bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symptoms and signs did not predict outcome after surgery: a prospective study of 143 patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Andrén Kerstin , Wikkelsø Carsten , Laurell Katarina , Kollén Lena , Hellström Per , Tullberg Mats 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
To determine the utility of symptoms, signs, comorbidities and background variables for the prediction of outcome of treatment in iNPH.

Methods
A prospective observational study of consecutively included iNPH patients, who underwent neurological, physiotherapeutic and neuropsychological assessments before and after shunt surgery. The primary outcome measure was the total change on the iNPH scale, and patients were defined as improved postoperatively if they had improved by at least five points on that scale.

Results
143 iNPH patients were included, and 73% of those were improved after surgery. None of the examined symptoms or signs could predict which patients would improve after shunt surgery. A dominant subjective complaint of memory problems at baseline was predictive of non-improvement. The reported comorbidities, duration of symptoms and BMI were the same in improved and non-improved patients. Each of the symptom domains (gait, neuropsychology, balance, and continence) as well as the total iNPH scale score improved significantly (from median 53 to 69, p < 0.001). The proportions of patients with shuffling gait, broad-based gait, paratonic rigidity and retropulsion all decreased significantly.

Discussion
This study confirms that the recorded clinical signs, symptoms, and impairments in the adopted clinical tests are characteristic findings in iNPH, based on that most of them improved after shunt surgery. However, our clinical data did not enable predictions of whether patients would respond to shunt surgery, indicating that the phenotype is unrelated to the reversibility of the iNPH state and should mainly support diagnosis. Absence of specific signs should not be used to exclude patients from treatment.
Placing vacuum sponges in esophageal anastomotic leaks — how we do it
Authors: Hentschel Florian , Mollenhauer Götz , Siemssen Björn , Paasch Christoph , Mantke René , Lüth Stefan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Endoluminal vacuum sponge therapy has dramatically improved the treatment of anastomotic leaks in esophageal surgery. However, the blind insertion of vacuum sponge kits like Eso-Sponge® via an overtube and a pusher can be technically difficult.

Methods
We therefore insert our sponges under direct visual control by a nonstandard “piggyback” technique that was initially developed for the self-made sponge systems preceding these commercially available kits.

Results
Using this technique, we inserted or changed 56 Eso-Sponges® in seven patients between 2018 and 2023. Apart from one secondary sponge dislocation, no intraprocedural complications were encountered. One patient died due to unrelated reasons. In all others, the defects healed and they were dismissed from the hospital. Long-term follow-up showed three strictures that were successfully treated by dilatation.

Conclusion
We conclude that sponge placement via piggyback technique is a fast, safe, and successful alternative to the standard method of insertion.
Dr. Google to Dr. ChatGPT: assessing the content and quality of artificial intelligence-generated medical information on appendicitis
Authors: Ghanem Yazid K. , Rouhi Armaun D. , Al-Houssan Ammr , Saleh Zena , Moccia Matthew C. , Joshi Hansa , Dumon Kristoffel R. , Hong Young , Spitz Francis , Joshi Amit R. , Kwiatt Michael 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have recently been posited as potential sources of online medical information for patients making medical decisions. Existing online patient-oriented medical information has repeatedly been shown to be of variable quality and difficult readability. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the content and quality of AI-generated medical information on acute appendicitis.

Methods
A modified DISCERN assessment tool, comprising 16 distinct criteria each scored on a 5-point Likert scale (score range 16–80), was used to assess AI-generated content. Readability was determined using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) scores. Four popular chatbots, ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4, Bard, and Claude-2, were prompted to generate medical information about appendicitis. Three investigators independently scored the generated texts blinded to the identity of the AI platforms.

Results
ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, Bard, and Claude-2 had overall mean (SD) quality scores of 60.7 (1.2), 62.0 (1.0), 62.3 (1.2), and 51.3 (2.3), respectively, on a scale of 16–80. Inter-rater reliability was 0.81, 0.75, 0.81, and 0.72, respectively, indicating substantial agreement. Claude-2 demonstrated a significantly lower mean quality score compared to ChatGPT-4 (p = 0.001), ChatGPT-3.5 (p = 0.005), and Bard (p = 0.001). Bard was the only AI platform that listed verifiable sources, while Claude-2 provided fabricated sources. All chatbots except for Claude-2 advised readers to consult a physician if experiencing symptoms. Regarding readability, FKGL and FRE scores of ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, Bard, and Claude-2 were 14.6 and 23.8, 11.9 and 33.9, 8.6 and 52.8, 11.0 and 36.6, respectively, indicating difficulty readability at a college reading skill level.

Conclusion
AI-generated medical information on appendicitis scored favorably upon quality assessment, but most either fabricated sources or did not provide any altogether. Additionally, overall readability far exceeded recommended levels for the public. Generative AI platforms demonstrate measured potential for patient education and engagement about appendicitis.
Nachhaltige Entwicklungsziele und die Kreislaufwirtschaft: Bewertung von Handlungsoptionen
Authors: Allesch A. , Rossegger C. , Griebler A. , Schrack D. , Hansen E. G. , Kreiner H. , Langergraber G. 
Published: March 2024

ZusammenfassungDie UN-Agenda 2030 für nachhaltige Entwicklung bietet einen gemeinsamen Plan für Frieden und Wohlstand für die Menschen und den Planeten. Im Mittelpunkt stehen die 17 Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung (Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs), die einen dringenden Aufruf zum Handeln aller Länder darstellen. In Österreich haben sich dazu aktuell 23 Partnerorganisationen (Universitäten, Fachhochschulen etc.) zu einer Plattform zusammengeschlossen, um im Rahmen des Projekts UniNEtZ die SDGs systematisch zu betrachten und Handlungsempfehlungen zur Realisierung der SDGs in Österreich abzugeben. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags werden ausgewählte, im Projekt UniNEtZ entwickelte Optionen aus dem Bereich der Abfall- und Kreislaufwirtschaft beschrieben und deren Interaktion mit den SDG-Unterzielen aufgezeigt und diskutiert. Generell zeigt sich, dass sich eine nachhaltige Entwicklung nur dann erreichen lässt, wenn das Prinzip der Unteilbarkeit von wirtschaftlichem Wohlstand, ökologischer Nachhaltigkeit, sozialem Fortschritt und wirksamer demokratischer Regierungsführung berücksichtigt wird. Interdisziplinäres Denken und Arbeiten ist daher unerlässlich und muss für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung zur Selbstverständlichkeit werden.
The 90% effective concentration of alfentanil combined with 0.075% ropivacaine for epidural labor analgesia: a single-center, prospective, double-blind sequential allocation biased-coin design
Authors: Jia Chang , Zou Bin , Sun Ying-Jie , Han Bo , Diao Yu-Gang , Li Ya-Ting , Cao Hui-Juan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
More literature studies have reported that alfentanil is safe and effective for labor analgesia. However, there is no unified consensus on the optimal dosage of alfentanil used for epidural analgesia. This study explored the concentration at 90% of minimum effective concentration (EC90) of alfentanil combined with 0.075% ropivacaine in patients undergoing epidural labor analgesia to infer reasonable drug compatibility and provide guidance for clinical practice.

Methods
In this prospective, single-center, double-blind study, a total of 45 singleton term primiparas with vaginal delivery who volunteered for epidural labor analgesia were recruited. The first maternal was administered with 3 μg/mL alfentanil combined with 0.075% ropivacaine with the infusion of 10 mL of the mixture every 50 min at a background dose of 3 mL/h. In the absence of PCEA, a total of 15 mL of the mixture is injected per hour. The subsequent alfentanil concentration was determined on the block efficacy of the previous case, using an up-down sequential allocation with a bias-coin design. 30 min after epidural labor analgesia, the block of patient failed with visual analog score (VAS) > 3, the alfentanil concentration was increased in a 0.5 μg/mL gradient for the next patient, while the block was successful with VAS ≤ 3, the alfentanil concentration was remained or decreased in a gradient according to a randomized response list for the next patient. EC90 and 95% confidence interval were calculated by linear interpolation and prediction model with R statistical software.

Results
In this study, the estimated EC90 of alfentanil was 3.85 μg/mL (95% confidence interval, 3.64–4.28 μg/mL).

Conclusion
When combined with ropivacaine 0.075%, the EC90 of alfentanil for epidural labor analgesia is 3.85 μg/mL in patients undergoing labor analgesia.
Occurrence and relevance of Mycoplasma sturni in free ranging barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) in Germany
Authors: Klostermann Theresa Sophie , Kramer Lea , Möller Palau-Ribes Franca , Lierz Michael 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn poultry industry, mycoplasmas cause large economic losses. The pathogenic significance of mycoplasmas varies widely between species. In birds where vocalization is crucial for reproductive success, mycoplasmas seem to be absent. Birds with high mycoplasma prevalence like birds of prey and storks do not rely on their vocalization for reproduction. Corvids with an intermediate prevalence use other strategies besides vocalization for mating. It is hypothesized that mycoplasma prevalence and vocalization used for reproduction is evolutionary related. Barn swallows have two traits relevant for mating: tail feather length and vocalization. An intermediate prevalence is expected. Little is known about mycoplasmas in barn swallows and their role as vector or reservoir for poultry pathogenic mycoplasmas. This study investigates the prevalence of mycoplasmas in barn swallows and their relevance for mycoplasma transmission to poultry. Choanal swabs from 188 healthy barn swallow nestlings of 59 different nests from ten different colonies on farms were examined for mycoplasmas by cultivation and genus-specific PCR including molecular biological differentiation of the species. In total, in 31 of 188 barn swallows (16.49%) and in 14 of the 59 nests (23.73%), mycoplasmas were detected. The occurrence of mycoplasmas per colony ranged from 0 to 50% independent of poultry being kept on the farm. In all positive samples, Mycoplasma sturni was identified. Mycoplasma sturni seems not to be an obligatory pathogen for barn swallows and occurs with an expected intermediate prevalence in them, so the results support the described hypothesis and underline a minor role of barn swallows for mycoplasma infection in poultry.
The Brief Solastalgia Scale: A Psychometric Evaluation and Revision
Authors: Christensen Bruce K. , Monaghan Conal , Stanley Samantha K. , Walker Iain , Leviston Zoe , Macleod Emily , Rodney Rachael M. , Greenwood Lisa-Marie , Heffernan Timothy , Evans Olivia , Sutherland Stewart , Reynolds Julia , Calear Alison L. , Kurz Tim , Lane Jo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWitnessing degradation and loss to one’s home environment can cause the negative emotional experience of solastalgia. We review the psychometric properties of the 9-item Solastalgia subscale from the Environmental Distress Scale (Higginbotham et al. (EcoHealth 3:245–254, 2006)). Using data collected from three large, independent, adult samples (N = 4229), who were surveyed soon after the 2019/20 Australian bushfires, factor analyses confirmed the scale’s unidimensionality, while analyses derived from Item Response Theory highlighted the poor psychometric performance and redundant content of specific items. Consequently, we recommend a short-form scale consisting of five items. This Brief Solastalgia Scale (BSS) yielded excellent model fit and internal consistency in both the initial and cross-validation samples. The BSS and its parent version provide very similar patterns of associations with demographic, health, life satisfaction, climate emotion, and nature connectedness variables. Finally, multi-group confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated comparable construct architecture (i.e. configural, metric, and scalar invariance) across validation samples, gender categories, and age. As individuals and communities increasingly confront and cope with climate change and its consequences, understanding related emotional impacts is crucial. The BSS promises to aid researchers, decision makers, and practitioners to understand and support those affected by negative environmental change.
Of lakes and knowledges: between disciplinary enclosures and the pursuit of “full transdisciplinarity”
Authors: Castro Jose Esteban 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe article discusses the challenges and opportunities facing interdisciplinary attempts to produce knowledge about water and lake-related processes. It examines key aspects of the long-standing debates on this topic and discusses the state of the art providing empirical examples. The article argues that, notwithstanding the significant progress achieved in disciplines and fields of knowledge relevant to water-related research, the development of interdisciplinary coordination, particularly between the physical–natural and the social sciences remains underdeveloped. However, the fact that the extreme global crisis affecting water and life in the planet, more generally, has a primarily anthropogenic nature suggests that there are urgent reasons to promote greater collaboration between different forms of knowledge relevant to these processes. The main objective is contributing to raise awareness about obstacles and opportunities for enhanced interdisciplinary coordination in these areas, to tackle the urgent problems facing the socio-hydrosphere.
Enhancing Generalization in Few-Shot Learning for Detecting Unknown Adversarial Examples
Authors: Liu Wenzhao , Zhang Wanli , Yang Kuiwu , Chen Yue , Guo Kaiwei , Wei Jianghong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDeep neural networks, particularly convolutional neural networks, are vulnerable to adversarial examples, undermining their reliability in visual recognition tasks. Adversarial example detection is a crucial defense mechanism against such attacks but often relies on empirical observations and specialized metrics, posing challenges in terms of data efficiency, generalization to unknown attacks, and scalability to high-resolution datasets like ImageNet. To address these issues, we propose a prototypical network-based method using a deep residual network as the backbone architecture. This approach is capable of extracting discriminative features of adversarial and normal examples from various known adversarial examples by constructing few-shot adversarial detection tasks. Then the optimal mapping matrix is computed using the Sinkhorn algorithm from optimal transport theory, and the class centers are iteratively updated, enabling the detection of unknown adversarial examples across scenarios. Experimental results show that the proposed approach outperforms existing methods in the cross-adversary benchmark and achieves enhanced generalization on a subset of ImageNet in detecting both new adversarial attacks and adaptive white-box attacks. The proposed approach offers a promising solution for improving the safety of deep neural networks in practical applications.
A framework to link climate change, food security, and migration: unpacking the agricultural pathway
Authors: Tuholske Cascade , Di Landro Maria Agustina , Anderson Weston , van Duijne Robbin Jan , de Sherbinin Alex 
Published: March 2024

AbstractResearchers have long hypothesized linkages between climate change, food security, and migration in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). One such hypothesis is the “agricultural pathway,” which postulates that negative climate change impacts on food production harm livelihoods, which triggers rural out-migration, internally or abroad. Migration is thus an adaptation to cope with the impacts of climate change and bolster livelihoods. Recent evidence suggests that the agriculture pathway is a plausible mechanism to explain climate-related migration. But direct causal connections from climate impacts on food production to livelihood loss to rural out-migration have yet to be fully established. To guide future research on the climate-food-migration nexus, we present a conceptual framework that outlines the components and linkages underpinning the agricultural pathway in LMICs. We build on established environmental-migration conceptual frameworks that have informed empirical research and deepened our understanding of complex human-environmental systems. First, we provide an overview of the conceptual framework and its connection to the agricultural pathway hypothesis in the climate mobility literature. We then outline the primary components and linkages of the conceptual framework as they pertain to LMIC contexts, highlighting current research gaps and challenges relating to the agricultural pathway. Last, we discuss possible future research directions for the climate-food-migration nexus. By highlighting the complex, multiscale, interconnected linkages that underpin the agricultural pathway, our framework unpacks the multiple causal connections that currently lie hidden in the agricultural pathway hypothesis.
IRT for voting advice applications: a multi-dimensional test that is adaptive and interpretable
Authors: Sigfrid Karl 
Published: March 2024

AbstractVoting advice applications rely on user input to match user preferences to political parties or candidates. Providing the input can be time-consuming, which may have a negative effect on participation. For individuals who are under time constraints or who are affected by survey fatigue, the participation threshold may be lowered if there is an option to conclude the test without answering all question items. The test result should ideally be close to the result that the participant would have gotten after answering the full battery of questions. We propose a method that allows respondents to conclude a VAA early and still get results with sufficient accuracy.The method proposed here extends the Graded Response Model and the Maximum Information Criterion, used in Item Response Theory. The aim of the method is to allow the user to control the length of the test. Furthermore, we want a simpler interpretation of multidimensional parameter estimates than we get from traditional MIRT. To achieve this, we propose an algorithm for adaptive IRT capable of selecting from a pool of items that belong to separate unidimensional scales. Using both simulated data and response data from a voting advice application project, we evaluate the accuracy of shorter tests implemented with our adaptive method. When only a few test items are answered, our proposed method outperforms a static-order IRT test of equal length in identifying the best match. We expect that implementation of the method can increase participation and engagement in voting advice applications.
Evaluation of molecular typing methods for some scab-causing Streptomyces strains from Turkey
Authors: Karagoz Kenan , Dadasoglu Fatih , Alaylar Burak , Kotan Recep 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study was conducted for identifying phylogenetic relationships between 15 scab-causing Streptomyces species including S. bottropensis, S. europaeiscabiei, S. scabiei, S. stelliscabiei and, other 11 Streptomyces sp. All of the strains were originally isolated from symptomatic potatoes in Erzurum Province, The Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Some morphological and biochemical properties of the strains were defined in our former research. Then, 16 s rRNA regions of them were sequenced. After the sequence data assembly, phylogenetic analyzes were performed. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that the strains are involved in the same major group and, substantially similar to reference strains. Additionally, some subgroup formations were also recorded. Moreover, Repetitive element-based PCR (Rep-PCR), Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC-PCR), and BOX-PCR fingerprinting molecular typing methods were used for as molecular typing methods. According to our knowledge, this is the first report on phylogenetic relationships of scab-causing Streptomyces species from Turkey. However, the identification of most pathogenic strains remained at the species level.
Dietary habits and plasma lipid concentrations in a general Japanese population
Authors: Sato Mitsuharu , Hishinuma Eiji , Matsukawa Naomi , Shima Yoshiko , Saigusa Daisuke , Motoike Ikuko N. , Kogure Mana , Nakaya Naoki , Hozawa Atsushi , Kuriyama Shinichi , Yamamoto Masayuki , Koshiba Seizo , Kinoshita Kengo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Accumulating data on the associations between food consumption and lipid composition in the body is essential for understanding the effects of dietary habits on health.

Objectives
As part of omics research in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Community-Based Cohort Study, this study sought to reveal the dietary impact on plasma lipid concentration in a Japanese population.

Methods
We conducted a correlation analysis of food consumption and plasma lipid concentrations measured using mass spectrometry, for 4032 participants in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

Results
Our analysis revealed 83 marked correlations between six food categories and the concentrations of plasma lipids in nine subclasses. Previously reported associations, including those between seafood consumption and omega-3 fatty acids, were validated, while those between dairy product consumption and odd-carbon-number fatty acids (odd-FAs) were validated for the first time in an Asian population. Further analysis suggested that dairy product consumption is associated with odd-FAs via sphingomyelin (SM), which suggests that SM is a carrier of odd-FAs. These results are important for understanding odd-FA metabolism with regards to dairy product consumption.

Conclusion
This study provides insight into the dietary impact on plasma lipid concentration in a Japanese population.