bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Considering lead-time bias in evaluating the effectiveness of lung cancer screening with real-world data
Authors: Yang Szu-Chun , Wang Jung-Der , Wang Shi-Yi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLow-dose computed tomography screening can be used to diagnose lung cancer at a younger age compared to no screening. Real-world studies observing mortality after lung cancer diagnosis are subject to lead-time bias. This study developed a method using a nationwide cancer registry and stage shift from trial for the adjustment of lead-time bias. 78,897 Taiwanese nationwide lung cancer patients aged 55–82 were matched with 788,820 referents randomly selected from the general population at a ratio of 1:10 by age, sex, calendar year, and comorbidities, to estimate the pathology- and stage-specific life expectancy (LE). Loss-of-LE is the difference between the LE of cancer patients and that of referents. By multiplying LE and loss-of-LE by the pathology and stage shift in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), we compared the effectiveness of cancer screening measured by LE gained and loss-of-LE saved. The mean LEs of stage IA and IV adenocarcinoma were 14.5 and 1.9 years, respectively, indicating a LE gain of 12.6 years. However, the mean loss-of-LEs of stage IA and IV adenocarcinoma were 3.7 and 15.1 years, respectively, with a saving of only 11.4 years, implying an adjustment of different distributions of age, sex, and calendar year of diagnosis from stage shift and a reduction in lead-time bias. Applying such estimations on the results of 10,000 participants with the same pathology and stage shift in the NLST, the benefit of screening using LE gained would be 410.3 (95% prediction interval: 328.4 to 503.3) years. It became 297.1 (95% prediction interval: 187.8 to 396.4) years when using loss-of-LE saved, indicating the former approach would overestimate the effectiveness by 38%. Our approach of multiplying loss-of-LE by pathology and stage shift to estimate loss-of-LE saved could adjust for different distributions of age, sex, and calendar year at early diagnosis and reduce lead-time bias.
Quantifying efficient information exchange in real network flows
Authors: Bertagnolli Giulia , Gallotti Riccardo , De Domenico Manlio 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNetwork science enables the effective analysis of real interconnected systems, characterized by a complex interplay between topology and network flows. It is well-known that the topology of a network affects its resilience to failures or attacks, as well as its functions. Many real systems—such as the Internet, transportation networks and the brain—exchange information, so it is crucial to quantify how efficiently system’s units communicate. Measures of parallel communication efficiency for weighted networks rely on the identification of an ideal version of the system, which currently lacks a universal definition. Consequently, an inattentive choice might hinder a rigorous comparison of network flows across scales or might lead to a descriptor not robust to fluctuations in the topology or the flows. We propose a physically-grounded estimator of flow efficiency valid for any weighted network, regardless of scale, nature of weights and (missing) metadata, allowing for comparison across disparate systems. Our estimator captures the effect of flows heterogeneity along with topological differences of both synthetic and empirical systems. We also show that cutting the heaviest connections may increase the average efficiency of the system and hence, counterintuively, a sparser network is not necessarily less efficient.
Graphdiyne–hemin-mediated catalytic system for wound disinfection and accelerated wound healing
Authors: Ali Arbab , Liu Jiaming , Zhou Huige , Liu Tao , Ovais Muhammad , Liu Huibiao , Rui Yukui , Chen Chunying 
Published: June 2021

The well-dispersed and biosafe hemin/graphdiyne (GDY) nanocomposite (GDY–hemin) exhibits high peroxidase activity, which can decompose H2O2 to generate highly-toxic hydroxyl radicals, leading to bacterial death in both in vitro and in vivo.
Meta-Analysis of Speech Recognition Outcomes in Younger and Older Adults With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Schafer Erin C. , Miller Sharon , Manning Jacy , Zhang Qi , Lavi Alexandra , Bodish Emily , Fuentes Andrea , De Blaey Eric 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
Meta-analyses were conducted to compare pre- to postoperative speech recognition improvements and postoperative scores after cochlear implantation in younger (< 60 years) and older (> 60 years) adults.

Method

Studies were identified with electronic databases and through manual search of the literature. In the primary analyses, effect sizes between pre- and postoperative scores for each age group were calculated using a formula appropriate for repeated-measures designs. Using the effect sizes, two separate meta-analyses using a random-effects restricted maximum likelihood model were conducted for experiments using word and sentence recognition stimuli in quiet. Secondary meta-analyses were conducted to examine average postimplant, percent correct word recognition, sentence recognition, and speech recognition in noise in studies that included both older and younger age groups. Traditional Hedges's
g
effect sizes were calculated between the two groups.

Results
For the primary analyses, experiments using word and sentence recognition stimuli yielded significant, large effect sizes for the younger and older adult cochlear implant recipients with no significant differences between the older and younger age groups. However, the secondary meta-analyses of postoperative scores suggested significant differences between age groups for stimuli in quiet and noise.

Conclusions
Although older and younger adults with implants achieve the same magnitude of pre- to postimplant speech recognition benefit in quiet, the overall postoperative speech recognition outcomes in quiet and noise are superior in younger over older adults. Strategies to mitigate these group differences are critical for ensuring optimal outcomes in elderly individuals who are candidates for cochlear implants.
Direction of arrival estimation of airborne multiple‐input multiple‐output radar in multipath environment
Authors: Hu Yili , Zhao Yongbo , Chen Sheng , Pang Xiaojiao 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAirborne multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) radar can transmit orthogonal waveforms to increase the range of the detection target. However, in a multipath environment, airborne MIMO radar also has energy radiated to the target through multipath directions, which makes the multipath phenomenon of airborne MIMO radar complicated. Because the direct path signal and the multipath signals of the airborne radar are at different range gates, the characteristics of data between the direct path signal and the multipath signals of the airborne MIMO radar can be used to propose a method for estimating the reflection coefficient amplitude (RCA). Considering that the target echoes data at different range gates can be used to estimate the elevation angle of the target, a direction of arrival (DOA) estimation method using data fusion at low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is proposed. Moreover, at high SNR, the signal path corresponding to the maximum target echo power is selected for DOA estimation based on the estimated multipath RCA. The proposed method makes full use of all target echo data of airborne MIMO radar in a multipath environment and is suitable for practical applications. Finally, simulation experiments verify that the proposed method can effectively improve the DOA estimation accuracy.
First survey of HCNH+in high-mass star-forming cloud cores
Authors: Fontani F. , Colzi L. , Redaelli E. , Sipilä O. , Caselli P. 
Published: June 2021

Context.Most stars in the Galaxy, including the Sun, were born in high-mass star-forming regions. It is hence important to study the chemical processes in these regions to better understand the chemical heritage of the Solar System and most of the stellar systems in the Galaxy.Aims.The molecular ion HCNH+is thought to be a crucial species in ion-neutral astrochemical reactions, but so far it has been detected only in a handful of star-forming regions, and hence its chemistry is poorly known.Methods.We observed with the IRAM 30 m Telescope 26 high-mass star-forming cores in different evolutionary stages in theJ= 3−2 rotational transition of HCNH+.Results.We report the detection of HCNH+in 16 out of 26 targets. This represents the largest sample of sources detected in this molecular ion to date. The fractional abundances of HCNH+with respect to H2, [HCNH+], are in the range 0.9−14 × 10−11, and the highest values are found towards cold starless cores, for which [HCNH+] is of the order of 10−10. The abundance ratios [HCNH+]/[HCN] and [HCNH+]/[HCO+] are both ≤0.01 for all objects except for four starless cores, which are well above this threshold. These sources have the lowest gas temperatures and average H2volume density values in the sample. Based on this observational difference, we ran two chemical models, ‘cold’ and ‘warm’, which attempt to match the average physical properties of the cold(er) starless cores and the warm(er) targets as closely as possible. The reactions occurring in the latter case are investigated in this work for the first time. Our predictions indicate that in the warm model HCNH+is mainly produced by reactions with HCN and HCO+, while in the cold model the main progenitor species of HCNH+are HCN+and HNC+.Conclusions.The observational results indicate, and the model predictions confirm, that the chemistry of HCNH+is different in cold–early and warm–evolved cores, and the abundance ratios [HCNH+]/[HCN] and [HCNH+]/[HCO+] can be useful astrochemical tools to discriminate between different evolutionary phases in the process of star formation.
Lack of Predictive Power in Commonly Used Tests for Performance in Alpine Skiing
Authors: Nilsson Robert , Theos Apostolos , Lindberg Ann-Sofie , Ferguson Richard A. , Malm Christer 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCompetitive alpine skiing is a complex sport that requires high physical and technical competence. Testing the physical status of athletes may be important to increase their ability to achieve elite sport-specific performance. This study aimed to investigate the predictive power of the national test battery of the Swedish Olympic Committee (Fysprofilen) and anthropometric variables in the prediction of competitive performance of elite alpine skiers, indicated by Fédération Internationale de Ski points. Data from fourteen Swedish elite female alpine skiers were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate statistical methods. Physiological test results and anthropometric data could not generate significant bivariate or multivariate models for prediction of competitive performance. Multivariate regression (R2) and prediction (Q2) models for Fédération Internationale de Ski Slalom and Giant Slalom rank reached R2=0.27 to 0.43, Q2=+− 0.8 to−0.17, indicating no valid models. The overall interpretation of these and previous findings are that future test batteries must be validated before implemented, and that test results should be treated with caution when it comes to prediction of future competitive results. Applying tests that are not validated against competitive performance risk misleading coaches and training advisors who aim to increase the sports-specific performance of the individual athlete.
Vaginal Delivery and Low Gestational Age are Key Risk Factors for Hypernatremia in Neonates<32 Weeks
Authors: Eugster Nadia S. , Corminboeuf Florence , Koch Gilbert , Vogt Julia E. , Sutter Thomas , van Donge Tamara , Pfister Marc , Gerull Roland 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground Preterm neonates frequently experience hypernatremia (plasma sodium concentrations >145 mmol/l), which is associated with clinical complications, such as intraventricular hemorrhage.Study design In this single center retrospective observational study, the following 7 risk factors for hypernatremia were analyzed in very low gestational age (VLGA, below 32 weeks) neonates: gestational age (GA), delivery mode (DM; vaginal or caesarian section), sex, birth weight, small for GA, multiple birth, and antenatal corticosteroids. Machine learning (ML) approaches were applied to obtain probabilities for hypernatremia.Results 824 VLGA neonates were included (median GA 29.4 weeks, median birth weight 1170 g, caesarean section 83%). 38% of neonates experienced hypernatremia. Maximal sodium concentration of 144 mmol/l (interquartile range 142–147) was observed 52 hours (41–65) after birth. ML identified vaginal delivery and GA as key risk factors for hypernatremia. The risk of hypernatremia increased with lower GA from 22% for GA ≥ 31–32 weeks to 46% for GA < 31 weeks and 60% for GA < 27 weeks. A linear relationship between maximal sodium concentrations and GA was found, showing decreases of 0.29 mmol/l per increasing week GA in neonates with vaginal delivery and 0.49 mmol/l/week after cesarean section. Sex, multiple birth and antenatal corticosteroids were not associated hypernatremia.Conclusion VLGA neonates with vaginal delivery and low GA have the highest risk for hypernatremia. Early identification of neonates at risk and early intervention may prevent extreme sodium excursions and associated clinical complications.
Personalisierte Ernährungsangebote aus Verbrauchersicht – Relevanz und Akzeptanz
Authors: Schiller Simone , Buxel Holger 
Published: June 2021

ZusammenfassungPersonalisierte Ernährung wird von Marktbeobachtern derzeit als wichtiges Trendthema eingestuft, das auch für die Lebensmittelwirtschaft von Bedeutung ist. In der My-Food-Studie der DLG e. V. wurde untersucht, welche Relevanz und Akzeptanz Angebote zur Personalisierung der Ernährung aus Verbrauchersicht derzeit besitzen.
Sex und Porno im Forschungsalltag – ein Werkstattbericht über den Umgang mit sexuell explizitem Material in der empirischen Forschung
Authors: Lewandowski Sven , Siemer Tara Elena 
Published: June 2021

ZusammenfassungDieser Beitrag reflektiert anhand der Erfahrungen des Forschungsprojekts „Die Praxen der Amateurpornographie“ die Besonderheiten und Schwierigkeiten der qualitativen empirischen Sexualforschung sowie des wissenschaftlichen Umgangs mit pornografischem Bildmaterial. Dargestellt werden sowohl formelle wie informelle „Entschärfungsmaßnahmen“, die die wissenschaftliche Analyse sexuellen Materials ermöglichen. Dabei zeigt sich, dass sich letztere zwar nicht in regelgeleitete Verfahren überführen lassen, aber wichtige Funktionen erfüllen. Der Beitrag möchte eine Diskussion über den Umgang mit sexuell explizitem Material in der Forschungspraxis anstoßen.
Diagnosis and staging of hepatobiliary malignancies: Potential incremental value of (18)F-FDG-PET/MRI compared to MRI of the liver
Authors: Obmann Verena Carola , Grosse-Hokamp Nils , Alberts Ian , Fulton Nicholas , Rassouli Negin , Siegel Christopher , Avril Norbert , Herrmann Karin Anna 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective The purpose of the study was to investigate the potential added value of 18F-FDG-PET/MRI (functional information derived from PET) over standard diagnostic liver MRI (excellent soft tissue characterization) in diagnosing and staging suspected primary hepatobiliary malignancies including extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC), intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (ICC) and gallbladder cancer (GBCA).
Methods Twenty consecutive patients with suspected hepatobiliary malignancy were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent combined whole-body (WB) 18F-FDG-PET/MRI including contrast-enhanced MRI of the liver, contrast-enhanced WB-MRI and WB 18F-FDG-PET. Two experienced readers staged hepatobiliary disease using TNM criteria: first based on MRI alone and then based on combined 18F-FDG-PET/MRI. Subsequently, the impact of FDG-PET/MRI on clinical management compared to MRI alone was recorded. Histopathologic proof served as the reference standard.
Results Hepatobiliary neoplasms were present in 16/20 patients (ECC n = 3, ICC n = 8, GBCA n = 5), two patients revealed benign disease, two were excluded. TNM staging with 18F-FDG-PET/MRI was identical to MRI alone in 11/18 (61.1 %) patients and correctly changed the stage in 4/18 (22.2 %), resulting in a change in management for 2/4 patients (11.1 %). 18F-FDG-PET/MRI was false-positive in 3/18 cases (16.7 %). Both MRI and 18F-FDG-PET/MRI were falsely positive in 1 case without malignancy.
Conclusions A small incremental benefit of 18F-FDG-PET/MRI over standard MRI of the liver was observed. However, in some cases 18F-FDG-PET/MRI may lead to false-positive findings. Overall there is seemingly limited role of 18F-FDG-PET/MRI in patients with suspected hepatobiliary malignancy.
Cochlear Implantation in Vestibular Schwannoma: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Tadokoro Kent , Bartindale Matthew Robert , El-Kouri Nadeem , Moore Dennis , Britt Christopher , Kircher Matthew 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective Ipsilateral cochlear implantation (CI) in vestibular schwannoma (VS) has been an emerging trend over the last two decades. We conducted the first systematic review of hearing outcomes comparing neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) and sporadic VS undergoing CI. A comparison of the two populations and predictor of outcome was assessed. This is an update to a previously presented study.
Data Sources Systemic data searches were performed in PubMed NCBI and Scopus by an academic librarian. No restrictions based on the year of publication were used.
Study Selection Studies were selected if patients had a diagnosis of NF2 and a CI placed in the affected side with reports of hearing outcome. Two independent reviewers screened each abstract and full-text article.
Data Extraction Studies were extracted at the patient level, and the assessment of quality and bias was evaluated according to the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool.
Main Outcome Measures Outcome predictors were determined by using the chi-square test and Student's t-test.
Results Overall, most CI recipients functioned in the high-to-intermediate performer category for both sporadic and NF2-related VS. Median AzBio (Arizona Biomedical Institute Sentence Test) was 72% (interquartile range [IQR]: 50) in NF2 patients and 70% (IQR: 7.25) in sporadic patients. Larger tumor size predicted a poorer final audiometric outcome.
Conclusions Categorization of hearing outcome into superior performance and inferior performance based on sentence recognition revealed a generally good hearing outcome regardless of treatment or patient population. Select patients with sporadic and NF2 VS may benefit from CI.
The Role of Visfatin (Adipocytokine) Biomarker in Oral Health and Diseases among Nonobese Indian Population: A Proteomic Assay
Authors: Coutinho Amita , Reddy Neethu , Chatterjee Anirban , Khan Mahamad Irfanulla 
Published: June 2021

AbstractVisfatin is an adipocytokine and a potential biomarker encoded by the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase gene. It belongs to the nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase family and involved in various metabolic processes and aging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of visfatin biomarker in oral diseases like periodontitis. A total of 60 patients (20–50 years) were included in this study, and they were divided into three groups. Group I consisted of 20 subjects with healthy periodontium, group II consisted of 20 subjects with generalized moderate gingivitis, and group III consisted of 20 subjects with generalized periodontitis. The clinical periodontal parameters, including plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment levels, were recorded, and saliva samples were collected. Salivary visfatin concentrations were assessed using standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results of the study showed that the visfatin concentrations were higher in patients with gingivitis and periodontitis compared with those of healthy individuals. Visfatin was found highest in group III (38.22 ± 3.38 ng/mL) followed by group II (26.66 ± 2.24 ng/mL) and the group I (25.60 ± 2.19 ng/mL). Thus, salivary visfatin is a potential inflammatory biomarker and acts as a mediator in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and, might serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker in oral diseases like periodontitis.
Assessment of the Utility of Plusoptix A09 Handheld Photo-refractometer in Screening Refractory Errors and Amblyopia in Children
Authors: Sinanoglu Muhammed Selcuk , Cengiz Yakıncı , Demirel Soner 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to find out the frequency of anisometropic amblyopia in children and to increase awareness about this disease. All children between the ages of 4 and 10 years who were attending 11 kindergarten and primary schools determined by provincial directorate for national education in the center of Malatya were included. A screening team including interns and a resident from the Department of Pediatrics have used Plusoptix A09 handheld photo-refractometer device for detecting amblyopia and its reasons. A total of 7,000 students were screened. The mean age of the students was 7.4 ± 2 years. Amblyopia was suspected in 357 cases with the Plusoptix S09 screening. After eye examinations performed by an ophthalmologist, 303 cases were found to have pathologic eye examination. Amblyopia was found in 67 (18.8%) of the 303 cases, and anisometropic amblyopia was found in 59 of 67 cases. As a result of the screening, sensitivity of Plusoptix A09 was found to be 88.1%, while its specificity was found to be 88.6%. Its positive predictive value was found to be 64.0% and its negative predictive value was found to be 97.0%. We believe that with screenings performed by health professionals who are given short-term training by using a device that can conduct remote measurements, detection of anisometropic amblyopia, which is the most frequent reason for amblyopia, can be done in a fast and relatively less expensive way and with the minimum number of specialist physician required. This way, children with amblyopia can reach the ophthalmologist earlier for treatment.
The Accuracy and Ability of Preoperative Templating to Restore Femoral Offset in Calcar-Guided Short-Stem Total Hip Prosthesis through Direct Anterior Approach
Authors: Favier Barbara , van Beek Nathalie , Tengrootenhuysen Mike 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the applicability and ability of preoperative templating to restore femoral offset and hip length with a calcar-guided short-stem implant design in total hip arthroplasty through the direct anterior approach. Preoperative measurements were performed of femoral offset, hip length, and stem size and compared with the perioperative placed prosthesis in 100 patients undergoing primary total hip replacement through direct anterior approach. Additionally, the pre- and postoperative femoral offset and hip length were compared to evaluate the ability to restore the offset and hip length with this kind of femoral short stem. With an acceptance of 1 size difference pre- and postoperatively, a 94% accuracy of predicting the size of the calcar-guided short stem was achieved with templating. Femoral offset was within means of 5 mm in 82.2% of the patients. Postoperative hip length was within 6 mm in 90% of the patients compared with the preoperative length.The use of preoperative templating for total hip arthroplasty with calcar-guided short-stem implants was proven to be a useful tool to predict the definite implanted size of the femoral prosthesis. Our results show that this new stem design does not significantly differ from previous reported outcomes with other stem designs and is competent to restore the femoral offset and hip length within clinical acceptable range.
Level of evidence Level 3 retrospective case study.