bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dilemma and solutions of treatment delay in cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A single‐center, prospective survey
Authors: Liu Yan'e , Yao Yanhong , Wang Qiqi , Liu Zhentao , Gu Yangchun , Zhang Hua , Yi Fumei , Cao Baoshan
Published: November 2021

Introduction

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the protective and medical resources were limited, while a limited number of studies have concentrated on the influences of COVID‐19 on the treatment of cancer patients. This survey aimed to explore the protective awareness about COVID‐19, the incidence and factors influencing treatment delay, and expected treatment modality of cancer patients, so as to assist cancer patients.

Methods

A current prospective, online survey was conducted through the WeChat platform on cancer outpatients at the Department of Peking University Third Hospital in China from March 4 to April 4, 2020.

Results

A total of 141 patients completed the survey after excluding 35 patients with an incomplete questionnaire. Note that 100% of the patients wore masks and paid attention to hand hygiene during the hospital visits, 73.0% of the patients had a strong desire to treat cancer, and 41.8% experienced treatment delay. The rate of treatment delay among the patients treated in other departments was markedly higher than that in our department (64.7% vs. 38.7%, p = .042). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the previous treatment department was independently correlated with treatment delay. Moreover, 51.8% of the patients preferred to receive chemotherapy in the day ward, 54.6% hoped to receive a strong contact with doctors, and 83.7% would like to receive online therapeutic consultation.

Conclusion

The rate of treatment delay was remarkable, which may be related to previous treatment departments. Promotion of "active management of attending physician” and “telemedicine” may be highly advantageous for cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus increases risk of erectile dysfunction independent of obesity and dyslipidemia: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yuan Chi , Jian Zhongyu , Gao Xiaoshuai , Jin Xi , Wang Menghua , Xiang Liyuan , Li Hong , Wang Kunjie
Published: November 2021

Background

The causal effects of individual risk factors of metabolic syndrome on erectile dysfunction (ED) are still unclear.

Objectives

To evaluate the causal effect of risk factors of metabolic syndrome on ED through Mendelian randomization (MR).

Materials and methods

Data for risk factors were obtained from multiple databases with 173,082–757,601 individuals, and that for ED were collected from a genome‐wide association study including 223,805 Europeans. We performed univariate MR analysis using inverse‐variance weighted, MR‐Egger, weighted‐median, weighted mode methods and multivariable MR analysis to evaluate the total and direct causal effects.

Results

The univariable MR supported that type 2 diabetes mellitus (odds ratios [OR] = 1.14, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.08–1.21, p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.12–1.44, p < 0.001) were associated with ED. After excluding the SNPs associated with BMI and other risk factors, the results of multivariable MR for T2D (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05–1.25, p = 0.001) remained consistent. However, the results of multivariable MR provided limited evidence for the causality between BMI and ED (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.88–1.29, p = 0.532). For systolic blood pressure and lipid components (low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein and triglycerides), both univariable and multivariable MR failed to offer sufficient evidence to confirm their causal effect on ED.

Conclusion

T2D showed a direct causal effect on ED independent of obesity and dyslipidemia.
Male genome influences embryonic development as early as pronuclear stage
Authors: Peer Aviv , Atzmon Yuval , Aslih Nardin , Bilgory Asaf , Estrada Daniela , Raya Yasmin Shibli Abu , Shalom‐Paz Einat
Published: November 2021

Background

Impaired paternal genome expression may cause poor embryonic development after in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Objective

To evaluate the expression of male infertility on embryo morphokinetics using a time‐lapse incubator and its impact on IVF cycles.

Materials and methods

This retrospective cohort study followed patients from January 2017 to August 2019. Patients were divided according to the cause of infertility to male factor (study group) and unexplained infertility (control group) and further subdivided according to the severity of male infertility.

Results

A cohort of 462 patients who underwent IVF cycles, with a total of 3,252 embryos was evaluated. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was conducted more often in the study group compared to the control group (94% vs. 47%, p < 0.0001) and more embryos were discarded (47% vs. 43%, p = 0.016). Treatment outcomes were comparable in both groups regardless of the severity of male infertility. T3–T5 had a significant impact on embryo quality and more transfer and freeze compared to discard. Maternal age, number of aspirated oocytes, BMI, protocol used, and faster time to T3, T6 were significant in increasing chances of achieving pregnancy.

Conclusion

The paternal genome may have an earlier impact on embryo development than previously surmised and may also account for faster morphokinetics. Faster embryo cleavage in male infertility IVF‐ICSI cycles may contribute to outcomes comparable to other causes of infertility, in terms of embryo quality and clinical pregnancy rate, despite lower sperm quality, even in cases of severe Oligo‐terato‐Astheno spermia (OTA).
Managing goal conflict. The case of agency theory in the policy settings for public–private partnerships; A perspective on citizen and government interests.
Authors: Zwalf Sebastian
Published: November 2021

Over the last three decades, public–private partnerships (PPPs) have become an increasingly large part of the infrastructure program of governments around the world. They have been met with a high degree of academic interest, much of which has been critical. A significant strand of this criticism has focused on the drivers of governments that have chosen to employ PPPs. This article brings together an analysis of these scholarly criticisms and considers these assumed drivers against an agency theory framework. Until now, no scholarly article has considered the role of agency theory in the assumed drivers for governments to use PPPs. This paper finds that agency theory has strong explanatory power for the emergence of PPPs as the infrastructure delivery model preferred by governments and, in particular, has helped governments to manage the conflicting interests of citizen groups.
Multifaceted volunteering: The volunteering experience in the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in light of volunteering styles
Authors: Kulik Liat
Published: November 2021

The goal of the present study was to investigate differences in the volunteering experience during the COVID‐19 pandemic according to three volunteering styles: traditional volunteering that takes place mainly face‐to‐face, virtual volunteering that occurs through digital means and hybrid volunteering that combines virtual and traditional volunteering. The research sample included 657 volunteers during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Four aspects of the volunteering experience were tested: the motivational, the affective, the cognitive and the behavioral. The experience of the hybrid volunteers was more positive in some aspects compared to the others: hybrid volunteers are motivated more by social solidarity, feel that they make a greater contribution to the community, and exhibit greater commitment to volunteer. However, they are less satisfied than the others from the professional accompaniment during their volunteering and experience higher levels of negative affect. The virtual volunteers exhibit relatively low commitment to volunteering and are less satisfied with the feedback they receive from the clients. The content of the special moments of the traditional and hybrid volunteers is usually emotional and focuses on the self, whereas the special moments for the virtual volunteers are purposeful and focused on the client.

It is recommended to hold explanatory activities for clients that will encourage expression of thankfulness to the volunteers.

Communication channels should be developed in order to afford constant feedback to the virtual volunteers via the digital means by which it takes place.

Adaptation of the volunteering styles to the volunteers’ needs and to their technological abilities will ensure commitment to volunteer over time for the benefit of the volunteers and their clients.
Unpacking the complexities of child well‐being in Southeast Asia: Insights for social policy
Authors: Bin Aedy Rahman Hamzah Nor , Yuda Tauchid Komara
Published: November 2021

The body of knowledge related to child well‐being in Southeast Asia is sketchy and preliminary. Using standardized Z‐scores, we computed the child well‐being index (CWI) to observe how well 11 Southeast Asian countries take care of children. The overall result shows most countries in this region have “less” to “moderate” performance in terms of CWI realization. An exception is given to Singapore, which has achieved a higher degree of CWI. Further analysis on “child well‐being regimes” suggests that examined countries have been combining productive and protective models with more emphasis on the former. The explanation for the low level of CWI and pervasive characteristic of productivism may rest on moral argumentation, in which child well‐being is constructed as an intimate and private area. Public provisions to regulate child well‐being, consequently, remain hidden behind the family unit as objects rather than subjects of social policy. Tied to low‐performance countries, we call for generous welfare programs to support low‐income families and intensified effort for the provision of quality education, healthcare, and basic facilities in order to enhance the well‐being of children.
Short‐term impact of COVID‐19 on consumption spending and its underlying mechanisms: Evidence from Singapore
Authors: Kim Seonghoon , Koh Kanghyock , Zhang Xuan
Published: November 2021

We examine the short‐term impact of COVID‐19 on consumption spending and its underlying mechanisms using individual‐level monthly panel data from Singapore. Although Singapore's case fatality rate was one of the lowest in the world in the early stage of the pandemic (0.05%), we find that the COVID‐19 pandemic reduced household consumption spending by almost one quarter at its peak, with a larger response from households with above‐median wealth. We show that the reduction in consumption spending is associated with the nationwide lockdown policy, heightened economic uncertainty and reduced income. In addition, we find a substantial increase in monthly savings among households without income losses, suggesting a substantial rebound in consumption spending after the lifting of the lockdown. The results from June 2020 confirm this conjecture, as we find that consumption spending rebounded by about 10 percentage points in that month.
HVAD versus heartmate III bridge to heart transplantation: Waitlist and posttransplant outcomes
Authors: Hess Nicholas R. , Witer Lucas , Katz Marc R. , Pope Nicolas H. , Tedford Ryan J. , Houston Brian A. , Kilic Arman
Published: November 2021

Background

This study compared outcomes of patients bridged with either the Heartware HVAD or Heartmate 3 (HM3) device to orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT).

Methods

The United Network of Organ Sharing registry was queried to perform two separate analyses of adult, isolated OHT candidates bridged with HVAD or HM3. First, waitlist outcomes were compared among patients waitlisted 1/1/2015‐3/20/2020. Second, posttransplant survival was compared among those transplanted 1/1/2015‐3/20/2020.

Results

Two thousand two hundred fifty‐five candidates were waitlisted within the study period, 1587 (70.4%) bridged with HVAD and 668 (29.6%) with HM3. At 1 year from waitlisting, cumulative incidence of OHT higher in the HVAD cohort (p < .001). During the same time period, 2643 patients underwent OHT, 2154 (81.5%) with prior HVAD and 489 (18.5%) with HM3. Yearly proportions of patients bridged with HM3 increased across the study period and decreased for HVAD (p < .001). HM3‐bridged recipients had shorter waitlist times, longer graft cold ischemic times, and experienced a higher rate of posttransplant dialysis requirement. Unadjusted and risk‐adjusted posttransplant mortality rates were similar between both groups.

Conclusions

Posttransplant survival is equivalent regardless of device type used for bridging. However, HM3 patients had lower likelihood of reaching transplantation, which may be a reflection of the recent heart allocation policy changes.
Brief Research Commentary: The US Indigenous Food Sovereignty Movement’s Impact on Understandings of COVID‐19 in Indian Country
Authors: Lewis Courtney
Published: November 2021

This research commentary provides an overview of contemporary anthropological research regarding the US Indigenous food sovereignty movement and demonstrates how it informs the impacts of COVID‐19 on Indian Country. Past anthropological research on US Indigenous foodways, while useful, has lacked US Indigenous voices and in‐depth political context. Alternatively, many current Indigenous scholars prioritize integration of this crucial political landscape, thus increasing the relevancy and application of this work. For this review, I begin by coalescing a selection of these recent research developments, primarily focusing on research undertaken by Indigenous scholars currently in, and affiliated with, anthropology. I then connect the ways in which their ethnographic and community‐based findings shed insight into challenges that arose during the Covid‐19 pandemic in 2020. Finally, I critique anthropology’s lack of support for these research projects and offer suggestions regarding future US Indigenous food sovereignty research directions.
Habitat model forecasts suggest potential redistribution of marine predators in the southern Indian Ocean
Authors: Reisinger Ryan R. , Corney Stuart , Raymond Ben , Lombard Amanda T. , Bester Marthán N. , Crawford Robert J. M. , Davies Delia , de Bruyn P. J. Nico , Dilley Ben J. , Kirkman Stephen P. , Makhado Azwianewi B. , Ryan Peter G. , Schoombie Stefan , Stevens Kim L. , Tosh Cheryl A. , Wege Mia , Whitehead T. Otto , Sumner Michael D. , Wotherspoon Simon , Friedlaender Ari S. , Cotté Cedric , Hindell Mark A. , Ropert‐Coudert Yan , Pistorius Pierre A.
Published: November 2021

Aim

Climate change will likely lead to a significant redistribution of biodiversity in marine ecosystems. We examine the potential redistribution of a community of marine predators by comparing current and future habitat distribution projections. We examine relative changes among species, indicative of potential future community‐level changes and consider potential consequences of these changes for conservation and management.

Location

Southern Indian Ocean.

Methods

We used tracking data from 14 species (10 seabirds, 3 seals and 1 cetacean, totalling 538 tracks) to model the habitat selection of predators around the Prince Edward Islands. Using random forest classifiers, we modelled habitat selection as a response to a static environmental covariate and nine dynamic environmental covariates obtained from eight IPCC‐class climate models. To project the potential distribution of the predators in 2071–2100, we used climate model outputs assuming two greenhouse gas emission scenarios: RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5.

Results

Analogous climates are projected to predominantly shift to the southeast and southwest. Species’ potential range shifts varied in direction and magnitude, but overall shifted slightly to the southwest. Despite the variable shifts among species, current species co‐occurrence patterns and future projections were statistically similar. Our projections show that at least some important habitats will shift out of national waters and marine protected areas by 2100, but important habitat area will increase in the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources Area. Predicted areas of common use among predators decreased north of the islands and increased to the south, suggesting that multiple predator species may use southerly habitats more intensively in the future. Consequently, Southern Ocean management authorities could implement conservation actions to partially offset these shifts.

Main conclusions

Overall, we predict that marine predator biodiversity in the southern Indian Ocean will be redistributed, with ecological, conservation and management implications.
Is vegetation cover in key behaviour settings important for early childhood socioemotional function? A preregistered, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mygind Lærke , Elsborg Peter , Schipperijn Jasper , Boruff Bryan , Lum Jarrad A. G. , Bølling Mads , Flensborg‐Madsen Trine , Bentsen Peter , Enticott Peter G. , Christian Hayley
Published: November 2021

The environmental influences on early childhood development are understudied. The association between vegetation cover (i.e., trees, shrubs, grassed areas) in four key behaviour settings and socioemotional functioning was investigated in 1196 young children (2–5 years). Emotional difficulties were inversely associated with vegetation cover in the home yard (OR: 0.81 [0.69—0.96]) and neighbourhood (OR: 0.79 [0.67–0.94]), but not in early childhood education and care (ECEC) centre outdoor areas or the ECEC neighbourhood. The higher odds of emotional difficulties associated with lower levels of maternal education was reduced with higher percentages of home yard vegetation cover. There was no evidence of mediation of the relationship between emotional difficulties and vegetation cover by time spent playing outside the home, day or nighttime sleep duration, or physical activity. We found no associations between vegetation cover and conduct, hyperactivity and inattention, peer difficulties, or prosocial behaviours. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3HeEiIjVZc
Nasal obstruction during the growth period modulates the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor production in association with tyrosine kinase receptor B mRNA reduction in mouse hippocampus
Authors: Ishidori Hideyuki , Okihara Hidemasa , Ogawa Takuya , Abe Yasunori , Kato Chiho , Aung Phyo Thura , Fujita Akiyo , Kokai Satoshi , Ono Takashi
Published: November 2021

There is accumulating evidence that nasal obstruction induces high‐level brain dysfunction, including memory and learning deficits. We previously demonstrated that unilateral nasal obstruction (UNO) during the growth period increases the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The expression of BDNF is regulated by the Wnt/β‐Catenin pathway, which is linked to neuronal differentiation, proliferation, and maintenance. However, little is known about whether Wnt3a protein expression could be an index for modulations analyses in the Wnt/β‐Catenin pathway caused by UNO during the growth period. This study aimed to investigate the effects of UNO during the growth period on the Wnt/β‐Catenin pathway in the hippocampus using combined behavioural, biochemical, and histological approaches. Male BALB/C mice were randomly divided into the control (CONT; n = 6) and experimental (UNO; n = 6) groups. Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels were measured, and a passive avoidance test was performed in mice aged 15 weeks. Brain tissues were subjected to immunohistochemistry, real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis. Compared with control mice, UNO mice had lower SpO2 levels and exhibited memory/learning impairments during behavioural testing. Moreover, Wnt3a protein, BDNF mRNA, and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in the hippocampus in the UNO group than in the CONT group. Our findings suggested that UNO during the growth period appeared to modulate the hippocampal Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and BDNF production in association with TrkB mRNA reduction, thereby resulting in memory and learning impairments.
New entropy propositions for interval‐valued spherical fuzzy sets and their usage in an extension of ARAS (ARAS‐IVSFS)
Authors: Aydoğdu Ali , Gül Sait
Published: November 2021

The spherical fuzzy set (SFS) concept and its interval‐valued version (IVSFS) are among the recent developments aiming at handling the hesitancy representation issue in multiple attribute decision‐making problems. In SFS, decision‐makers can assign independent membership, non‐membership, and hesitancy degrees. IVSFS extends this feature by assigning intervals to these three degrees. In this manner, the uncertainty, vagueness, and ambiguity hidden in human judgements can be quantified and processed more comprehensively. In multiple attribute decision‐making problems, the attribute weights are not commonly known. To determine these weights, there are two families of methods: subjective and objective ones. While subjective methods need expert judgements in weighting, objective methods can reveal the weights from the current dataset. Entropy‐based weighting technique is one of the well‐known objective methods. In the study, two IVSFS entropy expressions are introduced, and their practicality is presented in obtaining objective weights. Then, an IVSFS extension of Additive Ratio Assessment Method is proposed and integrated with the entropy‐based weighting schema. The proposition is applied in solving a 3D printer selection problem and a comparative analysis is conducted to check its robustness and validity.
Using meta‐learning to predict performance metrics in machine learning problems
Authors: Carneiro Davide , Guimarães Miguel , Carvalho Mariana , Novais Paulo
Published: November 2021

Machine learning has been facing significant challenges over the last years, much of which stem from the new characteristics of machine learning problems, such as learning from streaming data or incorporating human feedback into existing datasets and models. In these dynamic scenarios, data change over time and models must adapt. However, new data do not necessarily mean new patterns. The main goal of this paper is to devise a method to predict a model's performance metrics before it is trained, in order to decide whether it is worth it to train it or not. That is, will the model hold significantly better results than the current one? To address this issue, we propose the use of meta‐learning. Specifically, we evaluate two different meta‐models, one built for a specific machine learning problem, and another built based on many different problems, meant to be a generic meta‐model, applicable to virtually any problem. In this paper, we focus only on the prediction of the root mean square error (RMSE). Results show that it is possible to accurately predict the RMSE of future models, event in streaming scenarios. Moreover, results also show that it is possible to reduce the need for re‐training models between 60% and 98%, depending on the problem and on the threshold used.
Cluster headache epidemiology including pediatric onset, sex, and ICHD criteria: Results from the International Cluster Headache Questionnaire
Authors: Schor Larry I. , Pearson Stuart M. , Shapiro Robert E. , Zhang Wei , Miao Hongyu , Burish Mark J.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To validate the diagnoses and to investigate epidemiological data from an international, non‐clinic‐based, and large (n = 1604) survey of participants with cluster headache.

Background

There are several limitations in current epidemiological data in cluster headache including a lack of large non‐clinic‐based studies. There is also limited information on several aspects of cluster headache, such as pediatric incidence.

Methods

The International Cluster Headache Questionnaire was an internet‐based survey that included questions on cluster headache demographics, criteria from the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), and medications.

Results

A total of 3251 subjects participated in the survey, and 1604 respondents met ICHD criteria for cluster headache. For validation, we interviewed a random sample of 5% (81/1604) of participants and confirmed the diagnosis of cluster headache in 97.5% (79/81). Pediatric onset was found in 27.5% (341/1583) of participants, and only 15.2% (52/341) of participants with pediatric onset were diagnosed before the age of 18. Men were more likely to have episodic cluster headache between ages 10 and 50, but the sex ratio was approximately equal for other ages. An overwhelming majority of respondents had at least one autonomic feature (99.0%, 1588/1604) and had restlessness (96.6%, 1550/1604), but many also had prototypical migrainous features including photophobia or phonophobia (50.1%, 804/1604), pain aggravated by physical activity (31.4%, 503/1604), or nausea and vomiting (27.5%, 441/1604). Interestingly, the first‐line medications for acute treatment (oxygen) and preventive treatment (calcium channel blockers) were perceived as significantly less effective in chronic cluster headache (3.2 ± 1.1 and 2.1 ± 1.0 respectively on a 5‐point ordinal scale) compared with episodic cluster headache (3.5 ± 1.0 and 2.4 ± 1.1, respectively, p < 0.001 for both comparisons).

Conclusions

Cluster headache often occurs in the pediatric population, although they are typically not diagnosed until adulthood. The onset of cluster headache is the inverse of that in migraine; in migraine women are more likely to have migraine between ages 10 and 50 but the sex ratio is approximately equal otherwise. Prototypical migrainous features are not useful in differentiating cluster headache from migraine. Participant data from a large international study also suggest that chronic cluster headache is not only less responsive to newer treatments (like noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation and galcanezumab), but to traditional first‐line treatments as well.
Geographic variation in the use of triptans and opioids for the acute treatment of migraine attacks
Authors: Lee Jae Hyun , Shewale Anand R. , Barthold Douglas , Devine Beth
Published: November 2021

Objective

To assess the geographic variations in triptan and opioid prescribing patterns for patients with migraine.

Background

Numerous guidelines recommend triptans as the standard of care for migraine attacks, yet opioids are still widely used for migraine treatment. Variation in the use of opioids and triptans for the treatment of migraine by geographic location is not well known.

Methods

Using a US claims database, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults diagnosed with migraine between 2016 and 2018. We used a 12‐month follow‐up period to assess triptan and opioid utilization, stratified by the nine Census Bureau‐designated divisions. To examine the geographic factors that affect triptan and opioid use among patients, we conducted two sets of multivariable analyses. First, we analyzed the odds of a patient being a triptan or opioid user in the follow‐up period, defined as ≥1 triptan or opioid claim. We then analyzed the medication use rate among triptan or opioid users.

Results

Overall, we had a final study population of 113,921 patients. In the follow‐up period, 52.9% (60,247/113,921) [range: 48.0%–56.3%] of patients were triptan users and 41.0% (46,708/113,921) [range: 28.9%–48.4%] of patients were opioid users with significant differences across census divisions (p < 0.001). Triptan users had a mean (SD) of 4.8 (4.7) triptan claims annually with no significant differences across divisions (p = 0.188). Opioid users had a mean (SD) of 5.4 (6.8) opioid claims annually with significant differences across divisions (p < 0.001). The observed variation in opioid use stemmed from the proportion of patients using opioids in each region and not from the number of opioid prescriptions per user.

Conclusions

There was a significant geographic variation in the use of opioids and to a lesser degree the use of triptans. The widespread use of opioids and the large variation in use other than triptans as the standard of care suggest that improvements could be made in the acute treatment of migraine attacks.
ALK rearrangements in infantile fibrosarcoma‐like spindle cell tumours of soft tissue and kidney
Authors: Tan Serena Y , Al‐Ibraheemi Alyaa , Ahrens William A , Oesterheld Javier E , Fanburg‐Smith Julie C , Liu Yajuan J , Spunt Sheri L , Rudzinski Erin R , Coffin Cheryl , Davis Jessica L
Published: November 2021

Aims

Recurrent alterations in receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and downstream effectors are described in infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS)/cellular congenital mesoblastic nephroma (cCMN) and a subset of spindle cell sarcomas, provisionally designated ‘NTRK‐rearranged’ spindle cell neoplasms. These two groups of tumours demonstrate overlapping morphologies and harbour alterations in NTRK1/2/3, RET, MET, ABL1, ROS1, RAF1 and BRAF, although their relationship is not fully elucidated. We describe herein a cohort of paediatric tumours with clinicopathological features not typical for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour, but rather with similarities to cCMN/IFS harbouring ALK fusions.

Methods and results

Clinicopathological features were assessed and partner agnostic targeted RNA sequencing on clinically validated platforms were performed. Tumours occurred in patients aged from 2 to 10 years (median age 2 years) with a 2:2 male to female ratio and an average size of 8.4 cm. Two tumours arose in soft tissues and two in the kidney. Morphological features included spindle to ovoid cells arranged in long fascicles or haphazardly within a myxoid to collagenised stroma; a subset of cases had either dilated, ectatic vessels or focal perivascular hyalinosis. By immunohistochemistry, all cases tested showed cytoplasmic expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and one case demonstrated co‐expression of CD34 and S100.

Conclusions

This series of ALK‐rearranged IFS‐like tumours expands the spectrum of targetable kinases altered in these tumours and reinforces the potential overlap between IFS/cCMN‐like tumours and the provisional entity of ‘NTRK‐rearranged’ spindle cell neoplasms.
Centrizonal hepatocyte dropout in allograft liver biopsies: a clinicopathological study
Authors: Bosch Dustin E , Swanson Paul E , Yeh Matthew M
Published: November 2021

Aims

Centrizonal hepatocyte dropout has been described in diverse liver pathologies, including viral hepatitis, venous outflow obstruction, and allograft cellular rejection. However, its clinical significance remains uncertain.

Methods and results

We designed a clinicopathological study of 206 allograft liver biopsies with centrizonal hepatocyte dropout. Centrizonal hepatocyte dropout was associated most frequently with cellular rejection (n = 62), asymptomatic/protocol biopsies (n = 56), immediate post‐transplantation biopsies (n = 21), biliary obstruction (n = 14), and viral hepatitis (n = 13). The differential diagnosis is informed by timing post‐transplantation, biliary imaging and laboratory test results. ‘Cholestatic’ and ‘hepatocytic’ laboratory patterns were associated with biliary obstruction and cellular rejection, respectively. A mixed pattern peaking after biopsy was observed in viral hepatitis cases. In the context of cellular rejection, dropout was not associated with the time interval to normalisation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), but was associated with shorter transplant‐free survival (hazard ratio 4, P = 0.01) than that of histological severity‐matched controls. In time zero allograft biopsies, time to ALT normalisation was prolonged (median, 15 versus 11 days, P = 0.002) in allografts with centrizonal dropout, with no effect on retransplant‐free survival.

Conclusions

Centrizonal hepatocyte dropout has low clinicopathological diagnostic specificity. However, it correlates with adverse clinical outcomes in allograft cellular rejection and time zero biopsies.
Collective Memories of Shared Space and Experience in the Creation and Inhabitation of Virtual Studio
Authors: Nutter Digger , Payton Victoria
Published: November 2021

Art and design students’ occupation and use of physical studio spaces have decreased and altered during the Covid 19 pandemic, and online learning spaces have become increasingly important. This case study explores the value of collective memories of shared space in the creation and inhabitation of online studio, using recalled narrative and thematic analysis to inform refinement of the virtual studio used during a unique year. Interior design practice is rooted in collective human interactions within the built environment. We describe the positive effect familiar layout and language have on interior design students' ability to engage effectively in online studio activities, thus enabling students to feel optimistic about the events they have experienced and highlight the effectiveness of the events. Feedback from students and staff provides insight into the influence of digital proxies for space, and the use of familiar language affects the perception of online studio. We conclude by testing our early findings, describing elements the student body found most supportive and propose how we may further expand this research to provide a basis for designing effective and engaging virtual studio spaces.
Staffing, teamwork and scope of practice: Analysis of the association with patient safety in the context of rehabilitation
Authors: Jomaa Carla , Dubois Carl‐Ardy , Caron Isabelle , Prud’Homme Alexandre
Published: November 2021

Aims

To describe the organization of nursing services (staffing, scope of practice, teamwork) and its association with medication errors and falls, in rehabilitation units.

Background

The healthcare system is greatly impacted by the ageing population and the complexity of care associated with chronic diseases. It is therefore necessary to have enough staff who are using their full scope of practice and who are operating in a favourable working environment. However, these conditions are not always met, which can lead to threats to patient safety.

Design

A correlational descriptive study.

Methods

Staffing data and reported safety incidents were collected by shift from 01 October 2019 until 15 January 2020 in five rehabilitation units. In addition, a total of 75 nursing staff members responded to a missed care and teamwork survey. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results

The mean staff hours per patient shift was 1.39 (SD = 0.60). The teams reported a global missed care score as ‘rarely missed’ at 1.14 (SD = 0.07) and a moderate teamwork score at 3.36 (SD = 0.58) on a five‐point scale. The safety incidents decreased 10‐fold with a predominance of bachelor compared with technician nurses and decreased by 67% when there was an increase of 1 h of care per patient shift.

Conclusions

This study showed that the organization of nursing services in the observed rehabilitation units is characterized by a moderate staffing intensity, a moderate perception of teamwork level and a relatively low level of missed care. It indicated the key role of the staffing in reducing the risk of occurrence of safety incidents. Future research specific to rehabilitation hospitals are greatly needed to improve patient outcomes in this setting.

Impact

Nurse Managers should consider all the aspects of the organization of nursing services (staffing, scope of practice and teamwork) in their efforts to improve patient safety in rehabilitation settings. A central finding of this study is that the staffing intensity, the proportion of bachelor prepared nurses and the proportion of agency staff were positively associated with a reduction of safety incidents.
Solving sampling bias problems in presence–absence or presence‐only species data using zero‐inflated models
Authors: Nolan Victoria , Gilbert Francis , Reader Tom
Published: November 2021

Aim

Large databases of species records such as those generated through citizen science projects, archives or museum collections are being used with increasing frequency in species distribution modelling (SDM) for conservation and land management. Despite the broad spatial and temporal coverage of the data, its application is often limited by the issue of sampling bias and consequently, zero inflation; there are more zeros (which are potentially ‘false absences’) in the data than expected. Here, we demonstrate how pooling species presence data into a ‘pseudo‐abundance’ count can allow identification and removal of sampling bias through the use of zero‐inflated (ZI) models, and thus solve a common SDM problem.

Location

All locations

Taxon

All taxa

Methods

We present the results of a series of simulations based on hypothetical ecological scenarios of data collection using random and non‐random sampling strategies. Our simulations assume that the locations of occurrence records are known at a high spatial resolution, but that the absence of occurrence records may reflect under‐sampling. To simulate pooling of presence–absence or presence‐only data, we count occurrence records at intermediate and coarse spatial resolutions, and use ZI models to predict the counts (species abundance per grid cell) from environmental layers.

Results

ZI models can successfully identify predictors of bias in species data and produce abundance prediction maps that are free from that bias. This phenomenon holds across multiple spatial scales, thereby presenting an advantage over presence‐only SDM methods such as binomial GLMs or MaxEnt, where information about species density is lost, and model performance declines at coarser scales.

Main Conclusions

Our results highlight the value of converting presence–absence or presence‐only species data to ‘pseudo‐abundance’ and using ZI models to address the problem of sampling bias. This method has huge potential for ecological researchers when using large species datasets for research and conservation.
Cannabis Use in Pregnancy: A State of the Science Review
Authors: Gesterling Lisa , Bradford Heather
Published: November 2021

With a growing number of states legalizing recreational use, cannabis consumption during pregnancy is increasing. Population‐based data and rigorous studies examining the association of cannabis use in pregnancy with perinatal outcomes are limited, but trends include preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, placenta previa, and an increased length of hospital stay. Neonates of pregnant persons who used cannabis during their pregnancy can be at increased risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, neonatal intensive care unit admission, neurocognitive deficits, and infectious and neurologic morbidity and mortality. This state of the science review examines the prevalence of cannabis use in pregnancy, its pharmacodynamics and how that is influenced by pregnancy, and associated adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes. Implications for health care providers caring for pregnant persons using cannabis, especially in legalized states, are discussed.
Neuroendocrine underpinning of social recognition in males and females
Authors: Aspesi Dario , Choleris Elena
Published: November 2021

Social recognition is an essential skill for the expression of appropriate behaviors towards conspecifics in most social species. Several studies point to oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) as key mediators of social recognition in males and females. However, sex differences in social cognitive behaviors highlight an important interplay between OT, AVP and the sex steroids. Estrogens facilitate social recognition by regulating OT action in the hypothalamus and that of OT receptor in the medial amygdala. The role of OT in these brain regions appears to be essential for social recognition in both males and females. Conversely, social recognition in male rats and mice is more dependent on AVP release in the lateral septum than in females. The AVP system comprises a series of highly sexually dimorphic brain nuclei, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the amygdala and the lateral septum. Various studies suggest that testosterone and its metabolites, including estradiol, influence social recognition in males by modulating the activity of the AVP at V1a receptor. Intriguingly, both estrogens and androgens can affect social recognition very rapidly, through non‐genomic mechanisms. In addition, the androgen metabolites, namely 3α‐diol and 3β‐diol, may also have an impact on social behaviors either by interacting with the estrogen receptors or through other mechanisms. Overall, the regulation of OT and AVP by sex steroids fine tunes social recognition and the behaviors that depend upon it (e.g., social bond, hierarchical organization, aggression) in a sex‐dependent manner. Elucidating the sex‐dependent interaction between sex steroids and neuroendocrine systems is essential for understanding sex differences in the normal and abnormal expression of social behaviors.
A mathematical algorithm of the facial symmetry plane: Application to mandibular deformity 3D facial data
Authors: Zhu Yujia , Fu Xiangling , Zhang Lei , Zheng Shengwen , Wen Aonan , Xiao Ning , Wang Yong , Zhao Yijiao
Published: November 2021

The three‐dimensional (3D) symmetry reference plane (SRP) is the premise and basis of 3D facial symmetry analysis. Currently, most methods for extracting the SRP are based on anatomical landmarks measured manually using a digital 3D facial model. However, as different clinicians have varying definitions of landmarks, establishing common methods suitable for different types of facial asymmetry remains challenging. The present study aimed to investigate and evaluate a novel mathematical algorithm based on power function weighted Procrustes analysis (PWPA) to determine 3D facial SRPs for patients with mandibular deviation. From 30 patients with mandibular deviation, 3D facial SRPs were determined using both our PWPA algorithms (two functions) and the traditional PA algorithm (experimental groups). A reference plane, defined by experts, was considered the ‘truth plane’. The ‘position error’ index of mirrored landmarks was created to quantitatively evaluate the difference among the PWPA SRPs and the truth plane, including overall differences and regional differences of the face (upper, middle and lower). The ‘angle error’ values between the SRPs and the truth plane in the experimental groups were also evaluated in this study. Statistics and measurement analyses were used to comprehensively evaluate the clinical suitability of the PWPA algorithms to construct the SRP. The average angle error values between the PWPA SRPs of the two functions and the truth plane were 1.21 ± 0.65° and 1.18 ± 0.62°, which were smaller than those between the PA SRP and the truth plane. The position error values of mirrored landmarks constructed using the PWPA algorithms for the whole face and for each facial partition were lower than those constructed using the PA algorithm. In conclusion, for patients with mandibular deviation, this novel mathematical algorithm provided a more suitable SRP for their 3D facial model, which achieved a result approaching the true effect of experts.
Fetal cardiac alterations in the late‐onset growth‐restricted fetuses: A prospective case–control study
Authors: Turkyilmaz Gurcan , Turkyilmaz Sebnem , Uygur Lutfiye
Published: November 2021

Aim

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) has significant consequences on cardiac functions. This study aims to evaluate cardiac functional parameters in late‐onset (FGR) fetuses and compare those appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses.

Material and Methods

Fifty‐six singleton pregnancies were involved in this prospective case–control study. Delphi consensus was used to define late‐onset FGR. We compared the E/A ratio, left myocardial performance index (MPI) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in late‐onset FGR cases and gestational age‐matched AGA fetuses.

Results

Twenty‐eight late‐onset FGR and 28 AGA fetuses were enrolled. The mean gestational age in the late‐onset FGR group was 34.1 ± 2.3 weeks and 34.4 ± 2.1 in controls. The E/A ratio was 0.88 ± 0.09 in AGA fetuses, 0.79 ± 0.11 in the late‐onset FGR group, and significantly lower in late‐onset FGR fetuses (p: 0.012). Left MPI was 0.51 ± 0.09 in AGA and 0.62 ± 0.11 in the late‐onset FGR group. Left MPI was markedly higher in late‐onset FGR fetuses (p: 0.024). TAPSE was 7.4 ± 2.9 mm in controls and 5.2 ± 1.8 in the late‐onset FGR group, and it was significantly shorter in the late‐onset FGR fetuses (p: 0.016).

Conclusion

Late‐onset FGR is associated with cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Fetal echocardiography may be beneficial to detect those subtle cardiac changes.
High Self‐Deceivers Internalize Self‐Presentation of Extraversion Through Biased Evaluation of Their Performance1
Authors: Ueda Sasuke , Yamagata Shinji , Kiyokawa Sachiko
Published: November 2021

This study examined whether high self‐deceivers form their overly positive perception of their traits through overestimating their performance of self‐presentation where they need to impress others as being extraverted/introverted, exhibiting more internalization of self‐presentation (IOSP) of the trait. Participants were instructed to give either an extraverted or introverted impression through an oral (Study 1, N = 39) or written (Study 2, N = 62) self‐presentation. Participants reported dispositional self‐deception, self‐presentation efficacy, and extraversion before and after self‐presentation. Independent raters provided other‐reported extraversion by examining the self‐presentation. Across the two studies, two‐way mixed ANOVA revealed that predicted change in extraversion occurred only for participants who made extraverted self‐presentation. With the change in extraversion as an index of IOSP, mediation analyses revealed indirect effects of dispositional self‐deception on IOSP via self‐presentation efficacy but not other‐reported extraversion. These results suggested that (a) people only internalize socially desirable traits like extraversion but not introversion, (b) writing to others is sufficient to cause IOSP, and (c) high self‐deceivers internalize extraverted self‐presentation not through actual performance but its subjective evaluation.
The Advantage of Incumbents in Coalitional Bargaining
Authors: Meriläinen Jaakko , Tukiainen Janne
Published: November 2021

Political parties frequently form coalitions with each other to pursue office or policy payoffs. Contrary to a prominent argument, the distribution of rents within the coalition does not always reflect the relative sizes of the coalition members. We propose that this is at least partially due to an incumbency advantage in coalitional bargaining. To evaluate this argument empirically, we construct a data set of candidates, parties, and members of the executive in Finnish local governments. We first use a regression discontinuity design to document a personal incumbency advantage in nominations to executive municipal boards. We then show that an incumbency premium is present also at the party level. Using an instrumental variable strategy that hinges on within‐party close elections between incumbents and non‐incumbents, we find that, ceteris paribus, having more re‐elected incumbents increases party’s seat share in the executive.
Selecting trainees: Too much focus on predictive metrics, not enough on holistic review
Authors: Clapp Justin T. , Gordon Emily K.
Published: November 2021

Clapp and Gordon argue that no predictive metric or mathematical model is the golden ticket for selecting among applicants to medical education programs.
Entrusting students with independent patient care: A question of educational alliances?
Authors: Pinilla Severin , Huwendiek Sören
Published: November 2021

Pinilla and Huwendiek comment on Bonnie et al.’s suggestion that longitudinal curricular design is more conducive to meaningful learner participation in workplace‐based settings.