bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of frailty on clinical outcomes and resource use following emergency general surgery in the United States
Authors: Hadaya Joseph , Sanaiha Yas , Juillard Catherine , Benharash Peyman 
Published: July 2021

Background
Frailty has been recognized as an independent risk factor for inferior outcomes, but its effect on emergency general surgery (EGS) is understudied.

Objective
The purpose of the present study was to define the impact of frailty on risk-adjusted mortality, non-home discharge, and readmission following EGS operations.

Methods
Adults undergoing appendectomy, cholecystectomy, small bowel resection, large bowel resection, repair of perforated ulcer, or laparotomy within two days of an urgent admission were identified in the 2016–2017 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Frailty was defined using diagnosis codes corresponding to the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups frailty indicator. Multivariable regression was used to study in-hospital mortality and non-home discharge by operation, and Kaplan Meier analysis to study freedom from unplanned readmission at up to 90-days follow-up.

Results
Among 655,817 patients, 11.9% were considered frail. Frail patients most commonly underwent large bowel resection (37.3%) and cholecystectomy (29.2%). After adjustment, frail patients had higher mortality rates for all operations compared to nonfrail, including those most commonly performed (11.9% [95% CI 11.4–12.5%] vs 6.0% [95% CI 5.8–6.3%] for large bowel resection; 2.3% [95% CI 2.0–2.6%] vs 0.2% [95% CI 0.2–0.2%] for cholecystectomy). Adjusted non-home discharge rates were higher for frail compared to nonfrail patients following all operations, including large bowel resection (68.1% [95% CI 67.1–69.0%] vs 25.9% [95% CI 25.2–26.5%]) and cholecystectomy (33.7% [95% CI 32.7–34.7%] vs 2.9% [95% CI 2.8–3.0%]). Adjusted hospitalization costs were nearly twice as high for frail patients. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, frail patients had greater unplanned readmissions (log rank P<0.001), with 1 in 4 rehospitalized within 90 days.

Conclusions
Frail patients have inferior clinical outcomes and greater resource use following EGS, with the greatest absolute differences following complex operations. Simple frailty assessments may inform expectations, identify patients at risk of poor outcomes, and guide the need for more intensive postoperative care.
The relationship between common mental disorders and incident diabetes among participants in the Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program (K-DPP)
Authors: Johnson Leslie C. M. , Desloge Allissa , Sathish Thirunavukkarasu , Williams Emily D. , Absetz Pilvikki , Haregu Tilahun , De Man Jeroen , Thankappan Kavumpurathu Raman , Oldenburg Brian 
Published: July 2021

This study aims to describe the prevalence of depression and anxiety among a population sample of people at high risk for type 2 diabetes in Kerala, India, and examine the relationship between depressive symptoms, anxiety, and incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) over a two-year period. We used data from the Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program, a cluster-randomized controlled trial for diabetes prevention among 1007 high-risk individuals. The prevalence of depression and anxiety were estimated using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, respectively. We calculated proportions for depression and anxiety and performed generalized estimating equations (GEE) to examine the relationship between baseline mental health status and incident T2DM. The prevalence of depression and anxiety at baseline were 7.5% and 5.5%, respectively. Compared with those reporting none/low symptoms, the odds ratio for incident diabetes was 1.07 (95% CI 0.54–2.12) for participants with moderate to severe depression and 0.73 (95% CI 0.23–2.28) for participants with moderate to severe anxiety, after adjusting for potential confounders. Our findings suggest that the prevalence of depression and anxiety were higher than those previously reported in the general population in India. However, among this sample of community-based adults at high risk of developing T2DM, the presence of moderate to severe depression and/or anxiety symptoms was not significantly associated with the risk of developing T2DM.Trial registration: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000262909. Registered 10 March 2011.
Home as a value
Authors: Ivanova Valentina , Merkulova Olga 
Published: July 2021

The review presents studies devoted to the analysis of one literary work by V. Rasputin. The focus of the seminar “V. Rasputin's Creativity: Spirituality and Artistic Questˮ was the writer's late story “Hutˮ (1999). At the section "Analysis of one work: V. Rasputin's story “Hut", various aspects of the artistic world of the work were considered: images of Agafya and Home, the image of space, speech characteristics of the peasantry's lifestyle, cultural contexts, and the practice of teaching the story at school. The section was attended by researchers from Gorlovka (DPR), Donetsk (DPR), St. Petersburg (Russia), Voronezh (Russia). Isolation of the story from the legacy of the writer is a sign of the relevance of the work and the vitality of the constants of Russian culture reflected in it. The researchers identified the features of the story and raised the problems of loss and perpetuation of traditional values, generational bridge, and the memory of the nation. Turning to this work of V. Rasputin in new historical conditions, researchers discover in it the meanings that are relevant for themselves and their time.
Characteristics of geriatric and somatic status in patients with osteoporosis
Authors: Khovasova N. O. , Naumov A. V. , Tkacheva O. N. , Dudinskaya E. N. 
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND: Older adults with osteoporosis (OP) and high risk of falls are the most vulnerable group of patients with respect to the development of fractures. Falls and fractures in elderly patients with OP are associated with geriatric syndromes and worse functional status.AIM: To аssess comorbidity and geriatric status in elderly and senile patients with and without OP.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 607 patients over 60 years of age hospitalized in the geriatric department. According to the presence of OP, the patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 — patients with OP (n=178, 29.3%), group 2 — patients without OP (n=429, 70.7%). All patients underwent a general clinical study, an assessment of comorbidity ­according to the Charlson index, and a comprehensive geriatric score.RESULTS: OPs had 178 (29.3%) patients, more often these were women. 55.6% of patients with OP were disabled. Age-­related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, osteoarthritis, anemia, thyroid disease, varicose veins were significantly more common in patients with OP. With almost all of these diseases, a univariate analysis revealed an association with OP. Geriatric syndromes such as frailty, hypodynamia, malnutrition, polypharmacy, urinary incontinence were significantly more common in group 1 patients. Patients with OP were more likely to live alone and use mobility aids compared to patients without OP.The univariate analysis demonstrated that OP is associated (OR 1.54 to 2.00) with frailty, hypodynamia, the use of aids in movement, sleep disorders, sensory vision deficiency, urinary incontinence. The Functional status of patients with OP was worse compared to patients without OP. Patients with OP suffered more fractures, and vertebral fractures were significantly more frequent.CONCLUSION: Patients with OP have a high comorbidity, a burdened geriatric status. In elderly patients, it is necessary not only to screen and diagnose OP, to assess the risk of 10-years probability of major pathological fractures using the FRAX algorithm, but also to conduct a comprehensive geriatric assessment to diagnose geriatric syndromes that weaken the course of OP and lead to more serious consequences.
Adrenal imaging: anatomy and pathology (literature review)
Authors: Korb T. A. , Chernina V. Yu. , Blokhin I. A. , Aleshina O. O. , Vorontsov A. V. , Morozov S. P. , Gombolevskiy V. A. 
Published: July 2021

This literature review focuses on the normal adrenal gland anatomy and typical imaging features necessary to evaluate benign and malignant lesions. In particular, adenoma, pheochromocytoma, metastases and adrenocortical carcinoma were discussed as some of the most common lesions. For this purpose, a review of relevant local and international literature sources up to January 2021 was conducted.In many cases, adrenal incidentalomas have distinctive features allowing characterization using noninvasive methods. It is possible to suspect a malignant nature and promptly refer the patient for the necessary invasive examinations in some cases. ­Computed tomography, especially with intravenous contrast enhancement, is the primary imaging modality because it enables differential diagnosis. Magnetic resonance tomography remains a sensitive method in lesion detection and follow-up but is not very specific for determining the malignant potential. Positron emission computed tomography also remains an additional method and is used mainly for differential diagnosis of malignant tumors, detecting metastases and recurrences after surgical treatment. Ultrasound has a limited role but is nevertheless of great importance in the pediatric population, especially newborns. Promising techniques such as radiomics and dual-energy CT can expand imaging capabilities and improve diagnostic accuracy.Because adrenal lesions are often incidentally detected by imaging performed for other reasons, it is vital to interpret such findings correctly. This review should give the reader a broad overview of how different imaging modalities can evaluate adrenal pathology and guide radiologists and clinicians.
Comparison of selenium-induced antioxidant responses and bioaccumulation in two strains of the halotolerant alga Dunaliella salina
Authors: Hamidkhani Aida , Asgarani Ezat , Saboora Azra , Hejazi Mohammad Amin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Selenium water pollution is an increasing environmental problem that requires investigation of cellular responses of aquatic primary producer organisms, especially algae. Industrial wastewater with selenium contamination is often coupled with high salinity (60–70). In this study, the biochemical responses of two strains of the halotolerant alga (Dunaliella salina Hoze-soltan and Dunaliella salina CCAP 19/18) to different selenium concentrations were evaluated. Although at high selenium concentrations both strains showed lipid peroxidation and cell number reduction, Dunaliella salina Hoze-soltan was less affected. Higher selenium tolerance in this strain might be attributed to the better activity of resistance responses like proline, total reducing sugar, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POX), even at the high selenium concentrations. Catalase (CAT) had no significant role for protection against selenium toxicity as its activity declined in both strains with rising selenium concentration. Both strains accumulated selenium intracellularly, but the accumulation was about three-fold higher in Dunaliella salina Hoze-soltan than in the other strain. It can be concluded that Dunaliella salina Hoze-soltan may be a better candidate for selenium bioremediation of a high salinity environment. The data obtained from this study could be useful for improvement of algal ability for high efficiency selenium bioremediation in hypersaline environments.
Anthropometric, metabolic, and reproductive outcomes of patients with central precocious puberty treated with leuprorelin acetate 3-month depot (11.25 mg)
Authors: Ramos Carolina O. , Canton Ana P M , Seraphim Carlos Eduardo , Faria Aline Guimarães , Tinano Flavia Rezende , Mendonca Berenice B , Latronico Ana C. , Brito Vinicius N. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Longer-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa) have been widely used for central precocious puberty (CPP) treatment. However, the follow-up of patients after this treatment are still scarce. Our aim was to describe anthropometric, metabolic, and reproductive follow-up of CPP patients after treatment with leuprorelin acetate 3-month depot (11.25 mg).

Methods
Twenty-two female patients with idiopathic CPP were treated with leuprorelin acetate 3-month depot (11.25 mg). Their medical records were retrospectively evaluated regarding clinical, hormonal, and imaging aspects before, during, and after GnRHa treatment until adult height (AH).

Results
At the diagnosis of CPP, the mean chronological age (CA) was 8.2 ± 1.13 year, and mean bone age (BA) was 10.4 ± 1.4 year. Mean height SDS at the start and the end of GnRHa treatment was 1.6 ± 0.8 and 1.3 ± 0.9, respectively. The mean duration of GnRHa treatment was 2.8 ± 0.8 year. Mean predicted adult heights (PAH) at the start and the end of GnRH treatment was 153.2 ± 8.6 and 164.4 ± 7.3 cm, respectively (p<0.05). The mean AH was 163.2 ± 6.2 cm (mean SDS: 0.1 ± 1). All patients were within their target height (TH) range. There was a decrease in the percentage of overweight and obesity from the diagnosis until AH (39–19% p>0.05). At the AH, the insulin resistance and high LDL levels were identified in 3/17 patients (17.6%) and 2/21 patients (9.5%), respectively. The mean CA of menarche was 12.2 ± 0.5 years. At the AH, PCOS was diagnosed in one patient (4.8%).

Conclusions
Long-term anthropometric, metabolic, and reproductive follow-up of patients with CPP treated with longer-acting GnRHa revealed effectivity, safety, and favorable outcomes.
Collective Action and Social Ontology in Thomas Aquinas
Authors: Harris Joshua 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper I argue that there are resources in the work of Thomas Aquinas that amount to a unique approach to what David P. Schweikard and Hans Bernhard Schmid’s call the “Central Problem” facing theorists of collective intentionality and action. That is to say, Aquinas can be said to affirm both (1) the “Individual Ownership Claim” and (2) the “Irreducibility Claim,” coherently and compellingly. Regarding the Individual Ownership Claim, I argue that Aquinas’s concept of “general virtue” (virtus generalis) buttresses an account of the way in which individuals act collectively qua individuals, i.e., without invoking hive minds or other scientifically problematic phenomena. Further, with respect to the Irreducibility Claim (2), I argue that Aquinas’s concept of “common good” (bonum commune) offers an account of the way in which some powers and acts of social groups are importantly irreducible to those of their members. Considered together, I argue that these two positions in Aquinas are correlative, and therefore amount to a coherent account of collective action and group agency, respectively.
Tailoring exceptional points in a hybrid PT-symmetric and anti-PT-symmetric scattering system
Authors: Xiao Zhicheng , Alù Andrea 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Fano resonances feature an asymmetric lineshape with controllable linewidth, stemming from the interplay between bright and dark resonances. They provide efficient opportunities to shape the scattering lineshape, but they usually lack flexibility and tunability and are hindered by loss in passive systems. Here, we explore a hybrid parity-time (PT) and anti-parity-time (APT) symmetric system supporting unitary scattering features with highly tunable Fano resonances. The PT-APT-symmetric system can be envisioned in nanophotonic and microwave circuit implementations, allowing for real-time control of the scattering lineshape and its underlying singularities. Our study shows the opportunities enabled by non-Hermitian platforms to control scattering lineshapes for a plethora of photonic, electronic, and quantum systems, with potential for high-resolution imaging, switching, sensing, and multiplexing.
Review on resistive switching mechanisms of bio-organic thin film for non-volatile memory application
Authors: Cheong Kuan Yew , Tayeb Ilias Ait , Zhao Feng , Abdullah Jafri Malin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Bio-organic, as one of the sustainable and bioresorbable materials, has been used as an active thin film in producing resistive switching random access memory (RRAM) due to its specialized properties. This type of nonvolatile memory consists of a simple unit structure with the processed and solidified bio-organic-based thin film sandwiched between two electrodes. Its memory characteristics are significantly affected by the resistive-switching mechanism. However, to date, the reported mechanisms are very diverse and scattered, and to our best knowledge, there is no literature that reviewed comprehensively the mechanisms of resistive switching in bio-organic-based thin films. Therefore, the objective of this article is to critically analyze data related to the mechanisms of the bio-organic-based RRAM since it was first reported. Based on the pool of literature, three types of mechanisms are categorized, namely electronic, electrochemical, and thermochemical, and the naming is well justified based on the principle of operation. The determining factors and roles of bio-organic material and the two electrodes in governing the three mechanisms have been analyzed, reviewed, discussed, and compared.
Paroxetine effects on morphine analgesic tolerance in rats
Authors: Sahebi Vaighan Navideh , Parhiz Soha , Sabetkasaei Masoumeh , Moini Zanjani Taraneh , Zarei Malek 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To alleviate different pain intensities, morphine administration has been extensively used. However, prolonged administration of morphine leads to a progressive decline of its analgesic effect which limits their overall utility. Morphine tolerance is considered as a challenging issue for the treatment of both acute and chronic pain. We conducted this study in rats to investigate the effect of paroxetine on morphine tolerance when used preemptively or after morphine tolerance had developed.

Methods
Male Wistar rats (weight 250–300 g, n=10) were used to evaluate the effects of paroxetine on tolerance to morphine. In order to induce tolerance, daily intraperitoneal injection of morphine (7 mg/kg) was done. After tolerance induction, a group of animals received intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg paroxetine 30 min prior to each morphine dose. In another trial, to investigate the potential of paroxetine to prevent tolerance to morphine, animals were pretreated with 10 mg/kg paroxetine 30 min before morphine administration. In the control groups, 10 mL/kg of saline was injected. The behavioral test (tail-flick test) was done for all groups.

Results
Our data showed that paroxetine significantly reversed tolerance to morphine when used after tolerance induction (p<0.001). However, administration of paroxetine before occurrence of tolerance had no effect.

Conclusions
We conclude that paroxetine could decrease tolerance to morphine when used after the occurrence of morphine tolerance, while it was not able to prevent morphine tolerance when administered preemptively.

Ethical committee number
IRIB.SBMU.MSP.REC.1394.098.
ASSESSMENT OF VOCATIONAL SKILLS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES IN VET: A REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES
Authors: Dudyrev Fedor , Maltseva Vera , Romanova Olga , Petrov Evgenii 
Published: July 2021

There is a growing need for valid tools for assessing skills and certifying qualifications in the context of increasing labour migration and mobility. Due to the growing internationalization of business activities, companies are interested in standardized skills assessments that ensure valid and comparable ratings of job applicants and employees. At the same time, assessment of professional or vocational skills, which are highly domain-specific and numerous, remains challenging, especially in terms of comparability. Therefore, objective skills assessment tops the list of challenges faced by national VET systems.
This paper presents an overview of practices and tools for assessing vocational skills and VET learning outcomes, and covers the following issues: a) current practices and challenges in measuring vocational skills and learning outcomes in VET; b) initiatives for internationally comparable assessment of vocational skills, including PISA-VET and WorldSkills competitions; c) national initiatives for assessment of VET learning outcomes in the cases of Germany and Russia; d) labor market- and industry-driven initiatives in skills assessment for job seekers and qualification assurance. This paper contributes to the literature on skills assessment by providing a more comprehensive picture of approaches to skills assessments, including well-established ones and emerging initiatives outside the field of measuring learning outcomes in education.
The Effects of Nostalgia-based Advertising on a Toy Company’s Brand Equity: The Example of the LEGO Group
Authors: Lubiński Kamil 
Published: July 2021

Objective: The paper aims to demonstrate whether or not nostalgia can be regarded as an antecedent of brand loyalty and, more importantly, how nostalgia might affect overall brand equity.Research Design & Methods: A total of 255 Polish consumers (172 males and 83 females) participated in the study. The sample was obtained using computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) technique in the period between June and September 2020, and the research procedure was designed so the subjects would engage online. The author chose a correlational approach (Spearman’s rho), given its frequent use in the literature on nostalgia.Findings: It was found that previous experience with a brand, particularly during childhood, does influence a nostalgia-oriented purchase intention, t253 = 2.634, p = 0.009. In addition, the intensity of consumer nostalgia towards a brand positively affected the strength of LEGO® brand equity, which is conceptualised in the paper as consisting of four dimensions.Implications / Recommendations: This paper offers insight to both managers and marketers looking for differential marketing techniques in building consumer loyalty whilst improving the effectiveness of the marketing message.Contribution: The findings expand the literature by examining the influence of nostalgia-based advertising endeavours on consumer-based brand equity in an international context.
Państwowe fundusze majątkowe krajów członkowskich Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Kulbacki Michał 
Published: July 2021

Objective: The article has two objectives: to evaluate the activities of the sovereign wealth funds of EU member states, and to identify the strengths and weaknesses in their functioning.Research Design & Methods: The study uses the original Indicator of Assessment of Sovereign Wealth Funds (the SWF Indicator), an analysis of information and data on these funds, and comparative analysis.Findings: The activity of the sovereign wealth funds was assessed as moderately positive. Their strengths include their institutional foundations, governance and portfolio management. The weaknesses include a failure to achieve environmental, social and ethical goals, as well as the support of economic policy.Implications / Recommendations: The implications presented in the paper show that sovereign wealth funds should take measures to address their weaknesses. For this purpose, they can rely on good practices identified in the study.Contribution: A comprehensive assessment of the activities of EU Member States’ sovereign wealth funds.