bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indiana Medical Resident’s Knowledge of Surrogate Decision Making Laws
Authors: Bartlett Stephanie , Fettig Lyle P. , Baenziger Peter H. , DiOrio Eliana N. , Herget Kayla M. , D’Cruz Lynn , Coughlin Johanna R. , Lake Mikaela , Truong Amy , Comer Amber R.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

During the care of incapacitated patients, physicians, and medical residents discuss treatment options and gain consent to treat through healthcare surrogates. The purpose of this study is to ascertain medical residents’ knowledge of healthcare consent laws, application during clinical practice, and appraise the education residents received regarding surrogate decision making laws.

Methods

Beginning in February of 2018, 35 of 113 medical residents working with patients within Indiana completed a survey. The survey explored medical residents’ knowledge of health care surrogate consent laws utilized in Indiana hospitals and Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals via clinical vignettes.

Results

Only 22.9% of medical residents knew the default state law in Indiana did not have a hierarchy for settling disputes among surrogates. Medical residents correctly identified which family members could participate in medical decisions 86% of the time. Under the Veterans Affairs surrogate law, medical residents correctly identified appropriate family members or friends 50% of the time and incorrectly acknowledged the chief decision makers during a dispute 30% of the time. All medical residents report only having little or some knowledge of surrogate decision making laws with only 43% having remembered receiving surrogate decision making training during their residency.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that medical residents lack understanding of surrogate decision making laws. In order to ensure medical decisions are made by the appropriate surrogates and patient autonomy is upheld, an educational intervention is required to train medical residents about surrogate decision making laws and how they are used in clinical practice.
Physical Functioning Among Community-Dwelling Elderly in Rural Indonesia
Authors: Aji Budi , Wijayanti Siwi Pramatama Mars , Masfiah Siti , Anandari Dian , Chamchan Chalermpol
Published: March 2021

Background

As people live longer and the number of elderly individuals increases, caring for the elderly and increasing quality of life become important health care concerns.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess physical functioning among elderly people in rural Indonesia and draw conclusions about factors that might impact physical functioning.

Methods

This study involved 412 elderly individuals aged 60 and over selected by multistage random sampling. A logistic regression was used to determine factors which associated with physical functioning.

Results

Older age (75+), suffered from chronic illness, and living in low- and middle- income households tend to have limitations on physical function. Also, elderly individuals who had partner and were currently working experienced better physical function than those who did not.

Conclusion

This study supports other findings that say elderly people should do activities that reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses. Having regular physical activity and routine preventive health check-ups can improve overall health, protect from having diseases and maintain the physical function of the elderly.
Consulting the Community on Strategies to Strengthen Social Capital for Community Disease Control
Authors: Mutero Innocent T. , Chimbari Moses J.
Published: March 2021

Excluding communities in planning and implementing research maximizes internal risks that are otherwise visible and avoidable when there is adequate community consultation. Communities might not meaningfully use research results if majority of the researched people have minimal or no participation in information generation and dissemination. However, effective participation of researched communities in research is key to transferring knowledge to action. Using a qualitative approach, the study identified barriers to, and relevant strategies for improving health research uptake, particularly for schistosomiasis (commonly known as bilharzia) in the Ingwavuma area, uMkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal. Data was collected through modified ethnography using participant observation, focus group discussions, unstructured in-depth interviews, and ethnographic conversational interviews. Results reveal that research uptake is inhibited by reduced opportunities for habitual interaction between residents, a paucity of innovative and inclusive health education activities and unsafe recreational facilities. The community’s strategies on strengthening social capital for disease control include using existing social systems and power hierarchies to mobilise and organise and using the performing arts to facilitate habitual interaction and knowledge sharing. The study recommends a community consultation flow which facilitates openness about the benefits and the community’s role in research, a pre-condition for community wide efforts in local disease prevention and control.
Don’t You Want My Help? Volunteer Involvement and Management in Local Government
Authors: Brudney Jeffrey L. , Yoon Nara
Published: March 2021

The global COVID-19 health pandemic has put extraordinary pressure on already fiscally strapped local governments. As local jurisdictions search for strategies to meet rising service expectations with declining resources, use of volunteers would seem to offer significant advantages. This study examines the involvement of volunteers to deliver services in all county governments in one U.S. state, as well as the factors that explain the extent of use of this service approach. Our analysis is based on information collected from a survey of county government officials working in 10 service domains, supplemented by demographic and other data drawn from a variety of sources. To arrive at valid estimates of volunteer involvement in the delivery of county services, we introduce a novel methodology that corrects our survey data for possible sample and response biases based on a calibration estimator using auxiliary information. The results of our inquiry reveal a higher use of volunteers to deliver services by county governments than suggested by the literature. The findings show, moreover, that counties with higher per capita income, greater percentage of residents attaining a bachelor’s degree or higher formal education, and lower unemployment are likely to involve volunteers in the delivery of more services, as are those county governments with greater per capita spending and per capita property tax revenues. These results have important implications in regard to the capacity of local governments to use volunteers, which we treat in the Discussion.
Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint with 400 loose bodies: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhao Wenyan , Ruan Yan , Zhang Wentao , Yang Fan
Published: March 2021

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a benign condition characterized by the formation of metaplastic cartilage in the synovial membrane of the joint, resulting in numerous attached and unattached osteocartilaginous bodies. SC mostly affects the large synovial joints, especially the knee, hip, elbow, and ankle, whereas involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare. Approximately 240 cases of SC of the TMJ have been reported in the English-language literature to date. The number of loose bodies varies among patients but usually ranges from the dozens to around 100. We herein report a case of SC of the TMJ accompanied by approximately 400 loose bodies in a healthy 53-year-old woman. Such a high number of loose bodies within a small space is extremely rare. We also include a brief discussion about the differential diagnoses and current diagnostic approaches to SC of the TMJ. Notably, delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis is common because of the nonspecific nature of the presenting complaints.
New score for prediction of morbidity in patients undergoing open pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Chen Lian , Peng Li , Wang Chao , Li Sheng-Chao , Zhang Meng
Published: March 2021

Objective

The Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) is commonly used to predict the risk of postoperative complications in general surgery. However, use of the POSSUM is not absolutely suitable for open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD), which has unique complications such as pancreatic fistula formation. This study was performed to establish a new risk score for assessing the incidence of postoperative complications of OPD.

Methods

This retrospective case-control study involved 159 patients who underwent standard OPD from 2 January 2017 to 1 February 2019. The risk factors for post-OPD complications were statistically investigated, and a risk score model was established by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Among all 159 patients, 72 (42.28%) developed complications. A scoring system was developed based on the following five independent variables: sodium concentration of <141.20 mmol/L, white blood cell count of >6.35 × 109/L, pancreatic texture grade, body mass index of >25.06 kg/m2, and basic respiratory diseases. Our risk score model demonstrated better discriminating power, prediction power, and prediction probability than the POSSUM model in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Conclusion

This novel risk score may help to predict postoperative complications after OPD with higher accuracy than the POSSUM system.
Integrated bioinformatic analysis of HNF1A in human cancers
Authors: Zhang Enfan , Huang Xi , He Jingsong
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Cancer is a threat to human health, and many molecules are involved in the transformation of malignant cells. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1A (HNF1A) is an important transcription factor that regulates multiple biological processes. Our research focused on elucidating the expression and function of HNF1A in cancer through bioinformatic analysis.

Methods

UALCAN, Kaplan–Meier plotter, COSMIC, Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource, and Cancer Regulome were used to obtain relevant data for HNF1A.

Results

HNF1A was abnormally expressed in multiple cancers, and its expression was associated with differences in overall survival in patients with cancer. HNF1A mutations widely exist in tumors and interact with different genes involved in various processes. Additionally, we found that HNF1A was associated with the infiltration of immune cells, and it affected the prognostic value of these cells in some cancers.

Conclusions

HNF1A plays a crucial role in cancer, and it may represent a biomarker and target for future cancer immunotherapy.
Expression and potential role of CXCL5 in the pathogenesis of intrauterine adhesions
Authors: Fang Zi-Ang , He Yu , Sun Chao , Zhan Lei , Zhou Guiju , Wei Bing , Sun Shiying
Published: March 2021

Objective

C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5), a member of the chemokine family, is associated with remodeling of connective tissues. However, its role in formation of intrauterine adhesions (IUA) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the expression and mechanism underlying the role of CXCL5 in IUA.

Methods

Expression of CXCL5 in IUA was detected by immunohistochemistry in a rat model of IUA and by real-time PCR and western blotting in patients with IUA. The protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and transcription factor p65 in human endometrial cells were assessed by western blotting after CXCL5 overexpression.

Results

Protein expression of CXCL5 was significantly decreased in the endometria of IUA rats compared with that of control and sham-operated rats. Real-time PCR and western blotting in patients with IUA showed similar results to those from the rat model. After overexpression, CXCL5 significantly upregulated expression of MMP9 and slightly upregulated expression of p65 in human endometrial cells.

Conclusions

CXCL5 plays an important role in IUA formation after endometrial injury. We propose a molecular mechanism to explain formation of IUA, including downregulation of MMP9 by low CXCL5 expression. These findings provide valuable information for the prevention and targeted therapy of IUA.
Acute coronary syndrome in a young woman with a giant coronary aneurysm and mitral valve prolapse: a case report and literature review
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyan , Li Jiamin , Zhang Xuehua , Chen Han
Published: March 2021

Acute coronary syndrome in the young population is infrequently seen and has a different etiology from that in the elderly population. Giant coronary artery aneurysms are rare and usually asymptomatic, but they can cause acute clinical symptoms such as chest pain or chest tightness. We herein describe a young woman with a history of mitral valve prolapse who developed sudden-onset chest pain. She had mild elevations of her creatine kinase and cardiac troponin levels; however, no ST segment alteration was found on an electrocardiogram, and no abnormal regional wall movement was noted on echocardiography. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with late gadolinium enhancement revealed a “mass” at the right coronary artery and linear subendocardial enhancement at the posterior wall. Coronary angiography later confirmed a giant coronary aneurysm with a substantial thrombus. The combined presence of the coronary artery aneurysm and mitral valve prolapse in this patient was likely a sequela of Kawasaki disease.
Robert’s uterus with delayed diagnosis and potential consequences: a case report
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhou Weili , Tang Ying , Tan Shiqiao , Qiao Lin
Published: March 2021

A 24-year-old woman who wished to become pregnant presented to our hospital with an enlarged ovarian endometrioma and developmental abnormality of the uterus. Robert’s uterus complicated by hematosalpinx, ovarian endometrioma, and endometriosis were finally identified 1 year after previously being diagnosed with a cyst and uterine abnormality at a local hospital. The function of the salpinx and the pelvic environment were damaged because of the delayed diagnosis and operation. Gynecologists and sonologists should be aware of and alert to this rare entity while evaluating and managing cases of uterine abnormalities and endometriosis. Prompt early diagnosis and proper management of Robert’s uterus are important for avoiding future morbidity because these are major factors in protecting fertility.
Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Intubating Laryngeal Mask during the recovery period following Supratentorial Tumour Surgery
Authors: Ling Xiaomei , Chen Xuemeng , Liu Gaowang , Ma Xianfeng , Xiao Ming , Xiao Pan , Wang Hongyan , Xiao Jinfang
Published: March 2021

Objective

To assess safety and efficacy of a novel intubation laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) during the recovery period following supratentorial tumour surgery.

Methods

Patients who underwent supratentorial tumour surgery at our centre from January 2012 to December 2016 were eligible for this prospective randomised, parallel group study. We developed a novel ILMA using closely fitting laryngeal masks (No. 4/5) with 7.0/7.5 mm endotracheal tubes (ETT) plus screw fixators and anti-pollution sleeves.

Results

In total, 100 patients were intubated with the novel ILMA and 100 the ETT. There were no differences between groups in haemodynamic variables, oxygen saturation, exhaled CO2, or bispectral index all recorded during the 72-hour recovery period. However, there were significantly fewer incidences of coughing, less fluid drainage and lower haemoglobin levels in surgical fluid in the ILMA group compared with the ETT group.

Conclusion

Our novel ILMA device was associated with reduced coughing, fluid drainage and blood in surgical drain during the recovery period following supratentorial tumour surgery.
Understanding the Stiffness of Porous Asphalt Mixture through Micromechanics
Authors: Zhang Hong , Anupam Kumar , Skarpas Tom , Kasbergen Cor , Erkens Sandra
Published: March 2021

Micromechanics, which can be used to relate the properties of a composite to the properties of individual constituents, is considered a good approach to understanding the fundamental mechanisms behind the behavior of asphalt materials. Compared with the semi-empirical and numerical micromechanical models, analytical micromechanical models do not need calibration factors. In addition, they can provide analytical solutions on the basis of a series of assumptions. Using these models, researchers have separated the effects of different stiffening mechanisms (i.e., the volume-filling reinforcement, the physicochemical reinforcement, and the particle-contact reinforcement) for mastic. However, similar research work has not been conducted for asphalt mixtures and, moreover, the characteristics of the particle-contact reinforcement have not been deeply analyzed by researchers. Therefore, this paper aims to understand the stiffness of asphalt mixture through micromechanics. The focus of this study was on porous asphalt mixture where particle-contact reinforcement plays an important role in its behavior. The stiffening effects of different mechanisms were separated using analytical micromechanical models. The effects of temperature/frequency and the properties of the matrix phase on the stiffening effect of the particle-contact reinforcement were analyzed.
Up-and-Coming or Down-and-Out? Social Media Popularity as an Indicator of Neighborhood Change
Authors: Kontokosta Constantine E. , Freeman Lance , Lai Yuan
Published: March 2021

By quantifying Twitter activity and sentiment for each of 274 neighborhood areas in New York City, this study introduces the Neighborhood Popularity Index and correlates changes in the index with real estate prices, a common measure of neighborhood change. Results show that social media provide both a near-real-time indicator of shifting attitudes toward neighborhoods and an early warning measure of future changes in neighborhood composition and demand. Although social media data provide an important complement to traditional data sources, the use of social media for neighborhood studies raises concerns regarding data accessibility and equity issues in data representativeness and bias.
Finding the Silver Lining: Aging Well Amongst Older Brazilian Women in the Post-Migration Context
Authors: Lucchese Stephanie Pedrotti , Bishop Susan , Guruge Sepali , Zanchetta Margareth Santos , Pirner Diane
Published: March 2021

Study Background

The aging population in Canada has been increasing steadily over the past 40 years, however, there is limited information about the meaning of aging well amongst older Brazilian women in Canada.

Methods

A Heideggerian interpretive phenomenology study was conducted to understand the meaning of aging well amongst older Brazilian women in the post-migration context living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario, Canada.

Results

Eight older Brazilian women residing in the GTA were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling and participated in individual face-to-face interviews. Through data analysis and the incorporation of Heidegger’s four existentials of human existence, the themes that emerged were (a) Embracing being part of a mosaic, (b) Aging with grace, (c) Chasing your dreams and (d) Being a bridge and not a fence. The overarching theme was: Finding the silver lining: Aging well.

Conclusion

This study informs nursing practice, research and policy development to advance the health of older immigrant adults in Canada.
The Utility of Infectious and Neurodiagnostic Testing in Children With Complex Febrile Seizures Requiring Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Yang Jennifer H. , Villegas Richard , Khanna Sandeep , Kaswick Julie , Coufal Nicole G. , Crawford John , Harvey Helen
Published: March 2021

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 79 consecutive patients between 6 months and 5 years admitted to a tertiary hospital with a diagnosis of complex febrile seizures requiring mechanical ventilation from 2011 to 2017 to determine the utility of infectious and neurologic diagnostics. Intubation was used as a proxy for severity of illness. The overall intensive care unit stay was short (95% intubated <24 hours, 88% admitted <3 days). No life-threatening infections were identified, and none required surgical interventions. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was obtained on 43%, 26% of which were abnormal. Sixty-six percent of patients were discharged on rescue benzodiazepine and 20% with maintenance antiseizure medications. Duration of follow-up averaged 4 years (range 1 month to 9 years); 8 patients (10%) were subsequently diagnosed with epilepsy. Our findings suggest that extensive diagnostic evaluations may not be necessary for children with complex febrile seizures requiring mechanical ventilation although the role of EEG is less understood.
Negative Attitudes and Beliefs Toward the #MeToo Movement on Twitter
Authors: Nutbeam Meena , Mereish Ethan H.
Published: March 2021

Given recent and growing societal movements focusing on sexual assault, such as the #MeToo Movement, it is imperative to understand current attitudes about sexual assault and these movements. The aim of this study was to examine negative attitudes and beliefs about sexual assault in the context of the #MeToo Movement by qualitatively analyzing social media posts (i.e., tweets) containing the hashtag “metoo” on Twitter, a popular social media platform. The initial sample consisted of 4,559 tweets that were publicly posted by Twitter users across a four-day timeframe and represented events and attitudes regarding both about an accuser and an accused. Data were cleaned and coded, and a remaining 508 tweets were included because they contained content that was categorized as negative in their attitudes or beliefs (either through attitudes of condemnation or ambivalence towards accusers and/or the #MeToo Movement). Results from a qualitative content analysis of tweets demonstrated that negative attitudes and beliefs about sexual assault within the context of the #MeToo Movement were conveyed through six main themes: (1) invalidating the accusations made as part of the #MeToo Movement; (2) insisting, and likely believing, that accusations made were false; (3) claiming that there were alternative motives for those accusations; (4) showing a concern for the harm that accusations may cause those accused; (5) exhibiting concerns about the effects of the Movement on male power, privilege, and status; and (6) questioning the integrity of the #MeToo Movement as a whole. These findings provide a deeper understanding of attitudes and beliefs about the #MeToo Movement, including novel beliefs not often addressed in the literature. Most importantly, these findings show that rape culture continues to persist despite current interventions and social movements. Results underscore the need for future interventions that aim to educate and improve societal attitudes towards sexual assault.
Preparing Pre-Service Teachers to Use Visual Representations as Strategy to Solve Mathematics Problems: What Did They Learn?
Authors: van Garderen Delinda , Scheuermann Amy , Sadler Kate , Hopkins Stephanie , Hirt Stacy M.
Published: March 2021

Recognizing the multiple interacting layers of pedagogical content knowledge, in this article, we present the findings from a study that examined the extent to which participation in case-based instruction about self-generated visual representations (VRs) supported special education pre-service teachers ( N = 25) in enhancing their (a) knowledge of VRs, specifically what and how to teach, as a strategy for solving mathematics problems, and (b) applied instructional practices, specifically analysis of student knowledge and instructional planning, about VRs for students with disabilities (SWDs) to solve mathematics problems. The data revealed that case-based instruction about VRs in a special education mathematics methods course enriched pre-service teachers personal understanding about VRs and their ability to target SWDs learning needs regarding VRs. Implications for pre-service teacher preparation and research are provided.
Optimizing the powder mixed EDM process of nickel based super alloy
Authors: Ramesh S , Jenarthanan MP
Published: March 2021

Powder Mixed Electric Discharge Machining has been the main focus of many researchers for quite a long time. The performance of EDM process has been improved significantly by using powder mixed dielectric medium. Numerous researches were undertaken to study the influence of different process parameters involved in the powder mixed EDM by experimenting with different work materials and powder combination. The objective of this work is to conduct experimental study on the powder Mixed EDM of a Nickel based super alloy, Nimonic 75, using three different powders which are graphite, silicon and manganese. The other important process parameters considered are concentration of powder (Cp), peak current (Ip), duty factor (DC). The experiments were conducted based on the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) design. The important measures of performance of EDM process chosen in this study are Material Removal Rate (MRR), Electrode Wear ratio (EWR) and Surface Roughness (SR). Graphite powder yielded highest MRR and silicon powder produced good finish of the components. The influence of powder at higher concentration is not significantly high. Moreover, Higher duty cycle caused the decrease of MRR, EWR and increase of SR. This works also aims to optimize the process parameters using Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) combined with Fuzzy logic method. The optimum conditions identified based on GFRG was powder = Mn; concentration = 3 g/l; discharge current = 4 A and duty cycle = 0.9 It was also estimated that the error in predicting best output of the PMEDM process is below 6%.
Effect of channel and fin geometries on a trapeze plate-fin heat sink performance
Authors: Özdilli Özgür , Şevik Seyfi
Published: March 2021

This study aims to achieve a minimum base temperature (or junction temperature) and hence better thermal performance. Trapezoidal curved plate-fin heat sink with dolphin fins and rectangular channel (Model-1) and trapezoidal curved plate-fin heat sink with dolphin fins, cut corner, and rectangular channel (Model-2) were designed and compared with a standard plate-fin heat sink. The effects of fins on the airflow and heat transfer in designed plate-fin heat sinks have been investigated numerically. The numeric results show that the use of fins and small changes in geometry significantly improve the heat transfer rate. Outcomes of the study showed 44–51% and 57–62% convective heat transfer enhancement compared with a standard plate-fin heat sink, without any overall mass augmentation, in Model-1 and Model-2, respectively. The presence of dolphin fins reduces the thermal resistance by up to 30%, which contributes to the overall thermal enhancement of the designed plate-fin heat sinks. Simulation results show that increasing the fins in areas close to the heat source and reducing the non-working areas significantly influence the thermal performance of heat sinks. The results also show that the trapeze plate-fin heat sinks with the different channel-fin geometries are superior to the standard trapeze plate-fin heat sink in thermal performance.
Likely clinical depression and HIV-related decline in antiretroviral therapy untreated women who seroconverted during participation in microbicide trials in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Rael Christine T , Roberts Sarah , Ibitoye Mbolaji , Gorbach Pamina M , Palanee-Phillips Thesla , Harkoo Ishana , Mbilizi Yamikani , Panchia Ravindre , Siva Samantha , Tembo Tchangani , Agwau Akello Carolyne , Balkus Jennifer , Riddler Sharon , Carballo-Diéguez Alex
Published: March 2021

Depression worsens HIV outcomes in populations treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications. Data are limited on the relationship between depression and HIV in untreated populations in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to identify associations between likely clinical depression, alcohol use, social support by partners, and HIV viral load (VL) among ART untreated women who recently became HIV positive and enrolled in the Microbicide Trials Network (MTN)-015 study. Analyses used cross-sectional data collected at baseline in MTN-015. Participants in this analysis ( N = 190) enrolled from other MTN trials were not receiving ART and provided data on their HIV disclosure status to their husband or male partner and alcohol use behavior. The dependent variable, VL, was categorized as: low (≤400 RNA copies/mL; 9.1% of participants), medium (401–20,000 RNA copies/mL; 48.8%), and high (>20,000 RNA copies/mL; 42.0%). Depression was assessed using eight items from Hopkins Symptom Checklist; a cutoff of ≥1.75 indicated likely clinical depression. Independent variables with a significance of p ≤ 0.05 in unadjusted regressions were included in a regression adjusted for age, education, and time since seroconversion. Depressive symptoms were positively associated with high VL, in the adjusted regression (OR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.07–3.01). Results suggest that likely having clinical depression may have a biological relationship with HIV disease progression.
Resistance-guided treatment of Mycoplasma genitalium infection at a UK sexual health centre
Authors: Conway Ruairi JH , Cook Seamus , Malone Cassandra , Bone Simon , Hassan-Ibrahim Mohammed Osman , Soni Suneeta
Published: March 2021

We evaluated the ResistancePlus® MG assay in providing macrolide resistance-guided treatment (RGT) for Mycoplasma genitalium infection at a UK sexual health centre. M. genitalium–positive samples from men with urethritis and women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) were tested for macrolide resistance–mediating mutations (MRMMs). MRMM-positive infections were given moxifloxacin 400 mg; otherwise 2 g azithromycin (1 g single dose and then 500 mg OD) was given. Among 57  M. genitalium–positive patients (32 men and 25 women), MRMMs were detected in 41/57 (72% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 58–83%). Thirty-two of 43 patients given RGT attended for test of cure. Treatment failure rate was significantly lower at 1/32 (3%) than 10/37 (27%) before RGT ( n = 37 [men = 23 and women = 17]; p = 0.008). Treatment failure was lower in male urethritis (0/15 vs. 7/21 p = 0.027) but not in female PID. There was a trend of a shorter time to negative test of cure (TOC) in male urethritis (55.1 [95% 43.7–66.4] vs. 85.1 [95% CI CI 64.1–106.0] days, p = 0.077) but not in female PID. Macrolide resistance is higher than previous UK reports and higher than expected. RGT reduces overall treatment failure and is particularly beneficial in M. genitalium urethritis. Fluoroquinolone resistance will continue to rise with increasing fluoroquinolone use, and RGT is critical to direct appropriate azithromycin use and prevent overuse of moxifloxacin.
Studies on characteristics of fine particulate matter emissions from agricultural residue combustion
Authors: Kim Minwook , Jo Seunghyun , Woo Jiyun , Jeon Eui-Chan
Published: March 2021

Biomass burning is largely divided into six types: open burning, agricultural waste burning, meat and fish roasts, wood stoves and boilers, furnaces, and charcoal burners. Biomass burning is largely characterized by incomplete combustion due to the difficulty of appropriate control, which results in the emission of a large amount of air pollutants and the generation of harmful substances such as volatile organic compounds (National Institute of Environmental Research, 2014). Burning agricultural residue releases a large amount of fine particulate matter (PM). Open burning of agricultural residue, burning agricultural residues without incineration facility, in the rural areas are frequently observed Therefore, management based on accurate analysis of emission characteristics is needed. In Korea, most agricultural residues except for rice straw are incinerated in the field. Agricultural residues with a high incineration ratio are Chili and Perilla. The characteristics of PM emission by agricultural residues combustion were analyzed for Chili and Perilla. PM measuring equipment are Stack sampling system and Cascade Impactor (PM10, PM2.5 Impactor, Johnas, Paul Gothe GmBH). This study, the emission characteristics of PM-10, PM-2.5 generated in the combustion of agricultural residues were examined in consideration of moisture content.
Reading practices of Spanish-speaking readers in the United States and Canada
Authors: Dali Keren
Published: March 2021

Drawing on a subset of data from a larger survey study of immigrant and migrant Spanish-speaking readers in the United States and Canada, this article explores their pre-immigration reading histories; the role of reading in their lives and personal identities; specific day-to-day characteristics of their reading behaviors, including the frequency and places of reading; and the sources of information that readers use to select their new reads. This study places reading practices in the context of readers’ migration experiences and pressures of adjustment and resettlement. Supported by the review of reading practices in selected countries of origin and by the analysis of the Spanish-speaking communities in the diaspora, this article contributes to the body of knowledge about immigrant and migrant readers. By so doing, it begins to address the gap in knowledge about Spanish-speaking readerships. This gap exists despite the extensive previously published research on Hispanic and Latinx library users, which has focused on their information-seeking behaviors, use of public libraries, language learning programming, and collection development in the Spanish language, without touching on reading practices. It is hoped that this study will contribute to more culturally sensitive reader services in libraries and a better understanding of Spanish-speaking community members by librarians in all types of libraries.
Variable selection for causal mediation analysis using LASSO-based methods
Authors: Ye Zhaoxin , Zhu Yeying , Coffman Donna L
Published: March 2021

Causal mediation effect estimates can be obtained from marginal structural models using inverse probability weighting with appropriate weights. In order to compute weights, treatment and mediator propensity score models need to be fitted first. If the covariates are high-dimensional, parsimonious propensity score models can be developed by regularization methods including LASSO and its variants. Furthermore, in a mediation setup, more efficient direct or indirect effect estimators can be obtained by using outcome-adaptive LASSO to select variables for propensity score models by incorporating the outcome information. A simulation study is conducted to assess how different regularization methods can affect the performance of estimated natural direct and indirect effect odds ratios. Our simulation results show that regularizing propensity score models by outcome-adaptive LASSO can improve the efficiency of the natural effect estimators and by optimizing balance in the covariates, bias can be reduced in most cases. The regularization methods are then applied to MIMIC-III database, an ICU database developed by MIT.
Impact of Remittances on Labour Supply and Occupational Choice in Rural India
Authors: Dey Sagarika
Published: March 2021

This study examines the impact of remittances on the labour market decisions of left behind adult family members in rural households in India. Using both selectivity and endogeniety corrected models, the results find evidence of a dependency effect wherein individuals belonging to remittance receiving households are less inclined to participate in the labour market. These effects are much stronger in case of international remittances. Incidentally, the reduction in work participation was found to larger for males than females. While, on the one hand, domestic remittances were observed to increase the intensity of labour supplied by households, international remittances, on the other hand, were found to be lowering hours of work done by left behind family members. Further, domestic remittances increase the proportion of labour supplied to self-employment activities in agriculture; international remittances, on the contrary, were found to be pushing workers into non-agricultural activities. The differences in the impact of domestic and international remittances on labour market participation and work intensity can be attributed to the differences in absolute size of remittances available per capita from the two alternate sources while unobservable household characteristics and locational factors can explain the variations in intra-household labour allocation across activities.
Significance of Chronic Diseases and Smoking Behavior in the Development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Indonesia
Authors: Rachmawati Emma , Listiowati Ekorini , Kurniawan Deni Wahyudi , Suraya Izza , Ahsan Abdillah , Nurmansyah Mochamad Iqbal
Published: March 2021

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the main causes of high mortality among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. This study aimed at determining the association between presence of chronic diseases and smoking behaviors with the development of ARDS among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Indonesia. This study was carried out in 15 Muhammadiyah-‘Aisyiyah–affiliated COVID-19 referral hospitals in Indonesia. Four hundred ninety participants who tested positive for the COVID-19 were recruited in this study. Demographic data, history of chronic diseases, and the development of ARDS were retrieved from hospital patient records. Information about the smoking behavior was collected after respondents were discharged from the hospital. Presence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic heart disease, hypertension, and chronic liver diseases were significantly associated with the development of ARDS. In a similar regard, patients who currently smoked had a 5 times greater risk of developing ARDS compared with those who never smoked.
Are work experience participants protected against sex discrimination or sexual harassment?
Authors: Hewitt Anne , Owens Rosemary , Stewart Andrew , Howe Joanna
Published: March 2021

More and more young Australians are undertaking periods of work experience as a part of their study or independently to facilitate their transition into employment. They are often subject to a significant power disparity compared to others in the workplace, and need the placement to finish a course, and/or to get practical experience, connections and industry references. This makes them vulnerable, including to sexual harassment and sex discrimination. However, whether prohibitions of such conduct apply to them is a complex question, which this article explores.
Toward an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Research Program
Authors: Wurth Bernd , Stam Erik , Spigel Ben
Published: March 2021

Entrepreneurial ecosystems have become a prominent concept, yet in its current state, the concept itself represents a paradox. While it draws on a rich intellectual history and provides an opportunity to synthesize different strands of research, it is also under-theorized and the mechanisms that govern ecosystem evolution are not well understood. This paper takes stock of recent advancements in ecosystem scholarship and synthesizes the empirical reality of the causal mechanisms. We use these dynamics to position ecosystems in a broader context, within and beyond the domain of entrepreneurship research, and propose a transdisciplinary research program for ecosystem research and practice.
Evaluation of Alt-RAMEC With Facemask in Patients With Unilateral Cleft lip and Palate (UCLP) Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and Finite Element Modeling—A Clinical Prospective Study
Authors: Singh Shalvi , Batra Puneet , Raghavan Sreevatsan , Sharma Karan , Srivastava Amit
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Evaluate the effects of alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (Alt-RAMEC) protocol on patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) along with maxillary protraction using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) records and a finite element modeling (FEM) model.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-five patients (aged 9-13 years) with UCLP having a GOSLON score 3 were selected for this prospective single-arm cohort study after obtaining necessary informed consent. A 9-week Alt-RAMEC protocol using a custom-made fan-shaped expansion screw was initiated, which was followed by 6-month facemask wear. Pre (T1) and posttreatment (T2) records including CBCT were taken and were evaluated for treatment changes in all 3 dimensions using paired t test. Additionally, a FEM model (ANSYS 15.0) using the Alt-RAMEC protocol was also analyzed for the displacement and stress on various craniofacial structures.

Results:

Significant forward movement of the maxilla along with clockwise rotation of mandible along with statistically significant increase in lower molar height and upper incisor proclination ( P < .05) was observed. CBCT evaluation showed a statistical significant decrease in buccal alveolar bone thickness and increase in molar inclination ( P < .05). Finite element modeling analysis highlighted that the maximum displacement occurred at the anterior region with stresses radiating till the anterior nasal spine, zygomatic arch, and sphenoid bone.

Conclusion:

Alt- RAMEC protocol combined with facemask protraction can lead to significant maxillary advancement, with some transient decrease in buccal bone thickness noted thereby warranting long-term studies to further assess its effect on the dentofacial apparatus.
Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience: Music Education and Music Therapy Student Outcomes
Authors: Dvorak Abbey , Hernandez-Ruiz Eugenia , Weingarten Kevin M.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in a required music psychology course and to measure student outcomes and conduct reliability estimation for the Research Skill Development Questionnaire (RSDQ) and Undergraduate Research Student Self-Assessment (URSSA). Student researchers ( N = 33) completed the URSSA and RSDQ. We analyzed URSSA Likert-type items using descriptive statistics and performed content analysis on open-ended responses. Student researchers reported moderate improvement across three subscales of Thinking and Working Like a Scientist, Personal Gains, and Research Skills, and some change for Attitudes and Beliefs. A comparison of pretest and posttest RSDQ subscale scores showed no significant change in participants’ self-reported research knowledge, skills, or dispositions. URSSA and RSDQ subscales demonstrated strong internal consistency. Based on content analysis of URSSA open-ended responses, participants reported interest in graduate school, greater understanding of and confidence about research, and plans to use research in their career.
Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory Scale Scores With Well-Established Psychopathology and Academic Achievement Measures in Adolescents With ADHD
Authors: Burns G. Leonard , Becker Stephen P.
Published: March 2021

The convergent and discriminant validity of the parent version of the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI) symptom and impairment scale scores were evaluated with the scale scores from multiple methods including a semistructured diagnostic interview, rating scales, and an academic achievement test. Participants were 82 adolescents (70% male, 78% non-Hispanic White) aged 13 to 17 years ( M = 15.01) diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (77% predominantly inattentive presentation) and parents. CABI scale scores showed moderate ( rs = .42 to .49) to substantial ( rs = .62 to .91) convergent correlations with scores from similar measures. CABI scale scores also showed significant discriminant validity (convergent correlation significantly larger than discriminant correlation) with the scores on the other measures. These findings provide additional support for use of the CABI in research and clinical practice, and copies of the scale and norms are freely available.
Therapeutic Potential of Selenium and Selenium Compounds in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Jablonska Ewa , Li Qi , Reszka Edyta , Wieczorek Edyta , Tarhonska Kateryna , Wang Tong
Published: March 2021

Cervical cancer is a common female cancer. It is strongly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, HPV infection alone is not sufficient to induce cervical cancer because its development is dependent on the coexistence of several factors that enable the virus to overcome the host immune system. These include individual genetic background, environmental factors, or diet, including dietary selenium intake. Selenium is an essential trace element with antiviral properties and has been shown to exert antitumor effects. Surprisingly, the role of selenium in cervical cancer has not been studied as intensively as in other cancers. Here, we have summarized the existing experimental data on selenium and cervical cancer. It may be helpful in evaluating the role of this nutrient in treatment of the mentioned malignancy as well as in planning further studies in this area.
Neuroscience: The New English Major?
Authors: Phillips Kristin F. , Sontheimer Harald
Published: March 2021

Once strictly the domain of medical and graduate education, neuroscience has made its way into the undergraduate curriculum with over 230 colleges and universities now offering a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. The disciplinary focus on the brain teaches students to apply science to the understanding of human behavior, human interactions, sensation, emotions, and decision making. In this article, we encourage new and existing undergraduate neuroscience programs to envision neuroscience as a broad discipline with the potential to develop competencies suitable for a variety of careers that reach well beyond research and medicine. This article describes our philosophy and illustrates a broad-based undergraduate degree in neuroscience implemented at a major state university, Virginia Tech. We highlight the fact that the research-centered Experimental Neuroscience major is least popular of our four distinct majors, which underscores our philosophy that undergraduate neuroscience can cater to a different audience than traditionally thought.
Study on the Risk Factors of Preoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in Patients With Lower Extremity Fracture
Authors: Chang Wenjie , Wang Bin , Li Qiwei , Zhang Yongkui , Xie Wenpeng
Published: March 2021

Objective:

The objective of this work is to discuss and analyze the related factors of lower extremity fracture complicated by preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Methods:

A total of 11,891 patients with closed fractures of lower extremities were selected. By analyzing each patient’s gender, age, presence or absence of diabetes and hypertension, preoperative plasma D-dimer level, and color Doppler ultrasound of the lower extremity vein, the pertinent factors of the patients with lower extremity fractures complicated by preoperative DVT were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 578 with preoperative DVT were detected, displaying a total incidence of 4.86%. All patients were categorized into either the DVT group or non-DVT group. The results demonstrate that there were statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in age, the presence of diabetes and hypertension, the fracture site, and the preoperative plasma D-dimer level ( P < 0.05). Logistic multivariate analysis revealed that age, the presence of diabetes, and the preoperative plasma D-dimer level of patients were independent risk factors for lower extremity fracture complicated by DVT.

Conclusion:

Age, the presence of diabetes, the fracture site, and increased D-dimer levels were found to be potential risk factors and indicators for preoperative DVT in patients with lower extremity fractures. In addition, the preoperative plasma D-dimer level has certain guiding significance for the prediction of venous thrombosis after lower extremity fracture, which is conducive to the early prediction and diagnosis of DVT, but it often must be followed with good clinic acumen and examinations.