bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attention control in a trial of an online psychoeducational intervention for caregivers
Authors: Kovaleva Mariya , Nocera Joe R. , Hepburn Kenneth , Higgins Melinda , Nash Rachel , Epps Fayron , Brewster Glenna , Bilsborough Elizabeth , Blumling Amy A. , Griffiths Patricia C.
Published: January 2022

In reports of randomized controlled trials, thorough description of the attention control condition has been recommended, yet is frequently lacking. The Tele‐Savvy Caregiver program for informal caregivers of persons living with dementia was tested in a randomized controlled trial with an attention control condition. The purpose of this trial was to test Tele‐Savvy's efficacy in reducing the negative effects of caregiving on caregivers, promoting quality of life for persons living with dementia, and improving caregiver mastery. We describe the design and implementation of and examine the outcomes associated with the attention control condition. Caregivers were randomized to the immediate Tele‐Savvy (active condition), Healthy Living (attention control), or waitlist. The attention control content was focused on healthy lifestyle and was not intended to affect the outcomes that Tele‐Savvy targeted. The attention control group was similar to Tele‐Savvy in the intervention structure and duration: it consisted of seven weekly group videoconferences and 36 video lessons. Data on outcomes of caregivers and persons living with dementia were collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months postbaseline. Multilevel mixed effects models were used to determine changes in the outcomes. One hundred and eleven caregivers were randomized to the attention control condition (attrition 21.6%). Eighteen formative assessment interviews focusing on caregivers' experience in the attention control condition were conducted. The attention control condition completers had no statistically significant changes in the variables that Tele‐Savvy targeted. These results may be used in the design and implementation of attention control conditions in behavioral intervention research.
Biodegradation of water‐soluble and water‐dispersible polymers for agricultural, consumer, and industrial applications—Challenges and opportunities for sustainable materials solutions
Authors: Vandermeulen Guido W. M. , Boarino Alice , Klok Harm‐Anton
Published: January 2022

The development of more sustainable material solutions is one of the key challenges today. New materials are subject to an overall risk assessment of which their impact on the environment is an important aspect. The biodegradability of a material may support a positive risk assessment. Water‐soluble and water‐dispersible polymers are widely used in daily life in a very broad range of applications. In anticipation of a further tightening of regulatory requirements and as a consequence of the introduction of sustainability targets in industry, in the next decade or so, industry targets to replace the currently used and predominantly non‐biodegradable high value water‐soluble and water‐dispersible polymers by biodegradable alternatives, wherever sustainably possible. This review provides an overview of the currently used water‐soluble and water‐dispersible polymers in detergent formulations for home care, in water treatment and in crop protection. These polymers have been engineered to near perfect performance at minimum costs. We address the challenges faced when introducing biodegradable alternatives in existing product value chains, and we highlight opportunities to further improve and fine‐tune the biodegradation of these materials. This overview is intended to contribute to the development of novel biodegradable water‐soluble and water‐dispersible polymers, both at academia and industry.
Spacial structures induced by sterical hindrance of large substituents: A dendritic macromolecular “snowflake” molecule
Authors: Leitner Tanja D. , Mena‐Osteritz Elena , Bäuerle Peter
Published: January 2022

The mulitstage preparation of densly packed thienylene‐phenylene dendrimer 15 comprising 42 thiophene and 7 benzene units arranged in a hexagonal “snowflake” fashion is described. The desired three‐dimensionality is induced through steric repulsion of the peripheral hexa(thienyl)benzene units. The molecular geometry of individual dendrimers was supported by quantum chemical calculations, whereby atomic force microscopy gave evidence for spontaneous ordering of the molecules on a graphite surface by the formation of stable nanosized edge‐on oriented columns.
Destruxin A inhibits scavenger receptor B mediated melanization in Aphis citricola
Authors: Han Pengfei , Gong Qitian , Fan Jiqiao , Abbas Mureed , Chen Duo , Zhang Jianzhen
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Destruxin A (DA) is a mycotoxin secreted by entomogenous fungi, such as Metarhizium anisopliae, which has broad‐spectrum insecticidal activity. Insect innate immunity provides resistance against the invasion of entomopathogenic fungi. Previous studies have shown that DA could inhibit the immune response, however, the suppressive mechanism of DA on prophenoloxidase system is still unknown.

RESULTS

Based on the transcriptome of Aphis citricola, we screened the scavenger receptor class B(AcSR‐B)and identified that it significantly responds to DA. Spatio‐temporal expression analysis showed that AcSR‐B is highly expressed in adult stage and is mainly distributed in the abdominal region. We further revealed that both M. anisopliae and Escherichia coli could suppress the expression of AcSR‐B at 24 h, and that the expressed recombinant protein rAcSR‐B possessed agglutination activity to M. anisopliae and E. coli. DA could suppress the protein expression of AcSR‐B. In addition, RNA interference of AcSR‐B caused death of A. citricola in a dose‐dependent manner, and RNA interference of AcSR‐B increased mortality in A. citricola under the same lethal concentration of DA. The inhibiting effect of AcSR‐B silencing was similar with the DA treatment upon phenol oxidase (PO) activity of A. citricola hemolymph. DA could not decrease PO activity further after AcSR‐B silencing.

CONCLUSION

Destruxin A inhibits melanization by suppressing AcSR‐B in A. citricola. Our findings are helpful in understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of the DA suppressing immune system, and uncover a potential molecular target for double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) insecticides.
Curcumin suppress inflammatory response in traumatic brain injury via p38/MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Duan Lei , Yang Fengbiao , Yang Liang , Deng Yajun , Yu Yue , Xu Yanlong , Zhang Yinian
Published: January 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common disease worldwide with a high mortality and disability rate and is closely related to the inflammatory response. However, the molecular mechanisms during the pathophysiological responses are not completely understood. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of curcumin on TBI and the molecular mechanisms of the p38/MAPK signal pathway. We found that curcumin remarkably ameliorated secondary brain injury after TBI, including effects on the neurological severity score and inflammation. After injection of curcumin, the neurological function score of mice decreased significantly. Curcumin exhibited antiinflammatory pharmacological effects, as reflected by inhibition of inflammatory factors (e.g., interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α). Additionally, curcumin notably reduced the expression of p‐p38 according to western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses. In conclusion, curcumin remarkably alleviated posttraumatic inflammation and thus shows potential for treating inflammation associated with TBI.
Genetic tools for the redirection of the central carbon flow towards the production of lactate in the human gut bacterium Phocaeicola (Bacteroides) vulgatus
Authors: Lück Rebecca , Deppenmeier Uwe
Published: January 2022

Species of the genera Bacteroides and Phocaeicola play an important role in the human colon. The organisms contribute to the degradation of complex heteropolysaccharides to small chain fatty acids, which are in part utilized by the human body. Furthermore, these organisms are involved in the synthesis of vitamins and other bioactive compounds. Of special interest is Phocaeicola vulgatus, originally classified as a Bacteroides species, due to its abundance in the human intestinal tract and its ability to degrade many plant-derived heteropolysaccharides. We analyzed different tools for the genetic modification of this microorganism, with respect to homologous gene expression of the ldh gene encoding a D-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Therefore, the ldh gene was cloned into the integration vector pMM656 and the shuttle vector pG106 for homologous gene expression in P. vulgatus. We determined the ldh copy number, transcript abundance, and the enzyme activity of the wild type and the mutants. The strain containing the shuttle vector showed an approx. 1500-fold increase in the ldh transcript concentration and an enhanced LDH activity that was about 200-fold higher compared to the parental strain. Overall, the proportion of lactate in the general catabolic carbon flow increased from 2.9% (wild type) to 28.5% in the LDH-overproducing mutant. This approach is a proof of concept, verifying the genetic accessibility of P. vulgatus and could form the basis for targeted genetic optimization.

Key points

• A lactate dehydrogenase was overexpressed in Phocaeicola (Bacteroides) vulgatus.

• The ldh transcript abundance and the LDH activity increased sharply in the mutant.

• The proportion of lactate in the catabolic carbon flow increased to about 30%.
Deep learning in CT colonography: differentiating premalignant from benign colorectal polyps
Authors: Wesp Philipp , Grosu Sergio , Graser Anno , Maurus Stefan , Schulz Christian , Knösel Thomas , Fabritius Matthias P. , Schachtner Balthasar , Yeh Benjamin M. , Cyran Clemens C. , Ricke Jens , Kazmierczak Philipp M. , Ingrisch Michael
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To investigate the differentiation of premalignant from benign colorectal polyps detected by CT colonography using deep learning.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis of an average risk colorectal cancer screening sample, polyps of all size categories and morphologies were manually segmented on supine and prone CT colonography images and classified as premalignant (adenoma) or benign (hyperplastic polyp or regular mucosa) according to histopathology. Two deep learning models SEG and noSEG were trained on 3D CT colonography image subvolumes to predict polyp class, and model SEG was additionally trained with polyp segmentation masks. Diagnostic performance was validated in an independent external multicentre test sample. Predictions were analysed with the visualisation technique Grad-CAM++.

Results

The training set consisted of 107 colorectal polyps in 63 patients (mean age: 63 ± 8 years, 40 men) comprising 169 polyp segmentations. The external test set included 77 polyps in 59 patients comprising 118 polyp segmentations. Model SEG achieved a ROC-AUC of 0.83 and 80% sensitivity at 69% specificity for differentiating premalignant from benign polyps. Model noSEG yielded a ROC-AUC of 0.75, 80% sensitivity at 44% specificity, and an average Grad-CAM++ heatmap score of ≥ 0.25 in 90% of polyp tissue.

Conclusions

In this proof-of-concept study, deep learning enabled the differentiation of premalignant from benign colorectal polyps detected with CT colonography and the visualisation of image regions important for predictions. The approach did not require polyp segmentation and thus has the potential to facilitate the identification of high-risk polyps as an automated second reader.

Key Points

• Non-invasive deep learning image analysis may differentiate premalignant from benign colorectal polyps found in CT colonography scans.

• Deep learning autonomously learned to focus on polyp tissue for predictions without the need for prior polyp segmentation by experts.

• Deep learning potentially improves the diagnostic accuracy of CT colonography in colorectal cancer screening by allowing for a more precise selection of patients who would benefit from endoscopic polypectomy, especially for patients with polyps of 6–9 mm size.
Predictors and clinical impact of postoperative diarrhea after colorectal cancer surgery: a prospective, multicenter, observational study (SHISA-1602)
Authors: Ohta Hiroyuki , Miyake Toru , Ueki Tomoyuki , Kojima Masatsugu , Kawasaki Masayasu , Tatsuta Takeshi , Iuchi Takekazu , Kamitani Sumihiro , Shimizu Tomoharu , Mekata Eiji , Tani Masaji
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Postoperative diarrhea, including high-output stoma (HOS), frequently occurs after colorectal surgery; its risk factors and clinical implications on subsequent complications remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors and clinical implications of postoperative diarrhea after primary colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery.

Methods

This prospective observational study included patients with CRC who underwent radical surgery at six hospitals between June 2016 and December 2017. The patients were categorized into three groups (non-stoma, colostoma, and ileostoma groups).

Results

A total of 178 patients participated in the study. In the non-stoma group, the incidence of postoperative diarrhea was 18.4% (27/147). The incidence of HOS was 28.6% (4/14) in the ileostoma group, and 0% in the colostoma group. Multivariable analyses of the incidence of diarrhea in the non-stoma group indicated that habitual smoking and hypertension were significantly associated with postoperative diarrhea (P = 0.012 and P = 0.0274, respectively). Postoperative diarrhea was more likely to occur in patients with rectal cancer than in those with colon cancer (P = 0.0501). In the non-stoma and ileostoma groups, the probability of the occurrence of other complications with Clavien–Dindo (C-D) grades II or higher was significantly higher in patients with C-D grade I diarrhea, including HOS, than in patients without diarrhea (39.3% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.0061).

Conclusions

Smoking and hypertension are the independent predictors of postoperative diarrhea after an elective CRC surgery. Rectal cancer surgery seems to be associated with postoperative diarrhea more than colon cancer surgery does. Mild postoperative diarrhea may lead to more severe complications.
Voices from the past: results of the ESP history of pathology working group survey on pathology museums
Authors: Santi Raffaella , Ballestriero Roberta , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Gulczynski Jacek , de Gouveia Rosa Henriques , Ariza Aurelio , Carvalho Lina , Nesi Gabriella
Published: January 2022

While keeping their original purpose of training medical students, pathology museums hold great biological value, offering unique specimens for scientific research through modern radiological, pathological and biomolecular techniques. Moreover, the artefacts, models and drawings displayed in these museums are a precious cultural and artistic heritage. Preservation of the anatomical samples and maintenance of the facilities are neither easy nor inexpensive and call for patronage. The development of a European Pathology Museum Network would undoubtedly facilitate study, access and divulgation of antique pathology collections. Data from a survey conducted by the European Society of Pathology (ESP) History of Pathology Working Group have allowed creation of a comprehensive, multifaceted portrait of European university museums, reflecting their history, diversity, geography, institutional status, stakeholders, projects, professionals, audiences, policies and best practices.
Statusbericht – H2020-ROBOMINERS und M30 Projekttreffen
Authors: Leitner Jasmin , Berner Michael , Sifferlinger Nikolaus August
Published: January 2022

Das H2020 Robominer Projekt ist ein EU gefördertes Projekt, und das Konsortium dafür besteht aus 14 verschiedenen Projektpartnern. Im Zuge dieses Projektes hat in Leoben ein persönliches Treffen mit den Projektpartnern stattgefunden, um die bisherigen Entwicklungen des Projektes zu präsentieren, zu besprechen und einen Bergbau in Slowenien für potenzielle Feldversuche zu besuchen. Des Weiteren wird ein Überblick über den aktuellen Stand des Projektes gegeben.
Patient-reported QoL in anal cancer survivors 3 and 6 years after treatment—results from the Swedish national ANCA study
Authors: Axelsson Anna , Johansson Mia , Bock David , Haglind Eva , de la Croix Hanna , Nilsson Per J. , Angenete Eva
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The impact of anal cancer treatment for the patients is best evaluated by the patients themselves. The purpose of this study was to investigate quality of life (QoL) in patients with anal cancer at 3 and 6 years after treatment.

Methods

A Swedish national cross-sectional prospective cohort study with patients diagnosed with anal cancer between 2011 and 2013. Patients were invited to respond to a QoL questionnaire at 3 and 6 years, with focus on bowel, urinary and sexual function, social and mental function, co-morbidity, lifestyle, daily activities, personal characteristics, and perceived QoL. It also contained questions on the severity of the symptoms regarding occurrence, frequency, and duration and the level of “bother” experienced related to functional symptoms.

QoL and prevalence of bother with urinary, sexual, bowel dysfunction, and anal pain were described. The prevalence of impaired QoL was compared with a healthy reference population. The association between QoL and experiencing bother was quantified by regression models.

Results

From an original cohort of 464 patients with anal cancer, 264 (57%) were alive and contacted at 3 years and 230 (50%) at 6 years. One hundred ninety-five (74%) patients responded to the 3-year and 152 (66%) to the 6-year questionnaire. Sixty percent reported low QoL at both 3 and 6 years. Impaired QoL was more prevalent among patients with major bother due to bowel dysfunction (at 3 years RR 1.42, 95% CI (1.06–1.9) p-value 0.020, at 6 years RR 1.52, 95% CI (1.03–2.24) p-value 0.034) and urinary dysfunction (at 6 years RR 1.44, 95% CI (1.08–1.91) p-value 0.013). There was a tendency to a positive relationship between the number of bodily functions causing bother and risk for impaired QoL.

Conclusion

Patients treated for anal cancer reported bother regarding several bodily functions as well as poor QoL both at 3 and 6 years without much improvement. Bother was also associated with low QoL indicating that function-related bother should be addressed.
Analyse des Kontinuums mit surrealen Zahlen
Authors: Morgenstern Thomas
Published: January 2022

Ausgehend vom anschaulichen Begriff des Kontinuums betrachten wir drei klassische Konzepte des Kontinuums und entwickeln für das lineare, geometrische Kontinuum mathematische Modelle, wobei wir vereinfacht eine Strecke betrachten. In allen drei Fällen sind die Teile des Kontinuums linear angeordnet und ihre Ordnung ist dicht.

Das Kontinuum des Parmenides ist eine unteilbare Einheit. Das entsprechende Modell der Strecke ist eine Einermenge und somit ohne Lücken.

Das Kontinuum des Aristoteles ist potentiell unendlich, aktual endlich oft teilbar und die Teile sind wieder teilbare Kontinua. Das entspreche Modell der Strecke ist isomorph zum angeordneten Körper der rationalen Zahlen.

Das hypothetische Kontinuum des Zenon ist aktual unendlich oft teilbar und die Teile sind wieder teilbare Kontinua. Die Teile der Strecke werden mittels transfiniter Rekursion durch fortgesetzte Zweiteilung konstruiert und tragen damit in natürlicher Weise die Struktur eines geordneten, vollen, dyadischen Wurzelbaums.

Gleichzeitig wird ein Isomorphismus der Punkte zum nicht-archimedischen angeordneten Körper der surrealen Zahlen konstruiert, dem universellen, absoluten, arithmetischen Kontinuum. Dann gibt es viele infinitesimal kleine und infinit große Strecken. Die Punkte bilden eine echte geordnete Klasse mit intervallvollständiger, aber nicht schnittvollständiger Ordnung, die sehr viele Lücken hat.
Surgery for brain metastases—impact of the extent of resection
Authors: Winther Rebecca Rootwelt , Hjermstad Marianne Jensen , Skovlund Eva , Aass Nina , Helseth Eirik , Kaasa Stein , Yri Olav Erich , Vik-Mo Einar Osland
Published: January 2022

Background

Surgical resection of brain metastases improves symptoms and survival in selected patients. The benefit of gross total resection is disputed, as most patients are believed to succumb from their non-CNS tumor burden. We investigated the association between overall survival and residual tumor after surgery for single brain metastases.

Methods

We reviewed adults who underwent surgery for a single brain metastasis at a regional referral center (2011–2018). Gross total resection was defined as no visible residual tumor on cerebral MRI 12–48 h postoperatively.

Results

We included 373 patients. The most common primary tumors were lung cancer (36%) and melanoma (24%). We identified gross total resection in 238 patients (64%). Median overall survival was 11.0 months, 8.0 (6.2–9.8) months for patients with subtotal resection and 13.0 (9.7–16.3) months for patients with gross total resection. In a multivariate regression analysis including preoperative prognostic factors, gross total resection was associated with longer overall survival (HR: 0.66, p = 0.003). Postoperative radiotherapy administered within 6 weeks did not significantly alter the hazard ratio estimates for grade of resection.

Conclusions

Our study suggests improved survival with gross total resection compared to subtotal resection. The importance of extent of resection in surgery for brain metastases should not be discarded.
Staphylococcus massiliensis isolated from human blood cultures, Germany, 2017–2020
Authors: Last Katharina , Lepper Philipp M. , Jung Philipp , Schäfers Hans-Joachim , Boutin Sébastien , Heeg Klaus , Becker Sören L. , Nurjadi Dennis , Papan Cihan
Published: January 2022

Clinical and laboratory data on newly described staphylococcal species is rare, which hampers decision-making when such pathogens are detected in clinical specimens. Here, we describe Staphylococcus massiliensis detected in three patients at a university hospital in southwest Germany. We report the discrepancy of microbiological findings between matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, 16S-rRNA polymerase chain reaction, and whole-genome sequencing for all three isolates. Our findings highlight the diagnostic pitfalls pertinent to novel and non-model organisms in daily microbiological practice, in whom the correct identification is dependent on database accuracy.
Left atrial structure and function in heart failure with reduced (HFrEF) versus preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF): systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Xuanyi , Nauta Jan F. , Hung Chung-Lieh , Ouwerkerk Wouter , Teng Tiew-Hwa Katherine , Voors Adriaan A. , Lam Carolyn SP. , van Melle Joost P.
Published: January 2022

Left atrial (LA) structure and function in heart failure with reduced (HFrEF) versus preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is only established in small studies. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of LA structure and function in order to find differences between patients with HFrEF and HFpEF. English literature on LA structure and function using echocardiography was reviewed to calculate pooled prevalence and weighted mean differences (WMD). A total of 61 studies, comprising 8806 patients with HFrEF and 9928 patients with HFpEF, were included. The pooled prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) was 34.4% versus 42.8% in the acute inpatient setting, and 20.1% versus 33.1% in the chronic outpatient setting when comparing between HFrEF and HFpEF. LA volume index (LAVi), LA reservoir global longitudinal strain (LAGLSR), and E/e’ was 59.7 versus 52.7 ml/m2, 9.0% versus 18.9%, and 18.5 versus 14.0 in the acute inpatient setting, and 48.3 versus 38.2 ml/m2, 12.8% versus 23.4%, and 16.9 versus 13.5 in the chronic outpatient setting when comparing HFrEF versus HFpEF, respectively. The relationship between LAVi and LAGLSR was significant in HFpEF, but not in HFrEF. Also, in those studies that directly compared patients with HFrEF versus HFpEF, those with HFrEF had worse LAGLSR [WMD = 16.3% (22.05,8.61); p < 0.001], and higher E/e’ [WMD = −0.40 (−0.56, −0.24); p < 0.05], while LAVi was comparable. When focusing on acute hospitalized patients, E/e’ was comparable between patients with HFrEF and HFpEF. Despite the higher burden of AF in HFpEF, patients with HFrEF had worse LA global function. Left atrial myopathy is not specifically related to HFpEF.
Psychiatric Comorbidity and Psychopathology of Methamphetamine Users—Are There Gender Differences?
Authors: Franke Andreas G. , Neumann Stefanie , Proebstl Lisa , Kamp Felicia , Hager Laura , Manz Kirsi , Krause Daniela , Mutschler Jochen , Koller Gabi , Soyka Michael
Published: January 2022

Methamphetamine use disorder is associated with severe psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial problems. Women seem to be more affected than men. Therefore, this study examined psychiatric comorbidities and psychopathology, drug use patterns, and treatment outcomes in women addicted to methamphetamine compared to men. Data on methamphetamine-dependent inpatients were collected in two centers specialized for addiction treatment at admission (T0) and discharge (T1, after treatment for 24 weeks). Sociodemographic and clinical measures were collected with the semi-structured clinical interview I at baseline; the self-reported standardized questionnaire (SCL-90-R) was administered at admission and discharge and after 24 weeks. During the entire treatment procedure, treatment relevant aspects were monitored. Out of all 108 treatment-seeking participants (86 men, 22 women), 64 completed the study (51 men, 13 women; drop-out rate: 40.7% (n = 44)). Methamphetamine-dependent women used other stimulants more often than men, while men used hallucinogens significantly more frequently than women. Female inpatients differed significantly from men in various sociodemographic variables (e.g., having children, single parenting) and were significantly more often affected by current (p < 0.001) and lifetime mental stress disorders (p < 0.001), as well as specific psychiatric disorders (p < 0.001) (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder). At discharge, mental symptoms decreased significantly in men but not in women. Both before and after treatment, women seem to be more vulnerable to psychiatric comorbidities and psychopathologic symptoms compared to men. Although this study only provides preliminary data on gender-specific characteristics of methamphetamine-dependent patients and their treatment, it seems appropriate to discuss the development of gender-specific treatment options. Further studies in this field are needed.
The Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Healthcare Costs and Labor Market Attachment
Authors: Bøgelund Mette , Jørgensen Nils B. , Madsbad Sten , Spanggaard Maria , Panton Ulrik H. , Pedersen Mikkel H. , Johansen Pierre
Published: January 2022

Purpose

We aimed to estimate the total cost of bariatric surgery in Denmark.

Materials and Methods

The study population included all Danish citizens ≥ 18 years who had received bariatric surgery, identified in the Danish National Patient Register in the period from 2002 to 2018. Patients who had received bariatric surgery were matched with three controls on gender, year of birth, and region of residence. A difference-in-difference approach was used to estimate the healthcare costs attributable to bariatric surgery from 3 years before to 5 years after surgery.

Results

Total healthcare costs for cases receiving bariatric surgery during the first 5 years following surgery amounted to EUR 32,899, and EUR 16,651 for their matched controls. Thereby, the difference in total healthcare costs (EUR 16,248) between persons receiving bariatric surgery and their matched controls was 2.2 times the DRG rate for the surgery itself (EUR 7387).

Moreover, the results suggest that receiving bariatric surgery led to a total increase in gross earnings of EUR 5970 (5%) and a total reduction in receipt of transfer payments of EUR 4488 (12%) in the period up until 5 years after surgery.

Conclusion

The results showed a significant and persistent increase in healthcare costs for people with obesity receiving bariatric surgery during the first 5 years after surgery. We also found that bariatric surgery was associated with increased attachment to the labor market.

Graphical abstract
Women’s Labor Market Responses to Their Partners’ Unemployment and Low-Pay Employment
Authors: Keldenich Carina , Knabe Andreas
Published: January 2022

Using bivariate random-effects probit estimation on data from the German Socio-Economic Panel we show that women respond to their partners’ unemployment with an increase in labor market participation, which also leads to an increase in their employment probability. Our analysis considers within and between effects separately, revealing differences in the relationships between women’s labor market statuses and their partners’ unemployment in the previous period (within effect) and their partners’ overall probability of being unemployed (between effect). Furthermore, we contribute to the literature by demonstrating that a partner’s employment in a low-paid job has an effect on women’s labor market choices and outcomes similar to that of his unemployment.
Scaling Effect on the Behaviour and Design of Prestressed Stayed Steel Columns
Authors: Hyman Peter , Osofero Adelaja I. , Sriramula Srinivas
Published: January 2022

This study presents the results of a small-scale experimental campaign on prestressed stayed steel columns, subsequent numerical model validation and design guideline development. The majority of previous experimental studies have focused on large-scale systems, which are expensive and can be difficult to perform due to the required specialised experimental set-up, whereas small-scale experiments are less restrictive with both space and experimental set-up requirements. Also, existing design guidelines were developed from a single system scale, so have not been shown to be applicable to changes in geometric scale. Thus, the scaling effect on prestressed stayed steel columns was investigated to promote the use of small-scale experiments in the study of large-scale prestressed stayed steel column systems and update design guidelines for change in geometric scale. A total of 17 prestressed stayed steel columns and a control column with no cross-arms were tested. These tests investigated the symmetric and antisymmetric buckling behaviour as well as the interactive post-buckling phenomenon. These tests were designed to investigate the scaling effect on the behaviour of the system and to determine the optimal prestress level of prestressed stayed steel columns close to the transition point. A numerical model was also validated by the experimental results to perform a full geometric scaling comparison study and update existing design guidelines. It was found that small-scale structures are capable of representing the behaviour of large-scale prestressed stayed steel columns. Furthermore, it was shown that the highest efficiency in terms of the weight of materials is found close to the transition point between symmetric and antisymmetric buckling behaviour. Various scale systems were modelled numerically, and the results compared with existing guidelines, which resulted in low levels of accuracy. Therefore, existing design guidelines were updated using the validated numerical model and shown to yield more accurate results for the L/400 and L/200 imperfection levels.
The Brexit deal and UK fisheries—has reality matched the rhetoric?
Authors: Stewart Bryce D. , Williams Chris , Barnes Richard , Walmsley Suzannah F. , Carpenter Griffin
Published: January 2022

Fisheries
management has been a strongly contested aspect of the UK’s position in the EU since UK accession, with the fishing industry frequently questioning both the efficacy and fairness of arrangements. During the campaign for UK exit (Brexit) from the EU, and the subsequent negotiations of a new legal and political relationship from 2016 to 2020, senior UK political leaders strongly committed to deliver radically changed fisheries arrangements with respect to the three central issues: regulatory autonomy; access to waters; and quota shares, all while maintaining minimal trade impacts. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement diverges from this Brexit rhetoric. While some regulatory independence has been achieved, UK fisheries management continues in a state of interdependence and significant EU access to UK waters remains, even in the 6–12 nautical mile territorial waters. While the UK gained an increase in quota shares which is estimated to reach 107 thousand tonnes of landed weight annually by 2025 (an increase of 21.3% for quota species and 16.9% for all species, or 17.8% and 12.4% by value), this pales in comparison to the UK Government’s stated ambitions for zonal attachment (achieving 68% by weight and by value - a potential shortfall of 229,000 tonnes / £281 million). This modest change explains the negative reaction of the fishing industry and claims of betrayal in the face of the UK Government’s announcement of a “successful” deal. The stark delivery gap between rhetoric and reality means the UK government faces a challenging start to managing fisheries outside of the Common Fisheries Policy.
Interferenti endocrini e funzione gonadica: focus su steroidogenesi testicolare e infertilità maschile
Authors: de Angelis Cristina , Mazzella Marco , Pivonello Rosario
Published: January 2022

Sommario

Evidenze sperimentali in modelli animali e in vitro dimostrano un ruolo deleterio degli interferenti endocrini (IE) sulla gonade maschile; tuttavia, nonostante vi siano alcune evidenze osservazionali di associazione tra alterazioni seminali e/o endocrine ed esposizione ad alcuni IE, in particolare quelli ad azione anti-androgenica, pro-estrogenica o capaci di indurre stress ossidativo, non è tuttora dimostrabile l’inferenza di casualità nell’uomo, e permane una vasta area di incertezza. La rassegna fornisce una panoramica sinottica delle evidenze cliniche relative alle alterazioni di spermatogenesi e steroidogenesi testicolare in relazione all’esposizione a selezionati IE, con particolare riferimento all’esposizione in età adulta.
Leveraging Spirituality and Religion in European For-profit-organizations: a Systematic Review
Authors: Maidl Lydia , Seemann Ann-Kathrin , Frick Eckhard , Gündel Harald , Paal Piret
Published: January 2022

This systematic review synthesises the available evidence regarding the European understanding of workplace spirituality (definitions), the importance of spirituality and religion (evidence) as well as spiritual leadership (meaning and practice) in for-profitorganizations. The search for eligible studies was conducted in OPAC Plus, SCOPUS, Science Direct, JSTOR, EBSCO, and Google Scholar from 2007/01 to 2017/07. Three independent scholars extracted the data. Twenty studies were included (two mixed-methods, eight quantitative, ten qualitative) for the final quality assessment. A study quality assessment and thematic analysis was conducted. This review gives suggestions for study quality improvement and reporting. Thematically, two different approaches to religion and spirituality (R/S) were detected: a) work has a spiritual dimension and b) religious and spiritual orientation as “spiritual capital”. Studies demonstrated positive effect on job satisfaction, health, commitment, company productivity and sustainability; Christian leadership does not address personal religious orientation; the spiritual dimension may lead to a change of perspective; workplace spirituality may exploit people for profit-oriented business goals; non-white Muslims experience discrimination. This systematic review provides robust evidence and findings for evidence-informed policymaking and encourages a more rigorous research in this field of study.
The Inventory of Anal Sex Knowledge (iASK): A New Measure of Sexual Health Knowledge Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males
Authors: Kutner Bryan A. , Perry Nicholas S. , Stout Claire , Norcini Pala Andrea , Paredes Christian D. , Nelson Kimberly M.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Knowledge about sexual health is a key determinant of sexual behavior among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM). No measures exist to assess anal sex knowledge, even though anal sex is the primary route by which ASMM acquire sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including a disproportionate burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Aim

We developed a new measure as a first step toward assessing the prevalence and correlates of anal sex knowledge and potential effects of interventions to improve knowledge.

Methods

Two coders independently outlined domains of knowledge within 2 sex education videos designed to address anal sex knowledge among ASMM. An initial set of 56 items, some duplicative, encompassed all domains. A larger team, including a psychometrician, then iteratively revised and reduced the set of items, and assessed construct validity via cognitive testing among ASMM (N = 4, aged 16–17 years old, 75% identifying as racial/ethnic minorities). For the final set of 10 items, factor structure and convergent and divergent validity were assessed using baseline responses to an online survey within a randomized controlled pilot trial among 154 ASMM. Open-ended questions assessed their comprehension and the acceptability of items.

Outcomes

We examined correlates that we anticipated would be theoretically related (ie, the HIV Knowledge Questionnaire [HIV-KQ-18] and the STD-Knowledge Questionnaire [STD-KQ]) and theoretically distinct (ie, the Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-2], Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-2], and employment status).

Results

The one-factor model explained 42% of the items’ common variance and demonstrated acceptable internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.72). The measure withstood tests of convergent and divergent validity when compared to current measures (HIV knowledge, r = 0.35 and STI knowledge, r = 0.24, both P < .05; internalizing mental health symptoms, r = -0.07 and employment status, r = 0.13, both P > .05). Few respondents found words unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

Clinical Implications

A method for assessing anal sex knowledge may offer opportunities to intervene to lessen harmful sequelae of a lack of knowledge.

Strength & Limitations

We developed a brief, psychometrically valid measure of anal sex knowledge. The measure may neither generalize to all anal health knowledge nor to more sexually experienced, older SMM.

Conclusion

The resulting 10-item, single-factor measure, the Inventory of Anal Sex Knowledge (iASK), is psychometrically sound and addresses the lack of anal sex knowledge measures among ASMM. The iASK can function to assess the prevalence and sequelae of anal sex knowledge among ASMM as well as the impact of interventions targeting anal sex knowledge.
Attachment and Childhood Maltreatment as Moderators of Treatment Outcome in a Randomized Clinical Trial for Provoked Vestibulodynia
Authors: Charbonneau-Lefebvre Véronique , Vaillancourt-Morel Marie-Pier , Rosen Natalie O. , Steben Marc , Bergeron Sophie
Published: January 2022

Background

Although distal developmental factors, such as attachment and childhood maltreatment (CM), are associated with the occurrence, severity, and adjustment to provoked vestibulodynia (PVD)—the most prevalent form of vulvodynia—no studies to date have examined whether these variables are related to treatment efficacy in the context of PVD. Attachment and CM may act as moderating variables when examining different treatment modalities, whereby individuals with more insecure attachment orientations (anxiety/avoidance) or a history of CM may benefit less from treatments with higher interpersonal contexts, such as sex and couple therapy—a recommended treatment for PVD.

Aim

The present randomized clinical trial (RCT) examined attachment and CM as predictors and moderators of sexual satisfaction, distress, and function at post-treatment and 6-month follow-up while comparing 2 treatments for PVD: Topical lidocaine, and a novel cognitive behavioral couple therapy focused on women’s pain and partners’ sexuality.

Methods

One hundred eight women with PVD were randomized to a 12-week treatment of either lidocaine or couple therapy. Women completed questionnaires at pretreatment, post-treatment, and at a 6-month follow-up.

Outcomes

(1) Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction; (2) Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised; (3) Female Sexual Function Index.

Results

Both attachment and CM were significant moderators of treatment outcomes. At either post-treatment or 6-month follow-up, in the couple therapy condition, women with greater attachment avoidance had poorer outcomes on sexual distress, satisfaction and function, whereas women with higher levels of CM had poorer outcomes on sexual satisfaction and sexual function, compared to women in the lidocaine condition.

Clinical Implications

Although these novel findings need further replication, they highlight the importance for clinicians to take into account distal factors, for instance, attachment and CM, when treating sexual difficulties such as PVD, as these variables may affect more interpersonal dimensions of treatment (eg, trust, compliance, etc.) and ultimately, treatment progress.

Strengths & Limitations

Using a rigorous RCT study design and statistical approach, this study is the first to examine attachment and CM as moderators in the treatment of sexual difficulties. It is however limited by the use of self-report measures, and further studies are necessary to validate the generalizability of current results to other sexual difficulties.

Conclusion

Findings support the role of interpersonal factors in the treatment of PVD and indicate that short-term psychological interventions, such as couple therapy, may be less beneficial for women with antecedents of CM and attachment insecurity.
Quantifying Risk in Air Sports: Flying Activity and Incident Rates in Paragliding
Authors: Wilkes Matt , Long Geoff , Massey Heather , Eglin Clare , Tipton Mike
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The volume, nature, and risks of paragliding are poorly quantified. More comprehensive understanding, including incident rates allowing comparison to similar disciplines, will help direct and appraise safety interventions.

Methods

Paraglider pilots were surveyed regarding experience, incidents, recordkeeping, and risk perception. The survey could not capture those who had left the sport or died, so a subset of responses from UK pilots was compared to records from an incident database.

Results

There were 1788 (25%) responses from 7262 surveyed. Respondents flew a total of 87,909 h in 96,042 flights during 2019. Local flying was most frequent (n=37,680 flights, 39%) but a higher proportion of hours were spent flying cross-country (n=33,933 h, 39%). The remainder were spent in competition, hike and fly, tandem, aerobatic, or instructional flight. Flying incidents led to 103 (6%) respondents seeking medical attention, attending hospital, or missing a day of work in 2019. Near misses were reported by 423 (26%) pilots. Asymmetry and rotational forces typically led to incidents, and limb and back injuries resulted. Pilots frequently failed to throw their reserve parachutes. Only 3 (0.6%) incidents involved equipment failure, with the remainder attributed to control or decision errors. Incident rates of paragliding were estimated as 1.4 (1.1–1.9) deaths and 20 (18–27) serious injuries per 100,000 flights, approximately twice as risky as general aviation and skydiving.

Conclusions

Incidents usually resulted from pilot error (control and decision), rather than equipment failure. Future safety interventions should focus on improving glider control skills and encouraging reserve parachute deployment.
CONSTRUCTING WADGE CLASSES
Authors: CARROY RAPHAËL , MEDINI ANDREA , MÜLLER SANDRA
Published: January 2022

We show that, assuming the Axiom of Determinacy, every non-selfdual Wadge class can be constructed by starting with those of level
$\omega _1$
(that is, the ones that are closed under Borel preimages) and iteratively applying the operations of expansion and separated differences. The proof is essentially due to Louveau, and it yields at the same time a new proof of a theorem of Van Wesep (namely, that every non-selfdual Wadge class can be expressed as the result of a Hausdorff operation applied to the open sets). The exposition is self-contained, except for facts from classical descriptive set theory.
Popular Sovereignty and Constitutional Referendum: Can “The People” be Limited by Human Rights?
Authors: Nugraha Ignatius Yordan
Published: January 2022

The rise of referendums has led to the concern that they could lead to liberticide and discriminatory results. This article intends to determine whether the concept of popular sovereignty would immunize constitutional provisions that are passed through a constitutional referendum from any human rights limitation. In answering the question, I formulate a theoretical framework called “constituent-constituted duality,” while also distinguishing “the constituent people,” which is mythical, and “the constituted people,” which is empiric. In the end, this article argues that the only possible form of limitation from the perspective of popular sovereignty is an ex ante limitation. Meanwhile, an ex post facto limitation remains unacceptable from the angle of popular sovereignty, which implies that a judicial review of popularly-enacted constitutional amendments is conceptually illegitimate.
Revising Citizenship within the European Union: Is a Genuine Link Requirement the Way Forward?
Authors: van den Brink Martijn
Published: January 2022

EU institutions have argued on several occasions that national and EU citizenship should not be awarded without any genuine link with the Member State concerned. Some scholars have adopted the same position, justifying their position referring to the genuine link requirement established by the International Court of Justice in Nottebohm. This has prompted criticism from legal scholars, who point out that Nottebohm was wrong as a matter of international law and moral principle. This paper shows that supporters and critics have failed to recognise that they have been talking with different conceptions of the genuine link requirement in mind. The question of whether to apply a genuine link requirement for the recognition of nationality is altogether different from the question of whether to apply a genuine link requirement for the acquisition of nationality. Nottebohm concerns the first; the arguments of EU institutions the second. The argument of EU institutions cannot therefore be dismissed by dismissing Nottebohm. I subsequently explore the normative arguments for predicating the boundaries of national membership on a genuine link requirement. There are weighty moral reasons for member states to condition the acquisition of national and EU citizenship on the presence of a genuine link. Finally, moving from the normative to the practical, I argue that such a requirement would have far-reaching consequences (targeting not just investor citizenship schemes) and cannot be enforced as a requirement under EU law.
Representations of ‘Italian populism’ in film
Authors: Fantoni Gianluca , Paoli Marco , Rotondi Armando
Published: January 2022

The aim of this article is to illustrate some key points that will hopefully encourage further reflection on the cinematic representations and meanings of populism in both an Italian and international context. Firstly, we attempt a definition of populism as applied to cinema, drawing on both political science and the literature on film history. Secondly, we turn to film critics and directors, discussing the views some of them hold on populism and film in relation to the Italian cinema of recent years. Thirdly, we discuss how the star system provides a useful point of convergence for our analysis of cinema and populism, looking in particular at postwar commedia all'italiana and the role of Totò in this context. Finally, we draw some conclusions and suggest what directions future research on the issue of populism and Italian cinema could take.