bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Gradient for Multi-objective Bayesian Optimization with Decoupled Evaluations
Authors: Buckingham Jack M. , Rojas-Gonzalez Sebastian , Branke Juergen
Published: February 2025

Multi-objective Bayesian optimization aims to find the Pareto front of trade-offs between a set of expensive objectives while collecting as few samples as possible. In some cases, it is possible to evaluate the objectives separately, and a different latency or evaluation cost can be associated with each objective. This decoupling of the objectives presents an opportunity to learn the Pareto front faster by avoiding unnecessary, expensive evaluations. We propose a scalarization based knowledge gradient acquisition function which accounts for the different evaluation costs of the objectives. We prove asymptotic consistency of the estimator of the optimum for an arbitrary, D-dimensional, real, compact search space and show empirically that the algorithm performs comparably with the state of the art and significantly outperforms versions which always evaluate both objectives.
Time delay and risk of toxicity of intraosseous anaesthesia use for awake intraosseous access in children
Authors: Pfeiffer Daniel , Olivieri Martin , Lieftüchter Victoria , Hey Florian , Hoffmann Florian
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Intraosseous access (IO) is a crucial, life-saving alternative vascular access in paediatric emergency medicine. In awake paediatric patients, the pain of drilling and flushing the marrow cavity are barriers to the use of the IO method or prompt the use of an intraosseous anaesthetic agent, which introduces the risk of dosing errors and drug toxicity. This study aims to identify the frequency of use of anaesthetic agents and analyse the time delay caused by their use.

Methods

Prospective surveillance study analysing all patients, aged > 28 days to 18 years, who received one or more IO attempt(s) in and out of the hospital setting in Germany from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2019 via the reporting mechanism of the German Paediatric Surveillance Unit (GPSU).

Results

Our analysis identified 74 patients who received an IO attempt while awake. All patients were younger than 6 years old. Almost every third child (31.6%) was awake during IO use. In 18.9% of all awake patients, an intraosseous anaesthetic was used before the IO was drilled or the marrow cavity was flushed, introducing a significant time delay of approximately 3 min (p = 0.001) compared to IO attempts without intraosseous anaesthesia.

Conclusions

Intraosseous anaesthesia prolongs the establishment of working vascular access in an emergency and introduces the risk of drug toxicity. To prevent adverse events, particular emphasis must be placed on placement without intraosseous anaesthesia, and alternative pain management (intranasal) must be considered if necessary. Training courses and guidelines should reflect the advised current practice.
Die Kasai-Hepatoportoenterostomie zur Behandlung der Gallengangatresie – Worauf kommt es an?
Authors: Madadi-Sanjani Omid , Herden Uta , Uecker Marie
Published: February 2025

Die Gallengangatresie (biliäre Atresie, BA) ist ein seltenes Krankheitsbild des Neugeborenen unklarer Ätiologie. Die BA definiert sich über das Ausmaß der extra- und intrahepatischen Gallenwegsdestruktion, die innerhalb der ersten Lebensjahre zum Bild der Leberzirrhose führt. Die Lebertransplantation (LT) ist die einzige kurative Therapie der BA, einhergehend mit LT-assoziierten Risiken und Komplikationen. Doch auch über 60 Jahre nach ihrer Erstbeschreibung hat die Kasai-Hepatoportoenterostomie (KPE) einen wichtigen Stellenwert in der sequenziellen Behandlung der BA als primäre chirurgische Therapieoption, die ein längeres Überleben mit eigener Leber ermöglichen kann. Wir beleuchten chirurgische Schlüsselschritte der KPE und diskutieren relevante Aspekte.
Beobachtungsstudie zur Koinzidenz von Alzheimer-Erkrankung und idiopathischem Normaldruckhydrozephalus: Analyse von Koinzidenz, deren Einfluss auf das Ansprechen im Liquorablassversuch und zerebrovaskulärer Kopathologie
Authors: Beeke M. , Sauer C. , Petzold J. , Schneider S. , Frenzen K. , Donix M. , Reiß G. , Brandt M. , Haußmann R.
Published: February 2025

Ziel der Arbeit

Analyse der Häufigkeit einer komorbiden Alzheimer-Erkrankung (AD) bei Patienten mit Verdacht auf idiopathischen Normaldruckhydrozephalus (iNPH) und deren Effekt auf das Ansprechen im Liquorablassversuch sowie Analyse der Häufigkeit einer vaskulären Kopathologie bei Patienten mit iNPH-Verdacht.

Material und Methoden

Prospektiv beobachtende Analyse von Patienten mit iNPH-Verdacht, die sich im Rahmen der klinischen Routinediagnostik zwischen dem 01.07.2022 und dem 30.06.2023 einer leitliniengerechten NPH-Routinediagnostik inklusive Liquorablassversuch unterzogen. Die Rekrutierung erfolgte aus den Kliniken für Neurologie, Neurochirurgie und Psychiatrie des Universitätsklinikums Carl Gustav Carus in Dresden. NPH-typische Bildbefunde wurden anhand vorliegender MRT- bzw. CT-Schnittbilder erhoben. Relevante soziodemografische, klinische, kognitive und liquordiagnostische Parameter wurden mittels Aktendurchsicht erfasst. Die Patienten wurden hinsichtlich des Liquorbefundes gemäß ATN-Klassifikation kategorisiert.

Ergebnisse

Im Beobachtungszeitraum wurden 33 Patienten (14 weiblich, 19 männlich, Durchschnittsalter 74,6 ± 8,1 Jahre) mit iNPH-Verdacht analysiert. 19 Patienten (57,6 %) wiesen eine komplette und 14 Patienten (42,4 %) eine inkomplette Hakim-Trias auf. Die Differenz des MoCA-Scores vor und nach Liquorablass unterschied zwischen Patienten mit und ohne Ansprechen im Liquorablass (F[1;22] = 5,725; p = 0,026). Es bestand ein Trend, dass Patienten mit pathologischem Corpus-callosum-Winkel und auffälligem Evans-Index (p = 0,052) sowie Patienten mit pathologischem Corpus-callosum-Winkel, Evans-Index und kompletter Hakim-Trias (p = 0,055) häufiger ansprechen. Der durchschnittliche Fazekas-Score betrug 1,7. Es bestand kein Zusammenhang zwischen Fazekas-Score und Ansprechen auf den Liquorablass. Insgesamt wurden bei 25 Patienten (75,8 %) Demenz- und Destruktionsmarker bestimmt. Gemäß ATN-Klassifikation wurden 20 Patienten (80 %) als A+T−, 3 (12,0 %) als A+T+ und 2 (8,0 %) als A−T−klassifiziert. A+T+- und A+T−-Patienten sprachen nicht häufiger auf den Liquorablass an (p = 0,600).

Diskussion

Die kombinierte Bestimmung von CCW und Evans-Index sowie deren Kontextualisierung mit klinischen Charakteristika verbessern möglicherweise die prognostische Einschätzung eines Ansprechens im Liquorablassversuch. Insbesondere eine komorbide Amyloidpathologie, aber auch eine zerebrale Mikroangiopathie stellen häufige Kopathologien beim iNPH dar, wobei der Einfluss einer komorbiden Amyloidpathologie auf das Ansprechen im Liquorablassversuch noch ungeklärt ist.
Optimization of sparse phenotyping strategy in multi-environmental trials in maize
Authors: Mothukuri S. R. , Beyene Y. , Gültas M. , Burgueño J. , Griebel S.
Published: February 2025

Key message

The relatedness between the genotypes of the training and the testing set using sparse phenotyping experiments helps optimize the line allocation by utilizing the relationship measurements to reduce cost without compromising the genetic gain.

The phenotyping needs to be optimized and aims to achieve desired precision at low costs because selection decisions are mainly based on multi-environmental trials. Optimization of sparse phenotyping is possible in plant breeding by applying relationship measurements and genomic prediction. Our research utilized genomic data and relationship measurements between the training (full testing genotypes) and testing sets (sparse testing genotypes) to optimize the allocation of genotypes to subsets in sparse testing. Different sparse phenotyping designs were mimicked based on the percentage (%) of lines in the full set, the number of partially tested lines, the number of tested environments, and balanced and unbalanced methods for allocating the lines among the environments. The eight relationship measurements were utilized to calculate the relatedness between full and sparse set genotypes. The results demonstrate that balanced and allocating 50% of lines to the full set designs have shown a higher Pearson correlation in terms of accuracy measurements than assigning the 30% of lines to the full set and balanced sparse methods. By reducing untested environments per sparse set, results enhance the accuracy of measurements. The relationship measurements exhibit a low significant Pearson correlation ranging from 0.20 to 0.31 using the accuracy measurements in sparse phenotyping experiments. The positive Pearson correlation shows that the maximization of the accuracy measurements can be helpful to the optimization of the line allocation on sparse phenotyping designs.
Cardiac arrhythmia and hypoglycaemia among individuals with and without diabetes receiving haemodialysis (the CADDY study): a Danish multicentre cohort study
Authors: Kofod Dea H. , Diederichsen Søren Z. , Bomholt Tobias , Andersen Mads Ø. , Andersen Andreas , Mannheimer Ebba , Rix Marianne , Liem Ylian S. , Lindhard Kristine , Hansen Henrik P. , Rydahl Casper , Lindhardt Morten , Brøsen Julie , Schandorff Kristine , Lange Theis , Nørgaard Kirsten , Almdal Thomas P. , Svendsen Jesper H. , Feldt-Rasmussen Bo , Hornum Mads
Published: February 2025

Aims/hypothesis

We aimed to examine arrhythmias and hypoglycaemia among individuals with and without diabetes who are receiving haemodialysis and to investigate the association between arrhythmias and hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia and glycaemic variability.

Methods

This prospective multicentre cohort study included 70 participants on maintenance haemodialysis (35 with diabetes and 35 without diabetes). We employed implantable cardiac monitors for continuous heart rhythm monitoring in combination with periodic use of continuous glucose monitoring. Logistic-regression-type linear mixed models were used to examine associations between arrhythmias and glycaemic measures.

Results

During 18 months of follow-up, clinically significant arrhythmias (bradyarrhythmia and ventricular tachycardia) were identified in 12 (34%) participants with diabetes and 11 (31%) without diabetes. Atrial fibrillation was detected in 13 (37%) participants with diabetes and 14 (40%) without, while other supraventricular tachycardia was detected in seven (20%) and 11 (31%) participants with and without diabetes, respectively. Hypoglycaemia (sensor glucose <3.9 mmol/l) was observed in 27 (77%) participants with diabetes and 32 (91%) without diabetes. Compared with euglycaemia, hypoglycaemia was associated with an increased rate of arrhythmias among participants without diabetes (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 3.13 [95% CI 1.49, 6.55]), while hyperglycaemia (sensor glucose >10.0 mmol/l) was associated with a decreased rate of arrhythmias among participants with diabetes (IRR 0.58 [95% CI 0.37, 0.92]). Glycaemic variability showed no association with arrhythmias regardless of the presence of diabetes.

Conclusions/interpretation

Arrhythmias and hypoglycaemia were common in those undergoing haemodialysis regardless of diabetes status. Our data suggest a temporal relationship between arrhythmias and glucose level in both individuals with and without diabetes.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04841304.

Graphical Abstract
Artificial intelligence in forensic pathology: an Australian and New Zealand perspective
Authors: Garland Jack , Tse Rexson , Stables Simon , Da Broi Ugo , Ondruschka Benjamin
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence application has gained popularity in the last decade. Its application is implemented into multiple industries including the health sector; however, discipline-specific artificial intelligence applications are not widely integrated into the day to day practice of forensic pathology in Australia and New Zealand. This article gives a brief overview of the medical school education, forensic pathology training and service and provides the authors views on the current state, potential applications, challenges and future direction in integrating artificial intelligence into forensic pathology in Australia and New Zealand for the Central European community.
Global well-posedness and scattering in weighted space for nonlinear Schrödinger equations below the Strauss exponent without gauge-invariance
Authors: Kawamoto Masaki , Masaki Satoshi , Miyazaki Hayato
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we consider the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS) with a general homogeneous nonlinearity in dimensions up to three. We assume that the degree (i.e., power) of the nonlinearity is such that the equation is mass-subcritical and short-range. We establish global well-posedness (GWP) and scattering for small data in the standard weighted space for a class of homogeneous nonlinearities, including non-gauge-invariant ones. Additionally, we include the case where the degree is less than or equal to the Strauss exponent. When the nonlinearity is not gauge-invariant, the standard Duhamel formulation fails to work effectively in the weighted Sobolev space; for instance, the Duhamel term may not be well-defined as a Bochner integral. To address this issue, we introduce an alternative formulation that allows us to establish GWP and scattering, even in the presence of poor time continuity of the Duhamel term.
Duality and polyhedrality of cones for Mori dream spaces
Authors: Brambilla Maria Chiara , Dumitrescu Olivia , Postinghel Elisa , Santana Sánchez Luis José
Published: February 2025

Our goal is twofold. On one hand, we show that the cones of divisors ample in codimension k on a Mori dream space are rational polyhedral. On the other hand, we study the duality between such cones and the cones of k-moving curves by means of the Mori chamber decomposition of the former. We give a new proof of the weak duality property (already proved by Payne and Choi) and we exhibit an interesting family of examples for which strong duality holds.
Suppressed activation of the IRF7 and TLR9 by JAK2V617F gold nanoparticles
Authors: Tokcan Berkay , Demirtaş Esra Nur , Sözer Selçuk
Published: February 2025

Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (Ph-MPNs) are characterized by the overproduction of myeloid cells and a lack of response to cytokine signaling, along with genomic instability and the accumulation of nucleic acids in the cytoplasm. In this study, we investigated the effects of oligonucleotide-gold nanoparticle conjugates (ON-GNPs) targeting JAK2 or JAK2V617F mRNAs on nucleic acid-sensing pathways in HEL, SET2, and K562 cell lines. We evaluated changes in gene expression related to TLR9 and cGAS/STING pathways, RAGE/TLR9 receptor dynamics, and inflammatory cytokine release over short-term (0.5–2 h) and long-term (24–72 h) exposures. Our results demonstrated that ON-GNPs transiently suppressed TLR9, IRF7, and NFKB1 expression during the short term, followed by significant upregulation after 24 h, persisting up to 72 h. Notably, JAK2V617F-targeting ON-GNPs induced heightened IRF7 activation in HEL and SET2 cells after 24 h without affecting TLR9/RAGE expression. Additionally, IL-8 secretion increased in HEL and SET2 culture media after 72 h, correlating with interferon pathway activation. This study reveals that complementary ON-GNPs can modulate nucleic acid-sensing pathways, suppressing IL-8 and inflammatory signaling in the short term while inducing delayed activation of TLR9 and IRF7 in the presence of JAK2V617F. These findings provide a promising foundation for developing ON-GNP-based therapeutic strategies to manage inflammation and disease progression in Ph-MPNs.
Enhanced diagnostic and prognostic assessment of cardiac amyloidosis using combined 11C-PiB PET/CT and 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy
Authors: Hong Zhihui , Spielvogel Clemens P. , Xue Song , Calabretta Raffaella , Jiang Zewen , Yu Josef , Kluge Kilian , Haberl David , Nitsche Christian , Grünert Stefan , Hacker Marcus , Li Xiang
Published: February 2025

Background

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a severe condition characterized by amyloid fibril deposition in the myocardium, leading to restrictive cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Differentiating between amyloidosis subtypes is crucial due to distinct treatment strategies. The individual conventional diagnostic methods lack the accuracy needed for effective subtype identification. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combining 11C-PiB PET/CT and 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy in detecting CA and distinguishing between its main subtypes, light chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis while assessing the association of imaging findings with patient prognosis.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of combining 11C-PiB PET/CT and 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy in a cohort of 50 patients with clinical suspicion of CA. Semi-quantitative imaging markers were extracted from the images. Diagnostic performance was calculated against biopsy results or genetic testing. Both machine learning models and a rationale-based model were developed to detect CA and classify subtypes. Survival prediction over five years was assessed using a random survival forest model. Prognostic value was assessed using Kaplan-Meier estimators and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The combined imaging approach significantly improved diagnostic accuracy, with 11C-PiB PET and 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy showing complementary strengths in detecting AL and ATTR, respectively. The machine learning model achieved an AUC of 0.94 (95% CI 0.93–0.95) for CA subtype differentiation, while the rationale-based model demonstrated strong diagnostic ability with AUCs of 0.95 (95% CI 0.88-1.00) for ATTR and 0.88 (95% CI 0.770–0.961) for AL. Survival prediction models identified key prognostic markers, with significant stratification of overall mortality based on predicted survival (p value = 0.006; adj HR 2.43 [95% CI 1.03–5.71]).

Conclusion

The integration of 11C-PiB PET/CT and 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy, supported by both machine learning and rationale-based models, enhances the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic assessment of cardiac amyloidosis, with significant implications for clinical practice.

Graphical abstracts
Vortex force map method to estimate unsteady forces from snapshot flowfield measurements
Authors: Ōtomo Shūji , Gehlert Pascal , Babinsky Holger , Li Juan
Published: February 2025

An accurate non-intrusive force measurement is challenging in many situations, especially those involving animals and vehicles. This paper reports a non-intrusive technique based on the vortex force map (VFM) method, which computes forces from snapshot velocity and vorticity fields obtained from the particle image velocimetry (PIV) flow measurement. This study is the first application of the VFM method to PIV velocity data. The VFM method is applied to three different kinematic families for surging flat plates and pitching NACA 0018 aerofoils at Reynolds numbers of

$${ \mathcal {O}\left( {10^{4}}\right) }$$

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10
4

, where flowfields are characterised by massive flow separation with the shedding of the coherent leading-edge and trailing-edge vortices. In all three cases, we observe an agreement between the direct force measurements and the VFM method even if a relatively small region around aerofoils is captured for PIV. Moreover, physical explanations of the linkage between the forces and vortical structures are provided based on the visualised force contribution of each vortex. The VFM method is highly robust to noise (a significant feature in experimental fluid mechanics) and can be applied to snapshot data.
Sequenzielle Autoimmunität? Der seltene Fall einer MDA5-Dermatomyositis und Sarkoidose
Authors: Kremer Phillip , Ruffer Nikolas , Oqueka Tim , Steurer Stefan , Köhler Daniel , Kötter Ina , Krusche Martin
Published: February 2025

Hintergrund

Die Anti-MDA5-positive Dermatomyositis stellt einen seltenen Subtyp der idiopathisch inflammatorischen Myopathien dar, die sich durch eine rasch progrediente interstitielle Lungenbeteiligung und schwerwiegende kutane Ulzerationen auszeichnet, und ist mit einer hohen Mortalität verbunden. Das gleichzeitige Auftreten einer Sarkoidose mit Multisystembeteiligung einer Myositis ist in der Literatur bisher nur extrem selten beschrieben worden.

Fallbericht

Wir berichten über den Fall eines 39-jähriger Mannes mit einer seit 3 Jahren bekannten Anti-MDA-5-positiven Dermatomyositis, der unter sukzessiver Reduktion der immunsuppressiven Therapie eine subjektive Verschlechterung der Dyspnoe sowie eine Hyperkalzämie mit akuter Nierenschädigung und deutlicher Allgemeinzustandsverschlechterung entwickelte. Mittels Bronchoskopie und Lymphknotenbiopsie konnte letztlich die Diagnose einer Sarkoidose gesichert werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Der vorliegende Fallbericht verdeutlicht die Wichtigkeit, im Krankheitsverlauf einer seltenen Erkrankung die Diagnose bei neu aufgetretenen Symptomen kontinuierlich zu reevaluieren. Beim Vorliegen einer ausgeprägten Lymphadenopathie, einer neu aufgetretenen Hyperkalzämie und für eine Dermatomyositis atypischen Lungenparenchymveränderungen sollte somit auch an die Differenzialdiagnose einer Sarkoidose gedacht werden.
Simultaneous Representation of Proper and Unit Interval Graphs
Authors: Rutter Ignaz , Strash Darren , Stumpf Peter , Vollmer Michael
Published: February 2025

In a confluence of combinatorics and geometry, simultaneous representations provide a way to realize combinatorial objects that share common structure. A standard case in the study of simultaneous representations is the sunflower case where all objects share the same common structure. While the recognition problem for general simultaneous interval graphs—the simultaneous version of arguably one of the most well-studied graph classes—is NP-complete, the complexity of the sunflower case for three or more simultaneous interval graphs is currently open. In this work we settle this question for proper interval graphs. We give an algorithm to recognize simultaneous proper interval graphs in linear time in the sunflower case where we allow any number of simultaneous graphs. Simultaneous unit interval graphs are much more ‘rigid’ and therefore have less freedom in their representation. We show they can be recognized in time

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for any number of simultaneous graphs in the sunflower case where

$$G=(V,E)$$

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is the union of the simultaneous graphs. We further show that both recognition problems are in general NP-complete if the number of simultaneous graphs is not fixed. The restriction to the sunflower case is in this sense necessary.
Learning curve analysis of 100 consecutive robotic liver resections
Authors: Rahimli Mirhasan , Gumbs Andrew A. , Perrakis Aristotelis , Al-Madhi Sara , Dölling Maximilian , Stelter Frederike , Lorenz Eric , Andric Mihailo , Franz Mareike , Arend Jörg , Croner Roland S.
Published: February 2025

Background

Robotic liver surgery, as part of minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS), offers advantages like enhanced dexterity and stable camera and instrument control. However, the learning curve — particularly the number of cases required for proficiency — remains underexplored. This study analyzes 100 consecutive robotic liver resections performed by a single surgeon to assess the learning curve and outcomes.

Patients and methods

This retrospective analysis reviewed data from the Magdeburg registry of minimally invasive liver surgery (MD-MILS) from June 2013 to July 2024, to identify surgeons who performed at least 100 robotic liver resections. Operation time and Iwate difficulty score were used as indicators of surgical proficiency and learning progression.

Results

One surgeon fulfilled the inclusion criteria of performing 100 robotic liver resections. Of these, 41 (41%) were major and 59 (59%) were minor liver resections. A significant reduction in average operation time was observed across the series, decreasing from an initial average of 450 min to approximately 300 min by the 100th operation. Similarly, the Iwate difficulty score showed a significant upward trend, reflecting the increasing technical challenges of the procedures. The learning curve was divided into four distinct phases: Competency (Cases 1–20), Proficiency (Cases 21–30), Early Mastery (Cases 31–65), and Full Mastery (Cases 66–100), highlighting the progression in skill acquisition and case complexity. Major complications (21%), such as bile leak, bilioma, and pulmonary embolism, were observed during the study period.

Conclusion

Over 100 robotic liver resections, significant learning curve progression was evident, with marked improvements in operation time and handling of complex cases. The results suggest that approximately 65 cases are needed for a surgeon experienced in open and laparoscopic liver surgery to achieve consistent proficiency in robotic liver resections. These findings underscore the importance of standardized training protocols to support the learning curve in robotic liver surgery.
Next-generation nephrology: part 2—mainstreaming genomics in nephrology, a global perspective
Authors: Gupta Asheeta , Jayasinghe Kushani , Majmundar Amar , Mann Nina , Sinha Rajiv , Sampson Matthew G. , Quinlan Catherine
Published: February 2025

Kidney genetic services are being created worldwide, revolutionising the way in which we manage families with suspected monogenic kidney disease. There is potential to learn from one another, whether one is just embarking on this journey or within an established kidney genetics service model with aspirations to optimise it further. This concluding portion of our two-part educational review explores the global efforts to integrate genomics into nephrology. We discuss key considerations for establishing kidney genetics services and share insights from successful implementation in Australia, India, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US), through case studies. Widespread integration of genomics within nephrology still faces barriers including limited genomics education among clinicians, high costs and ethical concerns. Educational strategies including workshop-based, online resources and clinical decision tools are aiming to address the genomic literacy gap among nephrologists. Multidisciplinary kidney genetics clinic models comprising nephrologists, geneticists, clinical scientists and counsellors are proving to be an effective model of delivering this diagnostic tool. Data of how kidney genetics clinics can foster collaboration with registries to facilitate research and shared learning to optimise care for patients are becoming evident. We also explore the importance of equitable access to genomics services across diverse populations, advocating for policies that address disparities in access to healthcare and genetic data representation. We hope to highlight the importance of upskilling the nephrology workforce to fully leverage the advances in genomic medicine and ensure comprehensive, accessible and personalised care for patients with genetic kidney diseases.

Graphical abstract
A modelling approach for considering material and structural properties in the calculation of local tooth root endurance limit of case hardened gears
Authors: Sorg A. , Barth Y. , Güntner C. , Tobie T. , Stahl K.
Published: February 2025

Gear and gearbox design require reliable strength numbers to calculate the tooth root load carrying capacity. These values can be determined directly by experiments on the one hand, which is often associated with considerable effort and costs, or, on the other hand, with the aid of established calculation standards, such as ISO 6336‑3. This is based on reference values for strength parameters for various heat treatment and manufacturing processes, such as case hardening. To further increase the precision of the calculation of the tooth root endurance limit of case hardened gears, this paper presents an extended approach considering actual material and structural properties after manufacturing, some of which are currently not yet directly included in standard calculations. For this purpose, an existing calculation approach for the formation of cracks in the tooth root area was adapted, applied and validated with experimental test results in the pulsator test rig on the tooth root load carrying capacity. It can be shown that the calculation results are in good accordance with the experimental results and that the approach is fundamentally suitable for determining the tooth root endurance limit of case hardened gears.
Quality management approach considering sustainability aspects within the design of wind turbines based on a literature review to explore the state of the art
Authors: Nettlenbusch Lisa-Marie , Reissmann Jan , Hasse Alexander
Published: February 2025

This study explores the integration of sustainability considerations into quality management (QM) within wind turbine design, focusing on the framework provided by DIN EN ISO 9000ff. Quality management, which aims to prevent future failures and enhance economic efficiency, is traditionally tied to economic sustainability. However, this paper examines how QM can be expanded to address broader sustainability aspects, such as environmental and social impacts. This study’s primary objective is to assess the current state of sustainable wind turbine design using a literature review. Then the concept of Planetary Boundaries is introduced as a method for measuring sustainability in the early stages of product development. Additionally, it explores the potential of integrating quality management methodologies to guarantee adherence to sustainability standards and examines the effectiveness of preventive measures in the design phase.
White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Exclusion Shifts Soil Carbon Dynamics in Mature Oak-Dominated and Hemlock-Dominated Forest Stands
Authors: Moon Jessica B. , Norman Beth , Shdaimah Elad , Fetcher Ned , Fennessy Siobhan M.
Published: February 2025

While the direct effects of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on vegetation have been intensively studied, less is known about the indirect and interactive effects of herbivory on lower trophic levels, such as soil microbes and their processing of carbon pools. We explored how carbon dynamics shift with release from over-browsing by white-tailed deer in two mature stands of oak and hemlock trees. We measured soil carbon pools (for example, soil organic matter, carbon stocks, litter biomass, and litter stabilization) and fluxes (for example, soil respiration, methane uptake, microbial substrate use, and litter decomposition) using a spatially balanced survey design inside and outside two 24-year-old deer exclosures, one in each forest stand. Soil carbon pools were higher inside the exclosures than in deer-browsed plots in both forest stands, but the effect of deer herbivory on fine-scale spatial patterning of soil carbon pools and mean carbon fluxes varied by forest type. Release from deer herbivory in the oak stand increased the patchiness of soil pools and led to higher litter decomposition, soil respiration, and methane uptake rates. Release from deer herbivory in the hemlock stand did not affect the spatial structure of soil pools, had little effect on methane uptake, and had negative effects on litter decomposition and soil respiration. These differences may be due in part to the interactive effects of two herbivores, deer and the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae), that appear to be limiting regeneration and promoting the proliferation of monodominant hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) in the hemlock-dominated stand. Our work suggests that future efforts consider multiple zoogeochemical stressors simultaneously, in addition to variation in environmental templates, to explain uncertainties in carbon pools and fluxes in temperate forested ecosystems.
Herausforderung im nichttraumatologischen Schockraum – Perikardtamponade durch Vorhofokkluder nach Reanimation
Authors: Adel Susan , Drinhaus Hendrik , Vollmer Mattias , Burst Volker , Adler Christoph , Hackl Matthias
Published: February 2025

Eine 65-jährige Patientin wurde nach außerklinischem Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand („out-of-hospital cardiac arrest“ [OHCA]) ungeklärter Ursache mit primär erfolgreicher Reanimation (CPR) in die Notaufnahme eingeliefert. Sie entwickelte im kurzfristigen Verlauf im Schockraum nach initial unauffälliger Echokardiographie eine Perikardtamponade (PT), die mittels Perikardiozentese entlastet werden musste und zu einem hämorrhagischen Schock führte. Ursächlich zeigte sich bildgebend und intraoperativ eine Verletzung des Ramus circumflexus, a.e. durch den ihn penetrierenden LAA-Okkluder (Left-atrial-appendage-Okkluder [LAAO]) infolge der CPR. Die PT wurde durch Wiederholung der eFAST-Sonographie bei hämodynamischer Verschlechterung zügig identifiziert und die Ursache durch eine standardisierte Schnittbildgebung post reanimationem zeitnah entdeckt. Die Häufigkeit dieser Komplikation lässt sich aus der Literatur nicht ableiten und sollte bei aufgrund der positiven Datenlage in Zukunft häufiger implantierten LAAO erfasst werden. Diese scheinen ein Risiko für lebensbedrohliche Reanimationsverletzungen wie die PT darzustellen, die unbehandelt todesursächliche Bedeutung erlangen können. Unser Fallbericht illustriert die Komplexität der Akutversorgung kritisch kranker PatientInnen mit OHCA aus innerer Ursache, die ein hohes Alter, Begleiterkrankungen und ggf. Antikoagulation mit sich bringen, wodurch die Versorgung verkompliziert werden kann. Außerdem unterstreicht unser Fall die Besonderheit der Versorgung nach erfolgreicher CPR, da die Herzdruckmassage ein Trauma darstellt, bei dem auch nach kurzer Dauer alle reanimationstypischen Verletzungen auftreten können. Die präklinische eFAST-Sonographie stellt eine wichtige Unterstützung in der Akutversorgung kritisch kranker PatientInnen dar, sollte jedoch nicht zu einer Verzögerung des Transports führen und in der Klinik stets wiederholt werden. Bei hämodynamischer Verschlechterung im Rahmen der Akutversorgung sollte das ABCDE-Schema und in diesem Zuge die eFAST-Sonographie erneut durchgeführt werden. Dabei sollten zuvor bereits ausgeschlossene Differenzialdiagnosen stets wieder in Betracht gezogen werden. Die Ursachensuche nach OHCA sollte neben einem standardisierten Schockraummanagement eine vordefinierte Schnittbildgebung post reanimationem umfassen, um die Versorgungsqualität in diesem komplexen Szenario zu gewährleisten.
Spetzler-Martin grade I and II cerebral arteriovenous malformations: a propensity-score matched analysis of resection and stereotactic radiosurgery in adult patients
Authors: Tos Salem M. , Osama Mahmoud , Mantziaris Georgios , Hajikarimloo Bardia , Adeeb Nimer , Kandregula Sandeep , Dmytriw Adam A. , Salim Hamza Adel , Musmar Basel , Naamani Kareem El , Ogilvy Christopher , Kondziolka Douglas , Abdelsalam Ahmed , Kumbhare Deepak , Gummadi Sanjeev , Ataoglu Cagdas , Erginoglu Ufuk , Essibayi Muhammed Amir , Keles Abdullah , Muram Sandeep , Sconzo Daniel , Riina Howard , Rezai Arwin , Pöppe Johannes , Sen Rajeev D. , Alwakaa Omar , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Jabbour Pascal , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula I. , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Starke Robert M. , Baskaya Mustafa , Sekhar Laligam N. , Levitt Michael R. , Altschul David J. , Haranhalli Neil , McAvoy Malia , Aslan Assala , Abushehab Abdallah , Swaid Christian , Abla Adib , Stapleton Christopher , Koch Matthew , Srinivasan Visish M. , Chen Peng R. , Blackburn Spiros , Dannenbaum Mark J. , Choudhri Omar , Pukenas Bryan , Orbach Darren , Smith Edward , Möhlenbruch Markus , Alaraj Ali , Aziz-Sultan Ali , Patel Aman B. , Cuellar Hugo H. , Lawton Michael , Morcos Jacques , Guthikonda Bharat , Sheehan Jason
Published: February 2025

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital vascular anomalies that can lead to severe complications, including hemorrhage and neurological deficits. This study compares the outcomes of microsurgical resection and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for SM grade I and II AVMs. Out of a large multicenter registry, we identified 180 matched patients with SM grade I and II AVMs treated with either microsurgical resection or SRS between 2010 and 2023. The primary outcomes were AVM obliteration rates and complications; secondary outcomes included neurological status and functional outcomes measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to ensure comparability between treatment groups. After PSM, 90 patients were allocated to each treatment group. Significant differences were observed in complete obliteration rates, with resection achieving higher rates compared to SRS in overall cases (97.8% vs. 60.0%, p < 0.001), unruptured AVMs (100% vs. 58.3%, p < 0.001), and ruptured AVMs (95.2% vs. 61.9%, p < 0.001). Functional improvement rates were similar between the groups for overall cases (67.2% in resection vs. 66.7% in SRS, p = 0.95), unruptured AVMs (55.2% in resection vs. 55.6% in SRS, p > 0.9), and ruptured AVMs (78.1% in resection vs. 74.1% in SRS, p = 0.7). Symptomatic complication rates were identical between the groups (11.1% each, p > 0.9), while permanent complication rates were comparable (6.7% in resection vs. 5.6% in SRS, p = 0.8). Resection demonstrated significantly higher complete obliteration rates compared to SRS across all cases, including unruptured and ruptured AVMs. Functional improvement rates were similar between the two treatment groups, with no significant differences in symptomatic or permanent complication rates. 

Graphical Abstract
The association of fasting triglyceride variability with renal dysfunction and proteinuria in medical checkup participants
Authors: Matsuoka-Uchiyama Natsumi , Uchida Haruhito A. , Asakawa Tomohiko , Sakurabu Yoshimasa , Katayama Katsuyoshi , Okamoto Shugo , Onishi Yasuhiro , Tanaka Keiko , Takeuchi Hidemi , Takemoto Rika , Umebayashi Ryoko , Wada Jun
Published: February 2025

Background

The association between the variability of triglyceride (TG) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression remains unclear. We examined whether intraindividual variability in fasting TG was associated with the exacerbation of CKD.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective and observational study. 18,339 participants, who went through medical checkups and had checked their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and semi-quantitative proteinuria by urine dipstick every year since 2017 for 4 years were registered. Variability in fasting TG was determined using the standard deviation (SD), and maximum minus minimum difference (MMD) between 2017 and 2021. The primary end point for the analysis of eGFR decline was eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The secondary end point for the analysis of proteinuria was the incidence of proteinuria ≥ ( ±) by urine dipstick.

Results

The renal survival was lower in the higher-SD, and higher-MMD groups than in the lower-SD, and lower-MMD groups, respectively (log-rank test p < 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively). Lower SD and lower MMD were significantly associated with renal survival in the adjusted model (hazard ratio (HR), 1.12; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.04–1.21, and HR, 1.13; 95% CI 1.05–1.23, respectively). The non-incidence of proteinuria was lower in the higher-SD, and higher-MMD groups than in the lower-SD, and lower-MMD groups, respectively (log-rank test p < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Fasting TG variability was associated with CKD progression in participants who went through medical checkups.
3D haptic texture discrimination in individuals with and without visual impairments using a force feedback device
Authors: Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Koustriava Eleni , Georgoula Evangelia , Kalpia Vaia
Published: February 2025

the aim of the present study was to investigate the appropriateness of the 3D haptic variable of “roughness” to be utilized to develop differently sensed virtual textures (surfaces) identifiable through the Touch haptic feedback device. The participants were 43 sighted persons and 45 persons with visual impairments. Ten tests were developed for the experiment, each of which consisted of four surfaces that were covered with the same or different textures to each other. The textures were created using various elements (shapes or lines) of the same height but various distances and sizes among each other. Moreover, the tactile variables of size, orientation and value were also applied. The Touch haptic force feedback device was used, which allows the representation of virtual objects at the user’s fingertips.The results of the study indicated that age is a variable that influences performance. In addition, sighted participants performed better than participants with visual impairments. Moreover, when the same and different virtual shapes on textures were compared participants identified and perceived better the different ones. This means that when 3D objects are textured it is preferable to use textures of different shapes than textures of the same shapes.The results give insights into the enhancement of 3D models’ textures in a haptic virtual environment. Textures of 3D virtual models can be implemented in many disciplines including education, medicine, cartography, online shopping, entertainment, music, and art.
How fair are we? From conceptualization to automated assessment of fairness definitions
Authors: d’ Aloisio Giordano , Di Sipio Claudio , Di Marco Antinisca , Di Ruscio Davide
Published: February 2025

Fairness is a critical concept in ethics and social domains, but it is also a challenging property to engineer in software systems. With the increasing use of machine learning in software systems, researchers have been developing techniques to assess the fairness of software systems automatically. Nonetheless, many of these techniques rely upon pre-established fairness definitions, metrics, and criteria, which may fail to encompass the wide-ranging needs and preferences of users and stakeholders. To overcome this limitation, we propose a novel approach, called MODNESS, that enables users to customize and define their fairness concepts using a dedicated modeling environment. Our approach guides the user through the definition of new fairness concepts also in emerging domains, and the specification and composition of metrics for its evaluation through a dedicated domain-specific language. Ultimately, MODNESS generates the source code to implement fair assessment based on these custom definitions. In addition, we elucidate the process we followed to collect and analyze relevant literature on fairness assessment in software engineering (SE). We compare MODNESS with the selected approaches and evaluate how they support the distinguishing features identified by our study. Our findings reveal that i) most of the current approaches do not support user-defined fairness concepts; ii) our approach can cover additional application domains not addressed by currently available tools, e.g., mitigating bias in recommender systems for software engineering and Arduino software component recommendations; iii) MODNESS demonstrates the capability to overcome the limitations of the only two other model-driven engineering-based approaches for fairness assessment.
Call for a critical review of widespread use of animal tracking devices
Authors: Arrondo Eneko , Pérez-García Juan Manuel
Published: February 2025

Animal tracking has undergone a technological revolution, providing insight into biological details that were previously impossible to address. However, the increasing ease of access to tracking devices (biologgers) may lead to trivializing this technology. As a result, some projects may fail to generate enough scientific knowledge to ethically justify the capture and handling of wild animals. Theoretically, bioethical regulations should be enough to prevent this phenomenon. Nevertheless, given that biologging has developed recently and at a spectacular speed, it is possible that these regulations may not have adapted in a timely manner to the new reality. To illustrate this point, we present as example the biologging projects on Iberian raptors, which show a decrease in their scientific outputs. Furthermore, we show how the general opinion of experts is that current wildlife handling regulations are ineffective. Finally, we propose ten key points which we consider would help to improve these regulations, adapting them to the challenges of biologging.
Autologous retina transplantation for refractory highly myopic macular holes: a long-term follow-up
Authors: Carlà Matteo Mario , Mateo Carlos
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To evaluate long-term anatomical and functional outcomes of autologous retinal transplantation (ART) in refractory highly myopic macular holes (HMMHs).

Study design

Retrospective interventional analysis of 9 eyes with refractory HMMH undergoing ART.

Methods

Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, Snellen) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed at baseline and each follow-up visit (1, 3, 6, 12, 24 months and the most recent). Preoperatively, we collected minimum linear diameter (MLD) and basal diameter (BD). Post-operatively, central macular thickness (CMT), external limiting membrane (ELM)/ellipsoid zone (EZ) visibility, macular edema (ME) and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) atrophy were evaluated.

Results

Mean follow-up duration was 46.0 ± 19.6 months. Anatomical success was reached in 7/9 eyes (78%). Median BCVA went from 0.05 (IQR 0.065) at baseline to 0.075 (IQR 0.069) at final follow-up (p = 0.25). Only one eye showed a 2-lines improvement, while BCVA was stable in 4/9 (44%) and worsened in 1 eye (12%). CMT progressively thickened in the first 6 months (177 ± 68 μm), but then decreased to 122 ± 50 μm at final follow-up. Graft merging with the surrounding retina was visible in two eyes, showing partial ELM/EZ recovery and good outcomes. Microcystic-like refractory ME (33%) and long-term RPE atrophy (22%) were reported, while delayed displacement of the graft was seen in one case 6 months after first surgery.

Conclusion

ART offered acceptable anatomical success but no visual improvement in our cohort. Lack of graft merging with the surrounding retina, persistent microcystic-like ME, RPE atrophy and hole recurrence were the most frequent shortfalls.
Thermal Frontal Polymerization in Polymer Composites: Numerical Simulation and the Role of Fe3O4 Nanoparticle Fillers
Authors: Lang Margit , Schmidleitner Christoph , Kasinikota Venu Prakash , Rossegger Elisabeth
Published: February 2025

Recently Thermal Frontal Polymerization (TFP) has emerged as a low-energy alternative, that enables rapid and energy-efficient manufacturing of composites. Thus, compared to conventional processes, this innovative curing and polymerization process exhibits improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact and provides a promising strategy to address sustainability challenges. However, successful TFP requires a delicate balance of reaction rates, exothermicity, and efficient heat transport into unpolymerized media while minimizing heat losses to the surroundings. In this context, sustaining TFP of polymers reinforced with highly conductive fillers is challenging due to the increased energy dissipation and reduced availability of exothermic energy as the filler content increases at the cost of resin volume. In this work, a numerical study of the TFP based manufacturing of Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether (BADGE) filled with Fe3O4 nanoparticles is presented. The simulation provides insight into the thermo-chemical process and into the impact of different particle filling degrees on the key characteristics of TFP, i.e., maximum attainable degree of cure, maximum temperature, front shape, and front speed.