bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance measurement in the public sector: Mapping 20 years of survey research
Authors: van der Kolk Berend 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis paper maps 20 years of survey research on performance measurement (PM) practices in public sector organizations. Cumulative findings from the discipline of accounting enhance the understanding of public sector PM and its antecedents and effects. Four maps are presented that visualize the relationships among key variables from prior research in four empirical settings: government, health, education, and other domains. Furthermore, this review distinguishes between individual‐level and organization‐level effects of PM, and includes reflections on the appreciation of PM by public sector employees. The findings highlight that PM use and attributes such as fairness, subjectivity, and clarity significantly impact the outcomes yielded by PM systems. This paper contributes by synthesizing prior research on public sector PM and by identifying research gaps, areas of debate, and avenues for future research. In addition, findings from this review have the potential to add nuance to the sometimes‐polarized debate on the acclaimed “benefits” and “costs” of PM in the public sector.
Softening response of cast Al‐Si‐Cu samples tested under low‐cycle‐fatigue and fatigue‐creep regime and elevated temperate: Experimental and analysis
Authors: Cao Zicong , Zhang Weizheng 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn this paper, the strain‐controlled low‐cycle‐fatigue (LCF) test and low‐cycle‐fatigue‐creep (LCFC) test of a cast Al‐Si‐Cu alloy at 350°C were investigated. A significant softening behavior can be observed in the tests, the strain amplitude has an effect on softening speed, and the dwell time has an effect on both softening ratio and softening speed. Microscopic observation indicated that the compressive load of creep could result in a significant amount of plastic deformation and lead to the eutectic silicon particles rupture and the propagation of dimples, causing the softening behavior and the decrease of failure life of Al‐Si‐Cu alloy. Based on the experiment data, a modified visco‐plasticity model combining Chaboche model and θ‐projection model was proposed to capture the cyclic stress response. The modified model could simulate the softening behavior and hysteresis loop for LCF test and LCFC test of Al‐Si‐Cu alloy accurately.
Migration, gentrification and housing crisis. The case of Peruvians living in Abasto (Buenos Aires)
Authors: Cuberos‐Gallardo Francisco J. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe neighbourhood of Abasto has been home to many Peruvian immigrants since the 1990s. Now, this population is suffering the effects of a notable increase in real estate value intensely. This work analyses the specific mechanisms that provoke a differentiated exposure of Peruvian neighbours to gentrification, as well as the differentiated responses of migrants to the housing crisis. This paper is an ethnographic account about the strategies developed by Peruvian families in the context of gentrification. For this purpose, an abundance of material collected through observation, in‐depth interviews and a rigorous review of bibliographic and documentary material is provided. The results demonstrate how the condition of migrant as in‐betweeners represents an overexposure to the effects of the housing crisis for this population. In this context, there is also an unequivocal tendency for migrants to develop autonomous strategies against gentrification.
Review: Elaboration, structure, and mechanical properties of oxynitride glasses
Authors: Duval Alexis , Houizot Patrick , Rouxel Tanguy 
Published: October 2022

AbstractOxynitride glasses are glasses where threefold coordinated nitrogen atoms substitute for twofold oxygen ones, hence resulting in a larger interatomic cross‐linking degree. Such glasses were first observed at the grain boundary in silicon nitride ceramics, where they govern the high‐temperature behavior. Later, they were prepared as bulk materials and motivated numerous researches, thanks to their large viscosity, glass transition range, elastic moduli, hardness, and fracture toughness among inorganic and non‐metallic glasses. In different chemical systems that were investigated, the synthesis routes and the sources for these exceptional mechanical properties are reviewed. Oxynitride glasses are not easy to process and suffer from the loss of transparency as nitrogen is incorporated over some critical content. Nevertheless, they are attractive “specialty” glasses in various niche areas, thanks to their large refractive index and dielectric constant, improved chemical durability, high softening point, etc., and majorly to their exceptional mechanical properties.
Metabolome and transcriptome integration reveals metabolic profile of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hou Guojun , Xu Wenfang , Ding Dongyang , Tian Tao , Liu Gang , Yang Yuan , Liu Hui , Zhou Weiping 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground and AimAccumulated evidence highlights the role of metabolites in cancer diagnosis. However, the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially its early diagnosis, is still very difficult. The main purposes of the study are to explore the comprehensive characteristic metabolites of HCC through an integrated nontargeted metabolomics and transcriptomics approach and evaluate the diagnostic value of some metabolic changes in HCC.MethodsDysregulated metabolites and pathways in HCC were identified by nontargeted metabolomics analysis of 72 pairs of matched liver tissues, including HCC tissue (HCT) and adjacent noncancerous tissue (ANT). Meanwhile, to ensure the reliability of the results, metabolic enzymes were quantified at the mRNA level by RNA sequencing. To facilitate the utilization of this information, a diagnostic model was developed based on binary logistic regression using 63 HCC serum samples collected from the aforementioned 72 patients and 40 noncancer serum samples.ResultsThe results showed that 267 metabolites were significantly altered in HCT. These differential metabolites binding to related differential metabolic enzyme genes were enriched in 14 metabolic pathways. And combination of 5‐oxoproline, taurocholenate sulfate, and maltose could be used as a novel candidate early serum diagnostic marker for HCC.ConclusionsWe profiled the metabolic features of HCC and found global biochemical pathway aberration. The diagnostic potential of differential metabolites found in serum tissues, further validated in liver samples, showed that 5‐oxoproline, taurocholenate sulfate, and maltose combination had a high accuracy for hepatocellular carcinoma detection, especially for alpha fetoprotein negative patients.
Patient‐reported geriatric assessment‐based frailty index among older adults with gastrointestinal malignancies
Authors: Giri Smith , Al‐Obaidi Mustafa , Harmon Christian , Clark Deanna , Ubersax Clare , Dai Chen , Young‐Smith Crystal , Outlaw Darryl , Gbolahan Olumide , Khushman Moh'd , Bhatia Smita , Williams Grant R. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundOlder adults with cancer are at increased risk of treatment‐related toxicities and excess mortality. We evaluated whether a patient‐reported geriatric assessment (GA) based frailty index can identify those at risk of adverse outcomes.MethodsOlder adults (≥60 years) enrolled in a single‐institutional prospective registry underwent patient‐reported GA at initial evaluation in our medical oncology clinic. Using deficit accumulation method, we constructed a 44‐item frailty index (CARE‐FI), categorizing patients as robust, pre‐frail, and frail. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included (a) functional decline at 3 months post‐therapy (b) incident grade ≥3 treatment‐related toxicities at six‐month post‐treatment. We used multivariate Cox and logistic regression models respectively to study the impact of frailty on primary and secondary outcomes.ResultsWe identified 589 older adults with a median age of 69 years; 55% males and 73% Whites. Overall, 168 (29%) were pre‐frail and 230 (39%) frail. Being frail (vs. robust) was associated with worse OS (Hazards Ratio, HR 1.83, 95% Confidence Interval, CI 1.34–2.49, p < 0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, cancer type, cancer stage, and line of therapy. Similarly, frailty was associated with increased risk of functional decline (OR 3.01; 95% CI 1.33–6.81; p = 0.008) and grade ≥3 non‐hematologic toxicities (OR 3.65; 95% CI 1.54–8.69; p = 0.003) but not hematologic toxicities (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.46–2.22; p = 0.97).ConclusionsOur frailty index using a patient‐reported GA is a robust predictor of survival, functional decline, and treatment related toxicity among older adults with GI malignancies.
Predictive validity of the Westmead Post‐Traumatic Amnesia Scale for functional outcomes in school‐aged children who sustained traumatic brain injury
Authors: Briggs Rachel , Epps Adrienne , Brookes Naomi , Tate Robyn , Lah Suncica 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe Westmead Post‐Traumatic Amnesia Scale (WPTAS) is routinely used for the assessment of post‐traumatic amnesia (PTA) in children who sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI). Yet, the WPTAS' predictive validity for functional outcomes is largely unknown. We aimed to determine whether PTA duration measured by the WPTAS (i) differentially predicts functional outcomes and (ii) contributes to predictions of outcomes beyond the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in children who sustained TBI. Participants were children and adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe TBI (n = 55) aged 8–15 years. PTA duration was assessed with the WPTAS. Outcomes at the first outpatient follow‐up were scored on the Kings Outcome Scale for Childhood Head Injury (KOSCHI) and the TBI Outcome Domain Scale‐Extended (ODS‐E). Longer PTA and lower GCS were both significantly correlated with worse (i) global outcomes: presence of disability on the KOSCHI and lower score on the ODS‐E and (ii) select specific outcomes on the ODS‐E: mobility, mood and cognition. PTA duration predicted cognitive outcome on the ODS‐E independently, beyond GCS. Together, PTA duration and GCS, predicted the global KOSCHI outcome, as well as the ODS‐E mobility and mood outcomes. Neither GCS nor PTA duration correlated with the ODS‐E communication, impulsivity/disinhibition, headache, fatigue, sensory impairments or somatic complaints outcomes. PTA duration measured by the WPTAS is a significant unique predictor of functional cognitive outcomes in children who sustained moderate‐to‐severe TBI, and in combination with the GCS, a significant predictor of global, and several specific functional outcomes.
Clinical outcomes of hereditary angioedema on multiparous women
Authors: Karabiber Esra , Kendirlinan Reşat , Çerçi Pamir 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectiveSignificant concerns for patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) include hormonal fluctuations and drug safety during pregnancy. The impact of the disease on childbearing in multiparous women remains to be elucidated. We aimed to investigate the clinical course and impacts of multiparity on HAE patients.Study designThis observational study included 15 multiparous women with HAE; a total of 88 pregnancies were assessed using a questionnaire and the patient's medical records.ResultsThe median age was 36 (IQR, 33–39). Of 72 resulted in healthy babies without any congenital abnormalities. In sixteen pregnancies, 12 (13.6%) ended with spontaneous abortion; three resulted in stillbirth and one neonatal death. Two‐thirds of the patients (n = 10) enounced a worsening in the frequency of angioedema attacks during pregnancy. There was no statistically significant difference compared with the nonpregnant period (p = 0.283). One‐fifth of the patients (n = 3) reported alleviation in attacks. While most deliveries were vaginally (n = 57 babies), 19 deliveries in six patients were by cesarean section. None of the patients were aware of the diagnosis of HAE prior to their first pregnancies. After the diagnosis was made, eight patients received 263 vials of plasma‐derived C1‐inhibitor concentrate during a total of 13 pregnancies. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionWe conclude that our results on clinical course and outcomes of HAE in multiparous patients are consistent with the literature. A greater focus on multiparous HAE patients could produce exciting findings.
Therapeutic efficacy of metronidazole by needle‐free jet injection combined with blue light therapy in Moderate‐to‐Severe facial acne vulgaris
Authors: Yi Lu , Gao Lihua , Lv Lv , Zhang Bo , Chen Fangru , Yang Fengyuan , Yan Wenjie , Jiang Lijun , Li Nianzhen , Lao Yuanqing , Lu Jianyun , Huang Xi 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundAcne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatological diseases. Some topical treatments for acne used in combination, such as blue light and topical antibiotics (such as metronidazole) by needle‐free jet injection (NFJI), are becoming prevalent in clinical practice, but the efficacy remains uncertain.MethodsIn order to investigate the effect of blue light combined with metronidazole by NFJI in the treatment of acne, the 251 enrolled patients were randomly assigned into the blue light group, metronidazole (MNZ) group, and MNZ + blue light group, and then received 6‐weeks' treatment. A variety of objective and subjective methods such as clinical pictures, skin barrier physiological parameters (including trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration, facail surface sebum, erythema and pigmentation), the Investigator Global Assessment score, acne lesion count assessment, Patients' Self‐Assessment, and VAS score were used to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of the treatments.ResultsCompared to the baseline, the MNZ + blue light group showed significant improvement in acne lesion count reduction, TEWL, straum corneum hydration, facial surface sebum and erythema (p < 0.05). The MNZ + blue light group showed significant differences compared with the MNZ group and blue light group in terms of acne lesion count reduction and erythema (p < 0.05) Compared to the MNZ group, the MNZ + blue light group demonstrated significant improvement in TEWL and sebum (p < 0.05). While compared to the blue light group, the MNZ + blue light group showed significant improvement in hydration (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among the three groups in pigmentation (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe combination of MNZ by NFJI and blue light has a synergistic effect and can relieve acne skin lesion within 6 weeks in the treatment of moderate and moderate–to–severe facial acne vulgaris, meanwhile, this method has a good safety.
Different vitiligo characteristics as predictors of increased risk of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance: A case–control study
Authors: Ibrahim Sarah , El‐Tahlawi Samar , Mogawer Rania M. , El Ansary Mervat , Esmat Samia , El‐Hawary Marwa 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune and metabolic disturbances have been reported in association with vitiligo, highlighting possible systemic associations that should be considered.AimsTo assess the possible association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as well as insulin resistance (IR) with vitiligo in different age groups.MethodsThis case–control study included 142 patients with vitiligo aging ≥ 6 years and 142 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Participants were assessed for MetS using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria in addition to IR via homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA‐IR). The study was registered at Clinical Trials.gov, Identifier: NCT03622320, on August 9, 2018.ResultsAs per the IDF criteria, patients with vitiligo showed significantly more frequent association with high fasting plasma glucose levels, high blood pressure readings, central obesity, dyslipidemia, and MetS than controls (p = 0.020, p = 0.034, p = 0.014, p < 0.001, and p = 0.002, respectively). Moreover, patients with vitiligo have significantly higher levels of fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR (p ≤ 0.001). Results obtained from patients with vitiligo and controls with coexistent MetS/IR demonstrated vitiligo as a risk factor for both MetS and IR. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression highlighted that older age was the significant independent predictor for MetS and IR.ConclusionPatients with vitiligo showed a significantly higher incidence of MetS than controls. Vitiligo per se can be considered a risk factor for MetS and IR. Therefore, regular follow‐up and early metabolic derangement diagnoses are mandatory.
Real‐world effectiveness and safety of collagenase clostridium histolyticum‐aaes injections for the treatment of thigh cellulite in women: An open‐label study interim analysis
Authors: Joseph John H. , Dayan Steven H. , Bhatia Ashish C. , Fabi Sabrina G. , Shridharani Sachin M. , Donofrio Lisa , Montes Jose R. , Palm Melanie D. , Liu Genzhou , Hernandez David , Edgecombe Jill , Vijayan Saji , Robinson Deanne Mraz 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundCollagenase clostridium histolyticum‐aaes (CCH‐aaes) is approved in the United States for moderate‐to‐severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women.AimInterim analysis to evaluate efficacy/safety of CCH‐aaes in the treatment of thigh cellulite.MethodsData were analyzed from a phase 3, open‐label study (REAL). Women with mild‐to‐moderate cellulite on both thighs (Clinician Reported Photonumeric Cellulite Severity Scale score, 2 or 3) received ≤0.84 mg (volume, 18 ml) of CCH‐aaes subcutaneously, in up to 12 dimples per posterolateral thigh, in up to 3 treatment sessions (Days 1, 22, and 43). Follow‐up was on Day 90 (interim cutoff). A subset of women participated in the concurrent study (PIXELS), which included high‐definition photography and 3D‐image scanning of treatment areas.ResultsTwenty‐two women (44 thighs) were included in the interim analysis (mean age, 42.3 years; thighs with mild cellulite, 68.2%). Investigators reported high percentages of responders (score of “improved” or better on Investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale) at Day 90 for either thigh (86.4%; primary endpoint) or both thighs (72.7%). Patient‐reported bother due to cellulite was reduced at Day 90; mean change was 15.3 points (85.5% reduction) in BODY‐Q Appraisal of Cellulite Scale total score (possible range, 11–44). In PIXELS analysis, Day 90 3D‐image scans showed improvement from baseline in skin roughness in some of the treated thigh areas. The most commonly reported adverse events were injection‐site bruising and pain (95.5% and 50.0% of patients, respectively).ConclusionsCCH‐aaes treatment of mild‐to‐moderate thigh cellulite was effective and generally well tolerated, with markedly reduced cellulite‐related bother.
Efficacy and safety of thrombolytic therapy for portal venous system thrombosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gao Fangbo , Wang Le , Pan Jiahui , Yin Yuhang , Wang Jing , Xu Xiangbo , Xu Shixue , Mancuso Andrea , Qi Xingshun 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground and aimsThe role of thrombolytic therapy in patients with portal venous system thrombosis (PVST) remains ambiguous. This study aimed to systematically collect available evidence and evaluate the efficacy and safety of thrombolysis for PVST.MethodsEligible studies were searched via PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Among the cohort studies, meta‐analyses were performed to assess the outcomes of PVST patients receiving thrombolysis. Pooled proportions were calculated. Among the case reports and case series, logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for outcomes of PVST patients receiving thrombolysis. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.ResultsAmong the 2134 papers initially identified, 29 cohort studies and 131 case reports or case series were included. Based on the cohort studies, the pooled rates of overall response to thrombolytic therapy, complete recanalization of PVST, bleeding events during thrombolysis, further bowel resection, thrombosis recurrence, and 30‐day mortality were 93%, 58%, 18%, 3%, 1%, and 4%, respectively. Based on the case reports and case series, acute pancreatitis (OR = 0.084), history of liver transplantation (OR = 13.346), and interval between onset of symptoms and initiation of thrombolysis ≤14 days (OR = 3.105) were significantly associated with complete recanalization of PVST; acute pancreatitis (OR = 6.556) was significantly associated with further bowel resection; but no factors associated with the overall response to thrombolytic therapy, bleeding events during thrombolysis, thrombosis recurrence, and 30‐day mortality were identified or could be calculated.ConclusionEarly initiation of thrombolysis should be effective for the treatment of PVST. But its benefits for PVST secondary to acute pancreatitis are weakened.
Oral healthcare visits among sexual minority adolescents ages 14–18, 2019, USA
Authors: Griner Stacey B. , Yockey Robert A. , Forschner Caylee N. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectiveHealth disparities persist among sexual minority (SM) adolescents (i.e., bisexual, lesbian/gay) compared to heterosexual adolescents, however, research is limited on oral health. The purpose of this study was to examine reported recency of dental visits by sexual orientation among a national sample of adolescents.MethodsData from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (n = 12,673 adolescents, 14–18 years old) were analyzed. We assessed dental care in the past 12 months or more based on sexual orientation (“lesbian/gay,” “bisexual,” “not sure”). Adjusted, sex‐stratified, multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to determine conditional associations.ResultsBisexual boys (aRR:2.50), “not sure” boys (aRR:3.55), and “not sure” girls (aRR:2.32) were at increased relative risk for not going to the dentist compared to heterosexual adolescents.ConclusionsFindings indicate gaps in oral healthcare access among SM adolescents, specifically bisexual and not sure youth. Results can be used to increase access to preventive dental care among SM adolescents.
An assessment of compliance with optimal fluoride levels for oral health benefit by New Zealand drinking water suppliers
Authors: Chambers Tim , Hobbs Matt , Broadbent Jonathan M. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectivesCommunity water fluoridation (CWF) has proven oral health benefits. We investigated whether drinking water suppliers are meeting New Zealand CWF targets (0.7–1.0 ppm) to ensure these benefits.MethodsWe retrieved fluoride testing data from 25 supplies serving 2,059,000 people (82% of people on a fluoridated supply), for the years 1992–2022 (22,220 weekly observations). We descriptively assessed compliance with fluoride targets in this convenience sample.ResultsThe mean fluoride level was 0.66 ppm (SD 0.28). Water suppliers achieved fluoride targets 54.1% of the time (range 4.2%–77.9%). Fluoride concentration fell short of the target in 42.2% of observations, exceeded but under the maximum acceptable value (MAV) in 3.6%, and in excess of the MAV in 0.1%. The percentage of compliant observations was greater in larger than smaller supplies.ConclusionsNoncompliance with CWF targets was common. Epidemiological studies that rely on fluoridation status as their exposure may underestimate the oral health benefits of CWF. Our results highlight future challenges with the feasibility of expanding CWF under new legislation as well as the weaknesses in drinking water surveillance.