bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can We Diagnose a Patient’s Caries Activity Based on Lesion Activity Assessment? Findings from a Cohort Study
Authors: Maltz Marisa , Leal Felipe Lappann , Wagner Mario Bernardes , Zenkner Julio Eduardo do Amaral , Brusius Carolina Doege , Alves Luana Severo
Published: September 2020

This cohort study evaluated the fate of sound surfaces and inactive non-cavitated (INC) and active non-cavitated (ANC) caries lesions in a population-based sample of South Brazilian adolescents, in answer to the question: “Is lesion activity assessment a reliable criterion to diagnose a patient’s caries activity?” A total of 801 schoolchildren were examined at baseline (aged 12 years) and after a mean time interval of 2.5 years. Data collection included a questionnaire and clinical examination. Patients were classified as caries-free (patients without any lesion), caries-inactive (patients with only inactive lesions), and caries-active (patients with at least one active lesion). The primary outcome was caries progression (presence of cavity, underlying dentin shadow, filling, or extraction at the follow-up exam). Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the risk for caries progression. The main predictor variable was status of the surface at baseline: sound, INC, or ANC. Progression rates of 1.0, 9.0, and 12.6% were found for sound surfaces, INC, and ANC, respectively. INC (incidence risk ratio [IRR] 5.37, 95% CI 4.22–6.83) and ANC (IRR 4.96, 95% CI 3.43–7.17) had greater risk for caries progression than sound surfaces. Similar risks for progression were found for ANC and INC (IRR 0.92, 95% CI 0.64–1.32). Progression rates were 0.6, 1.1, and 2.2% for caries-free, caries-inactive, and caries-active individuals, respectively (p < 0.05). The risk for caries progression of sound surfaces was higher among caries-active adolescents (caries-free: IRR 2.78, 95% CI 1.63–4.72; caries-inactive: IRR 2.19, 95% CI 1.65–2.90). Caries-inactive patients behaved similarly to caries-free individuals (IRR 1.27, 95% CI 0.73–2.20). This study demonstrated the possibility of defining a patient’s caries activity profile based on lesion features.
Processo de trabalho na atenção básica à saúde: a utilização do atendimento individual específico e articulação intersetorial por terapeutas ocupacionais e psicólogos
Authors: Silva Derivan Brito da , Moreira Priscila , Santos Lilian Cristina dos , Camargo Maria José Gugelmin de , Reis Denny Rafael Perusso dos
Published: September 2020

A reorientação do modelo assistencial, no contexto da Atenção Básica à Saúde (ABS), com a implantação das equipes de Saúde da Família (SF) e do Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família e Atenção Básica (NASF-AB) possibilitou aproximação entre os profissionais e comunidade. Esta aproximação facilita o acesso dos usuários e o manejo dos objetos de ação pelos profissionais da ABS. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de identificar as ferramentas utilizadas por terapeutas ocupacionais e psicólogos da equipe do NASF-AB no processo de trabalho, junto às equipes de SF, para a assistência a população. Para isto, foi realizada pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e de campo. Constata-se que para intervir sobre as demandas presentes no território de abrangência das Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS), os profissionais do NASF-AB enquanto agentes, utilizam como meios de produção ferramentas tecnológicas e de cuidado, como o atendimento  individual específico, com os objetivos de prevenir agravos e promover saúde física e psíquica a população.
Impact of Psoriasis on Mortality Rate and Outcome in Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Karbach Susanne , Hobohm Lukas , Wild Johannes , Münzel Thomas , Gori Tommaso , Wegner Joanna , Steinbrink Kerstin , Wenzel Philip , Keller Karsten
Published: September 2020

Background

Psoriasis is a frequent chronic inflammatory cytokine‐mediated skin disease and was identified to be an independent risk factor for the occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI). However, data about the impact of psoriasis on mortality and other in‐hospital adverse events in the setting of MI are sparse and inconsistent.

Methods and Results

The nationwide German inpatient sample of the years 2005 to 2016 was used for statistical analysis. Hospitalized patients with MI were stratified for the presence of psoriasis and the impact of psoriasis on in‐hospital events was investigated. Overall, 3 307 703 patients with MI (37.6% females, 56.8% aged ≥70 years) were treated in Germany (2005–2016); among them 9028 (0.3%) were diagnosed with psoriasis. Patients with MI with psoriasis were significantly younger (68.0 [58.0–76.0] versus 73.0 [62.0–81.0] years;
P
<0.001) and showed significant lower in‐hospital case‐fatality rate (7.1% versus 12.4%;
P
<0.001), confirmed in the regression (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.63–0.74;
P
<0.001) adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities. They more frequently revealed cardiovascular risk factors such as arterial hypertension (58.9% versus 55.0%;
P
<0.001), hyperlipidemia (44.4% versus 38.6%;
P
<0.001), smoking (14.3% versus 7.4%;
P
<0.001), diabetes mellitus (34.8% versus 30.4%;
P
<0.001) or obesity (17.9% versus 9.3%;
P
<0.001). While the rate of percutaneous coronary intervention (41.4 versus 42.0%;
P
=0.223) was comparable between both groups, coronary bypass surgery was more often performed in patients with MI with psoriasis (7.7% versus 4.7%;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Overall, only 0.3% of all MI cases were diagnosed with psoriasis, and patients with MI with psoriasis were in median 5 years younger than patients with MI without psoriasis. Psoriasis seems to enhance the prevalence of classical cardiovascular risk factors and might therefore explain the earlier time point for MI. Our data also showed in turn a lower in‐hospital mortality rate in patients with MI with psoriasis, presumably driven by younger age.
Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Recurrence After Apparent Microsurgical Cure
Authors: Copelan Alexander , Drocton Gerald , Caton M. Travis , Smith Eric R. , Cooke Daniel L. , Nelson Jeffrey , Abla Adib A. , Fox Christine , Amans Matthew R. , Dowd Christopher F. , Halbach Van V. , Higashida Randall T. , Lawton Michael T. , Kim Helen , Fullerton Heather J. , Gupta Nalin , Hetts Steven W. ,   On behalf of the UCSF Center For Cerebrovascular Research and UCSF Pediatric Brain Center
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose:

Do children have an increased risk for brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) recurrence compared with adults and does this risk vary depending on initial presentation with AVM rupture?

Methods:

We retrospectively studied 115 patients initially presenting with brain AVM under age 25 years who underwent complete surgical resection of the AVM as documented by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and had delayed follow-up DSA to evaluate for AVM recurrence after apparent initial cure.

Results:

The mean time from baseline DSA to follow-up DSA was 2.3 years, ranging from 0 to 15 years. Twelve patients (10.4% of the 115 patient cohort and 16.7% of 72 patients with hemorrhage at initial presentation) demonstrated AVM recurrence on follow-up DSA. All patients with recurrence initially presented with intracranial hemorrhage, and intracranial hemorrhage was a significant predictor of recurrence (log rank
P
=0.037). Among patients with initial hemorrhage, the 5-year recurrence rate was 17.8% (95% CI, 8.3%–35.7%). All recurrences occurred in patients who were children at the time of their initial presentation; the oldest was 15 years of age at the time of initial AVM surgery. The 5-year recurrence rate for children (0–18 years of age) with an initial presentation of hemorrhage was 21.4% (95% CI, 10.1%–41.9%). Using Cox regression, we found the risk of AVM recurrence decreased by 14% per each year increase in age at the time of initial surgical resection (hazard ratio=0.86 [95% CI, 0.75–0.99];
P
=0.031).

Conclusions:

There is a high rate of recurrence of apparently cured brain AVMs in children who initially present with AVM rupture. Imaging follow-up is warranted to prevent re-rupture.
ADB COVID-19 Policy Database: A Guide
Authors: Felipe Jesus , Fullwiler Scott
Published: September 2020

The ADB COVID-19 Policy Database displays the measures taken and monetary amounts announced or estimated by the 68 members of the Asian Development Bank, two institutions, and nine other economies (i.e., a total of 79 entries) until May 2020, to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Measures are classified according to (i) the path a given measure takes to affect the financial system, spending, production, and so forth, i.e., provide liquidity, encourage credit creation by the financial sector, or directly fund households; and (ii) the effects on the financial statements of households, businesses, government, i.e., whether the measures create more debt or more income. This gives a total of nine categories. When the information is available, we report the amounts that governments have announced (intentions) they will allocate to each measure (in many cases, no amount is provided because the measure does not entail spending, e.g., interest rate reductions). These are a mix of actual amounts and estimates, today and in the future (without specifying when). The database will be updated, revised, and expanded as information is released. It is available at https://covid19policy.adb.org/ .
Impacts of an Information and Communication Technology-Assisted Program on Attitudes and English Communication Abilities: An Experiment in a Japanese High School
Authors: Higuchi Yuki , Sasaki Miyuki , Nakamuro Makiko
Published: September 2020

We conducted a randomized experiment targeting 322 Japanese high school students to examine the impacts of a newly developed English-language learning program. The treated students were offered an opportunity to communicate for 25 minutes with English-speaking Filipino teachers via Skype several times a week over a 5-month period as an extracurricular activity. The results show that the Skype program increased the interest of the treated students in an international vocation and in foreign affairs. However, the students did not improve their English communication abilities, as measured by standardized tests, probably because of the program's low utilization rate. Further investigation showed that the utilization rate was particularly low among students demonstrating a tendency to procrastinate. These results suggest the importance of maintaining students’ motivation to keep using such information and communication technology-assisted learning programs if they are not already incorporated into the existing curriculum. Having procrastinators self-regulate may be especially crucial.
Human Capital as Engine of Growth: The Role of Knowledge Transfers in Promoting Balanced Growth within and across Countries
Authors: Ehrlich Isaac , Pei Yun
Published: September 2020

Unlike physical capital, human capital has both embodied and disembodied dimensions. It can be perceived not only as skill and acquired knowledge but also as knowledge spillover effects between overlapping generations and across different skill groups within and across countries. We illustrate the roles these characteristics play in the process of economic development, the relation between income growth and income and fertility distributions, and the relevance of human capital in determining the skill distribution of immigrants in a balanced-growth global equilibrium setting. In all three illustrations, knowledge spillover effects play a key role. The analysis offers new insights for understanding the decline in fertility below the population replacement rate in many developed countries, the evolution of income and fertility distributions across developing and developed countries, and the often asymmetric effects that endogenous immigration flows and their skill composition exert on the long-term net benefits from immigration to natives in source and destination countries.
New taxa in Drosanthemum and a new genus in Drosanthemeae (Ruschioideae, Aizoaceae)

Authors: KLAK CORNELIA , HANÁČEK PAVEL , CURTIS-SCOTT ODETTE , LE ROUX ANSO , BRUYNS PETER V.
Published: September 2020

A phylogeny of all nine subgenera of Drosanthemum, based on chloroplast sequence-data, is presented. The results confirm some previously published facts, e.g. that D. zygophylloides is sister to Drosanthemum. We propose to treat this species as a new monotypic genus, Lemonanthemum, which differs from Drosanthemum in features of the leaves and fruit-stalks. In Drosanthemum s.s., the small subg. Quadrata, characterized by 4-locular fruits, is highly supported as sister to the remainder of Drosanthemum (where fruits are 5-locular). Further, our data support the transfer of Delosperma pubipetalum to Drosanthemum (where a nomenclatural change is also made). The pubescent petals, 5-locular fruits with narrow covering membranes and downward-pointing hair-like papillae on the branches suggest that D. pubipetalum is close to D. papillatum and belongs to subg. Quastea. Another species, D. badspoortense, which had been placed in D. subg. Quastea on account of its narrow covering membranes, is shown to belong to Delosperma and also lacks the unique structure of the fruit-stalk of Drosanthemum. In addition, a new species, D. overbergense, is described from disjunct patches of remnant renosterveld within the Overberg and near Albertinia, in the Western Cape of South Africa. Morphological characteristics suggest that this species belongs to subg. Xamera, but this was not corroborated by our molecular data. Finally, a new name—Drosanthemum calcareum—is proposed for the illegitimate D. intermedium and a lectotype (at BOL) is designated for D. pubipetalum. The lectotypification of D. badspoortense is also proposed.
Roridomyces phyllostachydis (Agaricales, Mycenaceae), a new bioluminescent fungus from Northeast India

Authors: KARUNARATHNA SAMANTHA C. , MORTIMER PETER E. , TIBPROMMA SAOWALUCK , DUTTA ARUN KUMAR , PALOI SOUMITRA , HU YUWEI , BAURAH GAUTAM , AXFORD STEPHEN , MARCINIAK CATHERINE , LUANGHARN THATSANEE , MADAWALA SUMEDHA , LIN CHANG , CHEN JUN-ZHU , ACHARYA KRISHNENDU , KOBMOO NOPPOL , SAMARAKOON MILAN C. , KARUNARATHNA ANURUDDHA , GAO SHUYI , XU JIANCHU , LUMYONG SAISAMORN
Published: September 2020

An interesting bioluminescent fungus growing on dead bamboo stems was collected from bamboo forests in the East Khasi and West Jayantia Hills Districts of Meghalaya, Northeast India. Both morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of nrITS and nrLSU regions showed that the bioluminescent fungus belongs to the genus Roridomyces and is a new species to science, as well as the first report of the genus, Roridomyces, in India. Full descriptions, colour photographs, phylogenetic trees to show the position of the novel bioluminescent taxon, and comparisons with its morphologically and phylogenetically similar species are provided.
Dendrobium sagin (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae), a new species from the Bird’s Head Peninsula, West New Guinea

Authors: SAPUTRA REZA , MUSTAQIM WENDY A. , METUSALA DESTARIO , SCHUITEMAN ANDRÉ
Published: September 2020

With about a dozen species, Dendrobium section Fugacia Smith (1905: 343) is one of the smaller but also one of the more distinctive clades within the large genus Dendrobium Swartz (1799: 82) (Schuiteman 2014). The plants have unbranched, tufted, clavate and usually distinctly angular stems of several internodes, of which only two or three of the uppermost ones carry a non-sheathing leaf. The inflorescences are subsessile and one- or few-flowered and arise singly from the swollen upper internodes. Flowers are ephemeral, generally opening early in the morning, often before sunrise, and withering in the afternoon. Unusually in Dendrobium, the lip is mobile and delicately hinged to the short column-foot, a character-state more commonly found in the sister genus Bulbophyllum Thouars (1822: t. 3). The lip is often broader than long and can be broadly obreniform in outline.
New Zealand and Australian species of the genus Leptochiton (Mollusca: Polyplacophora)
Authors: SIRENKO BORIS
Published: September 2020

Eighteen species of the chiton genus Leptochiton are present in Australian and New Zealand waters. Leptochiton beui n. sp. and L. marshalli n. sp. are introduced as new to science. Leptochiton laurae and L. cf. opiparus are here recorded for the first time from New Zealand waters. The present material allowed to obtain new information about the number of aesthetes, the girdle armature as well as about the radula morphology in several species. A considerable variability in the valve shape of Leptochiton subantarcticus was observed leading to the consideration of L. deecresswellae being a junior synonym of this species. Nine of the eighteen Leptochiton species are found around New Zealand and nine belong to the Australian region. With the possible exception of L. opiparus, both regions do not share any species.
Identification of anuran species diversity of the Panna Tiger Reserve, Central India, using an integrated approach
Authors: PRASAD VISHAL KUMAR , GAUTAM KUMUDANI BALA , GUPTA SANDEEP KUMAR , MURTHY R. SREENIVASA , RAMESH K. , SHINDE AJINKYA DUTTATRAY , DAS ABHIJIT
Published: September 2020

We present a comprehensive inventory of amphibians from Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh based on morphological, molecular and bioacoustic data. Representatives of 15 anuran species were collected, corresponding to roughly four fifths of the known amphibian species of Madhya Pradesh. The main results of this study are: (1) Description of advertisement calls of eleven species, including the first-time description of advertisement calls of Sphaerotheca pashchima. (2) Identification of cryptic species using acoustic and molecular techniques. (3) Five new significant range extensions and new state records. (4) Description of geographical variation in call properties in three anuran species. This study also provides morphological descriptions with ecological and natural history notes for each species that may be useful in management planning for amphibian conservation in Panna Tiger Reserve.
C-FOG: Life of Coastal Fog
Authors: Fernando H. J. S. , Gultepe I. , Dorman C. , Pardyjak E. , Wang Q. , Hoch S. W , Richter D. , Creegan E. , Gaberšek S. , Bullock T. , Hocut C. , Chang R. , Alappattu D. , Dimitrova R. , Flagg D. , Grachev A. , Krishnamurthy R. , Singh D. K. , Lozovatsky I. , Nagare B. , Sharma A. , Wagh S. , Wainwright C. , Wroblewski M. , Yamaguchi R. , Bardoel S. , Coppersmith R. S. , Chisholm N. , Gonzalez E. , Gunawardena N. , Hyde O. , Morrison T. , Olson A. , Perelet A. , Perrie W. , Wang S. , Wauer B.
Published: September 2020

C-FOG is a comprehensive bi-national project dealing with the formation, persistence, and dissipation (life cycle) of fog in coastal areas (coastal fog) controlled by land, marine, and atmospheric processes. Given its inherent complexity, coastal-fog literature has mainly focused on case studies, and there is a continuing need for research that integrates across processes (e.g., air–sea–land interactions, environmental flow, aerosol transport, and chemistry), dynamics (two-phase flow and turbulence), microphysics (nucleation, droplet characterization), and thermodynamics (heat transfer and phase changes) through field observations and modeling. Central to C-FOG was a field campaign in eastern Canada from 1 September to 8 October 2018, covering four land sites in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia and an adjacent coastal strip transected by the Research Vessel Hugh R. Sharp. An array of in situ, path-integrating, and remote sensing instruments gathered data across a swath of space–time scales relevant to fog life cycle. Satellite and reanalysis products, routine meteorological observations, numerical weather prediction model (WRF and COAMPS) outputs, large-eddy simulations, and phenomenological modeling underpin the interpretation of field observations in a multiscale and multiplatform framework that helps identify and remedy numerical model deficiencies. An overview of the C-FOG field campaign and some preliminary analysis/findings are presented in this paper.
A Technique for Estimating Liquid Droplet Diameter and Liquid Water Content in Stratocumulus Clouds Using Radar and Lidar Measurements
Authors: Vivekanandan Jothiram , Ghate Virendra P. , Jensen Jorgen B. , Ellis Scott M. , Schwartz M. Christian
Published: September 2020

This paper describes a technique for estimating the liquid water content (LWC) and a characteristic particle diameter in stratocumulus clouds using radar and lidar observations. The uncertainty in LWC estimate from radar and lidar measurements is significantly reduced once the characteristic particle diameter is known. The technique is independent of the drop size distribution. It is applicable for a broad range of W-band reflectivityZbetween −30 and 0 dBZand all values of lidar backscatterβobservations. No partitioning of cloud or drizzle is required on the basis of an arbitrary threshold ofZas in prior studies. A method for estimating droplet diameter and LWC was derived from the electromagnetic simulations of radar and lidar observations. In situ stratocumulus cloud and drizzle probe spectra were input to the electromagnetic simulation. The retrieved droplet diameter and LWC were validated using in situ measurements from the southeastern Pacific Ocean. The retrieval method was applied to radar and lidar measurements from the northeastern Pacific. Uncertainty in the retrieved droplet diameter and LWC that are due to the measurement errors in radar and lidar backscatter measurements are 7% and 14%, respectively. The retrieved LWC was validated using the concurrent G-band radiometer estimates of the liquid water path.
The American College of Surgeons Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic (Part II)
Authors: Wexner Steven D. , Opelka Frank , Bailey Patrick V. , Cortés-Guiral Delia
Published: September 2020

From the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic of 2020, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has been a leader in disseminating credible information on the clinical and scientific aspects of the disease. As governmental regulations enforced the closure of hospitals and operating rooms to elective surgical cases as part of its “shelter-in-place” public lockdown policies, the ACS brought specialty societies together to create guidelines to protect patients and preserve surgical quality. Federal agencies made available financial aid programs to mitigate the economic impact of the outbreak. The division of advocacy and health policy of the ACS made certain that the interests of surgeons and their patients were served. Steven Wexner, member of the Board of Regents of the ACS interviewed the medical directors of the division, Frank Opelka in quality and health policy, and Patrick Bailey in advocacy, for their stories of how the College responded to the many health and public policy issues that came before Congress and governmental agencies during the pandemic.
Antiplatelet Agent Reversal Is Unnecessary in Blunt Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Not Requiring Immediate Craniotomy
Authors: Agyabeng-Dadzie Kojo , Hunter Jocelyn E. , Smith Timothy R. , Jordan Monica , Safcsak Karen , Ibrahim Joseph A. , Cheatham Michael L. , Bhullar Indermeet S.
Published: September 2020

Background

The need to reverse the coagulation impairment caused by chronic antiplatelet agents in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with acute traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (TICH) remains controversial. We sought to determine whether emergent platelet transfusion reduces the incidence of hemorrhage expansion, mortality, or need for neurosurgical intervention such as intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring, burr holes, or craniotomy.

Methods

All adult blunt TICH patients (age ≥16 years) over a 4-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with penetrating TBI, blunt TBI without TICH on admission computed tomography (CT), receiving warfarin, not on antiplatelet agents, or requiring immediate operative intervention were excluded. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on whether they received a platelet transfusion: reversal group (RV) versus no reversal group (NR). Patient outcomes were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

169 blunt TBI patients on chronic antiplatelet therapy were studied (102 RV group, 67 NR group). The groups were well matched with regard to age, Injury Severity Score, Abbreviated Injury Scale-head, Glasgow Coma Score, mechanism of injury, need for intubation, time to initial CT scan, and hospital length of stay. Immediate platelet transfusion did not alter the occurrence of TICH extension on follow-up CT (26% vs 21%, P = .71), TBI-specific mortality (9% vs 13%, P = .45), need for ICP monitor (2% vs 3%, P = 1.0), burr hole (1% vs 3%, P = .56), or craniotomy (1% vs 3%, P = .56).

Discussion

Immediate platelet transfusion is unnecessary in blunt TBI patients on chronic antiplatelet therapy who do not require immediate craniotomy.
Can Education and Enhanced Medical Director Oversight Improve Definitive Airway Control in the Prehospital Environment?
Authors: Forney Eric D. , Stokes Nathan A. , Ashley Dennis W. , Montgomery Anne , Benjamin Christie D.
Published: September 2020

Background

Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is the most definitive technique for airway management. However, supraglottic airway (SGA) may be used when ETI is not feasible. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of updated field sedation protocols, simulation teaching, robust Quality Assurance/Continuing Quality Improvement (QA/CQI) program, and enhanced emergency medical services (EMSs) medical director oversight on ETI and SGA usage at a Level 1 trauma center.

Methods

After the transition of EMS directors in May 2016, field sedation protocols were updated, a new QA/CQI was instituted, and multiple teaching and simulation sessions were conducted. A retrospective review of EMS data was conducted on all prehospital airway interventions performed by EMS personnel. Intubations occurring from July 2013 to May 2016 served as controls. Intubations from May 2016 to December 2017 served as the comparison group. Data collected included intubation type/indication, age, and successful or unsuccessful.

Results

There were 967 ETI and SGA performed on 84% and 15% of patients, respectively. Success rates were 75% for ETI and 82% for SGA. ETI increased from 83% in the control group to 88% in the study group, and SGA decreased from 16% in the control group to 11% in the study group ( P = .029). The success rate for ETI increased by 2% in the study group ( P = .539).

Discussion

This study showed that definitive airway control could be positively impacted by incorporating education and medical director oversight into EMS training. ETI increased and SGA decreased after implementation.
Association of C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio With the Presence and Progression of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Cerşit Sinan , Öcal Lutfi , Keskin Muhammed , Gürsoy Mustafa Ozan , Kalçik Macit , Bayam Emrah , Karaduman Ahmet , Uysal Samet , Uslu Abdulkadir , Küp Ayhan , Dereli Seçkin , Arslantaş Uğur , Türkmen Mehmet Muhsin
Published: September 2020

Aortic dilatation due to inflammation may lead to an increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. We investigated the possible relationship between CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR) and presence and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). The study included 150 patients previously diagnosed with AAA (diameter 40-54 mm) and 100 normal controls. Clinical and laboratory parameters and maximal cross-sectional AAA diameters (measured by computed tomography angiography) were obtained from all participants at baseline assessment as well as after 1 year for those with an AAA. The patients with AAA had significantly higher serum CAR compared with controls at baseline (P < .001). Increased serum CAR was found to be an independent predictor of the presence of AAA (odds ratio: 3.162, 95% CI: 1.690-5.126, P = .001) after multivariate logistic regression analysis. There was a significant increase in aortic diameter and CAR after 1 year in the patients with AAA ( P < .001; P = .003); a significant correlation was found between changes in the diameter of AAAs and CAR ( r = 0.414; P = .005). Serum CAR may be useful as an inflammatory biomarker for the presence and progression of AAA.
The impact of torture on interpersonal threat and reward neurocircuitry
Authors: Liddell Belinda , Malhi Gin S , Felmingham Kim L , Cheung Jessica , Outhred Tim , Das Pritha , Nickerson Angela , Den Miriam , Askovic Mirjana , Coello Mariano , Aroche Jorge , Bryant Richard A
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Torture adversely influences emotional functioning, but the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning its impact are unknown. This study examined how torture exposure affects the neural substrates of interpersonal threat and reward processing.

Methods:

Male refugees with ( N = 31) and without ( N = 27) torture exposure completed a clinical interview and functional magnetic resonance imaging scan where they viewed fear, happy and neutral faces. Between-group activations and neural coupling were examined as moderated by posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity and cumulative trauma load.

Results:

Posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity and trauma load significantly moderated group differences in brain activation and connectivity patterns. Torture survivors deactivated the ventral striatum during happy processing compared to non-torture survivor controls as a function of increased posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity – particularly avoidance symptoms. The ventral striatum was more strongly coupled with the inferior frontal gyrus in torture survivors. Torture survivors also showed left hippocampal deactivation to both fear and happy faces, moderated by trauma load, compared to controls. Stronger coupling between the hippocampus and frontal, temporoparietal and subcortical regions during fear processing was observed, with pathways being predicted by avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms.

Conclusion:

Torture exposure was associated with distinct brain activity and connectivity patterns during threat and reward processing, dependent on trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity. Torture appears to affect emotional brain functioning, and findings have the potential to guide more targeted interventions for torture survivors.
Perceived Occupational Performance in Youth with Eating Disorders: Treatment-Related Changes
Authors: Coelho Jennifer S. , Fernandes Avarna , Suen Janet , Keidar Adi , Cairns Jadine
Published: September 2020

Background.

This study examined changes in performance and satisfaction with self-identified occupational performance goals during a specialized day treatment admission in children and adolescents with eating disorders. Weight-related outcomes for underweight youth were also examined.

Methods.

A total of 63 youth participated in the study, with admission and discharge data on ratings of self-identified occupational performance goals (measured with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure) available for 42 participants.

Findings.

Significant improvements were found in ratings of satisfaction and performance with self-identified goals over the course of treatment. The program was also effective in supporting weight restoration for underweight youth, with a large effect size observed.

Implications.

A symptom-focused day treatment program for paediatric eating disorders led to improvements in perceived occupational performance. Collaborating with youth to develop self-identified goals in the context of eating disorders treatment can foster autonomy and potentially improve treatment engagement.
Race-Visible Teacher Education: A Review of the Literature From 2002 to 2018
Authors: Hambacher Elyse , Ginn Katherine
Published: September 2020

In this review of the literature, we draw on critical race theory, critical whiteness studies, and critical pedagogy to examine teacher educators’ race-visible efforts in preservice teacher education and inservice teacher professional development. Our review specifically centers on race and racism in teacher education because race is often silenced or largely unaddressed in teacher education programs and teacher professional learning. Through a systematic search of electronic databases and a hand search of journals in this research area, we located 39 peer-reviewed articles published at the intersection of race, white teachers, and teacher education. Findings reveal the kinds of race-visible instructional practices used by teacher educators to scaffold race consciousness as well as larger themes teacher educators and education researchers encounter in their work related to race with preservice and inservice educators. We conclude with a discussion of our findings and offer future directions for continued research and practice.
Writing Toward Justice: Youth Speculative Civic Literacies in Online Policy Discourse
Authors: Garcia Antero , Mirra Nicole
Published: September 2020

This article explores how speculative civic literacies can support youth engagement in policy discourse in digital and analog contexts. We broaden the scope of civic literacies by emphasizing core principles of Afrofuturism and participatory culture. Articulating a specific framework for applying these principles to contemporary conceptions of civic literacies, we identify six digital civic literacy practices that may be leveraged in classrooms. We then analyze two case studies of youth engaging with digital tools and web-based platforms, providing examples of how youth participate in educational policy discourse in online contexts.
Assessment of Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking: Measuring APA Goal 2 Student Learning Outcomes
Authors: Mueller Jon F. , Taylor Helen K. , Brakke Karen , Drysdale Mike , Kelly Kiesa , Levine Gary M. , Ronquillo-Adachi Jaclyn
Published: September 2020

Goal 2 of the APA Goals for Undergraduate Major in Psychology, Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking, addresses the development of scientific reasoning and problem-solving, including effective research methods, in undergraduate psychology students. These skills serve as the foundation of not only introductory courses but also the entire psychology curriculum. In this article, we address why these skills are critical to help students interpret information and assess claims and review the current practice of measuring student reasoning in this domain. The reach of Goal 2 is broad, including the application of scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena, the demonstration of psychology information literacy, the interpretation and execution of basic psychological research, and an understanding of sociocultural influences in scientific inquiry. We discuss the value of both formative and summative assessments in this area, offer examples of assessment tools currently in use, and provide a list of nationally normed assessments in critical thinking and scientific reasoning. We conclude with a discussion of limitations in current assessment practices and suggest possible future directions.
Adaptive friction compensations for mechanical systems with measurement delay
Authors: Odabaş Caner , Morgül Ömer
Published: September 2020

Application performance of mechanical positioning systems might not coincide with the theory, mainly due to nonlinearities or imperfections of system models. Although it is sometimes possible to ignore these mismatches, systems generally suffer from performance degradation or even instability eventually. Especially, friction force and time delay are two major factors of these undesired effects. Hence, in this paper, Smith predictor-based controllers and an adaptive Coulomb friction observer are designed to enhance position tracking performance of a mechanical system including time delay. In fact, implemented hierarchical control scheme provides two-degree of freedom to control both velocity and position separately. The proposed observer structure is mainly motivated by the Friedland-Park observer but could be considered as an extension of it which characterizes a general class of nonlinear functions for friction estimation. To assure its functionality with delayed measurements, different velocity predictor schemes are designed and their performances are compared. As a guideline for observer design, some conditions for exponential stability and robustness analysis are presented. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control system enhances the tracking performance even when the actual friction is a compound of various static and dynamic terms.
A smooth polynomial shaped command for sloshing suppression of a suspended liquid container
Authors: Alshaya Abdullah , Almujarrab Dima
Published: September 2020

A smooth polynomial shaped command with an adjustable command time length is proposed for eliminating the residual vibrations of a multi-mode system. The ability of eliminating jerks and vibrational modes, regardless of their number, offers the most advantage of the proposed command. A numerical simulation is conducted to test the command’s effectiveness by eliminating the residual sloshing oscillations of a liquid-filled container conveyed by an overhead crane in a rest-to-rest manoeuvre. The governing equations of the liquid free-surface level are derived by modelling the sloshing dynamics by a series of mass–spring–damper harmonics. The proposed model accounts for the coupling between the pendulum dynamics and the sloshing equivalent mechanical model. The command’s robustness to the system parameters’ uncertainties, liquid depth and cable length, are investigated as well. The ability of adjusting the command length and retaining higher sloshing modes in command-designing are also outlined.
Multi-lagged-input information enhancing quantized iterative learning control
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Chi Ronghu
Published: September 2020

Quantization is a significant technique in network control to save limited bandwidth. In this work, two new multi-lagged-input-based quantized iterative learning control (MLI-QILC) methods are proposed by using output quantization and error quantization, respectively. The multi-lagged-input iterative dynamic linearization method (MLI-IDL) is introduced to build a linear data model of nonlinear systems using additional control inputs in lagged time instants and multiple parameters where the condition of nonzero input change is not required any longer. The MLI-QILC is proposed by designing two new objective functions utilizing the quantized data of the system outputs and tracking errors, respectively. With rigorous analysis, it is shown that the proposed MLI-QILC with output quantization guarantees that the tracking error converges to a bound which is related to the quantization density and the bound of the desired trajectory. Furthermore, an asymptotic convergence can be achieved for the proposed MLI-QILC method with error quantization. The theoretical results are verified by simulations.
Preoperative training education with incentive spirometry may reduce postoperative pulmonary complications
Authors: Bilyy Andrey , El-Nakhal Tamer , Kadlec Jakub , Bartosik Waldemar , Tornout Filip Van , Kouritas Vasileios
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess whether preoperative incentive spirometer training would influence the development of postoperative pulmonary complications after lung resection.

Methods

Sixty-two lung resection patients were prospectively investigated; 17 were given an incentive spirometer preoperatively and 45 did not have an incentive spirometer preoperatively. Postoperatively, both arms exercised with an incentive spirometer. The number of repetitions per day, balls raised per repetition, correct technique of exercising, and postoperative pulmonary complications were compared between the 2 groups. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis of potential predictors of postoperative pulmonary complications led to multivariate analysis of independent predictors. Receiver operating characteristic analysis established the cutoff points of predictors.

Results

The group with no preoperative incentive spirometer developed more postoperative pulmonary complications than the preoperative incentive spirometer group (24.4% vs. 5.9%, respectively, p = 0.045). The preoperative incentive spirometer arm achieved more repetitions per day, balls per repetition, and correct incentive spirometer technique ( p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p = 0.034, respectively). Balls raised per repetition and repetitions per day postoperatively were identified as independent predictors of postoperative pulmonary complications ( p = 0.032 and p = 0.021, respectively). Less than 5 repetitions per day (sensitivity 93%, specificity 77%, p < 0.001) and less than 2 balls per repetition (sensitivity 93%, specificity 77%, p < 0.001) were predictive of postoperative pulmonary complications.

Conclusion

Preoperative incentive spirometer exposure ensured better compliance with postoperative treatment and a more accurate technique (balls raised per repetition, repetitions per day). These variables correlated with a lower postoperative pulmonary complication rate.
Validation of the Distress Thermometer in patients with advanced cancer receiving specialist palliative care in a hospice setting
Authors: Graham-Wisener Lisa , Dempster Martin , Sadler Aaroon , McCann Luke , McCorry Noleen K
Published: September 2020

Background:

Ongoing assessment of psychological reaction to illness in palliative and end of life care settings is recommended, yet validated tools are not routinely used in clinical practice. The Distress Thermometer is a short screening tool developed for use in oncology, to detect individuals who would benefit from further psychological assessment. However the optimal cut-off to detect indicative psychological morbidity in patients with advanced cancer receiving specialist palliative care is unclear.

Aim:

To provide the first validation of the Distress Thermometer in an advanced cancer population receiving specialist palliative care in a UK hospice setting.

Design:

Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of cut-offs indicative of psychological morbidity on the Distress Thermometer in comparison to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Setting/Participants:

Data were derived from 202 patients with advanced cancer who were approached on admission to inpatient or day hospice care, with 139 patients providing complete data on both measures.

Results:

The area under the curve was optimal using a Distress Thermometer cut-off score of ⩾6 for total distress and for anxiety, and a cut-off score of ⩾4 optimal when screening for depression.

Conclusions:

The Distress Thermometer is a valid, accurate screening tool to be used in advanced cancer but with caution in relation to the lack of specificity. With little variation between the area under the curve scores, arguably a Distress Thermometer cut-off score of ⩾5 is most appropriate in screening for all types of psychological morbidity if sensitivity is to be prioritised.
Bidirectional Associations Between Preschool Classroom Behavior and Language and Literacy Skills
Authors: Cashiola Elizabeth B. , Bulotsky-Shearer Rebecca J. , Greenfield Daryl B.
Published: September 2020

Potential bidirectional associations between preschool classroom overactive (or externalizing) and underactive (or internalizing) behaviors and language and literacy skills (i.e., vocabulary and listening comprehension) were examined in a sample of children enrolled in Head Start ( N = 297). Cross-lagged panel designs using structural equation modeling (SEM) were conducted using data gathered through teacher ratings and direct assessments developed for use in preschool programs serving diverse populations of young children. Significant associations varied by type of behavior and language and literacy skill. Higher overactive behavior in the fall was associated with lower listening comprehension skills in the spring, whereas higher underactive behavior in the fall was associated with lower vocabulary skills in the spring. In addition, lower listening comprehension skills in the fall were associated with higher levels of underactive behavior in the spring. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are discussed.
Designing and Implementing Real-Time Bus Time Predictions using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Wai Benny , Zhou Winston
Published: September 2020

Managing expectations is vital to ensuring commuter satisfaction with their public transportation service. When customers are given an estimated time for their bus and must wait way longer, they lose a sense of control over their commute and become frustrated. In this paper, we present a novel machine learning (ML) modeling approach in which we train and implement specialized models for every single segment of travel time and stop dwell time in our system to capture its uniqueness. The features for training the models include simple calendar and weather data. Most papers assume ideal operational conditions but in practice that’s almost never the case. Here, we combine our ML modeling approach with a flexible production-tested algorithm to combine model-generated dwell and travel time (or run time) predictions to produce predicted bus departure times. This algorithm is designed to handle real transit agency challenges like missing models (including those caused by changes to schedules and routes), timing points, and partially traveled segments. We also provide a reference architecture of how this algorithm can be brought to life in a scalable and cost-effective manner.
Activity Participation and Perceptions on Informal Public Transport and Bus Rapid Transit in Dar es Salaam
Authors: Joseph Lucy , Neven An , Martens Karel , Kweka Opportuna , Wets Geert , Janssens Davy
Published: September 2020

This paper seeks to understand participation in out-of-home activities by inhabitants in Dar es Salaam, and their perceptions toward informal public transport (IPT) and bus rapid transit (BRT) in supporting these activities. Without fixed schedules, IPT (e.g., minibuses, motorcycles, and tricycles) is used as a means of transport for different trips. However, IPT is burdened by poor roads, traffic congestion, and high transport demand. Many developing cities are seeking to replace IPT with formal BRT lines. However, little is known in relation to the ability of IPT and BRT to support out-of-home activity participation of the inhabitants. This paper reports on a study in Dar es Salaam exploring the relative contribution of each type of service. The study took place before the opening of BRT, and encompasses focus group discussions, participatory geographical information systems, and questionnaires carried out in two study zones: one close to a BRT corridor and the other in a peri-urban location. The findings show that IPT was used to support participation in daily activities like work, education, shopping, and social matters; and was perceived to be flexible in providing access to both high and low density unplanned settlements. The BRT was viewed to benefit specific groups of people, especially individuals working in permanent offices in and around the city center, particularly professional workers. This paper sheds light on how the two systems were perceived by the local people and can inform policy makers about possible improvements in public transport systems to support activity participation of their inhabitants.