bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPP1/osteopontin: a driver of fibrosis and inflammation in degenerative ascending aortic aneurysm?
Authors: Freiholtz David , Bergman Otto , Pradhananga Sailendra , Lång Karin , Poujade Flore-Anne , Granath Carl , Olsson Christian , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Sahlén Pelin , Eriksson Per , Björck Hanna M.
Published: September 2023

Degenerative ascending aortic aneurysm (AscAA) is a silent and potentially fatal disease characterized by excessive vascular inflammation and fibrosis. We aimed to characterize the cellular and molecular signature for the fibrotic type of endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) that has previously been described in degenerative AscAA. Patients undergoing elective open-heart surgery for AscAA and/or aortic valve repair were recruited. Gene expression in the intima-media of the ascending aorta was measured in 22 patients with non-dilated and 24 with dilated aortas, and candidate genes were identified. Protein expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Interacting distal gene enhancer regions were identified using targeted chromosome conformation capture (HiCap) in untreated and LPS-treated THP1 cells, and the associated transcription factors were analyzed. Differential expression analysis identified SPP1 (osteopontin) as a key gene in the signature of fibrotic EndMT in patients with degenerative AscAA. The aortic intima-media expression of SPP1 correlated with the expression of inflammatory markers, the level of macrophage infiltration, and the aortic diameter. HiCap analysis, followed by transcription factor binding analysis, identified ETS1 as a potential regulator of SPP1 expression under inflammatory conditions. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that SPP1 may be involved in the development of the degenerative type of AscAA.

Key messages

In the original manuscript titled “SPP1/osteopontin, a driver of fibrosis and inflammation in degenerative ascending aortic aneurysm?” by David Freiholtz, Otto Bergman, Saliendra Pradhananga, Karin Lång, Flore-Anne Poujade, Carl Granath, Christian Olsson, Anders Franco-Cereceda, Pelin Sahlén, Per Eriksson, and Hanna M Björck, we present novel findings on regulatory factors on osteopontin (SPP1) expression in immune cells involved in degenerative ascending aortic aneurysms (AscAA).

The central findings convey:

SPP1 is a potential driver of the fibrotic endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in AscAA.

SPP1/osteopontin expression in AscAA is predominately by immune cells.

ETS1 is a regulatory transcription factor of SPP1 expression in AscAA immune cells.
Femoroazetabuläres Impingement beim Jugendlichen und Adoleszenten
Authors: Noebauer-Huhmann Iris-M. , Koenig Felix R. M. , Chiari Catharina , Schmaranzer Florian
Published: September 2023

Das femoroazetabuläre Impingement-Syndrom (FAIS) wird durch einen repetitiven mechanischen Konflikt zwischen Azetabulum und proximalem Femur insbesondere bei Flexion und Innenrotation hervorgerufen. Beim femoroazetabulären Impingement (FAI) vom Cam-Typ bewirkt eine Asphärizität am femoralen Kopf-Hals-Übergang die Induktion von Scherkräften am Azetabulum. Beim Pincer-Typ kann eine Retroversion der Pfanne und/oder eine vermehrte Überdachung vorliegen. Ein wichtiger mechanischer Einflussfaktor, welcher ein Impingement oder auch Hüftinstabilität verstärken oder kompensieren kann, ist die Femurtorsion. Meistens treten Torsionsstörungen kombiniert mit anderen ossären Deformitäten auf. Zu beachten ist, dass ein hoher Prozentsatz der Adoleszenten mit knöchernen FAI-Morphologien asymptomatisch bleibt. Die Diagnose des FAIS wird daher klinisch gestellt, die Bildgebung zeigt die zugrundeliegende Morphologie. Primäre Bildgebung ist das Röntgenbild in 2 Ebenen zur Beurteilung der Hüftgelenküberdachung und der azetabulären Version. Die vollständige Zirkumferenz des Femurs ist jedoch nur in der Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) beurteilbar, ebenso Läsionen des Labrums und Knorpels sowie des Knochenmarks und der umgebenden Weichteile. Das MRT-Protokoll sollte routinemäßig eine Bestimmung der Rotation des Femurs beinhalten. Zudem sollten flüssigkeitssensitive Sequenzen des Beckens zum groben Ausschluss degenerativer oder entzündlicher extraartikulärer Veränderungen akquiriert werden.
Bildgebung des postoperativen Beckenbodens
Authors: Pausch Antonia M. , Betschart Cornelia , Hötker Andreas M.
Published: September 2023

Klinisches/methodisches Problem

Der Genitaldeszensus ist ein häufiges Krankheitsbild der Frau, wobei zur Therapie sowohl konservative als auch chirurgische Maßnahmen zur Verfügung stehen. Für die adäquate radiologische Diagnostik nach stattgehabter Deszensuschirurgie ist die Kenntnis der verschiedenen Operationsverfahren und des eingesetzten Fremdmaterials essenziell, um mögliche Komplikationen von normalen postoperativen Veränderungen zu unterscheiden.

Radiologische Standardverfahren

Im unmittelbaren postoperativen Verlauf ist die Computertomographie (CT) zur Evaluation akuter Komplikationen wie Blutungen oder Organverletzungen meist die gewählte Modalität. Die Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) bietet einen hohen Weichteilkontrast und ist daher in der Regel zur Beurteilung subakuter und chronischer Komplikationen zu bevorzugen.

Methodische Innovationen

Innovative Techniken wie dynamische MRT-Protokolle können die radiologische Beurteilung nach Deszensuschirurgie verbessern und beispielsweise die Bewertung der Organmobilität unter Belastung ermöglichen.

Leistungsfähigkeit

Radiologische Standardverfahren wie CT und MRT liefern detaillierte Informationen über den postoperativen Situs und potenzielle Komplikationen nach Deszensuschirurgie.

Bewertung

Die radiologische Bildgebung spielt insbesondere bei Komplikationen eine wichtige Rolle bei der Evaluation von Patientinnen nach Deszensuschirurgie. Durch eine präzise radiologische Diagnosestellung können adäquate weitere Therapiemaßnahmen ergriffen werden.
Management of anterior cruciate ligament revision in adults: the 2022 ESSKA consensus: part II—surgical strategy
Authors: Condello Vincenzo , Beaufilis Philippe , Becker Roland , Ahmad Sufian S. , Bonomo Marco , Dejour David , Eriksson Karl , Filardo Giuseppe , Feucht Matthias J. , Grassi Alberto , Wilson Adrian , Menetrey Jacques , Pujol Nicolas , Rathcke Martin , Seil Romain , Strauss Marc J. , Tischer Thomas
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The aim of this ESSKA consensus is to give recommendations based on scientific evidence and expert opinion to improve the diagnosis, preoperative planning, indication and surgical strategy in Anterior Cruciate Ligament revision.

Methods

Part 2, presented herein, followed exactly the same methodology as Part 1: the so‐called ESSKA formal consensus derived from the Delphi method. Eighteen questions were ultimately asked. The quality of the answers received the following grades of recommendation: Grade A (high level scientific support), Grade B (scientific presumption), Grade C (low level scientific support) or Grade D (expert opinion). All answers were scored from 1 to 9 by the raters. Once a general consensus had been reached between the steering and rating groups, the question–answer sets were submitted to the peer‐review group. A final combined meeting of all the members of the consensus was then held to ratify the document.

Results

The review of the literature revealed a rather low scientific quality of studies examining the surgical strategy in cases of ACL reconstruction failure. Of the 18 questions, only 1 received a Grade A rating; 5, a Grade B rating; and 9, grades of C or D. The three remaining complex questions received further evaluations for each portion of the question and were looked at in more detail for the following grades: B and D; A, C and D; or A, B, C and D. The mean rating of all questions by the rating group was 8.0 + − 1.1. The questions and recommendations are listed in the article.

Conclusion

ACL revision surgery, especially the surgical strategy, is a widely debated subject with many different opinions and techniques. The literature reveals a poor level of standardization. Therefore, this international European consensus project is of great importance and clinical relevance for guiding the management of ACL revision in adults.

Level of evidence

Level II.
Reduction of apparent temporal variations of tidal parameters by a proper local response model
Authors: Ciesielski Adam , Forbriger Thomas , Zürn Walter , Rietbrock Andreas
Published: September 2023

We describe a new harmonic tidal analysis method, which constrains the solution to be near a reference model. This regularization stabilizes the linear regression, allowing us to infer model parameters for each tidal harmonic. This overcomes the need to create a priori groupings of harmonics. The inversion is done iteratively by adjusting the reference model to reduce the data misfit. The frequency dependence of the solution is thus data-driven. We find models for the different spherical degrees independently. Our procedure allows narrow-band variations of the tidal admittance. We test the hypothesis that some of the temporal variations of tidal parameters found in previous studies were caused by inappropriate body tide models in combination with a priori wave grouping. We determine a local response model from 11.5 years of data recorded by the superconducting gravimeter SG056 at Black Forest Observatory (BFO, Schiltach). Using this as an a priori model in a non-regularized moving window analysis of wave groups composed from summed harmonics, we find that periodic variations of groups M1, K1, $$\mu $$
μ
2, N2, L2, and S2 are reduced by up to a factor of 7 compared to earlier studies. Some variations previously seen in the M2 group are captured as well.
Exact rate of accelerated propagation in the Fisher-KPP equation with nonlocal diffusion and free boundaries
Authors: Du Yihong , Ni Wenjie
Published: September 2023

Accelerated propagation is a new phenomenon associated with nonlocal diffusion problems. In this paper, we determine the exact rate of accelerated propagation in the Fisher-KPP equation with nonlocal diffusion and free boundaries, where the nonlocal diffusion operator is given by $$\displaystyle \int _{\mathbb {R}}J(x-y)u(t,y)dy-u(t,x)$$

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, and the kernel function J(x) behaves like a power function near infinity, namely $$\lim _{|x|\rightarrow \infty } J(x)|x|^{\alpha }=\lambda >0$$

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and $$x=g(t)$$

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goes to infinity at exactly the following rates: $$\begin{aligned} {\left\{ \begin{array}{ll} \displaystyle \lim _{t\rightarrow \infty }\frac{h(t)}{t\ln t}=\lim _{t\rightarrow \infty }\frac{-g (t)}{t\ln t}=\mu \lambda ,&{} \hbox { when } \alpha =2,\\ \displaystyle \lim _{t\rightarrow \infty }\frac{h(t)}{ t^{1/(\alpha -1)}}= \lim _{t\rightarrow \infty }\frac{-g (t)}{ t^{1/(\alpha -1)}}=\frac{2^{2-\alpha }}{2-\alpha }\mu \lambda , &{} \hbox { when } \alpha \in (1,2). \end{array}\right. } \end{aligned}$$

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when

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is a given parameter in the free boundary condition. Accelerated propagation can also happen when $$\lim _{|x|\rightarrow \infty }J(x)|x|(\ln |x|)^\beta =\lambda >0$$

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for some $$\beta >1$$

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. For this case, we prove that $$\begin{aligned} -g (t), h(t)=\exp \Big \{\Big [\Big (\frac{2\beta \mu \lambda }{\beta -1}\Big )^{1/\beta }+o(1)\Big ]t^{1/\beta }\Big \} \hbox { as } t\rightarrow \infty . \end{aligned}$$

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These results considerably sharpen the corresponding ones in [20], and the techniques developed here open the door for obtaining similar precise results for other problems. A crucial technical point is that such precise conclusions on the propagation are achievable by finding the correct improvements on the form of the lower solutions used in [20], even though the precise long-time profile of the density function u(t, x) is still lacking.
Direct comparison and reproducibility of two segmentation methods for multicompartment dosimetry: round robin study on radioembolization treatment planning in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lam Marnix , Garin Etienne , Palard-Novello Xavier , Mahvash Armeen , Kappadath Cheenu , Haste Paul , Tann Mark , Herrmann Ken , Barbato Francesco , Geller Brian , Schaefer Niklaus , Denys Alban , Dreher Matthew , Fowers Kirk D. , Gates Vanessa , Salem Riad
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Investigate reproducibility of two segmentation methods for multicompartment dosimetry, including normal tissue absorbed dose (NTAD) and tumour absorbed dose (TAD), in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with yttrium-90 (90Y) glass microspheres.

Methods

TARGET was a retrospective investigation in 209 patients with < 10 tumours per lobe and at least one tumour ≥ 3 cm ± portal vein thrombosis. Dosimetry was compared using two distinct segmentation methods: anatomic (CT/MRI-based) and count threshold-based on pre-procedural 99mTc-MAA SPECT. In a round robin substudy in 20 patients with ≤ 5 unilobar tumours, the inter-observer reproducibility of eight reviewers was evaluated by computing reproducibility coefficient (RDC) of volume and absorbed dose for whole liver, whole liver normal tissue, perfused normal tissue, perfused liver, total perfused tumour, and target lesion. Intra-observer reproducibility was based on second assessments in 10 patients ≥ 2 weeks later.

Results

99mTc-MAA segmentation calculated higher absorbed doses compared to anatomic segmentation (n = 209), 43.9% higher for TAD (95% limits of agreement [LoA]: − 49.0%, 306.2%) and 21.3% for NTAD (95% LoA: − 67.6%, 354.0%). For the round robin substudy (n = 20), inter-observer reproducibility was better for anatomic (RDC range: 1.17 to 3.53) than 99mTc-MAA SPECT segmentation (1.29 to 7.00) and similar between anatomic imaging modalities (CT: 1.09 to 3.56; MRI: 1.24 to 3.50). Inter-observer reproducibility was better for larger volumes. Perfused normal tissue volume RDC was 1.95 by anatomic and 3.19 by 99mTc-MAA SPECT, with corresponding absorbed dose RDC 1.46 and 1.75. Total perfused tumour volume RDC was higher, 2.92 for anatomic and 7.0 by 99mTc-MAA SPECT with corresponding absorbed dose RDC of 1.84 and 2.78. Intra-observer variability was lower for perfused NTAD (range: 14.3 to 19.7 Gy) than total perfused TAD (range: 42.8 to 121.4 Gy).

Conclusion

Anatomic segmentation-based dosimetry, versus 99mTc-MAA segmentation, results in lower absorbed doses with superior reproducibility. Higher volume compartments, such as normal tissue versus tumour, exhibit improved reproducibility.

Trial registration: NCT03295006.
A Prospective Study of the Effect of Gastroduodenal Artery Reconstruction on Duodenal Oxygenation and Enzyme Content After Pancreas Transplantation
Authors: Offerni Juliano C. M. , Ai Li Erica , Rasmussen Andrew , Xie Wen Y. , Levine Max A. , Murkin John , McAlister Vivian C. , Luke Patrick P. , Sener Alp
Published: September 2023

Background

Whole pancreas transplantation provides durable glycemic control and can improve survival rate; however, it can carry an increased risk of surgical complications. One devastating complication is a duodenal leak at the site of enteroenteric anastomosis. The gastroduodenal artery (GDA) supplies blood to the donor duodenum and pancreas but is commonly ligated during procurement. Since we have not had expressive changes in pancreatic back table surgical techniques in the recent decades, we hypothesized whether back table GDA reconstruction, improving perfusion of the donor duodenum and head of the pancreas, could lead to fewer surgical complications in simultaneous pancreas‐kidney (SPK) transplants.

Material and Methods

Between 2017 and 2021, we evaluated demographic information, postoperative complications, intraoperative donor duodenum, recipient bowel O2 tissue saturation, and patient morbidity through the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®).

Results

A total of 26 patients were included: 13 underwent GDA reconstruction (GDA‐R), and 13 had GDA ligation (GDA‐L). There were no pancreatic leaks in the GR group compared to 38% (5/13) in the GDA‐L group (p = 0.03913). Intraoperative tissue oxygen saturation was higher in the GDA‐R group than in the GDA‐L (95.18 vs.76.88%, p < 0,001). We observed an increase in transfusion rate in GDA‐R (p < 0.05), which did not result in a higher rate of exploration (p = 0.38). CCI® patient morbidity was also significantly lower in the GDA‐R group (s < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study identified improved intraoperative duodenal tissue oxygen saturation in the GDA‐R group with an associated reduction in pancreatic leaks and CCI® morbidity risk. A larger prospective multicenter study comparing the two methods is warranted.
The speed of invasion in an advancing population
Authors: Bovier Anton , Hartung Lisa
Published: September 2023

We derive rigorous estimates on the speed of invasion of an advantageous trait in a spatially advancing population in the context of a system of one-dimensional F-KPP equations. The model was introduced and studied heuristically and numerically in a paper by Venegas-Ortiz et al. (Genetics 196:497–507, 2014). In that paper, it was noted that the speed of invasion by the mutant trait is faster when the resident population is expanding in space compared to the speed when the resident population is already present everywhere. We use the Feynman–Kac representation to provide rigorous estimates that confirm these predictions.
The relationship between pain and depression and anxiety in patients with inflammatory arthritis: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Cox Natasha , Hawarden Ashley , Bajpai Ram , Farooq Saeed , Twohig Helen , Muller Sara , Scott Ian C.
Published: September 2023

Pain is a major challenge for patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA). Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities in IA, associating with worse outcomes. How they relate to pain is uncertain, with existing systematic reviews (a) mainly considering cross-sectional studies, (b) focusing on the relationship between pain and mental health in the context of disease activity/quality of life, and (c) not specifically considering the impact of treating depression/anxiety on pain. This PROSPERO-registered (CRD42023411823) systematic review will address this knowledge-gap by synthesizing evidence to summarise the associations (and potential mediators) between pain and depression/anxiety and evaluate the impact of treating co-morbid depression/anxiety on pain in IA. Relevant databases will be searched, articles screened and their quality appraised (using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools) by two reviewers. Eligible studies will include adults with rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritis, be a clinical trial or observational study, and either (a) report the relationship between pain and depression/anxiety (observational studies/baseline trials), or (b) randomise participants to a pharmacological or psychological treatment to manage depression/anxiety with a pain outcome as an endpoint (trials). To synthesise data on the association between pain and depression/anxiety, where available adjusted coefficients from regression models will be pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis. A synthesis without meta-analysis will summarise mediators. To evaluate the impact of treating depression/anxiety on pain, endpoint mean differences between treatment arms will be combined in a random-effects meta-analysis. Through understanding how depression/anxiety contribute to pain in IA, our review has the potential to help optimise approaches to IA pain.
Catheter based left atrial appendage closure in-hospital outcomes in Germany from 2016 to 2020
Authors: Maier Alexander , Kaier Klaus , Heidt Timo , Westermann Dirk , von zur Mühlen Constantin , Grundmann Sebastian
Published: September 2023

Background

New and refined catheter based left atrial appendage (LAA) closure devices have been introduced in the past decade. The procedure can be performed using either an endocardial occlusion device or an epicardial loop stitch. We aimed to analyzed recent procedural safety.

Methods

Catheter based LAA closures were identified in a complete nationwide German dataset via ICD and OPS codes from 2016 to 2020.

Results

From 2016 to 2020, 28,039 endocardial and 213 epicardial occlusions were performed. Numbers of endocardial procedures increased from 5259 in 2016 to 5917 in 2020 (p = 0.020) in 387 centers with shifting of patients’ characteristics towards older age (β = 0.29, p < 0.001), more heart failure (β = 1.01, p < 0.001) and renal disease (β = 0.67, p = 0.001) and without a significant trend for in-hospital safety except more bleeding (β = 0.12, p = 0.05). In-hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) or pericardial puncture were independent on center procedure numbers.

The loop stitch procedure was performed in 15 centers. Patients were younger (76.17 ± 8.16 vs. 73.16 ± 8.99, p < 0.001) and had a lower comorbidity index (2.29 ± 1.93 vs. 1.92 ± 1.64, p = 0.005). Adjusted risk difference for pericardial effusion (8.04%; 95% CI 3.01–13.08%; p = 0.002) and pericardial puncture (6.60%; 95% CI 3.85–9.35%; p < 0.001) was higher for the loop stitch procedure, while risk of bleeding (− 1.85%; 95% CI − 3.01 to − 0.69%; p = 0.002), intracerebral bleeding (− 0.37%; 95% CI − 0.59 to − 0.15%; p = 0.001) and shock (− 1.41%; 95% CI − 2.44 to − 0.39%; p = 0.007) was lower. No significant difference was observed for in-hospital MACCE.

Conclusions

Endocardial occlusion was the major catheter based LAA closure procedure in Germany without improvements in in-hospital safety from 2016 to 2020. In-hospital MACCE was independent on endocardial LAAC center volumes. Conclusions on the comparison between the two procedure types must be made cautious as the LAA loop stitch occlusion was utilized limited in a minor number of centers.

Graphical abstract

Catheter based left atrial appendage closure in-hospital outcomes in Germany from 2016 to 2020
Development and implementation of a student tumor board as a teaching format for medical students
Authors: Mäurer Irina , Drescher Robert , Hammersen Jakob , Dieckmann Nora , Gremme Yvonne , Sturm Max-Johann , McLean Aaron Lawson , McLean Anna C. Lawson , Senft Christian , Wittig Andrea , Klingner Caroline , von Sass Christiane , Mäurer Matthias , Kamp Marcel A.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Tumor boards serve as established platforms for interdisciplinary expert discussions and therapeutic recommendations tailored to individual patient characteristics. Despite their significance, medical students often lack exposure to such interdisciplinary discussions as tumor boards are currently not integrated into medical curricula. To address this, we aimed to enhance future physicians' interdisciplinary communication skills and subject-specific knowledge by introducing an interactive series of five linked tumor board seminars within the domain of neuro-oncology.

Methods

We developed a neuro-oncological student tumor board using a flipped-classroom format. The primary objectives of this case-centered approach included fostering an understanding of the tumor board process, active participation in multidisciplinary case discussions, honing appropriate communication strategies, and creating personalized therapy plans that consider inputs from all relevant disciplines, individual patient factors, and ethical considerations. To gauge the effectiveness of the seminar series, we administered structured pre- and post-course questionnaires.

Results

Fourteen medical students in third to fifth year participated in the pilot series. Despite its organizational complexity, the interdisciplinary seminars were feasible. Students demonstrated significant growth in competence, aligned with predefined learning objectives. Notably, they appreciated the supportive learning environment and interactive teaching format, which kindled their interest in interdisciplinary oncology.

Conclusion

Active participation in a student tumor board can empower students to tackle the diverse challenges of caring for cancer patients within an interdisciplinary team during the early stages of their careers. The student tumor board represents an innovative, learner-centered approach to teach interdisciplinary cancer treatment, communication strategies, and ethical aspects of medical practice.
Tadpole morphological characterization of Ranitomeya variabilis (Zimmermann & Zimmermann, 1988) (Anura: Dendrobatidae), with skeleton, muscle system and inner organs
Authors: Regnet Ruth A. , Lukas Paul , Rödder Dennis , Wipfler Benjamin , Solé Mirco
Published: September 2023

In this study, we morphologically examine larval specimens of Ranitomeya variabilis, which were breed in captivity and genetically determined to belong to the French Guiana population. We provide detailed data on the external morphology, chondrocranium, cranial muscle systems and inner organs of the tadpoles. Additionally, we provide essential characteristics for the recognition of the tadpoles of the different Ranitomeya species. The external morphology of the R. variabilis tadpoles was assessed by measurements and photographs of the specimens. Internal morphology was analyzed using µCT images, µCT-based three-dimensional reconstructions, and dissection of specimens for organ and muscle descriptions. The majority of the muscle configurations observed herein for larval specimens of R. variabilis are consistent with data presented in previous studies for larvae of other Ranitomeya species. In addition, several of the observed morphological characters are defined for different taxonomic levels within Dendrobatidae, e.g., the reduction of tectal cartilages and the insertion of the M. rectus cervicis on the third or fourth branchial arch. The absence of the anterolateral process of the ceratohyal in Ranitomeya and Dendrobates further strengthens their close relationship, in contrast to the more distantly related Epipedobates and Phyllobates where this structure is present. The absence of the M. levator arcuum branchialium I and II, the M. interhyoideus posterior and the M. diaphragmatopraecordialis might be defining traits for Ranitomeya. The specific characters observed in this study for R. variabilis, are the fusion of the superficialis and profundus portion of the musculus levator longus larvae and the absence of the parotic crista.
Erkennung transparenter Objekte für die Laborautomatisierung
Authors: Vincze Markus , Weibel Jean-Baptiste , Thalhammer Stefan , Gupta Hrishikesh , Ausserlechner Philipp
Published: September 2023

Während matte Objekte visuell gut erkannt und mit Robotern gegriffen werden können, stellen transparente Objekte neue Herausforderungen dar. So liefern moderne Farb- und Tiefenbildkameras (RGB-D) keine korrekten Tiefendaten, sondern verzerrte Abbildungen des Hintergrunds. Wir zeigen in diesem Beitrag, welche Methoden geeignet sind, um nur in Farbbildern transparente Objekte zu erkennen und deren Pose zu bestimmen. Mittels eines Robotersystems werden Ansichten des Zielobjekts generiert und annotiert, um Methoden anzulernen und um Daten für die Evaluierung zu erhalten. Wir zeigen auch, dass mittels einer verbesserten Methode zum Einpassen der 3D-Pose eine deutliche Verbesserung der Genauigkeit der Lageschätzung erreicht wird. Dadurch können falsche Erkennungen aussortiert werden und für richtige Erkennungen wird die Genauigkeit der Poseschätzung verbessert. Somit gelingt es, mit einem Roboter transparente Objekte zu greifen.
Inclusive Immersion: a review of efforts to improve accessibility in virtual reality, augmented reality and the metaverse
Authors: Dudley John , Yin Lulu , Garaj Vanja , Kristensson Per Ola
Published: September 2023

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) afford new forms of work and leisure. While affordable and effective VR and AR headsets are now available, neither technology has achieved widespread user adoption. However, we predict continual technological advances and cost reductions are likely to lead to wider diffusion in society. Bridging the chasm from the early adopters to the early majority will require careful consideration of the needs of a more casual and diverse user population. In particular, it is desirable to minimise the exclusion of potential users based on their unique needs and maximise the inclusion of users in these novel immersive experiences. Ensuring equitable access to the emerging metaverse further reinforces the need to consider the diverse needs of users. We refer to this objective of maximising the accessibility and enjoyment potential of users of VR, AR and the metaverse as Inclusive Immersion. This paper reviews the research and commercial landscape seeking to address the accessibility needs of users in VR and AR. The survey provides the basis for a synthesis of the emerging strategies for maximising the inclusiveness of VR and AR applications. Finally, we identify several unaddressed accessibility challenges requiring further research attention. Our paper consolidates disparate efforts related to promoting accessible VR and AR and delivers directions for advancing research in this area.
Occurrence and prevalence of Legionella species in dental chair units in Germany with a focus on risk factors
Authors: Optenhövel Marleen , Mellmann Alexander , Kuczius Thorsten
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Water-bearing instruments and treatments in dental units produce aerosols originating from the dental unit waterlines (DUWLs), which are often microbially contaminated. Particularly, the presence of Legionella mainly realized as aerosols leads to a risk of infection in patients and dental staff.

Methods

Here, we record the general bacteriological status of DUWLs in Germany and investigated the prevalence of Legionella spp., with a focus on identification and occurrence of distinct species considering the various aspects of dental practice such as dental chair equipment, disinfection methods, and temperatures.

Results

Out of 3789 water samples of 459 dental practices, collected in the years 2019 and 2020, 36.4% were Legionella positive with predominance of L. anisa (97.89%) identified by MALDI-TOF biotyping. L. pneumophila was detected very rarely. Risk factor analysis revealed that temperatures >20°C are a significant factor for increased Legionella colonization.

Conclusion

In order to minimize the risk of infection, routine monitoring of the water quality in dental chair units is recommended with regard to general microbiological loads and to the presence of Legionella as opportunistic pathogen as well as the regular application of routine disinfection procedures.
Extremal Tensor Products of Demazure Crystals
Authors: Assaf Sami , Dranowski Anne , González Nicolle
Published: September 2023

Demazure crystals are subcrystals of highest weight irreducible $$\mathfrak {g}$$
g
-crystals. In this article, we study tensor products of a larger class of subcrystals, called extremal, and give a local characterization for exactly when the tensor product of Demazure crystals is extremal. We then show that tensor products of Demazure crystals decompose into direct sums of Demazure crystals if and only if the tensor product is extremal, thus providing a sufficient and necessary local criterion for when the tensor product of Demazure crystals is itself Demazure. As an application, we show that the primary component in the tensor square of any Demazure crystal is always Demazure.
Are We Ready to Really Hear the Voices of Those Concerned? Lessons Learned from Listening to and Involving Children in Child and Family Psychology Research
Authors: Sarkadi Anna , Thell Maria , Fängström Karin , Dahlberg Anton , Fäldt Anna , Pérez-Aronsson Anna , Warner Georgina , Eriksson Maria
Published: September 2023

A changing view of children, accelerated by the Convention of the Rights of the Child (UN in Convention on the rights of the child, UN Doc. A/RES/44/25, 1989, http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/pdf/crc.pdf) has shifted the landscape of child and family research over the last few decades. Once viewed with low credibility and operating outside the interpretive framework of adult researchers, the rights-bearing child is increasingly recognized not only as having the capacity but also the right to participate in research. More recently, this movement has transitioned from the direct engagement of children as research participants—now considered commonplace, although less so for those who are structurally vulnerable—to the involvement of children in research design, review, conduct, and dissemination. Yet, both practical and ethical challenges remain. While children have the right to participation, they also have the right to protection. In this commentary, we set out to: (i) lay forth epistemic, child rights, and child sociology arguments for doing research about, with and by children and youth; (ii) recount our own journey of including children and youth in research to demonstrate the unique knowledge and insights gained through these approaches; and (iii) offer lessons learned on how to engage children and youth in research, including the involvement of structurally vulnerable groups.
Aerenchyma tissue of Juncus effusus L.: a novel resource for sustainable natural cellulose foams
Authors: Chen Qi , van Dijken Jur , Maniar Dina , Loos Katja
Published: September 2023

The demand for sustainable, low-cost, and high-performance natural cellulose foams with isotropic structures has increased greatly due to growing environmental awareness. However, the synthesis of current cellulose foams/aerogels requires substantial amounts of energy and chemicals, mainly due to the challenges posed by the poor solubility and processability of raw cellulose derived from biomass resources. Consequently, these challenges further highlight the advantages offered by the direct utilization of natural cellulose foams, considering their economic and environmental benefits. Previous studies on natural cellulose foams have predominantly focused on specific plant components such as phloem, xylem, vascular vessels, fruits, and seeds. In this study, we present an overlooked alternative: the aerenchyma tissue of aquatic or wetland plants. Specifically, we investigated on Juncus effusus L. (JE), a commonly found problematic wetland weed that is known for its high reproductive ability, causing a reduction in annual forage yield. The aerenchyma tissue of JE was discovered to possess a well-developed 3D interconnected hierarchical structure, exhibiting remarkable properties as a natural lignocellulosic foam. These properties include exceptional compressibility, hydrophobicity (water contact angle: 147°), lightweights (density: 0.017 g/cm3), and high porosity (98%). Through this study, we have introduced a novel natural cellulose foam and explored the utilization of biomass derived from wetland weed wastes.
Emerging Adult Resilience to the Early Stages of the COVID-Pandemic: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Theron L. C. , Cockcroft K. , Annalakshmi N. , Rodgers J. G. , Akinduyo T. E. , Fouché A.
Published: September 2023

Human resilience to COVID-19 related stressors remains a pressing concern following the aftereffects of the pandemic and in the face of probable future pandemics. In response, we systematically scoped the available literature (n = 2030 records) to determine the nature and extent of research on emerging adults’ adaptive responses to COVID-19 stressors in the early stages of the pandemic. Using a multisystem resilience framework, our narrative review of 48 eligible studies unpacks the personal, relational, institutional and/or physical ecological resources that enabled positive emerging adult outcomes to COVID-18 stressors. We found that there is a geographical bias in studies on this topic, with majority world contexts poorly represented. Resources leading to positive outcomes foregrounded psychological and social support, while institutional and ecological supports were seldom mentioned. Multisystemic combinations of resources were rarely considered. This knowledge has valuable implications for understanding resilience in the context of other large-scale adverse conditions.
National legislative adoption of international wildlife law after treaty ratification
Authors: Goyes David Rodríguez
Published: September 2023

Since the 1970s, the world has witnessed a proliferation of international treaties championing the protection of wildlife. The effectiveness of those treaties, which together comprise international wildlife law (IWL), depends on their national implementation by individual states rather than on their number. National implementation of IWL ranges from legislative action, to resource allocation, to individual behavioural change. Inadequate IWL implementation can facilitate and even lead to wildlife crime. Therefore, examining how countries operationalise their commitments derived from IWL is important to understand the efficacy (or lack thereof) of wildlife treaties. The main goal of this article is to investigate the dynamics by which nations internalise international wildlife commitments into state law, by using Norway as a case study. The article thus explores the social dynamics that shaped the domestic legal action that Norway undertook after its ratification of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention). The study is based on historical data documenting Norway’s legislative processes derived from the conventions and historical records of the country’s environmental conflicts. It applies Chambliss’s sociology of law perspective on conflict to interpret the material. While many globalisation scholars hold that globalisation stripped states of legislative sovereignty, this article argues that Norway’s wildlife policy is mostly dependent on clashes between national forces, rather than Norway conceding legislative powers to the international community. In other words, the tension between economic growth and ecosystem conservation determines how Norway implements IWL commitments. This article contributes to the literature on environmental regime effectiveness and the domestic impact of treaties.
Welcome to the jungle!: An overview of modern taxonomy of cyanobacteria
Authors: Kaštovský Jan
Published: September 2023

The application of modern molecular methods and phylogenetic approaches saw an explosion in cyanobacterial taxonomy in the first two decades of the twenty-first century. The relative ease of description of new taxa and the pressure to publish a high number of scientific papers has created apparent confusion. The situation is particularly complicated for ecologically oriented limnological research and practical hydrobiologists especially have numerous criticisms of this trend. On closer observation, however, the situation is not as tragic as it first appears. More than a thousand new species have been discovered or renamed and only 18 percent are freshwater planktonic species, which garner the most interest in routine analyses. Most new taxa are described from terrestrial habitats. Despite the increase in studies from tropical areas, most of the new species are from the temperate zone, which probably does not account for the reality. Significant advances in modern taxonomy are visible mainly for the trichal types, but other groups such as the pleurocapsal species are considerably less studied. In this article I try to show that, despite all the difficulties and limitations, it is not necessary to consider these rapid changes as a complication in common cyanobacteriological research.
Life in a changing environment: dreissenids’ feeding response to different temperature
Authors: Haltiner Linda , Rossbacher Silvan , Alexander Josephine , Dennis Stuart R. , Spaak Piet
Published: September 2023

Invasive species have far-reaching consequences for whole ecosystems. The two dreissenids zebra and quagga mussels are two of the most successful invaders in aquatic systems. Quagga mussels can colonize deeper parts of a lake while zebra mussels prefer shallow areas. Both species show large variability in shell morphology, but only quagga mussels show a shallow and deep-water morphotype. The aim of this study is to investigate the depth adaptation of quagga mussels and the potential filtration advantage of the quagga mussel compared to the zebra mussel. We conducted common garden experiments, where we measured filtration rates at different temperatures of quagga mussels collected from different water depths and compared them to zebra mussel from 1m depth. We found filtration rates to be strongly temperature dependent, and in particular, lower at 4 °C. Overall, zebra mussels fed less than quaggas. Quagga mussels collected from 1 m depth fed more at higher temperature than quaggas from 30 and 60 m. We hypothesize that deep-water quagga mussels are less sensitive to lower temperature and/or constrained to modify filtration rates at higher temperatures.
Intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide 0.19 mg (ILUVIEN®) in patients with non-infectious uveitis: real-world effectiveness and safety outcomes at 12 months
Authors: Moll-Udina Aina , Hernanz Inés , Sainz-de-la-Maza Maite , Pelegrín Laura , Coelho-Borges Ana Isabel , Pazos Marta , Adán Alfredo , Llorenç Victor
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study assessed the effectiveness of the 0.19-mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant by multimodal measurements in patients with non-infectious uveitis (NIU) in a real-world setting in Spain.

Methods

A prospective study of patients who had NIU including uveitic macular oedema (UME) with ≥ 12 months follow-up was done. Exclusion criteria include infectious uveitis and uncontrolled glaucoma or ocular hypertension requiring more than 2 medications. Effectiveness was assessed using a multicomponent outcome measure that included nine outcomes. Effectiveness was defined as all components being met at every timepoint. Secondary outcome measures were onset or progression of glaucoma and investigator-reported adverse events.

Results

Twenty-six eyes from 22 patients were included, with 96.2% having an indication including UME. During the 12-month study, the FAc implant was effective in 15 (57.7%) eyes, reaching effectiveness as soon as 2 weeks post-implantation. Mean best-corrected visual acuity and mean central macular thickness (CMT) were significantly improved vs. baseline at all timepoints (all comparisons p < 0.01). During the 12-month study, inflammation markers (anterior chamber cells and vitreous haze) had also significantly declined. Factors predicting effectiveness at month 12 were systemic corticosteroid dose pre-FAc, higher immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) load at baseline and thicker retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) at baseline (all p < 0.05). Factors predicting failure were male gender, thinner RNFL at baseline and treatment ineffectiveness at 1 month (all p < 0.05). In parallel, corticosteroid and IMT use also declined significantly. No significant increase in IOP was detected.

Conclusion

The FAc implant is safe and effective at treating NIU over 12 months in a real-world setting in Spain.
Effectiveness and safety of fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant in diabetic macular edema patients considered insufficiently responsive to available therapies (REACT): a prospective, non-randomized, and multicenter study
Authors: Ruiz-Moreno José María , Adán Alfredo , Lafuente María , Asencio Durán Mónica , Arias Barquet Luís , García Layana Alfredo , Araiz Iribarren Javier
Published: September 2023

Objective

To assess the effectiveness and safety of the intravitreal fluocinolone-acetonide implant (FAc-i) in patients with chronic diabetic macular edema who did not sufficiently respond to other available therapies.

Methods

This was a multicenter, prospective, non-randomized, and phase-IV observational study conducted on patients with recurrent-DME who were insufficient responders to currently available therapies (REACT-Study). The primary end-point was the mean change in best-corrected-visual-acuity from baseline to month-24 values.

Results

Thirty-one eyes from 31 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 68.0 ± 7.7 years, and 10 (32.3%) were women. Study patients had received 5.3 ± 7.3 previous DME treatments before starting the study. In the overall study sample, BCVA improved from 56.1 ± 12.3 letters at baseline to 62.4 ± 17.0 letters at month-24 (p = 0.0510). The eyes with a baseline BCVA < 70 ETDRS letters had a significant improvement in BCVA from 53.2 ± 10.2 letters at baseline to 61.5 ± 17.9 letters at month-24 (p = 0.0165). In the overall study population, central-subfoveal-thickness (CST) was significantly reduced from 474.0 ± 135.1 µm at baseline to 333.4 ± 135.6 at month-24 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, macular-volume (MV) was significantly reduced from 10.7 ± 2.7 mm3 at baseline to 9.6 ± 2.9 mm3 (p = 0.0027) at month-24. Among the 31 study eyes, 19 (61.3%) required an additional treatment for DME. Throughout the study, 9 (29.0%) eyes required ocular hypotensive medication for controlling their intraocular-pressure and 5 (16.1%) eyes underwent cataract surgery.

Conclusions

In DME eyes who did not sufficiently respond to previous therapies, the FAc-i was associated with an improvement in visual and anatomic outcomes. There were no unexpected adverse-events.

Trial registration number

EudraCT identifier: 2016-001680-37.
Electrochemical determination of cadmium ions in biological and environmental samples using a newly developed sensing platform made of nickel tungstate-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Mohammed Rabee H. R. , Hassan Rabeay Y. A. , Mahmoud Rehab , Farghali Ahmed A. , Hassouna Mohamed E.M.
Published: September 2023

Simple and rapid analysis of cadmium ion in environmental and biological samples is of great importance due to the severe toxicity caused by this heavy metal. In the present work, nickel tungstate (NiWO4) dispersion was mixed with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to obtain a homogenous composite of (NiWO4/MWCNTs) which was assigned as carbon paste electrode modifier. The composite was fully characterized using various characterization techniques including X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR). The electrochemical redox reactions of cadmium (II) ions at the modified electrode interface were investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). Effective parameters on the electro-analysis assay performance including the electrode composition, types of electrolyte, scan rate and pH were tested to achieve the best effective optimum conditions. Accordingly, a linear relation of cadmium ions was achieved in the concentration range 50–450 µM with limit of detection of 0.12 µM. Besides, the proposed electrode was successfully used to monitor trace amounts of cadmium ions in various real samples.

Graphical abstract

Schematic illustration of synthesis process of NiWO4/MWCN nanocomposite and its application as high-performance cadmium ion sensors