bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recalcitrant Primary Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman Disease. Efficacy of Sirolimus and Intralesional Methylprednisolone
Authors: Tirado-Sánchez Andrés
Published: August 2023

Sinus histiocytosis or Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare disorder with severe lymphadenopathy and a limited clinical course, the aetiology of which is still controversial. The disease usually affects cervical nodes, with fever, polyclonal gammopathy, and leucocytosis with neutrophilia. Pure cutaneous involvement occurs as the only manifestation in only 3% of cases. Cutaneous RDD is often associated with infections, immunodeficiency, and autoimmune disorders. A 52-year-old patient presented with disseminated, recurrent, and relapsed pure cutaneous RDD that responded well to treatment with sirolimus and local infiltrations of methylprednisolone. The patient had multiple nonpainful nodular and tumour-like lesions, histiocytic infiltrates with emperipolesis were observed on histologic examination, and positive immunohistochemistry for CD68, and S100. There is no standardised treatment, then the patient was treated with various therapies, including systemic steroids, chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone), radiotherapy, and other immunosuppressive treatments. Some lesions were treated surgically, resulting in recurrence. Sirolimus and local infiltration with methylprednisolone were tried as salvage treatments, the patient responded well, reducing the incidence of new lesions during follow-up, and the size of the preexisting lesions.
Vegetative Plaque on the Left Superior Eyelid
Authors: Wikholm Colin G. , Thakker Sach , Bakhshi Pegah R. , Swigost Adam J. , Moshell Alan , Cardis Michael A.
Published: August 2023

Herein we present case report of a 73-year-old female who developed a rapidly growing, ulcerated lesion on her left superior eyelid. Despite treatment for suspected infection, symptoms only marginally improved. Physical examination revealed a diffusely ulcerated multinodular tumour with overlying haemorrhagic and serosanguineous exudate. A shave biopsy led to a diagnosis of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL), a rare CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder. The patient had no extracutaneous involvement on PET-CT and her prognosis is good given the indolent nature of pcALCL. Differential diagnoses included merkel cell carcinoma, periocular sebaceous carcinoma, lymphomatoid papulosis, and extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma. Prognosis for pcALCL is generally good. Treatment recommendation for pcALCL is surgical excision with negative margins for localised disease, while intravenous brentuximab vedotin is suggested for widespread, relapsed, and refractory disease.
Electrochemical Enhancement of Lithium‐Ion Diffusion in Polypyrrole‐Modified Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile Nanotubes for Solid‐to‐Solid Free‐Standing Lithium–Sulfur Cathodes
Authors: Yi Yikun , Hai Feng , Guo Jingyu , Gao Xin , Chen Wenting , Tian Xiaolu , Tang Wei , Hua Weibo , Li Mingtao
Published: August 2023

The energy density of lithium‐sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (Li‐SPAN) batteries has chronically suffered from low sulfur content. Although a free‐standing electrode can significantly reduce noncapacity mass contribution, the slow bulk reaction kinetics still constrain the electrochemical performance. In this regard, a novel electrochemically active additive, polypyrrole (PPy), is introduced to construct PAN nanotubes as a sulfur carrier. This hollow channel greatly facilitates charge transport within the electrode and increases the sulfur content. Both electrochemical tests and simulations show that the SPANPPy‐1% cathode possesses a larger lithium‐ion diffusion coefficient and a more homogeneous phase interface than the SPAN cathode. Consequently, significantly improved capabilities and rate properties are achieved, as well as decent exportations under high‐sulfur‐loading or lean‐electrolyte conditions. In‐situ and semi‐situ characterizations are further performed to demonstrate the nucleation growth of lithium sulfide and the evolution of the electrode surface structure. This type of electrochemically active additive provides a well‐supported implementation of high‐energy‐density Li‐S batteries.
Black Interactionist Thought and the Lived‐Experience Approach to Symbolic Interactionism
Authors: Conner Christopher T. , Massey Kenya , Grayer Julien
Published: August 2023

Du Bois is often regarded as an important scholar for his contributions to the development of sociology. However, less is known about his work in developing interactionist thought. This essay is an introduction to this special issue, and a small attempt to acknowledge the work of scholars of color within the interactionist tradition. The Du Bosian approach to sociology has for too long been dismissed out of hand. Scholars pursuing new areas of inquiry, topics outside the bounds of “mainstream sociology,” are often met with fierce resistance—even today. Instead of building these scholars up, through mentorship and aid, so‐called “accomplished” scholars see fit to tear down the work of those not like them. The Du Bosian perspective celebrates the plurality of voices, advocates for mentorship, and sees sociological inquiry as rooted in the real needs and concerns of those so marginalized. As this collection of articles illustrates, even when conforming to scientific standards work in this tradition has a political dimension as it lays bare the inequities in society—even, at times, drawing government interference with their work. This issue also calls upon professional sociologists to reflect on the ways they reproduce these patterns within the discipline and higher education.
Multi‐Objective Optimization Design of Linear Phase Shift Transformer Based on Improved Differential Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Changduo , Zhao Jinghong , Wang Hanming , Yan Sinian , Yan Dongao
Published: August 2023

Linear phase shifting transformer is a new type of phase shifting transformer with the advantages of simple winding structure, easy modularity, and the ability to shift phase at any angle. In order to improve the efficiency and power factor of linear phase shift transformer and reduce the weight of the body, based on the equivalent circuit, this paper first, selects the main design parameters of the linear phase shift transformer model as the optimization object, secondly, selects the constraints and objective function applicable to this model, and then, establishes the linear phase shift transformer optimization design model. Finally, a differential evolutionary algorithm with strong global search performance is used to optimize the design parameters. Taking the 1 kW linear phase shifting transformer as an example, the efficiency, power factor, and weight before and after optimization are compared using finite element simulation to verify the effectiveness of the proposed optimization method. The test results of the experimental prototype prove that the proposed method can effectively solve the optimization design problem of linear phase shifting transformers. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
String‐Like Time of Flight Sensor Module for a Collaborative Robot
Authors: Tsuji Satoshi
Published: August 2023

Collaborative robots, that work alongside humans, will be an indispensable part of the future workforce. Proximity skin sensors on collaborative robots help them avoid collisions with people and other objects. Several skin sensors that fit the shape of the robot surface have been developed. As the shape of each robot varies, developing sensors for each of them is expensive and inefficient. In this study, we propose a string‐like time of flight (ToF) sensor module that can be easily mounted on the surface of a robot. The prototype sensor module consists of six ToF sensors, and each module can be interconnected. The module can detect the distance of an object and its position before making contact. Articulated string‐like modules are wrapped around the surface of the robot to detect objects at a given proximity range around the robot. The movement of the robot can be controlled based on the measurement data obtained by the sensor. Therefore, these proximity skin sensor modules can ensure safety and workability of the robot by preventing unwanted contact between the robot and objects. Thus, the sensor can be used as skin sensors in collaborative robots. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
An integrative review of measures of transitions and care coordination for persons living with dementia and their caregivers
Authors: Hirschman Karen B. , McHugh Molly , Morgan Brianna
Published: August 2023

Introduction

High rates of hospital visits and readmissions are common among persons living with dementia, resulting in frequent transitions in care and care coordination. This paper identifies and evaluates existing measures of transitions and care coordination for persons living with dementia and their caregivers.

Methods

This integrative review builds off a prior review using a systematic search of online databases (PubMed, EBSCO, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Scopus) to identify records and locate reports (or articles) that use measures of care transitions and care coordination. Identified measures were compared to the Alzheimer's Association's Dementia Care Practice Recommendations to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the measure in this population, such as if measures were person‐ and family‐centered.

Results

Seventy‐one reports using measures of transitions in care and care coordination for persons living with dementia and their caregivers were identified. There were multiple measures identified in some reports. Three main areas of measures were classified into: identification of the population (3 measures, 8 reports), transitional care and care coordination delivery (14 measures, 17 reports), and transitional care and care coordination outcomes (e.g., health‐care use, cost, and mortality; 17 measures, 60 reports). A strength of the three main areas of measures was that a portion of the measures were person‐ and family‐centered. Variability in the operational definitions of some measures and time intensiveness of collecting the measure (e.g., number of items, the time it takes to complete the items) were common weaknesses.

Discussion

Transitions and care coordination measures are varied across studies targeted at persons living with dementia and their caregivers. Existing measures focus heavily on outcomes, specifically health‐care resource use, and cost, rather than the elements of transitional care or care coordination. Future measure development focused on care transitions and service coordination is needed.
Growth performance and physiological responses of broilers fedStylosanthes hamataleaf meal in a hot tropical environment
Authors: Adejuyigbe Adewale E. , Sogunle Olajide M. , Onagbesan Okanlawon M. , Oke Oyegunle E.
Published: August 2023

Background

Forage plants are considered an essential source of vitamins, protein and energy and could decrease the intake of the conventional diets by up to 10% if young quality forage plants are offered and about 7% of a broiler's daily protein needs and 3% of their daily calorie needs can be met by pasture. However, there is a paucity of data on the quantification of the herbage intake in broiler chickens.

Objectives

This trial was designed to determine the performance and physiological response of broilers fed diets containingStylosanthes hamataleaf meal (SHLM) at 0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% inclusion (weight for weight) in a basal diet of poultry.

Methods

Two hundred and forty‐day‐old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were used for this trial. They were allocated at random to each of the 6 dietary treatment groups with 4 replicates of 10 chickens each. The study lasted for 35 days, during which data were collected weekly.

Results

Results indicated no difference (p > 0.05) in body weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens across all ages. Although the plasma triiodothyronine (T3) concentration of the birds was influenced at the sixth week of age, there was no consistency in the trend. At the eighth week of age, chickens on 15% SHLM had significantly (p < 0.05) higher cortisol (3.22 ng/mL) concentrations compared to 10% (3.13 ng/mL) and 20% (3.16 ng/mL) SHLM treatment groups. Treatment groups, regardless of the age of the chickens, had similar (p > 0.05) mean plasma creatinine values.

Conclusions

The study concluded that SHLM could be incorporated into broiler feed up to 20% without a deleterious impact on physiology and performance indices.
Contemporary epidemiological data of Rift Valley fever virus in humans, mosquitoes and other animal species in Africa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ebogo‐Belobo Jean Thierry , Kenmoe Sebastien , Abanda Ngu Njei , Bowo‐Ngandji Arnol , Mbaga Donatien Serge , Magoudjou‐Pekam Jeannette Nina , Kame‐Ngasse Ginette Irma , Tchatchouang Serges , Menkem Elisabeth Zeuko'o , Okobalemba Etienne Atenguena , Noura Efietngab Atembeh , Meta‐Djomsi Dowbiss , Maïdadi‐Foudi Martin , Kenfack‐Zanguim Josiane , Kenfack‐Momo Raoul , Kengne‐Nde Cyprien , Esemu Seraphine Nkie , Mbacham Wilfred Fon , Sadeuh‐Mba Serge Alain , Ndip Lucy , Njouom Richard
Published: August 2023

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a severe zoonotic mosquito‐borne disease that represents an important threat to human and animal health, with major public health and socioeconomic impacts. This disease is endemic throughout many African countries and the Arabian Peninsula. This systematic review with meta‐analysis was conducted to determine the RVF prevalence in humans, mosquitoes and other animal species in Africa. The review also provides contemporary data on RVF case fatality rate (CFR) in humans. In this systematic review with meta‐analysis, a comprehensive literature search was conducted on the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Global Index Medicus databases from January 2000 to June 2022 to identify relevant studies. Pooled CFR and prevalence estimates were calculated using the random‐effects model. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed, and the I2‐statistic was used to investigate a potential source of heterogeneity. A total of 205 articles were included in the final analysis. The overall RVF CFR in humans was found to be 27.5% [95% CI = 8.0–52.5]. The overall pooled prevalence was 7.8% [95% CI = 6.2–9.6] in humans and 9.3% [95% CI = 8.1–10.6] in animals, respectively. The RVF prevalence in individual mosquitoes ranged from 0.0% to 25%. Subgroup analysis showed substantial heterogeneity with respect to geographical regions and human categories. The study shows that there is a correspondingly similar prevalence of RVF in human and animals; however, human CFR is much higher than the observed prevalence. The lack of a surveillance programme and the fact that this virus has subclinical circulation in animals and humans could explain these observations. The implementation of a One Health approach for RVF surveillance and control would be of great interest for human and animal health.
An overview of the integrated biogas production through agro‐industrial and livestock residues in the Brazilian São Paulo state
Authors: Mendes Fabrício Bruno , Volpi Maria Paula Cardeal , da Silva Clementino Wedja , Albarracin Lorena Torres , de Souza Moraes Bruna
Published: August 2023

Recently, new solutions have arisen to promote bioenergy expansion, some of which meet the requirements of reliability, sustainability, and governance. In Brazil, the Sao Paulo state (SPS) is characterized by strong agro‐industrial and livestock activities, which generates increasing residues in the last years with the potential to produce bioenergy and offer environmental and economic benefits. The Brazilian National Biofuel Policy (Renovabio) has been enhanced to seek sustainable development, encouraging new agribusiness research. Studies have shown that the sugarcane sector, a conventional ethanol and bioelectricity producer, has the greatest potential to produce biogas/biomethane, which can be maximized with the introduction of co‐substrates regionally generated from corn, soy, orange, coffee, poultry, and swine. This overview, based on the main SPS agro‐industrial and livestock residues, shows innovative alternatives for integrating anaerobic co‐digestion (co‐AD) processes through a regional strategy, by providing long‐term revenues and greenhouse gas mitigation, which would also spread the discussion for National and International prospects. This study discusses logistical, political, and financial aspects, revealing a promising business model supported by public policies. However, its feasibility requires a real economic assessment with the inclusion of decarbonization credits, and political subsidies for biomethane as a biofuel under the Renovabio, which will facilitate its insertion into the agro‐industry in the coming years.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Economics > Energy Transitions

Sustainable Energy > Bioenergy

Climate and Environment > Circular Economy

Policy and Economics > Regional and International Strategies
Nanotechnology translation in vascular diseases: From design to the bench
Authors: Zhou Yongwen , Yue Tong , Ding Yu , Tan Huiling , Weng Jianping , Luo Sihui , Zheng Xueying
Published: August 2023

Atherosclerosis is a systemic pathophysiological condition contributing to the development of majority of polyvascular diseases. Nanomedicine is a novel and rapidly developing science. Due to their small size, nanoparticles are freely transported in vasculature, and have been widely employed as tools in analytical imaging techniques. Furthermore, the application of nanoparticles also allows target intervention, such as drug delivery and tissue engineering regenerative methods, in the management of major vascular diseases. Therefore, by summarizing the physical and chemical characteristics of common nanoparticles used in diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases, we discuss the details of these applications from cellular, molecular, and in vivo perspectives in this review. Furthermore, we also summarize the status and challenges of the application of nanoparticles in clinical translation.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Cardiovascular Disease

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Noncoding RNA mutations in cancer
Authors: Zhou Honghong , Hao Xinpei , Zhang Peng , He Shunmin
Published: August 2023

Cancer is driven by both germline and somatic genetic changes. Efforts have been devoted to characterizing essential genetic variations in cancer initiation and development. Most attention has been given to mutations in protein‐coding genes and associated regulatory elements such as promoters and enhancers. The development of sequencing technologies and in silico and experimental methods has allowed further exploration of cancer predisposition variants and important somatic mutations in noncoding RNAs, mainly for long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs. Association studies including GWAS have revealed hereditary variations including SNPs and indels in lncRNA or miRNA genes and regulatory regions. These mutations altered RNA secondary structures, expression levels, and target recognition and then conferred cancer predisposition to carriers. Whole‐exome/genome sequencing comparing cancer and normal tissues has revealed important somatic mutations in noncoding RNA genes. Mutation hotspots and somatic copy number alterations have been identified in various tumor‐associated noncoding RNAs. Increasing focus and effort have been devoted to studying the noncoding region of the genome. The complex genetic network of cancer initiation is being unveiled.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Characterization of the iron sand collected from the foot of Mt. Aburayama (Fukuoka, Japan) for estimating the origin of archeological iron artifacts from northern Kyushu
Authors: Ichikawa Shintaro , Ishikake Yuta , Nishi Yukiko , Kawata Satoshi , Yamakawa Hirofumi , Kurisaki Tsutomu
Published: August 2023

The iron sand around Mt. Aburayama (Fukuoka, Japan), where various ancient iron‐making sites are located, was investigated to establish a research infrastructure for identification of the raw material used in the archeological iron artifacts excavated from this area. Iron sand samples were magnetically collected from the rivers flowing in this area and nearby outcrop soil. The samples were qualitatively analyzed using Mössbauer spectroscopy and x‐ray diffractometry to identify the minerals present inside them. Additionally, the elemental concentrations in these samples were determined using x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry. The iron sand samples were characterized by comparing them with those from other Japanese regions using scatter diagrams developed based on the elemental concentrations in the samples. The scatter diagrams showed clear distinctions between the iron sand samples from the Mt. Aburayama area and other Japanese regions. These diagrams may enable us to clarify the relationship between the iron sand and archeological iron artifacts found in the vicinity of Mt. Aburayama.
Microstructural evolution of layered K‐doped RuCl3 during annealing traced by thermogravimetric analysis and 3D electron diffraction
Authors: Vinokurova Ekaterina , Knorr Monika , Efimova Anastasia , Ovchinnikov Alexander , Schmidt Peer , Büchner Bernd , Isaeva Anna , Roslova Maria
Published: August 2023

Nanoscale phase separation was induced in the K‐doped RuCl3 van der Waals material by annealing, and studied with the goal to find a natural design strategy for the formation of two‐dimensional architectures as an alternative to the costly and time‐consuming experimental artificial growth methods. Phase conversion was traced by means of thermogravimetric analysis combined with mass spectrometry. The local crystal structure of co‐existing K3Ru2Cl9 domains with the sizes of about 100 nm was solved by 3D electron diffraction.
Safety in a Digital Age: Old and New Problems—Algorithms, Machine Learning, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Le Coze Jean-Christophe , Antonsen Stian
Published: August 2023

Digital technologies including machine learning, artificial intelligence and big data are leading to dramatic changes, in both the workplace and our private lives. These trends raise concerns, ranging from the pragmatic to the philosophical, regarding the nature of work, the professional identity of workers, our privacy, the distribution of power within organizations and societies. They also represent both opportunities and challenges for the work of producing safety in high-hazard systems. We highlight a number of pressing issues related to these evolutions and analyze the extent to which existing lenses from sociotechnical theory can help understand them.
Safety in the Digital Age—Sociotechnical Challenges
Authors: Antonsen Stian , Le Coze Jean-Christophe
Published: August 2023

This chapter describes some of the recurring themes that emerged from the contributions in this book, as well as from the workshop in which the contributions were presented and discussed. The themes are in one way or another related to the term “sociotechnical” and thus point to problems (old and new) that are linked to the relationship between the social and technological dimensions of organisations. The chapter provides a brief explanation of the history and current use of the term “sociotechnical” before discussing three sociotechnical issues that we believe are important for dealing with safety in the digital age.
Digitalisation, Safety and Privacy
Authors: Guillaume Olivier
Published: August 2023

In order to increase the safety of industrial facilities and people, firms and their managers traditionally pay attention to the visibility of activities and the intentions of workers. Firms and managers can use connected objects worn by workers to collect this data. Analysing the introduction of smart glasses and smart shoes in an industrial site, this contribution explains how workers can use these tools without sacrificing their autonomy and privacy. In this site, performance as well as the safety of the activities is based on a combination of high individual autonomy and solidarity between colleagues strengthened by a private life at work. The sociotechnical context of this industrial site and the desire of professionals to control their privacy at work have a strong impact on the trajectory of these technologies. They insist on the use of technologies with their colleagues which strengthen the bonds of cooperation and solidarity and are resistant to technologies that could geolocate them or trace their movements. Moreover, the association of user spokespersons is an essential condition for the success of the design and dissemination of digital technologies. Finally, the control of privacy and private life at work by the workers contributes to the reinforcement of the performance and the safety of production.
Design and Dissemination of Blockchain Technologies: The Challenge of Privacy
Authors: Caron Cécile
Published: August 2023

Presented as trust technologies, blockchains, by allowing immediate secure peer-to-peer exchanges without a trusted third party, have strong disruptive potential, but raise privacy issues. We illustrate some challenges that this antagonism raises and the sociotechnical compromises made to overcome them, by analysing the design of a mobility service by a consortium of some fifteen operators, and its experimentation with the employees of these operators. The service seeks to respond to the new needs linked to the electrification of company fleets, by tracking the recharging of (personal) electric vehicles at work or (professional) vehicles at home with a view to reimbursing employees’ professional expenses by relying on a blockchain. Privacy management is a skill, based on emerging expertise, distributed across a range of professions and users, which requires compromises between different conceptions of technology and data to be guaranteed. For blockchain designers, these compromises have limited the disruptive potential of blockchain technology by recentralising data management and losing the open nature of blockchain. However, in the eyes of other designers and users, they have allowed unexpected uses and benefits to emerge, such as reinforcing the choice of blockchain technology as a “privacy solution”.
Kapitel 4: Regulierung von Profiling und automatisierten Einzelentscheidungen
Authors: Wiedemann Klaus
Published: August 2023

Auf den in Art. 4 Nr. 4 DSGVO legaldefinierten Begriff Profiling wird in der Datenschutz-Grundverordnung sowohl in ihrem verfügenden Teil als auch in ihren Erwägungsgründen an mehreren Stellen Bezug genommen. Vor dem Hintergrund des hier vertretenen 3-stufigen Modells spielt vor allem Art. 22 DSGVO eine Schlüsselrolle. Diese Norm regelt die Zulässigkeit automatisierter Einzelentscheidungen und ist damit für die dritte Stufe des Modells (Entscheidungsfindung und -ausführung) relevant. Sie wird im Folgenden neben den rechtlichen Vorgaben für das eigentliche Profiling vertieft analysiert. Die weiteren relevanten Betroffenenrechte des Kapitels III, welche Profiling explizit in Bezug nehmen, sind zunächst die Informationspflichten der Art. 13 II lit. f, 14 II lit. g DSGVO, welche nur im Kontext von automatisierten Entscheidungsfindungen gem. Art. 22 DSGVO speziell auf Profiling Bezug nehmen. In diesen Fällen steht dem Betroffenen zudem ein Auskunftsrecht gem. Art. 15 I lit. h DSGVO zu. Die Grundtatbestände der Art. 13, 14 und 15 DSGVO kommen auch zur Anwendung, wenn Profiling durchgeführt wird, ohne dass die gefundenen Ergebnisse im Nachgang zur Grundlage vollständig automatisierter Entscheidungen werden. Art. 21 I, II DSGVO gewährt zudem in bestimmten Situationen ein Widerspruchsrecht, welches Profiling beispielhaft nennt (ein eigener Aussagegehalt kommt der Nennung allerdings nicht zu). Die genannten Vorschriften werden im Folgenden überblicksartig mit Blick auf ihren Regelungsgehalt und ihre Funktion im Kontext von Profiling umrissen. Eine vertiefte, spezifischere Analyse erfolgt im dritten Teil dieser Arbeit im Kontext der Frage, ob das geltende materielle Recht in der Lage ist, die Mitglieder geschützter Gruppen vor Diskriminierung durch personalisierte Preise zu schützen.
Kapitel 8: Weiterführende Überlegungen
Authors: Wiedemann Klaus
Published: August 2023

Unmittelbare Preispersonalisierung im Online-Handel ist in den Ländern der Europäischen Union nach heutigem Wissensstand ein seltenes, nur in wenigen Fällen beobachtbares Phänomen. Das Ausmaß ist quantitativ wie qualitativ begrenzt: In den wenigen registrierten Fällen waren die prozentual messbaren Unterschiede zwar nicht in allen, aber in den meisten Fällen gering. Das Ausmaß mittelbarer Preispersonalisierung, welche empirisch nur schwer mit der notwendigen statistischen Signifikanz zu erheben ist, dürfte größer sein. Es scheint allerdings auch eher gering zu sein. Häufig vorzufinden ist hingegen Verhaltensdiskriminierung (Behavioural Discrimination): Internet-Seiten und vernetzte Endgeräte des Internet of Things sind geprägt durch eine zunehmende Personalisierung, was die Suchergebnisse und andere Formen der Seitengestaltung sowie Werbung jeglicher Art angeht. Diese Form der Personalisierung ist strikt zu trennen von Preispersonalisierung, deren Wesen in der Anpassung des Preises an die (aus Eigenschaften und Verhalten abgeleitete) Zahlungsbereitschaft des Kunden besteht. Gleichermaßen notwendig ist die Abgrenzung von dynamischen Preisen.
Symmetric fluxes and small tadpoles
Authors: Coudarchet Thibaut , Marchesano Fernando , Prieto David , Urkiola Mikel A.
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The analysis of type IIB flux vacua on warped Calabi-Yau orientifolds becomes considerably involved for a large number of complex structure fields. We however show that, for a quadratic flux superpotential, one can devise simplifying schemes which effectively reduce the large number of equations down to a few. This can be achieved by imposing the vanishing of certain flux quanta in the large complex structure regime, and then choosing the remaining quanta to respect the symmetries of the underlying prepotential. One can then implement an algorithm to find large families of flux vacua with a fixed flux tadpole, independently of the number of fields. We illustrate this approach in a Calabi-Yau manifold with 51 complex structure moduli, where several reduction schemes can be implemented in order to explicitly solve the vacuum equations for that sector. Our findings display a flux-tadpole-to-stabilized-moduli ratio that is marginally above the bound proposed by the Tadpole Conjecture, and we discuss several effects that would take us below such a bound.
On the relation between the subadditivity cone and the quantum entropy cone
Authors: He Temple , Hubeny Veronika E. , Rota Massimiliano
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Given a multipartite quantum system, what are the possible ways to impose mutual independence among some subsystems, and the presence of correlations among others, such that there exists a quantum state which satisfies these demands? This question and the related notion of a pattern of marginal independence (PMI) were introduced in [1], and then argued in [2] to be central in the derivation of the holographic entropy cone. Here we continue the general information theoretic analysis of the PMIs allowed by strong subadditivity (SSA) initiated in [1]. We show how the computation of these PMIs simplifies when SSA is replaced by a weaker constraint, dubbed Klein’s condition (KC), which follows from the necessary condition for the saturation of subadditivity (SA). Formulating KC in the language of partially ordered sets, we show that the set of PMIs compatible with KC forms a lattice, and we investigate several of its structural properties. One of our main results is the identification of a specific lower dimensional face of the SA cone that contains on its boundary all the extreme rays (beyond Bell pairs) that can possibly be realized by quantum states. We verify that for four or more parties, KC is strictly weaker than SSA, but nonetheless the PMIs compatible with SSA can easily be derived from the KC-compatible ones. For the special case of 1-dimensional PMIs, we conjecture that KC and SSA are in fact equivalent. To make the presentation self-contained, we review the key ingredients from lattice theory as needed.
Transition von der Intensivmedizin zur Palliativmedizin
Authors: Lustig Kathrin , Elsner Frank , Krumm Norbert , Klasen Martin , Rolke Roman , Peuckmann-Post Vera
Published: August 2023

Hintergrund

Die Verlegung von Patient:innen der Intensivstation (ITS) auf die Palliativstation (PTS) geht meist mit der Festlegung eines palliativen Konzeptes einher. Die Anpassung der Therapieziele mit primärem Fokus auf Lebensqualität und Symptomkontrolle kann für medizinisches Personal, Patient:innen und Angehörige herausfordernd sein. Beschreibungen dieser Transition sind jedoch rar.

Fragestellung

Ziel der Studie war die Charakterisierung der von den intensivmedizinischen Stationen gestellten Konsile an die Palliativmedizin sowie der Patient:innen durch Beschreibung der Versorgungspfade und Interventionen.

Methode

Retrospektive, quantitative Analyse aller im Jahr 2019 intensivmedizinisch betreuten Patient:innen der Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, für die ein palliativmedizinisches Konsil angefordert worden war.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden n = 102 Konsilanfragen der ITS an die Palliativmedizin ausgewertet. Fünf von 32 (16 %) auf die PTS übernommenen Konsilpatient:innen bzw. 35 (34 %) aller 102 Patient:innen konnten in das häusliche Umfeld oder eine stationäre Einrichtung (Pflegeheim, Hospiz, andere) entlassen werden. Die häufigsten Gründe einer Nichtübernahme waren: fehlende Kapazität der PTS (33 %), Versterben auf der Warteliste (20 %) und Ablehnung durch die Patient:innen (20 %). Die durch die Intensivmediziner:innen angefragten konsiliarischen Leistungen „Symptomkontrolle“ (χ2 = 10,17; p < 0,05) und „Beratung“ (χ2 = 12,82; p < 0,001) zeigten einen signifikanten Zusammenhang mit der jeweils durch die Palliativmediziner:innen durchgeführten Intervention.

Schlussfolgerung

Der Bedarf palliativmedizinischer Unterstützung der ITS überstieg die Aufnahmekapazität der PTS. Zukünftige Studien sollten Versorgungsmodelle palliativmedizinischer Unterstützung in der Intensivmedizin näher untersuchen.
A morphological study on the sphenoid bone ligaments’ ossification pattern
Authors: Piagkou Maria , Fiska Aliki , Tsakotos George , Triantafyllou George , Politis Constantinus , Koutserimpas Christos , Skrzat Janusz , Olewnik Lukasz , Zielinska Nicole , Tousia Athina , Kostares Michael , Totlis Trifon , Triantafyllou Anastasia , Al Nasraoui Katerina , Karampelias Vasilios , Tsiouris Christos , Natsis Konstantinos
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The sphenoid bone (SB) extracranial ligaments (ECRLs) are the pterygoalar and pterygospinous ligaments (PTAL and PTSL) that are located at the SB lateral pterygoid plate, and inferior to the foramen ovale (FO). Their ossification may affect the mandibular nerve’s distribution. The intracranial ligaments’ (ICRLs) ossification (the caroticoclinoid ligament—CCLL, the anterior and posterior interclinoid ligaments—AICLL and PICLL) may impede the approaches to the sella.

This study highlights the incidence of the ossified ECRLs and ICRLs location, their type (partial, or complete), considering laterality, gender, age, and ligaments’ simultaneous presence.

Methods

The sample consisted of 156 Greek adult dried skulls of both genders and variable age.

Results

Ossified ligaments were identified in 57.05%, predominantly extracranially (42.31%, P = 0.003). ECRLs were predominantly identified unilaterally (30.13%, P < 0.001). The majority of the ossified ICRLs were predominantly identified in male skulls (31.1%, P = 0.048) and the majority of the ECRLs (52.8%, P = 0.028) were predominantly identified at the age of 60 years and above. The PTAL was the most ossified (32.69%), followed by the CCLL (24.36%), the PTSL (16.03%), the PICLL (6.41%), and the AICLL (4.49%).

Conclusions

Detailed knowledge of the SB morphology and ligaments’ ossification extent is essential to improve the technique of the FO percutaneous approach, and sellar approaches, to minimize complications.
Testung auf Mismatch-Reparatur-Defizienz und Mikrosatelliteninstabilität
Authors: Rüschoff Josef , Schildhaus Hans-Ulrich , Rüschoff Jan Hendrik , Jöhrens Korinna , Bocker-Edmonston Tina , Dietmaier Wolfgang , Bläker Hendrik , Baretton Gustavo , Horst David , Dietel Manfred , Hartmann Arndt , Klauschen Frederick , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Stenzinger Albrecht , Schöniger Sandra , Tiemann Markus , Weichert Wilko , Büttner Reinhard
Published: August 2023

Der Nachweis der Mismatch-Reparatur-Defizienz (dMMR) mit konsekutiver hochgradiger Mikrosatelliteninstabilität (MSI-H) ist inzwischen fester Bestandteil der Diagnostik des kolorektalen Karzinoms (KRK). Galt MSI anfänglich als möglicher Indikator einer erblichen Krebsdisposition (Lynch-Syndrom, LS) steht heute die Vorhersage des Therapieansprechens auf Immuncheckpoint-Inhibitoren (ICI) im Vordergrund. Entsprechende Empfehlungen und Testalgorithmen liegen für den Einsatz in der Primärdiagnostik vor (Übersicht in: Rüschoff et al. 2021).

Aufgrund des damit verbundenen routinemäßigen Einsatzes und des sich erweiternden Indikationsspektrums von ICI-Therapien für Nicht-KRK wie Endometrium‑, Dünndarm‑, Magen- und Gallenwegskarzinome wird eine aktualisierte Übersicht zur dMMR/MSI-Testung vorgelegt. Fokus sind die Herausforderungen bei der Beurteilung immunhistochemischer Färbungen und die Wertigkeit PCR-basierter Verfahren unter Berücksichtigung des erweiterten ICI-Indikationsspektrums. Anhand neuer Daten zur Häufigkeit und Art von Diskordanzen zwischen dMMR- und MSI-Befund und der möglichen Rolle von Next Generation Sequencing zu deren Aufklärung wird ein praxisorientiertes Diagramm zur Entscheidungsfindung im diagnostischen Alltag vorgestellt. Wir weisen zudem auf die Bedeutung systematischer Qualitätssicherungsmaßnahmen (z. B. QuIP MSI-Portal und Ringversuche) einschließlich einer regelmäßigen Fortbildung hin.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARi) with or without alpha-blockers (α-B) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia do NOT lower the risk of incident Bladder Cancer: United States insurance claims data
Authors: Del Giudice Francesco , Belladelli Federico , Glover Frank , Basran Satvir , Li Shufeng , Mulloy Evan , Pradere Benjamin , Soria Francesco , Krajewski Wojciech , Nair Rajesh , Muncey Wade , Seranio Nicolas , Eisenberg Michael L.
Published: August 2023

Background

Chemoprotective effect of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARi) on bladder cancer (BCa) risk in men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) has been explored with conflicting results. We sought to examine the effect of 5-ARi on new BCa diagnoses in a large US database.

Methods

Men ≥ 50 y/o with a prescription for 5-ARi after BPH diagnosis were identified in the IBM® Marketscan® Research de-identified Databases between 2007 and 2016 and matched with paired controls. Incident BCa diagnoses were identified after BPH diagnosis and/or pharmacologic treatment. Multivariable regression modeling adjusting for relevant factors was implemented. Sub-group analyses by exposure risk were performed to explore the association between 5-ARi and BCa over time. Administration of alpha-blockers (α-B) w/o 5-ARi was also examined.

Results

In total, n = 24,036 men on 5-ARi, n = 107,086 on 5-ARi plus alpha-blockers, and n = 894,275 without medical therapy for BPH were identified. The percentage of men diagnosed with BCa was 0.8% for the 5-ARi, 1.4% for the 5-ARi + α-B, and 0.6% for the untreated BPH group of incident BCa (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56 – 1.47), and 1.08, 95%CI 0.89 – 1.30, respectively). This was also true at both shorter (≤ 2 yr) and longer-term (> 2 yr) follow up. In addition, α-B alone had no change in BCa risk (HR 1.06, 0.86–1.30).

Conclusions

We did not find any diminished risk of new BCa in men treated with 5-ARi (i.e., chemoprotective effect). The current report suggests that 5-ARi do not change a man’s bladder cancer risk.
A global sensitivity analysis of a mechanistic model of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer constrained by in vitro and in vivo imaging data
Authors: Lorenzo Guillermo , Jarrett Angela M. , Meyer Christian T. , DiCarlo Julie C. , Virostko John , Quaranta Vito , Tyson Darren R. , Yankeelov Thomas E.
Published: August 2023

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a standard-of-care treatment for locally advanced triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) before surgery. The early assessment of TNBC response to NAC would enable an oncologist to adapt the therapeutic plan of a non-responding patient, thereby improving treatment outcomes while preventing unnecessary toxicities. To this end, a promising approach consists of obtaining in silico personalized forecasts of tumor response to NAC via computer simulation of mechanistic models constrained with patient-specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data acquired early during NAC. Here, we present a new mechanistic model of TNBC growth and response to NAC, including an explicit description of drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. As longitudinal in vivo MRI data for model calibration is limited, we perform a sensitivity analysis to identify the model mechanisms driving the response to two NAC drug combinations: doxorubicin with cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel with carboplatin. The model parameter space is constructed by combining patient-specific MRI-based in silico parameter estimates and in vitro measurements of pharmacodynamic parameters obtained using time-resolved microscopy assays of several TNBC lines. The sensitivity analysis is run in two MRI-based scenarios corresponding to a well-perfused and a poorly perfused tumor. Out of the 15 parameters considered herein, only the baseline tumor cell net proliferation rate along with the maximum concentrations and effects of doxorubicin, carboplatin, and paclitaxel exhibit a relevant impact on model forecasts (total effect index, $$S_{T}$$

S
T

0.1). These results dramatically limit the number of parameters that require in vivo MRI-constrained calibration, thereby facilitating the clinical application of our model.
Food insecurity and subjective cognitive complaints among adults aged ≥ 65 years from low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Smith Lee , López Sánchez Guillermo F. , Shin Jae Il , Kostev Karel , Underwood Benjamin R. , Oh Hans , Soysal Pinar , Veronese Nicola , Schuch Felipe , Tully Mark A. , Koyanagi Ai
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To date, no study has investigated the association between food insecurity and subjective cognitive complaints (SCC). Thus, the aims of the present study were to examine this association among older adults in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and to identify the potential mediators in this association, given the importance of SCC in dementia risk among older people, and the projected particularly large increase in dementia in this setting.

Methods

Cross-sectional, community-based, nationally representative data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) collected between 2007 and 2010 were analyzed. Two questions on subjective memory and learning complaints in the past 30 days were used to create a SCC scale ranging from 0 (No SCC) to 100 (worse SCC). Past 12 month food insecurity was assessed with two questions on frequency of eating less and hunger due to lack of food. Multivariable linear regression and mediation (Karlson–Holm–Breen method) analyses were conducted to assess associations.

Results

Data on 14,585 individuals aged ≥ 65 years [mean (SD) age 72.6 (11.5) years; 55.0% females] were analyzed. Severe food insecurity (vs. no food insecurity) was associated with 9.16 (95% CI = 6.95–11.37) points higher mean SCC score. Sleep/energy (mediated% 37.9%; P < 0.001), perceived stress (37.2%; P = 0.001), and depression (13.7%; P = 0.008) partially explained the association between severe food insecurity and SCC.

Conclusion

Food insecurity was associated with SCC among older adults in LMICs. Future studies should assess whether addressing food insecurity among older adults in LMICs can improve cognitive health.
A surgical strategy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma — the hilar first concept
Authors: Nevermann Nora , Bode Julia , Vischer Maxine , Feldbrügge Lina , Knitter Sebastian , Krenzien Felix , Pelzer Uwe , Fehrenbach Uli , Auer Timo Alexander , Lurje Georg , Schmelzle Moritz , Pratschke Johann , Schöning Wenzel
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The present study assesses long-term overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after curative resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA) depending on resection margin (RM) status and lymph node (LN) status.

Methods

Clinical data of all consecutively resected patients with ICCA at a single high-volume center between 2005 and 2018 were collected. Minimum follow-up was 36 months. Perioperative and long-term oncological outcome was assessed.

Results

One hundred ninety-two cases were included in the analysis. Thirty- and 90-day-mortality was 5.2% (n = 10) and 10.9% (n = 21). OS was 26 months with 1-, 2-, and 5-year-OS rates of 72%, 53%, and 26%. One-, 2-, and 5-year-DFS rates were 54%, 42%, and 35% (N0 vs. N1: 29 vs. 9 months, p = 0.116). R1 was not found to be an independent risk factor for reduced survival in the overall cohort (p = 0.098). When differentiating according to the LN status, clear resection margins were significantly associated with increased DFS for N0 cases (50 months vs. 9 months, p = 0.004). For N1 cases, no significant difference in DFS was calculated for R0 compared to R1 cases (9 months vs. 9 months, p = 0.88). For N0 cases, clear resection margins > 10 mm were associated with prolonged OS (p = 0.048).

Conclusion

For N1 cases, there was no significant survival benefit when comparing R0 versus R1, while the complication rate remained high for the extended resection types. In view of merging multimodal treatment, the hilar first concept assesses locoregional LN status for optimal surgical therapy.