bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A survey of physiotherapist managers in Ireland and their views on the role of Advanced Practice Physiotherapists
Authors: Ó Mír Marie , Casey Maire‐Brid , Smart Keith M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Within the current context of implementation of an Advanced Practice Grade, the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists commissioned a survey of physiotherapy manager opinions regarding the role of Advanced Practice Physiotherapists.

Objectives

The aim of this survey was to explore the views of physiotherapist managers in relation to the characteristics, role, competencies and management of Advanced Practice Physiotherapists (APPs) in Ireland.

Methods

Physiotherapist managers based in primary and secondary care settings in Ireland were invited to participate in a survey on Advanced Practice. Quantitative data from a custom designed online survey was analysed with descriptive statistics and qualitative data from open‐ended survey questions were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The response rate to the survey was 32% (24/75). On average, respondents thought that 54% (range: 15%–80%) of an APPs time should be spent in clinical practice and between 17% and 20% variously on managerial and leadership, teaching and education and research and development duties. Four themes were identified from the surveys' open‐ended questions related to the description of APP: ‘Extended scope ‘Advanced clinical training, knowledge, and decision‐making’, ‘Autonomy, independence and responsibility’, and ‘Wider roles’.

Conclusion

Irish physiotherapist managers recognised the extended scope of practice, expertise and multiple roles characteristic of APPs. They indicated the need for legislative changes and clarity around governance.
An intrinsic network of polar interactions is responsible for binding of UL49.5 C‐degron by the CRL2KLHDC3 ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Ślusarz Magdalena J. , Lipińska Andrea D.
Published: December 2023

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV‐1) is a pathogen of cattle responsible for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis. The BoHV‐1 UL49.5 is a transmembrane protein that binds to the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) and downregulates cell surface expression of the antigenic peptide complexes with the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I). KLHDC3 is a kelch domain‐containing protein 3 and a substrate receptor of a cullin2‐RING (CRL2) E3 ubiquitin ligase. Recently, it has been identified that CRL2KLHDC3 is responsible for UL49.5‐triggered TAP degradation via a C‐degron pathway and the presence of the degron sequence does not lead to the degradation of UL49.5 itself. The molecular modeling of KLHDC3 in complexes with four UL49.5 C‐terminal decapeptides (one native protein and three mutants) revealed their activity to be closely correlated with the conformation which they adopt in KLHDC3 binding cleft. To analyze the interaction between UL49.5 and KLHDC3 in detail, in this work a total of 3.6 μs long molecular dynamics simulations have been performed. The complete UL49.5‐KLHDC3 complexes were embedded into the fully hydrated all‐atom lipid membrane model with explicit water molecules. The network of polar interactions has been proposed to be responsible for the recognition and binding of the degron in KLHDC3. The interaction network within the binding pocket appeared to be very similar between two CRL2 substrate receptors: KLHDC3 and KLHDC2.
A machine‐learning and data assimilation forecasting framework for surface waves
Authors: Pokhrel Pujan , Abdelguerfi Mahdi , Ioup Elias
Published: December 2023

In this article, we combine deep symbolic regression (DSR) and ensemble optimal interpolation‐based data assimilation (DA) methods to correct the error in forecasts from the numerical model WaveWatch III. In our experiments, DA and DSR training is performed on hindcasts and then the model is integrated forward in time using both the numerical model and the symbolic expressions generated from the DSR procedure to generate the forecasts. The DSR method is utilized in this article to generate the symbolic equations that correct the model error in the WaveWatch III/ DA system. The proposed algorithm takes the zonal () and meridional () wind components from Global Forecast System (GFS) forecasts, wave heights from WaveWatch III, and geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) to model physical relationships not included in the original numerical model. The DA is performed using Jason‐2 and Satellite with ARgos and ALtiKa
(SARAL) altimeter measurements, and the independent testing uses in situ buoys. The root‐mean‐squared deviation (RMSD) of the proposed method is better than that of the numerical model with/without DA for up to 42 hr with only 12 days of assimilation spin‐up cycle. The symbolic equation generated from the proposed framework can be used to correct the predictions from WaveWatch III for weather prediction.
Improving the representation of the atmospheric boundary layer by direct assimilation of ground‐based microwave radiometer observations
Authors: Vural Jasmin , Merker Claire , Löffler Moritz , Leuenberger Daniel , Schraff Christoph , Stiller Olaf , Schomburg Annika , Knist Christine , Haefele Alexander , Hervo Maxime
Published: December 2023

In a joint effort, MeteoSwiss and Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) address the need for improving the initial state of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) by exploiting ground‐based profiling observations that aim to fill the existing observational gap in the ABL. We implemented brightness‐temperature observations from ground‐based microwave radiometers (MWRs) in our data assimilation systems using a local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) with Radiative Transfer for TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder, ground‐based (RTTOV‐gb) as a forward operator. We were able to obtain a positive impact on the brightness temperature first guess and analysis, as well as a slight impact on the ABL humidity, using two MWRs at MeteoSwiss. These results led to a subsequent operational implementation of the observing system at MeteoSwiss. Furthermore, we performed an extensive set of assimilation experiments at DWD to investigate further various aspects such as the vertical localisation of selected single channels. We obtained a positive impact on the 6‐hr forecast of ABL temperature and humidity by assimilating two channels employing a dynamical localisation based on the sensitivity functions of RTTOV‐gb but also with a static localisation in a single‐channel setup. Our experiments indicate the importance of vertical localisation when using more than one channel, although reliable improvements are challenging to obtain without a larger number of observations for both assimilation and verification.
Scimitar syndrome, bronchiectasis, haemoptysis and a pneumonectomy
Authors: Jeffs Emma , Lee Hyukjoon , Beckert Lutz
Published: December 2023

Scimitar syndrome is a rare condition characterized by partial or complete anomalous pulmonary venous drainage of the lung to the inferior vena cava, right lung hypoplasia and dextroposition of the heart. Haemoptysis is uncommon in adults, although the clinical spectrum is wide. We report a case of a 38‐year‐old male with scimitar syndrome who had low grade haemoptysis persisting over several years secondary to bronchiectatic changes in his hypoplastic right lung. Conservative measures to manage haemoptysis were unsuccessful and the patient proceeded to bronchial artery embolization. The post‐procedure course was complicated by lung infarction and the patient ultimately required pneumonectomy. Deformities of the blood vessels and lungs are complex in scimitar syndrome. Bronchial artery embolization should be approached cautiously to protect pulmonary perfusion.
Delivery of average assured pressure support (AVAPS) through tracheostomy in paediatric patients
Authors: Saddi Vishal , O'Connor Antonia , Thambipillay Ganesh , Teng Arthur
Published: December 2023

Average volume‐assured pressure support (AVAPS) mode has been available since 2009 and allows the ventilator to deliver a constant pre‐set tidal volume by automatically adjusting the inspiratory pressures within a set range. Data in AVAPS mode use is limited in both paediatric populations, and in patients who are ventilated through a tracheostomy. This case series reports on the successful use of AVAPS mode in four paediatric patients with tracheostomy ventilation.
Camtrap DP: an open standard for the FAIR exchange and archiving of camera trap data
Authors: Bubnicki Jakub W. , Norton Ben , Baskauf Steven J. , Bruce Tom , Cagnacci Francesca , Casaer Jim , Churski Marcin , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M. , Farra Simone Dal , Fiderer Christian , Forrester Tavis D. , Hendry Heidi , Heurich Marco , Hofmeester Tim R. , Jansen Patrick A. , Kays Roland , Kuijper Dries P. J. , Liefting Yorick , Linnell John D. C. , Luskin Matthew S. , Mann Christopher , Milotic Tanja , Newman Peggy , Niedballa Jürgen , Oldoni Damiano , Ossi Federico , Robertson Tim , Rovero Francesco , Rowcliffe Marcus , Seidenari Lorenzo , Stachowicz Izabela , Stowell Dan , Tobler Mathias W. , Wieczorek John , Zimmermann Fridolin , Desmet Peter
Published: December 2023

Camera trapping has revolutionized wildlife ecology and conservation by providing automated data acquisition, leading to the accumulation of massive amounts of camera trap data worldwide. Although management and processing of camera trap‐derived Big Data are becoming increasingly solvable with the help of scalable cyber‐infrastructures, harmonization and exchange of the data remain limited, hindering its full potential. There is currently no widely accepted standard for exchanging camera trap data. The only existing proposal, “Camera Trap Metadata Standard” (CTMS), has several technical shortcomings and limited adoption. We present a new data exchange format, the Camera Trap Data Package (Camtrap DP), designed to allow users to easily exchange, harmonize and archive camera trap data at local to global scales. Camtrap DP structures camera trap data in a simple yet flexible data model consisting of three tables (Deployments, Media and Observations) that supports a wide range of camera deployment designs, classification techniques (e.g., human and AI, media‐based and event‐based) and analytical use cases, from compiling species occurrence data through distribution, occupancy and activity modeling to density estimation. The format further achieves interoperability by building upon existing standards, Frictionless Data Package in particular, which is supported by a suite of open software tools to read and validate data. Camtrap DP is the consensus of a long, in‐depth, consultation and outreach process with standard and software developers, the main existing camera trap data management platforms, major players in the field of camera trapping and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Under the umbrella of the Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG), Camtrap DP has been developed openly, collaboratively and with version control from the start. We encourage camera trapping users and developers to join the discussion and contribute to the further development and adoption of this standard.
Growth of BiSBr Microsheet Arrays for Enhanced Photovoltaics Performance
Authors: Li Sen , Huang Zhiyuan , Ding Yafei , Zhang Chao , Yu Jingyan , Feng Qi , Feng Jun
Published: December 2023

In this study, single‐crystalline BiSBr is synthesized using a solution‐based approach and conducted a systematic characterization of its photoelectric properties and photovoltaic performances. UV photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that BiSBr is an indirect p‐type semiconductor, characterized by distinct positions and compositions of the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum. The BiSBr single crystal microrod features a significant electrical conductivity of 14 800 S m−1 along the c‐axis, denoting minimal carrier resistance in this direction. For photovoltaic performance assessment, the authors successfully fabricated two homogeneous BiSBr films on TiO2 porous substrates: A microsheet array film via physical vapor deposition (PVD) and solvothermal treatment, and a BiSBr microsheet film via PVD and thermal treatment. The solar cell, comprising a BiSBr microsheet array film with an architecture of fluorine‐doped tin oxide FTO/TiO2/BiSBr/(I3−/I−)/Pt, demonstrated a power conversation efficiency of 1.40%, ≈11 times that of BiSBr microsheet film counterpart. These preliminary results underscore the potential of BiSBr microsheet arrays, producible through low‐cost solution processes, as adept light absorbers, enhancing photovoltaic efficiency through effective light scattering and promoting efficient electron‐hole separation and transport.
Parsing millions of URLs per second
Authors: Nizipli Yagiz , Lemire Daniel
Published: December 2023

URLs are fundamental elements of web applications. By applying vector algorithms, we built a fast standard‐compliant C++ implementation. Our parser uses three times fewer instructions than competing parsers following the WHATWG standard (e.g., Servo's rust‐url) and up to eight times fewer instructions than the popular curl parser. The Node.js environment adopted our C++ library. In our tests on realistic data, a recent Node.js version (20.0) with our parser is four to five times faster than the last version with the legacy URL parser.
Exploration of SERPINA family functions and prognostic value in breast cancer based on transcriptome and in vitro analysis
Authors: Yu Qiyi , Xie Tianyuan , Zhang Yidong , Pan Tianyue , Tan Yongmei , Qin Hai , Yan Simin
Published: December 2023

Breast cancer poses a significant risk to women worldwide, yet specific role of SERPINA gene family in breast cancer remains unclarified. Data were collected from online databases. SERPINA family gene expression was presented, and prognosis value was evaluated. Multi‐omics methods were employed to explore the SERPINA‐related biological processes, followed by comprehensive analyses of their roles in breast cancer. Single‐cell data were analyzed to characterize the SERPINA family gene expression in different cell clusters. We selected SERPINA5 as the target gene. Via pan‐cancer analysis, SERPINA5 was also investigated in various cancers. The experimental validation was conducted in MDA‐MB‐231 cell line eventually. SERPINA family showed differential expression in breast cancer, which were mainly expressed in myeloid cells, epithelial cells, and dendritic cells. SERPINA5 expression was upregulated in breast cancer, which was associated with a better prognosis. Immune infiltration illustrated the positive correlativity between SERPINA5 intensity and eosinophilic recruitment. Pan‐cancer analysis indicated the function of SERPINA5 as a potential biomarker in other cancers. Finally, experimental validation demonstrated that SERPINA5 contributes to lower invasion and metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. With bioinformatics analysis, the significant role SERPINA family genes functioned in breast cancer was comprehensively explored, with SERPINA5 emerging as a key gene in suppressing breast cancer progression.
Use of continuous genotypes for genomic prediction in sugarcane
Authors: Yadav Seema , Ross Elizabeth M. , Wei Xianming , Liu Shouye , Nguyen Loan To , Powell Owen , Hickey Lee T. , Deomano Emily , Atkin Felicity , Voss‐Fels Kai P. , Hayes Ben J.
Published: December 2023

Genomic selection in sugarcane faces challenges due to limited genomic tools and high genomic complexity, particularly because of its high and variable ploidy. The classification of genotypes for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) becomes difficult due to the wide range of possible allele dosages. Previous genomic studies in sugarcane used pseudo‐diploid genotyping, grouping all heterozygotes into a single class. In this study, we investigate the use of continuous genotypes as a proxy for allele‐dosage in genomic prediction models. The hypothesis is that continuous genotypes could better reflect allele dosage at SNPs linked to mutations affecting target traits, resulting in phenotypic variation. The dataset included genotypes of 1318 clones at 58K SNP markers, with about 26K markers filtered using standard quality controls. Predictions for tonnes of cane per hectare (TCH), commercial cane sugar (CCS), and fiber content (Fiber) were made using parametric, non‐parametric, and Bayesian methods. Continuous genotypes increased accuracy by 5%–7% for CCS and Fiber. The pseudo‐diploid parametrization performed better for TCH. Reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces model with Gaussian kernel and AK4 (arc‐cosine kernel with hidden layer 4) kernel outperformed other methods for TCH and CCS, suggesting that non‐additive effects might influence these traits. The prevalence of low‐dosage markers in the study may have limited the benefits of approximating allele‐dosage information with continuous genotypes in genomic prediction models. Continuous genotypes simplify genomic prediction in polyploid crops, allowing additional markers to be used without adhering to pseudo‐diploid inheritance. The approach can particularly benefit high ploidy species or emerging crops with unknown ploidy.
The risk of pet animals in spreading severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and public health importance: An updated review
Authors: Salajegheh Tazerji Sina , Gharieb Rasha , Ardestani Mohammadreza Manouchehri , Akhtardanesh Baharak , Kabir Farrokhreza , Vazir Bita , Duarte Phelipe Magalhães , Saberi Niloufar , Khaksar Ehsan , Haerian Sadegh , Fawzy Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Since the outbreak of SARS‐CoV‐2 was first identified in 2019, it has been reported that the virus could infect a variety of animals either naturally or experimentally. This review discusses the occurrence SARS‐CoV‐2 in dogs and cats and the role of these animals in transmitting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) to their owners. The data were collected from epidemiological studies and case reports that focused on studying the occurrence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in pet animals and their owners. Epidemiological studies and case reports indicate that dogs and cats are infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 either naturally or experimentally; however, the global number of naturally infected animals is far lower than the number of people who have COVID‐19. These studies demonstrate that pet animals acquire the infection from direct contact with COVID‐19‐infected owners. Currently, there are no studies reporting that dogs and cats can transmit SARS‐CoV‐2 to other animals and humans, under natural conditions. The emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in companion animals (dogs and cats) in different countries worldwide raises concerns that pets are at higher risk for spreading and transmitting SARS‐CoV‐2 to humans and other animals, which poses a hazard to the public health. Therefore, investigating the role of dogs and cats in the transmission and epidemiology of SARS‐CoV‐2 will help us to design and implement appropriate preventive measures against the further transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2.
Introduction
Authors: Zabludovsky Gina
Published: December 2023

The chapter briefly describes the contents of the chapters of the book that follow a chronological order from the beginning of sociology in Mexico during the second half of the nineteenth century to the most current contributions and debates.
Sociology Precursors: From Scientific Positivism to the “Mexican Renaissance” (1856–1930)
Authors: Zabludovsky Gina
Published: December 2023

The chapter analyses two periods. During the first period (1856–1910), sociology and positivism acquired exceptional relevance as an intellectual and governmental discourse to legitimize science, the separation of church and state, and the importance of secular and free education. The second part deals with the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920), the revolt against positivism, and the search of a new national identity through cultural expression and a new interest in anthropology over sociology.
The Expansion of Sociology in Mexico (1959–1980)
Authors: Zabludovsky Gina
Published: December 2023

At the end of the 1950s, Mexico faced unfavorable economic conditions, and the protest of different labor movements, which aroused a new concern for social inequality in the country. In 1968, the violent governmental reaction to the student movement changed the vision of a peaceful progress according to the so-called “Mexican Miracle.” Under the new social circumstances and the expectations generated by the outbreak of the Cuban Revolution, the decade of the 1970s was characterized by the eruption of Marxism in the universities. Due to the rise of authoritarianism and the growth of military regimes in Latin America, many South American intellectuals arrived at Mexico as professors in the social science departments. Sociology experienced a process of expansion both in student enrollment and in the founding of journals and new academic institutions. The chapter analyses these transformations together with the changes to the sociology curricula, in the main journals, and publications, in the studies undertaken by Mexican sociologists, as well as the contributions from foreign authors that had an important impact in Mexican social science.
Myeloid SENP3 deficiency protects mice from diet and age-induced obesity via regulation of YAP1 SUMOylation
Authors: Jiang Yangjing , Liang Min , Chen Long , Wang Jian , Huang Yijie , Huo Huanhuan , Xiao Danrui , Hu Yunwen , Wang Zi , Ji Qingqi , Li Yanjie , Cai Zhaohua , He Ben
Published: December 2023

Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, which is driven by macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue and leads to elevated cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the circulation and tissues. Previous studies demonstrate that SENP3, a redox-sensitive SUMO2/3-specific protease, is strongly implicated in the development and progression of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of SENP3 in obesity-associated inflammation remains largely unknown. To better understand the effects of SENP3 on adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) activation and function within the context of obesity, we generated mice with myeloid-specific deletion of SENP3 (Senp3flox/flox;Lyz2-Cre mice). We found that the expression of SENP3 is dramatically increased in ATMs during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Senp3flox/flox;Lyz2-Cre mice show lower body weight gain and reduced adiposity and adipocyte size after challenged with HFD and during aging. Myeloid-specific SENP3 deletion attenuates macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue and reduces serum levels of inflammatory factors during diet and age-induced obesity. Furthermore, we found that SENP3 knockout markedly inhibits cytokine release from macrophage after lipopolysaccharide and palmitic acid treatment in vitro. Mechanistically, in cultured peritoneal macrophages, SENP3 protein level is enhanced by IL-1β, in parallel with the upregulation of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). Moreover, we demonstrated that SENP3 modulates de-SUMO modification of YAP1 and SENP3 deletion abolishes the upregulation of YAP1 induced by IL-1β. Most importantly, SENP3 deficiency reduces YAP1 protein level in adipose tissue during obesity. Our results highlight the important role of SENP3 in ATM inflammation and diet and age-induced obesity.
Geodesics orbiting a singularity
Authors: Grieser Daniel , Lye Jørgen Olsen
Published: December 2023

We study the behaviour of geodesics on a Riemannian manifold near a generalized conical or cuspidal singularity. We show that geodesics entering a small neighbourhood of the singularity either hit the singularity or approach it to a smallest distance $$\delta $$
δ
and then move away from it, winding around the singularity a number of times. We study the limiting behaviour $$\delta \rightarrow 0$$

δ
→
0

in the second case. In the cuspidal case the number of windings goes to infinity as $$\delta \rightarrow 0$$

δ
→
0

, and we compute the precise asymptotic behaviour of this number. The asymptotics have explicitly given leading term determined by the warping factor that describes the type of cuspidal singularity. We also discuss in some detail the relation between differential and metric notions of conical and cuspidal singularities.
Moment functions of higher rank on some types of hypergroups
Authors: Fechner Żywilla , Gselmann Eszter , Székelyhidi László
Published: December 2023

We consider moment functions of higher order. In our earlier paper, we have already investigated the moment functions of higher order on groups. The main purpose of this work is to prove characterization theorems for moment functions on the multivariate polynomial hypergroups and on the Sturm–Liouville hypergroups. In the first case, the moment generating functions of higher rank are partial derivatives (taken at zero) of the composition of generating polynomials of the hypergroup and functions whose coordinates are given by the formal power series. On Sturm–Liouville hypergroups the moment functions of higher rank are restrictions of even smooth functions that also satisfy certain boundary value problems. The second characterization of moment functions of higher rank on Sturm–Liouville hypergroups is given by means of an exponential family. In this case, the moment functions of higher rank are partial derivatives of an appropriately modified exponential family again taken at zero.
Landscape of ice and fire – uniquely well-preserved Scots pine trunks reveal forest fires near the retreating Weichselian ice margin
Authors: Klaminder Jonatan , Fassl Magdalena , Baudet Marlène , Östlund Lars , Linderholm Johan , Zale Rolf
Published: December 2023

Environmental conditions for trees that established in central Fennoscandia shortly after the final retreat of the Weichselian ice sheet remain poorly understood. In this study we examine tree rings of five well-preserved Pinus sylvestris (Scots pines) that grew in the area in front of the retreating ice sheet in northern Sweden. They became buried in flood sediments deposited by a glacial outburst flood (jökulhlaup) about 9.5–9.9 kyr cal bp and the aim of our study was to search for information regarding damage from fires and bioclimatic conditions in their ancient tree ring records. Our analysis, providing a glimpse into the local early Holocene environment in north-central Sweden, suggests that: 1, there were repeated fires (four fire events detected) during the early Holocene; and 2, bioclimatic conditions when the ancient pines were growing resembled those of modern sub-alpine pine woods. The latter is indicated by their patterns of tree ring growth (growth rate and variation), which were statistically similar to those of pines growing in sub-alpine woods with an open canopy, but different from pines in protected and managed boreal forests. Lower δ13C for the ancient latewood in comparison to pine wood from trees growing near the Scandinavian mountains before the 1850s were probably caused both by stomata fractionation due to lower atmospheric CO2 during the early Holocene and by the moist local environment created by the nearby ancient Ancylus lake, which preceded the Baltic Sea. Periods with cloudy and cold summers were also indicated by the occurrence of ‘false rings’. Finds of charred fragments of Calluna vulgaris (heather, ling), an understory shrub that can burn even with a relatively high moisture content, suggest that heath vegetation was crucial to make fire a reoccurring ecological factor in the area during the early Holocene.
Epidemiologische Daten und medizinische Versorgungssituation von Patienten mit chronischen Entzündungserkrankungen in Deutschland
Authors: Riemekasten Gabriela , Schmelz Renate , Schäkel Knut , Thaci Diamant , Schreiber Stefan , Röcken Marit , Bartz Holger , Ploner Tina , Liao Ximing , Weber Valeria , Manz Karina C. , Burkhardt Harald , Leipe Jan
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund

Chronisch entzündliche Erkrankungen („immune-mediated inflammatory diseases“ [IMID]) können aufgrund klinischer Gemeinsamkeiten überlappen oder gleichzeitig auftreten. Die daraus resultierende Inanspruchnahme von Versorgungsstrukturen wurde bisher nicht fachübergreifend untersucht, ist aber für eine optimierte Behandlung der Patienten mit IMID potenziell von Bedeutung.

Ziel der Arbeit

Analyse epidemiologischer Daten einschließlich Inanspruchnahme von Versorgungsleistungen bei Patienten mit ausgewählten IMID: Psoriasis, Psoriasisarthritis (PsA), rheumatoide Arthritis (RA), Spondylitis ankylosans, Colitis ulcerosa, Morbus Crohn und Kollagenosen.

Material und Methoden

In einer retrospektiven Querschnittanalyse, basierend auf Abrechnungsdaten der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung (GKV) mit einer Stichprobe von ca. 4 Mio. Versicherten, wurden die Prävalenz o. g. IMID und die Häufigkeit von IMID-Kombinationen anhand dokumentierter Diagnosen (ICD-10 GM) analysiert. Die Häufigkeit von Hospitalisierungen und Inanspruchnahmen ambulanter Arztkontakte wurde in vordefinierten Fachdisziplinen (Allgemeinmedizin, Dermatologie, Gastroenterologie, Rheumatologie) erfasst und mit einer alters- und geschlechtsadjustierten Referenzpopulation verglichen.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wiesen 188.440 Patienten mindestens eine der analysierten IMID-Diagnosen auf (4,7 %), mit einem Altersgipfel von 61 bis 70Jahren. Die höchste Prävalenz wurde für die Psoriasis (1,85 %), gefolgt von der rheumatoiden Arthritis (1,38 %) gesehen. Kombinationen mit mindestens einer weiteren IMID kamen insgesamt relativ häufig vor (29 %), wobei dies bei Patienten mit Psoriasisarthritis am häufigsten zu verzeichnen war (82,9 %, wobei hiervon 68,2 % Psoriasis), gefolgt von Spondylitis ankylosans (27,5 %) und Morbus Crohn (21,6 %). Patienten mit IMID wurden im Vergleich zur Referenzpopulation häufiger hospitalisiert und wiesen häufigere Inanspruchnahmen der betrachteten ambulanten Fachdisziplinen auf.

Diskussion

Die Studienergebnisse beschreiben, dass IMIDs gehäuft koexistieren und die Patienten Versorgungsstrukturen verschiedener Fachgebiete vergleichsweise mehr in Anspruch nehmen. Ein multidisziplinärer Ansatz könnte die Effizienz der Versorgung steigern, eine Evaluierung steht aus.
What’s important for recovery after a total knee replacement? A systematic review of mixed methods studies
Authors: Khatri Chetan , Ahmed Imran , Dhaif Fatema , Rodrigues Jeremy , Underwood Martin , Davis Edward T. , Mitchell Paul , Metcalfe Andrew
Published: December 2023

Background

Understanding how patients perceive and prioritise various aspects of recovery following total knee replacement, including pain, function and return to activity, will help clinicians in pre-operative consultations by ensuring they effectively address patient concerns and managing their expectations.

Aims

The aim of this study is to identify aspects of recovery that are important to people after a total knee replacement.

Methods

Studies were identified from Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. This mixed methods review included all original study types (quantitative, qualitative, discrete choice experiments and mixed methods design). Reviews and non-peer-reviewed publications were excluded. Studies with participants (age ≥ 18 years) who had a primary TKR for osteoarthritis were included. Studies of people with unicompartmental knee, patella-femoral or revision knee replacement were excluded. Recovery attributes were extracted from individual papers and grouped into recovery themes.

Results

A total of 23 studies with 8404 participants and 18 recovery themes were developed. The most frequently identified overarching theme was pain, followed by activities of daily living, mobility (walking), recreational activities, specific functional movements of the knee, use of walking aids, sexual activity and range of motion of the knee. Medical complications were an infrequently reported theme, however, was deemed to be high importance.

Conclusions

Reducing pain, returning of activities and daily living and mobility are the three most frequently reported recovery domains for people after TKR. Clinicians should be aware of recovery themes, to ensure they are explored sufficiently when consenting for a TKR. Future research should aim to determine the relative importance of these attributes compared to each other.

Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021253699
Evidence for converging pathophysiology in complex regional pain-syndrome and primary headache disorders: results from a case–control study
Authors: Wiemann Matthias , Zimowski Nikolas , Blendow Sarah-Luis , Enax-Krumova Elena , Naegel Steffen , Fleischmann Robert , Strauss Sebastian
Published: December 2023

Background

Neuroinflammation and maladaptive neuroplasticity play pivotal roles in migraine (MIG), trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TAC), and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Notably, CRPS shares connections with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in its pathophysiology. This study aims to assess if the documented links between CRPS and MIG/TAC in literature align with clinical phenotypes and disease progressions. This assessment may bolster the hypothesis of shared pathophysiological mechanisms.

Methods

Patients with CRPS (n = 184) and an age-/gender-matched control group with trauma but without CRPS (n = 148) participated in this case–control study. Participant answered well-established questionnaires for the definition of CRPS symptoms, any headache complaints, headache entity, and clinical management.

Results

Patients with CRPS were significantly more likely to suffer from migraine (OR: 3.23, 95% CI 1.82–5.85), TAC (OR: 8.07, 95% CI 1.33–154.79), or non-classified headaches (OR: 3.68, 95% CI 1.88–7.49) compared to the control group. Patients with MIG/TAC developed CRPS earlier in life (37.2 ± 11.1 vs 46.8 ± 13.5 years), had more often a central CRPS phenotype (60.6% vs. 37.0% overall) and were three times more likely to report allodynia compared to CRPS patients with other types of headaches. Additionally, these patients experienced higher pain levels and more severe CRPS, which intensified with an increasing number of headache days. Patients receiving monoclonal antibody treatment targeting the CGRP pathway for headaches reported positive effects on CRPS symptoms.

Conclusion

This study identified clinically relevant associations of MIG/TAC and CRPS not explained by chance. Further longitudinal investigations exploring potentially mutual pathomechanisms may improve the clinical management of both CRPS and primary headache disorders.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00022961).
P-recovery versus current sewage sludge treatment policy in the Czech Republic and Japan
Authors: Hušek Matěj , Homma Ryosuke , Moško Jaroslav , Pohořelý Michael , Oshita Kazuyuki
Published: December 2023

Phosphorus is an important element for agriculture and industry, but its deposits are not uniformly distributed. Countries that do not have primary sources are dependent on imports or regeneration from secondary materials. A widely available secondary source is sewage sludge. Used environmental standards govern sludge treatment, but its inclusion in the raw material policy is often missing. We focus on the Czech Republic (a European Union member) and Japan, countries without phosphorus deposits. Based on our analysis of sewage sludge flows, legislation, and technologies used, we aimed to evaluate approaches towards sustainable phosphorus policy. We figured out that in the Czech Republic, sludge application to soil continues due to legislation deregulation and thus, various pollutants enter the soil along with the sludge. In Japan, thermal treatment predominates, but ash is not processed, and phosphorus is irreversibly lost in landfills or construction. By not implementing a functional P-recovery policy, both countries lose more than 13 % replacement of phosphorus fertilisers from their sources.

Graphical Abstract
A semantics-enabled approach for personalised Data Lake exploration
Authors: Bianchini Devis , De Antonellis Valeria , Garda Massimiliano
Published: December 2023

The increasing availability of Big Data is changing the way data exploration for Business Intelligence is performed, due to the volume, velocity and uncontrolled variety of data on which exploration relies. In particular, data exploration is required in Data Lakes that have been proposed to host heterogeneous data sources, given their flexibility to cope with cumbersome properties of Big Data. However, as data grows, new methods and techniques are required for extracting value and knowledge from data stored within Data Lakes, aggregating data into indicators according to multiple analysis dimensions, to enable a large number of users with different roles and competencies to capitalise on available information. In this paper, we propose PERSEUS (PERSonalised Exploration by User Support), a computer-aided approach for data exploration on top of a Data Lake, structured over three phases: (1) the construction of a semantic metadata catalog on top of the Data Lake, leveraging tools and metrics to ease the annotation of the Data Lake metadata; (2) modelling of indicators and analysis dimensions, guided by an openly available Multi-Dimensional Ontology to enable conformance checking of indicators and let users explore Data Lake contents; (3) enrichment of the definition of indicators with personalisation aspects, based on users’ profiles and preferences, to make easier and more usable the exploration of data for a large number of users. Results of an experimental evaluation in the Smart City domain are presented with the aim of demonstrating the feasibility of the approach.
Survey and analysis on the use and disposal of plastic shopping bags before and after the introduction of charges
Authors: Nishijima Asako , Nakatani Jun
Published: December 2023

Japan implemented mandatory charging for single-use plastic shopping bags in 2020. In this study, we verified the policy effect and its persistence by analyzing the changes in the number of plastic shopping bags taken and discarded by consumers before and after the charging came into effect. Online surveys were conducted in 2016, 2021, 2022, and 2023 for consumers residing in municipalities in Tokyo. The results showed that the number of plastic shopping bags taken decreased to approximately 30% after the charging was implemented, from 5.8 bags per person per week in 2016 to 1.7–1.9 in 2021–2023, and the number of bags discarded decreased from 6.2 to 3.0–3.4. The number of bags taken in 2021–2023 after the charging was implemented did not change significantly. Regarding the relationship with other waste policies, in municipalities that have introduced designated trash bags, the number of plastic shopping bags taken and discarded was fewer than in other municipalities even before the charging was introduced, by removing the option of reusing plastic bags as trash bags. This result indicates that, when introducing such policies, the relationship with existing waste policies must be analyzed to predict their effect.
Role of endothelial PDGFB in arterio-venous malformations pathogenesis
Authors: Lin Yanzhu , Gahn Johannes , Banerjee Kuheli , Dobreva Gergana , Singhal Mahak , Dubrac Alexandre , Ola Roxana
Published: December 2023

Arterial-venous malformations (AVMs) are direct connections between arteries and veins without an intervening capillary bed. Either familial inherited or sporadically occurring, localized pericytes (PCs) drop is among the AVMs’ hallmarks. Whether impaired PC coverage triggers AVMs or it is a secondary event is unclear. Here we evaluated the role of the master regulator of PC recruitment, Platelet derived growth factor B (PDGFB) in AVM pathogenesis. Using tamoxifen-inducible deletion of Pdgfb in endothelial cells (ECs), we show that disruption of EC Pdgfb-mediated PC recruitment and maintenance leads to capillary enlargement and organotypic AVM-like structures. These vascular lesions contain non-proliferative hyperplastic, hypertrophic and miss-oriented capillary ECs with an altered capillary EC fate identity. Mechanistically, we propose that PDGFB maintains capillary EC size and caliber to limit hemodynamic changes, thus restricting expression of Krüppel like factor 4 and activation of Bone morphogenic protein, Transforming growth factor β and NOTCH signaling in ECs. Furthermore, our study emphasizes that inducing or activating PDGFB signaling may be a viable therapeutic approach for treating vascular malformations.
Results of archival appraisal: a study of a Finnish City
Authors: Henttonen Pekka , Packalén Saara
Published: December 2023

The study investigates which information is chosen for long-term retention in a municipality in Finland. The municipal Records Management Plan of the City of Helsinki was analyzed quantitatively to provide the research data. The results show that information pertaining to permanent or long-standing objects and phenomena, as well as those with long-lasting consequences (such as high-level decision-making, environmental factors, constructions, land use, and people), are more likely to have extended retention periods and may even be preserved permanently. According to archival literature, archival appraisal is a process influenced by theoretical considerations. However, the findings suggest that practical factors tend to guide the appraisal process more significantly. This raises the question of how appraisal decisions are made. The perceived value of information may depend on the level of detail provided about the functions and processes, as well as the knowledge possessed by the appraisers. However, the role that archival theory and other factors play cannot be understood without additional research.
Ketogenic diet does not promote triple-negative and luminal mammary tumor growth and metastasis in experimental mice
Authors: Grube Meret , Dimmler Arno , Schmaus Anja , Saup Rafael , Wagner Tabea , Garvalov Boyan K. , Sleeman Jonathan P. , Thiele Wilko
Published: December 2023

Ketogenic diets (KDs) can improve the well-being and quality of life of breast cancer patients. However, data on the effects of KDs on mammary tumors are inconclusive, and the influence of KDs on metastasis in general remains to be investigated. We therefore assessed the impact of a KD on growth and metastasis of triple negative murine 4T1 mammary tumors, and on the progression of luminal breast tumors in an autochthonous MMTV-PyMT mouse model. We found that KD did not influence the metastasis of 4T1 and MMTV-PyMT mammary tumors, but impaired 4T1 tumor cell proliferation in vivo, and also temporarily reduced 4T1 primary tumor growth. Notably, the ketogenic ratio (the mass of dietary fat in relation to the mass of dietary carbohydrates and protein) that is needed to induce robust ketosis was twice as high in mice as compared to humans. Surprisingly, only female but not male mice responded to KD with a sustained increase in blood β-hydroxybutyrate levels. Together, our data show that ketosis does not foster primary tumor growth and metastasis, suggesting that KDs can be safely applied in the context of luminal breast cancer, and may even be advantageous for patients with triple negative tumors. Furthermore, our data indicate that when performing experiments with KDs in mice, the ketogenic ratio needed to induce ketosis must be verified, and the sex of the mice should also be taken into account.
Diversity of reproductive characters, seed set, and viability of Agave seeds used for pulque production and their wild relatives in Tlaxcala, Mexico
Authors: Trejo Laura , Soriano Diana , Romano-Grande Elvira , Sánchez-Carmona Bárbara , Dávila-Navarro Diego E.
Published: December 2023

Agave is one of the most important genera of plants in Mexico in terms of biodiversity and cultural and economic impact; however, its reproductive traits and breeding systems are poorly known. In addition, clonal propagation of agave cultures and the interruption of sexual reproduction may lead to differences not only in reproductive traits but also in seed set and seed viability across species and between wild plants and Agave landraces. Hence this research evaluated the morphological variation of flowers, fruits, and seeds throughout the infructescence development of pulquero agave landraces (Agave americana, A. mapisaga, and A. salmiana) and their wild relatives (A. salmiana) using statistical analyses. Additionally, seed set and seed viability (tetrazolium test) were estimated for traditional (metepantle) and intensive (monoculture) cultivation systems. The analysis of flowers allowed differentiating between species (A. mapisaga and A. salmiana), while the analysis of fruits separated wild from cultivated plants. Wild agaves attained seed set values close to 0.5, and cultivated agaves, less than 0.2; the lowest seed set values (0.04) were observed under monoculture. Seed viability percentages depended on the taxon analyzed, with no clear differences between wild and cultivated taxa. There were positive correlations between branch length, fruit number, black (potentially viable) seed number, and the percentage of viable seeds. The highest percentage of viable seeds was recorded in the low and middle parts of the infructescence. Our results demonstrate that reproductive traits are suitable for recognizing morphological groups across species and between wild and landrace agaves. They also show that intensive and prolonged clonal propagation is associated with low seed set and seed viability values in Agave landraces.
The Locus of Agency in Extended Cognitive Systems
Authors: Tomczyk Barbara
Published: December 2023

The increasing popularity of artificial cognitive enhancements raises the issue of their impact on the agent’s personal autonomy, and issues pertaining to how the latter is to be secured. The extended mind thesis implies that mental states responsible for autonomous action can be partly constituted by the workings of cognitive artifacts themselves, and the question then arises of whether this commits one to embracing an extended agent thesis. My answer is negative. After briefly presenting the main accounts on the conditions for autonomous agency, and analyzing how the latter can be protected from threats posed by the use of cognitive artifacts, I argue that autonomous agency is essentially tied to conscious experience and intentionality, which in turn can only be attributed to the human part of any extended cognitive system. I present both theoretical (conceptual) and practical arguments against recognizing the entire extended system, composed of one human and an artifact, as an autonomous agent.
The Szymczak Functor and Shift Equivalence on the Category of Finite Sets and Finite Relations
Authors: Przybylski Mateusz , Mrozek Marian , Wiseman Jim
Published: December 2023

The construction of the Conley index for dynamical systems with discrete time requires an equivalence relation between morphisms induced on index pairs. It follows from the features of the Szymczak functor that shift equivalence, whose equivalence classes are the isomorphism classes in the Szymczak category, is the most general equivalence available. In the case of dynamics modeled from data, the morphisms induced on index pairs are relations. We present an algorithmizable classification of shift equivalence classes for the category of finite sets with arbitrary relations as morphisms. The research is the first step towards the construction of a Conley theory for relations.