bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Global Korea Scholarship as a Public Diplomacy Tool
Authors: Ayhan Kadir Jun , Gouda Moamen , Lee Hyelim
Published: August 2021

Through international student mobility programs, such as Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), countries aim to influence international students’ beliefs about and attitudes toward the host country. In this article, we explore GKS’s role in bringing international students to the country and analyze changes in GKS students’ and alumni’s affective and cognitive evaluation of Korea after coming to the country. We compare results based on students’ and alumni’s length of stay, gender, and economic development level of their home country. Our findings suggest that after coming to Korea, GKS recipients evaluate Korea more positively in both affective and cognitive dimensions.
The influence of inter-dialect contact on the Korean three-way laryngeal distinction: An acoustic comparison among Seoul Korean speakers and Gyeongsang speakers with limited and extended residence in Seoul
Authors: Kim Hyoju , Jongman Allard
Published: August 2021

This exploratory study investigates the acoustic correlates of the Korean three-way laryngeal stop distinction in Gyeongsang long-term (LT) transplants who were born in the Gyeongsang region but moved to Seoul to pursue higher education. Acoustic data were collected from eight LT transplants, five short-term (ST) transplants, and 11 Seoul speakers to examine whether exposure to Seoul Korean (SK) affects Gyeongsang speakers’ cue-weighting in distinguishing stops in production. LT transplants produced stimuli in both Gyeongsang and Seoul dialects. A cue-weighting model based on the acoustic data reveals that voice onset time (VOT) is less important to distinguish lenis from aspirated stops for Seoul speakers and for LT transplants’ SK, as compared to ST transplants and LT transplants’ Gyeongsang Korean (GK). In addition, fundamental frequency (F0) is more important for the lenis–aspirated distinction for Seoul speakers and LT transplants’ SK, as compared to ST and LT transplants’ GK, showing that LT transplants rely less on VOT and more on F0 to distinguish lenis from aspirated stops compared to ST transplants. LT transplants’ SK reveals that they rely more on VOT and less on F0 compared to SK speakers. The cue-weighting model of the LT transplants provide empirical evidence that a series of sound changes in GK is due to inter-dialect contact.
Psychology and the Threat of Contagion: Feeling Vulnerable to a Disease Moderates the Link Between Xenophobic Thoughts and Support for Ingroup-Protective Actions
Authors: Kim Heejung S. , Eom Kimin , Chuang Roxie , Sherman David K.
Published: August 2021

The widespread threat of contagious disease disrupts not only everyday life but also psychological experience. Building on findings regarding xenophobic responses to contagious diseases, this research investigates how perceived vulnerability to a disease moderates the psychological link between people’s xenophobic thoughts and support for ingroup-protective actions. Three datasets collected during the time of Ebola ( N = 867) and COVID-19 ( Ns = 992 and 926) measured perceived disease risk, group-serving biases (i.e., xenophobic thoughts), and support for restrictive travel policies (i.e., ingroup-protective actions). Using correlational and quasi-experimental analyses, results indicated that for people who perceive greater disease risk, the association between group-serving bias and restrictive policy support is weakened. This weakened association occurred because people who felt more vulnerable to these diseases increased support for ingroup-protective actions more strongly than xenophobic thoughts. This research underscores the importance of understanding the impact of threats on psychological processes beyond the impact on psychological outcomes.
Role of Thyroidectomy in Recurrent Laryngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Brunet Aina , Tornari Chrysostomos , Ezebuiro Akunnah , Kennedy Robert , Connor Steve E. J. , Oakley Richard , Jeannon Jean‐Pierre , Arora Asit , Rovira Aleix , Simo Ricard
Published: August 2021

Objective

Management of recurrent laryngeal cancer presents a major challenge, and salvage laryngectomy is complicated by previous oncologic treatments. Thyroidectomy as part of salvage laryngectomy adds a nonnegligible degree of morbidity. The purpose of this study is to assess the rate of thyroid gland invasion in patients undergoing salvage laryngectomy to determine relevant predictive factors.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Guy’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing salvage laryngectomy between 2009 and 2019 was undertaken. Preoperative cross‐sectional imaging and histopathological analysis were performed to define evidence and predictors of thyroid gland invasion (TGI).

Results

Fifty‐one patients had salvage laryngectomy. Histological evidence of TGI was found in 4 patients (7.8%). No significant relationship was found between histological TGI and subsite of primary carcinoma, degree of differentiation, T staging, or radiological TGI. Preoperative computed tomography had a high negative predictive value for TGI.

Conclusion

Thyroidectomy should be carefully considered in patients undergoing salvage laryngectomy, and its extent should be defined on an individual basis. Total thyroidectomy should not routinely be performed in salvage laryngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy in patients with no preoperative radiological evidence of TGI on cross‐sectional imaging, unless there is intraoperative evidence of TGI.
Impact of Treatment Parameters on Racial Survival Differences in Oropharyngeal Cancer: National Cancer Database Study
Authors: Zhu Daniel , Wong Amanda , Oh Eun Jeong , Ahn Seungjun , Wotman Michael , Sahai Tanmay , Bottalico Danielle , Frank Douglas , Tham Tristan
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate how differences in treatment parameters account for survival differences between races of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

National Cancer Database.

Methods

Data of patients with OPSCC undergoing radiation therapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiation therapy as primary treatment were obtained from the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2016. We analyzed 4 treatment‐related time intervals to determine their impact on survival between races when controlling for human papilloma virus (HPV) status. Cox proportional hazards models, stepwise logistic regressions, covariate adjustments, and propensity score matching were performed.

Results

A total of 3152 patients were identified (2877 White, 275 Black). In HPV– cases, Black patients with prolonged radiation duration had a significantly worse overall survival as compared with White patients (hazard ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.03‐3.05; P =. 039). In a logistic regression model, the only covariate that was significantly associated with prolonged RT was facility type. When further adjusted for facility type, the survival difference between Black and White patients with HPV– status and prolonged RT times was no longer significant (hazard ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.90‐2.69; P =. 116).

Conclusions

There is a significant disparity in overall survival between Black and White patients with HPV– OPSCC when RT duration is prolonged. Clinicians should be aware of the negative impact of prolonged RT, especially in Black patients, so that they can attempt to decrease treatment‐related time intervals. Facility type was also found to affect the outcomes of patients with OPSCC, and efforts should be made to improve patient access to well‐equipped, high‐volume facilities.
The Quest for a DISE Protocol
Authors: Mooney Kristin L. , Brooks Peterson Melissa , Skirko Jonathan R. , Friedman Norman R.
Published: August 2021

Objective

The objective of this quality initiative project was to modify our existing institutional drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) protocol so that the surgeon could consistently determine obstructive breathing patterns while minimizing children’s discomfort.

Methods

A quality initiative study utilizing the well‐described plan‐do‐study‐act (PDSA) process was conducted at a tertiary hospital for children with polysomnogram‐documented obstructive sleep apnea who were undergoing DISE. A 4‐point Likert measurement tool was created. Change in each Likert rating with subsequent PDSA cycle was tested with the Wilcoxon rank sum test (Mann‐Whitney), and change across all PDSA cycles was tested with the Kruskal‐Wallis equality‐of‐populations rank test.

Results

After a series of 4 PDSA cycles with 81 children, the DISE protocol was streamlined from 14 to 9 steps. There was significant improvement for all aspects of the DISE, with a final overall median rating of 1 (excellent) for intravenous (IV) placement, scope insertion, and anesthesiologist and surgeon satisfaction (P <. 01)

Discussion

For sleep surgeons, DISE is quickly becoming what bronchoscopy is to the airway surgeon. Utilizing inhalational agents to obtain IV access and insert the flexible scope in the rapid “on‐off” fashion optimizes DISE success regardless of the primary sedation medication and allows ample time for these agents to dissipate.

Implications for Practice

Adoption of a DISE protocol that includes nasal premedication and inhalational volatile gases for IV and scope insertion at the onset provides a more predictable level of sedation that is well tolerated by the patient, enabling the otolaryngologist to create an obstructive sleep apnea treatment plan.
Mapping mental health and the UK university sector: Networks, markets, data
Authors: Kotouza Dimitra , Callard Felicity , Garnett Philip , Rocha Leon
Published: August 2021

The mental health and well-being of university staff and students in the UK are reported to have seriously deteriorated. Rather than taking this ‘mental health crisis’ at face value, we carry out network and discourse analyses to investigate the policy assemblages (comprising social actors, institutions, technologies, knowledges and discourses) through which the ‘crisis' is addressed. Our analysis shows how knowledges from positive psychology and behavioural economics, disciplinary techniques driven by metrics and data analytics, and growing markets in digital therapeutic technologies work as an ensemble. Together, they instrumentalise mental health, creating motivational ecologies that allow economic agendas to seep through to subjects who are encouraged to monitor and rehabilitate themselves. Mental health’ as a problem for UK universities has come to be largely defined through the outcomes of ‘resilience’ and ‘employability’ and is addressed through markets that enable training, monitoring, measuring and ‘nudging’ students and staff towards these outcomes.
Electric vehicle integrated MPC scheme for concurrent control of voltage and frequency in power system network
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Sharma Veena
Published: August 2021

The growing integration of renewable sources with grid poses challenges in the field of voltage and frequency control. This study features combined automatic voltage regulator and load frequency control model of a three-area power system network with each area containing thermal and diesel power plants along with the introduction of solar thermal power plant, wind, and geothermal power plants. The Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) based centralized Model Predictive Controller (MPC) has been discussed and implemented for the effective and simultaneous control of voltage and frequency in all three areas of the wind integrated power plant. To further deal with increased oscillations in frequency profile of the system caused due to renewable integration, the electric vehicle (EV) participation has been considered in each area to provide an auxiliary control against frequency deviations. Effectiveness of the proposed EV based MPC-HHO algorithm has been successfully verified after adding different nonlinearities, parameter uncertainties, disturbances, and time-delays in the wind integrated power system.
Capacity of Mini-Roundabouts: A New Model
Authors: Brilon Werner , Wu Ning
Published: August 2021

Estimation of the capacity of mini-roundabouts is under discussion. Existing methods treat mini-roundabouts as analogous to larger roundabouts, assuming independence between operation of the entries. They fail to acknowledge the specific way that traffic operates at these narrow intersections. This study proposed a new model, which aimed to accommodate the peculiarities of mini-roundabouts: priority for upstream entry, capacity increasing effects of exiting vehicles, and heavy vehicle operation. The model resulted in a set of equations that can be solved iteratively. It was applied to a set of examples in which the model parameters were estimated according to existing guidelines. Test calculations showed: compared to the current German guidelines the model leads to a reduced total intersection capacity. Further calibration and tests for practicability are recommended.
Non-parametric dynamical estimation of blood flow rate, pressure difference and viscosity for a miniaturized blood pump
Authors: Elenkov Martin , Lukitsch Benjamin , Ecker Paul , Janeczek Christoph , Harasek Michael , Gföhler Margit
Published: August 2021

Blood pumps are becoming increasingly important for medical devices. They are used to assist and control the blood flow and blood pressure in the patient’s body. To accurately control blood pumps, information about important hydrodynamic parameters such as blood flow rate, pressure difference and viscosity is needed. These parameters are difficult to measure online. Therefore, an accurate estimation of these parameters is crucial for the effective operation of implantable blood pumps. In this study, in vitro tests with bovine blood were conducted to collect data about the non-linear dependency of blood flow rate, flow resistance (pressure difference) and whole blood viscosity on motor current and rotation speed of a prototype blood pump. Gaussian process regression models are then used to model the non-linear mappings from motor current and rotation speed to the hydrodynamic variables of interest. The performance of the estimation is evaluated for all three variables and shows very high accuracy. For blood flow rate – correlation coefficient ([Formula: see text] = 1, root mean squared error ([Formula: see text]) = 0.31 ml min−1, maximal error ([Formula: see text]) = 9.31 ml min−1; for pressure [Formula: see text] = 1, [Formula: see text] = 0.09 mmHg, [Formula: see text] = 8.34 mmHg; and for viscosity [Formula: see text] = 1,[Formula: see text] = 0.09 mPa.s, [Formula: see text] = 0.31 mPa⋅s. The current findings suggest that this method can be employed for highly accurate online estimation of essential hydrodynamic parameters for implantable blood pumps.
Place of Death of Geriatric Population in Turkey: A 7-Year Observational Study
Authors: Ceylan Serdar , Guner Oytun Merve , Okyar Bas Arzu , Kahyaoglu Zeynep , Dogu Burcu B. , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Halil Meltem G.
Published: August 2021

Background

End-of-life care has become an important public health issue in recent years. Place of death is a major component of end-of-life care. Despite attempts to improve end-of-life care, there has not been published any data about place of deaths in Turkey. Aim: This retrospective, cross-sectional study investigates the place of death and trends over the years in geriatric age groups in Turkey. Methods: Patients who were admitted to geriatric outpatient clinic of a university hospital during a 7-year period were included. Place and date of death information were received from the death notification system and recorded as hospital or out-of-hospital death. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the hospital information system. Deaths occurring after March 1, 2020 were not included to eliminate the effect of coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. Results: A total of 4025 (20.7%) patients were determined to be dead. Approximately three-quarters of deaths (73.0%) occurred in hospital. The number of deaths reported from nursing homes was only 13 (3.0%). Patients with dementia less frequently died in hospital, however, it was not statistically significant (12.4% vs 14.7%, P = .05). The prevalence of death in hospital was significantly higher in patients with chronic renal failure (3.1% vs 1.7%, P = .02). The presence of comorbid conditions such as heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, Parkinson's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma, and cancer did not affect the place of death ( P = .24, .21, .24, .51, and .18). Out-of-hospital mortality increased with advanced age ( P < .001). No significant difference was found in the place of death over the years ( P = .41). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study examining the place of death in Turkey, an aging country. Our results may help to establish policies about end-of-life care in elderly people to improve quality of life by using resources effectively.
Sexual Harassment in Display Work: The Case of the Modeling Industry
Authors: Crowley Jocelyn Elise
Published: August 2021

This feminist analysis focuses on sexual harassment within a specific category of jobs known as display work, where primarily women’s bodies are commodified and sold to consumers, and often through the conduits of powerful male industry leaders. Using qualitative content analysis methods to analyze 88 subjective, first-person narratives of harassment from 70 models working within the fashion business, I describe how the commodification of bodies interacts with the particular features of the modeling industry—the premium placed on youth, ambiguous industry demands, and the presence of kingmakers—to produce an environment in which opportunities for sexual harassment can proliferate. All these factors impose extreme worker vulnerability costs on predominantly women and ultimately contribute to maintaining gender-based, hierarchical power differentials between men wielding authority within the industry and these models over time.
Educational Outcomes Of Gender-Diverse Youth: A National Population-Based Study
Authors: Wilkinson Lindsey , Shifrer Dara , Pearson Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Despite the growing population of youth identifying with a transgender or nonbinary gender identity, research on gender-diverse individuals’ educational outcomes is limited. This study takes advantage of the first nationally representative, population-based data set that includes measures of gender identity and educational outcomes: the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009. Using minority stress and structural symbolic interactionist frameworks, we examine the association between gender identity and high school and college educational outcomes. We compare the educational outcomes of gender-diverse youth—binary transgender, nonbinary, and gender unsure—with those of cisgender youth, and also examine differences within the gender-diverse population. Given the strong link between minority stress and educational experiences among gender-diverse youth, we examine differences in outcomes before and after accounting for school belonging and emotional distress. We also account for individuals’ social-structural location, arguing that social positionality shapes both gender identity and educational outcomes. Results indicate important differences in educational outcomes within the gender-diverse population: Whereas binary transgender and gender-unsure youth exhibit educational disadvantage, relative to cisgender youth, nonbinary youth do not. The gender-unsure disadvantage remains even after accounting for differences in social-structural location and social-psychological factors associated with minority stress.
Building a Caring Arts Program with Oncology Patients: From Inception to Impact
Authors: Magee Patty , Raines Diane
Published: August 2021

A Caring Arts Program (CAP) was inspired and carried out by the vision of an in-resident nurse-artist and the chief nursing officer in a private, not-for-profit health system. Together they envisioned a program that would impact family, patients, and staff while improving patient/family care practices. The impact of the CAP was evaluated through mixed methods which included stories, fieldnotes, comments, and the Listen360(R) which rates patient satisfaction scores. The synergy between the evaluations and the attempt to understand what creates patient satisfaction using creative arts was a prime objective of this article. The qualitative results represented by field notes and written patient comments revealed a positive impact on participants. The quantitative results demonstrated an improvement in patient satisfaction scores during the time of the project. The positive trend in the scores combined with the qualitative stories and interviews suggests that the CAP contributed to the improvement in patient satisfaction at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center. During a worldwide pandemic, supporting human caring and self-expression was more critical than ever.
Narrating the Facets of Time in Entrepreneurial Action
Authors: Johnsen Christian Garmann , Holt Robin
Published: August 2021

The current understanding of entrepreneurial action is grounded in time, but the different facets of this time remain to be sufficiently explored. We argue that entrepreneurial action has two temporal dimensions: world time and human time. World time reveals the prior contextual conditions giving rise to entrepreneurial actions that generate subsequent results. Human time reveals how entrepreneurs act on the basis of past experiences, attention to current conditions, and images of the future. Using a narrative framework to integrate world time and human time, we contribute to a deeper understanding of the different facets of time in entrepreneurial action.
Furlow Palatoplasty for Velopharyngeal Dysfunction Management: Auditing and Predicting Outcomes
Authors: Bonanthaya Krishnamurthy , Jalil Jazna , Sasikumar Aparna V. , Shetty Pritham N.
Published: August 2021

Objective

The Furlow palatoplasty is a proven procedure in the management of secondary velopharyngeal dysfunction in patients with cleft palate. But the selection of cases, the degree of clinical success, and the preoperative predictors of the same are less established. This study is an effort to retrospectively look at outcomes, in a large series of velopharyngeal dysfunction cases treated with the Furlow palatoplasty alone.

Design

Retrospective analysis of preoperative and postoperative speech and videofluoroscopic data.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Patients/Participants

Ninety-two patients who were diagnosed with velopharyngeal dysfunction post primary cleft palate repair.

Interventions

Furlow palatoplasty for velopharyngeal dysfunction post primary cleft palate repair.

Main outcome measures

Variables analyzed were perceptual speech parameters and, closure ratios obtained from lateral video-fluoroscopic images.

Results

Overall, 81.5% had postoperative improvements in their lateral video-fluoroscopic parameters, 63% improved their nasality scores, and 65.2% had improved speech intelligibility. A simple linear regression was done to predict the postoperative closure ratio. Preoperative closure ratio, hypernasality (moderate and severe), and audible nasal air emission are predictors for postoperative closure ratio.

Conclusions

The Furlow palatoplasty alone led to complete resolution, or significant improvement of velopharyngeal dysfunction in a majority of patients, despite the cohort having a wide range of severity in terms of degree of dysfunction. The predictive formula will be validated in a further study.
Impact of Local Flavored Tobacco Sales Restrictions on Policy-Related Attitudes and Tobacco Product Access
Authors: Feld Ashley L. , Rogers Todd , Gaber Jennifer , Pikowski Jessica , Farrelly Matthew C. , Henriksen Lisa , Johnson Trent O. , Halpern-Felsher Bonnie , Andersen-Rodgers Elizabeth , Zhang Xueying
Published: August 2021

Background

As of September 2020, more than 300 state and local jurisdictions restrict the sales of flavored tobacco, with some including menthol.

Aims

To evaluate the impact of local ordinances restricting the sale of flavored tobacco, we surveyed Californians regarding policy support and perceived access to flavored tobacco.

Methods

In 2019, we conducted an online survey of 3,075 California youth and young adults recruited via social media, about half of whom lived in a policy jurisdiction. Logistic regressions assessed differences on propensity score–weighted outcomes, policy support, and perceived access.

Results

Most respondents indicated agreement with almost all policy support statements. Although policy respondents were less likely than rest-of-California respondents to report perceived difficulty in buying flavored cigars, flavored vape users in policy jurisdictions were more likely than those in the rest of California to report perceived difficulty in buying flavored e-liquid. Regardless of jurisdiction, certain priority subgroups were significantly more likely to report perceived difficulty in accessing flavored cigars, flavored vaping products, flavored e-liquid, and menthol cigarettes.

Discussion

With some exceptions, these findings demonstrate that among vape users in policy jurisdictions and priority subgroups, there is a higher likelihood of reporting perceived difficulty to access flavored tobacco products.

Conclusions

Findings might be an early indication of shifts in social norms about flavored tobacco products in California, which could gain traction as local sales restriction ordinances proliferate throughout the state and a statewide flavored-tobacco sales restriction goes into effect.
Is keratoconus associated to thyroid diseases? Assessment of the corneal parameters in patients with congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Roszkowska Anna M , Alessandrello Federica , Waśniewska Małgorzata , Tropeano Angelo , Gargano Romina , Aragona Pasquale
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

To investigate the association between keratoconus and congenital hypothyroidism (CH).

Patients and methods:

Patients were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups. The first group comprised 31 subjects (11M:20F) with the mean age of 15.2 ± 3.9 years. affected by CH, and the control group was composed by 19 healthy individuals (8M:11F) aged 14.3 ± 4.6 years. All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination with visual acuity assessment, refraction, slit lamp examination, and retinoscopy. Corneal parameters were measured using Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam® Oculus, Germany). The main outcome measures considered for evaluation were: average corneal curvature (K), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior elevation and posterior elevation at the thinnest point, corneal volume (CV), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and anterior chamber volume (ACV). Additionally, data from Belin/Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia Display (BAD) and the high order aberrations were evaluated. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to verify the Gaussian distribution, the comparison between the controls and cases group was performed by Mann-Whitney nonparametric test. A p value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The odds ratio was performed in order to quantify the relationship between the congenital hypothyroidism and abnormal values displayed on front BAD.

Results:

The significant difference in the refractive status between both groups was observed. As to examined corneal and anterior chamber parameters no statistical differences were detected.

Conclusions:

Congenital hypothyroidism diagnosed and treated since the early postnatal life doesn’t induce abnormalities of corneal parameters suggestive for keratoconus.
Urban mobility of Indigenous women: literature review and possible research routes
Authors: Romero Gutiérrez Paola Marcela , Olivares González Adriana Inés
Published: August 2021

Indigenous women in Mexico constitute one of the most vulnerable social groups in cities; however, gender and mobility studies have mainly been focused on sexual violence. Some Latin American documents suggest the importance of intersectionality, but they do not bring empirical diagnostics. Anglo-Saxon countries have some important articles with regard to race and ethnicity. What kinds of problems have these studies detected? An academic literature review will be conducted to understand the methodologies, objectives, and results of these studies found in databases and journals. The Australian studies do address the Indigenous or aboriginal variable, and lines of research are generated that are transferable to the reality of the population of Indigenous women including qualitative studies to understand the organization, obstacles, and travel patterns; studies on the relationship between transportation and social exclusion; and finally, the surveys that measure the trips made for the purposes of paid work and care work.
C-11 methionine positron emission tomography scans improve the preoperative localization of pathologic parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Iversen Peter , Arveschoug Anne K. , Rejnmark Lars , Rolighed Lars
Published: August 2021

Background and objective:

Preoperative localization of pathologic parathyroid glands is essential in the preparation of a parathyroidectomy. We evaluated the use of a C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan in a 7-year period in selected patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The indications to perform a C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography were either persistent primary hyperparathyroidism after parathyroidectomy or inconclusive preoperative localization on ultrasound and sestaMIBI.

Methods:

A group of 36 patients was referred for a C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Biochemical data, pathology, and results of sestaMIBI were collected retrospectively. The primary hyperparathyroidism patients were divided into two groups. In group 1 ( N = 17), the C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography was performed before parathyroidectomy. In group 2 ( N = 19), the C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography was performed after unsuccessful parathyroidectomy and before a reoperation.

Results:

Overall, in 30 of the 36 patients (83%), C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography identified a true-positive pathologic parathyroid gland confirmed by an experienced pathologist, consistent with a positive predictive value of 91%. In group 1, 94% of the patients ( N = 16) had pathologic parathyroid tissue identified by C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography. This resulted in a clinical benefit in 13 patients (76%). In group 2, the benefit was slightly lower, as 74% of the patients ( N = 14) had a true-positive C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan resulting in a clinical benefit in nine patients (47%).

Conclusions:

In two selected groups of patients planned for an initial operation or reoperation of primary hyperparathyroidism and inconclusive conventional imaging, we found C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography to give parathyroid surgeons a clinical benefit in the majority of cases, electing the patients for unilateral surgery.
Assessment of the reliability of ionization current measurement in estimating peak pressure angle in a spark ignition engine
Authors: Giglio Veniero , Della Ragione Livia , Gaeta Alessandro di , Rispoli Natale
Published: August 2021

Ionization current measured at the spark plug during combustion in spark ignition engines has often been proposed to determine the crank-angle at combustion pressure peak, namely the peak pressure angle, for the purpose of regulating spark timing to attain maximum brake torque (MBT). The proposal is based on the assumption that agreement exists between peak pressure angle and the angular position of the ionization current second peak, although no one has ever proved it by an appropriate statistical analysis. The aim of this work, for the first time and by rigorous statistical methods, is to prove the agreement between Peak Pressure Angle and Ionization Current Second Peak Angle (ICSPA), without which a MBT control via ICSPA would be ineffective. Our experimental database consisted of about 9000 pairs of Peak Pressure Angle and Ionization Current Second Peak Angle values corresponding to 90 different operating conditions of a spark ignition engine. A two-sample comparison was first carried out between mean values of Peak Pressure Angle and Ionization Current Second Peak Angle, which showed a statistically significant difference between them. Then Bland-Altman analysis (Lancet, 1986), widely known and used for checking agreement between two different measurement methods, was conducted. It demonstrated that under almost all the experimental operating conditions, there was no agreement between the Ionization Current Second Peak Angle and the Peak Pressure Angle.
Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kourti Anastasia , Stavridou Androniki , Panagouli Eleni , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Spiliopoulou Chara , Tsolia Maria , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Tsitsika Artemis
Published: August 2021

Background:

COVID-19 outbreak and the followed confinement measures have raised concerns to specialists worldwide regarding the imminent increase in domestic violence cases. The present systematic review aims to identify the international trends in domestic violence during the COVID-19 epidemic and to examine the possible differences among all population groups and different geographic areas worldwide.

Method:

The following databases were accessed: DOAJ, ERIC, Google Scholar, ProQuest, Pubmed, PsycNet, and SCOPUS, up to July 22, 2020.

Results:

A total of 32 studies were considered eligible. Data from North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific Area, Africa, and worldwide researches were retrieved. COVID-19 has caused an increase in domestic violence cases, especially during the first week of the COVID-19 lockdown in each country. In children, however, although the specialists’ estimations suggested an increase in child maltreatment and abuse cases, the rate of police and social services’ reports has declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. School closures that isolated students at home seemed to have contributed to this decrease.

Conclusions:

Domestic violence has been a considerable issue imposed by the COVID-19 epidemic to a worldwide context. The home confinement led to constant contact between perpetrators and victims, resulting in increased violence and decreased reports. In order to minimize such issues, prevention measures and supporting programs are necessary.
Extended Stent Coverage Decreases Distal Aortic Segmental Enlargement After the Endovascular Repair of Acute Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study of 814 Patients
Authors: Liu Junjun , Yan Chaojun , Li Lubin , Feng Hai , Xie Shengmao , Zhang Guohui , Cheng Wei , Guo Mingjin , Liu MingYuan
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of distal aortic segmental enlargement (DASE) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for complicated type B aortic dissection (cTBAD).

Materials and Methods:

From March 2003 to October 2018, 814 patients with acute cTBAD from 5 medical centers were retrospectively identified. DASE is indicated as the enlargement of distal aortic segmental volume ≥1.6 fold of the preoperative volume compared with the most recent postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) scan. Of these patients, 635 (78%) were identified as non-DASE, and 179 (22%) were identified as DASE. Competing risk analysis was performed to compare late death and distal aortic reintervention between the groups. The morphological variables and false lumen thrombosis at 7 aortic levels were measured based on the preoperative CTA and the most recent CTA. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to assess the independent predictors of DASE.

Results:

The mean follow-up time of the entire cohort was 5.6 years (interquartile range: 2.4–8.3 years). There were total of 208 late deaths, including 94 (14.8%) deaths in non-DASE group versus 114 (63.7%) deaths in the DASE group. Distal aortic reintervention was observed in 89 patients, with 43(6.7%) in the non-DASE group versus 46 (25.7%) in the DASE group. The cumulative incidence of late death and distal aortic reintervention were significantly higher in the DASE than in the non-DASE group (p<0.001). In morphological analysis, significant incomplete false lumen thrombosis was observed in all distal aortic segments above the aortic level of celiac artery (p<0.01). According to multivariate analysis, the Marfan syndrome, stent coverage to the level of diaphragm and the level of celiac artery were independent predictors of the DASE (p<0.001). Patients with extended stent coverage to the level of celiac artery have shown a lower incidence of DASE (p<0.010).

Conclusion:

Compared with the non-DASE group, patients with DASE demonstrated a higher rate of late death and distal aortic reintervention. For the cTBAD population, extended stent-graft coverage to the aortic section between diaphragm and celiac artery might serve as a “cost-efficient” cutoff point aiming to reduce the risk of DASE.
Tumor Targeting by Conditioned Medium Derived From Human Amniotic Membrane: New Insight in Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Jafari Ameneh , Rezaei-Tavirani Mostafa , Niknejad Hassan , Zali Hakimeh
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

Traditional breast cancer treatments have challenges including inefficiency, multidrug resistance, severe side effects, and targeting non-specifically. The development of alternative treatment strategies has attracted a great deal of interest. Using the amniotic membrane has become a promising and convenient new approach for cancer therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer ability of conditioned medium extracted from the human amniotic membrane (hAM-CM) on breast cancer cells.

Methods:

Conditioned medium was collected after 48 h incubation of hAM in epithelial up manner. MTT, cell cycle, apoptosis, colony formation, and sphere assays were used to determine the impact of hAM-CM on breast cancer cell lines. The effects of hAM-CM on the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells were determined using scratch wound healing and transwell assays, respectively.

Results:

Based on the results, cell viability was significantly decreased by hAM-CM in a dose-dependent manner. The hAM-CM remarkably induced apoptosis and necrosis of cancer cells. Moreover, cell migration and invasion potential of cancer cells decreased after the hAM-CM treatment. Further, both the number of colonies and their morphologies were affected by the treatment. In the treated group, a significant decrease in the number of colonies along with an obvious change in their morphologies from holoclone shape to a dominant paracolone structure was observed.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that the conditioned medium derived from the human amniotic membrane able to inhibit proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells and can be considered a natural and valuable candidate for breast cancer therapy.
Relation Between Tissue Iron Content and Polarization of Macrophages in Diabetic Ulcer and the Transitional Zone of Diabetic Ulcers with Major Amputation
Authors: Saberianpour Shirin , Saeed Modaghegh Mohamad H. , Montazer Mehdi , Kamyar Mohammad M. , Sadeghipour Kerman Fatemeh , Rahimi Hamidreza
Published: August 2021

Most diabetic lower-limb amputations probably result from combinations of contributing causes rather than from unitary causes. Iron-induced damage might modulate the development of chronic diabetes complications. In this study, the relationship between tissue iron levels and polarization of macrophages in induction of angiogenesis was investigated in diabetic ulcer samples and the transitional zone of diabetic ulcers. Patients with diabetic ulcers who underwent amputation were included. The transitional zone of diabetic ulcers, from the same diabetic patients, was used as a control group. After tissue preparation, Perls Prussian blue staining and immunohistochemistry for CD11c, CD163, and CD68 markers were done. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), Tie2, and protein kinase B (also known as AKT) transcription of genes were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. For statistical analysis, we used independent samples t-test or its nonparametric equivalents, Mann–Whitney U test was used for quantitative variables, and chi-square (or Fisher's exact test) for qualitative variables. According to the results, the ratio of M2 to M1 macrophages was decreased in ulcers tissue compared to the transitional zone of diabetic ulcers. The expression of angiogenesis-related genes was increased due to hypoxia induction such as HIF and VEGF in ulcer tissue ( P < .0001), but the expression of vascular stability-related genes such as Tie2 was decreased ( P < .0001).In amputated diabetic ulcers, the polarization of macrophages is toward the classic type, but no connection was found in terms of tissue iron and help in the polarization of macrophages.
The Competitive Absorption by the Gut Microbiome Suggests the First-Order Absorption Kinetics of Caffeine
Authors: Mukhtar Imran , Iftikhar Arslan , Imran Muhammad , Ijaz Muhammad Umar , Irfan Shahzad , Anwar Haseeb
Published: August 2021

In the literature archive, the intestinal microbiome is now considered as a discrete organ system. Despite living symbiotically with the human body, the gut microbiome is represented as potential drug targets because of its ability to modify the pharmacokinetics of orally administered drugs. Structural biology analysis indicates the existence of homology between transport proteins of microbial cells and membranes of enterocytes. It is speculated that structural similarity in the protein transporters may provoke an unwanted phenomenon of drug uptake by the gut microbiome present in the small intestine of the host. Considering this hypothesis, we analyzed the absorbance of orally administered caffeine by the gut microbiota in in vivo albino rat model through the RP-HPLC-UV approach. Microbiome absorbed the caffeine maximally at 2 hours and minimally at 5 hours post-drug administration following first-order absorption kinetics in a nonlinear way. Drug absorbance of microbial pellet and percent dose recovery was found significantly higher ( P ≤ .05) at 2 hours post-administration as compared to all other groups. As speculated, our findings advocated the phenomenon that the gut microbiome influences the absorption of caffeine molecules. Members of the gut microbiome exhibited grouped behavior following first-order absorption kinetics in a nonlinear pattern.
Pharmacists’ perceptions of the Canadian opioid regulatory exemptions on patient care and opioid stewardship
Authors: Bishop Lisa D. , Rosenberg-Yunger Zahava R. S. , Dattani Shelita
Published: August 2021

Background:

This study explored the perceptions of Canadian pharmacists about the barriers and facilitators of providing opioid stewardship activities in pharmacy practice, considering the subsection 56(1) class exemption under Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

Methods:

Qualitative key informant telephone interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of pharmacists from across Canada. We included community or primary health care team-based pharmacists who self-identified as having experience with providing care for patients using opioids via the exemptions. All transcripts were de-identified, and thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes. Ethics approval was obtained.

Results:

Twenty pharmacists from community and primary health care teams, from all provinces and from urban and rural practices were interviewed. The following themes emerged: 1) optimization of opioid-related patient care, 2) jurisdictional impact and 3) awareness and education. Barriers and facilitators for opioid stewardship activities were identified.

Discussion:

The exemptions facilitated the pharmacists’ ability to provide opioid stewardship and positively affect patient care by providing continuity of and timely access to care. Our research demonstrated that pharmacists can responsibly and independently manage opioid prescriptions within this expanded scope, demonstrating the valuable contribution pharmacists can have in opioid stewardship.

Conclusion:

Pharmacists were willing and able to care for patients receiving opioid medication and thereby played a role in helping address the opioid crisis. The benefits of these exemptions were demonstrated beyond situations related to the COVID-19 pandemic and warrant consideration for consistent implementation across provincial and territorial jurisdictions, thereby ensuring equitable access to care for all Canadians.
Evaluation of a Practice System Supporting Distributed Practice for Novice Programming Students
Authors: Li Baoping , Ning Fangjing , Zhang Lifeng , Yang Bo , Zhang Lishan
Published: August 2021

Programming is an important skill in the 21st century, but it is difficult for novices to learn. To help students practice and learn efficiently, the authors developed a mobile platform called Daily Quiz, which incorporated distributed practice theory. To evaluate the impact of distributed practice in programming learning facilitated by Daily Quiz, the authors conducted a between-subject experiment with 200 freshmen divided into two groups. Both groups received the same number of multiple-choice questions via Daily Quiz. However, the control group was encouraged to practice every 7 days, whereas the experimental group was encouraged to practice every 3 days. The results showed that this simple manipulation significantly improved the experimental group’s performance on final exams. Further analysis revealed that the experimental group of students achieved a higher rate of first-check correctness and tended to be more engaged in academic social interaction. Finally, a behavioral sequence analysis was adopted to compare the behavioral patterns of the two groups to investigate how distributed practice helped the students learn more efficiently.
AI in learning
Authors: Niemi Hannele
Published: August 2021

This special issue raises two thematic questions: (1) How will AI change learning in the future and what role will human beings play in the interaction with machine learning, and (2), What can we learn from the articles in this special issue for future research? These questions are reflected in the frame of the recent discussion of human and machine learning. AI for learning provides many applications and multimodal channels for supporting people in cognitive and non-cognitive task domains. The articles in this special issue evidence that agency, engagement, self-efficacy, and collaboration are needed in learning and working with intelligent tools and environments. The importance of social elements is also clear in the articles. The articles also point out that the teacher’s role in digital pedagogy primarily involves facilitating and coaching. AI in learning has a high potential, but it also has many limitations. Many worries are linked with ethical issues, such as biases in algorithms, privacy, transparency, and data ownership. This special issue also highlights the concepts of explainability and explicability in the context of human learning. We need much more research and research-based discussion for making AI more trustworthy for users in learning environments and to prevent misconceptions.