julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Emergencies in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: An Analysis of Patients Presenting to Emergency Rooms in South-West Germany: A Bi-Center Study
2024-08-22

This study was designed to examine the changes in emergency room visits in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 11,277 patients who presented to a tertiary care hospital (ER) and an emergency practice (EP) during on-call hours in the first half of 2018, 2019, and 2020. The epidemiologic parameters, diagnoses, and level of urgency were recorded using a four-step scale. A comparison was made between the pre-pandemic years and 2020. The findings revealed a significant decrease in the frequency of ER visits in the second quarter of 2020 compared to 2019 (ER: 30.8%, EP: 37.8%), mainly due to the fact that there were significantly fewer patients, with low levels of urgency. Certain diagnoses, such as epistaxis (−3.0%) and globus sensation (−3.2%), were made at similar frequencies to 2019, while inflammatory diseases like skin infections (−51.2%), tonsillitis (−55.6%), sinusitis (−59%), and otitis media (−70.4%) showed a significant reduction. The study concludes that patients with a low triage level were less likely to visit the ER during the early stages of the pandemic, but some diagnoses were still observed at comparable rates. This suggests a disparity in perception between patients and ER staff regarding urgency. Many of the issues discussed were also emphasized in the 2024 proposal by the German Ministry of Health to reform emergency care in Germany.
DESAM-ForNet Portal: A Novel Infrastructure to Integrate Distributed Information from Practice-Based Research Networks in the German Healthcare System
2024-08-22

Currently the German healthcare system does not have a generic structure to answer research questions in primary care through clinical studies. The DESAM-ForNet initiative was founded as an association of German Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRN), to propose an appropriate and feasible solution. Aim is the integration of distributed, consensual information from practices into a single point of contact. To this end, a consensus-based concept for a digital infrastructure was developed in cooperation with all partners involved. Based on a joint requirements analysis the new concept integrates the federal structure of the German health system and the existing research structures.
Time-dependent electromagnetic scattering from dispersive materials
2024-08-22

Abstract This paper studies time-dependent electromagnetic scattering from obstacles that are described by dispersive material laws. We consider the numerical treatment of a scattering problem in which a dispersive material law, for a causal and passive homogeneous material, determines the wave–material interaction in the scatterer. The resulting problem is nonlocal in time inside the scatterer and is posed on an unbounded domain. Well-posedness of the scattering problem is shown using a formulation that is fully given on the surface of the scatterer via a time-dependent boundary integral equation. Discretizing this equation by convolution quadrature in time and boundary elements in space yields a provably stable and convergent method that is fully parallel in time and space. Under regularity assumptions on the exact solution we derive error bounds with explicit convergence rates in time and space. Numerical experiments illustrate the theoretical results and show the effectiveness of the method.
Ultrafast Brain MRI at 3 T for MS: Evaluation of a 51-Second Deep Learning-Enhanced T2-EPI-FLAIR Sequence
2024-08-23

In neuroimaging, there is no equivalent alternative to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, image acquisitions are generally time-consuming, which may limit utilization in some cases, e.g., in patients who cannot remain motionless for long or suffer from claustrophobia, or in the event of extensive waiting times. For multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, MRI plays a major role in drug therapy decision-making. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether an ultrafast, T2-weighted (T2w), deep learning-enhanced (DL), echo-planar-imaging-based (EPI) fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence (FLAIRUF) that has targeted neurological emergencies so far might even be an option to detect MS lesions of the brain compared to conventional FLAIR sequences. Therefore, 17 MS patients were enrolled prospectively in this exploratory study. Standard MRI protocols and ultrafast acquisitions were conducted at 3 tesla (T), including three-dimensional (3D)-FLAIR, turbo/fast spin-echo (TSE)-FLAIR, and FLAIRUF. Inflammatory lesions were grouped by size and location. Lesion conspicuity and image quality were rated on an ordinal five-point Likert scale, and lesion detection rates were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed to compare results. Altogether, 568 different lesions were found. Data indicated no significant differences in lesion detection (sensitivity and positive predictive value [PPV]) between FLAIRUF and axially reconstructed 3D-FLAIR (lesion size ≥3 mm × ≥2 mm) and no differences in sensitivity between FLAIRUF and TSE-FLAIR (lesion size ≥3 mm total). Lesion conspicuity in FLAIRUF was similar in all brain regions except for superior conspicuity in the occipital lobe and inferior conspicuity in the central brain regions. Further findings include location-dependent limitations of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) as well as artifacts such as spatial distortions in FLAIRUF. In conclusion, FLAIRUF could potentially be an expedient alternative to conventional methods for brain imaging in MS patients since the acquisition can be performed in a fraction of time while maintaining good image quality.
A Systematic Study of the Solid-State Pathway from Melamine via Melaminate to Carbodiimide under Evolution of Hydrogen
2024-08-23

Thermal analysis techniques, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), can provide valuable insights into thermal properties, intermediate phases, and phase transitions; sometimes even a whole series of compounds appears in a given system. The solid-state reaction pathway from melamine to carbodiimide, monitored by DSC, involves a sequence of chemical reactions and intermediate phases departing from the reaction of potassium hydride and melamine. The fully analyzed reaction cascade begins with the formation of potassium melaminate, K(C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>), and progresses through several intermediate phases, each with distinct structures and properties, before ultimately yielding β-K<sub>2</sub>(CN<sub>2</sub>). All crystalline compounds appearing in this reaction sequence are identified using X-ray diffraction analyses. With a 6:1 ratio of potassium hydride and melamine, equal numbers of protic and hydridic hydrogen atoms in the starting materials favor the release of H<sub>2</sub> until the formation of the final product K<sub>2</sub>(CN<sub>2</sub>), which appears with two modifications.
Formation Mechanisms of Large‐Scale Folding in Greenland's Ice Sheet
2024-08-23

Abstract Radio‐echo sounding (RES) shows large‐scale englacial stratigraphic folds are ubiquitous in Greenland's ice sheet. However, there is no consensus yet on how these folds form. Here, we use the full‐Stokes code Underworld2 to simulate ice movements in three‐dimensional convergent flow, mainly considering ice anisotropy due to a crystallographic preferred orientation, vertical viscosity and density gradients in ice layers, and bedrock topography. Our simulated folds show complex patterns and are classified into: large‐scale folds (&gt;100 m amplitude), small‐scale folds (&lt;&lt;100 m) and basal‐shear folds. The amplitudes of large‐scale folds tend to be at their maximum in the middle of the ice column or just below, in accordance with observations in RES data. We conclude that ice anisotropy amplifies the perturbations in ice layers (mainly due to bedrock topography) into large‐scale folds during flow. Density differences between the warm deep ice and cold ice above may enhance fold amplification.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Long-Acting Rilpivirine and Cabotegravir for Treatment of HIV-1 Infection—A Case Series of Five Patients With One Virologic Failure After Development of Two-Class Resistance
2024-08-23

Abstract Virologic failure of long-acting rilpivirine/cabotegravir is rare but may result in severely limited treatment options. Known risk factors cannot predict all cases. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may help identify patients at risk, but reliable thresholds are missing. We report retrospective TDM in a cohort of 5 patients, including 1 virological failure.
Focal spleen lesions in loiasis: A pilot study in Gabon
2024-08-23

Background Infection with the filarial nematode Loa loa , endemic in Central and Western Africa, has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A number of reports described the presence of spleen nodules, originating from degenerating microfilariae, in humans and animals infected with L . loa . The long-term consequences of this process on individuals chronically exposed to infection in terms of spleen function and possible link with excess mortality are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of focal spleen lesions, their evolution over time, and markers of spleen function, in individuals with L . loa infection living in highly endemic areas of Gabon. Methodology/principal findings This was a cross-sectional study followed by a longitudinal study of the subset of individuals with spleen nodules. Two hundred sixteen participants from Ngounié and Moyen-Ogooué provinces of Gabon, reporting a history of eyeworm migration and/or Calabar swelling, were included. Participants were categorized into infected microfilaraemic with low (N = 74) and high (N = 10) microfilaraemia, and symptomatic amicrofilaraemic (N = 132), based on blood microscopy. Howell-Jolly bodies in erythrocytes, as indirect marker of spleen functional impairment, were within normal ranges. On ultrasound, no evident signs of spleen fibrosis or hypotrophy were observed. Multiple spleen hypoechoic centimetric macronodules were observed in 3/216 participants (1.4%), all with microfilaraemic L . loa infection (3.4% of microfilaraemics); macrondules disappeared at the 6-months follow-up examination in 2/3 individuals. Spleen hypoechoic micronodules, persisting at the 6-months follow-up, were detected in 3/216 participants (1.4%), who were all amicrofilaraemic. Conclusions/significance Transitory spleen macronodules are present in a small but consistent proportion of individuals with microfilaraemic loiasis, appearing a rather benign phenomenon in terms of impact on spleen morphology and function. Their occurrence should be taken into consideration to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment. Prevalence and significance of spleen micronodular ultrasound patterns in the general population would be also worth evaluating.
Does increased local female representation result in expanded childcare provisions? Implications from Japan
2024-08-23

Abstract Does increased female representation in local politics and administration translate into increased childcare provisions? This question is important for examining subnational variations in welfare regimes and the degree of defamilization. Previous studies have shown that female representatives are interested in ‘women’s issues’ and influence the introduction and accessibility of policies that benefit women. However, there are significant research gaps. First, the analytical units are biased towards the national level. Second, few studies have simultaneously examined political and administrative representation. Third, the impact of sexism on gender representation remains overlooked. To address these gaps, this study focused on Japan, where female representation has increased in recent years and where society is moving away from sexist values. Specifically, this study investigated the effects of local female representation in politics and administration, particularly in municipalities where there is an increased demand for childcare services. A unique municipality-level dataset was created and a multilevel analysis was conducted. Surprisingly, the results did not provide significant evidence that increased local female representation correlates with increased local childcare provisions. While caution is warranted given that the sexism variable is prefecture-based, the results underscore the impact of sexism and female representation on the increase in childcare supply.
Transcriptional Profiling of Staphylococcus aureus during the Transition from Asymptomatic Nasal Colonization to Skin Colonization/Infection in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
2024-08-23

Staphylococcus aureus acts both as a colonizing commensal bacterium and invasive pathogen. Nasal colonization is associated with an increased risk of infection caused by the identical strain. In patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), the degree of S. aureus colonization is associated with the severity of the disease. Here, we comparatively analyzed the in vivo transcriptional profile of S. aureus colonizing the nose and non-diseased skin (non-lesional skin) as opposed to the diseased skin (lesional skin—defined here as infection) of 12 patients with AD. The transcriptional profile during the asymptomatic colonization of the nose closely resembled that of the lesional skin samples for many of the genes studied, with an elevated expression of the genes encoding adhesion-related proteins and proteases. In addition, the genes that modify and remodel the cell wall and encode proteins that facilitate immune evasion showed increased transcriptional activity. Notably, in a subgroup of patients, the global virulence regulator Agr (accessory gene regulator) and downstream target genes were inactive during nasal colonization but upregulated in the lesional and non-lesional skin samples. Taken together, our results demonstrate a colonization-like transcriptional profile on diseased skin and suggest a role for the peptide quorum sensing system Agr during the transition from asymptomatic nasal colonization to skin colonization/infection.
From CO2 to solid carbon: reaction mechanism, active species, and conditioning the Ce-alloyed GaInSn catalyst
2024-08-23

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 is a promising realisation of negative emissions to mitigate climate change, aiming at the efficient production and safe longterm storage of carbon-rich sink products. This approach, however, necessitates novel catalyst materials specifically targeting electrochemical carbon dioxide removal. In this work, we investigate synthesis routes for a cerium-incorporated GaInSn-based liquid metal catalyst, focusing on the electrochemical production of graphitic carbon. Preparation and preconditioning of the catalyst are found to be crucial for carbon production, while trace amounts of H2O and OH in the organic electrolyte play a decisive role for the efficiency of the electrocatalytic process. Finally, for a better understanding of the reaction mechanism and the involved active species, experimental findings and density functional theory-based calculations are combined, suggesting a two-step reduction pathway with Ce(OH)x as the catalytically active surface species.
An improved etymology for the Tupi-Guarani ethnonym Kagwahiva
2024-08-23

The present contribution challenges the traditional etymology of the well-known ethnonym kagwahiva, which goes back to the first decades of the 20th century. It is shown that the hypothesized etymological association with the reflexes of the Proto-Tupi-Guarani *kap/*kaβ- ‘wasp’ is formally untenable. An alternative proposal is presented, supported by argumentation at phonological, morphological, semantic and syntactic levels, and based on the identification of clear, yet so far, unacknowledged cognates in Old Tupi, Old Guarani and other languages within the family. A PTG etymon *-kawaip/*kawaiβ- ‘to be aggressive, prone to violence’ is tentatively proposed, and further etymologization is advanced on the grounds of formal and semantic associations to *-kaʔu ‘to drink (alcoholic beverage)’.
Unifying Evolution, Explanation, and Discernment: A Generative Approach for Dynamic Graph Counterfactuals
2024-08-24

We present GRACIE (Graph Recalibration and Adaptive Counterfactual Inspection and Explanation), a novel approach for generative classification and counterfactual explanations of dynamically changing graph data. We study graph classification problems through the lens of generative classifiers. We propose a dynamic, self-supervised latent variable model that updates by identifying plausible counterfactuals for input graphs and recalibrating decision boundaries through contrastive optimization. Unlike prior work, we do not rely on linear separability between the learned graph representations to find plausible counterfactuals. Moreover, GRACIE eliminates the need for stochastic sampling in latent spaces and graph-matching heuristics. Our work distills the implicit link between generative classification and loss functions in the latent space, a key insight to understanding recent successes with this architecture. We further observe the inherent trade-off between validity and pulling explainee instances towards the central region of the latent space, empirically demonstrating our theoretical findings. In extensive experiments on synthetic and real-world graph data, we attain considerable improvements, reaching ~99% validity when sampling sets of counterfactuals even in the challenging setting of dynamic data landscapes.
Voxel-Based Lesion Analysis of Ideomotor Apraxia
2024-08-24

Ideomotor apraxia is a cognitive disorder most often resulting from acquired brain lesions (i.e., strokes or tumors). Neuroimaging and lesion studies have implicated several brain regions in praxis and apraxia, but most studies have described (sub)acute patients. This study aimed to extend previous research by analyzing data from 115 left hemisphere chronic stroke patients using the praxis subtest of the Western Aphasia Battery, which is divided into four action types: facial, upper limb, complex, and instrumental. Lesion–symptom mapping was used to identify brain regions most critically associated with difficulties in each of the four subtests. Complex and instrumental action deficits were associated with left precentral, postcentral, and superior parietal gyri (Brodmann areas 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), while the facial and upper limb action deficits maps were restricted to left inferior, middle, and medial temporal gyri (Brodmann areas 20, 21, 22, and 48). We discuss ideas about neuroplasticity and cortical reorganization in chronic stroke and how different methodologies can reveal different aspects of lesion and recovery networks in apraxia.
Influence of learning strategies and motivation on anatomy test performance of undergraduate medical students
2024-08-25

To learn and comprehend the large amount of information in gross anatomy, undergraduate students must self-regulate their learning to be properly prepared for the exams within the available time. Even though there are many studies on learning strategies and their influence on test results and motivation, the aim of this study is to investigate characteristics of learning strategies in detail and in relation to the anatomy course of first semester students and how their use is related to anatomy test performance. For assessing the learning strategies, we used the short version of the questionnaire "Learning Strategies of University Students" (LIST-K) (Klingsieck, 2018). Further, we investigated potential influences of motivation and resources used during the self-regulated learning process. The participants in this study (N = 108) filled in the above-mentioned questionnaire LIST-K and a written multiple-choice anatomy test. A k-means cluster analysis revealed three groups of students differing in their self-reported use of learning strategies. Students used either (1) predominantly metacognitive and resource-related strategies, (2) predominantly cognitive strategies, or (3) no specific learning strategies at all. We found no significant overall relationships between the use of learning strategies and test performance. A stepwise linear regression identified the use of cognitive learning strategies (β =.269) as a significant predictor for test performance (R2 =.149, p =.003), possibly as these specific learning strategies help with a systematic and effective approach while studying anatomy and retrieving large amount of memorized information. Further, motivation was identified as a negative predictor (β = -.277), which might be a result of the short time periods students have to study for exams. Overall findings underline the importance of self-regulated learning as a positive predictor for academic performance. By understanding these factors, a more student-centered approach could be adopted by educators to improve medical education and equip students with valuable approaches for their continuous education, even beyond university.
Upregulation of Mitochondrial Sirt3 and Alleviation of the Inflammatory Phenotype in Macrophages by Estrogen
2024-08-25

Background: Aging and comorbidities like type 2 diabetes and obesity contribute to the development of chronic systemic inflammation, which impacts the development of heart failure and vascular disease. Increasing evidence suggests a role of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages in chronic inflammation. A shift of metabolism from mitochondrial oxidation to glycolysis is essential for the activation of the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype. Thus, reprogramming the macrophage metabolism may alleviate the pro-inflammatory phenotype and protect against cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we hypothesized that the activation of estrogen receptors leads to the elevation of the mitochondrial deacetylase Sirt3, which supports mitochondrial function and mitigates the pro-inflammatory phenotype in macrophages. Materials and Methods: Experiments were performed using the mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7, as well as primary male or female murine bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). Macrophages were treated for 24 h with estradiol (E2) or vehicle (dextrin). The effect of E2 on Sirt3 expression was investigated in pro-inflammatory M1, anti-inflammatory/immunoregulatory M2, and naïve M0 macrophages. Mitochondrial respiration was measured by Seahorse assay, and protein expression and acetylation were determined by western blotting. Results: E2 treatment upregulated mitochondrial Sirt3, reduced mitochondrial protein acetylation, and increased basal mitochondrial respiration in naïve RAW264.7 macrophages. Similar effects on Sirt3 expression and mitochondrial protein acetylation were observed in primary female but not in male murine BMMs. Although E2 upregulated Sirt3 in naïve M0, pro-inflammatory M1, and anti-inflammatory/immunoregulatory M2 macrophages, it reduced superoxide dismutase 2 acetylation and suppressed mitochondrial reactive oxygen species formation only in pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages. E2 alleviated the pro-inflammatory phenotype in M1 RAW264.7 cells. Conclusions: The study suggests that E2 treatment upregulates Sirt3 expression in macrophages. In primary BMMs, female-specific Sirt3 upregulation was observed. The Sirt3 upregulation was accompanied by mitochondrial protein deacetylation and the alleviation of the oxidative and pro-inflammatory phenotype in M1 macrophages. Thus, the E2–Sirt3 axis might be used in a therapeutic strategy to fight chronic systemic inflammation and prevent the development of inflammation-linked diseases.