bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consultation on UTUC II Stockholm 2022: diagnostics, prognostication, and follow-up—where are we today?
Authors: Sydén Filip , Baard Joyce , Bultitude Matthew , Keeley Francis Xavier , Rouprêt Morgan , Thomas Kay , Axelsson Tómas Andri , Jaremko Georg , Jung Helene , Malm Camilla , Proietti Silvia , Osther Palle Jørn Sloth , Brehmer Marianne
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To summarise the current knowledge regarding diagnostics, prognostication and follow-up in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

Methods

A scoping review combined with expert opinion was applied to provide an overview of the current research field. Based on the published literature and the experts’ own experience and opinions, consensus was reached through presentations and discussions at the meeting Consultation on UTUC II in Stockholm 2022.

Results

The strongest prognostic factors in UTUC are tumour grade and stage. They are correlated, and grade is used for indirect staging. The diagnostic examinations should include multiphase computed tomography urography (CTU) with corticomedullary phase, and urethrocystoscopy with cytology. If there is no clear diagnosis for clinical decision-making, ureterorenoscopy (URS) with focal cytology and biopsies should be performed. Both WHO classification systems (1973/1999 and 2004/2016) should be used. Novel biomarker tests are not yet widespread nor recommended for the detection of UTUC. Long-term, regular follow-up, including URS in patients who have had organ-sparing treatment, is important to check for tumour recurrences, intravesical recurrences, metastases and progression of the tumour.

Conclusion

Proper diagnostics with correct grading of UTUC are necessary for appropriate treatment decisions. The diagnostics should include CTU with corticomedullary phase, urine or bladder cytology, URS with focal barbotage cytology, and biopsies when needed for proper diagnosis and risk stratification. Regular, long-term follow-ups are fundamental, due to the high rate of recurrence and risk of progression.
Integrating US-guided FNAB, BRAFV600E mutation, and clinicopathologic characteristics to predict cervical central lymph-node metastasis in preoperative patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Ma Ning , Tian Hai-Ying , Yu Zhao-Yan , Zhu Xin , Zhao Dai-Wei
Published: August 2023

Background

The prevalence of cervical central lymph-node metastasis (CLNM) is high in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). There is considerable controversy surrounding the benefits of prophylactic central lymph-node dissection (pCLND) in patients with clinically negative central compartment lymph nodes (cN0). Therefore, it is crucial to accurately predict the likelihood of cervical CLNM before surgery to make informed surgical decisions.

Methods

Date from 214 PTC patients (cN0) who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy and pCLND at the Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital were collected and retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two groups in accordance with cervical CLNM or not. Their information, including clinical characteristics, ultrasound (US) features, pathological results of fine-needle aspirations biopsy (FNAB), and other characteristics of the groups, was analyzed and compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 214 patients were eligible in this study. Among them, 43.5% (93/214) of PTC patients had cervical CLNM, and 56.5% (121/214) did not. The two groups were compared using a univariate analyses, and there were no significant differences between the two groups in aspect ratio, boundary, morphology, component, and BRAFV600E (P > 0.05), and there were significant differences between gender, age, maximum tumor size, tumor location, capsule contact, microcalcifications, color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) (P < 0.05). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to further clarify the correlation of these indices. However, only age (OR = 2.455, P = 0.009), maximum tumor size (OR = 2.586, P = 0.010), capsule contact (OR = 3.208, P = 0.001), and CDFI (OR = 2.225, P = 0.022) were independent predictors of cervical CLNM. Combining these four factors, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the joint diagnosis is 0.8160 (95% 0.7596–0.8725). Univariate analysis indicated that capsule contact (P = 0.001) was a possible predictive factor of BRAFV600E mutation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, four independent predictors of cervical CLNM, including age < 45 years, tumor size > 1.0 cm, capsule contact, and rich blood flow, were screened out. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of these risk factors should be conducted when designing individualized treatment regimens for PTC patients.
Die Mischung macht’s? Das Shopping-Center wird zum Mixed-Use-Center
Authors: Heptig Marc
Published: August 2023

Grün, kompakt, gemischt, resilient, inklusiv – die Assoziationen zur (Innen‑)Stadt der Zukunft sind vielfältig und zielen zumeist auf eine nachhaltige Stadtentwicklung ab. Inwiefern innerstädtische Shopping-Center diese Entwicklung durch Mischnutzung auf Immobilienebene (z. B. Büros, Wohnungen oder Kultur- und Bildungseinrichtungen) fördern können, soll in diesem Beitrag beleuchtet werden. Für diesen Zweck wurden neben einer Literatur‑, Dokumenten- und Onlinerecherche Experteninterviews geführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass mischgenutzte Shopping-Center sowohl Chancen als auch Risiken für eine belebte, resiliente und nachhaltige Stadt(entwicklung) bergen. Einerseits schaffen Umnutzungen und Nachverdichtung alternative Besuchsanlässe und verringern Leerstände, reduzieren die Flächenversiegelung, den Ressourcenverbrauch und potenziell den Verkehr sowie können bei der Einbindung nichtkommerzieller Nutzungen eine sozial integrierende Wirkung entfalten. Andererseits können mischgenutzte Shopping-Center den Zielsetzungen der Innenstadtentwicklung schaden, indem sie den Besuch bestehender Nutzungen obsolet machen, den (sozial) exklusiven Charakter des Centers durch hochpreisige Nutzungsangebote intensivieren und das Verkehrsaufkommen steigern. Wenn den negativen Auswirkungen jedoch durch frühzeitige Überlegungen hinsichtlich Nutzungsart und -anzahl sowie der Komplementarität mit dem bestehenden Innenstadtangebot vorgebeugt wird, können mischgenutzte Shopping-Center als ein möglicher Baustein zur sukzessiven Transformation der Innenstädte fungieren. Beruhend auf den Ergebnissen werden zum Abschluss des Beitrags Handlungsempfehlungen abgeleitet.
Intermittent scanning continuous glucose monitoring is safe and useful in postsurgical glucose monitoring after pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Fagher Katarina , Ekström Eva , Rystedt Jenny , Tingstedt Bobby , Andersson Bodil , Löndahl Magnus
Published: August 2023

Aims

Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) systems have not been thoroughly evaluated during in-hospital stay, and there are concerns about accuracy during various conditions. Patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy have an increased risk of hyperglycaemia after surgery which is aggravated by parenteral nutrition therapy. This study aims to evaluate glycaemic control and safety during insulin infusion in a surgical non-ICU ward, using a hybrid glucose monitoring approach with isCMG and periodic point-of-care (POC) testing.

Methods

We prospectively included 100 patients with a resectable pancreatic tumour. After surgery, continuous insulin infusion was initiated when POC glucose was > 7 mmol/l and titrated to maintain glucose between 7 and 10 mmol/l. Glucose was monitored with isCGM together with intermittent POC, every 3–6 h. Median absolute relative difference (MARD) and hypoglycaemic events were evaluated. Mean glucose was compared with a historic control (n = 100) treated with multiple subcutaneously insulin injections, monitored with POC only.

Results

The intervention group (isCGM/POC) had significantly lower POC glucose compared with the historic control group (8.8 ± 2.2 vs. 10.4 ± 3.4 mmol/l, p < 0.001). MARD was 17.8% (IQR 10.2–26.7). isCGM readings were higher than POC measurements in 91% of the paired cases, and isCGM did not miss any hypoglycaemic event. About 4.5% of all isCGM readings were < 3.9 mmol/l, but only six events were confirmed with POC, and none was < 3.0 mmol/l.

Conclusions

A hybrid approach with isCGM/POC is a safe and effective treatment option in a non-ICU setting after pancreatoduodenectomy.
Evaluating cone cut in rectangular collimation in intraoral radiography: application of ALADA and radiation stewardship
Authors: Clark-Perry D. , Berkhout W. E. R. , Sanderink G. C. , Slot D. E.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Rectangular collimation is a popular method used in intraoral radiography to reduce patient exposure to ionizing radiation. One of the perceived drawbacks of rectangular collimation is the possibility of an increase in cone cut errors ultimately impacting the diagnostic value of the radiographs. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the frequency of cone cut errors in radiographs taken using a rectangular collimator.

Materials and methods

Radiographs taken using PSP plates at Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam in the Netherlands by staff and students from January to December 2015 were assessed for cone cut errors. The radiographs were grouped as bitewings, front teeth, inferior premolars and molars, and superior premolars and molars and categorized as no cone cut, cone cut but diagnostically usable, and cone cut but diagnostically not usable. The results were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed thereafter.

Results

A total of 53,684 radiographs were assessed, 79% had no cone cut errors and consequently 21% had some degree of cone cut. However, the diagnostic value was unaffected in 18% of the radiographs with cone cut. Only 3% of the radiographs were deemed diagnostically unusable due to cone cut. The most common area of cone cut was in the premolar and molar areas while cone cut in the front teeth was least likely to be diagnostically unusable.

Conclusion

Cone cut from the use of a rectangular collimator does not seem to result in an increase of diagnostically unusable radiographs. Thus, rectangular collimation should be preferred as it decreases the amount of radiation exposure to the patient while producing diagnostically usable radiographs and thus allowing the dental professional to adhere to the ALADA principle and practice radiation stewardship.

Clinical relevance

Scientific rationale for the study: rectangular collimation is a method used to reduce patient exposure to ionizing radiation; however, this benefit is negligible if radiographs must be retaken due to cone cut errors that make the radiograph diagnostically unusable. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the frequency of cone cut in radiographs taken using a rectangular collimator.Principal findings: cone cut was observed in 21% of the radiographs; however, only 3% of the radiographs were considered diagnostically unusable.Practical implications: rectangular collimation does not result in a high number of diagnostically unusable radiographs and should be used to reduce patient exposure to ionizing radiation.
Association between self-reported race and ethnicity and myositis-specific autoantibodies in a diverse cohort of patients with inflammatory myopathy
Authors: Beam Michael J. , Montgomery Anna , Anastasiou Christine , Schmajuk Gabriela
Published: August 2023

Myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) are highly specific biomarkers for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). We investigated whether self-reported race and ethnicity were associated with the presence of specific MSAs. Charts of patients with IIM seen at 3 large healthcare systems in the same US city were reviewed. Demographic data and MSA test results were abstracted. Associations between race and ethnicity and presence of MSAs were analyzed using bivariate analysis and further characterized using separate unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models. One hundred twenty-one subjects were included (19% Asian, 10% Black or African American, 27% Latinx or Hispanic, 36% non-Hispanic White, and 7% Other). In a bivariate analysis, anti-Jo-1 and anti-MDA5 autoantibodies were associated with race and ethnicity (p = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively). Black or African American subjects had increased odds of a positive anti-Jo-1 result compared to non-Hispanic White subjects on unadjusted logistic regression analysis (OR 8.61, 95% CI 1.61–46.07), although after adjustment for age and gender this finding was not significant. Subjects categorized as Other had increased odds of a positive anti-MDA5 result compared to non-Hispanic White subjects on both unadjusted (OR 55.0, 95% CI 2.02–1493) and adjusted analyses (OR 44.8, 95% CI 1.55–1298). Anti-Jo-1 and anti-MDA5 autoantibodies were significantly associated with race and ethnicity on bivariate analysis. Black or African American subjects had increased odds of positive anti-Jo-1 autoantibody on unadjusted, but not adjusted, logistic regression analysis. Subjects characterized as Other had increased odds of positive anti-MDA5 autoantibody, although confidence intervals were wide.

Key Points• Association found between MSAs and race and ethnicity in diverse US cohort• Anti-Jo-1 and anti-MDA5 associated with race and ethnicity in bivariate analyses
On being a Hydra with, and without, a nervous system: what do neurons add?
Authors: Hanson Alison
Published: August 2023

The small freshwater cnidarian Hydra has been the subject of scientific inquiry for over 300 years due to its remarkable regenerative capacities and apparent immortality. More recently, Hydra has been recognized as an excellent model system within neuroscience because of its small size, transparency, and simple nervous system, which allow high-resolution imaging of its entire nerve net while behaving. In less than a decade, studies of Hydra’s nervous system have yielded insights into the activity of neural circuits in vivo unobtainable in most other animals. In addition to these unique attributes, there is yet another lesser-known feature of Hydra that makes it even more intriguing: it does not require its neural hardware to live. The extraordinary ability to survive the removal and replacement of its entire nervous system makes Hydra uniquely suited to address the question of what neurons add to an extant organism. Here, I will review what early work on nerve-free Hydra reveals about the potential role of the nervous system in these animals and point towards future directions for this work.
A prospective prognostic signature for pancreatic adenocarcinoma based on ubiquitination-related mRNA-lncRNA with experimental validation in vitro and vivo
Authors: Wang Zhizhou , Yuan Qihang , Chen Xu , Luo Fei , Shi Xueying , Guo Fangyue , Ren Jie , Li Shuang , Shang Dong
Published: August 2023

Ubiquitination-related genes (URGs) exerted a crucial part in a variety of human disease disorders; however, their association with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) had yet to be clearly described. We aimed to comprehensively characterize the contributions of URGs in PAAD through in silico analysis and experimental validation, and then identified a robust mRNA-lncRNA-based molecular prognostic panel for patients with PAAD using bulk RNA-sequencing and single-cell RNA-sequencing data. Initially, we collected the multi-omics data from TCGA platform to depict a comprehensive landscape of URGs in pan-cancer. Furthermore, we were accurate to PAAD for in-depth analysis. Significant differences of the activation of ubiquitination pathways and the expression of URGs were detected between normal and malignant cells. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering determined two PAAD subtypes with distinct clinical outcomes, ubiquitination pathway activities, immune microenvironment, and functional annotation characteristics. The expression profiles of ubiquitination-associated mRNAs and lncRNAs in the training and validation datasets were utilized to develop and verify a novel ubiquitination-related mRNA-lncRNA prognostic panel, which had a satisfied prediction efficiency. Our ubiquitination-associated model could function as an effective prognostic index and outperformed four other recognized panels in evaluating PAAD patients’ survival status. Tumor immune microenvironment, mutation burden, and chemotherapy response were intensively explored to demonstrate the underlying mechanism of prognostic difference according to our panel. Our findings also revealed that FTI-277, a farnesyltransferase inhibitor, had a better curative effect in high-risk patients, while MK-2206, an Akt allosteric inhibitor, had a superior therapeutic effect in low-risk patients. The real-time PCR results uncovered the RNA expression of AC005062.1 in all the three PAAD cell lines was elevated several thousandfold. In conclusion, our URGs-based classification panel could be triumphantly served as a prediction tool for survival evaluation in patients with PAAD, and the genes in this panel could be developed as a potential target in PAAD therapy.
Primary Hypothyroidism and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Tale of Two
Authors: AlAnazi Faisal Holil , Al-kuraishy Hayder M. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Ashour Mohamed H. Mazhar , Alnaaim Saud A. , Elhussieny Omnya , Saad Hebatallah M. , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: August 2023

Hypothyroidism (HPT) HPT could be a risk factor for the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition, progressive neurodegeneration in AD may affect the metabolism of thyroid hormones (THs) in the brain causing local brain HPT. Hence, the present review aimed to clarify the potential association between HPT and AD. HPT promotes the progression of AD by inducing the production of amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau protein phosphorylation with the development of synaptic plasticity and memory dysfunction. Besides, the metabolism of THs is dysregulated in AD due to the accumulation of Aβ and tau protein phosphorylation leading to local brain HPT. Additionally, HPT can affect AD neuropathology through various mechanistic pathways including dysregulation of transthyretin, oxidative stress, ER stress, autophagy dysfunction mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibition of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Taken together there is a potential link between HPT and AD, as HPT adversely impacts AD neuropathology and the reverse is also true.

Graphical Abstract
Constructing irreducible polynomials recursively with a reverse composition method
Authors: Graner Anna-Maurin , Kyureghyan Gohar M.
Published: August 2023

We suggest a construction of the minimal polynomial $$m_{\beta ^k}$$

m

β
k

of $$\beta ^k\in {\mathbb {F}}_{q^n}$$

β
k

∈

F

q
n

over $${\mathbb {F}}_q$$

F
q

from the minimal polynomial $$f= m_\beta $$

f
=

m
β

for all positive integers k whose prime factors divide $$q-1$$

q
-
1

. The computations of our construction are carried out in $${\mathbb {F}}_q$$

F
q

. The key observation leading to our construction is that for $$k \mid q-1$$

k
∣
q
-
1

holds $$\begin{aligned} m_{\beta ^k}(X^k) = \prod _{j=1}^{\frac{k}{t}} \zeta _{k}^{-jn} f (\zeta _{k}^j X), \end{aligned}$$

m

β
k

(

X
k

)

=

∏

j
=
1

k
t

ζ

k

-
j
n

f

(

ζ

k

j

X
)

,

where $$t= \max \{m\in {\mathbb {N}}: m \mid \gcd (n,k), f(X) = g (X^m), g \in {\mathbb {F}}_q[X]\}$$

t
=
max
{
m
∈
N
:
m
∣
gcd

(
n
,
k
)

,
f

(
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)

=
g

(

X
m

)

,
g
∈

F
q

[
X
]

}

and $$\zeta _{k}$$

ζ
k

is a primitive k-th root of unity in $${\mathbb {F}}_q$$

F
q

. The construction allows to construct a large number of irreducible polynomials over $${\mathbb {F}}_q$$

F
q

of the same degree. Since different applications require different properties, this large number allows the selection of the candidates with the desired properties.
PI3K/AKT signaling activation by roflumilast ameliorates rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease in rats
Authors: Farid Heba A. , Sayed Rabab H. , El-Shamarka Marwa El-Sayed , Abdel-Salam Omar M. E. , El Sayed Nesrine S.
Published: August 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common progressive age-related neurodegenerative disorder. Paramount evidence shed light on the role of PI3K/AKT signaling activation in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. PI3K/AKT signaling can be activated via cAMP-dependent pathways achieved by phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibition. Roflumilast is a well-known PDE4 inhibitor that is currently used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Furthermore, roflumilast has been proposed as a favorable candidate for the treatment of neurological disorders. The current study aimed to unravel the neuroprotective role of roflumilast in the rotenone model of PD in rats. Ninety male rats were allocated into six groups as follows: control, rotenone (1.5 mg/kg/48 h, s.c.), L-dopa (22.5 mg/kg, p.o), and roflumilast (0.2, 0.4 or 0.8 mg/kg, p.o). All treatments were administrated for 21 days 1 h after rotenone injection. Rats treated with roflumilast showed an improvement in motor activity and coordination as well as preservation of dopaminergic neurons in the striatum. Moreover, roflumilast increased cAMP level and activated the PI3K/AKT axis via stimulation of CREB/BDNF/TrkB and SIRT1/PTP1B/IGF1 signaling cascades. Roflumilast also caused an upsurge in mTOR and Nrf2, halted GSK-3β and NF-ĸB, and suppressed FoxO1 and caspase-3. Our study revealed that roflumilast exerted neuroprotective effects in rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in rats. These neuroprotective effects were mediated via the crosstalk between CREB/BDNF/TrkB and SIRT1/PTP1B/IGF1 signaling pathways which activates PI3K/AKT trajectory. Therefore, PDE4 inhibition is likely to offer a reliable persuasive avenue in curing PD via PI3K/AKT signaling activation.

Graphical Abstract
Detection of Iterative Adversarial Attacks via Counter Attack
Authors: Rottmann Matthias , Maag Kira , Peyron Mathis , Gottschalk Hanno , Krejić Nataša
Published: August 2023

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have proven to be powerful tools for processing unstructured data. However, for high-dimensional data, like images, they are inherently vulnerable to adversarial attacks. Small almost invisible perturbations added to the input can be used to fool DNNs. Various attacks, hardening methods and detection methods have been introduced in recent years. Notoriously, Carlini–Wagner (CW)-type attacks computed by iterative minimization belong to those that are most difficult to detect. In this work we outline a mathematical proof that the CW attack can be used as a detector itself. That is, under certain assumptions and in the limit of attack iterations this detector provides asymptotically optimal separation of original and attacked images. In numerical experiments, we experimentally validate this statement and furthermore obtain AUROC values up to $$99.73\%$$

99.73
%

on CIFAR10 and ImageNet. This is in the upper part of the spectrum of current state-of-the-art detection rates for CW attacks.
Validation of the bowel urgency numeric rating scale in patients with Crohn’s disease: results from a mixed methods study
Authors: Dubinsky Marla C. , Delbecque Laure , Hunter Theresa , Harding Gale , Stassek Larissa , Moses Richard E. , Lewis James D.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Bowel urgency (BU) is an important symptom of Crohn’s disease (CD), however there is no patient-reported outcome (PRO) scale validated in this population to assess BU severity. Here we evaluated the content validity and psychometric properties of the Urgency Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).

Method

Qualitative interviews were conducted with moderate-to-severe CD participants to confirm importance and relevance of BU in this population, cognitively debrief the Urgency NRS, and explore score interpretation and CD remission. A quantitative web survey study was conducted to explore the measurement properties of the urgency NRS.

Results

Qualitative Interview: 34 of 35 participants reported BU. It was most bothersome for 44%, 47% reported it daily, 18% with every bowel movement. BU had a severe impact on daily activities, causing many participants to stay home more than preferred. Patients confirmed the relevance, appropriateness, comprehensibility of the item, recall period, response options, and instructions of the Urgency NRS. Small reductions on the Urgency NRS score reflected meaningful improvements. Quantitative survey: The study sample comprised 76 participants (65.8% female). Mean Urgency NRS score was 4.7 (SD 2.26; N = 76) at Week 1, with no floor/ceiling effect. Test–retest reliability was acceptable. Construct and known-groups validity against selected PROs were overall strong and within ranges hypothesized a priori.

Conclusion

The Urgency NRS is a valid and reliable instrument to assess BU severity in CD.
Fairness of artificial intelligence in healthcare: review and recommendations
Authors: Ueda Daiju , Kakinuma Taichi , Fujita Shohei , Kamagata Koji , Fushimi Yasutaka , Ito Rintaro , Matsui Yusuke , Nozaki Taiki , Nakaura Takeshi , Fujima Noriyuki , Tatsugami Fuminari , Yanagawa Masahiro , Hirata Kenji , Yamada Akira , Tsuboyama Takahiro , Kawamura Mariko , Fujioka Tomoyuki , Naganawa Shinji
Published: August 2023

In this review, we address the issue of fairness in the clinical integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical field. As the clinical adoption of deep learning algorithms, a subfield of AI, progresses, concerns have arisen regarding the impact of AI biases and discrimination on patient health. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of concerns associated with AI fairness; discuss strategies to mitigate AI biases; and emphasize the need for cooperation among physicians, AI researchers, AI developers, policymakers, and patients to ensure equitable AI integration. First, we define and introduce the concept of fairness in AI applications in healthcare and radiology, emphasizing the benefits and challenges of incorporating AI into clinical practice. Next, we delve into concerns regarding fairness in healthcare, addressing the various causes of biases in AI and potential concerns such as misdiagnosis, unequal access to treatment, and ethical considerations. We then outline strategies for addressing fairness, such as the importance of diverse and representative data and algorithm audits. Additionally, we discuss ethical and legal considerations such as data privacy, responsibility, accountability, transparency, and explainability in AI. Finally, we present the Fairness of Artificial Intelligence Recommendations in healthcare (FAIR) statement to offer best practices. Through these efforts, we aim to provide a foundation for discussing the responsible and equitable implementation and deployment of AI in healthcare.
Right Information, Right Patient, Right Time: Utilizing the MyCareCompass Platform to Deliver Patient Education in the Oncology Setting
Authors: Fleisher Linda , Kenny Cassidy , Rusten Cheryl , Koren Daniella , Landau Zoe
Published: August 2023

Patient education is an important part of cancer care as it increases patient activation and informed decision-making, reduces anxiety, and improves outcomes. However, challenges to providing appropriate education to patients exist on both the health provider and patient side of the equation, e.g., time constraints and health literacy issues. Digital health education is a fast-growing field of interest that has been shown to improve health outcomes, increase effectiveness of medical treatments and education, lower medical costs, and enhance both clinical diagnosis and research opportunities by streamlining data collection, sharing, and analysis. In 2019, Fox Chase Cancer Center was selected by ARCHES, an established patient education software company, to pilot its award-winning digital patient engagement system MyCareCompass. During the pilot, patients scheduled for port insertions were sent electronic messages inviting them to review various online educational materials related to their procedure and subsequent concerns. The invitations and resources were seamlessly integrated into the scheduling system and timed to arrive when patients would most need them. There was high usage of the port-related materials and patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the delivery system and the information. This automated process of delivering high-quality and relevant patient education was able to be implemented smoothly with IT involvement, had a positive impact on patients without adding any extra burden to the care team, and highlighted opportunities to integrate these types of interventions into routine care.
Compliance with and enforcement mechanism of labor law: cost-benefits analysis from employers’ perspective in Bangladesh
Authors: Syed Robayet Ferdous
Published: August 2023

This manuscript offers a qualitative exploration aimed at proposing effective strategies for enhancing compliance with and enforcement of labor laws in Bangladesh by diminishing the incentives for non-compliance. The study relies on primary data obtained from statutes, legal decisions, and secondary data sourced from scholarly articles, books, and book chapters, among others. Employing a cost-benefit analysis approach from the employers’ perspective, the study contends that showcasing the superior costs associated with violating labor laws, in comparison to the benefits gained, will incentivize employers to prioritize compliance to safeguard their interests. To this end, the research puts forth eight distinct techniques or mechanisms to curtail the benefits derived from disregarding labor laws. These strategies are thoughtfully organized into two categories, namely “increasing the likelihood of self-enforcement” and “supporting by other actors.” The proposed techniques for enhancing compliance with and enforcement of labor laws in Bangladesh hold significant potential in benefiting key stakeholders, policymakers, and practitioners in the field. Furthermore, the study’s findings carry valuable implications for other developing countries in the South Asian region, given their similar socio-economic and cultural contexts.
Numerical analysis of high-speed railway slab tracks using calibrated and validated 3D time-domain modelling
Authors: Esen A. F. , Laghrouche O. , Woodward P. K. , Medina-Pineda D. , Corbisez Q. , Shih J. Y. , Connolly D. P.
Published: August 2023

Concrete slabs are widely used in modern railways to increase the inherent resilient quality of the tracks, provide safe and smooth rides, and reduce the maintenance frequency. In this paper, the elastic performance of a novel slab trackform for high-speed railways is investigated using three-dimensional finite element modelling in Abaqus. It is then compared to the performance of a ballasted track. First, slab and ballasted track models are developed to replicate the full-scale testing of track sections. Once the models are calibrated with the experimental results, the novel slab model is developed and compared against the calibrated slab track results. The slab and ballasted track models are then extended to create linear dynamic models, considering the track geodynamics, and simulating train passages at various speeds, for which the Ledsgård documented case was used to validate the models. Trains travelling at low and high speeds are analysed to investigate the track deflections and the wave propagation in the soil, considering the issues associated with critical speeds. Various train loading methods are discussed, and the most practical approach is retained and described. Moreover, correlations are made between the geotechnical parameters of modern high-speed rail and conventional standards. It is found that considering the same ground condition, the slab track deflections are considerably smaller than those of the ballasted track at high speeds, while they show similar behaviour at low speeds.
Vicarious Emotions of Fear and Pain in Rodents
Authors: Keysers Christian , Gazzola Valeria
Published: August 2023

Affective empathy, the ability to share the emotions of others, is an important contributor to the richness of our emotional experiences. Here, we review evidence that rodents show signs of fear and pain when they witness the fear and pain of others. This emotional contagion creates a vicarious emotion in the witness that mirrors some level of detail of the emotion of the demonstrator, including its valence and the vicinity of threats, and depends on brain regions such as the cingulate, amygdala, and insula that are also at the core of human empathy. Although it remains impossible to directly know how witnessing the distress of others feels for rodents, and whether this feeling is similar to the empathy humans experience, the similarity in neural structures suggests some analogies in emotional experience across rodents and humans. These neural homologies also reveal that feeling distress while others are distressed must serve an evolutionary purpose strong enough to warrant its stability across ~ 100 millions of years. We propose that it does so by allowing observers to set in motion the very emotions that have evolved to prepare them to deal with threats — with the benefit of triggering them socially, by harnessing conspecifics as sentinels, before the witness personally faces that threat. Finally, we discuss evidence that rodents can engage in prosocial behaviors that may be motivated by vicarious distress or reward.
The effect of air plasma cutting on the quality, structural transformations and changes in the chemical composition of structural steel
Authors: Górka Jacek
Published: August 2023

The article presents results of tests concerning the effect of technological parameters of the plasma arc cutting process (involving the use of air as plasma gas) on the quality of cut surfaces as well as on structural transformations and changes in the chemical composition of 14 mm-thick plates made of steel S235JR. The tests revealed that the adjustment of optimum parameters of the cutting process enabled the obtainment of cut surfaces representing quality class I in accordance with the ISO 9013 standard. Only the surfaces processed using the maximum cutting rates represented quality class II. The chemical composition analysis was performed using an ICXA 733 X-ray microanalyser (Jeol) equipped with an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and an ISIS 300 analytical system (OXFORD). The cut surfaces were observed and their characteristic areas were photographed using an X-ray microanalyser and the backscattered electrons (BSE) technique. The phase analysis was performed using a PHILIPS PW 1050 X’Change machine operated in the B–B (Bragg–Brentano) geometry. It was observed that the application of the air plasma cutting process led to the formation of an amorphous phase on the cut surface. The amorphous phase was characterised by a very high nitrogen content (of approximately 1.6%) and a hardness of 750 HV 0.2. The intense nitration resulted from the diffusion of nitrogen from the plasma gas. At the same time, the effect of air plasma arc gases on the liquid metal was responsible for the carburising of the cut surface (up to approximately 0.5%) and the burnout of alloying components (in accordance with the theory of the selective oxidation of chemical elements). The quality of the cut surfaces was primarily affected by the cutting rate. An increase in the cutting rate was accompanied by the deterioration of the geometric features of cut surfaces. In addition, higher cutting rates also translated into the significant reduction of the HAZ width and that of the size of the zone of chemical composition changes. The tests revealed that, in terms of the 14 mm-thick plates made of steel S235JR, the optimum cutting rates were restricted within the range of 600 mm/min to 1500 mm/min. The tests carried out made it possible to determine the influence of the active plasma gas (oxygen, nitrogen) both on changes in the chemical composition of the tested steel and on the quality of the cut surfaces obtained.
Gauss–Newton method for solving linear inverse problems with neural network coders
Authors: Scherzer Otmar , Hofmann Bernd , Nashed Zuhair
Published: August 2023

Neural networks functions are supposed to be able to encode the desired solution of an inverse problem very efficiently. In this paper, we consider the problem of solving linear inverse problems with neural network coders. First we establish some correspondences of this formulation with existing concepts in regularization theory, in particular with state space regularization, operator decomposition and iterative regularization methods. A Gauss–Newton method is suitable for solving encoded linear inverse problems, which is supported by a local convergence result. The convergence studies, however, are not complete, and are based on a conjecture on linear independence of activation functions and its derivatives. Some numerical experiments are presented to support the theoretical findings.
Urban cooling potential and cost comparison of heat mitigation techniques for their impact on the lower atmosphere
Authors: Khan Ansar , Carlosena Laura , Khorat Samiran , Khatun Rupali , Das Debashish , Doan Quang-Van , Hamdi Rafiq , Aziz Sk Mohammad , Akbari Hashem , Santamouris Mattheos , Niyogi Dev
Published: August 2023

Cool materials and rooftop vegetation help achieve urban heating mitigation as they can reduce building cooling demands. This study assesses the cooling potential of different mitigation technologies using Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)- taking case of a tropical coastal climate in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area. The model was validated using data from six meteorological sites. The cooling potential of eight mitigation scenarios was evaluated for: three cool roofs, four green roofs, and their combination (cool-city). The sensible heat, latent heat, heat storage, 2-m ambient temperature, surface temperature, air temperature, roof temperature, and urban canopy temperature was calculated. The effects on the urban boundary layer were also investigated.

The different scenarios reduced the daytime temperature of various urban components, and the effect varied nearly linearly with increasing albedo and green roof fractions. For example, the maximum ambient temperature decreased by 3.6 °C, 0.9 °C, and 1.4 °C for a cool roof with 85% albedo, 100% rooftop vegetation, and their combination.

The cost of different mitigation scenarios was assumed to depend on the construction options, location, and market prices. The potential for price per square meter and corresponding temperature decreased was related to one another. Recognizing the complex relationship between scenarios and construction options, the reduction in the maximum and minimum temperature across different cool and green roof cases were used for developing the cost estimates. This estimate thus attempted a summary of the price per degree of cooling for the different potential technologies.

Higher green fraction, cool materials, and their combination generally reduced winds and enhanced buoyancy. The surface changes alter the lower atmospheric dynamics such as low-level vertical mixing and a shallower boundary layer and weakened horizontal convective rolls during afternoon hours. Although cool materials offer the highest temperature reductions, the cooling resulting from its combination and a green roof strategy could mitigate or reverse the summertime heat island effect. The results highlight the possibilities for heat mitigation and offer insight into the different strategies and costs for mitigating the urban heating and cooling demands.
Love matters: the case for an inclusive, contemporary approach to romance themes and texts in subject English
Authors: Nichols Sue
Published: August 2023

This paper examines analyses of adolescent romance fiction, highlighting key themes and debates over time. I will argue that contemporary social conditions underline the need to reconsider the value of this genre in the secondary English classroom. However, working effectively with genre literature (including romance) requires educators to diversify reading practices, challenging the dominance of the standard ‘class novel’ approach. I will describe the integration of a module on teen romance into a literature course for preservice English educators. Finally, focusing on a specific text,Frankly in Loveby David Yoon, I highlight the skilful way in which authors of contemporary adolescent literature weave multiple perspectives into engaging and nuanced narratives in which characters navigate identities, relationships, and ideas about love.
Evaluating Spatial, Cause-Specific and Seasonal Effects of Excess Mortality Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Germany, 2020
Authors: Mühlichen Michael , Sauerberg Markus , Grigoriev Pavel
Published: August 2023

Background

Evaluating mortality effects of the COVID-19 pandemic using all-cause mortality data for national populations is inevitably associated with the risk of masking important subnational differentials and hampering targeted health policies. This study aims at assessing simultaneously cause-specific, spatial and seasonal mortality effects attributable to the pandemic in Germany in 2020.

Methods

Our analyses rely on official cause-of-death statistics consisting of 5.65 million individual death records reported for the German population during 2015–2020. We conduct differential mortality analyses by age, sex, cause, month and district (N = 400), using decomposition and standardisation methods, comparing each strata of the mortality level observed in 2020 with its expected value, as well as spatial regression to explore the association of excess mortality with pre-pandemic indicators.

Results

The spatial analyses of excess mortality reveal a very heterogenous pattern, even within federal states. The coastal areas in the north were least affected, while the south of eastern Germany experienced the highest levels. Excess mortality in the most affected districts, with standardised mortality ratios reaching up to 20%, is driven widely by older ages and deaths reported in December, particularly from COVID-19 but also from cardiovascular and mental/nervous diseases.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that increased psychosocial stress influenced the outcome of excess mortality in the most affected areas during the second lockdown, thus hinting at possible adverse effects of strict policy measures. It is essential to accelerate the collection of detailed mortality data to provide policymakers earlier with relevant information in times of crisis.
Seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies among healthcare personnel in the Midwestern United States, September 2020–April 2021
Authors: Bosserman Rachel E. , Farnsworth Christopher W. , O’Neil Caroline A. , Cass Candice , Park Daniel , Ballman Claire , Wallace Meghan A. , Struttmann Emily , Stewart Henry , Arter Olivia , Peacock Kate , Fraser Victoria J. , Budge Philip J. , Olsen Margaret A. , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Babcock Hilary M. , Kwon Jennie H. ,   for the CDC Prevention Epicenters
Published: August 2023

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG nucleocapsid (N) antibodies among healthcare personnel (HCP) with no prior history of COVID-19 and to identify factors associated with seropositivity.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

An academic, tertiary-care hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Participants:

The study included 400 HCP aged ≥18 years who potentially worked with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and had no known history of COVID-19; 309 of these HCP also completed a follow-up visit 70–160 days after enrollment. Enrollment visits took place between September and December 2020. Follow-up visits took place between December 2020 and April 2021.

Methods:

At each study visit, participants underwent SARS-CoV-2 IgG N-antibody testing using the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay and completed a survey providing information about demographics, job characteristics, comorbidities, symptoms, and potential SARS-CoV-2 exposures.

Results:

Participants were predominately women (64%) and white (79%), with median age of 34.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 30–45). Among the 400 HCP, 18 (4.5%) were seropositive for IgG N-antibodies at enrollment. Also, 34 (11.0%) of 309 were seropositive at follow-up. HCP who reported having a household contact with COVID-19 had greater likelihood of seropositivity at both enrollment and at follow-up.

Conclusions:

In this cohort of HCP during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, ∼1 in 20 had serological evidence of prior, undocumented SARS-CoV-2 infection at enrollment. Having a household contact with COVID-19 was associated with seropositivity.
On the dimension of stationary measures for random piecewise affine interval homeomorphisms
Authors: BARAŃSKI KRZYSZTOF , ŚPIEWAK ADAM
Published: August 2023

We study stationary measures for iterated function systems (considered as random dynamical systems) consisting of two piecewise affine interval homeomorphisms, called Alsedà–Misiurewicz (AM) systems. We prove that for an open set of parameters, the unique non-atomic stationary measure for an AM system has Hausdorff dimension strictly smaller than
$1$
. In particular, we obtain singularity of these measures, answering partially a question of Alsedà and Misiurewicz [Random interval homeomorphisms. Publ. Mat.58(suppl.) (2014), 15–36].
A qualitative evaluation of a telehealth healthy lifestyle intervention for people with serious mental illness
Authors: O’Keeffe D. , Clarke M.
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

There are high levels of nutritional and metabolic, cardiovascular, and respiratory tract diseases among people diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI). Consequently, we developed a pragmatic, affordable nutritional and exercise intervention: Choices4Health. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we modified this intervention so it could be delivered online. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of participating in online Choices4Health, in a real-world clinical setting, from the perspectives of service users with SMI.

Methods:

The study aim was addressed using thematic analysis. Service users who had attended online Choices4Health, received a SMI diagnosis (defined as a schizophrenia spectrum disorder or an affective disorder), and resided in a South Dublin catchment were invited to participate. Nine participants were purposefully sampled. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone. Data analysis was guided by thematic analysis procedures.

Results:

Six themes were generated: Being ready and not overburdened (Engagement); Gaining knowledge and implementing it (Learning and doing); Viewing the intervention as appropriate and effective (Targeted impact); Being at home with others online (Belonging); Having a positive affective attitude towards the intervention (Feeling); and Perceiving problems with intervention delivery (Recommended change).

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that online Choices4Health is, broadly speaking, acceptable from a service user perspective, but that further refinement is required to address specific issues participants identified. These relate to follow-up or programme extension, technology access, in-person contact preference, and participant inclusion criteria. Further research is required into online Choices4Health efficacy, innovations to reduce digital exclusion, and managing group dynamics in telehealth interventions.