bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Mechanical Cardiac Support
Authors: McNally Alexander P. , Bandy Nicholas L. , Yahn Colten , Luo Jiangtao , Collins Jay
Published: August 2020

Background

Mechanical cardiac support (MCS) is a lifesaving therapy option in patients with heart failure and other medical disorders. However, there is an associated risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). The goal of this study was to determine GIB incidence and associated risk factors.

Methods

All patients at one institution from 2009 to 2018 under durable and nondurable support were retrospectively reviewed for GIB during their MCS period. Clinical records were evaluated for patient demographics, GIB characteristics, and interventions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare patient groups.

Results

A total of 427 patients were reviewed, with 111 (25.9%) patients representing 218 episodes of GIB during our study period. The incidence rate from support initiation to GIB was 44.9% by 6 months and 60.6% in 12 months, occurring at a mean of 216.7 days. Higher rates of bleeding were found in patients with hypertension (82% vs 71.5%; P = .03) and diabetes mellitus (62.2% vs 38.3%; P < .0001), as well as pulmonary (48.7% vs 35.4%; P = .014), hepatic (21.6% vs 10.4%; P = .003), and renal disease (48.7% vs 37.3%; P = .037). Endoscopy revealed an upper GI source in 56% (n = 123) of bleeds. The most common etiology of bleeding included angiodysplasia/vascular malformation (35.7%). Therapeutic intervention was performed in 109 (50%) cases, with only 1 surgical intervention.

Discussion

Overall, GIB can be a significant adverse event in patients under mechanical cardiac support, so proper management of anticoagulation and early endoscopy evaluation remains of great importance.
Interaction Between Coronavirus S-Protein and Human ACE2: Hints for Exploring Efficient Therapeutic Targets to Treat COVID-19
Authors: Momtazi-Borojeni Amir Abbas , Banach Maciej , Reiner Željko , Pirro Matteo , Bianconi Vanessa , Al-Rasadi Khalid , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2020

With the global expansion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the declaration of its outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization, there is an urgent need for vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19. The responsible pathogen for the disease is the newly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) 2 belonging to the same family of viruses SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus that originally are zoonotic and have been associated with severe illness during the outbreaks in 2003 and 2012, respectively. The virulence of coronavirus strains is mainly associated with variations in surface proteins mediating cellular entry of the virus, which can help in finding effective therapeutic targets. In this review, we seek evidence showing the role of coronavirus spike protein (S-protein) and its potential cellular receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), during infection of coronaviruses, including the newly SARS-CoV-2 and its similar strain SARS-CoV. This review also discusses the therapeutic effect of inhibiting the renin–angiotensin system cascade, a target of ACE2, in patients having coronavirus with cardiovascular disease.
Conductive Preaching: Narratology, Homiletics, and the Poststructural Turn
Authors: Myers Jacob D.
Published: August 2020

This paper traces the major shifts that have taken place in the field of homiletics over the last century, focusing especially on the formation of the “New Homiletic,” a reversal of the movement of preaching from deduction (essay-like) to induction (story-like). Next, the paper engages the so-called poststructural turn in literary theory and philosophy, articulating the ways that these developments challenge the movement of homiletics. Lastly, in critical conversation with the history of homiletics as well as the impact of poststructural theory, this paper offers a new way of conceiving the movement of preaching as neither deductive nor inductive, but conductive.
The Influence of the Bible in Shaping the Negative Viewpoint of Korean Christians towards Nature
Authors: Shin Hyunte
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes that the tremendous influence of certain brands of Western theology, historical premillennialism and premillennial dispensationalism, associated with the biblical literalism and dispensationalism which the early western missionaries to Korea taught to the early Korean Protestants, was one of the causes of indifference towards environment. Premillennialism, especially, premillennial dispensationalism has several key doctrines which lead to a negative attitude towards the environment: that the natural world is destined to be totally destroyed by God’s judgment and the devoted believers will be caught up (rapture) in the air from this wicked world in order to be with Christ prior to the great tribulation and then, will return to reign over the world forever. These doctrinal constructs bring certain eschatological N.T texts into clear and central focus, such as (Mk 13:24-27; 1Thess 4:13-5:11; Heb 12:25-29; 2 Pet 3:1-13; Rev 6:12-27; 8:1-13) which advocate these doctrinal constructs. At the same time, other eschatological N.T texts such as (Mk 1:12-13; Rom 8:19-23; Rev 21:1-7, 22:1-5) which illustrate cosmic renewal or reconciliation of all creation are marginalised. The Hermeneutical principles or doctrinal lenses of historical premillennialism and premillennial dispensationalism have shaped biblical interpretation among the early Korean Protestant Christians. This interpretive tradition and preunderstanding of N.T. eschatological texts permeated deeply into the theological thought and perception of Korean Christians towards nature. Such an abiding tendency of interpretation of the eschatological texts in the N.T. shapes Korean Christians’ attitude and indifference towards contemporary environmental issues today. Thus, we need to change both the key doctrinal constructs from the total destruction of earth’s ecosystems to reconciliation of all creation by God’s action in Christ and the central texts from those that seem to highlight earth’s destruction to those that indicate renewal and reconciliation in order to reconfigure the tradition in an ecological direction.
Toward the Use of Pupillary Responses for Pilot Selection
Authors: Matton Nadine , Paubel Pierre-Vincent , Puma Sébastien
Published: August 2020

Objective

For selection practitioners, it seems important to assess the level of mental resources invested in order to perform a demanding task. In this study, we investigated the potential of pupil size measurement to discriminate the most proficient pilot students from the less proficient.

Background

Cognitive workload is known to influence learning outcome. More specifically, cognitive difficulties observed during pilot training are often related to a lack of efficient mental workload management.

Method

Twenty pilot students performed a laboratory multitasking scenario, composed of several stages with increasing workload, while their pupil size was recorded. Two levels of pilot students were compared according to the outcome after 2 years of training: high success and medium success.

Results

Our findings suggested that task-evoked pupil size measurements could be a promising predictor of flight training difficulties during the 2-year training. Indeed, high-level pilot students showed greater pupil size changes from low-load to high-load stages of the multitasking scenario than medium-level pilot students. Moreover, average pupil diameters at the low-load stage were smallest for the high-level pilot students.

Conclusion

Following the neural efficiency hypothesis framework, the most proficient pilot students supposedly used their mental resources more efficiently than the least proficient while performing the multitasking scenario.

Application

These findings might introduce a new way of managing selection processes complemented with ocular measurements. More specifically, pupil size measurement could enable identification of applicants with greater chances of success during pilot training.
Transitions Between Highly Automated and Longitudinally Assisted Driving: The Role of the Initiator in the Fight for Authority
Authors: Maggi Davide , Romano Richard , Carsten Oliver
Published: August 2020

Objective

A driving simulator study explored how drivers behaved depending on their initial role during transitions between highly automated driving (HAD) and longitudinally assisted driving (via adaptive cruise control).

Background

During HAD, drivers might issue a take-over request (TOR), initiating a transition of control that was not planned. Understanding how drivers behave in this situation and, ultimately, the implications on road safety is of paramount importance.

Method

Sixteen participants were recruited for this study and performed transitions of control between HAD and longitudinally assisted driving in a driving simulator. While comparing how drivers behaved depending on whether or not they were the initiators, different handover strategies were presented to analyze how drivers adapted to variations in the authority level they were granted at various stages of the transitions.

Results

Whenever they initiated the transition, drivers were more engaged with the driving task and less prone to follow the guidance of the proposed strategies. Moreover, initiating a transition and having the highest authority share during the handover made the drivers more engaged with the driving task and attentive toward the road.

Conclusion

Handover strategies that retained a larger authority share were more effective whenever the automation initiated the transition. Under driver-initiated transitions, reducing drivers’ authority was detrimental for both performance and comfort.

Application

As the operational design domain of automated vehicles (Society of Automotive Engineers [SAE] Level 3/4) expands, the drivers might very well fight boredom by taking over spontaneously, introducing safety issues so far not considered but nevertheless very important.
How Does the State Restore Order During Crisis? Lessons From the U.K.’s Response to the “Riots” of August 2011
Authors: Morrell Kevin , Heracleous Loizos , Fuller Crispian , Bradford Ben
Published: August 2020

We use speech act theory to study the U.K. state’s response to large-scale public disorder across English cities in August 2011. This historical case has practical implications for understanding how nation states address other crises—because we explain in detail how the discourse of powerful state actors restores order. Drawing on parliamentary debate, Select Committee testimony, and interviews with police officers, our contribution is to describe and analyze how this happened contemporaneously at different levels. At street level, this involved the reassertion of sovereignty through territorial struggles by the police. At what we call “state level,” speech act theory helps us show how Members of Parliament framed the disorder and participants in ways that supported the reestablishment of norms and of order; principally through homogenization, in a process we describe as “tidying.”
Non-Racialism: The New Form of Racial Inequality in a Neo-Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Ruiters Greg
Published: August 2020

Non-racialism is a deep-rooted ideal in the history of resistance in South Africa. It is not only the basis of the post-apartheid legal order, but also crucial to the form of capitalism. This paper reinterprets non-racialism and inequality in post-1994 South Africa by revisiting conventional understandings of the nature of the state and the rule of law. It shows that racial inequality is inscribed in the non-racial form of the state. The non-racial democratic shell correlates with the commodity form. Scholars have neglected the shift in the form of the state after 1994, partly because they focus on policy and see the state as an external structure in a racial society.
Reaching Adult Status Among Emerging Adults in United States, Italy, and Taiwan
Authors: Beckert Troy E. , Lee ChienTi Plummer , Albiero Paolo
Published: August 2020

Today, most societies allow more time for young people to transition to adulthood. Compared to youth from a generation ago, young people today are delaying marriage, prolonging their educational pursuits, and deemphasizing the need for a single life-long career. The purpose of this study was to delineate patterns of transitioning to adulthood among young people from three countries. As part of a collaborative multisite project, 1,310 emerging adults from Taiwan ( n = 372), Italy ( n = 364), and the United States ( n = 574) provided perceptions of their endorsement and attainment of certain commonly accepted adult status markers. Using latent profile analysis, a four-class model emerged. The groups were not culturally specific and the groupings highlighted unique approaches to how emerging adults conceptualized adulthood. Using Marcia’s identity statuses as loose labels for each group, the achieved group was the largest as they showed an inclination toward endorsing and attaining most adult markers. Other groups showed both delay (diffused) and perplexity (transitional) toward many markers of adulthood. Using an alignment procedure to account for cross-cultural measurement non-invariance, the role of individualism-collectivism, filial piety, and parental autonomy support in relation to adult status profiles were also explored across participant groups. Vertical collectivism and authoritarian filial piety were the most predictive whereas parental autonomy support was less predictive in class membership in both the overall and stratified regression analyses.
Determinants of Periodontal/Periapical Lesion Stability and Progression
Authors: Cavalla F. , Letra A. , Silva R.M. , Garlet G.P.
Published: August 2020

Periodontal and periapical lesions are infectious inflammatory osteolitytic conditions in which a complex inflammatory immune response mediates bone destruction. However, the uncertainty of a lesion’s progressive or stable phenotype complicates understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms triggering lesion activity. Evidence from clinical and preclinical studies of both periodontal and periapical lesions points to a high receptor activator of NF-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG) ratio as the primary determinant of osteolytic activity, while a low RANKL/OPG ratio is often observed in inactive lesions. Proinflammatory cytokines directly modulate RANKL/OPG expression and consequently drive lesion progression, along with pro-osteoclastogenic support provided by Th1, Th17, and B cells. Conversely, the cooperative action between Th2 and Tregs subsets creates an anti-inflammatory and proreparative milieu associated with lesion stability. Interestingly, the trigger for lesion status switch from active to inactive can originate from an unanticipated RANKL immunoregulatory feedback, involving the induction of Tregs and a host response outcome with immunological tolerance features. In this context, dendritic cells (DCs) appear as potential determinants of host response switch, since RANKL imprint a tolerogenic phenotype in DCs, described to be involved in both Tregs and immunological tolerance generation. The tolerance state systemically and locally suppresses the development of exacerbated and pathogenic responses and contributes to lesions stability. However, immunological tolerance break by comorbidities or dysbiosis could explain lesions relapse toward activity. Therefore, this article will provide a critical review of the current knowledge concerning periodontal and periapical lesions activity and the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with the host response. Further studies are required to unravel the role of immunological responsiveness or tolerance in the determination of lesion status, as well as the potential cooperative and/or inhibitory interplay among effector cells and their impact on RANKL/OPG balance and lesion outcome.
Periodontitis, Edentulism, and Risk of Mortality: A Systematic Review with Meta-analyses
Authors: Romandini M. , Baima G. , Antonoglou G. , Bueno J. , Figuero E. , Sanz M.
Published: August 2020

Periodontitis has been independently associated with the chronic noncommunicable diseases that most frequently lead to death worldwide. The aim of the present systematic review was to study whether people with periodontitis/edentulism are at increased risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality as compared with those without periodontitis/edentulism. Cohort studies were included that 1) evaluated periodontitis or edentulism as exposures in relation to all-cause or cause-specific mortality as an outcome and 2) reported effect estimates as hazard ratios, risk ratios, or odds ratios with 95% CIs or crude numbers. Two review authors independently searched for eligible studies, screened the titles and abstracts, did full-text analysis, extracted the data from the published reports, and performed the risk-of-bias assessment. In case of disagreement, a third review author was consulted. Study results were summarized through random effects meta-analyses. A total of 57 studies were included, involving 48 cohorts and 5.71 million participants. Periodontitis was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.15 to 1.85]) and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases (1.47 [1.14 to 1.90]), cancer (1.38 [1.24 to 1.53]), coronary heart disease (2.58 [2.20 to 3.03]), cerebrovascular diseases (3.11 [2.42 to 3.98]), but not pneumonia (0.98 [0.69 to 1.38]). Edentulism (all types) was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (1.66 [1.46 to 1.88]) and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases (2.03 [1.50 to 2.74]), cancer (1.55 [1.24 to 1.94]), pneumonia (1.72 [1.07 to 2.78]), coronary heart disease (2.98 [2.43 to 3.65]), and cerebrovascular diseases (3.18 [2.24 to 4.51]). Periodontitis and its ultimate sequela (edentulism) are associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality (PROSPERO CRD42018100095).
Gay- and Straight-Sounding Auditory Cues Elicit Stereotyping About Teaching Effectiveness
Authors: Taylor Donald M. , Raadt Jay S.
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a “gay-sounding” voice on heterosexual music teachers’ perceptions of music teaching effectiveness. Music teachers across the United States ( N = 575) listened to two men between the ages of 18 and 25 years old with stereotypically gay and straight voices, respectively, reading a short paragraph. After hearing each speaker in counterbalanced order, participants rated the likelihood of each speaker’s ability to demonstrate top skills and behaviors associated with effective teaching using a 4-point Likert-type scale. Listeners rated the gay voice higher on measures of maintaining high musical standards and organization; they rated the straight voice higher on measures of leadership, classroom management, and maturity. Strategies to combat these stereotypes are discussed.
The Prevalence of Occupational Burnout Among Ophthalmologists: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cheung Ronald , Yu Brian , Iordanous Yiannis , Malvankar-Mehta Monali S.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of occupational burnout among ophthalmologists in order to better understand the mental and physical well-being of eye physicians and surgeons in the professional workplace.

Study Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Online computer databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses were searched systematically and thoroughly. Conferences held through Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and Canadian Society of Ophthalmology were searched. Studies were screened using Covidence software. Data on reported burnout prevalence was extracted. STATA 15.0 was used to conduct meta-analysis. Synthesis: Our search strategy identified 318 records from online databases and 11 records from grey literature search, which were screened at 2-levels. Title and abstracts of each record were screened resulting in 24 records moving to full-text screening. Total of 9 records were utilized for quantitative analysis in the data extraction stage. Our results indicated significant professional burnout among ophthalmologists (ES = 0.41; CI: [0.26, 0.56]) with significant emotional exhaustion (ES = 0.43; CI: [0.33, 0.53]), depersonalization (ES = 0.29; CI: [0.13, 0.46]), and a low sense of personal accomplishment (ES = 0.36; CI: [0.08, 0.63]).

Conclusions

Significant occupational burnout among ophthalmologists is concerning because burnout can have a negative effect on the physical and mental health of eye physicians and surgeons. It could impact productivity, cutbacks in work hours, or lead to early retirement from the profession. Contributing factors in ophthalmologist burnout including work overload need to be addressed in a timely manner.
Facilitating Synchronous Online Language Learning through Zoom
Authors: Kohnke Lucas , Moorhouse Benjamin Luke
Published: August 2020

Events caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have required second language (L2) educators to move away from face-to-face (F2F) lessons and adopt online teaching. Educators have utilized a range of online synchronous meeting tools (SMTs) to facilitate student learning. One of the popular, immersive and easy-to-use SMTs these days is Zoom. It includes several features, such as annotation tools, polls, breakout rooms and video and screen sharing. These functions facilitate communicative language learning through the use of authentic language instruction in interactive synchronous classes.
Enhancing Listening Comprehension through Kinesthetic Rhythm Training
Authors: Lee Bradford J
Published: August 2020

Research has suggested that the type and frequency of learning strategies employed by successful listeners is greater than their less successful counterparts. Based on evidence that metacognitive strategies (e.g. listening-for-gist; inferring meaning) are more effective than cognitive ones (e.g. word-for-word translation), this study sought to measure the effect that rhymical training had on the listening comprehension acuity of 313 Japanese university students. The theoretical basis was that rhythmical priming assists learners parse the input based on prosody and identify salient words by stress. Small but significant increases were observed among students who were rhythmically trained, compared to a comparison group that received explicit instruction but no rhythm training, and a “true” control group that received no treatment. These results extend the feasibility of input enhancement, rhythmic priming, and perception-based instruction beyond the traditional grammar and pronunciation instruction domains.
The role of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte–monocyte ratio in the prognosis of type 2 diabetics with COVID-19
Authors: Liu Gaoli , Zhang Shaowen , Hu Haifeng , Liu TingTing , Huang Jie
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To assess the prognostic value of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte–monocyte ratio and red cell distribution width in type 2 diabetics with COVID-19.

Methods

We collected the data of type 2 diabetics with COVID-19 treated in our hospital from January 28 to March 15, 2020 and performed a retrospective analysis. Using severity, duration of hospital stay, and the time required for nucleic acid results became negative as prognostic indicators, we explored the relationship between these inflammation-based markers and prognosis of type 2 diabetics with COVID-19.

Results

A total of 134 type 2 diabetics with COVID-19 were selected for this study. Correlation analysis showed that NLR, LMR and RDW were correlated with prognosis ( P < 0.05). In multivariate regression analysis after controlling for the relevant confounding factors, COVID-19 diabetes patients with higher NLR had heavier severity, longer duration of hospital stay, more time required for nucleic acid results became negative, and heavier hospital expenses ( P < 0.05). ROC curve result displayed that higher NLR predicted all prognostic indicators with statistical significance, and lower LMR predicted severe and extremely severe with statistical significance ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions

NLR is a more powerful and practical marker for predicting the prognosis of type 2 diabetic COVID-19 patients that is simple and fast.
“Coming Out”: Stigma, Reflexivity and the Drug Researcher’s Drug Use
Authors: Ross Anna , Potter Gary R. , Barratt Monica J. , Aldridge Judith A.
Published: August 2020

Some personal experience of illicit drug use undoubtedly exists within the population of academic drug researchers. But it is rarely acknowledged, and even more rarely reflected upon, in their published work. This is understandable: criminal, professional and social sanctions may follow public admission of illicit activities. However, to not “come out” seems contrary to some core academic principles, such as transparency in data collection and reflexivity in the research process. Coming out may present researchers with an opportunity for improving knowledge of, and policies toward, drug use. In this article, we identify reasons for and against the public disclosure of drug use and the impact of such disclosure across a range of spheres, including research, teaching, policy influence and private lives. Reasons against coming out include the risks of undermining professional reputations and hence the ability to contribute to academic and policy debates, the threat of criminal justice sanctions, and impacts on loved ones. However, coming out can have academic benefit (i.e., improving our understanding of drugs, of people who use drugs, and of drug research) and contribute to activist goals (e.g., de-stigmatization of drug use and demarginalization of people who use drugs). Both the risks and benefits of public drug use disclosure have implications for how research and researchers may influence drug policy. Two key themes, stigma and reflexivity, underpin the discussion. We do not conclude with clear recommendations for drug-using drug researchers; to come out or to not come out is a personal decision. However, we argue that there is clear merit to further open discussion on the role of disclosure and reflection on personal drug use experience among those working in drug research and drug policy—where such reflection is relevant and where such researchers feel able to do so.
Linear active disturbance rejection control for hysteresis compensation based on backpropagation neural networks adaptive control
Authors: Liu Wentao , Zhao Tong , Wu Zhongwang , Huang Wei
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a compound control framework for non-affine nonlinear systems facing hysteresis disturbance. The controller consists of linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) and backpropagation (BP) neural networks adaptive control. BP neural networks are utilized to arbitrarily approximate the uncertainty nonlinear caused by the deviation of control parameter from its nominal value and LADRC is designed to real-time estimate and compensate the disturbance with vast matched and mismatched uncertainties including unknown internal system dynamic uncertainty and external hysteresis disturbance therein. Combining the adaptive neural networks design with LADRC design techniques, a new dual-channel composite controller scheme is developed herein whereby adaptive neural networks are used as feed-forward inverse control and LADRC as closed-loop feedback control. Furthermore, as compared with a traditional control algorithm, the proposed BP-LADRC dual-channel composite controller can guarantee that the desired signal can be tracked with a small domain of the origin and it is confirmed to be effective under Lyapunov stability theory and MATLAB simulations.
Retained Tympanostomy Tubes: Who, What, When, Why, and How to Treat?
Authors: Michel Margaret , Nahas Gabriel , Preciado Diego
Published: August 2020

Background:

Tympanostomy tube placement is one of the most common surgical procedures performed across the globe. Controversies exist regarding what to do when a tube is considered to be retained in the tympanic membrane for too long.

Materials and Methods:

Review of the PubMed medical literature starting in 1990, focusing on English language studies reporting on the definition, complications, and management of retained tympanostomy tubes.

Results:

The medical literature reporting on outcomes regarding retained tympanostomy tubes is relatively sparse. Most studies recommend prophylactic removal of tubes after a defined period of time, usually around 2 to 3 years after placement. A preferred method of myringoplasty after tympanostomy tube retrieval has not been established, but most studies recommend grafting the perforation at the time of tube removal.

Conclusions:

Although a consensus as to the optimal management of retained tympanostomy tubes is not yet established in the medical literature, a preponderance of studies recommend prophylactic removal at defined period of time (>2-3 years) before the onset of complications such as otorrhea and granulation tissue formation. Due to a lack of best evidence, the surgeon’s preference remains the guiding principle as to the best technique for myringoplasty at the time of removal.
Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR Using Different Sample Sources: Review of the Literature
Authors: Torretta Sara , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Cristofaro Valentina , Ettori Jacopo , Solimeno Lorenzo , Battilocchi Ludovica , D’Onghia Alessandra , Bonsembiante Anna , Pignataro Lorenzo , Marchisio Paola , Capaccio Pasquale
Published: August 2020

Objective:

The most widely used diagnostic technique for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). It can be done on different samples: nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) or oropharyngeal swabs (OPS), and self-collected saliva. However, negative findings do not rule out infection.

Methods:

A review was conceived to discuss advantages and limitations of the available diagnostic modalities for nonserologic diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 based on RT-PCR; the article also proposes some practical suggestions to improve diagnostic reliability.

Results:

A total of 16 papers (corresponding to 452 patients) of the 56 initially identified were included. Most of the papers describe findings from different samples obtained in limited case series; comparative studies are missing.

Conclusions:

Diagnostic accuracy of NPS and OPS is suboptimal and the risk of contaminated aerosol dispersal is not negligible. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be found in self-collected saliva specimens of many infected patients within 7 to 10 days after symptom onset. There is an urgent need for comparative trials to define the diagnostic modality of choice. Adequate education and training of health care personnel is mandatory.
Intergroup Contact Reduces Dehumanization and Meta-Dehumanization: Cross-Sectional, Longitudinal, and Quasi-Experimental Evidence From 16 Samples in Five Countries
Authors: Bruneau Emile , Hameiri Boaz , Moore-Berg Samantha L. , Kteily Nour
Published: August 2020

In 16 independent samples from five countries involving ~7,700 participants, we employ a mixture of cross-sectional, longitudinal, and quasi-experimental methods to examine the effect of intergroup contact on (a) the blatant dehumanization of outgroups, and (b) the perception that outgroup members dehumanize the ingroup (meta-dehumanization). First, we conduct a meta-analysis across 12 survey samples collected from five countries regarding eight different target groups (total N = 5,388) and find a consistent effect of contact quality on dehumanization and meta-dehumanization. Second, we use a large longitudinal sample of American participants ( N = 1,103) to show that quality of contact with Muslims at Time 1 predicts dehumanization of Muslims and meta-dehumanization 6 months later. Finally, we show that sustained semester-long “virtual contact” between American and Muslim college students is associated with reduced American students’ ( N = 487) dehumanization of, and perceived dehumanization by, Muslims.
Can Researchers’ Personal Characteristics Shape Their Statistical Inferences?
Authors: Dunn Elizabeth W. , Chen Lihan , Proulx Jason D. E. , Ehrlinger Joyce , Savalei Victoria
Published: August 2020

Researchers’ subjective judgments may affect the statistical results they obtain. This possibility is particularly stark in Bayesian hypothesis testing: To use this increasingly popular approach, researchers specify the effect size they are expecting (the “prior mean”), which is then incorporated into the final statistical results. Because the prior mean represents an expression of confidence that one is studying a large effect, we reasoned that scientists who are more confident in their research skills may be inclined to select larger prior means. Across two preregistered studies with more than 900 active researchers in psychology, we showed that more self-confident researchers selected larger prior means. We also found suggestive but somewhat inconsistent evidence that men may choose larger prior means than women, due in part to gender differences in researcher self-confidence. Our findings provide the first evidence that researchers’ personal characteristics might shape the statistical results they obtain with Bayesian hypothesis testing.
Quantifying and analysing the stages of online information dissemination in different enterprise emergencies: The idea of system cybernetics
Authors: Yu Yongtian , Yu Guang , Yan Xiangbin , Yu Xiao
Published: August 2020

Previous research on information dissemination in emergencies focus on prediction of the volume via abundant models. However, most of these models did not specify different stages of emergencies, and hence making it difficult for public relations (PR) practitioner to make decisions based on needs of each stage in today’s rapid changing media environments. In this study, we introduce the idea of system cybernetics and the method of system identification into information dissemination perspective. Based on the proposed information accumulation probability distribution continuity (IAPDC) model, we provide a quantitative division of the information accumulation process. The durations of each stage and the time points that each stage begins are stated and defined with a quantitative calculation method. Using empirical data from 83 emergencies in 2016 and 2017 covering Weibo, WeChat Platforms and over 20,000 web media, we verify the effectiveness of this method. Next, we use simulation analysis to demonstrate what effects of parameters have on the dissemination process and how do changes on different stages affect the process. Moreover, we also demonstrate the effects of emergencies’ attributes on the information dissemination process and on each stage. Our study complements the gaps in existing communication discipline and provides insight for PR practitioner when dealing with enterprise emergencies.
Cancer-related Fatigue Reported in Online Discussion Groups
Authors: Rozmus Cathy , White Lynn L. , Risser Anthony H. , Hara Richard , Golant Mitch , Mendoza Tito , Cohen Marlene Z.
Published: August 2020

Fatigue is a prevalent cancer-related symptom that is difficult to communicate, define, and treat. To obtain robust descriptions of symptoms, participants were recruited into two online groups that consisted of their dialoguing together in an asynchronous, threaded discussion forum. Participants dialogued for 5 months and completed pre- and post-participation demographic data and symptom ratings. Survey data were described, and change scores were calculated. Excerpts from the dialogue were analyzed using phenomenological techniques. The 28 participants reported low symptoms that did not change significantly from pre- to post-participation. Phenomenological analysis revealed three themes: descriptions of “bone-sucking fatigue,” a search for meaning or answers about the fatigue, and attempted remedies. Online support groups provide a venue for sharing symptom experiences, adding to existing knowledge about symptoms in survivors. These descriptions provide information that will aid in developing patient-centered interventions.
Solving School’s Survey Request Overload
Authors: Carpenter Janet S. , Beeler Angela M. , Boger Andrea , Griffin Richard , Saligoe Barbara , Otte Julie L.
Published: August 2020

Limited information is available on strategies for managing the large number of survey requests that reach an individual nursing school. This article addresses problems identified in managing survey requests and describes the implementation and evaluation of a solution. Identified problems included the appearance of endorsing studies of varying quality and rigor, overlap and competition between external study requests and internal studies, respondent burden, and level of anonymity and confidentiality. The solution included a school-wide policy for tracking and vetting study requests before they were distributed. Evaluation data show the number of requests received (total, by month and source, by target population), their disposition (withdrawn, approved, not approved for distribution), and quality improvement data on meeting a 30-day target turnaround time. Additional considerations are also discussed.
Sustained Total All-Region (STAR) perfusion for Norwood reconstruction with complex intracardiac repair
Authors: Prabhu Neel K , Turek Joseph W , Andersen Nicholas D
Published: August 2020

We present the case of a newborn with complex congenital heart disease who was treated with a neonatal Norwood operation and total anomalous pulmonary venous return repair. During the Norwood reconstruction, a novel technique was utilized to perfuse the head, lower body, and heart continuously to minimize ischemic injury.
Exploring the Use of Parent and Teacher Questionnaires to Screen for Language Disorders in Bilingual Children
Authors: Pratt Amy S. , Adams Ashley M. , Peña Elizabeth D. , Bedore Lisa M.
Published: August 2020

We explore the classification accuracy of a parent and teacher report measure, the Inventory to Assess Language Knowledge (ITALK), to screen for developmental language disorder (DLD) in bilingual children. Participants were 120 Spanish–English bilingual children with typical development (TD) and 19 bilingual children with DLD, ranging in age from 5 to 8 years old. Parents’ and teachers’ reports correlated moderately with each other and significantly predicted children’s performance on language-specific measures of morphosyntax and semantics. Results yielded sensitivity of .90 and specificity of .63 when using a composite of parent and teacher reports in Spanish and English. Examination of structure loadings in follow-up analyses by grade showed that teachers’ report of English and parents’ report of Spanish were the strongest predictors of impairment in kindergarten. In second grade, the strongest predictors were parent and teacher reports in English. Implications for referral and identification are discussed.
Running With Your Hair on Fire: Lessons Learned From Transitioning a National University Sales Competition From Face-to-Face to Virtual in 16 Days
Authors: Inks Scott , Barber Kenyatta , Loe Terry W. , Forbes Lukas P.
Published: August 2020

Since their inception, university sales competitions have been key learning and educational components of university sales education. Over the past two decades, the oldest and one of the largest sales competitions in the United States has been held in a face-to-face format. However, due to the educational environment created from the COVID-19 pandemic, this competition was forced to convert to a virtual format over a 16-day period. This research outlines the steps taken to convert this event to virtual format and presents insights for other universities endeavoring to produce virtual sales competition events. Finally, research implications and direction for future research are presented.
Bridging the gap between safety and real-time performance in receding-horizon trajectory design for mobile robots
Authors: Kousik Shreyas , Vaskov Sean , Bu Fan , Johnson-Roberson Matthew , Vasudevan Ram
Published: August 2020

To operate with limited sensor horizons in unpredictable environments, autonomous robots use a receding-horizon strategy to plan trajectories, wherein they execute a short plan while creating the next plan. However, creating safe, dynamically feasible trajectories in real time is challenging, and planners must ensure persistent feasibility, meaning a new trajectory is always available before the previous one has finished executing. Existing approaches make a tradeoff between model complexity and planning speed, which can require sacrificing guarantees of safety and dynamic feasibility. This work presents the Reachability-based Trajectory Design (RTD) method for trajectory planning. RTD begins with an offline forward reachable set (FRS) computation of a robot’s motion when tracking parameterized trajectories; the FRS provably bounds tracking error. At runtime, the FRS is used to map obstacles to parameterized trajectories, allowing RTD to select a safe trajectory at every planning iteration. RTD prescribes an obstacle representation to ensure that obstacle constraints can be created and evaluated in real time while maintaining safety. Persistent feasibility is achieved by prescribing a minimum sensor horizon and a minimum duration for the planned trajectories. A system decomposition approach is used to improve the tractability of computing the FRS, allowing RTD to create more complex plans at runtime. RTD is compared in simulation with rapidly-exploring random trees and nonlinear model-predictive control. RTD is also demonstrated in randomly crafted environments on two hardware platforms: a differential-drive Segway and a car-like Rover. The proposed method is safe and persistently feasible across thousands of simulations and dozens of real-world hardware demos.
Clinical efficacy of anesthesia with intensive care nursing in attenuating postoperative complications in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Hu Chunyang , Song Haixu , Wang Le , Jin Lianjin , Zhou Xuan , Sun Lili
Published: August 2020

Objective

Complications frequently occur in patients with breast cancer after surgery. Anesthesia nursing plays an important role in decreasing complications for such patients. Thus, this study investigated the effects of anesthesia with intensive care nursing (AICN) on complication rates in patients with breast cancer after surgery.

Methods

Eighty-two patients with breast cancer were recruited in this study. Complications were compared between the anesthesia with usual nursing care (AUCN) and AICN groups.

Results

The results demonstrated that AICN decreased the rates of incision infection, drug extravasation, and catheter exposure, as well as pain and inflammation scores, compared with the findings in the AUCN group. AICN improved the time to orientation and decreased the incidence of nausea, anxiety, depression, and vomiting versus AUCN. In addition, AICN shortened the time to awakening after anesthesia compared with the effects of AUCN. Furthermore, AICN shortened hospital stay and increased survival rates. Notably, AICN improved health-related quality of life as measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire.

Conclusion

AICN provided more benefits and better postoperative outcomes than AUCN, suggesting its utility for minimizing complications in patients with breast cancer after surgery.
Three unusual parapharyngeal space masses resected via the endoscopy-assisted transoral approach: case series and literature review
Authors: Shen Li-Fang , Chen Ya-Lian , Zhou Shui-Hong
Published: August 2020

Tumors of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) are rare, most originate from salivary and neurogenic tissues, and most are benign. However, there are some rarer masses in the PPS, with just a few published reports in the literature worldwide, and we may not consider them in the differential diagnosis of PPS neoplasms. We report three cases of rare masses in the PPS: Warthin’s tumor, branchial cleft cyst, and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. The three patients were admitted to our department with complaints of painless swelling in the lower side of the right face or a long history of snoring; diagnoses were confirmed histopathologically. An endoscopy-assisted transoral approach was used that allowed wide visibility for safe resection and resulted in a short hospitalization time and good functional and cosmetic outcomes. All patients have been followed to the current time, and there have been no recurrences. The transoral endoscopy-assisted approach appears to be safe, effective, and less invasive for excision of masses in the PPS.
Green urine sign after laparoscopic chromopertubation as an effect of severe contrast intravasation: a report of three cases
Authors: Szkodziak Piotr , Woźniak Andrzej , Szkodziak Filip , Buszewicz Grzegorz , Czuczwar Piotr , Woźniak Sławomir
Published: August 2020

Tubal diseases are responsible for 25% to 35% of female infertility. Laparoscopic chromopertubation is the gold standard for assessing tubal patency when female infertility is suspected. Intravasation is a complication of intrauterine procedures involving the passage of fluid filling the uterine cavity into the bloodstream through endometrial vessels (from the myometrial veins to the uterine venous plexuses). This complication has been described during hysterosalpingography and sonohysterosalpingography. We herein present a report of three cases in which severe intravasation occurred during laparoscopic chromopertubation using methylene blue as a contrast agent. The intravasation manifested as green urine (i.e., the “green urine sign”). The presence of methylene blue in the urine and blood was confirmed by laboratory tests. All three patients had risk factors for intravasation as described in the literature (unilateral or bilateral tubal obstruction, endometriosis, and previous intrauterine procedures for Mullerian duct anomalies and Asherman’s syndrome). The green urine sign appeared a few hours after laparoscopic chromopertubation and spontaneously resolved after 24 hours. Cystoscopy was performed to rule out bladder injury. All three patients required only clinical observation.
Multiple infarcted regenerative nodules in liver, spleen and kidney after gastric and oesophageal bleeding: A case report
Authors: Wang Anlong , Shu Yefei
Published: August 2020

Infarcted regenerative nodules in a cirrhotic liver is a rare condition that may be confused with hepatocellular carcinoma on imaging. We report here a case of a 58-year-old man with live cirrhosis who presented with abdominal pain and distension and sudden onset of haematemesis. Computed tomography (CT) showed diffuse multinodular infarcted regenerative nodules and gastric bleeding. Physicians should include infarcted regenerative nodules in any differential diagnosis of multiple hepatic lesions in liver cirrhosis, particularly in patients with gastrointestinal varices.