bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic impact of immune-related adverse events on patients with and without cardiovascular disease: a retrospective review
Authors: Kazama Shingo , Morimoto Ryota , Kimura Yuki , Shibata Naoki , Ozaki Reina , Araki Takashi , Mizutani Takashi , Oishi Hideo , Arao Yoshihito , Kuwayama Tasuku , Hiraiwa Hiroaki , Kondo Toru , Furusawa Kenji , Shimokata Tomoya , Okumura Takahiro , Bando Yasuko K. , Ando Yuichi , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: July 2021

Background

The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has brought about a paradigm shift in cancer treatment as the use of these drugs has become more frequent and for a longer duration. As a result of T-cell-mediated inflammation at the programmed cell death-1, programmed death-ligand-1, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 pathways, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) occur in various organs and can cause a rare but potentially induced cardiotoxicity. Although irAEs are associated with the efficacy of ICI therapy and better prognosis, there is limited information about the correlation between irAEs and cardiotoxicity and whether the benefits of irAEs apply to patients with underlying cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the association of irAEs and treatment efficacy in patients undergoing ICI therapy with and without a cardiovascular history.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of 409 consecutive patients who received ICI therapy from September 2014 to October 2019.

Results

Median patient age was 69 years (29.6% were female). The median follow-up period was 278 days. In total, 69 (16.9%) patients had a history of any cardiovascular disease and 14 (3.4%) patients experienced cardiovascular irAEs after ICI administration. The rate of cardiovascular irAEs was higher in patients with prior non-cardiovascular irAEs than without. The prognosis of patients with irAEs ( +) was significantly better than that of the patients without irAEs (P < 0.001); additionally, this tendency did not depend on the presence or absence of a cardiovascular history. Furthermore, the Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that irAEs were an independent predictor of mortality.

Conclusions

Although cardiovascular irAEs may be related to prior non-cardiovascular irAEs under ICI therapy, the occurrence of irAEs had a better prognostic impact and this tendency was not affected by cardiovascular history.
Barriers and facilitators for early and exclusive breastfeeding in health facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Kinshella Mai-Lei Woo , Prasad Sarina , Hiwa Tamanda , Vidler Marianne , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda , Dube Queen , Goldfarb David , Kawaza Kondwani
Published: July 2021

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa carries a disproportionate burden of under-five child deaths in the world and appropriate breastfeeding practices can support efforts to reduce child mortality rates. Health facilities are important in the promotion of early and exclusive breastfeeding. The purpose of this review was to examine facility-based barriers and facilitators to early and exclusive breastfeeding in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, African Journals Online and African Index Medicus from database inception to April 29, 2021 and primary research studies on breastfeeding practices in health facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa were included in the review. We assessed qualitative studies with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist and quantitative studies using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute tool. The review protocol was registered to Prospero prior to conducting the review (CRD42020167414).

Results

Of the 56 included studies, relatively few described health facility infrastructure and supplies-related issues (5, 11%) while caregiver factors were frequently described (35, 74%). Facility-based breastfeeding policies and guidelines were frequently available but challenged by implementation gaps, especially at lower health service levels. Facilitators included positive caregiver and health worker attitudes, knowledge and support during the postpartum period. Current studies have focused on caregiver factors, particularly around their knowledge and attitudes, while health facility infrastructure and supplies factors appear to be growing concerns, such as overcrowding and lack of privacy during breastfeeding counselling that lowers the openness and comfort of mothers especially those HIV-positive.

Conclusion

There has been a dramatic rise in rates of facility births in Sub-Saharan Africa, which must be taken into account when considering the capacities of health facilities to support breastfeeding practices. As the number of facility births rise in Sub-Saharan Africa, so does the responsibility of skilled healthcare workers to provide the necessary breastfeeding support and advice to caregivers. Our review highlighted that health facility infrastructure, supplies and staffing appears to be a neglected area in breastfeeding promotion and a need to strengthen respectful maternity care in the delivery of breastfeeding counselling, particularly in supporting HIV-positive mothers within the context of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Epidemiological, life style, and occupational factors associated with lower limb varicose veins: a case control study
Authors: Elamrawy Shahira , Darwish Iman , Moustafa Sameh , Elshaer Noha , Ahmed Nesma
Published: July 2021

Background

Few data were documented about risk factors for lower limb varicose veins (LLVV) among Egyptian population. Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial to plan for prevention. The current research aims to study the epidemiological, life style, and occupational factors associated with LLVV in a sample of Egyptian population.

Methods

A case control study was adopted. Cases with LLVV (n = 150) were compared with controls (n = 150). Data was collected using an interview questionnaire and clinical assessment. Data was analyzed using the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

According to multivariate analysis among all participants (n = 300), the odds of LLVV was 59.8 times greater for those who frequently lift heavy objects (95% CI = 6.01, 584.36) and 6.95 times higher for those who drink < 5 cups of water/day (95% CI = 2.78, 17.33). Moreover, it was 4.27 times greater for those who infrequently/never consume fiber-rich foods (95% CI = 1.95, 9.37) and 3.65 times greater for those who stand > 4 h/day (95% CI = 1.63, 8.17). Additionally, odds of LLVV was 3.34 times greater for those who report irregular defecation habit (95% CI = 1.68, 6.60), and 2.86 times higher for those who sleep < 8 h/day (95% CI = 1.14, 7.16), and 2.53 times higher for smokers compared with ex-smokers/non-smokers (95% CI = 1.15, 5.58). In addition, a standing posture at work was an independent predictor of LLVV among ever employed participants (n = 234) in the current study (OR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.02, 9.38).

Conclusions

This study highlighted seven modifiable independent predictors of LLVV mostly related to the life style, namely, frequent lifting of heavy objects, drinking < 5 cups of water/day, infrequent/no consumption of fiber-rich food, standing more than 4 h/day, irregular defecation habit, sleeping less than 8 h/day, and smoking. These findings provide a basis to design an evidence-based low-cost strategy for prevention of LLVV among Egyptian population.
Intrusion of maxillary molar roots into the maxillary sinus in a sample of the Egyptian population using cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Eid Esraa Ahmed , El-Badawy Fatma Mostafa , Hamed Walaa Mohamed
Published: July 2021

Background

The proximity of the maxillary sinus floor to the maxillary molar roots increases the probability of oroantral communication on conducting any surgical or endodontic procedure in the involved area. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between each maxillary molar root and maxillary sinus floor using cone beam computed tomography. Predicting the probability of protrusion of each root into the sinus will consequently predict the probability of occurrence of the oroantral fistula in a sample of the Egyptian population.

Results

The total number of roots located outside the sinus was 121 (35.3%), while those contacting the sinus floor were 80 (23.3%) and those intruded the sinus were 141 (41.2%). The percentage of root intrusion into the sinus in males (56.9%) was significantly (p= 0.01) higher than females (42.9%). The probability of root intrusion in the left molars (54.2%) was non-significantly (p= 0.067) higher than that of the right side (44.3%). As for the type of tooth, the second molar showed the highest probability of root intrusion into the sinus (55.3%) followed by the third molars (52.6%) then the first molars (40.9). According to the type of root, the mesiobuccal root showed the highest probability of intrusion into the sinus (50.9%) followed by the palatal root (49.1%) then the distobuccal root (47.4%). However, the difference in both type of tooth and type of root was statistically non-significant (p= 0.051 and 0.869 respectively). As for the individual root with the highest probability of intrusion, the mesio-buccal root of the right third molar is the most frequent root to intrude the sinus (71.4%) and the mesio-buccal root of the right first molar is the least frequent (22.7%).

Conclusions

In a sample of the Egyptian population, males exhibit higher probability of root protrusion into the sinus than females. The side and type of tooth are of higher impact on the probability of its intrusion into the sinus compared to the type of root. Left second molars are at a higher risk of oroantral communications on surgical or endodontic procedures compared to other molars due to its highest probability of intrusion into the sinus.
Modified perichondrial-periosteal flaps to camouflage nasal dorsum in rhinoplasty
Authors: Khafagy Ahmed Gamal , El-Sersy Hesham Abdelaty , Maarouf Ahmed Mahmoud
Published: July 2021

Background

The smooth and straight nasal dorsum is a goal after nasal hump reduction as dorsal irregularities are unexpectable and inevitable complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate modified perichondrial-periosteal flaps functionally and aesthetically to camouflage nasal dorsal irregularities. A total of 115 patients with nasal humps were enrolled in the study. The perichondrium over the upper lateral cartilages is divided in the midline and dissected forming two laterally based flaps while the periosteum over the nasal bones is dissected superiorly. After completion of all rhinoplasty steps, the flaps were repositioned and sutured as a separate layer. Follow-up for 2 years with an assessment of irregularities of the nasal dorsum, collapse of the upper lateral cartilage, and nasal breathing.

Results

Aesthetically, no nasal dorsal irregularities were noticed. Also, no patients complained of nasal obstruction.

Conclusion

The modified perichondrial-periosteal flap is a successful technique, functionally and aesthetically. It avoids the appearance of dorsal irregularities.
Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in a Large Cohort of Hospitalized Cancer Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Nader Marta Guilherme , Colombo Bonadio Renata , Nicole Encinas Sejas Odeli , Watarai Gabriel , Mathias Machado Maria Cecilia , Teixeira Frasson Lorena , Motta Venchiarutti Moniz Camila , de Luca Ito Raquel Keiko , Peixoto Driele , Oliveira Hoff Camilla , Menegatti Anastacio Veruska , Ribeiro Ulysses , Pereira Juliana , Rocha Vanderson , Abdala Edson , Del Pilar Estevez-Diz Maria , Hoff Paulo M.
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE

Patients with cancer are at increased risk for unfavorable outcomes from COVID-19. Knowledge about the outcome determinants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in this population is essential for risk stratification and definition of appropriate management. Our objective was to evaluate prognostic factors for all-cause mortality in patients diagnosed with both cancer and COVID-19.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with cancer hospitalized at our institution with COVID-19 were included. Electronic medical records were reviewed for clinical and laboratory characteristics potentially associated with outcomes.

RESULTS

Five hundred seventy-six consecutive patients with cancer and COVID-19 were included in the present study. An overall in-hospital mortality rate of 49.3% was demonstrated. Clinical factors associated with increased risk of death because of COVID-19 were age over 65 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status > 0 zero, best supportive care, primary lung cancer, and the presence of lung metastases. Laboratory findings associated with a higher risk of unfavorable outcomes were neutrophilia, lymphopenia, and elevated levels of D-dimer, creatinine, C-reactive protein, or AST.

CONCLUSION

A high mortality rate in patients with cancer who were diagnosed with COVID-19 was demonstrated in the present study, emphasizing the need for close surveillance in this group of patients, especially in those with unfavorable prognostic characteristics.
Using Geriatric Assessment to Guide Conversations Regarding Comorbidities Among Older Patients With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Kleckner Amber S. , Wells Megan , Kehoe Lee A. , Gilmore Nikesha J. , Xu Huiwen , Magnuson Allison , Dunne Richard F. , Jensen-Battaglia Marielle , Mohamed Mostafa R. , O'Rourke Mark A. , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Dib Elie G. , Peppone Luke J. , Mohile Supriya G.
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE:

Older patients with advanced cancer often have comorbidities that can worsen their cancer and treatment outcomes. We assessed how a geriatric assessment (GA)–guided intervention can guide conversations about comorbidities among patients, oncologists, and caregivers.

METHODS:

This secondary analysis arose from a nationwide, multisite cluster-randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02107443 ). Eligible patients were ≥ 70 years, had advanced cancer (solid tumors or lymphoma), and had impairment in at least one GA domain (not including polypharmacy). Oncology practices (n = 30) were randomly assigned to usual care or intervention. All patients completed a GA; in the intervention arm, a GA summary with recommendations was provided to their oncologist. Patients completed an Older Americans Resources and Services Comorbidity questionnaire at screening. The clinical encounter following GA was audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded for topics related to comorbidities. Linear mixed models examined the effect of the intervention on the outcomes adjusting for practice site as a random effect.

RESULTS:

Patients (N = 541) were 76.6 ± 5.2 years old; 94.6% of patients had at least one comorbidity with an average of 3.2 ± 1.9. The intervention increased the average number of conversations regarding comorbidities per patient from 0.52 to 0.99 ( P < .01). Moreover, there were a greater number of concerns acknowledged (0.52 v 0.32; P = .03) and there was a 2.4-times higher odds of having comorbidity concerns addressed via referral, handout, or other modes (95% CI, 1.3 to 4.3; P = .004). Most oncologists in the intervention arm (76%) discussed comorbidities in light of the treatment plan, and 41% tailored treatment plans.

CONCLUSION:

Providing oncologists with a GA-guided intervention enhanced communication regarding comorbidities.
Proinsulin to C-Peptide Ratio in the First Year After Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Freese Jurhee , Al-Rawi Rawan , Choat Heather , Martin Alexandra , Lunsford Alison , Tse Hubert , Mick Gail , McCormick Kenneth
Published: July 2021

Objective

The proinsulin to C-peptide (PI:C) ratio is reputedly a biomarker of β-cell endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

Objective

This study examined the natural history of the PI:C ratio and its correlation with residual β-cell function in childhood new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D). Over the first year of T1D, the temporal trend in fasting and nutrient-stimulated PI data is limited.

Methods

PI was a secondary pre-planned analysis of our 1-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) trial in new-onset T1D. Of the 99 participants in the primary study, aged 4 to 18 years, 30 were placebo. This study only involved the 30 placebo patients; all were enrolled within 5 weeks of T1D diagnosis. A liquid mixed meal tolerance test was administered at baseline and 5 and 12 months for determination of C-peptide, PI, glucose, and hemoglobin A1C.

Results

Both the fasting (P = 0.0003) and stimulated (P = 0.00008) PI:C ratios increased from baseline to 12 months, indicating escalating β-cell ER stress. The baseline fasting PI correlated with the fasting change in C-peptide at 12 months (P = 0.004) with a higher PI correlating with greater decline in C-peptide. Patients with an insulin-adjusted A1C >9% (hence, not in remission) had higher fasting PI:C ratios. Younger age at diagnosis correlated with a higher PI:C ratio (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Children with new-onset T1D undergo progressive β-cell ER stress and aberrant proinsulin processing, as evidenced by increasing PI:C ratios. Moreover, the PI:C ratio reflects more aggressive β-cell onslaught with younger age, as well as diminished glycemic control.
Novel Laboratory Index, Based on Fasting Blood Parameters, Accurately Reflects Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Karczewska-Kupczewska Monika , Nikołajuk Agnieszka , Stefanowicz Magdalena , Matulewicz Natalia , Arnoriaga-Rodriguez Maria , Fernandez-Real Jose Manuel , Strączkowski Marek
Published: July 2021

Context

Simple and reliable measurement of insulin sensitivity may be important for the prevention of insulin-resistance-related diseases. Surrogate indices of insulin sensitivity are of limited utility in population without signs of metabolic syndrome.

Objective

The aim of our study was to provide simple and accurate index of insulin sensitivity.

Design

The study group comprised 150 young healthy participants. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was performed. Regression models with different laboratory parameters were constructed. Validation cohort 1 comprised independent group of 110 subjects, including individuals with prediabetes and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Validation cohort 2 comprised 38 obese subjects before and after diet-induced weight loss. Validation cohort 3 comprised 60 nondiabetic subjects from an independent center.

Results

The supervised principal component model established optimal set of variables correlated with insulin sensitivity. This model (Fasting Laboratory Assessment of Insulin Sensitivity [FLAIS]) used red blood cell count, alanine aminotransferase activity, serum C-peptide, SHBG, IGF-binding protein 1, and adiponectin concentrations. FLAIS exhibited strong correlation with clamp-derived insulin sensitivity. The sensitivity of the model was 90% and the specificity was 68%. In validation cohort 1, differences in FLAIS among the groups paralleled those observed with the clamp, with the lowest values in prediabetes and diabetes. In validation cohort 2, FLAIS reflected the change in insulin sensitivity after weight loss. The main findings were confirmed in validation cohort 3.

Conclusion

We provide simple and accurate method of assessing insulin sensitivity, which allows to identify insulin resistance even in the population without overt metabolic disturbances.
Impact of Free/Subsidized Secondary School Education on the Likelihood of Teenage Motherhood
Authors: Muchiri Steve
Published: July 2021

Several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, have introduced free/subsidized secondary education. This paper examines the role of these free/subsidized education policies on teenage motherhood. To identify the causal effect, I exploit the timing of a national reform in Kenya that eliminated/subsidized secondary school fees using a difference-in-difference estimation design. Using the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), I estimate that the likelihood of teenage motherhood decreased by approximately 5 percentage points after the policy's implementation. This study reiterates that the teenage period is crucial in terms of developing human capital through formal schooling. In most developing countries, parents often determine and fund human capital, which makes household wealth/income a critical factor in human capital accumulation and its intergenerational process. I also highlight positive externalities from educational-centered policies, such as long-term economic growth, poverty reduction, and reduction of social welfare dependency.
Methamphetamine pollution elicits addiction in wild fish
Authors: Horký Pavel , Grabic Roman , Grabicová Kateřina , Brooks Bryan W. , Douda Karel , Slavík Ondřej , Hubená Pavla , Sancho Santos Eugenia M. , Randák Tomáš
Published: July 2021

Illicit drug abuse presents pervasive adverse consequences for human societies around the world. Illicit drug consumption also plays an unexpected role in contamination of aquatic ecosystems that receive wastewater discharges. Here, we show that methamphetamine, considered as one of the most important global health threats, causes addiction and behavior alteration of brown trout Salmo trutta at environmentally relevant concentrations (1 µg l−1). Altered movement behavior and preference for methamphetamine during withdrawal were linked to drug residues in fish brain tissues and accompanied by brain metabolome changes. Our results suggest that emission of illicit drugs into freshwater ecosystems causes addiction in fish and modifies habitat preferences with unexpected adverse consequences of relevance at the individual and population levels. As such, our study identifies transmission of human societal problems to aquatic ecosystems.
A real-time fluorescence assay for CPSF73, the nuclease for pre-mRNA 3′-end processing
Authors: Gutierrez Pedro A. , Baughman Kirk , Sun Yadong , Tong Liang
Published: July 2021

CPSF73 is the endonuclease that catalyzes the cleavage reaction for 3′-end processing of mRNA precursors (pre-mRNAs) in two distinct machineries, a canonical machinery for the majority of pre-mRNAs and a U7 snRNP (U7 machinery) for replication-dependent histone pre-mRNAs in animal cells. CPSF73 also possesses 5′–3′ exonuclease activity in the U7 machinery, degrading the downstream cleavage product after the endonucleolytic cleavage. Recent studies show that CPSF73 is a potential target for developing anticancer, antimalarial, and antiprotozoal drugs, spurring interest in identifying new small-molecule inhibitors against this enzyme. CPSF73 nuclease activity has so far been demonstrated using a gel-based end-point assay, using radiolabeled or fluorescently labeled RNA substrates. By taking advantage of unique properties of the U7 machinery, we have developed a novel, real-time fluorescence assay for the nuclease activity of CPSF73. This assay is facile and high-throughput, and should also be helpful for the discovery of new CPSF73 inhibitors.
A rapid review of the overuse of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future
Authors: Cherry Will , Brown Marielle , Garner Colin
Published: July 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had severe implications on healthcare systems and the patients affected by this infectious disease. To improve outcomes for patients with COVID-19 and limit future antimicrobial resistance, there is continued urgency to improve our understanding of the rates and causative agents of secondary bacterial infections in patients with COVID‑19, and recognise whether antibiotics are being overused in patients prior to and following COVID-19 diagnosis.

This article presents the results of a rapid review comparing reported rates of secondary bacterial infections with rates of antibiotic use in patients with COVID-19 predominantly in a hospital setting, within the context of treatment guidelines and recommendations.

The review revealed rates of antibiotic use in patients with COVID-19 of 37–100%, far outweighing rates of secondary bacterial infections which were typically below 20%. There was a lack of consistent reporting of causative microorganisms of secondary infections, and the distinction between bacterially- and virally-induced sepsis was rarely made.

Early in the pandemic, healthcare agencies published treatment guidelines recognising the importance of antimicrobial stewardship. However, many are yet to provide updated guidance detailing the most appropriate antibiotics to treat patients with concurrent COVID-19 and secondary bacterial infections in a way which limits the emergence of drug-resistant infections and does not negatively impact patient outcomes.

Without significant improvements to the testing and reporting of causative organisms and corresponding updates to antimicrobial treatment guidelines, there is a risk of worsened clinical outcomes and increased burden on healthcare systems from antimicrobial resistance during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Phytochemicals With Anti 5-alpha-reductase Activity: A Prospective For Prostate Cancer Treatment
Authors: Azizi Aziemah , Mumin Nuramalina H , Shafqat Naeem
Published: July 2021

Prostate cancer (CaP) is one of the leading causes of death in men worldwide. Much attention has been given on its prevention and treatment strategies, including targeting the regulation of 5-alpha-Reductase (5αR) enzyme activity, aimed to limit the progression of CaP by inhibiting the conversion of potent androgen dihydrotestosterone from testosterone that is thought to play a role in pathogenesis of CaP, by using the 5-alpha-Reductase inhibitors (5αRis) such as finasteride and dutasteride. However, 5αRis are reported to exhibit numerous adverse side effects, for instance erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and loss of libido. This has led to a surge of interest on plant-derived alternatives that might offer favourable side effects and less toxic profiles. Phytochemicals from plants are shown to exhibit numerous medicinal properties in various studies targeting many major illnesses including CaP. Therefore, in this review, we aim to discuss the use of phytochemicals namely phytosterols, polyphenols and fatty acids, found in various plants with proven anti-CaP properties, as an alternative herbal CaP medicines as well as to outline their inhibitory activities on 5αRs isozymes based on their structural similarities with current 5αRis as part of CaP treatment approaches.
Libros de texto y enculturación del español en Costa de Marfil.
Authors: Bi-Drombé Djandué
Published: July 2021

La interculturalidad es un concepto al que nos hemos acostumbrado mucho en las últimas décadas, en un mundo globalizado orientado a fomentar el encuentro y contacto de culturas en todos sus rincones. En el ámbito educativo, el enfoque intercultural alienta el respeto a la cultura del otro y, en lo que atañe a la enseñanza-aprendizaje de lenguas extranjeras en particular, supone tener en cuenta las realidades socioculturales del alumnado para hacer más significativo el aprendizaje. En Costa de Marfil, hasta finales de los años 90 del siglo pasado, los libros de texto de Español Lengua Extranjera (en adelante ELE) elaborados y editados en Francia para sus antiguas colonias plantearon el aprendizaje del español como un simple proceso de aculturación del alumno marfileño. En 1998, la colección de manuales Horizontes elaborados por profesionales africanos en la transición hacia el enfoque comunicativo inaugura una era de enculturación del español en una dinámica francamente intercultural. Hoy, ¡Ya estamos! (2018, 2019) y ¡Más allá! (2020), los nuevos libros de texto de ELE de enseñanza media y secundaria confirman esta dinámica. Al aprender una lengua extranjera y su cultura (aculturación) en contexto de no inmersión, el alumno ha de aprender a hablar también de sus propias realidades en esta lengua (enculturación), lo cual implica la incorporación de nuevos conceptos en el léxico de la lengua meta.
Effect of Non-face-to-face Voice Therapy Using the Self-Voice Health Care Program for Vocal fatigue
Authors: Kim Ji Sung , Choi Seong Hee
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Covid-19 has increased the need for non-face-to-face treatment. In particular, professional voice users have a high risk of voice disease due to continuous voice use. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the Self-Voice Health Care Program (SVHCP) which was developed on the basis of Korean speech-language pathologist’s vocal behaviors, status and vocal fatigue.Methods: Fifteen speech-language pathologists (2 males and 13 females, the average age was 31.19 years) with voice problems who have more than 25 sessions per week participated via an experimental recruitment SMS and posting from the online speech-language pathologists internet community. Participants watched a 5-minute SVHCP video with instructions and carried out SVHCP daily for one week. The voice measures were carried out before and after SVHCP.Results: K-VHI-10 (p= .017), K-VFI-fatigue (p= .004), K-VFI-physical (p= .019), K-VFI-rest (p= .003), K-VFI-total (p= .005) and total subjective vocal symptoms (p= .009) were significantly lower than before. Additionally, among the subjective vocal symptoms, hypertension when speaking (p= .007), roughness when speaking (p= .007), pain when speaking (p= .034), difficulty with high pitch when singing (p= .017), feelings of voice fatigue (p= .017) were significantly lower than before.Conclusion: Our outcomes demonstrated that the SVHCP was effective in reducing vocal fatigue and subjective vocal symptoms. The SVHCP can help improve voice-related quality of life and voice health for professional voice users. Further research is needed in conjunction with the IT field for the utilization of the SVHCP.
Infant Vocalizations and Early Home Language Environment
Authors: Yoo Hyunjoo , Ha Seunghee
Published: July 2021

Objectives: It is well known that infant-directed speech (IDS) facilitates early language acquisition. There is also growing evidence that adult-directed (ADS) or overheard speech may influence language learning. Given the importance of early language environment in infancy, greater attention must be paid to systematically investigating home language environment as well as relations between language input and infant volubility. The goals of this study were (1) to investigate the amount of IDS and ADS in a naturalistic environment, (2) to examine infant volubility across differing circumstances, and (3) to explore relations between caregiver volubility and infant volubility.Methods: Sixteen caregiver-infant dyads living in Korea participated in the study. Caregiver and infant vocalizations were recorded using all-day LENA (Language ENvironment Analysis) recorders in their homes as part of a longitudinal study. We quantified the number of infant speech-like vocalizations (i.e., protophones). We also estimated the amount of caregiver volubility. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were conducted to address the research questions.Results: Results indicated that caregivers did not constantly talk to their infants. There was a significant difference in infant volubility between the IDS and No IDS circumstances. However, no significant difference was found between the ADS and No ADS circumstances. Infant volubility was found to be highest when caregiver volubility ranged in the middle.Conclusion: This study may support a midrange hypothesis which suggests that midrange interaction is optimal for infant development outcomes.
The Effect of Visual Feedback on the Voice Control Ability of Pre-lingual Deafened Young Adults with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Kang Ji Eun , Lee Youngmee , Sim Hyun Sub
Published: July 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is a difference in the voice control ability between young adults with cochlear implants (CIs) and a normal hearing (NH) group. This study examined the correlation between CI-related characteristics, performance, and acoustic measurements (i.e., voice dynamic area, voice range profile slope).Methods: Participants were 12 young adults (8 females and 4 males) who had CIs before 7 years of age, and 12 NH young adults who matched their sex and age. A voice range profile (VRP) program was used to evaluate voice control ability according to the presence or absence of visual feedback.Results: The voice dynamic area (VDA) of the NH group was significantly larger than that of the CI group, and the VDA was significantly greater when the visual-auditory feedback was presented rather than relying solely on hearing. There was no significant difference between the groups in the VRP slope, but the slope was significantly smaller when the visual-auditory feedback was provided than when only the auditory feedback was provided. There was a negative correlation between the consonant accuracy and the VRP slope in the CI group.Conclusion: Congenitally deafened young adults didn’t achieve normal voice control abilities in comparison with NH. However, CIs were able to use the visual information in order to better control their voice. Additionally, the VDA is appropriate as a variable to measure the voice control ability of CIs, but the VDA and the VRP slope are complementary and need to be considered together when analyzing the results.
Articulatory Accuracy and Variability by Word Familiarity and Phoneme Difficulty in Children with and without Speech Sound Disorders
Authors: Jang Ji-Su , Ha Seunghee
Published: July 2021

Objectives: This study aims to examine the articulatory accuracy and variability according to word familiarity and phoneme difficulty in children with speech sound disorders (SSD) and typically developing children.Methods: The participants were 10 children with SSD and 14 typically developing children aged from 2 years 6 months to 2 years 11 months. The 20 target words were selected according to word familiarity and phoneme difficulty. Each child was asked to produce each target word three times and the percentage of correct phonemes and variability scores were obtained.Results: The results showed that articulatory accuracy of children with SSD was significantly lower and their articulatory variability was significantly higher than those of typically developing children. There was no significant difference in articulatory accuracy according to word familiarity, but there was a significant difference in articulatory variability. Significant differences were found in articulatory accuracy as well as variability according to phoneme difficulty.Conclusion: This study suggested that phoneme difficulty affects articulatory variability in children with and without SSD aged 2:6–2:11. The articulatory variability and the related significant factors were discussed from the perspective of normal and delayed/abnormal speech acquisition processes. The study has useful implications for diagnosis and intervention for young children with SSD below 3 years old.
Analysis of Subgroup Distribution and Discriminant Function Analysis in Children with Cerebral Palsy Based on Speech Language Profile Group
Authors: Jeong Pil Yeon , Sim Hyun Sub
Published: July 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the subgroups distribution of children with cerebral palsy (CP) by using Speech, Language Profile Group (SLPG), and examine discriminant factors that differentiate subgroups.Methods: Eighty-seven children aged 4-16 years with CP participated in the study (spastic 67, dyskinetic 4, ataxic 3, mixed 13). Data was collected from a speech production task (sustained vowel /a/, Assessment of Articulation and Phonology for Children, sentence repetition), language test (receptive vocabulary), and PIQ test (K-WISC-III, K-WIPPSI). Independent variables were maximum phonation time (MPT), intensity, speech rate, intelligibility, receptive vocabulary score, and cognition ability. For the analysis, children with CP were classified into six speech language profile groups; NSMILCT (no clinical speech motor involvement and age appropriate language, cognition abilities), NSMI-LCI (no clinical speech motor involvement and impaired language, cognition abilities), SMI-LCT (speech motor impairment and age appropriate language, cognition abilities), SMI-LCI (speech motor impairment and impaired language, cognition abilities), ANAR-LCT (anarthria and age appropriate language, cognition abilities), and ANAR-LCI (anarthria and impaired language, cognition abilities).Results: Descriptive study showed that of all children with CP, the proportion of NSMI-LCT was 11.5%, NSMI-LCI was 8.0%, SMI-LCT was 12.6%, SMI-LCI was 19.5%, ANAR-LCT was 11.5%, and ANAR-LCI was 36.8%. Very strong relationships were noted between SLPG and CFCS, and moderate relationships were noted between SLPG and GMFCS. Canonical discriminant function analysis revealed that the speech intelligibility variable accounted for 85.1%, the speech rate variable was 9.7%, and the language variable was 5.2%.Conclusion: This study suggested that the SLPG classification system helps us to stratify the subgroups for understanding speech, language features in children with CP.
The Effect of Intervention Using a Gamification-Based Morphological Approach on the Writing Skills of Children with Poor Writing Skills
Authors: Kim Hyo Hee , Lee Youngmee , Hong Ki-Hyung , Kim Young Tae
Published: July 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of an intervention using the gamification-based morphological approach on the abilities of writing letter-sound non correspondences in children with poor writing skills.Methods: In this study, a multi-probe design was used to verify the effect of intervention. The subjects were three children with poor writing skills (grade 2-3). Their writing skills were examined through tests of treated and untreated graphemes (eojeols) in the baseline, intervention, and maintenance phases. In this study, we applied the morphological approach that helps students to write the letter-sound non-correspondences through a game. Additionally, we provided instruction that helps them to learn the morphological knowledge and phonological rules. Each student was trained twice a week for 10-14 sessions.Results: All students were found to have high improvements in the letter-sound non correspondences eojeols. In the generalization phrase, all students showed improvements. In the maintenance phase, all students were found to have a similar effect size.Conclusion: First, gamification-based morphological approach on writing skills promote awareness of morphological knowledge in children with poor writing, and have a positive effect on letter-sound non correspondences eojeols. Additionally, training in applying morphological knowledge promotes children’s writing skills that remain in the early stages of writing development. Second, gamification-based intervention can elicit interest and motivation in children with poor writing and can be repeatedly trained.
Comparison between Parents and Teachers Assessment of Language Development for Infants: 18-35 Months
Authors: Kim Yun-hee , Jung Kyunghee
Published: July 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to provide clinicians with clinical information about language and vocabulary development in infants by comparing the assessments of parents and teachers.Methods: A total of 128 parents and teachers of preschoolers of typical disabilities assessed the level of language development of a child. The language ability of infants was measured by SELSI and K M-B CDI.Results: The results of the study are as follows. Firstly, there was a positive correlation between parents and teachers on the SELSI total score, and the receptive and expressive language score. Additionally, a positive correlation was also observed within each age group. Secondly, there was a difference between the total scores in assessments from parents and teachers, where teachers showed higher scores in their assessments. However, there was no significant difference in both the receptive and expressive language. By observing the three different age groups, within the group of 30 to 35 months, there was a significant difference between assessments of parents and teachers in only the SELSI total score. Whereas for the other two age groups, there was no significant difference observed. Thirdly, there was a positive correlation between parents and teachers on the K M-B CDI total, expressive lexicon, and grammar score. Additionally, a strong positive correlation was also observed within each age group. Fourthly, there was no significant difference between the all area of the scores in assessments from parents and teachers. Furthermore, within each age group, there was also no significant difference observed.Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that it is necessary to consider not only the parents but also the teacher’s assessment when evaluating language development for infants. And this study provides useful clinical information for early assessment and intervention in infants who show signs of delayed language development.
Differences in Early Vocabulary Development from 18-36-month-old Late Talkers and Typically Developing Toddlers of Matched Age and Expressive Vocabulary Levels
Authors: Yim Dongsun , Yang Yoonhee , Choi Jeongwon , Han Jia , Chae Miseon
Published: July 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to examine information about two-word combinations of 18-36-month-old toddlers and identify predictors of the two-word combinations in 18-36-month-old late talkers, and age-matched, and expressive vocabulary-matched typically developing toddlers.Methods: A total of 1,051 toddlers participated in this study, including 25-36-month-old late-talkers (LT) (N= 43), typically developing age-matched (AM) toddlers (N = 847), and typically developing expressive vocabulary-matched (VM) toddlers aged 18-24 months (N= 161). The study examines the data collected from Korean MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (K M-B CDI; Pae & Kwak, 2011). The dataset was obtained through the Wordbank website (wordbank.stanford.edu).Results: There were significant differences in the two-word combination utterance for each group. The most frequently represented group of the two-word combinations was the AM group with 12.6%, followed by the LT group with 4.7%, and the VM group with 0.6%. The factor significantly correlated with the two-word combinations was consistently found to be receptive vocabulary in all groups. In addition, the receptive vocabulary factor showed significant explanatory power for the two-word combinations only in the AM group.Conclusion: The LT group showed more two-word combinations yields than the younger VM group, suggesting that the age effect cannot be ignored for two-word combinations. Regarding the production of word classes, the percentage of noun production was the highest out of all the word classes, however the LT group’s production was significantly lower than the AM groups. In addition, the LT group lacked the proportion of adjectives compared with the VM group, which suggests that adjectives may be particularly difficult as they are used for describing abstract properties.
Self-perceived Social Communication Competence Profile of Korean Adolescents according to Gender and Coeducation Differences: Middle and High School Students
Authors: Lee Eun Ju
Published: July 2021

Objectives: This study was analyzed using the data of 2013 Korean Educational Longitudinal Study (KELS), a Korean adolescents’ panel study, to examine the social communication competence (SCC) development by gender and coeducation.Methods: Data from the second year of middle school and first year of high school were used in the “2013 Korean Education Longitudinal Study” conducted on Korean adolescents. Group differences (gender 2: male and female; coeducation 4: coeducation girls, coeducation boys, boys’ school, girls’ school; class 2: middle and high school) for the SCC questionnaire scores were analyzed using MANOVAs.Results: 1) Communication skill, social cognition, and the pragmatic language register did not differ depending on gender and coed groups, but most other SCC skills exhibited a high evaluation of female students. 2) In coeducational situations, boys had improved social abilities and non-verbal communication skills (F(3, 3029)= 2.88, p< .05; F(3, 3029)= 2.58, p=.052). 3) As the age of boys increased, the evaluation of their social & prosocial abilities increased more than that of the female students (F= 12.37, p< .001; F= 17.29, p< .001). 4) Boys’ experience in coeducation affected their social ability and nonverbal communication skills, while girls’ experience in girls’ middle school and coeducational high school affected their SCC evaluation average improvement.Conclusion: SCC scores can be influenced by gender and class or coeducation factors, so clinicians should consider gender and school background factors in their interpretation of the results of SCC assessment for adolescents.
Style transfer-based domain adaptation for vegetation segmentation with optical imagery
Authors: Schenkel Fabian , Hinz Stefan , Middelmann Wolfgang
Published: July 2021

Style transfer methods are an important task for domain adaptation of optical imagery to improve the performance of deep learning models when using different sensor systems. For the transformation between datasets, cycle-consistent adversarial networks achieve good results. However, during the style transfer process, characteristic spectral information that is essential for the analysis of vegetation could get lost. This issue is especially important since optical airborne- and spaceborne-based sensors are frequently used to investigate vegetation ground coverage and its condition. In this paper, we present a cycle-consistent adversarial domain adaptation method with four input channels for the segmentation of vegetation areas using index-based metrics. We show that our method preserves the specific ratio between the near-IR and RGB bands and improves the segmentation network performance for the target domain.
Fast, precise, and shape-flexible registration of wavefronts
Authors: Berlakovich Nikolaus , Csencsics Ernst , Fuerst Martin , Schitter Georg
Published: July 2021

A fast and precise algorithm for wavefront reconstruction by the
registration of wavefront segments is presented. If the wavefront
exceeds the sensor aperture or the dynamic range of the sensor, a
Shack–Hartmann sensor can measure only segments of an optical
wavefront. The algorithm registers the wavefront segments in parallel,
where they are simultaneously transformed to minimize their overlap
mismatch for precise reconstruction of the entire wavefront. The
original nonlinear optimization problem is approximated by a convex
optimization problem that can be solved more efficiently. A
simulation-based analysis of the algorithm and a comparison to a
previously proposed parallel registration (PR) algorithm as well as to
the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm are
presented. It is shown that despite measurement noise,
the algorithm can precisely register plane as well as divergent
wavefronts with root mean square registration errors smaller than
10 nm. Particularly for the divergent wavefront, this enables a
reduction of the registration error by a factor of up to 750 as
compared to the established algorithms. Analysis and comparison to the
ICP and PR algorithm also show that the computation time of the
proposed algorithm can be from one to three orders of magnitude
smaller.