Steklov problem on differential forms

In this paper we study spectral properties of Dirichlet-to-Neumann map on differential forms obtained by a slight modification of the definition due to Belishev and Sharafutdinov. The resulting operator $\Lambda$ is shown to be self-adjoint on the subspace of coclosed forms and to have purely discrete spectrum there.We investigate properies of eigenvalues of $\Lambda$ and prove a Hersch-Payne-Schiffer type inequality relating products of those eigenvalues to eigenvalues of Hodge Laplacian on the boundary. Moreover, non-trivial eigenvalues of $\Lambda$ are always at least as large as eigenvalues of Dirichlet-to-Neumann map defined by Raulot and Savo. Finally, we remark that a particular case of $p$-forms on the boundary of $2p+2$-dimensional manifold shares a lot of important properties with the classical Steklov eigenvalue problem on surfaces.Comment: 18 page

Surgical treatment of anorectal melanoma:a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Anorectal melanoma is a rare neoplasm with a poor prognosis. The surgical approaches for anorectal melanoma can be categorized into local excision (procedures without lymph node removal and preservation of the rectum) and extensive resection (procedures with rectum and pararectal lymph node removal). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the survival of patients who underwent extensive resection with that of patients who underwent local excision, stratifying patients according to tumour stage. METHODS: A literature review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines by searching MEDLINE/PubMed for manuscripts published until March 2021. Studies comparing survival outcomes in patients with anorectal melanoma who underwent local excision versus extensive resection were screened for eligibility. Meta-analysis was performed for overall survival after the different surgical approaches, stratified by tumour stage. RESULTS: There were 347 studiesidentified of which 34 were included for meta-analysis with a total of 1858 patients. There was no significant difference in overall survival between the surgical approaches in patients per stage (stage I odds ratio 1.30 (95 per cent c.i. 0.62 to 2.72, P = 0.49); stage II odds ratio 1.61 (95 per cent c.i. 0.62 to 4.18, P = 0.33); stage I–III odds ratio 1.19 (95 per cent c.i. 0.83 to 1.70, P = 0.35). Subgroup analyses were conducted for the time intervals (<2000, 2001–2010 and 2011–2021) and for continent of study origin. Subgroup analysis for time interval and continent of origin also showed no statistically significant differences in overall survival. CONCLUSION: No significant survival benefit exists for patients with anorectal melanoma treated with local excision or extensive resection, independent of tumour stage

Perspectives on ethnic and racial disparities in Alzheimer\u27s disease and related dementias: Update and areas of immediate need

Alzheimer\u27s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) are a global crisis facing the aging population and society as a whole. With the numbers of people with ADRDs predicted to rise dramatically across the world, the scientific community can no longer neglect the need for research focusing on ADRDs among underrepresented ethnoracial diverse groups. The Alzheimer\u27s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer\u27s Research and Treatment (ISTAART; alz.org/ISTAART) comprises a number of professional interest areas (PIAs), each focusing on a major scientific area associated with ADRDs. We leverage the expertise of the existing international cadre of ISTAART scientists and experts to synthesize a cross-PIA white paper that provides both a concise “state-of-the-science” report of ethnoracial factors across PIA foci and updated recommendations to address immediate needs to advance ADRD science across ethnoracial populations. © 2018 The Author

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of dynamic bracing versus standard care alone in patients suffering from osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures:protocol for a multicentre, two-armed, parallel-group randomised controlled trial with 12 months of follow-up

INTRODUCTION: Patients with osteoporosis may suffer from a fracture after minimal trauma. Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) are among the most common fractures, often leading to substantial pain. There is a need for evidence-based conservative treatment to aid in the management of OVCFs. The objective of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of dynamic bracing in addition to standard care for improving quality of life (QoL) in patients suffering from an OVCF. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Ninety-eight postmenopausal women from two academic and four community hospitals with a recent symptomatic thoracolumbar OVCF will be randomised into either the standard care or dynamic bracing group. In the dynamic bracing group, the Spinova Osteo orthosis will be used in addition to standard care. Standard care comprises pain control with analgesics, physical therapy and osteoporosis medication. The primary outcome parameter is QoL 1 year after inclusion, as measured by the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO-41). Secondary outcome parameters are pain, pain medication used, functional disability, sagittal spinal alignment, recurrence rate of OVCFs and physical activity in daily life. A trial-based economic evaluation consisting of both cost-effectiveness analysis and cost-utility analysis will be performed based on empirical data obtained in the RCT. A process evaluation will assess the feasibility of dynamic bracing. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been granted by the Medical Ethics Committee, University Hospital Maastricht and Maastricht University (METC azM/UM) (NL74552.068.20/METC 20-055). Patients will be included only after verification of eligibility and obtaining written informed consent. Results will be disseminated via the Dutch National Osteoporosis Patient Society and via publications and conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NL8746

Erratum to: Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (3rd edition) (Autophagy, 12, 1, 1-222, 10.1080/15548627.2015.1100356

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