bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prefiguring Afro-Centric and Inclusive AI Digital Commons: A Normative African Perspective to AI Development, Deployment, and Governance
Authors: Munetsi Dennis 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This chapter critically explores the nexus of technology, society, and power, emphasising Africa’s integral role in global technological innovation and challenging the notion of technology as a neutral entity, instead framing it as a tool that can perpetuate existing power imbalances. It argues that technology serves as a political tool for dominant groups and is shaped by historical factors that have kept the continent under domination and oppression. Hence, the chapter proposes a prefigurative Afro-centric approach to the development of AI imbued with African epistemologies as a tool for expressing African politics and power in global socio-technological constellations—an argument for technology that can represent African interests on the world stage. The chapter contrasts incremental innovation with the need for radical change in Africa as a traditional technological periphery, underscoring the urgency for significant change within Africa’s technology sector. The development of African AI must navigate the complexities of evolving state governance, where traditional power is challenged by globalisation and regional integration, leading to hybrid governance arrangements of shared sovereignty. A three-tiered governance model is then proposed, advocating for scalable AI solutions that are inclusive and adaptable to the continent’s specificities, with a participatory approach that extends beyond elite circles to encompass a broader range of stakeholders. This model envisions a unified African AI strategy that leverages local, national, and regional diversities for collective advancement and equitable distribution of technological benefits.
Wasserstoffumstieg
Authors: Präger Fabian 
Published: February 2025

Zusammenfassung
Dieses Kapitel betrachtet die techno-ökonomischen Merkmale, Einsatzbereiche, Produktionswege, Infrastruktur und Planungsansätze für den Wasserstoffumstieg. Dabei werden Chancen und Risiken des Wasserstoffsystems sowie der politischen Gestaltung aufgezeigt. Ergebnisse betonen die Priorisierung einer nachhaltigen Wasserstoffproduktion aus 100% Erneuerbaren Energien, die Notwendigkeit einer gezielten Nutzung und die Risiken fossiler und importabhängiger Wasserstoffquellen. Eine übergreifende Energieinfrastrukturplanung, ausgerichtet am 1,5°-Ziel, ist essenziell, um die sozial-ökologische Transformation voranzutreiben und Fehlentwicklungen zu vermeiden.
Epidemiology of myocardial injury in trauma patients: proposed phenotypes for future research
Authors: Karolewski Jett , Williams Jodie-Kate , Weaver Natasha , Meakes Simone , Gane Karen , Balogh Zsolt J. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To describe the epidemiology of myocardial injury in trauma patients, in doing so informing design for future multicentre prospective studies.

Method
A one-year retrospective study ending on 31/08/2023 was conducted at a Level-1 Trauma Centre. All adult trauma resuscitation patients with elevated Troponin serum concentration were included. Patient demographics, medical history, mechanism, injury severity, laboratory data, cardiac investigations, LOS, ICU admission and mortality were collected. Patients were categorised into three pragmatic groups based on the timing of their Troponin peak (Group1:<12 h; Group2:12–24 h; Group3:>24 h).

Results
From 1408 admissions, 97(7%) patients [Age:57(35,80); Male:71%; ISS:18(9–33); LOS:9(4,16.5); ICU:66%; Mortality:16.5%] had elevated Troponin. Group 1 [n = 37; Age:47(24,70); Male:76%; ISS:9(4,22); LOS:7(3,14); ICU:51%; Mortaliy:5.4%]; Group 2 [n = 32; Age:53.5(26,74); Male:78%; ISS:27(12.5,53.5); LOS:10(5,17); ICU:84%; Mortaliy:25%] and Group 3 [n = 28; Age:78(62,84); Male:57%; ISS:19(9.5,47.5); LOS:12.5(6,19.5); ICU:64%; Mortaliy:21%]. 64% of patients had thoracic injuries, which was consistent among the three groups. Group 3 had most frequent ECG (61%) and echocardiography (25%) findings.

Conclusion
Troponin elevation occurs in 7% of all trauma admissions and it identifies the seriously injured high-risk cohort. The timing of the maximum Troponin concentration seems to describe three distinct phenotypes. “Hyperacute” with most favourable outcomes, “Subacute” with severe trauma and tissue injury requiring major resource utilisation and associated with the highest mortality rate, and “Late” characterised by ECG and ECHO changes suggesting primary ischaemic cardiac pathology.
Tailoring Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for preferential xylose utilization via metabolic and regulatory engineering
Authors: Molina-Vázquez Eliseo R. , Caspeta Luis , Gosset Guillermo , Martínez Alfredo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Xylose is the most abundant pentose in nature. However, it is usually obtained in mixtures with glucose, leading to carbon catabolite repression in many microorganisms. Among E. coli lineages, significant metabolic and regulatory differences exist, requiring distinct metabolic engineering strategies to develop a xylose-selective phenotype in the strains W, K-12, and C. In this study, strain ES02 was engineered from Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) as a xylose-selective strain by deleting the glk, ptsG, and manZ genes. However, when grown in a mixture of xylose and glucose, this strain’s specific growth rate and xylose consumption rate decreased by about 50% compared to cultures with only xylose. A modified version of the xylose-responsive transcriptional activator XylRQ31K was utilized to overcome this issue. The resulting strain ES04 (BL21 (DE3) Δglk, ΔmanZ, ΔptsG, xylR::Km

r
, lacZ::xylR

C91A

-Gm

r
) efficiently used xylose as carbon source either alone or in a mixture with glucose, with a specific xylose consumption rate 75% higher than that of the wild-type strain BL21(DE3). Unexpectedly, strain ES04 partially recovers the ability to grow and consume glucose at a low rate, preferentially consuming xylose over glucose in sugar mixtures, revealing an altered carbon catabolite repression phenotype. Transcriptomics analysis suggested that glucose assimilation in this strain was related to the overexpression of the galactitol operon gatDCBAZY. Further inactivation of this operon confirmed its participation in glucose assimilation.

Key points

• XylR

Q31K

alleviates carbon catabolite repression in the xylose-selective strain ES04.

• Galactitol operon overexpression in ES04 links to partial glucose utilization.

• ES04 strain preferentially uses xylose over glucose, revealing altered CCR.
Exploring the landscape of current in vitro and in vivo models and their relevance for targeted radionuclide theranostics
Authors: Bokhout Lisa , Campeiro Joana D. , Dalm Simone U. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally, driving ongoing research into innovative treatment strategies. Preclinical research forms the base for developing these novel treatments, using both in vitro and in vivo model systems that are, ideally, as clinically representative as possible. Emerging as a promising approach for cancer management, targeted radionuclide theranostics (TRT) uses radiotracers to deliver (cytotoxic) radionuclides specifically to cancer cells. Since the field is relatively new, more advanced preclinical models are not yet regularly applied in TRT research. This narrative review examines the currently applied in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models for oncological research, discusses if and how these models are now applied for TRT studies, and whether not yet applied models can be of benefit for the field. A selection of different models is discussed, ranging from in vitro two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell models, including spheroids, organoids and tissue slice cultures, to in vivo mouse cancer models, such as cellline-derived models, patient-derived xenograft models and humanized models. Each of the models has advantages and limitations for studying human cancer biology, radiopharmaceutical assessment and treatment efficacy. Overall, there is a need to apply more advanced models in TRT research that better address specific TRT phenomena, such as crossfire and abscopal effects, to enhance the clinical relevance and effectiveness of preclinical TRT evaluations.
Deep learning image enhancement algorithms in PET/CT imaging: a phantom and sarcoma patient radiomic evaluation
Authors: Bonney L. M. , Kalisvaart G. M. , van Velden F. H. P. , Bradley K. M. , Hassan A. B. , Grootjans W. , McGowan D. R. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
PET/CT imaging data contains a wealth of quantitative information that can provide valuable contributions to characterising tumours. A growing body of work focuses on the use of deep-learning (DL) techniques for denoising PET data. These models are clinically evaluated prior to use, however, quantitative image assessment provides potential for further evaluation. This work uses radiomic features to compare two manufacturer deep-learning (DL) image enhancement algorithms, one of which has been commercialised, against ‘gold-standard’ image reconstruction techniques in phantom data and a sarcoma patient data set (N=20).

Methods
All studies in the retrospective sarcoma clinical [

$$^{18}$$

18

F]FDG dataset were acquired on either a GE Discovery 690 or 710 PET/CT scanner with volumes segmented by an experienced nuclear medicine radiologist. The modular heterogeneous imaging phantom used in this work was filled with [

$$^{18}$$

18

F]FDG, and five repeat acquisitions of the phantom were acquired on a GE Discovery 710 PET/CT scanner. The DL-enhanced images were compared to ‘gold-standard’ images the algorithms were trained to emulate and input images. The difference between image sets was tested for significance in 93 international biomarker standardisation initiative (IBSI) standardised radiomic features.

Results
Comparing DL-enhanced images to the ‘gold-standard’, 4.0% and 9.7% radiomic features measured significantly different (pcritical < 0.0005) in the phantom and patient data respectively (averaged over the two DL algorithms). Larger differences were observed comparing DL-enhanced images to algorithm input images with 29.8% and 43.0% of radiomic features measuring significantly different in the phantom and patient data respectively (averaged over the two DL algorithms).

Conclusion
DL-enhanced images were found to be similar to images generated using the ‘gold-standard’ target image reconstruction method with more than 80% of radiomic features not significantly different in all comparisons across unseen phantom and sarcoma patient data. This result offers insight into the performance of the DL algorithms, and demonstrate potential applications for DL algorithms in harmonisation for radiomics and for radiomic features in quantitative evaluation of DL algorithms.
Comparison of ATG-thymoglobulin with atg-fresenius in patients with hematological malignancies who undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Zhang Hanyue , Zhou Yuhang , Zhao Kui , Cui Jiaqi , Zhang Xiangzhong , Wen Ruijuan , Sun Yanling , Li Xudong , Long Bing 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We retrospectively compared the outcomes of 166 patients with hematological malignancies who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) using ATG-Thymoglobulin (ATG-T) at 10 mg/kg or ATG-Fresenius (ATG-F) at 20 mg/kg. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was applied, with 44 patients assigned to each group. The ATG-T group showed a trend toward a higher incidence of bacterial infections (72.7% vs. 65.9%, P = 0.064). Additionally, the ATG-T group had a significantly higher incidence of other viral infections, including BK virus and herpes zoster virus (40.9% vs. 15.9%, P = 0.003), compared to the ATG-F group. Furthermore, the ATG-F group experienced a lower incidence of high fever (4.5% vs. 50.0%, P < 0.001) and reduced ATG treatment costs [¥ 45100 (28700–82000) vs. ¥ 56250 (38000–85000), P < 0.001] compared to ATG-T. The incidences of acute GVHD, grade III-IV aGVHD, grades of aGVHD, chronic GVHD, 3-year overall survival (OS), transplantation-related mortality (TRM), non-relapse mortality (NRM), disease-free survival (DFS), and GVHD-free and relapse-free survival (GRFS) were similar between the ATG-T and ATG-F groups. In conclusion, our study suggests that ATG-F is superior to ATG-T in terms of viral infections, fever rate, and treatment cost.
Management of patients with mesh perforation into viscus following pelvic mesh surgery
Authors: Tan Yu Hwee , Thayalan Krishanthy , Krause Hannah , Wong Vivien , Goh Judith 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Pelvic mesh has been used for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Between 3 and 20% suffer complications with debilitating long-term outcomes. Uncommon complications include mesh perforation into viscus however there is minimal published data regarding outcomes following surgical management.

Methods
A retrospective observational study of patients with diagnosis of mesh in viscus at three tertiary urogynaecology units was performed to report on clinical outcomes following surgical management.

Results
Fifty-eight patients were diagnosed with mesh in viscus following cystourethroscopy and thorough examination of vagina/rectum. Mesh involved included mid-urethral slings—retropubic (36.9%), transobturator (18.5%), single incision slings (10.8%); transvaginal POP mesh (15.4%); sacrocolpopexy (13.8%); uncertain type (4.6%). Viscus involved included bladder (39.7%), urethra (50%), bladder and urethra (3.4%), and rectum (6.9%). Main presenting symptoms included mixed urinary incontinence (UI) (75.9%), recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) (48.3%) and rectal/pelvic pain (56.9%). Fifty-one patients underwent mesh excision and viscus repair, with successful repair in all (100%). 48% had complete mesh excision. Mean follow up was 9.5 months (range 0.5–96 months). Post-operatively, there was a statistically significant reduction in rUTIs (p = 0.0004) as well as pain (p = 0.000005). None had recurrent mesh erosion, lower genitourinary tract fistula or wound breakdown.

Conclusions
All patients required thorough examination and cystourethroscopy for diagnosis. Surgical management of mesh in viscus appears to have low morbidity and is shown to reduce symptoms of rUTIs and pain as well as risk of recurrent mesh erosion and fistulae.
Criteria for the authorisation of specialty training for competence in internal medicine and rheumatology—a position paper of the German Society for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
Authors: Pfeil Alexander , Fleck Martin , Aringer Martin , Baraliakos Xenofon , Ernst Diana , Haase Isabell , Hillebrecht Christiana , Hoyer Bimba Franziska , Keyßer Gernot , Kötter Ina , Krause Andreas , Krusche Martin , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Proft Fabian , Schuch Florian , Vossen Diana , Voormann Anna , Wagner Ulf , Wollenhaupt Jürgen , Specker Christof ,   the board of the German Society for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology,   Commission for Continuing Education and Training of the German Society for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The model advanced training regulations define the content of advanced training to achieve the qualification of medical specialist in all specialties and sub-specialties of medicine. As rheumatology is one of the ten specialties for internal medicine in Germany, regulations cover basic competencies of general and all other specialties in internal medicine as well as special skills in rheumatology. There are currently no criteria for issuing the authorization in advanced training. This position paper describes the criteria proposed by the German Society for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology (DGRh), which should be the foundation for the issuance of authorization for advanced training in the field of internal medicine and rheumatology and for the assessment of the duration. The model advanced training regulations 2018 and the advanced training plan recommended by experts function as the basis for this. Based on the criteria, the authorization for advanced training to advanced specialist training in internal medicine and rheumatology can be allocated in a standardized, graded and transparent manner throughout Germany. This enables an optimal quality of advanced training in rheumatology, which can be adapted to the future developments in the discipline.
Hidradenitis suppurativa, from basic science to surgery and a new era of tailored targeted therapy: An expert opinion paper
Authors: Marzano Angelo Valerio , Bartoletti Michele , Bettoli Vincenzo , Bianchi Luca , Chiricozzi Andrea , Clerici Mario , Dapavo Paolo , Dini Valentina , Foti Caterina , Magnoni Cristina , Megna Matteo , Micali Giuseppe , Molinelli Elisa , Prignano Francesca 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by an aberrant activation of innate immunity and increased production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin 17 (IL-17). IL-17 has been shown to play a key role in the pathogenesis of HS and evidence highlights the potential of IL-17-targeted therapies. The fully human IgG/κ monoclonal antibody secukinumab, which specifically targets IL-17A and inhibits interaction with its receptor, has recently been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe HS. Secukinumab offers patients an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment option in terms of sustained response by rapidly improving signs and symptoms, and preventing disease progression in the absence of loss of response. Being a challenging disease, HS is associated with a delay to diagnosis of 3–10 years and, consequently, late implementation of appropriate treatment, leading to disease progression. Misdiagnosis due to flawed understanding and lack of awareness among medical providers and patients is considered an important factor contributing to the delayed diagnosis. Thus, serious efforts must be made on a large scale to urgently reduce the delay in HS diagnosis and reduce the disease burden in patients, including raising awareness, implementation of education programmes at medical and specialisation schools, as well as continuous education of healthcare providers at different levels for the early detection of HS and initiation of appropriate treatment. Here, we present the main critical unmet needs in the diagnosis and treatment of patients affected by HS, address how disease awareness and comprehensive multidisciplinary management (offering both medical and surgical care) can benefit patients, and suggest therapeutic options, based on clinical characterisation and early identification and intervention (window of opportunity), to be adopted for a timely and better management of disease progression and to fill current gaps.
Objectifying persistent subjective cognitive impairment following COVID-19 infection: cross-sectional data from an outpatient memory-clinic in Germany
Authors: Tarantini Luca , Möller Corina , Schiestl Victoria , Sordon Sabrina , Noll-Hussong Michael , Wittemann Miriam , Menzie Nicole , Riemenschneider Matthias 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
Subjective cognitive impairment is frequently reported by patients experiencing Post-COVID symptoms. This study aims to assess objective impairment in attention, memory, and executive functions among these patients. Further, we investigated potential determinants of objective cognitive impairment.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, standardized neuropsychological testing (Vienna Testing System), assessment of cognitive symptom aggravation, psychiatric anamnesis, and psychometrics (BDI-II, Fatigue Severity Scale) were conducted in 229 patients who voluntarily presented to our outpatient memory-clinic due to subjective cognitive impairment following COVID-19. Blood-samples were collected to assess peripheral immune markers (IL-6, CRP) and APOE-ε4 genotype.

Results
Objective cognitive impairment in at least one domain was present in 39% of the patients and 47% showed symptoms of moderate or severe depression. The APOE-ε4 allele was present in 32% of the patients. Higher rates of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.41, 95%-CI = 1.02–1.95) and higher burden of the APOE-ε4 allele (OR = 3.29, 95%-CI = 1.51–7.40) predicted objective cognitive impairment, regardless of age, sex, years of formal education, time since infection, and medication for diabetes or hypertension. Fatigue severity, acute COVID-19 severity or inflammation markers had no impact.

Conclusions
In our study, subjective cognitive impairment following COVID-19 was more likely associated with high rates of depression rather than relatively low rates of objective cognitive performance. Thus, the study emphasizes the necessity for extensive neuropsychological testing and evaluation of depression when examining Post-COVID patients in clinical practice. Further, the link between objective cognitive impairment, depression and APOE-ε4 does not appear to be specific to Post-COVID symptoms. Therefore, depression- and APOE-ε4-mediated neurodegenerative pathomechanisms might be a promising therapeutical target.
Psychiatric antecedents in young patients with first episode psychosis: what relevance for clinical outcomes?
Authors: Pelizza Lorenzo , Catalano Fabio , Leuci Emanuela , Quattrone Emanuela , Palmisano Derna , Pupo Simona , Paulillo Giuseppina , Pellegrini Clara , Pellegrini Pietro , Menchetti Marco 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Examining psychiatric antecedents and help-seeking behavior for people with First Episode Psychosis (FEP) could help understand determinants for timely care pathways, decrease the “Duration of Untreated Psychosis” (DUP), and consequently improve their prognosis. The aims of this study were: (1) to calculate the proportion of FEP participants with previous contact with mental healthcare services recruited within a specialized “Early Intervention in Psychosis” service, and (2) to longitudinally compare sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment parameters between FEP patients with and without psychiatric antecedents across a 2-year follow-up period. All participants (aged 12–35 years) were enrolled within the “Parma Early Psychosis” (Pr-EP) program. At baseline, they completed the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS). A mixed-design ANOVA and a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were used. Of the 489 FEP participants, 204 (41.7%) patients had prior contact with mental health services. In 83% of cases, a care discontinuity was observed. Main psychiatric antecedents at entry were personality disorders (32.8%), anxious-depressive disorder (28.9%), conduct disorder (16.2%), and learning disorder (9.8%). FEP subjects with antecedents were more likely to receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia at baseline. Having previous contact with psychiatric services resulted to be a predictor of poorer clinical and functional outcome. It is very important to carefully monitor mental health suffering and related help-seeking-behavior in young patients typically manifested in their early 20s, especially in terms of psychosis prevention. Particular attention should also be given to service engagement as care continuity within adolescent-adult transition.