bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Specific Factors in Graphs
Authors: Bujtás Csilla , Jendrol’ Stanislav , Tuza Zsolt
Published: August 2020

It is well known that if $$G = (V, E)$$

G
=
(
V
,
E
)

is a connected multigraph and $$X\subset V$$

X
⊂
V

is a subset of even order, then G contains a spanning forest H such that each vertex from X has an odd degree in H and all the other vertices have an even degree in H. This spanning forest may have isolated vertices. If this is not allowed in H, then the situation is much more complicated. In this paper, we study this problem and generalize the concepts of even-factors and odd-factors in a unified form.
Correction to: CT angiography vs echocardiography for detection of cardiac thrombi in ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Groeneveld Nina-Suzanne , Guglielmi Valeria , Leeflang Mariska M. G. , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , Planken R. Nils , Roos Yvo B. W. E. M. , Majoie Charles B. L. M. , Coutinho Jonathan M.
Published: August 2020

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.
Biomechanical and metabolic aspects of backward (and forward) running on uphill gradients: another clue towards an almost inelastic rebound
Authors: Rasica L. , Porcelli S. , Minetti A. E. , Pavei G.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

On level, the metabolic cost (C) of backward running is higher than forward running probably due to a lower elastic energy recoil. On positive gradient, the ability to store and release elastic energy is impaired in forward running. We studied running on level and on gradient to test the hypothesis that the higher metabolic cost and lower efficiency in backward than forward running was due to the impairment in the elastic energy utilisation.

Methods

Eight subjects ran forward and backward on a treadmill on level and on gradient (from 0 to + 25%, with 5% step). The mechanical work, computed from kinematic data, C and efficiency (the ratio between total mechanical work and C) were calculated in each condition.

Results

Backward running C was higher than forward running at each condition (on average + 35%) and increased linearly with gradient. Total mechanical work was higher in forward running only at the steepest gradients, thus efficiency was lower in backward running at each gradient.

Conclusion

Efficiency decreased by increasing gradient in both running modalities highlighting the impairment in the elastic contribution on positive gradient. The lower efficiency values calculated in backward running in all conditions pointed out that backward running was performed with an almost inelastic rebound; thus, muscles performed most of the mechanical work with a high metabolic cost. These new backward running C data permit, by applying the recently introduced ‘equivalent slope’ concept for running acceleration, to obtain the predictive equation of metabolic power during level backward running acceleration.
Combined systemic inflammation score (SIS) correlates with prognosis in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer receiving palliative chemotherapy
Authors: Markus M. , Abendroth A. , Noureddine R. , Paul A. , Breitenbuecher S. , Virchow I. , Schmid K. W. , Markus P. , Schumacher B. , Wiesweg M. , Wendling J. , Mende B. , Siveke J. T. , Schuler M. , Kasper S.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The prognosis of patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains dismal. New cytotoxic agents such as nab-paclitaxel and liposomal irinotecan (nal-Iri) have extended the armamentarium of therapeutic options in the last years. Nowadays, sequential therapeutic strategies with moderately toxic chemotherapeutic protocols can be administered to the patients. However, prognostic and predictive biomarkers are still missing to identify those patients, which profit most from a “continuum of care” concept rather than receiving intensive first-line protocols such as FOLFIRINOX. To this end, we retrospectively evaluated the impact of the systemic inflammation as one essential hallmark of cancer in patients with advanced PDAC treated with sequential systemic.

Methods

A cohort of 193 PDAC patients treated at our center from January 2005 to August 2011 were retrospectively evaluated for the following systemic inflammatory response (SIR) markers: neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte–monocyte ratio (LMR) C-reactive protein (CRP), and the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS). SIR markers were correlated with clinico-pathological findings, response to chemotherapy and overall survival (OS) using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional models.

Results

All evaluated SIR markers were significantly associated with OS in patients with metastatic disease but not in patients with locally advanced PDAC. Interestingly, all SIR markers were only prognostic in patients not receiving antibiotics as surrogate marker for systemic bacterial infections. Based on the evaluated SIR markers, we propose a new Systemic Inflammation Score (SIS), which significantly correlated with reduced OS (HR: 3.418 (1.802–6.488, p < 0.001)) and the likelihood of receiving further-line systemic therapies (p = 0.028).

Conclusion

Routinely assessed SIR biomarkers have potential to support therapeutic decision making in patients with metastatic PDAC.
Characterization of the regional groundwater flow systems in south Transdanubia (Hungary) to understand karst evolution and development of hydrocarbon and geothermal resources
Authors: Csondor Katalin , Czauner Brigitta , Csobaji Lehel , Győri Orsolya , Erőss Anita
Published: August 2020

In South Transdanubia (Hungary), the remarkable geothermal and hydrocarbon resources in the Drava Basin and the hypogene caves at the margin of outcropping carbonate hills were usually investigated separately and their interactions were hitherto neglected. The aim of this study is to give all these groundwater-related resources and phenomena a common framework applying the concept of regional hydraulic continuity, and to complete the regional (i.e., basin-scale) hydraulic assessment of the area based on preproduction archival measured data. Pressure-elevation profiles, tomographic fluid-potential maps and hydraulic cross-sections were constructed to determine the vertical and horizontal fluid-flow conditions. As a result, two kinds of fluid flow systems could be identified. Within the gravitational flow systems, horizontal flow conditions are dominant and the regional flow direction tends toward the S–SE. In deeper basin regions, an overpressured flow system is prevalent, where fluids are driven laterally from the deeper sub-basins towards their margins. Based on the regional-scale evaluation of fluid flow systems, conclusions could be drawn regarding the geothermal and hydrocarbon potential of the area. Additionally, local-scale phenomena could be explained, particularly in the southern foreland of the Villány Hills. Cave formation cannot be related to the present-day flow systems here. In the Harkány area, groundwater chemistry could be explained by fluid contribution from the Drava Basin. A comparison with the marginal Buda Thermal Karst area allows for generalized conclusions regarding the connections between marginal karst reservoirs and the Pannonian Basin.
The variation of the posterior variance and Bayesian sample size determination
Authors: Martin Jörg , Elster Clemens
Published: August 2020

We consider Bayesian sample size determination using a criterion that utilizes the first two moments of the posterior variance. We study the resulting sample size in dependence on the chosen prior and explore the success rate for bounding the posterior variance below a prescribed limit under the true sampling distribution.
Compared with sample size determination based on the average of the posterior variance the proposed criterion leads to an increase in sample size and significantly improved success rates. Generic asymptotic properties are proven, such as an asymptotic expression for the sample size and a sort of phase transition. Our study is illustrated using two real world datasets with Poisson and normally distributed data. Based on our results some recommendations are given.
Surface analysis of tissue paper using laser scanning confocal microscopy and micro-computed topography
Authors: Ismail Mostafa Y. , Patanen Minna , Kauppinen Sami , Kosonen Harri , Ristolainen Matti , Hall Stephen A. , Liimatainen Henrikki
Published: August 2020

Tissue paper softness relies on two major factors, the bulk softness, which can be indicated by the elasticity of the sheet, and surface softness. Measurement of surface softness is complicated and often requires a multi-step process. A key parameter defining surface softness is the topography of the surface, particularly the crepe structure and its periodicity. Herein, we present a novel approach to measure and quantify the tissue paper surface crepe structure and periodicity based on the detection of waviness along the sample using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSM) and X-ray tomography (XRT). In addition, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) was used to characterize the tissue paper surface. We demonstrate that surface topography is directly correlated to the erosion of the doctor blade, which is used to remove the dry tissue paper from the Yankee cylinder. Because of its accuracy and simplicity, the laser confocal microscopy method has the potential to be used directly on the production line to monitor the production process of the tissue paper. XRT revealed more structural details of the tissue paper structure in 3D, and it allowed for the reconstruction of the surface and the internal structure of the tissue paper.

Graphic abstract
Literature on archaeological remains of cultivated plants (1826–1964)
Authors: Schultze-Motel Jürgen , Hammer Karl
Published: August 2020

Data on literature about archaeological remains of cultivated plants had been systematically compiled and reported in a series of articles reaching from 1965 to 2000. Here we report about literature which appeared from 1826 (first publications found on this topic) to 1964. The complete citations of these publications (1026 items) can be found in an electronic appendix.
Late Pregnancy Vitamin D Deficiency is Associated with Doubled Odds of Birth Asphyxia and Emergency Caesarean Section: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Augustin Hanna , Mulcahy Sinead , Schoenmakers Inez , Bullarbo Maria , Glantz Anna , Winkvist Anna , Bärebring Linnea
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the associations between maternal vitamin D status in late pregnancy and emergency caesarean section (EMCS) and birth asphyxia, in a population based sample of women in Sweden.

Methods

Pregnant women were recruited at the antenatal care in Sweden and 1832 women were included after exclusion of miscarriages, terminated pregnancies and missing data on vitamin D status. Mode of delivery was retrieved from medical records. EMCS was defined as caesarean section after onset of labour. Birth asphyxia was defined as either 5 min Apgar score < 7 or arterial umbilical cord pH < 7.1. Serum was sampled in the third trimester of pregnancy (T3) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was analysed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25OHD < 30 nmol/L, and associations were studied using logistic regression analysis and expressed as adjusted odds ratios (AOR).

Results

In total, 141 (7.7%) women had an EMCS and 58 (3.2%) children were born with birth asphyxia. Vitamin D deficiency was only associated with higher odds of EMCS in women without epidural anaesthesia (AOR = 2.01, p = 0.044). Vitamin D deficiency was also associated with higher odds of birth asphyxia (AOR = 2.22, p = 0.044).

Conclusions for Practice

In this Swedish prospective population-based cohort study, vitamin D deficiency in late pregnancy was associated with doubled odds of birth asphyxia and with EMCS in deliveries not aided by epidural anaesthesia. Prevention of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women may reduce the incidence of EMCS and birth asphyxia. The mechanism behind the findings require further investigation.
How COVID-19 Patients Were Moved to Speak: A Rehabilitation Interdisciplinary Case Series
Authors: Mooney Brianne , Lawrence Cecelia , Johnson Elizabeth Gerosa , Slaboden Amanda , Ball Karen
Published: August 2020

Background

Up to 36% of patients admitted to the ICU for COVID-19 require tracheostomy. While the literature recommends the use of multidisciplinary teams in the management of patients with tracheostomy for other diseases, little is known on the collaborative administration of physical therapy and speech language pathology services in the COVID-19 population.

Purpose

We sought to determine the outcomes of a collaboration between physical therapy (PT) and speech language pathology (SLP) in the treatment of patients who underwent tracheostomy placement as part of their treatment for COVID-19 at our facility.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case series on patients with COVID-19 who had a tracheostomy. We included patients who had undergone mechanical ventilation for 14 days or longer, had a surgical tracheostomy, been discharged from intensive care to a medical unit, and received PT and SLP referrals. We compiled retrospective data from electronic medical records, analyzing days from tracheostomy to achievement of PT and SLP functional milestones, including mobility, communication, and swallowing. Of six critically ill patients with COVID-19 who had tracheostomy placement at our facility, three met inclusion criteria: patient 1, a 33-year-old woman; patient 2, an 84-year-old man; and patient 3, an 81-year-old man. For all patients, PT interventions focused on breathing mechanics, secretion clearance, posture, sitting balance, and upper and lower extremity strengthening. SLP interventions focused on cognitive reorganization, verbal and nonverbal communication, secretion management, and swallowing function. Intensity and duration of the sessions were adapted according to patient response and level of fatigue.

Results

We found that time to tracheostomy from intubation for the three patients was 23 days, 20 days, and 24 days, respectively. Time from tracheostomy insertion to weaning from ventilator was 9 days for patient 1, and 5 days for patient 2 and patient 3. Regarding time to achieve functional PT and SLP milestones, all patients achieved upright sitting with PT prior to achieving initial SLP milestone of voicing with finger occlusion. Variations in progression to swallowing trials were patient specific and due to respiratory instability, cognitive deficits, and limitations in production of an effortful swallow. Patient participation in therapy sessions improved following establishment of oral verbal communication.

Conclusion

Interdisciplinary cooperation and synchronized implementation of PT and SLP interventions in three COVID-19 patients following prolonged intubation facilitated participation in treatment and achievement of functional milestones. Further study is warranted.
A learning-based method for online adjustment of C-arm Cone-beam CT source trajectories for artifact avoidance
Authors: Thies Mareike , Zäch Jan-Nico , Gao Cong , Taylor Russell , Navab Nassir , Maier Andreas , Unberath Mathias
Published: August 2020

Purpose

During spinal fusion surgery, screws are placed close to critical nerves suggesting the need for highly accurate screw placement. Verifying screw placement on high-quality tomographic imaging is essential. C-arm cone-beam CT (CBCT) provides intraoperative 3D tomographic imaging which would allow for immediate verification and, if needed, revision. However, the reconstruction quality attainable with commercial CBCT devices is insufficient, predominantly due to severe metal artifacts in the presence of pedicle screws. These artifacts arise from a mismatch between the true physics of image formation and an idealized model thereof assumed during reconstruction. Prospectively acquiring views onto anatomy that are least affected by this mismatch can, therefore, improve reconstruction quality.

Methods

We propose to adjust the C-arm CBCT source trajectory during the scan to optimize reconstruction quality with respect to a certain task, i.e., verification of screw placement. Adjustments are performed on-the-fly using a convolutional neural network that regresses a quality index over all possible next views given the current X-ray image. Adjusting the CBCT trajectory to acquire the recommended views results in non-circular source orbits that avoid poor images, and thus, data inconsistencies.

Results

We demonstrate that convolutional neural networks trained on realistically simulated data are capable of predicting quality metrics that enable scene-specific adjustments of the CBCT source trajectory. Using both realistically simulated data as well as real CBCT acquisitions of a semianthropomorphic phantom, we show that tomographic reconstructions of the resulting scene-specific CBCT acquisitions exhibit improved image quality particularly in terms of metal artifacts.

Conclusion

The proposed method is a step toward online patient-specific C-arm CBCT source trajectories that enable high-quality tomographic imaging in the operating room. Since the optimization objective is implicitly encoded in a neural network trained on large amounts of well-annotated projection images, the proposed approach overcomes the need for 3D information at run-time.
#treppegehtimmer: die effektive und niedrigschwellige Möglichkeit zur Steigerung körperlicher Aktivität im Alltag
Authors: Krisam Mathias , Maier Mona , Krisam Johannes
Published: August 2020

Hintergrund

Viele Deutsche bewegen sich im Alltag zu wenig, obwohl es ausreichend Möglichkeiten gibt, mehr Bewegung einfach in den Alltag zu integrieren. Gerade Treppen werden häufig „links“ liegen gelassen und die bequemere Variante in Form des Fahrstuhls oder der Rolltreppe bevorzugt. Sogenannte Treppen-Nudges bieten eine gute Möglichkeit, Menschen zur Benutzung der Treppe zu motivieren.

Zielstellung

Ziel war es daher, in einer Pilotstudie einen effektiven und kosteneffizienten Treppen-Nudge zu entwickeln, zu erproben und im Rahmen einer Ex-Post- und Kontrollstudie zu evaluieren.

Methodik

Unter dem Slogan #treppegehtimmer wurden humorvolle Sprüche und attraktive Grafiken, die zum Treppensteigen motivierten, vor und an einer Treppe des Berliner S‑Bahnhofs Zoologischer Garten im September/Oktober 2019 für 4 Wochen angebracht. Sowohl an der Interventions- als auch einer Kontrolltreppe, die ebenfalls zur Plattform führte, wurden die Anzahl der Treppengänger*innen sowie der Rolltreppenfahrer*innen vor, während und nach der Intervention, jeweils morgens (8–10 Uhr) und abends (16–18 Uhr) an ausschließlich 2 Wochentagen gemessen.

Ergebnisse

Durch die Intervention wurde die Rate der Treppengänger*innen im Vergleich zu Rolltreppenfahrer*innen signifikant gesteigert: der Kurzzeiteffekt der Intervention liegt bei einer Odds Ratio (OR) von OR = 1,4305 (p < 0,0001) und der Langzeiteffekt bei OR = 1,4334 (p < 0,0001). Dies bedeutet, dass durch die Intervention umgerechnet täglich etwa 1200 mehr Menschen die Treppe genommen haben.

Schlussfolgerung

Diese Pilotstudie zeigt, dass #treppegehtimmer nachweislich zu einer Steigerung der Treppengänger*innen führt und damit eine kostengünstige und effektive Möglichkeit zur Förderung von mehr Bewegung im Alltag darstellt. Die Aktion sollte daher ausgeweitet und weiter evaluiert werden.
Functional marked point processes: a natural structure to unify spatio-temporal frameworks and to analyse dependent functional data
Authors: Ghorbani Mohammad , Cronie Ottmar , Mateu Jorge , Yu Jun
Published: August 2020

This paper treats functional marked point processes (FMPPs), which are defined as marked point processes where the marks are random elements in some (Polish) function space. Such marks may represent, for example, spatial paths or functions of time. To be able to consider, for example, multivariate FMPPs, we also attach an additional, Euclidean, mark to each point. We indicate how the FMPP framework quite naturally connects the point process framework with both the functional data analysis framework and the geostatistical framework. We further show that various existing stochastic models fit well into the FMPP framework. To be able to carry out nonparametric statistical analyses for FMPPs, we study characteristics such as product densities and Palm distributions, which are the building blocks for many summary statistics. We proceed to defining a new family of summary statistics, so-called weighted marked reduced moment measures, together with their nonparametric estimators, in order to study features of the functional marks. We further show how other summary statistics may be obtained as special cases of these summary statistics. We finally apply these tools to analyse population structures, such as demographic evolution and sex ratio over time, in Spanish provinces.
Recommendations for the surveillance of cancer-related fatigue in childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors: a report from the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group
Authors: Christen Salome , Roser Katharina , Mulder Renée L. , Ilic Anica , Lie Hanne C. , Loonen Jacqueline J. , Mellblom Anneli V. , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Hudson Melissa M. , Constine Louis S. , Skinner Roderick , Scheinemann Katrin , Gilleland Marchak Jordan , Michel Gisela ,   on behalf of the IGHG psychological late effects group
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) negatively affects the lives of childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer survivors. We aimed to provide an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) with internationally harmonized CRF surveillance recommendations for CAYA cancer survivors diagnosed < 30 years.

Methods

This CPG was developed by a multidisciplinary panel under the umbrella of the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group. After evaluating concordances and discordances of four existing CPGs, we performed systematic literature searches. We screened articles for eligibility, assessed quality, extracted, and summarized the data from included articles. We formulated recommendations based on the evidence and clinical judgment.

Results

Of 3647 articles identified, 70 articles from 14 countries were included. The prevalence of CRF in CAYA cancer survivors ranged from 10–85%. We recommend that healthcare providers are aware of the risk of CRF, implement regular screening with validated measures, and recommend effective interventions to fatigued survivors.

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of CAYA cancer survivors suffers from CRF even years after the end of treatment.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

We recommend that healthcare providers adopt regular screening to detect and treat CRF early and positively influence survivors’ health and quality of life.
$$^1$$H, $$^{13}$$C and $$^{15}$$N assignments of human Grb2 free of ligands
Authors: Pinet Louise , Wang Ying-Hui , Vogel Anaïs , Guerlesquin Françoise , Assrir Nadine , Heijenoort Carine van
Published: August 2020

Growth factor receptor-bound 2 (Grb2) is an important link in the receptor tyrosine kinase signaling cascades. It is involved in crucial processes, both physiological (mainly embryogenesis) and pathological (different types of cancer). Several binding partners of all three domains (SH3–SH2–SH3) of this adaptor protein are well described, such as ErbB family members for the SH2 domain and Sos for the SH3 domains. How the different domains interact with each other, both structurally and functionally, is still unclear. These interactions could be essential for regulation processes, and therefore are of great interest. Although a lot of structural data on Grb2 exist, they describe either individual domains, ligand-bound conformations, or frozen pictures of the protein captured by crystallography. Here we report the assignment of backbone and of $$^{13}\hbox {C}_\beta$$

13

C
β

chemical shifts of full-length, apo-Grb2 in solution. In addition to the assigned conformation corresponding to three well-folded domains, a set of peaks compatible with the presence of an unfolded conformation of the N-terminal SH3 domain is observed. This assignment paves the way for future studies of inter-domain interactions and dynamics that have to be taken into account when studying the regulation of Grb2 interactions and signaling pathways.
CoAl LDH@Ni-MOF-74 S-Scheme Heterojunction for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Jin Zhiliang , Li Yanbing , Ma Qingxiang
Published: August 2020

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been considered to be one of the most promising and worthy hot spot materials to develop advanced catalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution due to their prominent characteristics, including unique structures, environmentally friendly nature, high redox activities, and homogeneously effective utilization of transition metal atoms. In this work, the delicate S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst, CoAl LDH@Ni-MOF-74, was rationally designed and successfully constructed by coupling Ni-MOF-74 with CoAl LDH based on their peculiar structure, excellent electronic properties, and opposite surface potential for enhancing hydrogen generation activity under visible light irradiation. The CoAl LDH nanolayers evenly and dispersedly load on the surface of Ni-MOF-74. The CoAl LDH@Ni-MOF-74 exhibited higher photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity compared with Ni-MOF-74 and CoAl LDH alone, mainly because the formation of the CoAl LDH@Ni-MOF-74 S-scheme heterojunction accelerated the recombination of several electrons (from conduction band (CB) of Ni-MOF-74) and holes (from valence band (VB) of CoAl LDH) and prevented the recombination of other electrons (from CB of CoAl LDH) and holes (from VB of Ni-MOF-74).
Photochemical investigation of aromatic hydrocarbons of Balakhani crude oil as petroleum luminophores
Authors: Yolchuyeva Ulviyya , Japharova Rena , Vakhshouri Amir Reza , Khamiyev Matlab , Salmanova Chimnaz , Khamiyeva Gunay
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the photochemical conversion process of aromatic hydrocarbons in Balakhani oil well (BO) as a case study was investigated. To study the composition of BO, first, it has been separated into the first, second, third, and fourth groups of aromatics using chromatography absorption column. It has been established that the composition of the separated groups is mainly composed of mono-, tri-, and tetracyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It has been shown that the optical densities of the absorption bands corresponding to bi-, tri-, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons decrease with increasing the photo-irradiation period, hence their maximum absorption band undergoes the hypsochromatic shift, which is characteristic for electron donor substances. It has been determined that the photochemical conversion process in the sample oil (BO) occurs with radical-chain and molecular mechanisms. As a result of the photochemical conversion process of arene-type aromatic hydrocarbons, the first difference during the photooxidation of endoperoxides, hydroxynones, quinones, and phenes is the formation of cyclic peroxides and quinones.
Correction to: Management of Hypertension in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Pugh Dan , Gallacher Peter J. , Dhaun Neeraj
Published: August 2020

This article was originally published under a CC By-NC 4.0 license, but has now been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.
What predicts the unsuccess of bariatric surgery? An observational retrospective study
Authors: D’Eusebio C. , Boschetti S. , Rahimi F. , Fanni G. , De Francesco A. , Toppino M. , Morino M. , Ghigo E. , Bo S.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Bariatric surgery (BS) has been recognized as an effective treatment for most patients with morbid obesity, but a variable range of patients failed to achieve a successful weight-loss. Controversial data are available about predictors of unsuccess. We aimed to retrospectively assess whether clinical baseline characteristics of patients submitted to sleeve gastrectomy (SL) or gastric bypass (GBP) were associated with unsuccessful weight-loss after 12 and 24-month follow-up.

Methods

Three hundred patients who underwent BS from the 1st January 2016, with at least 24-months follow-up, were enrolled. Patients were divided according to their percentage of excess weight-loss (%EWL) either < 50% or ≥ 50% after 12 and 24-month follow-up.

Results

None of the patients was lost at follow-up; 56 (18.7%) patients showed a %EWL < 50% at 24 months. Age, neck circumference, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were significantly higher, while total cholesterol and %EWL 6-months lower in those with %EWL < 50% at 12-months. Age, neck circumference, male and OSA rates were increased, while %EWL at 6-months lower in patients with %EWL < 50% at 24-months. In a multiple regression model, age (OR = 1.076; 95% CI 1.029–1.125; p = 0.001; OR = 1.066; 1.027–1.107; p < 0.001) and %EWL at 6-months (OR = 0.876; 0.840–0.913; p < 0.001; OR = 0.950; 0.928–0.972; p < 0.001) were associated with %EWL < 50% both at 12- and 24-months, respectively, and neck circumference (OR = 1.142; 1.011–1.289; p = 0.032) with %EWL < 50% at 24-months.

Conclusion

Older age, larger neck circumference, and %EWL at 6-months were significantly associated with BS unsuccess, showing almost 90% of those patients an unsuccessful weight-loss early after surgery. Further larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these results.
Autoimmune hematologic complications of umbilical cord blood transplantation
Authors: Ibrahim Uroosa , Keyzner Alla
Published: August 2020

While umbilical cord blood is increasingly utilized as a stem cell source, immune complications associated with the procedure have been recognized. These complications result from significant immune system dysregulation and defective reconstitution following transplant causing an imbalance between T-cell subsets, aberrant B cells, and abnormal antibody production. This may occur up to 12 months after transplant coinciding with thymic regeneration in adults. The aim of our review is to describe the incidence, pathophysiology, clinical features, and prognosis of autoimmune cytopenias following umbilical cord blood transplant. Furthermore, we review the treatment strategies reported in the existing literature, describe the authors’ experience with the complication, and highlight novel treatment options being studied. The knowledge of the occurrence and timing of autoimmune complications of umbilical cord blood transplantation is essential for detection and treatment of the disease. Emerging therapeutic options include interleukin-2 (IL-2), which is also being studied for the treatment of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease. IL-2 has favorable effects on growth, differentiation, and function of regulatory T cells. Monoclonal antibody treatments, such as daratumumab, are also on the forefront and more experience with them will guide further treatment strategies.
Identifying targets for improvement using a nationally standardized survey: Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis in orthopedic surgery
Authors: Ierano Courtney E. , Thursky Karin , Marshall Caroline , Koning Sonia , James Rodney , Johnson Sandra , Imam Nabeel , Worth Leon J. , Peel Trisha
Published: August 2020

Background:

Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) is commonly administered in orthopedic procedures. Research regarding SAP appropriateness for specific orthopedic procedures is limited and is required to facilitate targeted orthopedic prescriber behavior change.

Objectives:

To describe SAP prescribing and appropriateness for orthopedic procedures in Australian hospitals.

Design, setting, and participants:

Multicenter, national, quality improvement study with retrospective analysis of data collected from Australian hospitals via Surgical National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (Surgical NAPS) audits from January 1, 2016, to April 15, 2019, were analyzed.

Methods:

Logistic regression identified hospital, patient and surgical factors associated with appropriateness. Adjusted appropriateness was calculated from the multivariable model. Additional subanalyses were conducted on smaller subsets to calculate the adjusted appropriateness for specific orthopedic procedures.

Results:

In total, 140 facilities contributed to orthopedic audits in the Surgical NAPS, including 4,032 orthopedic surgical episodes and 6,709 prescribed doses. Overall appropriateness was low, 58.0% (n = 3,894). This differed for prescribed procedural (n = 3,978, 64.7%) and postprocedural doses (n = 2,731, 48.3%). The most common reasons for inappropriateness, when prophylaxis was required, was timing for procedural doses (50.9%) and duration for postprocedural prescriptions (49.8%). The adjusted appropriateness of each orthopedic procedure group was low for procedural SAP (knee surgery, 54.1% to total knee joint replacement, 74.1%). The adjusted appropriateness for postprocedural prescription was also low (from hand surgery, 40.7%, to closed reduction fractures, 68.7%).

Conclusions:

Orthopedic surgical specialties demonstrated differences across procedural and postprocedural appropriateness. The metric of appropriateness identifies targets for quality improvement and is meaningful for clinicians. Targeted quality improvement projects for orthopedic specialties need to be developed to support optimization of antimicrobial use.
Economic Opportunities, Emigration and Exit Prisoners
Authors: Horz Carlo M. , Marbach Moritz
Published: August 2020

How do economic opportunities abroad affect citizens’ ability to exit an authoritarian regime? This article theorizes the conditions under which authoritarian leaders will perceive emigration as a threat and use imprisonment instead of other types of anti-emigration measures to prevent mass emigration. Using data from communist East Germany's secret prisoner database that we reassembled based on archival material, the authors show that as economic opportunities in West Germany increased, the number of East German exit prisoners – political prisoners arrested for attempting to cross the border illegally – also rose. The study's causal identification strategy exploits occupation-specific differences in the changing economic opportunities between East and West Germany. Using differential access to West German television, it also sheds light on the informational mechanism underlying the main finding; cross-national data are leveraged to present evidence of the external validity of the estimates. The results highlight how global economic disparities affect politics within authoritarian regimes.
Particle acceleration in neutron star ultra-strong electromagnetic fields
Authors: Tomczak Ivan , Pétri Jérôme
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we discuss the results of a new particle pusher in realistic ultra-strong electromagnetic fields such as those encountered around rotating neutron stars. After presenting the results of this algorithm in simple fields and comparing them to expected exact analytical solutions, we present new simulations for a rotating magnetic dipole in vacuum for a millisecond pulsar by using the Deutsch solution. Particles are injected within the magnetosphere, neglecting radiation reaction, interaction among them and their feedback on the fields. Our simulations are therefore not yet fully self-consistent because the Maxwell equations are not solved according to the current produced by these particles. The code highlights the symmetrical behaviour of particles of opposite charge to mass ratio,$q/m$, with respect to the north and south hemispheres. The relativistic Lorentz factor$\gamma$of the accelerated particles is proportional to this ratio$q/m$: protons reach up to$\gamma _p \simeq 10^{10.7}$, whereas electrons reach up to$\gamma _e \simeq 10^{14}$. Our simulations show that particles could either be captured by the neutron star, trapped around it or ejected far from it, well outside the light cylinder. Actually, for a given charge to mass ratio, particles follow similar trajectories. These particle orbits show some depleted directions, especially at high magnetic inclination with respect to the rotation axis for positive charges and at low inclination for negative charges because of symmetry. Other directions are preferred and loaded with a high density of particles, some directions concentrating the highest or lowest acceleration efficiencies.
PARSING AMBIGUOUS RELATIVE CLAUSES IN L2 ENGLISH
Authors: Goad Heather , Guzzo Natália Brambatti , White Lydia
Published: August 2020

We investigate effects of prosodic cues on interpretation of ambiguous sentences containing relative clauses (RCs) in English by Spanish-speaking learners. English and Spanish differ in default preference for RC attachment: English has a weak low attachment (LA) preference (RC modifies NP2); Spanish has a stronger high attachment (HA) preference (RC modifies NP1). We conducted an interpretation task with auditorily presented stimuli to examine whether prosodic cues determine attachment. Target items were manipulated for position of break and length of RC, NP1, and NP2. For both groups, break and length are significant. For the learners, proficiency interacts with break suggesting L1 transfer: lower proficiency learners choose HA more when break points to LA; higher proficiency learners choose HA more when break points to HA. Lower proficiency learners are more likely to choose LA overall, suggesting a recency effect. Our results confirm the importance of using aural stimuli when testing interpretation of ambiguous sentences.
Push and Pull Factors Surrounding Older Adults’ Relocation to Supportive Housing: A Scoping Review
Authors: Franco Bryan B. , Randle Jason , Crutchlow Lauren , Heng Janet , Afzal Arsalan , Heckman George A. , Boscart Veronique
Published: August 2020

Supportive housing, including retirement homes and assisted living, is increasingly touted as a suitable living option for Canadian older adults. This scoping review describes the nature and content of studies that explore underlying factors that motivate older adults to relocate to supportive housing. We conducted a search of PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, and PsycINFO, which identified 34 articles for review. Articles reviewed employed a variety of methods and guiding theoretical frameworks, of which the push and pull framework appeared to be most common. This review suggests that health and functional deficits are important reasons for relocation to supportive housing for older adults. Further longitudinal data are required to more comprehensively describe medical and social determinants for relocation and its consequences, in order to better describe this growing population and better align policies with the needs of older adults contemplating or undergoing relocation.
Frequency of five unusual presentations in patients with COVID-19: results of the UMC-19-S1
Authors: Miró Òscar , Llorens Pere , Jiménez Sònia , Piñera Pascual , Burillo-Putze Guillermo , Martín Alfonso , Martín-Sánchez Francisco Javier , González del Castillo Juan
Published: August 2020

Despite SARS-CoV-19 infection has a stereotypical clinical picture, isolated cases with unusual manifestations have been reported, some of them being well-known to be triggered by viral infections. However, the real frequency in COVID-19 is unknown. Analysing data of 63 822 COVID patients attending 50 Spanish emergency department (ED) during the COVID outbreak, before hospitalisation, we report frequencies of (myo)pericarditis (0.71‰), meningoencephalitis (0.25‰), Guillain–Barré syndrome (0.13‰), acute pancreatitis (0.71‰) and spontaneous pneumothorax (0.57‰). Compared with general ED population, COVID patients developed more frequently Guillain–Barré syndrome (odds ratio (OR) 4.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.09–9.90), spontaneous pneumothorax (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.40–2.79) and (myo)pericarditis (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07–1.97), but less frequently pancreatitis (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.33–0.60).
When endemic met epidemic: cholera, chronic disease and public health in Kazan, 1788–1842
Authors: Johnson Eric
Published: August 2020

This article situates the 1830 cholera epidemic in the provincial Russian city of Kazan within the context of broader local discourse on endemic disease and public health over the first half of the nineteenth century. In the decades before cholera, the city gained important local institutions, and began to perceive itself as a potential site of public health intervention. During the outbreak, Kazan's local institutions supported a comparatively robust response to the disaster. And, afterward, the resulting trauma helped spur those institutions to implement long-discussed public health improvements. Thus, the article emphasizes the interplay between cholera as an emotional catalyst, and the broader institutional and conceptual frameworks necessary to enact lasting change.
Survey of palliative care providers’ needs, perceived roles, and ethical concerns about addressing cancer family history at the end of life
Authors: Cléophat Jude E. , Pelletier Sylvie , Déry Alberte , Joly Yann , Gagnon Pierre , Marin Ana , Chiquette Jocelyne , Gagnon Bruno , Roy Louis , Bitzas Vasiliki , Nabi Hermann , Dorval Michel
Published: August 2020

Objective

Palliative care providers may face questions from patients and relatives regarding the heritability of cancers. Implications of such discussions for providers have been little explored. This study aimed to gather palliative care providers’ views on their main needs, roles, and ethical concerns regarding cancer family history discussions.

Method

The palliative care providers who participated in the 2015 and 2017 annual meetings of the Quebec Palliative Care Association were approached to complete a web-based questionnaire. Study participants answered the questionnaire between November 2016 and July 2017. They were asked to identify the most facilitating factor for cancer family history discussions, as well as their most important knowledge needs, potential role, and ethical concerns. Descriptive analyses were conducted.

Results

Ninety-four palliative care providers answered the questionnaire. Access to specialized resources to obtain information and protocols or guidelines were considered the most facilitating factors for cancer family history discussions by 32% and 20% of providers, respectively. Knowledge of hereditary cancers was the most relevant educational need for 53%. Thirty-eight per cent considered essential to be informed about their rights and duties regarding cancer family history discussions. Being attentive to patients’ concerns and referring families to appropriate resources were identified as the most relevant roles for palliative care providers by 47% and 34% of respondents, respectively. Fifty-eight per cent agreed that cancer family history discussions should be initiated only if beneficial to family members.

Significance of results

Education on hereditary cancers made consensus among palliative care providers as the most important knowledge need regarding discussing cancer family history at the end of life. Nonetheless, other less commonly expressed needs, including access to genetics specialists, protocols, or guidelines, and awareness of provider rights and duties concerning such discussions, deserve attention. Answering providers’ needs might help optimize cancer predisposition management in palliative care.
Whither Chinese IR? The Sinocentric subject and the paradox of Tianxia-ism
Authors: Chu Sinan
Published: August 2020

This essay critically assesses the Tianxia Theories, a line of indigenous International Relations (IR) theorizing in China organized around the concept of Tianxia (‘all-under-heaven’). My goal is to tackle a seemingly prevalent issue among non-Western IR theories, that is, the indigenous scholars' subservience to state cues and often uncritical attitude toward their own ethnocentrism. To that end, I strategically target a recent contribution to this scholarship that explicitly seeks to articulate a non-ethnocentric theory: Xu Jilin's New Tianxia-ism (xin tianxia zhuyi). I first examine the main thesis of New Tianxia-ism to reveal its internal tensions. Then I examine what enables the formulation of New Tianxia-ism from a discursive perspective. I argue that a particular subject position, to which I refer as the ‘Sinocentric Subject’, plays an instrumental role in enabling contemporary Chinese intellectuals to think along the logics of New Tianxia-ism. The result, however, undermines the agenda to articulate an alternative theory that rectifies the ethnocentrism in IR. In conclusion, I suggest that Chinese indigenous scholarship ought to engage more critically the ideological inclination and the politics of knowledge within its own epistemic community.
A NOTE ON CHOICE PRINCIPLES IN SECOND-ORDER LOGIC
Authors: SISKIND BENJAMIN , MANCOSU PAOLO , SHAPIRO STEWART
Published: August 2020

Zermelo’s Theorem that the axiom of choice is equivalent to the principle that every set can be well-ordered goes through in third-order logic, but in second-order logic we run into expressivity issues. In this note, we show that in a natural extension of second-order logic weaker than third-order logic, choice still implies the well-ordering principle. Moreover, this extended second-order logic with choice is conservative over ordinary second-order logic with the well-ordering principle. We also discuss a variant choice principle, due to Hilbert and Ackermann, which neither implies nor is implied by the well-ordering principle.
Human Genetics Society of Australasia Position Statement: Online DNA Testing
Authors: Savard Jacqueline , Terrill Bronwyn , Dunlop Kate , Samanek Amanda , Metcalfe Sylvia A.
Published: August 2020

Increasingly, consumers have been able to seek DNA testing online to explore their personal genetic information. This increased access to a range of genomic tests has raised concerns among health professionals tasked with providing guidance and support to patients requiring genetic/genomic testing. Individuals will seek genomic testing for a range of purposes; equally, the medical marketplace offers a range of different test types. The Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) published their first statement on Direct to Consumer Genetic Testing (2012 PS02). This is a revised statement, which considers developments in the field of online DNA testing, including rapid technological changes, diversity of applications and decreasing costs of testing. It draws from the first empirical nationwide study (Genioz – Genomics: National Insights of Australians) and insights from consumers with experience of this technology. The rapid adoption of these tests and the broad range of potential consequences have informed perspectives within this statement. It is the position of the HGSA that both individuals/consumers and health care professionals/providers should be supported to make informed choices about online DNA testing. This means adequate and ongoing education and resources should be available for individuals/consumers and health care professionals/providers before, during and after testing. Health care professionals/providers should be appropriately trained, have relevant experience and should be able to demonstrate (or provide evidence of) a current certification in their field of practice. This statement was ratified at the 2018 HGSA Council Meeting and was recently reviewed in 2019 for consistency with other HGSA position statements.