Human-In-The-Loop Workflow for Neuro- Symbolic Scholarly Knowledge Organization

As the volume of scientific literature continues to grow, efficient knowledge organization is an increasingly challenging task. Traditional structuring of scientific content is time-consuming and requires significant domain expertise, increasing the need for tool support. Our goal is to create a Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) workflow that supports researchers in creating and structuring scientific knowledge, leveraging neural models and knowledge graphs, exemplified using the Open Research Knowledge Graph (ORKG). The workflow aims to automate key steps, including data extraction and knowledge structuring, while keeping user oversight through human validation. We developed a modular framework implementing the workflow and evaluated it along the Quality Improvement Paradigm (QIP) with participants from the ORKG user community. The evaluation indicated that the framework is highly usable and provides practical support. It significantly reduces the time and effort required to transition from a research interest to literature-based answers by streamlining the import of information into a knowledge graph. Participants evaluated the framework with an average System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 84.17, an A+ -- the highest achievable rating. They also reported that it improved their time spent, previously between 4 hours and two weeks, down to an average of 24:40 minutes. The tool streamlines the creation of scientific corpora and extraction of structured knowledge for KG integration by leveraging LLMs and user-defined models, significantly accelerating the review process. However, human validation remains essential throughout the extraction process, and future work is needed to improve extraction accuracy and entity linking to existing knowledge resources

uPAR-targeted optical near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging and PET for image-guided surgery in head and neck cancer:Proof-of-concept in orthotopic xenograft model

PURPOSE: Urokinase-like Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) is overexpressed in a variety of carcinoma types, and therefore represents an attractive imaging target. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of two uPAR-targeted probes for PET and fluorescence tumor imaging in a human xenograft tongue cancer model. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND RESULTS: Tumor growth of tongue cancer was monitored by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and MRI. Either ICG-Glu-Glu-AE105 (fluorescent agent) or (64)Cu-DOTA-AE105 (PET agent) was injected systemically, and fluorescence imaging or PET/CT imaging was performed. Tissue was collected for micro-fluorescence imaging and histology. A clear fluorescent signal was detected in the primary tumor with a mean in vivo tumor-to-background ratio of 2.5. Real-time fluorescence-guided tumor resection was possible, and sub-millimeter tumor deposits could be localized. Histological analysis showed co-localization of the fluorescent signal, uPAR expression and tumor deposits. In addition, the feasibility of uPAR-guided robotic cancer surgery was demonstrated. Also, uPAR-PET imaging showed a clear and localized signal in the tongue tumors. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the feasibility of combining two uPAR-targeted probes in a preclinical head and neck cancer model. The PET modality provided preoperative non-invasive tumor imaging and the optical modality allowed for real-time fluorescence-guided tumor detection and resection. Clinical translation of this platform seems promising

Surgeon-performed intraoperative transoral ultrasound improves the detection of human papillomavirus-positive head and neck cancers of unknown primary

Background: Squamous cell carcinomas of unknown primary (SCCUP) are often Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-positive. Due to their small size, extensive surgical workup is required to locate the primary tumors. High-frequency transoral ultrasound (US) may provide improved visualization of these small tumors. Our study aimed to explore whether surgeon-performed intraoperative transoral US for patients with HPV-positive SCCUP could improve primary tumor detection during panendoscopy. Methods: This was a single-center, prospective diagnostic study including patients undergoing panendoscopy under general anesthesia with HPV-positive SCCUP. Preoperative MRIs, PET/CTs, and HPV DNA-testing of lymph node metastases were performed in all patients. Intraoperative transoral US was performed prior to panendoscopy. Frozen section biopsies were performed unblinded to US results, and transoral US-guided biopsies were attempted if initial biopsies were negative. Final histopathology was obtained with palatine- and/or lingual tonsillectomy if frozen section was negative. The main outcome was the primary tumor detection rate with intraoperative transoral US and panendoscopy. Results: Thirty patients were included: 24 (80 %) were men, and the median age was 60 years [range 35–79 years]. Twenty-nine primary tumors (97 %) were confirmed; 18 (62 %) and 10 (34 %) in the lingual- and palatine tonsils, respectively, and one (3 %) in the posterior oropharynx. Transoral US had a significantly higher sensitivity than panendoscopy to locate the primary tumor (93 % vs 76 %, p = 0.02), and significantly higher than pre-operative PET/CT (62 %, p = 0.002), CT (45 %, p &lt; 0.001), and MRI (28 %, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Intraoperative transoral US during panendoscopy is a promising diagnostic tool that may improve the detection of HPV-positive SCCUP.</p

Antioxidant intervention in rheumatoid arthritis: results of an open pilot study

There is evidence that reactive oxygen species play a causal role in auto-immune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite the supporting evidence for a beneficial effect of antioxidants on clinical characteristics of RA, the right balance for optimal effectiveness of antioxidants is largely unknown. To determine the potential beneficial effects of an antioxidant intervention on clinical parameters for RA, an open pilot study was designed. Eight non-smoking female patients with rheumatoid factor + RA and a Disease Activity Score (DAS 28) higher than 2.5 were enrolled in the study. Patients had to be receiving stable non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment and/or ‘second line’ medication for at least 3 months. The pilot group consumed 20 g of antioxidant-enriched spread daily during a period of 10 weeks. The intervention was stopped after 10 weeks and was followed by a ‘wash-out’ period of 4 weeks. At t = 0, t = 10 weeks and t = 14 weeks, patients’ condition was assessed by means of DAS. In addition, standard laboratory analyses were performed, and blood-samples for antioxidants were taken. The antioxidant-enriched spread was well tolerated. All laboratory measures of inflammatory activity and oxidative modification were generally unchanged. However, the number of swollen and painful joints were significantly decreased and general health significantly increased, as reflected by a significantly improved (1.6) DAS at t = 10 weeks. The antioxidant effect was considered beneficial as, compared to the scores at t = 0, the DAS significantly reduced at t = 10 weeks. Increase of the DAS (0.7) after the “wash-out period” at t = 14 confirmed a causal relation between changes in clinical condition and antioxidants. This open pilot study aimed to assess the clinical relevance of an antioxidant intervention as a first step in assessing potential beneficial effects of antioxidants on rheumatoid arthritis. These conclusions need to be validated in a larger controlled study population

Epidemiology, outcomes, and prognostic factors in submandibular gland carcinomas:a national DAHANCA study

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to present incidence, histological subtypes, survival rates, and prognostic factors based on a national cohort of patients with salivary gland carcinoma.METHODS: All Danish patients with submandibular gland carcinoma diagnosed from 1990 to 2015 (n = 206) were included and analyzed following histological re-evaluation. Data were collected by the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group (DAHANCA). Overall, disease-specific and recurrence-free survival were evaluated. Prognostic factors were analyzed with multivariate Cox Hazard Regression.RESULTS: The study population consisted of 109 (53%) men and 97 (47%) women, median age 62 years (range 11-102). Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the most frequent subtype (50%). Tumour classification T1/T2 (75%) and N0 (78%) was most frequent. The mean crude incidence was 0.17/100,000/year. Most patients (n = 194, 94%) were treated with primary surgery, and 130 (67%) received postoperative radiotherapy. The 5- and 10-year survival rates were for overall survival 64% and 41%, disease-specific survival 74% and 61%, and recurrence-free survival 70% and 56%, respectively. Survival rates were higher for adenoid cystic carcinoma compared to other subtypes, but the difference was not significant in multivariate analysis. Recurrence occurred in 69 patients, and 37 (53.6%) of them had recurrence in a distant site. Advanced T-classification and regional lymph-node metastases had significant negative impact on survival rates.CONCLUSION: The incidence of submandibular gland carcinoma in Denmark was 0.17/100,000/year and stable during the time period. The most frequent subtype was adenoid cystic carcinoma. Half of the recurrences presented in a distant site, and multivariate analysis confirmed that advanced stage was independent negative prognostic factor for recurrence and survival.</p

CAPTURED JOURNALISM. Kritische Perspektiven auf die Macht der Internetoligopole

Die vorliegende Publikation ist im Rahmen des Seminars „Nachrichtenmedien und Internetoligopole“ an der Universität Tübingen entstanden und basiert auf der Arbeit von uns, sieben Studierenden aus dem Masterstudiengang Medienwissenschaft. Ein Semester lang haben wir uns damit beschäftigt, wie Internetoligopole Nachrichtenmedien strukturell beeinflussen. Nachrichtenmedien werden durch die enorme Macht und Marktdominanz von Big-Tech-Unternehmen wie Google (Alphabet), Microsoft oder Facebook (Meta) auf verschiedenen Ebenen gecaptured (gekapert). Internetoligopole beeinflussen also nicht nur mittelbar die Wertschöpfungskette der journalistischen Arbeit (z.B. durch die Nutzung bestimmter Tools), sondern wirken auch indirekt (z.B. über Medienpolitik oder Medienförderung) auf Nachrichtenmedien ein. Der Einfluss dieser Unternehmen legt sich wie ein Schatten über die Nachrichtenindustrie und prägt damit maßgeblich die Grundlage, auf der gesellschaftliche Diskussionen ausgetragen werden. Damit beeinflussen Internetoligopole die Funktionsweise unserer Demokratie. Aus diesem Grund ist es uns wichtig, auf das Thema aufmerksam zu machen und zu einer kritischen Auseinandersetzung mit Fragen der digitalen Kommunikation und Demokratie anzuregen. Denn wir fragen uns: Welche Wahl haben wir als Individuen und Gesellschaft in einer Welt, in der Big-Tech-Unternehmen bzw. deren Produkte unseren Alltag bestimmen? Wie kann ein demokratischer Diskurs überhaupt funktionieren, wenn die Grundlage für die Meinungsbildung durch große Digitalunternehmen gecaptured ist? Mit der vorliegenden Publikation wollen wir unseren Anteil zu einem kritischen Umgang mit der Thematik leisten und unser Wissen an andere Studierende weitertragen