bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative functional capacity and postoperative outcomes following abdominal and pelvic cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Makker Preet G. S. , Koh Cherry E. , Solomon Michael J , Steffens Daniel 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is clinical uncertainty regarding an association between preoperative functional capacity of cancer patients, and postoperative outcomes. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to investigate whether poor performance on preoperative six‐minute walk test (6MWT) or five‐times sit to stand test (5STS) is associated with worse postoperative complication rates and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS) in cancer patients.MethodsAn electronic search was performed from earliest available record to 26th February 2021 in MEDLINE, Embase and AMED. Studies investigating the association between preoperative physical function (measured using either 6MWT or 5STS) and postoperative outcomes (complications and LOS) in patients with gastrointestinal, abdominal and pelvic cancers were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Where possible, summary odds ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random‐effect models.ResultsFive studies (379 patients) were included, of which none utilized the 5STS. Overall, studies were rated as having low to moderate risk of bias. Higher preoperative performance on the 6MWT (≥400 m) was associated with low grade postoperative complications (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.15–0.95) but was not associated with a shorter LOS (MD = 3.29; 95%CI = −1.07–7.66).ConclusionThe available evidence suggests that in cancer patients, a higher preoperative functional capacity may be associated with reduced postoperative complications. Conversely, there is no significant association between preoperative function and LOS. Further high‐quality studies are needed in this area, including studies involving 5STS.
Population pharmacokinetics analyses of rifampicin in adult and children populations: A systematic review
Authors: Muda Mohd Rahimi , Harun Sabariah Noor , Syed Sulaiman Syed Azhar , Sheikh Ghadzi Siti Maisharah 
Published: March 2022

AimsRifampicin has become an essential component as the first‐line therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Several population pharmacokinetic (PK) studies on rifampicin in adult and child populations have been studied previously, therefore the aims of the systematic review were (i) to summarize the relevant published studies and significant covariates that influence the PK of rifampicin across different populations, and (ii) to identify any knowledge gap that requires additional research in the future.MethodsA total of 121 relevant population PK articles were systematically identified using PubMed and Scopus from inception to October 2021. Review articles, in‐vitro and physiological methods, animal studies and noncompartmental analysis were excluded.ResultsNineteen studies, of which 16 involved adults, two involved children, and one involved both adults and children, were included in the review. The structural model of rifampicin can be described as one compartment with a transient compartment absorption model and first‐order elimination in most of the studies. Pharmaceutical formulation, body weight, gender, pregnancy status, diabetes and nutritional supplementation were found to be the significant covariates that affect the PK parameters. External validation of the developed PK model was only conducted in two studies.ConclusionsThe source of variability for PK parameters of rifampicin remains inconsistent and poorly understood even though there were many potential covariates investigated in the selected studies. Exploring other possible factors and implementing a strict sampling strategy by considering the induction effects might uncover precise and reliable information. Furthermore, external validation should be frequently conducted to produce better predictability of model performance.
Bayesian Sample Size Determination Using Commensurate Priors to Leverage Preexperimental Data
Authors: Zheng Haiyan , Jaki Thomas , Wason James M.S. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This paper develops Bayesian sample size formulae for experiments comparing two groups, where relevant preexperimental information from multiple sources can be incorporated in a robust prior to support both the design and analysis. We use commensurate predictive priors for borrowing of information and further place Gamma mixture priors on the precisions to account for preliminary belief about the pairwise (in)commensurability between parameters that underpin the historical and new experiments. Averaged over the probability space of the new experimental data, appropriate sample sizes are found according to criteria that control certain aspects of the posterior distribution, such as the coverage probability or length of a defined density region. Our Bayesian methodology can be applied to circumstances that compare two normal means, proportions, or event times. When nuisance parameters (such as variance) in the new experiment are unknown, a prior distribution can further be specified based on preexperimental data. Exact solutions are available based on most of the criteria considered for Bayesian sample size determination, while a search procedure is described in cases for which there are no closed-form expressions. We illustrate the application of our sample size formulae in the design of clinical trials, where pretrial information is available to be leveraged. Hypothetical data examples, motivated by a rare-disease trial with an elicited expert prior opinion, and a comprehensive performance evaluation of the proposed methodology are presented.
RfX: A Design Study for the Interactive Exploration of a Random Forest to Enhance Testing Procedures for Electrical Engines
Authors: Eirich J. , Münch M. , Jäckle D. , Sedlmair M. , Bonart J. , Schreck T. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractRandom Forests (RFs) are a machine learning (ML) technique widely used across industries. The interpretation of a given RF usually relies on the analysis of statistical values and is often only possible for data analytics experts. To make RFs accessible to experts with no data analytics background, we present RfX, a Visual Analytics (VA) system for the analysis of a RF's decision‐making process. RfX allows to interactively analyse the properties of a forest and to explore and compare multiple trees in a RF. Thus, its users can identify relationships within a RF's feature subspace and detect hidden patterns in the model's underlying data. We contribute a design study in collaboration with an automotive company. A formative evaluation of RFX was carried out with two domain experts and a summative evaluation in the form of a field study with five domain experts. In this context, new hidden patterns such as increased eccentricities in an engine's rotor by observing secondary excitations of its bearings were detected using analyses made with RfX. Rules derived from analyses with the system led to a change in the company's testing procedures for electrical engines, which resulted in 80% reduced testing time for over 30% of all components.
The role of preoperative psychosocial counselling on the improvement of the recipient compliance and speed of recovery after liver transplantation – A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations
Authors: Weiss Emmanuel , Kabacam Gokhan , Gorvin Lucy , Spiro Michael , Raptis Dimitri Aristotle , Keskin Onur , Orloff Susan , Belghiti Jacques ,   the ERAS4OLT.org Working Group
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundPsychosocial disorders ranging from anxiety to severe psychiatric diseases and active alcohol/substance abuse are frequent in liver transplant candidates and potentially associated with worse post‐ transplant outcomes. Therefore, psychosocial evaluation is mandatory to optimize success after liver transplantation. However, how to carry out this evaluation, the type of intervention needed and its potential impact on patient outcome remain unclear.ObjectivesTo investigate whether psychosocial assessment may help in predicting risks of poor outcome; and to investigate whether psychosocial interventions may mitigate these risks and improve posttransplant outcomes, in particular compliance and speed of recovery.Data sourcesOvid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.MethodsSystematic review following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach derived from an international expert panel. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO CRD42021238361. Main outcomes assessed were mortality, alcohol relapse, rejection, and medication compliance.ResultsFifteen studies were analyzed including five observational comparative and ten observational noncomparative studies. Preoperative psychosocial evaluation of LT candidates was associated with higher concordance with the treatment plan (i.e., higher adherence to treatment and lower alcohol relapse) and lower rates of rejection. Psychosocial assessment tools were used in some studies to guide the evaluation, but their predictive ability remains debated, and they should not be used in isolation. Most of the interventions were studied in patients with alcohol related issues. In this context, support by specialized teams was associated with better posttransplant outcome, especially through a decrease in post‐transplant alcohol relapse.ConclusionsPreoperative psychosocial assessment should be provided in order to detect patients at increased risk of poorer post‐transplant outcome, in particular in terms of concordance to the treatment plan (Quality of Evidence; Low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong/For). The experts suggest that, when possible, provision of preoperative psychological assessment and concomitant interventions aimed at improving the concordance to treatment plans will positively impact the success of liver transplantation. (Quality of Evidence; Very Low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong/For].
Sirolimus leads to rapid and sustained clinical improvement of motor deficits in a patient with inclusion body myositis
Authors: Pawlitzki Marc , Nelke Christopher , Korsen Melanie , Meuth Sven G. , Ruck Tobias 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeTo provide further evidence for sirolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, as a treatment strategy for patients with inclusion body myositis (IBM).MethodsWe acquired longitudinal clinical data and immunological assessments of CD8+ T‐cell subsets in peripheral blood for evaluation of potential anti‐inflammatory treatment effects of sirolimus.ResultsTherapy with sirolimus 2 mg/day by mouth led to rapid and sustained clinical improvement of motor symptoms for an observation period of more than 1 year. Treatment was well tolerated, with no occurrence of adverse effects. We did not observe a meaningful alteration of CD8+ T‐cell subsets in our patient after 9 and 12 months compared to baseline.ConclusionsThe significant and persistent clinical improvement highlights the use of sirolimus as a potential treatment option in patients with IBM. In light of the lack of immunological treatment effects observed for cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, further studies should investigate the potential myoprotective effects of sirolimus.
In vitro evidence that the anti‐inflammatory effect of synthetic cinnamate‐derived dienes is directly linked to a macrophage repolarization
Authors: Theindl Lais C. , Fratoni Eduarda , da Rosa Julia S. , Lubschinski Tainá L. , Meier Lidiane , Sá Marcus M. , Dalmarco Eduardo M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe inflammatory process is a mammalian physiological reaction against infectious agents or injuries. Among the cells involved, the macrophages have a highlighted role during this process. Depending on the inflammatory context, they can polarize into pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory profiles (M1 and M2). In this context, compounds derived from cinnamic acid have demonstrated strong evidence of anti‐inflammatory activity; however, the mechanism responsible for this effect remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory activity of five cinnamate‐derived dienes of synthetic origin. The compounds that did not demonstrate significant cytotoxicity were tested to assess anti‐inflammatory activity (NOx) in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS. Then, the selected compound (diene 1) was evaluated as to its ability to inhibit the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, INF‐γ, MCP‐1, and IL‐6) and increase the production of anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐13, IL‐4, and IL‐10). Finally, diene 1 was able to reduce the expression of TLR4 and increase the phagocytic activity of the macrophages. Gathering these results together, we conclude that diene 1 showed an important anti‐inflammatory effect, and this effect is linked to its immunomodulatory characteristic. Since the M1 markers were reduced at the same time, M2 markers were increased by the treatment of the macrophages with diene 1.
Itʼs 3:00 p.m., do you know where your children are? New Yorkʼs inadequate use of federal funds that have led to the continuance of childcare deserts
Authors: Griffin Kayla Marie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn New York, low‐income families, urban communities, and rural areas are suffering from a lack of childcare. This inadequacy leads to the formation of childcare deserts; areas where families do not have access to childcare. Because of the vague guidelines proposed by federal grants, New York has misused federal funds, which has led to the continuance of childcare deserts. This Note proposes specifying federal funding guidelines, which can better allocate funds to needy families, as well as creating a volunteer program for high school students to create before and aftercare programs in public schools.
Preparation and characterizations of V2AlC‐Al2O3 composite produced via spark plasma sintering
Authors: Sadeghi Leila , Razavi Mansour , Kalantarian Mohammad Mahdi , Rahimipour Mohammad Reza , Hossein‐zadeh Mohsen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA 2:1:1 MAX phase, V2AlC, composited with Al2O3 is prepared using spark plasma sintering (SPS). To obtain a sample with suitable physical and mechanical properties, an especial current rate regime is carried out for SPS. Different final temperatures of the synthesis (1000, 1200, 1400, and 1500°C) are considered (named S1000, S1200, S1400, and S1500, respectively). Phase analysis, physical and mechanical properties characterizations, and morphology of the samples are performed to determine the quality of the samples. The best characterizations belong to the samples of S1400 and S1500. Bending strengths about 325 and 316 MPa are obtained for the samples of S1400 and S1500, respectively. Regarding the total MAX phases formation and strength, the optimum sample is S1400. However, regarding bulk density, wear resistance, and hardness, S1500 has an advantage over the S1400. The advantages of S1500, as well as its larger grain size, are attributed to the better sintering of Al2O3.
Technology advantage, terms of trade, and pattern of trade
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Te , Wu Shang‐Fen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe develop a two‐country, two‐sector model of trade, and assume that the differences between two countries are not only the diversities of human capital distributions but also relative production technologies. We find that, in addition to the diversity effect, both the terms of trade effect and the relative technology effect can also matter for the pattern of trade. We prove that, unlike previous results, if combination of the terms of trade effect and the relative technology effect dominates the diversity effect, then a country with more diverse human capital will export goods produced by supermodular technology.
Performance of green and conventional techniques for the optimal extraction of bioactive compounds in bee pollen
Authors: Aylanc Volkan , Ertosun Seymanur , Russo‐Almeida Paulo , Falcão Soraia I. , Vilas‐Boas Miguel 
Published: March 2022

SummaryThe exploitation of phenolic compounds in different fields has motivated researchers to explore eco‐friendly and efficient extraction techniques. This study aimed to comparatively reveal that green extraction techniques (microwave‐ and ultrasound‐assisted) are alternative to conventional extraction (maceration and magnetic stirring) with positive impact on the phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and bioactive profile of bee pollen extracts. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid content was reached using the microwave‐assisted technique (MAE) with equivalent values of 28 and 8 mg g−1, with magnetic stirring and maceration showing a lower value. The composition profile of the extracts revealed the presence of twenty‐six bioactive compounds, including thirteen phenolics and thirteen phenylamides. Although the extraction technique had little impact on the chemical diversity, the amount of bioactive compounds raised significantly with the use of the green extraction techniques, with gains between 40% and 60% for phenolics and up to 200% for phenylamides. The radical scavenging activity and the reducing power of the extracts confirmed that bee pollens are potent antioxidant source, with the most bioactive extracts corresponding to green extraction techniques. Consequently, all findings recommend the use of MAE as the technique most effective for the extraction of bioactive compounds from naturally encapsulated structures such as bee pollen.
Oral health experiences and perceptions of children with disabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alwadi Maram Ali M , Baker Sarah R , Owens Janine 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical focus on oral health means there is a scarcity of evidence from the perspectives of children with disabilities because of the continuing exclusion of their views from oral health research. This study takes a rights‐based approach, aiming to give disabled children a voice by exploring their oral health perspectives and experiences. In order to do this, innovative and inclusive methods are needed.AimThe aim was to include the voices of children with disabilities by representing their perspectives and experiences of oral health.DesignAn ethnographic study employed a purposive sample of 10 children between the ages of 9 and 15 years with a range of intellectual disabilities and physical impairments attending special centres in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All children in the sample were female. Pluralistic methods enabled the inclusion of children in the research. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsThe study describes different inclusive methods to enable children's voices on oral health. Main themes were children's knowledge, and their oral health practices and experiences of visiting dental clinics. Children also described the physical barriers they experienced and their positive and negative feelings about oral health.ConclusionsThe study highlights that including children with disabilities in oral health research is possible, but that researchers need to be creative and be able to work in tandem with children. One goal for dental research is to include all children as active participants, working with them as collaborators. This would help transform services and reduce children's oral health inequalities.
Can conservatives who (de)humanize immigrants the most be able to support them? The power of imagined positive contact
Authors: Borinca Islam , Çelik Pinar , Storme Martin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDespite studies examining political ideology, group dehumanization, and intergroup contact as predictors of intergroup support and affect, research on their interplay in shaping such outcomes has been limited. In fact, considering the possibility that conservatives might view immigrants in various ways (as more or less human) is important to understand the impact of interventions (positive imagined contact) on intergroup relations. The results of two experiments (N = 671) with U.S. citizens in relation to two outgroups—Muslim immigrants in Experiment 1 and Mexican immigrants in Experiment 2—consistently showed that imagined positive contact condition (vs. control/no contact condition) influenced intergroup support (i.e., in both experiments) and positive emotions (i.e., in Experiment 2) more for individuals who endorsed a conservative ideology and scored high for dehumanizing immigrants. Participants’ willingness to attribute positive emotions to outgroup members ultimately explained the observed effects. In this research, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for intergroup relations and outgroup dehumanization.
Efficacy of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor in Asian patients with refractory hypertension
Authors: Li Wanjing , Gong Minghui , Yu Qin , Liu Rihui , Chen Kaiming , Lv Wei , Yao Fumei , Xu Zhaolong , Xu Yi , Song Wei , Jiang Yinong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSacubitril/valsartan, simultaneously inhibits neprilysin and angiotensin II receptor, showed an effect in reducing blood pressure (BP). The authors aimed to study whether it can be used as an antihypertensive agent in patients with refractory hypertension who have already been treated. A total of 66 Chinese patients with refractory hypertension were enrolled. Patients received sacubitril/valsartan 200 instead of angiotensin II receptor blocker or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor while other agents continued. If BP was uncontrolled after 4 weeks, sacubitril/valsartan was increased to 400 mg. The BP reduction was evaluated by office BP and ambulatory BP monitoring after 8‐week treatment. The baseline office BP and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were 150.0/95.0 mmHg and 113.3 mmHg. BP and MAP reduced to 130.6/83.2 mmHg and 99.0 mmHg at week 8. Office BP and MAP reductions were 19.4/11.8 mmHg and 14.3 mmHg at endpoint (all p < .001). The 24‐h, daytime and nighttime ambulatory BP were 146.2/89.1, 148.1/90.3, and 137.5/83.7 mmHg, respectively at baseline, and BP reduced to 129.6/79.8, 130.6/81.1, and 121.7/75.8 mmHg, respectively at week 8. The 24‐h, daytime and nighttime ambulatory BP reductions were 16.6/9.3, 17.5/9.2, and 15.8/7.9 mmHg, respectively at endpoint (all p < .001). Sacubitril/valsartan significantly reduced office and ambulatory BP in refractory hypertension patients. Our study provided new evidence for sacubitril/valsartan in refractory hypertension.
A new way to measure partner burden in depression: Construction, validation, and sensitivity to change of the partner burden in depression questionnaire
Authors: Winter Friederike , Jarczok Marc N. , Warth Marco , Hembd‐Peuse Susanne , Ditzen Beate , Aguilar‐Raab Corina 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDepression occurs in an interpersonal dynamic and living with a depressed person can lead to a significant burden on the partner. Instruments measuring burden do not address couples and often measure caregiving for individuals with schizophrenic disorders. The partner burden in depression (PBD) questionnaire is a new instrument measuring PBD by asking individuals, (1) which symptoms they can observe in their depressed partners and (2) to which degree this burdens them. Hence, PBD combines measuring the awareness of observed depressive symptoms and the resulting burden. Additionally, it addresses aspects unique to couple relationships. Our German validation confirmed a one‐factor model with 12 items. The PBD had good psychometric properties and was sensitive to change. Partner burden predicted self‐reported depressive symptoms (PHQ‐9) over time. PBD is short, easily applicable in research and practice and can add to the understanding of partner effects in depression.