bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traction‐associated peridynamic model and non‐uniform discretization simulation of plane axisymmetric problems
Authors: Yu Ming , Zhou Zeyuan , Huang Zaixing
Published: October 2024

Using the recently developed traction‐associated peridynamic motion equation (TPME), we investigate the plane axisymmetric problems of elastic deformation. The polar coordinate form of TPME is derived for a plane axisymmetric problem. The transfer function matching with prototype microelastic (PM) model is determined by the inverse method in a one‐dimensional case, and then it is directly extended to plane axisymmetric elasticity problems and plane problems. We promote a strategy to deal with the horizon in the non‐uniform discretization scheme. Based on this strategy, the non‐uniform discretization scheme is used to solve the elastic deformation of a hollow circular plate subjected to uniform inner and outer pressures. Total process from elastic deformation to failure of the hollow circular plate under tension is simulated completely. The results show that TPME does not only need volume and surface corrections, but also can deal with the complex traction boundary conditions conveniently.
The Theoretical Background on E-Participation
Authors: Mariani Ilaria , Mortati Marzia , Rizzo Francesca , Deserti Alessandro
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores the theoretical underpinnings of e-participation within e-governance and the critical role of ICTs in facilitating public engagement across governmental levels. It highlights the transformation of e-participation from internal functions to inclusive policy-making processes, supported by ICTs to promote participatory, deliberative, and inclusive democracy. The chapter ultimately goes through the various models and frameworks that describe the spectrum of e-participation, addressing the specific challenges and opportunities that arise in e-governance.
Future Research Directions
Authors: Mariani Ilaria , Mortati Marzia , Rizzo Francesca , Deserti Alessandro
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores areas for future research that extend beyond the scope of the current investigation, looking at the role of DT as a transformative approach for enhancing e-participation. Ultimately, it summarises how the work contributes to the current discourse.
Molecular mechanisms underlying glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide secretion in human duodenal organoids
Authors: Guccio Nunzio , Alcaino Constanza , Miedzybrodzka Emily L. , Santos-Hernández Marta , Smith Christopher A. , Davison Adam , Bany Bakar Rula , Kay Richard G. , Reimann Frank , Gribble Fiona M.
Published: October 2024

Aims/hypothesis

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is an incretin hormone secreted by enteroendocrine K cells in the proximal small intestine. This study aimed to explore the function of human K cells at the molecular and cellular levels.

Methods

CRISPR-Cas9 homology-directed repair was used to insert transgenes encoding a yellow fluorescent protein (Venus) or an Epac-based cAMP sensor (Epac-S-H187) in the GIP locus in human duodenal-derived organoids. Fluorescently labelled K cells were purified by FACS for RNA-seq and peptidomic analysis. GIP reporter organoids were employed for GIP secretion assays, live-cell imaging of Ca2+ using Fura-2 and cAMP using Epac-S-H187, and basic electrophysiological characterisation. The G protein-coupled receptor genes GPR142 and CASR were knocked out to evaluate roles in amino acid sensing.

Results

RNA-seq of human duodenal K cells revealed enrichment of several G protein-coupled receptors involved in nutrient sensing, including FFAR1, GPBAR1, GPR119, CASR and GPR142. Glucose induced action potential firing and cytosolic Ca2+ elevation and caused a 1.8-fold increase in GIP secretion, which was inhibited by the sodium glucose co-transporter 1/2 (SGLT1/2) blocker sotagliflozin. Activation of the long-chain fatty acid receptor free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1) induced a 2.7-fold increase in GIP secretion, while tryptophan and phenylalanine stimulated secretion by 2.8- and 2.1-fold, respectively. While CASR knockout blunted intracellular Ca2+ responses, a CASR/GPR142 double knockout was needed to reduce GIP secretory responses to aromatic amino acids.

Conclusions/interpretation

The newly generated human organoid K cell model enables transcriptomic and functional characterisation of nutrient-sensing pathways involved in human GIP secretion. Both calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) and G protein-coupled receptor 142 (GPR142) contribute to protein-stimulated GIP secretion. This model will be further used to identify potential targets for modulation of native GIP secretion in diabetes and obesity.

Graphical Abstract
Viral- and fungal-mediated behavioral manipulation of hosts: summit disease
Authors: Masoudi Abolfazl , Joseph Ross A. , Keyhani Nemat O.
Published: October 2024

Summit disease, in which infected hosts seek heights (gravitropism), first noted in modern times by nineteenth-century naturalists, has been shown to be induced by disparate pathogens ranging from viruses to fungi. Infection results in dramatic changes in normal activity patterns, and such parasite manipulation of host behaviors suggests a strong selection for convergent outcomes albeit evolved via widely divergent mechanisms. The two best-studied examples involve a subset of viral and fungal pathogens of insects that induce “summiting” in infected hosts. Summiting presumably functions as a means for increasing the dispersal of the pathogen, thus significantly increasing fitness. Here, we review current advances in our understanding of viral- and fungal-induced summit disease and the host behavioral manipulation involved. Viral genes implicated in this process include a host hormone-targeting ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyltransferase (apparently essential for mediating summit disease induced by some viruses but not all) and a protein tyrosine phosphatase, with light dependance implicated. For summit disease-causing fungi, though much remains obscure, targeting of molting, circadian rhythms, sleep, and responses to light patterns appear involved. Targeting of host neuronal pathways by summit-inducing fungi also appears to involve the production of effector molecules and secondary metabolites that affect host muscular, immune, and/or neurological processes. It is hypothesized that host brain structures, particularly Mushroom Bodies (no relation to the fungus itself), important for olfactory association learning and control of locomotor activity, are critical targets for mediating summiting during infection. This phenomenon expands the diversity of microbial pathogen-interactions and host dynamics.

Key points

• Summit disease or height seeking (gravitropism) results from viral and fungal pathogens manipulating insect host behaviors presumably to increase pathogen dispersal.

• Insect baculoviruses and select fungal pathogens exhibit convergent evolution in host behavioral manipulation but use disparate molecular mechanisms.

• Targets for affecting host behavior include manipulation of host hormones, feeding, locomotion, and immune, circadian, and neurological pathways.
Combining CEUS and CT/MRI LI-RADS major imaging features: diagnostic accuracy for classification of indeterminate liver observations in patients at risk for HCC
Authors: Siu Xiao Tania , Kuon Yeng Escalante Cristina Mariuxi , Tahmasebi Aylin , Kono Yuko , Piscaglia Fabio , Wilson Stephanie R. , Medellin-Kowalewski Alexandra , Rodgers Shuchi K. , Planz Virginia , Kamaya Aya , Fetzer David T. , Berzigotti Annalisa , Radu Iuliana-Pompilia , Sidhu Paul S. , Wessner Corinne E. , Bradigan Kristen , Eisenbrey John R. , Forsberg Flemming , Lyshchik Andrej
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of combining CEUS and CT/MRI LI-RADS major imaging features for the improved categorization of liver observations indeterminate on both CT/MRI and CEUS.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis using a database from a prospective study conducted at 11 centers in North America and Europe from 2018 to 2022 included a total of 109 participants at risk for HCC who had liver observations with indeterminate characterization (LR3, LR-4, and LR-M) on both CEUS and CT/MRI. The individual CEUS and CT/MRI LI-RADS major features were extracted from the original study and analyzed in various combinations. Reference standards included biopsy, explant histology, and follow-up CT/MRI. The diagnostic performance of the combinations of LI-RADS major features for definitive diagnosis of HCC was calculated. A reverse, stepwise logistical regression sub-analysis was also performed.

Results

This study included 114 observations indeterminate on both CT/MRI and CEUS. These observations were categorized as LR-3 (n = 37), LR-4 (n = 41), and LR-M (n = 36) on CT/MRI and LR-3 (n = 48), LR-4 (n = 36), LR-M (n = 29), and LR-TIV (n = 1) on CEUS. Of them, 43.0% (49/114) were confirmed as HCC, 37.3% (43/114) non-malignant, and 19.3% (22/114) non-hepatocellular malignancies. The highest diagnostic accuracy among the combinations of imaging features was achieved in CT/MRI LR-3 observations, where the combination of CEUS arterial phase hyper-enhancement (APHE) + CT/MRI APHE had 96.7% specificity, 75.0% positive predictive value (PPV), and 86.5% accuracy for HCC.

Conclusion

The combination of LI-RADS major features on CT/MRI and CEUS showed higher specificity, PPV, and accuracy compared to individual modalities' assessments, particularly for CT/MRI LR-3 observations.
Polish validation of the wisconsin stone quality of life questionnaire (POL-WISQoL)
Authors: Tomczak Wojciech , Krajewski Wojciech , Chorbińska Joanna , Nowak Łukasz , Grunwald Katarzyna , Chełmoński Adam , Łaszkiewicz Jan , Małkiewicz Bartosz , Szydełko Tomasz
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Urolithiasis significantly affects patient quality of life, yet the global standard of care predominantly focuses on achieving a stone free status, often ignoring patient reported outcomes. Currently, there are no specific measures available to assess the quality of life in the Polish population suffering from kidney stones. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate the Polish version of the Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Methods

The translation of WISQOL was carried out in accordance with the best available guidelines. Patients treated for kidney stones at a tertiary centre were recruited and completed both POL-WISQOL and SF36 questionnaires. Comprehensive analyses were conducted to assess internal consistency, inter-item and inter-domain correlations, as well as convergent and construct validity. Additionally, test-retest reliability was evaluated to ensure the accuracy and stability of the findings.

Results

A total of 102 participants fully completed both questionnaires and were included in the analysis. The translated survey demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s coefficient 0.967) and significant convergent validity (Spearman’s correlation = 0.847, p < 0.001). Furthermore, an ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc analysis revealed a significant decline in WISQOL scores between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, thereby confirming tool’s construct validity.

Conclusion

POL-WISQoL turned out to be a valid disease specific health related quality of life measuring tool. Its widespread utilisation has the potential to shift the standard of care towards patient centered outcomes.
Impact of a kidney-adjusted ERAS® protocol on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy
Authors: Walach Margarete Teresa , Körner Mona , Weiß Christel , Terboven Tom , Mühlbauer Julia , Wessels Frederik , Worst Thomas Stefan , Kowalewski Karl-Friedrich , Kriegmair Maximilian Christian
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Evaluation of a kidney-adjusted enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) protocol (kERAS) in patients undergoing nephron-sparing surgery (PN).

Methods

The kERAS protocol is a multidimensional protocol focusing on optimized perioperative fluid and nutrition management as well as strict intraoperative and postoperative blood pressure limits. It was applied in a prospective cohort (n = 147) of patients undergoing open or robotic PN. Patients were analyzed for the development of acute postoperative renal failure (AKI), achievement of TRIFECTA criteria, upstaging or new onset of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and length of hospital stay (LOS) and compared to a retrospective cohort (n = 162) without application of the protocol.

Results

Cox regression analyses could not confirm a protective effect of kERAS on the development of AKI post-surgery. A positive effect was observed on TRIFECTA achievement (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0-4.5, p = 0.0374). Patients treated with the kERAS protocol showed less long-term CKD upstaging compared to those treated with the standard protocol (p = 0.0033). There was no significant effect on LOS and new onset of CKD.

Conclusion

The implementation of a kERAS protocol can have a positive influence on long-term renal function in patients undergoing PN. It can be used safely without promoting AKI. Furthermore, it can be realized with a manageable amount of additional effort.
Monoclonal anti-amyloid antibody treatment: the epidemiological profile of the target patients in Austria and the status of treatment-eligible patients registered at an outpatient memory clinic
Authors: Lee Seungjune , Stögmann Elisabeth
Published: October 2024

The development of monoclonal anti-amyloid antibodies, a disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), has raised the necessity to identify the epidemiological profile of the possible target patients who would benefit from such therapy. These are patients in the early stages of AD with biomarker-confirmed brain amyloid positivity. In this study, the epidemiological profile of possible target patients in Austria and Vienna was estimated. The number of patients in the stage of amyloid-beta (Aβ)-positive prodromal AD in Austria and Vienna are 193,500 and 34,700 patients, respectively. The expected patient demand for the upcoming therapy in Austria and Vienna are 61,200 and 11,100 patients, respectively.

In the memory clinic of the Vienna General Hospital, the number of treatment-eligible patients for an upcoming anti-amyloid antibody was on average 52.8 patients per year, which is about 10% of the total number of patients visiting the memory clinic every year. Several challenges to provide therapy to the general population include expanding the MCI screening in primary care and increasing the capacity of the healthcare system for biomarker testing, infusion delivery, and ARIA management. The study primarily addresses the status quo of identifying patients on memory clinics through cognitive screening and biomarker testing.
Analysis of the effect of permeant solutes on the hydraulic resistance of the plasma membrane in cells of Chara corallina
Authors: Tazawa Masashi , Wayne Randy , Katsuhara Maki
Published: October 2024

In the cells of Chara corallina, permeant monohydric alcohols including methanol, ethanol and 1-propanol increased the hydraulic resistance of the membrane (Lpm
−1). We found that the relative value of the hydraulic resistance (r
Lpm
−1) was linearly dependent on the concentration (C
s) of the alcohol. The relationship is expressed in the equation: r
Lpm
−1 = ρm
C
s + 1, where ρm is the hydraulic resistance modifier coefficient of the membrane. Ye et al. (2004) showed that membrane-permeant glycol ethers also increased Lp−1. We used their data to estimate Lpm
−1 and r
Lpm
−1. The values of r
Lpm
−1 fit the above relation we found for alcohols. When we plotted the ρm values of all the permeant alcohols and glycol ethers against their molecular weights (MW), we obtained a linear curve with a slope of 0.014 M−1/MW and with a correlation coefficient of 0.99. We analyzed the influence of the permeant solutes on the relative hydraulic resistance of the membrane (r
Lp
m
−1) as a function of the external (π0) and internal (πi) osmotic pressures. The analysis showed that the hydraulic resistance modifier coefficients (ρm) were linearly related to the MW of the permeant solutes with a slope of 0.012 M−1/MW and with a correlation coefficient of 0.84. The linear relationship between the effects of permeating solutes on the hydraulic resistance modifier coefficient (ρm) and the MW can be explained in terms of the effect of the effective osmotic pressure on the hydraulic conductivity of water channels. The result of the analysis suggests that the osmotic pressure and not the size of the permeant solute as proposed by (Ye et al., J Exp Bot 55:449–461, 2004) is the decisive factor in a solute’s influence on hydraulic conductivity. Thus, characean water channels (aquaporins) respond to permeant solutes with essentially the same mechanism as to impermeant solutes.
Implementierung von Spiritual Care – eine Option gegen emotionale Distanzierung?
Authors: Büssing Arndt
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Hat die Implementierung von Spiritual Care als Ideal und Handlungskompetenz im klinischen Alltag auch Auswirkungen auf die Angehörigen der Gesundheitsberufe? Besteht ein Zusammenhang zwischen deren Belastungsempfinden, Berufszufriedenheit und ihren Spiritual-Care-Kompetenzen, die vor einer emotionalen Distanzierung von den zu Begleitenden schützen würde?

Material und Methoden

Angehörige unterschiedlicher Gesundheitsberufe, die an dem 40-stündigen SpECi-Curriculum teilnahmen, wurden zu drei Zeitpunkten (vor der Intervention sowie 3 und 6 Monate später) mithilfe standardisierter Fragebogenmodule untersucht (z. B. World Healthcare Organization Five Wellbeing Index [WHO-5], Cool Down Index [CDI], Spiritual Care Competence Questionnaire [SCCQ]).

Ergebnisse

Bereits vor der Schulung war die Arbeitsbelastung bei gleichzeitig hoher Berufszufriedenheit ausgeprägt. Die Indikatoren der Belastung bzw. Berufszufriedenheit veränderten sich im Zeitverlauf nicht, während sich die Spiritual-Care-Kompetenzen mit moderater Effektstärke verbesserten. Für das Cool-down (Wahrnehmung emotionaler Überlastung und emotionaler Distanzierung) gab es einen Trend für höhere Scores nach der Intervention. Wer durch die Arbeitssituation belastet war, hatte eine geringe Berufs- und Teamzufriedenheit, geringeres Wohlbefinden und höheres Cool-down; es bestand jedoch kein Zusammenhang mit den Spiritual-Care-Kompetenzen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Von den spezifischen Spiritual-Care-Kompetenzen waren für die Patientenzuwendung insbesondere die bereits vorher ausgeprägten Wahrnehmungs- und Gesprächsführungskompetenzen relevant. Wenn es um Wohlbefinden, Berufs- und Teamzufriedenheit geht, dann sollte der Team-Spirit entwickelt werden. Hier besteht ein großes Potenzial für zukünftige Schulungsmaßnahmen.
Proficiency test of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant detection in diagnostics samples by veterinary diagnostic laboratories
Authors: Singh Neha , Miller Megan R. , Nemser Sarah M. , Tkachenko Andriy , Uhlig Steffen , Frost Kirstin , Hettwer Karina , Ulaszek Jodie , Kmet Matthew , Wang Leyi , Allender Matthew C. , Reddy Ravinder
Published: October 2024

Veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) play a critical role in screening both human and animal samples for SARS-CoV-2. To evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 detection methods used by VDLs, a proficiency test was performed by the US Food and Drug Administration’s Veterinary Laboratory and Investigation and Response Network in collaboration with two other organizations. Thirty-two sets of 12 blind-coded samples were prepared by fortifying Molecular Transport Medium (MTM) or feline feces with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant or non-SARS-CoV-2 equine coronavirus RNA at various concentrations and shipped to 32 participants for blinded (unbiased) analysis. Results were analyzed according to the principles of International Organization for Standardization 16140-2:2016 using two approaches such as establishing the rate of detection (ROD) and the success rate by applying the analysis of binary outcome by logit approach. ROD provided the overall assessment of laboratories performance, whereas the novel logit approach provided an insight to more specific analysis based on the complexity of each sample. The ROD was 83% and 98% for MTM samples at 200 and 20000 genome copies per 100 µL, respectively. Fecal samples were classified as challenging exploratory, and results were not included in the assessment of performance but discussion purposes only. Fecal samples exhibited matrix interference impacting the performance. The ROD was 44% and 89% for fecal samples at 2000 and 20000 genome copies per 100 µL, respectively. The non-COVID coronavirus RNA, which was used to address the specificity, did not interfere with methods used. Establishing the success rate by evaluating the qualitative results (detected/not detected) applying a logit approach revealed that, out of thirty-two participants, twenty-eight had satisfactory results, one participant had unsatisfactory results, and three participants had questionable results for MTM samples. For fecal samples, three participants out of thirty-two did not meet the expectations at higher concentrations. Lower concentrations of fecal samples were excluded from this analysis. Again, the fecal samples were considered as challenge samples and the results were provided to assist participants in their continuous efforts to improve their performance and not to evaluate their performance.
Lebensqualität von Langzeitüberlebenden nach außerklinischer Reanimation
Authors: Johannis Jan , Johannis Wibke , Bernhard Michael , Michael Mark , Heitkötter Kalle , Becht Andreas , Skorning Max
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Neben dem reinen Überleben eines Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstands (HKS) zählen für die Betroffenen vor allem die Lebensqualität, die Lebenszufriedenheit und die berufliche Wiedereingliederung im Langzeitverlauf nach außerklinischer Reanimation. Die Studie untersuchte verschiedene Kriterien im Langzeitüberleben nach außerklinischer Reanimation.

Methodik

Das Patientenkollektiv bestand aus Überlebenden eines außerklinischen Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstands ein Jahr nach Klinikentlassung in den Jahren 2020–2022 in Düsseldorf, Deutschland. Die Überlebenden wurden 12–18 Monate nach Krankenhausentlassung mittels eines multidimensionalen Fragebogens zum allgemeinen Gesundheitszustand, zur Wohnsituation, zum neurologischen Status (Cerebral Performance Category Score, CPC) sowie zum subjektiven Empfinden der Lebensqualität/Lebenszufriedenheit und zur Arbeitssituation befragt.

Ergebnis

Von 149 Patienten, die den Fragebogen erhielten, antworteten 103 Patienten (Response-Rate: 69 %, männlich vs. weichlich: 83 vs. 17 %, Alter: 62 ± 13 vs. 55 ± 19 Jahren). Von den Befragten stuften sich 91 % mit einem guten neurologischen Status (CPC 1–2) ein. Im Vergleich zu vor dem Befinden vor dem Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand wurden Ängste/Depressionen bei 48 % der Befragten, Konzentrationsstörungen bei 59 %, Müdigkeit bei 74 % und Schmerzen bei 44 % in stärkerer Ausprägung angegeben. Die eigene Lebensqualität empfanden 41 % als mindestens gleich zu vorher und die eigene Lebenszufriedenheit wurde von 61 % mit sehr gut bis gut bewertet. Eine Berufstätigkeit wurde von 73 % der Patienten innerhalb eines Jahrs wieder aufgenommen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die hohe Rate an kognitiven und psychischen Problemen und die assoziierten Einschränkungen im täglichen Leben führen zu einer reduzierten Lebensqualität/Lebenszufriedenheit trotz hoher CPC-Einstufung. Regelmäßige Patientenreevaluationen und alternative Scores können helfen, Gesundheitsprobleme zu identifizieren, um für eine allumfängliche Rehabilitation eine patientenangepasste Therapieoption anzubieten.
Autoantibody against aquaporin-5 may be a new diagnostic biomarker for primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Wu Hong , Zhong Bing , Zhang Ligai , Wang Yong
Published: October 2024

The study aims to assess the diagnostic and clinical significance of autoantibodies against aquaporin-1 (anti-AQP1) and aquaporin-5 (anti-AQP5) in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). A total of 163 participants were categorized into three groups: pSS group, other connective tissue diseases (CTD) group, and healthy control (HC) group. The levels of anti-AQP1 and anti-AQP5 autoantibodies in serum were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and clinical data from patients were collected for statistical analysis. Our results showed that the level of anti-AQP1 in the pSS group was higher than in the HC group (P < 0.05), and no significant difference was observed between the pSS group and the CTD group (P > 0.05). ROC showed that the anti-AQP1 had no diagnostic value for pSS (P > 0.05). The anti-AQP5 level of 39 healthy adults was all below the cut-off value (14.10 ng/ml) (P < 0.05). The level of anti-AQP5 in the pSS group was higher than the CTD group (P < 0.05), the AUC was 0.86 (95% CI 0.80–0.93), with a sensitivity of 0.95 (95% CI 0.87–0.99) and a specificity of 0.70 (95% CI 0.58–0.84). No correlation was found between anti-AQP5 levels and the EULAR primary Sjögren’s syndrome disease activity index score, anti-SSA, anti-SSB, antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, anti-ds-DNA, salivary gland flow rate, complement 3, and lymphocyte count in pSS samples (P > 0.05), respectively. Therefore, the elevated anti-AQP5 may emerge as a novel diagnostic biomarker for pSS patients due to high sensitivity and specificity.

Key Points• The elevated anti-AQP5 may emerge as a novel diagnostic biomarker for pSS patients due to high sensitivity and specificity.
Under which conditions do extreme events support a paradigm shift? Studying focusing events during two centuries of Swiss flood risk management
Authors: Glaus Anik , Gavilano Alexandra , Ingold Karin
Published: October 2024

Extreme weather events affect many areas around the world. How a country or region reacts to it can take many forms. In this article, we concentrate on policy responses, as typically found in laws, acts, or strategies. Recent research in climate change adaptation or environmental governance concluded that the degree of severity of extreme events is a crucial indicator that policy action should be taken. The event alone is a necessary, but insufficient condition for policies to be introduced. In this context, we ask: Which conditions must be at stake so that an extreme event is able to deploy its focal power and induce policy introduction or change? To answer this question, we studied more than two centuries of flood risk management in Switzerland. We relied on qualitative and quantitative data, as well as process tracing techniques, to relate event characteristics, media, political, and policy contexts to policy change in flood risk management. Results indicate that two conditions made floods turn into focusing events and support paradigm shift: high economic damage and a policy subsystem’s actor constellation favorable to change. We are convinced that our results are also replicable for other natural disasters and other countries than only Switzerland.
Normalized Interferon Signatures and Clinical Improvements by IFNAR1 Blocking Antibody (Anifrolumab) in Patients with Type I Interferonopathies
Authors: Kretzschmar Genia , Páez Laura Piñero , Tan Ziyang , Wang Jun , Gonzalez Laura , Mugabo Constantin Habimana , Johnsson Anette , Chen Yang , Mikeš Jaromír , Lakshmikanth Tadepally , James Anna , Goldbach-Mansky Raphaela , Fischer Marie , Palmblad Karin , Alehashemi Sara , Horne AnnaCarin , Brodin Petter
Published: October 2024

Purpose

A causal role of type-I interferons (IFN-I) in autoinflammatory type-I interferonopathies such as SAVI (STING–associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy) and CANDLE (chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperatures) is suggested by elevated expression of IFN-I stimulated genes (ISGs). Hitherto, the lack of specific inhibitors of IFN-I signaling has prevented the verification of a causal role for IFN-I in these conditions. Commonly used inhibitors of the JAK/STAT pathway exert broad effects on multiple signaling pathways leading to more general immunosuppression beyond IFN-I signaling.

Methods

Here we show in four patients with SAVI and one patient with CANDLE syndrome that blockade of the IFNAR1 receptor (Anifrolumab) exerts an additive effect over JAK-inhibitor alone. In two patients with SAVI, monotherapy with Anifrolumab is sufficient to retain a suppressed IFN-I signature and clinical improvement.

Results

Anifrolumab normalizes IFN-I signature genes and relieves symptoms beyond what is typically achieved by a JAK-inhibitor (Baricitinib) alone in patients with type-I interferonopathies. In two patients Anifrolumab was used successfully as monotherapy. Addition of Anifrolumab enabled steroid tapering and cessation with reduced overall immunosuppression and lower risks of opportunistic infections and improved metabolic states and growth which is highly beneficial in these young patients.

Conclusion

These results verify a causal role of IFN-I signaling in type-I Interferonopathies SAVI and CANDLE and suggests Anifrolumab as an important new treatment option in autoinflammatory diseases with elevated IFN-I induced gene expression.

Genia Kretzschmar, Laura Piñero Páez, and Ziyang Tan are shared-first authors.

Sara Alehashemi, AnnaCarin Horne, and Petter Brodin are co-senior author.
Validation of an Actuarial Instrument to Predict Repeat Family Violence for Frontline Police: Calibration, Discrimination and Classification Performance of the VP-SAFvR
Authors: Spivak Benjamin , Trood Michael , McEwan Troy
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Police are increasingly tasked with identifying, responding to, and preventing intimate partner and family violence (IPFV). Several police organisations have adopted validated risk assessment instruments to assist frontline police officers to assess and manage the risk of future IPFV. This paper reports a population-based evaluation of the predictive and discriminative validity of an actuarial risk assessment instrument, the Victoria Police Screening Assessment for Family Violence Risk (VP-SAFvR), used by frontline police officers in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

The entire population (n = 38,454) of family violence reports (FVRs) where police used the VP-SAFvR between 1 September 2019 and 31 March 2020 were tracked for 365 days to ascertain whether the VP-SAFvR was able to predict subsequent family violence and discriminate between cases with and without subsequent family violence. Calibration and survival analysis was performed on the instrument.

Results

Approximately 33% of the sample was involved in subsequent IPFV over the 12 month outcome period. In line with the development (McEwan et al., 2019) and validation (Spivak et al., 2020) studies of the same instrument, the results show the VP-SAFvR continues to provide adequate consistent discriminative and predictive performance across time. The AUC for repeat IPFV was 0.65, with the recommended threshold score of 4 (or above) identifying 75% of individuals involved in repeat family violence and correctly screening out approximately 50% of non-repeat cases.

Conclusions

The paper extends the previous research on VP-SAFvR by providing some indication that the tool is well-calibrated. Incidence curves show the largest increase in repeat family violence among those scoring above threshold occurs in the first 90 days post index. The implications and limitations of the study are discussed.
Price-mediated contagion with endogenous market liquidity
Authors: Cao Zhiyu , Feinstein Zachary
Published: October 2024

Price-mediated contagion occurs when a positive feedback loop develops following a drop in asset prices which forces banks and other financial institutions to sell their holdings. Prior studies of such events fix the level of market liquidity without regards to the level of stress applied to the system. This paper introduces a framework to understand price-mediated contagion in a system where the capacity of the market to absorb liquidated assets is determined endogenously. In doing so, we construct a joint clearing system in interbank payments, asset prices, and market liquidity. We establish mild assumptions which guarantee the existence of greatest and least clearing solutions. We conclude with detailed numerical case studies which demonstrate the, potentially severe, repercussions of endogenizing the market liquidity on system risk.
Effectiveness of complete decongestive therapy for upper extremity breast cancer-related lymphedema: a review of systematic reviews
Authors: Gilchrist Laura , Levenhagen Kim , Davies Claire C. , Koehler Linda
Published: October 2024

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) remains a challenging condition impacting function and quality of life. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is the current standard of care, necessitating a comprehensive review of its impact. This paper presents a systematic review (SR) of SRs on CDT’s efficacy in BCRL, and the components of manual lymph drainage (MLD) and exercise. A literature search yielded 13 SRs published between January 2018 and March 2023 meeting inclusion criteria, with varied quality ratings based on the AMSTAR II. A sub-analysis of CDT investigated the within group effect size estimations on volume in different stages of lymphedema. While a moderate quality SR indicated support for CDT in volume reduction, other SRs on the topic were of critically low quality. Larger effect sizes for CDT were found for later stage BCRL. The impact of MLD as a component of CDT demonstrated no additional volume benefit in a mix of moderate to low quality SRs. Similarly, exercise’s role in volume reduction in CDT was limited, although it demonstrated some benefit in pain and quality of life. A rapid review of trials published January 2021–March 2023 reinforced these findings. Variability in CDT delivery and outcomes remained. These findings underscore the need to standardize staging criteria and outcome measures in research and practice. Future research should focus on refining interventions, determining clinically important differences in outcomes, and standardizing measures to improve evidence-based BCRL management. Current evidence supports CDT’s efficacy in BCRL. MLD and exercise as components of CDT have limited support for volume reduction.
Mechanobiology of 3D cell confinement and extracellular crowding
Authors: Da Silva André Gabriela , Labouesse Céline
Published: October 2024

Cells and tissues are often under some level of confinement, imposed by the microenvironment and neighboring cells, meaning that there are limitations to cell size, volume changes, and fluid exchanges. 3D cell culture, increasingly used for both single cells and organoids, inherently impose levels of confinement absent in 2D systems. It is thus key to understand how different levels of confinement influences cell survival, cell function, and cell fate. It is well known that the mechanical properties of the microenvironment, such as stiffness and stress relaxation, are important in activating mechanosensitive pathways, and these are responsive to confinement conditions. In this review, we look at how low, intermediate, and high levels of confinement modulate the activation of known mechanobiology pathways, in single cells, organoids, and tumor spheroids, with a specific focus on 3D confinement in microwells, elastic, or viscoelastic scaffolds. In addition, a confining microenvironment can drastically limit cellular communication in both healthy and diseased tissues, due to extracellular crowding. We discuss potential implications of extracellular crowding on molecular transport, extracellular matrix deposition, and fluid transport. Understanding how cells sense and respond to various levels of confinement should inform the design of 3D engineered matrices that recapitulate the physical properties of tissues.
Scent lures and baits at camera traps improve time to first detection and detection probability of two typically elusive species of weasel
Authors: Ebel Kate , White Patrick J. C.
Published: October 2024

There is a growing body of evidence that weasel species are in decline globally. More data on their ecology and distribution are needed to plan and justify any conservation management actions. Camera trapping can be an effective survey method for many species; however, the small size and quick movements of weasels present challenges in detection and little consensus exists on practices for attracting them to improve detection. This study tested different combinations of meat baits and scent and audio lures to assess the most effective methods. Camera traps were set up in clusters of three at 42 sites to test the effectiveness of these combinations, accounting for season, in terms of the time to first detection (TFD), detection probability using occupancy models, and the number and clarity of weasel photos. We also repeated TFD and detection probability analyses for setups that were ≥ 20 m apart in case of overlap of effects. The average TFD across all sites was 43 days. Fall typically had the shortest TFD with beaver bait in fall achieving the best results. After accounting for occupancy, predicted detection probability across a 60-day survey was highest in fall with the best combination being salmon lure and beaver bait. The treatment type did not impact the average number of photos captured, but the clarity of photos was significantly positively related to use of bait and lure, type of lure, and specific combinations of bait and lure.
Personal reflections on navigating plural values in the implementation of voluntary assisted dying in Victoria, Australia
Authors: O’Connor Margaret
Published: October 2024

This paper is a personal reflection on involvement in the development of the first voluntary assisted dying legislation in Australia. Points of contention are discussed, where plural values were evident, as the legislation progressed towards implementation. Finally, ongoing areas of difficulty with the legislation are listed, where further thought is required to ensure ease of access for those in need.
Displaying Altruism as a Sexual Signal in Human Mate Choice is an Adaptation – An Interdisciplinary Overview of the Evidence
Authors: Boog Dajo Aldemar , Egas Martijn , Ploeger Annemie
Published: October 2024

Numerous studies in humans have shown that altruism may influence mate choice decisions, highlighting its potential role as a sexual signal. Whether using altruism as a signal is an adaptation, however, remains largely unresolved. In this review, we aim to investigate the adaptive nature of altruism as a sexual signal by constructing a comprehensive nomological network of evidence. Drawing upon interdisciplinary scientific modes of evidence (psychology, medicine, physiology, genetics, phylogenetics, hunter-gatherer studies, cross-cultural studies, and theoretical studies), our analysis reveals an extensive breadth of evidence across the various disciplines supporting the hypothesis that altruism is an adaptive sexual signal. However, only the psychological evidence demonstrates substantial depth. Other fields exhibit a lack of variation in research methods or a minimal amount of studies, limiting the strength of their respective contributions. Despite these limitations, there is still sufficient support for the nomological network. Based on the evidence of the various disciplines, we conclude that there is sufficient support that altruism as a sexual signal is an adaptation. We provide considerations for future research that would expand the scope of the evidentiary depth across the various disciplines, which would strengthen our understanding of the role of sexual selection in human altruism.
Development of the scoliosis research society spinal deformity surgery safety checklist
Authors: De la Garza Ramos Rafael , Scheer Justin K. , Matmati Nabil , Hey Lloyd A. , Burton Douglas C. , de Kleuver Marinus , Ames Christopher P. , Yanamadala Vijay
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Spine deformity surgery is a complex multi-step procedure that has a relatively high complication rate. The use of surgical safety checklists has been shown to reduce perioperative adverse events, but existing lists are varied and non-specific for spinal deformity surgery. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive surgical checklist for complex spinal corrective surgery.

Methods

An electronic survey consisting of 187 surgical checklist items that had been developed and used by a group of SRS members over a 5-year period was distributed to the Scoliosis Research Society Safety and Value Committee membership. The survey sections included: (1) pre-operative area, (2) initial operating room visit, (3) before turning, (4) positioning, (5) prepare and drape, (6) pre-incision timeout, (7) intraoperative, (8) finishing implant placement and confirming imaging, (9) final rods and locking, (10) prior to closure, (11) closure, (12) turn to supine, and (13) checkout/debriefing. Respondents graded each item on a five-point Likert scale based on their perceived importance and feasibility for inclusion in the checklist. Features graded as “moderately important” or “very important” to include by at least 70% of respondents were considered to meet the cutoff for inclusion-based standard Delphi practices. Study data were collated using REDCap.

Results

A total of 25 surgeons completed the survey in its entirety. The overall checklist “package” was shortened to 9 individual checklist modules, with 2 to 16 items per checklist. In terms of individual checklist items, 40% of items (74 of 187) met the cutoff for inclusion; 17 of these items were graded as “very important,” which included verifying the presence of implantable devices, reviewing the surgical plan and positioning with the surgical staff, securing the endotracheal tube, bite block confirmation, prone and lateral positioning, neuromonitoring baseline readings, double-checking that the implant screw caps were locked prior to closure, and confirming that the patient was moving bilateral lower extremities before leaving the operating room when possible.

Conclusion

This study has led to the development of a specific spinal deformity surgical checklist of 74 (many specific to spine surgery) items that were considered important for inclusion; 17 were considered “very important”.
Anatomical landmark detection on bi-planar radiographs for predicting spinopelvic parameters
Authors: Lang Stefan , Jokeit Moritz , Kim Ji Hyun , Urbanschitz Lukas , Fisler Luca , Torrez Carlos , Cornaz Frédéric , Snedeker Jess G. , Farshad Mazda , Widmer Jonas
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Accurate landmark detection is essential for precise analysis of anatomical structures, supporting diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring in patients with spinal deformities. Conventional methods rely on laborious landmark identification by medical experts, which motivates automation. The proposed deep learning pipeline processes bi-planar radiographs to determine spinopelvic parameters and Cobb angles without manual supervision.

Methods

The dataset used for training and evaluation consisted of 555 bi-planar radiographs from un-instrumented patients, which were manually annotated by medical professionals. The pipeline performed a pre-processing step to determine regions of interest, including the cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, sacrum, and pelvis. For each ROI, a segmentation network was trained to identify vertebral bodies and pelvic landmarks. The U-Net architecture was trained on 455 bi-planar radiographs using binary cross-entropy loss. The post-processing algorithm determined spinal alignment and angular parameters based on the segmentation output. We evaluated the pipeline on a test set of 100 previously unseen bi-planar radiographs, using the mean absolute difference between annotated and predicted landmarks as the performance metric. The spinopelvic parameter predictions of the pipeline were compared to the measurements of two experienced medical professionals using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and mean absolute deviation (MAD).

Results

The pipeline was able to successfully predict the Cobb angles in 61% of all test cases and achieved mean absolute differences of 3.3° (3.6°) and averaged ICC of 0.88. For thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sagittal vertical axis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence, the pipeline produced reasonable outputs in 69%, 58%, 86%, 85%, 84%, and 84% of the cases. The MAD was 5.6° (7.8°), 4.7° (4.3°), 2.8 mm (3.0 mm), 4.5° (7.2°), 1.8° (1.8°), and 5.3° (7.7°), while the ICC was measured at 0.69, 0.82, 0.99, 0.61, 0.96, and 0.70, respectively.

Conclusion

Despite limitations in patients with severe pathologies and high BMI, the pipeline automatically predicted coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters, which has the potential to simplify clinical routines and large-scale retrospective data analysis.
Shift of bacterial and fungal communities upon soil amelioration is driven by carbon degradability of organic amendments
Authors: Siedt Martin , Roß-Nickoll Martina , Schäffer Andreas , van Dongen Joost T.
Published: October 2024

The structural response of bacterial and fungal soil communities to four carbon-rich organic amendments of increasing recalcitrance was investigated. Wheat straw, green compost, a mixed product based on biogas residues, and a fermented biochar were applied to a sandy agricultural soil of low organic carbon content. After laboratory incubation for 6 months, the community structure was investigated via DNA sequencing. All amendments caused changes in the communities of bacteria and fungi, but to different extents, with the communities exposed to more recalcitrant amendments showing the least variation compared to the non-amended soil. Changes in species composition as well as their relative abundances were observed. While the straw had a pronounced effect on bacteria (e.g., the highest number of indicator species), effects of the composted, fermented, or pyrolyzed materials were minor. Hierarchical clustering showed that the fungal communities were more different from each other than the bacterial ones with the straw-soil being most different and the biochar-soil least different from the non-amended soil. While the abundant fungal species in biochar-soil and non-amended soil were very alike, especially rare fungal species shifted upon addition of biochar. An indicator species analysis identified specific taxonomic groups which were triggered by the different organic materials. We conclude that bacterial and fungal communities strongly change upon input of degradable carbon (straw), while fungi in particular respond to the application of processed organic materials. With this study, we report the consequences of applying organic materials for the microbial community in one soil. We provide these data for meta-analyses that are required to unravel all relevant interactions across different soils, organic materials, and time. This will allow to better understand and predict the effects of organic soil amelioration measures on soil microorganisms.