bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mortality Following Appendicectomy in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Rashid Adil , Gupta Alisha , Adiamah Alfred , West Joe , Grainge Matthew , Humes David J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntroductionWith the global prevalence of liver cirrhosis rising, this systematic review aimed to define the perioperative risk of mortality in these patients following appendicectomy.MethodsSystematic searches of Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases, ICTRP, and Clinical trials.gov were undertaken to identify studies including patients with cirrhosis undergoing appendicectomy, published since database inception to March 2021. Studies had to report mortality. Two review authors independently identified eligible studies and extracted data. Pooled analysis of in‐patient and 30‐day mortality was performed.ResultsOf the 948 studies identified, four were included and this comprised three nationwide database studies (USA and Denmark) and one multi‐centre observational study (Japan). A total of 923 patients had cirrhosis and 167,211 patients did not. In‐patient mortality ranged from 0 to 1.7% in patients with cirrhosis and 0.17 to 0.3% in patients without. 30‐day mortality was 9% in patients with cirrhosis compared to 0.3% in those without. One study stratified cirrhotic patients into compensated and decompensated groups. In patients with compensated cirrhosis, mortality following laparoscopic appendicectomy (0.5%) was significantly lower than open appendicectomy (3.2%). The meta‐analysis highlighted a tenfold increase in perioperative mortality in cirrhotic patients (OR 9.92 (95% CI 4.67 to 21.06, I2 = 28%). All studies reported an increased length of stay in patients with cirrhosis.ConclusionThis review suggests that appendicectomy in the cirrhotic population is associated with increased mortality. LA may be safer in this population. Lack of information on cirrhosis severity and failure to control for age and co‐morbidities make the results difficult to interpret. Further large population‐based studies are required.
Brand new norms for a good old test: Northern Italy normative study of MiniMental State Examination
Authors: Foderaro Giuseppe , Isella Valeria , Mazzone Andrea , Biglia Elena , Di Gangi Marco , Pasotti Fabrizio , Sansotera Flavia , Grobberio Monica , Raimondi Vanessa , Mapelli Cristina , Ferri Francesca , Impagnatiello Valentina , Ferrarese Carlo , Appollonio Ildebrando Marco 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Aim
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is one of the most used tests for the screening of global cognition in patients with neurological and medical disorders. Norms for the Italian version of the test were published in the 90 s; more recent norms were published in 2020 for Southern Italy only. In the present study, we computed novel adjustment coefficients, equivalent scores and cut-off value for Northern Italy (Lombardia and Veneto) and Italian speaking Switzerland.

Methods
We recruited 361 healthy young and old (range: 20–95 years) individuals of both sexes (men: 156, women: 205) and from different educational levels (range: 4–22 years). Neuropsychiatric disorders and severe medical conditions were excluded with a questionnaire and cognitive deficits and were ruled out with standardized neuropsychological tests assessing the main cognitive domains. We used a slightly modified version of MMSE: the word ‘fiore’ was replaced with ‘pane’ in verbal recalls to reduce the common interference error ‘casa, cane, gatto’. The effect of socio-demographic features on performance at MMSE was assessed via multiple linear regression, with test raw score as dependent variable and sex, logarithm of 101—age and square root of schooling as predictors.

Results
Mean raw MMSE score was 28.8 ± 1.7 (range: 23–30). Multiple linear regression showed a significant effect of all socio-demographic variables and reported a value of R2 = 0.26. The new cut off was ≥ 26 /30.

Conclusion
We provide here updated norms for a putatively more accurate version of Italian MMSE, produced in a Northern population but potentially valid all over Italy.
Lightweight lignocellulosic foams for thermal insulation
Authors: Lohtander Tia , Herrala Reima , Laaksonen Päivi , Franssila Sami , Österberg Monika 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFoams are mainly composed of dispersed gas trapped in a liquid or solid phase making them lightweight and thermally insulating materials. Additionally, they are applicable for large surfaces, which makes them attractive for thermal insulation. State-of-the-art thermally insulating foams are made of synthetic polymeric materials such as polystyrene. This work focuses on generating foam from surfactants and renewable lignocellulosic materials for thermally insulating stealth material. The effect of two surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and polysorbate (T80)), two cellulosic materials (bleached pulp and nanocellulose), and lignin on the foaming and stability of foam was investigated using experimental design and response surface methodology. The volume-optimized foams determined using experimental design were further studied with optical microscopy and infrared imaging. The results of experimental design, bubble structure of foams, and observations of their thermal conductivity showed that bleached pulp foam made using SDS as surfactant produced the highest foam volume, best stability, and good thermal insulation. Lignin did not improve the foaming or thermal insulation properties of the foam, but it was found to improve the structural stability of foam and brought natural brown color to the foam. Both wet and dry lignocellulosic foams provided thermal insulation comparable to dry polystyrene foam.
Graphical abstract
Unifying the Ability-as-Compensator and Ability-as-Enhancer Hypotheses
Authors: Kühl Tim , Fehringer Benedict C. O. F. , Münzer Stefan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSpatial abilities have been found to interact with the design of visualizations in educational materials in different forms: (1) spatial abilities enhanced learning with optimized visual design (ability-as-enhancer) or (2) spatial abilities compensated for suboptimal visual design (ability-as-compensator). A brief review of pertinent studies suggests that these two forms are viewed as mutually exclusive. We propose a novel unifying conceptualization. This conceptualization suggests that the ability-as enhancer interaction will be found in the low-medium range of a broad ability continuum whereas the ability-as-compensator interaction will be found in the medium-high range. The largest difference in learning outcomes between visual design variations is expected for medium ability. A corresponding analytical approach is suggested that includes nonlinear quadratic interactions. The unifying conceptualization was confirmed in an experiment with a consistent visual-spatial task. In addition, the conceptualization was investigated with a reanalysis of pooled data from four multimedia learning experiments. Consistent with the conceptualization, quadratic interactions were found, meaning that interactions depended on ability range. The largest difference between visual design variations was obtained for medium ability, as expected. It is concluded that the unifying conceptualization is a useful theoretical and methodological approach to analyze and interpret aptitude-treatment interactions that go beyond linear interactions.
Spatial and temporal analysis of the risks posed by metal contamination in coastal and marine sediments of Bahrain
Authors: Nicolaus E. E. M. , Maxwell D. L. , Khamis A. S. , Abdulla K. H. , Harrod R. P. , Devlin M. J. , Lyons B. P. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNine metals including Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were analysed from sediment samples collected from 29 stations since 2007 from Bahraini waters. Within this study, it was investigated whether concentrations of these determinants are at concentrations above internationally established Assessment Criteria (AC). The majority of sites were considered not to pose a toxicological risk in terms of metal contamination. Where breaches occurred, they were mainly from historic samples related to Cr, Cu and Ni contamination. A trend assessment revealed that out of 59 significant trends, 36 were downwards and 23 upwards, indicating that some determinants like Al, Zn and Ni are improving strongly across some sites, whilst areas associated with industrial activity still see some increasing trends for Al, Cd, Pb and Zn.
Gender preference gaps and voting for redistribution
Authors: Ranehill Eva , Weber Roberto A. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThere is substantial evidence that women tend to support different policies and political candidates than men. Many studies also document gender differences in a variety of important preference dimensions, such as risk-taking, competition and pro-sociality. However, the degree to which differential voting by men and women is related to these gaps in more basic preferences requires an improved understanding. We conduct an experiment in which individuals in small laboratory “societies” repeatedly vote for redistribution policies and engage in production. We find that women vote for more egalitarian redistribution and that this difference persists with experience and in environments with varying degrees of risk. This gender voting gap is accounted for partly by both gender gaps in preferences and by expectations regarding economic circumstances. However, including both these controls in a regression analysis indicates that the latter is the primary driving force. We also observe policy differences between male- and female-controlled groups, though these are substantially smaller than the mean individual differences—a natural consequence of the aggregation of individual preferences into collective outcomes.
The job and life satisfaction of teachers: a social cognitive model integrating teachers’ burnout, self-efficacy, dispositional optimism, and social support
Authors: Marcionetti Jenny , Castelli Luciana 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to test a model of factors predicting teachers’ job and life satisfaction, burnout, dispositional optimism, social support, perceived workload, and self-efficacy. The model extends Lent and Brown’s (J Voc Behav 69(2):236–247,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2006.02.006, 2006; J Career Assess 16(1):6–21,https://doi.org/10.1177/1069072707305769, 2008) social cognitive model of the interaction of sources of job and life satisfaction. Specifically, burnout, a condition with a high incidence rate among teachers, was included. The participants were 676 Swiss teachers. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The results revealed the differential effect of the variables considered on teachers' burnout and job satisfaction, as well as their life satisfaction. Dispositional optimism, social support, and perceived workload might reduce the risk of teacher burnout; dispositional optimism, social support, and teacher self-efficacy seem to positively affect job satisfaction; and dispositional optimism alone, together with burnout and job satisfaction, directly relates to teachers’ life satisfaction. Practical implications of these results are discussed.
The impact of spatial and social structure on an SIR epidemic on a weighted multilayer network
Authors: Backhausz Ágnes , Kiss István Z. , Simon Péter L. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA key factor in the transmission of infectious diseases is the structure of disease transmitting contacts. In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic and with some data based on the Hungarian population we develop a theoretical epidemic model (susceptible-infected-removed, SIR) on a multilayer network. The layers include the Hungarian household structure, with population divided into children, adults and elderly, as well as schools and workplaces, some spatial embedding and community transmission due to sharing communal spaces, service and public spaces. We investigate the sensitivity of the model (via the time evolution and final size of the epidemic) to the different contact layers and we map out the relation between peak prevalence and final epidemic size. When compared to the classic compartmental model and for the same final epidemic size, we find that epidemics on multilayer network lead to higher peak prevalence meaning that the risk of overwhelming the health care system is higher. Based on our model we found that keeping cliques/bubbles in school as isolated as possible has a major effect while closing workplaces had a mild effect as long as workplaces are of relatively small size.
Stochastic Modeling of Stratospheric Temperature
Authors: Eggen Mari Dahl , Dahl Kristina Rognlien , Näsholm Sven Peter , Mæland Steffen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study suggests a stochastic model for time series of daily zonal (circumpolar) mean stratospheric temperature at a given pressure level. It can be seen as an extension of previous studies which have developed stochastic models for surface temperatures. The proposed model is a combination of a deterministic seasonality function and a Lévy-driven multidimensional Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process, which is a mean-reverting stochastic process. More specifically, the deseasonalized temperature model is an order 4 continuous-time autoregressive model, meaning that the stratospheric temperature is modeled to be directly dependent on the temperature over four preceding days, while the model’s longer-range memory stems from its recursive nature. This study is based on temperature data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts ERA-Interim reanalysis model product. The residuals of the autoregressive model are well represented by normal inverse Gaussian-distributed random variables scaled with a time-dependent volatility function. A monthly variability in speed of mean reversion of stratospheric temperature is found, hence suggesting a generalization of the fourth-order continuous-time autoregressive model. A stochastic stratospheric temperature model, as proposed in this paper, can be used in geophysical analyses to improve the understanding of stratospheric dynamics. In particular, such characterizations of stratospheric temperature may be a step towards greater insight in modeling and prediction of large-scale middle atmospheric events, such as sudden stratospheric warming. Through stratosphere–troposphere coupling, the stratosphere is hence a source of extended tropospheric predictability at weekly to monthly timescales, which is of great importance in several societal and industry sectors.
Bioavailability of selected trace and rare earth elements to Juncus effusus L.: the potential role of de-icing chlorides in the roadside environment
Authors: Dołęgowska Sabina , Gałuszka Agnieszka , Migaszewski Zdzisław M. , Krzciuk Karina 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background and aim
The presence of chlorides in soils, e.g., from de-icing salts may change metal availability to plants.

Methods
To assess the role of de-icing chlorides on bioavailability of metals, the samples of the rhizosphere soils, roots and shoots of Juncus effusus L. were collected monthly from April to June of 2019 in the vicinity of roads and analyzed for trace (Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn) and rare earth elements (from La to Lu).

Results
Concentrations of Cl− were distinctly higher in the shoots than in the roots. Apart from Cd, the concentration sequence of the other metals was as follows: rhizosphere soils>roots>shoots. The bioaccumulation and translocation factors indicated that Cd was the most preferably transported to the shoots as opposed to Ag, Co, Pb and REEs that showed a very low translocation potential. Negative correlations, which were noted between Cu and Co in the shoots and Cl− in soils, revealed their role in salinity stress alleviation. All soil samples showed a positive anomaly of Ce and a negative anomaly of Eu, whereas the shoots showed in turn a negative anomaly of Ce and a distinct positive anomaly of Eu. The lowest salinity factors (K/Na, Ca/Na) of the shoots resulted from an increase of salinity in J. effusus by higher sodium concentrations derived from de-icing NaCl.

Conclusions
De-icing agents may change the uptake of other elements. In natural habitats, the factors affecting this process include: type of element, soil metal concentrations and interactions, and individual plant features.
What textbooks offer and what teachers teach: an analysis of the Dutch reading comprehension curriculum
Authors: Bogaerds-Hazenberg Suzanne T. M. , Evers-Vermeul Jacqueline , van den Bergh Huub 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn the Netherlands, the quality of the reading curriculum is currently under debate because of disappointing results on national and international assessments of students’ reading skills and motivation. In a mixed-method study, we analyzed the content of Dutch textbooks for reading comprehension instruction (i.e., the implemented curriculum) and teachers’ evaluation and use of these books (i.e., the enacted curriculum). A materials analysis of reading comprehension lessons (N = 80) in eight textbooks for grades 4 and 5 was complemented with semi-structured teacher interviews (N = 29) and lesson observations (N = 11), with a focus on the quality of reading strategy and text structure instruction in the curriculum. Main findings are (1) a lack of alignment between lesson goals, theory, and assignments, (2) a strong focus on practicing strategies, (3) limited declarative knowledge about strategies and text structure, (4) little opportunities for self-regulated strategy application. The teachers that were interviewed mention similar problems, but still hardly deviate from the textbook’s content and pedagogical guidelines. We make recommendations to improve the quality of the curriculum.
Improved ROSC rates in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients after introduction of a text message alert system for trained volunteers
Authors: Oosterveer D. M. , de Visser M. , Heringhaus C. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate whether a text message (TM) alert system for trained volunteers contributed to early cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients in a region with above-average survival rates.

Design
Data on all OHCA patients in 2012 (non-TM group) were compared with those of all OHCA patients in 2018 (TM group). The association of the presence of a TM alert system with ROSC and survival was assessed with multivariate regression analyses.

Results
TM responders reached 42 OHCA patients (15.9%) earlier than the first responders or ambulance. They connected 31 of these 42 OHCA patients (73.8%) to an AED before the ambulance arrived, leading to a higher percentage of AEDs being attached in 2018 compared to the 2012 non-TM group (55% vs 46%, p = 0.03). ROSC was achieved more often in the TM group (61.0% vs 29.4%, p < 0.01). Three-month and 1‑year survival did not differ significantly between the two groups (29.3% vs 24.3%, p = 0.19, and 25.9% vs 23.5%, p = 0.51). Multivariate regression analyses confirmed the positive association of ROSC with the TM alert system (odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.02‑2.19, p = 0.04).

Conclusion
A TM alert system seems to improve the chain of survival; because TM responders reached patients early, AEDs were attached more often and more OHCA patients achieved ROSC. However, the introduction of a TM alert system was not associated with improved 3‑month or 1‑year survival in a region with above-average survival rates.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Clinical Outcome After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: Protocol
Authors: Gaastra Ben , Alexander Sheila , Bakker Mark K. , Bhagat Hemant , Bijlenga Philippe , Blackburn Spiros , Collins Malie K. , Doré Sylvain , Griessenauer Christoph , Hendrix Philipp , Hong Eun Pyo , Hostettler Isabel C. , Houlden Henry , IIhara Koji , Jeon Jin Pyeong , Kim Bong Jun , Kumar Munish , Morel Sandrine , Nyquist Paul , Ren Dianxu , Ruigrok Ynte M. , Werring David , Galea Ian , Bulters Diederik , Tapper Will 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) results in persistent clinical deficits which prevent survivors from returning to normal daily functioning. Only a small fraction of the variation in clinical outcome following aSAH is explained by known clinical, demographic and imaging variables; meaning additional unknown factors must play a key role in clinical outcome. There is a growing body of evidence that genetic variation is important in determining outcome following aSAH. Understanding genetic determinants of outcome will help to improve prognostic modelling, stratify patients in clinical trials and target novel strategies to treat this devastating disease. This protocol details a two-stage genome-wide association study to identify susceptibility loci for clinical outcome after aSAH using individual patient-level data from multiple international cohorts. Clinical outcome will be assessed using the modified Rankin Scale or Glasgow Outcome Scale at 1–24 months. The stage 1 discovery will involve meta-analysis of individual-level genotypes from different cohorts, controlling for key covariates. Based on statistical significance, supplemented by biological relevance, top single nucleotide polymorphisms will be selected for replication at stage 2. The study has national and local ethical approval. The results of this study will be rapidly communicated to clinicians, researchers and patients through open-access publication(s), presentation(s) at international conferences and via our patient and public network.
Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Odontotermes sp. (Isoptera: Termitidae) a potential source of antioxidant: the two most preferred edible insects of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Raza Mohsin , Tukshipa Sonam Drema , Chakravorty Jharna 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAntioxidant potential of weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina (adult & brood) and termite Odontotermes sp the two common species of insects used as food by tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and elsewhere in India. Our findings highlight the antioxidant potential of these two insects. DPPH• scavenging activity IC50 (µg/mL) ranged from 59.56 (weaver ant adult) to 66.30 (termite). Termite species scored higher ABTS•+ scavenging activity (IC50: µg/mL), Ferric reducing power (TPEE µg/g) and phenolics (mg GAE/g) (18.70, 36.60 and 626.92) than weaver ant adult (52.57, 211.21 and 369.69) and weaver ant brood (33.34, 114.32 and 486.04). On the other hand, weaver ant adult scored higher flavonoids (mg RTE/g) (663.43) than its brood (387.19) and termite species (58.04). Weaver ant brood contained substantial amounts of phenolics and flavonoids, comparatively higher than phenolics of weaver ant adult and flavonoids of termite. These two insects may serve as an ideal dietary food supplement for handling oxidative stress and as a replacement for some conventional food products. However, further study is needed to find out the bioactive compound at the individual species level.