bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Sarcopenia, BMI, and Inflammatory Biomarkers on Survival in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated With Anti-PD-1 Antibody
Authors: Akce Mehmet , Liu Yuan , Zakka Katerina , Martini Dylan J. , Draper Amber , Alese Olatunji B. , Shaib Walid L. , Wu Christina , Wedd Joel P. , Sellers Marty T. , Bilen Mehmet A. , El-Rayes Bassel F. 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Sarcopenia and inflammation are independently associated with worse survival in cancer patients. This study aims to determine the impact of sarcopenia, body mass index (BMI), and inflammatory biomarkers on survival in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with anti-PD-1 antibody-based immunotherapy.

Methods:
A retrospective review of advanced HCC patients treated with immunotherapy at Winship Cancer Institute between 2015 and 2019 was performed. Baseline computed tomography and magnetic resonance images were collected at mid-L3 level, assessed for skeletal muscle density using SliceOmatic (TomoVision, version 5.0) and converted to skeletal muscle index (SMI) by dividing it by height (m2). Sex-specific sarcopenia was defined by the median value of SMI. The optimal cut for continuous inflammation biomarker was determined by bias-adjusted log-rank test. Overall survival (OS) was set as primary outcome and Cox proportional hazard model was used for association with survival.

Results:
A total of 57 patients were included; 77.2% male, 52.6% Caucasian, 58.5% Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1, 80.7% Child Pugh A. Treatment was second line and beyond in 71.9% of patients. The median follow-up time was 6 months. Sarcopenia cut-off for males and females was SMI of 43 and 39, respectively. 49.1% of patients had sarcopenia. Median OS was 5 versus 14.3 months in sarcopenic versus nonsarcopenic patients (Log-rank P=0.054). Median OS was 5 and 17.5 months in patients with BMI <25 and BMI ≥25, respectively (Log-rank P=0.034). Median OS was 3.6 and 14.3 months for patients with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥5.15 versus NLR <5.15 (Log-rank P<0.001). In multivariable Cox regression model, higher baseline NLR was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52-11.39, P=0.005). Sex-specific sarcopenia showed a trend of worse OS (HR: 1.71, 95% CI: 0.73-4.00, P=0.215) but was not statistically significant. BMI<25 was associated with worse OS (HR: 2.28, 95% CI: 0.92-5.65, P=0.076). In the association with progression free survival, neither baseline BMI nor sex-specific sarcopenia showed statistical significance.

Conclusion:
After controlling for baseline Child Pugh score and NLR, sex-specific sarcopenia does not predict OS. Baseline BMI and NLR together may predict OS in advanced HCC patients treated with anti-PD-1 antibody.
MANAGEMENT OF RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM TEAR DURING ANTI–VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY
Authors: Mitchell Paul , Rodríguez Francisco J. , Joussen Antonia M. , Koh Adrian , Eter Nicole , Wong David T. , Korobelnik Jean-François , Okada Annabelle A. 
Published: December 2020

Purpose:
This article aims to review current evidence on the development, diagnosis, and management of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear during anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy.

Methods:
Literature searches were performed using MEDLINE/PubMed databases (cut-off date: August 2019).

Results:
Three key recommendations were made based on existing literature and clinical experience: 1) Multimodal imaging with color fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, near-infrared reflectance imaging, fundus autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography-angiography, and/or fluorescein angiography are recommended to diagnose RPE tear and assess risk factors. Retinal pigment epithelium tears can be graded by size and foveal involvement. 2) Patients at high risk of developing RPE tear should be monitored after each anti-VEGF injection. If risk factors worsen, it is not yet definitively known whether anti-VEGF administration should be more frequent, or alternatively stopped in such patients. Prospective research into high-risk characteristics is needed. 3) After RPE tear develops, anti-VEGF treatment should be continued in patients with active disease (as indicated by presence of intraretinal or subretinal fluid), although cessation of therapy should be considered in eyes with multilobular tears.

Conclusion:
Although evidence to support the assumption that anti-VEGF treatment contributes to development of RPE tear is not definitive, some data suggest this link.
Quality cooperation and retail service supply chain model selection: based on the perspective of service quality concerns
Authors: Ouyang Mingke , Li Jianfei , Li Bei , Tang Kun , Huang Fuhua 
Published: December 2020

PurposeIn the new retail era, the supply chain synergy produced by quality integration has become the new direction of service supply chain research. The purpose of this paper is to study how to promote the sustainable development of the retail service supply chain (RSSC) by comparing and analyzing the optimal quality behavior, optimal returns, and the combination of conditions and strategies of the participating members of the RSSC.Design/methodology/approachFrom the perspective of quality function development and service quality concern, this paper considers RSSC as a two-level supply chain structure composed of functional service provider and retail service integrator. In this paper, a dynamic optimization model of quality input-cooperation-coordination of RSSC is proposed under two quality cooperation modes of decentralization and integration. This paper adopts the differential game method to compare and analyze the optimal quality behavior, optimal income, forming conditions and strategic combination of the participating members of the RSSC in different situations.Findings(1) Compared with quality dispersion, quality integration has more significant Pareto improvement effect on quality behavior and optimal revenue of RSSC. (2) In the case of quality integration, the optimal revenue obtained by the service sharing model is generally better than that obtained by the retail alliance collaboration model. (3) Benefit distribution ratio and quality cost allocation determine the optimal quality behavior of participating members of the RSSC, and also become the key factors for participating members to choose the collaborative mode in the case of quality integration.Originality/valueBased on the quality function development of RSSC, this paper introduces the concept of steady service quality, and discusses the relationship between the quality cooperation stability and the mode selection of RSSC. This provides a theoretical basis for how to build a RSSC with efficient operation and stable quality.
The diaspora phenomenon: scholarly assessment and implications for countries and firms
Authors: Panibratov Andrei , Rysakova Liana 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe aim of this study is to identify the distinctive features of the diaspora phenomenon through the aggregation and systematization of the business and management literature and propose a framework to apply in the future studies.Design/methodology/approachThe two-step research was based on a combination of bibliometric analysis and a manual in-depth study of academic articles. Overall, 421 academic papers in management and business journals until 2019 year were analyzed.FindingsThe authors provide a new holistic insight on the role of national diasporas for business outcomes via the analysis and systematization of the extant diaspora research. They revealed four definition approaches and five main clusters in the diaspora literature that have three main directions of research as international marketing with the tourism management focus, the IB research and diaspora entrepreneurship studies. The authors cover these main research streams and their contribution to the development of a topic.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed framework including definition approaches and suggestions on the further research can serve as a foundation for future studies to investigate the diaspora phenomenon. The findings also are of practical value for firms whose attention is paid to the effective management.Originality/valueTo bring more clarity to the existing and future development of diaspora research, this paper improves the structuring of the overall diaspora literature through clarification of the existing definitions of diaspora, provision of the criteria qualifying someone to be identified as a member of a diaspora, as well as an analysis and systematization of existing diaspora research streams and suggestions for future research directions.
Does Sukuk financing boost economic growth? Empirical evidence from Southeast Asia
Authors: Ledhem Mohammed Ayoub 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate empirically whether Sukuk financing is boosting the economic growth in Southeast Asia within the framework of the endogenous growth model.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper applied dynamic panel one-step system generalized method of moments as an optimal estimation approach to investigate the impact of Sukuk financing on economic growth in Southeast Asia spanning from 2013Q4–2019Q3. Sukuk financing was proxied by the total issued Sukuk holdings, while economic growth was proxied by gross domestic product. The sample covered all full-fledged Islamic financial institutions in the most developed Sukuk financial markets countries in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei).

Findings
The findings demonstrated that Sukuk financing is boosting economic growth in Southeast Asia, which reflects the significant role of the Islamic financial markets of Sukuk as a vital contributor to economic growth.

Practical implications
This paper would fill the literature by investigating the link between Sukuk financing and economic growth in Southeast Asia within the framework of the endogenous growth model, as the outcome of this paper serves as a guide for financial researchers, decision-makers and policymakers to improve the Sukuk market globally as an alternative financing source for the best contribution to economic growth.

Originality/value
This paper is the first that investigates empirically the link between Sukuk financing and economic growth in Southeast Asia with a new theoretical context of the endogenous growth model to gain robust information about this link.
Generic design of an anatomical heart model optimized for additive manufacturing with silicone
Authors: Riedle Hannah , Ghazy Ahmed , Seufert Anna , Seitz Vera , Dorweiler Bernhard , Franke Jörg 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study is the generation of a thorough generic heart model optimized for direct 3D printing with silicone elastomers.

Design/methodology/approach
The base of the model design is segmentation of CT data, followed by a generic adaption and a constructive enhancement. The model is 3D printed with silicone. An evaluation of the physical model gives indications about its benefits and weaknesses.

Findings
The results show the feasibility of a generic design while maintaining anatomical correctness and the benefit of the generic approach to quickly derive a multiplicity of healthy and pathological versions from one single model. The material properties of the silicone model are sufficient for simulation, but the results of the evaluation indicate possible improvements, as for most anatomical features, the used silicone is too hard and too stretchable.

Originality/value
Previous developments mostly focus on patient-specific heart models. In contrast, this study sets out to explore the possibility and benefits of a generic approach. Standardized validated models would allow comparability in surgical simulation.
Assessing need for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest using Power BI for data visualisation
Authors: Ramanan Mahesh , Gill Denzil , Doan Tan , Bosley Emma , Rashford Stephen , Dennis Mark , Shekar Kiran 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the number of patients in refractory out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) potentially suitable for transport to an extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR)‐capable hospital in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, based on outcome predictors for ECPR, ambulance geolocation and patient data.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed using data from all patients in OHCA attended by Queensland Ambulance Service between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018. The number of refractory arrest patients who could potentially be transferred to an ECPR‐capable centre within 45 min of the time of arrest was modelled using theoretical on‐scene treatment times.ResultsOf 25 518 ambulance‐attended OHCA in Queensland during the study period, 540 (2%) patients met criteria of refractory arrest for study inclusion. Further age and arrest rhythm criteria for transport to an ECPR‐capable hospital were met in 253 (47%) study patients, an average of 51 patients per year. In 2018, 72 patients met study criteria for transport to an ECPR‐capable centre. Based on theoretical on‐scene treatment times of 12 and 20 min, in 2018 only 14 (19%) and 11 (15%) patients respectively would potentially arrive at an ECPR‐capable hospital within accepted timeframes for ECPR.ConclusionsRetrospective data collected from existing ambulance databases can be used to model patient suitability for ECPR. Relatively few patients with refractory OHCA in Queensland, Australia, could be attended and transported to an ECPR‐capable centre within clinically acceptable timeframes. Further studies of the transport logistics and economic implications of providing ECPR services for OHCA are required to better inform decisions around this intervention.
Sex difference in flux of 27‐hydroxycholesterol into the brain
Authors: Parrado‐Fernandez Cristina , Leoni Valerio , Saeed Ahmed , Rodriguez‐Rodriguez Patricia , Sandebring‐Matton Anna , Córdoba‐Beldad Carmen M. , Bueno Paula , Gali Chaitanya Chakravarthi , Panzenboeck Ute , Cedazo‐Minguez Angel , Björkhem Ingemar 
Published: December 2020

Background and PurposeThe cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/plasma albumin ratio (QAlb) is believed to reflect the integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Recently, we reported that QAlb is lower in females. This may be important for uptake of neurotoxic 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27OH) by the brain in particular because plasma levels of 27OH are higher in males. We studied sex differences in the relation between CSF and plasma levels of 27OH and its major metabolite 7α‐hydroxy‐3‐oxo‐4‐cholestenoic acid (7HOCA) with QAlb. We tested the possibility of sex differences in the brain metabolism of 27OH and if its flux into the brain disrupted integrity of the BBB.Experimental ApproachWe have examined our earlier studies looking for sex differences in CSF levels of oxysterols and their relation to QAlb. We utilized an in vitro model for the BBB with primary cultured brain endothelial cells to test if 27OH has a disruptive effect on this barrier. We measured mRNA and protein levels of CYP7B1 in autopsy brain samples.Key ResultsThe correlation between CSF levels of 27OH and QAlb was higher in males whereas, with 7HOCA, the correlation was higher in females. No significant sex difference in the expression of CYP7B1 mRNA in brain autopsy samples. A correlation was found between plasma levels of 27OH and QAlb. No support was obtained for the hypothesis that plasma levels of 27OH have a disruptive effect on the BBB.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe sex differences are discussed in relation to negative effects of 27OH on different brain functions.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Oxysterols, Lifelong Health and Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.16/issuetoc
Oxaliplatin rechallenge in metastatic colorectal cancer patients with clinically significant oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity
Authors: Argyriou Andreas A. , Kalofonou Foteini , Litsardopoulos Pantelis , Anastopoulou Garifallia G. , Kalofonos Haralabos P. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe investigated whether rechallenge with oxaliplatin (OXA) can worsen the pre‐existing oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity (OXAIPN) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Patients previously treated with OXA, having clinically significant grade 1 or 2 OXAIPN were assessed, after receiving rechallenge with OXA, using the clinical version of the Total Neuropathy Score (TNSc). Peripheral neuropathy was assessed at the end of first OXA exposure and at completion of OXA rechallenge. The first line OXA‐based chemotherapy was completed at least 9 months earlier (OXA‐free interval). We studied 25 mCRC patients, 14 males and 11 females, with a median age of 63 (35‐77) years. After their first exposure to OXA‐based chemotherapy, 9 (36%) patients developed grade 1 OXAIPN and 16 patients grade 2 (64%) neurotoxicity. OXA reintroduction with a median of 10 (8‐14) cycles led to grade 1 OXAIPN in two patients (8%), grade 2 in 19 patients (76%), and grade 3 neuropathy in 4 (16%) patients Worsening of pre‐existing OXAIPN was documented in seven (28%) patients and was significantly associated with higher OXA delivered cumulative dose (P < .001). Median TNSc scores following treatment (10; range 4‐18) were significantly increased (P < .001), when compared to the scores recorded at the end of first line treatment (8; range 2‐12). Rechallenging OXA appears to relatively worsen the severity of existing OXAIPN. However, the majority of rechallenged patients developed a clinically significant (grade 2) OXAIPN, rather than treatment‐emergent grade 3. As such, OXA rechallenge might be a feasible option in patients previously having OXAIPN.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of the Effect of Particle Size on Slurry Erosion Prediction
Authors: Wang Qiuchen , Huang Qiyu , Sun Xu , Zhang Jun , Karimi Soroor , Shirazi Siamack A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDuring petroleum production, sand particles can be entrained with the transported carrier fluid despite of any sand exclusion process and erode the inner walls of the pipelines. This erosion process may even cause pipe leakage and oil spill. Therefore, investigating the regularities of erosion damage changing with particle size and predicting erosion behavior for different particle sizes are important to pipeline safety. In this study, slurry erosion experiments are conducted using quartz particles with similar shapes and different sizes ranging from 25 μm to 600 μm to investigate the effect of particle size on erosion profiles and provide the database for evaluating available erosion models. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to simulate the fluid flow and track particles to obtain impact information. Erosion equations then connect the particles’ impact information with erosion rate. Finally, the available mechanistic and empirical equations erosion models are evaluated by comparing predicted erosion profile with experimental data. It was found that the local maximum erosion damage increases with particle size, although the total erosion ratio is not changing significantly. These changes of erosion profiles can be predicted with acceptable accuracy by available empirical erosion models when particle sizes are no less than 75 μm.
In Situ Transesterification of Spirulina Microalgae to Produce Biodiesel Using Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Koech Alex K. , Kumar Anil , Siagi Zachary O. 
Published: December 2020

The present technology of transesterification of vegetable oils to produce biodiesel, which is suited to replace petrodiesel, has economic challenges, and therefore, alternative sources are being explored. Microalgae, a renewable, third-generation biofuel resource, have the potential to become a viable feedstock due to their high oil content and environmentally friendly nature. The present study investigates the effect of microwave irradiation on the simultaneous extraction and transesterification of algae lipids to produce fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), in a batch reaction system using sulphuric acid catalyst. In situ transesterification combines the two steps of lipid extraction and transesterification into a single step. The microwave synthesis unit comprised of a 3-neck round bottom flask inside a 1300-Watt microwave oven, fitted with a quick-fit condenser and having an external stirrer. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to analyse the influence of process variables, dry algae to methanol ratio

1
:
4
−
1
:
14

g
/
ml

,

algae biomass to catalyst ratio

1
:
0.0032
−
1
:
0.0368

wt
%

,

and reaction time

1
−
11

min

,

at

500

rpm stirring rate for in situ reaction. FAME was analysed using gas chromatography (GC). The total lipid content of Arthrospira Spirulina platensis microalgae biomass was found to be

10.7
%

by weight. The algae biomass also contained proteins at

51.83
%

, moisture content at

7.8
%

, and ash content

14.30
%

by weight. RSM gave the optimum process conditions as dry algae biomass feed to methanol

wt
/
vol

ratio of 1 : 9, catalyst concentration of

2

wt
%
,

and reaction time of

7

minutes

for a maximum FAME yield of

83.43

wt
%
.

The major fatty acid composition of FAME was palmitic

43.83
%

, linoleic

38.83
%

, and linolenic

19.41
%

. FAME properties obtained according to European Standards (EN 14214) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D 6751) standards were as follows: flash point

16

4

o

C

calorific value

32,911

kJ
/
kg
,

acid value

0.475
KOH
/
g
,

viscosity

4.45

m

m

2

/
s

, and specific gravity

0.868

. The study showed that Arthrospira Spirulina platensis microalgae lipid FAME met the biodiesel standards (EN 14214 and ASTM D 6751) and has the potential to replace petrodiesel. Microwave irradiation increased the reaction rate resulting in a reduced reaction time of 7 minutes (as compared to 8 hours for conventional heating) and therefore was found to be a superior heating mode as compared to conventional heating.
The Impact of College Outreach on High Schoolers’ College Choices: Results from Over One Thousand Natural Experiments
Authors: Smith Jonathan , Howell Jessica , Hurwitz Michael 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We estimate the impact of one of the largest college-to-student outreach efforts in the nation, the College Board's Student Search Service. In an oversubscribed “order,” colleges receive contact information of a randomly chosen subset of PSAT and SAT exam takers who opt into the service and meet colleges’ search criteria from a larger set of students with identical backgrounds. We find that students who receive outreach enabled by Student Search Service (“licensed”) are 23 percent (0.1 percentage point) more likely to apply to the licensing college than students with similar backgrounds who did not receive outreach. Nearly 20 percent of students induced to apply to a college because of the Student Search Service also enroll, increasing the probability of enrolling in the college that licensed their contact information by 22 percent (0.02 percentage point). These impacts are twice as large for traditionally underserved students. Responsiveness to college outreach is larger for racial/ethnic minorities, first-generation students, and low- and moderate-income students. Despite the fact that one additional license changes the specific institution to which students send scores and enroll, we cannot detect changes to the broad types of colleges in which students ultimately enroll.