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Saxon Epidemiological Study in General Practice-6 (SESAM-6): protocol of a cross-sectional study
No full textIntroduction General practitioners (GPs) are mostly the first point of contact for patients with health problems in Germany. There is only a limited epidemiological overview data that describe the GP consultation hours based on other than billing data. Therefore, the aim of Saxon Epidemiological Study in General Practice-6 (SESAM-6) is to examine the frequency of reasons for encounter, prevalence of long-term diagnosed diseases and diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in general practice. This knowledge is fundamental to identify the healthcare needs and to develop strategies to improve the GP care. The results of the study will be incorporated into the undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing medical education for GP.
Methods and analysis This cross-sectional study SESAM-6 is conducted in general practices in the state of Saxony, Germany. The study design is based on previous SESAM studies. Participating physicians are assigned to 1 week per quarter (over a survey period of 12 months) in which every fifth doctor–patient contact is recorded for one-half of the day (morning or afternoon). To facilitate valid statements, a minimum of 50 GP is required to document a total of at least 2500 doctor–patient contacts. Univariable, multivariable and subgroup analyses as well as comparisons to the previous SESAM data sets will be conducted.
Ethics and dissemination The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Technical University of Dresden in March 2023 (SR-EK-7502023). Participation in the study is voluntary and will not be remunerated. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, preferably with open access. They will also be disseminated at scientific and public symposia, congresses and conferences. A final report will be published to summarise the central results and provided to all study participants and the public
LLM-based Approaches to Canonical Reference Extraction in Academic Texts: Initial Results
No full textThis poster presents ongoing research on extracting canonical references from academic texts across diverse disciplines. Canonical references are understood as citations to authoritative ancient authors. The research evaluates several approaches for identifying them using Large Language Models. Initial experiments with a dictionary search established a baseline F1-score of 0.7917 in the retrieval of author names. Domain-specific models like XLM-RoBERTa effectively retrieved work titles but produced false positives in non-classical disciplines. Experiments with zero-shot generative models (GLiNER, GoLLIE) and Llama models show promise but require optimisation of label schemas, input length, and prompting strategy. These results demonstrate the challenge of balancing domain expertise with cross-disciplinary generalisation in canonical reference extraction
The effect of host size on binding in host–guest complexes of cyclodextrins and polyoxometalates
No full textHarnessing flexible host cavities opens opportunities for the design of novel supramolecular architectures that accommodate nanosized guests. This research examines unprecedented gas-phase structures of Keggin-type polyoxometalate PW12O403− (WPOM) and cyclodextrins (X-CD, X = α, β, γ, δ, ε, ζ) including previously unexplored large, flexible CDs. Using ion mobility spectrometry coupled to mass spectrometry (IM-MS) in conjunction with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we provide first insights into the binding modes between WPOM and larger CD hosts as isolated structures. Notably, γ-CD forms two distinct structures with WPOM through binding to its primary and secondary faces. We also demonstrate that ε-CD forms a deep inclusion complex, which encapsulates WPOM within its annular inner cavity. In contrast, ζ-CD adopts a saddle-like conformation in its complex with WPOM, which resembles its free form in solution. More intriguingly, the gas-phase CD–WPOM structures are highly correlated with their counterparts in solution as characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The strong correlation between the gas- and solution phase structures of CD–WPOM complexes highlight the power of gas-phase IM-MS for the structural characterization of supramolecular complexes with nanosized guests, which may be difficult to examine using conventional approaches
Exploring the interplay between social learning and memory in cultural adaptation: computational approaches
No full textSoziales Lernen spielt eine Schlüsselrolle für die Entstehung von Kultur, da es die Weitergabe und Kontinuität kulturellen Wissens sicher stellt. Theoretische Modelle haben die Evolution des sozialen Lernens umfassend untersucht und dessen Vorteil unter stabilen Umweltbedingungen bewiesen. Diese Dissertation hebt die gängige Annahme solcher Model auf, dass Individuen sich jeweils nur an eine kulturelle Variante erinnern können. Zu diesem Zweck führe ich eine Gedächtniskapazität ein, um die Wechselwirkung mit sozialem Lernen und den gemeinsamen Einfluss auf die kulturelle Anpassung zu untersuchen. In einem agentenbasierten Modell werden Individuen durch ihre Neigungen zum sozialen Lernen und zum Vergessen sowie durch ihr Repertoire kultureller Varianten beschrieben.
Das erste Kapitel dieser Arbeit befasst sich mit dem Zusammenspiel zwischen Gedächtnis und sozialem Lernen und dessen Auswirkungen auf die kulturelle Anpassung. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass soziales Lernen bei Vorhandensein von Gedächtnis selbst unter stark variablen Bedingungen von Vorteil ist - die zuvor als eher förderlich für individuelles Lernen angesehen wurden. Dabei hängt die Evolution des sozialen Lernen von der 'filternden' Wirkung des Vergessen auf die kulturellen Repertoires ab.
Das zweite Kapitel untersucht die Auswirkungen des vertikalen Lernens auf die kulturelle Anpassung. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt liegt auf dem Zusammenspiel zwischen vertikalem Lernen und Innovation, um die Auswirkungen der Art der kulturellen Variation auf den Nutzen der kulturellen Bewahrung zu verstehen. Die Ergebnisse des zweiten Kapitels zeigen, dass der geringe Nutzen des vertikalen Lernens bei mittlerer Umweltvariabilität am größten ist und mit sinkender Erfolgsquote von Innovationen zunimmt.
Die Einbeziehung des Gedächtnisses in ein kulturelles Evolutionsmodell liefert neue Erkenntnisse über die funktionale Bedeutung des sozialen Lernens: Anders als bisher angenommen, unterstützt soziales Lernen die kulturelle Anpassung in stark variablen Umgebungen am effizientesten, wenn es die Kosten des Gedächtnisses reduziert. Der (geringe) Vorteil des vertikalen Lernens ist überraschenderweise bei mittlerer Umweltvariabilität am größten, wo es die Lebensdauer nicht zum Ausdruck gebrachter Variationen verlängert. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, dass eine komplexere Darstellung von Individuen neue, kontraintuitive Vorhersagen über die Bedingungen hervorbringen kann, die die Entstehung von Kultur ermöglicht haben
The association of different types of human milk with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants
No full textObjective:
To evaluate the association between different types of human milk feeds and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants.
Methods:
Data on dispensed mother’s own milk (MOM) and donor human milk (DHM) from Leipzig Milk Bank for hospitalized infants with a gestational age (GA) ≤32 weeks observed from birth to 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age or prior discharge were used. BPD was assessed based on documented International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) diagnosis and on electronic hospital records (EHR) of data on ventilation and oxygen supplementation. Associations of dispensed milk feed variations with BPD were investigated using logistic regressions in crude and adjusted models.
Results:
866 infants were included with a BPD prevalence of 15.4% (EHR) and 23.2% (ICD). The mean GA was 29.1 weeks. The majority (84.4%, n = 746) of infants were nurtured with a mix of MOM, DHM supplemented by formula or parenteral (other) nutrition during hospitalization. For which, MOM comprised the highest median [Q1–Q3] percentage proportion (53[31–81] %) of this mix. Exclusive fresh milk and exclusive MOM feeds were dispensed on a mean of 40 and 34% patient-days, respectively. Statistically significant associations with lower BPD incidence were only observed for 70–80% MOM vs. DHM, and 60% fresh vs. frozen milk, in crude and adjusted models.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest a protective association of MOM and fresh milk with lower odds of BPD, which may be dependent on the proportion of MOM or fresh milk administered. These results highlight the importance of MOM as an ideal source of nutrition during early infancy
Social issues relating to Vladimir Bekhterev’s concept of reflexology: a hitherto underestimated aspect of his work
No full textThis article investigates the diversity of social and political assertions in the work of Vladimir M Bekhterev. Its
findings reveal that he drew social and political conclusions based on his doctrine of reflexology. Moreover,
he propagated the use of statistical investigations by scientific and governmental institutions to estimate
the social and healthcare needs of the population. These conclusions accord with Bekhterev’s desire for
a transformation of society that would bring continued progress to people’s social and living conditions.
Additionally, the findings of this research work also support the idea that Bekhterev should be regarded as
an important protagonist of neuroethics, a relatively recent field of research
Melanoma Brain Metastases Patient-Derived Organoids: An In Vitro Platform for Drug Screening
No full textPerioperative Immunosuppressive Factors during Cancer Surgery: An Updated Review
No full textSurgical excision of the primary tumor represents the most frequent and curative procedure for solid malignancies. Compelling evidence suggests that, despite its beneficial effects, surgery may impair immunosurveillance by triggering an immunosuppressive inflammatory stress response and favor recurrence by stimulating minimal residual disease. In addition, many factors interfere with the immune effectors before and after cancer procedures, such as malnutrition, anemia, or subsequent transfusion. Thus, the perioperative period plays a key role in determining oncological outcomes and represents a short phase to circumvent anesthetic and surgical deleterious factors by supporting the immune system through the use of synergistic pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. In line with this, accumulating studies indicate that anesthetic agents could drive both protumor or antitumor signaling pathways during or after cancer surgery. While preclinical investigations focusing on anesthetics’ impact on the behavior of cancer cells are quite convincing, limited clinical trials studying the consequences on survival and recurrences remain inconclusive. Herein, we highlight the main factors occurring during the perioperative period of cancer surgery and their potential impact on immunomodulation and cancer progression. We also discuss patient management prior to and during surgery, taking into consideration the latest advances in the literature
The Concentration of Salivary Extracellular Vesicles Is Related to Obesity
No full textBackground and aims: Saliva is essential for the proper dilution and distribution of taste molecules on the tongue. It harbors extracellular vesicles (EVs), which mediate cell–cell communication. Changes in the composition of salivary EVs may arise under obese conditions and may potentially be involved in taste sensation and dysregulated eating behavior. Therefore, this study addresses the relationship between the size and concentration of salivary EVs and metabolic shifts in obesity or factors of taste sensation. Materials and methods: A total of 119 participants in the Obese Taste Bud (OTB) Study were included, who performed a standardized taste test, underwent taste bud density assessment, and were phenotypically characterized for anthropometrics, blood- and saliva adipokine levels, and various metabolic factors. Utilizing size exclusion chromatography followed by ultrafiltration, EVs were extracted from 2 mL of actively secreted saliva. EVs were characterized using nanoparticle tracking analyses, Western blot, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Finally, group comparisons and bivariate correlation analyses were conducted. Results: Among the total cohort, the median size of salivary EVs was 190.05 nm, and the overall concentration ranged from 1.4 × 107 to 1.76 × 109 per mL of saliva. The size range and concentration of EVs per mL are negatively correlated (p = 0.0002, r = −0.264). Comparing lean participants (mean rank of 45.98) with those presenting obesity (mean rank of 34.46), a significant difference in the salivary EV content was observed (p = 0.029). Body weight, BMI, arm and calf circumferences, as well as the percentage of body fat were all negatively related to the concentration of EVs in all study participants (all p −0.2). No associations were found between the EV parameters and taste perception but serum alkaline phosphatase levels were negatively correlated (p = 0.007, r = −0.284) and adiponectin serum levels were positively correlated to the EV concentration (p = 0.036, r = 0.208). Conclusion: The current study provides evidence for the relation between salivary EVs and anthropometric as well as metabolic parameters of obesity. This can provide the basis for further research on the cargo of salivary EVs and how they may influence taste sensation, and may elucidate their potential connection to altered eating habits in obesity
A multimodal approach to diagnosis of neuromuscular neosporosis in dogs
No full textBackground
Early diagnosis of neosporosis in dogs is challenging.
Objectives
To evaluate the feasibility of a compound multimodal testing approach for diagnosing in dogs neuromuscular and combined forms of neosporosis.
Animals
A total of 16 dogs diagnosed with solely neuromuscular neosporosis or with a combination of neuromuscular and central nervous system neosporosis.
Methods
Retrospective review of clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome with focus on the diagnostic utility of different tests. Development of a chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) assay for the identification of Neospora caninum in paraffin-embedded muscle samples.
Results
13/16 dogs had only neuromuscular signs of neosporosis, 3/16 had disease signs with concomitant central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Serology was performed in 15/16, with 10/15 showing titers >1 : 160 at admission. PCR on muscle samples detected N. caninum DNA in 11/16. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) detected N. caninum in 9/16 and ISH in 9/16. Histopathology revealed inflammatory myopathy in 10/16, necrotizing myopathy in 5/16, borderline changes in 1/16 and tachyzoites in 9/16. In 4 cases, N. caninum infection was confirmed with all 5 diagnostic methods, 3 cases with 4, 2 with 3, 6 with 2, and 1 animal with 1.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
Diagnosis of N. caninum infection should rely on a multimodal diagnostic approach and negativity of 1 single test should not allow for exclusion. Serology in combination with direct parasite identification via histopathology, DNA via PCR, or both modalities, appears a reliable diagnostic approach