bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nodal status in luminal A invasive breast cancer: relationships with cytotoxic CD8 + and regulatory FOXP3 + cells tumor-associated infiltrate and other prognostic factors
Authors: Glajcar Anna , Łazarczyk Agnieszka , Tyrak Katarzyna Ewa , Hodorowicz-Zaniewska Diana , Streb Joanna , Okoń Krzysztof , Szpor Joanna
Published: June 2021

Luminal A breast cancers are generally associated with low metastatic potential and good prognosis. However, there is a proportion of patients, who present with metastases in lymph nodes. The aim of our study was to determine the association between the number of positive lymph nodes and infiltrates of tumor-associated cytotoxic CD8 + (CTLs), regulatory FOXP3 + T cells (Tregs), as well as other prognostic factors. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD8 + and FOXP3 + was performed in 87 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary breast cancer tissues, and cell infiltrate was assessed under light microscope. We observed that node-positive cases were associated with higher numbers of Treg cells and lower CTL/Treg ratio. There was also an inverse correlation between the CTL/Treg ratio and the number of metastatic lymph nodes. Similar relationships were found between the number of metastatic lymph nodes and Treg density or CTL/Treg ratio in pT1 BC. An elevated intratumoral CTL/Treg ratio was associated with pN0 stage. The relationship between lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and Treg density was also noted in node-negative tumors. In addition, more advanced nodal stage was related to LVI, higher pT, and lower PR expression. The numbers of CD8 + and FOXP3 + were also associated with tumor size, histologic grade, PR expression, and mitotic index. The results of our study suggested that the levels of tumor-infiltrating regulatory and cytotoxic cells as well as the balance between them play a role in lymphovascular spread of luminal A breast cancers.
Living donor liver transplantation for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma including macrovascular invasion
Authors: Bhatti Abu Bakar Hafeez , Naqvi Wajih , Khan Nusrat Yar , Zia Haseeb Haider , Dar Faisal Saud , Khan Zahid Amin , Rana Atif
Published: June 2021

Background

The indications for liver transplantation (LT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continue to evolve. The aim of this study was to report outcomes in patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for HCC outside traditional criteria including macrovascular invasion (MVI).

Methods

We reviewed outcomes in patients who met the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) criteria (n = 159) and our center-specific criteria (UCSF+) (largest tumor diameter ≤ 10 cm, any tumor number, AFP ≤ 1000 ng/ml) (n = 58). We also assessed outcomes in patients with MVI (n = 27).

Results

The median follow was 28 (10.6–42.7) months. The 5 year overall survival and risk of recurrence (RR) in the UCSF and UCSF + group was 71% vs 69% (P = 0.7) and 13% vs 36% (P = 0.1) respectively. When patients with AFP > 600 ng/ml were excluded from the UCSF + group, RR was 27% (P = 0.3). Among patients with MVI who had downstaging (DS), 4/5(80%) in low-risk group (good response and AFP ≤ 100 ng/ml) and 2/10 (20%) in the high-risk group (poor response or AFP > 100 ng/ml) were alive at the last follow-up. When DS was not feasible, 3/3 (100%) in the low-risk group (AFP ≤ 100 ng/ml + Vp1-2 MVI) and 1/9 (9.1%) in the high-risk group (AFP > 100 or Vp3 MVI) were alive. The 5 year OS in the low-risk MVI group was 85% (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

With inclusion of AFP, response to downstaging and degree of MVI, acceptable survival can be achieved with LDLT for HCC outside traditional criteria.
Association of recipient and donor interleukin 6 polymorphisms 174 and 597 with outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children
Authors: Wetzel Laura , Wittig Susan , Gruhn Bernd
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is compromised by complications such as infection, relapse, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The investigation of non-HLA immunogenetics, particularly of cytokines, could identify predictors of an unfavorable outcome after allogeneic HSCT. In this study, we examined the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the promoter region of interleukin 6 (IL6) on the development of GVHD after pediatric allogeneic HSCT.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, we included 320 pediatric patients with a median age of 10 years who underwent an allogeneic HSCT and their respective donors. We used TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction to analyze the SNPs IL6-174 (G/C) and IL6-597 (G/A). The IL6-174 polymorphism was examined in 300 recipients and 295 donors. The IL6-597 polymorphism was analyzed in 299 recipients and 296 donors. We investigated the influence of the IL6-174 and IL6-597 polymorphisms on overall survival, event-free survival, relapse incidence, transplant-related mortality, and the occurrence of GVHD.

Results

G polymorphism at position 174 of the recipient IL6 gene was associated with a higher incidence of acute GVHD (GG vs. GC/CC; P = 0.024). Patients with IL6-597 GG genotype developed acute GVHD more frequently than individuals with an A allele (GG vs. GA vs. AA; P = 0.013). IL6-174 GG homozygous recipients had a more frequent occurrence of chronic GVHD (GG vs. GC/CC; P = 0.049). We observed a significant increased risk of chronic GVHD in recipients with IL6-597 GG genotype (GG vs. GA vs. AA; P = 0.043). Polymorphisms of donors did not affect the incidence of acute GVHD and chronic GVHD. In multivariate analysis, the IL6-174 and IL6-597 SNPs were independent significant risk factors for acute GVHD (P = 0.030; P = 0.007, respectively) as well as for chronic GVHD (P = 0.045; P = 0.015, respectively). In addition, older age at time of transplantation turned out to be a significant risk factor for chronic GVHD (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Our study identified the IL6-174 and IL6-597 GG genotypes of pediatric allogeneic HSCT recipients as genetic risk factors for the development of acute GVHD and chronic GVHD. After evaluations in further studies, these findings could implicate the adjustment of prophylactic measures to reduce the occurrence of acute GVHD and chronic GVHD.
Filters and congruences in sectionally pseudocomplemented lattices and posets
Authors: Chajda Ivan , Länger Helmut
Published: June 2021

Together with J. Paseka we introduced so-called sectionally pseudocomplemented lattices and posets and illuminated their role in algebraic constructions. We believe that—similar to relatively pseudocomplemented lattices—these structures can serve as an algebraic semantics of certain intuitionistic logics. The aim of the present paper is to define congruences and filters in these structures, derive mutual relationships between them and describe basic properties of congruences in strongly sectionally pseudocomplemented posets. For the description of filters in both sectionally pseudocomplemented lattices and posets, we use the tools introduced by A. Ursini, i.e., ideal terms and the closedness with respect to them. It seems to be of some interest that a similar machinery can be applied also for strongly sectionally pseudocomplemented posets in spite of the fact that the corresponding ideal terms are not everywhere defined.
The association between wearable activity monitor metrics and performance status in oncology: a systematic review
Authors: Kos Milan , Pijnappel Esther N. , Buffart Laurien M. , Balvers Britt R. , Kampshoff Caroline S. , Wilmink Johanna W. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , van Oijen Martijn G. H.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The expanding armamentarium of wearable activity monitors (WAMs) offers new opportunities to supplement physician-assessed performance status (PS) with real-life patient activity data. These data could guide clinical decision making or serve as a measure of treatment outcome. However, information on the association between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) monitored with wearables (i.e., WAM metrics) and PS in patients with cancer is needed. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to examine the association between WAM metrics and PS in patients with cancer.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and Embase for studies that assessed the association between WAM metrics and performance status among adults with cancer. We extracted information on study design and population, WAM type and different activity metrics, outcome definitions, and results. Included studies were subjected to risk of bias assessment and subsequent best evidence synthesis.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in this review. All studies reported on different combinations of WAM metrics including: daily steps (n = 8), SB (n = 5), mean activity counts (n = 4), dichotomous circadian rest-activity index (n = 3), and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (n = 3). Much heterogeneity was observed regarding study population, WAM used, and reporting of results. We found moderate evidence for a positive weak-to-moderate association between WAM-assessed PA and PS and a weak-to-moderate negative association between WAM-assessed SB metrics and PS.

Conclusion

Weak-to-moderate associations between WAM metrics and PS suggest that WAM data and physician-assessed PS cannot be used interchangeably. Instead, WAM data could serve as a dynamic and objective supplement measurement of patients’ physical performance.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors–related encephalitis in melanoma and non-melanoma cancer patients: a single center experience
Authors: Taliansky A. , Furman O. , Gadot M. , Urban D. , Bar J. , Shapira-Frumer R. , Kaufman B. , Asher N. , Leibowitz-Amit R. , Itay A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has greatly improved survival for patients with a number of malignant diseases in recent years. Neurological immune-related adverse events (n-irAE) of varying severity have been reported in the literature. We aimed to identify the incidence of n-irAE, focusing on immune-related encephalitis (IRE), in patients treated with ICI for multiple non-hematological malignancies in our institution.

Methods

All patients with histologically verified cancer that received treatment with ICI at the Sheba Medical Center between January 2017 and August 2019 were surveyed. Medical records for each patient were reviewed and information regarding n-irAE was recorded.

Results

In total, 1993 patients were included. Eleven cases of IRE were recorded, affecting 0.55% of patients overall, eight had non-melanoma cancer. Eight patients had made a full recovery.

Conclusions

IRE is a n-irAE more frequent than previously reported, particularly in non-melanoma patients. The diagnostic criteria and optimal treatment needs to be determined. ICI re-challenge after IRE can be considered for selected patients.
Improvement of grey wolf optimizer with adaptive middle filter to adjust support vector machine parameters to predict diabetes complications
Authors: Jeyafzam Fereshteh , Vaziri Babak , Suraki Mohsen Yaghoubi , Hosseinabadi Ali Asghar Rahmani , Slowik Adam
Published: June 2021

In medical science, collecting and classifying data from various diseases is a vital task. The confused and large amounts of data are problems that prevent us from achieving acceptable results. One of the major problems for diabetic patients is a failure to properly diagnose the disease. As a result of this mistake in diagnosis or failure in early diagnosis, the patient may suffer from complications such as blindness, kidney failure, and cutting off the toes. Nowadays, doctors diagnose the disease by relying on their experience and knowledge and performing complex and time-consuming tests. One of the problems with current diabetic, diagnostic methods is the lack of appropriate features to diagnose the disease and consequently the weakness in its diagnosis, especially in its early stages. Since diabetes diagnosis relies on large amounts of data with many parameters, it is necessary to use machine learning methods such as support vector machine (SVM) to predict the complications of diabetes. One of the disadvantages of SVM is its parameter adjustment, which can be accomplished using metaheuristic algorithms such as particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO), genetic algorithm, or grey wolf optimizer (GWO). In this paper, after preprocessing and preparing the dataset for data mining, we use SVM to predict complications of diabetes based on selected parameters of a patient acquired by laboratory test using improved GWO. We improve the selection process of GWO by employing dynamic adaptive middle filter, a nonlinear filter that assigns appropriate weight to each value based on the data value. Comparison of the final results of the proposed algorithm with classification methods such as a multilayer perceptron neural network, decision tree, simple Bayes, and temporal fuzzy min–max neural network (TFMM-PSO) shows the superiority of the proposed method over the comparable ones.
An Inverse Problem Involving a Viscous Eikonal Equation with Applications in Electrophysiology
Authors: Kunisch Karl , Trautmann Philip
Published: June 2021

In this work we discuss the reconstruction of cardiac activation instants based on a viscous Eikonal equation from boundary observations. The problem is formulated as a least squares problem and solved by a projected version of the Levenberg–Marquardt method. Moreover, we analyze the well-posedness of the state equation and derive the gradient of the least squares functional with respect to the activation instants. In the numerical examples we also conduct an experiment in which the location of the activation sites and the activation instants are reconstructed jointly based on an adapted version of the shape gradient method from (J. Math. Biol. 79, 2033–2068, 2019). We are able to reconstruct the activation instants as well as the locations of the activations with high accuracy relative to the noise level.
Right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision is safe, leads to an increased lymph node yield and to increased survival: results of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Anania G. , Davies R. J. , Bagolini F. , Vettoretto N. , Randolph J. , Cirocchi R. , Donini A.
Published: June 2021

Background

The introduction of complete mesocolic excision (CME) for right colon cancer has raised an important discussion in relation to the extent of colic and mesenteric resection, and the impact this may have on lymph node yield. As uncertainty remains regarding the usefulness of and indications for right hemicolectomy with CME and the benefits of CME compared with a traditional approach, the purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the two procedures in terms of safety, lymph node yield and oncological outcome.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature from 2009 up to March 15th, 2020 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two hundred eighty-one publications were evaluated, and 17 met the inclusion criteria and were included. Primary endpoints analysed were anastomotic leak rate, blood loss, number of harvested lymph nodes, 3- and 5-year oncologic outcomes. Secondary outcomes were operating time, conversion, intraoperative complications, reoperation rate, overall and Clavien–Dindo grade 3–4 postoperative complications.

Results

In terms of safety, right hemicolectomy with CME is not inferior to the standard procedure when comparing rates of anastomotic leak (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.38–1.79), blood loss (MD −32.48, 95% CI −98.54 to −33.58), overall postoperative complications (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67–1.00), Clavien–Dindo grade III–IV postoperative complications (RR 1.36, 95% CI 0.82–2.28) and reoperation rate (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.26–1.75). Traditional surgery is associated with a shorter operating time (MD 16.43, 95% CI 4.27–28.60) and lower conversion from laparoscopic to open approach (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.00–2.96). In terms of oncologic outcomes, right hemicolectomy with CME leads to a higher lymph node yield than traditional surgery (MD 7.05, 95% CI 4.06–10.04). Results of statistical analysis comparing 3-year overall survival and 5-year disease-free survival were better in the CME group, RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.27–0.66 and RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.17–0.56, respectively.

Conclusions

Right hemicolectomy with CME is not inferior to traditional surgery in terms of safety and has a greater lymph node yield when compared with traditional surgery. Moreover, right-sided CME is associated with better overall and disease-free survival.
General population normative data for the EQ-5D-3L in the five largest European economies
Authors: Janssen Mathieu F. , Pickard A. Simon , Shaw James W.
Published: June 2021

Aim

The EQ-5D is a generic measure of health that is widely applied for health economic and non-economic purposes. Population norms can be used to facilitate the interpretation of EQ-5D data. The objective of this study was to develop a set of pooled normative EQ-5D-3L values for the five largest European economies (EUR5).

Methods

EQ-5D-3L index values based on the time trade-off (TTO) were available for all EUR5 countries (n = 21,425): France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom (UK). Country-specific data sets were aggregated and weighted to facilitate the derivation of norms for gender and age groups. Analyses included equal weighting and weighting by population and economy size. Norms were also calculated using the European visual analog scale-based value set (European VAS), the EQ VAS and separately by dimension.

Results

Pooled mean (SD) population weighted TTO values for males/females were 0.967 (0.122)/0.959 (0.118) for ages 18–24; 0.965 (0.096)/0.954 (0.117) for ages 25–34; 0.943 (0.165)/0.936 (0.169) for ages 35–44; 0.934 (0.150)/0.921 (0.157) for ages 45–54; 0.896 (0.188)/0.875 (0.197) for ages 55–64; 0.900 (0.158)/0.839 (0.218) for ages 65–74; and 0.830 (0.234)/0.756 (0.291) for ages 75 and older. Mean values decreased and variance increased with age; females had slightly lower mean values than males across all age bands. The unequal weighting approaches produced similar point estimates with smaller variances. Mean values for the European VAS were slightly lower than those for the TTO-based index.

Discussion

Normative EQ-5D-3L values can be used to benchmark the outcomes of treated patients against the health of the general population. EUR5 norms may be useful in research applications inferring to Europe or the European Union as a whole, particularly when sample size precludes analysis at the country level.
Visceral fat obesity is the key risk factor for the development of reflux erosive esophagitis in 40–69-years subjects
Authors: Ohashi Shinya , Maruno Takahisa , Fukuyama Keita , Kikuchi Osamu , Sunami Tomohiko , Kondo Yuki , Imai Seiichiro , Matsushima Aki , Suzuki Kazuyo , Usui Fumika , Yakami Masahiro , Yamada Atsushi , Isoda Hiroyoshi , Matsumoto Shigemi , Seno Hiroshi , Muto Manabu , Inoue Mayumi
Published: June 2021

Background

Visceral fat obesity can be defined quantitatively by abdominal computed tomography, however, the usefulness of measuring visceral fat area to assess the etiology of gastrointestinal reflux disease has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

A total of 433 healthy subjects aged 40–69 years (234 men, 199 women) were included in the study. The relationship between obesity-related factors (total fat area, visceral fat area, subcutaneous fat area, waist circumference, and body mass index) and the incidence of reflux erosive esophagitis was investigated. Lifestyle factors and stomach conditions relevant to the onset of erosive esophagitis were also analyzed.

Results

The prevalence of reflux erosive esophagitis was 27.2% (118/433; 106 men, 12 women). Visceral fat area was higher in subjects with erosive esophagitis than in those without (116.6 cm2 vs. 64.9 cm2, respectively). The incidence of erosive esophagitis was higher in subjects with visceral fat obesity (visceral fat area ≥ 100 cm2) than in those without (61.2% vs. 12.8%, respectively). Visceral fat obesity had the highest odds ratio (OR) among obesity-related factors. Multivariate analysis showed that visceral fat area was associated with the incidence of erosive esophagitis (OR = 2.18), indicating that it is an independent risk factor for erosive esophagitis. In addition, daily alcohol intake (OR = 1.54), gastric atrophy open type (OR = 0.29), and never-smoking history (OR = 0.49) were also independently associated with the development of erosive esophagitis.

Conclusions

Visceral fat obesity is the key risk factor for the development of reflux erosive esophagitis in subjects aged 40–69 years.
Community integration among individuals with stroke: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Tipnis Sanjana Shirish , Pawar Vaishnavi Vilas , Shinde Rahul Arun , Kumari Deeksha , Padmashali Lavanya , Mehrotra Shashank
Published: June 2021

Objective

Successful community integration involves active participation in the community, broadly defined as having independence, relationships, and engagement in meaningful activities. This review aims to identify the literature focusing on community integration of individuals with stroke aged 18 years and older in the community over the past two decades.

Methods

This review will be based on the methodological framework given by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). We will include studies from SCOPUS, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, EBSCO, ClinicalKey, Wiley Online, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library databases published from January 2000 onwards. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be analyzed separately to identify various assessments, interventions, and factors that influence the community integration of individuals with stroke.

Conclusion

This scoping review will help to explore studies focusing on community integration among individuals with stroke aged 18 and older living in the community. It can further assist professionals who are addressing the concerns of individuals with stroke in the community.
Is behaving unethically for organizations a mixed blessing? A dual-pathway model for the work-to-family spillover effects of unethical pro-organizational behavior
Authors: Chen Haixiao , Kwan Ho Kwong , Xin Jie
Published: June 2021

This research examines the mixed work-to-family spillover effects of unethical pro-organizational behavior. Drawing on conservation of resources theory and the work–home resources model, we develop a dual-pathway model to explain such effects. Based on a three-wave field study involving 214 respondents in China, we find engagement in unethical pro-organizational behavior to be positively associated with employees’ organization-based self-esteem and stress at work, which in turn, leads to work-to-family positive spillover and work-to-family conflict, respectively. We also find that performing tensions moderate the mixed effects of unethical pro-organizational behavior on organization-based self-esteem and work stress and the indirect effects of unethical pro-organizational behavior on work-to-family positive spillover and work-to-family conflict. Our findings have theoretical implications for business ethics scholars and practical implications for managers.
Asymptotic behaviour of orbit determination for hyperbolic maps
Authors: Marò Stefano , Bonanno Claudio
Published: June 2021

We deal with the orbit determination problem for hyperbolic maps. The problem consists in determining the initial conditions of an orbit and, eventually, other parameters of the model from some observations. We study the behaviour of the confidence region in the case of simultaneous increase in the number of observations and the time span over which they are performed. More precisely, we describe the geometry of the confidence region for the solution, distinguishing whether a parameter is added to the estimate of the initial conditions or not. We prove that the inclusion of a dynamical parameter causes a change in the rate of decay of the uncertainties, as suggested by some known numerical evidences.
Determinants of grader agreement: an analysis of multiple short answer corpora
Authors: Padó Ulrike , Padó Sebastian
Published: June 2021

The ’short answer’ question format is a widely used tool in educational assessment, in which students write one to three sentences in response to an open question. The answers are subsequently rated by expert graders. The agreement between these graders is crucial for reliable analysis, both in terms of educational strategies and in terms of developing automatic models for short answer grading (SAG), an active research topic in NLP. This makes it important to understand the properties that influence grader agreement (such as question difficulty, answer length, and answer correctness). However, the twin challenges towards such an understanding are the wide range of SAG corpora in use (which differ along a number of dimensions) and the hierarchical structure of potentially relevant properties (which can be located at the corpus, answer, or question levels). This article uses generalized mixed effects models to analyze the effect of various such properties on grader agreement in six major SAG corpora for two main assessment tasks (language and content assessment). Overall, we find broad agreement among corpora, with a number of properties behaving similarly across corpora (e.g., shorter answers and correct answers are easier to grade). Some properties show more corpus-specific behavior (e.g., the question difficulty level), and some corpora are more in line with general tendencies than others. In sum, we obtain a nuanced picture of how the major short answer grading corpora are similar and dissimilar from which we derive suggestions for corpus development and analysis.
Geochemical characterisation of the thermo-mineral waters of Greece
Authors: Vigni Lorenza Li , Daskalopoulou Kyriaki , Calabrese Sergio , Kyriakopoulos Konstantinos , Parello Francesco , Brugnone Filippo , D’Alessandro Walter
Published: June 2021

Geothermal areas of Greece are located in regions affected by recent volcanism and in continental basins characterised by elevated heat flow. Many of them are found along the coast, and thus, water is often saline due to marine intrusion. In the current study, we present about 300 unpublished and literature data from thermal and cold mineral waters collected along Greece. Samples were analysed for major ions, Li, SiO2 and isotopes in water. Measured temperatures range from 6.5 to 98 °C, pH from 1.96 to 11.98, while Total Dissolved Solutes (TDS) from 0.22 to 51 g/L. Waters were subdivided into four main groups: (1) thermal; (2) cold; (3) acidic (pH < 5); and (4) hyperalkaline (pH > 11). On statistical basis, thermal waters were subdivided into subgroups according to both their temperature [warm (< 29 °C), hypothermal (29–48 °C), thermal (48–75 °C) and hyperthermal (> 75 °C)] and TDS [low salinity (< 4 g/L), brackish (4–30 g/L) and saline (> 30 g/L)]. Cold waters were subdivided based on their pCO2 [low (< 0.05 atm), medium (0.05–0.85 atm) and high (> 0.85 atm)]. δ18O–H2O ranges from − 12.7 to + 2.7‰ versus SMOW, while δ2H–H2O from − 91 to + 12‰ versus SMOW being generally comprised between the Global Meteoric Water Line and the East Mediterranean Meteoric Water Line. Positive δ18O shifts with respect to the former are mostly related to mixing with seawater, while only for a few samples these shifts point to high-temperature water–rock interaction processes. Only a few thermal waters gave reliable geothermometric estimates, suggesting reservoir temperatures between 80 and 260 °C.
“Teach more, but do not expect any applause”: Are Women Doubly Discriminated Against in Universities’ Recruitment Processes?
Authors: Brommesson Douglas , Erlingsson Gissur Ó , Ödalen Jörgen , Fogelgren Mattias
Published: June 2021

Studies repeatedly find that women and men experience life in academia differently. Importantly, the typical female academic portfolio contains less research but more teaching and administrative duties. The typical male portfolio, on the other hand, contains more research but less teaching and administration. Since previous research has suggested that research is a more valued assignment than teaching in academia, we hypothesise that men will be ranked higher in the peer-evaluations that precede hirings to tenured positions in Swedish academia. We analyze 861 peer review assessments of applicants in 111 recruitment processes in Economics, Political Science, and Sociology at the six largest Swedish universities. Our findings confirm that the premises established in previous research are valid in Sweden too: Women have relatively stronger teaching merits and men relatively stronger research merits, and also that, on balance, research is rewarded more when applicants are ranked by reviewers. Accordingly, male applicants are ranked higher compared to female applicants.
Bio-corrosion impacts on mechanical integrity of ZM21 Mg for orthopaedic implant application processed by equal channel angular pressing
Authors: Prithivirajan S. , Nyahale Mayur Bapu , Naik Gajanan M. , Narendranath S. , Prabhu Ashwini , Rekha P. D.
Published: June 2021

The mechanical integrity of rolled ZM21 Mg was improved by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) to function as a potential biodegradable bone screw implant. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) revealed deformed grains of 45 µm observed in rolled ZM21 Mg. They were transformed to equiaxed fine grains of 5.4 µm after 4th pass ECAP. The yield strength of rolled and ECAPed ZM21 Mg alloys were comparable. In contrast, 4th pass ZM21 Mg exhibited relatively higher elongation when compared to rolled sample. The mechanical properties of rolled and ECAPed ZM21 Mg were dependant on both grain refinement and crystallographic texture. The rolled and 4th pass ECAPed tensile samples exhibited nonlinear deterioration of mechanical properties when tested after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days immersion in Hank’s solution. The evaluation signifies that regardless their processing condition, ZM21 Mg alloys are suitable for surgical areas that requires high mechanical strength. In addition, the 4th pass ECAP samples were viable to MG-63 cells proving themselves to be promising candidates for future in vivo studies.
On Thermodynamically Compatible Finite Volume Methods and Path-Conservative ADER Discontinuous Galerkin Schemes for Turbulent Shallow Water Flows
Authors: Busto Saray , Dumbser Michael , Gavrilyuk Sergey , Ivanova Kseniya
Published: June 2021

In this paper we propose a new reformulation of the first order hyperbolic model for unsteady turbulent shallow water flows recently proposed in Gavrilyuk et al. (J Comput Phys 366:252–280, 2018). The novelty of the formulation forwarded here is the use of a new evolution variable that guarantees the trace of the discrete Reynolds stress tensor to be always non-negative. The mathematical model is particularly challenging because one important subset of evolution equations is nonconservative and the nonconservative products also act across genuinely nonlinear fields. Therefore, in this paper we first consider a thermodynamically compatibleviscous extensionof the model that is necessary to define a proper vanishing viscosity limit of the inviscid model and that is absolutely fundamental for the subsequent construction of a thermodynamically compatible numerical scheme. We then introduce two different, but related, families of numerical methods for its solution. The first scheme is a provablythermodynamically compatiblesemi-discrete finite volume scheme that makes direct use of theGodunov formof the equations and can therefore be called adiscrete Godunov formalism. The new method mimics the underlying continuous viscous systemexactlyat the semi-discrete level and is thus consistent with the conservation of total energy, with the entropy inequality and with the vanishing viscosity limit of the model. The second scheme is a general purpose high order path-conservative ADER discontinuous Galerkin finite element method with a posteriori subcell finite volume limiter that can be applied to the inviscid as well as to the viscous form of the model. Both schemes have in common that they make use of path integrals to define the jump terms at the element interfaces. The different numerical methods are applied to the inviscid system and are compared with each other and with the scheme proposed in Gavrilyuk et al. (2018) on the example of three Riemann problems. Moreover, we make the comparison with a fully resolved solution of the underlying viscous system with small viscosity parameter (vanishing viscosity limit). In all cases an excellent agreement between the different schemes is achieved. We furthermore show numerical convergence rates of ADER-DG schemes up to sixth order in space and time and also present two challenging test problems for the model where we also compare with available experimental data.
Support for the higher-order factor structure of the WHODAS 2.0 self-report version in a Dutch outpatient psychiatric setting
Authors: Williams Guido L. , de Beurs Edwin , Spinhoven Philip , Flens Gerard , Paap Muirne C. S.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Previous studies of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) interview version suggested a second-order model, with a general disability factor and six factors on a lower level. The goal of this study is to investigate if we can find support for a similar higher-order factor structure of the 36-item self-report version of the WHODAS 2.0 in a Dutch psychiatric outpatient sample. We aim to give special attention to the differences between the non-working group sample and the working group sample. Additionally, we intend to provide preliminary norms for clinical interpretation of the WHODAS 2.0 scores in psychiatric settings.

Methods

Patients seeking specialized ambulatory treatment, primarily for depressive or anxiety symptoms, completed the WHODAS 2.0 as part of the initial interview. The total sample consisted of 770 patients with a mean age of 37.5 years (SD = 13.3) of whom 280 were males and 490 were females. Several factorial compositions (i.e., one unidimensional model and two second-order models) were modeled using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Descriptive statistics, model-fit statistics, reliability of the (sub)scales, and preliminary norms for interpreting test scores are reported.

Results

For the non-working group, the second-order model with a general disability factor and six factors on a lower level, provided an adequate fit. Whereas, for the working group, the second-order model with a general disability factor and seven factors on a lower level seemed more appropriate. The WHODAS 2.0 36-item self-report form showed adequate levels of reliability. Percentile ranks and normalized T-scores are provided to aid clinical evaluations.

Conclusion

Our results lend support for a factorial structure of the WHODAS 2.0 36-item self-report version that is comparable to the interview version. While we conjecture that a seven-factor solution might give a better reflection of item content and item variance, further research is needed to assess the clinical relevance of such a model. At this point, we recommend using the second-order structure with six factors that matches past findings of the interview form.
Triethylamine–Water as a Switchable Solvent for the Synthesis of Cu/ZnO Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation to Methanol
Authors: Wallace William T. , Hayward James S. , Ho Chen-Yu , Marsh Amy R. , Tariq Anisa , Bartley Jonathan K.
Published: June 2021

Cu/ZnO catalyst precursors for industrial methanol synthesis catalysts are traditionally synthesised by coprecipitation. In this study, a new precipitation route has been investigated based on anti-solvent precipitation using a switchable solvent system of triethylamine and water. This system forms a biphasic system under a nitrogen atmosphere and can be switched to an ionic liquid single phase under a carbon dioxide atmosphere. When metal nitrate solutions were precipitated from water using triethylamine–water as the anti-solvent a hydroxynitrate phase, gerhardite, was formed, rather than the hydroxycarbonate, malachite, formed by coprecipitation. When calcined and reduced, the gerhardite precursors formed Cu/ZnO catalysts which showed better productivity for methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation than a traditional malachite precursor, despite their larger CuO crystallite size determined by X-ray diffraction. The solvents could be recovered by switching to the biphasic system after precipitation, to allow solvent recycling in the process, reducing waste associated with the catalyst synthesis.
The 40-year debate: a meta-review on what works for juvenile offenders
Authors: Pappas Laceé N. , Dent Amy L.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This meta-review integrates the findings of meta-analyses and systematic reviews to explore the effect of intervention programs on recidivism for juvenile offenders.

Methods

The systematic literature search gathered 48 meta-analyses and systematic reviews from 53 research reports, contributing 56 independent effect sizes for analysis. These effect sizes were statistically integrated, and five moderators of theoretical and methodological importance were tested using meta-regression.

Results

On average, intervention programs are associated with a significant reduction in recidivism (rΦ = −0.09, p < 0.001) for juvenile offenders who participate in a program compared to those who do not. However, reductions in recidivism significantly vary between the levels of criminal justice system, characteristics of juvenile offenders, types of program modalities, and methodological quality.

Conclusions

Results indicate that intervention programs can be an effective approach to reducing recidivism for juvenile offenders, especially when combined with a rehabilitative program modality.
Households’ willingness to pay and preferences for improved cook stoves in Ethiopia
Authors: Bersisa Mekonnen , Heshmati Almas , Mekonnen Alemu
Published: June 2021

This paper examines households’ preferences, willingness to pay, and determinants of adopting improved cook stoves in rural Ethiopia. The study uses primary household data selected randomly from three districts in Ethiopia’s Oromia region. The data was collected using a mix of contingent and choice experiment methods of valuation. The former used a double-bounded value elicitation method, while the latter used a fractional factorial design to efficiently generate an attribute and level combination for the improved cook stoves. The study also used various discrete choice models for data analysis and also used models which account for scale and preference heterogeneity. The findings show that the sample households were aware of the effects of using traditional cook stoves and the benefits of using improved cook stoves. However, they were constrained by the availability of the new technology and discouraged by the low-quality of the products that they had used so far. The estimated mean willingness to pay ranged from about 150 Birr to 350 Birr which is lower than the market price of the improved cook stoves. Emission reduction, reducing fire risks, and the durability of the cook stove positively affected its adoption, while price discouraged its use. Higher levels of education, higher incomes, non-farm employment, and having more livestock increased the probability of adopting the new gas stoves. The study recommends that policymakers and product designers should use the mean willingness to pay and marginal rate of substitution for the different attributes as a benchmark for product design and pricing that fit households’ preferences and ability to pay. The lower mean willingness to pay means that a public subsidizing policy is needed for effectively disseminating improved cook stoves in rural Ethiopia.
Dissecting the duality gap: the supporting hyperplane interpretation revisited
Authors: Quttineh Nils-Hassan , Larsson Torbjörn
Published: June 2021

We revisit the classic supporting hyperplane illustration of the duality gap for non-convex optimization problems. It is refined by dissecting the duality gap into two terms: the first measures the degree of near-optimality in a Lagrangian relaxation, while the second measures the degree of near-complementarity in the Lagrangian relaxed constraints. We also give an example of how this dissection may be exploited in the design of a solution approach within discrete optimization.
Review of personal radiation exposure dose and history of the interventional procedure records for 40 years
Authors: Mizunuma Kimiyoshi
Published: June 2021

Objective

To inspect personal dose as an interventional radiologist for 40 years, to assess the enforcement number of interventional radiology (IR), and to check for radiation cataract.

Materials and methods

I evaluated my own effective dose, an equivalent dose to the lens of the eye (EDL), and the number of IR procedures between March 2019 and June 1979. I examined the lens in June 2019 as a radiologist for 40 years.

Results

The accumulation dose was 0 mSv in 1979–88. During 1989–93, the right crystalline lens equivalence of the value dose was measured. During 1993–96, two badge items for the head, neck, and abdomen were present. Both were distributed, but attaching to the same part and reversing occurred frequently. The EDL of the recent 5 years has exceeded 100 mSv. No association with the number of IR procedures was recognized. Posterior subcapsular vacuoles (PSV) as the early changes of the radiation cataract were recognized as four on the left and one on the right.

Conclusion

It is important to get accustomed to film badge wearing, and the cancelation of making a mistake in the wearing part. Radiologists should check the PSV at a stage beyond a certain constant dose.
An Exploration of the Patient Lived Experience of Remission and Relapse of Type 2 Diabetes Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Sudlow Alexis C. , Pournaras Dimitri J. , Heneghan Helen , Bodnar Zsolt , le Roux Carel W. , McGillicuddy Deidre
Published: June 2021

Background

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), inducing profound metabolic changes associated with improvements in glycaemic control. In spite of the recognition of the physiological changes associated with bariatric surgery, what remains underappreciated is the patient experience of surgery to treat T2DM.

Objectives

This study explored the patient experience with regard to motivations, expectations and outcomes, including remission and relapse of diabetes.

Methods

An in-depth qualitative approach was adopted, encompassing semi-structured interviews with patients (n=17) living with obesity and T2DM both pre- and postsurgery. Interpretive thematic analysis identified emergent themes using a grounded approach.

Results

Analysis revealed a number of themes throughout the interviews which included motivations and perceived benefits of surgery, obesity stigma and its impact on self-worth as well as perceptions of remission or relapse and the implications for sense of control.

Conclusions

The motivation for undergoing bariatric surgery was driven by health concerns, namely T2DM and the desire to reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related complications. Patients highlighted social and self-stigmatisation associated with obesity and T2DM, leading to feelings of shame and an inability to seek support from family or healthcare professionals. Stigmatisation created a sense of failure and feeling of guilt for having T2DM. As a result, patients felt responsible for maintaining disease remission postoperatively and regarded the need for medication as a sign of treatment failure.
Work ability and cognitive impairments in young adult cancer patients: associated factors and changes over time—results from the AYA-Leipzig study
Authors: Brock Hannah , Friedrich Michael , Sender Annekathrin , Richter Diana , Geue Kristina , Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja , Leuteritz Katja
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Although young adults represent a significant portion of the working population, little is known about the work ability and cognitive impairments in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients (including the long-term course) following cancer treatment.

Methods

As part of the AYA-Leipzig study, we surveyed AYA cancer survivors (aged 18–39 years at diagnosis; time since diagnosis ≤ 4 years, including all cancer diagnoses) at two time points (t2 = 12 months after t1). Work ability (Work Ability Index, WAI-r) and cognitive impairments (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, COPSOQ) were compared at both time points. We analysed predictors for work ability at, on average, 2 years post cancer diagnosis (t2) by using multivariate regression analyses.

Results

A total of 502 patients (74.7% women) participated in both measurements. Mean work ability increased significantly from t1 (6.0; SD = 2.3) to t2 (6.8; SD = 2.2) (t = −9.3; p < 0.001). As many as 380 (76%) AYA cancer survivors reported reduced work ability at t1; 1 year later, this still applied to 287 (57%) of them. Decreased work ability (t2) was associated with more cognitive impairment, higher effort coping with the disease, comorbidities, sick leave > 6 months (since diagnosis), and having children (adj R2 = .48). Cognitive impairments occurred in approximately every fifth patient at both surveys.

Conclusions

Achieving maximum work ability is a major challenge for AYAs. Our results show the need for multimodal cancer survivorship and rehabilitation programmes with a special focus on improving cognitive and psychosocial functioning.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

AYAs with cancer should receive targeted occupational counselling early in the course of the disease.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Surgical Training: the Past, the Present and the Future
Authors: Yiasemidou Marina
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and infection control measures had an unavoidable impact on surgical services. During the first wave of the pandemic, elective surgery, endoscopy, and ‘face-to-face’ clinics were discontinued after recommendations from professional bodies. In addition, training courses, examinations, conferences, and training rotations were postponed or cancelled. Inadvertently, infection control and prevention measures, both within and outside hospitals, have caused a significant negative impact on training. At the same time, they have given space to new technologies, like telemedicine and platforms for webinars, to blossom. While the recovery phase is well underway in some parts of the world, most surgical services are not operating at full capacity. Unfortunately, some countries are still battling a second or third wave of the pandemic with severely negative consequences on surgical services. Several studies have looked into the impact of COVID-19 on surgical training. Here, an objective overview of studies from different parts of the world is presented. Also, evidence-based solutions are suggested for future surgical training interventions.
Demographic trends in less and least developed countries: Convergence or divergence?
Authors: Gabrielli Giuseppe , Paterno Anna , Salvini Silvana , Corazziari Isabella
Published: June 2021

Many scholars share the assumption that demographic patterns in the world are converging over time. The present study analyses the temporal trends of specific parameters of mortality and fertility—together with certain socio-economic indicators—in 95 less and least developed countries during the period 1990–2015 and discusses whether mortality and fertility trends are convergent or divergent. We apply dynamic factor analysis and cluster analysis of trajectories to macro-data from major international sources. The results show that a large number of countries have a convergent trend in mortality, but sub-Saharan African countries affected by the HIV–AIDS epidemic show non-monotonic temporal trends. Trends in fertility are delayed and unclear and depend on individual attitudes and levels of women’s empowerment. Fifty-two out of the 95 observed countries are collocated in similar mortality and fertility groups. Finally, countries at an advanced economic stage made the best improvements, while the least developed ones retained their deep pre-existing inequalities.