bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Correlation of Clinical Features and Endolymphatic Hydrops Visualized by 3D-Real IR MRI in Children With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Chen Wei , Geng Yue , Luo Siqi , Lin Naier , Sha Yan
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

To investigate the correlation between clinical features and endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in children with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Methods:

We collected 30 SSNHL children aged ≤17 years old, all of whom underwent intravenous gadolinium injection. After 4 hours, inner ear 3-dimensional inversion recovery sequence with real reconstruction (3D-real IR) magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Combined with their medical history such as gender, age, disease course, hearing loss, and so on, the results were analyzed.

Results:

Different degrees of EH were shown in the vestibule or different turns of cochlea in the affected ears of SSNHL children, and 12 (40%) of 30 children showed positive EH. Age, low and middle frequency hearing loss, and other clinical symptoms such as dizziness and ear fullness have been shown to be related to a certain degree of EH in vestibule or cochlea, whereas no relationship was found between EH and other clinical features such as high-frequency hearing loss, gender, affected side, and tinnitus.

Conclusions:

Endolymphatic hydrops may not reflect the trend of disease progression over time in children with SSNHL, but the age of onset may be an important factor in the presence or absence of EH. Endolymphatic hydrops may be one of the causes of dizziness and ear fullness but has no obvious connection with the occurrence of tinnitus. Older SSNHL children with dizziness and ear fullness should maintain long-term follow-up to dynamically monitor the changes in EH.
Powerful Effects of Diagnostic Information on Automatic and Self-Reported Evaluation: The Moderating Role of Memory Recall
Authors: Van Dessel Pieter , Cone Jeremy , Gast Anne
Published: April 2021

We sometimes learn about certain behaviors of others that we consider diagnostic of their character (e.g., that they did immoral things). Recent research has shown that such information trumps the impact of other (less diagnostic) information both on self-reported evaluations and on more automatic evaluations as probed with indirect measures such as the Affect Misattribution Procedure (AMP). We examined whether facilitating memory recall of alternative information moderates the impact of diagnostic information on evaluation. In Experiments 1 and 2, participants learned one diagnostic positive and one diagnostic negative behavior of two unfamiliar people. Presenting a cue semantically related to this information during evaluation influenced AMP scores but not self-reported liking scores. Experiments 3 and 4 showed that elaborative rehearsal of low diagnostic information eliminated diagnosticity effects on AMP scores and reduced them on self-reported liking scores. These findings help elucidate the role of memory recall and diagnosticity in evaluation.
Music to My Ears: A Material-semiotic Analysis of Fetal Heart Sounds in Midwifery Prenatal Care
Authors: Skeide Annekatrin
Published: April 2021

Unlike sonographic examinations, sonic fetal heartbeat monitoring has received relatively little attention from scholars in the social sciences. Using the case of fetal heartbeat monitoring as part of midwifery prenatal care in Germany, this contribution introduces music as an analytical tool for exploring the aesthetic dimensions of obstetrical surveillance practices. Based on ethnographic stories, three orchestrations are compared in which three different instruments help audiences to listen to what becomes fetal heartbeat music and to qualify fetal and pregnant lives in relation to each other. In the Doppler-based orchestration, audible heartbeat music is taken as a sign of a child in need of parental love and care cultivated to listen. The Pinard horn makes esoteric fetal music that can be appreciated by the midwife as a skilled instrumentalist alone and helps to enact a child hidden in the belly. The cardiotocograph brings about soothing music and a reassuring relationship with a child but also durable scripts of juridical beauty. This material-semiotic analysis amplifies how well-being is shaped in midwifery prenatal care practices.
Mass aesthetic changes in the context of the development of world museums
Authors: He Yu , Chen Zheng
Published: April 2021

This article is relevant, as in the process when the world community is experiencing crisis phenomena in the public consciousness and social forms of existence, the change of the museum as an accumulator of works of art and cultural centres acquires historical significance. The novelty of the study is determined by the fact that exhibitions can be held not only online or during the period when museums act as cultural centres. The purpose of the study is to research the aesthetic changes in the context of global art communication through exhibition areas in the world of museums. The leading research method was comparative analysis, thanks to which mass aesthetic changes in the process of changing the global socio-economic environment were studied. The basis for the work of UNESCO as a global repository and management centre in the museum community was shown. The authors note that the formation of museum competence and a change in the aesthetics of mass consciousness on this basis is possible only if the structural content of the coordination of museum art. The authors see the creation of a single-world museum centre as the basis for such a change.
Men and Their Moments: Character-Driven Ethnography and Interaction Analysis in a Park Basketball Rule Dispute
Authors: DeLand Michael F.
Published: April 2021

Both conversation-analytic and ethnographic studies of interaction tend to isolate situated conduct from the full biographical context that is meaningful to actors. This article argues that there are good analytic reasons to recover some of that biographical context by incorporating character-driven ethnographic representation within interactionist research. I make this case in reference to a rule dispute captured on video during an ethnography of a public park basketball game. Through a biographically contextualized analysis of players’ situated conduct, I show how character representation allows unspoken threads of actors’ lives to become analytic resources. Incorporating biographical context also opens a methodological path for interactionists to leverage the close-up study of situated encounters for empirical claims about broader forms of social organization. In this case, I argue that character-driven representation allows for an analysis that identifies rule disputes as an interactional mechanism of socially integrative park use.
Further Research Needed to Understand Relationship Between Tubarial Glands and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Authors: Wu Matthew J. , Knoll Renata M. , Chari Divya A. , Remenschneider Aaron K. , Faquin William C. , Kozin Elliott D. , Poe Dennis S.
Published: April 2021

The pathophysiology of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) remains poorly characterized, and it may result in significant patient morbidity. A recent study has identified a collection of previously unidentified salivary glands in the nasopharynx that overlay the torus tubarius. While salivary gland tissue has been described in the nasopharynx, the newly discovered salivary gland tissue has been denoted tubarial glands (TGs) and theorized to be a distinct organ. The TGs have been suggested to aid in lubrication of the oropharynx and nasopharynx. However, the exact clinical significance of TGs is unknown. Given the proximity of the TG to the eustachian tube, it is possible that the TGs may be related to the development of ETD. Future studies of the TGs and related pathophysiology may improve approaches to developing future ETD treatments.
Graduate Medical Education in Otolaryngology: Making Dollars and Sense of Reform
Authors: Chen Jenny X. , Shah Shivani A. , Rathi Vinay K. , Varvares Mark A. , Gray Stacey T.
Published: April 2021

Graduate medical education (GME) is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through both direct and indirect payments. In recent years, stakeholders have raised concerns about the growth of spending on GME and distribution of payment among hospitals. Key stakeholders have proposed reforms to reduce GME funding such as adjustments to statutory payment formulas and absolute caps on annual payments per resident. Otolaryngology departmental leadership should understand the potential effects of proposed reforms, which could have significant implications for the short‐term financial performance and the long‐term specialty workforce. Although some hospitals and departments may elect to reduce resident salaries or eliminate positions in the face of GME funding cuts, this approach overlooks the substantial Medicare revenue contributed by resident care and high cost of alternative labor sources. Commitment to resident training is necessary to align both the margin and mission of otolaryngology departments and their sponsoring hospitals.
A 2020 Update on Public Awareness of Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Torabi Sina J. , Kasle David A. , Su‐Velez Brooke M. , Mehra Saral , Day Terry A. , Yarbrough Wendell G. , St. John Maie , Judson Benjamin L.
Published: April 2021

Objective

To assess knowledge regarding head and neck cancers (HNCs) in 2020, factors associated with knowledge of the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in HNCs, and factors associated with exposure to Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week (OHANCAW).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

Online.

Methods

The survey was distributed to 517 participants via a paid panel and utilized US Census–built quotas to represent the US population.

Results

Participants surpassed 50% awareness rates in only 5 of 10 (50.0%), 2 of 6 (33.3%), and 5 of 9 (55.5%) preselected answer choices for subsites, risk factors, and signs/symptoms of HNCs, respectively. Knowledge of HPV’s role in oropharyngeal cancer was also low, at 30.6%. However, of the controlled variables, exposure to OHANCAW was closely associated with knowledge of HPV’s role in HNC (odds ratio, 10.25; 95% CI, 5.36‐19.62). Women and elderly individuals were less likely to be exposed to OHANCAW, while those with higher education, those who drink heavily (>4 drinks/d), and current but not former tobacco users were more likely to be exposed.

Conclusions

Knowledge of HNCs and the causal role of HPV remains suboptimal, though our results suggest that OHANCAW remains a viable educational pathway. However, certain at‐risk populations, such as former smokers and older individuals, whom we may not be effectively reaching and screening, represent a priority for future outreach efforts.
Advance care planning and end-of-life care in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: The perspective of relatives
Authors: Stoevelaar Rik , Stoppelenburg Arianne , van Bruchem-Visser Rozemarijn L , van Driel Anne Geert , Theuns Dominic AMJ , Lokker Martine E , Bhagwandien Rohit E , Heide Agnes van der , Rietjens Judith AC
Published: April 2021

Background:

Little is known about the last phase of life of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators and the practice of advance care planning in this population.

Aim:

To describe the last phase of life and advance care planning process of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and to assess relatives’ satisfaction with treatment and care.

Design:

Mixed-methods study, including a survey and focus group study.

Setting/participants:

A survey among 170 relatives (response rate 59%) reporting about 154 deceased patients, and 5 subsequent focus groups with 23 relatives.

Results:

Relatives reported that 38% of patients had a conversation with a healthcare professional about implantable cardioverter defibrillator deactivation. Patients’ and relatives’ lack of knowledge about device functioning and the perceived lack of time of healthcare professionals were frequently mentioned barriers to advance care planning. Twenty-four percent of patients experienced a shock in the last month of life, which were, according to relatives, distressing for 74% of patients and 73% of relatives. Forty-two to sixty-one percent of relatives reported to be satisfied with different aspects of end-of-life care, such as the way in which wishes of the patient were respected. Quality of death was scored higher for patients with a deactivated device than those with an active device (6.74 vs 5.67 on a 10-point scale, p = 0.012).

Conclusions:

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator deactivation was discussed with a minority of patients. Device shocks were reported to be distressing to patients and relatives. Relatives of patients with a deactivated device reported a higher quality of death compared to relatives of patients with an active device.
Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome caused by the ingestion of Gynura segetum in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis: a case report
Authors: Cen Panpan , Ding Jiexia , Jin Jie
Published: April 2021

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) is a rare hepatic vascular disorder characterized by intrahepatic congestion, liver injury, and post-sinusoidal portal hypertension, and it is frequently associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In this study, we observed a case of HSOS associated with the ingestion of Gynura segetum, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)-containing Chinese herb, in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis. The patient was a 43-year-old man with chief complaints of physical asthenia and a loss of appetite for more than a month. The diagnosis of HSOS combined with alcoholic cirrhosis was confirmed via the histopathological examination of liver tissues. With proper supportive and symptomatic care and anticoagulation therapy using low-molecular-weight heparin, the patient’s condition was stabilized. Because of its nonspecific symptoms in the early stage and a lack of information about PA consumption, PA-induced HSOS (PA-HSOS) has been long neglected, especially in patients with underlying liver diseases. Early identification and intervention are critical for optimizing outcomes. Further efforts are needed to supervise the use of PA-containing herbal medicines and identify accurate biomarkers for PA-HSOS.
Endovascular stenting and coil embolization for management of radiation-induced pseudoaneurysms of the peripheral arteries
Authors: Chang Hai-yang , Liu Zhen-guo , Li Yu-Liang , Liu Bin , Wang Wu-Jie , Wang Wei , Wang Yong-Zheng
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular stenting and embolization for the management of radiation-induced peripheral arterial pseudoaneurysms.

Methods

Twelve consecutive patients with radiation-induced peripheral arterial pseudoaneurysms (diameter of 10–30 mm and mean size of 20.42 mm) were admitted to our hospital from 1 January 2015 to 31 October 2019. The patients’ baseline characteristics, perioperative parameters, device characteristics, and curative effects were systematically recorded and analyzed.

Results

The 12 patients comprised 3 men and 9 women with a mean age of 62.90 ± 13.97 years. The iliac artery was the most commonly involved artery, followed by the subclavian artery. In all patients, the pseudoaneurysms were detected by enhanced computed tomography. Twelve covered stents were deployed (7 or 8 mm in diameter and 50 mm in length). Additional coil embolization was performed in three patients (Patients 8, 9, and 10). The primary and secondary technical success rate was 91.7% and 100%, respectively. Apart from one death caused by rebleeding, no patients developed rebleeding during follow-up.

Conclusion

Endovascular stenting and coil embolization are feasible and effective for the management of radiation-induced peripheral arterial pseudoaneurysms in highly selected patients.
Is vitamin K2 a treatment choice for atypical femoral fractures in patients with secondary osteoporosis?
Authors: Wang Bingzhang , Tang Jiahao , Weng Sheji , Chen Liang , Wu Zongyi , Xie Zhongjie , Yang Lei
Published: April 2021

An atypical femoral fracture (AFF) is a rare complication associated with excessive inhibition of osteoclast expression during treatment of osteoporosis. We herein describe a patient who had been treated with alendronate for more than 10 years and subsequently developed an AFF that healed after treatment with vitamin K2 (VK2). We also discuss the potential beneficial effects of VK2 on the healing of AFFs. A 48-year-old Asian man with secondary osteoporosis was treated with alendronate for more than 10 years. The patient underwent surgical treatment for a complete AFF of the right femur. Six months postoperatively, he complained of pain in his left thigh. X-ray examination revealed an incomplete AFF of the left femoral shaft. He was then treated with VK2. After 4 months of VK2 treatment, the patient reported that the pain in his left thigh had decreased, and follow-up X-ray examination demonstrated healing of the left AFF line. This case report indicates that VK2 may be a potential direction for pharmacological treatment of AFFs in future research.
SELE gene as a characteristic prognostic biomarker of colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Na , Xiao Honghe , Shen Jiangli , Qiao Ximin , Zhang Fenjuan , Zhang Weibo , Gao Yuan , Liu Yue Dong
Published: April 2021

Objective

To investigate the expression and clinical value of the E-selectin gene ( SELE) in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Using gene expression profiles and clinicopathological data for patients with CRC from The Cancer Genome Atlas, and tumor and adjacent normal tissues from 31 patients with CRC from Xianyang Central Hospital, we studied the correlation between SELE gene expression and clinical parameters using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

Results

Higher expression of SELE was significantly associated with a poorer prognosis and shorter survival in patients with CRC. The median expression level of SELE was significantly higher in CRC tissues compared with healthy adjacent tissue. Cox regression analysis showed that the prognosis of CRC was significantly correlated with the expression of SELE. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed that positive expression of E-selectin increased significantly in line with increasing TNM stage. Conclusion: This study confirmed that SELE gene expression is an independent prognostic factor in patients with CRC.
Retrievable inferior vena cava filter to prevent pulmonary embolism in patients with fractures and deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities: a single-center experience
Authors: Huang Junjie , Dai Xiangchen , Zhang Xiujun , Li Junhai , Huang Mei , Liu Cunfa , Zhao Ziyuan , Xiao Lei , Liu Liguo , Li Nan , Kong Jingbo , Han Xiaolei
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of inserting a retrievable inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with bone fractures and acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) before major orthopedic surgery.

Methods

Clinical data of patients with fractures and acute DVT who underwent IVCF insertion were analyzed. The patients were divided into above-knee DVT (AKDVT), popliteal vein thrombosis (PVT), and below-knee DVT (BKDVT) groups.

Results

An IVCF was successfully implanted in 964 patients, among whom 929 were followed up (335, 470, and 124 in AKDVT, PVT, and BKDVT groups, respectively). There was no significant difference in the incidence of filter thrombosis among the groups (11.04%, 11.70%, and 8.06%, respectively). No symptomatic PE occurred during follow-up. The mean filter indwelling time was 18.4 ± 4.3 days, and the total filter removal rate was 76.87%. There was no significant difference in the rate of filter implantation, retrieval, complications, or mortality among the groups.

Conclusions

Retrievable filters can effectively prevent PE before orthopedic surgery in patients with fractures and acute DVT of the lower limbs. AKDVT more readily forms a ≥1-cm thrombus in the IVCF than does BKDVT, and PVT more readily forms a <1-cm thrombus than does AKDVT.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis due to external compression of internal jugular vein
Authors: Guan Jingwei , Song Siying , Wang Wei , Ji Xunming , Meng Ran
Published: April 2021

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a special subtype of stroke that may be life-threatening in severe cases. CVST has distinct risk factors and is frequently overlooked because of its initially nonspecific clinical presentation. We herein describe a 72-year-old man who developed CVST in the right lateral sinus. Despite the absence of common risk factors in this patient, he developed external compression of the bilateral internal jugular veins by a lateral mass of the C1 vertebra and expansion of the carotid artery. Because of his elevated D-dimer and fibrinogen concentrations, which are associated with ongoing activation of the coagulation system, the patient underwent treatment with batroxobin combined with anticoagulation. Recanalization of the sinus was achieved, and his high intracranial pressure and papilledema remarkably decreased. We conclude that external compression of the internal jugular veins, which can be identified with three-dimensional computed tomography venography, may be an important risk factor for CVST.
Association between a low dose of proton pump inhibitors and kidney function decline in elderly hypertensive patients: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Wakabayashi Tomohito , Hosohata Keiko , Oyama Saki , Inada Ayaka , Niinomi Iku , Kambara Hiroko , Iida Tatsuya , Hasebe Keiko , Matsuoka Hiroyuki , Uchida Mayako , Kumagai Etsuko
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for acid suppression therapy. Recently, PPI use was reported to be associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, whether a low dose of PPIs is associated with CKD remains unknown.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included hypertensive patients who visited Kenwakai Hospital between 2017 and 2019. Renal parameters, such as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine (Scr), were extracted from medical records and compared between three years before treatment and the baseline. PPI use was assessed as cumulative exposure for three years.

Results

The study population included 152 patients (57.9% men; mean age, 74.5 years). Of those, 35.5% were PPI users (low dose, 17.1%; high dose, 18.4%). A significant decrease in eGFR and an increase in Scr were observed between three years before treatment and the baseline in the high-dose PPI group but not the non-use or low-dose PPI groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a low dose of PPIs may be safe in clinical settings, but further prospective studies are needed to clarify our findings.
Comparative study of arthroscopic Bankart repair versus open Latarjet procedure for recurrent shoulder dislocation
Authors: Rai Saroj , Tamang Nira , Sharma Laxmi Kanta , Marasini Rudra Prasad , Singh Janith Lal , Khanal Kiran , Ghimire KC Milan , Sherchan Binod
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair and the open Latarjet procedure for recurrent dislocation of the shoulder. The secondary aims were to assess and compare the surgical cost, patient satisfaction, and complications, including recurrence and infection.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes of all consecutive patients undergoing either arthroscopic Bankart repair or the open Latarjet procedure from May 2015 to May 2018 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Forty-one patients (32 men, 9 women) in the Bankart group and 40 patients (34 men, 6 women) in the Latarjet group were available for the final follow-up.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the demographic parameters or clinical outcomes between the two groups. Functional satisfaction was higher with the Latarjet procedure. Bankart repair had a significantly higher operating cost than the Latarjet procedure. Three patients in the Bankart group and no patients in the Latarjet group developed recurrence.

Conclusion

Both procedures provided satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, the Latarjet group had a higher rate of functional satisfaction and lower operating cost, and there was a trend toward higher recurrence in the arthroscopic Bankart group.
No Choice but to Be Essential: Expanding Dimensions of Precarity During COVID-19
Authors: Loustaunau Lola , Stepick Lina , Scott Ellen , Petrucci Larissa , Henifin Miriam
Published: April 2021

Under COVID-19, low-wage service sector workers found themselves as essential workers vulnerable to intensified precarity. Based on in-depth interviews with a sample of 52 low-wage service workers interviewed first in Summer 2019 and then in the last two weeks of April 2020, we argue that COVID-19 has created new and heightened dimensions of precarity for low-wage workers. They experience (1) moments of what we call precarious stability, in which an increase in hours and predictable schedules is accompanied by unpredictability in the tasks workers are assigned, (2) increased threats to bodily integrity, and (3) experiences of fear and anxiety as background conditions of work and intensified emotional labor. The impacts of COVID-19 on workers’ lives warrant an expanded conceptualization of precarity that captures the dynamic and shifting nature of precarious stability and must incorporate workers’ limited control over their bodily integrity and emotions as core components of precarious working conditions.
The Role of Mating-relevant Factors in the Perpetration of Digital Dating Abuse
Authors: Bhogal Manpal Singh , Tudor Courtney , Hira Simran
Published: April 2021

Previous research has explored offline intimate partner violence from an evolutionary perspective, primarily focusing on the role of individual differences in perpetration and victimization. However, a current form of intimate partner violence is digital dating abuse, which involves abuse toward a romantic partner, occuring online through the use of electronic communication technology. This form of abuse differs from offline abuse, in that physical proximity is not required. Although research has focused on the effects digital dating abuse has on victims, little research has focused on the perpetration of digital dating abuse. This is important as research focused on perpetration can inform a wide range of initiatives geared toward understanding the factors which drive this behavior. Recent research has focused on evolutionary mating-relevant factors that drive the perpetration of digital dating abuse. Here, we extended and replicated previous work by reporting two studies (study 1, n = 114; study 2, n = 162) which explored the roles of mate value discrepancy, intrasexual competition, and relationship-contingent self-esteem in the perpetration of digital dating abuse. We found that mate value discrepancy (studies 1 and 2) and intrasexual competition (study 2) positively predicted the perpetration of digital dating abuse. To our knowledge, this article is the first to provide support that those who report high intrasexual competition, engage in greater levels of digital dating abuse, thus furthering theoretical advancements in this field by showing digital dating abuse is a mate retention tactic. Our findings further our understanding of online behavior in romantic relationships through an evolutionary psychological lens.
Dyadic Loneliness and Changes to HbA1c Among Older US Couples: The Role of Marital Support as Stress Buffer
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey E. , Barooah Adrita
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Both experiencing loneliness and having a lonely partner can be psychosocial stressors, with implications for health. Yet, marital support may buffer against the cardiometabolic effects of loneliness. This study examines (1) whether own and/or partner’s loneliness predict changes in HbA1c over 4 years and (2) whether marital support moderates these effects. Methods: Actor–partner interdependence models analyzed data from 1,854 older couples who provided psychosocial and biomarker data at two timepoints (2008/2012 or 2010/2014) of the Health and Retirement Study. Results: Neither partner’s loneliness predicted changes in HbA1c overall. However, significant interactions indicated that both own baseline loneliness and partner’s baseline loneliness predicted significant increases to HbA1c over 4 years among those who reported below-average marital support. Discussion: Both the experience of loneliness and loneliness of a dyadic partner may have longitudinal consequences for cardiometabolic health. However, these effects are contingent upon perceived quality of the marriage, specifically marital support.
Accountability and the Fear of the Lord
Authors: Evans C. Stephen
Published: April 2021

Why did the Biblical writers see the fear of the Lord as a virtue that is conducive to human flourishing? It is difficult for contemporary readers to understand how fear of anything can be virtuous. I propose that the fear of the Lord should be understood as accountability to God. I defend the claim that someone who displays excellence in an accountability relationship does display a virtue, and that this virtue is particularly valuable when exercised in relation to God. If we reject an individualistic view of moral motivation inspired by Kant, we can see that being held accountable does not necessarily diminish personal autonomy. The primary motivation for the person who has the virtue of accountability is not fear of punishment, but a desire to do what is right because it is right, rooted in an appreciation of the standing of one to whom one is accountable.
Flexible and color-tunable poly(ether ether ketone) co-coordinated with Eu(III) and Tb(III) fluorescent films: Thermal stability and luminescence property
Authors: Wei Junji , Huang Wen , Song Jiale , Hui Jizhuang , Duan Yajun , Duan Yanan , Wang Fengyan , Yan Ni , Li Shuhan
Published: April 2021

In this work, a novel kind of carboxyl-containing poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK-COOH) was successfully synthesized and carefully characterized. Based on PEEK-COOH as macromolecular ligands, a series of luminescent rare earth polymer complexes (PEEKn-Eux-Tb1-x) were prepared and made into flexible films. The effects of the ratio of carboxyl ligand to rare earth ions on fluorescence intensity of complexes were studied and discussed. When the molar ratio was 6:1, the fluorescence emission intensity reached a maximum. Furthermore, the relative emission intensity of Tb3+ and Eu3+ binary system depended on their ratio and the intensity of fluorescence emission peak exhibited continuous change. Because of this, the color of the prepared fluorescent films could range from bright green to fire red, and each color has high purity. The fluorescence lifetime of complexes ranged from 0.428 to 0.511 ms. Absolute quantum yield of PEEK-Eu0.4-Tb0.6 was 8.4%. Beside this, these fluorescence films exhibited a high thermal stability with 5 wt. % in the range of 240–250°C, and its tensile strength was about 28 MPa. In addition, PEEKn-Eux-Tb1-x films possessed good optical transparency. All the interesting results suggested the potential application of the luminescent rare earth polymer complexes in display devices and photo-electronic devices.
Adaptive spiral tool path generation for computer numerical control machining using point cloud
Authors: Dhanda Mandeep , Kukreja Aman , Pande SS
Published: April 2021

This paper reports a novel method to generate adaptive spiral tool path for the CNC machining of complex sculptured surface represented in the form of cloud of points without the need for surface fitting. The algorithm initially uses uniform 2 D circular mesh-grid to compute the cutter location (CL) points by applying the tool inverse offset method (IOM). These CL points are refined adaptively till the surface form errors converge below the prescribed tolerance limits in both circumferential and radial directions. They are further refined to eliminate the redundancy in machining and generate optimum region wise tool path to minimize the tool lifts. The NC part programs generated by our algorithm were widely tested for different case studies using the commercial CNC simulator as well as by the actual machining trial. Finally, a comparative study was done between our developed system and the commercial CAM software. The results showed that our system is more efficient and robust in terms of the obtained surface quality, productivity, and memory requirement.
Optimization of sound transmission loss of open acoustic barriers with respect to unit cell topology
Authors: Li Nan , Tahar Mabrouk Ben , Sui Fusheng
Published: April 2021

Open acoustic barriers exhibit excellent sound transmission reduction property at a certain frequency/frequencies which highly depends on the configuration of its unit cell. Design of unit cell configuration for minimum sound transmission at predefined objective frequency remains an open question. This paper aims at providing an automatic design method for open acoustic barriers with multi-material unit cell. Firstly, a wave finite element method is developed to calculate the sound transmission through an infinite array of periodic scatterers. As the unit cell contains infinite fluid domain, the application of Floquet-Bloch theorem to the boundaries of perfectly match layers (PML) is necessary and has been resolved in this paper. This wave finite element method with the implementation of PML is validated by comparing to analytical solution of sound transmission through an array of steel cylinders. Then a genetic algorithm is employed to optimize the sound transmission loss with respect to material distribution of a bi-material unit cell. Finally, the effectiveness of this inverse design is demonstrated by examples with different predefined frequencies. Corresponding unit cell typologies are obtained and the dips of sound power transmission coefficient curve are successfully tuned to objective frequencies.
A hybrid of fast K-nearest neighbor and improved directed acyclic graph support vector machine for large-scale supersonic inlet flow pattern recognition
Authors: Wu Huan , Zhao Yong-Ping , Hui-Jun Tan
Published: April 2021

Inlet flow pattern recognition is one of the most crucial issues and also the foundation of protection control for supersonic air-breathing propulsion systems. This article proposes a hybrid algorithm of fast K-nearest neighbors (F-KNN) and improved directed acyclic graph support vector machine (I-DAGSVM) to solve this issue based on a large amount of experimental data. The basic idea behind the proposed algorithm is combining F-KNN and I-DAGSVM together to reduce the classification error and computational cost when dealing with big data. The proposed algorithm first finds a small set of nearest samples from the training set quickly by F-KNN and then trains a local I-DAGSVM classifier based on these nearest samples. Compared with standard KNN which needs to compare each test sample with the entire training set, F-KNN uses an efficient index-based strategy to quickly find nearest samples, but there also exists misclassification when the number of nearest samples belonging to different classes is the same. To cope with this, I-DAGSVM is adopted, and its tree structure is improved by a measure of class separability to overcome the sequential randomization in classifier generation and to reduce the classification error. In addition, the proposed algorithm compensates for the expensive computational cost of I-DAGSVM because it only needs to train a local classifier based on a small number of samples found by F-KNN instead of all training samples. With all these strategies, the proposed algorithm combines the advantages of both F-KNN and I-DAGSVM and can be applied to the issue of large-scale supersonic inlet flow pattern recognition. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in terms of classification accuracy and test time.
Triad of foot deformities and its conservative treatment: With a 3D customized insole
Authors: Yildiz Kadri , Medetalibeyoglu Fatih , Kaymaz Irfan , Ulusoy Gokhan Ragip
Published: April 2021

The coexisting of three deformities as hallux valgus, flatfoot, and the calcaneal spur is an undefined medical condition, and it may be called triad of foot deformities (TFD) as a definition for a new disease entity. A customized 3D insole prototype was created by postprocessing of MRI data, and printed by 3D printer technology for the purpose of providing effective and innovative treatment for TFD. A 42 years-old female was clinically examined for TFD findings. All radiological measurements were made on the weightbearing anteroposterior and lateral X-rays. The patient underwent the pedogram (RSscan International, footscan©). MRI images were taken for the purpose of 3D scanning that was used for producing the 3D splint for TFD. AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores) and FHSQ (Foot Health Status Questionnaire) were used for clinical follow-up. MRI images of the patient were imported to Mimics software in order to create a 3D model using image processing. Thus, Patient-Specific 3D customized silicone orthotic insole that was based on 3D printing technology was produced. The one-simple test was used to compare the results of AOFAS and FHSQ scores. The measurements of radiological measurements were given. On the clinical follow-up, AOFAS was FHSQ scores were obtained. There was a significant difference in terms of AOFAS and FHSQ scores ( p ≤ 0.05). As a result of our study; our 3D customized insole was produced at the price of approximately 1/3 of the total cost of three standard medical products. The coexisting of these three deformities may be called triad of foot deformities (TFD). The 3D printer technology enables us to access a customized, personalized conservative treatment option for TFD. The conservative treatment of TFD is possible by a single orthotic insole.
Protective effects of zingerone on high cholesterol diet-induced atherosclerosis through lipid regulatory signaling pathway
Authors: Geng X , Liu H , Yuwen Q , Wang J , Zhang S , Zhang X , Sun J
Published: April 2021

Aim:

A high cholesterol diet (HCD) is known to cause metabolic dysregulation, oxidative stress, cardiovascular diseases and atherogenesis. Zingerone is a pharmacologically active component of dry ginger. Zingerone has been shown to have a wide range of pharmacological properties, including scavenging free radicals, high antioxidant activity, suppressing lipid peroxidation and anti-inflammatory. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Zingerone on HCD-induced atherosclerosis in rats.

Methods:

Animals were divided into four categories (n = 6). Group I: normal control, Group II: zingerone control (20 mg/kg b.wt.), group III: HCD-induced atherosclerosis, Group IV: HCD + zingerone, respectively, for 8 weeks.

Results:

The HCD-fed rats resulted in a significant increase in an atherosclerotic lesion, lipid peroxidation, lipid profile, high-density lipoprotein concentration, cardiac markers, body weight, reduced antioxidant status, and displayed atherosclerosis. These findings were conventional by up-regulated expression of lipid regulatory genes like sterol-regulatory-element-binding protein-c (SREBP-c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS), liver X receptor–alpha (LXR-α), and down-regulated expression of acetyl-CoA oxidase (ACO), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) in HCD-fed rats. These significant changes were observed in the zingerone-treated rats for the last 4 weeks.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that zingerone reduced atherosclerosis by modulated the atherosclerotic lesion, lipid profile, antioxidant status and lipid regulatory gene expression in HCD-fed rats.
Calibration of surgical tools using multilevel modeling with LINEX loss function: Theory and experiment
Authors: Azimaee Parisa , Jafari Jozani Mohammad , Maddahi Yaser
Published: April 2021

Quantifying the tool–tissue interaction forces in surgery can be used in the training process of novice surgeons to help them better handle surgical tools and avoid exerting excessive forces. A significant challenge concerns the development of proper statistical learning techniques to model the relationship between the true force exerted on the tissue and several outputs read from sensors mounted on the surgical tools. We propose a nonparametric bootstrap technique and a Bayesian multilevel modeling methodology to estimate the true forces. We use the linear exponential loss function to asymmetrically penalize the over and underestimation of the applied forces to the tissue. We incorporate the direction of the force as a group factor in our analysis. A weighted approach is used to account for the nonhomogeneity of read voltages from the surgical tool. Our proposed Bayesian multilevel models provide estimates that are more accurate than those under the maximum likelihood and restricted maximum likelihood approaches. Moreover, confidence bounds are much narrower and the biases and root mean squared errors are significantly smaller in our multilevel models with the linear exponential loss function.
Recent Findings on Cell-Based Therapies for COVID19-Related Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Chuang Hong-Meng , Ho Li-Ing , Harn Horng-Jyh , Liu Ching-Ann
Published: April 2021

COVID-19 has spread worldwide, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy, along with its site of origin in China, since 2020. The virus was first found in the Wuhan seafood market at the end of 2019, with a controversial source. The clinical symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and respiratory tract inflammation, with some severe patients developing an acute and chronic lung injury, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF). It has already claimed approximately 300 thousand human lives and the number is still on the rise; the only way to prevent the infection is to be safe till vaccines and reliable treatments develop. In previous studies, the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in clinical trials had been proven to be effective in immune modulation and tissue repair promotion; however, their efficacy in treating COVID-19 remains underestimated. Here, we report the findings from past experiences of SARS and MSCs, and how SARS could also induce PF. Such studies may help to understand the rationale for the recent cell-based therapies for COVID-19.
Greatly increased Victorian outpatient private psychiatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic: new MBS-telehealth-item and face-to-face psychiatrist office-based services from April–September 2020
Authors: Looi Jeffrey C L , Allison Stephen , Kisely Stephen R , Pring William , Reay Rebecca E , Bastiampillai Tarun
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The Australian Federal government introduced new COVID-19-Psychiatrist-Medicare-Benefits-Schedule (MBS) telehealth-items to assist with providing private specialist care. We investigate private psychiatrists’ uptake of telehealth, and face-to-face consultations for April–September 2020 for the state of Victoria, which experienced two consecutive waves of COVID-19. We compare these to the same 6 months in 2019.

Method:

MBS-item-consultation data were extracted for video, telephone and face-to-face consultations with a psychiatrist for April–September 2020 and compared to face-to-face consultations in the same period of 2019 Victoria-wide, and for all of Australia.

Results:

Total Victorian psychiatry consultations (telehealth and face-to-face) rose by 19% in April–September 2020 compared to 2019, with telehealth comprising 73% of this total. Victoria’s increase in total psychiatry consultations was 5% higher than the all-Australian increase. Face-to-face consultations in April–September 2020 were only 46% of the comparative 2019 consultations. Consultations of less than 15 min duration (87% telephone and 13% video) tripled in April–September 2020, compared to the same period last year. Video consultations comprised 41% of total telehealth provision: these were used mainly for new patient assessments and longer consultations.

Conclusions:

During the pandemic, Victorian private psychiatrists used COVID-19-MBS-telehealth-items to substantially increase the number of total patient care consultations for 2020 compared to 2019.
School teachers: the forgotten frontline workers of Covid-19
Authors: Beames Joanne R , Christensen Helen , Werner-Seidler Aliza
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Australian school teachers have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Teachers have had to face relentless and challenging working conditions, take on new roles and responsibilities, and embrace new ways of working. We searched reports and the available research literature on teacher mental health between September 2020 and October 2020. In our perspective piece, we summarise this literature and draw attention to the struggles of Australian school teachers and how Covid-19 has impacted their mental health.

Conclusions:

To date, there has been a lack of research focusing on teacher mental health both internationally and in Australia. That which is available indicates that teacher mental health is likely to have deteriorated substantially during the pandemic. We position teachers as the forgotten frontline of Covid-19 and make recommendations to facilitate improvements into the future.
Perceptions of District- and School-Level Special Education Leaders on Guardianship and Adult Decision-Making Support
Authors: Plotner Anthony J. , Walters Charles B.
Published: April 2021

There are many known barriers facing youth with disabilities as they make the transition from high school to their adult lives. One potential barrier receiving increased attention over the last 5 years is guardianship, the court petition-driven process by which adults with disabilities are declared incapacitated (i.e., unable to make or communicate decisions regarding their affairs). The result of this process is the appointment of a surrogate decision-maker known as a guardian. Depending on the nature of the court order, some rights like entering into contracts might transfer to the guardian, other rights may be retained by the “ward,” and other rights like marrying might be removed altogether. Guardianship has been framed as antithetical to the aims of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and contrary to research demonstrating the importance of self-determination for young adults with disabilities. Few studies, however, have examined the perspectives of professionals in special education leadership roles on issues related to special education, guardianship, self-determination, and alternatives to guardianship. This study surveyed professionals in district- and school-level special education leadership roles ( N = 117) to examine their perspectives on what “should” be done and what is actually being done relative to issues surrounding guardianship in their district. Subsequent descriptive and inferential analyses show a stark incongruence between that which professionals value regarding this domain and the current reality of practice in their local areas. Salient findings with important implications for special education policy and future research are presented and discussed.