Johannes Kepler University of Linz

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Background Significant gender disparities in ophthalmology have been shown in the past. This is the first study to evaluate the medical landscape and gender-diversity trends in Austrian intramural ophthalmology. Methods The questionnaire included items on the career path of the department head followed by questions on the number of ophthalmologists working in the department and finally tables where the surgical specialization for each surgeon had to be selected. Results A high response rate of 92% was achieved. Overall, 24% of department heads were female. No significant differences were found between the percentages of male and female ophthalmologists ( p = 0.112). Although the number of male and female surgeons was comparable, there were significantly more male surgeons were in refractive, cataract, glaucoma, and vitreoretinal surgery ( p = 0.023, p = 0.009, p = 0.024, p = 0.029, respectively). A significantly higher number of male residents performed cataract surgery unsupervised ( p = 0.033). There were significantly more female glaucoma and vitreoretinal surgeons in departments with female heads ( p = 0.025, p = 0.015, respectively). Conclusion Female ophthalmologists are still a minority when it comes to leadership roles. Significant differences regarding surgical training and sub-specialization exist between male and female intramural ophthalmologists in Austria. In the future, measures should be undertaken to engender progress toward gender equality.

Hybrid AI, which integrates symbolic and sub-symbolic methods, has emerged as a promising paradigm for advancing human-centric personalization. By combining machine learning with structured knowledge representations, hybrid AI enables interpretable and adaptive user models that account for human factors such as biases, mental models, and affective states. The HyPer workshop provides a venue to discuss how hybrid AI approaches, combining neural architectures, symbolic representations, and cognitive/behavioral frameworks, can bridge the gap between explainability, cognitive modeling, and automated adaptation to user preferences.

The Vehicle Routing Problem with Synchronization (VRPSync) aims to minimise the total routing costs while considering synchronization requirements that must be fulfilled between tasks of different routes. These synchronization requirements are especially relevant when it is necessary to have tasks being performed by vehicles within given temporal offsets, a frequent requirement in applications where multiple vehicles, crews, materials, or other resources are involved in certain operations. Although several works in the literature have addressed this problem, mainly the deterministic version has been tackled so far. This paper presents a robust optimization approach for the VRPSync, taking into consideration the uncertainty in vehicle travel times between customers. This work builds on existing approaches in the literature to develop mathematical models for the Robust VRPSync, as well as a branch‐and‐cut algorithm to solve more difficult problem instances. A set of computational experiments is also devised and presented to obtain insights regarding key performance parameters of the mathematical models and the solution algorithm. The results suggest that solution strategies where certain standard problem constraints are only introduced if a candidate solution violates any of those constraints provide more consistent improvements than approaches that rely on tailor‐made cutting planes, added through separation routines. Furthermore, the analysis of the Price of Robustness indicators shows that the adoption of robust solutions can have a significant increase in the total costs, however, this increase quickly plateaus as budgets of uncertainty increase.

Evolution and outgrowth of drug-resistant cancer cells is a common cause of treatment failure. Patients with leukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (L-CTCL) have a poor prognosis due to development of drug-resistance and severe bacterial infections. Here, we show that most L-CTCL patients harbor multiple genetically distinct subclones that express an identical clonal antigen receptor but display distinct phenotypes and functional properties. These co-existing malignant subclones exhibit differences in tissue homing, metabolism, and cytokine expression, and respond differently to extrinsic factors like Staphylococcus (S.)aureus and cancer drugs. Indeed, while S. aureus toxins selectively enhance activation and proliferation of certain subclones, these responsive subclones are also the most intrinsically sensitive to cancer drugs when the stimuli are removed. Consequently, although divergent evolution of malignant subclones drives aggressiveness, adaptability and drug-resistance, by removing extrinsic stimuli and mapping malignant subclones, we can expose inherent vulnerabilities that can be exploited in the treatment of these cancers.

Background and objectives An early understanding of numerosity is crucial to developing proficiency in arithmetic, and rapid pattern recognition via subitizing is key in this process. The training app “LORE” specifically targets and cultivates pattern recognition skills from the beginning of formal schooling. This study investigated possible transfer effects on computational fluency and arithmetic ability of the readily available LORE training. Methods Included were 679 children from 38 Austrian school classes whose teachers used the novel web-based numerical training program LORE in their classrooms in the school year 2020/21. Notably, and unlike under ideal experimental conditions, use of the online training was at the teachers’ discretion and also depended on uptake by the children. Based on log-file data about program use, students were assigned to one of three groups (no usage, some usage, and full usage). Using the pattern recognition skills assessed at the beginning of first grade as baseline we tested the effects of LORE training on computational fluency and arithmetic skills as assessed throughout first and second grade. Results and discussion Our results demonstrate that full usage (compared to no usage) had significant effects on computational fluency that were evident up to the midpoint of the following school year. Although our study design warrants ecological validity by taking a “real world” approach on investigating training effects, the quasi-experimental design limits the control of confounders and therefore impairs internal validity. The pedagogical implications of training in pattern recognition and the need for future research are discussed.

Despite advances in the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the intensive care unit (ICU), and the implementation of new diagnostic techniques and monitoring modalities, the rate of poor neurological outcomes remains high. Specialized neurocritical care units have been shown to improve outcomes. Guidelines have been developed, but most recommendations are based on low levels of evidence. This has led to substantial heterogeneity in clinical practice for many aspects of TBI management, including multimodal neuromonitoring indications, treatment of intra- and extra-cranial complications, and use of prognostic tools. New tools have recently emerged, such as biomarkers and the use of artificial intelligence, but further research is needed to establish their application in clinical practice. This narrative review aims to describe standards of practice for the management of TBI in the ICU, highlighting current evidence and knowledge gaps, to provide a pragmatic approach for clinicians caring for this population.

Waterborne epoxy varnishes are essential for electrical steel laminates used in electric engines or generators. Two varnish formulations based on bisphenol-A-diglycidylether and dicyandiamide with an epoxy equivalent weight (EEW) of ~ 500 and ~ 900 g/mol were investigated. Thin specimens were prepared by consecutive coating and solvent evaporation followed by final curing. Glass transition temperatures (Tg) of 89 °C (EEW-900) and 101 °C (EEW-500) were deduced by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The lower Tg value was attributed to the higher EEW and a lower network density. Moreover, master curves along with Williams–Landel–Ferry and Prony series parameters were generated. By digital image correlation (DIC)-assisted tensile testing of single epoxy films at temperatures from 30 to 150 °C, a significant drop in tensile modulus from 2600 to 10 MPa and a rise in Poisson’s ratio from 0.35 to 0.47 was ascertained. The implemented finite element model (FEM) showed a good agreement with the experimental data. Graphical Abstract

Background Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) pose significant challenges in paediatric oncology. Their management is complicated by limited paediatric‐specific evidence, lack of standardised protocols and variability in resources across centres. This study assessed current practices and addressed the challenges in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of IFDs in paediatric oncology centres across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Methods A questionnaire was distributed to senior paediatric oncologists in 70 paediatric oncology centres across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, gathering data on centre infrastructure, infectious disease (ID) expertise, annual cumulative IFD incidence in 2023, diagnostic tools, antifungal prophylaxis, treatment and follow‐up practices for IFD. Responses were analysed descriptively. Results Sixty‐two centres responded, with a median of 56 (IQR 40–75) new oncological diagnoses per centre; 54.8% of centres managed allogeneic HCT patients. IFDs were reported in 88.7% of centres, with a median cumulative IFD incidence of 4.6% (IQR 3.0%–5.9%). No significant association was found between cumulative IFD incidence and the number of transplants, antifungal prophylaxis protocols and availability of ID consultation services. ID consultation was available in 58.1% of centres, with 24/7 support provided in 41.7% of these centres. Larger centres more frequently had paediatric ID specialists, ID consultation services and access to therapeutic drug monitoring. Conclusions The observed heterogeneity in mycology expertise and IFD management strategies across centres reflects the inherent complexity of IFDs and the diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainties amid limited evidence. Strengthening oncology‐ID networks and implementing digital consultation platforms may promote high‐quality, equitable care, particularly for those with fewer in‐house resources.

Efficient recycling of polyethylene (PE) waste depends on optimized pretreatment and processing strategies. This study presents a systematic evaluation of how washing conditions (temperature, time, and NaOH concentration) and melt filtration affect the quality of recyclates from three industrially relevant PE waste streams: food‐grade stretch film (rPE LLD), post‐consumer PE low‐density (rPE‐LD), and mixed PE films (rPE mix). Unlike previous studies, this work combines laboratory‐scale washing and twin‐screw extrusion, including single and double melt filtration, with comprehensive material characterization. Results reveal that washing significantly influences melt mass‐flow rate (MFR), oxidation onset temperature (OOT), and tensile strength positively and negatively, while melt filtration primarily improves optical quality and reduces volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Puncture resistance was largely unaffected. The most substantial property differences stem from the heterogeneity of the input streams. These findings demonstrate that tailored washing, using cold water without NaOH for rPE‐LLD, NaOH‐assisted cold washing for rPE‐LD and rPE mix, can enhance quality while minimizing degradation. A second melt filtration step is recommended when optical clarity is critical, though its thermal impact must be considered. This study provides guidance for industrial recyclers seeking to optimize process settings based on input stream characteristics and application‐specific quality requirements.

Drebrin (developmentally regulated brain protein) is a vital component of the Postsynaptic Density (PSD). It performs important biological roles as it interacts with the postsynaptic protein Homer and anchors the complete protein network to the cellular skeleton through actin filaments. Drebrin contains unique structural elements including an evolutionarily unconventional actin-depolymerizing factor homology (ADFH) domain that has lost its strong actin-binding ability, and a Single Alpha-Helix (SAH) motif harbored by long flexible regions. In vivo studies have suggested that a disordered segment in Drebrin plays a key role in binding filamentous actin, yet the atomic-level characterization of the binding interface between these proteins has not been reported. To bridge this gap, we designed the intrinsically disordered construct D233 and employed 3D (HN)CO(CO)NH NMR spectroscopy to accomplish a near-complete backbone resonance assignment. This work serves as an essential step toward a detailed structural and functional investigation of the interaction between Drebrin and F-Actin.

Pancreatic surgery remains one of the most challenging fields in gastrointestinal surgery due to the complexity of the procedures and the high risk of postoperative complications. This article provides a comprehensive overview of current surgical techniques, including pancreaticoduodenectomy, left-sided and total pancreatectomy, with a focus on their indications, benefits, and risks. The adoption of minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches, is transforming the field, offering potential benefits such as shorter hospital stays and faster recovery while maintaining oncological safety. However, postoperative complications, including pancreatic fistula, hemorrhage, and delayed gastric emptying, remain significant challenges. The role of a multidisciplinary approach, involving surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and intensivists, plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes. Advances in surgical planning and intraoperative navigation, along with molecular profiling and targeted therapies are promising avenues for personalized treatment strategies. Additionally, enhanced recovery protocols are improving postoperative care, reducing morbidity, and enhancing patients’ quality of life. As research continues, innovations in pancreatic surgery are expected to refine surgical techniques, minimize complications, and improve long-term survival rates.

We investigated the association between technostress creators (TCs) and the strain response among smart workers, who are defined as individuals who make extensive use of information and communication technologies for work-related tasks and in interpersonal relationships with colleagues and supervisors. The moderating role of supervisor support and virtual leadership was a specific focus of our study. We conducted two studies, in each of which we complemented the self-report measures on the TCs and supervisor support and virtual leadership with more objective measures of stress and strain. In Study 1, we investigated the association between perceived TCs and hair cortisol concentration (HCC) as a biomarker of stress. In Study 2, we examined the association between perceived TCs and stress-related psychophysical symptoms (i.e., psychophysical strain) as assessed by the occupational physician (i.e., hetero-evaluation). In Study 1, 102 smart workers from different organizations completed a self-report questionnaire and we collected a strand of hair. Study 1 provided little support for the association between TCs and HCC, but supervisor support did affect the association between techno-uncertainty (one of five TCs) and HCC, which was positive when support was low, but negative—albeit marginally significant—when support was high. In Study 2, 105 smart workers from a company in the service sector completed a self-report questionnaire and underwent an occupational health examination. Techno-invasion (another TC) was positively related to psychophysical strain as assessed by the occupational physician. In addition, virtual leadership attenuated the association between three TCs (techno-overload, techno-invasion, techno-insecurity) and psychophysical strain. Based on these nuanced pattern of results, our studies suggest that TCs lead to a strain response among smart workers, and that positive relationships with one’s supervisor—in terms of supervisor support and virtual leadership—can attenuate the negative consequences of technostress.

Interest in HER2-low breast cancer has grown in recent years due to advancements in novel anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugates. This study examined the impact of HER2-low expression on survival outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) of high-grade special histological type (ST) and no special type (NST) and investigated the prognostic significance of TNBC subtype (high-grade ST vs. NST) within HER2 0 and HER2-low expression subgroups. Clinicopathological and survival data of 504 patients with stage I-III TNBC, with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), were analyzed, including 400 patients with TNBC NST and 104 patients with high-grade TNBC ST. HER2-low status was not identified as an independent prognostic factor for survival in the overall cohort, nor within the high-grade TNBC ST and TNBC NST subgroups. Among patients who did not receive NAC, TNBC subtype (high-grade ST vs. NST) was independently associated with DDFS and DFS in the HER2 0 subgroup, but not in the HER2-low subgroup. Patients with HER2 0 high-grade TNBC ST exhibited significantly worse OS (p = 0.008), DDFS (p < 0.001), and DFS (p < 0.001) compared to those with HER2 0 TNBC NST. Among patients with either HER2 0 or HER2-low tumors treated with NAC, no significant survival difference was observed between high-grade TNBC ST and TNBC NST. These findings suggest that the prognostic impact of TNBC subtype (high-grade ST vs. NST) on survival outcomes may be modulated by HER2 status in a subset of TNBC patients.

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have emerged as essential components in various applications, including bioelectronics, neuromorphics, sensing, and flexible electronics. Recently, efforts have been directed toward developing flexible and sustainable OECTs to enhance their integration into wearable and implantable biomedical devices. In this work, we introduce a novel PEDOT:Sacran bio-nanocomposite as a channel material for flexible and biodegradable OECTs. Sacran, a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide derived from blue-green algae, possesses exceptional ionic conductivity, water retention, and biocompatibility, making it a promising candidate for bioelectronic applications. We successfully fabricated ultrathin and flexible OECTs on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) foils, achieving transconductance values up to 7.4 mS. The devices exhibited stable ion-to-electron transduction after mechanical deformation. The OECTs were further demonstrated on eco-friendly and biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) substrates, achieving a transconductance of 1.6 mS and undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis under controlled conditions. This study highlights the potential of Sacran-based conductive bio-nanocomposites in advancing sustainable bioelectronic devices.