bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of liquid-based brush cytology and HPV detection for the diagnosis and management of patients with oropharyngeal and oral cancer
Authors: Castillo Paola , de la Oliva Jorge , Alos Silvia , Perez Francisco , Vega Naiara , Vilaseca Isabel , Marti Carles , Ferrer Ada , Alos Llucia
Published: November 2021

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of liquid-based brush cytology for malignancy diagnosis and HPV detection in patients with suspected oropharyngeal and oral carcinomas, as well as for the diagnosis of tumoral persistence after treatment.

Material and methods

Seventy-five patients with suspicion of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx or oral cavity were included. Two different study groups were analyzed according to the date of the sample collection: (1) during the first endoscopy exploration and (2) in the first control endoscopy after treatment for squamous cell carcinoma. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for malignancy diagnosis as well as for HPV-DNA detection on brush cytologies were assessed.

Results

Before treatment, the brush cytology showed a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 88%. After treatment, it showed a sensitivity of 71%, specificity of 77%, and accuracy of 75%. HPV-DNA detection in cytology samples showed a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 91% before treatment and an accuracy of 100% after treatment.

Conclusions

Liquid-based brush cytology showed good accuracy for diagnosis of oropharyngeal and oral squamous cell carcinoma before treatment, but its value decreases after treatment. Nevertheless, it is useful for HPV-DNA detection, as well as to monitor the patients after treatment.

Clinical relevance

Brush cytology samples are reliable for the detection of HPV-DNA before and after treatment and may be a useful method to incorporate in the HPV testing guidelines.
Trueness of full-arch IO scans estimated based on 3D translational and rotational deviations of single teeth—an in vitro study
Authors: Radeke Johanna , Vogel Annike B. , Schmidt Falko , Kilic Fatih , Repky Stefan , Beyersmann Jan , Lapatki Bernd G.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To three-dimensionally evaluate deviations of full-arch intraoral (IO) scans from reference desktop scans in terms of translations and rotations of individual teeth and different types of (mal)occlusion.

Materials and methods

Three resin model pairs reflecting different tooth (mal)positions were mounted in the phantom head of a dental simulation unit and scanned by three dentists and three non-graduate investigators using a confocal laser IO scanner (Trios 3®). The tooth-crown surfaces of the IO scans and reference scans were superimposed by means of best-fit alignment. A novel method comprising the measurement of individual tooth positions was used to determine the deviations of each tooth in the six degrees of freedom, i.e., in terms of 3D translation and rotation. Deviations between IO and reference scans, among tooth-(mal)position models, and between dentists and non-graduate investigators were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models.

Results

The overall translational deviations of individual teeth on the IO scans were 76, 32, and 58 µm in the lingual, mesial, and intrusive directions, respectively, resulting in a total displacement of 114 µm. Corresponding rotational deviations were 0.58° buccal tipping, 0.04° mesial tipping, and 0.14° distorotation leading to a combined rotation of 0.78°. These deviations were the smallest for the dental arches with anterior crowding, followed by those with spacing and those with good alignment (p < 0.05). Results were independent of the operator’s level of education.

Conclusions

Compared to reference desktop scans, individual teeth on full-arch IO scans showed high trueness with total translational and rotational deviations < 115 µm and < 0.80°, respectively.

Clinical relevance

Available confocal laser IO scanners appear sufficiently accurate for diagnostic and therapeutic orthodontic applications. Results indicate that full-arch IO scanning can be delegated to non-graduate dental staff members.
Safety and efficacy of azilsartan in paediatric patients with hypertension: a phase 3, single-arm, open-label, prospective study
Authors: Ito Shuichi , Nishiyama Yuya , Sugiura Kenkichi , Enya Kazuaki
Published: November 2021

Background

Azilsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker indicated for the treatment of adult hypertension. A previous single-dose study suggested that azilsartan may also be a promising agent for paediatric hypertension. However, the long-term safety and efficacy of azilsartan in children have not been established.

Methods

We conducted a phase 3, single-arm, open-label, prospective study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of azilsartan in pediatric patients with hypertension. Twenty-seven patients aged 6–15 years were treated with once-daily azilsartan for 52 weeks. The starting dose was 2.5 mg for patients weighing < 50 kg (N = 22) and 5 mg for patients weighing ≥ 50 kg (N = 5), with doses titrated up to a maximum of 20 and 40 mg, respectively.

Results

Azilsartan showed acceptable tolerability at doses up to 20 mg in patients weighing < 50 kg and 40 mg in those weighing ≥ 50 kg. Most drug-related adverse events (AEs) were mild, with one patient (3.7%) experiencing a severe and serious drug-related AE (acute kidney injury). One patient (3.7%) had a mild increase in serum creatinine level, which resolved after treatment discontinuation. The blood pressure-lowering effect of azilsartan was observed as early as Week 2. Overall, approximately half of the patients achieved their target blood pressure at the end of azilsartan treatment.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that azilsartan has an acceptable safety profile in hypertensive patients aged 6–15 years. Azilsartan may be a promising agent for treating paediatric hypertension.
Created by the Monte Peron rock avalanche: Lago di Vedana (Dolomites, Italy) and its sediment record of landscape evolution after a mass wasting event
Authors: Zolitschka Bernd , Polgar Irene Sophie , Behling Hermann
Published: November 2021

The timing of the Monte Peron Landslide is revised to 2890 cal. BP based on a radiocarbon-dated sediment stratigraphy of Lago di Vedana. This age fosters the importance of hydroclimatic triggers in the light of accelerating global warming with a predicted increase of precipitation enhancing the regional predisposition to large landslides. Moreover, a layer enriched in allochthonous organic and minerogenic detritus dating to the same wet period is interpreted as response to a younger and yet unidentified mass wasting event in the catchment of Lago di Vedana. Rock debris of the Monte Peron Landslide impounded the Cordevole River valley and created a landslide-dammed lake. Around AD 1150, eutrophication of this lacustrine ecosystem started with intensified human occupation – a process that ended 150 years later, when the river was diverted back into its original bed. Most likely, this occurred due to artificial opening of the river dam. In consequence, Lago di Vedana was isolated from an open and minerogenic to an endorheic and carbonaceous lacustrine system. After a monastery was established nearby in AD 1457, a second eutrophication process was initiated due to intensified land use linked with deforestation. Only in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, deposition of organic matter decreased coinciding with climatic (Little Ice Age) and cultural changes. Conversational measures are the likely reasons for a trend towards less eutrophic conditions since AD 1950.
Global cargo gravitation model: airports matter for forecasts
Authors: Baier Fabian , Berster Peter , Gelhausen Marc
Published: November 2021

The reliability of forecast models in the aviation sector is an important factor for industry and policy makers likewise. Expanding airports and fleets usually is a cost and time intensive process, and in order to maintain efficient market behavior, accurate anticipation of future demand and structural changes is attempted. We present a new quantitative approach to air cargo forecasts utilizing global airport-dyadic ICAO CASS data in general linearized airport fixed effects gravity models. While the strong explanatory power of our time invariant constant model has its natural difficulties predicting a variety of smaller indicators from previous models found in literature, we achieve very good results for selected time variant variables as gross domestic product per capita or kerosene prices. This makes our model a perfect tool for forecast simulations: extrapolating general economic forecast data provided by IHS Markit yield similar results to Boeing cargo forecasts (2020), with a slight decrease in the long run. Additionally, we do not need to split or control our sample in regional groups due to airport fixed effects, which makes the model on the other hand suitable for country- and airport level forecasts as well. The utilization of a large unique bilateral freight data set also helps answering classical gravity model questions in aviation: we track the distance effect to a matter of sample selection, finding no significant interaction following state of the art gravity econometrics.
Record-Making, Research, and Removal: Mitigating Impacts on Rock Art in a CRM Context in Southern Africa—the Case of the Metolong Dam, Lesotho
Authors: Arthur Charles , Mitchell Peter , Mallen Lara , Pearce David , Bonneau Adelphine , Prinsloo Frans , Mokachane Rethabile , Nthunya Pulane , Mothopeng Sheriff , King Rachel , Meyer Jess , Eoin Luíseach Nic
Published: November 2021

This paper reports on the steps taken to mitigate the impact of the Metolong Dam (Lesotho) on the rock art present within the catchment of its associated reservoir. Mitigation took four major forms: comprehensive survey and documentation, including both photography and tracing; pigment characterization and radiocarbon dating; exploration of the ongoing significance of rock art as a form of living heritage for people living in the vicinity; and removal of selected panels for permanent safekeeping. These steps are placed within the wider context of other cultural heritage management projects in Africa and their success evaluated. Recommendations are made for how similar work should be undertaken in future.
Socioeconomic Deprivation and Dropout from Contemporary Psychological Intervention for Common Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Firth Nick , Barkham Michael , Delgadillo Jaime , Allery Kai , Woodward Jonathan , O’Cathain Alicia
Published: November 2021

Dropout during psychological intervention is a significant problem. Previous evidence for associations with socioeconomic deprivation is mixed. This study aimed to review the evidence for associations between deprivation and dropout from contemporary adult psychological interventions for common mental disorders (CMDs). Systematic review, narrative synthesis and random effects meta-analysis of peer-reviewed English language journal articles published June 2010–June 2020 was conducted.﻿ Data sources included medline, PsycInfo, databases indexed by web of science, ProQuest social science database and sociology collection, and the Cochrane Library, supplemented by forward and backward citation searching. Five studies were eligible for inclusion (mean N = 170, 68% female, 60% White Caucasian, 32% dropout rate, predominantly cognitive behaviour therapy/cognitive processing therapy). Narrative synthesis indicated an overall non-significant effect of deprivation on dropout. Meta-analytic significance of controlled (k = 3) and uncontrolled (k = 4) effects depended on the measure of deprivation included for those studies using more than one measure (controlled OR 1.21–1.32, p = 0.019–0.172, uncontrolled OR 1.28–1.76, p = 0.024–0.423). The low number of included studies meant sub-group comparisons were limited, despite some tentative indications of potential differential effects. A comparator set of excluded studies showed similar uncertainty. There was limited evidence that did not overall suggest a clear significant effect of deprivation on dropout from contemporary individual CMD interventions. However, more contemporary research is needed, as effects may vary according to clinical and methodological factors, and for dropout versus non-initiation.
Patterns of Child Mental Health Service Utilization Within a Multiple EBP System of Care
Authors: Lui Joyce H. L. , Brookman-Frazee Lauren , Vázquez Alejandro L. , Cox Julia R. , Innes-Gomberg Debbie , Taguchi Kara , Pesanti Keri , Lau Anna S.
Published: November 2021

The current study (1) characterizes patterns of mental health service utilization over 8 years among youth who received psychotherapy in the context of a community implementation of multiple evidence-based practices (EBPs), and (2) examined youth-, provider- and service-level predictors of service use patterns. Latent profile analyses were performed on 5,663,930 administrative claims data furnished by the county department of mental health. Multinomial logistic regression with Vermunt’s method was used to examine predictors of care patterns. Based on frequency, course, cost, and type of services, three distinct patterns of care were identified: (1) Standard EBP Care (86.3%), (2) Less EBP Care (8.5%), and (3) Repeated/Chronic Care (5.2%). Youth age, ethnicity, primary language, primary diagnosis and secondary diagnosis, provider language and provider type, and caregiver involvement and service setting were significant predictors of utilization patterns. Although the majority of youth received care aligned with common child EBP protocols, a significant portion of youth (13.7%) received no evidence-based care or repeated, costly episodes of care. Findings highlight opportunities to improve and optimize services, particularly for youth who are adolescents or transition-aged, Asian-American/Pacific Islander, Spanish-speaking, or presenting with comorbidities.
Divergent temperature-specific metabolic and feeding rates of native and invasive crayfish
Authors: Ruokonen T. J. , Karjalainen J.
Published: November 2021

Temperature is one of the most important factors governing the activity of ectothermic species, and it plays an important but less studied role in the manifestation of invasive species impacts. In this study, we investigated temperature-specific feeding and metabolic rates of invasive and native crayfish, and evaluated how temperature regulates their ecological impacts at present and in future according to different climatic scenarios by bioenergetics modelling. We conducted a series of maximum food consumption experiments and measured the metabolic rates of cold-adapted native noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) and invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) originally from a warmer environment over a temperature gradient resembling natural temperatures in Finland. The maximum feeding rates and routine metabolic rates (RMR) of native noble crayfish were significantly higher at low temperatures (< 10 °C than the rates of invasive signal crayfish. The RMRs of the species crossed at 18 °C, and the RMRs of signal crayfish were higher at temperatures above 18 °C. These findings indicate that the invader’s thermal niche has remained stable, and the potential impacts per capita are lower at suboptimal cold temperatures than for the native species. Our bioenergetics modelling showed that the direct annual predation impact of noble and signal crayfish seem similar, although the seasonal dynamics of the predation differs considerably between species. Our results highlight that the temperature-specific metabolic and feeding rates of species need to be taken into account in the impact assessment instead of simple generalisations of the direction or magnitude of impacts.
Local force titration of wood surfaces by chemical force microscopy
Authors: Gusenbauer Claudia , Peter Karolina , Cabane Etienne , Konnerth Johannes
Published: November 2021

Chemical force microcopy, a variation of atomic force microscopy, opened the door to visualize chemical nano-properties of various materials in their natural state. The key function of this method is given by translating adhesion forces between a functionalized tip and the sample to chemical surface behavior. In force titration, these adhesion forces are studied in different pH buffers, which allows estimating the pKa value of the analyzed surface. Herein, we report the use of this method to study natural and chemically treated wood surfaces, which are of interest in sustainable material design. First, we show varying adhesion phenomena of OH- and COOH-functionalized tips on native spruce wood cells. Then, we demonstrate how peak force tapping with chemically functionalized tips can be used to estimate the pKa value of gold substrates (pKa ≈ 5.2) and different wood cell wall layers with high spatial resolution. Additionally, the swelling behavior of wood samples is analyzed in varying pH buffers. With the applied method, chemical surface properties of complex natural substrates can be analyzed.

Graphical abstract
Analysing Plant Representation in Children’s Literature: The Phyto-Analysis Map
Authors: Guanio-Uluru Lykke
Published: November 2021

Recent biological research (Trewavas, 2003; Mancuso & Viola, 2013; Gagliano, 2018) has (re)demonstrated the variety and complexity of the adaptive behaviour of plants. In parallel with these findings, and in acknowledgement of the important role played by plants in the biosphere and climate of the planet, the representation of plants in philosophy, arts and literature has become an object of study within the environmental humanities. In response to the rapidly developing field of critical plant studies, the representation of plants in literatures for children and young adults are now accumulating. Even as the number of studies is increasing, there is as yet no cohesive framework for the analysis of plant representation in children’s literature. This article addresses this gap. Inspired by the Nature-in-Culture Matrix, an analytical figure that provides an overarching schema for ecocritical analysis of children’s texts and cultures (see Goga et al., 2018), this article presents an analytical framework for plant-oriented analysis, the Phyto-Analysis Map. This map has been developed with reference to central concepts from the field of critical plant studies, and its usefulness is elucidated through literary examples. Developed with children’s fiction in mind, the map also has potential application with children’s non-fiction, which often employs fictional textual techniques.
An assessment of the correlation between urban green space supply and socio-economic disparities of Tehran districts—Iran
Authors: Nasri Roodsari Elmira , Hoseini Parian
Published: November 2021

Contact with UGS (urban green spaces) is a critical element for urban quality of life and an essential aspect of environmental justice, so all citizens should be able to access UGS regardless of their social and economic condition. In this regard, several studies have shown a positive correlation between UGS justice with socio-economic status in different contexts. In recent decades, Tehran has also experienced much wider socio-economic inequalities, reflected in its spatial configuration. Therefore, this study explored the possible correlation between the UGS supply and accessibility in the 22 Tehran municipal districts and their socio-economic development level. For this purpose, UGS supply (per capita) and accessibility (areas within 800 m walking distance to UGS) indicators are used to assess the UGS justice in Tehran. The research data are drawn from official spatial and statistical data, analysed using ArcGIS. This quantitative data are converted into map layers to shape a basis for UGS assessment indicators in conjunction with socio-economic status. The findings show an unbalanced distribution of UGS in Tehran. However, the areas with highest socio-economic status are at an optimum level of UGS justice in relation to all 22 districts, but no direct correlation confirms the same results for areas with lower socio-economic status.
A comparison of trends in population size and life history features of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and anadromous and non-anadromous Brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a single catchment over 116 years
Authors: Adams Colin E. , Honkanen Hannele M. , Bryson Ellen , Moore Isabel E. , MacCormick Malcolm , Dodd Jennifer A.
Published: November 2021

We use a long time series of catch abundance from a recreational fishery over 116 years to look for population trends in Atlantic salmon, and anadromous (sea trout) and non-anadromous (brown) trout for a single catchment, Loch Lomond, west central Scotland. Year strongly predicted variation in catches but catch effort did not meaningfully increase explained variation. Salmon showed periods of increasing and decreasing trends, for sea trout and brown trout there was an overall declining trend. Since 1952, Lomond salmon population trends differed from both wider Scotland and southern Europe, indicating that the Lomond population is partially buffered from drivers of change in salmon populations more widely. In contrast Lomond sea trout showed a similar declining trend to that of populations from the wider west of Scotland over this period. The Lomond populations showed some evidence of shorter-term cycling patterns; the drivers for which are unknown. Body size in salmon and sea trout declined but increased in brown trout; salmon returned to freshwater later, and the relative proportion of all caught trout that were anadromous increased across the time series. This study shows a long and protracted period of fundamental change to populations of these two species over 116 years.
Behavioural responses to con- and heterospecific alarm cues by an alien and a coexisting native fish
Authors: Kłosiński Piotr , Kobak Jarosław , Augustyniak Mateusz , Pawlak Roman , Jermacz Łukasz , Poznańska-Kakareko Małgorzata , Kakareko Tomasz
Published: November 2021

The monkey gobyNeogobius fluviatilisis an invasive Ponto-Caspian fish that enters habitats of the native gudgeonGobio gobioin European freshwaters, likely belonging to the same prey guild. Their abilities to detect and avoid predation have been poorly understood, although these traits may contribute to the competitive advantage and drive the invasion success of the goby. We tested intra- and interspecific responses of fish from sympatric populations to damage-released alarm cues (skin extract) in laboratory. Both species of fish responded to conspecific and heterospecific cues, but their responses to conspecifics were more diverse (changed social distancing among individuals, reduced vertical and horizontal movement) than those elicited by heterospecifics (changed social distancing only). Moreover, the fish differed in their anti-predation behaviour: the gudgeon increased whilst the monkey goby decreased inter-individual distances and only the gudgeon exhibited thigmotaxis and reduced mobility in response to the conspecific cues. Interspecific differences show that the species exhibit distant anti-predation strategies. This might be associated with their phylogenetic distance and/or higher differentiation of their ecological niches than commonly assumed. Besides, our results suggest that alien species be included in the interspecific exchange of information in local fish assemblages.
Welcoming, Wild Animals, and Obligations to Assist
Authors: Milburn Josh
Published: November 2021

What we could call ‘relational non-interventionism’ holds that we have nogeneralobligation to alleviate animal suffering, and that we do not typically havespecialobligations to alleviate wild animals’ suffering. Therefore, we do not usually have a duty to intervene in nature to alleviate wild animal suffering. However, there are a range of relationships that we may have with wild animals that do generate special obligations to aid—and the consequences of these obligations can be surprising. In this paper, it is argued that we have special obligations to those animals we have historically welcomed or encouraged into our spaces. This includes many wild animals. One of the consequences of this is that we may sometimes possess obligations to actively prevent rewilding—or even todewild—for the sake of welcomed animals who thrive in human-controlled spaces.
Evidentiary vacuum, epistemic communities and rare disease policymaking in India: an evolutionary policy perspective
Authors: Yadav Shyamjeet Maniram , Bhaduri Saradindu
Published: November 2021

There are divergent views among scholars and policymakers about the nature of permissible evidence for policymaking. It is often not feasible to construct a policy system exclusively based on objective research findings, particularly for rare diseases where conventionally accepted evidence remains a rarity. Evolutionary theories in such cases offer an overarching framework to represent the various heterodox understandings of what constitutes evidence and how evidence-based policies can be formulated under knowledge uncertainty. We conduct an empirical investigation of India’s rare disease policymaking endeavour in evolutionary perspective. The existing rare diseases policy architecture in India, in our view, reflects a ‘rationalistic’ framework. It intends to act only on ‘hard evidence’ to make, what may be called, an optimum decision, rather than initiating a ‘good enough’ policy decision based on existing (limited, soft) evidence and improving it incrementally through learning and trial-and-error. Our findings suggest that in the presence of ‘evidentiary vacuum’ and knowledge uncertainty, broadening the contours of epistemic communities, to include ‘lived experiences’ of the ‘lay’-stakeholders, can be effective in formulating an adaptive policy framework, which would ‘learn’ to better fit with the dynamic environment through inclusive deliberations, and trial-and-error.
A Novel Point-of-Care Rapid Diagnostic Test for Screening Individuals for Antibody Deficiencies
Authors: Israeli Shirli , Golden Allison , Atalig Melissa , Mekki Najla , Rais Afef , Storey Helen , Barbouche Mohamed-Ridha , Peck Roger
Published: November 2021

Purpose

No rapid diagnostic test exists to screen individuals for primary antibody deficiencies (PAD) at or near the point of care. In settings at risk for polio where live oral polio vaccine is utilized, undiagnosed PAD patients and cases with delayed diagnosis constitute a potential reservoir for neurovirulent polioviruses, undermining polio eradication.

This research aimed to develop a rapid screening test suited for use in resource-limited settings to identify individuals with low immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, enabling early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Methods

Three prototype tests distinguishing low and normal IgG levels were evaluated with a blinded panel of serum/plasma specimens from 32 healthy controls and 86 primary immunodeficiency-confirmed patients with agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency, and hyper-IgM syndrome, including 57 not receiving IgG therapy. Prototype tests were compared to laboratory reference and clinical case definition.

Results

The leading prototype correctly identified 32 of 32 healthy controls. Among primary antibody deficiency patients not receiving IgG treatment, 17 of 19 agammaglobulinemia, 7 of 24 common variable immunodeficiency, and 5 of 14 hyper-IgM were correctly identified by the prototype, with 67% agreement with the reference assay.

Conclusion

The Rapid IgG Screen (RIgGS) test can differentiate between low IgG levels associated with agammaglobulinemia and normal IgG antibody levels. Differentiating CVID and hyper IgM was challenging due to the wide range in IgG levels and influence of high IgM. This test can facilitate the identification of patients with primary antibody deficiencies and support polio surveillance initiatives.
Opal: an implementation science tool for machine learning clinical decision support in anesthesia
Authors: Bishara Andrew , Wong Andrew , Wang Linshanshan , Chopra Manu , Fan Wudi , Lin Alan , Fong Nicholas , Palacharla Aditya , Spinner Jon , Armstrong Rachelle , Pletcher Mark J. , Lituiev Dmytro , Hadley Dexter , Butte Atul
Published: November 2021

Opal is the first published example of a full-stack platform infrastructure for an implementation science designed for ML in anesthesia that solves the problem of leveraging ML for clinical decision support. Users interact with a secure online Opal web application to select a desired operating room (OR) case cohort for data extraction, visualize datasets with built-in graphing techniques, and run in-client ML or extract data for external use. Opal was used to obtain data from 29,004 unique OR cases from a single academic institution for pre-operative prediction of post-operative acute kidney injury (AKI) based on creatinine KDIGO criteria using predictors which included pre-operative demographic, past medical history, medications, and flowsheet information. To demonstrate utility with unsupervised learning, Opal was also used to extract intra-operative flowsheet data from 2995 unique OR cases and patients were clustered using PCA analysis and k-means clustering. A gradient boosting machine model was developed using an 80/20 train to test ratio and yielded an area under the receiver operating curve (ROC-AUC) of 0.85 with 95% CI [0.80–0.90]. At the default probability decision threshold of 0.5, the model sensitivity was 0.9 and the specificity was 0.8. K-means clustering was performed to partition the cases into two clusters and for hypothesis generation of potential groups of outcomes related to intraoperative vitals. Opal’s design has created streamlined ML functionality for researchers and clinicians in the perioperative setting and opens the door for many future clinical applications, including data mining, clinical simulation, high-frequency prediction, and quality improvement.
Financial instruments used by Polish municipalities in response to the first wave of COVID-19
Authors: Kańduła Sławomira , Przybylska Joanna
Published: November 2021

Studies on the influence of COVID-19 on municipalities are scarce, although it was precisely municipalities that stood in the first line of combat. It is important to estimate the negative budgetary consequences of the crisis for municipalities and to detect potential patterns in the application of their anti-crisis financial instruments. Our study reveals that the initial response of Polish municipalities to the pandemic crisis in this area varied depending on their administrative type, the amount of current income per capita and the population size. However, the correlations between the applied income instruments and expenditures and the above factors were rather weak.
In Their Footsteps or Shadow? Gender Differences in Choosing a STEM Major as a Function of Sibling Configuration and Older Sibling’s Gender and Math Ability
Authors: Gabay-Egozi Limor , Nitsche Natalie , Grieger Lloyd
Published: November 2021

Although the association between siblings’ compositional characteristics and educational performance has been extensively studied, the question of whether the features of a sibling group are related to substantive gendered educational preferences has not been examined. Our analysis of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 cohort (NLSY-79) Mothers and Children Files (N = 1545; 57% young women; 22% STEM major) showed that siblings’ compositional characteristics matter for STEM major preferences in college, but only for young women. Our findings indicated that women were more likely to prefer a STEM major if they were raised in smaller sibling groups, in male sibling group dominance, and if they had an older sister with high math achievement. These results are in line with the resource dilution approach; they shed light on the effects of being in a normative male-role sibling group climate; and they suggest that gendered outcomes are shaped by the interplay of role modeling and same-gender competitive stimulation. We also found that for young men, their preference for majoring in a STEM field was mostly driven by their own math ability. These findings suggest that socialization experiences that operate on the sibling level play a crucial role in whether girls become interested in and pursue “gender-atypical” educational choices. Our findings also underscore the need to differentiate these theoretical approaches by gender, particularly when applied to gendered outcomes such as STEM career trajectories.
Ecotoxicity of binary mixtures of ILs and inorganic salts of electrochemical interest
Authors: Parajó Juan José , Vallet Pablo , Varela Luis Miguel , Villanueva María , Salgado Josefa
Published: November 2021

The applicability of ionic liquids (ILs) has increased over the last years, and even new opportunities are becoming a reality, i.e. mixtures of pure IL and inorganic salt as electrolytes for smart electrochemical devices, yet the effects on the environment are almost unknown. In this work, the ecotoxicity of two pure protic ILs (Ethylammonium nitrate and Ethylimidazolium nitrate) and two pure aprotic ILs (butylmethylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and butyldimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) and that of their binary mixtures with inorganic salts with common cation was tested towards changes in the bioluminescence of the bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri, using the Microtox® standard toxicity test. EC50 of these mixtures was determined over three standard periods of time and compared with the corresponding values to pure ILs. Results indicate that the aprotic ILs are more toxic than protic and that aromatic are more toxic than non-aromatic. The addition of inorganic mono (LiNO3), di (Ca(NO3)2·4H2O, Mg(NO3)2·6H2O) and trivalent (Al(NO3)3·9H2O) salts in binary mixtures with EAN was analysed first. The latter was found to induce an important increase in toxicity. Finally, mixtures of IL-inorganic lithium salt (LiNO3, for the protic ILs and LiTFSI for the aprotic ILs) toxicity was also studied, which showed toxicity levels strongly dependent on the IL of the mixture.
The effect of systemic factors on retinal blood flow in patients with carotid stenosis: an optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: István Lilla , Czakó Cecilia , Benyó Fruzsina , Élő Ágnes , Mihály Zsuzsa , Sótonyi Péter , Varga Andrea , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt , Kovács Illés
Published: November 2021

Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is among the leading causes of mortality and permanent disabilities in the Western world. CAS is a consequence of systemic atherosclerotic disease affecting the majority of the aging population. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a novel imaging technique for visualizing retinal blood flow. It is a noninvasive, fast method for qualitative and quantitative assessment of the microcirculation. Cerebral and retinal circulation share similar anatomy, physiology, and embryology; thus, retinal microvasculature provides a unique opportunity to study the pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel disease in vivo. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effect of systemic risk factors on retinal blood flow in the eyes of patients with significant carotid artery stenosis using OCT angiography. A total of 112 eyes of 56 patients with significant carotid stenosis were included in the study. We found that several systemic factors, such as decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hypertension, and carotid occlusion have a significant negative effect on retinal blood flow, while statin use and carotid surgery substantially improve ocular microcirculation. Neither diabetes, clopidogrel or acetylsalicylic acid use, BMI, serum lipid level, nor thrombocyte count showed a significant effect on ocular blood flow. Our results demonstrate that a systematic connection does exist between certain systemic risk factors and retinal blood flow in this patient population. OCTA could help in the assessment of cerebral circulation of patients with CAS due to its ability to detect subtle changes in retinal microcirculation that is considered to represent changes in intracranial blood flow.
Minimum wages, youth employment and spatial spillovers: New evidence for Spain
Authors: López-Tamayo Jordi , Melguizo Celia , Ramos Raúl
Published: November 2021

The effect of minimum wages increases on youth employment level has been extensively analysed, but recent contributions have highlighted the potential bias in these studies due to neglected spatial autocorrelation in the considered relationship. This paper contributes to this scarce literature by providing novel evidence for a country with very low interregional mobility. The aim is to see if the bias of neglecting spatial dependence acts in a similar direction than in the few studies for the United States and if this bias explains the low elasticity of youth employment to minimum wages in Spain compared to the international literature. Our results show the relevance of spatial spillovers in the Spanish regional labour markets, but after correcting for the bias, we do not find a significant negative elasticity of youth employment to minimum wages, with the only exception of those between 16 and 19 years old.
Influence of Internalised Homonegativity on Sexual Risk Behaviour of Men Who Have Sex with Men in Spain
Authors: Sönmez İbrahim , Folch Cinta , Lorente Nicolas , Berg Rigmor C. , Thurlby Natalie , Schmidt Axel J.
Published: November 2021

In a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) (N = 3436) in Spain who bear intrinsic HIV risk, we investigated how internalised homonegativity (IH) is associated with the number of non-steady male partners with condomless intercourse (as a proxy of sexual risk behaviour). Using structural equation modelling (SEM), we examined the relationship between IH and sexual risk behaviour, and mediating effects of HIV/PrEP knowledge and substance use during sex on this relationship. We found no direct association between IH and sexual risk behaviour, nor did IH influence substance use during sex. In line with our hypothesis, association between IH and sexual risk behaviour was significant when mediated by HIV/PrEP knowledge. We found that as IH increased, sexual risk behaviour decreased, because higher IH was associated with lower HIV/PrEP knowledge while higher HIV/PrEP knowledge was associated with increased non-condom use with non-steady partners. Substance use during sex was significantly associated with sexual risk behaviour. Our results emphasize the continuing importance of prevention strategies focused on behavioural changes and community level interventions, especially targeting substance use.
Portraying the ‘Chinese international students’: a review of English-language and Chinese-language literature on Chinese international students (2015–2020)
Authors: Xu Cora Lingling
Published: November 2021

The Chinese international students are often portrayed in a monolithic manner in popular discourse. To offer a more comprehensive and critical representation of the Chinese international students, this paper conducts a thematic narrative review of 128 English-language and 74 Chinese-language peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2020. Drawing on post-colonial theories, this review identifies four subject positions portrayed of the Chinese international students: the (1) neoliberal, (2) political, (3) pedagogic and (4) racialised subjects. This paper celebrates heartening developments in the literature which affirms Chinese international students’ epistemic contributions, legitimate pedagogic needs, notable heterogeneity and wide-ranging political, cultural and pedagogic agencies. It also highlights how aspects of these subject positions have exercised epistemic injustice on the Chinese international students. Meanwhile, it pinpoints the Chinese international students’ acquiescence in exacerbating global education inequalities. Among the first to bring the dominant English-language and ‘local’ perspectives of Chinese-language literature in dialogue, this article notes divergent focuses and indicates unique contributions to historicising research on Chinese international students made by the latter. This article challenges popular perceptions of Chinese international students, questions production of knowledge, and pinpoints future research directions.
Valorization of Biomass Residues by Biosorption of Microelements in a Closed-Loop Cycle
Authors: Ligas Bartosz , Warchoł Jolanta , Skrzypczak Dawid , Witek-Krowiak Anna , Chojnacka Katarzyna
Published: November 2021

The concept of the research data presented assumes the valorization of goldenrod residues from supercritical CO2 extraction following the circular economy principles. The biomass was enriched with microelements (Cr, Zn, Cu) by biosorption from single and multielemental solutions in batch and packed bed reactors. Modeling of biosorption equilibrium supported by instrumental analysis (SEM and FTIR) of material properties was employed to explain the metal ions binding mechanism. The preferential biosorption of Cr(III) over the divalent ions, allows the possibility of valorization of goldenrod residue in a garden-scale biosorption tank acting as a fixed-bed reactor working in an open circulation run and fed with microelements diluted in rainwater. The use of fertigation solution in optimal doses of micronutrients did not show any phytotoxic effect. Using the post-sorptive solution as a source of micronutrients for plants showed significant effects on growth parameters (increased chlorophyll content by 54%) compared to groups fertilized with commercial formulation (13% higher sprout mass). Additionally, fertigation with the post-sorption solution leads to the biofortification of cucumber sprouts. The recycling process results in two products: enriched biomass as a potential feed additive (with Cr(III), Cu(II), and Zn(II)) and a post-sorption solution (with Zn(II) and Cu(II) only) used in the fertigation of plants.

Graphical Abstract
Valorization of Hemp Stalk Waste Through Thermochemical Conversion for Energy and Electrical Applications
Authors: Marrot Laetitia , Candelier Kevin , Valette Jérémy , Lanvin Charline , Horvat Barbara , Legan Lea , DeVallance David B.
Published: November 2021

The presented research aimed at finding new ways to value hemp by-products (stalks) from the cannabidiol industry through thermochemical conversion. Chemical and elemental composition of hemp biomass was investigated by successive chemical extractions and Scanning Electron Microscopy along with Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. Proximate and elemental analyses completed the chemical characterization of the hemp biomass and its biochar. Thermogravimetric analysis of the hemp biomass allowed to understand its kinetic of decomposition during thermal conversion. The carbon structure and porosity of the biochar were assessed by Raman spectroscopy and CO2 gas adsorption. Properties of interest were the energy production measured through calorific values, and the electrical conductivity. Two ways of valorisation of the hemp biomass were clearly identified, depending mainly on the chosen pyrolysis temperature. Hemp biochar carbonized at 400–600°C were classified as lignocellulosic materials with a good potential for solid biofuel applications. Specifically, the resulting carbonized biochar presented low moisture content (below 2.50%) favourable for high fuel quality, low volatile matter (27.1–10.4%) likely to show lower particle matter emissions, limited ash content (6.8–9.8%) resulting in low risk of fouling issues during the combustion, high carbon content (73.8–86.8%) suggesting strong energy density, associated with high higher heating values (28.45–30.95 MJ kg−1). Hemp biochar carbonized at 800–1000 °C displayed interesting electrical conductivity, opening opportunities for its use in electrical purposes. The electrical conductivity was related to the evolution of the biochar microstructure (development of graphite-like structure and changes in microporosity) in regard with the thermochemical conversion process parameters.

Graphical abstract
Biomarkers, stable carbon isotope, and trace element distribution of source rocks in the Orange Basin, South Africa: implications for paleoenvironmental reconstruction, provenance, and tectonic setting
Authors: Yelwa Nura Abdulmumini , Mustapha Khairul Azlan , Opuwari Mimonitu , Aziz Azharuddin Abd
Published: November 2021

Aptian to Campanian sediments from the Western offshore to Central Orange Basin were studied by integrating molecular geochemistry, inorganic and isotopic studies to recognize their geochemical characteristics via the reconstruction of the Orange basin’s paleoweathering, paleosalinity, paleovegetation, paleoclimate, and tectonic records. Molecular analyses of both aliphatic and aromatic compounds reveal an input dominantly from a marine source. The source rocks accumulated in a reduced, anoxic, saline water column. Based on various biomarker proxies and vitrinite reflectance data, some samples are thermally mature to produce petroleum, while others are not. According to the V/Ni ratio, samples from the Orange Basin in South Africa are mainly anoxic, with only a few samples ranging from suboxic to anoxic. This is congruent with biomarker and isotope analyses that further indicate the presence of marine-derived source rocks with some terrestrial remains generating hydrocarbons. The investigated sediments are made up of intermediate igneous rocks that have undergone moderate chemical weathering. Geochemical figures on tectonic setting discriminant function diagrams revealed a continental rift of passive margin settings. As a result, the extrapolated crustal processes are directly analogous to the genesis and evolution of the Orange Basin, demonstrating Gondwana’s breaking up and the opening of the Atlantic Ocean Margin.
A long-term survival case with proton beam therapy for advanced sphenoid sinus cancer with hypopituitarism
Authors: Ishikawa Yojiro , Suzuki Motohisa , Yamaguchi Hisashi , Seto Ichiro , Machida Masanori , Takagawa Yoshiaki , Jingu Keiichi , Kikuchi Yasuyuki , Murakami Masao
Published: November 2021

Sphenoid sinus malignancies are rare diseases. Secondary hypopituitarism associated with sphenoid sinus malignancy is not well known. A 41-year-old male complained of right ptosis. Neurological findings revealed right oculomotor, trochlear and glossopharyngeal nerve palsy. Imaging diagnosis suggested a tumor that had spread bilaterally from the sphenoid sinus to the ethmoid sinus, nasopharynx and posterior pharyngeal space. Biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Based on these findings, a clinical diagnosis of SCC of the sphenoid sinus was made. Removal of the tumor without damaging nearby organs would have been difficult because the tumor extended to the bilateral optic nerves, optic chiasma and internal carotid artery, and surgeons, therefore, recommended proton beam therapy (PBT). Before PBT, the hypopituitarism occurred in the patient and we administered hydrocortisone and levothyroxine. During treating for hypopituitarism, we performed PBT with nedaplatin and 5-fluorouracil. The daily PBT fractions were 2.2 relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for the tumor received total dose of 81.4 Gy RBE. The acute side effect of grade 2 dermatitis according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Occurred after PBT. The patient needs to take hydrocortisone and levothyroxine, but he remains in complete remission 8 years after treatment without surgery or chemotherapy. Visual function is gradually declining, but there is no evidence of severe radiation-induced optic neuropathy.