bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sand Dunes in Kuwait, Morphometric and Chemical Characteristics
Authors: Al-Dousari A. M. , Al-Sahli M. , Al-Awadhi J. , Al-Enezi A. K. , Al-Dousari N. , Ahmed M.
Published: November 2022

There are around 2,304 sand dunes scattered within seven dune fields in Kuwait. The longest barchanoid chain dune in Kuwait is 2400 m and 900 m. All the dunes in Kuwait were mapped, sampled, and analyzed. This chapter passes through dunes in Kuwait covering the following:

The dunes mapping.

The dune migrations using satellite images.

The chemical properties include

Mineralogical properties.

X-ray diffraction (major and minor trace elements).

Micro-inclusions within Aeolian particles.

The physical properties include

The particle size analysis.

Statistical properties.

Particle micro-features.

BET surface area.

Perimeter and diameter.

This chapter covers all aspects regarding sand dunes in Kuwait; therefore, this chapter will be a key reference for future studies tackling aeolian landforms in Kuwait and regional areas.
Structures and Tectonics of Kuwait
Authors: Naqi Mohammad , Amer Aimen
Published: November 2022

Despite the surface geology of Kuwait appears to be scarce and most of the country is covered with Quaternary deposits except for a few outcrops of Oligo-Miocene to Pleistocene age, the subsurface geology of Kuwait is quite unique and astonishing. The discovery of hydrocarbon in Kuwait at the beginning of the last century helped geologists to better understand the structural geology of Kuwait especially by utilizing geophysical methods such as potential field methods (e.g., gravity and magnetic) and seismic reflection. Being part of the Arabian Peninsula, the structural geology of Kuwait shares many of the Arabian Peninsula structural trends. The dominant N-S trending structures of the Arabian Plate are manifested in the Kuwait Arch which is one of the major structures of the country where many of the oil and gas oil fields are associated with. Other dominant structural trends of the Arabian Plate such as NE-SW and NW–SE are resembled in Kuwait as Jal Az-Zor and Dibdibah Trough, respectively. Paleo- and in-situ stress analysis is an important subject for oil and gas exploration, and many studies have been commissioned to better understand them in most of the Kuwaiti fields. The present-day in-situ stress in Kuwait is oriented NE-SW resembling the current tectonic setting of the region due to the collision of the Arabian Plate with the Eurasia Plate since the Oligocene. This chapter will present a thorough review of the previous studies discussing the surface and subsurface structural geology of Kuwait.
Petroleum Geology of Kuwait
Authors: Naqi Mohammad , Alsalem Ohood , Qabazard Suad , Abdullah Fowzia
Published: November 2022

Kuwait has proven conventional oil reserves of about 100 billion barrels which makes it one of the major oil-producing countries worldwide. Most of this reserve is found in Cretaceous and Jurassic with minor quantities in the Paleogene sedimentary successions. Most hydrocarbon production comes from the siliciclastic Burgan Formation which is the most important reservoir in Kuwait. The Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous exhibit good quality source rocks that charged most of the hydrocarbon reservoirs in Kuwait and entered the oil window in Late Cretaceous to Eocene. Most of the hydrocarbon is trapped in very gentle four-way closure structures that are related to the deep-seated fault system of the Arabian Peninsula such as Khurais-Burgan Anticline. Hydrocarbon reservoirs in Kuwait are sealed and capped mainly by shale rocks and to a less extent by evaporites. In the last 15 years, Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) displayed interest in commercially exploiting unconventional hydrocarbon reserves and started laying significant emphasis on the exploration and development of unconventional resources. The aim of this work is to summarize the different petroleum systems of Kuwait including the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic systems.
Seismicity of Kuwait
Authors: Abd el-aal Abd el-aziz Khairy , Al-Jeri Farah , Al-Enezi Abdullah
Published: November 2022

This chapter deals with all the precious documented recently published and unpublished studies that address the seismic situation and earthquakes in the State of Kuwait. Kuwait is geographically and geologically situated in the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. In addition to being close to the famous Zagros belt of earthquakes, the local seismic sources inside Kuwait make it always vulnerable to earthquakes. We will review the instrumental and historical seismic records and the Kuwait National Seismic Network, including Data acquisition, data analysis, and data analysis. This chapter will also highlight all the recent seismic studies conducted in the Kuwait region. The induced seismicity, the seismic sources affecting Kuwait, as well as determining the types of faults using focal mechanism technique, specifying the seismic crustal models and ground motion attenuation inside Kuwait are being reviewed.
Groundwater in Kuwait
Authors: Misak Raafat , Hussain Wafaa
Published: November 2022

The fresh and brackish groundwater resources in the State of Kuwait are restricted to two main water-bearing formations (aquifers). These are the Dammam Formation and Kuwait Group. The Kuwait Group aquifer is generally unconfined, i.e., water table condition, whereas the Dammam fractured limestone Formation is a confined-semi confined aquifer. The quality of groundwater in Kuwait varies from brackish in the southwest to brine in the northeast of Kuwait. Fresh groundwater bodies of TDS less than 1000 mg/l occur on saline groundwater of TDS 100,000 mg/l in the north and the northeast, e.g. Raudhatain and Umm Al-Aish water fields. Generally, the water table varies from zero at the Arabian Gulf Coast to about 90 m below the surface in the southwest. Significant ongoing and future groundwater projects include monitoring groundwater level and water quality, establishing hydrological, geological and hydrochemical databases, reducing groundwater levels, long-term monitoring for groundwater quality e.g. Raudhtain and Um-Al Aish freshwater reservoirs and environment treatment of groundwater reservoirs. The current study discusses the following parts: groundwater quality, groundwater geology, aquifer systems, Al-Raudhatain freshwater field, groundwater misuse and consequences (case of Wafra Agricultural Area), and Monitoring water ponds and saline soils, Al Wafra Agricultural Area (2008–2011).
Natural language processing analysis applied to COVID-19 open-text opinions using a distilBERT model for sentiment categorization
Authors: Jojoa Mario , Eftekhar Parvin , Nowrouzi-Kia Behdin , Garcia-Zapirain Begonya
Published: November 2022

COVID-19 is a disease that affects the quality of life in all aspects. However, the government policy applied in 2020 impacted the lifestyle of the whole world. In this sense, the study of sentiments of people in different countries is a very important task to face future challenges related to lockdown caused by a virus. To contribute to this objective, we have proposed a natural language processing model with the aim to detect positive and negative feelings in open-text answers obtained from a survey in pandemic times. We have proposed a distilBERT transformer model to carry out this task. We have used three approaches to perform a comparison, obtaining for our best model the following average metrics: Accuracy: 0.823, Precision: 0.826, Recall: 0.793 and F1 Score: 0.803.
Highly cross-linked polyethylene versus conventional polyethylene in primary total knee arthroplasty: comparable clinical and radiological results at a 10-year follow-up
Authors: Giustra Fortunato , Bistolfi Alessandro , Bosco Francesco , Fresia Nicolò , Sabatini Luigi , Berchialla Paola , Sciannameo Veronica , Massè Alessandro
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) was introduced in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to reduce wear and consequent revisions for loosening due to conventional polyethylene (CPE) wear. This study aims to analyse whether HXLPE is as safe as CPE and could improve the TKA clinical and radiological results in a long-term follow-up.

Methods

This retrospective study included all consecutive starting series of 223 patients with severe primary knee osteoarthritis (OA), with a minimum follow-up of 10 years treated between July 1st, 2007, and July 31st, 2010. After excluding patients who did not respect the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 128 patients were included in the analysis of this study. The patients were then divided into two groups according to the type of polyethylene (PE) implanted: CPE or HXLPE liners. All patients were evaluated for clinical and radiological parameters, causes and revision rates related to the type of PE implanted.

Results

HXLPE appears to be as safe as CPE in TKA, reporting no higher revisions for osteolysis, prosthesis loosening, infection, and mechanical failure. Nevertheless, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the clinical and radiological outcomes evaluated.

Conclusions

Clinical, radiological results, and revision rates are similar between HXLPE and CPE in TKA after 10 years of follow-up, although HXLPE benefits remain controversial.

Level of evidence

III.
Conformal Field Theory from Lattice Fermions
Authors: Osborne Tobias J. , Stottmeister Alexander
Published: November 2022

We provide a rigorous lattice approximation of conformal field theories given in terms of lattice fermions in 1+1-dimensions, focussing on free fermion models and Wess–Zumino–Witten models. To this end, we utilize a recently introduced operator-algebraic framework for Wilson–Kadanoff renormalization. In this setting, we prove the convergence of the approximation of the Virasoro generators by the Koo–Saleur formula. From this, we deduce the convergence of lattice approximations of conformal correlation functions to their continuum limit. In addition, we show how these results lead to explicit error estimates pertaining to the quantum simulation of conformal field theories.
Characterization of patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus and association to vulvar carcinoma: a retrospective single center analysis
Authors: Steinkasserer L. , Hachenberg J. , Hillemanns P. , Jentschke M.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a benign, cutaneous, chronic inflammatory (autoimmunological) disease. The differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN) accounts for a precursor lesion of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and is often associated with lichen sclerosus. Although the association between lichen sclerosus and vulvar carcinoma has long been recognized, there is a lack of evidence in literature.

Methods

This retrospective study examined pseudonymized data of 499 women diagnosed with vulvar pathology between 2008 and 2020 at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Hannover Medical School (MHH). Data were further stratified for the time of onset, location of disease, accompanying disease, HPV status and progression of disease into vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC).

Results

In total, 56 patients were diagnosed with vulvar lichen sclerosus. The mean onset of disease was at 60.3 years of age. After subdividing cases of diagnosed LS into those who did not develop vulvar carcinoma in their course and those who did, the ages at onset are 52.66 ± 17.35 and 68.41 ± 10.87, respectively. The incidence of vulvar cancer in women diagnosed with lichen sclerosus was 48.2%. Twenty-five patients reported a diagnosis of VIN in their self-reported history.

Conclusions

In our retrospective study, we showed a trend between vulvar lichen sclerosus and VSCC. The difference between the two age groups of patients diagnosed with lichen sclerosus who developed vulvar carcinoma and those who did not is statistically significant. Our results highlight the importance to diagnose lichen sclerosus early to ensure adequate follow-up and prevent progression to VSCC.
The impact of smoking on recurrence and progression of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ślusarczyk Aleksander , Zapała Piotr , Zapała Łukasz , Radziszewski Piotr
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Although smoking is a well-recognized causative factor of urothelial bladder cancer and accounts for 50% of cases, less is known about the prognostic significance of smoking on non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) prognosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking on the risk of NMIBC recurrence and progression.

Materials and methods

We systematically searched Medline, Web of Science and Scopus databases for original articles published before October 2021 regarding the effect of smoking on NMIBC recurrence and progression. Information about smoking status and the number of events or odds ratio or hazard ratio for event-free survival must have been reported to include the study in the analysis. Quality In Prognosis Studies tool was utilized for the risk of bias assessment.

Results

We selected 64 eligible studies, including 28 617 patients with NMIBC with available data on smoking status. In a meta-analysis of 28 studies with 7885 patients, we found that smokers (current/former) were at higher risk for recurrence (OR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.34–2.09; P < 0.0001) compared to never smokers. Subgroup analysis of 2967 patients revealed that current smokers were at a 1.24 higher risk of recurrence (OR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.02–1.50; P = 0.03) compared to former smokers. A meta-analysis of the hazard ratio revealed that smokers are at higher risk of recurrence (HR = 1.31; 95%CI 1.15–1.48; P < 0.0001) and progression (HR = 1.18; 95%CI 1.08–1.29; P < 0.001) compared to never smokers. Detrimental prognostic effect of smoking on progression, but not for recurrence risk was also noted in the subgroup analysis of high-risk patients (HR = 1.30; 95%CI 1.09–1.55; P = 0.004) and BCG-treated ones (HR = 1.15; 95%CI 1.06–1.25; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In conclusion, patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and a history of smoking have a worse prognosis regarding recurrence-free and progression-free survival compared to non-smokers.
Weak stationarity of a matrix valued differential form at superdensity points of its vanishing set
Authors: Delladio Silvano
Published: November 2022

A property of weak stationarity of a matrix valued differential form at superdensity points of its vanishing set is proved. This result is then applied in the context of the Maurer–Cartan equation.
Re-centering labour in local food: local washing and the growing reliance on permanently temporary migrant farmworkers in Nova Scotia
Authors: Fitting Elizabeth , Bryan Catherine , Foster Karen , Ellsworth Jason W. M.
Published: November 2022

This article explores the labour behind local food in the Canadian Atlantic province of Nova Scotia. Based on surveys and interviews with farmers, migrant farmworkers, and farmers’ market consumers in the province, we suggest that the celebration of local food by government and industry is a form of “local washing.” Local washing hides key aspects of the social relations of production: in this case, it hides insufficient financial and policy supports for Nova Scotian farms and the increased reliance on migrant farmworkers via the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Our research found that a growing reliance on migrant farmworkers was not just the case for larger, industrial farms, but also for smaller farms participating in local and alternative food initiatives, like farmers’ markets and fresh produce subscription boxes. Additionally, our surveys show that while farmers’ market shoppers expressed an interest in supporting local foods, they reported knowing little about farm workers or working conditions. Our paper contributes to the literature on local and alternative food initiatives by connecting the relations of production to consumption. Rather than focusing solely on the nature of the relationships between farmers and consumers and the values embodied in direct agricultural markets, this research explores the central role of permanently temporary migrant workers in local agriculture.
Return of individual genomic research results within the PRAEGNANT multicenter registry study
Authors: Huebner Hanna , Ruebner Matthias , Kurbacher Christian , Hadji Peyman , Hartkopf Andreas D. , Lux Michael P. , Huober Jens , Uhrig Sabrina , Taran Florin-Andrei , Overkamp Friedrich , Tesch Hans , Häberle Lothar , Lüftner Diana , Wallwiener Markus , Müller Volkmar , Beckmann Matthias W. , Hein Alexander , Belleville Erik , Untch Michael , Janni Wolfgang , Fehm Tanja N. , Kolberg Hans-Christian , Wallwiener Diethelm , Brucker Sara Y. , Schneeweiss Andreas , Ettl Johannes , Fasching Peter A. , Michel Laura L.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The PRAEGNANT study is a registry study for metastatic breast cancer patients, focusing on biomarker detection. Recently, within this study, genetic alterations in 37 breast cancer predisposition genes were analyzed and genetic findings were detected for 396 participants. The aim of this project was to return genetic results to the physicians and to analyze actions taken (e.g., disclosure of results to patients, validation of results, clinical impact, and impact on the patient’s quality of life) using a questionnaire.

Methods

235 questionnaires were sent out to the study centers, with each questionnaire representing one patient with a genetic finding. The questionnaire consisted of twelve questions in the German language, referring to the disclosure of results, validation of test results, and their impact on treatment decisions and on the patient’s quality of life.

Results

135 (57.5%) questionnaires were completed. Of these, 46 (34.1%) stated that results were returned to the patients. In 80.0% (N = 36) of cases where results were returned, the patient had not been aware of the finding previously. For 27 patients (64.3%), genetic findings had not been validated beforehand. All validation procedures (N = 15) were covered by the patients’ health insurance. For 11 (25.0%) patients, physicians reported that the research results influenced current or future decision-making on treatment, and for 37.8% (N = 17) the results influenced whether family members will be genetically tested.

Conclusion

This study provides novel insights into the return of research results and into clinical and personal benefits of disclosure of genetic findings within a German registry.
Computer programming in primary schools: Swedish Technology Teachers’ pedagogical strategies
Authors: Bjursten Eva-Lena , Nilsson Tor , Gumaelius Lena
Published: November 2022

There is a recognized need for research on how to teach computer programming in primary schools in Sweden grades 4–6 (10–12-year-old pupils). Studies of teaching show the importance of teachers’ knowledge of content and pedagogy and how these two parts affect each other (i.e. pedagogical content knowledge [PCK]). Most teachers in Sweden have little or no formal education in computer programming, the revised Swedish curriculum requires them to teach it. The aim of this study is to explore the pedagogical strategies teachers use when they teach computer programming. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 participants, comprising 12 teachers and 2 teacher trainers. The data were analysed deductively with themes from previous research. The results show that teachers use eight pedagogical strategies, including three new strategies that have been constructed inductively: do-it-yourself, gamification and progression. These eight pedagogical strategies are mostly general, and teachers may be considered regressed experts, as they lack formal training in computer programming. They facilitate learning in a general sense, but, compared to other subjects, their PCK in computer programming is problematized. In-service teacher training is needed to increase content knowledge, thus enabling to develop PCK in computer programming. It would also be fruitful to deepen our knowledge regarding pedagogical strategies in the PCK domain of computer programming.
Justice and Inclusiveness: The Reconfiguration of Global–Local Relationships in Sustainability Initiatives in Ghana’s Cocoa Sector
Authors: Obeng Adomaa Faustina , Vellema Sietze , Slingerland Maja
Published: November 2022

Pressure from the public and non-governmental organisations is pushing lead companies in the cocoa and chocolate sectors towards becoming more environmentally sustainable and socially just. Because of this, several sustainability programmes, certification schemes and delivery initiatives have been introduced. These have changed the relationship between chocolate companies, cocoa exporters, and small-scale farmers. This paper observes how large companies in the cocoa export and consumer markets are shifting away from their traditionally remote position in the cocoa sector. The pressure to ensure sustainability and justice has provoked more mutually dependent relationships with cocoa producers. Our analysis outlines the implications this emerging reconfiguration of global-local relationships has for procedural justice principles of interdependence and refutability, and the distributive justice principles of need and equity. These principles are important because they enable the different dimensions of inclusion: ownership, voice, risk, and reward. This paper highlights and qualifies arrangements surrounding these justice principles that manifest in the way five service delivery initiatives - associated with sustainability programmes and led by major buying companies in Ghana’s cocoa sector – are implemented. We show inclusiveness as an outcome of dynamic global-local relationships that are constantly reworked in response to smallholder farmers’ agency and state regulations. Portraying inclusiveness as an outcome of interactions changes its conceptualisation from a predefined ethical standpoint included in the design of standards to a result of unfolding mutual dependencies, which refashion how inclusive agriculture value chains work.
Efficient smooth minorants for global optimization of univariate functions with the first derivative satisfying the interval Lipschitz condition
Authors: Posypkin Mikhail A. , Sergeyev Yaroslav D.
Published: November 2022

In 1998, the paper Sergeyev (Math Program 81(1):127–146, 1998) has been published where a smooth piece-wise quadratic minorant has been proposed for multiextremal functions f(x) with the first derivative $$f'(x)$$

f
′

(
x
)

satisfying the Lipschitz condition with a constant L, i.e., $$f'(x)$$

f
′

(
x
)

cannot increase with the slope higher than L and decrease with the slope smaller than $$-L$$

-
L

. This minorant has been successfully applied in several efficient global optimization algorithms and used in engineering applications. In the present paper, it is supposed that the first derivative $$f'(x)$$

f
′

(
x
)

cannot increase with the slope higher than a constant $$\beta $$
β
and decrease with the slope smaller than $$\alpha $$
α
. The interval $$[\alpha ,\beta ]$$

[
α
,
β
]

is called the Lipschitz interval (clearly, in this case the Lipschitz constant $$L = \max \{|\alpha |, |\beta | \}$$

L
=
max
{
|
α
|
,
|
β
|
}

). For this class of functions, smooth piece-wise estimators (minorants and majorants) have been proposed and applied in global optimization. Both theoretically and experimentally (on 200 randomly generated test problems) it has been shown that in cases where $$ |\alpha | \ne |\beta |$$

|
α
|
≠
|
β
|

the new estimators can give a significant improvement w.r.t. those proposed in Sergeyev (Math Program 81(1):127–146, 1998), for example, in the framework of branch-and-bound global optimization methods.
Reps and representations: a warm-up to a grammar of lifting
Authors: Esipova Maria
Published: November 2022

In this paper, I outline a grammar of lifting (i.e., resistance training) and compare it to that of language. I approach lifting as a system of generating complex meaning–form correspondences from regularized elements and describe the levels of mental representations and relationships between them that are involved in full command of this system. To be able to do so, I adopt a goal-based conception of meaning, which allows us to talk about mappings from complex goals to complex surface outputs in systems of intentional action, signaling and non-signaling, interactive and non-interactive, in a unified way, and show how it applies in lifting. I then proceed to argue that the grammar of lifting is architecturally very similar to that of language. First, I show that both involve stable (idiomatized/lexicalized) pairings of regularized forms with regularized meanings. Second, I argue that in both lifting and language, meaning–form mapping is mediated by syntax, which, crucially, operates on non-linearized hierarchical structures of abstract objects that include both content morphemes and functional morphemes. I conclude, following and expanding on some insights from prior literature and offering further evidence for them, that neither of these architectural phenomena (idiomatized meaning–form pairings and abstract syntax) is specific to language, with both of them likely emerging in skilled action that does not necessarily involve social interaction, due to considerations of repeatability and reusability of elements in new contexts.
Improving urban seismic risk estimates for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, through incorporating recently gained geological knowledge of hazards
Authors: Amey Ruth M. J. , Elliott John R. , Watson C. Scott , Walker Richard , Pagani Marco , Silva Vitor , Hussain Ekbal , Abdrakhmatov Kanatbek E. , Baikulov Sultan , Tilek Kyzy Gulkaiyr
Published: November 2022

Many cities are built on or near active faults, which pose seismic hazard and risk to the urban population. This risk is exacerbated by city expansion, which may obscure signs of active faulting. Here, we estimate the risk to Bishkek city, Kyrgyzstan, due to realistic earthquake scenarios based on historic earthquakes in the region and an improved knowledge of the active fault sources. We use previous literature and fault mapping, combined with new high-resolution digital elevation models to identify and characterise faults that pose a risk to Bishkek. We then estimate the hazard (ground shaking), damage to residential buildings and distribution of losses (economical cost and fatalities) using the Global Earthquake Model OpenQuake engine. We model historical events and hypothetical events on a variety of faults that could plausibly host significant earthquakes. This includes proximal, recognised, faults as well as a fault under folding in the north of the city that we identify using satellite DEMs. We find that potential earthquakes on faults nearest to Bishkek—Issyk Ata, Shamsi Tunduk, Chonkurchak and the northern fault—would cause the most damage to the city. An Mw 7.5 earthquake on the Issyk Ata fault could potentially cause 7900 ± 2600 completely damaged buildings, a further 16,400 ± 2000 damaged buildings and 2400 ± 1500 fatalities. It is vital to properly identify, characterise and model active faults near cities to reduce uncertainty as modelling the northern fault as a Mw 6.5 instead of Mw 6.0 would result in 37% more completely damaged buildings and 48% more fatalities.
Price indicators for Airbnb accommodations
Authors: Contu Giulia , Frigau Luca , Conversano Claudio
Published: November 2022

New forms of hospitality grew increasingly more popular and successful during the last decades. Nowadays, they are chosen for different reasons, one of the most important certainly being price. Understanding the elements that can impact on price determination is crucial to increase profitability. We propose two price indicators for Airbnb accommodations, which are defined in three phases using proportional odds model as a reference model. The first phase focuses on the probability estimation of accommodations belonging to a specific class of price. The second phase aims to evaluate the ability of the model to make good predictions by computing three different indexes. Finally, the three indexes are combined to define the indicators q and r which evaluate, respectively, the impact that six different dimensions (transports, culture, crowd, property, management, and time) have with respect to price determination on Airbnb accommodations and their relative importance concerning neighborhoods. The analysis is focused on 61 neighborhoods of Rome. The findings show differences with respect to the impact of the dimensions on price for each neighborhood of Rome.
Health-related quality of life in patients newly diagnosed with prostate cancer: CAPLIFE study
Authors: Lozano-Lorca Macarena , Barrios-Rodríguez Rocío , Redondo-Sánchez Daniel , Cózar José-Manuel , Arrabal-Martín Miguel , García-Caballos Marta , Salcedo-Bellido Inmaculada , Sánchez María-José , Jiménez-Moleón José-Juan , Olmedo-Requena Rocío
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To analyse the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) at diagnosis of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) according to tumour extension and urinary symptomatology and to explore factors associated with HRQoL.

Methods

408 Controls and 463 PCa cases were included. Eligibility criteria were a new diagnosis of PCa (cases), 40–80 years of age, and residence in the participating hospitals’ coverage area for ≥ 6 months before recruitment. HRQoL was evaluated using the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Mental (MCS) and Physical Component Summaries (PCS), and urinary symptoms with the International Prostate Symptom Score. HRQoL scores for all PCa cases, according to tumour extension and urinary symptoms, were compared with controls. In addition, information about lifestyles and comorbidities was collected and its association with low HRQoL (lower scores) were explored using logistic regression models.

Results

Overall cases had similar PCS score, but lower MCS score than controls. The lowest standardised scores for both PCS and MCS were reached by cases with severe urinary symptoms and a metastatic tumour [mean (SD); PCS: 41.9 (11.5), MCS: 42.3 (10.3)]. Having “below” PCS and MCS scores was associated with the presence of three or more comorbidities in the cases [aOR = 2.86 (1.19–6.84) for PCS and aOR = 3.58 (1.37–9.31) for MCS] and with severe urinary symptomatology [aOR = 4.71 (1.84–12.08) for PCS and aOR = 7.63 (2.70–21.58) for MCS].

Conclusion

The mental dimension of HRQoL at diagnosis of patients with PCa was lower than in controls, especially for cases with severe urinary symptoms and a metastatic tumour. Comorbidities and urinary symptoms were variables associated with the HRQoL of PCa cases.
Interactions Between Imbibition and Pressure-Driven Flow in a Microporous Deformed Limestone
Authors: Lewis Helen , Couples Gary , Tengattini Alessandro , Buckman Jim , Tudisco Erika , Etxegarai Maddi , Viggiani Gioacchino , Hall Stephen A.
Published: November 2022

Neutron imaging is used for direct observation of evolving water–air and deuterated water–normal water exchanges in flow experiments performed on a laboratory-deformed, microporous laminated limestone, an extremely fine-textured rock altered by arrays of superposed fractures generated in a rock mechanics apparatus. The neutron images document significant, evolving, water speed and flow direction variability at the deci-micron scale and spatially complex patterns of both increasing and decreasing water saturation. We infer that capillarity-driven and pressure-driven water movement occurs concurrently, in close proximity and in competition, and that as local and global water saturations evolve these two drivers can change their dominance in both matrix and deformed elements. Thin sections are used to obtain sub-micron resolution SEM images that provide multi-scale information on the textural features’ spatial arrangements. The textural characteristics are consistent with the inferences made from the coarser flow imaging. Alternating lamina types provide the primary lithological heterogeneity, while the experimentally created deformations lead to quasi-planar zones of highly comminuted matrix and fracture-like voids, each with lengths ranging from sub-mm to cm. Together deformation features delineate a partially connected array. The interplay between fluid movement through deformation features, and flow into (and out of) the laminae, implies near-equivalence of local driving pressure- and capillary-related energies, with subtle shifts in this balance as water saturation increases. The insights gained invite a re-examination of common rules-of-thumb for multi-phase fluid flow often adopted in fractured, low-permeability microporous rocks.
RHDV 3C protein antagonizes type I interferon signaling by cleaving interferon promoter stimulated 1 protein
Authors: Men Yanjuan , Wang Yonghui , Wang Hui , Zhang Maoyin , Liu Jing , Chen Yang , Han Xufeng , Chen Renjin , Chen Quangang , Hu Ankang
Published: November 2022

The host innate immune response to viral infection often involves the activation of type I interferons. Not surprisingly, many viruses have evolved various mechanisms to disable the interferon pathway and evade the antiviral response involving innate immunity. Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is caused by RHD virus (RHDV), but whether it can antagonize the production of host interferon to establish infection has not been investigated. In this study, we found that during RHDV infection, the expressions of interferon and the interferon-stimulated gene were not activated. We constructed eukaryotic expression plasmids of all RHDV proteins, and found that RHDV 3C protein inhibited poly(I:C)-induced interferon expressions. Using siRNA to interfere with the expressions of TLR3 and MDA5, we found that the MDA5 signal pathway was used by the 3C protein to inhibit poly(I:C)-induced interferon expression. This effect was mediated by cleaving the interferon promoter stimulated 1 (IPS-1) protein. Finally, our study showed that interferon was effective against RHDV infection. In summary, our findings showed that the RHDV 3C protein was a new interferon antagonist. These results increase our understanding of the escape mechanism from innate immunity mediated by the RHDV 3C protein.
Cultivating Salix Viminalis in Agricultural-Riparian Transition Areas to Mitigate Agriculturally Derived N2O Emissions from Potato Cropping Systems on Prince Edward Island
Authors: Wilts Holly D. M. , Burton David L. , Farooque Aitazaz A.
Published: November 2022

Cultivating shrub willow (Salix viminalis) in agricultural-riparian transition areas has been proposed as a strategy for mitigating elevated riparian nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in agricultural regions. Nitrogen-based fertilizers are water soluble, enter riparian areas through surface runoff and subsurface lateral flow, and are converted to N2O by incomplete anaerobic denitrification. Salix buffer strips can intercept and recycle fertilizer nitrate (NO3−) into their biomass and/or promote complete denitrification, reducing N2O emissions. We investigated the impact of Salix viminalis buffers on N2O emissions relative to grassed buffers and upslope cultivated fields in potato rotations at 5 research sites across Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. Greenhouse gas (N2O, CO2, CH4) flux at the soil-atmosphere interface was measured using non-steady-state static chambers in 2018 and 2019. NO3− exposure, soil temperature, and soil moisture content were quantified. Agricultural-riparian Salix significantly reduced N2O emissions even when high NO3− inputs occurred and following precipitation events. Mean cumulative seasonal reductions of 1.32 kg N2O–N ha−1 (− 0.02 to 6.16 kg N2O–N ha−1) were observed in Salix relative to cultivated fields; however, they were not significantly different than grass. The mean cumulative average global warming potential of Salix was 613 kg CO2e ha−1 lower than cultivated fields, with reductions of up to 2918 kg CO2e ha−1. Differences in N2O flux between vegetation types were the greatest influencing factor. No hot moments of N2O emission were observed in Salix following high rainfall events, which coincided with up to 95% decreases in N2O emissions in Salix relative to cultivated fields.
Explorers of the twenty-first century? A systematic literature review of the scholarship on international entrepreneurs from developed economies
Authors: Scheu Maximilian , Kuckertz Andreas
Published: November 2022

Throughout history, expeditionists and explorers have discovered foreign countries and new worlds, markedly influencing the lives of succeeding generations. However, as multinational enterprises have come to drive globalisation, the existence of entrepreneurial individuals without the resources of large corporations is a relatively recent phenomenon. Although research on migrant entrepreneurs demonstrates the positive impact that foreign entrepreneurial activity can have on job creation and innovation, a clear perspective on entrepreneurs from developed economies venturing abroad is lacking. The study aggregates evidence from 33 articles to establish a unifying framework that describes the foreign entrepreneurial process originating in developed economies. The framework proposes categorising foreign entrepreneurial activity according to social and economic dimensions and introduces four archetypes of foreign entrepreneurs, helping us understand the dynamics of the institutional context and the motivations for venturing into foreign environments. Finally, the study discusses the implications for foreign entrepreneurs and considers future research avenues.
Leading with a cool head and a warm heart: trait-based leadership resources linked to task performance, perceived stress, and work engagement
Authors: Dåderman Anna Maria , Kajonius Petri Juhani , Hallberg Angela , Skog Sandra , Hellström Åke
Published: November 2022

Leaders of today need to achieve well in terms of task performance, perceiving low stress, and having high levels of work engagement. One may ask whether trait-based leadership resource factors can be identified and how such resource factors might relate to task performance, perceived stress, and work engagement. Our aim was to test the hypothesis, derived from Hobfoll’s motivational Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, that there are trait-based leadership resource factors, which are differentially correlated to the leaders’ task performance, perceived stress, and work engagement. Leaders (N = 344) aged from 23 to 65 years (M = 49, SD = 8.6; 58% women) completed an online questionnaire including measures of task performance, perceived stress, work engagement, personality traits, trait emotional intelligence, empathy, performance-related self-esteem, compassionate and rational leadership competence, and coping resources for stress. Using exploratory factor analysis, we identified four trait-based leadership resource factors. With Bonferroni adjustment, and controlling for sex, age, number of years in the current managerial position, self-deceptive enhancement, and impression management, only Rational Mastery was significantly positively correlated with task performance. Rational Mastery, Efficient Coping, and Modesty were negatively correlated with perceived stress, and all factors except Modesty, but including the fourth (Good-Heartedness) were positively correlated with work engagement. Organizations striving for sustainable work conditions should support trait-based leadership, which depends not only on a task-oriented resource such as rational mastery, but also on human-oriented resources such as efficient coping, modesty, and good-heartedness, all of them being differentially related to task performance, perceived stress, and work engagement.
PD-1-CD28 fusion protein strengthens mesothelin-specific TRuC T cells in preclinical solid tumor models
Authors: Lesch Stefanie , Nottebrock Alessia , Rataj Felicitas , Heise Constanze , Endres Stefan , Kobold Sebastian
Published: November 2022

Background

T cell receptor fusion constructs (TRuC) consist of an antibody-based single chain variable fragment (scFv) fused to a T cell receptor chain (TCR) and allow recognition of cancer cells in an HLA-independent manner. Unlike chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), TRuC are integrated into the TCR complex resulting in a functional chimera with novel specificity, whilst retaining TCR signaling. To further enhance anti-tumor function, we expressed a PD-1-CD28 fusion receptor in TRuC T cells aiming to prevent tumor-induced immune suppression and T cell anergy.

Methods

The activation level of engineered T cells was investigated in co-culture experiments with tumor cells followed by quantification of released cytokines using ELISA. To study T cell-mediated tumor cell lysis in vitro, impedance-based real-time tumor cell killing and LDH release was measured. Finally, two xenograft mouse cancer models were employed to explore the therapeutic potential of engineered T cells.

Results

In co-culture assays, co-expression of PD-1-CD28 enhanced cytokine production of TRuC T cells. This effect was dependent on PD-L1 to PD-1-CD28 interactions, as blockade of PD-L1 amplified IFN-γ production in unmodified TRuC T cells to a greater level compared to TRuC-PD-1-CD28 T cells. In vivo, PD-1-CD28 co-expression supported the anti-tumor efficacy of TRuC T cells in two xenograft mouse cancer models.

Conclusion

Together, these results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of PD-1-CD28 co-expression in TRuC T cells to prevent PD-L1-induced T cell hypofunction.
Early Maladaptive Schemas and Mental Disorders in Adulthood: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Thimm Jens C. , Chang Michelle
Published: November 2022

Early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) are broad and pervasive themes regarding oneself and one’s relationships with others originating from adverse childhood experiences. Although the concept of EMSs was initially developed for the treatment of personality disorders, the associations of EMSs with a variety of other mental disorders have been investigated. The goal of the present study was to summarize and analyze the EMSs-disorder associations in studies in which patients with specific psychiatric diagnoses were compared to healthy controls. Of the 28 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 27 were included in a meta-analysis. Across diagnoses, all EMSs were elevated in the clinical groups. The largest effect sizes were observed for the social isolation, the negativity/pessimism, the defectiveness/shame, and social undesirability schemas. Depression (n = 8), borderline personality disorder (n = 5), and obsessive–compulsive disorder (n = 5) were the most frequently studied mental disorders. Heterogeneity between studies was high. Results suggest that mental disorders are not characterized by specific EMSs.
Spasticity Management Teams, Evaluations, and Tools: A Canadian Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Mills Patricia B. , Phadke Chetan P. , Boulias Chris , Dukelow Sean P. , Ismail Farooq , McNeil Stephen M. , Miller Thomas A. , O’Connell Colleen M. , Reebye Rajiv N. , Satkunam Lalith E. , Wein Theodore H. , Winston Paul J.
Published: November 2022

Objective:

The objective of this study is to determine the physical evaluations and assessment tools used by a group of Canadian healthcare professionals treating adults with spasticity.

Methods:

A cross-sectional web-based 19-question survey was developed to determine the types of physical evaluations, tone-related impairment measurements, and assessment tools used in the management of adults with spasticity. The survey was distributed to healthcare professionals from the Canadian Advances in Neuro-Orthopedics for Spasticity Congress database.

Results:

Eighty study participants (61 physiatrists and 19 other healthcare professionals) completed the survey and were included. Nearly half (46.3%, 37/80) of the participants reported having an inter- or trans-disciplinary team managing individuals with spasticity. Visual observation of movement, available range of motion determination, tone during velocity-dependent passive range of motion looking for a spastic catch, spasticity, and clonus, and evaluation of gait were the most frequently used physical evaluations. The most frequently used spasticity tools were the Modified Ashworth Scale, goniometer, and Goal Attainment Scale. Results were similar in brain- and spinal cord-predominant etiologies. To evaluate goals, qualitative description was used most (37.5%).

Conclusion:

Our findings provide a better understanding of the spasticity management landscape in Canada with respect to staffing, physical evaluations, and outcome measurements used in clinical practice. For all etiologies of spasticity, visual observation of patient movement, Modified Ashworth Scale, and qualitative goal outcomes descriptions were most commonly used to guide treatment and optimize outcomes. Understanding the current practice of spasticity assessment will help provide guidance for clinical evaluation and management of spasticity.
Rumination and Wronging: The Role of Attention in Epistemic Morality
Authors: Saint-Croix Catharine
Published: November 2022

The idea that our epistemic practices can be wrongful has been the core observation driving the growing literature on epistemic injustice, doxastic wronging, and moral encroachment. But, one element of our epistemic practice has been starkly absent from this discussion of epistemic morality: attention. The goal of this article is to show that attention is a worthwhile focus for epistemology, especially for the field of epistemic morality. After presenting a new dilemma for proponents of doxastic wronging, I show how focusing on attention not only allows us to defuse that dilemma, but also helps to substantiate accounts of what goes wrong in cases of doxastic wronging.
The association between selenium levels and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Silva Isa , Bracchi Isabella , Keating Elisa
Published: November 2022

Selenium (Se) is essential for selenoprotein synthesis, being thus important for immune and thyroid function, and for antioxidant defence. Some studies have shown that low levels of Se may associate with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Nevertheless, evidence supporting Se supplementation in pregnant or childbearing-age women is still lacking. In this context, this work aimed to systematically review the most recent scientific evidence to understand the relationship between Se levels and HDP. We performed a systematic review (protocol number: CRD42022310424) with literature of the last decade. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, registers and grey literature were searched to identify studies reporting measurement of Se levels in normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women (supplemented or not with Se). Study quality was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Study Quality Assessment Tools. Among the thirty included studies, a majority, 61 % (n 19) of the ‘good’ or ‘fair’ studies, reported a negative association between Se and HDP, and some studies, 39 % (n 11) of the ‘good’ or ‘fair’ studies, reported a lack of association. This review provides an important amount of quality evidence suggesting that low Se levels associate with the occurrence of HDP. Nevertheless, the gathered information is not enough to underlie a recommendation for Se supplementation in pregnancy to protect against HDP. Thus, this review emphasises the need for further well-designed randomised controlled trials that may provide blunt evidence regarding the benefits of Se supplementation during pregnancy.