bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Significance Revisited
Authors: Tormählen Maike , Klinkova Galiya , Grabinski Michael
Published: March 2021

Statistical significance measures the reliability of a result obtained from a random experiment. We investigate the number of repetitions needed for a statistical result to have a certain significance. In the first step, we consider binomially distributed variables in the example of medication testing with fixed placebo efficacy, asking how many experiments are needed in order to achieve a significance of 95 %. In the next step, we take the probability distribution of the placebo efficacy into account, which to the best of our knowledge has not been done so far. Depending on the specifics, we show that in order to obtain identical significance, it may be necessary to perform twice as many experiments than in a setting where the placebo distribution is neglected. We proceed by considering more general probability distributions and close with comments on some erroneous assumptions on probability distributions which lead, for instance, to a trivial explanation of the fat tail.
HEALTH INDICATORS IN CHILDREN BORN THROUGH THE USE OF REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Authors:   Bashkir State Medical University, DRUZHININA NATALIA A. , MERZLYAKOVA DINARA R. ,   Bashkir State Medical University, SHIRYAEVA GALINA P. ,   Bashkir State Medical University, VAKHITOVA GULNAZ A. ,   Bashkir State Medical University, KHAFIZOVA NAILA R. ,   Bashkir State Medical University, IMAEVA LILIYA R. ,   Bashkir State Medical University
Published: March 2021

The aim of the study was to examine the dynamics of health indicators in children who were born prematurely by in vitro fertilization technique during the first 3years of their life by means of a comprehensive clinical study.
PLACENTAL DYSFUNCTION AND METHOD OF ITS CORRECTION IN ACUTE INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION IN PREGNANT
Authors:   Saratov State Medical University named after V.I. Razumovsky, KHVOROSTUKHINA NATALIYA F. , NOVICHKOV DENIS A. ,   Saratov State Medical University named after V.I. Razumovsky
Published: March 2021

To study the effect of plasmapheresis on the functional state of the uterine-placental complex in adhesive acute intestinal obstruction in pregnant.
COMPUTER MODELING AS THE MAIN STAGE OF ENDODONTIC ROOT NEEDLE REFINEMENT
Authors:   Saratov State Medical University n.a. V.I. Razumovsky, KAZAKOVA LARISA N. , TERESHCHUK OKSANA S ,   Saratov State Medical University n.a. V.I. Razumovsky, NEBOGATIKOV ROMAN S. ,   Saratov State Medical University n.a. V.I. Razumovsky, KULIGIN ALEXANDER V. ,   Saratov State Medical University n.a. V.I. Razumovsky, SUETENKOV DMITRIY E. ,   Saratov State Medical University n.a. V.I. Razumovsky, PICHKHIDZE SERGEY YA. ,   Saratov State Technical University named after Y.Gagarin
Published: March 2021

The issue of high-quality root canal treatment in deciduous and permanent teeth is currently highly relevant. There is a huge variety of tools, devices, and medicines that can be used for working with the root canals. It is often the case that in the dental market medical products of various quality characteristics are being offered for a certain manipulation, leaving consumers face to face with a tough choice of what to buy to obtain good results. According to the English-language literature review, evaluation of the technical characteristics of endodontic needles and the results of their use in practice showed a rather large number of negative aspects, which outlines the need to find the ways of endodontic needle refinement.
Evaluation of working length determination based on the analysis of cone-beam computed tomographic images and an electronic apex locator: a retrospective study*
Authors: Pietrzycka Krystyna , Radwański Mateusz , Pawlicka Halina
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Determining the length of a root canal is a significant outcome predictor for endodontic treatment. The aim of this retrospective, clinical study was to evaluate the accuracy of working length (WL) determination using pre-existing conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to compare them with data of the clinical WL determined with an electronic apex locator (EAL) in treated teeth, found in patient records.

Materials and methods

Thirty five medical records of patients who underwent root canal treatment (RCT) by an endodontist in a private dental practice in Łódź, Poland were analysed. Evaluations were conducted on the data concerning: the WL of the treated tooth as found in the patient’s records, the RadioVisioGraphy (RVG) image after final obturation used as a control, and the CBCT scan before RCT. The Shapiro–Wilk normality test and Student’s t-test were used in statistical analysis. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between compared groups in terms of WL determined with an EAL than CBCT (p > 0.05). In the case of medical diagnosis (pulpitis vs. necrotic pulp) and treatment (primary vs. retreatment), the obtained results were also statistically insignificant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

This retrospective, clinical study showed that CBCT scans can be successfully used for endodontic WL determination. Future investigations are needed to evaluate whether pre-existing CBCT scans may replace initial periapical radiographs (PARs).
Radiopaque gauze migrating into the intestine – a case presentation
Authors: Pupka Dominika , Szajerka Tobiasz , Jabłecki Jerzy
Published: March 2021

Despite the meticulous monitoring of surgical material using the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, gauze sponges and surgical instruments continue to be left inside patients after operations. It is an important issue for surgeons, operating room nurses and the entire medical team. Foreign bodies retained in the system may cause many disorders and result in potentially serious consequences for patients, including death. As well as this, further procedures are needed to remove them and treat any subsequent complications. Retained foreign bodies are rare, but intraluminal migration of the foreign body should be considered extraordinary. Very few cases have been reported so far. The authors believe that it is desirable to perform a wide range of diagnostic imaging in such cases.
The influence of changes in the form of physician postgraduate residency training on their ability to perform post-traumatic examination as an emergency procedure
Authors: Denisiuk Maciej , Pakulski Cezary
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Post-traumatic examination methods have been developed for the easier and more efficient management of trauma patients. Performed according to a scheme, post-traumatic examination must be well-learned and repeatedly practised. Training for this has radically changed in recent years in Poland.

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 2 different forms of physician postgraduate residency training by assessing how well trainee physicians carry out post-traumatic examinations.

Materials and methods

The study involved 2 groups of trainee physicians who were tasked with performing a full post-traumatic examination on simulated patients. Group I consisted of 81 physicians who had taken part in postgraduate residency training in 2011, and group II was comprised of 63 trainee physicians who had undergone such training in 2015. A Laerdal MegaCode Kelly manikin was employed in the project. All simulated patients had the same external injuries and vital function parameters.

Results

None of the physicians in group I correctly carried out all 4 procedures for preliminary assessment (consciousness, airway patency, breath, and blood circulation), and only 7.14% managed to correctly perform 3 of these procedures. In group II, all 4 procedures were executed correctly by 9.52% of the physicians, and 3 procedures by 14.29% (p < 0.001). Quick post-traumatic examination was performed correctly by 4.76% of the physicians from group II but by none of the physicians from group I (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In both groups of trainee physicians, the ability to recognize a life-threatening situation and to perform a posttraumatic examination was inadequate. Postgraduate residency training in both its previous and present form did not guarantee a satisfactory knowledge in this subject.
Lead – factors affecting its content in bone tissue
Authors: Brodziak-Dopierała Barbara
Published: March 2021

Lead is an element whose presence in the environment results mainly from man’s activities. It infiltrates the bodies of living organisms in many ways; in the human body, it has a multidirectional activity, causing anemia, kidney damage, mental retardation in children, genotoxicity, impaired immune function, damage to the nervous system and an inhibition of heme synthesis. Lead also affects bones; its concentrations there, in contrast to soft tissues, are dependent on exposure and increase throughout ones lifespan. This element is the most often studied and described metal in the bone tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence the content of lead in the bone tissue and trace its content in this tissue based on literature data. The analysis of the collected literature showed an incredibly wide range of lead content in human bones was observed. This could be due to the different methods of determination (AAS, ICP-AES, K x-ray fluorescence) and the weight of the sample (dry or wet).
Experimental Analysis of Water/Oil Displacement Tests in Horizontal Pipe
Authors: Leuchtenberger Roberto Fernando , Biazussi Jorge Luiz , Verde William Monte , Castro Marcelo de Souza , Bannwart Antonio Carlos
Published: March 2021

Production shutdowns occur often throughout the life cycle of an oil field. In offshore fields, shutdown situations are accompanied by an intense heat exchange between pipeline and cold water, which exponentially increases oil viscosity. Such an event may lead to serious difficulty to restart the production, or even render it unfeasible, especially for heavy oil fields. Therefore, a preventive procedure is required to remove the ultraviscous oil from pipelines and risers; for example, by pumping diesel or methanol in a flush procedure. Designing an efficient cleanup procedure is therefore essential in terms of time, amount of fluid injected, and pumping system requirements. However, the amount of research published in this area is limited. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive analysis on how the displacement of a viscous liquid by a less-viscous liquid occurs in a pipeline through footages in different segments, varying the injection velocity. Two mineral oils with different viscosities and tap water were used as working fluids for this study. The experimental setup was built with a horizontal 10-m-long acrylic pipe with 19-mm internal diameter. Two high-speed cameras were placed both in the inlet and outlet segments. Our results demonstrate how water displaces viscous oil in a pipeline, showing different flow configurations as superficial water velocity increases, depending on the oil viscosity and distance from the inlet. A dimensionless analysis was performed by a combination of the forces that govern the flow and dimensionless groups found in literature. The results show an expected area of optimum values regarding cleaning time according to flow configuration. A unidimensional model using a logistic function was proposed and showed a good agreement with the experimental data. The model itself proven to be an easy tool for industry and academic purposes, supporting even more robust and elaborated models in the future.
Examination of Wording Effect of the TIMSS 2015 Mathematical Self-Esteem Scale Through the Bifactor Models
Authors: OYAR Esra , ATAR Hakan Yavuz
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to examine whether or not the positive and negative items in the Mathematical Self-Confidence Scale employed in TIMSS 2015 lead to wording effect. While examining whether the expression effect is present or not, analyzes were conducted both on the general sample and on a separate sample for female and male students. To this end, data of 5724 students from Turkey who participated in TIMSS 2015 were used. Six different measurement models were created in the analysis of data and tested with Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The study revealed that positive items have a higher mean than the negative ones. In addition, it was concluded that the bifactor models fit the data better compared to the traditional DFA model, in which the model where negative items were taken as a separate factor are those that best fit the data. This situation is verified both in the general sample and the subgroups of females and males. In conclusion, it is recommended that the scale items should be created carefully and whether the positive and negative items result in separate factors should be examined.
Film kao filozofija: slučaj Wittgenstein
Authors: Kardum Marko
Published: March 2021

U radu se propituje odnos filma i filozofije, naročito u svjetlu Wittgensteinove filozofije i tvrdnje da (pokretna) slika predočuje svijet čak i bolje od jezika te da je u tom smislu posebno filozofski relevantna. Polazi se od čestog razlikovanja filma kao ilustracije filozofije, filma o filozofiji ili filozofima te filma kao filozofije. I dok se prva dva načina njihova odnošenja ne smatraju problematičnima, ali ni filozofski posebno relevantnima ili teorijski izazovnima, za treći se koncept pokazuje suprotno te mu se pristupa unutar Wittgensteinove filozofije. Naime, valja pokazati zašto je film kao pokretna slika za Wittgensteina uopće moguć kao filozofija, odnosno što točno omogućuje filmu da bude kao ta specifična ljudska aktivnost. Da bi se to pokazalo, analizira se Wittgensteinova filozofija s jasno naglašenom razlikom u njegovu ranom i kasnom filozofskom radu. No dva njegova djela, koja paradigmatski stoje iza dviju faza, pokazuju i određeni kontinuitet u razmatranju slika. Prije svega, tiče se to ideje o mogućnosti da upravo slika, a onda ekstenzijom i film kao nizanje slika, najbolje predočava svijet, odnosno da za njega stoji kao dvodimenzionalni model. Budući da je moguće utvrditi kako za Wittgensteina slika ne ovisi o jezičnoj interpretaciji, pokazuje se da je film kao filozofija moguć upravo, premda ne i isključivo, iz kuta Wittgensteinova filozofskog rada koji sliku tretira kao samostalnog nositelja značenja, a što u konačnici rezultira i shvaćanjem Wittgensteinove filozofije kao izravno suprotstavljene filozofskoj tradiciji Zapada. Stoga je jedno od tumačenja relevantnosti filma za filozofiju moguće utemeljiti upravo u Wittgensteinovu razumijevanju slike.
Kapitalna i kapilarna slika Haruna Farockija
Authors: Ružić Boris
Published: March 2021

Članak razmatra dva filma Haruna Farockija – Ein Bild (1983.) i Nicht löschbares Feuer (1969.) – te ih dovodi u vezu s teorijskim postavkama Mirzoeffove kontrapovijesti vizualnosti i Rancièreovim argumentima koji se tiču emancipiranog gledatelja. Temeljna je teza da eksperimentalna, semantički nejasna ili nedovršena slika može u epistemološkom smislu biti od vrijednosti gledatelju za političko djelovanje. Rad predlaže nazivlje kapitalna slika i kapilarna slika u svrhe ocrtavanja sličnosti i razlika među različitim oblicima proizvodnje slike. Istraživanje se zaključuje uvidom u emancipacijsku snagu filmske slike u trenucima kada se može vidjeti struktura proizvodnje same slike na ekranu. Objelodanjeni rad koji je sadržan u slici postaje rad gledatelja u demistifikaciji homogenosti njezinih značenjskih kodova.
Joker između estetizacije i politizacije resantimana
Authors: Lazić Davor
Published: March 2021

Radom se želi razumjeti velika popularnost filma Joker redatelja Toda Filipsa iz 2019. godine. Film i figura Jokera interpretirana je u okviru filozofije, odnosno estetike i politike resantimana. Rad nudi zaključak da film i figura Jokera ponavljaju osjećaj nejednakosti, kao jedno rašireno osjećanje u svijetu, između njegove estetizacije i politizacije.
Mišljenje, htijenje, osjećanje i »dimenzije« vremena kod Martina Heideggera i Rudolfa Steinera
Authors: Katunarić Davor
Published: March 2021

U cilju omogućenja dijaloga između mišljenja Martina Heideggera i Rudolfa Steinera polazimo od teze Rainera Thurnhera da su Heideggerovi egzistencijali raspoloženje, razumijevanje i govor korelati tradicionalnih psihičkih fenomena u njihovoj trostrukoj klasifikaciji na mišljenje, htijenje i osjećanje (koju uvelike koristi i Steiner). Radi provjere te teze analiziramo vremensku konstituciju tih psihičkih fenomena, odnosno njihovih egzistencijalnih korelata iz vremenskih dimenzija budućnosti, sadašnjosti i prošlosti u Heideggerovu Bitku i vremenu i u određenim Steinerovim predavanjima.
AMBLYOPIA WITH RESPECT TO PARENTS AWARENESS AND PERCEPTIONS IN AL-JOUF REGION OF SAUDI ARABIA
Authors:   Intern, College of Medicine - Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia., Mohammed J. Alruwaili Rahaf , Krayem A. Alzarea Bandar ,   Pediatric Ophthalmologist, Uveitis and Oculoplastic Consultant, Head of Ophthalmology Department - Qurayyat General Hospital, Al-Qurayyat, Saudi Arabia.
Published: March 2021

Background/Objective: Amblyopia also known as lazy eye is an abnormal condition which is associated with decrease in an eye vision. Parents can play an important role in the management of amblyopia in their children, if they have correct information regarding the disease. The present study was conducted to check parents awareness and perception regarding the treatment, diagnosis, causes and consequences of amblyopia in Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A questionnairebased study was conducted in Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia to fulfill the objectives of the study. A total of 429 parents aged between 19-45 years were included in the study. Out of 429 parents, 110 were males and 312 were females. Data obtained was analyzed both qualitatively and in percentages. Results: Majority of participants were of the opinion that there is no treatment for amblyopia 280 [66.4%], early treatment leads to better outcomes 369 [87.4%], can be best treated at young age 326 [77.3%] and condition worsens if left untreated 324 [76.8%]. It was observedthat parents occupation and source of knowledge regarding amblyopia is statistically significant with the amblyopia (p-value less than 0.05). Conclusion: In this study we reported that most of the parents are having mild to moderate level of knowledge regarding amblyopia. Furthermore, there is need for parents to increase their awareness level regarding the treatment options and causes of amblyopia.Social media has emerged as an important resource of information regarding amblyopia.
Towards institutionalization of communication as a strategic function in organizations of Argentina, Lithuania and Spain
Authors: Sueldo Mariana
Published: March 2021

This research paper discusses the degree of institutionalization of communication as a strategic managerial function to explore the different scopes and status achieved across countries and organizational sectors. Empirical work was conducted in Lithuania, Spain and Argentina, chosen as pioneers and regional leaders towards institutionalization through the establishment of the first university-level communication studies, national and worldwide networks of communication researchers and practitioners. Purposeful convenience sampling also ensured data collection through 61 semi-structured interviews with communication experts, senior managers and scholars from these countries, and a pilot survey with 20 Lithuanian communication specialists. The results suggest that CEOs in Argentina (70.6%) and Spain (65%) are more aware of the communication value, 60% communication specialists hold executive/senior positions. All this is 10-15% lower in post-communist countries. For 90% Lithuanian respondents, the CEO’s full understanding of communication is the number 1 factor affecting the institutionalization of communication, followed by the evolution of their profession in the country, which influences the perception of the communication function. Strengthening their role and status is the 4th priority for communication professionals in Europe and Argentina. This requires further education to fill a widening gap of data competencies and management skills, expressed by 69% of Spanish communicators, 75-87% in the former communist bloc, and 45% of seasoned Argentinean communicators. The empowerment of communication specialists remains highly dependent on the communicative competence and willingness of CEOs, who also need ad hoc executive education, which is more widely available in Spain and Argentina than in Lithuania.
AcknowledgmentThis paper was written under the Lithuanian Research Council and European Investment Funds grant No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712, as part of the post-doctoral research project “Towards an assessment model for mission-based strategic communication excellence”.
Methods for estimating quantities and qualities (Q&Q) of faecal sludge: field evaluation in Sircilla, India
Authors: Prasad Prerna , Andriessen Nienke , Moorthy Anantha , Das Amrita , Coppens Kayla , Pradeep Rohini , Strande Linda
Published: March 2021

Estimates of accumulated quantities and qualities (Q&Q) of faecal sludge are essential for developing city-wide management plans. However, standardized approaches are lacking, and examples in scientific literature make use of diverse methodologies and parameters, making their comparability and transferability difficult. This study field-tested an approach for estimating Q&Q in Sircilla, India, and compared three methods for measuring accumulated sludge: (1) faecal sludge accumulation rate from in situ measurement with a core sampler; (2) faecal sludge accumulation rate with volume emptied by desludging truck; and (3) sludge blanket accumulation rate in situ with a core sampler. Measurements were taken at households and commercial establishments, samples were analysed for characteristics, and demographic, environmental, and technical data were collected with a questionnaire. The median total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations for all containments were 26.8, 17.8, and 32.0 g/L, respectively. The median faecal sludge accumulation rate estimated with the core sampler and truck were 53 and 96 L/cap·year, respectively. The median sludge blanket accumulation rate was 17 L/cap·year. Continued data collection in this fashion will lead to a better understanding of what is accumulating in onsite containments at regional levels.
Application of the HBV model for the future projections of water levels using dynamically downscaled global climate model data
Authors: Pervin Lia , Gan Thian Yew , Scheepers Hester , Islam Md Saiful
Published: March 2021

The Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV) model was used to project the future water levels of the Mackenzie River at selected stations. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was utilized to dynamically downscale the Global Climate Model data. The calibrated and validated HBV model was run with the WRF downscaled CanESM2 data and with the PCIC data for the historical (1979–2005) period, and then compared with the observed flow data at the Fort Simpson station and the Arctic Red River station. The simulated streamflow showed a good correlation with the observed streamflow (R2 value was around 0.85). The HBV model was then forced with the bias-corrected WRF downscaled daily rainfall and temperature data driven by the CanESM2 RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate scenarios to simulate the future streamflow for the 2041–2070 period. Rating curves were used to convert streamflow to water levels. At the Fort Simpson station, mean flow was projected to decrease by about 5% under both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios, whereas the peak flow was likely to reduce by about 12 and 9% for RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios, respectively, in the 2050s. The projected lower water levels could affect the navigability and the northern ferry operations of the Mackenzie River.
The Use of L-Glucose in Cancer Diagnosis: Results from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Anastasiou Ioanna A. , Eleftheriadou Ioanna , Tentolouris Anastasios , Mourouzis Iordanis , Pantos Constantinos , Tentolouris Nikolaos
Published: March 2021

Background:

Cancer cells are characterized by metabolic heterogeneity. Although
many research groups make efforts to analyze this heterogeneity, little attention
has been paid to cancer cells utilizing otherwise unusable substrates as fuel for tumor development.
Of the two stereoisomers of glucose, D-glucose but not L-glucose, the mirror
image isomer of D-glucose is abundantly found in nature. D-glucose is the human body's
key source of energy through aerobic respiration. However, data from in vitro and in vivo
studies examining the ability of cancer cells to take up L-glucose are scarce.

Objectives:

The present mini-review aims to present current literature data on the role of
L-glucose in cancer diagnosis based on in vitro and in vivo studies.

Methods:

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library with restrictions to articles
in English language databases were searched to retrieve available data.

Results:

There are limited data in the literature regarding in vitro and in vivo studies that
examined the ability of cancer cells to take up L-glucose. Research work so far has
shown that that the binding of a fluorescent detector to an L-glucose molecule produced
a fluorescent probe that was specifically taken up by malignant cancer cells, thus providing
a unique method for their detection.

Conclusion:

Given that L-glucose is taken up by cancer cells, L-glucose fluorescent
probes can be a useful tool for visualization and characterization of cancer cells. More research
on the potential biologic effects of L-glucose in cancer is necessary.
The Clinical Application of Circulating Tumor Cells and DNAs as Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Memarpour Sara , Khalili-Tanha Ghazaleh , Ghannad Awa Alizadeh , Razavi Masoud Sharifian , Joudi Mona , Joodi Marjan , Ferns Gordon A. , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Khazaei Majid , Avan Amir
Published: March 2021

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is one of the most common cancers globally. Genetic and
epigenetic mechanisms are involved in its pathogenesis. The conventional methods for diagnosis
and screening for GI cancers are often invasive and have other limitations. In the era of personalized
medicine, a novel non-invasive approach called liquid biopsy has been introduced for the detection
and management of GI cancers, which focuses on the analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells
(CTCs) and circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA). Several studies have shown that this new approach
allows for an improved understanding of GI tumor biology and will lead to an improvement
in clinical management. The aim of the current review is to explore the clinical applications of
CTCs and ctDNA in patients with GI cancer.
The Stress of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Beyond the Data
Authors: Salim Samina
Published: March 2021

Background:

The year 2020 will go down in modern history as the one ravaged by a
pandemic, the one which humbled the entire world. From the richest and most advanced nations to
the poorest and least developed ones, it exposed all of our vulnerabilities. The loss of life, health
disparities and economic adversities, aggravated by political and ideological tensions, added multiple
layers of stress and anxieties to an already stressed American society.

Methods:

The educational institutions in the United States from the central to the local units demonstrated
coherence in leadership, guided with flexibility and compassion, which paved the way for
smooth operations. However, anxiety among students and faculty of university and college campuses
is undeniable. In-person instruction was halted. Research labs and offices were locked down
or operating with limited personnel. Thus, the challenges to have timely instruction and to move the
research enterprise forward have been enormous. Provided here is a perspective based on a literature
search using PubMed and Google with search words “COVID-19, stress, college students”,
“COVID-19, stress, US graduate students”, and “COVID-19, stress, postdoc researchers”.

Results:

This article is an opinion piece, part personal and part peer experiences. It is presented in
light of studies suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed significant mental stress and
anxiety upon students and faculty members within the academy.

Conclusion:

Loss of face-to-face interactions as a result of virtual instruction, lack of in-person
mentoring, and loss of research productivity has taken its toll on the mental health and well-
being of the academic community. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the ingenuity of the human spirit has innovated solutions to catch up on research productivity and to pursue academic excellence.
Neural Basis of Dental Pulp Stem Cells and its Potential Application in
Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sharma Yogita , Shobha K , Sundeep Mata , Pinnelli Venkata Bharatkumar , Parveen Shagufta , Dhanushkodi Anandh
Published: March 2021

:

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after
Alzheimer’s disease. Though significant insights into the molecular-biochemical-cellular-behavioral
basis of PD have been understood, there is no appreciable treatment available till date. Current
therapies provide symptomatic relief without any influence on the progression of the disease. Stem
cell therapy has been vigorously explored to treat PD. In this comprehensive review, we analyze
various stem cell candidates for treating PD and discuss the possible mechanisms. We advocate the
advantage of using neural crest originated Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSC) due to their predisposition
towards neural differentiation and their potential to regenerate neurons far better than commonly
used bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). Eventually, we highlight the
current challenges in the field and the strategies, which may be used for overcoming the impediments.
COVID-19 and Orthodontics: An Approach for Monitoring Patients at Home
Authors: Bianco Antonio , Dalessandri Domenico , Oliva Bruno , Tonni Ingrid , Isola Gaetano , Visconti Luca , Paganelli Corrado , Bonetti Stefano
Published: March 2021

Aim:

The aim of this study was to test an experimental approach involving the remote monitoring of orthodontic patients through the use of their smartphones.

Background:

Due to the COVID-19 emergency, dental offices were asked to stop elective treatments; suddenly orthodontic patients found themselves isolated at home, without the possibility of monitoring by their orthodontists. The use of telemonitoring via smartphones can be a quick way to recover the orthodontist-patient relationship, monitor and continue the treatment.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to propose an innovative, simple and reliable approach for the remote management of orthodontic patients.

Methods:

137 patients were contacted verbally by phone and via WhatsApp®; they were asked to send a set of photographs taken with their smartphone. They were asked to complete a questionnaire to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach. Descriptive statistics (frequency with percent) of questionnaire results and the presence of procedural errors while taking pictures were calculated. Correlations between different questionnaire answers were analyzed with the Chi-Square test. Variables with p < 0:05 were declared as significant.

Results:

The majority of patients considered that this approach was positive and they did not feel abandoned. Difficulties emerged from a technical point of view, that is, in terms of photoshoot, and part of the patients expressed perplexity regarding the fact that telemonitoring can replace completely an outpatient visit.

Conclusion:

The use of telemonitoring managed to recreate a relationship with the orthodontist, especially in emergency periods.
Telemedicine for a Multidisciplinary Assessment of Orofacial Pain in a Patient Affected by Eagle’s Syndrome: A Clinical Case Report
Authors: Quinzi Vincenzo , Paskay Licia Coceani , Manenti Rebecca Jewel , Giancaspro Silvia , Marzo Giuseppe , Saccomanno Sabina
Published: March 2021

Background:

Orofacial pain has a broad range of origins and a multidisciplinary approach occupies a relevant role.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to review the literature regarding the evolution of telemedicine and orofacial pain related to a case report of a patient affected by Eagle's syndrome.

Materials and Methods:

Two authors (RJM and SG) independently reviewed the literature up to March 2020. A case report was developed by including the interdisciplinary assessment and initial treatment of orofacial pain in a 38-year-old female patient affected by Eagle’s syndrome. The patient was interviewed by two different specialists (from Rome, Italy and Los Angeles, California) through an online meeting platform in order to evaluate her complex situation, demonstrating the possibilities that telemedicine offered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion:

An interdisciplinary approach can be performed for future follow ups on patients as various advantages were found by the patient and by the clinicians themselves.
Horen en gehoorzamen. Perspectieven vanuit Calvijns gedachten over de ordo naturae en de Decaloog voor hedendaags ethisch handelen
Authors: Moehn W.H.Th.
Published: March 2021

Based on the Institutes and his commentaries on the Pentateuch, this article outlines John Calvin’s concept of natural order in creation in relation to the revealed law in the Decalogue and the notion of conscience. On the basis of Calvin’s sermons, the essay then illustrates how he implemented his theological motifs in Genevan church and society, and concludes with reflections on the implications and perspectives of the Reformer’s theology for Christian ethics in the twenty-first century.
Tussen letterlijkheid en vergeestelijking. Op zoek naar een passende interpretatie van de oudtestamentische heilsprofetie
Authors: Van den Herik A.J.
Published: March 2021

The prophets describe the future of Israel in a concrete manner and with vivid colours. Against the doom that Israel experiences, they proclaim a bright future, in which all that Israel received from the Lord, shall be restored. There is much discussion about how the interpretation of these eschatological pictures: more literally or more spiritually? Or is there a way in between? This article proposes an interpretative framework. Starting with the basis and content of the prophetic hope (God’s covenant) it explores the language and peculiarities of prophetic preaching, it shows how the context of the New Testament requires a recontextualization of the past promises, and it reaffirms the special position of Israel. The function of symbolism needs rearticulation.
An 11-Item Measure of User- and Human-Centered Design for Personal Health Tools (UCD-11): Development and Validation
Authors: Witteman Holly O , Vaisson Gratianne , Provencher Thierry , Chipenda Dansokho Selma , Colquhoun Heather , Dugas Michele , Fagerlin Angela , Giguere Anik MC , Haslett Lynne , Hoffman Aubri , Ivers Noah M , Légaré France , Trottier Marie-Eve , Stacey Dawn , Volk Robert J , Renaud Jean-Sébastien
Published: March 2021

Background

Researchers developing personal health tools employ a range of approaches to involve prospective users in design and development.

Objective

The aim of this paper was to develop a validated measure of the human- or user-centeredness of design and development processes for personal health tools.

Methods

We conducted a psychometric analysis of data from a previous systematic review of the design and development processes of 348 personal health tools. Using a conceptual framework of user-centered design, our team of patients, caregivers, health professionals, tool developers, and researchers analyzed how specific practices in tool design and development might be combined and used as a measure. We prioritized variables according to their importance within the conceptual framework and validated the resultant measure using principal component analysis with Varimax rotation, classical item analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

We retained 11 items in a 3-factor structure explaining 68% of the variance in the data. The Cronbach alpha was .72. Confirmatory factor analysis supported our hypothesis of a latent construct of user-centeredness. Items were whether or not: (1) patient, family, caregiver, or surrogate users were involved in the steps that help tool developers understand users or (2) develop a prototype, (3) asked their opinions, (4) observed using the tool or (5) involved in steps intended to evaluate the tool, (6) the process had 3 or more iterative cycles, (7) changes between cycles were explicitly reported, (8) health professionals were asked their opinion and (9) consulted before the first prototype was developed or (10) between initial and final prototypes, and (11) a panel of other experts was involved.

Conclusions

The User-Centered Design 11-item measure (UCD-11) may be used to quantitatively document the user/human-centeredness of design and development processes of patient-centered tools. By building an evidence base about such processes, we can help ensure that tools are adapted to people who will use them, rather than requiring people to adapt to tools.
Brief Interventions via Electronic Health Record Messaging for Population-Based Suicide Prevention: Mixed Methods Pilot Study
Authors: Whiteside Ursula , Richards Julie , Simon Gregory E
Published: March 2021

Background

New opportunities to create and evaluate population-based selective prevention programs for suicidal behavior are emerging in health care settings. Standard depression severity measures recorded in electronic medical records (EMRs) can be used to identify patients at risk for suicide and suicide attempt, and promising interventions for reducing the risk of suicide attempt in at-risk populations can be adapted for web-based delivery in health care.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate a pilot of a psychoeducational program, focused on developing emotion regulation techniques via a web-based dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills site, including four DBT skills, and supported by secure message coaching, including elements of caring messages.

Methods

Patients were eligible based on the EMR-documented responses to the Patient Health Questionnaire indicating suicidal thoughts. We measured feasibility via the proportion of invitees who opened program invitations, visited the web-based consent form page, and consented; acceptability via qualitative feedback from participants about the DBT program; and engagement via the proportion of invitees who began DBT skills as well as the number of website visits for DBT skills and the degree of site engagement.

Results

A total of 60 patients were invited to participate. Overall, 93% (56/60) of the patients opened the invitation and 43% (26/60) consented to participate. DBT skills website users visited the home page on an average of 5.3 times (SD 6.0). Procedures resulted in no complaints and some participant feedback emphasizing the usefulness of DBT skills.

Conclusions

This study supports the potential of using responses to patient health questionnaires in EMRs to identify a high-risk population and offer key elements of caring messages and DBT adapted for a low-intensity intervention. A randomized trial evaluating the effectiveness of this program is now underway (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02326883).
A Modular Mobile Health App for Personalized Rehabilitation Throughout the Breast Cancer Care Continuum: Development Study
Authors: Lim Ji Young , Kim Jong Kwang , Kim Yoon , Ahn So-Yeon , Yu Jonghan , Hwang Ji Hye
Published: March 2021

Background

Although many mobile health (mHealth) apps have evolved as support tools for self-management of breast cancer, limited studies have developed a comprehensive app and described the algorithms for personalized rehabilitation throughout the breast cancer care continuum.

Objective

This study aimed to develop a comprehensive mobile app and to describe an algorithm that adjusts personalized content to facilitate self-management throughout the breast cancer care continuum.

Methods

The development process of the modular mHealth app included the following 4 steps: (1) organizing expert teams, (2) defining evidence-based fundamental content and modules, (3) classifying user information for algorithms to personalize the content, and (4) creating the app platform and connectivity to digital health care devices.

Results

We developed a modular mHealth app service, which took 18 months, including a review of related literature and guidelines and the development of the app and connectivity to digital health care devices. A total of 11 functionalities were defined in the app with weekly analysis. The user information classification was formulated for personalized rehabilitation according to 5 key criteria: general user information, breast operation type, lymph node surgery type, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy use, and change in treatment after surgery. The main modules for personalized content included a self-monitoring screen, personalized health information, personalized exercise, and diet management.

Conclusions

The strength of this study was the development of a comprehensive mHealth app and algorithms to adjust content based on user medical information for personalized rehabilitation during the breast cancer care continuum.
Taranto's long shadow? Cancer mortality shows alarming peaks for specific types in the most polluted city of Italy but also in surrounding towns (Preprint)
Authors: Cazzolla Gatti Roberto , Velichevskaya Alena
Published: March 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

A national-scale study in Italy showed an incidence of cancer higher in the territories indicated as highly polluted compared to the regional average. One of them, the city of Taranto in Apulia (Italy), which is considered one of the most polluted cities in Europe, has numerous industrial activities that impact population health. We studied the epidemiological effects of a high level of pollution produced by the industrial area of Taranto in increasing the mortality rate for some specific cancer types in the city and towns of the two provinces located downwind. We analysed 10-year mortality rates for 14 major types of tumours reported among the residents of Taranto, of 6 surrounding towns, randomly placed within an imaginary cone in the main wind direction from the vertex of the industrial zone of Taranto. Our results confirm our hypothesis that the mortality rate for some specific types of cancer (namely, Hodgkin and non- Hodgkin lymphomas, leukaemia, liver and bladder tumours) are higher than the norm in the municipality of Taranto and we have evidence that other local causes may be implicated in the excess of mortality besides the potential dispersal of pollutants from the industrial area of Taranto. The proximity to the industrial area of Taranto cannot, therefore, explain alone the anomalies detected in some populations. It is likely that other site-specific sources of heavy pollution are playing a role in worsening the death toll of these towns and this must be taken into serious consideration by environmental policy-makers and local authorities.
Users’ Perceptions Toward mHealth Technologies for Health and Well-being Monitoring in Pregnancy Care: Qualitative Interview Study (Preprint)
Authors: Li Jane , Silvera-Tawil David , Varnfield Marlien , Hussain M Sazzad , Math Vanitha
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies, such as wearable sensors, smart health devices, and mobile apps, that are capable of supporting pregnancy care are emerging. Although mHealth could be used to facilitate the tracking of health changes during pregnancy, challenges remain in data collection compliance and technology engagement among pregnant women. Understanding the interests, preferences, and requirements of pregnant women and those of clinicians is needed when designing and introducing mHealth solutions for supporting pregnant women’s monitoring of health and risk factors throughout their pregnancy journey.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to understand clinicians’ and pregnant women’s perceptions on the potential use of mHealth, including factors that may influence their engagement with mHealth technologies and the implications for technology design and implementation.

METHODS

A qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted with 4 pregnant women, 4 postnatal women, and 13 clinicians working in perinatal care.

RESULTS

Clinicians perceived the potential benefit of mHealth in supporting different levels of health and well-being monitoring, risk assessment, and care provision in pregnancy care. Most pregnant and postnatal female participants were open to the use of wearables and health monitoring devices and were more likely to use these technologies if they knew that clinicians were monitoring their data. Although it was acknowledged that some pregnancy-related medical conditions are suitable for an mHealth model of remote monitoring, the clinical and technical challenges in the introduction of mHealth for pregnancy care were also identified. Incorporating appropriate health and well-being measures, intelligently detecting any abnormalities, and providing tailored information for pregnant women were the critical aspects, whereas usability and data privacy were among the main concerns of the participants. Moreover, this study highlighted the challenges of engaging pregnant women in longitudinal mHealth monitoring, the additional work required for clinicians to monitor the data, and the need for an evidence-based technical solution.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical, technical, and practical factors associated with the use of mHealth to monitor health and well-being in pregnant women need to be considered during the design and feasibility evaluation stages. Technical solutions and appropriate strategies for motivating pregnant women are critical to supporting their long-term data collection compliance and engagement with mHealth technology during pregnancy.

CLINICALTRIAL