bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turning radiology reports into epidemiological data to track seasonal pulmonary infections and the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Heye Tobias , Segeroth Martin , Franzeck Fabian , Vosshenrich Jan
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To automatically label chest radiographs and chest CTs regarding the detection of pulmonary infection in the report text, to calculate the number needed to image (NNI) and to investigate if these labels correlate with regional epidemiological infection data.

Materials and methods

All chest imaging reports performed in the emergency room between 01/2012 and 06/2022 were included (64,046 radiographs; 27,705 CTs). Using a regular expression-based text search algorithm, reports were labeled positive/negative for pulmonary infection if described.

Data for regional weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) consultations (10/2013–3/2022), COVID-19 cases, and hospitalization (2/2020–6/2022) were matched with report labels based on calendar date. Positive rate for pulmonary infection detection, NNI, and the correlation with influenza/COVID-19 data were calculated.

Results

Between 1/2012 and 2/2020, a 10.8–16.8% per year positive rate for detecting pulmonary infections on chest radiographs was found (NNI 6.0–9.3). A clear and significant seasonal change in mean monthly detection counts (102.3 winter; 61.5 summer; p < .001) correlated moderately with regional ILI consultations (weekly data r = 0.45; p < .001).

For 2020–2021, monthly pulmonary infection counts detected by chest CT increased to 64–234 (23.0–26.7% per year positive rate, NNI 3.7–4.3) compared with 14–94 (22.4–26.7% positive rate, NNI 3.7–4.4) for 2012–2019. Regional COVID-19 epidemic waves correlated moderately with the positive pulmonary infection CT curve for 2020–2022 (weekly new cases: r = 0.53; hospitalizations: r = 0.65; p < .001).

Conclusion

Text mining of radiology reports allows to automatically extract diagnoses. It provides a metric to calculate the number needed to image and to track the trend of diagnoses in real time, i.e., seasonality and epidemic course of pulmonary infections.

Clinical relevance

Digitally labeling radiology reports represent previously neglected data and may assist in automated disease tracking, in the assessment of physicians’ clinical reasoning for ordering radiology examinations and serve as actionable data for hospital workflow optimization.

Key Points

• Radiology reports, commonly not machine readable, can be automatically labeled with the contained diagnoses using a regular-expression based text search algorithm.

• Chest radiograph reports positive for pulmonary infection moderately correlated with regional influenza-like illness consultations (weekly data; r = 0.45; p < .001) and chest CT reports with the course of the regional COVID-19 pandemic (new cases: r = 0.53; hospitalizations: r = 0.65; p < 0.001).

• Rendering radiology reports into data labels provides a metric for automated disease tracking, the assessment of ordering physicians clinical reasoning and can serve as actionable data for workflow optimization.
Comparing balloon-expandable and self-expanding transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement based on subgroups in Germany 2019/2020
Authors: Oettinger Vera , Hilgendorf Ingo , Wolf Dennis , Rilinger Jonathan , Maier Alexander , Zehender Manfred , Westermann Dirk , Kaier Klaus , von zur Mühlen Constantin
Published: November 2023

Background

Previously, overall comparable outcomes were seen for balloon-expandable (BE) or self-expanding (SE) transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, subgroup analyses based on large case numbers are still needed.

Methods

German national data of all BE and SE transfemoral TAVR treating aortic valve stenosis in 2019 and 2020 were analysed. We then compared different outcomes and performed a subgroup analysis for the endpoint in-hospital mortality.

Results

Overall, 46,243 TAVR were analysed, 19,910 BE, and 26,333 SE. Patients in the SE group had a significantly higher logistic EuroSCORE (13.61 vs 12.66%, p < 0.001), age (81.55 vs 79.99a, p < 0.001), and proportion of women (54.82 vs 40.06%, p < 0.001). Both groups showed a similar in-hospital mortality with 2.37% in BE and 2.35% in SE (p = 0.916). In-hospital mortality also did not differ significantly after risk adjustment (OR = 0.98 [0.86, 1.13], p = 0.799). Patients in the SE group had a significantly lower risk of major bleeding (OR = 0.83 [0.73, 0.95], p = 0.006), but a significantly higher risk of stroke (OR = 1.38 [1.19, 1.59], p < 0.001), delirium (OR = 1.15 [1.06, 1.24], p = 0.001), and permanent pacemaker implantation (OR = 1.29 [1.21, 1.37], p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis of in-hospital mortality, there were no significant differences in any of the observed subgroups (age < 75/75–79/80–84/ ≥ 85a, logistic EuroSCORE < 4/4– < 9/ ≥ 9, gender, NYHA III/IV, previous CABG, peripheral vascular disease, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, renal disease GFR < 30 ml/min, and diabetes mellitus).

Conclusion

In the direct comparison of balloon-expandable and self-expanding TAVR, there are no differences for in-hospital mortality in subgroups.

Graphical abstract
Coronary microvascular dysfunction in Takotsubo syndrome: an analysis using angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance
Authors: Schweiger Victor , Gilhofer Thomas , Fang Rick , Candreva Alessandro , Seifert Burkhardt , Di Vece Davide , Wuerdinger Michael , Koleva Iva , Rajman Katja , Cieslik Maciej , Gotschy Alexander , Michel Jonathan , Stehli Julia , Niederseer David , Ryberg Linn , Ghadri Jelena , Ruschitzka Frank , Stähli Barbara , Cammann Victoria Lucia , Templin Christian
Published: November 2023

Background

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) has been proposed as a crucial factor in the pathophysiology of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). The angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (caIMR) offers an alternative to conventional hyperemic wire-based IMR to assess CMD. We aimed to evaluate CMD’s prevalence, transience, and impact on in-hospital outcomes in TTS.

Methods

All three coronary arteries of 96 patients with TTS were assessed for their coronary angiography derived Index of microcirculatory Resistance (caIMR) and compared to non-obstructed vessels of matched patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Further, the association between caIMR and the TTS-specific combined in-hospital endpoint of death, cardiac arrest, ventricular arrhythmogenic events and cardiogenic shock was investigated.

Results

Elevated IMR was present in all TTS patients, with significantly elevated caIMR values in all coronary arteries compared to controls. CaIMR did not differ between apical and midventricular TTS types. CaIMR normalized in TTS patients with follow-up angiographies performed at a median of 28 months (median caIMR at event vs follow-up: LAD 34.8 [29.9–41.1] vs 20.3 [16.0–25.3], p < 0.001; LCX: 38.7 [32.9–50.1] vs 23.7 [19.4–30.5], p < 0.001; RCA: 31.7 [25.0–39.1] vs 19.6 [17.1–24.0], p < 0.001). The extent of caIMR elevation significantly correlated with the combined in-hospital endpoint (p = 0.036).

Conclusion

TTS patients had evidence of elevated caIMR in at least one coronary artery with a trend towards higher LAD caIMR in apical type TTS and normalization after recovery. Furthermore, extent of caIMR elevation was associated with increased risk of in-hospital MACE of TTS patients.

Graphical abstract
The impact of COVID-19 infection, the pandemic and its associated control measures on patients with Pompe disease
Authors: Theunissen Maudy T. M. , van den Elsen Renee M. , House Tiffany L. , Crittenden Brad , van Doorn Pieter A. , van der Ploeg Ans T. , Kruijshaar Michelle E. , van der Beek Nadine A. M. E.
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with Pompe disease, a rare metabolic myopathy, were thought to be at increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease during the pandemic. In addition, the lockdown may have affected their regular treatment.

Objective

To assess the perceived effect of COVID-19 infection and of the pandemic on the treatment, and physical and mental health of patients with Pompe disease.

Methods

Patients with Pompe disease over 16 years of age participated in an international, cross-sectional, online survey (September 20, 2022–November 7, 2022). The questionnaire, available in eight languages, consisted of 89 questions divided into 3 parts: (A) severity of Pompe disease, (B) COVID-19 precautions and infection(s) and (C) effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Among 342 respondents, originating from 25 different countries, 47.6% experienced one or more COVID-19 infections. While most recovered within 4 weeks (69.7%) and only eight patients needed to be admitted to the hospital, 42.2% of patients experienced an impact of the infection on their overall condition, respiratory status and/or mobility status. More severely affected patients took more stringent control measures. The pandemic additionally caused interruptions in medical care in many patients (56.0%) and 17.2% of patients experienced interruptions of enzyme replacement therapy. The pandemic also affected many patients’ disease severity (27.7%), mental health (55.4%) and feeling of loneliness (43.4%).

Conclusion

COVID-19 infection(s) and the pandemic affected the treatment, physical health and mental health of patients with Pompe disease, emphasizing the importance of continued patient centered care during a difficult time such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Graph neural network-based breast cancer diagnosis using ultrasound images with optimized graph construction integrating the medically significant features
Authors: Chowa Sadia Sultana , Azam Sami , Montaha Sidratul , Payel Israt Jahan , Bhuiyan Md Rahad Islam , Hasan Md. Zahid , Jonkman Mirjam
Published: November 2023

Purpose

An automated computerized approach can aid radiologists in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. In this study, a novel method is proposed for classifying breast tumors into benign and malignant, based on the ultrasound images through a Graph Neural Network (GNN) model utilizing clinically significant features.

Method

Ten informative features are extracted from the region of interest (ROI), based on the radiologists’ diagnosis markers. The significance of the features is evaluated using density plot and T test statistical analysis method. A feature table is generated where each row represents individual image, considered as node, and the edges between the nodes are denoted by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficient. A graph dataset is generated and fed into the GNN model. The model is configured through ablation study and Bayesian optimization. The optimized model is then evaluated with different correlation thresholds for getting the highest performance with a shallow graph. The performance consistency is validated with k-fold cross validation. The impact of utilizing ROIs and handcrafted features for breast tumor classification is evaluated by comparing the model’s performance with Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) descriptor features from the entire ultrasound image. Lastly, a clustering-based analysis is performed to generate a new filtered graph, considering weak and strong relationships of the nodes, based on the similarities.

Results

The results indicate that with a threshold value of 0.95, the GNN model achieves the highest test accuracy of 99.48%, precision and recall of 100%, and F1 score of 99.28%, reducing the number of edges by 85.5%. The GNN model’s performance is 86.91%, considering no threshold value for the graph generated from HOG descriptor features. Different threshold values for the Spearman’s correlation score are experimented with and the performance is compared. No significant differences are observed between the previous graph and the filtered graph.

Conclusion

The proposed approach might aid the radiologists in effective diagnosing and learning tumor pattern of breast cancer.
Iterative magnitude pruning-based light-version of AlexNet for skin cancer classification
Authors: Medhat Sara , Abdel-Galil Hala , Aboutabl Amal Elsayed , Saleh Hassan
Published: November 2023

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) with different architectures have shown promising results in skin cancer diagnosis. However, CNN has a high computational cost, which makes the need for a light version of CNN a desirable step. This version can be used on small devices, such as mobile phones or tablets. A light version can be created using pruning techniques. In this study, iterative magnitude pruning (IMP) is utilized. This method depends on pruning the network iteratively. The IMP method is applied on AlexNet with transfer learning (TL) and data augmentation. The proposed IMP AlexNet with TL is applied on three different skin cancer datasets which are PAD-UFES-20, MED-NODE, and PH2 dataset. The datasets used are a combination of smartphone, dermoscopic, and non-dermoscopic images. Different CNN versions are applied on the same datasets for comparison with IMP AlexNet. The CNNs used are VGG-16, ShuffleNet, SqueezNet, DarkNet-19, DarkNet-53, and Inception-v3. The proposed IMP AlexNet achieved accuracies of 97.62%, 96.79%, and 96.75%, with accuracy losses of 1.53%, 2.3%, and 2.2%, respectively, compared to the original AlexNet. In addition, the proposed IMP AlexNet requires less running time and memory usage than the traditional AlexNet. The average running time for IMP AlexNet is 0.45 min, 0.28 min, and 0.3 min, for PAD-UFES-20, MED-NODE, and PH2 datasets, respectively. The average RAM usage with IMP AlexNet is 1.8 GB, 1.6 GB, and 1.7 GB, respectively. IMP AlexNet accelerates the average running time by approximately 15 times that of the traditional AlexNet and reduces the average RAM used by 40%.
Energy scaling laws for microstructures: from helimagnets to martensites
Authors: Ginster Janusz , Zwicknagl Barbara
Published: November 2023

We consider scalar-valued variational models for pattern formation in helimagnetic compounds and in shape memory alloys. Precisely, we consider a non-convex multi-well bulk energy term on the unit square, which favors four gradients $$({\pm }\,\alpha ,{\pm }\,\beta )$$

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, regularized by a singular perturbation in terms of the total variation of the second derivative. We derive scaling laws for the minimal energy in the case of incompatible affine boundary conditions in terms of the singular perturbation parameter as well as the ratio $$\alpha /\beta $$

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and the incompatibility of the boundary condition. We discuss how well-studied models for martensitic microstructures in shape-memory alloys arise as a limiting case, and relations between the different models in terms of scaling laws. In particular, we show that scaling regimes arise in which an interpolation between the rather different branching-type constructions in the spirit of Kohn and Müller (Commun Pure Appl Math 47(4):405–435, 1994) and Ginster and Zwicknagl (J Nonlinear Sci 33:20, 2023), respectively, occurs. A particular technical difficulty in the lower bounds arises from the fact that the energy scalings involve various logarithmic terms that we capture in matching upper and lower scaling bounds.
Harnack inequality for solutions of the p(x)-Laplace equation under the precise non-logarithmic Zhikov’s conditions
Authors: Skrypnik Igor , Yevgenieva Yevgeniia
Published: November 2023

We prove continuity and Harnack’s inequality for bounded solutions to the equation $$\begin{aligned} \textrm{div}\big (\mid \nabla u\mid ^{p(x)-2}\,\nabla u \big )&=0, \quad p(x)= {\bar{p}} + L\frac{\log \log \frac{1}{\mid x-x_{0}\mid }}{\log \frac{1}{\mid x-x_{0}\mid }}, \\ {\bar{p}}&>1, \quad L>0, \end{aligned}$$

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Linear inverse problems with Hessian–Schatten total variation
Authors: Ambrosio Luigi , Aziznejad Shayan , Brena Camillo , Unser Michael
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we characterize the class of extremal points of the unit ball of the Hessian–Schatten total variation (HTV) functional. The underlying motivation for our work stems from a general representer theorem that characterizes the solution set of regularized linear inverse problems in terms of the extremal points of the regularization ball. Our analysis is mainly based on studying the class of continuous and piecewise linear (CPWL) functions. In particular, we show that in dimension$$d=2$$d=2, CPWL functions are dense in the unit ball of the HTV functional. Moreover, we prove that a CPWL function is extremal if and only if its Hessian is minimally supported. For the converse, we prove that the density result (which we have only proven for dimension$$d=2$$d=2) implies that the closure of the CPWL extreme points contains all extremal points.
Elective implant removal in the upper extremity: only symptomatic patients benefit
Authors: Hambrecht Jan , Canal Claudio , Klingebiel Felix , Pfammatter Cyrill , Teuben Michel , Neuhaus Valentin , Pape Hans-Christoph , Kalbas Yannik , Hierholzer Christian
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Elective implant removal (IR) in the upper extremity remains controversial. Implants in the olecranon and clavicle are commonly removed for prominence, unlike in the distal radius. Patient-reported symptomatic cannot be verified, and nonspecific discomfort remains unquantified. In this study, indications and outcomes of IR at the clavicle, olecranon and distal radius were evaluated, with a focus on postoperative patient satisfaction.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective, single-center cohort study, patients, who received elective IR of the clavicle, olecranon and distal radius were included. Patients were followed up at least six weeks after IR. Outcomes included patient satisfaction, symptom resolution, and complications.

Results

One hundred and eighty-nine patients were included. Unspecific symptoms of discomfort were the most prevalent indication for IR (48.7%), followed by pain (29.6%) and objective limited range of motion (ROM) (7%). Pain and limited ROM combined was observed in 13.8%. Subjective benefit following IR was described in 54%. Patients with limited ROM (OR 4.7, p < 0.001) or pain (OR 4.1, p < 0.001) were more likely to experience alleviation of complaints. Patients with unspecific symptoms of discomfort, often did not report improvement. Major complications occurred in 2%. Refractures were detected at the clavicle (3.7%) and at the olecranon (2.5%). Minor complication rate was 5%.

Conclusion

IR is a safe procedure in the upper extremity. Indications based on unspecific symptoms of discomfort have a significant lower rate of patient satisfaction postoperatively. Elective IR should be considered cautiously, if it is driven primarily by unspecific symptoms of discomfort. Patient education is relevant to prevent dissatisfying outcome.
Die Arbeit von Elementarpädagog:innen in Zeiten der Covid-19-Pandemie
Authors: Schmidt Sophie , Steger Andrea , Spiel Christiane
Published: November 2023

Der Ausbruch der Coronapandemie im Jahre 2020 führte zu massiven Einschränkungen des gesellschaftlichen Lebens weltweit. In der Folge kam es zur Schließung von Bildungsinstitutionen wie Kindergärten, Schulen und Universitäten. Eine online Fragebogenstudie aus dem Frühjahr 2021 beschäftigte sich mit den Arbeitsbedingungen von Elementarpädagog:innen in Zeiten der Krise in Österreich. Im Fokus standen dabei die Belastungen, Herausforderungen und Lernerfolge der Pädagog:innen. Insgesamt wurden die Daten von N = 541 überwiegend weiblichen Elementarpädagog:innen (97,6 % weiblich) analysiert. 84,1 % der Befragten berichteten von einer beruflichen Gratifikationskrise, also einem negativen Ungleichgewicht zwischen hohen beruflichen Anforderungen und einer niedrigen berufsbezogenen Anerkennung. Die allgemeine Arbeitszufriedenheit erwies sich als moderat (M = 4,28, SD = 1,18). Als herausfordernd wurden allen voran Rahmenbedingungen, wie uneinheitliche, fehlende und schwer umsetzbare COVID-19-Maßnahmen und der Personalmangel erlebt. Als Lerngewinn wurden unter anderem verschiedene Aspekte des pädagogischen Arbeitens, wie beispielsweise eine verstärkte Bedürfnisorientierung aufgrund kleinerer Gruppen genannt. Auch der Zugewinn an Flexibilität und eine erhöhte Stressresistenz wurden als positiv erlebt. Es zeigte sich, dass die Pandemie bereits existierende Missstände in der elementarpädagogischen Arbeit verstärkt. Um eine qualitativ hochwertige Betreuung von Kindern in elementarpädagogischen Einrichtungen weiterhin gewährleisten zu können, bedarf es einer Verbesserung der Arbeits- und Rahmenbedingungen in der frühkindlichen Bildung und Betreuung.
Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abdelwahab Omar Ahmed , Mechi Ahmed , Gahlan Shereen , Hamadein Fatima-Elzahraa , Kadhim Hallas , Ismail Doaa , Soliman Youssef , El‑Samahy Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Background

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a challenging disease in its presentation and management as it may cause life-threatening hemorrhaging in vital organs and may resist several lines of treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in treating patients with ITP.

Methods

We systematically searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception until 10 October 2022. We included all clinical trials, either controlled or single arm, and prospective and retrospective observational studies that evaluate the efficacy and safety of MMF in patients with ITP. We assessed the risk of bias using three tools (ROBINS-I, Cochrane ROB-2, and NIH), each for eligible study design.

Results

Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis, with a total of 411 patients with ITP. We found that MMF demonstrated an overall response rate of (62.09%; 95% CI = [43.29 to 77.84]) and the complete response rate was (46.75%; 95% CI = [24.84 to 69.99]). The overall proportion of adverse events was (12%; 95% CI = [6 to 24]). After the sensitivity analysis, the overall response rate became 50%; 95% CI = [38 to 63]) and the complete response rate became (32%; 95% CI = [24 to 42]). However, MMF did not appear to affect white blood cell counts or hemoglobin levels significantly.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that MMF appears to be an effective and relatively safe treatment option for patients with ITP when combined with steroids and even in those who have not responded to standard therapies (steroid-resistant cases). Further research with well-designed studies is warranted to better understand the factors influencing treatment response and to refine the use of MMF in the management of ITP. An interactive version of our analysis can be accessed from here: https://databoard.shinyapps.io/mycophenolate_meta/

Graphical abstract
How to manage massive spatiotemporal dataset from stationary and non-stationary sensors in commercial DBMS?
Authors: Vitale Vincenzo Norman , Martino Sergio Di , Peron Adriano , Russo Massimiliano , Battista Ermanno
Published: November 2023

The growing diffusion of the latest information and communication technologies in different contexts allowed the constitution of enormous sensing networks that form the underlying texture of smart environments. The amount and the speed at which these environments produce and consume data are starting to challenge current spatial data management technologies. In this work, we report on our experience handling real-world spatiotemporal datasets: a stationary dataset referring to the parking monitoring system and a non-stationary dataset referring to a train-mounted railway monitoring system. In particular, we present the results of an empirical comparison of the retrieval performances achieved by three different off-the-shelf settings to manage spatiotemporal data, namely the well-established combination of PostgreSQL + PostGIS with standard indexing, a clustered version of the same setup, and then a combination of the basic setup with Timescale, a storage extension specialized in handling temporal data. Since the non-stationary dataset has put much pressure on the configurations above, we furtherly investigated the advantages achievable by combining the TSMS setup with state-of-the-art indexing techniques. Results showed that the standard indexing is by far outperformed by the other solutions, which have different trade-offs. This experience may help researchers and practitioners facing similar problems managing these types of data.
How Culture Displaced Structural Reform: Problem Definition, Marketization, and Neoliberal Myths in Bank Regulation
Authors: Mikes Anette , Power Michael
Published: November 2023

We use content analysis to show that the diagnosis of the financial crisis of 2007–2009 shifted significantly from a focus on the need for structural change in the banking industry to an emphasis on culture and reform at the organizational level. We consider four overlapping subsystems in which this shift in problem–solution clusters played out—political, regulatory, legal, and consulting—and show that the “structural reform agenda,”  which was initially strong and publicly prominent in the political arena, lost attention. Over time it was displaced by a neoliberal managerialist turn, which watered down or abandoned structural solutions and instead played up a new “culture and conduct reform agenda.” We explain this shift in terms of the marketization of regulation, which—following Mautner (Language and the market society, 1st ed. Routledge, 2010)’s model of interdiscursive alignment—we detect in the shifting language of financial-services reform across the four subsystems in scope. We argue that a neoliberal turn took place with a discursive closure that made the structural reform alternative gradually unsayable and, in the end, unthinkable. At the same time, the discourse turned to embrace the neoliberal agenda, built on the myth of self-regulating actors and markets, manifest in the culture problematic. This managerialist turn was able to mobilise, and be operationalised by, an industry of consultants, whereas structural change came to be seen by regulators as too risky to implement. We claim that these dynamics reveal how a form of “collective strategic ignorance,” based on powerful institutional myths, was systematically oriented to ignore and reject structural sources of crisis. Finally, we suggest that the observed pattern of displacement—whereby initial calls for structural change become later displaced by managerial and procedural solutions—is common to other social issues, such as audit reform and corporate social responsibility.
Capturing the Varieties of Natural Language Inference: A Systematic Survey of Existing Datasets and Two Novel Benchmarks
Authors: Gubelmann Reto , Katis Ioannis , Niklaus Christina , Handschuh Siegfried
Published: November 2023

Transformer-based Pre-Trained Language Models currently dominate the field of Natural Language Inference (NLI). We first survey existing NLI datasets, and we systematize them according to the different kinds of logical inferences that are being distinguished. This shows two gaps in the current dataset landscape, which we propose to address with one dataset that has been developed in argumentative writing research as well as a new one building on syllogistic logic. Throughout, we also explore the promises of ChatGPT. Our results show that our new datasets do pose a challenge to existing methods and models, including ChatGPT, and that tackling this challenge via fine-tuning yields only partly satisfactory results.
Psychodrama with children
Authors: Krall Hannes
Published: November 2023

Psychodrama with children offers various forms of social pedagogical support for psychosocially impaired and biographically burdened children. The acting approach in the group, the possibility of symbolisation in role play and the joint creation in the group open up possibilities for expression and learning to expand one’s own repertoire of actions.

The article presents psychodramatic work with social-emotionally stressed children. Changes in the children’s social interactions and their role developments in the course of the work are described and examined with the help of an accompanying practical research project. A case study is used to explain the psychodramatic work process and the subsequent analysis.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Diffusion Behavior in Liquid Sn and Pb
Authors: Shiinoki Masato , Hirata Akihiko , Suzuki Shinsuke
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to clarify the effect of a unique structure with a “shoulder,” which represents a hump on the high wave vector side of the first peak of static structure factor, in liquid Sn (liq-Sn) on the self-diffusion behavior through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The MD simulations of liq-Sn at 573 K and liquid Pb (liq-Pb) at 773 K were performed for comparison. The former and latter were selected as element with and without shoulder structure and reliable self-diffusion coefficients in liquid have been measured in both elements. The calculated self-diffusion coefficients of liq-Sn and liq-Pb were reproduced as the same order of magnitude with the referred reliable data of diffusion coefficients, which were obtained by experiments on the ground. The microscopic diffusion behavior of liq-Sn is unlike that of the hard-sphere model because the atoms become sluggish in the range that corresponds to the shoulder appearing in the pair distribution function of liq-Sn as well as in the structure factor of liq-Sn based on the local atomic configurations and time-series analyses of individual atoms. Therefore, the velocity autocorrelation function (VACF) converges to zero more rapidly than that of liq-Pb, and it is reproduced by the hard-sphere model. However, the macroscopic diffusion behavior of liq-Sn expressed by the self-diffusion coefficient is the same as that of the hard-sphere model with the non-correlation of the VACF in the long time.
Impact of Microstructure on Remelting Parameters and Mechanical Behavior of Thermally Sprayed NiCrBSi Coating
Authors: Habib K. A. , Cano D. L. , Serrano-Mira J. , Encinas Emilo Rayón , Dosta R. S.
Published: November 2023

The present study concerns controlling and quantifying the impact of the remelting thermos-cycle curve parameters on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of remelted NiCrBSi coatings. This coating was chosen for this study because it shows good results while subjected to heat treatment. Understanding heat transfer during the remelting of porous coatings NiCrBSi remains a significant challenge in the coating technology and industry. Two different thermal spraying technologies are used: oxygen fuel (OF) and high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF). The working temperature versus time were monitored using infrared thermal imaging during surface flame melting (SFM). Optical, electron microscopy and characterization are utilized to investigate the impact of porosity and precipitates size on cooling curve parameters. X-ray diffraction is used for the phase analysis of NiCrBSi coatings as-sprayed and after remelting. Two methodological innovations are introduced; the quantification of the remelting cooling rate and the utilization of the thermo-cycles curve to calculate the energy required for the remelting. The results obtained suggest the size of the resulting precipitates highly depends on the cooling rate, rather than on the subcooling; the porosity of the as-spray coating has a significant effect on the size of the precipitates obtained and that the size of the precipitates has a similar effect to the porosity size on the fracture toughness.
Phospholipidomics in Clinical Trials for Brain Disorders: Advancing our Understanding and Therapeutic Potentials
Authors: Hachem Mayssa , Ahmmed Mirja Kaizer , Nacir-Delord Houda
Published: November 2023

Phospholipidomics is a specialized branch of lipidomics that focuses on the characterization and quantification of phospholipids. By using sensitive analytical techniques, phospholipidomics enables researchers to better understand the metabolism and activities of phospholipids in brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In the brain, identifying specific phospholipid biomarkers can offer valuable insights into the underlying molecular features and biochemistry of these diseases through a variety of sensitive analytical techniques. Phospholipidomics has emerged as a promising tool in clinical studies, with immense potential to advance our knowledge of neurological diseases and enhance diagnosis and treatment options for patients. In the present review paper, we discussed numerous applications of phospholipidomics tools in clinical studies, with a particular focus on the neurological field. By exploring phospholipids’ functions in neurological diseases and the potential of phospholipidomics in clinical research, we provided valuable insights that could aid researchers and clinicians in harnessing the full prospective of this innovative practice and improve patient outcomes by providing more potent treatments for neurological diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Artificial intelligence for improving public transport: a mapping study
Authors: Jevinger Å. , Zhao C. , Persson J. A. , Davidsson P.
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study is to provide a better understanding of the potential of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve Public Transport (PT), by reviewing research literature. The selection process resulted in 87 scientific publications constituting a sample of how AI has been applied to improve PT. The review shows that the primary aims of using AI are to improve the service quality or to better understand traveller behaviour. Train and bus are the dominant modes of transport investigated. Furthermore, AI is mainly used for three tasks; the most frequent one is prediction, followed by an estimation of the current state, and resource allocation, including planning and scheduling. Only two studies concern automation; all the others provide different kinds of decision support for travellers, PT operators, PT planners, or municipalities. Most of the reviewed AI solutions require significant amounts of data related to the travellers and the PT system. Machine learning is the most frequently used AI technology, with some studies applying reasoning or heuristic search techniques. We conclude that there still remains a great potential of using AI to improve PT waiting to be explored, but that there are also some challenges that need to be considered. They are often related to data, e.g., that large datasets of high quality are needed, that substantial resources and time are needed to pre-process the data, or that the data compromise personal privacy. Further research is needed about how to handle these issues efficiently.
Cardiac rehabilitation for patients with obesity: lessons learned from the OPTICARE XL trial
Authors: den Uijl Iris , Sunamura Madoka , Brouwers Rutger M. W. , Stam Henk J. , Boersma Eric , van den Berg-Emons Rita J. G. , ter Hoeve Nienke
Published: November 2023

Obesity is a known and commonly encountered risk factor for the development of cardiac diseases. Patients with cardiac diseases who also have obesity do not benefit optimally from standard cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. Exercises performed during CR are not the best fit for patients with obesity and counselling sessions often do not address their specific needs. OPTICARE XL is the first large multicentre randomised controlled trial to investigate the added value of a dedicated one-year CR program specifically designed for patients with obesity and integrated in daily practice. The short-term effects on body weight and physical activity were promising and patients with obesity experienced the program as highly desirable. However, the OPTICARE XL CR program did not show long-term added value compared with standard CR on health-related quality of life, psychosocial well-being, body weight, physical activity and physical fitness, nor on costs. The current article offers an overview of the background of this trial and discusses the most important results of the OPTICARE XL trial and the reasons behind the unanticipated long-term outcomes. Furthermore, it offers recommendations for future research and how to redesign the OPTICARE XL CR program to expand the short-term results.
Motor Rehabilitation Provides Modest Functional Benefits After Intracerebral Hemorrhage: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Translational Rehabilitation Studies
Authors: Fedor Britt A. , Sander Noam H. , MacLaren Maxwell , Liddle Lane J. , MacLellan Crystal L. , Colbourne Frederick
Published: November 2023

Few certainties exist regarding the optimal type, timing, or dosage of rehabilitation after stroke. Despite differing injury mechanisms and recovery patterns following ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, most translational stroke research is conducted after ischemia. As we enter the era of personalized medicine, exploring subtype-specific treatment efficacy is essential to optimizing recovery. Our objective was to characterize common rehabilitation interventions used after in vivo preclinical intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and assess the impact of post-ICH rehabilitation (vs. no-rehabilitation) on recovery of motor function. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PubMed Central) identified eligible articles published up to December 2022. Risk of bias (SYRCLE) and study quality (CAMARADES) were evaluated, and random-effects meta-analysis was used to assess treatment efficacy in recovery of forelimb and locomotor functions. Thirty articles met inclusion criteria, and 48 rehabilitation intervention groups were identified. Most used collagenase to model striatal ICH in young, male rodents. Aerobic exercise, enriched rehabilitation, and constraint-induced movement therapy represented ~ 70% of interventions. Study quality was low (median 4/10, range 2–8), and risk of bias was unclear. Rehabilitation provided modest benefits in skilled reaching, spontaneous impaired forelimb use, and locomotor function; however, effects varied substantially by endpoint, treatment type, and study quality. Rehabilitation statistically improves motor function after preclinical ICH, but whether these effects are functionally meaningful is unclear. Incomplete reporting and variable research quality hinder our capacity to analyze and interpret how treatment factors influence rehabilitation efficacy and recovery after ICH.
Dermatophytes and mammalian hair: aspects of the evolution of Arthrodermataceae
Authors: Tang Chao , Zhou Xin , Guillot Jacques , Wibbelt Gudrun , Deng Shuwen , Kandemir Hazal , Gräser Yvonne , Feng Peiying , Kang Yingqian , de Hoog G. Sybren
Published: November 2023

Dermatophytes and other members of Onygenales are unique in their ability to degrade keratin, affecting hair and nails, and in the case of human hosts, causing skin infections. Subtillisins are essential proteases in keratin assimilation, and subtilisin-like protease 1 (SUB1) and SUB3–7 are specific for dermatophytes. eIF2α kinases are serine-threonine kinases that perform essential functions in response to infection, proteotoxicity, and nutrient scavenging. The relatively conserved nature of EIF2AK4 among fungi makes them potential evolutionary markers, which may contribute to a deeper understanding of dermatophyte taxonomy and evolution. This study aimed to assess the phylogeny of dermatophytes by examining the EIF2AK4 and SUB1 genes compared to the ITS gene marker. The phylogenetic trees generated from the EIF2AK4 and SUB1 genes exhibited a similar topology, which differed from that observed in the ITS tree. Our preliminary findings with a limited dataset suggest that the EIF2AK4 and SUB1 genes provide a reasonably correct reflection of the evolution of Arthrodermataceae. In addition, the study analyzed in vitro keratinolytic responses of 19 dermatophyte species using hairs of a broad range of mammals, including ancestral as well as derived species, as substrates. Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Nannizzia gypsea were the most active in degrading hair, while Trichophyton verrucosum, Trichophyton tonsurans and Epidermophyton floccosum showed low response. Hairs of Hyracoidea and Rodentia were most affected of all mammal hairs, while in contrast, bat hairs were difficult to degrade by nearly all tested dermatophyte species. Zoophilic species showed more activity than anthropophilic dermatophytes, but hair degradation profiles were not diagnostic for particular dermatophyte species.
Effect of Europium Complexation on N,N,N′,N′-Tetraoctyldiglycolamide Degradation Against Gamma Radiation
Authors: Sánchez-García Iván , Galán Hitos
Published: November 2023

Diglycolamide extractants (DGAs) are playing an important role for many of aqueous separation processes under development for the advanced nuclear fuel cycle. This family of ligands exhibits excellent extracting and resistant properties, with TODGA (N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyldiglycolamide) being a particularly successful extractant studied intensively in recent decades. Nowadays, the main issues for TODGA-based solvents are related to the understanding and simulation of the radiolytic degradation under realistic conditions, which is limiting aspect for the development of an advanced aqueous nuclear separation process. In that sense, in this work, TODGA ligand stability, solvent composition and performance were evaluated considering the effect of metal complexation under gamma radiation. For that, the irradiation of a TODGA solvent in the presence of Eu metal was carried out, varying the ligand/metal ratio. The goal was to not only study TODGA degradation using HPLC–MS technique but also to identify and quantify its degradation compound under these experimental conditions. The results revealed a protection of TODGA molecules due to metal ion complexation, with no observed changes in the degradation pathway, as confirmed by the quantification of formed degradation compounds.
Validation of risk scores for prediction of severe pneumonia in kidney transplant recipients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Müller-Plathe Moritz , Osmanodja Bilgin , Barthel Georg , Budde Klemens , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Kolditz Martin , Witzenrath Martin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Risk scores for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are widely used for standardized assessment in immunocompetent patients and to identify patients at risk for severe pneumonia and death. In immunocompromised patients, the prognostic value of pneumonia-specific risk scores seems to be reduced, but evidence is limited. The value of different pneumonia risk scores in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) is not known.

Methods

Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed 310 first CAP episodes after kidney transplantation in 310 KTR. We assessed clinical outcomes and validated eight different risk scores (CRB-65, CURB-65, DS-CRB-65, qSOFA, SOFA, PSI, IDSA/ATS minor criteria, NEWS-2) for the prognosis of severe pneumonia and in-hospital mortality. Risk scores were assessed up to 48 h after admission, but always before an endpoint occurred. Multiple imputation was performed to handle missing values.

Results

In total, 16 out of 310 patients (5.2%) died, and 48 (15.5%) developed severe pneumonia. Based on ROC analysis, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and national early warning score 2 (NEWS-2) performed best, predicting severe pneumonia with AUC of 0.823 (0.747–0.880) and 0.784 (0.691–0.855), respectively.

Conclusion

SOFA and NEWS-2 are best suited to identify KTR at risk for the development of severe CAP. In contrast to immunocompetent patients, CRB-65 should not be used to guide outpatient treatment in KTR, since there is a 7% risk for the development of severe pneumonia even in patients with a score of zero.
Coaxial Wet Spinning of Boron Nitride Nanosheet-Based Composite Fibers with Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Mechanical Strength
Authors: Lu Wenjiang , Deng Qixuan , Liu Minsu , Ding Baofu , Xiong Zhiyuan , Qiu Ling
Published: November 2023

Hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) exhibit remarkable thermal and dielectric properties. However, their self-assembly and alignment in macroscopic forms remain challenging due to the chemical inertness of boron nitride, thereby limiting their performance in applications such as thermal management. In this study, we present a coaxial wet spinning approach for the fabrication of BNNSs/polymer composite fibers with high nanosheet orientation. The composite fibers were prepared using a superacid-based solvent system and showed a layered structure comprising an aramid core and an aramid/BNNSs sheath. Notably, the coaxial fibers exhibited significantly higher BNNSs alignment compared to uniaxial aramid/BNNSs fibers, primarily due to the additional compressive forces exerted at the core-sheath interface during the hot drawing process. With a BNNSs loading of 60 wt%, the resulting coaxial fibers showed exceptional properties, including an ultrahigh Herman orientation parameter of 0.81, thermal conductivity of 17.2 W m−1 K−1, and tensile strength of 192.5 MPa. These results surpassed those of uniaxial fibers and previously reported BNNSs composite fibers, making them highly suitable for applications such as wearable thermal management textiles. Our findings present a promising strategy for fabricating high-performance composite fibers based on BNNSs.
On the Polishness of the inverse semigroup $$\Gamma (X)$$ on a compact metric space x
Authors: Pérez Jerson , Uzcátegui Carlos
Published: November 2023

Let $$\Gamma (X)$$

Γ
(
X
)

be the inverse semigroup of partial homeomorphisms between open subsets of a compact metric space X. There is a topology, denoted $$\tau _\textrm{hco}$$

τ
hco

, that makes $$\Gamma (X)$$

Γ
(
X
)

a topological inverse semigroup. We address the question of whether $$\tau _\textrm{hco}$$

τ
hco

is Polish. For a 0-dimensional compact metric space X, we prove that $$(\Gamma (X), \tau _\textrm{hco})$$

(
Γ

(
X
)

,

τ
hco

)

is Polish by showing that it is topologically isomorphic to a closed subsemigroup of the Polish symmetric inverse semigroup $$I({\mathbb N})$$

I
(
N
)

. We present examples, similar to the classical Munn semigroups, of Polish inverse semigroups consisting of partial isomorphism on lattices of open sets.
The PhotoVoice method for collaborating with people with lived experience of mental health conditions to strengthen mental health services
Authors: Rai Sauharda , Gurung Dristy , Kohrt Brandon
Published: November 2023

There is a growing recognition of the benefits of collaborating with people with lived experience (PWLE) of mental health conditions in mental health research and implementation of services. Such collaboration has been effective in reducing mental health stigma and improving the quality of mental health care. Here, we describe using PhotoVoice as a collaborative method in which PWLE use visual narratives to tell their recovery stories for promoting social contact, debunking myths and reducing stigma. First, we outline the framework of this collaboration, drawing on theories from medical anthropology and social psychology and focusing on reducing mental health stigma among primary healthcare workers. Then, we describe the process using our learnings from implementing PhotoVoice in Nepal, Ethiopia and Uganda. We highlight collaboration in five key steps with associated considerations: (1) identifying PWLE for collaboration; (2) training in photography, distress management and presentation skills; (3) developing a photographic recovery story; (4) training healthcare workers using the PhotoVoice narratives; and (5) ongoing support of mental health systems strengthening in collaboration with PWLE. Then, we critically reflect on the process, highlighting the benefits and challenges to the participants and researchers, thereby paving the way for expanding collaborations with PWLE using the PhotoVoice method.