bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of increased alcohol consumption during COVID‐19 pandemic on alcohol‐associated liver disease: A modeling study
Authors: Julien Jovan , Ayer Turgay , Tapper Elliot B. , Barbosa Carolina , Dowd William N. , Chhatwal Jagpreet
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

Alcohol consumption increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020 in the United States. We projected the effect of increased alcohol consumption on alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) and mortality.

Approach and Results

We extended a previously validated microsimulation model that estimated the short‐ and long‐term effect of increased drinking during the COVID‐19 pandemic in individuals in the United States born between 1920 and 2012. We modeled short‐ and long‐term outcomes of current drinking patterns during COVID‐19 (status quo) using survey data of changes in alcohol consumption in a nationally representative sample between February and November 2020. We compared these outcomes with a counterfactual scenario wherein no COVID‐19 occurs and drinking patterns do not change.

One‐year increase in alcohol consumption during the COVID‐19 pandemic is estimated to result in 8000 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 7500–8600) additional ALD‐related deaths, 18,700 (95% UI, 17,600–19,900) cases of decompensated cirrhosis, and 1000 (95% UI, 1000–1100) cases of HCC, and 8.9 million disability‐adjusted life years between 2020 and 2040. Between 2020 and 2023, alcohol consumption changes due to COVID‐19 will lead to 100 (100–200) additional deaths and 2800 (2700–2900) additional decompensated cirrhosis cases. A sustained increase in alcohol consumption for more than 1 year could result in additional morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions

A short‐term increase in alcohol consumption during the COVID‐19 pandemic can substantially increase long‐term ALD‐related morbidity and mortality. Our findings highlight the need for individuals and policymakers to make informed decisions to mitigate the impact of high‐risk alcohol drinking in the United States.
Norhygrine Alkaloid and Its Derivatives: Synthetic Approaches and Applications to the Natural Products Synthesis
Authors: Smolobochkin Andrey V. , Gazizov Almir S. , Burilov Alexander R. , Pudovik Michail A.
Published: December 2021

This review summarizes the advances in the synthesis of norhygrine and its derivatives over the past ten years, with special attention paid to stereoselective methods of their preparation. Information on the biological activity of some derivatives of 1‐(pyrrolidin‐2‐yl)propan‐2‐one is presented and the possibility of using pyrrolidines containing a terminal carbonyl group in the synthesis of various alkaloids with useful properties is shown.
A major step in developing Mainland China's cross‐border insolvency law
Authors: Wee Meng Seng
Published: December 2021

Section 5 of Mainland China's Enterprise Bankruptcy Law provides that, in the absence of treaties, Chinese courts may recognise foreign insolvency proceedings based on reciprocity. The meaning of reciprocity is very uncertain, and no rules have been laid down on how recognition or assistance may be given to foreign insolvency proceedings. The Mainland has not entered into any treaty or arrangement on the matter with another jurisdiction. On 14 May 2021, the Mainland signed an agreement with Hong Kong, under which the Mainland issued an Opinion on the rules for the recognition of and assistance to Hong Kong insolvency proceedings. This article argues that this is a momentous development for both the Mainland and Hong Kong. It explains how the Opinion adapted provisions and ideas from the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross‐Border Insolvency with modifications to suit the Mainland's needs and the objectives it wanted to achieve; in particular, the Mainland's concern with mitigating the risks arising from the Opinion's implementation. At the same time, however, cases decided after the coming into force of the arrangement revealed the hurdles posed by the corporate structure that Chinese groups in Hong Kong adopted to the utility of the arrangement, foreshadowing dynamic developments in practice and debate in the doctrinal and theoretical spheres.
Survival outcomes of patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer concomitantly receiving proton pump inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Baek Yeon‐Hee , Kang Eun Joo , Hong Soojung , Park Sohee , Kim Ju Hwan , Shin Ju‐Young
Published: December 2021

Recent evidence suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis adversely affects the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Our objective was to investigate the association between concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and ICIs, and poor prognosis in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We conducted a cohort study using a completely enumerated lung cancer cohort from a nationwide healthcare database in South Korea. We identified 2963 patients treated with ICIs as second‐line or later therapy for stage ≥IIIB NSCLC. PPI use was ascertained within 30‐days before and on the date of ICI initiation, and nonuse was defined as no prescription of PPIs during this period. Using national vital statistics in South Korea, we assessed the risk of all‐cause mortality associated with concomitant PPI use through a propensity score‐matched Cox proportional hazard model. Among 1646 patients included after 1:1 propensity score‐matching, concomitant PPI use was associated with a 28% increased risk of all‐cause mortality, compared to nonuse (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.28; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 1.13‐1.46). We observed an increased risk when we restricted the analysis to new users of PPI (adjusted HR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.25‐2.17). Subgroup analysis showed that PPI use was associated with high mortality risk among patients with viral hepatitis (adjusted HR = 2.72; 95% CI = 1.54‐4.78; Pinteraction = .048). Our study indicates that PPI use is associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC patients treated with ICIs. Further prospective studies are required to determine the risk‐benefit balance of concomitant use of PPIs and ICIs.
Utility of a multidisciplinary team approach with transanal total mesorectal excision for resection of a large pelvic solitary fibrous tumor
Authors: Tanabe Kenji , Nakanishi Yasukazu , Matsumoto Shunya , Yajima Shugo , Kuroe Takashi , Watanabe Reiko , Arai Yasunori , Iwata Shintaro , Ito Masaaki , Masuda Hitoshi
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Solitary fibrous tumors require complete surgical resection to avoid recurrence. Large solitary fibrous pelvic tumors are difficult to resect completely with conventional surgical methods. We herein report a case in which a joint surgical approach was required for resection due to the location and size of tumor.

Case presentation

A 45‐year‐old man had a large solitary fibrous tumor in the pelvis, which extended into the left obturator foramen. The patient underwent tumor resection with vesico‐prostatectomy, transanal total mesorectal excision, and opening of the foramen obturatum. The tumor was grossly resected completely. No recurrence was noted nine months after surgery.

Conclusion

A multidisciplinary team approach with transanal total mesorectal excision may provide complete resect of large pelvic solitary fibrous tumors.
Impact of order sentence implementation on outpatient antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infection and skin and soft tissue infection
Authors: Foreman Brennan J. , Westerhof Lindsey , Benzer Jessica , Eid Kristen , Egwuatu Nnaemeka E. , Dumkow Lisa E.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Due to the high volume of outpatient antibiotic prescribing, the Joint Commission now requires antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) expansion to ambulatory practice settings. Unfortunately, ASP resources in these settings are scarce. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the implementation of antibiotic order sentences alongside education would improve antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infections (UTI) and skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI).

Objectives

The primary objective was to compare the proportion of total guideline‐concordant antibiotic prescribing before (pre‐ASP) vs after (post‐ASP) implementing order sentences. Guideline concordance was defined as antibiotic selection, dosing, and duration in accordance with the health system's empiric guidelines. Secondary objectives included comparing patient‐centered outcomes, such as infection‐related revisits and Clostridiodes difficile infections between groups.

Methods

This retrospective, quasi‐experimental study evaluated adult patients treated for uncomplicated UTI or SSTI at an outpatient Family Medicine office between 1 February 2020 and 1 January 2021. The institution's stewardship team provided in‐person education and set prescribing order sentence “favorites” for providers. Patients were excluded who were diagnosed with a complicated UTI, treated only with topical antibiotics, were pregnant, or received care via telephone encounter.

Results

Two hundred sixty patients were included in this study (pre‐ASP n = 139, post‐ASP n = 121). Total antibiotic appropriateness improved significantly from 24.5% to 39.7% after implementation of order sentences and education (P = .008). Significant improvement was seen for appropriate drug selection (52.5% vs 66.9%, P = .018) and duration (47.5% vs 68.6%, P = .001). There were no differences observed in patient‐centered outcomes between groups.

Conclusion

Implementing stewardship‐focused order sentences significantly improved outpatient antibiotic prescribing for UTI and SSTI. Tailoring antibiotic order sentences may be a useful tool for ASP expansion into the outpatient setting with limited resources to allocate to stewardship efforts.
Death anxiety among older adults with chronic illnesses during Covid‐19: A qualitative approach
Authors: Özteke Kozan Hatice İrem , Kesici Şahin
Published: December 2021

In the current study, we have investigated death anxiety during the Covid‐19 pandemic among older people with chronic illnesses with qualitative approach. Eighteen older people (10 female, 8 male) participated in the study. Phenomenological research design was used. A semi‐structured interview technique was used with interviews conducted online to collect the data. To analyse the data, both thematic and content analysis were used. The following seven themes were examined: meaning of death before and during Covid‐19; meaning of death during Covid‐19; awareness of life; anxiety toward family members during Covid‐19; effects of Covid‐19 on daily life; future anxiety after Covid‐19; and coping strategies for death anxiety. The participants were mostly afraid of losing their significant others rather than dying. During the pandemic, they have had fears about the manner of death associated with Covid‐19. They were mostly hopeful for the future and spirituality was generally recommended.
Group‐based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (AHEAD) for adolescents with multiple functional somatic syndromes: A randomised trial
Authors: Kallesøe Karen Hansen , Schröder Andreas , Jensen Jens Søndergaard , Wicksell Rikard K. , Rask Charlotte Ulrikka
Published: December 2021

Background

Evidence for treatment of adolescents with multiple functional somatic syndromes (FSS) is sparse. This study examined the efficacy of ‘Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Health in Adolescents’ (AHEAD), a generic group‐based treatment for adolescents with co‐occurrence of multiple FSS.

Methods

A randomized trial was conducted at a specialized university hospital clinic. Adolescents (15–19 years) with multiple FSS of at least 1 year's duration were randomly assigned to AHEAD or enhanced usual care (EUC). AHEAD consisted of nine modules (i.e., 27 h) and one follow‐up meeting. Primary outcome was physical health (SF‐36). Various secondary outcomes and treatment targets were included (e.g., symptom severity, symptom impact, and illness perception). A linear mixed‐effects model was used for analysis. Trial‐registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02346071.

Results

Ninety‐one patients were included. At 12 months, no significant difference in physical health was identified between groups (mean adjusted difference 1.2 [95% CI −1.6 to 4.0], p = .404). However, different developments over time were seen with an interaction effect between intervention arm and time (χ2(5) = 14.1, p = .0148). AHEAD patients (n = 44) reported a clinically relevant improvement at end of treatment and at 8 and 12 months, while EUC patients (n = 47) displayed a clinically relevant improvement at 12 months. Furthermore, AHEAD patients showed a faster improvement on symptom severity, symptom impact and illness perception. EUC patients received more psychological treatment outside the trial (p ≤ .001) than AHEAD patients. Treatment satisfaction with AHEAD was high in contrast to EUC.

Conclusions

Compared with EUC, AHEAD had no additional advantage on the improvement of physical health at the primary endpoint of 12 months. However, a faster improvement of physical health was seen in AHEAD and considerably more psychological treatment was received outside the trial in EUC with clinically meaningful improvements in both groups. The results underpin the importance of an organised and systematic treatment offer for the most severely affected youth.
Scanning electron microscopy as a tool for authentication of biodiesel synthesis from Linum usitatissimum seed oil
Authors: Niazi Anmol , Ahmad Mushtaq , Elnaggar Ashraf Y. , Zafar Muhammad , Sultana Shazia , Rozina  , Majeed Salman , Hussein Enas E.
Published: December 2021

Utilization of renewable and alternative energy feedstocks such as nonedible seeds oil to deal with the increasing energy crises and related ecological concerns have gained the attention of researchers. Biodiesel is an efficient and renewable substitute for diesel engine. This work investigates the potential of inexpensive nonedible seed oil of Linum usitatissimum to synthesize biodiesel using iron sulfate green nanocatalyst through the process of transesterification. Flax seed contains about 37.5% oil content estimated through Soxhlet apparatus. Light microscopy revealed that seed size varies from 3.0 to 6.0 cm in length, 2.0 to 3.3 cm in width, and 0.7 to 1.0 mm in diameter. Color of seed varied from yellow to brown. Characterization of biodiesel is performed through GC–MS and FTIR. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out to study the morphological features of seed coat. Catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy diffraction X‐ray, and X‐ray diffraction. The diffraction peaks of Fe3O4 green nanoparticles were found to be in 2θ values, 30.24°, 35.62°, 38.26°, 49.56°, 57.12°, and 62.78°. Fuel properties of biodiesel are also determined and compared with ASTM standards. Linum usitatissimum biodiesel has density 0.8722 (15°C kg/L), kinetic viscosity 5.45 (40°C cSt), flash point (90°C), pour point (−13°C), cloud point (−9°C), sulfur (0.0432% wt), and total acid number (0.245 mg KOH/g). It is concluded that L. usitatissimum seed oil is a highly potential source for biodiesel production to cope with the challenge of present energy demand.
Assessing genetic counselors’ graduate school education and training in congenital heart defects
Authors: Ahmad Aaliya , Fitzgerald‐Butt Sara M. , Ware Stephanie M. , Ison Hannah E. , Elmore Lindsey R. , Helm Benjamin M.
Published: December 2021

Genetic counselors are one of the many providers involved in caring for patients with congenital heart defects (CHDs); however, little is known about the cardiovascular genetics training they receive by their graduate programs. To explore the recalled education experiences regarding CHDs by practicing genetic counselors, we surveyed graduates of programs primarily accredited by the American Council on Genetic Counseling (ACGC) about their graduate training in this area, the depth of CHD‐specific education they received, and whether CHDs are a substantial referral indication in their current practice. Genetic counselors were recruited from the National Society of Genetic Counselors and Twitter (n = 112), and participants reflecting multiple specialties and 35 graduate programs completed an online survey which included questions about fieldwork placements and lectures in cardiovascular genetics, exposure to classification schemes regarding cardiac embryology, and education in counseling strategies for CHDs and CHD‐related topics during their graduate training. When asked whether CHDs are a substantial referral indication seen in their current practice, 55% (62/112) responded yes. Most participants (79%, 88/112) recalled receiving some education about CHDs, but 91% (80/88) reported receiving little to no education regarding embryologic classification of CHDs and how to apply classification schemes to their counseling. Both participating prenatal and pediatric GCs reported that CHDs can be a common referral indication, yet they reported receiving limited education on teratogens associated with CHDs, family screening recommendations, and recurrence risk counseling for CHDs. Based on participant responses, the majority of respondents reported receiving sufficient education on syndromes with CHDs which can be beneficial in specialties such as pediatrics. This exploratory study provides insight into opportunities to further support genetic counseling educational opportunities for CHDs. These findings suggest genetic counseling graduate programs could consider implementing education on CHD counseling strategies as a standardized component of the curriculum and that practicing genetic counselors could benefit from educational opportunities and resources with updated information on this topic.
Linearly free graphs
Authors: Huh Youngsik , Lee Jung Hoon
Published: December 2021

In this paper we are interested in an intrinsic property of graphs which is derived from their embeddings into the Euclidean 3‐space . An embedding of a graph into is said to be linear, if it sends every edge to be a line segment. And we say that an embedding of a graph into is free, if is a free group. Lastly a simple connected graph is said to be linearly free if every its linear embedding is free. In the 1980s it was proved that every complete graph is linearly free, by Nicholson. In this paper, we develop Nicholson's arguments into a general notion, and establish a sufficient condition for a linear embedding to be free. As an application of the condition we give a partial answer for a question: How much can the complete graph be enlarged so that the linear‐freeness is preserved and the clique number does not increase? And an example supporting our answer is provided. As the second application it is shown that a simple connected graph of minimal valency at least 3 is linearly free, if it has less than eight vertices. The conditional inequality is strict, because we found a graph with eight vertices which are not linearly free. It is also proved that for the complete bipartite graph is linearly free.
CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors: A review of current clinical trials
Authors: Patel Urvi , Abernathy John , Savani Bipin N , Oluwole Olalekan , Sengsayadeth Salyka , Dholaria Bhagirathbhai
Published: December 2021

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has made tremendous strides in the arena of hematological malignancies with approved therapies in certain leukemias, lymphomas, and recently myeloma with overall highly favorable response rates. While numerous clinical studies are still ongoing for hematological malignancies, research is developing to translate the feasibility of CAR T therapy in solid organ malignancies. Unfortunately, the majority of diagnosed cancers are primarily solid tumors. Thus, a highly unmet clinical need for further research and development exists in this field. This review article highlights currently active clinical trials and a few pertinent preclinical studies involving CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors while briefly discussing study outcomes and potential key targets that may allow for the feasibility of this therapy option. Finally, we mention critical challenges existing in the solid tumor environment and discuss developing strategies that may potentially overcome the existing barriers to CAR T cell progress in solid tumors.
The challenge of competency assessment of the late‐career practitioner
Authors: Steffany Mary
Published: December 2021

Just as the general population of the United States is aging, so, too, is the population of active physicians. Training to become a physician and practice medicine is an arduous process. The competition to gain admission to medical school is fierce, the price tag of medical education is high, and waiting to learn about matching to a residency program is stressful. No wonder that physicians equate their profession with their identity. This sentiment, along with other factors, has resulted in many physicians continuing to practice well beyond the average retirement age. While each individual ages differently, there is evidence that the aging of physicians and length of time since medical school and residency is associated with deficiencies in history‐taking, physical examination, record‐keeping, and the ability to problem‐solve. For late‐career surgeons performing complex surgical procedures, there is a higher mortality rate for patients. Unlike other professions that have a mandatory retirement age, medicine does not. Health systems are grappling with how to fairly assess the competence of late‐career practitioners. This article will explore that challenge from different perspectives, identify best practices, and describe how a risk manager can facilitate stakeholder discussion focused on implementing a competency‐assessment process that is fair and effective.
Awareness about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine among medical students in Lebanon
Authors: Haddad Sara F. , Kerbage Anthony , Eid Roland , Kourie Hampig R.
Published: December 2021

As a developing country, Lebanon lacks adequate awareness about Human papillomavirus (HPV) among its population, whether working in the medical field or not. Lebanon is traditionally considered conservative with a low incidence of sexually transmitted infections in general, but recently the incidence of HPV infections has significantly increased. The present cross‐sectional study aims to evaluate the level of awareness on HPV and the attitude toward HPV vaccine among Lebanese medical students in a self‐administered questionnaire‐based survey. A total of 1009 answers were collected and analyzed from a population of about 3000 Lebanese medical students. Our study revealed a significant lack of knowledge and awareness on HPV among medical students in Lebanon, with a strikingly low vaccination rate (16.4%) due to many barriers. Education initiatives in medical schools remain crucial to raise awareness on HPV and promote HPV vaccination, especially among medical students, who represent the country's future healthcare providers and policymakers.
Diversity and distribution of thermophilic microorganisms and their applications in biotechnology
Authors: Arbab Safia , Ullah Hanif , Khan Muhammad I. U. , Khattak Muhammad N. K. , Zhang Jiyu , Li Ka , Hassan Inam Ul
Published: December 2021

Hot springs ecosystem is the most ancient continuously inhabited ecosystem on earth which harbors diverse thermophilic bacteria and archaea distributed worldwide. Life in extreme environments is very challenging so there is a great potential biological dark matter and their adaptation to harsh environments eventually producing thermostable enzymes which are very vital for the welfare of mankind. There is an enormous need for a new generation of stable enzymes that can endure harsh conditions in industrial processes and can either substitute or complement conventional chemical processes. Here, we review at the variety and distribution of thermophilic microbes, as well as the different thermostable enzymes that help them survive at high temperatures, such as proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, pullulanase, xylanases, and DNA polymerases, as well as their special properties, such as high‐temperature stability. We have documented the novel isolated thermophilic and hyperthermophilic microorganisms, as well as the discovery of their enzymes, demonstrating their immense potential in the scientific community and in industry.
Stabilization of natural gas foams using different surfactants at high pressure and high temperature conditions
Authors: Bi Weiyu , Zhang Panfeng , Du Xiangrui , Lü Wei , Wang Shitou , Yang Tangying , Ma Liping , Liu Xiaochun , Zhao Haifeng , Ren Shaoran
Published: December 2021

Natural gas foam can be used for mobility control and channel blocking during natural gas injection for enhanced oil recovery, in which stable foams need to be used at high reservoir temperature, high pressure and high water salinity conditions in field applications. In this study, the performance of methane (CH4) foams stabilized by different types of surfactants was tested using a high pressure and high temperature foam meter for surfactant screening and selection, including anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate), non‐anionic surfactant (alkyl polyglycoside), zwitterionic surfactant (dodecyl dimethyl betaine) and cationic surfactant (dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride), and the results show that CH4‐SDS foam has much better performance than that of the other three surfactants. The influences of gas types (CH4, N2, and CO2), surfactant concentration, temperature (up to 110°C), pressure (up to 12.0 MPa), and the presence of polymers as foam stabilizer on foam performance was also evaluated using SDS surfactant. The experimental results show that the stability of CH4 foam is better than that of CO2 foam, while N2 foam is the most stable, and CO2 foam has the largest foam volume, which can be attributed to the strong interactions between CO2 molecules with H2O. The foaming ability and foam stability increase with the increase of the SDS concentration up to 1.0 wt% (0.035 mol/L), but a further increase of the surfactant concentration has a negative effect. The high temperature can greatly reduce the stability of CH4‐SDS foam, while the foaming ability and foam stability can be significantly enhanced at high pressure. The addition of a small amount of polyacrylamide as a foam stabilizer can significantly increase the viscosity of the bulk solution and improve the foam stability, and the higher the molecular weight of the polymer, the higher viscosity of the foam liquid film, the better foam performance.
Targeting DNA repair pathway in cancer: Mechanisms and clinical application
Authors: Wang Manni , Chen Siyuan , Ao Danyi
Published: December 2021

Over the last decades, the growing understanding on DNA damage response (DDR) pathways has broadened the therapeutic landscape in oncology. It is becoming increasingly clear that the genomic instability of cells resulted from deficient DNA damage response contributes to the occurrence of cancer. One the other hand, these defects could also be exploited as a therapeutic opportunity, which is preferentially more deleterious in tumor cells than in normal cells. An expanding repertoire of DDR‐targeting agents has rapidly expanded to inhibitors of multiple members involved in DDR pathways, including PARP, ATM, ATR, CHK1, WEE1, and DNA‐PK. In this review, we sought to summarize the complex network of DNA repair machinery in cancer cells and discuss the underlying mechanism for the application of DDR inhibitors in cancer. With the past preclinical evidence and ongoing clinical trials, we also provide an overview of the history and current landscape of DDR inhibitors in cancer treatment, with special focus on the combination of DDR‐targeted therapies with other cancer treatment strategies.
Age‐related differences in self‐report and objective measures of cognitive function in older patients prior to chemotherapy
Authors: Utne Inger , Løyland Borghild , Grov Ellen Karine , Rasmussen Hege Lund , Torstveit Ann Helen , Paul Steven M. , Ritchie Christine , Lindemann Kristina , Vistad Ingvild , Rodríguez‐Aranda Claudia , Miaskowski Christine
Published: December 2021

Aim

Evaluate for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics and subjective and objective measures of cognitive function (CF) between younger older adults (YOA, 60–69 years) and older adults (OA, ≥70 years).

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

Older oncology patients (n = 139) completed subjective (Attentional Function Index, European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC) CF scale) and objective (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Trail Making Test (TMT) A & B) measures of CF prior to chemotherapy. Data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests.

Results

No differences were found between the two groups for any of the subjective or objective CF measures, except that OA patients had higher TMT B scores. Compared with the general population, OAs had significantly higher EORTC CF scores and YOAs had significantly worse scores for all of the objective tests. Clinically meaningful difference between group differences was found for the TMT B test.
Effect of a ketogenic diet on pain and quality of life in patients with lipedema: The LIPODIET pilot study
Authors: Sørlie Vilde , De Soysa Ann Kristin , Hyldmo Åsne Ask , Retterstøl Kjetil , Martins Catia , Nymo Siren
Published: December 2021

Background

Lipedema is an underdiagnosed condition in women, characterized by a symmetrical increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in the lower extremities, sparing the trunk. The lipedema SAT has been found to be resistant to diet, exercise and bariatric surgery, in regard to both weight loss (WL) and symptom relief. Current experience indicates that a low carbohydrate and high fat (LCHF‐diet) might have a beneficial effect on weight and symptom management in lipedema.

Objective

To assess the impact of an eucaloric low carbohydrate, high fat (LCHF)‐diet on pain and quality of life (QoL) in patients with lipedema.

Methods

Women diagnosed with lipedema, including all types and stages affecting the legs, (age 18–75 years, BMI 30–45 kg/m2) underwent 7 weeks of LCHF‐diet and, thereafter 6 weeks of a diet following the Nordic nutrition recommendations. Pain (visual analog scale) and QoL (questionnaire for lymphedema of the limbs), weight and body composition were measured at baseline, week seven and 13.

Results

Nine women (BMI: 36.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2 and age: 46.9 ± 7 years) were recruited. The LCHF diet induced a significant WL −4.6 ± 0.7 kg (−4.5 ± 2.4%), p < 0.001 for both, and reduction in pain (−2.3 ± 0.4 cm, p = 0.020). No correlation was found between WL and changes in pain at week seven (r = 0.283, p = 0.460). WL was maintained between week seven and 13 (0.3 ± 0.7 kg, p = 0.430), but pain returned to baseline levels at week 13 (4.2 ± 0.7 cm, p = 0.690). A significant increase in general QoL was found between baseline and week seven (1.0 (95% CI (2.0, 0.001)), p = 0.050) and 13 (1.0 95% CI (2.0, 0.001) p = 0.050), respectively.

Conclusion

A LCHF‐diet is associated with reduction in perceived pain and improvement in QoL, in patients with lipedema. Larger randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Feminist struggles against criminalization of digital violence: Lessons for Internet governance from the global south
Authors: Suarez Estrada Marcela
Published: December 2021

Why have feminists in Mexico been arguing with women's groups and against the state over the criminalization of digital violence, and what do these struggles mean for its governance? This article analyzes the social struggles surrounding passage of the Olimpia Law of 2019, which criminalizes digital violence in Mexico. Although criminalization of digital violence as a means of governing online behavior has recently attracted much attention globally, this study proposes that such measures can, at the same time, put at risk the human rights of women actively participating in the political realm (human rights defenders, activists, and journalists). I further contend that governing digital violence is not so much a regulatory question but should, rather, be understood as a field of struggle among diverse collective projects. Thus, I argue that there is a need to further reconceptualize digital violence against women in politics as a way to address the multiplicity of actors and perspectives involved in internet governance. Following textual analysis of documents from feminist organizations arguing against the criminalization of digital violence, I conclude by proposing public policies to fight this phenomenon beyond criminalization.
Pyrotechnic Strobe Compositions: an Overview
Authors: Verbovytskyy Yuriy , Harrison Richard
Published: December 2021

Pyrotechnic strobes have been known for over 100 years and have a wide range of uses, from the fireworks industry to military applications. On combustion, they emit bright flashes of white or colored light at regular intervals. A wide variety of fuels and oxidants can be used to create strobe compositions, but all known variants were discovered by trial and error and the mechanisms involved remain unclear. This review presents and discusses the range of known pyrotechnic strobes, together with some historical facts associated with their discovery, and comments on the current state of knowledge of the strobe mechanism.
Preoperative MRI PI‐RADS scores are associated with prostate cancer upstaging on surgical pathology
Authors: Pockros Benjamin , Stensland Kristian D. , Parries Molly , Frankenberger Edward , Canes David , Moinzadeh Alireza
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) scores can help identify clinically significant prostate cancer and improve patient selection for prostate biopsies. However, the role of PI‐RADS scores in patients already diagnosed with prostate cancer remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of PI‐RADS scores with prostate cancer upstaging. Upstaging on final pathology harbors a higher risk for biochemical recurrence with important implications for additional treatments, morbidity, and mortality.

Methods

All patients from a single high‐volume institution who underwent a prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and radical prostatectomy between 2016 and 2020 were included in this retrospective analysis. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to investigate potential associations with upstaging events, defined by pT3, pT4, or N1 on final pathology. A logistic regression model was constructed for the prediction of upstaging events based on PI‐RADS score, prostate‐specific antigen density (PSA‐D), and biopsy Gleason grade groups. We built receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curves to measure the area under the curve of different predictive models.

Results

Two hundred and ninety‐four patients were included in the final analysis. Upstaging events occurred in 137 (46.5%) of patients. On univariable analysis, patients who were upstaged on final pathology had significantly higher PI‐RADS scores (odds ratio [OR] 2.34 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.64–3.40, p < 0.001) but similar PSA‐D (OR 2.70 95% 0.94–8.43, p = 0.188) compared with patients who remained pT1 or pT2 on final pathology. On multivariable analysis, PI‐RADS remained independently significantly associated with upstaging, suggesting it is an independent risk predictor for upstaging. Lymph node metastasis only occurred in patients with PI‐RADS 4 or 5 lesions (n = 15). Our model using PSA‐D, biopsy Gleason grade, and PI‐RADS had a predictive AUC of 0.69 for upstaging events, an improvement from 0.59 using biopsy Gleason grade alone.

Conclusion

PI‐RADS scores are independent predictors for upstaging events and may play an important role in forecasting biochemical recurrence and lymph node metastasis. Modern nomograms should be updated to include PI‐RADS to predict lymph node metastases and the likelihood of biochemical recurrence more accurately.
A multivariate triple exponentially weighted moving average control chart
Authors: Malela‐Majika Jean‐Claude , Chatterjee Kashinath , Koukouvinos Christos
Published: December 2021

Statistical process monitoring (SPM) is mostly populated with univariate control charts used to monitor a single variable (or quality characteristic). Nowadays, industries and online environments are filled with processes in which two or more quality characteristics are related. In such situations, univariate control charts are replaced with multivariate control charts for the sake of monitoring several characteristics simultaneously. This paper develops a new multivariate triple exponentially weighted moving average (MTEWMA) chart to serve this purpose. Moreover, the design of the multivariate simple and double exponentially weighted moving average (denoted as MEWMA and MDEWMA) charts are revisited using extensive simulations. It is observed that the MTEWMA chart has very interesting time‐varying properties as compared to the asymptotic properties. The newly proposed MTEWMA chart is superior over the MEWMA and MDEWMA charts in many situations of the asymptotic control limits. An illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the sensitivity of the proposed charts.
Design and analysis of exponentially weighted moving average control charts for monitoring the variability of log‐normal processes with estimated parameters
Authors: Akhtar Noureen , Abid Muhammad , Amir Muhammad Wasim , Abbas Zameer , Nazir Hafiz Zafar , Raza Zeeshan , Riaz Muhammad
Published: December 2021

In statistical process control (SPC), the control chart is a quite popular technique to monitor the process efficacy. From a statistical point of view, the control chart is considered superior if it has an effective structure withholding property of the resistance against infrequent situations in a practical environment. The current study is designed for the same purpose for observing the dispersion parameter of log‐normal distribution by using the structure of an exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) chart. For the extensive study, EWMA range, EWMA standard deviation, EWMA EWMA EWMA mean absolute deviation, and EWMA transform standard deviation control charts are proposed. Properties of the run‐length profile of the proposed designed structures based on different existing estimators as well as a newly transformed dispersion estimator for log‐normal standard deviation are evaluated. The results indicate that the newly developed scheme outperforms the competitors when the dispersion parameter of the log‐normal distribution attains a large value. A real‐life application is also provided to validate how the developed design can be used in practice.
Epidemics on networks with preventive rewiring
Authors: Ball Frank , Britton Tom
Published: December 2021

A stochastic SIR (susceptible infective recovered) model is considered for the spread of an epidemic on a network, described initially by an Erdős–Rényi random graph, in which susceptible individuals connected to infectious neighbors may drop or rewire such connections. A novel construction of the model is used to derive a deterministic model for epidemics started with a positive fraction initially infected and prove convergence of the scaled stochastic model to that deterministic model as the population size . For epidemics initiated by a single infective that take off, we prove that for part of the parameter space, in the limit as , the final fraction infected is discontinuous in the infection rate at its threshold , thus not converging to 0 as . The discontinuity is particularly striking when rewiring is necessarily to susceptible individuals in that jumps from 0 to 1 as passes through .
Synthesis of Hydrogels from Low‐Grade Palygorskite and Its Adsorption Behavior for Methylene Blue
Authors: Tian Haifeng , Tian Haizhou , Gao Peng , Zha Fei , Wang Zengjun , Guo Xiaojun , Tang Xiaohua , Chang Yue
Published: December 2021

A series of hydrogels were successfully prepared with low grade palygorskite and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose as raw materials by free radical graft copolymerization method. The morphology, functional groups, crystalline phases and thermal stability of the hydrogels were characterized by SEM, FT‐IR, XRD and TG, respectively. The adsorption properties of hydrogels were tested. The water absorption rate of hydrogel with Jiangsu Xu Yu palygorskite (PGSH), Gansu Linze white grey palygorskite (WPGSH) and Gansu Linze red palygorskite (RPGSH) as raw materials was 1332 g/g, 1204 g/g and 1146 g/g, respectively. The three hydrogels showed excellent adsorption capacity for 100 mg/L methylene blue solution at room temperature, and the maximum adsorption capacities of PGSH, WPGSH and RPGSH were 236.44 mg/g, 227.72 mg/g and 223.01 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption kinetics of methylene blue over hydrogels was a pseudo two stage kinetic equation.
Synthesis and Investigation of Thermal, Optical and Electrochemical Properties of 2,4,6‐Trisubstituted Pyrimidines
Authors: Slobodinyuk Daria G. , Slobodinyuk Alexey I. , Shklyaeva Elena V. , Abashev Georgii G.
Published: December 2021

A number of novel fluorophores have been synthesized containing an electron‐withdrawing pyrimidine core and electron donating N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl, 4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl, phenyl and pyrrol‐1‐yl fragments at positions 2, 4 and 6 of the pyrimidine ring. Thermal, optical and electrochemical properties of these substances have been studied. The structure‐property dependences of substituted pyrimidines have been established.
3D Nanoscale Morphology Characterization of Ternary Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Ting , He Wanting , Jafari Maziar , Guner Tugrul , Li Pandeng , Siaj Mohamed , Izquierdo Ricardo , Sun Baoquan , Welch Gregory C. , Yurtsever Aycan , Ma Dongling
Published: December 2021

It is highly desired to develop advanced characterization techniques to explore the 3D nanoscale morphology of the complicated blend film of ternary organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, ternary OSCs are constructed by incorporating the nonfullerene acceptor perylenediimide (PDI)‐diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐PDI and their morphology is characterized in depth to understand the performance variation. In particular, photoinduced force microscopy (PiFM) coupled with infrared laser spectroscopy is conducted to qualitatively study the distribution of donor and acceptors in the blend film by chemical identification and to quantitatively probe the segmentation of domains and the domain size distribution after PDI‐DPP‐PDI acceptor incorporation by PiFM imaging and data processing. In addition, the energy‐filtered transmission electron microscopy with energy loss spectra is utilized to visualize the nanoscale morphology of ultrathin cross‐sections in the configuration of the real ternary device for the first time in the field of photovoltaics. These measurements allow to “view” the surface and cross‐sectional morphology and provide strong evidence that the PDI‐DPP‐PDI acceptor can suppress the aggregation of the fullerene molecules and generate the homogenous morphology with a higher‐level of the molecularly mixed phase, which can prevent the charge recombination and stabilize the morphology of photoactive layer.
28.3% Efficient III–V Tandem Solar Cells Fabricated Using a Triple‐Chamber Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy System
Authors: Shoji Yasushi , Oshima Ryuji , Makita Kikuo , Ubukata Akinori , Sugaya Takeyoshi
Published: December 2021

Hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) is a III–V device fabrication technology that has received attention owing to its low production costs. The properties of passivation layers used to reduce surface and interface recombination losses in III–V materials considerably contribute to the performance of various devices. Herein, solar cells based on AlInGaP back‐surface field (BSF) layers grown via HVPE using aluminum trichloride as the group‐III precursor for Al deposition are presented. Although high‐concentration Si contamination occurs in Al‐containing layers grown using HVPE, AlInGaP with p‐type conductivity can be grown by doping with high‐concentration Zn. For InGaP single‐junction solar cells, the short‐circuit current density and open‐circuit voltage are improved by introducing the AlInGaP BSF layer. Consequently, the InGaP single‐junction solar cells measured under air mass 1.5 global solar spectrum illumination achieve a conversion efficiency of 17.1%. Furthermore, the progress in the development of tandem solar cells grown using HVPE is reported. By improving the performance of the InGaP top cells, InGaP/GaAs tandem cells are fabricated with a new record efficiency of 28.3% using the triple‐chamber HVPE system.
Effect of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fiber on the early mechanical strength and shrinkage crack resistance of concrete
Authors: Chen Zhiyou , Yu Lin , Jin Weizhun , Jiang Linhua , Guo Mingzhi
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the early mechanical strength, and shrinkage crack resistance of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber concrete with different lengths and contents. The microstructure of UHMWPE fiber concrete is investigated by scanning electronic microscope (SEM) to analyze the distribution and mechanism of action of UHMWPE fiber in concrete. The mechanical strength results indicate that the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of concrete increase first and then decrease by adding fibers. The maximum compressive strength and splitting tensile strength at age of 28d are 42.9 and 3.32 MPa, which is 41.1% and 55.9% higher than that of the benchmark group. The SEM results show that when the UHMWPE fiber content is small, the fibers are evenly distributed in concrete and tightly bonded to the matrix. While the fibers will agglomerate and entangle with the increase of the fiber content, the results of shrinkage resistance test demonstrate that the 12 mm fiber with 0.24% fiber volume content can obtain the best shrinkage crack resistance.
Research on slow crack growth resistance of polyethylene pipe based on strain hardening modulus
Authors: Zhang Ying , Xiang Aimin , Lu Xiaoying , Zhou Hongfu , Yin Duoyuan , Tian Huafeng
Published: December 2021

Slow crack growth (SCG) is the principal factor for determining the operating lifetime of polyethylene (PE) pipes. Exploring the relationship between the molecular structure and the strain hardening (SH) modulus is helpful to evaluate the SCG resistance of PE pipe materials accurately. This paper uses an efficient SH test method to study the SH modulus for four kinds of PE pipes. Meanwhile, the correlation between SH modulus and sample thickness, material crystallinity (Xc), comonomer type and content, weight‐average molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution has been established and investigated respectively. The results represent that the comonomer type and the Xc of PE materials played significant roles in the SH modulus. The SH modulus of ethylene‐hexene copolymer is 5–7 MPa higher than that of ethylene‐butene copolymer. The amount in the range of 1 × 103 to 1 × 105 of the molecular weight distribution of PE materials has a significant contribution to the establishment of the tie molecular network. In addition, the higher Xc and the thinner thickness were beneficial to obtain the higher measured SH modulus.