bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing the challenges of loop detection in agricultural environments
Authors: Soncini Nicolas , Civera Javier , Pire Taihú
Published: August 2024

While visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping systems are well studied and achieve impressive results in indoor and urban settings, natural, outdoor, and open‐field environments are much less explored and still present relevant research challenges. Visual navigation and local mapping have shown a relatively good performance in open‐field environments. However, globally consistent mapping and long‐term localization still depend on the robustness of loop detection and closure, for which the literature is scarce. In this work, we propose a novel method to pave the way towards robust loop detection in open fields, particularly in agricultural settings, based on local feature search and stereo geometric refinement, with a final stage of relative pose estimation. Our method consistently achieves good loop detections, with a median error of 15 cm. We aim to characterize open fields as a novel environment for loop detection, understanding the limitations and problems that arise when dealing with them. Code is available at: https://github.com/CIFASIS/StereoLoopDetector
Comparison of 3D Facial Photographs and Clinical Documentation in Patients with Craniofacial Morphea
Authors: Nguyen Tyler T. , Cohen Stephanie M. , Shaw Katharina S. , Dedeoglu Fatma , Vleugels Ruth Ann , Ganske Ingrid M.
Published: August 2024

Diagnosis of craniofacial morphea (CM) relies upon clinical examination of progressive craniofacial changes. We assess the utility of 3D stereophotogrammetry in documenting asymmetry of the face compared to clinical notetaking. This retrospective study of 3D images and clinical documentation included 32 patients (mean age 15.7 years) with CM. A panel of specialists identified additional areas of asymmetry (those highlighted in 3D photographs that were not noted in clinical documentation) and categorised them as likely, ambiguously or unlikely related to CM. 28 patients (87.5%) had asymmetries noted on 3D photos that were not documented in clinical notes. In 46.4% of them, additional areas were deemed consistent with CM. In the remaining patients, additional asymmetries were ambiguous (42.9%) or not thought to be related to CM (10.7%). Our results suggest that adjunctive use of 3D stereophotogrammetry enhances the documentation of CM at discrete clinical time points and therefore could be a better comparative reference during later re-examination.
Electrical Stimulation Promotes Endocytosis of Magnetic Nanoparticles by Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhou Guanlin , Guo Xu , Zhang Wei , Wu Chengwei
Published: August 2024

Nanomaterials are increasingly used in biomedical imaging and cancer therapy, and how to improve the endocytosis of nanomaterials by cells is a key issue. The application of alternating current (AC) electrical stimulation to osteosarcoma cells (MG‐63) here can increase the cellular endocytosis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (diameter: 50 nm) by 52.46% via macropinocytosis. This can be ascribed to the decrease in F‐actin content and the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Transmission electron microscope, immunofluorescence staining, western blot, flow cytometry, and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer analyses support this interpretation. The application of electrical stimulation decreases the cell viability in magnetic hyperthermia by 47.6% and increases the signal intensity of magnetic resonance imaging by 29%. Similar enhanced endocytosis is observed for breast cancer cells (MCF‐7), glioblastoma cells (U‐87 MG), melanoma cells (A‐375), and bladder cancer cells (TCCSUP), and also for Fe3O4 nanoparticles with the diameters of 20 and 100 nm, and Zn0.54Co0.46Cr0.65Fe1.35O4 nanoparticles with the diameter of 70 nm. It seems the electrical stimulation has the potential to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic effects of magnetic nanoparticles by promoting endocytosis.
High‐Entropy Fluorite Oxide‐Modified CaO‐Based Sorbent Pellets for Enhanced High‐Temperature CO2 Capture
Authors: Long Yun , Gu Quan , Wang Changqing , Zhang Xingqiang , Liu Hongyi , Liu Lei , Zhou Zijian
Published: August 2024

The calcium looping technology employing CaO‐based sorbents is pivotal for capturing CO2 from flue gas. However, the intrinsic low thermodynamic stability of CaO‐based sorbents and the requisite molding step induce severe sintering issues, diminishing their cyclic stability. Herein, a high‐entropy fluorite oxide (HEFO) inert stabilizer premised on entropy stabilization and synergistic effect strategies is introduced. HEFO‐modified, CaO‐based sorbent pellets are synthesized via a rapid cigarette butt‐assisted combustion process (15 min) combined with the graphite molding method. Post‐multiple cycles, their CO2 capture capacity reaches 0.373 g g−1, which is 2.6‐fold superior to that of pure CaO, demonstrating markedly enhanced anti‐sintering properties. First, the subtle morphological and crystallographic modifications suggest that the inherent entropy stability of HEFO imparts robust thermal resistance. Concurrently, the disordered structure of single‐phase HEFO exhibits a high affinity for CaO, resulting in an interface binding energy of −1.83 eV, in sharp contrast to the −0.112 eV of pure CaO, thereby restricting CaO migration. Additionally, the multi‐element synergistic effect of HEFO reduces the energy barrier by 0.15 eV, leading to a 40% and 140% increase in carbonation and calcination rates, respectively. This work presents highly efficient and rapidly synthesized CaO‐based sorbent pellets, showcasing promising potential for industrial application.
Effect of Cr Content on Hot Deformation Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of Cu–Cr–Ni Bridge Weathering Steel
Authors: Xu Gaoshan , Zhang Tenghao , Zhang Ke , Xu Dangwei , Huang Zhong , Li Jinghui , Li Zhaodong , Huang Zhenyi
Published: August 2024

The hot compression tests (T = 850–1100 °C,  = 0.1–10 s−1) of Cu–Cr–Ni bridge weathering steel with different Cr content (0.46% (#1), 0.64% (#2)) were performed on Gleeble‐3800‐D thermomechanical simulator. The effects of Cr content on hot deformation and microstructure evolution are systematically investigated by the Arrhenius constitutive equation, processing map, electron backscatter diffraction technology, and transmission electron microscope. In the results, it is demonstrated that the increase of Cr content from 0.46% to 0.64% enhances the solution strengthening and inhibits the dynamic recrystallization of the experimental steels during hot compression, resulting in the increase of flow stress. The Arrhenius constitutive equation with strain compensation is constructed. The increase of Cr content results in an augmentation of hot deformation activation energy, rising from Q#1 = 358.47 kJ mol−1 to Q#2 = 396.79 kJ mol−1, causing the increase of deformation resistance of Cu–Cr–Ni bridge weathering steel in hot compression. The optimal hot processing window of #1 and #2 experimental steels is as follows:  = 0.1–0.2 s−1, T = 1050–1100 °C,  = 0.1–0.15 s−1, and T = 1050–1100 °C, the increase of Cr content leads to the narrowing of the hot processing window of the experimental steels.
Ertüchtigung des Brückengeräts SB30
Authors: Klähne Thomas , Schöne Julian , Schreiber Oliver , Gautier François , Stihl Thomas , Heiland Uwe
Published: August 2024

Das Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr (BMDV) und die Fa. SYSTEC GmbH verfügen über ca. 7500 t der Systembrücke SB30 für den Einsatz beim Katastrophenschutz und für temporäre Maßnahmen bei der Instandsetzung der Verkehrsinfrastruktur. Allerdings genügt das in den 1970er‐Jahren in der DDR entwickelte Brückengerät nicht mehr den heutigen Anforderungen und ist dementsprechend nur noch stark eingeschränkt verwendbar. Zur Vermeidung einer ressourcenintensiven Ersatzbeschaffung dieser Vorräte entwickelt die Fa. SYSTEC GmbH gemeinsam mit SEH Engineering GmbH und dem Ingenieurbüro KLÄHNE BUNG verschiedene Ertüchtigungskonzepte, welche eine Weiterverwendung des überalterten Brückengeräts SB30 im Sinne des von der Europäischen Kommission ausgerufenen Green Deal ermöglichen.
In vivo CRISPR‐Cas9 expression in Candida glabrata, Candida bracarensis, and Candida nivariensis: A versatile tool to study chromosomal break repair
Authors: Métivier Killian , Zhou‐Li Youfang , Fairhead Cécile
Published: August 2024

The CRISPR‐Cas9 system is extremely useful for genome editing in many species, including the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and other yeast species. We have previously reported the use of an inducible CRISPR‐Cas9 system in Candida glabrata, which allows genome editing but also the study of double‐strand break (DSB) repair. We report, in this study, a comparable system for C. glabrata, relying on a new plasmid, which is more stable than the previous one. We also report the use of this plasmid to induce DSBs in two additional human pathogens, Candida bracarensis and Candida nivariensis. We examine lethality induced by an in vivo DSB in the three species and describe the different types of nonhomologous end‐joining (NHEJ) events detected in these three pathogens.
Mining and Metallurgy in Early Imperial Russia
Authors: Graber Anna
Published: August 2024

The global turn in the history of science enables us to account for the non-Western and transcultural origins of modern science. While the knowledge traditions of some non-Western empires have begun receiving substantial historical treatment, the Russian Empire has been little considered by historians of science and technology. This gap in the literature is particularly surprising in the case of the earth and mining sciences given Russia’s dominance in early modern Eurasian metallurgy. The aim of this chapter is to bring together two literatures—the history of Russian imperial mining and the global history of earth science and mining technology—that are not often in conversation with one another. As historians of an empire that was independent yet deeply engaged with the earth and mining sciences of a variety of Wests, Russianists offer novel approaches to the some of the shared issues facing scholars of global science history.
Changemakers: Designers in Healthcare
Authors: Miller Evonne , Winter Abbe
Published: August 2024

This chapter makes the argument for why a transformative design-led approach is so urgently needed in healthcare. Healthcare and design are both about creating transformation through innovative change, but their approaches differ. This chapter describes the 4-year HEAL (Healthcare Excellence AcceLerator) collaboration between clinicians and designers in Queensland, Australia to tackle wicked problems, using the distinct design approaches of design thinking, design doing, prototyping, and implementing. As healthcare systems need continuous innovation, health is particularly suitable for the iterative, human-centred and interdisciplinary methods of design—where (1) challenges are reframed as opportunities for discovery and innovation, with (2) a focus on ongoing engagement, co-creating, testing, and refining implementable solutions, through (3) empathy, visual thinking, and rapid prototyping. Inherently optimistic, user-centred, and experiential, our design-led approach is a constructive new approach to healthcare innovation, and for creating transformative solutions with and for end-users: consumers and clinicians.
Improving Interpreter Service Uptake and Access to Just Healthcare for CALD Consumers: Reflections from Clinicians and Designers on Animation and Experience-Based Co-design (EBCD)
Authors: Rieger Janice , Johnstone Sarah , Beaver Karen , Chari Ruby , Brunner Thalia
Published: August 2024

This chapter describes a common problem in healthcare—finding ways to increase the use of interpreter services for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) consumers. The team took a threefold approach, beginning with a survey of clinicians, followed by a short (90 min) workshop with clinicians to more deeply investigate their reasons for not using the available interpreter services, and finally the development of an animated resource that could be played and shared to encourage clinicians to schedule interpreter services for their CALD consumers.
Empathy in Action: A Rapid Design Thinking Sprint for Paediatric Pain—Perspective-Storming, Pain Points, and the Power of Personas
Authors: Miller Evonne
Published: August 2024

This chapter deeply describes the design thinking process and contextualises it in the context of what is known as a sprint—a focused time dedicated to one topic. The design sprint discussed here was about reducing procedural pain for paediatric patients at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, during their annual week-long event Dream Big. The unique aspect of the design sprint for that event was its short time, taking place over only 1 h.
Asking the Right Questions: Cancer Wellness and Stroke Care
Authors: Cheers Jessica
Published: August 2024

This chapter provides a reflective lens on two separate projects from the HEAL initiative, which were both undertaken by HDR Intern and Experience Designer Jessica Cheers. The first, Cancer Wellness at the Princess Alexandra hospital, describes the experience of being a designer coming into a partly-planned solution to the problem of there being too much wellbeing information available in too many places for cancer patients, to the point that they were overwhelmed and could not select what they needed. By taking them through a design thinking process, the team were able to identify the critical information that cancer patients needed at different stages of their journey. The second project, on Stroke Care, comprehensively mapped the different experiences (including waiting times) that stroke patients had across the state of Queensland. This tool enabled clinicians and decision-makers to prioritise the best solutions for each case.
Thinking Differently: Six Principles for Crafting Rapid Co-design and Design Thinking Sprints as ‘Transformative Learning Experiences in Healthcare’
Authors: Miller Evonne
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents six principles drawn from lived experience of running over 30 rapid design thinking and co-design sprints on diverse healthcare topics as part of the HEAL initiative. Starting with an explanation of the value of a co-design approach to healthcare and situating these activities as transformative learning experiences for attendees, the six principles address the empathetic role of the facilitator, the importance of looking for the positive, the need to work through the hard stuff, the value of enabling consumers to have their say, ways to facilitate important conversations, and how to ensure a memorable experience. The chapter ends with a research poem that highlights the importance of thinking differently about design sprints.
Bringing the University to the Hospital: QUT Design Internships at the Queensland Children’s Hospital Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Authors: Tyurina Anastasia , Winter Abigail , Ness Wilson Leighann
Published: August 2024

This chapter is the second of three chapters in this book that discuss the HEAL project’s work with the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in 2021. This chapter describes the activities of a group of undergraduate students undertaking an industry placement, known as Work Integrated Learning (WIL), to support the design artefacts that needed to be created, including those for the PICU Marketplace data gathering. The project also evaluated whether the students who took part in this industry placement project had expanded their professional identity to consider working as a designer in healthcare as a potential future career aspiration.
Exploring Clinical Healthcare Challenges and Solutions Through a Design Thinking Education Program for Senior Health Professionals
Authors: Matthews Judy , Wright Natalie
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this chapter is to reflect on the value of teaching clinicians a design thinking human-centred process through exploring the challenges/issues/problems from their own practice settings, developing their collaborative prototyping mindset, and generating and testing new solutions. This chapter focuses on an introductory program for health professionals to increase their awareness of the benefits of engaging in the design thinking process and new ways of thinking, doing, and working, to address health service quality improvement issues. Using insights from their patients’ experiences, clinicians worked with their colleagues and designers in a half-day workshop to co-design, prototype and test some potential solutions to their patients’ health-related problems. These workshops were supported by an online program of five modules introducing further useful tools for implementing design thinking in healthcare settings during the five phases of the design process, and a recorded discussion capturing reflections of members of the QUT HEAL Design Lab and their experiences working with clinicians. Team reflections as well as recommendations for future educational interventions and implications for designers working with medical professionals are discussed.
‘It Takes a Village’: The Power of Conceptual Framing in the Participatory Redesign of Family-Centred Care in a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Wright Natalie , Wilson Leighann Ness , Tyurina Anastasia , Harnischfeger Jane , Johnstone Sarah , Matthews Judy
Published: August 2024

Family-centred care (FCC) is a global approach to the planning, delivery, and evaluation of safe, quality health care that is grounded in mutually-beneficial partnerships among health care providers, patients, and families. This perspective not only relates to direct care interactions, but also to quality improvement, safety initiatives, education of health professionals, research, facility design, and policy development. This chapter presents and discusses the process and outcomes of a truly collaborative and values-led participatory design quality improvement project undertaken by the QUT HEAL team at the Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH) Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Brisbane, Australia in 2020–2021, to optimise family-centred care quality through a spatial redesign proposal. It discusses the importance of conceptual framing at the outset of the project to galvanise a large team of staff, current and past parents and families, and hospital administration to support the three core principles of FCC—partnership, participation, and protection, and promote the health and well-being of individuals and families both through the design process and in the final conceptual interior design outcome.
Designing Hospital Emergency Departments for a Post Pandemic World: The Value of a BaSE Mindset—Biophilia (Natural), Salutogenesis (Healthy), and Eudaimonia (Contentment) in Architectural Design
Authors: Burton Lindy Osborne , Miller Evonne , Carthey Jane , Schofield Scott
Published: August 2024

This chapter reports on research conducted across Australia with clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–21. The researchers worked with clinicians in hospital Emergency departments, often the first point of contact at the hospital for many consumers, to investigate ways to make the layout and wayfinding easier, both for consumers and clinicians. Research suggests that a biophilic (bringing in elements of nature), salutogenic (promoting good health), and eudaimonic (supporting happiness and contentment) environment will make Emergency departments in hospitals more positive places, and clinician feedback provides specific examples of how these architectural goals could be achieved.
A computation of two-loop six-point Feynman integrals in dimensional regularization
Authors: Henn Johannes , Matijašić Antonela , Miczajka Julian , Peraro Tiziano , Xu Yingxuan , Zhang Yang
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We compute three families of two-loop six-point massless Feynman integrals in dimensional regularization, namely the double-box, the pentagon-triangle, and the hegaxon-bubble family. This constitutes the first analytic computation of two-loop master integrals with eight scales. We use the method of canonical differential equations. We describe the corresponding integral basis with uniform transcendentality, the relevant function alphabet, and analytic boundary values at a particular point in the Euclidean region up to the fourth order in the regularization parameter ϵ. The results are expressed as one-fold integrals over classical polylogarithms. We provide a set of supplementary files containing our results in machine-readable form, including a proof-of-concept implementation for numerical evaluations of the one-fold integrals valid within a subset of the Euclidean region.
Out-of-time-order asymptotic observables are quasi-isomorphic to time-ordered amplitudes
Authors: Borsten Leron , Jonsson D. Simon H. , Kim Hyungrok
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Asymptotic observables in quantum field theory beyond the familiar S-matrix have recently attracted much interest, for instance in the context of gravity waveforms. Such observables can be understood in terms of Schwinger-Keldysh-type ‘amplitudes’ computed by a set of modified Feynman rules involving cut internal legs and external legs labelled by time-folds.

In parallel, a homotopy-algebraic understanding of perturbative quantum field theory has emerged in recent years. In particular, passing through homotopy transfer, the S-matrix of a perturbative quantum field theory can be understood as the minimal model of an associated (quantum) L∞-algebra.

Here we bring these two developments together. In particular, we show that Schwinger-Keldysh amplitudes are naturally encoded in an L∞-algebra, similar to ordinary scattering amplitudes. As before, they are computed via homotopy transfer, but using deformation-retract data that are not canonical (in contrast to the conventional S-matrix). We further show that the L∞-algebras encoding Schwinger-Keldysh amplitudes and ordinary amplitudes are quasi-isomorphic (meaning, in a suitable sense, equivalent). This entails a set of recursion relations that enable one to compute Schwinger-Keldysh amplitudes in terms of ordinary amplitudes or vice versa.
Runge–Kutta convolution quadrature based on Gauss methods
Authors: Banjai Lehel , Ferrari Matteo
Published: August 2024

An error analysis of Runge–Kutta convolution quadrature based on Gauss methods applied to hyperbolic operators is given. Order reduction is observed, with the order of convergence depending heavily on the parity of the number of stages, a more favourable situation arising for the odd cases than the even ones. An exception is observed when the associated kernel exhibits exponential decay. In this case, for the 2-stage Gauss method full order is obtained. For particular situations the order of convergence is higher than for Radau IIA or Lobatto IIIC methods when using the same number of odd stages. We investigate an application to transient acoustic scattering where, for certain scattering obstacles, the favourable situation occurs in the important case of the exterior Dirichlet-to-Neumann map. Numerical experiments and comparisons illustrate the performance of the method.
Application of chokeberry pomace as pectin substitute in nonconventional freeze-dried snacks: physicochemical characteristics of the products
Authors: Karwacka Magdalena , Galus Sabina , Janowicz Monika
Published: August 2024

The objective of the study was the development of nonconventional restructured freeze-dried multicomponent snacks obtained with the addition of chokeberry pomace powder (CP) supported by calcium ions (0, 0.01 and 0.05%). The study consisted of the evaluation of the impact of various quantities (1, 3 and 5%) of dried chokeberry pomace powder on selected physicochemical characteristics compared to snacks structured by pectin (0.5 and 1.5%). The results showed that the application of CP caused a significant reduction in the snacks’ water content and activity, which could contribute to enhanced stability. Hygroscopic properties and porosity also decreased with increasing quantity of CP, which was a consequence of structural changes in the material. The CP addition elevated the hardness of the snacks, however the effect was notably lower than after pectin incorporation. The use of the CP promoted the bioactive compound content and antioxidant activity of the freeze-dried snack. Total phenolic and anthocyanin contents elevated with the increasing quantity of CP, also followed by antioxidant activity improvement. The introduction of anthocyanins, which are red colorants, also caused notable changes in the color of the products. Overall, the application of chokeberry pomace resulted in obtaining an innovative snack option characterized by fortified bioactive compounds content and antioxidant activity. However, more research is needed to optimize also nutritional characteristics of the products.
Antifungal characterizations of a novel endo-β-1,6-glucanase from Flavobacterium sp. NAU1659
Authors: Xie TingTing , Shen Jiming , Geng Zhitao , Wu Fan , Dong Yiwei , Cui Zhongli , Liang Yongheng , Ye Xianfeng
Published: August 2024

β-1,6-Glucan plays a crucial role in fungal cell walls by linking the outer layer of mannoproteins and the inner layer of β-1,3-glucan, contributing significantly to the maintenance of cell wall rigidity. Therefore, the hydrolysis of β-1,6-glucan by β-1,6-glucanase directly leads to the disintegration of the fungal cell wall. Here, a novel β-1,6-glucanase FlGlu30 was identified from the endophytic Flavobacterium sp. NAU1659 and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The optimal reaction conditions of purified FlGlu30 were 50℃ and pH 6.0, resulting in a specific activity of 173.1 U/mg using pustulan as the substrate. The hydrolyzed products of FlGlu30 to pustulan were mainly gentianose within 1 h of reaction. With the extension of reaction time, gentianose was gradually hydrolyzed to glucose, indicating that FlGlu30 is an endo-β-1,6-glucanase. The germination of Magnaporthe oryzae Guy11 spores could not be inhibited by FlGlu30, but the appressorium formation of spores was completely inhibited under the concentration of 250.0 U/mL FlGlu30. The disruptions of cell wall and accumulation of intracellular reactive oxide species (ROS) were observed in FlGlu30-treated M. oryzae Guy11 cells, suggesting the significant importance of β-1,6-glucan as a potential antifungal target and the potential application of FlGlu30.

Key points

• β-1,6-Glucan is a key component maintaining the rigid structure of fungal cell wall.

• β-1,6-Glucanase is an antifungal protein with significant potential applications.

• FlGlu30 is the first reported β-1, 6-glucanase derived from Flavobacterium.
Vignette-based comparative analysis of ChatGPT and specialist treatment decisions for rheumatic patients: results of the Rheum2Guide study
Authors: Labinsky Hannah , Nagler Lea-Kristin , Krusche Martin , Griewing Sebastian , Aries Peer , Kroiß Anja , Strunz Patrick-Pascal , Kuhn Sebastian , Schmalzing Marc , Gernert Michael , Knitza Johannes
Published: August 2024

Background

The complex nature of rheumatic diseases poses considerable challenges for clinicians when developing individualized treatment plans. Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT could enable treatment decision support.

Objective

To compare treatment plans generated by ChatGPT-3.5 and GPT-4 to those of a clinical rheumatology board (RB).

Design/methods

Fictional patient vignettes were created and GPT-3.5, GPT-4, and the RB were queried to provide respective first- and second-line treatment plans with underlying justifications. Four rheumatologists from different centers, blinded to the origin of treatment plans, selected the overall preferred treatment concept and assessed treatment plans’ safety, EULAR guideline adherence, medical adequacy, overall quality, justification of the treatment plans and their completeness as well as patient vignette difficulty using a 5-point Likert scale.

Results

20 fictional vignettes covering various rheumatic diseases and varying difficulty levels were assembled and a total of 160 ratings were assessed. In 68.8% (110/160) of cases, raters preferred the RB’s treatment plans over those generated by GPT-4 (16.3%; 26/160) and GPT-3.5 (15.0%; 24/160). GPT-4’s plans were chosen more frequently for first-line treatments compared to GPT-3.5. No significant safety differences were observed between RB and GPT-4’s first-line treatment plans. Rheumatologists’ plans received significantly higher ratings in guideline adherence, medical appropriateness, completeness and overall quality. Ratings did not correlate with the vignette difficulty. LLM-generated plans were notably longer and more detailed.

Conclusion

GPT-4 and GPT-3.5 generated safe, high-quality treatment plans for rheumatic diseases, demonstrating promise in clinical decision support. Future research should investigate detailed standardized prompts and the impact of LLM usage on clinical decisions.
Clinical outcomes and survival rates of a uncemented modular revision stem system in hip arthroplasty: a 10-year single-institution study on a frail population
Authors: De Meo Daniele , Martini Paolo , Perciballi Beatrice , Guarascio Giovanni , Vacca Matteo , Cera Gianluca , Gumina Stefano , Villani Ciro
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The increasing prevalence of primary hip arthroplasty has led to a parallel rise in revision cases. Femoral revision often entails compromised bone integrity, requiring consideration of various solutions for optimal reconstructive options. Despite technological advancements, there is limited evidence on the clinical outcomes of the latest modular revision stems. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and survival rates of next generation uncemented modular revision stem in patients undergoing hip revision surgery.

Materials and methods

This retrospective single-center study assessed the survival and failure causes of a specific uncemented modular stem in 48 patients undergoing hip revision surgery between 2012 and 2022. Data included preoperative parameters, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes measured through clinical and radiographic assessments. Forty-eight patients (25 males, 23 females; mean age 72 years) were included, with a mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 5. Preoperative diagnoses varied, with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) being the most common (45.8%), followed by periprosthetic fractures (27.1%). Partial revisions occurred in 60.4%, total revisions in 39.6%. According to Paprosky classification of femoral bone loss, type II and III were the most represented, respectively 35.4% and 50%.

Results

At a mean follow-up of 4.6 years, stem survival was 92.5%. Complications (20%) included dislocation, PJI, fracture, and loosening; the overall reoperation rate was 12.5%. The SF-12 physical score was 43.6, while the mental score was 51.1. The HOOS score was 71.8, and the HHS score was 71.4. Radiographic analysis identified nonprogressive osteolysis in 15.1% of patients.

Conclusions

This study on this uncemented modular revision stem demonstrated favorable outcomes in an elder fragile population with moderate to severe femoral bone loss. The implant’s modularity provides versatility in addressing various defects, without any implant breakage observed during the study period. Literature comparison highlighted similar outcomes despite sample size differences. The promising results warrant continued investigation into the long-term survivorship of this modular stem system.
The comparison between intratympanic gentamicin prehabilitation and postoperative virtual reality exposure to standard vestibular training in patients with vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Bonaventurová Markéta , Balatková Zuzana , Červený Květoslav , Černý Rudolf , Bandúrová Veronika , Koucký Vladimír , Peterková Lenka , Fík Zdeněk , Komarc Martin , Mrázková Eva , Plzák Jan , Čada Zdeněk
Published: August 2024

Objective

Resection of the vestibular schwannoma causes acute peripheral vestibular loss. The process of central compensation starts immediately afterward. The rehabilitation goal is to support this process and restore the quality of life.

Materials and methods

In this prospective single-center study, 67 consecutive patients underwent vestibular schwannoma resection (40 females, mean age 52 ± 12 years). The patients were divided into three groups: the prehabilitation with intratympanic gentamicin group, the virtual reality group (optokinetic stimulation via virtual reality goggles in the first ten days after the surgery), and the control group. All patients were examined with objective methods and completed questionnaires before the prehabilitation, before the surgery, at the hospital discharge, and after three months.

Results

Intratympanic gentamicin prehabilitation leads ipsilaterally to a significant aVOR reduction in all semicircular canals (p < 0.050), the increase of the unilateral weakness in air calorics (p = 0.026), and loss of cVEMPs responses (p = 0.017). Prehabilitation and postoperative exposure to virtual reality scenes improved the patient’s perception of vertigo problems according to Dizziness Handicap Inventory (p = 0.039 and p = 0.076, respectively). These findings conform with the optokinetic testing results, which showed higher slow phase velocities at higher speeds (40 deg/s) in both targeted groups compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Preoperative intratympanic gentamicin positively affects peripheral vestibular function, influencing balance perception after VS resection. In long-term follow-up, prehabilitation and postoperative exposure to virtual reality improve patients’ quality of life in the field of vertigo problems.
Quality of life in children at different stages of chronic kidney disease in a developing country
Authors: Chaichana Urapee , Pooliam Julaporn , Jantongsree Maturin , Chantaratin Sasitorn , Sumboonnanonda Achra , Pattaragarn Anirut , Supavekin Suroj , Piyaphanee Nuntawan , Lomjansook Kraisoon , Thunsiribuddhichai Yarnarin , Tinnabut Intraparch , Chaiyapak Thanaporn
Published: August 2024

Background

Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) require comprehensive assessments, including medical and quality of life (QoL) evaluations. Few studies have been conducted in developing countries.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 2–18-year-old patients who were categorized into 4 groups: the CKD stage 2–3, stage 4–5, stage 5 with dialysis (D), and kidney transplantation (KT) groups. QoL was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) version 4.0; relationships between different factors and QoL were determined using multivariable linear regression analysis.

Results

Eighty-seven patients (mean age: 13.3 (4.1) years) were included. The self-reported total scores were 77.5 (12.5), 78.9 (11.2), 77.4 (16.2), and 76.1 (10.9) in the stage 2–3, stage 4–5, stage 5D and KT groups, respectively. Parent-reported scores showed a weak-to-moderate correlation with self-reported scores (r = 0.12–0.42), with total scores of 71.8 (12.7), 69.5 (14.9), 63.4 (14.8), and 70.8 (18.1) in the stage 2–3, 4–5, 5D and KT groups, respectively. Multivariable linear regression revealed that the parent-reported score in the stage 5D group was 15.92 points lower than that in the stage 2–3 group (p = 0.02); the score in the low maternal education group was 10.13 points lower than that in the high maternal education group (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Parent-reported scores showed weak-to-moderate correlation with self-reported scores. Patients with CKD stage 5D and patients with low maternal education had lower QoL. Regular QoL assessment is recommended for patients with advanced CKD and those with socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

Graphical abstract
Advancing precision agriculture: domain-specific augmentations and robustness testing for convolutional neural networks in precision spraying evaluation
Authors: Rogers Harry , De La Iglesia Beatriz , Zebin Tahmina , Cielniak Grzegorz , Magri Ben
Published: August 2024

Modern agriculture relies heavily on the precise application of chemicals such as fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides, which directly affect both crop yield and environmental footprint. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the accuracy of precision sprayers regarding the spatial location of spray deposits. However, there is currently no fully automated evaluation method for this. In this study, we collected a novel dataset from a precision spot spraying system to enable us to classify and detect spray deposits on target weeds and non-target crops. We employed multiple deep convolutional backbones for this task; subsequently, we have proposed a robustness testing methodology for evaluation purposes. We experimented with two novel data augmentation techniques: subtraction and thresholding which enhanced the classification accuracy and robustness of the developed models. On average, across nine different tests and four distinct convolutional neural networks, subtraction improves robustness by 50.83%, and thresholding increases by 42.26% from a baseline. Additionally, we have presented the results from a novel weakly supervised object detection task using our dataset, establishing a baseline Intersection over Union score of 42.78%. Our proposed pipeline includes an explainable artificial intelligence stage and provides insights not only into the spatial location of the spray deposits but also into the specific filtering methods within that spatial location utilised for classification.
Placebo-related improvement with methylphenidate treatment in children with ADHD
Authors: Vertessen Karen , Oosterlaan Jaap , Bet Pierre , Bottelier Marco , Stoffelsen Reino , Swanson James M. , Wisse Annemiek , Twisk Jos , Luman Marjolein
Published: August 2024

Non-specific effects of methylphenidate treatment, including expectancy and regression to the mean effects, contribute to the overall effect of methylphenidate on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Knowledge on the extent to which non-specific effects contribute to the overall effect and whether regression to the mean explains part of the non-specific effects, is currently lacking. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was used to compare parent and teacher ratings of child ADHD symptoms at baseline and during treatment with placebo and 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg of methylphenidate, twice daily. Participants were 5-13-year-old children with a DSM-5 diagnosis of ADHD (N = 45). The extent to which non-specific effects contributed to the effects of methylphenidate was determined by ADHD symptom reductions observed with placebo versus reductions observed with active doses of methylphenidate. The influence of regression to the mean was examined by estimating the contribution of baseline ADHD symptom severity to the effects observed with placebo treatment. Data were analyzed using multilevel analyses. We observed significant non-specific effects of methylphenidate for parent-rated ADHD symptoms, but not for teacher-rated symptoms. For parent reported hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, higher baseline symptoms predicted larger effects with placebo, indicating regression to the mean effects. For parent-reports, a significant part of the overall effect of methylphenidate treatment is explained by non-specific effects. Our findings stress the importance of taking non-specific effects into account when evaluating methylphenidate treatment, by including teacher-reports and using a double baseline assessment during titration. Comparing active medication with a placebo in the titration trial has the potential to identify non-specific effects.
Bio-control efficacy of selected indigenous nematophagous fungi against Meloidogyne enterolobii in vitro and on dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Ramatsitsi Ndivhuwo , Dube Zakheleni Palane , Ramachela Khosi , Motloba Tuelo
Published: August 2024

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important commercialized field crop in South Africa for aiding in food security as a cheap protein source. However, it is highly susceptible to root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne species. Use of indigenous nematophagous fungi as bio-control agents (BCA) of Meloidogyne nematodes is a promising research focus area. This is because indigenous fungal species are naturally part of the ecosystem and therefore compatible with other biological processes unlike most synthetic chemicals. The objective of the study was to identify indigenous nematophagous fungal BCA and establish their potential efficacy in reducing M. enterolobii population densities on dry bean with and without incorporation of compost. Screened indigenous fungal species included Aspergillus terreus, Talaromyces minioluteus, T. sayulitensis, Trichoderma ghanense, and T. viride. There were observed significant parasitism differences (P ≤ 0.05) among the BCA, with T. ghanense showing the highest egg parasitism (86%), followed by T. minioluteus (72%) and T. sayulitensis (70%). On the other hand, the highest J2 parasitism was observed on T. minioluteus (95%), followed by A. terreus and T. viride (63%). A similar trend was observed under in vivo conditions, with higher efficacy with compost incorporation. This provides a highly encouraging alternative and ecologically complementary Meloidogyne management in dry bean production.
Minimally invasive tubular removal of spinal schwannoma and neurofibroma - a case series of 49 patients and review of the literature
Authors: Argiti Katerina , Watzlawick Ralf , Hohenhaus Marc , Vasilikos Ioannis , Volz Florian , Roelz Roland , Scholz Christoph , Hubbe Ulrich , Beck Jürgen , Neef Matthias , Klingler Jan-Helge
Published: August 2024

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive tubular removal of spinal schwannoma and neurofibroma. In this single-centre study, we retrospectively analysed 49 consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive removal of a total of 51 benign spinal nerve sheath tumors using a non-expandable (n = 18) or expandable tubular retractor (n = 33) retractor system between June 2007 and December 2019. The extent of resection, surgical complications, neurological outcome, operative time, and estimated blood loss were recorded. Histopathology revealed 41 schwannomas and 10 neurofibromas. After a mean follow-up of 30.8 months, postoperative MRI showed gross total resection in 93.7%, and subtotal resection in 6.3% of the tumors. Three patients were lost to follow up. Of the subtotal resections, one was a schwannoma (2.4% subtotal resections in schwannomas) and two were neurofibromas (20.0% subtotal resections in neurofibromas). Intraspinal and paraspinal tumor localizations were equally accessible by minimally invasive tubular surgery. Conversion to open surgery was not required in any case. The mean operative time was 167 ± 68 min, and estimated blood loss was 138 ± 145 ml. We observed no major surgical complications. Spinal schwannoma and neurofibroma can be removed effectively and safely using a minimally invasive tubular approach, with satisfying extent of tumor resection comparable to the conventional open surgical technique and no increased risk for neurological deterioration.
Spatial memory and frames of reference: How deeply do we rely on the body and the environment?
Authors: Iachini Tina
Published: August 2024

How do we mentally represent the world out there? Psychology, philosophy and neuroscience have given two classical answers: as a living space where we act and perceive, dependent on our bodies; as an enduring physical space with its feature, independent of our bodily interactions. The first would be based on egocentric frames of reference anchored to the body, while the second on allocentric frames of reference centred on the environment itself or on objects. This raises some questions concerning how deep the reliance on the body and the environment is when using these reference frames, and whether they are affected differently by the duration of time and the scale (small or large) of space. To answer these questions, I have brought empirical evidence of the effect of motor interference, blindness, environmental characteristics and temporal factors on egocentric and allocentric spatial representational capacity. The results suggest that egocentric representations are deeply rooted in the body, with its sensory and motor properties, and are closely linked to acting now in small-scale or peripersonal space. Allocentric representations are more influenced by environmental than by bodily characteristics, by visual than by motor properties, and seem particularly related to large-scale or extrapersonal space. In line with neurophysiological evidence and a Kantian perspective, it appears that we are endowed with an internal spatial representation system ready to structure environmental information for our purposes. To what extent this system is innate and pervasive in cognition and what is its relationship to the neural 'positioning' substrate discovered by O'Keefe and colleagues requires further scientific investigation.
Access to COVID-19 information, diagnosis, and vaccination for migrants and ethnic minorities in the WHO European region: a systematic review
Authors: De Marchi Chiara , Bellini Arianna , Tosti Maria Elena , D’Angelo Franca , Declich Silvia , Mazzalai Elena , Gatta Angela , Ferrari Caterina , Scarso Salvatore , Marchetti Giulia , Mondera Francesco , Mancini Giancosimo , Aloise Igor , Sabato Marise , Siena Leonardo Maria , Pizzarelli Scilla , Giannini Dara , Jaljaa Anissa , Turatto Federica , Marceca Maurizio
Published: August 2024

Aim

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on migrants and ethnic minority (MEM) populations in terms of risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, morbidity, and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate inequalities accessing healthcare for COVID-19 among MEM populations compared to the general population.

Subject and methods

A systematic review was conducted, collecting studies on MEM populations’ access to healthcare for COVID-19 in the WHO European region in terms of access to prevention, diagnosis, and care, published from January 2020 to February 2022, on the following databases: Medline, Embase, Biosis, Scisearch, and Esbiobase.

Results

Of the 19 studies identified, 11 were about vaccine hesitancy, five about vaccine execution, two about access to COVID-19 testing, and one was about access to information on COVID-19. Twelve studies were conducted in the UK. Overall, MEM populations faced greater barriers to accessing vaccination, turned out to be more vaccine hesitant, and faced more difficulties in accessing COVID-19 information and testing.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the inequalities MEM populations faced accessing healthcare services for COVID-19 and health information. There is the need for policymakers to prioritize strategies for building trust and engage MEM populations to overcome the barriers when designing health promotion and care programs.