bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy outcome and risk of recurrence after tissue-preserving loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
Authors: Lieb Jule Alena , Mondal Anne , Lieb Lenard , Fehm Tanja Natascha , Hampl Monika
Published: September 2022

Background/purpose

This study aims to investigate whether women with cervical dysplasia after LEEP have an increased risk of pregnancy/childbirth complications or recurrence of dysplasia in an upcoming pregnancy.

Methods

Data from 240 women after LEEP were analysed retrospectively. The reference group consisted of 956 singleton births. Fisher’s and Wilcoxon rank tests were used to detect differences between groups. Using logistic regressions, we analysed the effect of surgery-specific aspects of LEEP on pregnancy/childbirth complications and the frequency of CIN recurrences.

Results

We found that tissue-preserving LEEP did not lead to premature birth or miscarriage and did not increase the likelihood of CIN recurrence.

We did not observe differences regarding preterm birth [< 37 (p < 0.28) < 34 (p < 0.31), < 32 weeks of gestation (p < 0.11)] or birth weight (< 2500 g (p < 0.54), < 2000 g (p < 0.77) between groups. However, women after LEEP exhibit a higher risk of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at term (p < 0.009) and vaginal infections (p < 0.06). Neither volume nor depth of the removed tissue nor an additional endocervical resection seems to influence the likelihood of premature birth or early miscarriage. Performing an endocervical resection protects against CIN recurrence (OR 0.0881, p < 0.003).

Conclusions

After tissue-preserving LEEP, there is an increased risk of vaginal infections and PROM at term in consecutive pregnancy. LEEP does not affect prematurity or miscarriage. The removal of additional endocervical tissue appears to be a protective factor against recurrence of CIN.
Factors influencing the effect of external cephalic version: a retrospective nationwide cohort analysis
Authors: Londero Ambrogio P. , Xholli Anjeza , Massarotti Claudia , Fruscalzo Arrigo , Cagnacci Angelo
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study aims to assess the factors associated with the success and failure rate of the external cephalic version (ECV) in breech fetuses. Secondary outcomes were fetal presentation in labor and mode of delivery.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examined the live birth certificates from 2003 through 2020 from US states and territories that implemented the 2003 revision. A total of 149,671 singleton pregnancies with information about ECV success or failure were included. The outcome was ECV success/failure, while the exposures were possible factors associated with the outcome.

Results

The successful ECV procedures were 96,137 (64.23%). Among the successful ECV procedures, the prevalence of spontaneous vaginal delivery was 71.63%. Among the failed ECV procedures, 24.74% had a cephalic presentation at delivery, but 63.11% of these pregnancies were delivered by cesarean section. Nulliparity, female sex, low fetal weight centile, high pre-pregnancy BMI, high BMI at delivery, and high maternal weight gain during pregnancy were associated with an increased ECV failure (p < 0.001). African American, American Indian and Alaska Native race categories were significant protective factors against ECV failure (p < 0.001). Maternal age had a U-shape risk profile, whereas younger maternal age (< 25 years) and old maternal age (> 40 years) were significant protective factors against ECV failure (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

A high prevalence of successful ECV procedures and subsequent spontaneous vaginal delivery were found. The present results found nulliparity, maternal race, maternal age, female fetal sex, low fetal weight, and maternal anthropometric features correlated to ECV results. These findings can potentially improve the knowledge about the factors involved in ECV, allowing more informed counseling to the women undergoing this procedure.
Suicidality in psychiatric emergency department situations during the first and the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kippe Yann David , Adam Maia , Finck Anna , Moran James Kenneth , Schouler-Ocak Meryam , Bermpohl Felix , Gutwinski Stefan , Goldschmidt Thomas
Published: September 2022

Psychiatric patients are prone to mental health deterioration during the Covid-19 pandemic. Little is known about suicidality in psychiatric patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study is a retrospective chart review of psychiatric emergency department (pED) presentations with present or absent suicidality (5634 pED attendances, 4110 patients) in an academic pED in Berlin, Germany. Poisson regression analysis was performed on the effect of Covid-19 period on suicidality (suicidal ideation (SI), suicide plans (SP) or suicide attempt (SA)) during the first (3/2/2020–5/24/2020 “first-wave”) and second (9/15/2020–3/1/2021 “second-wave”) wave of the Covid-19 pandemic compared to the same periods one year earlier. During the first-wave the number of pED visits per person with SI, SP and SA was higher compared to one year earlier (SI RR = 1.614; p = 0.016; SP RR = 2.900; p = 0.004; SA RR = 9.862; p = 0.003). SI and SP were predicted by interaction between substance use disorder (SUD) and second-wave (SI RR = 1.305, p = 0.043; SP RR = 1.645, p = 0.018), SA was predicted by interaction between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and second-wave (RR = 7.128; p = 0.012). Suicidality increased during the first-wave of Covid-19 pandemic in our sample. In the second-wave this was found in patients with SUD and BPD. These patients may be at particular risk of suicidality during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Standardized procedure prevents perioperative and early complications in totally implantable venous-access ports—a complication analysis of more than 1000 TIVAP implantations
Authors: Thiel Karolin , Kalmbach Sarah , Maier Gerhard , Wichmann Dörte , Schenk Martin , Königsrainer Alfred , Thiel Christian
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Since their invention 40 years ago, totally implantable venous-access ports (TIVAPs) have become indispensable in cancer treatment. The aim of our study was to analyze complications under standardized operative and perioperative procedures and to identify risk factors for premature port catheter explantation.

Methods

A total of 1008 consecutive TIVAP implantations were studied for success rate, perioperative, early, and late complications. Surgical, clinical, and demographic factors were analyzed as potential risk factors for emergency port catheter explantation.

Results

Successful surgical TIVAP implantation was achieved in 1005/1008 (99.7%) cases. No intraoperative or perioperative complications occurred. A total of 32 early complications and 88 late complications were observed leading to explantation in 11/32 (34.4%) and 34/88 (38.6%) cases, respectively. The most common complications were infections in 4.7% followed by thrombosis in 3.6%. Parameters that correlated with unplanned TIVAP explantation were gender (port in situ: female 95% vs. male 91%, p = 0.01), underlying disease (breast cancer 97% vs. gastrointestinal 89%, p = 0.004), indication (chemotherapy 95% vs. combination of chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition 64%, p < 0.0001), and type of complication (infection 13.4% vs. TIVAP-related complication 54% and thrombosis 95%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Standardized operative and perioperative TIVAP implantation procedures provide excellent results and low explantation rate.
High RIG-I and EFTUD2 expression predicts poor survival in endometrial cancer
Authors: Beyer Susanne , Müller Lena , Mitter Sophie , Keilmann Lucia , Meister Sarah , Buschmann Christina , Kraus Fabian , Topalov Nicole E. , Czogalla Bastian , Trillsch Fabian , Burges Alexander , Mahner Sven , Schmoeckel Elisa , Löb Sanja , Corradini Stefanie , Kessler Mirjana , Jeschke Udo , Kolben Thomas
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy. The helicase RIG-I, a part of the innate immune system, and EFTUD2, a splicing factor which can upregulate RIG-I expression, are shown to influence tumor growth and disease progression in several malignancies. For endometrial cancer, an immunogenic cancer, data about RIG-I and EFTUD2 are still missing. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of RIG-I and EFTUD2 in endometrial cancer.

Methods

225 specimen of endometrial cancer were immunohistochemically stained for RIG-I and EFTUD2. The results were correlated to clinicopathological data, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

High RIG-I expression correlated with advanced tumor stages (FIGO: p = 0.027; pT: p = 0.010) and worse survival rates (OS: p = 0.009; PFS: p = 0.022). High EFTUD2 expression correlated to worse survival rates (OS: p = 0.026; PFS: p < 0.001) and was determined to be an independent marker for progression-free survival.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the expression of RIG-I and EFTUD2 correlates with survival data, which makes both a possible therapeutic target in the future.
Characterization of Clinostomum (Digenea: Clinostomidae) spp. in India
Authors: Choudhary Kirti , Ray Shailendra , Shamsi Shokoofeh , Agrawal Nirupama
Published: September 2022

Platyhelminths belonging to the family Clinostomidae (Digenea) have a worldwide distribution and are known to infect piscivorous birds through their intermediate hosts, usually fish species. In the present study, clinostome metacercariae were collected from fish hosts, including Channa punctata (Bloch 1793) (n = 25) and Trichogaster fasciata Bloch and Schneider 1801 (n = 25), from a freshwater system in India. The experimental infection of cattle egrets, Ardea (Bubulcus) ibis Linnaeus 1758, with some of the live metacercariae found in the present study was successful. Live adult parasites were obtained from the buccal cavity of the birds. Both metacercaria and adult specimens were subjected to molecular studies to obtain the sequences of 28S, ITS1, and ITS2 (nuclear rDNA) regions. The parasites were found to belong to three species, Clinostomum giganticum Agarwal 1959; C. piscidium Southwell and Prashad 1918; and Euclinostomum heterostomum (Rudolphi 1809). Phylogenetic analyses of the sequences obtained from the adults and metacercariae established a link between the metacercariae in the fish hosts and adults in the avian host, which is essential to elucidate their partial life cycle and specify morphological characteristics in the metacercarial stage.
Relationships of frequencies of extreme low temperatures with grain yield of some Australian commercial chickpea cultivars
Authors: Chauhan Yashvir S. , Allard Sam , Krosch Steve , Ryan Merrill , Rachaputi R. C. N.
Published: September 2022

In this study, we examined the relationships between extremes of low temperatures and chickpea yield in 12 field experiments conducted at six sites in the subtropical environment of southeast Queensland (SEQ) from 2014 to 2019. Three commercial chickpea cultivars, PBA-Boundary, PBA-HatTrick and PBA-Seamer, were grown in all the experiments. Cultivars PBA-Pistol, PBA-Monarch and Kyabra were also included in three of these experiments conducted in 2015. In these experiments, the crop experienced a total of 8 to 41 frosts (minimum temperature <  = 0 °C), 2 to 41 pre-flowering frosts, 2 to 19 frosts during the critical period, 0 to 13 frosts and 2 to 71 low-temperature days (< = 15 °C) after flowering. The mean yield, which varied from 1 to 3 t/ha, was negatively related to post-flowering frosts (r =  − 0.74, p < 0.01) and low-temperature days (r =  − 0.76, p < 0.01), and positively related to pre-flowering frosts (r = 0.67, p < 0.05). Each post-flowering frost was associated with a 5% decrease and a low-temperature day with a 1% decrease in yield. The cultivar × site interaction was significant only in the three experiments with six commercial cultivars. This interaction was most likely due to an increase in the sensitivity range with additional cultivars, as indicated by frost damage scores and their relationships with yield. The results imply that extreme low-temperature events after flowering could negatively impact chickpea yield in SEQ and similar subtropical environments. Overcoming these effects through management and breeding should increase and stabilise chickpea yield.
Quo vadis, gemeinsames Notfallleitsystem?
Authors: Breuer Florian , Brettschneider Paul , Poloczek Stefan , Pommerenke Christopher , Wolff Justus , Dahmen Janosch
Published: September 2022

Die Zahl von Hilfeersuchen an die Notrufnummer 112 sowie die Einsatzzahlen im Rettungsdienst nehmen seit vielen Jahren insbesondere in urbanen Regionen Deutschlands massiv zu. Die Leitstelle kann hier als Steuerungsinstrument mit Lotsenfunktion genutzt werden, um neue Wege bei der Notrufbearbeitung sowie der Disposition von Einsatzmitteln zu gehen und das Anrufaufkommen hiermit möglichst effizient zu leiten. Es werden die standardisierte Notrufabfrage sowie weitere wichtige Strukturen und Pfade anhand der Leitstelle der Berliner Feuerwehr mit Fokus auf medizinische Notrufe, auch vor dem Hintergrund der COVID-19-Pandemie, dargelegt und näher erläutert. Strukturierte und standardisierte Notrufabfrage sind voneinander abzugrenzen, wobei die standardisierte Notrufabfrage verbindlich und auf Grundlage internationaler Standards mit hoher Reliabilität erfolgt. Ein strukturiertes Qualitätsmanagement sorgt für eine regeltreue Anwendung des Protokolls. Durch eine verbesserte Zusammenarbeit und eine elektronische Schnittstelle zur Leitstelle der kassenärztlichen Vereinigung können niedrigprioritäre Einsätze dorthin weitergeleitet werden. Interprofessionelle Teams im Rettungsdienst können zielgerichtet die Versorgung bestimmter Patientengruppen verbessern sowie zur Vermeidung von Transporten beitragen. Die standardisierte, softwaregestützte Notrufabfrage entspricht dem aktuellen Stand der Wissenschaft, wobei eine flächendeckende Einführung sinnvoll erscheint. Des Weiteren empfehlen sich eine intensive Zusammenarbeit von Leitstellen der Notfallrettung und der kassenärztlichen Vereinigung, die bedarfsadaptierte Einführung spezialisierter Einsatzmittel sowie die applikationsunterstützte Alarmierung von Ersthelfern.
Environmental Impacts of Large-Scale Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Production in Hellisheidi Geothermal Park Iceland: Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Tzachor Asaf , Smidt-Jensen Asger , Ramel Alfons , Geirsdóttir Margrét
Published: September 2022

Spirulina algae (Spirulina platensis) cultivated in geothermally powered photobioreactors is here proposed as a potentially resource efficient, zero-carbon, and nutritious alternative to conventional beef meat. Employing a standard life cycle assessment, environmental impacts of large-scale Spirulina production in this facility are calculated. The production facility is sited in Orka náttúrunnar (ON Power) Geothermal Park, Iceland, and benefits from resource streams accessible through Hellisheiði (Hellisheidi) power station, including renewable electricity for illumination and power usage, hot and cold water streams for thermal management, freshwater for cultivation, and CO2 for biofixation. During cultivation, GHG-intensive ammonia-based fertilizers are replaced with macronutrients sourced from natural open mines. LCA results show that production of 1 kg of wet edible biomass in this facility requires 0.0378 m2 non-arable land, 8.36 m3 fresh water and is carbon neutral with − 0.008 CO2-eq GHG emissions (net zero). Compared with conventionally produced meat from beef cattle, Spirulina algae cultured in the ON Power Geothermal Park, referred to in this study as GeoSpirulina, requires less than 1% land and water and emits less than 1% GHGs. Considering food and nutritional security concerns, cultivation in a controlled environment agriculture system assures consistent nutritional profile year-round. Moreover, GeoSpirulina biomass assessed in this study contains all essential amino acids as well as essential vitamins and minerals. While keeping a balanced nutrition, for every kg beef meat replaced with one kg GeoSpirulina, the average consumer can save ~ 100 kg CO2-eq GHGs. It is concluded that environmental impacts of GeoSpirulina production in the Hellisheidi facility are considerably lower than those of conventionally produced ruminants.

Graphical abstract
Vaginom- und „Endometriom“-Diagnostik bei Kinderwunsch
Authors: Heizmann Wolfgang R. , Keck Christoph
Published: September 2022

Die molekulare Diagnostik der Vaginal- und Endometriumflora ermöglicht neue Einblicke in die physiologische Besiedlung des weiblichen Genitaltrakts. Wesentlich ist hierbei eine Dominanz von bestimmten Laktobazillenarten bei gleichzeitig geringer Artenvielfalt. Die Bildung von D‑Laktat ist eine entscheidende Voraussetzung für die Abwehr von sexuell übertragbaren Erkrankungen, den Erfolg einer In-vitro-Fertilisation sowie einen ungestörten Schwangerschaftsverlauf. Eine Störung der Flora durch pathogene Bakterienarten mit der Folge des Auftretens einer bakteriellen Vaginose oder einer chronischen Endometritis kann zu Implantationsversagen, Aborten und Frühgeburtsbestrebungen führen. Bei wiederholtem Implantationsversagen ermöglicht eine Mikrobiomdiagnostik – im Gegensatz zur klassischen Kultur, den Amsel-Kriterien oder dem Nugent-Score – einen sehr viel detaillierteren Einblick in die Pathophysiologie, da sich entscheidende Bakterienarten nur schwer oder gar nicht anzüchten lassen. Dies erlaubt eine sehr viel bessere Planung der Therapie zur Wiederherstellung physiologischer Verhältnisse.
Study of the optimum fluoroscopic angle for the implant fixation test of a leadless cardiac pacemaker
Authors: Zhang Jiang-Hua , Chen Cheng , Xing Qiang , Zhou Xian-Hui , Li Yao-Dong , Zhang Ling , Lu Yan-Mei , Tu-Erhong Zu Kela , Yang Xu , Liu Xing-Bin , Tang Bao-Peng
Published: September 2022

The Micra TPS™ (Medtronic) is the first leadless pacemaker listed in China. The best fluoroscopic angle for the intraoperative fixation test is selected according to different implantation sites to reduce the fluoroscopy duration and radiation dose, and the test is based on the early safety and effectiveness of the device after implantation. A total of 110 patients who underwent Micra TPS™ implantation were selected. Eighty patients were in group A, and 30 patients were in group B. Under the guidance of the conclusions from group A, the fluoroscopy duration, radiation dose and number of fluoroscopic positions of the best fluoroscopic angle of the fixation test according to different positions of the implanted interventricular septum were compared. In 85.0% of the group A implants, these angles were based on the right interior oblique (RAO) angle, with 48.5% cranial (CRA) and 29.4% caudal (CAU) angles. The angle of the tilting head side of the RAO angle was prioritized in group B, and referring to the average angle data, the average fluoroscopy duration for finding the best angle of fixation test was 1.7 ± 0.6 vs. 3.2 ± 1.8 min (P < 0.001), the average radiation dose was 270.4 ± 56.3 vs. 338.1 ± 112.9 mGy (P = 0.002), and the average number of fluoroscopic positions was 2.2 ± 0.6 vs. 4.2 ± 2.1 (P < 0.001), which was significantly less than that in group A. This study found that there was regularity in the fluoroscopic angle for the fixation test during Micra TPS™ operation.

Level of Evidence Level 3, local nonrandom sample.
Derivatives of diphenylamine and benzothiadiazole in optoelectronic applications: a review
Authors: Hancharova Marharyta , Mazur Karolina , Halicka Kinga , Zając Dorota
Published: September 2022

Light-emitting conjugated organic compounds have found special interest among researchers. Because of their adjustable optoelectronic properties they can be applied in e.g. field-effect transistors, sensors, light-emitting diodes or photovoltaic cells. In order to develop high-performance systems, it is important to understand the relationship between the structure and the photophysical properties of the material used. One of the employed strategies is to decrease the band gap of conjugated compounds, often achieved through a “donor–acceptor” approach. One of the popular groups applied as an electron-accepting unit are benzothiadiazoles, while diphenylamine exhibits good electron-donating ability. The functional groups can affect the energy levels of materials, influencing the color of the light emitted. This work presents a review of research focused on the structure-properties relationship of diphenylamine and benzothiadiazole derivatives with optoelectronic applications.
Pure Quotation in Linguistic Context
Authors: Rabern Brian
Published: September 2022

A common framing has it that any adequate treatment of quotation has to abandon one of the following three principles: (i) The quoted expression is a syntactic constituent of the quote phrase; (ii) If two expressions are derived by applying the same syntactic rule to a sequence of synonymous expressions, then they are synonymous; (iii) The language contains synonymous but distinct expressions. In the following, a formal syntax and semantics will be provided for a quotational language which adheres to all three principles. The point here is not merely to provide a “possibility proof”, but to reveal the hard constraints on the theory of quotation, and to highlight certain assumptions at the syntax/semantics/post-semantics interfaces.
A Realist-Informed Review of Digital Empowerment Strategies for Adolescents to Improve Their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Well-being
Authors: Goh Kunshan , Contractor Sana , Van Belle Sara
Published: September 2022

The use of digital technologies for health has been rapidly gaining ground in the last decade, including as a strategy to empower adolescents living in urban resource-constrained settings. Nevertheless, unclarity and incoherence remain regarding which programme strategies generate which outcomes, as well as regarding the importance of context. We set out to answer the question “How do digital empowerment strategies work to improve adolescent health and well-being?”. We conducted a realist-informed review, the first on this subject matter to our knowledge. The realist methodology is geared towards the understanding of socially complex interventions, such as digital empowerment. We synthesized the data into a programme theory uncovering social mechanisms and context conditions underlying specific programme strategies. We found that digital technologies enlarge the space for adolescents to access information to health services on their own terms and provide anonymity, which leads to a sense of safety if access is not curbed by gatekeepers. If adolescents have access to information adapted to their needs, they will be able to make informed decisions, and this will contribute to improved health outcomes because their better understanding enlarges their sense of individual agency. We identified two main gaps in the literature on digital interventions for adolescents. Both are related to an under-theoretisation of the concepts the programmes rely on in implementation: (1) the urban environment the programme has to operate in and its meaning for the adolescents; (2) the socio-developmental stage of the adolescents the programmes work in.
Radiological assessment of dementia: the Italian inter-society consensus for a practical and clinically oriented guide to image acquisition, evaluation, and reporting
Authors: Pizzini Francesca B. , Conti Enrico , Bianchetti Angelo , Splendiani Alessandra , Fusco Domenico , Caranci Ferdinando , Bozzao Alessandro , Landi Francesco , Gandolfo Nicoletta , Farina Lisa , Miele Vittorio , Trabucchi Marco , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Bastianello Stefano
Published: September 2022

Background

Radiological evaluation of dementia is expected to increase more and more in routine practice due to both the primary role of neuroimaging in the diagnostic pathway and the increasing incidence of the disease. Despite this, radiologists often do not follow a disease-oriented approach to image interpretation, for several reasons, leading to reports of limited value to clinicians. In our work, through an intersocietal consensus on the main mandatory knowledge about dementia, we proposed a disease-oriented protocol to optimize and standardize the acquisition/evaluation/interpretation and reporting of radiological images. Our main purpose is to provide a practical guideline for the radiologist to help increase the effectiveness of interdisciplinary dialogue and diagnostic accuracy in daily practice.

Results

We defined key clinical and imaging features of the dementias (A), recommended MRI protocol (B), proposed a disease-oriented imaging evaluation and interpretation (C) and report (D) with a glimpse to future avenues (E). The proposed radiological practice is to systematically evaluate and score atrophy, white matter changes, microbleeds, small vessel disease, consider the use of quantitative measures using commercial software tools critically, and adopt a structured disease-oriented report.

Summary statement

In the expanding field of cognitive disorders, the only effective assessment approach is the standardized disease-oriented one, which includes a multidisciplinary integration of the clinical picture, MRI, CSF and blood biomarkers and nuclear medicine.
Pre-radiotherapy systemic immune inflammation index associated with overall survival in patients with advanced EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer receiving thoracic radiotherapy
Authors: Chen Dujuan , Qin Hongyue , Deng Guangchuan , Wang Qi , Wang Haiyong , Liu Xijun
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic potential of the pre-radiotherapy systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) for the survival of advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, which might provide a basis for optimizing the comprehensive treatment scheme.

Methods

A total of 111 lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR mutations, who received thoracic radiotherapy, were included in this retrospective study. The primary endpoint of the study was based on the overall survival (OS) of patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off value of each immune inflammation index. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed for the comparison of OS. The Cox proportional-hazard model was used for the multivariate and univariate regression analyses to determine the correlations of prognostic factors with the disease.

Results

SII was divided into the high SII group (≥ 620.2; 45.95%) and the low SII group (SII < 620.2; 54.05%) based on the optimal cutoff values. The median OS rates were 53.3 and 33.3 months in the low and high SII groups, respectively, showing statistically significant differences ( hazard ratio (HR) = 0.459; 95% CI 0.286–0.736; P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that, after adjusting for the significant covariates, the SII values were independently associated with the improved OS of the patients (adjusted HR = 0.444; 95% CI 0.279–0.709; P = 0.001). The low NLR values were associated with the better OS of patients (HR = 0.509; 95% CI 0.326–0.792; P = 0.005) and vice versa (HR = 0.422; 95% CI 0.213–0.836; P < 0.001). The patients in the low LMR group before radiotherapy exhibited longer OS as compared to those in the high LMR group (HR = 0.497; 95% CI 0.308–0.802; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

This study showed that these inflammatory indices might have an important prognostic potential for advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR mutations, receiving thoracic radiotherapy and might provide a basis for the individualized treatment of these patients.
Character strengths and mental health as complex systems: a network analysis to identify bridge strengths
Authors: Blasco-Belled Ana
Published: September 2022

The network approach poses an alternative focus to understand psychological constructs as emerging from mutual interactions among indicators. Network psychometrics has been applied to psychopathology to unravel the connections between symptoms, but it can also be applied to the study of well-being. The role of character strengths in mental health is at the forefront of research attention. Previous findings suggest that heart character strengths are more predictive of mental health than mind character strengths. Nevertheless, researchers have rarely applied the network approach in this context. The present study examines, from the network approach, the connections between heart and mind character strengths and mental health. Building upon the dual-factor model of mental health, positive (i.e., happiness and life satisfaction) and negative indicators (i.e., depression) were included in the assessment of this construct. A sample of 597 Spanish undergraduates (M = 23.52; SD = 5.25; 75.6% females) completed cross-sectional self-report measures. Network analysis was used to estimate a network composed of two communities: character strengths and mental health. We used centrality analysis to calculate the importance of each node and bridge centrality to examine the interactions between the communities. The results indicated that the heart strengths of love, zest, hope, and gratitude reported the highest bridge strength centrality, suggesting that they played an intermediary role activating and deactivating components of mental health. Adopting the network approach to explore the connections between character strengths and mental health can help design focused intervention strategies in psychology.
Nationwide analysis of laparoscopic groin hernia repair in Italy from 2015 to 2020
Authors: Ortenzi Monica , Botteri Emanuele , Balla Andrea , Podda Mauro , Guerrieri Mario , Sartori Alberto
Published: September 2022

Since its introduction, the minimally invasive treatment of groin hernias has become widely accepted as a viable alternative to open surgery. Still, the rates and reasons for its adoption vary highly among countries and the regions within a country. After almost thirty years since its introduction, its spread is still limited. The present study, conducted under the auspices of AGENAS (Italian National Agency for Regional Services), aims at giving a snapshot of the spreading of minimally invasive and robotic techniques for the treatment of groin hernia in Italy. This study is retrospective, with data covering the period from 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2020. AGENAS provided data using the operation and diagnosis codes used at discharge and reported in the International Classification of Diseases 9th revision (ICD9 2002 version). Admissions performed on an outpatient basis, i.e., without an overnight stay of at least one night in hospital, were excluded. A total of 33,925 laparoscopic hernia repairs were performed during the considered period. Overall, a slight increase in the number of procedures performed was observed from 2015 to 2019, with a mean annual change of 8.60% (CI: 6.46–10.74; p < 0.0001). The number of laparoscopic procedures dropped in 2020, and when considering the whole period, the mean annual change was − 0.98% (CI: − 7.41–5.45; p < 0.0001). Urgent procedures ranged from 335 in 2015 to 508 in 2020 referring to absolute frequencies, and from 0.87% to 9.8% in relative frequencies of overall procedures in 2017 and 2020, respectively (mean = 4.51%; CI = 3.02%–6%; p < 0.001). The most relevant observation that could be made according to our analysis was that the adoption of the laparoscopic approach knew a slow but steady increase from 2015 onward.
Phlyctema vagabunda is the main causal agent of apple bull’s eye rot in New Zealand
Authors: Everett Kerry R. , Pushparajah Shamini I.P.S. , Vergara Michelle J. , Hasna Luna , Wood Peter N. , Fisher Brent M.
Published: September 2022

Bull’s eye rot is a postharvest storage disease of apples. Until now the cause of this disease in New Zealand was not clear. A survey of 6880 apples from five regions of New Zealand over two seasons was conducted. Neofabraea malicorticis and N. perennans were not found. One hundred and seventy-nine isolates were identified as Phlyctema vagabunda by specific polymerase chain reactions and/or sequencing the β-tubulin gene region followed by phylogenetic analysis. Two isolates were identified as N. kienholzii. Previous records of the presence of N. malicorticis and N. perennans in New Zealand were based on spore morphology and presence in pruning wound cankers. There is overlap in spore morphology for N. malicorticis, N. perennans and P. vagabunda, accounting for misidentifications. Based on our results it is likely that previous records were P. vagabunda, which can also infect pruning wounds.
The Threat of Wildfires and Pulmonary Complications: A Narrative Review
Authors: Stawovy Lauren , Balakrishnan Bathmapriya
Published: September 2022

Purpose of Review

The increase in wildfire prevalence and severity has generated alarm as wildfire air pollution is associated with significant respiratory morbidity. We aim to summarize the pathophysiology of wildfire air pollution causing lung disease, current knowledge of pulmonary health effects, and precautionary guidance to the public. We also propose specific guidance for high-risk patients during wildfires.

Recent Findings

Health effects of wildfire air pollution have been difficult to evaluate; however, respiratory morbidity has been firmly established including exacerbation of known pulmonary disease and increased hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and dispensation of reliever medications. Public health agencies and officials provide wildfire preparation recommendations and active updates to the public during a wildfire event but fail to address specific needs of chronic lung disease patients considered high-risk for pulmonary complications. To fill this void, it is increasingly important for pulmonary physicians to understand wildfire-related pulmonary morbidity and provide specific guidance to their patients.

This review summarizes the health effects of wildfire air pollution and provides guidance for the management of high-risk patients during wildfires.
Maximal regularity for semilinear non-autonomous evolution equations in temporally weighted spaces
Authors: Hossni Tebbani , Mahdi Achache
Published: September 2022

We consider the problem of maximal regularity for the semilinear non-autonomous evolution equations $$\begin{aligned} u'(t)+A(t)u(t)=F(t,u),\, t \text {-a.e.}, \, u(0)=u_0. \end{aligned}$$

u
′

(
t
)

+
A

(
t
)

u

(
t
)

=
F

(
t
,
u
)

,

t
-a.e.
,

u

(
0
)

=

u
0

.

Here, the time-dependent operators A(t) are associated with (time dependent) sesquilinear forms on a Hilbert space $$\mathcal {H}.$$

H
.

We prove the maximal regularity result in temporally weighted $$L^2$$

L
2

-spaces and other regularity properties for the solution of the previous problem under minimal regularity assumptions on the forms, the initial value $$u_0$$

u
0

and the inhomogeneous term F. Our results are motivated by boundary value problems.
Power density capacity of tidal stream turbine arrays with horizontal and vertical axis turbines
Authors: Ouro Pablo , Dené Paul , Garcia-Novo Patxi , Stallard Tim , Kyozuda Yusaku , Stansby Peter
Published: September 2022

Tidal and wind energy projects almost exclusively adopt horizontal axis turbines (HATs) due to their maturity. In contrast, vertical axis turbines (VATs) have received limited consideration for large-scale deployment, partly because of their earlier technology readiness level. This paper analyses the power density of turbine arrays comprising aligned and staggered configurations with decreasing turbine spacing of HATs and VATs with height-to-diameter aspect ratios from one to four at three real tidal sites. The VAT rotor has vertical blades extending over a portion of the water depth on a circular frame. Equivalent diameter is defined as $$D_0$$

D
0

= $$\sqrt{A}$$

A

based on the projected rotor area for both VATs and HATs. The three-dimensional velocity field is computed using analytical wake models that capture cumulative wake effects. At highly energetic sites, e.g. Ramsey Sound (UK), HATs are the most suitable technology attaining power densities beyond 100 W m$$^{-2}$$

-
2

, whilst VATs provide higher power densities than HATs at those sites with low-to-medium velocities, e.g. Ría de Vigo (Spain) and Kobe Strait (Japan). At the latter site, VATs provided up to 35% larger energy yield than HATs over a 14-day tidal cycle. Our results show that VATs with height-to-diameter aspect ratios larger than three notably reduce wake effects even when deployed with a normalised turbine spacing of two $$D_0$$

D
0

, reaching an average power density capacity of 40.7 W m$$^{-2}$$

-
2

compared to HATs that attain 49.3 W m$$^{-2}$$

-
2

. This study outlines the higher efficiency of tidal stream energy compared to other renewable energy resources, e.g. offshore wind farms, reaching power densities at least one order of magnitude larger, and that VATs counterbalance their smaller individual performance with improved array synergy as wake effects are limited.
Local-global questions for divisibility in commutative algebraic groups
Authors: Dvornicich Roberto , Paladino Laura
Published: September 2022

This is a survey focusing on the Hasse principle for divisibility of points in commutative algebraic groups and its relation with the Hasse principle for divisibility of elements of the Tate–Shavarevich group in the Weil–Châtelet group. The two local-global subjects arose as a generalization of some classical questions considered respectively by Hasse and Cassels. We describe the deep connection between the two problems and give an overview of the long-established results and the ones achieved during the last twenty years, when the questions were taken up again in a more general setting. In particular, by connecting various results about the two problems, we describe how some recent developments in the first of the two local-global questions imply an answer to Cassels’ question, which improves all the results published before about that problem. This answer is best possible over $${\mathbb Q}$$
Q
. We also describe some links with other similar questions, for example the Support Problem and the local-global principle for existence of isogenies of prime degree in elliptic curves.
Boosting Human Decision-making with AI-Generated Decision Aids
Authors: Becker Frederic , Skirzyński Julian , van Opheusden Bas , Lieder Falk
Published: September 2022

Human decision-making is plagued by many systematic errors. Many of these errors can be avoided by providing decision aids that guide decision-makers to attend to the important information and integrate it according to a rational decision strategy. Designing such decision aids used to be a tedious manual process. Advances in cognitive science might make it possible to automate this process in the future. We recently introduced machine learning methods for discovering optimal strategies for human decision-making automatically and an automatic method for explaining those strategies to people. Decision aids constructed by this method were able to improve human decision-making. However, following the descriptions generated by this method is very tedious. We hypothesized that this problem can be overcome by conveying the automatically discovered decision strategy as a series of natural language instructions for how to reach a decision. Experiment 1 showed that people do indeed understand such procedural instructions more easily than the decision aids generated by our previous method. Encouraged by this finding, we developed an algorithm for translating the output of our previous method into procedural instructions. We applied the improved method to automatically generate decision aids for a naturalistic planning task (i.e., planning a road trip) and a naturalistic decision task (i.e., choosing a mortgage). Experiment 2 showed that these automatically generated decision aids significantly improved people’s performance in planning a road trip and choosing a mortgage. These findings suggest that AI-powered boosting might have potential for improving human decision-making in the real world.
The perception of the environment through drawing in early childhood education. The case of the wetland of the Albufera in Valencia (Spain)
Authors: Sanchis Amparo Carretón , Ferrandis Ignacio García , Gómez Javier García
Published: September 2022

Sometimes, contact with the natural environment is not commonly present at school. Often, students are involved in activities considering distant environments which do not correspond to the reality of the environment in which they live. The aim of this research is to find out whether kindergarten aged children who live in the Natural Park of the Albufera in Valencia (Spain), have a feeling of belonging and perceive this characteristic natural space as part of their environment. An activity was proposed to the students in which they had to draw nearby places of their liking. From the analysis of these artworks, six thematic categories were established, two of them corresponding to a perception of the natural environment. Other subcategories also emerged during the analysis process. The results obtained seem to indicate that children from the areas located in the Natural Park of the Albufera in Valencia, have difficulties in perceiving this natural space as an important part of their environment, despite the fact it is so closely linked to their lives.
Optimization method of cutting parameters of wafer dicing saw based on orthogonal regression design
Authors: Shi Jun , Liu Wang , Chen Zhihui , Cao Weifeng , Zhou Lintao
Published: September 2022

Wafer dicing saw is one of the core equipment in the manufacturing process of semiconductor integrated circuit components. The cutting accuracy of dicing saw directly affects the overall quality of processed chips. This paper systematically investigates the relationship between the main cutting process parameters and the cutting quality of the dicing saw. The orthogonal experimental design method and genetic algorithm are used to optimize the cutting process parameters, solving the high cost and low efficiency problems caused by the traditional way of selecting parameters by trial and error. After optimization, the average maximum chipping width is only 38.54 μm, which is 8.23% better than the traditional way of cutting quality. Based on the blade thickness of 35 μm, the maximum chipping width reached the industry-recognized best standard of 1.1 times the blade thickness, further proving the effectiveness of the method.

Article Highlights

The first joint application of orthogonal regression design method and evoluti-onary algorithm for parameter optimiza-tion of dicing saw.

A set of optimal cutting parameters are found and verified by experiments.

Compare and contrast the optimal cutting parameters cutting’s performance.
Comprehensive Analysis of Clinical Studies and Regulations of Therapeutic Applications in the United States and Japan
Authors: Ono Mao , Iwasaki Kiyotaka
Published: September 2022

Background

Digital therapeutics (DTx), the provision of treatment through mobile devices such as smartphones, have attracted great interest as a new medical modality. However, the number of authorized therapeutic applications in the US and Japan is low. Understanding the obstacles in obtaining regulatory authorizations will be the key in promoting timely development of therapeutic applications. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the clinical study designs of therapeutic applications authorized in the US and Japan.

Methods

Data on authorized therapeutic applications and the regulations involved were collated from the databases of the Food and Drug Administration (USA), Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan), and Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (Japan).

Results

Most therapeutic applications authorized targeted neuropsychiatric disorders and used cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based treatments. All the involved clinical trials were randomized-controlled studies. Various types of controls—such as standard care, sham application, digital control, and therapies delivered by healthcare providers—were used. Both subjective and objective indices were acceptable as the primary endpoints. Long-term efficacy was evaluated, and all adverse events were assessed comprehensively. The setting up of controls and the need to study long-term efficacy depend heavily on the applications functionality and the target disease characteristics.

Conclusions

This study reveals the points to be considered in planning clinical studies and regulatory strategies for authorizing therapeutic applications. Therapeutic applications can provide new therapy and have potential to solve unmet clinical needs. Our findings shed a light on efficient development and rapid commercialization of therapeutic applications.
Causality in structural engineering: discovering new knowledge by tying induction and deduction via mapping functions and explainable artificial intelligence
Authors: Naser M. Z.
Published: September 2022

Causality is the science of cause and effect. It is through causality that explanations can be derived, theories can be formed, and new knowledge can be discovered. This paper presents a modern look into establishing causality within structural engineering systems. In this pursuit, this paper starts with a gentle introduction to causality. Then, this paper pivots to contrast commonly adopted methods for inferring causes and effects, i.e., induction (empiricism) and deduction (rationalism), and outlines how these methods continue to shape our structural engineering philosophy and, by extension, our domain. The bulk of this paper is dedicated to establishing an approach and criteria to tie principles of induction and deduction to derive causal laws (i.e., mapping functions) through explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) capable of describing new knowledge pertaining to structural engineering phenomena. The proposed approach and criteria are then examined via a case study.
Does follower role orientation impact leader-directed outcomes? An exploration of the indirect effects of follower role orientation on influence and leader effectiveness
Authors: Goswami Ashita , Evans Karoline , Coyle Patrick T.
Published: September 2022

Follower role orientations affect how followers approach the leadership process; however, there has been little insight into how individuals use these role beliefs to influence leader outcomes, particularly through their psychological and social leader-follower relationships. This research examines how co-production, passive, and anti-authoritarian follower role orientations affect a follower's influence on their leader and leader effectiveness indirectly through psychological closeness and relationship quality. The results from two studies suggest co-production role orientation had positive effects on influence on the leader through psychological closeness and on perceived leader effectiveness through closeness and leader-member exchange. Passive role orientation was negatively related to followers' influence on the leader through reduced psychological closeness in study 1, while anti-authoritarian role beliefs were negatively related to closeness in study 2. These findings suggest that when followers believe co-production is critical to the leadership process, closeness with the leader, relationship quality, and perceived leader effectiveness improve.
The unilateralization of international humanitarian law
Authors: Kleffner Jann K.
Published: September 2022

Traditionally, international humanitarian law (IHL) is conceptualized as a body of mutually binding, horizontal international legal rules that are agreed upon by States and that govern the relationships between parties to armed conflicts. Yet, there is discernible evidence that contemporary IHL – and the broader normative environment that pertains to the regulation of armed conflicts in which it is situated – is incorporating elements of unilateralization, manifested in legal and non-legal norms that regulate armed conflicts taking the form of commitments whose validity is not dependent on being reciprocated. This article examines some of the systemic implications of unilateralization of IHL and considers its pitfalls and potential.