bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural state‐dependent habitat selection and implications for animal translocations
Authors: Picardi Simona , Coates Peter , Kolar Jesse , O'Neil Shawn , Mathews Steven , Dahlgren David
Published: November 2021

Post‐release monitoring of translocated animals is often used to inform future translocation protocols. Quantifying habitat selection of translocated individuals may help identify features that characterize good settlement habitat and thus inform the choice of future release sites. However, translocated animals often undergo post‐release behavioural modification, and their habitat selection may vary depending on the underlying behavioural state.

To investigate this, we analysed behavioural state‐dependent habitat selection in female greater sage‐grouse Centrocercus urophasianus translocated from Wyoming to North Dakota, USA, using Hidden Markov Models combined with Integrated Step Selection Analysis. We segmented individual trajectories into behavioural phases corresponding to an exploratory state, characterized by broad and directed movements, and a restricted state, characterized by short and tortuous movements. Then, we quantified habitat selection in each state while accounting for seasonality and individual reproductive status.

While in the exploratory state, sage‐grouse exhibited natal habitat preference induction by selecting for high sagebrush cover, which is typical of their natal area in Wyoming but not of the release area in North Dakota.

In the restricted state, sage‐grouse selected for gentle topography and also adjusted their habitat selection to constraints imposed by seasonality and reproductive needs by selecting for high herbaceous cover during brood rearing.

Synthesis and applications. Habitat selection of translocated sage‐grouse differed between the post‐release exploration and the settlement phase. Features selected after settling, not during exploration, are likely indicative of suitable settlement habitat. Our results suggest that areas characterized by gentle topography and high herbaceous cover are well‐suited as release sites for sage‐grouse translocated during the summer, especially brood‐rearing females, and that sagebrush cover may not be a critical factor in determining the appropriateness of release sites for sage‐grouse in North Dakota. Our findings highlight the need to consider behaviour when using habitat selection estimates to inform the choice of future release sites.
Corporate Innovation and Disclosure Strategy
Authors: Zhang Zheyuan , Wu Huiying , Ying Sammy Xiaoyan , You Jiaxing
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the impact of firm innovation on MD&A disclosure. Firms need to reduce information asymmetry to assist investors on the one hand and to prevent rivals from benefitting from disclosures on the other. Innovative firms can use an optimistic tone to convey good news but increase content similarity to reduce proprietary costs. Management chooses a certain content similarity and tone strategy for an innovation and as the number of innovations increases, the ratio of similar innovation disclosure and positive tone increases in the overall MD&A, resulting in greater content similarity and more news conveyed with a positive tone. We find that the firm's level of innovation is positively related to content similarity and tone optimism. We also find that this positive relation is more pronounced when product market competition is stronger and when regional intellectual property rights protection is weaker. Our further analyses on market responses provide evidence suggesting that management's disclosure strategy functions as intended.
The View from the Other Side: Memory and Mourning in Kashmir
Authors: Datta Gaurav , Qureshi Uzma
Published: November 2021

In this autoethnographic photo essay, written from the perspective of the first author, we dwell upon the loss of his brother and explore how he came to new understandings of friendship, loss, and spirituality in Kashmir through the ensuing process of grief and mourning. The narrative is multifaceted and deeply personal; the text and the photographs spread across time and cities connected by disparate fragments of memory. The essay is presented in ways dictated by loss and grief and the memory of a person rather than as an afterthought. We preserve the jagged edges and fragmentary form of such emotions to reflect the affective and visual response to this loss.
Conservation overstretch and long‐term decline of wildlife and tourism in the Central African savannas
Authors: Scholte Paul , Pays Olivier , Adam Saleh , Chardonnet Bertrand , Fritz Hervé , Mamang Jean‐Baptiste , Prins Herbert H. T. , Renaud Pierre‐Cyril , Tadjo Patrick , Moritz Mark
Published: November 2021

When in 2010 the world's governments pledged to increase protected area coverage to 17% of the world's land surface, several Central African countries had already set aside 25% of their northern savannas for conservation. To evaluate the effectiveness of this commitment, we analyzed the results of 68 multispecies surveys conducted in the seven main savanna national parks in Central Africa (1960–2017). We also assembled information on potential drivers of large herbivore population trends (rainfall and number of rangers) and on tourist numbers and revenues. In six out of the seven parks, wild large herbivore populations declined dramatically over time, livestock numbers increased severalfold, and tourism, the pillar under a once thriving local wildlife industry, collapsed. Zakouma National Park (Chad) stood out because its large herbivore populations increased, an increase that was positively correlated with rainfall and number of rangers (a proxy for management inputs). With increasing insecurity and declining revenues, governments find themselves confronted with too few resources to protect vast areas. To deal with this conversation overstretch, we propose to extend the repeatedly promoted solutions––scaled up funding, enhanced management––with a strategic retreat, focusing scarce resources on smaller areas to save wildlife in the Central African savannas.
Targeting Social Transfers in Ethiopia's Agro‐pastoralist and Pastoralist Societies
Authors: Lind Jeremy , Sabates‐Wheeler Rachel , Hoddinott John , Taffesse Alemayehu Seyoum
Published: November 2021

Over the past two decades national and other large‐scale social assistance programmes have multiplied across sub‐Saharan Africa. These programmes require considerable human resource capacity, institutional arrangements and systems of identifying eligible people, as well as delivery structures and mechanisms. Several countries have sought to extend programmes to areas at the margins of state power where governance and administration reflect negotiated arrangements involving a range of state and non‐state and informal actors. This includes Ethiopia, where the Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) has expanded across the country's lowland Afar and Somali regions. This article examines evidence concerning the targeting of PSNP transfers in these predominantly pastoral and agro‐pastoral regions. While quantitative evidence indicates that the wealthy are as likely to be programme beneficiaries as the poorest, despite investments in establishing and providing training for local‐level targeting structures, local perspectives are that the right households are targeted. The authors explain this apparent paradox in relation to distributional politics nested within clan‐based social networks in the context of limited statehood. Formal systems of provisioning social assistance are negotiated and reconfigured, in acceptable ways, through local agency. The PSNP lowland experience calls into question the limits of ‘technocratic approaches’ and underscores the need to understand social norms and preferences in design and implementation of social assistance programmes.
Optimal multiple key‐based homomorphic encryption with deep neural networks to secure medical data transmission and diagnosis
Authors: Alzubi Jafar A. , Alzubi Omar A. , Beseiso Majdi , Budati Anil Kumar , Shankar K.
Published: November 2021

Medical database classification problems can be considered as complex optimization problems to assure the diagnosis support precisely. In healthcare, several computer researchers have employed different deep learning (DL) approaches to enhance the classification performance. Besides, encryption is an effective way to offer secure transmission of medical data over public network. With this motivation, this paper presents new privacy‐preserving encryption with DL based medical data transmission and classification (PPEDL‐MDTC) model. The presented model derives multiple key‐based homomorphic encryption (MHE) technique with sailfish optimization (SFO), called MHE‐SFO algorithm‐based encryption process. In addition, the cross‐entropy based artificial butterfly optimization‐based feature selection technique and optimal deep neural network (ODNN) based classification is carried out. In ODNN model, the hyperparameter optimization of the DNN model is carried out utilizing the use of chemical reaction optimization (CRO) algorithm. The proposed method has been simulated utilizing Python 3.6.5 tool, which is tested using activity recognition and sleep stage dataset. A detailed comparative outcomes analysis makes sure the higher efficiency of the PPEDL‐MDTC on the state of art techniques with the detection accuracy of 0.9813 and 0.9650 on the applied activity recognition and University College Dublin Sleep Stage dataset.
Significance of zinc deficiency in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatic resection
Authors: Harimoto Norifumi , Araki Kenichiro , Muranushi Ryo , Hoshino Kouki , Yamanaka Takahiro , Hagiwara Kei , Ishii Norihiro , Tsukagoshi Mariko , Watanabe Akira , Shirabe Ken
Published: November 2021

Aim

Few reported studies examine the relationship between zinc (Zn) deficiency and short‐ and long‐term outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatic resection.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from 179 consecutive patients who had undergone curative hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in our institute between January 2016 and May 2019. Zn deficiency was defined in accordance with the Japanese Society of Clinical Nutrition guidelines. We allocated the participants into two groups according to Zn deficiency status, and analyzed the clinicopathological and short‐ and long‐term outcomes.

Results

In this series, 32 patients (17.8%) had Zn deficiency. Zn deficiency was significantly associated with older age, lower serum albumin, higher aspartate aminotransferase, lower hemoglobin, higher creatinine, lower prognostic nutritional index, higher liver fibrosis markers, albumin‐bilirubin 2, portal hypertension, larger amount of estimated blood loss, larger amount of maximum ascites, longer hospital stay, postoperative complications, and liver‐related complications. Concentrations of liver fibrosis markers were negatively correlated with serum Zn concentrations. Zn deficiency, albumin‐bilirubin 2, and non‐laparoscopic approach were identified as independent predictors of postoperative complications. Multivariate analyses revealed that the overall survival rate decreased in parallel with decreasing Zn concentrations.

Conclusions

In this study, Zn deficiency was significantly associated with poorer liver function, more severe liver fibrosis, higher incidence of postoperative complications, and worse overall survival according to multivariate analysis. Serum Zn status could serve as a new surrogate marker for predicting short‐ and long‐term outcomes in patients undergoing hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Safety and efficacy of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in early clinical practice: A multicenter analysis
Authors: Chuma Makoto , Uojima Haruki , Hattori Nobuhiro , Arase Yoshitaka , Fukushima Taito , Hirose Shunji , Kobayashi Satoshi , Ueno Makoto , Tezuka Shun , Iwasaki Shuichiro , Wada Naohisa , Kubota Kousuke , Tsuruya Kota , Shimma Yoshimasa , Hiroki Ikeda , Takuya Ehira , Tokoro Chikako , Iwase Shigeru , Miura Yuki , Moriya Satoshi , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Hidaka Hisashi , Morimoto Manabu , Numata Kazushi , Kusano Chika , Kagawa Tatehiro , Maeda Shin
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To assess the impact of clinical factors on the safety and efficacy of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (ATZ + BV) treatment in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u‐HCC).

Method

Ninety‐four u‐HCC patients who were treated with ATZ + BV at multiple centers were enrolled. We defined Child‐Pugh (CP)‐A patients who received ATZ + BV treatment as a first line therapy as the ‘meets the broad sense of the IMbrave150 criteria’ group (B‐IMbrave150‐in, n = 46), and patients who received ATZ + BV treatment as a later line therapy or CP‐B patients (regardless of whether ATZ + BV was a first line or later line therapy) as the B‐IMbrave150‐out group (n = 48). Patients were retrospectively analyzed for adverse events (AEs) and treatment outcomes according to their clinical characteristics, including neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at baseline.

Results

The overall incidence of AEs was 87.2% (82/94 patients). The frequency of interruption of ATZ + BV treatment due to fatigue was higher in CP‐B than CP‐A patients (p = 0.030). Objective response (OR) rates of the B‐IMbrave150‐in group (28.3%, 39.1%) were significantly higher than those of the B‐IMbrave150‐out group (8.3%, 18.8%; p = 0.0157, 0.0401) using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and modified RECIST, respectively. In multivariate analysis, NLR (hazard ratio (HR), 4.591; p = 0.0160) and B‐IMbrave150 criteria (HR, 4.108; p = 0.0261) were independent factors associated with the OR of ATZ + BV treatment using RECIST.

Conclusion

In real‐world practice, ATZ + BV treatment might offer significant benefits in patients who meet B‐IMbrave150 criteria or have low NLR.
A cluster randomized controlled trial of a MedicineInsight Educational Quality Improvement Programme to improve the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C in general practice (the EQUIP‐HEPC trial)
Authors: Chidwick Kendal , Myton Rimma , Rodgers Anthony , Jun Min , Dartnell Jonathan , Balcomb Annie , Dore Gregory
Published: November 2021

The availability of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) sparked efforts to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Australia. We evaluated whether an educational intervention of a 1‐h discussion among staff using audit and feedback data from the MedicineInsight GP programme would improve DAA uptake. Of 296 eligible general practices in MedicineInsight, 11% opted out. Randomization stratified by practice caseload allocated 130 practices to the intervention arm and 129 to control. The primary outcome was the number of patients started on DAAs over 6 months using the negative binomial regression model adjusted for DAA prescription history and clustering by practice. Data for analysis were available for 78% of practices, which included 101 practices and 2469 DAA‐naive patients with confirmed/possible HCV in the intervention arm, and 100 practices and 2466 patients in the control arm. At baseline, 49.5% of practices had prescribed ≥1 DAA in the past year; 18.9% of HCV patients had already been treated with DAAs; the mean age of DAA‐naive HCV patients was 43 years old, and 57% were men. Over 6 months, 43 patients in the intervention arm and 36 in the control arm started DAAs (adjusted IRR 1.19; 95% CI 0.67–2.11, p = 0.55). In the first 3 months, 27 vs 16 patients started DAAs (adjusted IRR 1.77, 0.88–3.58; p = 0.111). Few patients were started on DAAs, and a facilitated discussion in HCV management did not lead to a significant increase. Alternative measures, such as incentivizing GP initiations or patients, are suggested to address remaining barriers to DAA uptake in Australian primary care.

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR) Registration Number: ACTRN12619000508178p.
Nationalism and immigration control
Authors: Ko Jiyoung , Choi Seung‐Whan
Published: November 2021

Does the rise of nationalism lead to immigration policy change? By focusing on elite‐led nationalism, this study offers a novel perspective: When top political leaders rely on nationalism as their legitimation strategy, they are more disposed to adopt policies aimed at strict immigration control, such as the imposition of sanctions on illegal immigrants, due to their hands being tied. We perform a battery of empirical tests using a cross‐national, time‐series data for 33 countries for the years 1980–2010. We find evidence that nationalist countries are positively associated with heightened immigration control. This finding is robust even after possible reverse causality is taken into account. The overall analysis illustrates that nationalism is a significant factor in explaining why countries are pushing for more restrictive immigration control in the contemporary world.
Left bundle branch pacing in heart failure patients with left bundle branch block: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cheng Yuda , Wang Zhanqi , Li Yujun , Qi Jinlei , Liu Jinyu
Published: November 2021

Background

The clinical benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) has been demonstrated. However, a nonresponse rate of CRT nearly 1/3. Recent studies have reported left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has achieved remarkable effect in CRT. This study aim to explore the efficacy and safety of LBBP in heart failure patients with LBBB.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of science, and CNKI databases for studies about LBBP in heart failure patients with LBBB. QRS duration (QRSd), New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD), pacing threshold and other related data were extracted and summarized.

Results

A total of 6 studies were included, and the success rate of LBBP was 93.2%. Compared with baseline, LBBP could shorten QRSd (MD = 61.23, 95% CI: 58.21–64.25, p < .01). Echocardiographic parameters including LVEF and LVEDD significantly improved (both with p < .01). Clinical outcomes including NYHA classification and BNP dramatically reduced (both with p < .01). Compared with biventricular pacing (BVP), LBBP could further improve QRSd, LVEF, LVEDD, and NYHA classification (all with p < .01). However, the pacing threshold at follow‐up was 0.06 V higher than that at baseline (p < .01), and the incidence of complications was 2.4%.

Conclusions

LBBP is effective and safe in heart failure patients with LBBB, whether it is better than BVP needs to be verified by randomized controlled trials.
Poverty, vulnerability and Covid‐19: Introduction and overview
Authors: Lanjouw Peter F. , Tarp Finn
Published: November 2021

This symposium issue speaks to the topic of poverty dynamics and vulnerability during an unusual, unexpected and damaging global pandemic. We provide here an introduction and overview to the symposium.
Evaluation of the accuracy of stopping and range of ions in matter simulations through secondary ion mass spectrometry and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry for low energy heavy ion implantation
Authors: Titze Michael , Pacheco Jose L. , Byers Todd , Van Deusen Stuart B. , Perry Daniel L. , Weathers Duncan , Bielejec Edward S.
Published: November 2021

The freely available “Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter” (SRIM) code is used for evaluating ion beam ranges and depth profiles. We present secondary ion mass spectrometry and Rutherford backscattering experimental results of Si samples implanted with low energy Sb ions to evaluate the accuracy of SRIM simulations. We show that the SRIM simulation systematically overestimates the range by 2–6 nm and this overestimation increases for larger ion implantation energy. For the lowest energy implantation investigated, here we find up to a 25% error between the SRIM simulation and the measured range. The ion straggle shows excellent agreement between simulation and experimental results.
Cancer-associated MSC drive tumor immune exclusion and resistance to immunotherapy, which can be overcome by Hedgehog inhibition
Authors: Cascio Sandra , Chandler Chelsea , Zhang Linan , Sinno Sarah , Gao Bingsi , Onkar Sayali , Bruno Tullia C. , Vignali Dario A. A. , Mahdi Haider , Osmanbeyoglu Hatice U. , Vlad Anda M. , Coffman Lan G. , Buckanovich Ronald J.
Published: November 2021

HHi reverses the CA-MSC driven tumor immune cell exclusion restoring the response to ICI.
Global ubiquitylation analysis of mitochondria in primary neurons identifies endogenous Parkin targets following activation of PINK1
Authors: Antico Odetta , Ordureau Alban , Stevens Michael , Singh Francois , Nirujogi Raja S. , Gierlinski Marek , Barini Erica , Rickwood Mollie L. , Prescott Alan , Toth Rachel , Ganley Ian G. , Harper J. Wade , Muqit Miratul M. K.
Published: November 2021

Identification of neuronal targets of PD-linked enzyme Parkin by quantitative ubiquitin-based proteomics.
The Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Evolution of Acinetobacter baumannii Drug Resistance
Authors: Zang Maoge , Adams Felise G. , Hassan Karl A. , Eijkelkamp Bart A.
Published: November 2021

The global distribution of multidrug resistance in
A. baumannii
has necessitated seeking not only alternative therapeutic approaches but also the means to limit the development of resistance in clinical settings. Highly abundant host bioactive compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, are readily acquired by
A. baumannii
during infection and have been illustrated to impact the bacterium’s membrane composition and antibiotic resistance.
Establishing the national top 10 priority research questions to improve diabetes-related foot health and disease: a Delphi study of Australian stakeholders
Authors: Perrin Byron M , Raspovic Anita , Williams Cylie M , Twigg Stephen M , Golledge Jonathan , Hamilton Emma J , Crawford Anna , Hargreaves Carol , van Netten Jaap J , Purcell Nytasha , Lazzarini Peter A
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Diabetes-related foot disease is a large cause of the global disease burden yet receives very little research funding to address this large burden. To help address this gap, it is recommended to first identify the consensus priority research questions of relevant stakeholders, yet this has not been performed for diabetes-related foot disease. The aim of this study was to determine the national top 10 priority research questions for diabetes-related foot health and disease from relevant Australian stakeholders.

Research design and methods

A modified three-round Delphi online survey design was used to seek opinions from relevant Australian stakeholders including those with diabetes or diabetes-related foot disease or their carers (consumers), health professionals, researchers and industry. Participants were recruited via multiple public invitations and invited to propose three research questions of most importance to them (Round 1), prioritize their 10 most important questions from all proposed questions (Round 2), and then rank questions in order of importance (Round 3).

Results

After Round 1, a total of 226 unique questions were proposed by 210 participants (including 121 health professionals and 72 consumers). Of those participants, 95 completed Round 2 and 69 completed Round 3. The top 10 priority research questions covered a range of topics, including health economics, peripheral neuropathy, education, infection, technology, exercise, and nutrition. Consumers prioritized peripheral neuropathy and prevention-related questions. Health professionals prioritized management-related questions including Australia’s First Peoples foot health, health economics and infection questions.

Conclusions

These priority research questions should guide future national research agendas, funding and projects to improve diabetes-related foot disease burdens in Australia and globally. Future research should focus on consumer priority research questions to improve the burden of diabetes-related foot disease on patients and nations. Further research should also investigate reasons for different priorities between consumers and health professionals.
Historicising global nutrition: critical reflections on contested pasts and reimagined futures
Authors: Nelson Erica Marie , Nisbett Nicholas , Gillespie Stuart
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has provoked a range of economic shocks, food systems shocks, public health crises and political upheavals across the globe, prompting a rethink of associated global systems. Prepandemic anticolonial movements that challenged hierarchies of race, space, gender and expert knowledge in global health took on new meaning in the context of the unequal impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as it moved through different kinds of spaces and distinct political contexts. In light of these dynamics, and the desire of many current practitioners in global health to reimagine the future, the need for critical analyses of the recent past have become more urgent. Here we challenge linear understandings of progress in global health—with a focus on the field of nutrition—by returning to consider a previous cycle of dramatic social, political and economic change that prompted serious challenges to the dominance of Western powers and US-based philanthro-capitalists. With a ‘global’ health and nutrition audience in mind, we put forward considerations on why a better understanding of the continuities and divergences between this past and the present moment are necessary to challenge a status quo that was, and is, highly flawed.
Potential impact of 5 years of ivermectin mass drug administration on malaria outcomes in high burden countries
Authors: Marathe Achla , Shi Ruoding , Mendez-Lopez Ana , Hu Zhihao , Lewis Bryan , Rabinovich Regina , Chaccour Carlos J , Rist Cassidy
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The global progress against malaria has slowed significantly since 2017. As the current malaria control tools seem insufficient to get the trend back on track, several clinical trials are investigating ivermectin mass drug administration (iMDA) as a potential additional vector control tool; however, the health impacts and cost-effectiveness of this new strategy remain unclear.

Methods

We developed an analytical tool based on a full factorial experimental design to assess the potential impact of iMDA in nine high burden sub-Saharan African countries. The simulated iMDA regimen was assumed to be delivered monthly to the targeted population for 3 months each year from 2023 to 2027. A broad set of parameters of ivermectin efficacy, uptake levels and global intervention scenarios were used to predict averted malaria cases and deaths. We then explored the potential averted treatment costs, expected implementation costs and cost-effectiveness ratios under different scenarios.

Results

In the scenario where coverage of malaria interventions was maintained at 2018 levels, we found that iMDA in these nine countries has the potential to reverse the predicted growth of malaria burden by averting 20–50 million cases and 36 000–90 000 deaths with an assumed efficacy of 20%. If iMDA has an efficacy of 40%, we predict between 40–99 million cases and 73 000–179 000 deaths will be averted with an estimated net cost per case averted between US$2 and US$7, and net cost per death averted between US$1460 and US$4374.

Conclusion

This study measures the potential of iMDA to reverse the increasing number of malaria cases for several sub-Saharan African countries. With additional efficacy information from ongoing clinical trials and country-level modifications, our analytical tool can help determine the appropriate uptake strategies of iMDA by calculating potential marginal gains and costs under different scenarios.
Predictive value of heart rate in patients with acute type A aortic dissection: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Yong , Luo Qipeng , Guo Xiaoxiao , Wang Hongbai , Jia Yuan , Cao Liang , Wang Yang , Yan Fuxia , Yu Cuntao , Yuan Su
Published: November 2021

Objective

Heart rate (HR) is a risk factor of mortality in many cardiovascular diseases but no clinical studies have focused on the association between HR and prognosis in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). This study aimed to evaluate the association between HR and long-term mortality and establish the criteria of HR in patients with ATAAD who underwent total aortic arch replacement combined with the frozen elephant trunk (TAR+FET).

Design, setting and participants

Retrospective cohort study that studied all consecutive patients with ATAAD who underwent TAR+FET in the Fuwai Hospital between 2009 and 2015.

Main outcomes and measures

30-day postoperative, and estimated long-term mortality.

Results

Overall, 707 patients with ATAAD who underwent TAR+FET were followed up for a median duration of 29 months (range, 5–77 months). In multivariate logistic analysis, HR (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), renal insufficiency (p=0.033), ejection fraction (p=0.005), cardiopulmonary bypass time (p<0.001) and intraoperative blood loss (p=0.002) were significantly associated with 30-day postoperative and estimated long-term mortalities. A hinge point with a sharp increase in estimated long-term mortality was identified at 80 beats/min (bpm), and compared with HR ≤80 bpm, HR >80 bpm was associated with an almost threefold higher long-term mortality. HRs ≤60, 60–70, 70–80, 80–90, 90–100, 100–110 and >110 bpm were associated with 3.9%, 4.0%, 3.8%, 7.2%, 9.5%, 10.1% and 14.4% yearly risks of death, respectively.

Conclusions

HR is a powerful predictor of long-term mortality in patients with ATAAD undergoing TAR+FET. HR >80 bpm is independently associated with elevated long-term mortality for patients with ATAAD.
Health equity audits: a systematic review of the effectiveness
Authors: van Daalen Kim Robin , Davey Fiona , Norman Claire , Ford John Alexander
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this systematic review is to explore whether health equity audits (HEAs) are effective in improving the equity of service provision and reducing health inequalities.

Design

Three databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science) and grey literature (Opengrey, Google Scholar) were systematically searched for articles published after 2000, reporting on the effectiveness of HEA. Title and abstracts were screened according to an eligibility criteria to identify studies which included a full audit cycle (eg, initial equity analysis, service changes and review). Data were extracted from studies meeting the eligibility criteria after full text review and risk of bias assessed using the ROBINS-I tool.

Results

The search strategy identified 596 articles. Fifteen records were reviewed in full text and three records were included in final review. An additional HEA report was identified through contact with an author. Three different HEAs were included from one peer-reviewed journal article, two published reports and one unpublished report (n=4 records on n=3 HEAs). This included 102 851 participants and over 148 practices/pharmacies (information was not recorded for all records). One study reviewed health equity impacts of HEA implementation in key indicators for coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Two HEAs explored Stop Smoking Services on programme access and equity. All reported some degree of reduction in health inequalities compared with prior HEA implementation. However, impact of HEA implementation compared with other concurrent programmes and initiatives was unclear. All included studies were judged to have moderate to serious risk of bias.

Conclusions

There is an urgent need to identify effective interventions to address health inequalities. While HEAs are recommended, we only identified limited weak evidence to support their use. More evidence is needed to explore whether HEA implementation can reduce inequalities and which factors are influencing effectiveness.

Trial registration number

The study was registered prior to its conduction in PROSPERO (CRD 42020218642).
1-year cost-utility analysis of prostate artery embolization (PAE) versus transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Authors: Patel Nikisha , Yung Nathan , Vigneswaran Ganesh , de Preux Laure , Maclean Drew , Harris Mark , Somani Bhaskar , Bryant Timothy , Hacking Nigel , Modi Sachin
Published: November 2021

Objective

To determine whether prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a cost-effective alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in the management of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) after 1-year follow-up.

Design, setting and main outcome measures

A retrospective cost-utility analysis over a 12-month time period was conducted to compare the two interventions from a National Health Service perspective. Effectiveness was measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) derived from data collected during the observational UK Register of Prostate Embolisation (UK-ROPE) Study. Costs for both PAE and TURP were derived from University Hospital Southampton, a tertiary referral centre for BPH and the largest contributor to the UK-ROPE. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was derived from cost and QALY values associated with both interventions to assess the cost-effectiveness of PAE versus TURP. Further sensitivity analyses involved a decision tree model to account for the impact of patient-reported complications on the cost-effectiveness of the interventions.

Results

The mean patient age for TURP (n=31) and PAE (n=133) was 69 and 65.6 years, respectively. In comparison to TURP, PAE was cheaper due to shorter patient stays and the lack of necessity for an operating theatre. Analysis revealed an ICER of £64 798.10 saved per QALY lost when comparing PAE to TURP after 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that PAE is initially a cost-effective alternative to TURP for the management of BPH after 1-year follow-up. Due to a higher reintervention rate in the PAE group, this benefit may be lost in subsequent years.

Trial registration number

NCT02434575.
Medical expenditure after marginal cut of cash benefit among public assistance recipients in Japan: natural experimental evidence
Authors: Nishioka Daisuke , Takaku Reo , Kondo Naoki
Published: November 2021

Backgrounds

Income reduction in poor households affects healthcare demands for impoverished population. However, the impact of reduced benefits for public assistance recipients, who can use medical services for free, on healthcare costs has not been examined. We hypothesised that marginal cuts in benefits increase recipients’ medical expenditure by extra demand for medical care. We tested this hypothesis using public assistance databases of Japan.

Methods

The study population comprised households in five municipalities receiving public assistance between April 2016 and September 2018. The households have a child aged 12–60 months and receive a monthly child-support income of US$150, which reduces by US$50 when the child turns 36 months of age. Our analysis comprised an age-based sharp regression-discontinuity study.

Results

We observed 4893 household-months (11 032 person-months). When a firstborn child reached 36 months, their frequency of outpatient visits and healthcare costs by recipients, except for the firstborn child, increased (0.45, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.61; US$111.2, 95% CI: 20.7 to 201.7), while those of the firstborn child did not increase significantly. The monthly medical expenditure per household increased by US$248.6 (95% CI: 25.4 to 471.7). Inpatient medical costs increased significantly (US$64.3, 95% CI: 8.4 to 120.2).

Conclusions

Government savings through income reduction were offset by increased medical expenditure. This may be due to recipients’ behavioural change and their worsening health conditions. To prevent excessive medical expenditure, policymakers should consider how income reduction affects the behaviour and health of the impoverished population.
Olfactory evaluation in hospitalised and self-isolated patients with COVID-19: a single-centre experience on 55 cases
Authors: Klarendic Maja , Zupanic Eva , Zalaznik Mateja , Georgiev Dejan , Tomazic Janez , Kojovic Maja
Published: November 2021

Background

Smell loss is a common symptom of COVID-19 infection. Majority of the studies that evaluated olfactory impairment in COVID-19 used questionnaires (subjective smell evaluations) and did not compare the results with objective or semiobjective measures of smell. We performed smell testing in hospitalised and self-isolated patients with COVID-19 and control participants.

Methods

Fifty-five COVID-19 and 44 control participants underwent smell testing, using Burghart Sniffin’ Sticks ‘Screening 12 Test’. Participants also rated their smelling capability on the numerical scale. Differences between groups and correlation between smell loss and time from acute onset of symptoms were tested, as well as correlation between results of smell test and subjective assessment of smell.

Results

Hospitalised patients with COVID-19 correctly determined 6.5/12 odorants compared with 10/12 in the self-isolated and 11/12 in the control group (p<0.001). Hyposmia or anosmia were present in 87.5% of hospitalised and 29.0% of self-isolated patients (p<0.001). The correlation between subjective self-assessment and results of smell testing was non-significant in both groups of patients with COVID-19, while there was a moderate positive correlation (p=0.001, Spearman's correlation coefficient=0.499) in control participants.

Conclusion

Contrary to some previous reports suggesting that the presence of olfactory loss may predict milder course of disease, our study found that a vast majority of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 had prominent olfactory impairment. The absence of correlation between self-rated and objective smell evaluation in patients with COVID-19 indicates that subjective smell assessment is unreliable.
Evolutionary pattern of the presence and absence genes in Fragaria species
Authors: Zhong Yan , Wang Ping , Shi Qinglong , Cheng Zong-Ming
Published: November 2021

Presence and absence polymorphisms (PAPs) exist extensively and have been investigated in different organisms. However, PAPs have rarely been detected between strawberry species at the genome level. This study identified the presence and absence genes (P/A genes) between wild strawberry species (Fragaria vesca) and octoploid cultivated species (F. × ananassa) under a relatively strict criterion. In total, 333 P/A genes present in the wild strawberry but absent in the cultivated strawberry were detected. Of the P/A genes, 91.89% (306/333) were single genes, and only 8.11% were confirmed as multi-genes. The majority of the identified P/A genes in Fragaria were generated by tandem duplications. The P/A genes were unevenly distributed on the seven chromosomes of woodland strawberry, and they clustered preferentially near the telomeric regions of the chromosomes. The P/A genes tended to encode proteins with domains closely associated with responses to varying ecological factors, such as PPR, Protein kinases (PKs), NB-ARC, F-box and EF-hand domains. This indicated that the P/A genes were associated with coping with biotic and abiotic stresses to improve the adaptability of plants to changing environments.
Revisiting $$\gamma ^*\rightarrow \gamma \pi ^0\eta $$ near the $$\phi (1020)$$ using analyticity and the left-cut structure
Authors: Moussallam B.
Published: November 2021

Amplitudes of the form $$\gamma ^*(q^2)\rightarrow \gamma P_1P_2$$

γ
∗

(

q
2

)

→
γ

P
1

P
2

appear as sub-processes in the computation of the muon $$g-2$$

g
-
2

. We test a proposed theoretical modelling against very precise experimental measurements by the KLOE collaboration at $$q^2=m^2_\phi $$

q
2

=

m
ϕ
2

. Starting from an exact, parameter-free dispersive representation for the S-wave satisfying QCD asymptotic constraints and Low’s soft photon theorem we derive, in an effective theory spirit, a two-channel Omnès integral representation which involves two subtraction parameters. The discontinuities along the left-hand cuts which, for timelike virtualities, extend both on the real axis and into the complex plane are saturated by the contributions from the light vector mesons. In the case of $$P_1P_2=\pi \eta $$

P
1

P
2

=
π
η

, we show that a very good fit of the KLOE data can be achieved with two real parameters, using a T-matrix previously determined from $$\gamma \gamma $$

γ
γ

scattering data. This indicates a good compatibility between the two data sets and confirms the validity of the T-matrix. The resulting amplitude is also found to be compatible with the chiral soft pion theorem. Applications to the $$I=1$$

I
=
1

scalar form factors and to the $$a_0(980)$$

a
0

(
980
)

resonance complex pole are presented.
Entanglement minimization in hadronic scattering with pions
Authors: Beane Silas R. , Farrell Roland C. , Varma Mira
Published: November 2021

Recent work [S. R. Beane, D. B. Kaplan, N. Klco and M. J. Savage, Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 102001 (2019), arXiv:1812.03138.] conjectured that entanglement is minimized in low-energy hadronic scattering processes. It was shown that the minimization of the entanglement power (EP) of the low-energy baryon–baryon [Formula: see text]-matrix implies novel spin–flavor symmetries that are distinct from large-[Formula: see text] QCD predictions and are confirmed by high-precision lattice QCD simulations. Here, the conjecture of minimal entanglement is investigated for scattering processes involving pions and nucleons. The EP of the [Formula: see text]-matrix is constructed for the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] systems, and the consequences of minimization of entanglement are discussed and compared with large-[Formula: see text] QCD expectations.
Sintering characteristics and microwave dielectric properties of 0.5(Ca0.7Nd0.2)TiO3–0.5(Li0.5Nd0.5)TiO3 ceramics with La2O3–B2O3–CaO–P2O5 additive
Authors: Shi Jiawen , Chen Xingyu , Zhang Weijun , Mao Haijun , Wang Fenglin , Wei Jiatong
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the effects of glass-ceramics sintering aid, La2O3–B2O3–CaO–P2O5 (LBCP), on the sinterability, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties of 0.5(Ca[Formula: see text]Nd[Formula: see text]TiO3–0.5(Li[Formula: see text]Nd[Formula: see text]TiO3 (CNT–LNT) ceramic have been investigated. The results indicated that LBCP glass-ceramics has good wettability to CNT–LNT (contact angle at 980[Formula: see text]C is 31.9[Formula: see text]), and it can be used as an effective sintering aid to reduce the sintering temperature of CNT–LNT ceramic from 1300[Formula: see text]C to 980[Formula: see text]C. LBCP glass-ceramics did not change the main crystal phase (perovskite structure) of the sample, but a small amount of LaBO3 and LaPO4 phases was precipitated. Since the LaBO3 and LaPO4 phases are low-loss phases, it is believed that the crystal phases can improve the dielectric properties of the sample, especially the dielectric loss. The samples with 10 wt.% of glass additive sintered for 4 h at 980[Formula: see text]C exhibit the optimized properties: a high dielectric constant of 80.8 and a [Formula: see text] value of 2031 GHz. The high [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] value, coupled with a relatively low sintering temperature, suggest that the optimized compositions have the potential to be used in microwave low-temperature co-fired ceramics applications.
The Condition of the Conditionality
Authors: Sebehela Tumellano
Published: November 2021

The interdependence of options is common among compound options. Moreover, this interconnectedness is synonymous with probability theory-how a set of axioms are treated. The conditionality, where one option value is dependent on another option, has spilled over to option pricing, especially exchange options. However, it seems that no study has explored whether that simultaneous occurrence of two options is conditional or not. This study uses conditional approaches (Radon–Nikodým derivative and probability theory) to illustrate conditionality in an exchange option. Furthermore, hedging strategy is derived based on straddles. The results show that due to conditionality another exotic option, tri-conditional option (also known as triple option) is derived. The hedging of a triple option encompasses both dynamic and static techniques.
Graphs whose weak Roman domination number increases by the deletion of any edge
Authors: Hamid Rihab , El Houda Bendahib Nour , Chellali Mustapha , Meddah Nacéra
Published: November 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a function on a graph [Formula: see text]. A vertex [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] is said to be undefended with respect to [Formula: see text] if it is not adjacent to a vertex [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. A function [Formula: see text] is called a weak Roman dominating function (WRDF) if each vertex [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] is adjacent to a vertex [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], such that the function [Formula: see text] defined by [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text], has no undefended vertex. The weight of a WRDF is the sum of its function values over all vertices, and the weak Roman domination number [Formula: see text] is the minimum weight of a WRDF in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we consider the effects of edge deletion on the weak Roman domination number of a graph. We show that the deletion of an edge of [Formula: see text] can increase the weak Roman domination number by at most 1. Then we give a necessary condition for [Formula: see text]-ER-critical graphs, that is, graphs [Formula: see text] whose weak Roman domination number increases by the deletion of any edge. Restricted to the class of trees, we provide a constructive characterization of all [Formula: see text]-ER-critical trees.
An Adaptive Bitrate Switching Algorithm for Speech Applications in Context of WebRTC
Authors: Alahmadi Mohannad , Pocta Peter , Melvin Hugh
Published: November 2021

Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) combines a set of standards and technologies to enable high-quality audio, video, and auxiliary data exchange in web browsers and mobile applications. It enables peer-to-peer multimedia sessions over IP networks without the need for additional plugins. The Opus codec, which is deployed as the default audio codec for speech and music streaming in WebRTC, supports a wide range of bitrates. This range of bitrates covers narrowband, wideband, and super-wideband up to fullband bandwidths. Users of IP-based telephony always demand high-quality audio. In addition to users’ expectation, their emotional state, content type, and many other psychological factors; network quality of service; and distortions introduced at the end terminals could determine their quality of experience. To measure the quality experienced by the end user for voice transmission service, the E-model standardized in the ITU-T Rec. G.107 (a narrowband version), ITU-T Rec. G.107.1 (a wideband version), and the most recent ITU-T Rec. G.107.2 extension for the super-wideband E-model can be used. In this work, we present a quality of experience model built on the E-model to measure the impact of coding and packet loss to assess the quality perceived by the end user in WebRTC speech applications. Based on the computed Mean Opinion Score, a real-time adaptive codec parameter switching mechanism is used to switch to the most optimum codec bitrate under the present network conditions. We present the evaluation results to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach when compared with the default codec configuration in WebRTC.