bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resectability, Resections, Survival Outcomes, and Quality of Life in Older Adult Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (the RAXO-Study)
Authors: Lehtomäki Kaisa , Soveri Leena-Maija , Osterlund Emerik , Lamminmäki Annamarja , Uutela Aki , Heervä Eetu , Halonen Päivi , Stedt Hanna , Aho Sonja , Muhonen Timo , Ålgars Annika , Salminen Tapio , Kallio Raija , Nordin Arno , Aroviita Laura , Nyandoto Paul , Kononen Juha , Glimelius Bengt , Ristamäki Raija , Isoniemi Helena , Osterlund Pia
Published: May 2023

Older adults are underrepresented in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) studies and thus may not receive optimal treatment, especially not metastasectomies. The prospective Finnish real-life RAXO-study included 1086 any organ mCRC patients. We assessed repeated centralized resectability, overall survival (OS), and quality of life (QoL) using 15D and EORTC QLQ-C30/CR29. Older adults (>75 years; n = 181, 17%) had worse ECOG performance status than adults (<75 years, n = 905, 83%), and their metastases were less likely upfront resectable. The local hospitals underestimated resectability in 48% of older adults and in 34% of adults compared with the centralized multidisciplinary team (MDT) evaluation (p < 0.001). The older adults compared with adults were less likely to undergo curative-intent R0/1-resection (19% vs. 32%), but when resection was achieved, OS was not significantly different (HR 1.54 [CI 95% 0.9–2.6]; 5-year OS-rate 58% vs. 67%). ‘Systemic therapy only’ patients had no age-related survival differences. QoL was similar in older adults and adults during curative treatment phase (15D 0.882–0.959/0.872–0.907 [scale 0–1]; GHS 62–94/68–79 [scale 0–100], respectively). Complete curative-intent resection of mCRC leads to excellent survival and QoL even in older adults. Older adults with mCRC should be actively evaluated by a specialized MDT and offered surgical or local ablative treatment whenever possible.
Do Exophytic and Endophytic Patterns in Borderline Ovarian Tumors Have Different Prognostic Implications? A Large Multicentric Experience
Authors: Capozzi Vito , Scarpelli Elisa , Monfardini Luciano , Mandato Vincenzo , Merisio Carla , Uccella Stefano , Sozzi Giulio , Ceccaroni Marcello , Chiantera Vito , Giordano Giovanna , Della Corte Luigi , Conte Carmine , Cianci Stefano , Ghi Tullio , Berretta Roberto
Published: May 2023

Borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) accounts for 15–20% of all epithelial ovarian tumors. Concerns have arisen about the clinical and prognostic implications of BOT with exophytic growth patterns. We retrospectively reviewed all cases of BOT patients surgically treated from 2015 to 2020. Patients were divided into an endophytic pattern (with intracystic tumor growth and intact ovarian capsule) and an exophytic pattern (with tumor growth outside the ovarian capsule) group. Among the 254 patients recruited, 229 met the inclusion criteria, and of these, 169 (73.8%) belonged to the endophytic group. The endophytic group showed more commonly an early FIGO stage than the exophytic group (100.0% vs. 66.7%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, tumor cells in peritoneal washing (20.0% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001), elevated Ca125 levels (51.7% vs. 31.4%, p = 0.003), peritoneal implants (0 vs. 18.3%, p < 0.001), and invasive peritoneal implants (0 vs. 5%, p = 0.003) were more frequently observed in the exophytic group. The survival analysis showed 15 (6.6%) total recurrences, 9 (5.3%) in the endophytic and 6 (10.0%) patients in the exophytic group (p = 0.213). At multivariable analysis, age (p = 0.001), FIGO stage (p = 0.002), fertility-sparing surgery (p = 0.001), invasive implants (p = 0.042), and tumor spillage (p = 0.031) appeared significantly associated with recurrence. Endophytic and exophytic patterns in borderline ovarian tumors show superimposable recurrence rates and disease-free survival.
Brodalumab for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: An Expert Delphi Consensus Statement
Authors: Fargnoli Maria Concetta , Bardazzi Federico , Bianchi Luca , Dapavo Paolo , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Gisondi Paolo , Micali Giuseppe , Offidani Anna Maria , Pellacani Giovanni , Skroza Nevena , Angileri Rosa Giuseppa , Burlando Martina , Campanati Anna , Carrera Carlo Giovanni , Chiricozzi Andrea , Conti Andrea , Simone Clara De , Di Lernia Vito , Errichetti Enzo , Galluzzo Marco , Guarneri Claudio , Lasagni Claudia , Lembo Serena , Loconsole Francesco , Megna Matteo , Musumeci Maria Letizia , Prignano Francesca , Richetta Antonio Giovanni , Trovato Emanuele , Venturini Marina , Peris Ketty , Pinton Piergiacomo Calzavara
Published: May 2023

Brodalumab is a recombinant, fully human immunoglobulin IgG2 monoclonal antibody specifically targeted against interleukin-17RA that has been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in Europe. We developed a Delphi consensus document focused on brodalumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Based on published literature and their clinical experience a steering committee drafted 17 statements covering 7 domains specific to the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis with brodalumab. A panel of 32 Italian dermatologists indicated their level of agreement using a 5-point Likert scale (from 1 = “strongly disagree” to 5 = “strongly agree”) using an online modified Delphi method. After the first round of voting (32 participants), positive consensus was reached for 15/17 (88.2%) of the proposed statements. Following a face-to-face virtual meeting, the steering committee decided that 5 statements would form “main principles” and 10 statements formed the final list. After a second round of voting, consensus was reached in 4/5 (80%) of the main principles and 8/10 (80%) for consensus statements. The final list of 5 main principles and 10 consensus statements identify key indications specific to the use of brodalumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in Italy. These statements aid dermatologists in the management of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
Mitigating IoT Privacy-Revealing Features by Time Series Data Transformation
Authors: Wang Feng , Tang Yongning , Fang Hongbing
Published: May 2023

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, billions of IoT devices are now connected to the internet, producing vast quantities of data. Collecting and sharing this data has become crucial to improving IoT technologies and developing new applications. However, the publication of privacy-preserving IoT traffic data is exceedingly challenging due to the various privacy concerns surrounding users, IoT networks, and devices. In this paper, we propose a data transformation method aimed at safeguarding the privacy of IoT devices by transforming time series datasets. Based on our measurements, we have found that the transformed datasets retain the intrinsic value of the original IoT data and maintains data utility. This approach will enable non-expert data owners to better understand and evaluate the potential device-level privacy risks associated with their IoT data while simultaneously offering a reliable solution to mitigate their concerns about privacy violations.
Gypsum Composites with Modified Waste Expanded Polystyrene
Authors: Argalis Pauls P. , Bumanis Girts , Bajare Diana
Published: May 2023

The construction and demolition waste recycling into secondary raw materials is vital to achieving a sustainable and circular building life cycle. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is one of the materials whose recycling rate should be increased. EPS boards can be shredded and used as aggregate of lightweight cement composites resulting in a material with combined properties subjected from EPS and mineral binder. To reduce the open structure of shredded EPS particles, proper treatment could improve EPS performance. The heat treatment of the aggregates can reduce the volume and increase their density. In this paper, EPS aggregates were heat-treated at 120 and 130 °C, and heat-modified EPS aggregates with a bulk density of 40 and 100 kg/m3 were incorporated as filler material in gypsum composites. The composites’ density, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, and sound absorption were characterized. Results indicate that a composite with a compressive strength from 15 to 136 kPa and a material density ranging from 48 to 194 kg/m3 can be obtained. Thermal conductivity was achieved from 0.0390 to 0.0604 W/(mK). Following the ISO 10534-2 standard, the noise reduction coefficient was determined and showed promising results at 600 to 800 Hz, reaching a sound absorption coefficient of 0.88.
The Influence of Knee Extensor and Ankle Plantar Flexor Strength on Single-Leg Standing Balance in Older Women
Authors: Tapanya Weerasak , Maharan Sinthuporn , Amput Patchareeya , Sangkarit Noppharath , Suwannakul Boonsita
Published: May 2023

Impaired balance is a significant risk factor for falls among older adults. The precise impact of lower-extremity muscles, including the proportion of muscle strength, on the performance of single-leg standing balance tests in older individuals is very interesting. The aim of this study is to examine the correlation between the knee extensor (KE), ankle plantar flexor (AP) muscle strength, and performance in single-leg standing balance tests in older females. Additionally, it aims to evaluate the combined proportion of KE and AP muscle strength in maintaining balance during single-leg standing. A total of 90 older females (mean age 67.83 ± 8.00 years) were recruited. All participants underwent maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) testing of the KE and AP muscles, as well as single-leg standing balance tests with eyes open (SSEO) and eyes closed (SSEC). To examine the influence of KE and AP muscle strength on balance performance, multiple regression analysis was conducted. Low correlations were found between SSEO and MVIC of KE and AP muscles, but moderate correlations were found with percentage of MVIC to body weight ratio (%MVIC/BW). The best model for SSEO included 0.99 times of the %MVIC/BW of AP and 0.66 times that of KE muscles as independent predictor variables (r = 0.682). In conclusion, AP muscle strength was found to have a greater impact on single-leg standing balance compared with KE muscle strength.
Diet and Temperature Effects on the Survival of Larval Red Deep-Sea Crabs, Chaceon quinquedens (Smith, 1879), under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Pérez-Pérez Nivette M. , Poach Matthew , Stevens Bradley , Smith Stacy L. , Ozbay Gulnihal
Published: May 2023

Declines in commercial crustacean species (such as lobsters, king crab, etc.) have caused an increased interest in the harvest of the red deep-sea crab Chaceon quinquedens. The red deep-sea crab is a federally managed fishery; however, little is known about the species’ general biology, especially the conditions required for larval survival. We aimed to answer two main questions about the life history of the red deep-sea crab. First, is there a common larval hatching pattern between adult female crabs? Specifically, our inquiries are about the duration of the hatching process, daily peak hatching time, and the relationship between female morphometry and the total larvae hatched. Second, which are the factors affecting the survival and development of larval red deep-sea crabs? In order to answer these research questions, we studied the effects of diet (rotifers, Artemia sp., algae, and unfed), temperature (9 °C, 15 °C, and 20 °C), and aquaculture settings. Ovigerous females were obtained from commercial traps and transported to the NOAA James J. Howard Laboratory, NJ. They were placed in the Females Husbandry and Hatching Collection System (FHCS), where the larvae hatched. Hatching of adult females was monitored and measured by volume. A simple linear regression (SLR) was calculated to predict the number of larvae hatched based on the measured volumes, and it was significant (F = 1196; df = 1, 13; R2 = 0.9892, p = 3.498 × 10−14). Duration of hatching period showed an approximate 30 days for adult females red deep-sea crabs, with a common daily maximum hatching time at 22:00 hrs (hatching time seem to follow the sun cycle and the first hours after sunset, Perez, pers. observation). Linear polynomial quadratic regressions were conducted for both years with an interaction term for the two continuous variables (diet and temperature), and were used to model the proportion of larval survival through time. In both years, a highly significant difference was obtained (F = 56.15; df = 4, 2134; R2 = 0.09353; p = < 2.2 × 10−16). There is an effect of diet and temperature in the survival of red deep-sea crabs, but not a combined effect of them.
Numerical Simulation-Based Analysis of Seafloor Hydrothermal Plumes: A Case Study of the Wocan-1 Hydrothermal Field, Carlsberg Ridge, Northwest Indian Ocean
Authors: Wang Kanghao , Han Xiqiu , Wang Yejian , Cai Yiyang , Qiu Zhongyan , Zheng Xiaoquan
Published: May 2023

Understanding the dynamics of deep-sea hydrothermal plumes and the depositional pattern of hydrothermal particles is essential for tracking the submarine hydrothermal venting site, prospecting polymetallic sulfide resources, as well as deciphering biogeochemistry cycling of marine elements. In this paper, a numerical model of the deep-sea hydrothermal plume is established based on the topography and long-term current monitoring data of the Wocan-1 hydrothermal field (WHF-1), Carlsberg Ridge, Northwest Indian Ocean. The model allows for a reconstruction of the hydrothermal plume in terms of its structure, velocity field, and temperature field. The relationships between the maximum height of the rising plume and the background current velocity, and between the height of the neutral-buoyancy layer and the background current velocity are established, respectively. The transport patterns of the hydrothermal particles and their controlling factors are revealed. Using hydrothermal particles with a density of ~5000 kg/m3 (i.e., pyrite grains) as an example, it is found that pyrite larger than 1 mm can only be found near the venting site. Those in the size 0.3–0.5 mm can only be found within 137–240 m from the venting site, while those smaller than 0.2 mm can be transported over long distances of more than 1 km. Using the vertical temperature profiling data of WHF-1 obtained during the Jiaolong submersible diving cruise in March 2017, we reconstruct the past current velocity of 10 cm/s, similar to the current data retrieved from the observational mooring system. Our model and the findings contribute to a better understanding of the hydrothermal system of WHF-1, and provide useful information for tracing the hydrothermal vents, prospecting the submarine polymetallic sulfide resources, designing the long-term observation networks, and relevant studies on element cycling and energy budget.
Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion: Matching Flettner Rotors with Diesel Engines and Controllable Pitch Propellers
Authors: Vigna Veronica , Figari Massimo
Published: May 2023

The harvesting of wind energy and its transformation into a thrust force for ship propulsion are gaining in popularity due to the expected benefit in fuel consumption and emission reductions. To exploit these benefits, a proper matching between the conventional diesel engine-screw propeller propulsion plant and the wind-assisted plant is key. This paper aims to present a method and a code for the preliminary sizing of a ship propulsion plant based on a diesel engine, a controllable pitch propeller, and one or more Flettner rotors. A mathematical model describing the behaviour of the rotor in terms of propulsive thrust and power is proposed. The rotor model has been integrated into an existing diesel propulsion model in order to evaluate the ship’s fuel consumption. The ship’s propulsion model is written in a parametric form with respect to the following design parameters: ship dimensions and resistance-speed curve, propeller diameter, engine power, rotor geometry, and true wind conditions. The methodology helps in evaluating the engine–propeller working points and eventually the total ship propulsive power, including the power required to spin the rotor. It provides a way to compare wind-assisted propulsive solutions in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. A 3000-ton Ro-Ro/Pax ferry has been selected as a case study. Results on the parametric analysis of rotor dimensions and propeller pitch optimization are presented.
Case of Mixed Infection of Toenail Caused by Candida parapsilosis and Exophiala dermatitidis and In Vitro Effectiveness of Propolis Extract on Mixed Biofilm
Authors: Salvador Alana , Veiga Flávia Franco , Svidzinski Terezinha Inez Estivalet , Negri Melyssa
Published: May 2023

Onychomycosis is a chronic fungal nail infection caused by several filamentous and yeast-like fungi, such as the genus Candida spp., of great clinical importance. Black yeasts, such as Exophiala dermatitidis, a closely related Candida spp. species, also act as opportunistic pathogens. Fungi infectious diseases are affected by organisms organized in biofilm in onychomycosis, making treatment even more difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility profile to propolis extract and the ability to form a simple and mixed biofilm of two yeasts isolated from the same onychomycosis infection. The yeasts isolated from a patient with onychomycosis were identified as Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto and Exophiala dermatitidis. Both yeasts were able to form simple and mixed (in combination) biofilms. Notably, C. parapsilosis prevailed when presented in combination. The susceptibility profile of propolis extract showed action against E. dermatitidis and C. parapsilosis in planktonic form, but when the yeasts were in mixed biofilm, we only observed action against E. dermatitidis, until total eradication.
Coccidioidomycosis and Host Microbiome Interactions: What We Know and What We Can Infer from Other Respiratory Infections
Authors: Tejeda-Garibay Susana , Hoyer Katrina K.
Published: May 2023

Between 70 and 80% of Valley fever patients receive one or more rounds of antibiotic treatment prior to accurate diagnosis with coccidioidomycosis. Antibiotic treatment and infection (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic) often have negative implications on host microbial dysbiosis, immunological responses, and disease outcome. These perturbations have focused on the impact of gut dysbiosis on pulmonary disease instead of the implications of direct lung dysbiosis. However, recent work highlights a need to establish the direct effects of the lung microbiota on infection outcome. Cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COVID-19, and M. tuberculosis studies suggest that surveying the lung microbiota composition can serve as a predictive factor of disease severity and could inform treatment options. In addition to traditional treatment options, probiotics can reverse perturbation-induced repercussions on disease outcomes. The purpose of this review is to speculate on the effects perturbations of the host microbiome can have on coccidioidomycosis progression. To do this, parallels are drawn to aa compilation of other host microbiome infection studies.
Case Series of Rare Fungal Keratitides: Experiences from a Quaternary Eye Hospital in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Xuan Rachel , Hong Sheng Chiong , Trinh Tanya , Coroneo Minas T. , Petsoglou Constantinos
Published: May 2023

The present article reports on the management of six different and rare cases of fungal keratitides, two of which have never been documented in previous literature. This is a case series of six patients with rare fungal keratitides managed at a quaternary eye referral unit, Sydney Eye Hospital, Australia over a period of 7 months (May to December, 2022). The order of occurrence of fungi isolated was Scedosporium apiospermum, Lomenstospora prolificans, Cladosporium spp., Paecilomyces, Syncephalastrum racemosum and Quambalaria spp. A combination of medical and surgical interventions was employed, including topical and systemic anti-fungal therapy, with one requiring therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty and another eventuating in evisceration. Two patients were successfully treated with corneal debridement and two others required pars plana vitrectomy with anterior chamber washout. It is important to remain vigilant with monitoring patient symptoms and correlating with clinical signs to guide antifungal therapy even in the context of confirmed culture and sensitivity results.
Comparison of Anatomical Preformed Titanium Implants and Patient-Specific CAD/CAM Implants in the Primary Reconstruction of Isolated Orbital Fractures—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Pietzka Sebastian , Wenzel Markus , Winter Karsten , Wilde Frank , Schramm Alexander , Ebeling Marcel , Kasper Robin , Scheurer Mario , Sakkas Andreas
Published: May 2023

Background/Aim: Reconstruction of the fractured orbit remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to compare anatomical preformed titanium orbital implants with patient-specific CAD/CAM implants for precision and intraoperative applicability. Material and Methods: A total of 75 orbital reconstructions from 2012 to 2022 were retrospectively assessed for their precision of implant position and intra- and postoperative revision rates. For this purpose, the implant position after digital orbital reconstruction was checked for deviations by mirroring the healthy orbit at 5 defined points, and the medical records of the patients were checked for revisions. Results: The evaluation of the 45 anatomical preformed orbital implant cases showed significantly higher deviations and an implant inaccuracy of 66.6% than the 30 CAD/CAM cases with only 10% inaccuracy. In particular, the CAD/CAM implants were significantly more precise in medial and posterior positioning. In addition, the intraoperative revision rates of 26.6% vs. 11% after 3D intraoperative imaging and the postoperative revision rates of 13% vs. 0 for the anatomical preformed implants were significantly higher than for patient-specific implants. Conclusion: We conclude that patient-specific CAD/CAM orbital implants are highly suitable for primary orbital reconstruction. These seem to be preferable to anatomical preformed implants in terms of precision and revision rates.
Sentinel Lymph Node Impact on the Quality of Life of Patients with Endometrial Cancer
Authors: García-Pineda Virginia , Hernández Alicia , Garrido-Mallach Sonia , Rodríguez-González Elena , Alonso-Espías María , Gracia Myriam , Arnedo Rocío , Zapardiel Ignacio
Published: May 2023

Objective: Given the improvement in the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer with the inclusion of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), our aim was to evaluate the impact of this minimally invasive and tailored nodal assessment on patients’ quality of life (QoL). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a single-centre, tertiary-level hospital. Patients diagnosed with preoperative early-stage endometrial cancer, who underwent primary surgical treatment between August 2015 and November 2021, were included. The enrolled patients were divided into two cohorts according to the nodal staging performed: the first group underwent only SLNB (SLNB group); the second group underwent pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy (LND group). We evaluated the overall QoL using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life core 30-item questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and a sexual health questionnaire (EORTC SHQ-C20). The scores were compared between the groups. Results: Ninety patients were enrolled in the study: 61 (67.8%) in the SLNB group and 29 (32.2%) in the LND group. In the LND group, 24 (82.7%) patients underwent pelvic and para-aortic LND, while 5 (17.3%) patients underwent pelvic LND. The assessment of the functional scales showed better results for the SLNB group than for the LND group, with a significantly lower impact on physical status (8.2% vs. 25%, respectively; p = 0.031). In terms of the symptom scales, the SLNB group reported a significantly lower negative impact on sleep quality (4.9% vs. 27.6%, respectively; p < 0.01), pain (1.6% vs. 13.8%, respectively; p = 0.019), and dyspnoea (0% vs. 10.3%, respectively; p = 0.011) than the LND group. The SLNB group had better results for all analysed items regarding sexual QoL. Conclusions: The implementation of a surgical technique with SLNB improved patients’ overall QoL by increasing their well-being in the functional and symptom spheres.
A Stochastic Markov Chain for Estimating New Entrants into Professional Pension Funds
Authors: Fiori Maccioni Alessandro
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a stochastic Markov chain model for estimating new entrants into professional orders and their related pension funds. The model considers the interactions between demographic, socio-economic and regulatory variables. The intuition behind it is that, in the medium term, trends in academic education can anticipate changes in the job market and preferences for highly skilled professions. Similarly, in the long term, fertility trends can anticipate the number of future young adults, thus influencing the overall occupational structure of employment. The model has been formalized mathematically and successfully validated by backtesting over historical data. The model’s predictions have been compared with the observed data of new entrants into the Italian order of chartered accountants (CNDCEC) between 2012 and 2021. The related professional pension fund (CNPADC) has also been analyzed under the additional assumption of stochastic returns with an evaluation of the impact of future new chartered accountants on its demographic and financial evolution between 2020 and 2070.
The Return of the King: The Importance of Killer Content in a Competitive OTT Market
Authors: Kim Jongwha , Lee Changjun
Published: May 2023

As the over-the-top (OTT) service market continues to evolve, with new large global players entering the already crowded market, competition between various OTT services for subscribers has intensified. In this study, we aim to investigate the impact of user preference content on the selection of specific OTT services by consumers. Specifically, we employ the conjoint experiment (CE) method to examine consumer utility, relative importance, and marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for over-the-top (OTT) subscription service attributes. Especially, the presence of users’ killer content and its impact on MWTP is the focus of our study. As a result of calculating the MWTP for each attribute, we found that users are willing to pay about 7633 KRW (5.8 USD) for the first-ranked killer content in their first preferred genre. To gain a deeper understanding of users’ willingness to pay for OTT services, we further analyzed the data by age group and the number of OTT services in use. Based on the results, we suggest strategic plans for local OTT operators to compete effectively in the fiercely competitive OTT market.
Chatbots and Voice Assistants: Digital Transformers of the Company–Customer Interface—A Systematic Review of the Business Research Literature
Authors: Bălan Carmen
Published: May 2023

Chatbots and voice assistants are digital transformers of the interface between companies and customers. They have become part of the current practice of companies and represent a distinct domain of business research. This trend is significant in the broad business context marked by the digital transformation of companies, the fast development of e-commerce and the omnichannel behavior of customers. This article is a systematic review of the high-quality business research literature on chatbots and voice assistants. The purpose of this review is to critically analyze the current status of this literature from the perspective of the theories, contexts, characteristics and methodologies applied. The final aim of this review is to support the domain of study by suggesting a relevant agenda for future research. This review brings several contributions to the research domain, including the following: the identification of the main streams of high-quality business research in function of the theories in which the studies are grounded; the development of a conceptual framework of the investigated variables (antecedents, mediators, moderators and consequences); the creation of a conceptual framework of the humanlikeness of chatbots and voice assistants; the development of a conceptual framework of the consumer experience with chatbots and voice assistants and the presentation of insights for business practice.
Effect of Canal Bank Engineering Disturbance on Plant Communities: Analysis of Taxonomic and Functional Beta Diversity
Authors: Pugh Brittany E. , Field Richard
Published: May 2023

We aimed to determine how patterns of functional and taxonomic dissimilarities and their components differ between disturbed and undisturbed plant communities. Taxonomic (species) and functional (trait) diversity are key aspects of biodiversity, and their respective dissimilarities are important in diversity scaling and for informing conservation. We utilized a pseudo-experimental setting, the Basingstoke Canal, UK, where sections of canal bank have been repaired over a four-year period and are interspersed with sections left undisturbed. We collected plant community data, computed functional beta diversity and taxonomic beta diversity and partitioned them into species loss and replacement components. We compared disturbed and undisturbed plots with respect to these dissimilarity measures, the time since disturbance, invasive species, plant life-forms and environmental dissimilarity. We found high levels of taxonomic (85–90%) and functional (70–76%) dissimilarities between disturbed and undisturbed sites, primarily driven by turnover. The total dissimilarity was lower for functional dissimilarity than taxonomic dissimilarity. Disturbed sites had greater between-site taxonomic and functional dissimilarities and lower plant abundances than undisturbed sites, driven by both turnover and nestedness components. The disturbed site functional diversity diverged strongly from null expectations. We found no significant effects of time since disturbance, environmental variables or invasive species, possibly indicating the dominance of stochastic, local-scale processes. However, disturbed sites had lower levels of phanerophyte richness and higher levels of therophyte richness. Our results indicate that small-scale disturbances may increase taxonomic and functional between-community dissimilarities in anthropogenic habitats without increasing invasive species, lending support to local-scale conservation that enhances habitat heterogeneity to promote taxonomic diversity and its corresponding biotic functions.
Extended Opioid Exposure Modulates the Molecular Metabolism of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Garige Mamatha , Poncet Sarah , Norris Alexis , Chou Chao-Kai , Wu Wells W. , Shen Rong-Fong , Greenberg Jacob W. , Krane Louis Spencer , Sourbier Carole
Published: May 2023

Opioids are commonly prescribed for extended periods of time to patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma to assist with pain management. Because extended opioid exposure has been shown to affect the vasculature and to be immunosuppressive, we investigated how it may affect the metabolism and physiology of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. RNA sequencing of a limited number of archived patients’ specimens with extended opioid exposure or non-opioid exposure was performed. Immune infiltration and changes in the microenvironment were evaluated using CIBERSORT. A significant decrease in M1 macrophages and T cells CD4 memory resting immune subsets was observed in opioid-exposed tumors, whereas the changes observed in other immune cells were not statistically significant. Further RNA sequencing data analysis showed that differential expression of KEGG signaling pathways was significant between non-opioid-exposed specimens and opioid-exposed specimens, with a shift from a gene signature consistent with aerobic glycolysis to a gene signature consistent with the TCA cycle, nicotinate metabolism, and the cAMP signaling pathway. Together, these data suggest that extended opioid exposure changes the cellular metabolism and immune homeostasis of ccRCC, which might impact the response to therapy of these patients, especially if the therapy is targeting the microenvironment or metabolism of ccRCC tumors.
Associations between Pharmacological Treatment Patterns during the Initial Treatment Period and the Relapse or Recurrence of Anxiety Disorders: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Junhyung , Han Changsu , Lee Moon-Soo , Jeong Hyun-Ghang , Kim Jae-Jin , Kim Seung-Hyun
Published: May 2023

Although the importance of proper pharmacological treatment for preventing the relapse/recurrence of anxiety disorders is well known, a real-world data-based study has not been conducted. We aimed to investigate the effect of the initial pharmacological patterns related to continuous treatment and the choice of medication on the relapse/recurrence of anxiety disorders. We used claim data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, South Korea, of 34,378 adults who received psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, after being newly diagnosed with anxiety disorders. We compared the relapse/recurrence rate in the patients receiving continuous pharmacological treatment with those who discontinued treatment early using Cox’s proportional-hazards model. Patients receiving continuous pharmacological treatment experienced a higher risk of relapse/recurrence than those who discontinued treatment. Using three or more antidepressants during the initial treatment period decreased the risk of relapse/recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.229 (0.204–0.256)); however, the combined use of antidepressants from the beginning of treatment increased the risk (aHR = 1.215 (1.131–1.305)). Factors other than continuous pharmacological treatment should be considered to effectively prevent the relapse/recurrence of anxiety disorders. The active use of antidepressants, including switching or adding medications based on progress and frequent follow-up visits during the acute phase, were significantly associated with a reduction in the relapse/recurrence of anxiety disorders.
Differences in the Urinary Microbiome of Patients with Overactive Bladder Syndrome with and without Detrusor Overactivity on Urodynamic Measurements
Authors: Javan Balegh Marand Aida , Baars Cléo , Heesakkers John , van den Munckhof Ellen , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Rahnama’i Mohammad , Janssen Dick
Published: May 2023

Introduction: It has been hypothesized that the urinary microbiome might play an important role in OAB. Studies have been conducted on the association between OAB symptoms and the microbiome, although a possible causality still has to be determined. Material and Methods: In this study, 12 female patients, ≥18 years of age, with ‘OAB DO+’ and 9 female patients with ‘OAB DO-’ were included. Patients were excluded if they met one of the following exclusion criteria: bladder tumors and previous bladder operations; sacral neuromodulation; injection of Botox in the bladder; and TOT or TVT operations. Urine samples were collected and stored with patient informed consent and with the approval of the Hospital Ethical Review Board (Arnhem–Nijmegen). All OAB patients underwent urodynamics before collecting urine samples, and the diagnosis of detrusor overactivity was confirmed by two individual urologists. In addition, samples from 12 healthy controls who did not undergo urodynamic evaluation were analyzed. The 16S rRNA V1–V2 region amplification and gel electrophoresis were used to determine the microbiota. Results: 12 of the OAB patients had DO shown on their urodynamic studies; the remaining 9 patients had a normoactive detrusor on their urodynamic measurements. Overall, there were no substantial differences among the demographic characteristics of the subjects. The samples were classified as the following: 180 phyla, 180 classes, 179 orders, 178 families, 175 genera, and 138 species. The least commonly observed phyla were Proteobacteria, with an average presence of 10%, followed by Bacteroidetes with 15%, Actinobacteria with 16%, and Firmicutes with 41%. Most of the sequences could be classified according to the genus level for each sample. Discussion: Significant differences were observed in the urinary microbiome of patients with overactive bladder syndrome who have detrusor overactivity on urodynamics compared to OAB patients without detrusor overactivity and matched controls. OAB patients with detrusor overactivity have a significantly less diverse microbiome and show a higher proportion of Lactobacillus, particularly Lactobacillus iners. The results imply that the urinary microbiome could be involved in the pathogenesis of a specific phenotype of OAB. The urinary microbiome could be a new starting point to study the causes and treatments of OAB.
Should We Change the Target of Therapy in Pulmonary Hypertension?
Authors: Karyofyllis Panagiotis , Demerouti Eftychia , Habibis Pavlos , Apostolopoulou Styliani , Tsetika Eleftheria-Garyfallia , Tsiapras Dimitrios
Published: May 2023

Despite the evolution of drug therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension and the more aggressive treatment approach according to the guidelines, patients continue to have unacceptable mortality rates. Furthermore, specific drug therapy alone in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension also does not seem to have any beneficial impact on survival. As the function of the right ventricle (RV) determines the prognosis of patients with pulmonary hypertension, the treatment strategy should focus on modifying factors involved in RV dysfunction. Although some previous reports demonstrated that the survival of patients with pulmonary hypertension was associated with mPAP, nevertheless, mPAP is still not considered as a target of therapy. There are many examples of effective mPAP lowering with early and aggressive drug therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension, or with interventions in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. This effective mPAP reduction can lead to reverse RV remodeling, and thus, improvement in survival. In this article, the importance of mPAP lowering is stated, as well as why the change of our current strategy and considering mPAP reduction as the target of therapy could make pulmonary hypertension a chronic but not fatal disease.
Dynamics of Bacterioplankton Communities during Wet and Dry Seasons in the Danjiangkou Reservoir in Hubei, China
Authors: Yang Qing , Li Dewang , Chen Wei , Zhu Liming , Zou Xi , Hu Lian , Yuan Yujie , He Shan , Shi Fang
Published: May 2023

Water quality is directly linked to drinking water safety for millions of people receiving the water. The Danjiangkou Reservoir is the main water source for the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (MR-SNWDP), located in the vicinity of Henan and Hubei provinces in China. Aquatic microorganisms are key indicators of biologically assessing and monitoring the water quality of the reservoir as they are sensitive to environmental and water quality changes. This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal variations in bacterioplankton communities during wet (April) and dry (October) seasons at eight monitoring points in Hanku reservoir and five monitoring points in Danku reservoir. Each time point had three replicates, labeled as wet season Hanku (WH), wet season Danku (WD), dry season Hanku (DH), and dry season Danku (DD) of Danjiangkou Reservoir in 2021. High-throughput sequencing (Illumina PE250) of the 16S rRNA gene was performed, and alpha (ACE and Shannon) and beta (PCoA and NDMS) diversity indices were analyzed. The results showed that the dry season (DH and DD) had more diverse bacterioplankton communities compared to the wet season (WH and WD). Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes were the most abundant phyla, and Acinetobacter, Exiguobacterium, and Planomicrobium were abundant in the wet season, while polynucleobacter was abundant in the dry season. The functional prediction of metabolic pathways revealed six major functions including carbohydrate metabolism, membrane transport, amino acid metabolism, signal transduction, and energy metabolism. Redundancy analysis showed that environmental parameters greatly affected bacterioplankton diversity during the dry season compared to the wet season. The findings suggest that seasonality has a significant impact on bacterioplankton communities, and the dry season has more diverse communities influenced by environmental parameters. Further, the relatively high abundance of certain bacteria such as Acinetobacter deteriorated the water quality during the wet season compared to the dry season. Our findings have significant implications for water resource management in China, and other countries facing similar challenges. However, further investigations are required to elucidate the role of environmental parameters in influencing bacterioplankton diversity in order to devise potential strategies for improving water quality management in the reservoir.
Association of Piriformis Thickness, Hip Muscle Strength, and Low Back Pain Patients with and without Piriformis Syndrome in Malaysia
Authors: Othman Ida Kartini , Raj Naresh Bhaskar , Siew Kuan Chua , Sidek Sabrilhakim , Wong Ling Shing , Djearamane Sinouvassane , Loganathan Annaletchumy , Selvaraj Siddharthan
Published: May 2023

Low back pain is a serious threat to human health and the illness jeopardizes the human workforce and pressurizes the health system in the community. Low back pain might be related to piriformis syndrome (PS), which is a disorder presented as muscular spasm and hypertrophy that is strongly associated with piriformis thickness. Nevertheless, the relationship between piriformis thickness and morphological and functional changes of the gluteal muscles in PS remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between the thickness, strength, and activation of piriformis and gluteus muscles (maximus and medius) among low back pain (LBP) patients with and without PS. This is a case-control study conducted at HSNZ and UiTM from 2019–2020. A total number of 91 participants (LBP + PS (n = 36), LBP − PS (n = 24), and healthy (n = 31)) were recruited in this study. Negative radiography, specific symptoms, and a positive PS test were applied for PS diagnoses. The thickness, strength, and activation of piriformis and gluteus muscles were measured using ultrasonography (USG) and a surface electromyogram, respectively. Resultantly, the one-way ANOVA test demonstrated no significant difference in piriformis thickness between LBP + PS and LBP − PS (p > 0.01). Piriformis thickness was inversely correlated with gluteus maximus strength (r = −0.4, p < 0.05) and positively correlated with gluteus medius activation (r = 0.48, p < 0.01) in LBP + PS. Stepwise linear regression for LBP + PS revealed a significant association between piriformis thickness and gluteus maximus strength (R = −0.34, accounted for 11% of the variance) and gluteus medius activation in prone lying with the hip in an externally rotated, abducted, and extended (ERABEX) position (R = 0.43, accounted for 23% of the variance). With the adjustment of age and gender, piriformis thickness, gluteus maximus strength, and gluteus medius activation in prone lying with hip ERABEX demonstrated a significant association, but no independent effect of age and gender was detected within the range. Meanwhile, a significant association between piriformis thickness and gluteus maximus thickness was observed (R = 0.44, accounted for 19% of the variance) in the LBP − PS group. These findings may assist to elucidate the actions and functions of piriformis and gluteus muscle in LBP with and without PS.
The Impact of Systemic Oncological Treatments on the Fertility of Adolescents and Young Adults—A Systematic Review
Authors: Himpe Justine , Lammerant Sander , Van den Bergh Lore , Lapeire Lore , De Roo Chloë
Published: May 2023

Background: Over the past decades, advancements in oncological treatments have led to major improvements in survival. Particularly for adolescents and young adults (AYAs), fertility is an important concern in cancer survivorship. The purpose of the review is to provide physicians with a practical overview of the current knowledge about the impact of systemic oncological treatments on the fertility of female and male AYAs. Methods: A systematic review was performed based on relevant articles obtained from 4 databases up until 31 December 2022. Results: The mechanisms of gonadotoxicity and the concurrent risk is described for the following categories: chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. For the category “chemotherapy”, the specific effects and risks are listed for the different classes and individual chemotherapeutics. In the category “targeted therapy”, a distinction was made between tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies. Information concerning immunotherapy is scarce. Conclusions: The effects of chemotherapy on fertility are well investigated, but even in this category, results can be conflicting. Insufficient data are available on the fertility effects of targeted therapy and immunotherapy to draw definitive conclusions. More research is needed for these therapies and their evolving role in treating cancers in AYAs. It would be useful to include fertility endpoints in clinical trials that evaluate new and existing oncological treatments.
Comparative Susceptibility of Pathogenic Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius to Empirical Co-Trimoxazole for Canine Pyoderma
Authors: Khongsri Usasom , Chongrattanameteekul Peerawit , Chantarachart Sineenart , Photichai Kornravee , Chanayat Nittaya , Varinrak Thanya , Mektrirat Raktham , Srifawattana Nuttawan
Published: May 2023

The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) that causes pyoderma has been gradually shifting, according to many surveillance studies, with annual changes. The empirical co-trimoxazole regimen remains interesting, but research on co-trimoxazole susceptibility to MRSP is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of co-trimoxazole to canine pyoderma MRSP isolates. Sixty isolates of S. pseudintermedius were identified as 16 MRSP and 44 methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP) using an oxacillin disk diffusion test and VITEK 2 system with VITEK GP card. Using the VITEK 2 system with a VITEK AST-GP81 card, the susceptibility rates of MRSP (15.00%) and MSSP (35.00%) to co-trimoxazole was observed. The median MIC of co-trimoxazole on MSSP (median, ≤10; IQR, 10–320) was lower than that of MRSP (median, ≥320; IQR, 10–320) (p = 0.5889, Mann-Whitney test). Percent attainment of PK/PD targets in MRSP (q 12 h, 43.75; q 8 h, 43.75) were lower than that of MSSP (q 12 h, 52.27; q 8 h, 52.27) (p = 0.7710). These findings show the moderately phenotypic co-trimoxazole susceptibilities of both MRSP and MSSP. Further study is required to develop clinical trials examining the use of co-trimoxazole in dogs with pyoderma.