bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Violation Punishment and Total Factor Productivity, Based on the Spillover Effect between Director‐Interlocked Firms
Authors: Lu Yang , Meng Xiangge , Song Haitao
Published: April 2023

Using the sample of A‐share listed firms in China from 2008 to 2019, we empirically test the spillover effect of violation punishment on the total factor productivity of director‐interlocked firms. We find that violation punishment can significantly aggravate the violation of director‐interlocked firms and preliminarily verify the spillover effect of violation punishment among director‐interlocked firms. We also find that violation punishment will significantly reduce the total factor productivity of director‐interlocked firms. The result is still stable after replacing the measurement method of total factor productivity, and its impact has a certain continuity, which can affect for two consecutive years. Further research shows that the R&D investment plays a mediation role between the violation punishment and the total factor productivity of the director interlocked firms. The violation punishment can reduce the R&D investment of the director‐interlocked firms and then reduce the total factor productivity of the director‐interlocked firms. In addition, after distinguishing the type of firm ownership, we find that compared with state‐owned enterprises, violation punishment has a more significant inhibitory effect on the total factor productivity of private enterprises’ director‐interlocked firms. Based on the perspective of the director network, we investigate the spillover effect of violation punishment on the total factor productivity of director‐interlocked firms, which provides a new theoretical perspective for the in‐depth understanding of the economic consequences of violation punishment, improves the total factor productivity of listed firms, and has important theoretical and practical significance.
Restricted Concave Kite Five-Body Problem
Authors: Kashif A. R. , Shoaib M.
Published: April 2023

The restricted concave kite five-body problem is a problem in which four positive masses, called the primaries, rotate in the concave kite configuration with a mass at the center of the triangle formed by three of the primaries. The fifth body has negligible mass and does not influence the motion of the four primaries. It is assumed that the fifth mass is in the same plane of the primaries and that the masses of the primaries are

m

1

,

m

2

,

m

3

, and

m

4

, respectively. Three different types of concave kite configurations are considered based on the masses of the primaries. In case I, one pair of primaries has equal masses; in case II, two pairs of primaries have equal masses; in case III, three of the primaries have equal masses. For all three cases, the regions of central configuration are obtained using both analytical and numerical techniques. The existence and uniqueness of equilibrium positions of the infinitesimal mass are investigated in the gravitational field of the four primaries. It is numerically confirmed that none of the equilibrium points are linearly stable. The Jacobian constant

C

is used to investigate the regions of possible motion of the infinitesimal mass.
Population Structure and Regeneration Status of Woody Plant Species in Tulu Korma Dry Afromontane Forest, West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Deressa Diriba , Egigu Meseret C. , Sasikumar J. M.
Published: April 2023

A study was conducted on Tulu Korma afromontane forest to assess woody plant species’ population structure and natural regeneration status. Data were collected from 52 main quadrats of 400 m2 for mature woody species and 260 subplots of 25 m2 for seedlings and saplings. All live woody plant species were recorded with their densities, heights, and DBH. Frequency, basal area, importance value, and Shannon–Wiener diversity indices were computed. A total of 101 species that belonged to 45 families were documented. Diversity and evenness indices were 3.44 and 0.7, respectively. Combined density of woody species of all developmental stages was 4971 stems ha−1 of which 39, 32, and 28% were with DBH < 3.5 cm (seedlings), between 2 and 10 cm (saplings), and >10 cm (mature wordy species), respectively. The total basal area of individuals with DBH ≥ 3.5 cm was 116.18 m2 ha−1. Olea europaea and Podocarpus falcatus were the most dominant species. About 41.58% of the species had IVI < 1. Population structure based on combined densities revealed that density of seedling > sapling > mature individuals, suggesting healthy population structure and good regeneration. On individual basis, however, species showed different patterns of population structure of which 12, 51, and 37% species showed good, fair, and poor regenerations, respectively. Species with least IVI and poor regeneration should be given conservation priority.
Supplementary Table S2 from Randomized Trial of Tepotinib Plus Gefitinib Versus Chemotherapy in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC with EGFR Inhibitor Resistance Due to MET Amplification: INSIGHT Final Analysis
Authors: Liam Chong Kin , Ahmad Azura Rozila , Hsia Te-Chun , Zhou Jianying , Kim Dong-Wan , Soo Ross Andrew , Cheng Ying , Lu Shun , Shin Sang Won , Yang James Chih-Hsin , Zhang Yiping , Zhao Jun , Berghoff Karin , Bruns Rolf , Johne Andreas , Wu Yi-Long
Published: April 2023

Representativeness of study population
Supplementary Figure S4 from Randomized Trial of Tepotinib Plus Gefitinib Versus Chemotherapy in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC with EGFR Inhibitor Resistance Due to MET Amplification: INSIGHT Final Analysis
Authors: Liam Chong Kin , Ahmad Azura Rozila , Hsia Te-Chun , Zhou Jianying , Kim Dong-Wan , Soo Ross Andrew , Cheng Ying , Lu Shun , Shin Sang Won , Yang James Chih-Hsin , Zhang Yiping , Zhao Jun , Berghoff Karin , Bruns Rolf , Johne Andreas , Wu Yi-Long
Published: April 2023

Treatment-related adverse events in treated patients with MET amplification and/or MET IHC 2+/3+
Supplementary Figure S3 from Collagen-Anchored Interleukin-2 and Interleukin-12 Safely Reprogram the Tumor Microenvironment in Canine Soft-Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Stinson Jordan A. , Sheen Allison , Momin Noor , Hampel Jordan , Bernstein Rebecca , Kamerer Rebecca , Fadl-Alla Bahaa , Samuelson Jonathan , Fink Elizabeth , Fan Timothy M. , Wittrup K. Dane
Published: April 2023

IFN-γ and IL-10 individual replicates from Milliplex, healthy beagles
Data from Collagen-anchored interleukin-2 and interleukin-12 safely reprogram the tumor microenvironment in canine soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Stinson Jordan A. , Sheen Allison , Momin Noor , Hampel Jordan , Bernstein Rebecca , Kamerer Rebecca , Fadl-Alla Bahaa , Samuelson Jonathan , Fink Elizabeth , Fan Timothy M. , Wittrup K. Dane
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Cytokine therapies such as interleukin-2 and -12 suffer from impractically small therapeutic windows driven by their on-target, off-tumor activity, limiting their clinical potential despite potent antitumor effects. We previously engineered cytokines that bind and anchor to tumor collagen following intratumoral injection, and sought to test their safety and biomarker activity in spontaneous canine soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Methods: Collagen-binding cytokines were canine-ized to minimize immunogenicity and were used in a rapid dose-escalation study in healthy beagles to identify a maximum tolerated dose. Ten client-owned pet dogs with STS were then enrolled into trial, receiving cytokines at different intervals prior to surgical tumor excision. Tumor tissue was analyzed through immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Nanostring RNA profiling for dynamic changes within treated tumors. Archived, untreated STS samples were analyzed in parallel as controls. Results: Intratumorally administered collagen-binding IL-2 and IL-12 were well-tolerated by STS-bearing dogs, with only Grade 1/2 adverse events observed (mild fever, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia). IHC revealed enhanced T cell infiltrates, corroborated by an enhancement in gene expression associated with cytotoxic immune function. We found concordant increases in expression of counterregulatory genes that we hypothesize would contribute to a transient antitumor effect, and confirmed in mouse models that combination therapy to inhibit this counterregulation can improve responses to cytokine therapy. Conclusions: These results support the safety and activity of intratumorally-delivered, collagen-anchoring cytokines for inflammatory polarization of the canine soft tissue sarcoma tumor microenvironment. We are further evaluating the efficacy of this approach in additional canine cancers, including oral malignant melanoma.
Data from Randomized Trial of Tepotinib Plus Gefitinib Versus Chemotherapy in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC with EGFR Inhibitor Resistance Due to MET Amplification: INSIGHT Final Analysis
Authors: Liam Chong Kin , Ahmad Azura Rozila , Hsia Te-Chun , Zhou Jianying , Kim Dong-Wan , Soo Ross Andrew , Cheng Ying , Lu Shun , Shin Sang Won , Yang James Chih-Hsin , Zhang Yiping , Zhao Jun , Berghoff Karin , Bruns Rolf , Johne Andreas , Wu Yi-Long
Published: April 2023

AbstractPurpose:
The final analyses of the INSIGHT phase II study evaluating tepotinib (a selective MET inhibitor) plus gefitinib versus chemotherapy in patients with MET-altered EGFR-mutant NSCLC (data cut-off: September 3, 2021).
Patients and methods:
Adults with advanced/metastatic EGFR-mutant NSCLC, acquired resistance to first-/second-generation EGFR inhibitors, and MET gene copy number (GCN) ≥5, MET:CEP7 ≥2, or MET IHC 2+/3+ were randomized to tepotinib 500 mg (450 mg active moiety) plus gefitinib 250 mg once daily, or chemotherapy. Primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). MET-amplified subgroup analysis was preplanned.
Results:
Overall (N = 55), median PFS was 4.9 months versus 4.4 months [stratified HR, 0.67; 90% CI, 0.35–1.28] with tepotinib plus gefitinib versus chemotherapy. In 19 patients with MET amplification (median age 60.4 years; 68.4% never-smokers; median GCN 8.8; median MET/CEP7 2.8; 89.5% with MET IHC 3+), tepotinib plus gefitinib improved PFS (HR, 0.13; 90% CI, 0.04–0.43) and overall survival (OS; HR, 0.10; 90% CI, 0.02–0.36) versus chemotherapy. Objective response rate was 66.7% with tepotinib plus gefitinib versus 42.9% with chemotherapy; median duration of response was 19.9 months versus 2.8 months. Median duration of tepotinib plus gefitinib was 11.3 months (range, 1.1–56.5), with treatment >1 year in six (50.0%) and >4 years in three patients (25.0%). Seven patients (58.3%) had treatment-related grade ≥3 adverse events with tepotinib plus gefitinib and five (71.4%) had chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
Final analysis of INSIGHT suggests improved PFS and OS with tepotinib plus gefitinib versus chemotherapy in a subgroup of patients with MET-amplified EGFR-mutant NSCLC, after progression on EGFR inhibitors.
Table S3 from Systemic LRG1 Expression in Melanoma is Associated with Disease Progression and Recurrence
Authors: Hoefsmit Esmee P. , Völlmy Franziska , Rozeman Elisa A. , Reijers Irene L.M. , Versluis Judith M. , Hoekman Liesbeth , van Akkooi Alexander C.J. , Long Georgina V. , Schadendorf Dirk , Dummer Reinhard , Altelaar Maarten , Blank Christian U.
Published: April 2023

Table S3 shows the patient characteristics PRADO
Figure S1 from Systemic LRG1 Expression in Melanoma is Associated with Disease Progression and Recurrence
Authors: Hoefsmit Esmee P. , Völlmy Franziska , Rozeman Elisa A. , Reijers Irene L.M. , Versluis Judith M. , Hoekman Liesbeth , van Akkooi Alexander C.J. , Long Georgina V. , Schadendorf Dirk , Dummer Reinhard , Altelaar Maarten , Blank Christian U.
Published: April 2023

Figure S1 shows a flowchart of patients OpACIN-neo study
Data from Systemic LRG1 Expression in Melanoma is Associated with Disease Progression and Recurrence
Authors: Hoefsmit Esmee P. , Völlmy Franziska , Rozeman Elisa A. , Reijers Irene L.M. , Versluis Judith M. , Hoekman Liesbeth , van Akkooi Alexander C.J. , Long Georgina V. , Schadendorf Dirk , Dummer Reinhard , Altelaar Maarten , Blank Christian U.
Published: April 2023

The response rates upon neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in stage III melanoma are higher as compared with stage IV disease. Given that successful ICB depends on systemic immune response, we hypothesized that systemic immune suppression might be a mechanism responsible for lower response rates in late-stage disease, and also potentially with disease recurrence in early-stage disease. Plasma and serum samples of cohorts of patients with melanoma were analyzed for circulating proteins using mass spectrometry proteomic profiling and Olink proteomic assay. A cohort of paired samples of patients with stage III that progressed to stage IV disease (n = 64) was used to identify markers associated with higher tumor burden. Baseline patient samples from the OpACIN-neo study (n = 83) and PRADO study (n = 49; NCT02977052) were used as two independent cohorts to analyze whether the potential identified markers are also associated with disease recurrence after neoadjuvant ICB therapy. When comparing baseline proteins overlapping between patients with progressive disease and patients with recurrent disease, we found leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) to be associated with worse prognosis. Especially nonresponder patients to neoadjuvant ICB (OpACIN-neo) with high LRG1 expression had a poor outcome with an estimated 36-month event-free survival of 14% as compared with 83% for nonresponders with a low LRG1 expression (P = 0.014). This finding was validated in an independent cohort (P = 0.0021). LRG1 can be used as a biomarker to identify patients with high risk for disease progression and recurrence, and might be a target to be combined with neoadjuvant ICB.
Significance:
LRG1 could serve as a potential target and as a biomarker to identify patients with high risk for disease recurrence, and consequently benefit from additional therapies and intensive follow-up.
Performance on Cognitive Screening Tests and Long-Term Substance Use Outcomes in Patients with Polysubstance Use Disorder
Authors: Hetland Jens , Hagen Egon , Lundervold Astri J. , Erga Aleksander H.
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Cognitive impairments among patients with substance use disorders are prevalent and associated with adverse treatment outcomes. However, knowledge of the predictive value of broad cognitive screening instruments on long-term treatment outcomes is limited. The present study aimed to examine the predictive value of measures from the Montreal Cognitive Assessment® (MoCA®), Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI), and the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult version (BRIEF-A) on self-reported long-term substance use and abstinence in patients with polysubstance use disorders (pSUD). Methods: A cohort (N = 164) of patients with pSUD who started a new treatment sequence in the Stavanger University Hospital catchment area were recruited and followed prospectively for 5 years. Participants completed neurocognitive testing with the MoCA®, WASI, and BRIEF-A at inclusion and were categorized as cognitively impaired or non-impaired according to recommended cut-off values. The sum score of the items from the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption scale (DUDIT-C) was used as a measure of substance use outcome 1 and 5 years after inclusion. We defined substance abstinence (DUDIT-C = 0) and heavy substance use (DUDIT-C ≥7) to determine whether cognitive impairments measured by the respective instruments were associated with and could predict abstinence and heavy substance use 1 and 5 years after baseline. Results: At the 1-year follow-up, 54% of the total sample reported total abstinence from substances. Conversely, 31% presented heavy substance use. At 5 years, 64% of the total sample reported abstinence from substances, while 25% presented heavy substance use. The results showed a statistically significant association between cognitive impairment defined from MoCA® and higher continuous scores on DUDIT-C at 1-year follow-up. There were no differences in substance abstinence or heavy substance use between patients with and without cognitive impairment at the 1- and 5-year follow-ups. Furthermore, cognitive impairment did not explain substance abstinence or heavy substance use at the 1- and 5-year follow-ups. Conclusion: Generally, individuals with pSUD may be burdened and lack psychosocial resources to such an extent that cognitive functioning plays a subordinate role in long-term recovery. The present study suggests that results on screening tools assessing broad cognitive domains at treatment initiation have limited clinical value in predicting long-term substance use outcomes. There is a need to establish clinically viable instruments to assess cognitive functions with well-established clinical and ecological validity in the SUD population.
The Development of Lenvatinib-Induced Pancreatitis in a Patient with Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Ali Irfan , Budnick Susan
Published: April 2023

Lenvatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is being used to treat neuroendocrine tumors based on the success shown in the TALENT trial. There are two documented cases of lenvatinib-induced pancreatitis in patients being treated for thyroid cancer. This report describes the first case of pancreatitis seen in a patient with a metastatic neuroendocrine tumor being treated with lenvatinib. A 68-year-old female presented with a chief complaint of epigastric abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She started on lenvatinib therapy 3 months prior to presentation and discontinued the drug 1 week prior due to worsening symptoms. This patient presented with epigastric pain radiating to the back, CT imaging findings consistent with acute pancreatitis, but only a lipase of 88. Once the diagnosis of pancreatitis was made, treatment was initiated with IV fluids, holding all oral intake and pain management. The patient was discharged after she tolerated oral intake after 5 days of hospitalization. It was concluded that the pancreatitis was likely caused by lenvatinib as other etiologies of acute pancreatitis including gallstones, alcohol use, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercalcemia were ruled out. Clinicians who are using lenvatinib to treat neuroendocrine tumors should be aware of the occurrence of pancreatitis and may consider periodic monitoring for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. More research regarding the mechanism and development of lenvatinib-induced pancreatitis may benefit clinical decision-making in patients being considered for lenvatinib therapy. Additionally, this therapy may need to be monitored closely in patients with a history of pancreatitis.
Onychogryphosis Is Associated with Dermatologic and Vascular Disease: A Case-Control Study of the All of Us Research Program
Authors: Choo Zi-Ning , Lipner Shari R.
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Onychogryphosis is a nail condition characterized clinically by a thickened, curved, yellow-brown, and opaque nail plate and may result in pain, paronychia, and onychogryphosis. Methods: We performed a nested case-control study of 1,114 onychogryphosis patients and 3,423 matched controls to quantify the association between onychogryphosis and self-care limitations, chronic foot injury, dermatologic conditions, and vascular disease. Results and Conclusion: Onychogryphosis was positively associated with increased age, activity limitations (difficulty running errands alone, bathing, and concentrating), psoriasis, onychomycosis, hallux malleus, hallux valgus, peripheral vascular disease, lower extremity ulcers, venous varices, and type II diabetes mellitus. Therefore, physicians should screen patients presenting with onychogryphosis for these conditions.
Close Your Eyes and See: Stroke Sequelae versus Functional Neurological Disorder in a Physician
Authors: Weil E. Jennifer , Keyserling Harold , Feuerstein Burt , Murphy Olwen
Published: April 2023

The first author is a left-handed, 51-year-old nephrologist who experienced a neurologic event. She underwent neurosurgery complicated by hemorrhage. Postoperatively, she developed persistent vertigo and unilateral tongue pain which persisted for over 5 years. Early neuroimaging revealed expected encephalomalacia but no neuroanatomical basis for her symptoms. A functional neurological disorder was suspected, and she was seen by several psychiatrists and psychotherapists. However, she suspected a neuroanatomical lesion would better explain her unrelenting symptoms. After seeing many neurologists, a neuroanatomical diagnosis was finally made. The theory and practice of medicine mandate that subjective complaint guides the modality and interpretation of objective evidence. The final neurologist knew where on neuroimaging to look because she was guided by the patient's complaints – vertigo and unilateral tongue pain. In this case, detailed scrutiny of neuroimaging by a neurologist, after encephalomalacia and gliosis were fully completed, gave a more accurate neuroanatomical diagnosis and a more realistic prognosis.
Clindamycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Gel Compared with Clindamycin Lotion for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Randomized Controlled Assessor-Blinded Intra-Patient Pilot Study
Authors: Aarts Pim , Reeves Joanne L. , Ardon Christine B , van der Zee Hessel H. , Prens Errol P.
Published: April 2023

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a major concern, especially in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). However, antibiotics form a cornerstone in its treatment. Topical clindamycin is known to cause bacterial resistance but is still advised as monotherapy for the treatment of mild to moderate HS. Methods: This is a randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, intra-patient pilot trial to compare the clinical efficacy of clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide gel with clindamycin lotion in patients with mild to moderate HS. Two contralateral body sites were randomized for treatment in each patient. The primary outcome was the difference in the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score (IHS4) between the two groups after 12 weeks. Secondary objectives were feasibility of the intra-patient design, efficacy within treatment groups, effect on HS pain, HS itch, patient satisfaction, antibiotic resistance, and the prolonged efficacy after 16 weeks. Results: Ten patients were included, resulting in two groups of 10 treated body sites. No significant differences were found between the two groups for all measurements after 12 or 16 weeks, while both therapies led to an improvement in the IHS4, pain, and itch scores. A significant decrease was observed in the IHS4 for both the clindamycin lotion (−1.5; p < 0.05) and the clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide gel (−2; p < 0.01) after 16 weeks, and the pain scores were reduced from 7 to 2.5, p < 0.01 and 6.5 to 3, p = 0.03, respectively. Using the IHS4-55, we identified 50% of patients as responders in both groups after 12 weeks. The intra-patient design, however, unexpectedly appeared to hinder the inclusion of patients. Conclusion: Clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide gel showed favorable clinical efficacy results, similar to clindamycin lotion, suggesting that it could replace clindamycin lotion in the treatment of mild to moderate HS and to prevent antibiotic resistance. A larger controlled trial is needed to validate these results.
An Evaluation Study of 2D and 3D Teleconferencing for Remote Physical Therapy
Authors: Jun Hanseul , Shaik Husam , DeVeaux Cyan , Lewek Michael , Fuchs Henry , Bailenson Jeremy
Published: April 2023

The present research investigates the effectiveness of using a telepresence system compared to a video conferencing system and the effectiveness of using two cameras compared to one camera for remote physical therapy. We used Telegie as our telepresence system, which allowed users to see an environment captured with RGBD cameras in 3D through a VR headset. Since both telepresence and the inclusion of a second camera provide users with additional spatial information, we examined this affordance within the relevant context of remote physical therapy. Our dyadic study across different time zones paired 11 physical therapists with 76 participants who took on the role of patients for a remote session. Our quantitative questionnaire data and qualitative interviews with therapists revealed several important findings. First, after controlling for individual differences among participants, using two cameras had a marginally significant positive effect on physical therapy assessment scores from therapists. Second, the spatial ability of patients was a strong predictor of therapist assessment. And third, the video clarity of remote communication systems mattered. Based on our findings, we offer several suggestions and insights towards the future use of telepresence systems for remote communication.
An updated catalogue of Agrypninae (Coleoptera: Elateridae) from Pakistan
Authors: HOFFMANNOVA JOHANA , PACKOVA GABRIELA , PROSVIROV ALEXANDER S. , AKHTER MUHAMMAD ATIQUE , KUNDRATA ROBIN
Published: April 2023

The updated catalogue of Agrypninae from Pakistan is provided. We list 86 described species classified in 18 genera and five tribes (Agrypnini, Drilini, Hemirhipini, Oophorini, and Pseudomelanactini). More than one third of species are currently endemic to Pakistan. For each species we provide information on distribution and relevant bibliography. The following new combinations are proposed for species hitherto included in Conoderus Eschscholtz, 1829 (since Conoderus is currently a synonym of Monocrepidius Eschscholtz, 1829): Monocrepidius aeolodermoides (Platia, 2015) comb. nov., Monocrepidius cylindricus (Platia & Ahmed, 2016) comb. nov., Monocrepidius drasterioides (Platia & Ahmed, 2016) comb. nov., Monocrepidius nigromaculosus (Vats & Chauhan, 1992) comb. nov., Monocrepidius mithiensis (Platia & Ahmed, 2016) comb. nov., and Monocrepidius vartiani (Platia, 2015) comb. nov. Additionally, Conoderus pakistanicus Mangi, Pahnwar & Shaikh, 2022 is synonymized with Lanelater bipunctatus (Candèze, 1857).
What Determines the Leading Mode of Wintertime Northern Hemisphere Snow-Cover Interannual Variability?
Authors: Luo Yue , Yang Xiu-Qun , Sun Linyuan , Tao Lingfeng
Published: April 2023

The Northern Hemisphere snow-cover (NHSC) interannual variability can serve as a crucial source of climate predictability. However, the spatiotemporal characteristics of the NHSC interannual variability and associated formation mechanism lack a thorough investigation using the latest reliable datasets. In this observationally based study, we identify the leading mode of the wintertime NHSC interannual variability and reveal the major determinants and mechanisms for forming the mode. Results show that the leading mode exhibits a hemispheric dipole pattern characterized by snow-cover anomalies in the central-eastern United States and Europe, contrary to those in the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Importantly, the leading mode of TP-only snow-cover variability is essentially a regional manifestation of the dipole NHSC anomaly pattern. The wintertime hemispheric atmospheric circulation anomaly mode, that is, the Arctic Oscillation (AO), primarily determines the dipole NHSC anomaly pattern via altering snowfall and snowmelt. During a positive phase of AO, an anomalous atmospheric anticyclone over the midlatitude North Atlantic favors increased warm-air advection over the central-eastern United States and Europe, reducing the snowfall and the snow cover there. Meanwhile, the anomalously warm atmospheric thermal condition in Europe accompanied by enhanced westerly moisture flux convergence tends to heat the underlying land surface via reducing upward sensible heat flux and increasing downward longwave radiation, thereby causing increased snowmelt and decreased snow cover in northeastern Europe. Associated with the aforementioned atmospheric circulation anomalies, an anomalous atmospheric cyclone prevailing over the TP tends to cause increased southeasterly moisture flux convergence, favoring snowfall and snow increase in the TP.
Catalysts and Deterrents for STEAM Talent Development of Students from Economically-Disadvantaged Families Through Specialized STEAM Talent Residential High Schools
Authors: Kim Juah , Han Suksil , Ahn Doehee , Cho Seokhee
Published: April 2023

Talent developmental experiences of economically disadvantaged students of Specialized STEM Talent Residential High Schools (SSTRHS) were investigated. Nine students who were preferentially admitted to SSTRHS due to their families’ economic disadvantage were interviewed twice on their experiences from early childhood to college. The data were verified by checking with survey data, national gifted education data and interviews with master teachers. A thematic analysis revealed that STEM talent was recognized early by parents and acknowledged through competitions. However, there were limited resources and opportunities for them to study advanced mathematics systematically and intensely until they entered SSTRHS. At the SSTRHS, they struggled with an extremely accelerated math curriculum. However, with support from advanced peers and teachers, they could cope with their weaknesses caused by limited dosage of STEM learning. Experience conducting research with peers and mentors were the most critical catalysts for their planning for future careers as research scientists.
Examining safety and efficacy of a fixed concentration heparin dosing strategy for anticoagulation in neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Tewary Shambhavi , Sontakke Sanket , Dean Kiri , Ellis David , Ghose Arun , Kanthimathinathan Hari Krishnan
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The paediatric intensive care unit changed heparin infusion dosing from a variable weight-based concentration to a fixed concentration strategy, when smart pump-based drug library was introduced. This change meant significantly lower rates of infusion were needed for the same dose of heparin in the neonatal population. We performed a safety and efficacy assessment of this change.

Methods

We performed a retrospective single-centre evaluation based on data from respiratory VA-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients weighing ≤5 kg, pre and post the change to fixed strength heparin infusion. Efficacy was analysed by distribution of activated clotting times (ACT) and heparin dose requirements between the groups. Safety was analysed using thrombotic and haemorrhagic event rates. Continuous variables were reported as median, interquartile ranges, and non-parametric tests were used. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyse associations of heparin dosing strategy with ACT and heparin dose requirements in the first 24 h of ECMO. Incidence rate ratios of circuit related thrombotic and haemorrhagic events between groups were analysed using Poisson regression with offset for run hours.

Results

33 infants (20 variable weight-based, 13 fixed concentration) were analysed. Distribution of ACT ranges and heparin dose requirements were similar between the two groups during the ECMO run and this was confirmed by GEE. Incidence rate ratios of thrombotic (fixed v weight-based) (1.9 [0.5–8], p = .37), and haemorrhagic events (0.9 [0.1–4.9], p = .95) did not show statistically significant differences.

Conclusions

Fixed concentration dosing of heparin was at least equally effective and safe compared to a weight-based dosing.
Danger of floating venous thrombosis: myth or reality?
Authors: Chernukha Larisa , Khrebtiy Yaroslav , Khrebtii Halyna
Published: April 2023

Introduction

To date, the problem of venous thromboembolism and its consequences remains relevant, despite significant progress in the development of phlebology and technologies.

Aim

In our study, we tried to assess the “danger” of floating DVTs, methods and features of conservative and surgical treatment of patients with floating DVTs, analyze the results of treatment of this group of patients, and draw conclusions based on our data.

Materials and methods

The results of treatment of 1297 patients with venous thromboembolism for the period 2011–2022 were analyzed. 104 patients were treated with floating deep vein thrombosis, 1193 patients had occlusive proximal venous thrombosis.

Results

In our study, we determined the danger of floating DVT by comparing the facts of the migration of thrombotic masses in the proximal direction according to the results of treatment in two groups of patients. The first group consisted of 10 patients with proximal floating venous thromboses who were implanted with cava filters, the second group consisted of 28 patients with occlusive proximal venous thrombosis who were implanted with cava filters. Embolism occurred in 40.0% of cases floating DVT, while no cases of embolism were detected in occluding DVT ( p < 0.01). Groups of patients with the length of the floating part of the thrombus up to 5 cm were analyzed. Anticoagulant therapy was used in 42 cases; thrombectomy was performed in 52 cases. There was no case of pulmonary embolism when treated with both conservative and surgical methods.

Conclusions

Based on our research, it can be stated that floating thrombosis of deep veins of proximal venous segments is a type of thrombosis that has an increased risk of thromboembolic complications when the length of the floating part is 5 cm or more.
The impact of metformin on survival in diabetes patients with operable colorectal cancer: A nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chu Ping-Teng , Chuang Tzu-Jung , Huang Shu-Hung , Wu Tung-Ho , Huang Wei-Chun , Wang Jui-Ho
Published: April 2023

Objective

To investigate the impact of metformin on survival of diabetic patients following surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. From Taiwan’s population-based National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) we identified 12,512 patients with CRC and type II diabetes who underwent curative surgery between 2000 and 2012. Of these, 6222 patients were included in a matched cohort. Using Cox regression models with time-dependent covariates we examined the impact of metformin on survival.

Results

Average duration of follow-up was 49 and 54 months for metformin users and non-users, respectively. Cox proportional hazard model showed that metformin was associated with 5-year overall survival benefit (Hazard ratio, 0.23 [95% CI, 0.20–0.26]) and inverse association with risk of liver metastasis (Hazard ratio, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.68–0.93]).

Conclusions

Metformin was associated with a survival benefit in diabetic patients with CRC following surgery, and an inverse association with risk of liver metastases suggesting a potential anti-tumorigenic effect.
Fall Risk Screening and Assessment for People Living With Dementia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lynds Michaela E. , Arnold Catherine M.
Published: April 2023

Falls are the leading cause of injury and hospitalization for older adults in Canada and the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide. For people living with dementia (PLWD), falls have an even greater impact, but the standard testing methods for fall risk screening and assessment are often not practical for this population. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify and summarize recent research, practice guidelines and gray literature which have considered fall risk screening and assessment for PLWD. Database search results revealed a dearth in the literature that can support researchers and healthcare providers when considering which option/s are the most suitable for PLWD. Further primary studies into the validity of using the various tests with PLWD are needed if researchers and healthcare providers are to be empowered via the literature and clinical practice guidelines to provide the best possible fall risk care for PLWD.
Family Firms’ Acquisitions and Politicians as Directors: A Socioemotional Wealth Approach
Authors: Cuevas-Rodríguez Gloria , Pérez-Calero Leticia , Gomez-Mejia Luis , Kopoboru Aguado Santiago
Published: April 2023

This study analyzes how family control influences firms’ acquisition activity using a socioemotional wealth (SEW) approach and discusses their anticipated SEW gains and losses when making acquisition decisions. Data collected from Spanish public companies from 2010 to 2015 indicates that family firms are more reticent about undertaking acquisitions than nonfamily firms, and their lower propensity is more pronounced when there are no former politicians on the board of directors whose presence could reduce potential SEW losses. Furthermore, the benefits of former politicians on the board of family firms in terms of acquisition activity only occur in low-velocity industries.
Sensorless optimal control of electronic wedge brake based on dynamic model and Kalman filter state multiple-estimation
Authors: Jneid Mahmoud Said , Zöldy Máté , Harth Péter
Published: April 2023

An electronic wedge brake is a brake-by-wire system developed by some major companies in the domain of the automotive industry. The inherent self-reinforcing feature of the electronic wedge brake is interpreted as reduced actuation force and hence lower actuation energy. Controlling the electronic wedge brake requires measuring the clamping force using a force sensor, which requires special techniques to be installed onto the system and maintained safe from extreme conditions. This way the system design will be more complex, and the cost is increased due to the sensor expense. In this paper, a new sensorless optimal control (Servo-Linear Quadrature Regulator) approach is proposed using system dynamic-based estimation and Kalman filter-based estimation for clamp force control of electronic wedge brake. The suggested control scheme eliminates the need for clamp force and motor speed sensors by state multiple-estimation using only the current measurement of the motor. First, the motor current is measured and used to estimate motor speed relying on system dynamic equations. Brake wedge speed and position are then approximately derived in terms of the motor state estimates. The resulting current-based state estimates are eventually introduced to the Kalman filter as state measurements and used with the system control input calculated by the optimal controller to correct and update state prediction in the Kalman filter.
Association of Patient-Reported Anxiety and Pain After Alveolar Bone Grafting
Authors: Mirzaie Sarah , Oberoi Michelle K. , Huang Kelly X. , Caprini Rachel M. , Malapati Sri Harshini , Dejam Dillon , Bedar Meiwand , Cronin Brendan J. , Khetpal Sumun , Lee Justine C.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To evaluate the role of psychosocial well-being on perioperative pain and opioid use among patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) undergoing alveolar bone grafting (ABG).

Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Tertiary level craniofacial clinic.

Participants

34 patients with CLP (median age: 11.7 years), including 25 (73.5%) unilateral CLP and 9 (26.5%) bilateral CLP, who underwent ABG from 2015 to 2022.

Interventions

ABG using iliac crest bone graft. Patients were prospectively administered four patient-reported psychosocial instruments from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System.

Main Outcome Measures

Perioperative opioid use in morphine equivalent dosage/kilogram, patient-reported pain scores, and length of hospital stay after ABG.

Results

Patient-reported anxiety (r = 0.41, p = 0.02) and depressive symptoms (r = 0.35, p = 0.04) correlated to higher perioperative opioid usage. Multivariable regression models including psychosocial scores, total acetaminophen usage, length of surgery, and other simultaneous surgeries were developed for total opioid usage, patient-reported pain, and length of hospital stay. Patient-reported anxiety was independently predictive of higher perioperative opioid use (β=0.36, p = 0.01) and higher pain scores (β=0.39, p = 0.02), but not length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

We identified an association for patient-reported anxiety and perioperative opioid use and pain in a CLP cohort undergoing ABG. Future considerations in preoperative patient and family consultation may be indicated in patients self-reporting higher anxiety in an effort to minimize perioperative opioid usage.
Brain Tumor Radiogenomic Classification of O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase Promoter Methylation in Malignant Gliomas-Based Transfer Learning
Authors: Sakly Houneida , Said Mourad , Seekins Jayne , Guetari Ramzi , Kraiem Naoufel , Marzougui Mehrez
Published: April 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the subject of a challenge and attention in the field of oncology and raises many promises for preventive diagnosis, but also fears, some of which are based on highly speculative visions for the classification and detection of tumors. A brain tumor that is malignant is a life-threatening disorder. Glioblastoma is the most prevalent kind of adult brain cancer and the 1 with the poorest prognosis, with a median survival time of less than a year. The presence of O6 -methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation, a particular genetic sequence seen in tumors, has been proven to be a positive prognostic indicator and a significant predictor of recurrence.

This strong revival of interest in AI is modeled in particular to major technological advances which have significantly increased the performance of the predicted model for medical decision support. Establishing reliable forecasts remains a significant challenge for electronic health records (EHRs). By enhancing clinical practice, precision medicine promises to improve healthcare delivery. The goal is to produce improved prognosis, diagnosis, and therapy through evidence-based sub stratification of patients, transforming established clinical pathways to optimize care for each patient’s individual requirements. The abundance of today’s healthcare data, dubbed “big data,” provides great resources for new knowledge discovery, potentially advancing precision treatment. The latter necessitates multidisciplinary initiatives that will use the knowledge, skills, and medical data of newly established organizations with diverse backgrounds and expertise.

The aim of this paper is to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images to train and evaluate your model to detect the presence of MGMT promoter methylation in this competition to predict the genetic subtype of glioblastoma based transfer learning. Our objective is to emphasize the basic problems in the developing disciplines of radiomics and radiogenomics, as well as to illustrate the computational challenges from the perspective of big data analytics.
From the War on Terror to the Moral Crusade Against Female Genital Mutilation: Anti-Muslim Racism and Femonationalism in the United States
Authors: Bader Dina
Published: April 2023

This article investigates the recent flurry of state-level legislation regarding female genital mutilation (FGM), which occurred in the aftermath of the first federal criminal court case of FGM in 2017. Drawing on publicly available material, it shows how this court case, which involved a group of Muslims of Indian heritage, elicited a moral crusade against FGM, largely led by Republican lawmakers, and spurred a resurgence of anti-Muslim discourses, which first came to the fore after 9/11 to legitimate the “war on terror.” Although FGM is not an Islamic practice and is also carried out by non-Muslim groups, the author concludes that femonationalism and anti-Muslim racism are important analytical lens for understanding the recent history of legislative efforts to combat FGM in the U.S.
Behaviour and Thoughts: For a Pluralistic Model of Empirically Informed Political Philosophy
Authors: Baderin Alice
Published: April 2023

Is Political Philosophy Impossible? develops a distinctive and powerful vision of empirically informed political philosophy: one that gives a central role to data about what people do, rather than what they think or say. Here, I offer some critical reflections on this ‘normative behaviourist’ account of how, and why, we should integrate normative theorizing with empirical research. I suggest that normative behaviourism is at once too ambitious and too restrictive concerning the role of social scientific data in political philosophy. On the one hand, it implicates philosophy in complex and contested issues in criminology, and developing the approach to address more fine-grained normative problems would place unrealistic demands on the empirical data. On the other hand, the emphasis on crime and insurrection excludes alternative valuable forms of empirical evidence from normative theorizing. I conclude by defending a more modest and pluralistic picture of data-sensitive political philosophy.
Computed Tomography Neurography for Visualization of the In Vivo Nervous System: A Proof of Concept
Authors: McCarthy James E. , Serkova Natalie J.
Published: April 2023

Background:

The human peripheral nervous system embodies anatomical, physiologic, and diagnostic perplexities that remain unexplained. Yet in the course of human history, there are no mechanisms, such as computed tomography (CT) or radiography, by which to image the peripheral nervous system in vivo using a contrast agent that is identified by ionizing radiation, which would aid in surgical navigation, diagnostic radiology, and basic science thereof.

Methods:

A novel class of contrast was created by linking iodine to lidocaine. The radiodensity of 0.5% experimental contrast molecule was compared with a control of 1% lidocaine by placing 1.5-mL aliquots of each liquid into centrifuge tubes and performing micro–computed tomography (micro-CT) synchronously under identical settings. Physiologic binding to the sciatic nerve was evaluated by injecting 10 mg of the experimental contrast and 10 mg of the control into the contralateral sciatic nerve, and documenting loss of hindlimb function and recovery. In vivo visualization of the sciatic nerve was evaluated by injecting 10 mg of experimental contrast or control into either sciatic nerve and imaging the hindlimbs under identical conditions using micro-CT.

Results:

The mean Hounsfield unit of the contrast was 56.09 compared with −0.48 for control (116-fold increase, P = .0001). Hindlimb paresis revealed similar degree of paresis, baseline recovery, and time to recovery. In vivo enhancement between the contralateral sciatic nerves was similar.

Conclusion:

Iodinated lidocaine offers a viable mechanism for in vivo peripheral nerve imaging using CT; however, it requires modification to improve in vivo radiodensity.
The introduction of a Surgical Care Practitioner training programme to an acute National Health Service trust and an exploration of the interrelationships between Surgical Care Practitioners, their trainers and surgical trainees
Authors: Carter Phoebe , Carter Jemima , Carter Paul
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to explore the impact of the introduction of a Surgical Care Practitioner programme on junior surgical training within an acute National Health Service trust. A qualitative methodology of semi-structured interviews was used to gather information from eight Surgical Care Practitioners, eight surgical trainees and eight consultant grade trainers. The authors found an overall positive and mutually beneficial outcome of the training programme, with surgical trainees unanimous that the presence of the Surgical Care Practitioners freed them up for more time to be spent in theatre, as well as acting as highly experienced surgical assistants when the trainees were operating on their own. This study found significant mutual benefits to surgical trainees and Surgical Care Practitioners, as well as smoother running of the wards, theatres and the clinical firms through the addition of a highly skilled and versatile Surgical Care Practitioner workforce.