bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Remodeling of the Tumor Microenvironment Predicts Increased Risk of Cancer in Postmenopausal Women: The Prospective Epidemiologic Risk Factor (PERF I) Study
Authors: Bager Cecilie L. , Willumsen Nicholas , Kehlet Stephanie N. , Hansen Henrik B. , Bay-Jensen Anne-Christine , Leeming Diana J. , Dragsbæk Katrine , Neergaard Jesper Skov , Christiansen Claus , Høgdall Estrid , Karsdal Morten
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: An altered tumor microenvironment is one of the earliest signs of cancer and an important driver of the disease. We have seen previously that biomarkers reflecting tumor microenvironment modifications, such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degraded type 1 collagen (C1M), MMP-degraded type IV collagen (C4M), and citrullinated and MMP-degraded vimentin (VICM), were higher in the serum of cancer patients than in healthy controls. However, it is not known if these biomarkers could predict an increased risk of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate whether C1M, C4M, and VICM were elevated prior to diagnosis of solid cancers in a large prospective study.

Methods: Between 1999 and 2001, 5,855 postmenopausal Danish women ages 48 to 89 years enrolled in the Prospective Epidemiologic Risk Factor study. Baseline demographics and serum were collected at the time of registration. Follow up cancer diagnoses were obtained from the Danish Cancer Registry in 2014. Serum C1M, C4M, and VICM levels were measured by competitive ELISAs.

Results: A total of 881 women were diagnosed with solid cancers after baseline. C1M, C4M, and VICM levels were significantly elevated in women diagnosed less than 1 year after baseline. C1M and VICM, but not C4M, were independent predictors of increased risk of cancer.

Conclusion: C1M, C4M, and VICM are elevated prior to cancer diagnosis. C1M and VICM are both independent predictors of increased cancer risk.

Impact: C1M and VICM are predictors for increased risk of cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(9); 1348–55. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Predicting Cancer Prognosis Using Interactive Online Tools: A Systematic Review and Implications for Cancer Care Providers
Authors: Rabin Borsika A. , Gaglio Bridget , Sanders Tristan , Nekhlyudov Larissa , Dearing James W. , Bull Sheana , Glasgow Russell E. , Marcus Alfred
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Cancer prognosis is of keen interest for patients with cancer, their caregivers, and providers. Prognostic tools have been developed to guide patient–physician communication and decision-making. Given the proliferation of prognostic tools, it is timely to review existing online cancer prognostic tools and discuss implications for their use in clinical settings. Using a systematic approach, we searched the Internet, Medline, and consulted with experts to identify existing online prognostic tools. Each was reviewed for content and format. Twenty-two prognostic tools addressing 89 different cancers were identified. Tools primarily focused on prostate (n = 11), colorectal (n = 10), breast (n = 8), and melanoma (n = 6), although at least one tool was identified for most malignancies. The input variables for the tools included cancer characteristics (n = 22), patient characteristics (n = 18), and comorbidities (n = 9). Effect of therapy on prognosis was included in 15 tools. The most common predicted outcome was cancer-specific survival/mortality (n = 17). Only a few tools (n = 4) suggested patients as potential target users. A comprehensive repository of online prognostic tools was created to understand the state-of-the-art in prognostic tool availability and characteristics. Use of these tools may support communication and understanding about cancer prognosis. Dissemination, testing, refinement of existing, and development of new tools under different conditions are needed. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(10); 1645–56. ©2013 AACR.
Data from Meta-Analyses of Vitamin D Intake, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status, Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms, and Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Touvier Mathilde , Chan Doris S.M. , Lau Rosa , Aune Dagfinn , Vieira Rui , Greenwood Darren C. , Kampman Ellen , Riboli Elio , Hercberg Serge , Norat Teresa
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies on colorectal cancer (CRC) and vitamin D intake and 25-hydroxyvitamin D status, as part of the World Cancer Research Fund Continuous Update Project. We also aimed at conducting meta-analysis of all studies on CRC and vitamin D receptor (VDR) single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

Methods: Relevant studies were identified in PubMed (up to June 2010). Inclusion criteria were original and peer-reviewed publications with a prospective design (for studies on vitamin D intake or status). Random effects of dose-response meta-analyses were performed on cancer incidence.

Results: We observed inverse associations of CRC risk with dietary vitamin D [summary relative risk (RR) per 100 IU/day = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93–0.98; 10 studies; range of intake (midpoints) = 39–719 IU/day] and serum/plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (RR per 100 IU/L = 0.96, 0.94–0.97; 6 studies; range = 200–1,800 IU/L), but not with total vitamin D (5 studies). Supplemental (2 studies; range = 0–600 IU/day) and total (4 studies; range = 79–732 IU/day) vitamin D intake and 25-hydroxyvitamin D status (6 studies; range = 200–1,800 IU/L) were inversely associated with colon cancer risk. We did not observe statistically significant associations between FokI, PolyA, TaqI, Cdx2, and ApaI VDR polymorphisms and CRC risk. The BsmI polymorphism was associated with a lower CRC risk (RR = 0.57, 0.36–0.89 for BB versus bb, 8 studies).

Conclusions: These meta-analyses support the evidence of an inverse association between vitamin D intake, 25-hydroxyvitamin D status, and the BsmI VDR polymorphism and CRC risk.

Impact: Improving vitamin D status could be potentially beneficial against CRC incidence. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(5); 1003–16. ©2011 AACR.
Data from HOXB13 G84E Mutation in Finland: Population-Based Analysis of Prostate, Breast, and Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Laitinen Virpi H. , Wahlfors Tiina , Saaristo Leena , Rantapero Tommi , Pelttari Liisa M. , Kilpivaara Outi , Laasanen Satu-Leena , Kallioniemi Anne , Nevanlinna Heli , Aaltonen Lauri , Vessella Robert L. , Auvinen Anssi , Visakorpi Tapio , Tammela Teuvo L.J. , Schleutker Johanna
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: A recently identified germline mutation G84E in HOXB13 was shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer. In a family-based analysis by The International Consortium for Prostate Cancer Genetics (ICPCG), the G84E mutation was most prevalent in families from the Nordic countries of Finland (22.4%) and Sweden (8.2%).

Methods: To further investigate the importance of G84E in the Finns, we determined its frequency in more than 4,000 prostate cancer cases and 5,000 controls. In addition, 986 breast cancer and 442 colorectal cancer (CRC) cases were studied. Genotyping was conducted using TaqMan, MassARRAY iPLEX, and sequencing. Statistical analyses were conducted using Fisher exact test, and overall survival was analyzed using Cox modeling.

Results: The frequency of the G84E mutation was significantly higher among patients with prostate cancer and highest among patients with a family history of the disease, hereditary prostate cancer [8.4% vs. 1.0% in controls; OR 8.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.9–15.7]. The mutation contributed significantly to younger age (≤55 years) at onset and high prostate-specific antigen (PSA; ≥20 ng/mL) at diagnosis. An association with increased prostate cancer risk in patients with prior benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) diagnosis was also revealed. No statistically significant evidence for a contribution in CRC risk was detected, but a suggestive role for the mutation was observed in familial BRCA1/2-negative breast cancer.

Conclusions: These findings confirm an increased cancer risk associated with the G84E mutation in the Finnish population, particularly for early-onset prostate cancer and cases with substantially elevated PSA.

Impact: This study confirms the overall importance of the HOXB13 G84E mutation in prostate cancer susceptibility. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(3); 452–60. ©2012 AACR.
Data from Added Value of a Serum Proteomic Signature in the Diagnostic Evaluation of Lung Nodules
Authors: Pecot Chad V. , Li Ming , Zhang Xueqiong J. , Rajanbabu Rama , Calitri Ciara , Bungum Aaron , Jett James R. , Putnam Joe B. , Callaway-Lane Carol , Deppen Steve , Grogan Eric L. , Carbone David P. , Worrell John A. , Moons Karel G.M. , Shyr Yu , Massion Pierre P.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Current management of lung nodules is complicated by nontherapeutic resections and missed chances for cure. We hypothesized that a serum proteomic signature may add diagnostic information beyond that provided by combined clinical and radiographic data.

Methods: Cohort A included 265 and cohort B 114 patients. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis we calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and quantified the added value of a previously described serum proteomic signature beyond clinical and radiographic risk factors for predicting lung cancer using the integration discrimination improvement (IDI) index.

Results: The average computed tomography (CT) measured nodule size in cohorts A and B was 37.83 versus 23.15 mm among patients with lung cancer and 15.82 versus 17.18 mm among those without, respectively. In cohort A, the AUC increased from 0.68 to 0.86 after adding chest CT imaging variables to the clinical results, but the proteomic signature did not provide meaningful added value. In contrast, in cohort B, the AUC improved from 0.46 with clinical data alone to 0.61 when combined with chest CT imaging data and to 0.69 after adding the proteomic signature (IDI of 20% P = 0.0003). In addition, in a subgroup of 100 nodules between 5 and 20 mm in diameter, the proteomic signature added value with an IDI of 15% (P ≤ 0.0001).

Conclusions: The results show that this serum proteomic biomarker signature may add value to the clinical and chest CT evaluation of indeterminate lung nodules.

Impact: This study suggests a possible role of a blood biomarker in the evaluation of indeterminate lung nodules. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 786–92. ©2012 AACR.
Data from Long-term Ultraviolet Flux, Other Potential Risk Factors, and Skin Cancer Risk: A Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Shaowei , Han Jiali , Laden Francine , Qureshi Abrar A.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Few prospective studies have examined the relationship between sun exposure, other potential risk factors, and risk of different skin cancers [including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma] simultaneously.

Methods: We evaluated the association between a number of potential risk factors and skin cancer risk in a cohort of 108,916 US women, the Nurses' Health Study II (1989–2009).

Results: During 2.05 million years of follow-up, we identified 6,955, 880, and 779 diagnoses of BCC, SCC, and melanoma, respectively. Compared with participants in the lowest quintile of cumulative ultraviolet flux in adulthood, participants in the highest quintile had multivariable-adjusted relative risks (RR) of 2.35 (Ptrend < 0.0001) for BCC, 2.53 (Ptrend = 0.009) for SCC, and 0.68 (Ptrend = 0.38) for melanoma. In contrast, the RRs were 1.68 (95% CI, 1.55–1.82) for BCC, 1.68 (95% CI, 1.34–2.11) for SCC, and 1.80 (95% CI, 1.42–2.28) for melanoma for participants with ≥5 blistering sunburns when compared with participants without sunburn between ages 15 and 20 years. We found significant interactions between family history of melanoma, number of blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 years and BCC risk, and between sunburn reaction as a child/adolescent and SCC risk (all Pinteraction < 0.05).

Conclusion: In a cohort of U.S. women, we found that sun exposures in both early life and adulthood were predictive of BCC and SCC risks, whereas melanoma risk was predominantly associated with sun exposure in early life.

Impact: Our results may have potential implications for the prevention of skin cancers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(6); 1080–9. ©2014 AACR.
Success of Pregnancy in a Patient on High-Volume Hemodiafiltration with Citrate-Acidified Dialysate
Authors: Pelle Gaelle , Jalal Eddine Arwa , Rieu Philippe , Attias Julie , Fay Stephanie , Hertig Alexandre
Published: March 2023

Although pregnancy in dialysis patients is rare, recent reports in the literature have shown improvement in pregnancy outcome in this population. Increasing doses of dialysis have led to improvement in fetal prognosis, but recommendations are still lacking, and there are few documented reports of pregnant woman on high-volume online hemodiafiltration. Here, we report the first successful pregnancy in a 28-year-old patient on daily high-volume online post-dilution hemodiafiltration with a citrate dialysate. At 37 weeks and 1 day, she delivered a healthy 2.3 kg baby that did not require neonatal intensive care. This case report suggests that hemodiafiltration with a dialysate acidified with citrate is safe in pregnancy. Further reports and a registry are necessary to confirm that high-volume online hemodiafiltration with a citrate dialysate should be the preferred dialysis modality in pregnant women.
Pembrolizumab Induced Sclerosing Cholangitis: Why You Need a Liver Biopsy
Authors: Liang Ian , Chu Geoffrey , Zielinski Robert
Published: March 2023

The advent of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy has rapidly changed the landscape of the management of cancers. However, its use has also been associated with the rise of immunotherapy-related adverse effects (irAEs). There has been an emergence in recent years of sclerosing cholangitis as a mimic of the classical autoimmune hepatitis irAE. We present a case of a 59-year-old female who received pembrolizumab for stage IV lung adenocarcinoma and developed an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) related sclerosing cholangitis diagnosed on radiological and histopathological grounds. This patient was successfully treated with prednisone, azathioprine, and ursodeoxycholic acid. Clinicians should be aware that ICI sclerosing cholangitis is a rare hepatic complication of ICIs. The workup for ICI-associated mixed liver function test derangement that is steroid resistant should include a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography to investigate for changes of sclerosing cholangitis and a liver biopsy if the magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is nondiagnostic.
Differences in Glottal Closure and Visibility of the Anterior Commissure during Rigid-90°, Rigid-70°, and Flexible Laryngostroboscopy
Authors: Paulus Roland , Leonhard Matthias , Ho Guan-Yuh , Kurz Annabella , Schneider-Stickler Berit
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The conventional rigid-90° and rigid-70° laryngostroboscopy has been so far considered the gold standard in assessing the vibratory behavior of the vocal folds and the glottal closure configuration during phonation. Meanwhile, this rigid laryngostroboscopy is more and more replaced by flexible chip-on-tip systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of these different endoscopic techniques on glottal closure configuration and on visibility of the complete focal fold length including anterior commissure during phonation. Methods: Twenty-one euphonic subjects were enrolled (mean age 34.6 ± 9.5; m = 10, f = 11). They were examined with the three laryngoscopic techniques (conventional rigid-90°, rigid-70°, and flexible chip-on-tip laryngoscopy during low and high voice pitch with soft and loud voice intensity). For evaluating the degree of glottal closure, a modified classification of Södersten et al. was applied and the visibility of the anterior commissure was evaluated. The correlation of the three endoscopic techniques was assessed with Cohen and Fleiss’ kappa. Results: In even low loud phonation, the rigid-90° and rigid-70° endoscopies revealed a complete closure of the glottis in only 47.6% of subjects but with flexible endoscopy in 81%. The complete vocal fold length with anterior commissure was best visible with flexible endoscopy in 90.5% in low-soft and high-soft phonation. The rigid-90° endoscopy showed a slight agreement in comparison with the flexible endoscopy in regard to the types of vocal fold closure with a Cohen’s kappa coefficient k = 0.199. The rigid-90° endoscopy showed an almost perfect agreement with k = 0.84 when compared to the rigid-70° endoscopy. The flexible endoscopy compared to the rigid-70° endoscopy showed a fair agreement with k = 0.346. Conclusion: We found mainly corresponding results in both rigid-90° and rigid-70° endoscopic techniques which can be explained by the same transoral approach with the tongue pulled out, whereas the flexible transnasal endoscopy mainly gives a better view on the anterior commissure. The influence of transorally or transnasally guided endoscopic techniques needs to be considered in interpretation of laryngostroboscopic parameters like vocal fold closure and supraglottal hyperactivity.
Tratamento cirúrgico da espasticidade
Authors: Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Fonoff Erich Talammoni
Published: March 2023

A espasticidade decorre de uma reorganização funcional de circuitos, em geral, medulares espinais após uma lesão que afeta total ou parcialmente as vias moduladoras damotricidade e controle das interações sensitivas. Agrava-se devido a estímulos nociceptivos ou sensitivos de outra natureza, aumento de citocinas e emoções. A Avaliação da espasticidade fundamenta-se nos dados de história e no exame físico ressaltando-se a ocorrência de fatoresdesencadeantes e agravantes e nas possíveis complicações de sua ocorrência. O tratamento fundamenta-se na remoção das possíveis causas da lesão neurológica e na eliminação defatores desencadeantes das crises de espasticidade, incluindo as escaras, os processos inflamatórios e dor. Os procedimentos de medicina física são importantes para a reabilitação, prevenção de complicações e melhora da função motora. Dentre os medicamentos miorrelaxantes destacando-se o baclofeno e o diazepam. Os procedimentos neurocirúrgicos funcionais ablativos, ou seja, as neurotomias super-seletivas, a rizotomia super-seletiva, a lesão do trato de Lissauer e do corno posterior da medula espinal e as mielotomias são indicadas em casos de ausência de melhora com procedimentos conservadores. A infusão de fármacos miorrelaxantes no compartimento liquórico é opção interessante especialmente no doente em que a atividade motora é útil.
As alergias respiratórias
Authors: Galvão Clóvis Eduardo Santos , Castro Fábio F. Morato
Published: March 2023

As alergias respiratórias, que clinicamente compreendem asma e rinite, caracterizam-se por uma reação de hipersensibilidade tipo I, pois resultam da interação de alérgenos ambientais com anticorpos IgE específicos. São doenças multifatoriais causadas pela interação de fatores genéticos e exposição a fatores ambientais. O processo inflamatório é considerado atualmente o principal evento fisiopatológico. O diagnóstico preciso com identificação do(s) alérgeno(s) envolvido(s) (determinação de IgE específica in vivo ou in vitro), a intensidade dos sintomas, e o conhecimento da fisiopatologia são os elementos básicos para se estabelecer o melhor tratamento.Os estudos mostram que, com medicação apropriada, orientação e educação adequadas,as alergias respiratórias podem ser bem controladas com prejuízo mínimo da qualidade devida do paciente. Existem evidências clínicas, epidemiológicas e fisiopatológicas mostrando forte associação entre asma, rinite e sinusite (ou rinossinusite) e polipose nasal, o que tem levado alguns estudiosos a propor termos que indiquem a íntima inter-relação entre estes processos,como vias aéreas unidas. A OMS e outras sociedades de especialidades, implementaram a iniciativa ARIA (Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma) com os objetivos de avaliar melhor a inter-relação rinite/asma, transformar novos conhecimentos em recomendações para o controlee prevenção, aumentar a consciência sobre a rinite e suas consequências para a saúde pública, fazer com que o tratamento eficaz para a rinite esteja disponível e seja acessível para todos os pacientes que necessitarem.
The Pathway towards Triple Helix
Authors: Liche Mesay Barekew , Braun Střelcová Andrea
Published: March 2023

In 2015, the Ethiopian government established two Science and Technology (S&T) universities with the objective to boost university-industry collaboration. Although both Addis Ababa S&T University and Adama S&T University encourage such collaboration through their offices of technology transfer (OTT), their links with local industry are weak. However, current literature on triple helix in developing countries does not explain how universities can internally stimulate interaction with external actors. This paper addresses this gap by asking how the two universities evaluate the technology development process and how the current approach can be improved to stimulate triple helix interactions. Insights from organizational control theory (OCT) and the Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) evaluation model are integrated into the triple helix framework in a qualitative case study design. Our findings indicate the existing approach combines outcome- and behavior-based evaluation, which constrains engagement with the industry. We recommend that a more comprehensive, people-based evaluation system, built around shared goals and involvement of industry as external stakeholders, is adopted as a pathway to triple helix.
What makes strategic narrative efficient: Ukraine on Russian e-news platforms
Authors: Chaban Natalia , Zhabotynska Svitlana , Knodt Michèle
Published: March 2023

Contributing to the ‘narrative turn’ in International Relations and offering an answer to the question ‘What makes a strategic narrative efficient?’, this article adds to the methodological theorization of the formation and projection phases of the narrative’s lifecycle. We suggest that the impact of the constructed image in the narrative can be reinforced by the interplay of at least three projection properties: (1) content accentuation and priming, through iterations; (2) content contextualization, through historical and cultural resonance with the consumers’ memories; and (3) content verbalization, through narrative tactics that evoke a range of the consumers’ involved attitudes to the framed image. These properties, being intrinsic ingredients of the projected content, tend to enhance emotions. In our work, they get traction in the antagonistic narrative tailored by the Russian propaganda to depict Ukraine orientated towards the European Union (EU). The empirical case study analyses articles published on the Russian e-news platforms portraying the EU granting Ukrainians visa-free travel to the Schengen area in 2017, a milestone in Ukraine–EU relations. We define Russia’s narrative, created in reaction to this event, as antagonistic and consider it to be a precursor of the aggressive narrative crafted/employed by Russia to justify its 2022 military assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Against insular liberalism: Sayyid Qutb, illiberal Islam and the forceless force of the better argument
Authors: Coetsee Marilie
Published: March 2023

Political liberals claim that liberal polities may legitimately dismiss the objections of ‘unreasonable’ citizens who resist political liberals’ favored principles of justice and political justification. A growing number of other political philosophers, including post-colonialist theorists, have objected to the resulting insularity of political liberalism. However, political liberals’ insularity also often presents them from being sensitive or responsive to these critics’ complaints. In this article, I develop a more efficacious internal critique of political liberalism: I show that political liberals’ own core principles of liberal legitimacy sometimes require liberal polities to engage with the objections of those who hold ‘unreasonable’, and even illiberal, views. First, I draw on the work of Sayyid Qutb, an illiberal Islamic political thinker, to argue that – contrary to what political liberals often imply – even ‘unreasonable’, illiberal citizens may be fair-minded: that is, they may be actively concerned to cooperate with others on fair and mutually endorsable terms. Second, I contend that a liberal state’s own core commitment to treating citizens as free and equal requires it to offer fair-minded illiberal citizens like Qutb deep reasons – that don’t presuppose agreement on liberal principles of justice and so can speak to them in the dialectical position they start from – for why they should accept the liberal laws with which the state coerces them to comply. By showing how political liberals’ own commitments oblige them to address even ‘unreasonable’ political perspectives, I open the door to their more robust engagement with their critics, including not only comparative political theorists but also the growing number of illiberal citizens who challenge democratic regimes.
Expelled Students in Need of Special Education Services Using Bayes’ Theorem: Implications for the Social Maladjustment Clause?
Authors: Barnard-Brak Lucy , Stevens Tara , Kearley Alison
Published: March 2023

The purpose of the current study was to determine the probability that a student with a disability not being served by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) would be expelled. Expulsion data were obtained from the Civil Rights Data Collection produced by the U.S. Office of Civil Rights. The latest data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia for the 2017 to 2018 school year were analyzed. Bayes’ Theorem was used to determine this probability based upon existing probabilities and conditional probabilities. Analyses were also conducted by state and ethnicity. Results indicated that 1 in 14 of expelled students is likely to have an unserved disability under IDEA but variability according to race/ethnicity nationwide and by state was observed. Students who were White were the least likely to be an unserved student with a disability under IDEA among those expelled. The findings encourage investigation into the intersection of variables, especially the importance of including disability status and ethnicity when explaining disparate and punitive discipline. Practitioners, especially school psychologists, work at this intersection and can influence both special education identification and discipline practices.
Familial Multiple Lipomatosis: A Case Report
Authors: Malisetyan Tatevik , Harmon Skylar , Zhong Neng , Tatarian Gevork
Published: March 2023

A 32-year-old man presents to the clinic with multiple subcutaneous masses. Further history and a review of the literature are discussed. This is a case study of a patient with familial multiple lipomatosis and our management. Liposuction was performed after informed consent was obtained to manage familial multiple lipomatosis in an aesthetically pleasing manner without recurrence. Liposuction is an excellent technique for an aesthetically pleasing outcome to manage familial multiple lipomatosis. Additional therapy modalities including laser, chemicals, high-pressure tumescent injection, and Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance (VASER) are reviewed. To avoid multiple incisions and scars, liposuction for familial multiple lipomatosis is an aesthetically pleasing, definitive treatment modality with no recurrence of lipomas.
Sexual Orientation, Workplace Authority and Occupational Segregation: Evidence from Germany
Authors: de Vries Lisa , Steinmetz Stephanie
Published: March 2023

An extensive body of research has documented the relationship between sexual orientation and income, but only a few studies have examined the effects of sexual orientation on workplace authority. This article investigates the probability of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people having (high-level) workplace authority and the effects of occupational gender segregation. It analyses four waves of data from the German Socio-Economic Panel study (N=37,288 heterosexual and N=739 LGB observations). The results show that gay and bisexual men do not differ from heterosexual men in their probability of having workplace authority, but they have a lower probability of attaining high-level authority. Lesbian and bisexual women have a higher probability than heterosexual women of having workplace authority, but no advantages in attaining high-level authority. These insights into occupational segregation suggest that gay and bisexual men experience similar levels of disadvantages across occupations, whereas lesbian and bisexual women have an advantage in female-dominated occupations.
Heat transfer coefficient and thermal performance of heat pipe with R134a/mineral oil nanodiamond+Fe3O4 hybrid nanorefrigerant
Authors: Sundar Lingala Syam , Alklaibi Abdulaziz Mohammed , Mouli Kotturu VV Chandra , Balakrishnan Deepanraj
Published: March 2023

Experimental research has been done on the heat transfer coefficient and thermal performance of heat pipe operating with R134a/mineral oil (5:1% weight percent) based nanodiamond+Fe3O4 hybrid nanorefrigerants. The in-situ growth approach was used to create the hybrid nanoparticles, which were subsequently characterized by X-ray diffraction. Using a vibrating sample magnetometer, the prepared sample magnetic measurement was determined. The studies were conducted with varying heat inputs of 100, 150, and 200 W and with particle loadings of 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0%, respectively. The results show that when using hybrid nanofluids instead of base fluid, the wall temperatures at the evaporator and condenser sections of heat pipe are lower. At a heat supply of 200 W, the average temperature in evaporator and condenser sections are reduced by 30.08% and 19.21%, respectively. At [Formula: see text] = 1.0% vol. loading and 200 W, the thermal resistances in the evaporator and condenser sections drop to 24.58% and 21.74%, respectively. In comparison to the base fluid, the heat transfer coefficients of the evaporator and condenser are greater to 37.08% and 30.24%, respectively, at a heat input of 200 W. The thermal performance of the heat pipe is enhanced by employing the hybrid nanoparticles based nanorefrigerant, and it is also increased with increasing particle loadings.
Effect of green bonds, oil prices, and COVID-19 on industrial CO2 emissions in the USA: Evidence from novel wavelet local multiple correlation approach
Authors: Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Kartal Mustafa Tevfik
Published: March 2023

This study explores the effect of green bonds, oil prices, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on industrial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In this context, this study examines the United States of America (USA), which is the biggest economy in the world, uses weekly data between March 6, 2020 and September 30, 2022, and applies a novel wavelet local multiple correlation (WLMC) approach under time-varying and frequency-varying perspective. The novel empirical findings shows that (i) there is a strong negative (positive) co-movement between industrial CO2 emissions and green bonds in the short-run (long-run); (ii) there is a strong positive (negative) co-movement between industrial CO2 emissions and oil price in the medium-run (long-run); (iii) there is a strong negative (positive) co-movement between industrial CO2 emissions and the COVID-19 pandemic in the medium-run (long-run); (iv) the oil price is the dominant factor, whereas there are changing effect of the variables on each other at different times and frequencies; and (vi) overall, there are long-run asymmetric and dynamic correlations between industrial CO2 emissions and variables. Hence, the empirical results highlight the asymmetric, time-varying, and frequency-varying effects of green bonds, oil prices, and the COVID-19 pandemic on industrial CO2 emissions by presenting fresh and novel evidence. Moreover, the study proposes policy implications for the USA government.
Comparing participation motives of professional and non-professional respondents
Authors: Silber Henning , Stadtmüller Sven , Cernat Alexandru
Published: March 2023

In times of declining response rates and over-surveying, improving our understanding of why people participate in surveys is more important than ever. Previous research showed that online panel participants have intrinsic (e.g., topic interest, altruism) and extrinsic (e.g., incentives) participation reasons. Our study expands this research by implementing an experiment using two common forms of survey measurement: ranking and rating. The experiment was fielded in a professional respondents’ sample from a German online panel ( n = 407) and in an address-based sample (mail and online) of German non-professional respondents ( n = 1,137). Besides extrinsic and intrinsic motivations, the experiment included various study design features (i.e., mode, length, data security) and the mood during the time of contact as possible reasons for participation. The results confirm previous findings regarding the motivations of online panelists but also show important differences between professional and non-professional respondents. Specifically, the main participation reasons of professionals are topic interest (intrinsic) and incentives (extrinsic), while non-professionals are primarily motivated by intrinsic reasons (topic interest and purpose of study). This notion is also supported by the Latent Class Analyses, which showed that three of the four classes for professional respondents had a high probability of naming incentives as one of their main reasons for survey participation, whereas none of the four non-professional clusters rated incentives highly. The differences between the two samples highlight that professional panel members have different motivation structures than participants in general population surveys. This may undermine generalizability, but it also provides opportunities for targeted recruitment.
Examining the Relationship Between Existing Community Resources and Community Leaders’ Perceptions of Resilience and Rural Health During COVID-19
Authors: Borron Abigail , Berg Alison , Jones Catherine , Lamm Alexa , Sanders Catherine , Southall Hannah , Holmes Grace , Brown Courtney , Davis Marsha , Walker Brandy
Published: March 2023

This study explored the relationship between existing community resources and community leaders’ perceptions of resilience and rural health during COVID-19. Observational data of material capitals (e.g., grocery stores and physical activity resources) present in five rural communities involved in a health promotion project were collected and compared with key informant interviews of perceived community health and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis compares the differences in community leaders’ perceptions of resilience during the pandemic to the actual material capitals of the community. While these rural counties were average in terms of available physical activity and nutritional resources, the onset of the pandemic led to varying degrees of disruption in access due to structural closures of mainstay resources, as well as residents perceiving that they cannot or should not access available resources. In addition, county coalition progress was stalled as individuals and groups could not gather together to complete projects, such as building playground equipment. This study demonstrates that existing quantitative instruments, such as NEMS and PARA, fail to take into account perceived access and utility of resources. Therefore, practitioners should consider multiple ways to evaluate resources, capacity, and progress on a health intervention or program and consider community voice to ensure feasibility, relevance, and sustainability—especially when faced with a public health emergency like COVID-19.
Coding Metaphors in Interaction: A Study Protocol and Reflection on Validity and Reliability Challenges
Authors: Declercq Jana , van Poppel Lotte
Published: March 2023

With this study protocol, we present our approach to collaboratively coding metaphors in medical consultations, using the qualitative analysis software package ATLAS.ti. This project came with a number of challenges but also yielded a coded data set that was rich and versatile, and allowed for a wide array of analyses. We therefore believe it can be of interest to share the details of the process, to (1) provide an hands-on approach to qualitative, collaborative (metaphor) coding, and (2) contribute to our understanding and the advancement of qualitative methods in relation to coding metaphors, and coding more generally. The protocol can be of interest for researchers interested in collaborative qualitative coding, of metaphors or other (linguistic) units, using software. We specifically describe how we set up our initial coding system, and how we further developed it inductively; how we dealt with the fuzziness of metaphors; how we approach cleaning between coding rounds; how we divided work over and collaborated as a team of three coders with different but related cultural and linguistic backgrounds; how we structured our documentation and logbook. We then discuss how this set of guidelines complements the theoretical literature and more general guidelines on (metaphor) coding, and on reliability and validity in qualitative research. We will reflect on both a number of logistic and practical issues, as well as methodological and empirical challenges, and advantages and disadvantages of our approach.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome among women diagnosed with infertility in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence studies
Authors: Alam Zufishan , Abdalla Mohammed Altigani , Alseiari Saleh , Alameemi Mahra , Alzaabi Mayytha , Alkhoori Reem , Östlundh Linda , Al-Rifai Rami H.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, a common endocrine disorder, is an important cause of infertility among women of reproductive age. Within the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, polycystic ovarian syndrome is found to affect women increasingly. No study has been carried out to critically summarize the evidence on the prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome among women suffering from infertility in these countries.

Objective:

This protocol aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies reporting the prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome among women seeking infertility treatment in the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates).

Design/Methods and analysis:

The systematic review and meta-analysis will follow the following method.

Data source:

Five databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and SCOPUS, will be searched for observational studies using a combination of relevant keywords and Medical Subject Headings from inception of databases.

Data extraction:

Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text search based on the eligibility criteria. The main outcome is to measure the proportion of women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome among infertility-diagnosed patients. In addition, the risk of bias in the included studies will be assessed using the national institute of health quality assessment tool for observational studies.

Data synthesis:

The random-effects method of the analysis with the inverse variance will be used to calculate the pooled prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome–attributed infertility. Variation in prevalence estimates will be calculated using subgroup analysis based on study and patients’ characteristics and publication bias will be assessed via funnel plot inspection and Eggar’s test.

Discussion:

A critical assessment of evidence on the prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome in women attending fertility clinics is helpful in risk quantification, enabling better planning for managing infertility in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Registration:

This protocol has been registered with PROSPERO, protocol registration number (CRD42022355087).
Application of behavioral change theory and models on COVID-19 preventive behaviors, worldwide: A systematic review
Authors: Anagaw Tadele Fentabil , Tiruneh Misganaw Guadie , Fenta Eneyew Talie
Published: March 2023

Objective:

This systematic review aimed to assess the global application of behavioral change theory and models on COVID-19 preventive behaviors.

Methods:

This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses procedure. Databases such as PubMed/MIDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, EMB ASE, World Health Organization libraries, and Google Scholar were used to search all published articles in the area of application of behavioral change theory and model on COVID-19 preventive behavior until October 1, 2022. Studies published in another language other than English were excluded. Two independent reviewers did the article selection and quality check. A third reviewer asked if any disagreement were found.

Result:

Seventeen thousand four hundred thirty-six total articles were retrieved from all sources after the removal of duplicated articles and those not evaluating the outcome of interest were excluded. Finally, 82 articles done using behavioral change theory and model on COVID-19 preventive behaviors were included. The health belief model (HBM) and theory of planned behavior (TPB) were most commonly used in COVID-19 preventive behaviors. The constructs of most behavioral theories and models were significantly associated with COVID-19 preventive behaviors such as hand washing, face mask use, vaccine uptake, social isolation, self-quarantine, social distance, and use of sanitizers.

Conclusion:

This systematic review summarizes comprehensive evidence on the application of behavioral change theory and model on COVID-19 preventive behaviors globally. A total of seven behavioral change theories and models were included. The HBM and TPBs were most commonly used for COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Therefore, the application of behavioral change theory and models is recommended for developing behavioral change interventional strategies.
Feasibility and acceptability of an online guided self-determination program to improve diabetes self-management in young adults
Authors: Rasmussen Bodil , Wynter Karen , Hamblin Peter S , Rodda Christine , Steele Cheryl , Holton Sara , Zoffmann Vibeke , Currey Judy
Published: March 2023

Objective

Evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an online guided self-determination (GSD) program to improve diabetes self-management skills among young adults with type 1 diabetes (YAD).

Methods

An online program comprising seven structured interactive conversations was designed. A pre- and post- interventional study used a sequential, two-phase multiple method design. Phase one comprised a training program for diabetes educators (DEs). In Phase two YAD participated in program and completed pre- and post-surveys assessing motivation to self-manage, perceived competence in diabetes and communication with DEs. Both YAD and DEs provided a program evaluation.

Results

The online GSD program was acceptable, feasible and effective in improving autonomous motivation in self-management and communication with DEs. Easy access and program flexibility were highly appreciated by both participant groups and perceived to assist YAD to stay motivated.

Conclusion

The program had a significant impact on the diabetes self-management of YAD and was a feasible and acceptable way to engage and communicate with DEs. The GSD platform contributes to age appropriate and person-centred diabetes self-management. It can potentially reach geographically distanced populations, or with social circumstances or other barriers impeding in-person service provision.
Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Factors Affecting Collapse and Nonunion of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture
Authors: Ogon Izaya , Takebayashi Tsuneo , Takashima Hiroyuki , Abe Yasuhisa , Oguma Hiroshi , Imamura Rui , Akatsuka Yoshihiro , Morita Tomonori , Teramoto Atsushi
Published: March 2023

Study Design

Longitudinal study.

Objectives

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning technique that applies diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), is effective for the quantitative assessment of malignant tumors of the vertebral bone. We hypothesized that IVIM parameters of vertebral bodies are associated with the prognosis of osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF). We aimed to explore the relationships between IVIM parameters for vertebral collapse and non-union after OVF and calculate the cut-off values of these parameters for vertebral collapse and non-union.

Methods

A total of 150 patients with acute OVF (150 women; mean age: 79.1 ± 7.4 years) were included and treated conservatively with bracing. MRI was performed at the time of injury. IVIM parameters, such as apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), molecular diffusion coefficient (D), and perfusion-related diffusion (D*) were recorded. The patients were classified into 3 groups: low-collapse (height loss of ≤50%), high-collapse (height loss of >50%), and non-union. We compared ADC, D, and D* among the low-collapse, high-collapse, and non-union groups and performed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the boundary values of the high-collapse and non-union groups.

Results

The low-collapse, high-collapse, and non-union groups had no significant differences in ADC and D. However, D* differed significantly among the 3 groups. ROC analysis revealed cut-off values of 19.0 × 10-3 mm2/s and 12.3 × 10-3 mm2/s for the high-collapse and non-union groups, respectively.

Conclusions

D* is a significant prognostic indicator for high-collapse and non-union groups with OVF. This suggests that D* should be considered when assessing OVF.
Automatic disease prediction from human gut metagenomic data using boosting GraphSAGE
Authors: Syama K. , Jothi J. Angel Arul , Khanna Namita
Published: March 2023

Background

The human microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining human health. Due to the recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies, the microbiome profiles present in the human body have become publicly available. Hence, many works have been done to analyze human microbiome profiles. These works have identified that different microbiome profiles are present in healthy and sick individuals for different diseases. Recently, several computational methods have utilized the microbiome profiles to automatically diagnose and classify the host phenotype.

Results

In this work, a novel deep learning framework based on boosting GraphSAGE is proposed for automatic prediction of diseases from metagenomic data. The proposed framework has two main components, (a). Metagenomic Disease graph (MD-graph) construction module, (b). Disease prediction Network (DP-Net) module. The graph construction module constructs a graph by considering each metagenomic sample as a node in the graph. The graph captures the relationship between the samples using a proximity measure. The DP-Net consists of a boosting GraphSAGE model which predicts the status of a sample as sick or healthy. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified using real and synthetic datasets corresponding to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. The proposed model achieved a highest AUC of 93%, Accuracy of 95%, F1-score of 95%, AUPRC of 95% for the real inflammatory bowel disease dataset and a best AUC of 90%, Accuracy of 91%, F1-score of 87% and AUPRC of 93% for the real colorectal cancer dataset.

Conclusion

The proposed framework outperforms other machine learning and deep learning models in terms of classification accuracy, AUC, F1-score and AUPRC for both synthetic and real metagenomic data.