bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidental pulmonary nodules – current guidelines and management
Authors: Glandorf Julian , Vogel-Claussen Jens 
Published: December 2023

Background Due to the greater use of high-resolution cross-sectional imaging, the number of incidental pulmonary nodules detected each year is increasing. Although the vast majority of incidental pulmonary nodules are benign, many early lung carcinomas could be diagnosed with consistent follow-up. However, for a variety of reasons, the existing recommendations are often not implemented correctly. Therefore, potential for improvement with respect to competence, communication, structure, and process is described.
Methods This article presents the recommendations for incidental pulmonary nodules from the current S3 guideline for lung cancer (July 2023). The internationally established recommendations (BTS guidelines and Fleischner criteria) are compared and further studies on optimized management were included after a systematic literature search in PubMed.
Results and Conclusion In particular, AI-based software solutions are promising, as they can be used in a support capacity on several levels at once and can lead to simpler and more automated management. However, to be applicable in routine clinical practice, software must fit well into the radiology workflow and be integrated. In addition, “Lung Nodule Management” programs or clinics that follow a high-quality procedure for patients with incidental lung nodules or nodules detected by screening have been established in the USA. Similar structures might also be implemented in Germany in a future screening program in which patients with incidental pulmonary nodules could be included.
Key Points
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Testkonzept der Stadt Köln für die Kritische
Infrastruktur (KRITIS) in der ersten Welle der Corona-Pandemie
Authors: Kern Jonas , Wiesmüller Gerhard A. , Kossow Annelene , Hurraß Julia 
Published: December 2023

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Zu Beginn der Corona-Pandemie etablierte das Gesundheitsamt
der Stadt Köln eine bevorzugte Testung für Angehörige
der kritischen Infrastruktur (KRITIS). Ziel dieser Arbeit war die retrospektive
Analyse dieses Konzeptes.
Methoden Testergebnisse, demografische und berufsbezogene Daten von
März bis April 2020 wurden mit einer speziell entwickelten Software
erfasst und deskriptiv analysiert. Die positiv getesteten KRITIS-Personen wurden
zum Konzept telefonisch systematisch befragt.
Ergebnisse Getestet wurden 1521 Personen, davon 896 (59%) aus dem
Gesundheitswesen, besonders aus pflegerischen Berufen (35%). Test- und
Beratungsangebot wurden auch von Beschäftigten gemeinnütziger
Einrichtungen (8%), Verwaltung (7%), Feuerwehr (11%) und
Polizei (4%) genutzt. Risikokontakte wurden von positiv getesteten
KRITIS-Personen vermehrt im beruflichen Kontext vermutet (58%), meist
ohne adäquaten Schutz (85%). Von den Befragten bewerteten
83% das Kölner KRITIS-Konzept als ‚gut‘ oder
‚sehr gut‘. Abläufe im Testzentrum wurden von
89% als ‚gut‘ oder ‚sehr gut‘
eingestuft, die telefonische Betreuung von 47% als ‚gut‘
oder ‚sehr gut‘, von 30% als
‚ausreichend‘ oder schlechter. Freie Anmerkungen zeigten, dass
ein häufiger Telefonkontakt seitens des Gesundheitsamtes
interindividuell sowohl positiv als auch, etwas häufiger, negativ
wahrgenommen wurde. Positiv hervorgehoben wurden Umgangston und Beratungen,
kritisiert am ehesten mangelnde Kompetenz und Koordination. Die
zwangsläufig im Vergleich geringere Versorgung von Angehörigen
z. B. durch Testangebote führte auch zu Kritik.
Schlussfolgerung Mit dem KRITIS-Konzept hat das Gesundheitsamt
Köln ein Angebot für systemrelevante Berufsgruppen entwickelt
und umgesetzt, das intensiv genutzt und überwiegend positiv bewertet
wurde. Auf dieses Konzept kann bei anderen Pandemien zurückgegriffen
werden.
Classification of Diverticular Disease (CDD) – assessment of the intra- and interobserver agreement in abdominal CT scans
Authors: Schmidbauer Martina , Levers Alena , Wacker Frank K , Ringe Kristina Imeen 
Published: December 2023

Purpose Along with ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) is one of the imaging modalities of choice in patients with suspected diverticular disease (DD). Recently, a newer Classification of Diverticular Disease (CDD) has been proposed. However, its reliability in daily radiological practice has never been proven. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the intra- and interobserver agreement of the CDD in abdominal CT scans.
Methods In this retrospective study, 481 CT scans of patients with suspected DD were included. Two readers (one board-certified radiologist with 6 years of experience, one 3 rd year radiology resident) individually evaluated all CTs in two reading sessions using the CDD. A composite endpoint of a prior consensus reading, follow-up, and intraoperative findings served as the reference. Intra- and interobserver agreement were calculated using Cohen-k statistic.
Results DD was present in 317 cases (66 %), mostly classified as CDD stage 0, 1b, and 2a (28 %, 30 %, und 14 %). Intraobserver agreement was almost perfect for both readers (kappa 0.93 and 0.88). Interobserver agreement was high and improved from substantial (kappa 0.77) in the first reading session to almost perfect (kappa 0.84) in the second reading session. The interobserver agreement was best for CDD types 0 (diverticulosis) and 2c (free perforated diverticulitis) (mean kappa 0.83 and 0.86) and poorest for CDD types 1a (diverticulitis without phlegmon) and 2b (covered diverticulitis with macroabscess) (mean kappa 0.17 and 0.38). Intra- and interobserver agreement of acute uncomplicated (CDD type 1) and acute complicated diverticulitis (CDD type 2) were substantial to almost perfect (mean kappa 0.63–0.86). Agreement with the reference was almost perfect for both observers (mean kappa 0.86 and 0.82). Administration of rectal contrast did not significantly improve the diagnosis.
Conclusion The CDD is a classification based on relatively clear imaging characteristics, which can be readily applied by radiologists with different expertise. In our study, the CDD had a high intra- and interobserver agreement, enabling a reliable therapy-related categorization of DD.
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The Application of Peroxide for Organic Synthesis in Continuous Flow Chemistry
Authors: Zhu Rui , Zhou Yi-Bo , Zhou Han-Qi , Liu Feng-Fan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPeroxides, as high-efficiency oxidants, are widely used in various areas of industry, such as chemical, pharmaceutical, environmental protection, etc. However, their applications in batches are limited due to their explosive and unstable nature. Continuous flow reactions have the advantages of a large area-to-surface ratio, high mixing efficiency, high mass and heat transfer performance, accurate control of process parameters, and high security. These are beneficial for the improvement of the product yield and the reduction of the reaction time and risk. Thus, in the reaction involving peroxide, continuous flow technology can effectively improve the operational safety and enhance the reaction efficiency of peroxides. This review summarized the applications of peroxides in various organic syntheses in continuous-flow chemistry. These examples illustrated the promising prospects of peroxides in green organic synthesis.
Safety and tolerability of topiramate and N-acetyl cysteine combination in individuals with alcohol use disorder: a 12 week, randomized, double-blind, pilot study
Authors: Tiouririne Nassima A-D , Kalelioglu Tevfik , Seneviratne Chamindi , Wang Xin-Qun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Topiramate (TPM), a GABA/glutamate modulator, has shown positive results for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD), but causes significant cognitive adverse effects. TPM causes cognitive side effects by reducing glutathione levels in the frontal lobe. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) increases level of intracellular glutathione. We hypothesized that combining NAC with TPM may mitigate the possible cognitive side effects of TPM, as well as working synergistically in reducing alcohol consumption more efficaciously than using TPM alone. A 12-week, double-blind randomized trial assessing the effects of combining NAC (1200 mg/day) with TPM (200 mg/day) vs TPM alone (i) cognitive side effects caused by TPM, (ii) percentage of heavy drinking days (PHDD) and percentage of days abstinent (PDA) using weekly calendar, and (iii) craving outcomes using the obsessive–compulsive drinking scale. Seventeen participants were randomized into the study (nine received TPM + NAC and eight matching TPM + Placebo). Cognitive adverse events were not significantly different between the treatment arms (P = 0.581). There was no difference in PHDD (P = 0.536) and in PDA over the entire study period (P = 0.892). However, both treatment groups at study end, compared with the baseline, significantly reduced their PHDD and increased their PDA. As for cravings: TPM + NAC group has shown higher level in automaticity of drinking (P = 0.029) and interference due to drinking (P = 0.014) subscales compared with the TPM + Placebo group. No difference was observed between groups in terms of Drinking Obsessions and Alcohol Consumption subscales. This pilot study indicates that combining NAC with TPM is overall safe, but the addition of NAC has no significant benefit over placebo in the incidence of TPM-related cognitive impairment, and alcohol drinking. Furthermore, craving outcomes may become worse with the addition of NAC.
The SmERF1b-like regulates tanshinone biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy root
Authors: Li Dan , Liu Yu , Chen Guoliang , Yan Yan , Bai Zhenqing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The ethylene response factor family genes are involved in the regulation of secondary metabolism in Salvia miltiorrhiza, but the mechanism underlying this regulation remains elusive. In the present study, based on the cDNA library of S. miltiorrhiza, an AP2/ERF gene was cloned and named SmERF1b-like. This gene exhibited a significant response to exogenous ethylene supply, such that ethylene remarkably upregulated SmERF1b-like expression levels in the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza. Subcellular localization showed that SmERF1b-like is located in the nucleus. Furthermore, SmERF1b-like showed a binding affinity with a GCC-box motif in the promoter region of genes associated with tanshinone biosynthesis in S. miltiorrhiza. Overexpression of SmERF1b-like in hairy roots of S. miltiorrhiza substantially upregulated SmCPS1 and SmKSL1 expression levels, resulting in increased biosynthesis of tanshinone I and cryptotanshinone contents. This finding provides valuable theoretical support for the utilization of a plant genetic engineering strategy to enhance S. miltiorrhiza resources.
EPIC-TRACE: predicting TCR binding to unseen epitopes using attention and contextualized embeddings
Authors: Korpela Dani , Jokinen Emmi , Dumitrescu Alexandru , Huuhtanen Jani , Mustjoki Satu , Lähdesmäki Harri 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Motivation
T cells play an essential role in adaptive immune system to fight pathogens and cancer but may also give rise to autoimmune diseases. The recognition of a peptide–MHC (pMHC) complex by a T cell receptor (TCR) is required to elicit an immune response. Many machine learning models have been developed to predict the binding, but generalizing predictions to pMHCs outside the training data remains challenging.

Results
We have developed a new machine learning model that utilizes information about the TCR from both α and β chains, epitope sequence, and MHC. Our method uses ProtBERT embeddings for the amino acid sequences of both chains and the epitope, as well as convolution and multi-head attention architectures. We show the importance of each input feature as well as the benefit of including epitopes with only a few TCRs to the training data. We evaluate our model on existing databases and show that it compares favorably against other state-of-the-art models.

Availability and implementation
https://github.com/DaniTheOrange/EPIC-TRACE.
The function of red and banded patterns in snakes: a review of hypotheses and evidence
Authors: Mouy Henri 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The functions of bright bands in coral and other snakes have long been a puzzle. The most common opinion is that coral snakes display aposematic marks and that other red and black banded snakes in the Americas are mimics of coral snakes. Although supported by some evidence, the notion comes with unresolved difficulties. Here, I review the proposed functions of the colour of coral snakes and similar-coloured snakes, taking a more comprehensive view than usual, from the plausibility of aposematism in coral snakes to the apparent existence of a selective force for red and black banded patterns across the world. Theoretical models of the maintenance of aposematic signals do not seem applicable, hence aposematism has a low a priori plausibility in coral snakes. Evidence of avoidance is weak, field studies rely on unsettled methods and do not reproduce well, and two laboratory studies reporting strong innate fear are questioned. Coral snakes predict the geography and richness of ‘mimics’ in the Americas, but not in line with expectations. Conversely, polymorphism and evidence of local selection and of a worldwide selective force for patterns similar to coral snakes, including complex banded patterns, contradicts aposematism and mimicry and points to an undefined alternative. In summary, aposematism and mimicry fail on too many fronts to be sustained, existing alternatives also fail to be supported sufficiently, and hypotheses need to be formulated to account for the widespread selection for red and black bands and for complex banded patterns in snakes.
The function of red and banded patterns in snakes: the eyes of the beholders—also, the function of bands in fish
Authors: Mouy Henri 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The functions of bright bands in coral and other snakes have long been a puzzle. A common opinion is that coral snakes display aposematic marks and that other red and black banded snakes in the Americas are mimics of coral snakes. In two previous reviews, I challenged this prevailing opinion and showed that red and bands are probably defensive against snake predators. Here, I offer a plausible mechanisms through which red and bands could be protective against ophidian predators: the function of bands is to interfere with the focusing ability of snakes, which eyes, as in fish, rely on a ball lens that moves back and forth, a peculiarity among terrestrial vertebrates. Simulations show how the spherical aberrations created by ball lenses produce local maxima in contrast when out of focus, which would feel in focus. I conjecture that red targets specific visual receptors in snakes active in low light: these receptors would have a slow and saturating response. This conjecture is justified by the lability of vision in snakes and the overabundance of red light in dim light. Those conjectures allow precise and well-respected predictions and credibly explain a wide range of observations, such as the geographical repartition of tricolour snakes, the evolution of triadal patterns, the evolution of specific triadal-like patterns in some Erythrolamprus, and the repeated evolution of black and white banded snakes with a red dorsal line. Fish eyes have similar optics, and the function of the ubiquitous fish bands could likewise be to interfere with the vision of predators.
The Prison as a Space of Non-life: How Does a Typical Prison Sentence Intervene in What Really Matters to People?
Authors: Ievins Alice 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This article argues that imprisonment creates time that does not matter. It is based on longitudinal interviews conducted with 35 men and women sentenced to typical prison sentences in England. It argues that some responded to this situation by trying to treat the institution as a space of temporary removal and then return to their unblemished lives after release. Others tried to use the prison as a space for reinvention, but it was too disconnected from their biographies for this change to endure. The article then calls for a new understanding of the prison as an institution. The prison is a space of non-life, and as such it can only be understood in the context of that which surrounds it.
Trajectories of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence Among Commercially Insured Individuals
Authors: Unigwe Ikenna , Goodin Amie , Lo-Ciganic Wei-Hsuan , Cook Robert L , Park Haesuk 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We used group-based trajectory models to identify 4 distinct trajectory patterns of adherence to preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among 20 696 users. Only 44.5% were consistently PrEP adherent, with younger age, being female, or having substance use disorder or depression associated with early discontinuation. Public health efforts are needed to improve PrEP adherence.
Modeling the Impacts of Antiviral Prophylaxis Strategies in Mitigating Seasonal Influenza Outbreaks in Nursing Homes
Authors: Morris Sinead E , Zipfel Casey M , Peer Komal , Madewell Zachary J , Brenner Stephan , Garg Shikha , Paul Prabasaj , Slayton Rachel B , Biggerstaff Matthew 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Antiviral chemoprophylaxis is recommended for use during influenza outbreaks in nursing homes to prevent transmission and severe disease among non-ill residents. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance recommends prophylaxis be initiated for all non-ill residents once an influenza outbreak is detected and be continued for at least 14 days and until 7 days after the last laboratory-confirmed influenza case is identified. However, not all facilities strictly adhere to this guidance and the impact of such partial adherence is not fully understood.

Methods
We developed a stochastic compartmental framework to model influenza transmission within an average-sized US nursing home. We compared the number of symptomatic illnesses and hospitalizations under varying prophylaxis implementation strategies, in addition to different levels of prophylaxis uptake and adherence by residents and healthcare personnel (HCP).

Results
Prophylaxis implemented according to current guidance reduced total symptomatic illnesses and hospitalizations among residents by a median of 12% and 36%, respectively, compared with no prophylaxis. We did not find evidence that alternative implementations of prophylaxis were more effective: compared to full adoption of current guidance, partial adoption resulted in increased symptomatic illnesses and/or hospitalizations, and longer or earlier adoption offered no additional improvements. In addition, increasing uptake and adherence among nursing home residents was effective in reducing resident illnesses and hospitalizations, but increasing HCP uptake had minimal indirect impacts for residents.

Conclusions
The greatest benefits of influenza prophylaxis during nursing home outbreaks will likely be achieved through increasing uptake and adherence among residents and following current CDC guidance.
Diet and Nutrition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Manski Scott , Noverati Nicholas , Policarpo Tatiana , Rubin Emily , Shivashankar Raina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Diet is thought to contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may act as a mediator of inflammation in patients with IBD. Patients commonly associate their diet with symptoms and inquire about dietary modifications to manage their IBD. Without clinical guidelines and well-established nutritional data, healthcare providers managing patients with IBD may find it difficult to provide recommendations. Strong evidence for enteral nutrition, particularly in the pediatric population, has been established in Crohn’s disease (CD) as a therapeutic option. Enteral nutrition may also serve as an adjunct to an exclusion diet. Recent studies such as the randomized trial comparing the Specific Carbohydrate Diet to a Mediterranean Diet in CD patients provide additional insights in forming dietary plans. A low-fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet in quiescent IBD and an anti-inflammatory diet have also been explored as adjunctive therapies. In this review, we discuss the latest evidence for the role of diet in IBD both as a therapeutic modality and as an opportunity to provide patient-centered care.
Homocysteine impairs the anticontractile/vasorelaxing activity of perivascular adipose tissue surrounding human internal mammary artery
Authors: Wei Jia-Hui , Qi Hang , Zhou Yang , Hou Hai-Tao , He Guo-Wei , Yang Qin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) surrounding human internal mammary artery (IMA) possesses anticontractile property. Its function under pathological conditions is barely studied. We previously reported that homocysteine impairs the vasodilator function of IMA through endothelium and smooth muscle-dependent mechanisms. This study investigated the effect of homocysteine on the function of PVAT and the associated mechanisms.

METHODS
Residual IMA tissues were collected from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Vasoreactivity was studied using myograph. Adiponectin was measured by ELISA. Expressions of adiponectin receptors (AdipoRs), eNOS and p-eNOS were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot.

RESULTS
Exposure to homocysteine augmented the contractile responses of PVAT-intact IMA to U46619 and potassium chloride, regardless with or without endothelium. Such augmentation was also observed in skeletonized IMA with transferred, homocysteine-exposed PVAT. Homocysteine attenuated the relaxant response of PVAT-intact while endothelium-denuded vessels to acetylcholine. Homocysteine lowered adiponectin content in the PVAT, downregulated the expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 as well as eNOS and p-eNOS in skeletonized IMA. The relaxant response of skeletonized IMA to AdipoR agonist AdipoRon was blunted by homocysteine or eNOS inhibitor, and homocysteine significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of eNOS inhibitor on AdipoRon-induced relaxation.

CONCLUSIONS
Homocysteine impairs the anticontractile/vasorelaxing activity of PVAT surrounding the IMA through inhibiting adiponectin/AdipoR/eNOS/nitric oxide signalling pathway.