bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-Dynamic-Multi-Echo-based MRI for the Pre-Surgical Determination of Sellar Tumor Consistency: a Quantitative Approach for Predicting Lesion Resectability
Authors: Yildirim Mehmet Salih , Schmidbauer Victor Ulrich , Micko Alexander , Lechner Lisa , Weber Michael , Furtner Julia , Wolfsberger Stefan , Malla Houech Intesar-Victoria , Cho Anna , Dovjak Gregor , Kasprian Gregor , Prayer Daniela , Marik Wolfgang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Pre-surgical information about tumor consistency could facilitate neurosurgical planning. This study used multi-dynamic-multi-echo (MDME)-based relaxometry for the quantitative determination of pituitary tumor consistency, with the aim of predicting lesion resectability.

Methods
Seventy-two patients with suspected pituitary adenomas, who underwent preoperative 3 T MRI between January 2020 and January 2022, were included in this prospective study. Lesion-specific T1-/T2-relaxation times (T1R/T2R) and proton density (PD) metrics were determined. During surgery, data about tumor resectability were collected. A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to investigate the diagnostic performance (sensitivity/specificity) for discriminating between easy- and hard-to-remove by aspiration (eRAsp and hRAsp) lesions. A Mann-Whitney-U-test was done for group comparison.

Results
A total of 65 participants (mean age, 54 years ± 15, 33 women) were enrolled in the quantitative analysis. Twenty-four lesions were classified as hRAsp, while 41 lesions were assessed as eRAsp. There were significant differences in T1R (hRAsp: 1221.0 ms ± 211.9; eRAsp: 1500.2 ms ± 496.4; p = 0.003) and T2R (hRAsp: 88.8 ms ± 14.5; eRAsp: 137.2 ms ± 166.6; p = 0.03) between both groups. The ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.60–0.85) at p = 0.003 for T1R (cutoff value: 1248 ms; sensitivity/specificity: 78%/58%) and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.53–0.79) at p = 0.03 for T2R (cutoff value: 110 ms; sensitivity/specificity: 39%/96%).

Conclusion
MDME-based relaxometry enables a non-invasive, pre-surgical characterization of lesion consistency and, therefore, provides a modality with which to predict tumor resectability.
National standardisierter Broad Consent in der Praxis: erste Erfahrungen, aktuelle Entwicklungen und kritische Betrachtungen
Authors: Zenker Sven , Strech Daniel , Jahns Roland , Müller Gabriele , Prasser Fabian , Schickhardt Christoph , Schmidt Georg , Semler Sebastian C. , Winkler Eva , Drepper Johannes 
Published: April 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die Digitalisierung im Gesundheitswesen verspricht eine Sekundärnutzung von Patientendaten im Sinne eines lernenden Gesundheitssystems. Die Arbeitsgruppe Consent der Medizininformatik-Initiative (MII) hat mit einheitlichen Einwilligungsdokumenten eine ethische und rechtliche Grundlage hierfür geschaffen. Beschrieben wird die systematisch begleitete Einführung dieser Dokumente an den Standorten der MII.

Methoden
Die Begleitung der Einführung umfasste regelmäßige Online-Umfragen, die vertiefte Analyse der Einführungsprozesse an ausgewählten Standorten sowie die Untersuchung der jeweils eingesetzten Dokumente. Zudem wurden Anfragen und Rückmeldungen einer Vielzahl von Stakeholdern ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse
Die Online-Umfragen ergaben, dass 27 der 32 befragten Standorte nach und nach die Einwilligungsdokumente produktiv eingeführt haben, mit aktuell insgesamt 173.289 Einwilligungen. Die Analyse der Umsetzungsverfahren offenbarte heterogene organisatorische Rahmenbedingungen an den Standorten. Anforderungen verschiedener Stakeholder konnten durch die Erarbeitung und Bereitstellung ergänzender Versionen der Einwilligungsdokumente und zusätzlicher Informationsmaterialien erfüllt werden.

Diskussion
Die Einführung der Einwilligungsdokumente der MII an den Universitätskliniken schafft eine einheitliche Rechtsgrundlage für die Sekundärnutzung von Patientendaten. Die flächendeckende Implementierung innerhalb der Standorte bleibt jedoch herausfordernd. Minimalanforderungen an die Patientenaufklärung und ergänzende Best-Practice-Empfehlungen sind hierfür zu erarbeiten. Die Weiterentwicklung des nationalen Rechtsrahmens für die Forschung wird die hier entwickelten Mitsprache- und Transparenzmechanismen für Betroffene nicht obsolet machen.
Abundant transcriptomic alterations in the human cerebellum of patients with a C9orf72 repeat expansion
Authors: Udine Evan , DeJesus-Hernandez Mariely , Tian Shulan , das Neves Sofia Pereira , Crook Richard , Finch NiCole A. , Baker Matthew C. , Pottier Cyril , Graff-Radford Neill R. , Boeve Bradley F. , Petersen Ronald C. , Knopman David S. , Josephs Keith A. , Oskarsson Björn , Da Mesquita Sandro , Petrucelli Leonard , Gendron Tania F. , Dickson Dennis W. , Rademakers Rosa , van Blitterswijk Marka 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe most prominent genetic cause of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a repeat expansion in the gene C9orf72. Importantly, the transcriptomic consequences of the C9orf72 repeat expansion remain largely unclear. Here, we used short-read RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to profile the cerebellar transcriptome, detecting alterations in patients with a C9orf72 repeat expansion. We focused on the cerebellum, since key C9orf72-related pathologies are abundant in this neuroanatomical region, yet TDP-43 pathology and neuronal loss are minimal. Consistent with previous work, we showed a reduction in the expression of the C9orf72 gene and an elevation in homeobox genes, when comparing patients with the expansion to both patients without the C9orf72 repeat expansion and control subjects. Interestingly, we identified more than 1000 alternative splicing events, including 4 in genes previously associated with ALS and/or FTLD. We also found an increase of cryptic splicing in C9orf72 patients compared to patients without the expansion and controls. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the expression level of select RNA-binding proteins is associated with cryptic splice junction inclusion. Overall, this study explores the presence of widespread transcriptomic changes in the cerebellum, a region not confounded by severe neurodegeneration, in post-mortem tissue from C9orf72 patients.
Berufliche Qualifikation im Rettungsdienst – wofür ist eine Akademisierung von Rettungsdienstpersonal sinnvoll?
Authors: Gottschalk J. , Jerrentrup A. , Plöger B. , Orendt J. , Gnirke A. 
Published: April 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Bei vielen Berufen im Gesundheitswesen ist ein Trend zur Akademisierung erkennbar. In der neunten Stellungnahme und Empfehlung der Regierungskommission für eine moderne und bedarfsgerechte Krankenhausversorgung ist nun auch eine akademische Qualifikation für nichtärztliches Rettungsdienstpersonal empfohlen. Im Rahmen eines regelmäßigen Austauschs, der einmal jährlich in Präsenz und spätestens quartalsweise online stattfindet, diskutieren Geschäftsführer, Betriebsleiter, Bildungsverantwortliche und Ärztliche Leiter der Rettungsdienste des BRK (Bayerisches Rotes Kreuz) Kreisverband Regensburg, der DRK (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz) Rettungsdienst Mittelhessen gGmbH und der Rettungsdienst-Kooperation in Schleswig-Holstein (RKiSH) gGmbH die Fragestellung, ob und in welchen Bereichen eine Akademisierung im Rettungsdienst erforderlich und/oder sinnvoll ist.

Methoden
Es wurden die möglichen Anliegen von Hilfesuchenden identifiziert und versucht, diese, unter Berücksichtigung von medizinischen Zustandsbildern, in unterschiedliche Kategorien aufzuteilen. Anschließend konnte diesen Kategorien das benötigte Kompetenzprofil zugeordnet werden und dieses anschließend mit einer passenden Qualifikation besetzt werden. Konnte keine passende Qualifikation zugeordnet werden, wurden Inhalte definiert, die für eine neue Qualifikation erforderlich sind. Durch einen Blick in den Deutschen Qualifizierungsrahmen konnte die Zuordnung der Qualifikationen vorgenommen werden und der Bedarf eines Studiums festgestellt werden.

Ergebnisse
Vier Kategorien, Kategorie I – kritisch mit schnellem Interventionsbedarf –, Kategorie II – kritisch mit schneller Transportnotwendigkeit –, Kategorie III – dringliche Indikation – und Kategorie IV – unkritische Indikationen –, wurden identifiziert. Für die kritisch erkrankten oder verletzten Hilfesuchenden ist die derzeitige Qualifikation Notfallsanitäterin oder Notfallsanitäter geeignet, um selbstständig oder mit (tele-)notärztlicher Unterstützung die bestmögliche Versorgung zu gewährleisten. Für die Hilfesuchenden, die niederschwellige und unkritische Anliegen haben, ist derzeit keine geeignete berufliche Qualifikation vorhanden. Auch in Hinblick auf einen vorbeugenden Rettungsdienst ist hierfür eine neue Qualifikation zu entwickeln. Hierfür wurden erforderliche Kompetenzen festgestellt. Um diese zu erreichen, scheint eine akademische Qualifizierung notwendig zu sein.
Transforming online voting: a novel system utilizing blockchain and biometric verification for enhanced security, privacy, and transparency
Authors: Hossain Faruk Md Jobair , Alam Fazlul , Islam Mazharul , Rahman Akond 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAs a cornerstone of democratic governance, elections hold unparalleled significance, shaping a nation’s trajectory. However, the prevailing ballot-paper based voting systems continue to face trust issues among significant populations. As a result, e-Voting has emerged as an appealing alternative, with numerous countries opting for its implementation globally. While e-Voting systems offer several advantages, they also come with their own set of challenges. Even a minor vulnerability can lead to massive manipulations in voting results. In recent years, there have been efforts to revolutionize the e-Voting paradigm by harnessing the potential of emerging technologies such as biometrics and blockchain. This paper proposes a Internet-based voting that adopts blockchain technology and biometric identification techniques. We use biometric modalities, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, for voter authentication while leveraging Hyperledger Fabric framework as blockchain network and ensuring a secure, transparent, and tamper-evident voting record. We demonstrate the proposed system with 100 participants in a preset environment where we collect the biometrics data. The results indicate that 87% of participants successfully registered with biometrics, while 88% cast their votes with a combination of either voter ID and fingerprint or voter ID with facial recognition. Our findings suggest that the proposed system allows voters to access the system seamlessly and automate identity verification procedures while ensuring a secure, decentralized, and distributed database network that maintains transparency. Future research shall be carried out in collaboration with election officials and voters to improve the system in real-world scenarios.
Interactive remote electrical safety laboratory module in biomedical engineering education
Authors: Haj-Hosseini Neda , Jonasson Hanna , Stridsman Magnus , Carlsson Lars 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo enable interactive remote education on electrical safety in biomedical engineering, a real-life problem-based laboratory module is proposed, implemented and evaluated. The laboratory module was implemented in a freestanding distance course in hospital safety for three consecutive years and was based on electrical safety for medical devices, where standard equipment existing in most hospitals could be used. The course participants were from a total of 42 geographical locations in or near Sweden. To allow a high level of interaction, especially among peer students, a graphical digital platform (Gather Town) was used. The digital platform was additionally used in two group work sessions. The experience of the participants in terms of usefulness and satisfaction was rated on a range of [-2, 2] using a van der Laan 5-point Likert-based acceptance scale questionnaire. The laboratory module overall was scored 4.1/5 by the participants (n = 29) in the final course assessments. The evaluation of the digital platform alone showed that in the first usage instance, the participants (n = 21) found the platform to be useful (0.54 ± 0.67) and satisfactory (0.37 ± 0.60). The participants’ experience of the digital platform improved when comparing two identical group work assignments so that ratings of usefulness and satisfaction were 1.11 ± 0.59 and 1 ± 0.71, respectively, after they had used it in the second group work session (n = 38). This study provides an instance of an interactive remote electrical safety laboratory module that is envisioned to contribute to further implementations of sustainable education in biomedical engineering.
The Role of Fiscal Policy — A Survey of Recent Empirical Findings
Authors: Le Vo Phuong Mai , Meenagh David , Minford Patrick 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDSGE models based on New Keynesian principles, which have been extended to allow for banking, the zero lower bound on interest rates (ZLB), and varying price duration, can account well for recent macroeconomic behavior across a variety of economies. These models find that active fiscal policy can contribute to macroeconomic stability and welfare by reducing the frequency of hitting the ZLB. Fiscal policy can also share the stabilisation role with monetary policy, whose effectiveness under the ZLB is much reduced.
Estimating excess migration associated with tropical storms in the USA 1990–2010
Authors: Paglino Eugenio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTropical storms are among the most devastating natural disasters in the USA. Climate change is projected to make them even more destructive, and the number of people and properties at risk has steadily increased over the past several decades. Migration is often seen by scholars as an adaptation strategy to reduce exposure to future natural disasters. However, studies of migration after tropical storms have led to inconsistent results and have not analyzed post-storm migration from the viewpoint of exposure to future events. This paper adopts an innovative approach to estimate “excess migration” associated with tropical storms using Bayesian hierarchical models, and decomposes migration by risk of exposure to natural disasters of the origin and destination to understand whether migrants move to safer areas or rather riskier ones. Findings indicate that excess migration after tropical storms is rare and generally fails to reduce the number of people at risk of experiencing future natural disasters. Only the most destructive tropical storms are associated with significant excess migration. Finally, findings further suggest that neither the amount of post-disaster assistance nor the socio-demographic characteristics of the affected counties are strongly associated with excess migration.
The Civic Identity of the Ethical Consumer
Authors: Roberts Jonathan , Chandra Gauri 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEthical consumerism describes market transactions where consumers’ preferences stretch beyond immediate self-interest to prosocial objectives. How such activities relate to more traditional forms of civic engagement (such as giving or activism) remains unclear; as a market-situated activity, ethical consumerism is often omitted from accounts of civic engagement or predicted to erode commitment to civic action. This paper reports findings from an empirical study of the civic identity of the ethical consumer. Using an online survey instrument, the study explores statistical relationships between individuals’ actual participation in ethical consumerism at three sites (Fairtrade, TOMS Shoes and (RED)) and the extent of individuals’ wider civic engagement—both philanthropic (giving, volunteering) and activist (campaigning). It finds evidence of a consistent civic identity that stretches across traditional civic engagement activities and ethical consumerism: the greater an individual’s civic engagement, the more likely they are to engage in ethical consumerism. The current analytic separation of ethical consumerism and civic engagement, therefore, does not capture the experience of individuals who are expanding their prosocial repertoire from the civic sphere to the market sphere; civic engagement cuts across sectors.
Atherosclerotic burden and cerebral small vessel disease: exploring the link through microvascular aging and cerebral microhemorrhages
Authors: Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Anna , Patai Roland , Gulej Rafal , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Benyo Zoltan , Kovacs Illes , Sotonyi Peter , Kirkpartrick Angelia C. , Prodan Calin I. , Liotta Eric M. , Zhang Xin A. , Toth Peter , Tarantini Stefano , Sorond Farzaneh A. , Ungvari Zoltan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCerebral microhemorrhages (CMHs, also known as cerebral microbleeds) are a critical but frequently underestimated aspect of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), bearing substantial clinical consequences. Detectable through sensitive neuroimaging techniques, CMHs reveal an extensive pathological landscape. They are prevalent in the aging population, with multiple CMHs often being observed in a given individual. CMHs are closely associated with accelerated cognitive decline and are increasingly recognized as key contributors to the pathogenesis of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This review paper delves into the hypothesis that atherosclerosis, a prevalent age-related large vessel disease, extends its pathological influence into the cerebral microcirculation, thereby contributing to the development and progression of CSVD, with a specific focus on CMHs. We explore the concept of vascular aging as a continuum, bridging macrovascular pathologies like atherosclerosis with microvascular abnormalities characteristic of CSVD. We posit that the same risk factors precipitating accelerated aging in large vessels (i.e., atherogenesis), primarily through oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, similarly instigate accelerated microvascular aging. Accelerated microvascular aging leads to increased microvascular fragility, which in turn predisposes to the formation of CMHs. The presence of hypertension and amyloid pathology further intensifies this process. We comprehensively overview the current body of evidence supporting this interconnected vascular hypothesis. Our review includes an examination of epidemiological data, which provides insights into the prevalence and impact of CMHs in the context of atherosclerosis and CSVD. Furthermore, we explore the shared mechanisms between large vessel aging, atherogenesis, microvascular aging, and CSVD, particularly focusing on how these intertwined processes contribute to the genesis of CMHs. By highlighting the role of vascular aging in the pathophysiology of CMHs, this review seeks to enhance the understanding of CSVD and its links to systemic vascular disorders. Our aim is to provide insights that could inform future therapeutic approaches and research directions in the realm of neurovascular health.
Synergies between recovery from work and restorative environments for sustainable development: an integrative theoretical perspective
Authors: Hilbert Micha , Binnewies Carmen , Berkemeyer Laura 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this theoretical article for Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO), we elaborate on the contribution of recovery from work research to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For this, we first briefly review theoretical and empirical knowledge on both recovery from work and restorative environments, and afterward we extend the existing framework on recovery from work by integrating physical environments. Second, we derive practical implications for organizations and policymakers and summarize the synergies of this theoretical integration for achieving the SDGs. In particular, we elaborate on reducing environmental demands and enhancing environmental resources, for example via biophilic design, as promising strategy for achieving the SDGs. We conclude with recommendations for future research on recovery from work and SDGs.
Replacing Animal Testing with Stem Cell-Organoids : Advantages and Limitations
Authors: Park Guiyoung , Rim Yeri Alice , Sohn Yeowon , Nam Yoojun , Ju Ji Hyeon 
Published: April 2024

AbstractVarious groups including animal protection organizations, medical organizations, research centers, and even federal agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, are working to minimize animal use in scientific experiments. This movement primarily stems from animal welfare and ethical concerns. However, recent advances in technology and new studies in medicine have contributed to an increase in animal experiments throughout the years. With the rapid increase in animal testing, concerns arise including ethical issues, high cost, complex procedures, and potential inaccuracies.Alternative solutions have recently been investigated to address the problems of animal testing. Some of these technologies are related to stem cell technologies, such as organ-on-a-chip, organoids, and induced pluripotent stem cell models. The aim of the review is to focus on stem cell related methodologies, such as organoids, that can serve as an alternative to animal testing and discuss its advantages and limitations, alongside regulatory considerations.Although stem cell related methodologies has shortcomings, it has potential to replace animal testing. Achieving this requires further research on stem cells, with potential societal and technological benefits.
Graphical Abstract
Stairway to Heaven: LGBTQ+ Gatherings as Civil-Religious Rituals
Authors: Schwarzkopf Stefan , Just Sine Nørholm , Christensen Jannick Friis 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper applies ritual theory to study public LGBTQ+ gatherings, including Pride parades, silent vigils, and commemorative litanies. The analysis of public LGBTQ+ rituals has often focussed on Pride parades and their carnivalistic exuberance. We call instead for more attention to the whole nexus of public rituals that this movement consists of, and we argue that these rituals are central to LGBTQ+ community building and meaning-making in this social movement. Using participant and non-participant observation, as well as publicly available data, the paper studies assembly forms, ritual scripts, symbolic interactions, sites, and objects that link the various public rituals within the LGBTQ+ movement. We find that, over the last five decades, these ritual elements have coalesced to provide members of the LGBTQ+ community access to the sphere of transcendence. Our findings suggest that this community might be slowly changing its character from social (protest) movement to becoming a viable civil religion.