bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
End-of-life practices in 11 German intensive care units
Authors: Denke C. , Jaschinski U. , Riessen R. , Bercker S. , Spies C. , Ragaller M. , Weiss M. , Dey K. , Michalsen A. , Briegel J. , Pohrt A. , Sprung C. L. , Avidan A. , Hartog C. S. ,   SepNet Critical Care Trials Group—Ethicus 2 Study Group
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
End-of-life care is common in German intensive care units (ICUs) but little is known about daily practice.

Objectives
To study the practice of end-of-life care.

Methods
Prospectively planned, secondary analysis comprising the German subset of the worldwide Ethicus‑2 Study (2015–2016) including consecutive ICU patients with limitation of life-sustaining therapy or who died.

Results
Among 1092 (13.7%) of 7966 patients from 11 multidisciplinary ICUs, 967 (88.6%) had treatment limitations, 92 (8.4%) died with failed CPR, and 33 (3%) with brain death. Among patients with treatment limitations, 22.3% (216/967) patients were discharged alive from the ICU. More patients had treatments withdrawn than withheld (556 [57.5%] vs. 411 [42.5%], p < 0.001). Patients with treatment limitations were older (median 73 years [interquartile range (IQR) 61–80] vs. 68 years [IQR 54–77]) and more had mental decision-making capacity (12.9 vs. 0.8%), advance directives (28.6 vs. 11.2%), and information about treatment wishes (82.7 vs 33.3%, all p < 0.001). Physicians reported discussing treatment limitations with patients with mental decision-making capacity and families (91.3 and 82.6%, respectively). Patient wishes were unknown in 41.3% of patients. The major reason for decision-making was unresponsiveness to maximal therapy (34.6%).

Conclusions
Treatment limitations are common, based on information about patients’ wishes and discussion between stakeholders, patients and families. However, our findings suggest that treatment preferences of nearly half the patients remain unknown which affects guidance for treatment decisions.
Anterolateral versus modified posterolateral approach for tibial plateau fractures with involvement of the posterior column: a cadaveric study
Authors: Behrendt Peter , Berninger Markus T. , Thürig Grégoire , Dehoust Julius , Christensen Jan H. , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Krause Matthias , Hartel Maximilian J. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to compare the reduction quality of the anterolateral (AL) and modified posterolateral approach (PL) in lateral tibial plateau fractures involving the posterior column and central segments.

Methods
Matched pairs of pre-fractured cadaveric tibial plateau fractures were treated by either AL approach (supine position) or PL approach (prone position). Reduction was controlled by fluoroscopy and evaluated as satisfying or unacceptable. Afterwards, the reduction was examined by 3D scan.

Results
10 specimens (3 pairs 41B3.1, 2 pairs 41C3.3) were evaluated. PL approach achieved significantly (p 0.00472) better fracture reduction results (0.4 ± 0.7 mm) of the posterior column compared to the AL group (2.1 ± 1.4 mm). Fracture steps involving the central area of the lateral plateau were insufficiently reduced after fluoroscopy using both approaches.

Conclusion
Optimal reduction of displaced tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral column necessitates a posterior approach, which can be conducted in prone or lateral positioning. The anterolateral approach is indicated in fractures with minor displacement of the posterolateral rim but fracture extension in the latero-central segments. In these cases, an additional video-assisted reduction or extended approaches are helpful.
Analysis of drilling-induced geometrical damages in basalt and carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (BFRP and CFRP) composites
Authors: Magyar Gergely , Károly Dóra , Xu Jinyang , Geier Norbert 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBasalt fibre-reinforced polymer (BFRP) composites probably tend to replace some carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) applications due to their excellent specific strengths and sustainability. Despite the published early promising results concerning the material properties of BFRP, their application is not widespread, and their machinability is not supported widely by published experiences. The main aim of the present study is to experimentally investigate the drilling-induced geometrical damages of BFRP and CFRP composites. Drilling experiments were conducted at various feed and cutting speed levels using a solid carbide twist drill. The drilling-induced burr was analysed by a Mitutoyo 361–804 digital microscope, a Mitutoyo SJ400 surface tester recorded the surface roughness, and the microstructure was analysed by a Zeiss Evo MA 10 scanning electron microscope. The measured data were evaluated through digital image processing (DIP), response surface methodology (RSM), and analysis of variances (ANOVA). The experimental results show that drilling-induced burr is more severe and surface roughness is worse in BFRP than in CFRP. The composite type influenced the geometrical damages primarily, followed by the feed in the case of burrs and by the cutting speed in the case of surface roughness. The present experimental study suggests that the drilling of BFRP is even more challenging than drilling CFRP from the point of view of burr formation and micro geometrical properties.
Machine learning techniques for cross-sectional equity returns’ prediction
Authors: Fieberg Christian , Metko Daniel , Poddig Thorsten , Loy Thomas 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe compare the performance of the linear regression model, which is the current standard in science and practice for cross-sectional stock return forecasting, with that of machine learning methods, i.e., penalized linear models, support vector regression, random forests, gradient boosted trees and neural networks. Our analysis is based on monthly data on nearly 12,000 individual stocks from 16 European economies over almost 30 years from 1990 to 2019. We find that the prediction of stock returns can be decisively improved through machine learning methods. The outperformance of individual (combined) machine learning models over the benchmark model is approximately 0.6% (0.7%) per month for the full cross-section of stocks. Furthermore, we find no model breakdowns, which suggests that investors do not incur additional risk from using machine learning methods compared to the traditional benchmark approach. Additionally, the superior performance of machine learning models is not due to substantially higher portfolio turnover. Further analyses suggest that machine learning models generate their added value particularly in bear markets when the average investor tends to lose money. Our results indicate that future research and practice should make more intensive use of machine learning techniques with respect to stock return prediction.
Feasibility and outcome of spleen and vessel preserving total pancreatectomy (SVPTP) in pancreatic malignancies — a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Beltzer Christian , Jovine Elio , Hesch Konstantin-Viktor , Stifini Derna , Mastrangelo Laura , Huth Marco , Königsrainer Alfred , Nadalin Silvio 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Total pancreatectomy (TP) is most commonly performed to avoid postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in patients with high-risk pancreas or to achieve tumor-free resection margins. As part of TP, a simultaneous splenectomy is usually performed primarily for the reason of oncologic radicality. However, the benefit of a simultaneous splenectomy remains unclear. Likewise, the technical feasibility as well as the safety of spleen and vessel preserving total pancreatectomy in pancreatic malignancies has hardly been evaluated. Thus, the aims of the study were to evaluate the feasibility as well as the results of spleen and vessel preserving total pancreatectomy (SVPTP).

Material and methods
Patient characteristics, technical feasibility, perioperative data, morbidity, and mortality as well as histopathological results after SVPTP, mainly for pancreatic malignancies, from patient cohorts of two European high-volume-centers for pancreatic surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Mortality was set as the primary outcome and morbidity (complications according to Clavien-Dindo) as the secondary outcome.

Results
A SVPTP was performed in 92 patients, predominantly with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (78.3%). In all cases, the splenic vessels could be preserved. In 59 patients, the decision to total pancreatectomy was made intraoperatively. Among these, the most common reason for total pancreatectomy was risk of POPF (78%). The 30-day mortality was 2.2%. Major complications (≥ IIIb according to Clavien-Dindo) occurred in 18.5% within 30 postoperative days. There were no complications directly related to the spleen and vascular preservation procedure. A tumor-negative resection margin was achieved in 71.8%.

Conclusion
We could demonstrate the technical feasibility and safety of SVPTP even in patients mainly with pancreatic malignancies. In addition to potential immunologic and oncologic advantages, we believe a major benefit of this procedure is preservation of gastric venous outflow. We consider SVPTP to be indicated in patients at high risk for POPF, in patients with multilocular IPMN, and in cases for extended intrapancreatic cancers.
Computational study of the relative stability of some glass-ionomer cement-forming molecules
Authors: Gaviria Jair , Quijano Silvia , Quijano Jairo , Ruiz Pablo 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis work is part of a larger study whose main objective was to find a series of promising molecules to be used as glass-ionomer-type materials. The project was divided into 3 successive stages; the results of the first stage have been previously published and were used to continue the study. The molecules evaluated in the second stage were constructed by adding a glycidyl methacrylate molecule to the carboxylic groups of the polyacids selected in the previous stage. The modeling was done using the density functional theory for M06-2X/6-311G(d,p). The results indicate that the addition over the carboxylic groups of the fraction of the molecule, corresponding to itaconic acid, is thermodynamically favored. The final stage was modeled with the M06 functional and consisted of obtaining basic structures of glass-ionomer-type materials, by acid–base reaction between the molecules resulting from the second stage with individual ions of Ca (2 +), Zn (2 +), or Al (+ 3). It was concluded that aluminum atoms generate more compact structures that would correlate with more resistant materials.
Integrated freight car routing and train scheduling
Authors: Frisch Sarah , Hungerländer Philipp , Jellen Anna , Lackenbucher Manuel , Primas Bernhard , Steininger Sebastian 
Published: September 2022

AbstractRail freight transportation is involved with highly complex logistical processes and requires a lot of resources such as locomotives or wagons. Thus, cost-efficient strategies for routing freight cars in a cargo network are of great interest for railway companies. When it comes to single wagon load traffic, trains are usually formed by collecting individual freight cars into batches at shunting yards, in order to transport them jointly to their destinations. The problem of finding optimal routes and schedules for single freight cars is typically solved in two steps: (i) determining routes for the freight cars in the railway network by solving the Single-freight car routing problem (), and (ii) deciding on time schedules for trains by solving the freight train scheduling problem (). Since train departure and arrival times, as well as freight car routes are highly interdependent, one aims to solve the and the simultaneously. For smooth and convenient operational processes many railway companies apply the concept of a routing matrix. This matrix defines unique routes between all shunting yards that are used for all shipments. In this work, we present an integrated mathematical model based on time discretization, that jointly solves the and and enforces the routing matrix concept. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that combines all three aspects. The approach is tailored for Rail Cargo Austria’s (RCA) needs, incorporating train capacities, yard capacities, and restrictions regarding travel times. We perform an extensive computational study based on real-world data provided by RCA. Besides the performance we analyze the utilization of trains, waiting times of freight cars, and the number of shunting processes.
Evaluation of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
Authors: Uchikawa Shinsuke , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Fujino Hatsue , Ono Atsushi , Nakahara Takashi , Murakami Eisuke , Yamauchi Masami , Miki Daiki , Imamura Michio , Aikata Hiroshi 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Previous reports suggest that contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is useful for predicting the efficacy of sorafenib and lenvatinib treatment. However, there are no reports on the utility of CEUS for predicting the efficacy of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination therapy (Atezo + Bev). This study aimed to identify CEUS parameters for predicting the efficacy of Atezo + Bev.

Methods
A total of 30 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with Atezo + Bev who underwent CEUS before and 5 weeks after treatment initiation were included.

Results
Post area under the curve (post AUC) was identified as a predictive factor for early progressive disease (PD). The optimal cut-off value of post AUC for predicting progression-free survival (PFS) was 61.3.

Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that CEUS at 5 weeks after initiation of Atezo + Bev may predict PFS in HCC patients. Changes to the treatment plan may need to be considered in patients with post AUC > 61.3.
Examining local and regional ecological connectivity throughout North America
Authors: Belote R. Travis , Barnett Kevin , Zeller Katherine , Brennan Angela , Gage Josh 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Context
Conservation scientists recommend maintaining and restoring ecological connectivity to sustain biodiversity in the face of land-use and climate change. Alternative connectivity assessments conducted at multiple spatial scales are needed to understand consequences of varying assumptions and for use in multi-scale conservation planning.

Objectives
We compared mapped output from different model scenarios conducted to identify areas important for ecological connectivity across North America. We asked how areas important for connectivity vary with spatial scale and assumptions regarding the way in which human modification affects landscape resistance.

Methods
We conducted a factorial experiment using omnidirectional connectivity analyses across North America where we crossed “treatments” represented by four moving window sizes and three resistance surfaces. The three resistance surfaces represent a gradient in species’ sensitivity to human modification.

Results
Maps of connectivity importance varied among scenarios. The effects of moving window size were more conspicuous than effects of different resistance surfaces. Outputs from small moving windows revealed mottled patterns of connectivity importance, while outputs from larger moving windows revealed broad swaths of connectivity importance across mountainous and boreal areas of North America. Patterns of connectivity importance tended to be more channelized from resistance surfaces produced to represent more human-sensitive species and more diffuse from resistance surfaces produced to represent more human-tolerant species.

Conclusions
Our scenarios and output represent alternative hypotheses and predictions about how multiple species may move in response to varying degrees of human modification. Our output can be compared to species-specific models to investigate which of our scenarios best matches observed movements of organisms. Our output can also be used as coarse-filter and multi-scale connectivity assessments for conservation plans. Notably, our outputs highlight the importance of small and isolated fragments of relatively natural land while simultaneously identifying broad regions important for maintaining connectivity across natural areas of North America.
Exposure of a single wild boar population in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) to perfluoroalkyl acids
Authors: Felder Carsten , Trompeter Lukas , Skutlarek Dirk , Färber Harald , Mutters Nico Tom , Heinemann Céline 
Published: September 2022

AbstractPerfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) are among the leading chemical pollutants in the twenty-first century. Of these, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) have been widely detected in a large number of animal and environmental samples. Wild boars accumulate PFAA in their livers, but it has not yet been clarified to what extent wild boars of the same population accumulate different PFAA in their livers or whether any conclusions can be drawn from any differences found in regard to environmental contamination. In this study, liver samples from wild boars killed during driven hunts in 2019 and 2020 from a defined forest area in North Rhine-Westfalia, Germany were analyzed for 13 different PFAA. A mean load of 493 µg/kg (± 168 µg/kg) PFAA was measured in 2020. Perfluorosulfonic acids accounted for 87% of the total load in both years, with PFOS dominating this group. These results were similar to those of 14 liver samples collected from other regions of Germany for comparison. In addition, the livers of hunted pregnant sows and fetuses were examined. The load of short-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (< C8) in the fetus liver was as high as that of the sows, whereas the concentrations of long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (≥ C8) were lower than in the dams. This result shows for the first time that fetuses take up PFAA from their mothers in utero. Our study shows that PFAA content in wild boar livers is comparably high in all animals in a local population and indicates a need for further research regarding a nationwide background exposure to PFAA in wild boars and their surrounding environment.
Parasitological and histopathological studies to the effect of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves combined with praziquantel therapy in modulating the liver and spleen damage induced by Schistosoma mansoni to male mice
Authors: Saad El-Din Marwa I. , Gad EL-Hak Heba N. , Ghobashy Mahi A. , Elrayess Ranwa A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis study assessed the effectiveness of an aqueous extract of Moringa Oleifera Lam. leaves (MOL) alone or in combination with praziquantel (PZQ) drug targeting–infected mice with Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver and spleen damage. Mice were divided into eight groups control mice group treated orally with saline. PZQ group: non-infected mice treated orally with 300 mg/kg bwt PZQ three consecutive days. MOL group: non-infected mice treated orally with 150 mg/kg bwt MOL extract for 15 days. PZQ/ MOL group: non-infected mice treated orally with 300 mg/kg bwt PZQ for three consecutive days and 150 mg/kg bwt MOL extract for 15 days. IF group: infected mice with 100 cercariae/mouse of the Egyptian strain of S. mansoni. IF/PZQ group infected mice with S. mansoni cercariae and treated orally with 300 mg/kg bwt PZQ for three consecutive days. IF/MOL group: infected mice with S. mansoni cercariae treated orally with 150 mg/kg bwt MOL extract for 15 days. IF/PZQ +MOL group: infected mice with S. mansoni cercariae treated orally with 300 mg/kg bwt PZQ for three consecutive days and 150 mg/kg bwt MOL extract for 15 days. Blood, liver, spleen, worm, and eggs were collected at the end of the experimental period. Treatment of infected mice with MOL and PZQ together significantly reduced the number of ova/g tissue and eliminated the parasites. In addition, the liver and spleen of infected mice showed less histopathological alteration and immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor kappa β (NF-Kβ). We can conclude that MOL extract combined with PZ has a curative effect on S. mansoni infection and helped to lessen its pathological effects.
Unifying ‘the’ Precautionary Principle? Justification and Reflective Equilibrium
Authors: Rechnitzer Tanja 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe precautionary principle (PP) is an influential principle for making decisions when facing uncertain, but potentially severe, harm. However, there is a persistent disagreement about what the principle entails, exactly. It exists in a multitude of formulations and has potentially conflicting ideas associated with it. Is there even such a thing as ‘the precautionary principle’? This paper analyses the debate between unificationists and pluralists about ‘the PP’, arguing that the debate is hindered by neglecting the question of justification. It introduces reflective equilibrium as a method of justification, and sketches how it could be applied to justify a PP.
FAIRifizierung von Real World Data für die Gesundheitsforschung
Authors: Pigeot Iris , Intemann Timm , Kollhorst Bianca , Sax Ulrich , Ahrens Wolfgang 
Published: September 2022

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die Bereitstellung von Real-World-Daten im Sinne der FAIR-Prinzipien ist die Voraussetzung einer effizienten Ausschöpfung des Potenzials von Gesundheitsdaten für Prävention und Versorgung.

Ziel der Arbeit
Möglichkeiten und Limitationen der Nachnutzung und Verknüpfung von Gesundheitsdaten in Deutschland werden dargestellt.

Material und Methoden
Es werden Initiativen zur Schaffung einer verbesserten Forschungsdateninfrastruktur vorgestellt und an einem Beispiel die Einschränkungen illustriert, die das Record Linkage personenbezogener Gesundheitsdaten behindern.

Ergebnisse
In der Regel erfüllen Gesundheitsdaten in Deutschland nicht die Anforderungen der FAIR-Prinzipien. Ihre Auffindbarkeit scheitert bereits daran, dass entweder keine Metadaten zur Verfügung stehen oder diese nicht standardisiert in suchbare Repositorien eingestellt werden. Die Verknüpfung von personenbezogenen Gesundheitsdaten ist durch restriktive Datenschutzbestimmungen und das Fehlen eines sog. Unique Identifiers extrem eingeschränkt. Datenschutzkonforme Lösungen für die Verknüpfung von Gesundheitsdaten, die in europäischen Nachbarländern erfolgreich praktiziert werden, könnten hier als Vorbild dienen.

Schlussfolgerung
Die Schaffung einer Nationalen Forschungsdateninfrastruktur (NFDI), insbesondere für personenbezogene Gesundheitsdaten (NFDI4Health), ist nur mit erheblichen Anstrengungen und Gesetzesänderungen realisierbar. Bereits vorliegende Strukturen und Standards, wie sie z. B. durch die Medizininformatik-Initiative und das Netzwerk Universitätsmedizin geschaffen wurden, sowie internationale Initiativen wie z. B. die European Open Science Cloud müssen dabei berücksichtigt werden.