bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and characteristics of benign cartilaginous tumours of the shoulder joint. An MRI-based study
Authors: Woltsche Johannes Nikolaus , Smolle Maria , Szolar Dieter , Bergovec Marko , Leithner Andreas
Published: June 2023

Objective

Enchondromas (EC) of the shoulder joint are benign intraosseous cartilage neoplasms, with atypical cartilaginous tumours (ACT) representing their intermediate counterpart. They are usually found incidentally on clinical imaging performed for other reasons. Thus far the prevalence of ECs of the shoulder has been analysed in only one study reaching a figure of 2.1%.

Materials and methods

The aim of the current study was to validate this number via retrospective analysis of a 45 times larger, uniform cohort consisting of 21.550 patients who had received an MRI of the shoulder at a single radiologic centre over a time span of 13.2 years.

Results

Ninety-three of 21.550 patients presented with at least one cartilaginous tumour. Four patients showed two lesions at the same time resulting in a total number of 97 cartilage tumours (89 ECs [91.8%], 8 ACTs [8.2%]). Based on the 93 patients, the overall prevalence was 0.39% for ECs and 0.04% for ACTs. Mean size of the 97 ECs/ACTs was 2.3 ± 1.5 cm; most neoplasms were located in the proximal humerus (96.9%), in the metaphysis (60.8%) and peripherally (56.7%). Of all lesions, 94 tumours (96.9%) were located in the humerus and 3 (3.1%) in the scapula.

Conclusion

Frequency of EC/ACT of the shoulder joint appears to have been overestimated, with the current study revealing a prevalence of 0.43%.
Which patient-specific parameters correlate with operation time for total hip arthroplasty? — A retrospective analysis of the direct anterior approach
Authors: von Hertzberg-Boelch Sebastian , Mueller Laura , Stratos Ioannis , Arnholdt Joerg , Holzapfel Boris , Rudert Maximilian
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The current study aims to identify patient-specific factors that correlate with operation time for total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed via the direct anterior approach (DAA).

Methods

In this retrospective study, patient-specific factors were tabulated from the charts and measured from preoperative templating radiographs. These factors were correlated with operation time by bivariate analysis. Significant factors were used for stepwise multiple regression analysis.

Results

Nine hundred-sixty procedures were included. BMI (R = 0.283), the distance from the superior iliac spine to the greater trochanter (DAA Plane) (R = − 0.154), patients age (R = 0.152) and the abdominal fat flap (R = 0.134) showed the strongest correlations (p < 0.005) with operation time. The multiple regression model including BMI, Kellgren and Lawrence Score, Age, DAA Plane and the Canal to Calcar ratio had the best predictive accuracy (corrected R2 = 0.122).

Conclusions

Patient-specific factors that make the entry into the femur difficult correlate significantly with operation time of THA via the DAA.
ICP, PRx, CPP, and ∆CPPopt in pediatric traumatic brain injury: the combined effect of insult intensity and duration on outcome
Authors: Svedung Wettervik Teodor , Velle Fartein , Hånell Anders , Howells Timothy , Nilsson Pelle , Lewén Anders , Enblad Per
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The aim was to investigate the combined effect of insult intensity and duration, regarding intracranial pressure (ICP), pressure reactivity index (PRx), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and optimal CPP (CPPopt), on clinical outcome in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Method

This observational study included 61 pediatric patients with severe TBI, treated at the Uppsala University Hospital, between 2007 and 2018, with at least 12 h of ICP data the first 10 days post-injury. ICP, PRx, CPP, and ∆CPPopt (actual CPP-CPPopt) insults were visualized as 2-dimensional plots to illustrate the combined effect of insult intensity and duration on neurological recovery.

Results

This cohort was mostly adolescent pediatric TBI patients with a median age at 15 (interquartile range 12–16) years. For ICP, brief episodes (minutes) above 25 mmHg and slightly longer episodes (20 min) of ICP 20–25 mmHg correlated with unfavorable outcome. For PRx, brief episodes above 0.25 as well as slightly lower values (around 0) for longer periods of time (30 min) were associated with unfavorable outcome. For CPP, there was a transition from favorable to unfavorable outcome for CPP below 50 mmHg. There was no association between high CPP and outcome. For ∆CPPopt, there was a transition from favorable to unfavorable outcome when ∆CPPopt went below −10 mmHg. No association was found for positive ∆CPPopt values and outcome.

Conclusions

This visualization method illustrated the combined effect of insult intensity and duration in relation to outcome in severe pediatric TBI, supporting previous notions to avoid high ICP and low CPP for longer episodes of time. In addition, higher PRx for longer episodes of time and CPP below CPPopt more than −10 mmHg were associated with worse outcome, indicating a potential role for autoregulatory-oriented management in pediatric TBI.
Assessing balance in people with bilateral vestibulopathy using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest): feasibility and comparison with healthy control data
Authors: Zhu Meichan , van Stiphout Lisa , Karabulut Mustafa , Pérez Fornos Angélica , Guinand Nils , Meijer Kenneth , van de Berg Raymond , McCrum Christopher
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) leads to unsteadiness when walking, which worsens in darkness or on uneven ground, as well as falls. Since simple balance tests struggle to distinguish between BVP and healthy participants, we aimed (1) to test if the Mini-BESTest is feasible in BVP, (2) how people with BVP perform on the Mini-BESTest and (3) to compare these scores with healthy reference data.

Methods

Fifty participants with BVP completed the Mini-BESTest. 12-month falls incidence was obtained by questionnaire. To compare the overall and sub-scores between our participants with BVP and those of healthy participants from the literature (n = 327; obtained via PubMed searches), Mann–Whitney U tests were used. Sub scores within the BVP group were also compared. Spearman correlations were used to investigate the relationships between Mini-BESTest score and age.

Results

No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Participants with BVP had significantly lower Mini-BESTest total scores than the healthy group. Anticipatory, reactive postural control and sensory orientation sub scores of the Mini-BESTest were significantly lower in BVP, while dynamic gait sub scores were not significantly different. A stronger negative correlation between age and Mini-BESTest total score was found in BVP than in the healthy group. Scores did not differ between patients with different falls history.

Conclusion

The Mini-BESTest is feasible in BVP. Our results confirm the commonly reported balance deficits in BVP. The stronger negative association between age and balance in BVP might reflect the age-related decline in the remaining sensory systems with which people with BVP compensate.
“Make it the done thing”: an exploration of attitudes towards rest breaks, productivity and wellbeing while working from home
Authors: Walker Lucy , Braithwaite Elizabeth C. , Jones Marc V. , Suckling Steve , Burns Danielle
Published: June 2023

Objective

Taking regular rest breaks while working positively impacts productivity and wellbeing. While home and hybrid working styles have become a popular choice for employees, the impact of, and perceptions towards, taking breaks while working at home is poorly understood. The current research aimed to explore attitudes towards taking rest breaks while working from home and capture levels of breaks taken, wellbeing and productivity in a sample of UK white-collar workers.

Methods

A mixed method approach was applied where self-report data from an online survey were gathered from individuals (N = 140) from one organisation. Open-ended questions regarding attitudes and perceptions towards rest break behaviours were obtained. Further quantitative measures included the number of breaks taken while working from home, levels of productivity (measured by the Health and performance Presenteeism subscale) and mental wellbeing (measured by the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental wellbeing scale). Both quantitative and qualitative analysis approaches were applied.

Results

Qualitative responses indicated two overarching themes (1) Personal and (2) Organisational sat above four further themes including Movement outside, Structure of home working, Home environment and Digital presence. Additionally, quantitative findings indicated that the number of breaks taken outside was associated with positive changes in wellbeing.

Conclusion

Employers could aim to support employees working from home in taking outside breaks through flexible working patterns, authentic leadership, and a change in company social norms around break behaviours. Such organisational changes could help to improve workforce productivity and wellbeing.
Mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling reveals functional seasonal shifts in the metabolome of Zygophyllum dumosum Boiss and its relation to environmental conditions
Authors: Sikron-Persi Noga , Granot Gila , Batushansky Albert , Toubiana David , Grafi Gideon , Fait Aaron
Published: June 2023

Main conclusion

A multi-year study of perennial Z. dumosum shows a consistent seasonal pattern in the changes of petiole metabolism, involving mainly organic acids, polyols, phenylpropanoids, sulfate conjugates, and piperazines.

GC–MS and UPLC–QTOF-MS-based metabolite profiling was performed on the petioles of the perennial desert shrub Zygophyllum dumosum Boiss (Zygophyllaceae). The petioles, which are physiologically functional throughout the year and, thus, exposed to seasonal rhythms, were collected every month for 3 years from their natural ecosystem on a southeast-facing slope. Results showed a clear multi-year pattern following seasonal successions, despite different climate conditions, i.e., rainy and drought years, throughout the research period. The metabolic pattern of change encompassed an increase in the central metabolites, including most polyols, e.g., stress-related D-pinitol, organic and sugar acids, and in the dominant specialized metabolites, which were tentatively identified as sulfate, flavonoid, and piperazine conjugates during the summer–autumn period, while significantly high levels of free amino acids were detected during the winter–spring period. In parallel, the levels of most sugars (including glucose and fructose) increased in the petioles at the flowering stage at the beginning of the spring, while most of the di- and tri-saccharides accumulated at the beginning of seed development (May–June). Analysis of the conserved seasonal metabolite pattern of change shows that metabolic events are mostly related to the stage of plant development and its interaction with the environment and less to environmental conditions per se.
Only one beer can be mortal: a case report of two sisters with cardiac arrest due to a homozygous mutation in PPA2 gene
Authors: Manzanilla-Romero Héctor Hugo , Schermer Elisabeth , Mayr Agnes , Rudnik-Schöneborn Sabine
Published: June 2023

We report the long way to the correct diagnosis in two teenage sisters who developed a cardiac arrest after consuming minimal amounts of alcohol. The older girl dramatically survived two cardiac arrests at the age of 14 and 15 years. She underwent an extensive examination that revealed isolated cardiac abnormalities including fibrosis, dilated cardiomyopathy and inflammation. The younger girl also had a cardiac arrest at the age of 15 and died suddenly after consuming 1–2 beers, 3 years after her sister´s first incident. Autopsy of the heart revealed acute myocarditis without structural alterations. Multigene panel analysis (not including PPA2) showed SCN5A and CACNA1D variants in both sisters and their healthy mother. Six years later duo exome allowed the diagnosis of an autosomal recessive PPA2-related mitochondriopathy. We discuss the molecular results and clinical picture of our patients compared to other PPA2-related cases. We highlight the diagnostic contribution of multigene panels and exome analysis. The genetic diagnosis is important for medical care and for everyday life, specifically because alcohol intake can result in cardiac arrest and should be strictly avoided.

   Conclusion: Duo exome sequencing clarified the diagnosis of PPA2-related mitochondriopathy in two sisters with isolated cardiac features and sudden cardiac arrest triggered by minimal amounts of alcohol.

What is Known:• Multigene-Panel or exome analysis is a valuable tool to identify genetic causes of hereditary cardiac arrhythmias.• Variants of unknown significance can lead to misinterpretation. PPA2-related mitochondriopathy is a very rare autosomal recessive condition that is normally fatal in infancy.

What is New:• Duo exome analysis in two teeenage sisters with cardiac arrest revealed a homozygous mild PPA2 mutation as the underlying pathology restricted to the heart muscle
High risk of non-cancer mortality in bladder cancer patients: evidence from SEER-Medicaid
Authors: Wang Shunde , Ge Chengguo
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate non-cancer causes of death and associated risk factors after bladder cancer (BC) diagnosis.

Methods

Eligible BC patients were obtained from the SEER database. SEER*Stat software 8.3.9.2 was used to calculate the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). The proportions of different non-cancer cause of death were calculated and analyzed in different follow-up periods. Multivariate competing risk model was used to analyze the risk factors for death of BC and non-cancer diseases.

Results

In total, 240,954 BC patients were included and 106,092 patients experienced death, with 37,205 (35.07%), 13,208 (12.45%) and 55,679 (52.48%) patients experienced BC, other cancer and non-cancer disease-related deaths, respectively. Overall SMR for BC patients who died from non-cancer diseases was 2.42 (95% CI [2.40–2.44]). Cardiovascular diseases were the most common non-cancer cause of death, followed by respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, and infectious diseases. Multivariate competing risk analysis identified the following high-risk factors for non-cancer mortality: age > 60 years, male, whites, in situ stage, pathological type of transitional cell carcinoma, not receiving treatment (including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation), and widowed.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading non-cancer cause of death in BC patients, followed by respiratory disease, diabetes mellitus and infectious diseases. Physicians should pay attention to the risk of death from these non-cancer diseases. Also, physicians should encourage patients to engage in more proactive self-surveillance and follow up.
Increasing knowledge of the transmissivity field of a detrital aquifer by geostatistical merging of different sources of information
Authors: Pardo-Igúzquiza Eulogio , Dowd Peter A. , Luque-Espinar Juan A. , Chica-Olmo Mario
Published: June 2023

Transmissivity is a significant hydrogeological parameter that affects the reliability of groundwater flow and transport models. This study demonstrates the improvement in the estimated transmissivity field of an unconfined detritic aquifer that can be obtained by using geostatistical methods to combine three types of data: hard transmissivity data obtained from pumping tests, soft transmissivity data obtained from lithological information from boreholes, and water head data. The piezometric data can be related to transmissivity by solving the hydrogeology inverse problem, i.e., including the observed water head to determine the unknown model parameters (log transmissivities). The geostatistical combination of all the available information is achieved by using three different geostatistical methodologies: ordinary kriging, ordinary co-kriging and inverse problem universal co-kriging. In addition, there are eight methodological cases to be compared according to which log-transmissivity data are considered as the primary variable in co-kriging and whether two or three variables are used in inverse-problem universal co-kriging. The results are validated by using the performance statistics of the direct modelling of the unconfined groundwater flow and comparing observed water heads with the modelled ones. Although the results show that the two sets of log-transmissivity data are incompatible, the set of log-transmissivity data from the lithofacies provides a good log-transmissivity image that can be improved by inverse modelling. The map provided by inverse-problem universal co-kriging provides the best results. Using three variables, rather than two in the inverse problem, gives worse results because of the incompatibility of the log-transmissivity data sets.
African jewel fish (Hemichromis bimaculatus) distinguish individual faces based on their unique iridophore patterns
Authors: Coss Richard G. , Tyler Carol Lee
Published: June 2023

Previous research has shown that African jewel fish (Hemichromis bimaculatus) recognize pair-bonded mates during their exchanges of egg-guarding duties. The current research examined the perceptual cues for face recognition by comparing two face models displaying anatomically realistic arrangements of blue iridophores derived from discriminant function analysis of distinct sibling groups. Four groups each consisting of 9 subadults were examined using a narrow compartment restraining lateral movement where face models were presented at eye level for eight trials. Because respiratory movement of the operculum can mechanically displace the eye thereby shifting the retinal image, jewel fish reduce their respiration rate during increased attention. When two experimental groups were presented with the same face models on four trials following initial model presentations, both groups exhibited stable respiration rates indicative of model habituation. When the habituated face models were switched to novel face models on the fifth trial, the rates of respiration decreased as measured by reliable increases in the elapsed times of opercular beats. Switching the models back to the habituated models on the sixth trial caused reliable decreases in the elapsed times of opercular beats, resembling the earlier trials for the habituated models. Switching the face models again to the formerly novel models on the seventh trial produced respiration rates that resembled those of the habituated models. The two control groups viewing the same models for all eight trials exhibited no substantial change in respiration rates. Together, these findings indicate that jewel fish can learn to recognize novel faces displaying unique arrangements of iridorphores after one trial of exposure.
Optimizing hydrogen production by alkaline water decomposition with transition metal-based electrocatalysts
Authors: Li Jingjing , Jing Zhengyin , Bai Haotian , Chen Zhonghao , Osman Ahmed I. , Farghali Mohamed , Rooney David W. , Yap Pow-Seng
Published: June 2023

Burning fossil fuels account for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and over 90% of carbon dioxide emissions, calling for alternative fuels such as hydrogen. Since the hydrogen demand could reach 120 million tons in 2024, efficient and large-scale production methods are required. Here we review electrocatalytic water splitting with a focus on reaction mechanisms, transition metal catalysts, and optimization strategies. We discuss mechanisms of water decomposition and hydrogen evolution. Transition metal catalysts include alloys, sulfides, carbides, nitrides, phosphides, selenides, oxides, hydroxides, and metal-organic frameworks. The reaction can be optimized by modifying the nanostructure or the electronic structure. We observe that transition metal-based electrocatalysts are excellent catalysts due to their abundant sources, low cost, and controllable electronic structures. Concerning optimization, fluorine anion doping at 1 mol/L potassium hydroxide yields an overpotential of 38 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm2. The electrocatalytic efficiency can also be enhanced by adding metal atoms to the nickel sulfide framework.
The antecedents of moral identity: A meta-analytic review
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Li Miaomiao , Kwan Ho Kwong , Zhang Xiaomeng
Published: June 2023

Moral identity is an important self-concept. Taking a social cognitive perspective, we propose an integrative framework to examine the relationships between moral identity and its antecedents, including demographic variables, personality traits, and organizational contexts (specifically leadership style and ethical climate). An analysis of the effect sizes in 110 studies involving 44,441 participants shows that gender, personality traits, and organizational context are strongly associated with moral identity. The moral identity measure used, cultural tendencies toward individualism or collectivism, and demographic characteristics moderate the relationships between moral identity and its antecedents. The significance and implications of the factors that influence moral identity are discussed.
Encoding legislation: a methodology for enhancing technical validation, legal alignment and interdisciplinarity
Authors: Witt Alice , Huggins Anna , Governatori Guido , Buckley Joshua
Published: June 2023

This article proposes an innovative methodology for enhancing the technical validation, legal alignment and interdisciplinarity of attempts to encode legislation. In the context of an experiment that examines how different legally trained participants convert select provisions of the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) into machine-executable code, we find that a combination of manual and automated methods for coding validation, which focus on formal adherence to programming languages and conventions, can significantly increase the similarity of encoded rules between coders. Participants nonetheless encountered various interpretive difficulties, including syntactic ambiguity, and intra- and intertextuality, which necessitated legal evaluation, as distinct from and in addition to coding validation. Many of these difficulties can be resolved through what we call a process of ‘legal alignment’ that aims to enhance the congruence between encoded provisions and the true meaning of a statute as determined by the courts. However, some difficulties cannot be overcome in advance, such as factual indeterminacy. Given the inherently interdisciplinary nature of encoding legislation, we argue that it is desirable for ‘rules as code’ (‘RaC’) initiatives to have, at a minimum, legal subject matter, statutory interpretation and technical programming expertise. Overall, we contend that technical validation, legal alignment and interdisciplinary teamwork are integral to the success of attempts to encode legislation. While legal alignment processes will vary depending on jurisdictionally-specific principles and practices of statutory interpretation, the technical and interdisciplinary components of our methodology are transferable across regulatory contexts, bodies of law and Commonwealth and other jurisdictions.
It’s a Family Affair: A Case for Consistency in Family Foundation Giving and Family Firm Community CSR Activity
Authors: Cruz Cristina , Milanov Hana , Klein Judit
Published: June 2023

Although most business-owning families (BOFs) that operate large family firms practice community social engagement both in private via family foundations and in the business domain via community corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, the relationship between their activities in the two domains remains unclear. Prior literature speculates that BOFs will deprioritize firms’ community CSR when they have family foundations as more efficient vehicles to achieve socioemotional wealth (SEW), which would imply that such BOFs are less ethical in operating their firms. We contrast these speculations by enriching the socioemotional wealth (SEW) approach with instrumental stakeholder theory and cue consistency arguments and theorize that BOFs seek to ensure consistency between their activities in the two domains. Using data from 2008 to 2018 on the 95 largest US public family firms whose BOFs also operate private foundations, we show a positive relationship between family foundation giving and firm community CSR activity. Furthermore, we provide evidence for the boundary conditions of this relationship, showing that it is weaker for firms that do not share the family’s name and stronger for those firms with family leaders who also lead their families’ foundations.
Assessing Emotional Distress in Adolescents: Psychometrics of the Spanish Version of the Social Emotional Distress Scale-Secondary
Authors: Rodríguez-Jiménez Tíscar , Vidal-Arenas Verónica , Falcó Raquel , Moreno-Amador Beatriz , Marzo Juan C. , Piqueras José A.
Published: June 2023

Background

The Social Emotional Distress Scale-Secondary (SEDS-S) is a short measure designed for comprehensive school-based mental health screening, particularly for using very brief self-reported measures of well-being and distress. Whereas prior studies have shown validity and reliability evidence for the English version, there is a lack of literature about its psychometric properties for Spanish-speaking youths.

Objective

To examine the psychometric properties of the SEDS-S in a large sample of Spanish adolescents, providing evidence of its reliability, structure, convergent and discriminant validity, longitudinal and gender measurement invariance, and normative data.

Methods

Participants were 5550 adolescents aged 12–18 years old. Test–retest reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients, and evidence for convergent and discriminant validity was measured using Pearson’s correlation. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine structure validity, while multigroup and longitudinal measurement invariance analysis was conducted for longitudinal and gender latent structure stability.

Results

The CFA supported a unidimensional latent structure, which was also observed to be invariant between gender groups and over time. The scale showed evidence of reliability, with coefficients above .85. In addition, the SEDS-S score was positively related to measures assessing distress and negatively related to measures assessing well-being, thereby providing convergent/discriminant validity of the total scores.

Conclusion

This study provides the first evidence of the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the SEDS-S for assessing emotional distress among adolescents, cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Furthermore, findings indicated that SEDS-S could be a suitable assessment tool for screening and program evaluation purposes at different contexts beyond the school setting.
Benchmarking and survey of explanation methods for black box models
Authors: Bodria Francesco , Giannotti Fosca , Guidotti Riccardo , Naretto Francesca , Pedreschi Dino , Rinzivillo Salvatore
Published: June 2023

The rise of sophisticated black-box machine learning models in Artificial Intelligence systems has prompted the need for explanation methods that reveal how these models work in an understandable way to users and decision makers. Unsurprisingly, the state-of-the-art exhibits currently a plethora of explainers providing many different types of explanations. With the aim of providing a compass for researchers and practitioners, this paper proposes a categorization of explanation methods from the perspective of the type of explanation they return, also considering the different input data formats. The paper accounts for the most representative explainers to date, also discussing similarities and discrepancies of returned explanations through their visual appearance. A companion website to the paper is provided as a continuous update to new explainers as they appear. Moreover, a subset of the most robust and widely adopted explainers, are benchmarked with respect to a repertoire of quantitative metrics.
ISCEV guidelines for calibration and verification of stimuli and recording instruments (2023 update)
Authors: McCulloch Daphne L. , Bach Michael , Brigell Mitchell , Chan Hoover , Hamilton Ruth , Hogg Chris , Odom J. Vernon , Robson Anthony G.
Published: June 2023

This document developed by the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) provides guidance for calibration and verification of stimulus and recording systems specific to clinical electrophysiology of vision. This guideline provides additional information for those using ISCEV Standards and Extended protocols and supersedes earlier Guidelines. The ISCEV guidelines for calibration and verification of stimuli and recording instruments (2023 update) were approved by the ISCEV Board of Directors 01, March 2023.
Towards a Deflationary Truthmakers Account of Social Groups
Authors: Hansson Wahlberg Tobias
Published: June 2023

I outline a deflationary truthmakers account of social groups. Potentially, the approach allows us to say, with traditional ontological individualists, that there are only pluralities of individuals out there, ontologically speaking, but that there are nevertheless colloquial and social-scientific truths about social groups. If tenable, this kind of theory has the virtue of being both ontologically parsimonious and compatible with ordinary and social-scientific discourse—a virtue which the stock reductive / ontological dependence accounts of social groups arguably lack.
Enabling inter-organizational analytics in business networks through meta machine learning
Authors: Hirt Robin , Kühl Niklas , Martin Dominik , Satzger Gerhard
Published: June 2023

Successful analytics solutions that provide valuable insights often hinge on the connection of various data sources. While it is often feasible to generate larger data pools within organizations, the application of analytics within (inter-organizational) business networks is still severely constrained. As data is distributed across several legal units, potentially even across countries, the fear of disclosing sensitive information as well as the sheer volume of the data that would need to be exchanged are key inhibitors for the creation of effective system-wide solutions—all while still reaching superior prediction performance. In this work, we propose a meta machine learning method that deals with these obstacles to enable comprehensive analyses within a business network. We follow a design science research approach and evaluate our method with respect to feasibility and performance in an industrial use case. First, we show that it is feasible to perform network-wide analyses that preserve data confidentiality as well as limit data transfer volume. Second, we demonstrate that our method outperforms a conventional isolated analysis and even gets close to a (hypothetical) scenario where all data could be shared within the network. Thus, we provide a fundamental contribution for making business networks more effective, as we remove a key obstacle to tap the huge potential of learning from data that is scattered throughout the network.
Mechanism of lactose assimilation in microalgae for the bioremediation of dairy processing side-streams and co-production of valuable food products
Authors: Li Yuchen , Miros Svitlana , Kiani Hossein , Eckhardt Hans-Georg , Blanco Alfonso , Mulcahy Shane , McDonnell Hugh , Tiwari Brijesh Kumar , Halim Ronald
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the mechanism of lactose assimilation in Nannochloropsis oceanica for dairy-wastewater bioremediation and co-production of valuable feed/food ingredients in a circular dairy system (β-galactosidase and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids). Mixotrophic cultivation was found to be mandatory for lactose assimilation in N. oceanica, with biomass production in mixotrophic cultures reaching a fourfold increase over that under heterotrophic conditions. Under mixotrophic conditions, the microalgae were able to produce β-galactosidase enzyme to hydrolyse lactose, with maximum extracellular secretion recorded on day 8 of growth cycle at 41.47 ± 0.33 U gbiomass−1. No increase in the concentration of glucose or galactose was observed in the medium, confirming the ability of microalgae to indiscriminately absorb the resultant monosaccharides derived from lactose breakdown. Population analysis revealed that microalgae cells were able to maintain dominance in the mixotrophic culture, with bacteria accounting for < 12% of biomass. On the other hand, under heterotrophic conditions, native bacteria took over the culture (occupying over 95% of total biomass). The bacteria, however, were also unable to effectively assimilate lactose, resulting in limited biomass increase and negligible production of extracellular β-galactosidase. Results from the study indicate that N. oceanica can be effectively applied for onsite dairy wastewater treatment under strict mixotrophic conditions. This is commercially disadvantageous as it rules out the possibility of deploying heterotrophic fermentation with low-cost bioreactors and smaller areal footprint.
Modular Test Kit – A Modular Approach for Efficient and Function-Oriented Testing
Authors: Jooß Benedikt , Schramm Dieter
Published: June 2023

The software architecture in modern vehicles enables highly networked and innovative systems. At the same time, more and more regulations for type approval of a vehicle have to be taken into account in software development. To ensure consistent quality and compliance with regulations, it is therefore important to test effectively and efficiently. In this article, a modular testing approach is presented that assigns test activities based on special features of a software item. These activities are called modules in the approach. Each module is based on a legal regulation or standard. To ensure efficient and effective testing, the test modules with the highest required identification rate per test objective must always be performed. Carrying out several test modules with the same test objective is not expedient.
Ag–(In–Bi) solid-state bonding
Authors: Kuziora Stéphane Léonard , Nguyen Hoang-Vu , Aasmundtveit Knut Eilif
Published: June 2023

Solid-state diffusion bonding is a metallurgical technique to bond interfaces. We identify Ag–(In–Bi) as a material system that can be bonded at 65 °C. This work aims to demonstrate low-temperature bonding and to determine if Bi precipitates form through a solid-state diffusion mechanism. Bonds were formed at 65 °C utilizing a 78.5-at% In–Bi eutectic foil and a 95-at% In–Bi foil, with bonding times 1, 2, 4, and 8 days. These foils were sandwiched between two pieces of Ag, forming an Ag/In–Bi foil/Ag bonding stack. Thanks to bridging of AgIn2, a temperature stability of ~166 °C is possible. Using a bonding material with higher In content (in our case 95 at% In) than the eutectic did not reduce the growth rate of AgIn2. The BiIn2left over from the reaction was surrounded by the growth of AgIn2. The solid-state bonding results presented in this paper indicate that dissolution is a necessary condition for the unique Bi precipitates previously seen in the Ag–(In–Bi) solid–liquid system.
Molecular Characterization and Landscape of Breast cancer Models from a multi-omics Perspective
Authors: Ortiz Mylena M.O. , Andrechek Eran R.
Published: June 2023

Breast cancer is well-known to be a highly heterogenous disease. This facet of cancer makes finding a research model that mirrors the disparate intrinsic features challenging. With advances in multi-omics technologies, establishing parallels between the various models and human tumors is increasingly intricate. Here we review the various model systems and their relation to primary breast tumors using available omics data platforms. Among the research models reviewed here, breast cancer cell lines have the least resemblance to human tumors since they have accumulated many mutations and copy number alterations during their long use. Moreover, individual proteomic and metabolomic profiles do not overlap with the molecular landscape of breast cancer. Interestingly, omics analysis revealed that the initial subtype classification of some breast cancer cell lines was inappropriate. In cell lines the major subtypes are all well represented and share some features with primary tumors. In contrast, patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and patient-derived organoids (PDO) are superior in mirroring human breast cancers at many levels, making them suitable models for drug screening and molecular analysis. While patient derived organoids are spread across luminal, basal- and normal-like subtypes, the PDX samples were initially largely basal but other subtypes have been increasingly described. Murine models offer heterogenous tumor landscapes, inter and intra-model heterogeneity, and give rise to tumors of different phenotypes and histology. Murine models have a reduced mutational burden compared to human breast cancer but share some transcriptomic resemblance, and representation of many breast cancer subtypes can be found among the variety subtypes. To date, while mammospheres and three- dimensional cultures lack comprehensive omics data, these are excellent models for the study of stem cells, cell fate decision and differentiation, and have also been used for drug screening. Therefore, this review explores the molecular landscapes and characterization of breast cancer research models by comparing recent published multi-omics data and analysis.
Thermoset polyurethanes from biobased and recycled components
Authors: Mendiburu-Valor Eider , Larraza Izaskun , Echeverria-Altuna Oihane , Harismendy Isabel , Peña-Rodriguez Cristina , Eceiza Arantxa
Published: June 2023

In this work, a recycled bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) monomer, obtained by glycolysis of marine polyethylene terephthalate (PET) litter, and a biobased polyol derived from castor oil were used for the synthesis of thermoset polyurethanes (PUs). BHET was obtained in a closed reactor at 220 °C and a short reaction time of 30 min. Different PUs were synthesized, varying the BHET content, ranging from 0 to 21 wt% and varying the polyol content, obtaining a renewable carbon content between 23 and 43%. The PUs synthesized in this work, in which at least 40% of their components are renewable and recycled, showed an interesting combination of thermal, thermo-mechanical and mechanical properties. In addition, a preliminary chemical recycling study of the synthesized PUs was performed to evaluate their recyclability, wrapping the whole process within the circular economy. The obtained glycolyzed product was a single-phase viscous liquid consisting on polyol-rich and BHET-rich fractions, with contents in the range of those employed in the synthesis of PUs.
Indirect auxiliary organogenesis of Fraxinus excelsior L. as a tool for ash dieback control
Authors: Nawrot-Chorabik Katarzyna , Pluciński Bartosz , Latowski Dariusz
Published: June 2023

The existence of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is threatened by fungus-induced ash dieback. It is essential to find effective methods to multiply ash genotypes resistant to ash dieback while preserving the genetic diversity of these tree populations. In this paper the efficient method for production of European ash seedlings using indirect auxiliary organogenesis with multi-factor analysis of its effectiveness is presented. Procedures for a dormancy breaking treatment of seeds and effective disinfection of F. excelsior primary explants, as well as appropriate composition of the culture media taking into account impact of growth regulators and physiological gradient on the micropropagation efficiency were developed. As primary explant for micropropagation of F. excelsior, leaf buds, megagametophytes and zygotic embryos were tested. The best-performing type of primary explant for micropropagation of European ash proved to be zygotic embryos, which were successfully used to regenerate seedlings via indirect auxiliary organogenesis. No statistically significant impact of population origin of F. excelsior explant donor trees was observed on the effectiveness of callus initiation. However, such difference was significant in regard to average productivity of acquired callus cultures (number of seedlings produced) and to average root length of regenerated seedlings. Health condition of explant donor trees and their seeds affects the callus initiation rate from zygotic embryos, but does not affect the productivity of callus lines derived from the seeds and the quality of regenerated seedlings. Indirect auxiliary organogenesis of F. excelsior, developed in our study, not only provides the acquisition of ash seedlings of different genotypes, but also enables rapid selection of desired genotypes already at the callus stage. In this way, the presented method benefits not only profit oriented forestry and wood industry, but also provide the effective and fully controllable tool for reintroduction of various resistant to ash-dieback F. excelsior genotypes without loss of variability and genetic identity of its populations.
An assessment of the reporting of tapering methods in antidepressant discontinuation trials using the TIDieR checklist
Authors: McGoldrick Amy , Byrne Helen , Cadogan Cathal
Published: June 2023

Background

The importance of tapering is increasingly recognised when discontinuing antidepressant medication. However, no previous studies have examined the reporting of antidepressant tapering methods in published studies.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the completeness of reporting of antidepressant tapering methods in a published systematic review using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist.

Method

A secondary analysis was conducted of studies included in a Cochrane systematic review that examined the effectiveness of approaches for discontinuing long-term antidepressant use. The completeness of reporting of antidepressant tapering methods in included studies was independently assessed by two researchers using the 12 items from the TIDieR checklist.

Results

Twenty-two studies were included in the analysis. None of the study reports described all checklists items. No study clearly reported what materials had been provided (item 3) or whether tailoring had occurred (item 9). With the exception of providing a name for the intervention or study procedures (item 1), only a minority of studies clearly reported on any of the remaining checklist items.

Conclusion

The findings highlight a lack of detailed reporting of antidepressant tapering methods in published trials to date. This needs to be addressed as poor reporting could hinder replication and adaptation of existing interventions, as well as the potential for successful translation of effective tapering interventions into clinical practice.
Evaluating the potential outcomes of pharmacist-led activities in the Australian general practice setting: a prospective observational study
Authors: Sudeshika Thilini , Deeks Louise S. , Naunton Mark , Peterson Gregory M. , Kosari Sam
Published: June 2023

Background

Pharmacists have been co-located in general practice teams to support the quality use of medicines and optimise patient health outcomes. Evidence of the impact of pharmacist-led activities in Australian general practices is sparse.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the potential outcomes of pharmacist-led activities in Australian general practices.

Method

A prospective observational study was conducted in eight general practices in the Australian Capital Territory, where each general practice employed a pharmacist on a part-time basis for 18 months. A recommended, but flexible, list of activities was provided for pharmacists. Descriptive information on general practice pharmacist-led activities, collected with an online diary, was analysed. The potential clinical, economic, and organisational impact of pharmacist-led clinical activities was evaluated using the CLinical Economic Organisational (CLEO) tool, with a modified economic dimension.

Results

Nine pharmacists reported 4290 activities over 3918.5 work hours in general practice. Medication management services were the primary clinical activity of pharmacists. In medication reviews, 75% of the pharmacists’ recommendations were fully accepted by general practitioners. Conducting clinical audits, updating patients’ medical records, and providing information to patients and staff were other major activities of pharmacists. Of 2419 clinical activities, around 50% had the potential for a moderate or major positive clinical impact on patients. Sixty-three per cent of activities had the potential to decrease healthcare costs. Almost all the pharmacist-led clinical activities had a positive organisational impact.

Conclusion

Most pharmacist-led clinical activities in general practice had the potential for a positive impact on patients and reduction in healthcare costs, supporting the expansion of this model in Australia.
Community pharmacies as a place for informal carer support in mental health and wellbeing
Authors: Richardson Charlotte Lucy , Black David , Lindsey Laura , Nazar Hamde
Published: June 2023

There are 5.3 million informal carers in the United Kingdom who take on caring responsibilities for family and friends. Informal carers can be forgotten patients within health and care services, yet because of carer burden, they are at risk of deterioration in health and wellbeing. There are higher levels of anxiety, depression, burnout and low self-esteem amongst carers but, to our knowledge work to date has mainly focused on supporting carers to provide better care for their family member, and less on carers’ health and wellbeing. There is increasing interest in social prescribing as a method of linking patients with community-based services to improve health and wellbeing. Initiatives have included social prescribing via community pharmacies which are already recognized to be accessible for support and signposting. The coming together of community pharmacy services and social prescribing could represent a framework to better support carers in their mental health and wellbeing.
A Lifestyle Risk Reduction Model for Preventing High-Risk Substance Use Across the Lifespan
Authors: Dykstra Rita E. , Beadnell Blair , Rosengren David B. , Schumacher Julie A. , Daugherty Raymond
Published: June 2023

While effective models of alcohol and drug prevention exist, they often focus solely on youth or young adults. This article describes the Lifestyle Risk Reduction Model (LRRM), an approach applicable across the lifespan. The intent behind the LRRM is to guide the development of prevention and treatment programs provided to individuals and small groups. The LRRM authors’ goals are to help individuals reduce risk for impairment, addiction, and substance use’s negative consequences. The LRRM identifies six key principles that conceptualize the development of substance-related problems by drawing parallels with health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, which often result from combined effects of biological risk and behavioral choices. The model also proposes five conditions that describe important steps for individuals as they progress toward greater perception of risk and lower risk behavior. One LRRM-based indicated prevention program (Prime For Life) shows positive results in cognitive outcomes and in impaired driving recidivism for people across the lifespan. The model emphasizes common elements across the lifespan, responds to contexts and challenges that change across the life course, complements other models, and is usable for universal, selective, and indicated prevention programs.