bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a multi-level community-clinical linkage intervention to improve glycemic control among south Asian patients with uncontrolled diabetes: study protocol of the DREAM initiative
Authors: Lim Sahnah , Wyatt Laura C. , Mammen Shinu , Zanowiak Jennifer M. , Mohaimin Sadia , Troxel Andrea B. , Lindau Stacy Tessler , Gold Heather T. , Shelley Donna , Trinh-Shevrin Chau , Islam Nadia S.
Published: November 2021

Background

A number of studies have identified patient-, provider-, and community-level barriers to effective diabetes management among South Asian Americans, who have a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes. However, no multi-level, integrated community health worker (CHW) models leveraging health information technology (HIT) have been developed to mitigate disease among this population. This paper describes the protocol for a multi-level, community-clinical linkage intervention to improve glycemic control among South Asians with uncontrolled diabetes.

Methods

The study includes three components: 1) building the capacity of primary care practices (PCPs) to utilize electronic health record (EHR) registries to identify patients with uncontrolled diabetes; 2) delivery of a culturally- and linguistically-adapted CHW intervention to improve diabetes self-management; and 3) HIT-enabled linkage to culturally-relevant community resources. The CHW intervention component includes a randomized controlled trial consisting of group education sessions on diabetes management, physical activity, and diet/nutrition. South Asian individuals with type 2 diabetes are recruited from 20 PCPs throughout NYC and randomized at the individual level within each PCP site. A total of 886 individuals will be randomized into treatment or control groups; EHR data collection occurs at screening, 6-, 12-, and 18-month. We hypothesize that individuals receiving the multi-level diabetes management intervention will be 15% more likely than the control group to achieve ≥0.5% point reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at 6-months. Secondary outcomes include change in weight, body mass index, and LDL cholesterol; the increased use of community and social services; and increased health self-efficacy. Additionally, a cost-effectiveness analysis will focus on implementation and healthcare utilization costs to determine the incremental cost per person achieving an HbA1c change of ≥0.5%.

Discussion

Final outcomes will provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of a multi-level, integrated EHR-CHW intervention, implemented in small PCP settings to promote diabetes control among an underserved South Asian population. The study leverages multisectoral partnerships, including the local health department, a healthcare payer, and EHR vendors. Study findings will have important implications for the translation of integrated evidence-based strategies to other minority communities and in under-resourced primary care settings.

Trial registration

This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov:NCT03333044on November 6, 2017.
High quality nursing based on childlike interest in children with cleft lip and palate: application assessment after operation
Authors: Peng Yi , Hao Xiaoyan , Guo Yuan , Zhang Xueqin , Li Yang , Ma Yanmei , Wang Juan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of high-quality nursing based on the concept of childlike interest in children with cleft lip and palate following operation on healing time, degree of pain, psychological state, quality of life, and the occurrence of complications.

Methods

A series of 62 children with cleft lip and palate was treated in our hospital from January 2019 to March 2021. The patients were randomly divided into observation group (31 cases, given high-quality nursing based on childlike interest) and control group (31 cases, given routine nursing intervention). The healing time and hospital stay of the two groups were recorded. The degree of pain, psychological state and quality of life of the two groups before and after intervention were compared, and the occurrence of complications was closely monitored.

Results

Compared with the control group, the healing time and hospital stay of the study group were significantly shorter after the intervention (P < 0.05). Before the intervention, no significant difference was identified in pain score between the two groups (P < 0.05), after the intervention, however, the pain score of the study group was significantly lower compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) scores of the two groups were comparable before intervention (P > 0.05), while after intervention the SDS and SAS scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatment. Compared with the control group, the SDS and SAS scores of the study group were remarkably lower (P < 0.05). Before the intervention, the quality of life scores of the two groups were comparable (P > 0.05), while after the intervention, the scores of quality of life in the two groups were associated with lower outcomes. Compared with the control group, the scores of quality of life in the study group were significant lower (P < 0.05). After the intervention, there were evident fewer incidence of complications in the study group compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

High quality nursing based on childlike interest exerted beneficial outcomes in terms of shortening the healing time and hospital stay, reducing the degree of pain and complications, as well as improving the psychological state and quality of life of children harboring cleft lip and palate. Additionally, its high safety feature contributes to the wide application for clinical practice.
Complementary medicine in Germany: a multi-centre cross-sectional survey on the usage by and the needs of patients hospitalized in university medical centers
Authors: Lederer Ann-Kathrin , Baginski Alexandra , Raab Lena , Joos Stefanie , Valentini Jan , Klocke Carina , Samstag Yvonne , Hübner Katrin , Andreeva Ivana , Simmet Thomas , Syrovets Tatiana , Hafner Susanne , Freisinger Anna , Storz Maximilian Andreas , Huber Roman
Published: November 2021

Background

The results of recent surveys indicate that more than 50% of the German population has experience with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) or uses CAM regularly. This study investigated the CAM usage and CAM-related needs of hospitalized patients at university medical centres in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Methods

A multi-centre, paper-based, pseudonymous survey was carried out by the members of the Academic Centre for Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Patients of all ages, regardless of sex, diagnosis and treatment, who were hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Oncology, Gynaecology or Surgery at the university medical centres in Freiburg, Heidelberg, Tübingen and Ulm were eligible for inclusion.

Results

Of the 1275 eligible patients, 67% (n = 854) consented to participate in the survey. Forty-eight percent of the study participants stated that they were currently using CAM. The most frequently used therapies were exercise (63%), herbal medicine (54%) and dietary supplements (53%). Only 16% of the patients discussed CAM usage with their attending physician. Half of the patients (48%) were interested in CAM consultations. More than 80% of the patients desired reliable CAM information and stated that physicians should be better informed about CAM.

Conclusions

The frequency of CAM usage and the need for CAM counselling among hospitalized patients at university medical centres in Baden-Württemberg are high. To better meet patients’ needs, CAM research and physician education should be intensified.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trial register (DRKS00015445).
A tree based approach for multi-class classification of surgical procedures using structured and unstructured data
Authors: Khaleghi Tannaz , Murat Alper , Arslanturk Suzan
Published: November 2021

Background

In surgical department, CPT code assignment has been a complicated manual human effort, that entails significant related knowledge and experience. While there are several studies using CPTs to make predictions in surgical services, literature on predicting CPTs in surgical and other services using text features is very sparse. This study improves the prediction of CPTs by the means of informative features and a novel re-prioritization algorithm.

Methods

The input data used in this study is composed of both structured and unstructured data. The ground truth labels (CPTs) are obtained from medical coding databases using relative value units which indicates the major operational procedures in each surgery case. In the modeling process, we first utilize Random Forest multi-class classification model to predict the CPT codes. Second, we extract the key information such as label probabilities, feature importance measures, and medical term frequency. Then, the indicated factors are used in a novel algorithm to rearrange the alternative CPT codes in the list of potential candidates based on the calculated weights.

Results

To evaluate the performance of both phases, prediction and complementary improvement, we report the accuracy scores of multi-class CPT prediction tasks for datasets of 5 key surgery case specialities. The Random Forest model performs the classification task with 74–76% when predicting the primary CPT (accuracy@1) versus the CPT set (accuracy@2) with respect to two filtering conditions on CPT codes. The complementary algorithm improves the results from initial step by 8% on average. Furthermore, the incorporated text features enhanced the quality of the output by 20–35%. The model outperforms the state-of-the-art neural network model with respect to accuracy, precision and recall.

Conclusions

We have established a robust framework based on a decision tree predictive model. We predict the surgical codes more accurately and robust compared to the state-of-the-art deep neural structures which can help immensely in both surgery billing and scheduling purposes in such units.
Comparison of wavelet transformations to enhance convolutional neural network performance in brain tumor segmentation
Authors: Hajiabadi Mohamadreza , Alizadeh Savareh Behrouz , Emami Hassan , Bashiri Azadeh
Published: November 2021

Introduction and goal to background

Due to the importance of segmentation of MRI images in identifying brain tumors, various methods including deep learning have been introduced for automatic brain tumor segmentation. On the other hand, using a combination of methods can improve their performance. Among them is the use of wavelet transform as an auxiliary element in deep networks. The analysis of the requirements of such combinations has been addressed in this study.

Method

In this developmental study, different wavelet functions were used to compress brain MRI images and finally as an auxiliary element in improving the performance of the convolutional neural network in brain tumor segmentation.

Results

Based on the results of the tests performed, the Daubechies1 function was most effective in enhancing network performance in segmenting MRI images and was able to balance the performance and computational overload.

Conclusion

Choosing the wavelet function to optimize the performance of a convolutional neural network should be based on the requirements of the problem, also taking into account some considerations such as computational load, processing time, and performance of the wavelet function in optimizing CNN output in the intended task.
Additive Bayesian network analysis of the relationship between bovine respiratory disease and management practices in dairy heifer calves at pre-weaning stage
Authors: Yamaguchi Emi , Hayama Yoko , Shimizu Yumiko , Murato Yoshinori , Sawai Kotaro , Yamamoto Takehisa
Published: November 2021

Background

Nursery farms that accept nursing and growing pre-weaned heifer calves from private dairy farms must work to prevent bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Knowledge of the BRD-associated risk factors related to calf management and calves’ condition will help to develop appropriate neonatal management practices at original farms and to identify calves at higher risk for BRD at nursery farms. In this study, the relationship between BRD and calf management practices (colostrum feeding, dam parity, serum total protein concentration at introduction (TP), body weight at introduction, introduction season, and daily average growth) was investigated using observational data from pre-weaned dairy calves introduced into a nursery farm in Hokkaido, Japan between 2014 and 2018 (n = 3185). Using additive Bayesian network (ABN) analysis, which is a multivariate statistical modelling approach, the direct and indirect associations between these factors were assessed.

Results

Colostrum feeding contributed to an increase in TP (correlation 1.02 [95 % CI, 0.94;1.10]), which was negatively associated with BRD directly (log odds ratio − 0.38 [− 0.46;−0.31]) and indirectly through increasing daily growth (correlation 0.12 [0.09;0.16]). Calves of multiparous dams had higher body weight at introduction (correlation 0.82 [0.74;0.89]), which indirectly reduced BRD risk through the increasing daily growth (correlation 0.17 [0.14;0.21]). Calves introduced during winter had the highest risk for BRD (log odds ratio 0.29 [0.15;0.44]), while those introduced in summer had the lowest risk (log odds ratio − 0.91 [− 1.06;−0.75]). The introduction season was also associated with BRD indirectly through dam parity, body weight at introduction, and daily growth.

Conclusions

The following calf management practices are recommended for preventing BRD in pre-weaned calves at nursery farms: (1) encouraging colostrum feeding to neonatal calves at their original farms; and (2) identifying calves with higher BRD risk, i.e., those without feeding colostrum, born to primiparous cattle, with low body weight at introduction, and/or introduced in winter, and paying intensive attention to the calves for rapid detection of BRD. ABN analysis applied enabled us to understand the complex inter-relationships between BRD incidence and the risk factors, which will help to reduce BRD incidence and to rear healthy calves at nursery farms.
Transcriptome sequencing identified the ceRNA network associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Huang Yong , Hao Jiayuan , Liao Yuan , Zhou Lihua , Wang Kaiju , Zou Hui , Hu Ying , Li Juan
Published: November 2021

Background

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is one of the common complication of pregnancy, bringing heavy burden to the patients and their families. The study aimed to explore the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Methods

By transcriptome sequencing, we detected differences in lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression in villus tissue samples collected from 3 patients with RSA and 3 normal abortion patients. Differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs and genes (DELs, DEMs and DEGs, respectively) were identified, and Geno Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were used to determine the functions of DELs and DEGs, which were analysed by Fisher’s test. We also observed the regulatory relationships between miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-miRNA by Cytoscape 3.6.1.

Results

The results showed that 1008 DELs (523 upregulated and 485 downregulated), 475 DEGs (201 upregulated and 274 downregulated) and 37 DEMs (15 upregulated and 22 downregulated) were identified. And we also constructed a novel lncRNA-related ceRNA network containing 31 lncRNAs, 1 miRNA (hsa-miR-210-5p) and 3 genes (NTNG2, GRIA1 and AQP1).

Conclusions

lncRNA-related ceRNA network containing 31 lncRNAs, 1 miRNA (hsa-miR-210-5p) and 3 mRNAs (NTNG2, GRIA1 and AQP1) was constructed. The results may provide a basic theory for elucidating the mechanism underlying RSA.
Three decades of Cdk5
Authors: Pao Ping-Chieh , Tsai Li-Huei
Published: November 2021

Cdk5 is a proline-directed serine/threonine protein kinase that governs a variety of cellular processes in neurons, the dysregulation of which compromises normal brain function. The mechanisms underlying the modulation of Cdk5, its modes of action, and its effects on the nervous system have been a great focus in the field for nearly three decades. In this review, we provide an overview of the discovery and regulation of Cdk5, highlighting recent findings revealing its role in neuronal/synaptic functions, circadian clocks, DNA damage, cell cycle reentry, mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as its non-neuronal functions under physiological and pathological conditions. Moreover, we discuss evidence underscoring aberrant Cdk5 activity as a common theme observed in many neurodegenerative diseases.
Antibody cocktail effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Liang Kang-Hao , Chiang Pao-Yin , Ko Shih-Han , Chou Yu-Chi , Lu Ruei-Min , Lin Hsiu-Ting , Chen Wan-Yu , Lin Yi-Ling , Tao Mi-Hua , Jan Jia-Tsrong , Wu Han-Chung
Published: November 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an RNA virus with a high mutation rate. Importantly, several currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants are associated with loss of efficacy for both vaccines and neutralizing antibodies.

Methods

We analyzed the binding activity of six highly potent antibodies to the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 variants, assessed their neutralizing abilities with pseudovirus and authentic SARS-CoV-2 variants and evaluate efficacy of antibody cocktail in Delta SARS-CoV-2-infected hamster models as prophylactic and post-infection treatments.

Results

The tested RBD-chAbs, except RBD-chAb-25, maintained binding ability to spike proteins from SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, only RBD-chAb-45 and -51 retained neutralizing activities; RBD-chAb-1, -15, -25 and -28 exhibited diminished neutralization for all SARS-CoV-2 variants. Notably, several cocktails of our antibodies showed low IC50 values (3.35–27.06 ng/ml) against the SARS-CoV-2 variant pseudoviruses including United Kingdom variant B.1.1.7 (Alpha), South Africa variant B.1.351 (Beta), Brazil variant P1 (Gamma), California variant B.1.429 (Epsilon), New York variant B.1.526 (Iota), and India variants, B.1.617.1 (Kappa) and B.1.617.2 (Delta). RBD-chAb-45, and -51 showed PRNT50 values 4.93–37.54 ng/ml when used as single treatments or in combination with RBD-chAb-15 or -28, according to plaque assays with authentic Alpha, Gamma and Delta SARS-CoV-2 variants. Furthermore, the antibody cocktail of RBD-chAb-15 and -45 exhibited potent prophylactic and therapeutic effects in Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant-infected hamsters.

Conclusions

The cocktail of RBD-chAbs exhibited potent neutralizing activities against SARS-CoV-2 variants. These antibody cocktails are highly promising candidate tools for controlling new SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta.
Changes in young adults' mental well-being before and during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic: disparities between ethnic groups in Germany
Authors: Plenty Stephanie , Bracegirdle Chloe , Dollmann Jörg , Spiegler Olivia
Published: November 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in substantial disruptions to the daily lives of young people. Yet knowledge is lacking about changes in mental well-being among young adults, whether those from ethnic minorities were more adversely impacted by the pandemic than the ethnic majority, and the extent to which pandemic-related stressors contributed to any declines in mental well-being.

Methods

We draw on nationally representative German CILS4COVID data, collected early in the pandemic (N = 3517, Mage = 25). Respondents provided information on mental well-being (psychosomatic complaints, anxiety, depression, life satisfaction) and exposure to pandemic-related stressors (financial worries, health worries, discrimination, contact with COVID-19). Responses on mental well-being were matched to responses from two pre-pandemic waves. Individual fixed effects regressions examined ethnic group differences in changes in mental well-being prior to, and at the early stage of, the pandemic. Path analysis tested the role of pandemic-related stressors in declines in mental well-being.

Results

Overall, young adults’ mental well-being had improved at the pandemic assessment compared to pre-pandemic assessments, and few ethnic group differences in changes were found. However, greater pandemic-related stressors were associated with worsened mental well-being at the pandemic assessment. Among Asian minorities, indirect effects were found on anxiety via health worries, and on depression via health worries and discrimination. For Turkish, Middle Eastern and African minorities, indirect effects on anxiety and depression were found via health worries.

Conclusions

We did not find widespread declines in mental well-being among young adults at the early stage of the pandemic, and changes in mental well-being prior to and at the early stage of the pandemic were mostly similar across ethnic German and minority groups. Nevertheless, pandemic-related stressors posed risks for young adults’ mental well-being, particularly increased discrimination and health worries among Asian minorities, and health worries among Turkish, Middle Eastern and African minorities.
Harsh parenting and non-suicidal self-injury in adolescence: the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and the moderating effect of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism
Authors: Liu Jinmeng , Liu Xia , Wang Hui , Gao Yemiao
Published: November 2021

Background

Previous studies have suggested that negative parenting environments, especially harsh parenting, are a specific risk factor for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, the potential mechanism between harsh parenting and NSSI has not been explored. Based on the experiential avoidance model and empirical research, we aimed to examine whether depressive symptoms are a mediator between harsh parenting and NSSI. Moreover, the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism related to depressive symptoms may also exert a moderating effect on NSSI; thus, the interaction between harsh parenting and COMT was also considered in our study.

Methods

A total of 373 junior high school students were recruited for the study by using a longitudinal design. The adolescents answered self-report questionnaires and provided saliva samples for DNA genotyping.

Results

The results revealed that harsh parenting was positively associated with NSSI after 24 months, and this association was mediated by depressive symptoms. Moreover, the moderating role of COMT in the direct and indirect effects of harsh parenting on NSSI was observed only among adolescents with two Val alleles and the relationship was not significant for Met carriers.

Conclusions

Genetic variations of COMT Val158Met may be a critical candidate in understanding the development of depression and NSSI. We conclude that Val homozygotes of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism play a role in susceptibility to both depressive symptoms and NSSI.
An open-label, randomized, single intravenous dosing study to investigate the effect of fixed-dose combinations of tenofovir/lamivudine or atazanavir/ritonavir on the pharmacokinetics of remdesivir in Ugandan healthy volunteers (RemTLAR)
Authors: Walimbwa Stephen I. , Kaboggoza Julian P. , Waitt Catriona , Byakika-Kibwika Pauline , D’Avolio Antonio , Lamorde Mohammed
Published: November 2021

Background

Remdesivir is a novel broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutic with activity against several viruses that cause emerging infectious diseases. The purpose of this study is to explore how commonly utilized antiretroviral therapy (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine [TDF/3TC] and atazanavir/ritonavir [ATV/r]) influence plasma and intracellular concentrations of remdesivir.

Methods

This is an open-label, randomized, fixed sequence single intravenous dosing study to assess pharmacokinetic interactions between remdesivir and TDF/3TC (Study A, crossover design) or TDF/3TC plus ATV/r (Study B). Healthy volunteers satisfying study entry criteria will be enrolled in the study and randomized to either Study A; N=16 (Sequence 1 or Sequence 2) or Study B; N=8. Participants will receive standard adult doses of antiretroviral therapy for 7 days and a single 200mg remdesivir infusion administered over 60 min. Pharmacokinetic blood sampling will be performed relative to the start of remdesivir infusion; predose (before the start of remdesivir infusion) and 30 min after the start of remdesivir infusion. Additional blood samples will be taken at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after the end of remdesivir infusion.

Discussion

This study will characterize the pharmacokinetics of remdesivir from a typical African population in whom clinical use is anticipated. Furthermore, this study will deliver pharmacokinetic datasets for remdesivir drug concentrations and demographic characteristics which could support pharmacometric approaches for simulation of remdesivir treatment regimens in patients concurrently using tenofovir/lamivudine and/or atazanavir/ritonavir.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04385719. Registered 13 May 2020.
A study on machine learning techniques for the schema matching network problem
Authors: Rodrigues Diego , Silva Altigran da
Published: November 2021

Schema matching is the problem of finding semantic correspondences between elements from different schemas. This is a challenging problem since disparate elements in the schemas often represent the same concept. Traditional instances of this problem involved a pair of schemas. However, recently, there has been an increasing interest in matching several related schemas at once, a problem known asschema matching networks. The goal is to identify elements from several schemas that correspond to a single concept. We propose a family of methods for schema matching networks based on machine learning, which proved to be a competitive alternative for the traditional matching problem in several domains. To overcome the issue of requiring a large amount of training data, we also propose a bootstrapping procedure to generate training data automatically. In addition, we leverage constraints that arise in network scenarios to improve the quality of this data. We also study a strategy for receiving user feedback to assert some of the matchings generated and, relying on this feedback, improve the final result’s quality. Our experiments show that our methods can outperform baselines, reaching F1-score up to 0.83.
Terrain-based adaption of propagation model loss parameters using non-linear square regression
Authors: Isabona Joseph , Imoize Agbotiname Lucky
Published: November 2021

Reliable and real-time propagation loss modeling play a significant role in the efficient planning, development, and optimization of macrocellular communication networks in a given terrain. Thus, the need to adapt or tune an existing model to enhance its signal prediction accuracy in a specified terrain becomes imperative. In this paper, we proposed and applied a non-linear square regression method based on the Levenberg-Marquart (LM) algorithm to adapt and improve the empirical propagation loss estimation accuracy of the Egli model for two major cities in Nigeria. A comprehensive propagation loss measurement acquired over Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile broadband networks operating at 2630 MHz for four different cities was collected using TEMS investigation tools to achieve the Egli model adaption. Results indicate that the adapted Egli model displays a high estimation accuracy over the Gauss-Newton (GN) algorithm leveraging the non-linear regression method employed to benchmark the propagation loss estimation. Using six standard statistical indicators, the adapted Egli model displayed lower estimation errors than the classical Egli model across the tested locations in the two cities investigated. Finally, the LM-adapted Egli model was compared with extensive measurements from another eNodeB in Port Harcourt different from the initial four eNodeBs investigated. The results indicate that the adapted model is suitable for deployment in related macrocellular environments.
Digital symptom monitoring with patient-reported outcomes in community oncology practices: A U.S. national cluster randomized trial.
Authors: Basch Ethan , Schrag Deborah , Jansen Jennifer , Henson Sydney , Stover Angela M. , Spears Patricia , Jonsson Mattias , Deal Allison Mary , Bennett Antonia Vickery , Thanarajasingam Gita , Reeve Bryce , Snyder Claire Frances , Bruner Deborah , Cella David , Kottschade Lisa A. , Perlmutter Jane , Miller Robert S. , Strasser Jon F. , Zylla Dylan M. , Dueck Amylou C.
Published: November 2021

349527

Background: Symptoms are common during cancer care but often go undetected. Digital systems that elicit patient-reported outcomes (PRO) surveys may detect symptoms early and prompt clinicians to intervene, thereby alleviating suffering and averting complications. Methods: In a cluster-randomized trial, U.S.-based community oncology practices were randomized 1:1 to digital symptom monitoring with PRO surveys, or to usual care control. Patients receiving systemic treatment for metastatic cancer were eligible. At PRO practices, participants were invited to complete a weekly survey via web or automated telephone system for up to one year, including questions about nine common symptoms, performance status, and falls. Severe or worsening symptoms triggered electronic alerts to care team nurses, and reports showing longitudinal symptom data were available to oncologists at visits. Pre-specified secondary outcomes included impact on physical function, symptom control, and health-related quality of life (HRQL). The primary outcome of survival is not yet mature. Results: At 52 practices, 1,191 patients were eligible and enrolled (593 PRO; 598 control). Clinically meaningful benefits were experienced in physical function by 13.8% more patients with PRO versus control (P=0.009); symptom control by 16.1% (P=0.003); and HRQL by 13.4% (P=0.006). Mean changes from baseline were superior with PRO versus control for physical function (mean difference 2.47, 95% CI 0.41-4.53; P=0.02), symptom control (2.56, 0.95-4.17; P=0.002), and HRQL (2.43, 0.90-3.96; P=0.002). Patients completed 20,565/22,486 (91.5%) of expected weekly PRO surveys. Conclusions: Digital symptom monitoring during cancer treatment confers clinical benefits. Clinical trial information: NCT03249090.
An agenda-setting paper on data sharing platforms: euCanSHare workshop
Authors: Devriendt Thijs , Ammann Clemens , W. Asselbergs Folkert , Bernier Alexander , Costas Rodrigo , Friedrich Matthias G. , Gelpi Josep L. , Jarvelin Marjo-Riitta , Kuulasmaa Kari , Lekadir Karim , Mayrhofer Michaela Th. , Papez Vaclav , Pasterkamp Gerard , Petersen Steffen E. , Schmidt Carsten Oliver , Schulz-Menger Jeanette , Söderberg Stefan , Shabani Mahsa , Veronesi Giovanni , Viezzer Darian Steven , Borry Pascal
Published: November 2021

Various data sharing platforms are being developed to enhance the sharing of cohort data by addressing the fragmented state of data storage and access systems. However, policy challenges in several domains remain unresolved. The euCanSHare workshop was organized to identify and discuss these challenges and to set the future research agenda. Concerns over the multiplicity and long-term sustainability of platforms, lack of resources, access of commercial parties to medical data, credit and recognition mechanisms in academia and the organization of data access committees are outlined. Within these areas, solutions need to be devised to ensure an optimal functioning of platforms.
L’amore al tempo della guerra nelle novelle di Federico De Roberto: «La Cocotte» e «L’Ultimo Voto»
Authors: Kutzner Olga
Published: November 2021

Federico De Roberto (1861–1927), autore dei «Viceré», è uno dei più importanti narratori siciliani. Nei primi anni della sua attività letteraria il riconoscimento da parte degli autori veristi garantisce al giovane scrittore una certa attenzione dei lettori. Col passare del tempo, però, egli viene considerato un epigono dei veristi, un letterato ottocentesco, le cui opere non attingono alle maggiori tendenze letterarie del primo Novecento. Non condivide l’interesse per i movimenti rinnovatori della letteratura italiana dell’epoca, tra cui i futuristi e la loro fascinazione per la modernità e la guerra; lo scrittore catanese assume una posizione antitetica nei loro confronti e così, all’indomani dello scoppio della Prima Guerra Mondiale, si dichiara a favore dell’anti-interventismo.
<>. La nominazione in Viaggio terrestre e celeste di Simone Martini
Authors: Luzi Alfredo
Published: November 2021

La poetica della parola è l’asse portante della scrittura di Mario Luzi, a partire dalle prime prove ermetiche impostate sull’idea neoplatonica della parola come rivelazione dell’essere fino agli assillanti interrogativi che intessono gli ultimi componimenti e che sono la traccia di un profondo dubbio epistemologico, non risolto dall’adesione del poeta alla fede cristiana.I saggi critici, che accompagnano come una sorta di autocommento la produzione in versi, sono disseminati da una serie di riflessioni sulla potenzialità dell’atto poetico che si configurano come complesso “itinerario del dicibile”.Nell’arco di più di mezzo secolo Luzi  progressivamente innesta il concetto ebraico di davar  a quello greco di logos, perno  filosofico e teologico della poetica ermetica.
NAFTA y CAFTA-DR y su influencia en la democracia y soberanía de sus países parte
Authors: Tapia Gutiérrez Asiertg
Published: November 2021

El presente artículo es un producto de investigación que realiza un análisis del proceso de elaboración y ratificación del NAFTA y CAFTA-DR. El objetivo es conocer cuál es la influencia que todo este proceso alrededor de esos Tratados tiene en la democracia y la soberanía de los países parte acode al trilema de Rodrik. Este análisis se complementa estudiando la posición y papel que Estados Unidos ejerce sobre el resto de los Estados en cuanto potencia hegemónica.
La Ley marroquí de violencia contra las mujeres una aproximación al contenido y al debate ideológico
Authors: Pérez Beltrán Carmelo
Published: November 2021

Este artículo tiene un doble objetivo: en primer lugar, estudiar las principales aportaciones y carencias de la Ley nº 103.13 referente a la lucha de la violencia contra las mujeres, que fue promulgada en Marruecos el 12 en marzo de 2018. En segundo lugar, analizar los principales puntos de tensión política e ideológica que existen entre la sociedad civil más comprometida con la violencia de género en Marruecos, cuyos referentes beben de las declaraciones y convenciones internacionales, y las instituciones gubernamentales del Partido de la Justicia y el Desarrollo, en el poder desde enero de 2012, cuyos planteamientos se encuentran determinados por la ideología islamista y por ciertas especificidades simbólicoreligiosas del islam.
Parallel Lotteries: Insights from Alaskan Hunting Permit Allocation
Authors: Arnosti Nick , Randolph Tim
Published: November 2021

We analyze the parallel lottery that is used to allocate hunting permits in the state of Alaska. Each participant is given tickets to distribute among lotteries for different types of items. Participants who win multiple items receive their favorite, and new winners are drawn from the lotteries with unclaimed items. When supply is scarce, equilibrium outcomes of parallel lotteries approximate a competitive equilibrium from equal incomes (CEEI), which is Pareto efficient. When supply is moderate, parallel lotteries exhibit two sources of inefficiency. First, some agents may benefit from trading probability shares. Second, outcomes may be “wasteful”: agents may receive nothing even if acceptable items remain unallocated. We bound both sources of inefficiency and show that each is eliminated by giving applicants a suitable number of tickets k: trades are never beneficial when k = 1, and waste is eliminated as [Formula: see text]. In addition, we show that the wastefulness of the k-ticket parallel lottery has some benefits: agents with strong preferences may prefer parallel lottery outcomes to those of any nonwasteful envy-free mechanism. These agents prefer small values of k, while agents with weak preferences prefer large values of k. Together, these results suggest that the k-ticket parallel lottery performs well under most circumstances and may be suitable for other settings where items are rationed.

This paper was accepted by Gabriel Weintraub, revenue management and market analytics.
Credit Shock Propagation Along Supply Chains: Evidence from the CDS Market
Authors: Agca Senay , Babich Volodymyr , Birge John R. , Wu Jing
Published: November 2021

Using a panel of credit default swap (CDS) spreads and supply chain links, we observe that both favorable and unfavorable credit shocks propagate through supply chains in the CDS market. Particularly, the three-day cumulative abnormal CDS spread change (CASC) is 63 basis points for firms whose customers experienced a CDS up-jump event (an adverse credit shock). The value is 74 basis points if their suppliers experienced a CDS up-jump event. The corresponding three-day CASC values are –36 and –38 basis points, respectively, for firms whose customers and suppliers, respectively, experienced an extreme CDS down-jump event (a favorable credit shock). These effects are approximately twice as large for adverse credit shocks originating from natural disasters. Credit shock propagation is absent in inactive supply chains and is amplified if supply chain partners are followed by the same analysts. Industry competition and financial linkages between supply chain partners, such as trade credit and large sales exposure, amplify the shock propagation along supply chains. Strong shock propagation persists through second and third supply chain tiers for adverse shocks but attenuates for favorable shocks.

This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.
Quasi-Polynomial Algorithms for Submodular Tree Orienteering and Directed Network Design Problems
Authors: Ghuge Rohan , Nagarajan Viswanath
Published: November 2021

We consider the following general network design problem. The input is an asymmetric metric (V, c), root [Formula: see text], monotone submodular function [Formula: see text], and budget B. The goal is to find an r-rooted arborescence T of cost at most B that maximizes f(T). Our main result is a simple quasi-polynomial time [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for this problem, in which [Formula: see text] is the number of vertices in an optimal solution. As a consequence, we obtain an [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for directed (polymatroid) Steiner tree in quasi-polynomial time. We also extend our main result to a setting with additional length bounds at vertices, which leads to improved [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithms for the single-source buy-at-bulk and priority Steiner tree problems. For the usual directed Steiner tree problem, our result matches the best previous approximation ratio but improves significantly on the running time. For polymatroid Steiner tree and single-source buy-at-bulk, our result improves prior approximation ratios by a logarithmic factor. For directed priority Steiner tree, our result seems to be the first nontrivial approximation ratio. Under certain complexity assumptions, our approximation ratios are the best possible (up to constant factors).
The Analysis of Swearing Word Translation in Joker Movie Subtitle
Authors: Hasibuan Hapni Nurliana H.D
Published: November 2021

This research discusses the analysis of swearing words translation in the Joker movie. The purpose of this research is to describe the type of swearing word and the procedure used in translating swearing word. This study uses qualitative methods. The research data were obtained from English subtitles to Indonesian Joker movies. To answer the research question, the researcher used the theory types of swearing word proposed by Swan M. (1995) and procedure translation proposed by Newmark (1988) The results revealed that there were 49 swearing words. There are 2 types of swearing words namely: strong and weak swearing words. For strong swear words classified to exclamation of annoyance, surprise, insult, surprise question and emphasize the emotion and the weak swear word classified to exclamation of annoyance, surprise, insult and emotion. After that, procedures translation used in translating swear words only found 5 of 15 procedure translation in Joker's subtitle, namely: cultural equivalent, synonymy, through-translation, shift or transposition, and paraphrase. The most frequently type of swearing word is emphasize an emotion from strong swear word. Furthermore, the cultural equivalent procedure is the most used in translating.
Intravital two-photon imaging and quantification of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in a live small animal model
Authors: Moon Jieun , Jeon Jehwi , Kong Eunji , Hong Sujung , Lee Jingu , Lee Eun Kyung , Kim Pilhan
Published: November 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases closely associated with the metabolic system, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. The progression of NAFLD with advanced fibrosis is associated with an increased risk of liver cirrhosis and cancer as well as various extra-hepatic diseases. Yet, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood partly due to the absence of effective high-resolution in vivo imaging methods and the appropriate animal models recapitulating the pathology of NAFLD. To improve our understanding about complex pathophysiology of NAFLD, the need for an advanced imaging methodology to visualize and quantify subcellular-level features of NAFLD in vivo over time is ever-increasing. In this study, we established an advanced in vivo two-photon imaging technique to visualize and quantify subcellular-level pathological features of NAFLD in a live mouse animal developing hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and disrupted microvasculature.
PAL-SLAM: a feature-based SLAM system for a panoramic annular lens
Authors: Wang Ding , Wang Junhua , Tian Yuhan , Hu Kai , Xu Min
Published: November 2021

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is widely used in autonomous driving and intelligent robot positioning and navigation. In order to overcome the defects of traditional visual SLAM in rapid motion and bidirectional loop detection, we present a feature-based PAL-SLAM system for a panoramic-annular-lens (PAL) camera in this paper. We use a mask to extract and match features in the annular effective area of the images. A PAL-camera model, based on precise calibration, is used to transform the matched features onto a unit vector for subsequent processing, and a prominent inlier-checking metric is designed as an epipolar constraint in the initialization. After testing on large-scale indoor and outdoor PAL image dataset sequences, comprising of more than 12,000 images, the accuracy of PAL-SLAM is measured as typically below 1 cm. This result holds consistent in conditions when the camera rotates rapidly, or the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals are blocked. PAL-SLAM can also detect unidirectional and bidirectional loop closures. Hence it can be used as a supplement or alternative to expensive commercial navigation systems, especially in urban environments where there are many signal obstructions such as buildings and bridges.
Terahertz ptychography using a long-distance diffraction-free beam as the probe
Authors: Xiang Feidi , Yu Miao , Zhang Mengting , Han Meiyao , Huang Qian , Yang Zhengang , Liu Jinsong , Wang Kejia
Published: November 2021

We have implemented a terahertz (THz) ptychographic technique using a long-distance diffraction-free beam (DFB) instead of traditional low-energy pinhole-defined illumination as the probe. The DFB generating system containing two lens-axicon doublets is very easily realized. Measured transverse intensities of such a DFB display an Airy-pattern-like distribution. Based on the well-developed extended ptychographic iterative engine, we simultaneously reconstruct a phase object and the DFB probe with both simulated and real data. Further calculation shows that the DFB has abundant spatial high-frequency components that guarantee high coherence of the illuminating probe beam in our THz ptychographic system. In addition, we firmly believe that the proposed approach can be easily transplanted to the ptychography at other frequency bands as both lens and axicon are very common optical elements.
Framework for planning and monitoring active TB case finding interventions to meet the global targets in the COVID-19 era and beyond: South-East Asia perspective
Authors: Singh Alka Aggarwal , Creswell Jacob , Bhatia Vineet
Published: November 2021

There was an estimated 20–40% decline in tuberculosis (TB) case detection in the South-East Asia Region (SEA Region) during 2020 due to COVID-19 outbreak. This is over and above a million people with TB who were missed each year, prior to the pandemic. Active case finding (ACF) for TB has been gaining considerable interest and investment in the SEA Region and will be even more essential for finding people with TB missed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many countries in the Region have incorporated ACF activities into national strategic plans and are conducting large scale activities with varying results. ACF can reach people with TB earlier than routine approaches, can lead to increases in the numbers of people diagnosed, and is often needed for certain key populations who face stigma, social, and economic barriers. However, ACF is not a one size fits all approach, and has higher costs than routine care. So, planning interventions in consultation with relevant stakeholders including the affected communities is critical. Furthermore, continuous monitoring during the intervention and after completion is crucial as national TB programmes review progress and decide on the effective utilization of limited resources. Planning and monitoring become more relevant in the COVID-19 era because of constraints posed by resource diversion towards pandemic control. Here, we summarize different aspects of planning and monitoring of ACF approaches to inform national TB programmes and partners based on experiences in the SEA Region, as programmes look to reach those who are missed and catch-up on progress towards ending TB.
Increased levels of cortisol are associated with the severity of experimental visceral leishmaniasis in a Leishmania (L.) infantum-hamster model
Authors: Barros-Gonçalves Tayany de D. , Saavedra Andrea F. , Silva-Couto Luzinei da , Ribeiro-Romão Raquel P. , Bezerra-Paiva Milla , Gomes-Silva Adriano , Carvalho Vinicius F. , Da-Cruz Alda Maria , Pinto Eduardo F.
Published: November 2021

Background

Several infectious diseases are associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis disorders by elevating circulating glucocorticoids (GCs), which are known to have an immunosuppressive potential. We conducted this study in golden hamsters, a suitable model for human visceral leishmaniasis (VL), to investigate the relationship ofLeishmania (L.) infantuminfection on cortisol production and VL severity.

Methods

L.infantum-infected (n = 42) and uninfected hamsters (n = 30) were followed-up at 30, 120, and 180 days post-infection (dpi). Plasma cortisol was analyzed by radioimmunoassay and cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and arginase by RT-qPCR.

Results

All hamsters showed splenomegaly at 180 dpi. Increased parasite burden was associated with higher arginase expression and lower iNOS induction. Cortisol levels were elevated in infected animals in all-time points evaluated. Except for monocytes, all other leucocytes showed a strong negative correlation with cortisol, while transaminases were positively correlated. Immunological markers as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and transforming growth-factor-β (TGF-β) were positively correlated to cortisol production, while interferon-γ (IFN-γ) presented a negative correlation. A network analysis showed cortisol as an important knot linking clinical status and immunological parameters.

Conclusions

These results suggest thatL.infantumincreases the systemic levels of cortisol, which showed to be associated with hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters associated to VL severity.