bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local mortality estimates during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy
Authors: Cerqua Augusto , Di Stefano Roberta , Letta Marco , Miccoli Sara 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEstimates of the real death toll of the COVID-19 pandemic have proven to be problematic in many countries, Italy being no exception. Mortality estimates at the local level are even more uncertain as they require stringent conditions, such as granularity and accuracy of the data at hand, which are rarely met. The “official” approach adopted by public institutions to estimate the “excess mortality” during the pandemic draws on a comparison between observed all-cause mortality data for 2020 and averages of mortality figures in the past years for the same period. In this paper, we apply the recently developed machine learning control method to build a more realistic counterfactual scenario of mortality in the absence of COVID-19. We demonstrate that supervised machine learning techniques outperform the official method by substantially improving the prediction accuracy of the local mortality in “ordinary” years, especially in small- and medium-sized municipalities. We then apply the best-performing algorithms to derive estimates of local excess mortality for the period between February and September 2020. Such estimates allow us to provide insights about the demographic evolution of the first wave of the pandemic throughout the country. To help improve diagnostic and monitoring efforts, our dataset is freely available to the research community.
Performing a knee arthroscopy among patients with degenerative knee disease: one-third is potentially low value care
Authors: Rietbergen T. , Marang-van de Mheen P. J. , Diercks R. L. , Janssen R. P. A. , van der Linden-van der Zwaag H. M. J. , Nelissen R. G. H. H. , Steyerberg E. W. , van Bodegom-Vos L. ,   for the SMART study group, Pander P. , Hofstee D. J. , van Geenen R. C. I. , Koenraadt K. L. M. , Onderwater J. P. A. H. , Kleinlugtenbelt Y. V. , Gosens T. , Klos T. V. S. , Rijk P. C. , Dijkstra B. , Zeegers A. V. C. M. , Hoogeslag R. A. G. , Huis in’t Veld M. H. A. , Polak A. A. , Pereira N. R. Paulino , Vervest T. M. J. S. , van der Veen H. C. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to assess in which proportion of patients with degenerative knee disease aged 50+ in whom a knee arthroscopy is performed, no valid surgical indication is reported in medical records, and to explore possible explanatory factors.

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted using administrative data from January to December 2016 in 13 orthopedic centers in the Netherlands. Medical records were selected from a random sample of 538 patients aged 50+ with degenerative knee disease in whom arthroscopy was performed, and reviewed on reported indications for the performed knee arthroscopy. Valid surgical indications were predefined based on clinical national guidelines and expert opinion (e.g., truly locked knee). A knee arthroscopy without a reported valid indication was considered potentially low value care. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess whether age, diagnosis (“Arthrosis” versus “Meniscal lesion”), and type of care trajectory (initial or follow-up) were associated with performing a potentially low value knee arthroscopy.

Results
Of 26,991 patients with degenerative knee disease, 2556 (9.5%) underwent an arthroscopy in one of the participating orthopedic centers. Of 538 patients in whom an arthroscopy was performed, 65.1% had a valid indication reported in the medical record and 34.9% without a reported valid indication. From the patients without a valid indication, a joint patient–provider decision or patient request was reported as the main reason. Neither age [OR 1.013 (95% CI 0.984–1.043)], diagnosis [OR 0.998 (95% CI 0.886–1.124)] or type of care trajectory [OR 0.989 (95% CI 0.948–1.032)] were significantly associated with performing a potentially low value knee arthroscopy.

Conclusions
In a random sample of knee arthroscopies performed in 13 orthopedic centers in 2016, 65% had valid indications reported in the medical records but 35% were performed without a reported valid indication and, therefore, potentially low value care. Patient and/or surgeons preference may play a large role in the decision to perform an arthroscopy without a valid indication. Therefore, interventions should be developed to increase adherence to clinical guidelines by surgeons that target invalid indications for a knee arthroscopy to improve care.

Level of evidence
IV.
Measuring appropriate need for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: results of the MANUKA study
Authors: Klasan Antonio , Luger Matthias , Hochgatterer Rainer , Young Simon W. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Indications for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are controversial. Studies based solely on radiographic criteria suggest up to 49% of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are suitable for UKA. In contrast, the ‘Appropriate use criteria’ (AUC), developed by the AAOS, apply clinical and radiographic criteria to guide surgical treatment of knee OA. The aim of this study was to analyze patient suitability for TKA, UKA and osteotomy using both radiographic criteria and AUC in a cohort of 300 consecutive knee OA patients.

Methods
Included were consecutive patients with clinical and radiographic signs of knee OA referred to a specialist clinic. Collected were demographic data, radiographic wear patterns and clinical findings that were analyzed using the AUC. A comparison of the radiographic wear patterns with the treatment suggested by the AUC as well as the Surgeon Treatment Decision was performed.

Results
There were 397 knees in 300 patients available for analysis. Median age was 68 [IQR 15], BMI 30 [6] with 55% females. Excellent consistency for both the radiographic criteria and the AUC criteria was found. Based on radiological criteria, 41% of knees were suitable for UKA. However, when using the AUC criteria, UKA was the appropriate treatment in only 13.3% of knees. In 19.1% of knees, no surgical treatment was appropriate at the visit, based on the collected data.

Conclusion
Application of isolated radiologic criteria in patients with knee OA results in a UKA candidacy is misleadingly high. AUC that are based on both radiological and clinical criteria suggest UKA is appropriate in less than 15% of patients.

Level of evidence
III retrospective study.
Optimal VLBI baseline geometry for UT1-UTC Intensive observations
Authors: Schartner Matthias , Kern Lisa , Nothnagel Axel , Böhm Johannes , Soja Benedikt 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOne of the main tasks of Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) is the rapid determination of the highly variable Earth’s rotation expressed through the difference between Universal Time UT1 and Coordinated Universal Time UTC (dUT1). For this reason, dedicated one hour, single baseline sessions, called “Intensives”, are observed on a daily basis. Thus far, the optimal geometry of Intensive sessions was understood to include a long east–west extension of the baseline to ensure a dUT1 estimation with highest accuracy. In this publication, we prove that long east–west baselines are the best choice only for certain lengths and orientations. In this respect, optimal orientations may even require significant inclination of the baseline with respect to the equatorial plane. The basis of these findings is a simulation study with subsequent investigations in the partial derivatives of the observed group delays $$\tau $$
τ
with respect to dUT1 $$\partial \tau /\partial dUT1$$

∂
τ
/
∂
d
U
T
1

. Almost 3000 baselines between artificial stations located on a regular $$10 \times 10$$

10
×
10

degree grid are investigated to derive a global and generally valid picture about the best length and orientation of Intensive baselines. Our results reveal that especially equatorial baselines or baselines with a center close to the equatorial plane are not suited for Intensives although they provide a good east–west extension. This is explained by the narrow right ascension band of visible sources and the resulting lack of variety in the partial derivatives. Moreover, it is shown that north–south baselines are also capable of determining dUT1 with reasonable accuracy, given that the baseline orientation is significantly different from the Earth rotation axis. However, great care must be taken to provide accurate polar motion a priori information for these baselines. Finally, we provide a better metric to assess the suitability of Intensive baselines based on the effective spread of $$\partial \tau /\partial dUT1$$

∂
τ
/
∂
d
U
T
1

.
Evaluation of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) on the management of female chronic pelvic pain (CPP) using the AGREE II instrument
Authors: Ghai Vishalli , Subramanian Venkatesh , Jan Haider , Loganathan Jemina , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. ,   CHORUS: An International Collaboration for Harmonising Outcomes, Research and Standards in Urogynaecology and Women’s Health (i-chorus.org)
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis
Variations in guidelines may result in differences in treatments and potentially poorer health-related outcomes. We aimed to systematically review and evaluate the quality of national and international guidelines and create an inventory of CPG recommendations on CPP.

Methods
We searched EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from inception till August 2020 as well as websites of professional organizations and societies. We selected national and international CPGs reporting on the diagnosis and management of female CPP. We included six CPGs. Five researchers independently assessed the quality of included guidelines using the AGREE II tool and extracted recommendations.

Results
Two hundred thirty-two recommendations were recorded and grouped into six categories: diagnosis, medical treatment, surgical management, behavioural interventions, complementary/alternative therapies and education/research. Thirty-nine (17.11%) recommendations were comparable including: a comprehensive pain history, a multi-disciplinary approach, attributing muscular dysfunction as a cause of CPP and an assessment of quality of life. Two guidelines acknowledged sexual dysfunction associated with CPP and recommended treatment with pelvic floor exercises and behavioural interventions. All guidelines recommended surgical management; however, there was no consensus regarding adhesiolysis, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy during hysterectomy, neurectomy and laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation. Half of recommendations (106, 46.49%) were unreferenced or made in absence of good-quality evidence or supported by expert opinion. Based on the AGREE II assessment, two guidelines were graded as high quality and recommended without modifications (EAU and RCOG). Guidelines performed poorly in the “Applicability”, “Editorial Independence” and “Stakeholder Involvement” domains.

Conclusion
Majority of guidelines were of moderate quality with significant variation in recommendations and quality of guideline development.
A singular eigenvalue problem for the Dirichlet (p, q)-Laplacian
Authors: Bai Yunru , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S. , Zeng Shengda 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe consider a parametric nonlinear, nonhomogeneous Dirichlet problem driven by the (p, q)-Laplacian with a reaction involving a singular term plus a superlinear reaction which does not satisfy the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition. The main goal of the paper is to look for positive solutions and our approach is based on the use of variational tools combined with suitable truncations and comparison techniques. We prove a bifurcation-type theorem describing in a precise way the dependence of the set of positive solutions on the parameter$$\lambda $$λ. Moreover, we produce minimal positive solutions and determine the monotonicity and continuity properties of the minimal positive solution map.
Texture design of gluten-free bread by mixing under controlled headspace atmosphere
Authors: Paulik Sabina , Paczkowski Christoph , Laukemper Rita , Becker Thomas , Jekle Mario 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGluten-free breads often show a reduced specific bread volume, in comparison to gluten-containing products, caused by non-adapted processing technologies of gluten-free dough. In this investigation, different mixing speeds and durations (600–3000 rpm for 3 min, 5 min or 8 min, respectively) as well as variations in the pressure (prel – 50 toprel + 130 kPa) in the headspace atmosphere during mixing (Stephan mixer) and pressure ratios of overpressure/negative pressure of 8 min mixing (20/80, 50/50, 80/20) were studied to determine their impact on the gas volume fraction of dough and specific volume of breads. A pressure rise ofprel 50 kPa,prel100 kPa orprel130 kPa increased the gas volume fraction in dough of 60%, 100% or 120%, respectively, and led to a significant higher specific bread volume (7%) and the reduction of crumb hardness (35%) atprel130 kPa. A linear correlation (R2 = 0.843) between the pressure and specific volume of breads was found. An extended first mixing phase at overpressure resulted in the formation of a very fine pore structure, whereby a short overpressure phase caused the formation of big pores. Thus, the control of the headspace atmosphere during mixing is a suitable parameter to adjust the density of dough and consequently, the pore size distribution for a specific texture design.
Reachability Problems on Reliable and Lossy Queue Automata
Authors: Köcher Chris 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe study the reachability problem for queue automata and lossy queue automata. Concretely, we consider the set of queue contents which are forwards resp. backwards reachable from a given set of queue contents. Here, we prove the preservation of regularity if the queue automaton loops through some special sets of transformation sequences. This is a generalization of the results by Boigelot et al. and Abdulla et al. regarding queue automata looping through a single sequence of transformations. We also prove that our construction is possible in polynomial time.
A Parameterized Complexity View on Collapsing k-Cores
Authors: Luo Junjie , Molter Hendrik , Suchý Ondřej 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe study the -hard graph problemCollapsed k-Corewhere, given an undirected graphGand integersb,x, andk, we are asked to removebvertices such that thek-core of remaining graph, that is, the (uniquely determined) largest induced subgraph with minimum degreek, has size at mostx.Collapsed k-Corewas introduced by Zhang et al. (2017) and it is motivated by the study of engagement behavior of users in a social network and measuring the resilience of a network against user drop outs.Collapsed k-Coreis a generalization ofr-Degenerate Vertex Deletion(which is known to be -hard for allr≥ 0) where, given an undirected graphGand integersbandr, we are asked to removebvertices such that the remaining graph isr-degenerate, that is, every its subgraph has minimum degree at mostr. We investigate the parameterized complexity ofCollapsed k-Corewith respect to the parametersb,x, andk, and several structural parameters of the input graph. We reveal a dichotomy in the computational complexity ofCollapsed k-Corefork≤ 2 andk≥ 3. For the latter case it is known that for allx≥ 0Collapsed k-Coreis -hard when parameterized byb. Fork≤ 2 we show thatCollapsed k-Coreis -hard when parameterized byband in when parameterized by (b+x). Furthermore, we outline thatCollapsed k-Coreis in when parameterized by the treewidth of the input graph and presumably does not admit a polynomial kernel when parameterized by the vertex cover number of the input graph.
Improving the usability of piezoresistive bond lines in wood by using impedance measurements
Authors: Schäfer Jesco , Jager Christopher , Schwarz Ulrich , Winkler Christoph 
Published: June 2021

AbstractVarious studies on wood adhesives filled with conductive fillers for future application to structural monitoring showed a piezoresistive (resistance change with strain) response of the adhesive bond lines that is measurable under direct current. The results also showed a relatively high signal noise with low sensitivity. Using impedance spectroscopy as a measurement technique, the improvements in frequency-dependent piezoresistivity over DC (Direct Current) resistography of multifunctional bonded wood were studied. Beech specimens were bonded by one-component polyurethane prepolymer (1C-PUR) filled with carbon black and tested under shear load. The quality of the piezoresistive properties was described by calculating the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the measured signal. A setup-specific frequency band with optimized SNR between 100 kHz and 1 MHz could be derived from the measurements. Several frequencies showed a signal with higher quality resulting in a higher SNR. Regardless of the variations in impedance spectra for all specimens, this frequency band provided several frequencies with improved signal quality. These frequencies give a more reliable signal with lower noise compared to the signal from DC resistography.
A randomized prospective study: assessment of transient ureteral stenting by mono-J insertion after primary URS and stone extraction (FaST 3)
Authors: Reicherz Alina , Westhues Hannah , Häuser Lorine , Wenzel Patricia , Noldus Joachim , Bach Peter 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTo compare the outcome of a short-term insertion of a mono-J catheter for 6 h following ureteroscopic stone removal to a conventional double-J catheter. This single-center academic study (Fast Track Stent study 3) evaluated stenting in 108 patients with urinary calculi after ureterorenoscopy. Patients were prospectively randomized into two study arms before primary ureterorenoscopy: (1) mono-J insertion for 6 h after ureterorenoscopy and (2) double-J insertion for 3–5 days after ureterorenoscopy. Study endpoints were stent-related symptoms assessed by an ureteral stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ) and reintervention rates. Stone sizes and location, age, operation duration, BMI, and gender were recorded. Of 67 patients undergoing ureterorenoscopy, 36 patients were analyzed in the double-J arm and 31 patients in the mono-J arm. Mean operation time was 27.5 ± 1.3 min versus 24.0 ± 1.3 min, and stone size was 5.2 mm versus 4.5 mm for mono-J versus double-J, respectively (p = 0.06 and p = 0.15). FaST 3 was terminated early due to a high reintervention rate of 35.5% for the mono-J group and 16.7% for the double-J group (p = 0.27). One day after ureterorenoscopy, USSQ scores were similar between the study arms (Urinary Index: p = 0.09; Pain Index: p = 0.67). However, after 3–5 weeks, the Pain Index was significantly lower in those patients who had a double-J inserted after ureterorenoscopy (p = 0.04). Short-term insertion of mono-J post-ureterorenoscopy results in similar micturition symptoms and pain one day after ureterorenoscopy compared to double-J insertion. The reintervention rate was non-significant between the treatment groups most likely due to the early termination of the study (p = 0.27). Ethics approval/Trail Registration: No. 18-6435, 2018
High Familial Recurrence of Congenital Heart Defects in Laterality Defects Patients: An Evaluation of 184 Families
Authors: Hu Huifang , Chen Weicheng , Sheng Wei , Huang Guoying 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAs a rare disease with genetic pathogenesis, observational study about familial CHD recurrence risk on CHD patients with laterality defects is lacking. This study aimed to investigate familial recurrence among families of patients with CHD and laterality defects, and compare them with CHD patients without laterality defects. A total of 184 patients with CHD and laterality defects treated in Cardiovascular Center, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University were observed from 2008 to 2019. A detailed family history was documented by trained staff using questionnaires, and information about the subtypes of CHD and laterality defects was also collected. In addition, positive family history information, including all three degrees relatives and all affected family members, was reconfirmed by trained medical staff through face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, and letter return visits. Of the 184 included patients, 30 had at least one family member (from among three linear generations and distant relatives) with CHD. The familial recurrence rate of CHD in our cohort was 16.3% (30/184), which was higher than the 3.3% (67/2024) of patients with CHD without laterality defects. This result shows that the recurrence rate among the first-, second-, and third-degree relatives was 11.7% (11/94), 1.5% (3/204), and 3.1% (6/91) and that the recurrence rate among siblings (21.4%, 9/42) was higher than that among parents (3.8%, 2/52). The familial recurrence risk of CHD among patients with CHD and laterality defects is high, which is consistent with the previous study that reported a high familial recurrence of heterotaxy of 10%. First-degree relatives have a higher recurrence rate than second- and third-degree relatives, especially siblings. These findings have important significance for prenatal screening, intervention, and genetic counseling in the Chinese population, but may not be generalizable to other populations that may have different rates of familial and sporadic cases.
Elevated Atmospheric CO2 Modifies Mostly the Metabolic Active Rhizosphere Soil Microbiome in the Giessen FACE Experiment
Authors: Rosado-Porto David , Ratering Stefan , Cardinale Massimiliano , Maisinger Corinna , Moser Gerald , Deppe Marianna , Müller Christoph , Schnell Sylvia 
Published: June 2021

AbstractElevated levels of atmospheric CO2 lead to the increase of plant photosynthetic rates, carbon inputs into soil and root exudation. In this work, the effects of rising atmospheric CO2 levels on the metabolic active soil microbiome have been investigated at the Giessen free-air CO2 enrichment (Gi-FACE) experiment on a permanent grassland site near Giessen, Germany. The aim was to assess the effects of increased C supply into the soil, due to elevated CO2, on the active soil microbiome composition. RNA extraction and 16S rRNA (cDNA) metabarcoding sequencing were performed from bulk and rhizosphere soils, and the obtained data were processed for a compositional data analysis calculating diversity indices and differential abundance analyses. The structure of the metabolic active microbiome in the rhizospheric soil showed a clear separation between elevated and ambient CO2 (p = 0.002); increased atmospheric CO2 concentration exerted a significant influence on the microbiomes differentiation (p = 0.01). In contrast, elevated CO2 had no major influence on the structure of the bulk soil microbiome (p = 0.097). Differential abundance results demonstrated that 42 bacterial genera were stimulated under elevated CO2. The RNA-based metabarcoding approach used in this research showed that the ongoing atmospheric CO2 increase of climate change will significantly shift the microbiome structure in the rhizosphere.