bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fecal Bacterial Communities Differ by Lactation Status in Postpartum Women and Their Infants
Authors: Haddad Eliot N. , Ferro Lynn E. , Russell Kathleen E. B. , Sugino Kameron Y. , Kerver Jean M. , Comstock Sarah S.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Previous research examined effects of human milk on the infant gut microbiota, but little attention has been given to the microbiota of lactating women.

Research Aim:

To determine associations between exclusive human milk feeding and gut microbiota characteristics in mothers and infants at 6-weeks postpartum.

Methods:

A sample of mother–infant dyads ( N = 24) provided fecal samples and questionnaire responses at 6-weeks postpartum as part of the Pregnancy, EAting & POstpartum Diapers study. Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from stool samples, followed by (V4) 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene amplicon sequencing. Alpha and beta diversity, in addition to taxa differences, were compared by human milk exposure status, exclusive versus non-exclusive. A subset of dyads (those exclusively fed human milk; n = 14) was analyzed for shared bifidobacterial species using polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

Alpha diversity was significantly lower in exclusively human milk-fed infants. Maternal lactation status (exclusive vs. partial) and Shannon diversity were associated in univariate analysis but were no longer associated in multivariable regression including body mass index category in the model. Beta diversity (Sorensen dissimilarity) of fecal samples from women and infants was significantly associated with human milk feeding. Of six infants with Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum in their fecal samples, all their mothers shared the same species.

Conclusion:

Maternal gut microbiotas differ by lactation status, a relationship potentially confounded by body mass index category. Further research is needed to identify whether lactation directly influences the maternal gut microbiota, which may be another mechanism by which lactation influences health.
Fabrication of hydrophobic surfaces on Titanium using Micro-EDM exhibiting antibacterial properties
Authors: Das Arjita , Ambastha Shikha , Priyadarshni Nivedita , Samanta Sudip , Nagahanumaiah
Published: December 2021

Microbial contamination on medical assistive devices has been the major challenge for biomedical industries. The present work is focused on producing patterned surfaces on commercially pure Titanium (cp-Ti) using Micro-Electrical Discharge Machining (Micro-EDM) technique, and the feasibility of patterned surface in restricting bacterial growth. Geometrical patterning in form of micro-holes have been produced on cp-Ti biomaterials with Micro-EDM in two forms, one with 20 µm inter-distance forming a dense pattern and the other with 60 µm inter-distance forming a sparse pattern. The patterned surface establishes the degree of hydrophobicity as 130° and 106° for densely patterned and sparsely patterned surfaces respectively. Further, the effect of bacterial adhesion over the textured cp-Ti surfaces are challenged with model bacteria gram negative Escherichia coli (e.coli) in Luria broth (LB) agar media. The Colony Forming Unit (CFU) count obtained for densely patterned surface compared with that of non-patterned surface reflects 90% reduced bacterial growth. The instances of pattern formation and bacterial growth have been observed with Scanning Electron Microscopy. The enhanced material properties with micro-patterning that combat microbial activities on the biomaterial surface proves its efficacy in adoption for biomedical applications, with significant reduction in bacterial contamination on medical devices or implants, leading toward reduced healthcare risks and issues related to bacterial infections on the biomaterials.
Stock-constrained truss design exploration through combinatorial equilibrium modeling
Authors: Brütting Jan , Ohlbrock Patrick Ole , Hofer Julian , D’Acunto Pierluigi
Published: December 2021

Reusing structural components has potential to reduce environmental impacts of building structures because it reduces new material use, energy consumption, and waste. When designing structures through reuse, available element characteristics become a design input. This paper presents a new computational workflow to design structures made of reused and new elements. The workflow combines Combinatorial Equilibrium Modeling, efficient Best-Fit heuristics, and Life Cycle Assessment to explore different design options in a user-interactive way and with almost real-time feedback. The method applicability is demonstrated by a realistic case study. Results show that structures combining reused and new elements have a significantly lower environmental impact than solutions made of new material only.
Ludwig Binswanger’s Comments on Hermann Rorschach’s Psychodiagnostik
Authors: Acklin Marvin W , Tokofsky Peter , Kennedy Reneau , Tokofsky Peter , Acklin Marvin W
Published: December 2021

This article presents an introduction to Ludwig Binswanger’s Comments on Hermann Rorschach’s Psychodiagnostik, published in the International Journal of Psychoanalysis in 1923, after Rorschach’s death in 1922. Binswanger, one of the most distinguished psychiatrists of the twentieth century and a close professional colleague and compatriot in the Swiss Psychiatric and Psychoanalytic Societies, was blazing new trails by incorporating turn-of-the-century phenomenology and experimental psychology into Swiss psychiatry. His comments, which have been noted for over 100 years but never before translated, are a critical review of Rorschach’s monograph, highlighting the undeveloped status of the test theory and philosophical foundations. Binswanger’s comments illuminate philosophical, conceptual and scientific pathways not taken in the development of the test following Rorschach’s untimely demise.
Generalized regression neural network modeling based on inverse Duhem operator and adaptive sliding mode control for hysteresis in piezoelectric actuators
Authors: Xu Suan , Wu Zeyu , Wang Jing , Hong Kaixing , Hu Kaiming
Published: December 2021

A dynamic generalized regression neural network model based on inverse Duhem operator is proposed to characterize the rate-dependent hysteresis in piezoelectric actuators. As hysteresis is multi-valued mapping, and traditional neural network can only model the system with one-to-one mapping. An inverse Duhem operator is proposed to extract the dynamic property of the hysteresis. Moreover, it can transform the multi-valued mapping of the hysteresis into a one-to-one mapping to suit the input of neural network. In order to compensate the effect of the hysteresis in piezoelectric actuator, the adaptive sliding mode controller with a feedforward hysteresis compensator is developed for the tracking control of the piezoelectric actuator. Experimental results demonstrate superior tracking performance, which validate the practicability and effectiveness of the presented approach.
Censored quantile regression based on multiply robust propensity scores
Authors: Wang Xiaorui , Qin Guoyou , Song Xinyuan , Tang Yanlin
Published: December 2021

Censored quantile regression has elicited extensive research interest in recent years. One class of methods is based on an informative subset of a sample, selected via the propensity score. Propensity score can either be estimated using parametric methods, which poses the risk of misspecification or obtained using nonparametric approaches, which suffer from “curse of dimensionality.” In this study, we propose a new estimation method based on multiply robust propensity score for censored quantile regression. This method only requires one of the multiple candidate models for propensity score to be correctly specified, and thus, it provides a certain level of resistance to the misspecification of parametric models. Large sample properties, such as the consistency and asymptotic normality of the proposed estimator, are thoroughly investigated. Extensive simulation studies are conducted to assess the performance of the proposed estimator. The proposed method is also applied to a study on human immunodeficiency viruses.
Ephemeral Traces: Archaeology of a Medieval Rural Settlement
Authors: Varma Supriya , Menon Jaya , Nair Deepak
Published: December 2021

For a considerable span of human history, following the adoption of agricultural economies but prior to the emergence of settlements that we label as ‘urban’, small permanent communities or ‘villages’ were the main types of settlements, as also were places intermittently occupied by mobile, nomadic groups. The context of these, however, differed from those small or rural settlements that existed within an integrated network of centres in urban and state societies. A third scenario is the case of small-scale rural settlements that may exist at the margins of complex societies and, hence, outside state/political control but could still be socially and economically networked with other centres. Thus, the concept of ‘rural’ needs to be situated and interrogated within specific political, social and economic contexts.

While archaeological research has addressed village settlements in pre-urban periods, once urbanism and the state societies emerged, urban settlements became the focus of attention. Even though surveys have shown the distribution of settlements of varying sizes, we do not seem to know much about early historic and medieval villages, in terms of settlement layouts, domestic spaces, crafts, if any, or even subsistence practices. It is this lacuna that we are trying to address through our work at a small, rural settlement in the Upper Ganga-Yamuna Doab. Some of the questions that we raise in this article deal with terms like ‘urban’, or ‘rural’, whether these should be viewed as binaries, or whether it may be more fruitful, as others have suggested, to see settlements in a continuum.
Book Review: Sanjeev Kelkar, India’s Public Health Care Delivery, Policies for Universal Health Care
Authors: Jayakumar Nandini
Published: December 2021

Sanjeev Kelkar, India’s Public Health Care Delivery, Policies for Universal Health Care. Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan, 2021, xix + 496 pp., Ä 93.08. ISBN: 9789813341791 (Hardback).
The Journey of a Word: An Action Research Intervention of Morphemic Analysis and Etymology for a Middle School Gifted and Talented Class
Authors: Halford Sarah Caroline , Imbeau Marcia B. , Eilers Linda H.
Published: December 2021

Sixth-grade students who had been identified as gifted and talented participated in a literacy intervention designed and implemented by the first author as part of an action research project. These students were meeting the grade-level standards in literacy, so the project aimed to push their vocabulary knowledge further in order to prepare them for the complex vocabulary they encounter in their independent reading and assigned content units. This daily intervention directly taught students the origins and histories of words and word parts from Latin, Greek, Germanic, and French languages, introduced morphemic analysis strategies, and gave them techniques to analyze the words’ meanings based on that information. Content-specific vocabulary, as well as general vocabulary knowledge of the participating students increased significantly. Throughout the intervention, students’ confidence in vocabulary knowledge improved, and they gained a deeper understanding of the nuances of language as their ability to apply this knowledge in other contexts grew and facilitated better understanding of the words they read.
Carfilzomib-induced thrombotic microangiopathy. A case report
Authors: Scheggi Valentina , Merilli Irene , Cesaroni Edoardo , Alterini Bruno
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy (DITMA) is an acquired condition resulting from exposure to a drug that induces the formation of platelet-rich thrombi in small arterioles or capillaries secondary to drug-dependent antibodies or direct tissue toxicity. Carfilzomib is a selective proteasome inhibitor approved to treat selected patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM). It is one of the drugs with the strongest evidence for a causal association with non-antibody-mediated DITMA.

Case Report

A 75-year-old man presented to the emergency department for the outbreak of vomit, asthenia, oliguria and dark stool emission. He was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma, treated with lenalidomide, dexamethasone and carfilzomib. Laboratory exams were significant for microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and new-onset renal failure. ADAMTS-13 levels were in range, and no infectious signs were found both in blood nor in stool test.

Management & Outcome

A carfilzomib induced thrombotic microangiopathy was soon suspected. Thus, since daily haemodialysis and supportive care did not seem to get a fast enough recovery, the patient was treated with eculizumab with a good general outcome.

Discussion

Drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy is a rare and often life-threatening acquired condition whose diagnosis can be challenging and whose therapy is not always limited to supportive treatment and drug avoidance. Carfilzomib, along with other proteasome inhibitors, is one of the described potential drugs which can trigger such a manifestation.
Comparison of the effect of three intramuscular sedation protocols on packed cell volume and total protein in cats
Authors: Skelding Alicia M , Valverde Alexander
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in packed cell volume (PCV) and total protein following intramuscular preanesthetic sedation with one of three drug combinations in cats.

Methods

Thirty client-owned cats were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, blinded, clinical study. A venous blood sample was obtained prior to administration of any sedation and PCV, total protein, electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl–, iCa2+), glucose and lactate were measured. Cats were randomly assigned to receive one of three intramuscular sedation protocols (n = 10 cats/protocol): methadone 0.2 mg/kg + acepromazine 0.02 mg/kg (MA), methadone 0.2 mg/kg + dexmedetomidine 5 µg/kg (MD) or methadone 0.2 mg/kg + midazolam 0.2 mg/kg + alfaxalone 2 mg/kg (MMA). Twenty-five minutes later, cats were assessed for level of sedation followed by another venous blood sampling to evaluate the same variables as above.

Results

There were no significant differences in demographics (age, weight, sex) between groups. Level of sedation was significantly higher in MMA cats. Within groups, after premedication, PCV and hemoglobin significantly decreased in all groups, total protein significantly decreased in the MA and MMA groups and glucose significantly increased in the MD group. For electrolytes, statistical changes were not clinically relevant; Cl– mean difference was significantly different between MA and MD; in the MD group Na+ and Cl– significantly decreased and in the MMA group Cl– significantly increased.

Conclusions and relevance

All three sedation protocols caused significant decreases in PCV and hemoglobin in healthy cats.
“If You Could Wave a Magic Wand”: Treatment Barriers in the Rural Midwest
Authors: Clark Angela , Lanzillotta-Rangeley Jennifer , Stem Jack
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

The multigenerational health considerations and negative economic impacts related to the opioid epidemic are many. Increasing numbers of opioid-related fatalities are bolstered by barriers related to access to evidence-based treatment. Ohio is ranked second in the country for number of opioid-related deaths, and for many their treatment needs remain unmet due to impaired access to effective treatment, in rural, medically underserved areas of the state.

Purpose:

The goal of this study was to assess opioid use disorder treatment barriers in order to increase access to evidence-based treatment, wrap around services, and harm reduction efforts to support the reintegration of persons with substance use disorder back into society and subsequently reduce opioid fatalities in a rural, medically underserved region of Ohio.

Methods:

As part of a larger mixed-methods study design where a community health survey was randomly distributed to residents in a rural county in Ohio, this study used qualitative methods to triangulate findings. To supplement the data received from the surveys, 20persons with a diagnosed opioid use disorder (OUD) took part in focus group sessions guided by trained researchers. The sessions were transcribed, and the data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method.

Results:

Three major themes emerged from the data: epigenetics and exposure, management of disease including re-integration into society, and disease process. The participant data created insight regarding the need to recognize OUD as a chronic condition that must be addressed with integrated components of medical, behavioral, and mental health morbidities throughout the lifespan and across generations.

Conclusions:

Findings from this study support the need for targeted interventions for integrated care and improved wrap around services such as transportation, sober living, and employment.
Selection versus socialization effects of peer norms on adolescent cigarette use
Authors: Loan Christopher M , Khurana Atika , Wright Joanna , Romer Daniel
Published: December 2021

Adolescent smokers tend to have friends who also smoke. This association has been attributed to peer socialization and peer selection effects. However, evidence regarding timing and relative magnitude of these effects is mixed. Using a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model, we examined the reciprocal relations between adolescent cigarette use and perceptions of friends’ cigarette use in a sample of 387 adolescents, assessed annually for 4 years. Adolescent cigarette use predicted increases in perceived friend use before the reverse effect emerged. Further, some of the effect of early adolescent cigarette use on subsequent use was mediated by changes in perceived friend use. The results support a greater role for friend selection than socialization in predicting early adolescent cigarette use.
Effects of telehealth interventions for adolescent sexual health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Saragih Ita Daryanti , Imanuel Tonapa Santo , Porta Carolyn M , Lee Bih-O
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Telehealth interventions to advance adolescent sexual health have evolved and are being used to promote adolescent sexual health knowledge and healthy sexual behaviors. However, as this area of intervention modality expands, there is a need to pause and examine the effects of telehealth interventions on adolescent sexual health outcomes. Addressing this knowledge gap will inform researchers and practitioners on the current state of evidence of telehealth interventions and inform further intervention development and testing. This study aimed to explore the meta-effects of telehealth interventions on self-efficacy of using condoms, condom use practices, and sexually transmitted infection testing behaviors among adolescents.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted. Seven databases (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, OVID (UpToDate), and Web of Science) were searched for relevant full-text articles from the inception to May 2021. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to calculate the pooled effects of telehealth interventions for adolescents. Stata 16.0 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 15 studies ( N = 5499) that used telehealth interventions with adolescents were included in the analysis. Telehealth interventions were found to increase self-efficacy for condom use (standardized mean difference: 0.22; 95% confidence interval: 0.08–0.36), practice for condom use (standardized mean difference: 0.35; 95% confidence interval: 0.23–0.47), and being screened/tested for sexual transmitted infections (standardized mean difference: 0.61; 95% confidence interval: 0.31–0.92).

Discussion

Telehealth interventions show promise as effective intervention delivery solutions for improving self-efficacy and certain sexual health behaviors among adolescents. These telehealth strategies could be important alternatives to in-person visits to accessing sexual health information or services near where they live. Future research should consider testing telehealth strategies where there is evidence of impact to move the field forward.
Becoming a process drama practitioner: An exploratory study of higher education language teachers in Japan
Authors: Murray Kim , Reis-Jorge José , Regan Julie-Anne
Published: December 2021

Research in language learning indicates that process drama (PD), an educational approach where students and teachers work in and out of role to explore themes and issues, can be well suited to the Japanese higher education (HE) context. Despite the benefits highlighted in the literature, PD remains a niche approach to language teaching and learning, with a limited number of practitioners in Japan. This study seeks to uncover language teachers’ experiences of becoming Process Drama Practitioners (PDPs) and using and sharing PD as an English language teaching approach in Japanese HE. Data were collected via in-depth interviews with six experienced PDPs. The findings indicate that prior positive experiences with drama was an encouraging factor of the adoption and self-directed initial use of PD in their teaching practices. Positive student outcomes and feedback were primary motivators for continued use of PD. Experiences of sharing PD led to a perceived need to distinguish PD from theatre-based approaches and establish connections to familiar approaches to language teaching.
Shorter average look durations to dynamic social stimuli are associated with higher levels of autism symptoms in young autistic children
Authors: Major Samantha , Isaev Dmitry , Grapel Jordan , Calnan Todd , Tenenbaum Elena , Carpenter Kimberly , Franz Lauren , Howard Jill , Vermeer Saritha , Sapiro Guillermo , Murias Michael , Dawson Geraldine
Published: December 2021

Prior eye-tracking studies involving autistic individuals have focused on total looking time or proportion of looking time to key regions of interest. These studies have not examined another important feature, the ability to sustain attention to stimuli. In particular, the ability to sustain attention to a dynamic social stimulus might reflect more advanced self-regulatory skills that may enhance engagement with and comprehension of social information. In a sample of 155 autistic children (2–8 years of age), we examined children’s average look duration while they viewed a complex, dynamic stimulus containing both social and nonsocial elements. After accounting for children’s age and intelligence quotient, we found that shorter average look duration was associated with increased autism spectrum disorder severity across multiple clinical measures. To calculate average look duration, we divided the length of total looking time in seconds by the total number of uninterrupted looks to the video media. Thus, the ability to sustain attention while viewing complex dynamic information could be important for comprehending dynamic social information.

Lay Abstract

Many studies of autism look at the differences in how autistic research participants look at certain types of images. These studies often focus on where research participants are looking within the image, but that does not tell us everything about how much they are paying attention. It could be useful to know more about how well autistic research participants can focus on an image with people in it, because those who can look at images of people for longer duration without stopping may be able to easily learn other skills that help them to interact with people. We measured how long autistic research participants watched the video without breaking their attention. The video sometimes had a person speaking, and at other times had toys moving and making sounds. We measured the typical amount of time autistic research participants could look at the video before they looked away. We found that research participants with more severe autism tended to look at the video for shorter amounts of time. The ability to focus without stopping may be related to social skills in autistic people.
Promoting health equity in the health-care system: How can we identify potentially vulnerable patients?
Authors: Johnsen Anna Thit , Flink Christine Enevoldsen , Winther Katrina Pitt , Markussen Anne-Lene Rye , Lund Line , Pedersen Isabella , Rix Bo Andreasen , Kehlet Kristine Halling
Published: December 2021

Background:

There is documented social inequality in cancer. The health-care system may contribute to health equity by targeting interventions to potentially vulnerable patients who may be at risk of not receiving optimal treatment and care.

Aim:

This study aimed to develop and pilot test a tool to identify patients who may need additional support.

Method:

The study took place in a department of palliative medicine and in a team for head and neck cancer within an oncology department. The tool to identify potentially vulnerable patients was developed based on literature reviews and interviews with patients and health-care personnel. It was pilot tested in a six-month period, with subsequent interviews with health-care personnel.

Results:

In total, 212 consecutive patients referred to the departments were systematically screened with the tool by health-care personnel. Of these, 74 (35%) patients were considered potentially vulnerable. The most frequently reported sign of vulnerability was ‘few supportive relations’ (47% of the vulnerable patients). Most health-care personnel found it relevant to focus systematically on these patients. However, some were concerned that using the tool could prove to be stigmatising and were critical of attributing the vulnerability to the individual.

Conclusions:

Most patients were considered in need of additional support because they lacked a social network or had difficulties communicating with health-care personnel. Applying a tool to identify potentially vulnerable patients was feasible and increased attention to this group of patients. However, the screening procedure was also questioned.
Total patient load, regional disparities and in-hospital mortality of intubated COVID-19 patients in Greece, from September 2020 to May 2021
Authors: Lytras Theodore , Tsiodras Sotirios
Published: December 2021

Aims:

While healthcare services have been expanding capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, quality of care under increasing patient loads has received less attention. We examined in-hospital mortality of intubated COVID-19 patients in Greece, in relation to total intubated patient load, intensive care unit (ICU) availability and hospital region.

Methods:

Anonymized surveillance data were analyzed from all intubated COVID-19 patients in Greece between 1 September 2020 and 6 May 2021. Poisson regression was used to estimate the hazard of dying as a function of fixed and time-varying covariates.

Results:

Mortality was significantly increased above 400 patients, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.25 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.51), rising progressively up to 1.57 (95% CI: 1.22–2.02) for 800+ patients. Hospitalization outside an ICU or away from the capital region of Attica were also independently associated with significantly increased mortality.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that in-hospital mortality of severely ill COVID-19 patients is adversely affected by high patient load even without exceeding capacity, as well as by regional disparities. This highlights the need for more substantial strengthening of healthcare services, focusing on equity and quality of care besides just expanding capacity.
Projections for obesity, smoking and hypertension based on multiple imputation
Authors: Reinikainen Jaakko , Härkänen Tommi , Tolonen Hanna
Published: December 2021

Aims:

Information on the future development of prevalences of risk factors and health indicators is needed to prepare for the forthcoming burden of disease in the population and to allocate resources properly for prevention. We aim to present how multiple imputation can be used flexibly to project future prevalences.

Methods:

The proposed approach uses data on repeated cross-sectional surveys from different years. We create future samples with age and sex distributions corresponding to the official national population forecasts. Then, the risk factors are simulated using multiple imputation by chained equations. Finally, the imputations are pooled to obtain the prevalences of interest. Covariates, such as sociodemographic variables as well as their possible interactions and non-linear terms, can be included in the modelling. The future development of these covariates is also projected simultaneously. We apply the procedure to data from five Finnish health examination surveys conducted between 1997 and 2017, and project the prevalences of obesity, smoking and hypertension to 2020 and 2025.

Results:

The prevalence of obesity is projected to increase to 24% for both men and women in 2025. The prevalences of hypertension and smoking are expected to continue decreasing, and the differences between men and women are projected to remain so that men will have higher prevalences.

Conclusions:

Simulation of future observations by multiple imputation can be used as a flexible yet relatively easy-to-use projection method.
Tooth and root size as determined from 0.25- and 0.30-mm voxel size cone-beam CT imaging when contrasted to micro-CT scans (0.06 mm): An ex vivo study
Authors: Coutsiers Morell Gaston F , Berlin-Broner Yuli , Flores-Mir Carlos , Heo Giseon
Published: December 2021

Objective:

To quantify tooth volume differences from extracted teeth when using three different three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT)-based imaging modalities.

Design:

Ex vivo study.

Setting:

Laboratory and clinics of the University of Alberta.

Methods:

Cone-beam CT (CBCT) of 12 extracted teeth were scanned using 0.25- and 0.30-mm voxel size from CBCT and a 0.06-mm voxel size from micro-CT (reference standard). 3D reconstructions for each tooth from each imaging modality were made through the software ITK-SNAP®. The mean volume differences between each pair of scanning modalities were calculated and then compared and analysed through a repeated measures ANOVA.

Results:

The average overestimations of the teeth volume were 15.2% for the high-resolution CBCT and 28.1% for the low-resolution CBCT compared to micro-CT measurements. The differences in absolute volume were 81.6 mm3 and 152.8 mm3, respectively. All differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Orthodontists and researchers who assess root resorption through CBCT imaging should be aware that the depicted volumes may likely be overestimating tooth volume and camouflaging real root volumetric treatment changes.
Simultaneous visible light optical coherence tomography and near infrared OCT angiography in retinal pathologies: A case study
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Baker Andrew , Subramanian Manju L , Siegel Nicole H , Chen Xuejing , Ness Steven , Yi Ji
Published: December 2021

A dual-channel optical coherence tomography system with wavelengths in the visible and near-infrared light ranges can provide both structural and functional information for retinal microvasculature simultaneously. We applied this integrated system in an ongoing clinical study of patients with various retinal pathologies. Here, we present case study results of patients with diabetic retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, and sickle cell retinopathy compared to a healthy subject. For the first time, this comparison validates the system’s ability to detect structural anomalies in both en face and B-scan images with simultaneous retinal optical coherence tomography angiography and measurement of sO2 in parafoveal vessels that are around 20–30 µm in diameter. This integrated system represents a powerful instrument with potentially far-reaching clinical implications for the early detection and diagnosis of retinal vascular diseases.
Using Internet of things technology to construct an integrated intelligent sensing environment for long-term care service
Authors: Hung Lun-Ping , Hsieh Nan-Chen , Lin Li-Ju , Wu Zong-Jie
Published: December 2021

In the current long-term care environment, there is a shortage of manpower and a high turnover rate of staff. Therefore, residential institutions are eager to build an effective Internet of Things integration mechanism to assist institutions with automatic sensor detection and early warning capabilities. Although Internet of Things facilities have enabled prompt notification and warning of emergency events, the following problems exist when implementing Internet of Things in the facilities: (1) low compatibility between sensors has led to excessive installation costs; (2) warning systems that are based on fixed threshold values and lack of flexibility can cause false or omitted reports that result in the incapability of reflecting real conditions and additional labor costs would be required. This study uses a medical-grade Internet of Things module that can calculate the environmental values with edge computing to generate different levels of alarms by combining the index-weighted moving average method to dynamically calculate the optimal threshold value for the environment. It takes 2 months to collect data from care institutions. The average F1-Score obtained in different environments is between 0.46 and 0.88. The results show that compared with using a fixed threshold, this method can effectively reduce sensor error notifications and missed notifications.
Severe and Pervasive? Consequences of Sexual Harassment for Graduate Students and their Title IX Report Outcomes
Authors: Cipriano Allison E. , Holland Kathryn J. , Bedera Nicole , Eagan Sarah R. , Diede Alex S.
Published: December 2021

Sexual harassment of graduate students is prevalent, yet little is known about their experiences reporting sexual harassment to their university. We conducted interviews with 32 graduate students who reported sexual harassment to Title IX to understand how survivors’ experiences of harassment align with report outcomes. Nearly all participants experienced severe, education-limiting consequences of the harassment and reported to ensure safety and restore educational access. Most reports were deemed unactionable and findings of responsibility were rare, demonstrating a disconnect between survivors’ experiences and Title IX outcomes. Our analysis suggests that Title IX practitioners rely on notions of “severity” rather than harassment consequences.
Clinical Outcome of Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate Compared With Robotic-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy for Prostates Larger Than 80 cm3 in Aging Male
Authors: Hou Chen-Pang , Lin Yu-Hsiang , Yang Pei-Shan , Chang Phei-Lang , Chen Chien-lun , Lin Kuo-Yen , Juang Horng-Heng , Weng Shu-Chuan , Tsui Ke-Hung
Published: December 2021

This study investigated and compared the surgical outcomes of using endoscopic enucleation (thulium: YAG laser and bipolar plasma; ThuLEP) with robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) in the treatment of prostates larger than 80 cm3. Records were obtained for the period from January 2014 to December 2020 for selected patients with BPO who underwent RASP, ThuLEP, or bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate (B-TUEP). Patients were excluded if they had active malignant disease, neurogenic bladder, lower urinary tract syndrome for reasons other than BPO, and a history of prostate surgery. Data of 396 patients who underwent B-TUEP, ThuLEP, and RASP were examined. A total of 112 patients met the including criteria, 85 of whom (B-TUEP: 29; ThuLEP: 41; RASP: 15) completed the final visit. The mean operation time and duration of postoperative hospital stays in the RASP group were significantly longer than those of the B-TUEP and ThuLEP groups. Only 1 patient in the RASP group required blood transfusion. The RASP group was superior to the other groups in voiding improvement including Qmax and IPSS voiding score. The pain score of the ThuLEP group after surgery was significantly lower than that of the other two groups during hospitalization, whereas the QoL scores were identical between the three groups at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post operation. The rates of returning to ER within the first postoperative month did not differ significantly between the three groups, and all the reasons for return involved minor complications that required no additional invasive treatment. These three surgical methods (B-TUEP, ThuLEP, and RASP) are all effective and safe for treating prostates larger than 80 cm3, with each having its particular advantages. B-TUEP requires the shortest operation time, ThuLEP causes the lowest postoperative pain, and RASP results in superior voiding function improvement.
Comparing High and Low-Dose Radio-Iodine Therapy in Thyroid Remnant Ablation Among Intermediate and Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients—Single Centre Experience
Authors: Yasmin Tahira , Adnan Sadia , Younis Muhammad Numair , Fatima Arzoo , Shahid Abubaker
Published: December 2021

The role of Iodine-131 therapy is well established as an adjuvant therapy and for thyroid remnant ablation in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC); however controversy still exists regarding its appropriate dose. Purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of low-dose and high-dose Iodine-131 ablation therapies in low- and intermediate-risk PTC patients. Eighty-four patients were divided equally into Group I: Ablated with high dose of Iodine-131 and Group II: Ablated with low dose of Iodine-131. Iodine-131 WBS, serum TG levels and USG neck of all patients were performed at first presentation, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years follow up. Results are as follows: Group I: 64%, 72%, and 76% intermediate-risk patients were disease free at the follow up intervals of 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. Similarly 70%, 82%, and 82% low-risk patients were disease free at above mentioned intervals. Group II: 56%, 60%, and 64% were disease free among intermediate-risk patients while percentage of disease free low-risk patients was 70%, 76%, and 76% at follow up intervals. Low dose of radioactive Iodine-131 was found as effective as high dose in thyroid remnant ablation of PTC patients.
Treatment of a type Ia endoleak following EVAR using a custom-made inner branch device.
Authors: Gemayel GG Gino , Montessuit MM Michel , Gemayel GA Anouche
Published: December 2021

Objectives

We represent two cases of late proximal type I endoleak following EVAR with aneurysm expansion that were treated with a custom-made graft with inner branches.

Methods

Two patients of 87 and 82 years old were operated by EVAR 6 and 8 years ago for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Both had proximal type I endoleak with aneurysm sac expansion. Open surgery had a high risk, and a proximal aortic extension with a simple aortic cuff was not possible neither because previous EVAR grafts were already at the level of the renal arteries. A custom-made endograft with inner branches was planned as a fenestrated graft was not technically possible.

Results

We successfully treated both patients using a custom-made graft with four inner branches from Jotec (Cryolife, Kennesaw, GA). Three months’ follow-up CT scan did not show any endoleaks. All target vessels were patent with good conformability of the bridging stents.

Conclusion

The treatment of proximal type I endoleak using inner branches’ endografts is feasible. This novel technology might broaden the indications for complex aortic repair in a group of patients where fenestrated endografts are not possible.
Mature Enough to Disobey Jurors, Women, and Radical Enfranchisement in Tocqueville’s Democracy in America
Authors: Chakravarti Sonali
Published: December 2021

While many have pointed to Tocqueville’s admiration of the jury system as a schoolhouse for civic participation, I argue that Tocqueville sets up, but forgoes, the opportunity to make jurors empowered enough to counter the ills of democracy that he enumerates, specifically the tyranny of the majority and soft despotism. The education of American women, Tocqueville remarks, prepares them to be independent, confident and astute observers of social conditions, but these characteristics are eclipsed by their domestic responsibilities as wives and mothers. Juxtaposing two sections of Democracy in America that are normally thought of separately (juries and women), I show that Tocqueville falters in his perception of the radical enfranchisement of jurors and women because of his fears about the instability of democracy (with its delusions of equality) just as he provides some of the best arguments for the importance of their political interventions.
Associations between sexual violence, domestic violence, neglect, and alcohol consumption among Lahu hill tribe families in northern Thailand
Authors: Seeprasert Prapamon , Tamornpark Ratipark , Apidechkul Tawatchai , Panjaphothiwat Nicharuch , Singkhorn Onnalin , Upala Panupong , Sunsern Rachanee
Published: December 2021

Background:

Domestic violence is one of the largest silent problems in the world. Women, children, and elderly individuals often fall victims to family members who use alcohol. However, there is lack of scientific evidence on alcohol consumption and domestic violence among Lahu hill tribe families.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of family violence, violence against women, and alcohol-related harm to children and elderly individuals and to determine the correlations between alcohol consumption and family violence among Lahu tribe families in northern Thailand.

Method:

A cross-sectional study was applied to collect data from participants living in 10 randomly selected villages from the list of Lahu villages in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. A validated questionnaire and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test were used to collect information from the participants in private and confidential rooms at a community hall between March and August 2019. Data were described and tested for correlation at the significance levels of α = 0.05 and 0.01.

Findings:

A total of 350 of 719 recruited Lahu families participated in the study (response rate = 48.7%). Among female participants, 22.3% reported history of sexual harassment and 4.1% had been forced to have sex. Children and elderly individuals reported several experiences with people who had used alcohol in the past year; 6.4% had been left to live alone, 5.0% experienced financial neglect, and 1.8% had been neglected while sick. In a correlation analysis, it was found that age (r = –0.02, p value < 0.009), education (r = 0.15, p value < 0.047), marital status (r = 0.25, p value < 0.001), and religion (r = 0.20, p value < 0.008) were significantly correlated with verbal arguments among family members. Experience of sexual harassment was correlated with the presence of a drinker in the family (r = 0.22, p value < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Government and relevant agencies should cooperate to reduce the consumption of alcohol among Lahu men. Moreover, a specific training program to personally improve one’s skill in responding to domestic violence among children, women, and elderly individuals should also be developed and implemented in Lahu communities.
Stressful life events and postpartum depressive symptoms among women with disabilities
Authors: Booth Edward J , Kitsantas Panagiota , Min Hua , Pollack Anna Z
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

Although research evidence indicates positive associations between stressful life events and postpartum depression, limited research assessed these associations in women with disabilities. This study examined the effects of stressful life events on postpartum depressive symptoms in women with disabilities.

Methods:

Data from the 2012–2017 Massachusetts Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System ( n = 8453) were used in this study. Women were asked if they experienced any life stressors (e.g. financial, traumatic, relational, and emotional) during the 12 months prior to giving birth. Disability was measured based on reports of emotional and physical functioning. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the effect of stressful life events on postpartum depressive symptoms among women with and without disabilities.

Results:

Findings show that 37.4% of women with disabilities had postpartum depressive symptoms, which was significantly higher than 8.79% of women without disabilities. Stressful life events were reported in 86.6% of women with disabilities, compared to 66.6% for women without disabilities. Prevalence of three or more stressful life events and postpartum depressive symptoms was greater among women with disabilities (50.8% and 62.9%, respectively) than women without disabilities (22.6% and 37.0%, respectively). Women with disabilities experiencing six or more stressful life events were more likely (odds ratio = 3.78, 95% confidence interval = [1.57–9.10]) to report postpartum depressive symptoms, compared to those with no stressful life events. Women with disabilities who experienced relational (odds ratio = 2.36, 95% confidence interval = [1.44–3.87]) and traumatic (odds ratio = 1.75, 95% confidence interval = [1.02–3.00]) life stressors had higher odds for postpartum depressive symptoms relative to those reporting no such life stressors.

Conclusion:

Women with disabilities are at an amplified risk for stressful life events and postpartum depressive symptoms. Relational and traumatic stressful life events particularly increase the odds for postpartum depressive symptoms among this group of mothers. Early prenatal and postnatal screening for life stressors and depressive symptoms, coupled with timely referral for appropriate prenatal and postnatal care, are vital to mitigate the harmful effects of depression among mothers with disabilities and the health of their children.
Effect of weightlifting training on jumping ability, sprinting performance and squat strength: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: García-Valverde Adrián , Manresa-Rocamora Agustín , Hernández-Davó José L , Sabido Rafael
Published: December 2021

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of using weightlifting movement and their derivatives in training on vertical jump, sprint times, and maximal strength performance. Thirty-four studies were used for meta-analysis with a moderate quality on the PEDro scale. Meta-analysis showed positive effects of weightlifting training, especially when combined with traditional resistance training on countermovement jump performance, sprint times, and one-repetition maximum squat (ES = 0.41, ES = −0.44, and ES = 0.81, respectively). In conclusion, results revealed the usefulness of weightlifting combined with traditional resistance training in improving sprint, countermovement jump and maximal strength performance.