Differential Criteria Research Articles

Impact of modality and mode of questioning and testing on memory reports

IntroductionIndividuals' memories are assessed in multiple contexts; however, depending on the context, how an individual is questioned may impact the quantity and quality of the details reported. One goal of this study is to investigate how the modality of questioning (individuals talk or write about an event) impacts memory reports. Additionally, being tested on previously learned information improves memory for that information compared to re-studying it. Consequently, another goal is to examine how questioning impacts memory reports compared to a second exposure. We utilized open-ended and pointed questions (true and false).MethodParticipants watched a short video and were questioned (Experiment 1: In-Person; Experiment 2: Virtual) about its contents immediately, 1 week, and 1 month later.ResultsThe current study found that writing leads to better quality memory reports than speaking, and the benefit is present 1 week later. Additionally, we found that writing mitigates an anticipated testing benefit, although this depended on whether a pointed or open-ended question was asked. Restudying (vs. immediate testing) led to better performance for the false pointed questions. However, the better performance operated differently depending on whether participants wrote or spoke following restudying, perhaps due to a differential criterion shift between the Restudy-Written and the Restudy-Spoken conditions.DiscussionWe conclude that the impact of the modality of questioning is influenced in several ways by the types of questions asked, which bears significance for many domains because one modality (or a combination) may be more suitable for producing more accurate memory reports as a function of different domains.

Characterizing the chemical composition of red coloring matter samples from the Altamira cave using synchrotron µXRF imaging

The chemical in situ study of red coloring matter from Paleolithic cave art is challenging because the same trace elements can be present both in the matter and in the calcitic support, and the two present a heterogeneous composition. In this study, thirteen red iron oxide-based coloring matter samples obtained at drip points coming from eight locations within the Techo de los Polícromos, Altamira cave (Spain), have been analyzed by highly sensitive synchrotron-induced micro-X-ray fluorescence (SR-µXRF). Our analyses improved the characterization of red Paleolithic pigments by establishing characteristic trace element patterns, additionally facilitating a comparison of the distinct representations within the cave. Furthermore, new differentiation criteria between the composition of the calcitic walls and that of the red coloring matter could be established, helping to improve future non-invasive analyses.

Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (clinical cases)

Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium is a benign pigmented formation on the globe fundus, which has a characteristic appearance during ophthalmoscopy and is not prone to significant growth as well as malignancy. Nevertheless, one of the forms of congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium is associated with familial adenomatous polyposis, therefore, for timely follow-up examination of patients, it is necessary to know the differential diagnostic criteria of various forms of this disease. The article presents three clinical cases and as well as summarizes information about various forms of congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium.

The incremental value of Histogram Analysis in the differentiation between hyperdense cysts and solid renal masses on unenhanced CT images.

To investigate the utility of voxel histogram analysis (HA) for differentiating hyperdense renal cysts from small solid masses on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) scans. A retrospective analysis of 99 hyperdense cystic lesions and 28 solid malignant lesions was conducted using a radiological database (from 2015 to 2021) and a pathological database (from 2010 to 2020). The study investigated the distribution of voxel attenuation values using percentiles to establish reliable criteria for differentiation after drawing a region of interest (ROI) in the centre of the lesions. The standard of reference was a histopathological diagnosis for malignant masses and contrast-enhanced CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for cysts. HA provided higher diagnostic accuracy than the conventional mean attenuation value of 70 Hounsfield Units (HU). For the 75th and 90th percentiles ± 1 standard deviation, accuracies of 77.2% (95% confidence interval 68.9-84.2%) for the 75th and 68.5% (59.7-76.4%) for the 90th were found, versus 37.0% (28.6-46.0%) for the 70 HU threshold criterion. A Gaussian distribution of voxel attenuation values was observed in 88.9% of the lesions, suggesting that it is feasible to calculate these parameters from a single measurement. The study underscores the potential of HA as a valuable tool for characterizing hyperdense cysts on unenhanced CT by using the same ROI for measuring lesion attenuation. HA could offer additional value beyond the 70 HU criterion and possibly influence clinical decisions. Multi-institutional studies are necessary for external validation to confirm its generalizability and more extensive applicability.

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis fatal case was mistaken as a debut of schizophrenia: the devil is in the psychopathological details

The article presents the clinical case of the patient Victor, 42 years old, who was admitted to a psychiatric hospital in an acute psychotic state with schizophreniform symptoms. His illness progressed rapidly, and at different stages, epileptic paroxysms and disorders of consciousness joined the symptoms typical of schizophrenia. It was then that the question arose of the need to revise the diagnosis of schizophrenia, to carry out a targeted neurological examination and to correct of the treatment regimen. Victor’s case, which ended in death, raises questions for psychiatrists about finding significant differential diagnostic criteria for distinguishing schizophrenia from schizophrenia-like psychoses. To avoid mistakes, it is proposed to rely on the so-called. “diagnostic clues” and “red flags” in identifying the psychopathology of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.

Research of perceptual descriptors discriminating clarinet reeds of identical stiffness

From the musician's point of view, reeds considered as identical by the manufacturer (same cut, same strength and same brand) may exhibit large perceptual difference in terms of musical qualities. Past studies, carried out with clarinetists or saxophonists, have revealed that the reeds were mainly differentiated on the basis of their ``ease of playing'' which appears as the main perceptual descriptor of reed quality. This descriptor proved to be correlated with the reed stiffness measured at its tip in either static or dynamic conditions. The current study aims at discovering if other perceptual descriptors can be used to differentiate between reeds that would obtain similar ``ease of playing'' assessments (i.e. that exhibit the same stiffness). Firstly, the reeds are sorted on the basis of stiffness measurements carried out at the reed tip by using an artificial musician. Secondly, reeds of equivalent stiffness will be selected for perceptual assessment by professional clarinet players. As this selection process might result in subtle differences between reeds, the musicians will be asked to differentiate between them by using a three-interval three-alternative forced-choice (3I3AFC) response paradigm. In addition to this perceptual assessment, the subjects will be asked to verbally describe their criteria for reed differentiation.

Differential Diagnosis of Tuberculosis and Sarcoidosis by Immunological Features Using Machine Learning.

Despite the achievements of modern medicine, tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of mortality globally. The difficulties in differential diagnosis have particular relevance in the case of suspicion of tuberculosis with other granulomatous diseases. The most similar clinical and radiologic changes are sarcoidosis. The aim of this study is to apply mathematical modeling to determine diagnostically significant immunological parameters and an algorithm for the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. Materials and methods: The serum samples of patients with sarcoidosis (SD) (n = 29), patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) (n = 32) and the control group (n = 31) (healthy subjects) collected from 2017 to 2022 (the average age 43.4 ± 5.3 years) were examined. Circulating 'polarized' T-helper cell subsets were analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry. A symbolic regression method was used to find general mathematical relations between cell concentrations and diagnosis. The parameters of the selected model were finally fitted through multi-objective optimization applied to two conflicting indices: sensitivity to sarcoidosis and sensitivity to tuberculosis. Results: The difference in Bm2 and CD5-CD27- concentrations was found to be more significant for the differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis and tuberculosis than any individual concentrations: the combined feature Bm2 - [CD5-CD27-] differentiates sarcoidosis and tuberculosis with p < 0.00001 and AUC = 0.823. An algorithm for differential diagnosis was developed. It is based on the linear model with two variables: the first variable is the difference Bm2 - [CD5-CD27-] mentioned above, and the second is the naïve-Tregs concentration. The algorithm uses the model twice and returns "dubious" in 26.7% of cases for patients with sarcoidosis and in 16.1% of cases for patients with tuberculosis. For the remaining patients with one of these two diagnoses, its sensitivity to sarcoidosis is 90.5%, and its sensitivity to tuberculosis is 88.5%. Conclusions: A simple algorithm was developed that can distinguish, by certain immunological features, the cases in which sarcoidosis is likely to be present instead of tuberculosis. Such cases may be further investigated to rule out tuberculosis conclusively. The mathematical model underlying the algorithm is based on the analysis of "naive" T-regulatory cells and "naive" B-cells. This may be a promising approach for differential diagnosis between pulmonary sarcoidosis and pulmonary tuberculosis. The findings may be useful in the absence of clear differential diagnostic criteria between pulmonary tuberculosis and sarcoidosis.

Пухлина Бреннера у жінок репродуктивного віку з ожирінням: клініко-морфологічний аналіз випадків із практики

Background. Brenner tumors are rare epithelial ovarian tumors, the incidence of which among all ovarian tumors ranges from 0.6 to 2%. Considering the rarity of the pathology and absence of specific clinical symptoms, the authors present an analysis of own cases from the practice of Brenner tumor. Purpose – familiarization of the medical community with the clinical and morphological features of Brenner tumor in obese women of reproductive age based on an analysis of own practice cases. Materials and Methods. A clinical and morphological analysis of cases from practice of Brenner tumor of different histological variants in obese women of reproductive age is provided. Results. In the first case, in patient V., 42 years old, with obesity, a morphological study of the surgical material was diagnosed a benign variant of the Brenner tumor in the left ovary, which clinically manifested by pain and was not diagnosed by ultrasound. In the second case, in patient G., 36 years old, with obesity, it was morphologically diagnosed a benign variant of Brenner tumor in the right ovary, and borderline variant of Brenner tumor in the left ovary against the background of a benign variant. Brenner tumor in patient G. manifested by pain, infertility in anamnesis, and the presence of cysts on ultrasound examination. The menstrual cycle disorders in women in both cases may be caused by the presence of leiomyomas in the uterus or Brenner tumors or a combination of these tumor pathology. Conclusions. Brenner tumors are rare epithelial ovarian tumors, the only diagnostic method for which is a morphological examination of surgical material. Literature data about the role of obesity in the genesis of the development of these epithelial ovarian tumors, the presence in the described cases from practice of an increased body mass index in women with benign and borderline variants of Brenner tumors actualize the conduct of complex morphological studies in order to search, firstly, the etiopathogenetic features of the development of these ovarian tumors in obese women, and secondly, the morphological differential diagnostic criteria for these epithelial ovarian tumors in women with and without obesity.

Жестокое обращение с животными с применением садистских методов

Introduction. The relevance of the research is grounded by the needs of modern law enforcement practice in establishing criteria for determining cruel treatment of animals and differentiating it from cruel treatment of animals with the use of sadistic methods. The research of the subject reveals a problem - the lack of a unified approach to the establishment of the acts in question, due to the fact that cruel treatment of animals and cruel treatment of animals with the use of sadistic methods are evaluative categories. The purpose of the research is to analyse the existing practice of qualification of cruelty to animals and cruelty to animals with the use of sadistic methods and to develop criteria for differentiating the acts in question. Methods. The methods of analysis, synthesis, generalisation, content analysis of documents, comparative-legal, formallogical and systemic ones were used. Results. The main results of the research are the revealed law enforcement issues related to the qualification of cruel treatment of animals. On the basis of the analysis of law enforcement practice of qualification of criminally punishable acts, the criteria of differentiation between cruel treatment of animals and the same act, but committed with the use of sadistic methods are determined. Recommendations for their qualification are formulated. These results are considered to be of theoretical and practical importance of the research.

Significance of relative and absolute content of blood lymphocyte subopopulations for differential diagnosis of viral and bacterial meningitis in children

The search for markers of early etiological verification of meningitis is an urgent task for clinical laboratory diagnostics.Objective of the study is to determine the significance of relative and absolute content of blood lymphocyte subpopulations for early differential diagnosis of viral and bacterial meningitis in children.Materials and methods. There was performed a clinical and laboratory examination of 61 children, 37 of them were diagnosed with viral meningitis, and 24 ones – with bacterial purulent meningitis. The control group included 15 healthy children. The relative and absolute content of the main subpopulations (T-lymphocytes: T-helpers (Th), cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL), NK, B-cells) and small subpopulations (NKT, DNT- and DPT-lymphocytes, CD3+CD8br, CD3+CD8dim, CD3-CD8+NK) of lymphocytes was assessed by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out.Results. The decrease of relative and absolute content of all studied subpopulations was identified during an acute period of bacterial purulent meningitis, in comparison with the control group, with the exception of B-lymphocytes, the number of them was increased. Absolute content of all subpopulations was reduced in case of viral meningitis compared with the control group, the relative content did not have any significant differences, with the exception of an increase in the relative content of B-lymphocytes. Calculation of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity revealed the effectiveness of identification of both relative and absolute content of lymphocyte subpopulations for differential diagnosis of viral or bacterial meningitis. Identification of B-lymphocytes, NKT, CD3+CD8dim in the blood had the highest diagnostic efficiency (area under the ROC curve (AUC) ranging from 0,9 to 1).Conclusion. Assessment of relative and absolute content of blood lymphocyte subpopulations is an effective tool for laboratory differential diagnosis of viral and bacterial meningitis and can be used as an early differential diagnostic criterion, especially in case of impossibility to analyze the composition of cerebrospinal fluid.

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This study introduces a high-order perturbation methodology to categorize two primary solution types within duality-invariant nonlinear electrodynamic theories, adhering to the differential self-duality criterion. The first solution type aligns with irrelevant stress tensor flows, resembling TT¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ T\\overline{T} $$\\end{document} dynamics, and the second involves a blend of irrelevant TT¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ T\\overline{T} $$\\end{document}-like and marginal root-TT¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ T\\overline{T} $$\\end{document}-like deformations. Our approach facilitates the investigation of diverse duality-invariant nonlinear electrodynamics theories and their stress tensor flows and confirms the commutativity of flows initiated by irrelevant and marginal operators.

Neuropeptide Network of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - A Review.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the ubiquitous reproductive disorder, has been documented as highly prevalent (6-9%) in India. 10% of women globally are predicted to have the disease. The highly mutable endocrinopathy, with differential clinical criteria for each diagnosis of PCOS, can mask the severity of the syndrome by influencing the incidence and occurrence of PCOS. When there is a solid theoretical hypothesis between the neuroendocrine origin and ovarian origin of PCOS, recent evidence supports the neuroendocrine derivation of the pathology. It is considered of neuroendocrine basis - as it controls the ovarian axis and acts as a delicate target because it possesses receptors for various gonadal hormones, neurotransmitters & neuropeptides. Can these neuroendocrine alterations, variations in central brain circuits, and neuropeptide dysregulation be the tie that would link the pathophysiology of the disorder, the occurrence of all the 1˚ and 2˚ symptoms like polycystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism, obesity, insulin resistance, etc., in PCOS? This review anticipates providing a comprehensive overview of how neuropeptides such as Kisspeptin, Neurokinin B, Dynorphin A, β-Endorphin, Nesfatin, Neuropeptide Y, Phoenixin, Leptin, Ghrelin, Orexin, and Neudesin influence PCOS, the understanding of which may help to establish potential drug candidates against precise targets in these central circuits.

Misconceptions Among Mental Health Treatment Providers About OCD and PTSD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) share overlapping features for which similar cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) strategies can be employed. However, the comorbid presence of these conditions poses unique clinical considerations, and a nuanced approach to assessment, conceptualization, and treatment is needed when working with individuals with co-occurring OCD and PTSD. Treatment providers may not be aware of these nuances and may hold misconceptions about co-occurring OCD and PTSD, impacting their approach to assessment, conceptualization, and treatment. The current study sought to examine possible misconceptions among mental health treatment providers of differing specializations. Among 146 primarily CBT-oriented treatment providers (20.3% generalist, 13.0% PTSD specialist, 32.6% OCD specialist, and 34.1% OCD/PTSD specialist), exploratory factor analysis categorized misconceptions relating to Trepidation, Differential Diagnosis, Flexibility, OCD is Trauma, Trauma Misconceptions, and Compartmentalization. Overall, OCD specialists endorsed misconceptions most frequently, including those of Trepidation and underestimating the prevalence of trauma and PTSD in individuals with OCD. In contrast, PTSD specialists were more likely to endorse providing patients reassurance for their OCD-related fears, and OCD/PTSD providers were more likely to apply rigid Differential Diagnosis criteria not supported by research or diagnostic criteria to intrusive thoughts and safety behaviors. Misconceptions are explained through the lens of differing conceptualization and treatment approaches between areas of specialization.

Clinical utility of swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography for the diagnosis of exudative maculopathy.

To assess the feasibility of swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) to differentiate macular diseases, including nonpolypoidal macular neovascularization (MNV), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), type 3 MNV, and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) without indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Retrospective observational study. This study examined 63 eyes of 63 patients with treatment-naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration(AMD), including 23 eyes with nonpolypoidal MNV, 17 eyes with PCV, and 1 eye with type 3 MNV and 22 eyes with chronic CSC. Two independent retina specialists, blinded to the clinical diagnosis, assessed each case of neovascular AMD and chronic CSC using only B-scan and en face images of SS-OCTA without referring to other examination outcomes. By SS-OCTA alone, 19 eyes were diagnosed with nonpolypoidal MNV, 17 eyes with PCV, 2 eyes with type 3 MNV, and 22 eyes with chronic CSC, indicating high sensitivity (82.6%, 94.1%, 100%, and 100%, respectively) and specificity (100%, 97.8%, 98.4%, and 100%, respectively); however, three eyes could not be diagnosed because of obscure images. The agreement of diagnosis with SS-OCTA alone was high between the two specialists (κ = 0.82). SS-OCTA showed high sensitivity and specificity in the differentiation of nonpolypoidal MNV, PCV, type 3 MNV, and chronic CSC. The differential criteria based on SS-OCTA could be a substitute for the ICGA-based diagnoses.

Assessment and Management of Maxillary Labial Frenum-A Scoping Review.

The maxillary labial frenum (MLF) is a soft tissue fold connecting the upper lip to the alveolar process. Abnormal attachment can cause periodontal, functional, and esthetic problems. Differential diagnosis is important and can prevent unnecessary interventions. This study aims to summarize the current evidence on the assessment and management of abnormal MLF. A thorough review of the literature was conducted. Five online databases were searched for relevant peer-reviewed human studies. Article screening and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Information about article type, study design, participants' characteristics, interventions, and outcomes was extracted and synthesized. 52 articles met the review criteria. MLF is a dynamic structure characterized by a wide normal morphological variation. MLF assessment in infants has not been standardized. Studies in pre-adolescents reported a change in the thickness and position of the MLF observed over time, resulting in a lower prevalence of abnormal MLF morphology. Studies in adolescents and adults reported variable differential diagnosis criteria. Lasers appear as the most advantageous frenectomy modality. There is a need for more objective MLF diagnostic protocols and treatment guidelines, which could prevent unnecessary surgical interventions.

Factors Associated with Myocardial Uptake on Oncologic Somatostatin PET Investigations and Differentiation from Myocardial Uptake of Acute Myocarditis.

Myocardial somatostatin PET uptake is observed not only in most patients with acute myocarditis (AM) but also in some oncology patients referred for routine somatostatin PET. This raises concerns about the specificity of somatostatin PET for detecting myocarditis. The current study aims to identify factors associated with the detection of myocardial uptake on somatostatin PET scans recorded for oncology indications and differential PET criteria that characterize myocardial uptake in AM patients. Methods: We analyzed factors associated with the detection of myocardial [68Ga]Ga-DOTATOC uptake in 508 [68Ga]Ga-DOTATOC PET scans from 178 patients, performed for confirmed or suspected oncologic disease (Onc-PET) and PET criteria that could differentiate myocardial [68Ga]Ga-DOTATOC uptake in 31 patients with MRI-ascertained AM (AM-PET) from that in the Onc-PET group. Results: Significant myocardial uptake was detected in 137 (26.9%) Onc-PET scans and was independently associated with somatostatin analog treatment (exp(β), 0.805; 95% CI, 0.728-0.890; P < 0.001) and age (exp(β), 1.005; 95% CI, 1.001-1.009; P = 0.012). A comparable model was selected for predicting the myocardial-to-blood SUVmax ratio using somatostatin analog treatment (P < 0.001) and history of coronary artery disease (P = 0.022). Myocardial uptake was detected in 12.9% (25/193) of Onc-PET scans from patients treated with somatostatin analogs but in 43.4% (59/136) of untreated patients over the median age of 64 y. Myocardial uptake was apparent in all 31 AM-PET scans, with volume and intensity of uptake dramatically higher than in the 137 Onc-PET scans showing myocardial uptake. A myocardial-to-blood SUVmax ratio threshold of 2.20 provided a sensitivity of 87% (27/31) and a specificity of 88% (44/50) for differentiating myocardial uptake between the AM-PET group and an Onc-PET group restricted to patients with clinical characteristics comparable to those of patients in the AM-PET group (≤64 y of age, no coronary artery disease history, and no somatostatin agonists). A myocardial uptake volume threshold of 18 cm3 provided comparable diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, 84% [26/31]; specificity, 94% [47/50]). Conclusion: Myocardial uptake was detected in 26.9% of somatostatin PET scans recorded for oncology indications. This rate was decreased by somatostatin analog treatments and increased in older individuals. However, somatostatin PET scans, analyzed with the quantitative criterion of uptake intensity or volume, are able to identify AM and to differentiate it from myocardial uptake of other origins.

General working capacity of the body as a criterion for differentiation of physical activity for students of a special medical group

General working capacity of the body as a criterion for differentiation of physical activity for students of a special medical group

Tryptase in drug-induced anaphylaxis: the need for acute and baseline values.

The purpose of this narrative review was to summarize data and official recommendations purporting to paired tryptase determination in patients experiencing drug-induced anaphylaxis, published between January 1, 2023 and June 1, 2024. Three main lines of evidence obtained through paired acute and baseline tryptase determination were identified: diagnostic criterion for hypersensitivity reactions involving systemic mast cell activation; differential diagnostic criterion for hypersensitivity reactions involving other mechanisms of immediate reactions; and added value of acute and baseline tryptase levels for personalized management following drug-induced anaphylaxis: cause, risk of recurrence, underlying mast cell conditions including hereditary α-tryptasemia, familial clusters. The implementation of existing guidelines which consensually recommend paired tryptase measurement is a persistent unmet need hampering optimal diagnosis of drug-induced anaphylaxis and patient management. Another major unmet need is the lack of standardized recommendations for hereditary α-tryptasemia testing and counselling. Progress in this field is seen at a rapid pace, requiring significant efforts of continued medical education for practicing clinicians and laboratory specialists worldwide.

Understanding the diversity of Community Supported Agriculture: a transdisciplinary framework with empirical evidence from Germany

IntroductionCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an emerging model within alternative food networks (AFNs). It shapes close relationships between food producers and consumers, thereby contributing to food sovereignty and agri-food system transformations. Despite rapid growth from about 10 to over 500 CSAs in just over a decade, the model in Germany still remains niche. We argue that further and faster scaling up requires better understanding of its diversity, yet a comprehensive conceptualization of CSA types is lacking, with insufficient differentiation in research and practice.MethodsThis study employs a transdisciplinary mixed-methods approach (literature, qualitative, and quantitative data) in cooperation with the German CSA Network. By integrating organizational perspectives, we found that CSAs are highly complex and diverse organizations. Therefore, we firstly aimed at identifying characteristics that we summarized in a CSA framework. In a second stage, we used this framework as guiding structure for co-developing a survey with the Network covering 70 participating CSAs.ResultsAs the defining characteristic within the CSA framework, community financing (domain A) clarifies the uniqueness of the CSA model, thus enables delimitation from other AFN forms. Then differentiation characteristics (domain B) encompass the diversity of CSA configurations. CSA governance (domain B1), regarding the predominant characteristic of organizational governance, distinguish between Producer-led, Consumer-led, and Integrated (all-in-one) CSA types. Varying characteristics (domain B2) specify CSA configurations and enable additional distinction between CSAs. Based on the developed CSA framework, the survey results verify the applicability of governance types in particular, while confirming a high level of diversity of differentiating characteristics in general.DiscussionThis study can be used to reveal existing generalizations about CSAs, providing a starting point for more nuanced and critical views in research and practice. When seen against the background of AFN and food sovereignty discourses in particular, CSA is an alternative production-distribution model, but not every CSA is governed or structured in alternative ways. CSAs can simultaneously contain both more conventional, traditional elements, as well as more alternative elements. Moreover, the framework provides easy-to-access differentiation criteria for matching members with their most suitable CSAs and vice versa. Overall, this study illustrates that CSA cannot be considered as homogeneous AFN type but be rather marked as a diverse field of its own.

Multi-Wavelength Raman Differentiation of Malignant Skin Neoplasms.

Raman microspectroscopy has become an effective method for analyzing the molecular appearance of biomarkers in skin tissue. For the first time, we acquired in vitro Raman spectra of healthy and malignant skin tissues, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), at 532 and 785 nm laser excitation wavelengths in the wavenumber ranges of 900-1800 cm-1 and 2800-3100 cm-1 and analyzed them to find spectral features for differentiation between the three classes of the samples. The intensity ratios of the bands at 1268, 1336, and 1445 cm-1 appeared to be the most reliable criteria for the three-class differentiation at 532 nm excitation, whereas the bands from the higher wavenumber region (2850, 2880, and 2930 cm-1) were a robust measure of the increased protein/lipid ratio in the tumors at both excitation wavelengths. Selecting ratios of the three bands from the merged (532 + 785) dataset made it possible to increase the accuracy to 87% for the three classes and reach the specificities for BCC + SCC equal to 87% and 81% for the sensitivities of 95% and 99%, respectively. Development of multi-wavelength excitation Raman spectroscopic techniques provides a versatile non-invasive tool for research of the processes in malignant skin tumors, as well as other forms of cancer.