bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ITC antidumping toward China rulings: Is political factor overwhelming?
Authors: Wang Xiaosong , Hou Jack , Lin Faqin
Published: March 2021

As the U.S.–China trade deficit continues to rise, China has been at the top of the list in terms of the International Trade Commission (ITC) antidumping (AD) cases. In this paper, we ask the question whether the ITC AD prosecution is based on pure economic content or is it somewhat jaded by politics. Utilizing a Probit model, we examine the effect of a set of political and economic variables on the probability of the ITC ruling in favor of the U.S. petitioners that have filed a 731 AD lawsuit. As China has the highest number of cases brought about by U.S. petitioners, combined with the fact that China is the single largest source of the U.S. trade deficit, we also included a binary dummy variable if the case is solely against China. We find that this variable is highly significant. The only other variable that is consistently significant is the political influence of the petitioners measured by the political campaign contribution. In addition, we find that conditioned on China being the sole target, the political influence of the petitioner significantly increases the probability of a favorable ruling by the ITC. We implement a placebo test with cases toward Japan and find no evidence of the ITC's bias in ruling, thus raising the strong possibility that the United States is targeting China outside of pure economic justifications.
Histology is more ιmportant than persistent anti‐Tg antibodies for progression of differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Karapanou Olga , Saltiki Katerina , Simeakis George , Botoula Efi , Tsagarakis Stylianos , Alevizaki Maria , Vlassopoulou Barbara
Published: March 2021

Context

Anti‐thyroglobulin antibodies (anti‐Tg), present in 20%‐25% of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients, interfere with thyroglobulin measurements posing a challenge in the follow‐up.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify clinical‐histological factors that may affect anti‐Tg persistence and disease outcome in DTC with positive anti‐Tg.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 234 DTC patients, with positive anti‐Tg at diagnosis (females: 82.1%, age at diagnosis: 46.0 ± 14.4 yrs, median follow‐up: 5 yrs (1.5‐32 yrs). 221/234 (94.4%) received radioiodine (RAI) ablation. Patients were divided into two subgroups: those whose anti‐Tg became undetectable (anti‐Tg‐NEG) and those whose anti‐Tg remained positive (anti‐Tg‐POS) at the end of the follow‐up period.

Results

Anti‐Tg‐POS patients (n = 80, 34.2%) compared to anti‐Tg‐NEG (n = 154, 65.8%) had more frequently lymph node infiltration (36.3% vs 20.1%, P = .01), extrathyroidal extension (ETE, 35.0% vs 22.1%, P = .04), poorly differentiated DTC and increased tumour size (P ≤ .004). They received higher total RAI dose (P < .001). In most cases, additional RAI administration and/or additional surgeries did not lead to anti‐Tg elimination. These had more frequently structural disease persistence/progression compared to anti‐Tg‐NEG (remission: 78.8% vs 95.5%, persistence: 13.8% vs 3.9%, progression: 7.5% vs 0.6%, P < .001). In Kaplan‐Meier analysis, the probability of disease progression was higher in anti‐Tg‐POS. In Cox proportional hazard analysis, the predictors of disease progression were size (P = .002) and ETE (P = .006).

Conclusions

Worse histological features are more frequent in patients with anti‐Tg persistence during follow‐up. Further additional RAI administration and/or surgeries do not affect anti‐Tg elimination in most cases. Anti‐Tg persistence correlates with structural persistence although tumour size and extrathyroidal extension are the main predictors of disease progression.
Individual Differences in Categorization Gradience As Predicted by Online Processing of Phonetic Cues During Spoken Word Recognition: Evidence From Eye Movements
Authors: Ou Jinghua , Yu Alan C. L. , Xiang Ming
Published: March 2021

Recent studies have documented substantial variability among typical listeners in how gradiently they categorize speech sounds, and this variability in categorization gradience may link to how listeners weight different cues in the incoming signal. The present study tested the relationship between categorization gradience and cue weighting across two sets of English contrasts, each varying orthogonally in two acoustic dimensions. Participants performed a four‐alternative forced‐choice identification task in a visual world paradigm while their eye movements were monitored. We found that (a) greater categorization gradience derived from behavioral identification responses corresponds to larger secondary cue weights derived from eye movements; (b) the relationship between categorization gradience and secondary cue weighting is observed across cues and contrasts, suggesting that categorization gradience may be a consistent within‐individual property in speech perception; and (c) listeners who showed greater categorization gradience tend to adopt a buffered processing strategy, especially when cues arrive asynchronously in time.
E‐cigarette users are associated with asthma disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xian Shaojing , Chen Yongxing
Published: March 2021

Background

At present, there are more than 300 million asthma patients in the world. Electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) are considered as a new way of smoking and are loved by young people. The relationship between e‐cigarettes and asthma risk is still controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis to explore the relationship between e‐cigarettes and asthma.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for research results published before august 2020. All data analysis was through R version 3.6.3. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, Begg's rank correlation test, and Egger regression asymmetry tests. Most of the included studies were adjusted for potential confounding factors.

Results

This meta found the association of e‐cigarette use with asthma, and the combined OR value was 1.27 (95% CI = 1.17–1.37). We found the significant association of current e‐cigarette usage with asthma (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.17–1.45), and the former use of e‐cigarettes also had an association with asthma (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.08–1.39). Then, when e‐cigarettes were used in combination with traditional cigarettes, the association odds with asthma was 1.47 (95% CI = 1.13–1.91), which was higher than that of users who used traditional cigarettes (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.19–1.49). In subgroup analysis, adult and female e‐cigarette users were more closely associated with asthma.

Conclusion

In short, in this meta‐analysis, we found that current or former use of e‐cigarettes are associated with the prevalence of asthma. However, the specific relationship required more rigorous design for further verification.
The association of post‐operative delirium with patient‐reported outcomes and mortality after lung transplantation
Authors: DeBolt Claire L. , Gao Ying , Sutter Nicole , Soong Allison , Leard Lorriana , Jeffrey Golden , Kleinhenz Mary Ellen , Calabrese Daniel , Greenland John , Venado Aida , Hays Steven R. , Shah Rupal , Kukreja Jasleen , Trinh Binh , Kolaitis Nicholas A. , Douglas Vanja , Diamond Joshua M. , Smith Patrick , Singer Jonathan
Published: March 2021

Post‐operative delirium after lung transplantation is common. Its associations with health‐related quality of life (HRQL), depression, and mortality remains unknown.

In 236 lung transplant recipients, HRQL and depressive symptoms were assessed as part of a structured survey battery before and after transplantation. Surveys included the Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS) and Short Form 12 (SF12). Delirium was assessed throughout the post‐operative intensive care unit (ICU) stay with Confusion Assessment Method for ICU. Delirium and mortality data were extracted from electronic medical records. We examined associations between delirium and changes in depressive symptoms and HRQL using linear mixed effects models and association between delirium and mortality with Cox‐proportional hazard models.

Post‐operative delirium occurred in 34 participants (14%). Delirium was associated with attenuated improvements in SF12‐PCS (difference ₋4.0; 95%CI: −7.4, −0.7) but not SF12‐MCS (difference 2.2; 95%CI: −0.7,5.7) or GDS (difference ₋0.4; 95%CI: −1.5,0.7). Thirty‐two participants died during the study period. Delirium was associated with increased adjusted hazard risk of mortality (HR 17.9, 95%CI: 4.4,72.5).

Delirium after lung transplantation identifies a group at increased risk for poorer HRQL and death within the first post‐operative year. Further studies should investigate potential causal links between delirium, and poorer HRQL and mortality risk after lung transplantation.
Non‐invasive diagnostic imaging tests largely underdiagnose cardiac cirrhosis in patients undergoing advanced therapy evaluation: How can we identify the high‐risk patient?
Authors: Belzile David , Turgeon Pierre Yves , Leblanc Evelyne , Massot Montse , Bourgault Christine , Morin Joёlle , Dupuis Céline , Bilodeau Marc , Laflamme Maxime , Charbonneau Eric , Trahan Sylvain , Pagé Sylvain , Joubert Philippe , Couture Christian , Sénéchal Mario
Published: March 2021

Background

Patients with liver cirrhosis are generally considered ineligible for isolated cardiac transplantation or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The aim of this retrospective study is to explore the diagnostic value of abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography scan (CT scan) and liver‐spleen scintigraphy to detect the presence of cirrhosis in patients with advanced heart failure.

Methods

Among 567 consecutive patients who underwent pre‐transplantation or LVAD evaluation, 54 had a liver biopsy to rule out cardiac cirrhosis; we compared the biopsy results with the imaging investigations.

Results

In about 26% (n = 14) of patients undergoing liver biopsy, histopathological evaluation identified cirrhosis. The respective sensitivity of abdominal ultrasound, CT scan and liver‐spleen scintigraphy to detect cirrhosis was 57% [29–82], 50% [16–84], and 25% [3–65]. The specificity was 80% [64–91], 89% [72–98], and 44% [20–70], respectively.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography has the best‐combined sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of cirrhosis. However, more than a third of patients with cirrhosis will go undiagnosed by conventional imaging. As liver biopsy is associated with a low rate of complication, it should be considered in patients with a high‐risk of cirrhosis or with evidence of portal hypertension to assess their eligibility for heart transplantation or LVAD implantation.
“The Bloody Hell and Holy Cow Moment:” Feeling Awe in the Art Museum
Authors: Luke Jessica J.
Published: March 2021

Research shows that awe has various positive benefits for people. Research also suggests that viewing art can elicit awe. Therefore, art museums seem well positioned to foster awe, yet there is almost no evidence that art museum visitors experience awe during their visit. This study assessed whether and how people experience awe during an art museum visit, to establish an empirical foundation. A total of 132 adults were interviewed at two different art museums in London, UK. Study results point to three key findings: (1) art museum visitors say that they feel awe, and it may be correlated with several other positive emotions; (2) art museum visitors say that they experience some dimensions of awe more strongly than others; and (3) art museum visitors mostly felt that it was aspects of the art work that elicited their feelings of awe in the art museum. Results have implications for art museum practitioners developing interpretive strategies for connecting people with works of art, and for researchers investigating the nature of museum experiences.
Art Museum Educators: Who Are They Now?
Authors: Kletchka Dana Carlisle
Published: March 2021

“Art Museum Educators: Who Are They?” is one of the earliest published studies about individuals in the profession of art museum education. Zeller’s questions elicited responses about their demographics, education, experience, professional involvement, and level of status in art museum professional hierarchies. The results showed that most respondents were upper‐middle class, married women with degrees in art history; had professional involvements with art historical associations and scholars; and existed on a relatively low rung of the professional ladder. The quest to understand more about these individuals is just as relevant 35 years later, as the field navigates a profound paradigmatic shift intent on investing in diverse communities and individual visitors over strictly art‐historical interpretations of objects . This study asks who art museum educators are now and shares the result of a nationwide questionnaire on the personal and professional entanglements of AMEs; critically examines the collected data on those individuals who envision and enact a public curriculum on behalf of their institutions; and suggests broader implications for the field and for art museums that are vastly different than ones Zeller knew.
Voices of Water and Violence: Exhibition Making and the Blue Humanities for Transitional Justice
Authors: González‐Ayala Sofía N. , Camargo Alejandro
Published: March 2021

This article examines how the relationships between water and violence are represented as objects for public museum exhibitions in order to guarantee symbolic reparations in a transitional justice context. Using the 2018–2019 exhibition Voces para transformar a Colombia, we show that considering a non‐human element such as water in this context requires a methodological reflection about how to expand the notion of victimhood to include nature. After decades of armed conflict, the Colombian government initiated a transitional justice process which led to the creation of the Museum of Memory as a setting for post‐conflict reconciliation. This museum‐pilot exhibition approached violence and resistance in the armed conflict through three main axes: land, water, and the human body. Unlike land and the body, water has played only a marginal role in the public understanding of the armed conflict. The article analyzes the curatorial process underlying the creation of the Water axis of this exhibition. In light of this exhibition, we propose a reflection on what Nicholas Thomas calls “the museum as a method,” which involves three specific moments: discovery, captioning, and juxtaposition. We suggest a fourth moment, ramification, whereby the exhibition branches off through alliances with communities and scholars, and technologies that geographically decenter the museum. The water axis allows for a broader reflection about violence and the environment in which science and the arts come together to create citizens' engagement with justice and ecological crisis. From this perspective, the analysis of the water axis advances the burgeoning field of the blue humanities.
Impact of body mass and alcohol consumption on all‐cause and liver mortality in 240 000 adults in the United States
Authors: Patra Jayadeep , Buckley Charlotte , Kerr William C. , Brennan Alan , Purshouse Robin C. , Rehm Jürgen
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Nationally representative studies of the combined impact of drinking and body mass (BMI) on mortality outcomes are unavailable. We investigate whether both act together to elevate risk of all‐cause or liver mortality.

Methods

We obtained self‐reported histories of drinking and BMI from 129 098 women (mean age 47.2 years) and 102 568 men (mean age 45.6 years) ≥18 years interviewed from 1997 to 2004 in the National Health Interview Survey and related these data to the deaths that occurred by 31 December 2006 (women = 8486; men = 7819 deaths). Death hazards among current drinkers in different BMI groups were adjusted for age, education, race and smoking.

Results

Obese (≥30 kg m−2) adults with consumption of >40 g day−1 (women) or >60 g day−1 (men) pure ethanol were at risk of increased mortality from all‐cause and chronic liver disease (P trend <0.0001). For heavy drinkers with BMI ≥30 kg m−2, each 5 kg m−2 higher BMI was associated with an elevated all‐cause mortality in men (hazard ratios 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–1.40) and women (1.12, [1.02–1.24]). The excess risk due to interaction was more pronounced in men (7.30, [3.60–11.00]) than women (2.90, [0.50–5.30]).

Discussion and Conclusions

Obesity and excess alcohol are both related to all‐cause and liver mortality—the latter with evidence of a supra‐additive interaction between the risk factors. The presence of both factors in the same population and their impact should inform treatment, public health policies and research.
A multicenter study of three‐dimensional echocardiographic evaluation of normal pediatric left ventricular volumes and function
Authors: Jone Pei‐Ni , Le Lisa , Pan Zhaoxing , Colen Tim , Shigemitsu Sachie , Khoo Nee S. , Goot Benjamin H. , Parthiban Anitha , Harrild David M. , Ferraro Alessandra M. , Marx Gerald
Published: March 2021

Background

Three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) evaluation of left ventricular (LV) volume and function in pediatrics compares favorably with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of this study was to establish from a multicenter, normal pediatric z‐score values of 3DE left ventricular volumes and function.

Methods

Six hundred and ninety‐eight healthy children (ages 0–18 years) were recruited from five centers. LV 3DE was acquired from the 4‐chamber view. A vendor‐independent software analyzed end‐diastolic volume (EDV), end‐systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), and ejection fraction (EF) using semi‐automated quantification. Body surface area (BSA)‐based z‐scores were generated. Intraobserver and interobserver variability were calculated using intraclass correlation (ICC) and repeatability coefficient (RC).

Results

Z‐scores were generated for ESV, EDV, and SV. The ICC for intraobserver variability for EDV, ESV, and SV was 0.99, 0.99, and 0.99, respectively. The ICC for interobserver variability for EDV, ESV, and SV was 0.98, 0.94, and 0.98, respectively. The RC for intraobserver and interobserver variability for LV EF was 4.39% (95% CI: 3.01, 5.59) and interobserver was 7.08% (95%CI: 5.51, 8.42).

Conclusions

We report pediatric z‐scores for normal LV volumes using the semi‐automated method from five centers, enhancing its generalizability. 3DE evaluation of LV volumes and EF in pediatric patients is highly reproducible.
Magnitude of blood pressure change and clinical outcomes after thrombectomy in stroke caused by large artery occlusion
Authors: Anadani Mohammad , Matusevicius Marius , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Peeters André , Nunes Ana Paiva , Mancuso Michelangelo , Roffe Christine , de Havenon Adam , Ahmed Niaz
Published: March 2021

Background

Extremes of both high and low systolic blood pressure (SBP) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in large artery occlusion stroke are known predictors of unfavorable outcome. However, the effect of SBP change (∆SBP) during the first 24 h on thrombectomy outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between ∆SBP at different time intervals and thrombectomy outcomes.

Methods

We analyzed MT‐treated patients registered in the SITS International Stroke Thrombectomy Registry from January 1, 2014 to September 3, 2019. Primary outcome was 3‐month unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin scale scores 3–6). We defined ∆SBP as the mean SBP of a given time interval after MT (0–2, 2–4, 4–12, 12–24 h) minus admission SBP. Multivariable mixed logistic regression models were used to adjust for known confounders and center as random effect. Subgroup analyses were included to contrast specific subpopulations. Restricted cubic splines were used to model the associations.

Results

The study population consisted of 5835 patients (mean age 70 years, 51% male, median NIHSS 16). Mean ∆SBP was −12.3, −15.7, −17.2, and −16.9 mmHg for the time intervals 0–2, 2–4, 4–12 h, and 12–24 h, respectively. Higher ∆SBP was associated with unfavorable outcome at 0–2 h (odds ratio 1.065, 95% confidence interval 1.014–1.118), 2–4 h (1.140, 1.081–1.203), 4–12 h (1.145, 1.087–1.203), and 12–24 h (1.145, 1.089–1.203), for every increase of 10 mmHg. Restricted cubic spline models suggested that increasing ∆SBP was associated with unfavorable outcome, with higher values showing increased risk of unfavorable outcome.

Conclusion

SBP increase after thrombectomy in large artery occlusion stroke is associated with poor functional outcome.
Surgical repair and reconstruction of a nasal fistula following intra‐lesional formalin injection
Authors: Barnes H. , Gillen A. M. , Brown J. , Archer D. C.
Published: March 2021

A 6‐year‐old Cleveland Bay mare was referred to the University of Liverpool Equine Hospital for repair of an iatrogenic nasocutaneous fistula. The fistula had developed following attempted ablation of an epidermal inclusion cyst located in the right nasal diverticulum with intra‐lesional formalin 6 weeks previously. Subsequent tissue necrosis resulted in the formation of a full‐thickness defect in the overlying tissues and the creation of a 5 × 5 cm nasocutaneous fistula. Surgical management consisted of initial debridement of the fistula and use of a commercial dermal regeneration mesh to bridge the defect, acting as a tissue scaffold. The levator labii superioris muscle was utilised to cover the scaffold by transecting it close to its proximal origin and reflecting it rostrally. Finally, a transposition skin flap was created adjacent to the site and was rotated to cover the defect. The mare made an excellent recovery, and follow‐up confirmed complete healing of the surgical site with an excellent cosmetic outcome.
Family Resilience in a Resource‐Cursed Community Dependent on the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Höltge Jan , Theron Linda , Jefferies Philip , Ungar Michael
Published: March 2021

The economic and social well‐being of rural, “resource‐cursed” communities can depend on the boom‐bust cycles of a single industry like oil and gas. This study used a constructivist, inductive approach to identify the challenges placed on families in one such community and the processes that strengthen family resilience. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 35 adult residents (30–76 years old, 19 women) from a community in Alberta, Canada, that has specialized in oil and gas extraction for 70 years and experienced its worst economic downturn while the study was underway. Results showed that many families have experienced an endless cycle of poor work–life balance and income instability throughout the economic cycle. Family life often lacked social cohesion as a consequence of demanding work schedules and economic pressures. Additional challenges were the perceived negative effects of rigid gender roles, substance abuse, family conflicts, and domestic violence. Crucial strengthening processes for family resilience were fundamental financial and living standard adaptations (e.g., living within or below one’s economic means; having both spouses become earners), maintaining regular contact by having a flexible home routine, and mutually agreeing to change roles during busts (former earners take responsibility for caregiving and running of the household and vice versa). Alternatively, accepting economic volatility and its impact on normal family life processes were essential for family resilience. Findings suggest the need for clinicians to help families foster resilience in communities that depend on resource extraction industries with concurrent adaptations required by individuals, families, and socio‐political and economic systems.
Experimental characterization and theoretical prediction of quasi‐static fracture behavior of notched ZK60‐T5 Mg samples
Authors: Albinmousa Jafar , Peron Mirco , Razavi Nima , Al Hussain Mohammed , Al‐Ghanim Ahmed , Berto Filippo
Published: March 2021

Magnesium and its alloys have increasingly gained attention due to their attractive properties, including the high specific strength that makes them suitable for several applications in different industries. However, their applications in load‐bearing components require an understanding of their fracture behavior especially when notches are present which is still limited. The aim of this work is to investigate the fracture behavior of notched ZK60‐T5 magnesium. Eleven different U‐ and V‐notched geometries were examined. The mechanical tests showed that the presence of notches reduces the ductility of the material. This was confirmed by the SEM as the size of the shear lips was shown to decrease by increasing the notch acuity. The Strain Energy Density (SED) is used to predict the failure loads of the differently notched samples, and the results suggest high reliability of this approach with deviations between the theoretical and experimental data often lower than 10%.
Systemic effects of rising atmospheric vapor pressure deficit on plant physiology and productivity
Authors: López José , Way Danielle A. , Sadok Walid
Published: March 2021

Earth is currently undergoing a global increase in atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD), a trend which is expected to continue as climate warms. This phenomenon has been associated with productivity decreases in ecosystems and yield penalties in crops, with these losses attributed to photosynthetic limitations arising from decreased stomatal conductance. Such VPD increases, however, have occurred over decades, which raises the possibility that stomatal acclimation to VPD plays an important role in determining plant productivity under high VPD. Furthermore, evidence points to more far‐ranging and complex effects of elevated VPD on plant physiology, extending to the anatomical, biochemical, and developmental levels, which could vary substantially across species. Because these complex effects are typically not considered in modeling frameworks, we conducted a quantitative literature review documenting temperature‐independent VPD effects on 112 species and 59 traits and physiological variables, in order to develop an integrated and mechanistic physiological framework. We found that VPD increase reduced yield and primary productivity, an effect that was partially mediated by stomatal acclimation, and also linked with changes in leaf anatomy, nutrient, and hormonal status. The productivity decrease was also associated with negative effects on reproductive development, and changes in architecture and growth rates that could decrease the evaporative surface or minimize embolism risk. Cross‐species quantitative relationships were found between levels of VPD increase and trait responses, and we found differences across plant groups, indicating that future VPD impacts will depend on community assembly and crop functional diversity. Our analysis confirms predictions arising from the hydraulic corollary to Darcy's law, outlines a systemic physiological framework of plant responses to rising VPD, and provides recommendations for future research to better understand and mitigate VPD‐mediated climate change effects on ecosystems and agro‐systems.
Changes of 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose position‐emission tomography findings by the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach
Authors: Marubashi Kyoko , Takakusagi Satoshi , Yokoyama Yozo , Kizawa Kazuko , Kosone Takashi , Tojima Hiroki , Takagi Hitoshi
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is reported to increase 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose (FDG) accumulation in the stomach. The accumulation of FDG by positron‐emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in the stomach for the voluntary health examinees of cancer checkup was examined before and after the HP eradication.

Subjects and Methods

From March 2013 to October 2015, eighty‐one subjects were performed FDG‐PET to detect cancer at the health checkup. All of them were also surveyed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Subjects were classified as the 33 cases of HP positive (group A), 38 cases of originally negative (group B), and the 10 negative cases by HP eradication therapy (group C). Group A was treated by combination of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and proton pump inhibitor for a week, and all of them eradicated HP. A part of group A (n = 7) was serially performed FDG‐PET one to five years after the treatment and compared the maximum standard uptake value of FDG (SUV) around the fundic gland region.

Results

SUV of group A (3.55 ± 0.69) was significantly higher than those of both group B (2.96 ± 0.72) and group C (2.89 ± 0.51) (p < 0.01, respectively). Groups B and C are almost comparable and showed no significant difference during the course. In group A, HP eradication significantly decreased the SUV to 3.1 ± 0.43 (P < .01). SUV after the eradication was significantly reduced (P < .01) in the mild to moderate atrophy (C1–C3) group according to Kimura and Takemoto classification of chronic gastritis of group A. Although SUV in the advanced atrophy group (O1–O3) tended to decline after the eradication, the change was not significant.

Conclusion

HP‐infected stomach showed higher FDG uptake in the fundic gland region and HP eradication decreased the uptake in the mild to moderate atrophic gastritis but not in the severe atrophic gastritis.
Who is blocking access to PubMed? Educational ‘Escape Room’ for medical residents
Authors: Álvarez‐Díaz Noelia , Grifol‐Clar Eulàlia
Published: March 2021

Teaching students how to conduct bibliographic searches in health sciences’ databases is essential training. One of the challenges librarians face is how to motivate students during classroom learning. In this article, two hospital libraries, in Spain, used Escape rooms as a method of bringing creativity, teamwork, communication and critical thinking into bibliographic search instruction. Escape rooms are a series of puzzles that must be solved to exit the game. This article explores the methods used for integrating escape rooms into training programmes and evaluates the results. Escape Rooms are a useful tool that can be integrated into residents’ training to support their instruction on bibliographic searches. This kind of learning stablishes competences like logical thinking and deductive approaching. These aspects aid participants to make their own decision and to develop social and intellectual skills.
‘Evidence’ within local authority decision making
Authors: Cook Michael
Published: March 2021

Michael Cook looks at the role of an embedded Public Health Information Specialist highlighting the ways the core evidence, information and knowledge skills are used to progress Public Health activity in local government settings. Acknowledging the current pandemic, he explores how COVID‐19 has dominated all aspects of health and social care, and outlines how evidence services have work within these complex Public Health systems to lead the local response and recovery efforts.
Melting rate correlation with batch properties and melter operating conditions during conversion of nuclear waste melter feeds to glasses
Authors: Lee SeungMin , Cutforth Derek A. , Mar Derek , Klouzek Jaroslav , Ferkl Pavel , Dixon Derek R. , Pokorny Richard , Hall Mark A. , Eaton William C. , Hrma Pavel , Kruger Albert A.
Published: March 2021

The rate of conversion of nuclear waste melter feed to glass is affected by the selection of melter feed materials and by melter design and operation. The melting rate correlation (MRC) is an equation that relates the glass production rate with two types of variables: (a) feed and melt properties: conversion heat, cold‐cap bottom temperature, and glass melt viscosity; and (b) melter design and operation parameters: melter geometry, melter operating temperature, and gas bubbling rate. The MRC shows good agreement for an extended melting rate data set of high‐level waste (HLW) melter feeds and a data set generated for low‐activity waste (LAW) melter feeds. Laboratory observation of heated melter feed samples is often used to assess the cold‐cap bottom temperature of HLW melter feeds (moderately foaming feeds), but this technique appears inadequate for LAW melter feeds (vigorously foaming feeds). For LAW feeds, an adequate assessment of the cold‐cap bottom temperature was achieved using evolved gas analysis, which allows identification of the collapse of primary foam for oxidized feeds. This assessment shows that the cold‐cap bottom temperature for vigorously foaming LAW feeds is higher than that for moderately foaming HLW feeds. When the results of MRC are compared, LAW feeds are generally less sensitive to the bubbling rate and melt viscosity, and more sensitive to the cold‐cap bottom temperature than HLW feeds. The MRC qualifies as a promising tool to support the selection of melter feed materials and melter operating conditions, which is determined from expensive independent scaled melter experiments, and sophisticated mathematical models.
Voluntary sustainability assurance, capital constraint and cost of debt: International evidence
Authors: Carey Peter , Khan Arifur , Mihret Dessalegn G. , Muttakin Mohammad B.
Published: March 2021

We examine whether a firm's voluntary purchase of sustainability assurance is associated with reduced capital constraint and lower cost of debt. We also explore the effect of assurance provider (accountant/non‐accountant) and a country's level of investor protection/creditor rights, on this association. Using a panel dataset drawn from an international sample, we find that voluntary purchase of sustainability assurance is negatively associated with both capital constraint and cost of debt. The associations are stronger for accounting firm providers than non‐accounting assurers. Further, the effect is stronger for firms operating in low investor protection (creditor rights) settings suggesting that voluntary sustainability assurance is valued in a context generally characterized by greater information asymmetry. Findings provide evidence that firms derive a financing benefit from voluntary sustainability assurance, and the benefit is sensitive to the profile of the sustainability assurance provider and the institutional environment in which the firm operates.
How to spot COVID‐19 patients: Speech & sound audio analysis for preliminary diagnosis of SARS‐COV‐2 corona patients
Authors: Sharma Amit , Baldi Ashish , Kumar Sharma Dinesh
Published: March 2021

Background

The global cases of COVID‐19 increasing day by day. On 25 November 2020, a total of 59 850 910 cases reported globally with a 1 411 216 global death. In India, total cases in the country now stand at 91 77 841 including 86 04 955 recoveries and 4 38 667 active cases as on 24 November 2020, as per the data issued by ICMR. A new generation of voice/audio analysis application can tell whether the person is suffering from COVID‐19 or not.

Aims

To describe how to established a new generation of voice/audio analysis application to identify the suspected COVID‐19 hidden cases in hotspot areas with the help of an audio sample of the general public.

Materials & Methods

The different patents and data available as literature on the internet are evaluated to make a new generation of voice/audio analysis application with the help of an audio sample of the general public.

Results

The collection of the audio sample will be done from the already suffered COVID‐19 patients in (.Wave files) personally or through phone calls. The audio samples such as the sound of the cough, the pattern of breathing, respiration rate and way of speech will be recorded. The parameters will be evaluated for loudness, articulation, tempo, rhythm, melody and timbre. The analysis and interpretation of the parameters can be made through machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect corona cases with an audio sample.

Discussion

The voice/audio application current project can be merged with a mobile App called ‘AarogyaSetu’ by the Government of India. The project can be implemented in the high‐risk area of COVID‐19 in the country.

Conclusion

This new method of detecting cases will decrease the workload in the COVID‐19 laboratory.
The deep impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on medical students: An online cross‐sectional study evaluating Turkish students’ anxiety
Authors: Kuman Tunçel Özlem , Taşbakan Selin Ece , Gökengin Deniz , Erdem Hüseyin Aytaç , Yamazhan Tansu , Sipahi Oğuz Reşat , Pullukçu Hüsnü , Önen Sertöz Özen , Işıkgöz Taşbakan Meltem
Published: March 2021

Aim

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) changed the delivery of medical education in Turkey by moving to an emergency remote teaching system and led to many challenges for future doctors. In this study, we aimed to explore the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on medical students, to assess their anxiety level and their main anxiety sources related to this pandemic.

Methods

A Google Form was distributed to medical students using the virtual snowball sampling method. The form included the Beck Anxiety Inventory and additional 19 questions on sociodemographic characteristics, perceived level of knowledge about the epidemic, self‐risk perceptions of COVID‐19 and their anxiety levels about some other topics related to COVID‐19.

Results

Overall, 3105 medical students with a mean age of 22.37 ± 2.46, took the survey. Amongst the participants, only 32% of the students defined their knowledge about the precautions that should be taken during an epidemic disease as acceptable. Students reported highest anxiety level for the continuing spread of COVID‐19 in Turkey and transmitting coronavirus to another person. Clinically significant anxiety prevalence was 23.2%. Regression analysis revealed that factors that increased the risk of being anxious included being female, being other than a 5th‐year student, thinking that being a medical student would increase the risk of coronavirus transmission or being uncertain about it, being exposed to a patient with COVID‐19 or being uncertain about it, being anxious about the continuing spread of COVID‐19 in Turkey, being anxious about acquiring COVID‐19, being anxious for graduating and being on active duty, being anxious about a medical training interruption.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that anxiety is prevalent amongst Turkish medical students during the COVID‐19 pandemic and they have a weak preparedness for a pandemic such as COVID‐19. Based on our results, new strategies should be implemented for medical education and for alleviating students’ anxiety levels.
The thrill of a smart purchase: Does country matter?
Authors: Quinones Myriam , Gómez‐Suárez Mónica , Yagüe María Jesús
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this article is to investigate the relationship of Schwartz's theory of basic individual values to smart shoppers' predisposition to purchase store brands, considering the mediating role of the smart shopper self‐concept and the moderating role of the country of origin. After an initial qualitative analysis, survey data were collected from a sample of 868 shoppers in four western countries (Spain, France, Germany and the United States). Then, a series of statistical estimations was developed through structural equation modelling. The results of these sequential models showed metric equivalence, providing a basis for generating valid comparisons among the four countries. The final findings corroborate the idea that the individual's value structure has a direct and positive effect on the smart shopper self‐concept and that this effect in turn influences the shopper's attitude towards store brands. The results also show that although the dimensions of the buyers' value structures are cross‐country invariant, the set of values that best define smart shoppers differs significantly by country. Mixed results are found when the relationship between the smart shopper self‐concept and the attitude towards store brands is analysed for each individual country. These outcomes offer international retail managers guidance on how to best stimulate smart shoppers' positive responses towards store brands.
Commentary: On intimate relationships, adult roles, interplay of family adversity and individual vulnerability, intergenerational transmission, and developmental selection – commentary on Vergunst et al. (2020)
Authors: Meeus Wim
Published: March 2021

Five developmental trajectories of partnering in the ages 18–35 were identified by Vergunst et al. (2020). In my discussion of these trajectories, I included findings of three studies using the same dataset as Vergunst et al. First I showed that formation and maintenance of intimate relationships have different childhood precursors. It also became clear that family adversity and high inattention in childhood are systematic predictors of problems in investing in age‐graded roles in adulthood: in educational attainment, partnering, and becoming economically self‐reliant. A limitation of the study Vergunst et al. is the absence of adolescence. Inclusion of data on adolescent development could have clarified why effects of family adversity and childhood traits are very small and provided evidence for the role of parent–adolescent relationships. Finally, the study by Vergunst et al. demonstrates intergenerational transmission of problems across various developmental domains. This intergenerational continuity of vulnerabilities suggests developmental selection.
Patient satisfaction and masticatory performance of zirconia bar compared to cobalt chromium bar retaining mandibular implant overdenture: A crossover study
Authors: Altonbary Gilan Y. , Emera Radwa M. K.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The aim of this crossover clinical study was the evaluation and comparison of patient satisfaction and masticatory performance for patients rehabilitated with mandibular two implant overdentures retained with two different bar attachments: zirconia bar and cobalt chromium bar.

Material and Methods

Twenty completely edentulous patients were divided into two equal groups: Group I (ZrO2), each patient received mandibular implant overdenture retained with CAD/CAM zirconia bar on two implants in the canine region, and Group II (Co‐Cr), each patient received mandibular overdenture retained with conventional casted cobalt chromium metal bar. Patient satisfaction was measured with a survey questionnaire (PSQ‐18), and masticatory performance was also evaluated with the two‐colour mixing ability test after 3 months of overdenture insertion; then, each patient received a bar attachment from the other type and evaluations were repeated.

Results

Significant differences were observed regarding psychological acceptance (appearance), time, hygiene, undergo procedures, recommend procedures and the overall experience. In contrast, insignificant difference was observed regarding speech, chewing capacity, restorative procedures, complications and information prior to treatment. No significant difference was reported when comparing chewing performance between the two types of bar attachment.

Conclusion

Within this clinical study limitations, patient satisfaction with zirconia bar was higher than Co‐Cr bar in terms of appearance, time, hygiene, undergo procedures, recommend procedures and the overall experience. Zirconia can become a suitable alternative to cobalt chromium alloys as a bar attachment. Combining the advantages of implant supported overdenture, CAD/CAM zirconia bar as an attachment, a satisfactory non‐metal prosthesis could be provided.
Tolerable upper intake level of iron damages the liver of weaned piglets
Authors: Ding Haoxuan , Zhao Yang , Yu Xiaonan , Chen Lingjun , Han Jianan , Feng Jie
Published: March 2021

Iron is one of the essential trace elements, which is often supplemented as an additive to meet the growing needs of toddlers and young animals. Recommended nutrient intake (RNI) and tolerable upper intake levels (UL) are always set when the iron is supplemented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the subacute (28 days) toxicity of UL iron to weaned piglet liver. Thirty 23‐day‐old weaned piglets were divided into three groups and, respectively, supplemented with 100, 300 or 3000 (UL) mg/kg iron. UL iron caused significant weight loss in 4th week (p < 0.05). Divalent metal transporter 1(DMT1) decreased significantly, ferroportin 1 and ferritin increased significantly in the liver of UL iron group (p < 0.05). Although there was no significant effect on liver morphology, UL iron significantly increased hepatic iron, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (p < 0.05). UL iron significantly reduced glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total anti‐oxidation capacity (T‐AOC) in the liver (p < 0.05). Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) activated subunits of glutamate cysteine ligase (Gclc) and glutathione S‐transferase A1 (Gsta1) upregulation in the UL iron group liver, thereby increasing resistance to oxidative stress. In conclusion, UL iron supplementation altered iron metabolism, generated free radicals, reduced antioxidant enzyme activity and activated Nrf2 signalling pathway in the weaned piglet liver.
Composition and diversity of prokaryotic communities sampled from sponges and soft corals in Maldivian waters
Authors: Cleary Daniel Francis Richard , Polónia Ana Rita Moura , de Voogd Nicole Joy
Published: March 2021

In the present study, prokaryotic communities from nine sponge species, two octocoral species, sediment and seawater were assessed from Maldivian coral reefs. All host species contained prokaryotic communities, which were distinct from those found in sediment and seawater. Certain host species, however, contained relatively high abundances of environmental OTUs, that is, OTUs recorded in sediment and/or seawater. This was particularly the case for the sponge species Svenzea novo sp. and Stylissa carteri with respect to seawater and Liosina paradoxa with respect to sediment. The sponge species Svenzea novo sp., S. carteri, L. paradoxa, Jaspis splendens and Ptilocaulis cf. spiculifer all had relatively high abundances of Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Planctomycetes and relatively low evenness compared to the remaining sponge species. They also housed distinct subsets of highly abundant OTUs, which were rare or absent in other hosts, a trait they shared with the octocoral species. The aforementioned compositional traits suggest LMA status for these sponge species. The remaining species (Hyrtios erectus, Luffariella variabilis, Neopetrosia chaliniformis and Plakortis cf. kenyensis) had high relative abundances of Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, PAUC34f (or SAUL; sponge‐associated unclassified lineage) and Poribacteria, high evenness and limited compositional variation among samples, traits associated with HMA status. Our results, furthermore, confirmed the previously established classification of H. erectus as an HMA and S. carteri as a LMA species. Both octocoral species (Melithaea maldivensis and Paraminabea sp.) housed prokaryotic communities, which were compositionally distinct from sponge species and included significantly discriminating OTUs assigned to the Tenericutes, Spirochaetae and Proteobacteria phyla and the genera Mycoplasma (Tenericutes), Spirochaeta 2 (Spirochaetae) and Endozoicomonas (Proteobacteria).