bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Popular Roommates in Simply Exponential Time
Authors: Kavitha Telikepalli
Published: December 2024

We consider the popular matching problem in a roommates instance G on n vertices, i.e., G is a graph where each vertex has a strict preference order over its neighbors. A matching M is popular if there is no matching N such that the vertices that prefer N to M outnumber those that prefer M to N. It is known that it is NP-hard to decide if G admits a popular matching or not. There is no better algorithm known for this problem than the brute force algorithm that enumerates all matchings and tests each for popularity—this could take n! time. Here we show an

$$O^*(k^n)$$

O
∗

(

k
n

)

time algorithm for this problem, where

$$k < 7.32$$

k
<
7.32

. We use the recent breakthrough result on the maximum number of stable matchings possible in a roommates instance to analyze our algorithm for the popular matching problem. We identify a natural (also, hard) subclass of popular matchings called truly popular matchings that are “popular fractional” and show an

$$O^*(2^n)$$

O
∗

(

2
n

)

time algorithm for the truly popular matching problem in G. We also identify a subclass of max-size popular matchings called super-dominant matchings and show a linear time algorithm for the super-dominant roommates problem.
PDSS1 mutations-associated steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome: case report and review of literature
Authors: Habib Clair , Tal Galit , Weiss Karin , Magen Daniella , Pollack Shirley
Published: December 2024

PDSS1 mutations hamper Coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis and cause a rare multisystem mitochondrial disease characterized by diverse clinical features and limited treatment options. To date, renal involvement has been reported in only one patient. We report a new female patient with compound heterozygous PDSS1 mutations and the clinical outcome following a trial of Coenzyme Q10 therapy. Our patient presented with developmental delay and regression at age three, which progressed to steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome at age six, leading to stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Whole exome sequencing identified two pathogenic variants in the PDSS1 gene. High doses of Coenzyme Q10 therapy had no effect at this advanced stage of disease. Coenzyme Q10 treatment did not appear to improve the clinical outcome in this patient. Further data is needed to better understand the phenotypic spectrum of PDSS1-associated disruption, and the potential benefit of early Coenzyme Q10 therapy.
Probabilistic load flow analysis for evaluation of photovoltaic grid connection applications
Authors: Wohlfart Peter , Renner Herwig
Published: December 2024

Uncertainty in power system analysis is increasing, mainly due to decentralized generation and the related spatial distribution of power plants, as well as the inherent volatility of renewable energy sources. In Austria, this development is reflected in a high number of photovoltaic grid connection applications in recent years. On the consumption side, there are changes in grid loads due to the increasing electrification of society, which is reflected, for example, in a rising number of electric vehicles. These aspects of uncertainty in generation and consumption must be considered in the planning process of distribution grids. A proper way to include uncertainty in the hosting capacity analysis of power grids are probabilistic load flow calculation methods. This paper provides an introductory overview of probabilistic load flow analysis, available calculation methods, required input parameters and the interpretation of results. This paper focuses on photovoltaics, so a correlation analysis of historical power generation measurements of spatially distributed photovoltaic power plants in Austria is presented. Furthermore, an insight into the development of Austrian photovoltaic grid connection applications from recent years is given.
Adequate bowel preparation of patients undergoing screening colonoscopy
Authors: Hinterberger Anna K. , Mayer Susanne , Jiricka Lena , Waldmann Elisabeth A. , Zessner-Spitzenberg Jasmin , Majcher Barbara , Rockenbauer Lisa M. , Trauner Michael H. , Ferlitsch Monika
Published: December 2024

Background

In order to achieve a high-quality screening colonoscopy, a high-quality bowel preparation is essential. To perform an adequate bowel cleansing patients need to understand and act on medical information, also known as health literacy. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the patients’ educational status as a proxy for health literacy and adequate bowel preparation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of data collected within the Austrian national colorectal cancer screening program from 2012 to 2022 was conducted. The database contains information on the quality of bowel preparation as well as the academic degree of the patients. Variables were used to perform a logistic regression analysis, with bowel preparation quality (based on the Aronchick scale) as the dependent variable and completed tertiary education as independent variable, and sex and age as control variables.

Results

A total of 329,778 patients aged 30–99 years were included in the analysis. Within the group of academics, 88.46% (n = 21,883) were adequately prepared whereas in the group of non-academics, 84.79% (n = 258,641) were found to have a high bowel preparation quality. The odds ratio (OR) for academics to have an adequate bowel preparation quality was 1.37 (95% confidence interval, CI 1.32–1.43; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with a tertiary education showed better bowel preparation quality than non-academics in Austria. Therefore, it is important to improve strategies on how to inform also less educated persons to facilitate a better screening colonoscopy quality and to optimize the use of resources from a clinical as well as a public health perspective.
Variability in resistance training trajectories of breast cancer patients undergoing therapy
Authors: Koeppel Maximilian , Steindorf Karen , Schmidt Martina E. , Rosenberger Friederike , Wiskemann Joachim
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In resistance training (RT), the change in volume-load from training sessions (TS) to TS is an indicator of training progress. Resulting growth trajectories are likely to differ between individuals. Understanding this variation is important for exercise planning in general, but even more for clinical populations. We investigated this variation in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Methods

Data of 69 patients from two randomized controlled trails were investigated. They conducted a 12-week RT program. We fitted a quadratic Bayesian regression model to the baseline standardized volume-load over the course of the intervention. We allowed all parameters to vary both between exercises and between individuals.

Results

We observed a positive linear component of 0.093 (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 0.058 to 0.120) and a negative quadratic component of − 0.002 (95% UI -0.008 to 0.001) for the mean trajectory of the change in volume-load. For the different exercises, we observed a dispersion for both the linear (0.043, 95% UI 0.018 to 0.082) and the quadratic component (0.002, 95% UI < 0.001 to 0.004). Variation between individual appears to be approximately four times larger. We also observed between-exercise variation within individuals. Extrapolation of the regression model indicates training progression stagnates after 20.6 TS (95% UI 14.8 to 44.4).

Conclusion

There is substantial variation in RT response between breast cancer patients undergoing tumor therapy and in-between exercises. The non-linear trajectory indicates that training progression will eventually plateau, demanding periodization and timely modification.

Trial registration

BEATE Study: NCT01106820, Date: April 20, 2010; BEST Study: NCT01468766, Date: November 9, 2011.
Nationwide survey on HER2 and PD-L1 testing practices in gastric cancer across Japan
Authors: Abe Hiroyuki , Kuwata Takeshi , Kushima Ryoji , Ushiku Tetsuo
Published: December 2024

Background

Since HER2 and PD-L1 testing are key to selecting drugs for first-line treatments in advanced gastric cancer, evaluating differences in these tests among institutions is necessary to standardize treatment.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was conducted targeting institutions certified by the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association.

Results

Responses were obtained from 155 institutions. Most institutions performed HER2 testing in-house, while PD-L1 tests were largely outsourced. HER2 scores and PD-L1 CPS rates showed greater variability across institutions than anticipated. In the pre-analytic phase, 10% neutral buffered formalin was commonly used, with fixation practices generally following guidelines. Overall, the impact of fixation-related factors was limited, but in surgical specimens, longer fixation was associated with a higher proportion of score 0/1+ and a lower proportion of score 3+. When examining HER2 scores by institution, if a particular score had a high (or low) frequency in biopsy, the same trend was also seen in surgical specimens.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that not only factors related to specimen preparation, but also biases in evaluation criteria among pathologists may contribute to the significant variability among institutions. Standardization of pre- and post-analytic phases, coupled with appropriate training, is essential to achieve consistent gastric cancer therapy.
Surgical outcome after autologous bone chips replacement in depressed skull fractures: a single center experience
Authors: Elnoamany Hossam , Mansour Ahmed , Agour Mazen Lotfy , Dorrah Mohammed , Elnoamany Nour , Hourieh Anwar , Elkholy Hany
Published: December 2024

Background

Surgery for depressed skull fractures (DSFs) is always faced by multiple challenges including ideal timing, defect reconstruction and complications. Few data are available regarding the aesthetic results and patients’ satisfaction following DSFs management.

Methods

A prospective non-randomized study included 59 traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients surgically treated for DSFs. Depressed bone fragments were elevated and washed with diluted hydrogen peroxide for 15 min then replaced within a net made of vicryl 0 through edges of the galea. Our objective was to evaluate outcome and patients’ satisfaction of using autologous bone fragments for skull defect reconstruction.

Results

The mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score on admission was 14.51 ± 1.237. The mean age was 16.505 ± 12.426 years. DSFs were of compound type in 81.4% with predominance towards the parietal region 54.2%. Associated intracranial pathologies were found in 39.0% of cases. Mean time to surgery was 5.79 ± 9.982 h. Dura was found torn in 19 cases (32.2%). Postoperative complications were encountered in 5 cases (8.5%). The mean hospital stay was 3.61 ± 3.157 days. 96.6% of cases had good discharge outcome. Factors with significant impact on outcome included; admission GCS score (P < 0.001), type of associated pathology (P = 0.006), and venous sinus involvement (P = 0.003). At the end of follow up, 46 patients (82.5%) were satisfied about the aesthetic results, while 10 patients (17.5%) were not satisfied and 9 of them underwent re-surgery for late cranioplasty.

Conclusions

Using autologous depressed bone chips for skull defect reconstruction can be a safe and feasible surgical technique for TBI patients suffering DSFs with good aesthetic results, high patient satisfaction, decreased need for later cranioplasty and consequently low overall management cost.
Characterization of PSA dynamics and oncological outcomes in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer treated with androgen receptor signaling inhibitors
Authors: Yamada Yasutaka , Sato Kodai , Sakamoto Shinichi , Tsujino Takuya , Saito Sinpei , Nishimura Kazuki , Fukushima Tatsuo , Nakamura Ko , Yoshikawa Yuki , Matsunaga Tomohisa , Maenosono Ryoichi , Kanesaka Manato , Arai Takayuki , Sazuka Tomokazu , Imamura Yusuke , Komura Kazumasa , Mikami Kazuo , Nakamura Kazuyoshi , Fukasawa Satoshi , Chiba Kazuto , Naya Yukio , Nagata Maki , Komaru Atsushi , Nakatsu Hiroomi , Azuma Haruhito , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: December 2024

Background

This study investigated the characteristics of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) dynamics when androgen receptor signaling inhibitor (ARSI), or vintage agent (bicalutamide) was used for patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).

Patients and methods

A total of 213 mHSPC patients from each of the ARSI and bicalutamide groups treated between 2015 and 2022 were selected from multiple institutions using propensity score-matched analysis to align backgrounds. PSA progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. PSA level at 3 months, PSA nadir level, and time to PSA nadir were examined to analyze of PSA kinetics.

Results

ARSI treatment significantly improved PSA PFS compared to bicalutamide (P = 0.0063), although no significant difference in OS was seen (P = 0.3134). No significant differences were observed between treatment groups in median PSA levels at 3 months (1.47 vs 0.52 ng/ml, P = 0.3042) or PSA nadir levels (0.263 vs 0.1345 ng/ml, P = 0.1228). Bicalutamide treatment demonstrated longer time to nadir than ARSI in progression-free cases (median: 243 vs 213.5 days, P = 0.0003). Survival tree analysis found that PSA nadir ≤ 1.5 ng/ml and time to nadir ≥ 145 days were the optimal cut-offs for best stratifying OS with bicalutamide, while PSA nadir ≤ 0.45 ng/ml and time to nadir ≥ 70 days were optimal with ARSI.

Conclusion

No significant differences in PSA response was seen between groups; however, distinct optimal cut-offs were demonstrated for PSA nadir and time to nadir. The present findings will be useful for optimal PSA monitoring for mHSPC patients and for early identification of poor-prognosis populations.
Comparative analysis of life cycle inventory of cement and ready-mix concrete production in Indonesia
Authors: Agustiningtyas Rudi Setiadji , Takaguchi Hiroto , Kubota Tetsu , Alfata Muhammad Nur Fajri , Surahman Usep
Published: December 2024

The development of civil infrastructure in 2016–2021 increased cement and concrete consumption across Indonesia. The reduction of global warming effects can be expedited by providing environmentally friendly cement and concrete alternatives complemented with embodied energy and carbon assessment references. In this study, we investigated the local embodied energy and carbon emission with a boundary of cradle-to-gate for cements and that of cradle-to-site for ready-mix concretes in Indonesia. The production process data were collected from cement manufacturers and ready-mix concrete companies. The analysis starts with the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and non-OPC cement, and continues to the lightweight OPC concrete and the normal-weight blended concrete. The embodied energy and carbon were quantified. The results showed that those of OPC were the highest, followed by the non-OPC cement of Portland pozzolan cement (PPC), the Portland cement composite (PCC), and the masonry cement. The available low-energy and carbon concrete mixes were found to be a combination of a high-range water reducer admixture, a supplementary cementitious material (SCM), and cement. The lightweight OPC concrete had similar embodied energy with the reference OPC concrete, but its embodied carbon was up to 11.1% lower than the reference OPC. The normal-weight blended PCC concrete with optimum SCM levels reduced embodied energy and carbon by 53.8% and 58.2%, respectively, compared to the reference OPC concrete. The reference PPC concrete is considered an alternative for assessing the embodied energy and carbon of blended concrete in the building design stage.
Decreased urinary excretion of norepinephrine and dopamine in autonomic synucleinopathies
Authors: Goldstein David S. , Sullivan Patti , Holmes Courtney
Published: December 2024

Background

Autonomic synucleinopathies feature autonomic failure and intracellular deposition of the protein alpha-synuclein. Three such conditions are the Lewy body diseases (LBDs) Parkinson’s disease (PD) and pure autonomic failure (PAF) and the non-LBD synucleinopathy multiple system atrophy (MSA). These diseases all entail catecholaminergic abnormalities in the brain, sympathetically innervated organs, or both; however, little is known about renal catecholaminergic functions in autonomic synucleinopathies. We measured urinary excretion rates of the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine, the hormone epinephrine, the autocrine-paracrine substance dopamine, the catecholamine precursor 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG, the main neuronal metabolite of norepinephrine), and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC, a major dopamine metabolite), in PD, PAF, and MSA groups and controls.

Methods

Data were reviewed from all research participants who had urine collections (usually 3.5 h) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center from 1995 to 2024. The control cohort had neither autonomic failure nor a movement disorder.

Results

Norepinephrine excretion rates were decreased compared with controls in PD (p = 0.0001), PAF (p < 0.0001), and MSA (p < 0.0001). Dopamine excretion was also decreased in the three groups (PD: p = 0.0136, PAF: p = 0.0027, MSA: p = 0.0344). DHPG excretion was decreased in PD (p = 0.0004) and PAF (p = 0.0004) but not in MSA. DOPA and epinephrine excretion did not differ among the study groups.

Conclusions

Autonomic synucleinopathies involve decreased urinary excretion rates of norepinephrine and dopamine. Since virtually all of urinary dopamine in humans is derived from circulating DOPA, the low rates of urinary norepinephrine and dopamine excretion may reflect dysfunctions in the renal sympathetic noradrenergic system, the DOPA-dopamine autocrine-paracrine system, or both systems.
Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) versus lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) for chronic breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL): a retrospective cohort study of effectiveness over time
Authors: Kappos Elisabeth A. , Fabi Adriano , Halbeisen Florian S. , Abu-Ghazaleh Alina , Stoffel Julia , Aufmesser-Freyhardt Birgit , Bukowiecki Julia , Handschin Tristan M. , Andree Christoph , Haug Martin D. , Schaefer Dirk J. , Fertsch Sonia , Seidenstücker Katrin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Microsurgical reconstruction, including vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) and lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), have emerged as promising treatment options for chronic breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Despite their clinical relevance, the precise timelines for patient improvement following these interventions remain rather unexplored. Therefore, the goal of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes and improvement patterns over time of VLNT versus LVA to lay open potential differences and aid in personalized counseling of future patients.

Methods

A prospectively maintained, encrypted database was analyzed for patients with chronic BCRL treated with either VLNT or LVA with a minimum follow-up of one year. Patient-specific variables, such as body weight and circumferential arm measurements at distinct locations on both arms were documented preoperatively and on regular postoperative outpatient follow-ups.

Results

This study comprised 112 patients, of which 107 patients fully completed the one-year follow-up period. Both VLNT and LVA achieved significant arm size reductions. LVA showed an early peak in effectiveness within the first three months, followed by a subsequent decrease and eventual stabilization. Contrarily, VLNT exhibited a distinct pattern with two significant peaks at three and eighteen months.

Conclusions

VLNT and LVA are both effective in long-term lymphedema management, yet they demonstrate marked differences in the timing of improvement. VLNT shows a delayed but more durable response, in contrast to the greater but shorter-lasting surge in effectiveness achieved by LVA. Interestingly, VLNT demonstrates an earlier onset of therapeutic impact than previously understood.
How information about historic carbon emissions affects support for climate aid: evidence from a survey experiment
Authors: Charnysh Volha , Kalow Jared , Lieberman Evan , Walk Erin
Published: December 2024

In recent years, international climate negotiations have reached increasing consensus that the wealthiest countries should make significant financial contributions to offset the damages caused by the climate crisis in poorer countries. Proponents have justified such action based on wealthy countries’ disproportionate responsibility for global warming in the form of past emissions. However, in democratic countries such as the United States, it remains uncertain whether such messages can affect public opinion, especially across partisan lines. We conducted a pre-registered survey from a national online pool (N = 5,002) with a built-in experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative communications strategies associated with historic carbon emissions in increasing support for climate aid. We find that specific attribution claims that reflect a climate justice perspective do boost support for more generous climate aid, but the effects are largely driven by Democrats. We also find that global solidarity frames emphasizing shared responsibility did not affect support for climate aid. Our results have important implications for climate advocacy and our understanding of climate-related attitudes.
Propagation through seed or somatic embryogenesis: comparing the effects of two methods and methyl jasmonate treatment on Norway spruce resistance to Heterobasidion infection
Authors: Tudoran Amelia , Elfstrand Malin , Helmersson Andreas , Puentes Adriana
Published: December 2024

The clonal propagation method somatic embryogenesis (SE) has been shown to affect plant resistance to an insect pest. In a field trial, Norway spruce SE-plants (emblings) experienced less damage by the bark-chewing pine weevil compared to seedlings propagated through seeds from the same mother tree. Moreover, if emblings were treated with the defense-inducing hormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA), their resistance became much greater compared to the effects of SE and MeJA alone. Thus, we evaluated in a full factorial design if propagation method (seed or SE) and MeJA treatment (treated or not) can affect Norway spruce resistance to infection by the fungal pathogen Heterobasidion parviporum. Emblings and seedlings were half-sibs originating from four different Norway spruce families. We found that emblings and seedlings exhibited similar fungal lesion lengths (LL) and sapwood growth (SWG) in a constitutive state (no MeJA). Once treated, seedlings exhibited a 26% and 28% reduction in LL and SWG growth respectively, in line with previous studies. For emblings, it was the opposite. MeJA increased LL and SWG by 41% and 16% respectively. This is unexpected given the genetic relatedness of the material, and the previously documented effects of SE. It is possible that SE is causing changes in Norway spruce resistance that are effective against insects, but not pathogens. Also, MeJA treatment may be affecting embling terpene composition in ways that benefit fungal growth, as suggested from separate experiments. Further studies are needed to uncover the mechanisms behind the increased susceptibility of Norway spruce emblings to fungal infection.
“Feeling Like You Matter:” LGBTQ + Young Adult Perspectives on Affirmative Mental Healthcare
Authors: Mondave Marisa , Saleska Jessica , Wang Jing Jing , Bluma Elliot , Jackson Daynon , Tapia Yara , Yashar Leah , Zima Bonnie T. , Choi Kristen R.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of LGBTQ + young people in mental healthcare and to understand their perspectives on what affirmative mental healthcare practice should look like. Between June and September of 2023, interviews were conducted with LGBTQ + young people ages 18–26 years in Los Angeles and Seattle. Interviews lasted 30 to 60 min and were transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis (N = 28). Four themes were developed from analysis of the interviews: (1) disconnection from community and self as an impetus for seeking formal mental healthcare; (2) marginalization during mental health service encounters; (3) the therapeutic power of belonging and mattering in the mental healthcare system; and (4) mutual human connection as the foundation for affirming mental healthcare experiences. Affirmative mental healthcare was defined by LGBTQ + young adults as free of judgment with priority placed on the therapeutic power of genuine human connection. The need for trans-specific mental healthcare was also highlighted. Participants also expressed a preference for providers with shared identities and experiences to alleviate feelings of isolation and increase feelings of connectivity. Mental health providers should emphasize connectivity and empathy to offer affirming care with LGBTQ + clients, such asking about client preferences for care, developing knowledge about sexuality and gender identity, and acknowledging provider limitations or knowledge gaps. Improving access to affirmative mental healthcare for LGBTQ + young adults (e.g., workforce development, training requirements) is needed to address the disparities in mental healthcare.
Decadal riparian forest evolution beside a regulated lake: a case study in the Swiss lowlands
Authors: Siegfried Lila , Beuvier Sarah , Vittoz Pascal
Published: December 2024

The consequences of lake level regulation on riparian forests have been little investigated in Europe, although they shelter a wide variety of habitats and species and are threatened in most European countries. This study therefore aims to improve our understanding of the past and future dynamics of wetland forests in Central Europe. Historical plant surveys (conducted around 1980) were compared with more recent surveys (2020) at the same locations in the Grande Cariçaie reserves, along the Lake Neuchâtel (Switzerland), regulated since 1962. The inventories were clustered into plant communities, and floristic diversities were compared. Changes in environmental conditions were evaluated using ecological indicator values. The species composition in tree and shrub layers was compared to predict the potential future evolution of these forests. Four types of forest communities have been identified and denoted as the Alnus glutinosa, A. incana, Fraxinus excelsior and Pinus sylvestris groups. Over the course of 40 years, some sites shifted between communities, particularly from the wet A. incana group to the drier F. excelsior group. We noticed a loss of hygrophilous and heliophilous species. Moreover, the regeneration of the dominant tree species is very low in the A. glutinosa and F. excelsior groups, and even absent in the P. sylvestris group. The riparian forests on the shores of the regulated lake are losing their characteristics, with significant changes in species composition. Over 40 years, the conditions have become drier, the canopy density has increased, and the understorey has suffered from shadier conditions, resulting in a loss of diversity at the landscape scale. The drier conditions are probably mainly following the lake regulation (lower variations of water level), but increasing evapotranspiration due to climate change cannot be excluded.
Fluid status assessment in heart failure patients: pilot validation of the Maastricht Decompensation Questionnaire
Authors: Gingele Arno J. , Beckers Fabienne , Boyne Josiane J. , Brunner–La Rocca Hans-Peter
Published: December 2024

Background

eHealth products have the potential to enhance heart failure (HF) care by identifying at-risk patients. However, existing risk models perform modestly and require extensive data, limiting their practical application in clinical settings. This study aims to address this gap by validating a more suitable risk model for eHealth integration.

Methods

We developed the Maastricht Decompensation Questionnaire (MDQ) based on expert opinion to assess HF patients’ fluid status using common signs and symptoms. Subsequently, the MDQ was administered to a cohort of HF outpatients at Maastricht University Medical Centre. Patients with ≥ 10 MDQ points were categorised as ‘decompensated’, patients with < 10 MDQ points as ‘not decompensated’. HF nurses, blinded to MDQ scores, served as the gold standard for fluid status assessment. Patients were classified as ‘correctly’ if MDQ and nurse assessments aligned; otherwise, they were classified as ‘incorrectly’.

Results

A total of 103 elderly HF patients were included. The MDQ classified 50 patients as ‘decompensated’, with 17 of them being correctly classified (34%). Additionally, 53 patients were categorised as ‘not decompensated’, with 48 of them being correctly classified (90%). The calculated area under the curve was 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.57–0.81; p < 0.05). Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient for the MDQ was 0.85.

Conclusions

The MDQ helps identify decompensated HF patients through clinical signs and symptoms. Further trials with larger samples are needed to confirm its validity, reliability and applicability. Tailoring the MDQ to individual patient profiles may improve its accuracy.
Caprine management at Archaic and Classical period Argilos in northern Greece: the isotopic evidence from sequentially sampled tooth enamel
Authors: Alagich Rudolph , Gkotsinas Angelos , Perreault Jacques Y. , Bonias Zisis , Dotsika Elissavet , Adler Lewis , Smith Colin
Published: December 2024

This paper contributes new data on animal management practices from the Greek Archaic and Classical periods. Management strategies and season of birth of caprines from the city of Argilos (ca. 655 − 357 BC) are established through the analysis of stable carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of sequentially sampled tooth enamel. The results reveal a variety of management regimes being practiced by farmers at ancient Argilos, with no observable differences in diet and herding strategies between the Archaic and Classical periods. The samples that provide season of birth data, however, suggest a possible distinction between the two periods. Births are centred around autumn/early winter in the Archaic period and late winter/spring during the Classical period and could be the result of the prioritisation of different commodities by farmers.
A Prospective Study to Evaluate the Association of Sensory Dysregulation and Adverse Pathologic Features in Oral Tongue Cancers
Authors: Singh Arjun Gurmeet , Dani Mihir , Sinha Shwetabh , Shetty Rathan , Joshi Poonam , Nair Sudhir , Chaturvedi Pankaj
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To correlate sensory dysfunction with adverse pathologic factors for tongue cancers and determine the survival prognosticators.

Methods

We prospectively collected data on the pain sensation (Brief Pain Inventory), gustation (NIH Taste Intensity Test), proprioception (Two-point and light touch discrimination) from patients with squamous carcinoma of oral tongue, surgically treated between July 2021 and September 2022, and stratified them based on pT stage. The pathologist was blinded to the clinical data and correlation with the sensory dysregulations was obtained using a multivariate analysis. Factors predicting overall survival (OS) and disease specific survival (DSS) were calculated using Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

100 patients were followed up with a median of 13 months. Radiating pain predicted advanced disease, extranodal extension (ENE) and perineural invasion (PNI). Loss of sweet and salty taste were associated with advanced disease, Depapillation and PNI. Among early tumors, 26% had taste alterations, with loss of sweet taste significantly associated with Depapillation and PNI. Loss of light touch was significantly associated with presence of PNI, while loss of two-point discrimination was associated with larger tumors, PNI and poor grade. The OS was significantly reduced when pain scores were moderate to severe at their least within 24 h from interview and loss of light touch.

Conclusion

Radiating pain, sweet and salty taste dysregulation and loss of sensory discrimination have a strong correlation with PNI and impact survival.
Colorectal anastomotic leakage after conversion surgery for advanced endometrial cancer treated with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab: a case report
Authors: Yamamura Akitoshi , Hamanishi Junzo , Yamanoi Koji , Sunada Masumi , Taki Mana , Mizuno Rin , Okada Yukiko , Murakami Ryusuke , Aisu Yuki , Maekawa Hisatsugu , Yamaguchi Ken , Mandai Masaki
Published: December 2024

The combination therapy of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab (LP) is increasingly recognized as an important second-line regimen for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer (EC). However, the safety and efficacy of conversion surgery with low anterior rectal resection for unresectable EC following LP therapy is unknown. A 37-year-old woman was referred with unresectable EC with pleural fluid, peritoneal dissemination, and ascites. After the failure of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy, she was administered LP as second-line treatment. After 10 treatment cycles, uterine and peritoneal tumors significantly reduced in size, except the left ovarian metastatic tumor which became slightly larger. Cytoreductive surgery, including low anterior resection of the rectum and colorectal anastomosis, achieved complete resection. However, on postoperative day 11, the patient experienced an anastomotic leakage around the colorectal anastomosis site, necessitating a double-barreled colostomy and percutaneous drainage. She was discharged 15 days after the second surgery and resumed LP therapy after 44 days following the second surgery. We report a case in which conversion surgery after LP therapy was conducted for unresectable advanced endometrial cancer. Our findings indicate that if bowel resection is required, a longer preoperative withdrawal period may be necessary to prevent postoperative anastomotic leakage.
„Das ist so viel in mir“ – Adoleszente Konflikte und gesellschaftliche Krisendynamiken. Eine Fallanalyse
Authors: Niendorf Johanna
Published: December 2024

Jugendliche sind in den vergangenen Jahren zwischen Covid-19-Pandemie, Krieg und Klimakrise aufgewachsen und viele von ihnen nehmen eine zunehmende Krisenverdichtung wahr. Diese Wahrnehmung wirkt sich auf ihre psychische und soziale Situation aus, im Nachgang der Covid-19-Pandemie zeigt sich ein starker Anstieg psychischer Belastungssymptome beispielsweise in Form von Angststörungen und depressiven Verstimmungen. Das besonders junge Menschen von den Auswirkungen betroffen sind, liegt auch an ihrer spezifischen Vulnerabilität in der Adoleszenz. Diese Phase erfordert die Bewältigung spezifischer Entwicklungsaufgaben, z. B. die Ablösung von den Eltern bzw. erwachsenen Bezugspersonen, die psychische Grundkonflikte wie den Autonomie-Abhängigkeitskonflikt reaktivieren, mit Bewusst- und Unbewusstmachungen einhergehen. Die erfolgreiche Aushandlung dieser Konflikte erfordert stabile Beziehungsfundamente, die jedoch durch gesellschaftliche Krisendynamiken erschüttert werden können. Im Lichte medial vermittelter Ideologien können autoritäre „Lösungen“ gefunden und angeeignet werden.

Der vorliegende Artikel verfolgt folgende Fragestellungen: (1) Wie findet die gesellschaftliche Krisendynamik derzeit in der alltäglichen Lebenswirklichkeit von jungen Menschen Ausdruck? (2) Welche adoleszenten Konflikte zeigen sich dabei auf bewusster und unbewusster Ebene? (3) Wie hängen diese Konflikte mit autoritären Dynamiken und Radikalisierungspotentialen zusammen? Nach einer theoretischen Einführung (Kap. 2) wird diesen Fragen anhand einer empirischen Fallanalyse durch die Interpretation einer Gruppendiskussionen nachgegangen, die mit zwei Jugendlichen in Leipzig durchgeführt wurde (Kap. 4). Der dabei genutzte transdisziplinäre und konflikttheoretische Forschungsansatz der psychoanalytischen Sozialpsychologie bedingt sowohl die Erhebungsmethode der Gruppendiskussion als auch die Auswertungsmethode der tiefenhermeneutischen Interpretation (Kap. 3.). Der Fokus in der Diskussion der Ergebnisse liegt ausgehend von der Interpretation des Materials auf der psychischen Bedeutung von gesellschaftlichen Krisenerfahrungen, exemplarisch aufgezeigt anhand der Covid-19-Pandemie (Abschn. 5.1.) und den Beziehungserfahrungen in den Sozialen Medien (Abschn. 5.2.). Diskutiert werden die darin aufscheinenden autoritären Dynamiken und Radikalisierungspotentiale (Abschn. 5.3.).
The Working of Hard Animal Tissues in Eastern and Central Europe During the Last Glacial Maximum—Current Knowledge and Perspectives
Authors: Pfeifer Sebastian J.
Published: December 2024

The climatically unfavourable period of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; ca. 26–19 ka cal bp) is held responsible for a severe demographic crisis of hunter–gatherer populations, their retreat to a few refugial areas, the disruption of wide-ranging networks, and a considerable loss of cultural complexity in Eastern and Central Europe. The latitudes above 50°N appear to have been completely depopulated. Recent research has demonstrated a continuous occupation of the Carpathian Basin and the East Carpathian region during the LGM on one hand, and an ephemeral human presence in the Middle Danube, the Middle Rhine, and the Swiss Plateau on the other. The western part of the East European Plain, in particular the East Carpathians, is known for several large, Early Epigravettian open-air sites with well-preserved artefacts of antler, bone, and mammoth ivory. For Central Europe, the assemblage from Kammern-Grubgraben in Lower Austria is of pivotal importance. As osseous industries have shown to be an essential component of Upper Palaeolithic material culture, it is the aim of this contribution to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on the processing of hard animal tissues in Eastern and Central Europe during the LGM. Starting out with a reevaluation of one of the largest and most diverse assemblages from the site of Cosăuţi in the Republic of Moldova (ca. 23–19 ka cal bp), contemporary assemblages from the area between the Bug River in the east and the Rhine in the west are presented, discussed and compared with the situation in Western Europe. Based on that, it can be asked what information osseous industries can provide about the development of technological traditions and dissemination of concepts during the LGM from a local and supraregional perspective.
Improved thermoelectric performance of nanostructured tellurium thin films
Authors: Sarkar Pritam , Samanta Soumen , Putta Veerendra , Kundu Sayandeep , Singh Arun Kumar , Pathak Ankita , Jha Purushottam , Patra Soumyabrata , Bhattacharya Shovit , Singh Ajay
Published: December 2024

We report nanostructured Te thin film exhibiting a high figure-of-merit (ZT) of ~ 0.34 at 493 K. The films exhibit temperature enhanced electrical conductivity ~ 43 Scm−1, very high Seebeck coefficient of ~ 385 µV−1K−1 contributed by non-degenerate valence bands and low thermal conductivity ~ 0.9−1 Wm−1K−1 through suppression of bipolar effect. The ZT of nanostructured films is ~ 142% higher than the annealed films having larger grain size. The high Seebeck coefficient (~ 405 µV−1K−1) of nanostructured Te films near room temperature prompted us to make a device, which was subjected to a very small temperature difference of ~ 4 K by touching with finger and produced an open circuit voltage of ~ 18 mV. The periodic generation of this open circuit voltage with fast response when repeatedly touched with finger, suggest the utility of these films in real time human touch applications and temperature sensing.
Stop the Silence: A Self-Paced Program on Bystander Intervention for Domestic Violence for College Students
Authors: Chiang Evelyn S. , Logan Rebekah Anne
Published: December 2024

Bystander intervention programs have the potential to address domestic violence in college settings by providing students with specific ways to support friends and peers experiencing abuse. However, the majority of bystander intervention programs require in-person facilitators and hours of commitment. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a self-paced online program focusing on bystander intervention for domestic violence. The Stop the Silence Project is a self-paced online program that can be utilized at no cost and in the absence of trained facilitators or scheduled training sessions. An experimental group of college students (n = 168) engaged with the program and completed the Bystander Intervention for Domestic Violence Questionnaire. A control group (n = 30) completed the questionnaire without engaging with the program. First, an exploratory factor analysis was performed to validate the Bystander Intervention for Domestic Violence Questionnaire. Results indicated that the questionnaire measures students’ willingness to offer support to peers, intentions to address domestic violence as a societal issue, and sense of responsibility to help one’s peers. Next, the two groups were compared on their responses to the questionnaire. College students who engaged with the program reported higher intentions to address domestic violence as a societal issue. This promising program offers one way to counter domestic violence when faced with limited resources in college and university settings.
Policy Entrepreneurs, Crises, and Policy Change
Authors: Petridou Evangelia , Sparf Jörgen , Zahariadis Nikolaos , Birkland Thomas
Published: December 2024

Increasingly, policymaking takes place while extraordinary events threaten fundamental societal values. During turbulent times, policy entrepreneurs emerge as pivotal figures. They are energetic actors who pursue dynamic change in public policy and, whereas we know much about how they promote innovation and change in normal policymaking, we know less about how they behave in crises, and even less about how different crises influence policy entrepreneurial action. This Element focuses on interaction between policy entrepreneurs and crises. It analyzes policy entrepreneurial action in six case studies – three fast-burning and three creeping crises – to ascertain policy entrepreneurs' strategies and effectiveness during extraordinary events. It proposes crisis policy entrepreneurial strategies, a framework to understand outcomes based on policy entrepreneurial action and type of crisis and suggests avenues for further research on policy entrepreneurs and crises, including implications for crisis managers. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Angels and Monotheism
Authors: Hurley Michael D.
Published: December 2024

While angels have played a decisive role in all the world's major religions and continue to loom large in the popular religious and creative imagination, modern theology has tended to ignore or trivialize them. The comparatively few scholarly works on angels over the last century have typically interpreted them as mere symbols and metaphors: they are said to offer glimpses not of the divine order, but of human desires, anxieties, and ideologies. Angelology has collapsed into anthropology. By contrast, this polemical book argues for the indispensable importance of studying angels as divinely created beings, for theology at large, and for understanding the defining doctrine of monotheistic religions in particular. Additionally, the book contends that the spirit of modern science did not originate with the so-called Scientific Revolution but was actually inspired centuries earlier by the angelological lucubrations of medieval scholastics.
Democratizing Education, Adjusting Students: Occupation Reform, Pupil Guidance, and the Discourse of Tekio in Postwar Japan
Authors: Shorb Patrick Naoya
Published: December 2024

The Occupation of Japan (1945-1952) sought to democratize the nation’s education system; pupil guidance was expected to play a key part of this process. American reformers promoted new guidance practices (e.g., the comprehensive collection of students’ personal data, guidance interventions based on the case-study method, an expanded homeroom curriculum) that emphasized the psychological adjustment—translated as tekio (適応)—of students to school and society in a new Japan. By tracing the evolution of prewar and postwar Japanese guidance discourse, this study examines how American pupil guidance’s emphasis on student adjustment interacted with, and transformed, twentieth-century Japanese education. Drawing from prewar, Occupation-era and post-independence sources, the essay explores three points. First, by comparing prewar life guidance with Occupation-era and post-independence pupil guidance, it emphasizes the important changes effected by tekio-oriented guidance during the late 1940s. Second, by examining the way these practices related to Occupation’s educational democratization, it explores how their psychological approach to democracy defined—and arguably constrained—the dynamism of this broader project. Lastly, the work discusses who supported and opposed this new tekio discourse. American authorities succeeded in garnering the support of many elites in Japanese education (e.g., Ministry of Education officials, leading academics), but other educators remained skeptical.
Resistance/Rise: Iranian Student Activism in the Late 1970s US
Authors: Teague Will
Published: December 2024

In the late 1970s Iranian student activists in the United States worked to educate the American public on the history of the US-Iranian relationship and the long-term consequences in Iran of the 1953 CIA-sponsored coup that placed Mohammad Reza Pahlavi on the Iranian throne. The students directly challenged local and state governments to respect freedoms of speech, press, and assembly, and pushed President Jimmy Carter to keep his promise of injecting human rights into American foreign policy. Iranians studying in the US were not monolithic in thought, but they shared the common goal of liberating Iran from Pahlavi’s despotic rule and creating an Iran free of American intervention and Cold War geopolitics.
Resources for whom? Conceptualizing and comparing childcare policy design for parents of children with additional or complex care needs
Authors: Zamanbin Mehri , Yerkes Mara A , Javornik Jana
Published: December 2024

Affordable, good quality childcare creates opportunities for many parents to better reconcile work and care or reduces family care to enable other valuable contributions to society. However, childcare studies often overlook parents of children with additional or complex care needs. These parents spend a greater amount of time on caregiving, providing care that goes beyond that of parents of typically developing children. As such, their opportunities beyond caregiving can be limited. Resources, like childcare services, can be crucial in supporting the reconciliation of care with other valued activities in life. This article contributes to the cross-national childcare policy literature by conceptualizing comparative indicators to assess the availability, accessibility, and affordability of childcare policy design for children with additional or complex care needs. It then applies these indicators to a comparison of childcare policy design in England and the Netherlands, providing an operationalization for further empirical analysis.
Affective polarization in Latin America: A research note
Authors: Bergman Marcelo , Fernández Pablo
Published: December 2024

Affective polarization (AP), a concept that summarizes intense partisans’ animosity towards opposing parties and positive feelings towards their own, has recently received increasing attention. Despite a growing interest in Latin American polarization, there are very few empirical studies on the range and depth of dislike and distrust towards political adversaries in the region, and how this impacts the quality of democracies. This research note uses survey data collected after ten election cycles in six countries to estimate the scope and depth of AP in the region. We measure the extent of polarization in Latin America compared to other Western nations, assess its evolution, and makes some inroads to explain who drives AP. On aggregate, Latin America does not show large AP scores, yet there are clear signs of an upward trend. More than a widespread social phenomenon, the evidence suggests that AP is driven by large intense minorities.