bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ShadowPatch: Shadow Based Segmentation for Reliable Depth Discontinuities in Photometric Stereo
Authors: Heep M. , Zell E. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPhotometric stereo is a well‐established method with outstanding traits to recover surface details and material properties, like surface albedo or even specularity. However, while the surface is locally well‐defined, computing absolute depth by integrating surface normals is notoriously difficult. Integration errors can be introduced and propagated by numerical inaccuracies from inter‐reflection of light or non‐Lambertian surfaces. But especially ignoring depth discontinuities for overlapping or disconnected objects, will introduce strong distortion artefacts. During the acquisition process the object is lit from different positions and self‐shadowing is in general considered as an unavoidable drawback, complicating the numerical estimation of normals. However, we observe that shadow boundaries correlate strongly with depth discontinuities and exploit the visual structure introduced by self‐shadowing to create a consistent image segmentation of continuous surfaces. In order to make depth estimation more robust, we deeply integrate photometric stereo with depth‐from‐stereo. Having obtained a shadow based segmentation of continuous surfaces, allows us to reduce the computational cost for correspondence search in depth‐from‐stereo. To speed‐up computation further, we merge segments into larger meta‐segments during an iterative depth optimization. The reconstruction error of our method is equal or smaller than previous work, and reconstruction results are characterized by robust handling of depth‐discontinuities, without any smearing artifacts.
The influence of smoking on the incidence of peri‐implantitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Reis Isabella Neme Ribeiro dos , do Amaral Guilherme Castro Lima Silva , Hassan Mohamed Ahmed , Villar Cristina Cunha , Romito Giuseppe Alexandre , Spin‐Neto Rubens , Pannuti Claudio Mendes 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to systematically analyze the influence of smoking on the incidence of peri‐implantitis.Materials and MethodsThe search was performed in the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE‐PubMed), SCOPUS, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science databases (finished on November 30, 2022). Systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted according to PRISMA statement. Prospective cohort studies that evaluate the incidence of peri‐implantitis in smokers and non‐smokers were included. Two authors independently searched for eligible studies, screened titles, and abstracts, did the full‐text analysis, extracted data, and performed the risk‐of‐bias assessment. The results were summarized through random‐effects meta‐analyses. The GRADE method was used to determine the certainty of evidence.ResultsA total of 7 studies with 702 patients and 1959 implants were included for analysis. The meta‐analysis revealed a significant difference between smokers and non‐smokers for the risk of peri‐implantitis in the implant‐based (p < .0001) and patient‐based analysis (p = .003). A strong association between smoking and the risk for peri‐implantitis was verified at the implant level (RR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.46–1.85) and the patient level (RR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.42–5.50).ConclusionsModerate certainty evidence suggests that smoking is associated with peri‐implantitis compared to non‐smoking at the patient and implant levels.
A survey of transplant providers regarding attitudes, barriers, and facilitators to living donor liver transplantation in the United States
Authors: Liapakis AnnMarie , Agbim Uchenna , Bittermann Therese , Dew Mary Amanda , Deng Yanhong , Gan Geliang , Emre Sukru , Hunt Heather F. , Olthoff Kim M. , Locke Jayme E. , Jesse Michelle T. , Kumar Vineeta , Pillai Anjana , Verna Elizabeth , Lentine Krista L. ,   the AST LDLT Consensus Conference Working Group
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionA successful living donor liver transplant (LDLT) is the culmination of a multifaceted process coordinated among key stakeholders.MethodsWe conducted an electronic survey of US liver transplant (LT) centers (August 26, 2021–October 10, 2021) regarding attitudes, barriers, and facilitators of LDLT to learn how to expand LDLT safely and effectively in preparation for the American Society of Transplantation Living Donor Liver Transplant Consensus Conference.ResultsResponses were received from staff at 58 programs (40.1% of US LT centers). There is interest in broadening LDLT (100% of LDLT centers, 66.7% of non‐LDLT centers) with high level of agreement that LDLT mitigates donor shortage (93.3% of respondents) and that it should be offered to all suitable candidates (87.5% of respondents), though LDLT was less often endorsed as the best first option (29.5% of respondents). Key barriers at non‐LDLT centers were institutional factors and surgical expertise, whereas those at LDLT centers focused on waitlist candidate and donor factors. Heterogeneity in candidate selection for LDLT, candidate reluctance to pursue LDLT, high donor exclusion rate, and disparities in access were important barriers.ConclusionFindings from this study may help guide current and future expansion of LDLT more efficiently in the US. These efforts require clear and cohesive messaging regarding LDLT benefits, engagement of the public community, and dedicated resources to equitably increase LDLT access.
Ventilatory efficiency measured during sub‐maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing predicts postoperative outcomes following heart transplantation
Authors: Jayasimhan Dilip , Welch Ryan , Ellyett Kevin , Pasley Tom , Kolbe John 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCardiopulmonary exercise testing is commonly used to evaluate patients for heart transplantation. We assessed the utility of ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2) to predict perioperative outcomes following heart transplantation. We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing prior to heart transplantation at our center. Spearman's coefficient showed a correlation between VE/VCO2 and ICU free days in the first 30‐days post‐transplant (R = –.37, p < .01). A VE/VCO2 cut‐off >35 was associated with significantly lower median ICU‐free days (23.0 vs. 27 days; p < .01) and a higher likelihood of postoperative morbidity (OR = 5.64, 95% CI = 1.75–18.16; p < .01). Multiple regression analysis controlling for peak oxygen consumption and right heart catheter parameters showed VE/VCO2 >35 is independently associated with lower ICU‐free days (p < .01) and postoperative morbidity (p = .02). Peak oxygen consumption <15 mL/min/kg was not associated with higher ICU or hospital‐free days. VE/VCO2 >35 independently predicts early postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing heart transplantation.
Spastic dystonia: Still a valid term
Authors: Lumsden Daniel E. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHypertonia in childhood may arise because of a variable combination of neuronal and non‐neuronal factors. Involuntary muscle contraction may be due to spasticity or dystonia, which represent disorders of the spinal reflex arch and of central motor output respectively. Whilst consensus definitions for dystonia have been established, definitions of spasticity vary, highlighting the lack of a single unifying nomenclature in the field of clinical movement science. The term spastic dystonia refers to involuntary tonic muscle contraction in the context of an upper motor neuron (UMN) lesion. This review considers the utility of the term spastic dystonia, exploring our understanding of the pathophysiology of dystonia and the UMN syndrome. An argument is advanced that spastic dystonia is a valid construct that warrants further exploration.What this paper adds

There is no single universally accepted definitions for terms commonly used to describe motor disorders.

Spasticity and dystonia are phenomenologically and pathophysiologically distinct entities.

Spastic dystonia represents a subset of dystonia, but with pathophysiological mechanisms more in common with spasticity.
Consensus based recommendations for the diagnosis of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma: an international Delphi study
Authors: Bogaerts Joep M A , van Bommel Majke H D , Hermens Rosella P M G , Steenbeek Miranda P , de Hullu Joanne A , van der Laak Jeroen A W M ,   STIC consortium, Simons Michiel 
Published: March 2023

AimReliably diagnosing or safely excluding serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC), a precursor lesion of tubo‐ovarian high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), is crucial for individual patient care, for better understanding the oncogenesis of HGSC, and for safely investigating novel strategies to prevent tubo‐ovarian carcinoma. To optimize STIC diagnosis and increase its reproducibility, we set up a three‐round Delphi study.Methods and resultsIn round 1, an international expert panel of 34 gynecologic pathologists, from 11 countries, was assembled to provide input regarding STIC diagnosis, which was used to develop a set of statements. In round 2, the panel rated their level of agreement with those statements on a 9‐point Likert scale. In round 3, statements without previous consensus were rated again by the panel while anonymously disclosing the responses of the other panel members. Finally, each expert was asked to approve or disapprove the complete set of consensus statements. The panel indicated their level of agreement with 64 statements. A total of 27 statements (42%) reached consensus after three rounds. These statements reflect the entire diagnostic work‐up for pathologists, regarding processing and macroscopy (three statements); microscopy (eight statements); immunohistochemistry (nine statements); interpretation and reporting (four statements); and miscellaneous (three statements). The final set of consensus statements was approved by 85%.ConclusionThis study provides an overview of current clinical practice regarding STIC diagnosis amongst expert gynecopathologists. The experts' consensus statements form the basis for a set of recommendations, which may help towards more consistent STIC diagnosis.
Multicriteria evaluation of technological competitiveness in diversification processes. An application to the automotive components industry
Authors: Muerza Victoria , Larrodé Emilio , Moreno‐Jiménez José María , Royo Beatriz 
Published: March 2023

AbstractConsidering technological competitiveness in diversification processes as the existence of key technologies that guarantee the current and future effective running of firms in terms of their technological and operational potential, this paper presents a multicriteria approach for its evaluation and provides an index for measuring the technological competitiveness of diversification processes. The application of this multicriteria approach, based on the analytic hierarchy process, in three real technological diversification processes allows (i) the validation of the hierarchical model (five levels and 25 attributes) and the index (73 indicators) proposed for evaluating the technological competitiveness; (ii) the use of this hierarchical model and index to confirm the suitability of the diversification process and to extract knowledge related to the technological and operational potential of the firm; and (iii) the exploitation of this knowledge in order to guarantee the long‐term survival of automotive components industry's firms. The methodology finds the most relevant attributes in the automotive component sector (innovative capacity and activity, good functioning of the management and finance departments). Its practical application determines the firm's suitability for a diversification process, identifies the attributes that require some improvement, and the decision opportunities. After 5 years, the three companies that have been studied showed a behaviour aligned with the values and recommendations of the index developed to assess technological competitiveness. The main limitation lies in the difficulty of studying companies if they change or disappear in the future.
Converting qualitative data into quantitative values using a matched mixed‐methods design: A new methodological approach
Authors: Halevi Hochwald Inbal , Green Gizell , Sela Yael , Radomyslsky Zorian , Nissanholtz‐Gannot Rachel , Hochwald Ori 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundQuantifying qualitative data as part of mixed‐methods research (MMR) can add to the study results' analysis. Comparable results may reinforce the conclusions, while differences hold an opportunity for an in‐depth discussion. To date, there is little guidance for researchers seeking to quantify their qualitative data.ObjectivesDescribing conversion of qualitative data to quantitative values, comparison with matched questionnaire results, discussing the benefits of this process and the matched MMR design.MethodsWe describe in detail how qualitative data from 46 interviews were converted into quantitative values (i.e., quantitative–qualitative values, QQVs) using MMR design, enabling a comparison of results from interviews and questionnaires obtained from the same participants. This process was embedded in a larger MMR study on family‐caregivers caring for people‐with‐end‐stage‐dementia conducted between the years 2020–2021.ResultsA QQV was generated for three main themes and compared to the questionnaires' scores regarding the same topics. There were no significant differences between the scores regarding ‘satisfaction with nurses and physicians care’, and ‘discussion with nurses and physicians about end‐of‐life care’. However, for ‘burden’, the QQV score was significantly higher than the questionnaires' score.DiscussionWe described how to use a matched MMR design to produce and compare QQV from interviews with questionnaire scores. This methodology may allow further valuable discussion if the results are either similar or not, and for better integration and easier presentation of the results. Comparable results can reinforce the conclusions from both parts of the MMR study, while differences hold an opportunity for an in‐depth discussion regarding their meaning and context. Although we claim that this methodology can be embedded in the MMR structure and contribute significantly to the discussion's depth, it by no means replaces the traditional MMR design.Patient and Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.
Salivary annexin A1: A candidate biomarker for periodontitis
Authors: Casarin Renato C. V. , Salmon Cristiane R. , Stolf Camila S. , Paz Hélvis E. S. , Rangel Thiago P. , Domingues Romênia R. , Pauletti Bianca A. , Paes‐Leme Adriana F. , Araújo Cassia , Santamaria Mauro P. , Ruiz Karina S. , Monteiro Mabelle F. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimTo compare the salivary proteomic profile of periodontitis‐affected (PA) parents and their offspring to periodontally healthy (PH) dyads in the pursuit of possible biomarkers for early diagnosis of this disease.Materials and MethodsUnstimulated saliva samples collected from 17 pairs of PA or PH individuals and their children were submitted to mass spectrometric analyses followed by proteomic analyses. Primary PA fibroblasts were triggered towards having an inflammatory response, and an immunoenzymatic assay of its supernatant was performed to validate the obtained data.ResultsANXA1, KRT4, GSTP1, HPX, A2M and KRT13 were lower in PA parents and their children, and IGHG1, CSTB, KRT9, SMR3B, IGHG4 and SERPINA1 were higher. ANXA1 presented the highest fold change, 7.1 times less produced in children of PA parents, and was selected as a potential biomarker for periodontitis. The in vitro assay also showed lower ANXA1 production by cells of PA patients.ConclusionBefore any clinical sign of periodontal loss, descendants of PA patients have an altered proteomic profile compared to PH individuals, presenting a lower abundance of ANXA1. This protein is suggested as a potential biomarker for periodontitis.
Effects of nanocomposite packaging on postharvest quality of mushrooms (Stropharia rugosoannulata) from the perspective of water migration and microstructure changes
Authors: Ye Shuang , Chen Maobin , Liu Yani , Gao Hong , Yin Chaomin , Liu Jingyu , Fan Xiuzhi , Yao Fen , Qiao Yu , Chen Xueling , Shi Defang , Zhang Yu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractStropharia rugosoannulata, a high‐value mushroom, exhibits high nutritional value and flavor characteristics; however, the mushroom is susceptible to spoilage, water loss and texture deterioration, which renders its safety and edibility a challenge. To improve the shelf life of fresh mushrooms during storage, a novel nanocomposite packaging (NP) was applied for the first time to maintain the freshness of S. rugosoannulata. The results showed that compared to other groups, NP effectively delayed the deterioration of sensory quality, postponed the decrease in firmness, and inhibited the degradation of soluble protein (caps 54.58 mg g−1 and stipes 31.45 mg g−1) and crude polysaccharide (caps 5.06 mg g−1 and stipes 3.53 mg g−1). Moreover, NP significantly reduced weight loss (0.41%) and water content loss (caps 90.93% and stipes 89.80%), as confirmed by low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging; thus, water loss was inhibited. Additionally, the results of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that NP helped preserve intact cell structure and retard organelle disintegration, helping prevent water from escaping to some extent. The overall research indicated that the application and performance of the novel NP, which is convenience, suitable for scale application and improves postharvest quality, is a promising approach for extending the shelf life of fresh S. rugosoannulata.
Public views on healthcare workers' burnout before and during COVID‐19: A comparative study
Authors: Kagan Ilya , Tsamir Judith , Engelchin Nissan Esti 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionUnderstanding burnout among nurses and physicians may mobilize public support for increasing budgets, personnel, and trust in both routine and pandemic times. The study aimed to examine public views of nurse and physician burnout both before and 1 year after the COVID‐19 outbreak.DesignThis study was conducted in two phases in a pre‐post design.MethodsThe general public (a random sample) responded to a structured questionnaire with 1–2 open‐ended questions: (a) before the COVID‐19 pandemic, in 2019 during routine life (n = 504) and (b) 1 year after the COVID‐19 outbreak, in 2021 (n = 500). Quantitative and qualitative data on public perceptions of nurse and physician burnout, its sources and consequences, were collected.ResultsThe public view was that hospital physicians and even more so hospital nurses suffer from higher burnout than those working in the community, and that this worsened during the pandemic. Three themes related to caregiver burnout were identified: (a) work overload, (b) lack of sensitivity, empathy, and motivation, and (c) impaired ability to provide quality care.ConclusionsThe public is aware of the experiences of caregivers both in times of routine and in emergency. Healthcare management must influence public opinion in order to receive support for organizational steps.Clinical RelevanceHealthcare leaders should leverage public support in order to receive backing for organizational moves aimed at improving work conditions and, in turn, the quality of care and patient outcomes.
General self‐efficacy as a mediator of the association between adverse childhood experiences and psychological distress in gender‐minority individuals
Authors: Belloir Joseph A. , Fabiano Fredric , Jackman Kasey B. , Bockting Walter O. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the mediating role of general self‐efficacy (i.e., belief in one's competence to cope with a broad range of stressful or challenging demands) in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and psychological distress (i.e., symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression) in gender minority individuals, which include people with a gender identity that is not aligned with their sex assigned at birth.Design and methodsThe study sample included gender minority participants who participated in Waves 4 and 5 of Project AFFIRM, a multi‐site longitudinal study of gender minority health. ACEs, general self‐efficacy, and psychological distress were measured using the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System ACE Module at Wave 4, the PROMIS General self‐efficacy measure at Wave 4, and the Brief Symptoms Inventory Global Severity Index (GSI) at Wave 5, respectively. After adjustment for covariates, including age, race, sex assigned at birth, and income, multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to assess each component of the proposed mediation model. Next, mediation analyses were used to determine whether general self‐efficacy mediated the association between ACEs and psychological distress.FindingsThe sample for this study consisted of 166 gender minority adults with a mean age of 38.6 ± 12.2 years. Most were non‐Hispanic White (46.4%) and female assigned at birth (59.6%). Mean ACEs score was 3.2 ± 2.1 (range 0–8), mean general self‐efficacy score was 13.9 ± 3.6 (range 4–20), and mean raw‐score GSI was 17.3 ± 13.7 (range 0–64). Participants who reported experiencing more ACEs had greater psychological distress (B 1.60; 95% CI = 0.66, 2.54) and lower general self‐efficacy (B −0.41; 95% CI = −0.67, −0.15). In addition, lower general self‐efficacy was associated with higher psychological distress (B −1.06; 95% CI = −1.61, −0.51). Bootstrap estimation of the indirect effect was significant (95% CI = 0.14, 0.90) and explained 27.1% (95% CI = 7.76, 69.76) of the total effect of ACEs on psychological distress in gender minority adults.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that general self‐efficacy partially mediated the positive association between ACEs and psychological distress in gender minority adults. Interventions that aim to improve general self‐efficacy may be beneficial in alleviating psychological distress in gender minority adults.Clinical relevanceNurses can play an important role in reducing the health risks associated with ACEs by screening gender minority individuals using a trauma‐informed approach to care and offering resources and referrals, as appropriate.
Challenges of COVID‐19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing in School Settings: An Initial Investigation
Authors: Vo Anh V , Majnoonian Araz , Ni Jessica , Garfein Richard S , Wishard Guerra Alison , Fielding‐Miller Rebecca 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundCase investigation and contact tracing (CI/CT) are important public health tools to interrupt COVID‐19 transmission. Our study aims to understand how parents and school staff perceive COVID‐19 CI/CT.MethodsUsing a mixed methods approach, we distributed a community survey and conducted 15 focus group discussions (FGDs) in English and Spanish between December 2020 and March 2021 with 20 parents and 22 staff from schools in San Diego County ZIP Codes with COVID‐19 rates in the top quintile as of August 2020.ResultsOne in 4 survey respondents reported that they would be reluctant to participate in CI/CT. FGDs revealed themes of mistrust in government authorities, overburdened institutions, unfamiliarity with CI/CT, and uncertainty about its reliability. School community members emphasized that parents trust schools to be involved in CI/CT efforts, but schools are overwhelmed with this added responsibility.ConclusionsInvesting in schools as community hubs is necessary so they can become important partners in prevention and mitigation in public health.