent in dogs in Iranian farms and kennels. Since the CHV1 vaccine is unlicensed in Iran, effective management strategies are essential to reduce the consequences of this pathogen.
Pflegebedürftigkeit in Deutschland
Authors: Matzk Sören , Tsiasioti Chrysanthi , Behrendt Susann , Jürchott Kathrin , Argüello Guerra Felipe , Schwinger Antje
Published: September 2023

Der Beitrag liefert ein ausführliches Bild zum Stand der Pflegebedürftigkeit und der gesundheitlichen Versorgung der Pflegebedürftigen in Deutschland. Die Analysen basieren auf GKV-standardisierten AOK-Daten. Sie zeigen Prävalenz, Verläufe und Versorgungsformen der Pflege sowie Kennzahlen zur gesundheitlichen Versorgung der Pflegebedürftigen. Im Fokus stehen die Inanspruchnahme von ärztlichen und stationären Leistungen, Polymedikation und Verordnungen von PRISCUS-Wirkstoffen und Psychopharmaka. Die Ergebnisse werden der Versorgung der Nicht-Pflegebedürftigen gleichen Alters gegenübergestellt und differenziert nach Schwere der Pflegebedürftigkeit und Versorgungssetting ausgewiesen.

The article provides empirical insights on the scope and state of long″​=term care services in Germany. This includes health service provision for persons in need of care. The article lays out key figures regarding the prevalence, pathways and forms of care based on standardised AOK statutory health insurance data. An additional focus lies on the use of outpatient and inpatient health care services as well as on polypharmacy and prescriptions of PRISCUS medication and psychotropic drugs. Findings are contrasted with data on members of the same age group who are not in need of care and discussed in relation to the severity of the need of care and the care provision setting.
Forschung für mehr Qualität in der Versorgung von Pflegebedürftigen: Ein deskriptiver Blick auf die Förderprogramme in SGB V und SGB XI
Authors: Willms Gerald , Behrendt Susann , Argüello Guerra Felipe , Stegbauer Constance
Published: September 2023

Angesicht der demographischen Entwicklung und der wachsenden Herausforderungen der Sicherstellung einer qualitativ hochwertigen Pflege rückt die Versorgung von dauerhaft pflegebedürftigen Menschen immer mehr auch in das versorgungswissenschaftliche Blickfeld. Begünstigt wird dies durch zahlreiche Förderprogramme für wissenschaftliche Projekte auf Bundesebene bzw. auf Ebene der Selbstverwaltung. Allerdings nimmt mit jeder Förderbekanntmachung nicht nur die Anzahl der Projekte, sondern auch die Komplexität und Vielgestaltigkeit des Projektspektrums zu. Damit steigt das Risiko, dass potenzielle Synergieeffekte der Erkenntnisse auf dem Weg zu einer besseren Versorgung von Pflegebedürftigen verloren gehen bzw. überhaupt nicht erkannt werden.

Ziel des Beitrags ist es, zunächst das Förderspektrum, die pflegerelevanten Versorgungsthemen und das Forschungsinteresse der letzten acht Jahre in deskriptiv-analytischer Perspektive, d. h. auch quantitativ abzubilden. Dabei sollen die Schwerpunktsetzungen der Forschungsförderung und damit auch die Kernelemente der wissenschaftlichen und versorgungspolitischen Auseinandersetzung identifiziert werden, wenn und soweit sie sich mit der Verbesserung der Versorgung von dauerhaft Pflegebedürftigen beschäftigen.
Gesetzliche Qualitätssicherung in der vollstationären Langzeitpflege – historische Entwicklung und Perspektiven
Authors: Schwinger Antje , Behrendt Susann
Published: September 2023

Die gesetzliche Qualitätssicherung in der vollstationären Langzeitpflege hat sich seit Einführung der Pflegeversicherung erheblich gewandelt. Seit 2019 ist ein neues Qualitätssicherungssystem in Kraft, das externe und interne Qualitätssicherung miteinander verknüpfen soll. Die Ergebnisse der externen Prüfungen durch die Prüfdienste sowie die auf Eigenerhebung der Einrichtungen basierenden Indikatoren zu pflegerischen Versorgungszuständen gehen in die öffentliche Berichterstattung ein. Dies ist grundsätzlich als sinnvolle Weiterentwicklung des Systems zu werten mit dem Ziel, Transparenz für die Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher zu schaffen und relevantes Wissen in das interne Qualitätsmanagement rückzukoppeln. Die Antwort auf die Frage, wie gut dieses Ziel mit dem neuen System erreicht wird, steht bisher aus. Ermöglicht die neue Qualitätssicherung in der stationären Langzeitpflege eine zuverlässige Bewertung der Einrichtungen? Befähigt sie die Pflegebedürftigen und ihre Angehörigen, wie gesetzlich vorgegeben Pflegeheime auf Basis für sie verständlicher prüf- und indikatorbasierter Kennzahlen für ihre Zwecke zu vergleichen? Evaluation und Weiterentwicklung des Systems sind geboten und die institutionelle Verankerung der Evaluations- und Weiterentwicklungsprozesse ist zu diskutieren.
Ergebnisse und Empfehlungen aus der Pilotierung des neuen Qualitätsprüfungsverfahrens für die ambulante Pflege
Authors: Nolting Hans-Dieter , Haaß Friederike A. , Tisch Thorsten
Published: September 2023

Mit der Pflegereform zur Einführung eines neuen Pflegebedürftigkeitsbegriffs (Pflegestärkungsgesetz II) wurde auch die Entwicklung und Einführung neuer Verfahren zur Prüfung und Darstellung der Qualität von Pflegeeinrichtungen beschlossen. Das neue Prüfverfahren für stationäre Pflegeeinrichtungen ist seit Herbst 2019 in Kraft, wogegen die Qualität ambulanter Pflegedienste bislang noch nach den in ihren Verfahrensgrundzügen seit 2016 geltenden Qualitätsprüfungsrichtlinien (QPR) geprüft wird.

Ein Grund für das zeitliche Auseinanderfallen der Einführung der neuen Verfahren in beiden Sektoren dürfte in der nur für den ambulanten Bereich gesetzlich vorgesehenen Pflicht zur Pilotierung der neu entwickelten Instrumente und Verfahren bestehen (§ 113b Abs. 4 Nr. 3 SGB XI). Die von den Vertragsparteien mit der Entwicklung der neuen Verfahren beauftragten wissenschaftlichen Einrichtungen haben ihren Abschlussbericht 2018 vorgelegt (Büscher et al. 2018). Im Anschluss daran wurde von Juli 2019 bis Mai 2020 eine umfangreiche Pilotierungsstudie durchgeführt, deren Ergebnisse seit Anfang 2021 auf der Website des Qualitätsausschusses Pflege publiziert sind (Haaß et al. 2021). Der Qualitätsausschuss nimmt eine gründliche Würdigung der Pilotierungsergebnisse sowie ggf. eine Überarbeitung der Verfahren und Instrumente vor, was u. U. die Einführung des neuen Verfahrens verzögert, aber im Sinne der gesetzlich vorgesehenen „Sicherstellung der Wissenschaftlichkeit“ (§ 113b Abs. 4 Satz 1 SGB XI) ist.
Auswirkungen des ordnungspolitischen Rahmens der Pflegeversicherung auf die Qualität der pflegerischen Versorgung
Authors: Greß Stefan , Jesberger Christian
Published: September 2023

Der ordnungspolitische Rahmen der Pflegeversicherung ist seit der Einführung dieses jüngsten Systems der Sozialversicherung im Jahr 1995 trotz einer Vielzahl von Reformen in den Grundzügen vergleichsweise stabil. Daran ändern auch die jüngsten Reformbemühungen des Gesetzgebers im Rahmen des Pflegeunterstützungs- und -entlastungsgesetzes (PUEG) nichts (Sitte et al. 2023). Als Konsequenz wirken die ordnungspolitischen Grundsatzentscheidungen bei der Einführung der Pflegeversicherung bis in die Gegenwart und bestimmen demzufolge bis heute die Reformagenden (Greß und Jesberger 2022). In deren Mittelpunkt steht in den letzten Jahren die Finanzierbarkeit der pflegerischen Versorgung aus Sicht der Kostenträger, der Pflegebedürftigen und der Anbieter. Die Versichertengemeinschaft muss steigende Kosten mit steigenden Beitragssätzen finanzieren. Gleichzeitig nimmt die Belastung der Sozialhilfeträger durch steigende Eigenanteile der Pflegebedürftigen, die selbst zunehmend finanziell überfordert sind, zu. Nach aktuellen Berechnungen werden die Ausgaben für die Hilfe zur Pflege von rund 2,5 Mrd. Euro im Jahr 2022 auf rund 4 Mrd. Euro im Jahr 2026 steigen (Rothgang et al. 2023). Diese weitgehend ungelösten Probleme im Hinblick auf die Finanzierbarkeit pflegerischer Leistungen sind demzufolge für die aktuelle pflegepolitische Debatte hoch relevant – stehen aber nicht im Vordergrund dieses Beitrags.
Minimal codewords in Norm-Trace codes
Authors: Bartoli Daniele , Bonini Matteo , Timpanella Marco
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we consider the affine variety codes obtained evaluating the polynomials $$by=a_kx^k+\ldots +a_1x+a_0$$

b
y
=

a
k

x
k

+
…
+

a
1

x
+

a
0

, $$b,a_i\in {\mathbb {F}}_{q^r}$$

b
,

a
i

∈

F

q
r

, at the affine $${{\mathbb {F}}}_{q^r}$$

F

q
r

-rational points of the Norm-Trace curve. In particular, we investigate the weight distribution and the set of minimal codewords. Our approach, which uses tools of algebraic geometry, is based on the study of the absolute irreducibility of certain algebraic varieties.
Improving the stability of the friction stir channelling technology via a cooled copper backing plate
Authors: Vidal Catarina , Ferreira Pedro M. , Ferreira Francisco B. , Buinho Miguel , Silva Tiago T. , Santos Telmo G.
Published: September 2023

The development of the friction stir channelling (FSC) technology has a potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry, providing an innovative way to produce continuous sub-surface channels in monolithic components in a single step. However, the process generates heat that can lead to defects and loss of stationarity, affecting the quality of the channels produced and the process’ efficiency and control. To address these challenges, a ground-breaking study was conducted using a cooled copper backing plate to adjust the process temperatures and investigate the influence of the temperature on FSC stability. The results of the study showed that the cooled copper backing plate has a significantly higher rate of heat conduction, effectively preventing the processed component from overheating and ensuring that the process maintains its stationarity. When using the steel backing plate, only one combination of process parameters (a rotation speed of 450 rev/min and a traverse speed of 71 mm/min) yielded satisfactory results. Moreover, the use of the cooled copper backing plate allowed for a wider range of process parameters to be employed, resulting in sub-surface channels with higher quality and fewer defects. The 710/71 parameters combination resulted in a lower heat input, while the 900/45 parameters set produced channels with a more rectangular geometry. A rotation speed of 900 rev/min and a traverse speed of 45 mm/min have been shown to be the best choice. This innovative approach to FSC technology represents a major step forward in solid-state manufacturing, envisaging new possibilities for producing longer sub-surface channels with superior quality and greater efficiency.

Highlights

• Conducting the FSC process at low temperature has improved its stability.

• The use of a cooled copper backing plate enabled a broader range of FSC process parameters.

• Longer and stabler leak-free sub-surface channels have been produced in aluminium alloys.

Graphical Abstract
A phase I/II study of the safety and efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-satoreotide tetraxetan in advanced somatostatin receptor-positive neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Wild Damian , Grønbæk Henning , Navalkissoor Shaunak , Haug Alexander , Nicolas Guillaume P. , Pais Ben , Ansquer Catherine , Beauregard Jean-Mathieu , McEwan Alexander , Lassmann Michael , Pennestri Daniele , Volteau Magali , Lenzo Nat P. , Hicks Rodney J.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

We present the results of an open-label, phase I/II study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the novel somatostatin receptor (SSTR) antagonist [177Lu]Lu-satoreotide tetraxetan in 40 patients with previously treated, progressive neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), in which dosimetry was used to guide maximum administered activity.

Methods

This study was conducted in two parts. Part A consisted of 15 patients who completed three cycles of [177Lu]Lu-satoreotide tetraxetan at a fixed administered activity and peptide amount per cycle (4.5 GBq/300 µg). Part B, which included 25 patients who received one to five cycles of [177Lu]Lu-satoreotide tetraxetan, evaluated different administered activities (4.5 or 6.0 GBq/cycle) and peptide amounts (300, 700, or 1300 μg/cycle), limited to a cumulative absorbed radiation dose of 23 Gy to the kidneys and 1.5 Gy to the bone marrow.

Results

Median cumulative administered activity of [177Lu]Lu-satoreotide tetraxetan was 13.0 GBq over three cycles (13.1 GBq in part A and 12.9 GBq in part B). Overall, 17 (42.5%) patients experienced grade ≥ 3 treatment‑related adverse events; the most common were lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia. No grade 3/4 nephrotoxicity was observed. Two patients developed myeloid neoplasms considered treatment related by the investigator. Disease control rate for part A and part B was 94.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 82.3–99.4), and overall response rate was 21.1% (95% CI: 9.6–37.3).

Conclusion

[177Lu]Lu-satoreotide tetraxetan, administered at a median cumulative activity of 13.0 GBq over three cycles, has an acceptable safety profile with a promising clinical response in patients with progressive, SSTR-positive NETs. A 5-year long-term follow-up study is ongoing.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02592707. Registered October 30, 2015.
Safety and Effectiveness of a Novel Tips Access Set with Steerable Cannula in a Swine Model
Authors: Ding PengXu , Ma Yujia , Zhu Xiaoxia , Wu Yijie , Ong John , Liu Pu , Xiao Jiangqiang , Zhuge Yuzheng
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of the Liverty™ transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) access set, which has an ergonomic handle that allows for in situ cannula tip deflection and a distal steerable cannula angle, versus the COOK® Rosch-Uchida Transjugular Liver Access Set (RUPS-100) in healthy pigs.

Methods

Twelve pigs randomly underwent TIPS with the Liverty™ set or the RUPS-100 set. Three interventionalists performed 4 TIPS procedures, 2 with each set. The primary outcome was procedural success, defined as successful establishment of the intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and stent placement.

Results

The shunt was successfully established in 11 pigs. The procedural success was achieved in all 6 pigs in the Liverty™ group and 5 out of 6 pigs for the RUPS-100 group (Fisher exact test, P > 0.999). The mean duration of puncture was shorter in the Liverty™ group versus the RUPS-100 group (12.3 ± 4.5 min vs. 16.2 ± 8.5 min), but without significant statistical difference (two sample t test, P = 0.359). The cannula angle was adjusted 69% of passes in the Liverty™ group, which was significantly higher than that in the RUPS-100 group (12%, P = 0.004). Overall, the TIPS procedural performance was comparable between the groups. Both sets were safe. No intraabdominal hemorrhage, vascular injuries, tissue or organ injuries, porto-biliary fistula, biliary peritonitis, and infection or abscess occurred in either group.

Conclusion

The Liverty™ set is safe and has similar procedural metrics to the COOK® RUPS-100 set. It allows in situ adjustment of the angle of the stiffening cannula without increasing procedure time and lessens the occurrences of periprocedural complications.

Graphical Abstract
Münsteraner Standard: modifizierte PAUL®-Implantation bei Zustand nach PreserFlo® MicroShunt-Implantation. Videobeitrag
Authors: Brücher Viktoria C. , Zimmermann Julian A. , Storp Jens J. , Eter Nicole
Published: September 2023

Operationsziel

Ziel dieser Operationstechnik ist die modifizierte Anlage eines PAUL®-Implantates (Fa. Advanced Ophthalmic Innovations, Singapur) in Augen nach PreserFlo® MicroShunt(Fa. Santen, Osaka, Japan)-Implantatversagen zur bestmöglichen Augeninnendruckeinstellung.

Indikationen

Die Operationsindikation bezieht sich auf komplexere Glaukome, die bereits erfolglos mittels PreserFlo® MicroShunt operiert wurden.

Operationstechnik

Die Besonderheiten des Münsteraner Standards sind die Wahl des Operationsgebietes und der Verzicht auf eine weitere Tunnelneuanlage. Die Patienten erhalten eine PAUL®-Implantation im selben Quadranten der zuvor erfolgten PreserFlo® MicroShunt-Implantation (superior-temporal). Nach Präparation der Bindehaut, Priming des PAUL®-Implantates mittels Prolene‑6.0‑Faden und Fixierung der Platte erfolgt die Explantation des PreserFlo® MicroShunt. Um die Implantation des PAUL®-Schlauchs durch den alten 25-Gauge-Tunnel zu vollziehen, wird dieser mittels Irisspatel unter Vorderkammerstellung seitlich dilatiert. Anhand eines Operationsvideos, das online zur Verfügung steht, wird die Operationstechnik detailliert dargestellt.

Vorteile des Münsteraner Standards

Der operative Zugang temporal-superior verspricht ein leichteres Handling, der Verzicht auf eine Tunnelneuanlage spart effektive Operationszeit. Weniger Endothelzellverluste bei nur einem liegenden Schlauch im Vergleich zu 2 Vorderkammerschläuchen sind potenziell zu erwarten.
Outcomes after emergency appendicectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis: a population-based cohort study from England
Authors: Adiamah Alfred , Rashid Adil , Crooks Colin J. , Hammond John S. , Jepsen Peter , West Joe , Humes David J.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The mortality risk after appendicectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis is predicted to be higher than in the general population given the associated risk of perioperative bleeding, infections and liver decompensation. This population-based cohort study aimed to determine the 90-day mortality risk following emergency appendicectomy in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing emergency appendicectomy in England between January 2001 and December 2018 were identified from two linked primary and secondary electronic healthcare databases, the clinical practice research datalink and hospital episode statistics data. Length of stay, re-admission, case fatality and the odds ratio of 90-day mortality were calculated for patients with and without cirrhosis, adjusting for age, sex and co-morbidity using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 40,353 patients underwent appendicectomy and of these 75 (0.19%) had cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis were more likely to be older (p < 0.0001) and have comorbidities (p < 0.0001). Proportionally, more patients with cirrhosis underwent an open appendicectomy (76%) compared with 64% of those without cirrhosis (p = 0.03). The 90-day case fatality rate was 6.67% in patients with cirrhosis compared with 0.56% in patients without cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis had longer hospital length of stay (4 (IQR 3–9) days versus 3 (IQR 2–4) days and higher readmission rates at 90 days (20% vs 11%, p = 0.019). Most importantly, their odds of death at 90 days were 3 times higher than patients without cirrhosis, adjusted odds ratio 3.75 (95% CI 1.35–10.49).

Conclusion

Patients with cirrhosis have a threefold increased odds of 90-day mortality after emergency appendicectomy compared to those without cirrhosis.
The basis of S–R learning: associations between individual stimulus features and responses
Authors: Verwey Willem B.
Published: September 2023

Three experiments tested the hypothesis that response selection skill involves associations between individual stimulus features and responses. The Orientation group in Experiments 1 and 2 first practiced responding to the orientation of a line stimulus while ignoring its color, and the Color group practiced responding to the color of the line while disregarding its orientation. When in the ensuing test conditions the Orientation group responded to the color of the line, RTs and errors increased when the then irrelevant line orientation was inconsistent with practice. This confirmed that during practice, Orientation participants had developed orientation feature–response associations they could not fully inhibit. Yet, evidence for color feature–response associations was not observed in the Color group. This was attributed to orientation identification being faster than color identification, even after having practiced responding to colors. Experiment 3 involved practicing to three line stimuli with unique orientation and color combinations. It showed evidence for the independent development of orientation feature–response associations and color feature–response associations. Together, these results indicate that the typical RT reduction with practice in response selection tasks is caused in part by the capacity of participants to learn selecting responses on the basis of the stimulus feature that becomes available first.
Robot-assisted fluorescent sentinel lymph node identification in early-stage colon cancer
Authors: Sikkenk Daan J. , Sterkenburg Andrea J. , Burghgraef Thijs A. , Akol Halil , Schwartz Matthijs P. , Arensman René , Verheijen Paul M. , Nagengast Wouter B. , Consten Esther C. J.
Published: September 2023

Background

Patients with cT1-2 colon cancer (CC) have a 10–20% risk of lymph node metastases. Sentinel lymph node identification (SLNi) could improve staging and reduce morbidity in future organ-preserving CC surgery. This pilot study aimed to assess safety and feasibility of robot-assisted fluorescence-guided SLNi using submucosally injected indocyanine green (ICG) in patients with cT1-2N0M0 CC.

Methods

Ten consecutive patients with cT1-2N0M0 CC were included in this prospective feasibility study. Intraoperative submucosal, peritumoral injection of ICG was performed during a colonoscopy. Subsequently, the near-infrared fluorescence ‘Firefly’ mode of the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system was used for SLNi. SLNs were marked with a suture, after which a segmental colectomy was performed. The SLN was postoperatively ultrastaged using serial slicing and immunohistochemistry, in addition to the standard pathological examination of the specimen. Colonoscopy time, detection time (time from ICG injection to first SLNi), and total SLNi time were measured (time from the start of colonoscopy to start of segmental resection). Intraoperative, postoperative, and pathological outcomes were registered.

Results

In all patients, at least one SLN was identified (mean 2.3 SLNs, SLN diameter range 1–13 mm). No tracer-related adverse events were noted. Median colonoscopy time was 12 min, detection time was 6 min, and total SLNi time was 30.5 min. Two patients had lymph node metastases present in the SLN, and there were no patients with false negative SLNs. No patient was upstaged due to ultrastaging of the SLN after an initial negative standard pathological examination. Half of the patients unexpectedly had pT3 tumours.

Conclusions

Robot-assisted fluorescence-guided SLNi using submucosally injected ICG in ten patients with cT1-2N0M0 CC was safe and feasible. SLNi was performed in an acceptable timespan and SLNs down to 1 mm were detected. All lymph node metastases would have been detected if SLN biopsy had been performed.
Qualitative Analyse von Patientenrückmeldungen zur prähospitalen Analgesie
Authors: Sander Henning , Häberle Nicola , Gnirke André , Nübling Matthias
Published: September 2023

Hintergrund

Die Ermittlung der Patientenzufriedenheit ist im Rahmen des Qualitätsmanagements bei der Rettungsdienst-Kooperation in Schleswig-Holstein (RKiSH) gGmbH von großer Bedeutung. Die vorliegende Auswertung ergänzt die Ergebnisse der quantitativen Befragung. Die folgende Auswertung führte zu der Erkenntnis, dass die Medikation keinen signifikanten Einfluss auf die Patientenzufriedenheit hat. Der Fragebogen wurde weiter validiert und die Freitextanalyse hier vorgestellt (siehe Online-Zusatzmaterial des Artikels).

Methode

118 Freitextantworten aus dem ursprünglichen Fragebogen wurden mit zwei Codern und einem selbst definierten Codesystem in die Kategorien positiv, negativ und keine Zuordnung verteilt. Die 515 Codierungen (codierte Freitextantworten) wurden in Bezug auf das Antwortverhalten bewertet.

Ergebnisse

Die positiven Anteile waren mit 61 % (n = 169) am höchsten. Die negativen Anteile hatten einen Wert von 27,1 % (n = 75). Ein Anteil von 11,9 % (n = 33) konnte keiner der beiden Kategorien zugeordnet werden. Die jeweils positiven und negativen Codierungen konnten dem Antwortverhalten im Fragebogen zugeordnet werden und unterscheiden sich voneinander.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Freitextantworten konnten die Ergebnisse weiter untermauern, brachten jedoch keine neuen Aspekte mehr hervor.
Do stroke services still show sex differences? A multicenter study
Authors: Nahas Nevine El , Shokri Hossam , Roushdy Tamer , Dawood Noha , Zaki Amr , Farhoudi Mehdi , Hokmabadi Elyar Sadeghi , Al Hashmi Amal , Brola Waldemar , Kosno Krystian , Falup-Pecurariu Cristian , Ciopleias Bogdan , Montaner Joan , Pérez-Sánchez Soledad , Mittal Manoj , Dowd Kandis , Banke Annie , Vigilante Nicholas , Siegler James , Ozdemir Atilla Ozcan , Aykac Ozlem , Kocabas Zehra Uysal , Melgarejo Donoband , Cardozo Analia , Peralta Lorena , Aref Hany , Caso Valeria
Published: September 2023

Background

The issue of sex differences in stroke has gained concern in the past few years. However, multicenter studies are still required in this field. This study explores sex variation in a large number of patients and compares stroke characteristics among women in different age groups and across different countries.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to compare sexes regarding risk factors, stroke severity, quality of services, and stroke outcome. Moreover, conventional risk factors in women according to age groups and among different countries were studied.

Results

Eighteen thousand six hundred fifty-nine patients from 9 countries spanning 4 continents were studied. The number of women was significantly lower than men, with older age, more prevalence of AF, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Ischemic stroke was more severe in women, with worse outcomes among women (p: < 0.0001), although the time to treatment was shorter. Bridging that was more frequent in women (p:0.002). Analyzing only women: ischemic stroke was more frequent among the older, while hemorrhage and TIA prevailed in the younger and stroke of undetermined etiology. Comparison between countries showed differences in age, risk factors, type of stroke, and management.

Conclusion

We observed sex differences in risk factors, stroke severity, and outcome in our population. However, access to revascularization was in favor of women.
Glucocorticoid-dependent multiple sclerosis overlapping anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: a case report and literature review update
Authors: Yang Bo , Yu Nengwei
Published: September 2023

Background

Previous studies suggest a relationship between central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating diseases and anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. Also, the overlap between anti-NMDAR encephalitis and multiple sclerosis (MS) has been reported. However, the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics are still obscure.

Case presentation

A 33-year-old woman presented with diplopia and sensory ataxia at the onset. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) anti-NMDAR antibodies were positive (1:3.2), and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral centrum ovale and lateral ventricle demyelinating lesions. Therefore, she was diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. After administering intravenous immunoglobulin and oral prednisone, her lesions disappeared, and symptoms were relieved. The condition was maintained with a low dose of prednisone, but her lesions reappeared on MRI. Consequently, immunomodulatory therapy of mycophenolate mofetil was initiated. However, she developed dysarthria and right limb ataxia after 10 months with a positive CSF anti-NMDAR antibody (1:1) and positive oligoclonal band. The MRI showed symmetrical multiple demyelinating lesions. Considering the MS diagnosis, her neurological dysfunction again improved significantly after intravenous methylprednisolone. Unfortunately, her symptoms aggravated for the second time when teriflunomide was started. Finally, her condition was controlled again with oral prednisone.

Conclusions

Consistent with previous cases of overlapping anti-NMDAR encephalitis and MS, patients often show atypical symptoms on MRIs and immunological tests. The overlap cannot be arbitrarily treated because of the recurrence of previous diseases. Long-term follow-up, dynamic antibody monitoring, and MRI examination are crucial for these patients. The special dependency of the patient on glucocorticoids in this study has been rarely reported, which may guide the treatment of insensitivity to disease-modifying therapy in recurrent overlapping anti-NMDAR encephalitis and MS.
Parent-child school-related interactions and helplessness in maths: the role of maths self-efficacy
Authors: Hawrot Anna , Zhou Ji
Published: September 2023

Although learned helplessness has a long research tradition, neither its contextual predictors nor the ways that they take effect are fully understood. This study inquired into the role of selected aspects of the home learning environment for academic helplessness. We tested whether three dimensions of parent-child school-related interactions—school-related assistance, structure, and responsiveness—predicted helplessness in maths. The study also verified whether student self-efficacy in maths partially mediated the relationships. The analyses were run on a sample of 6726 German secondary school students and used structural equation modelling. They confirmed that higher school-related assistance, structure, and responsiveness in Grade 7 were associated with lower helplessness in maths in Grade 7. Moreover, self-efficacy in maths was a partial mediator of these relationships. Additional analyses with helplessness in maths measured in Grade 9 revealed the same pattern of results for school-related assistance and responsiveness, but only an indirect link was present in the case of structure. The results highlight the protective role that parent-child interactions around school may play against academic helplessness.
Rebalance power and strengthen farmers’ position in the EU food system? A CDA of the Farm to Fork Strategy
Authors: Omar Aziz , Thorsøe Martin Hvarregaard
Published: September 2023

The Farm to Fork (F2F) Strategy at the heart of the European Union’s Green Deal set out to create a “just transition” towards a sustainable food system, with benefits for all actors. We conducted a critical discourse analysis (CDA) to explore discourses around power in the food system and farmers’ position in the communication and implementation of the Farm to Fork Strategy. Discourse analysis encapsulates various scientific methodologies for deciphering the meaning behind the creation and communication of different forms of language and identify power dynamics, amongst other aspects. We identified two prior discourses in one of the objectives of the European Union’s new Common Agricultural Policy (2023-27). Our analysis found that the discourses, namely “rebalance power in food system” and “strengthening farmers’ position in value chains,” are marginalized in favour of an innovation-investment discourse, indicative of greater financialization and technologization based on techno-finances fixes in transforming the European Union agri-food system. We argue that entities representing agri-business interests have been influential in the policymaking process and voices representing smallholder and medium-sized farmers’ transformational discourses have been excluded.
On the Structure of an Internal Groupoid
Authors: Martins-Ferreira Nelson
Published: September 2023

The category of internal groupoids (in an arbitrary category) is shown to be equivalent to the full subcategory of so called involutive-2-links that are unital and associative.
Mechanisms of phototherapy of Alzheimer’s disease during sleep and wakefulness: the role of the meningeal lymphatics
Authors: Oxana Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya , Alexander Shirokov , Inna Blokhina , Ivan Fedosov , Andrey Terskov , Alexander Dubrovsky , Maria Tsoy , Daria Elovenko , Viktoria Adushkina , Arina Evsukova , Valeria Telnova , Anna Tzven , Valeria Krupnova , Maria Manzhaeva , Alexander Dmitrenko , Thomas Penzel , Jürgen Kurths
Published: September 2023

With the increase in the aging population, the global number of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progressively increased worldwide. The situation is aggravated by the fact that there is no the effective pharmacological therapy of AD. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is non-pharmacological approach that has shown very promising results in the therapy of AD in pilot clinical and animal studies. However, the mechanisms of therapeutic effects of PBM for AD are poorly understood. In this study on mice, we demonstrate that photodynamic effects of 5-aminolevulenic acid and laser 635 nm cause reduction of network of the meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) leading to suppression of lymphatic removal of beta-amyloid (Aβ) from the right lateral ventricle and the hippocampus. Using the original protocol of PBM under electroencephalographic monitoring of wakefulness and sleep stages in non-anesthetized mice, we discover that the 7-day course of PBM during deep sleep vs. wakefulness provides better restoration of clearance of Aβ from the ventricular system of the brain and the hippocampus. Our results shed light on the mechanism of PBM and show the stimulating effects of PBM on the brain lymphatic drainage that promotes transport of Aβ via the lymphatic pathway. The effects of PBM on the brain lymphatics in sleeping brain open a new niche in the study of restorative functions of sleep as well as it is an important informative platform for the development of innovative smart sleep technologies for the therapy of AD.

Graphical Abstract
Comparison of the Felt Earthquakes since Historical Times with NCS Catalogue and ISR Telemetry Network in Gujarat (2006 to date)
Authors: Srivastava H.N. , Prajapati Sanjay K. , Rajkumar
Published: September 2023

Different catalogues of earthquakes are available for the Indian region besides regional catalogues for the Gujarat region. The limitations of these and other historical catalogues have been discussed in this paper for earthquake hazards and other studies. Keeping in view that these historical catalogues have been successful in explaining the recent occurrence of a few earthquakes like Coimbatore (1900), Hyderabad (1983), Bangaluru (1985) and Jabalpur (1997), the study has been extended to the Gujarat region. In this paper, therefore, an attempt has been made to correlate the historical data of the felt earthquakes in the Gujarat region from all the available sources with instrumental data to examine the recurrence of the earthquakes. It has been found that in addition to the seismically active Kutch region and Narmada and Cambay rifts, there is a tendency for earthquakes to recur in many districts of Gujarat for which felt data from historical times is available. The seismicity map prepared by the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR), Gandhinagar based on the Seismic Telemetry (2006-2020) shows scattered seismicity over the whole of Gujarat region besides active seismicity in the Kutch region. This data when combined with that from the catalogue prepared by the National Centre of Seismology provides greater confidence for earthquake hazard studies It has also been found that the coastal regions of Saurashtra and south Gujarat are more prone to swarm types of earthquakes.
Non-carcinogenic Health Risk Assessment of Fluoride and Nitrate of Groundwater – A Case Study of the Central Dry Zone of Chikkanayakanahalli Taluk, Tumkur District, Karnataka
Authors: Pushpa K.L. , Ravikumar P. , Prakash K.L.
Published: September 2023

Forty-two groundwater samples were randomly collected from Chikkanayakanahalli taluk during the pre-monsoon season of 2022 and were analysed for Fluoride and Nitrate levels using APHA standard methods. USEPA method was employed to assess the non-carcinogenic health hazards associated with exposure to NO3– and F– from drinking water consumption by computing estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ) and total hazard index (THI). HQnitrate > 1 through the ingestion pathway was observed in 14.28 and 4.76 % of the groundwater samples, respectively, for children and Teenagers, while HQfluoride > 1 for children was reported in 16.66% of the groundwater samples. Higher mean values of HQFluoride over HQNitrate supported added contribution of fluoride in groundwater of the study area in the non-carcinogenic human health risk over nitrate among different age groups of the local population. Overall, the average THI values were 0.205, 1.452, 1.025 and 0.821, respectively, for Infants, children, Teenagers, and Adults, and their trend was in the order: children > Teenagers > Adults > Infants. It was found that 90.5%, 54.8%, and 14.3% of the samples progressed beyond the standard limit (THI = 1) for children, Teenagers, and adults, respectively, illustrating that children are more prone to non-carcinogenic risks than other age groups. Further, NHHR of F- and NO3- in groundwater was higher for children, attributed to their lower body weight over teenagers and adults, besides average water consumption rates.
Amorphous nasal powder advanced performance: in vitro/ex vivo studies and correlation with in vivo pharmacokinetics
Authors: Henriques Patrícia , Bicker Joana , Carona Andreia , Miranda Margarida , Vitorino Carla , Doktorovová Slavomíra , Fortuna Ana
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Amorphous solid dispersions (ASD) for nasal delivery offer the opportunity to increase drug release performance, while using polymers with mucoadhesive properties. The aim of the present study was to apply this solubility enhancement technique to a poorly soluble drug for nasal delivery, while comparing two particle engineering strategies, namely spray dried microparticles and chimeral agglomerates, with the corresponding physical blends with crystalline drug.

Methods

Formulations of piroxicam were manufactured using varied polymer and particle engineering strategies and evaluated through in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation studies, as well as nasal deposition and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies.

Results

ASD with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) showed enhanced drug release and permeation, compared to polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate formulations and blends. Nasal deposition of HPMC chimeral agglomerates suggested off-target deposition. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies revealed that spray-dried HPMC-containing microparticles exhibited the highest maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the lowest time to attain it (tmax). In vitro release rate and in vivo absorption rate were correlated as well as tmax and in vitro performance. When excluding the formulation with least nasal targeted deposition, in vitro release and ex vivo permeation performance were also correlated with Cmax and area under the drug concentration-time curve (AUC) from 0 to 1 h, with R2 > 0.89.

Conclusion

ASD for nasal delivery provide fast drug absorption, which depends on the supersaturation ability of the polymer employed. In vitro-in vivo correlations suggested that in vitro release and ex vivo permeation studies are predictive tools regarding nasal absorption.
Boundary effects on wave trains in the Exner model of sedimental transport
Authors: Macca E. , Russo G.
Published: September 2023

In this work we compute the numerical solution of the Exner model of sedimentation when a train of waves is imposed at the inflow boundary (E. Macca in Shock-Capturing methods: Well-Balanced Approximate Taylor and Semi-Implicit schemes. PhD thesis, Universit‘a degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, (2022) and Major Revision, (2023)). The numerical solver is a second order finite-volume scheme, with semi-implicit time discretization based on Implicit-Explicit (IMEX) schemes, which guarantees better stability properties than explicit ones, still at a lower cost than fully implicit schemes. We show the effect of spurious reflected waves generated at the outflow edge of the computational domain, propose two remedies, and show how such spurious effects can be reduced by suitable non-reflecting boundary conditions.
Finding the Best Match — a Case Study on the (Text-)Feature and Model Choice in Digital Mental Health Interventions
Authors: Zantvoort Kirsten , Scharfenberger Jonas , Boß Leif , Lehr Dirk , Funk Burkhardt
Published: September 2023

With the need for psychological help long exceeding the supply, finding ways of scaling, and better allocating mental health support is a necessity. This paper contributes by investigating how to best predict intervention dropout and failure to allow for a need-based adaptation of treatment. We systematically compare the predictive power of different text representation methods (metadata, TF-IDF, sentiment and topic analysis, and word embeddings) in combination with supplementary numerical inputs (socio-demographic, evaluation, and closed-question data). Additionally, we address the research gap of which ML model types — ranging from linear to sophisticated deep learning models — are best suited for different features and outcome variables. To this end, we analyze nearly 16.000 open-text answers from 849 German-speaking users in a Digital Mental Health Intervention (DMHI) for stress. Our research proves that — contrary to previous findings — there is great promise in using neural network approaches on DMHI text data. We propose a task-specific LSTM-based model architecture to tackle the challenge of long input sequences and thereby demonstrate the potential of word embeddings (AUC scores of up to 0.7) for predictions in DMHIs. Despite the relatively small data set, sequential deep learning models, on average, outperform simpler features such as metadata and bag-of-words approaches when predicting dropout. The conclusion is that user-generated text of the first two sessions carries predictive power regarding patients’ dropout and intervention failure risk. Furthermore, the match between the sophistication of features and models needs to be closely considered to optimize results, and additional non-text features increase prediction results.
Atomic-scale mechanism of effect of co-separation of elements at interface of ferrite and austenite on Cr-depleted zone of duplex stainless steel
Authors: Hou Yan-hui , Xu Ze-kun , Zhou Shi-long , Li Guang-qiang
Published: September 2023

Three-dimensional atom-probe tomography and first-principles calculation combined with density functional theory were used to study the effect of the co-segregation of different elements formed during the solidification process of S32205 duplex stainless steel on the Cr-depleted zone at the interface between ferrite and austenite. It was found that the co-segregation of different elements formed during the solidification process of duplex stainless steel can also form Cr-depleted zone at the interface between ferrite and austenite. Moreover, Mo, Si, B, C and P atoms promote co-segregation with Cr atoms, which promotes the formation of Cr-depleted zone at the interface between ferrite and austenite in duplex stainless steel. Mo and Si strongly promote the segregation of Cr at the interface between ferrite and austenite, thereby promoting the formation of Cr-depleted zone. B, C and P elements also promote the segregation of Cr element at the interface between ferrite and austenite and the formation of Cr-depleted zone, but their effect is weaker than that of Mo and Si elements. These conclusions provide a new theoretical basis for improving the intergranular corrosion performance of duplex stainless steel.