bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletal Divergence and Condylar Asymmetry in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sfondrini Maria Francesca , Bolognesi Letizia , Bosco Mario , Gandini Paola , Scribante Andrea
Published: September 2021

Introduction. This study was aimed at evaluating the association between vertical skeletal patterns, condylar height symmetry, and temporomandibular disorders in adults. Methods. The study sample consisted of 200 patients (ages 18–30 years old) retrospectively recruited: 100 with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and 100 without TMD (control), diagnosed by Diagnostic Criteria for the Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). For each subject, skeletal divergence was assessed on lateral cephalograms, and condylar height symmetry was evaluated by orthopantomography (Habets’ method). Results. Subjects with temporomandibular disorders showed a strong association with condylar asymmetry (p < 0.0001) and, for the skeletal pattern variables, hyperdivergence (p < 0.001). A correlation with the female sex was also found (p < 0.04), while there was no difference in terms of age in the 2 groups (p > 0.29). Conclusions. Although it does not imply a direct cause‐and‐effect relationship, the present study suggests condylar asymmetry and hyperdivergent skeletal pattern are more likely to be associated with a higher risk of temporomandibular disorder joint diseases in adult patients.
On Locating-Dominating Set of Regular Graphs
Authors: Abdul Gafur Anuwar Kadir , Saputro Suhadi Wido
Published: September 2021

Let

G

be a simple, connected, and finite graph. For every vertex

v
∈
V

G

, we denote by

N

G

v

the set of neighbours of

v

in

G

. The locating-dominating number of a graph

G

is defined as the minimum cardinality of

W
 
⊆
 
V

G

such that every two distinct vertices

u
,
v
∈
V

G

\
W

satisfies

∅
≠

N

G

u

∩
W
≠

N

G

v

∩
W
≠
∅

. A graph

G

is called

k

-regular graph if every vertex of

G

is adjacent to

k

other vertices of

G

. In this paper, we determine the locating-dominating number of

k

-regular graph of order

n

, where

k
=
n
−
2

or

k
=
n
−
3

.
[Retracted] Malicious Intrusion Data Mining Algorithm of Wireless Personal Communication Network Supported by Legal Big Data
Authors: Ji Kai
Published: September 2021

Wireless personal communication network is easily affected by intrusion data in the communication process, resulting in the inability to ensure the security of personal information in wireless communication. Therefore, this paper proposes a malicious intrusion data mining algorithm based on legitimate big data in wireless personal communication networks. The clustering algorithm is used to iteratively obtain the central point of malicious intrusion data and determine its expected membership. The noise in malicious intrusion data is denoised by objective function, and the membership degree of communication data is calculated. The change factor of the neighborhood center of gravity of malicious intrusion data in wireless personal communication network is determined, the similarity between the characteristics of malicious intrusion data by using the Markov distance was determined, and the malicious intrusion data mining of wireless personal communication network supported by legal big data was completed. The experimental results show that the accuracy of mining malicious data is high and the mining time is short.
Development and External Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Overall Survival in Stomach Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Ji Haonan , Wu Huita , Du Yu , Xiao Li , Zhang Yiqin , Zhang Qiuhua , Wang Xin , Wang Wenfeng
Published: September 2021

Objective. The study was to develop and externally validate a prognostic nomogram to effectively predict the overall survival of patients with stomach cancer. Methods. Demographic and clinical variables of patients with stomach cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2007–2016 were retrospectively collected. Patients were then divided into the Training Group (n = 4,456) for model development and the Testing Group (n = 4,541) for external validation. Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were used to explore prognostic factors. The concordance index (C-index) and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) value were used to measure the discrimination, and the calibration curve was used to assess the calibration of the nomogram. Results. Prognostic factors including age, race, marital status, TNM stage, surgery, chemotherapy, grade, and the number of regional nodes positive were used to construct a nomogram. The C-index was 0.790 and the KS value was 0.45 for the Training Group, and the C-index was 0.789 for the Testing Group, all suggesting the good performance of the nomogram. Conclusion. We have developed an effective nomogram with ten easily acquired prognostic factors. The nomogram could accurately predict the overall survival of patients with stomach cancer and performed well on external validation, which would help improve the individualized survival prediction and decision-making, thereby improving the outcome and survival of stomach cancer.
Compliance Model and Structure Optimization Method Based on Genetic Algorithm for Flexure Hinge Based on X‐Lattice Structure
Authors: Zhang Yin , Wu Jianwei , Tan Jiubin
Published: September 2021

In order to obtain a new structure of beam flexure hinge with good performance, the flexure hinge based on the X‐lattice structure is researched in this paper. The truss model in the finite element method is used to model the 6‐DOF compliance of the flexure hinge based on the X‐lattice structure. The influence of structural parameters on the compliance and compliance ratio of flexure hinges is analyzed based on this model, and the performance is compared with the traditional beam flexure hinge of the same size. In order to design a flexure hinge based on the X‐lattice structure with good comprehensive performance, this paper proposes an intelligent structure optimization method based on a genetic algorithm. The feasibility of the optimization algorithm is verified by an example.
Predicting Online Consumer Transaction from Big Data: Influential Factors and Strategic Planning
Authors: Cheng Chiang-Yu , Lu Ming-Ying , Tsen Han-Ping
Published: September 2021

Online transaction has recently benefited from coronavirus; however, the sales of e‐commerce in some areas are substantially on the decline. The current study proposes a theoretically constructed and empirically viable way for predicting the relevant factors that may detract or foster e‐commerce success. We apply web analytics (one of the big data techniques) to simultaneously, generalizably, and objectively measure the influential factors of e‐commerce success. The findings indicate that (1) pageviews is an important key for consumers to make transactions. (2) Bounce rate of the website should not be a member factor of e‐commerce success. (3) Adhesion strategy and repeatability strategy can be used to induce consumer online transaction. Several theoretical contributions and practical implications are also provided.
Quantitative Complexity Theory Used in the Prediction of Head-Up Tilt Testing Outcome
Authors: Krzesiński Paweł , Marczyk Jacek , Wolszczak Bartosz , Gielerak Grzegorz
Published: September 2021

Background. Head-up tilt testing (HUTT), a well-established tool in the diagnosis of vasovagal syncope, is time-consuming, and every provoked vasovagal reaction may result in consolidating the reflex mechanism. Therefore, identification of parameters that could shorten the duration of HUTT and prevent fainting is desirable. Quantitative complexity theory (QCT) may provide holistic information on the cardiovascular reaction in HUTT. The aim of the present article was to evaluate the prognostic value of complexity in comparison with traditional haemodynamic parameters (HR and BP) in predicting the HUTT outcome. Methods. Eighty-one healthy volunteers (74 men; mean age: 37.8 years) were included in this retrospective analysis of data collected within the project realized in Department of Cardiology and Internal Diseases, Military Institute of Medicine between January 2012 and October 2014. The subjects underwent HUTT, with beat-to-beat haemodynamic monitoring with a Niccomo™. The chosen haemodynamic parameters (including BP, HR, stroke volume, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance) have been used in complexity analysis. Results. HUTT was positive in 54 (66.7%) study participants. The values of complexity were already higher in fainting subjects than those were in nonfainting ones 300 s before HUTT termination (HUTT_end), with a significant upward trend starting 150 s before (pre)syncope. An area under the curve (AUC) over 0.700 was observed for complexity from 120 s before HUTT_end, with a sensitivity of 63% and specificity of 78% at this time point. The prognostic value of complexity was superior to that of the HR and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Conclusions. Complexity has been shown to be a sensitive marker of cardiovascular haemodynamic response to orthostatic stress and proved to be superior over HR and BP in predicting HUTT outcomes.
An Unusual Case of an Acquired Aortopulmonary Fistula after Surgical Replacement of a Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Khalid Y. , Dasu N. , Daneshvar M. , Jang P. , Patel A. , Dasu K. , Shah A.
Published: September 2021

Aortopulmonary fistulas are extremely rare and often occur as a result of long-standing aortic aneurysms. They are most frequently due to the erosion of a false aneurysm of the ascending or descending thoracic aorta into the pulmonary artery. Patients generally present with symptoms of acute decompensated heart failure due to a sudden formation of a left-to-right shunt. Here, we present the case of a 63-year-old male who acquired an aortopulmonary fistula four months after undergoing successful bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement.
A Novel Gaussian Ant Colony Algorithm for Clustering Cell Tracking
Authors: Lu Mingli , Wu Di , Jin Yuchen , Shi Jian , Xu Benlian , Cong Jinliang , Ma Yingying , Lu Jiadi
Published: September 2021

Cell behavior analysis is a fundamental process in cell biology to obtain the correlation between many diseases and abnormal cell behavior. Moreover, accurate number estimation plays an important role for the construction of cell lineage trees. In this paper, a novel Gaussian ant colony algorithm, for clustering or spatial overlap cell state and number estimator, simultaneously, is proposed. We have introduced a novel definition of the Gaussian ant system borrowed from the concept of the multi-Bernoulli random finite set (RFS) in the way that it encourages ants searching for cell regions effectively. The existence probability of ant colonies is considered for the number and state estimation of cells. Through experiments on two real cell sequences, it is confirmed that our proposed algorithm could automatically track clustering cells in various scenarios and has enabled superior performance compared with other state-of-the-art approaches.
Effectiveness of Problem‐Based Learning versus Traditional Teaching Methods in Improving Acquisition of Radiographic Interpretation Skills among Dental Students—A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Luke Alexander Maniangat , Mathew Simy , Kuriadom Sam Thomas , George Jeny Mary , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali , Marya Anand , Pawar Ajinkya Mansing
Published: September 2021

Problem‐based learning is an experiential and student‐centred learning method to practice important skills like querying, critical thinking, and collaboration through pair and group work. The study is aimed at comparing the effectiveness of problem‐based learning (PBL) and traditional teaching (TT) methods in improving acquisition of radiographic interpretation skills among dental students. Clinical trials (randomized and nonrandomized) were conducted with the help of dental students studying oral radiology using PBL and TT methods and assessing radiographic interpretation skills, knowledge scores, and satisfaction level as outcomes. Articles published from PubMed/MEDLINE, DOAJ, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science were searched. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool, the MINORS Checklist, and the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBIN‐I) tool. Meta‐analysis was done using Review Manager 5.3. There were twenty‐four articles for qualitative synthesis and 13 for meta‐analysis. The cumulative mean difference was found to be 0.54 (0.18, 0.90), 4.15 (‐0.35, 8.65), and ‐0.14 (‐0.36, 0.08) for radiographic interpretation skills, knowledge scores, and satisfaction level, respectively, showing significant difference favouring PBL as compared to TT except for satisfaction level which favoured the TT group. To understand the long‐term effectiveness of PBL over TT methods in oral radiology among dental students, well‐designed long‐term randomized controlled trials are needed.
Ginsenoside Rh2 Inhibits Glycolysis through the STAT3/c-MYC Axis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sun Xiaodan , Zhao Peiyan , Li Hui , Liu Yan , Wang Tianming , Cheng Ying
Published: September 2021

Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2) is one of the pharmacologically active components of ginseng with an antitumor effect. However, its effect on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially on aerobic glycolysis, which plays a crucial role in the proliferation and progression of tumor cells, has not been characterized. Here, we demonstrated that Rh2 inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells by promoting apoptosis and suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, respectively. Notably, Rh2 exerted a glycolysis inhibition effect through regulating GLUT1, PKM2, and LDHA, which are key enzymes of the glycolysis process. Furthermore, the metabolic shift function of Rh2 was dependent on the STAT3/c-Myc axis in NSCLC. This novel regulatory role of Rh2 provides a new perspective for NSCLC treatment and highlights the potentiality of Rh2 to be used as a tumor energy blocker. The combination of Rh2 with an STAT3 or c-Myc inhibitor revealed a promising therapeutic approach for patients with NSCLC.
Spatiotemporal-Dependent Vehicle Routing Problem Considering Carbon Emissions
Authors: Liu Ziqi , Chen Yeping , Li Jian , Zhang Dongqing
Published: September 2021

Aiming to improve the timeliness of logistics distribution and render the optimized route scheme effective under the real traffic network, we study the green vehicle routing problem with dynamic travel speed from both dimensions of time and space. A discrete formulation is proposed to calculate the travel time based on periods and arcs, which allows a vehicle to travel across an arc in multiple periods. Then, we establish a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model with minimum distribution costs including transportation costs, carbon emissions costs, and penalty costs on earliness and tardiness. A hybrid adaptive genetic algorithm with elite neighborhood search is developed to solve the problem. In the algorithm, a neighborhood search operator is employed to optimize elite individuals so that the algorithm can stimulate the intensification and avoid falling into a local optimum. Experimental instances are constructed based on benchmark instances of vehicle routing problem. The numerical results indicate that the proposed algorithm is rather effective in global convergence. Compared with the routing schemes in which travel speed merely varies with time periods or locations, the vehicle route optimized on spatiotemporal-varying speed outperforms them in terms of carbon emissions and timeliness. The research can provide a scientific and reasonable method for logistics enterprises to plan the vehicle schedule focusing on spatiotemporal-dependent speed of the road network.
Accuracy Evaluation and Parameter Analysis of Land Surface Temperature Inversion Algorithm for Landsat-8 Data
Authors: Wan Jikang , Zhu Min , Ding Wei
Published: September 2021

Many researchers have developed a variety of land surface temperature (LST) inversion algorithms based on satellite data. The main LST inversion algorithms include Radiative Transfer Equation (RTE), Single Channel (SC) algorithm, Mono Window (MW) algorithm, and Split Window (SW) algorithm. In this study, nine LST inversion algorithms were designed using Landsat-8 data and meteorological station data to test the inversion efficiency of different algorithms in different seasons and different locations. The results show that the error of various LST inversion algorithms will increase with the rise of LST. R2 of the inversion results of each LST algorithm and the measured data are all greater than 0.73°C in winter and about 0.5°C in the other seasons. By analyzing the stability of various algorithms inside and outside the city, it is found that the stability of each LST inversion algorithm inside the city is better than that outside the city. For the same surface features, the inversion temperature inside the city is 3–5°C higher than that outside the city. In addition, the sensitivity of various inversion algorithms to parameters was also analyzed. The influence of atmospheric transmittance on RTE, SC, and MW inversion algorithms is in logarithmic form. The effect of emissivity on each algorithm is linear. The influence of NDVI on the algorithms is mainly through the estimation of surface emissivity parameters to affect the inversion results. The effect of ascending radiation on SC (LST4 and LST5) is linear and on RTE (LST1 and LST2) is logarithmic. The effect of downslope radiation on SC and RTE is linear. The influence of atmospheric water vapor content on SW (LST7) is nonlinear.
Treatment and Nursing Values of Cd(II) Complex with Photocatalytic Activity on Bacterial Infection by Inhibiting the Gram-Positive Bacteria Growth
Authors: Peng Jing , Tang Quan-Zhen , Lu Jian , Hu Yan , Ni Jiao
Published: September 2021

Presented here is a trinuclear cluster-based Cd(II) compound, namely, {[(CH3)2NH2][Cd6K(bdc)6(btz)3(H2O)6]}n (1 H2bdc = terephthalic acid, Hbtz = 1H-benzotriazole), has been solvothermally prepared and structurally determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. Notably, compound 1 shows excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation of MV irradiated by UV light. In addition to this, the biological activity of the new compound on bacterial infection was evaluated, and the corresponding mechanism was also studied. The ELISA assay was used to evaluate the TNF-α and IL-1β released into plasma after compound treatment. Then, the relative expression levels of the bacterial survival gene were measured with real-time RT-PCR.
Modeling Cancer Remission Time Data by Means of the Max Erlang Binomial Distribution
Authors: Munteanu Bogdan Gheorghe
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a statistical simulation algorithm for the power series distribution, called the Max Erlang Binomial distribution, is proposed, analyzed, and tested for bladder cancer remission time data. In order to present the simulation technique, the EM algorithm for statistical estimation aimed at estimating the model parameters is described.
Application of a Fast RCNN Based on Upper and Lower Layers in Face Recognition
Authors: Jiang Lin , Chen Jia , Todo Hiroyoshi , Tang Zheng , Liu Sicheng , Li Yang
Published: September 2021

With the development of society, deep learning has been widely used in object detection, face recognition, speech recognition, and other fields. Among them, object detection is a popular direction in computer vision and digital image processing, and face detection is a focus of this hot direction. Although face detection technology has gone through a long research stage, it is still considered as one of the more difficult subjects in human feature detection technology. In addition, the face detection technology itself has two sides, imperceptibility and complexity of the environment, and other defects cause the existing technology to be unable to accurately recognize faces of different proportions, obscured and different postures. Therefore, this paper adopts an advanced deep learning method based on machine vision to detect human faces automatically. In order to accurately detect a variety of human faces, a multiscale fast RCNN method based on upper and lower layers (UPL‐RCNN) is proposed. The network is composed of spatial affine transformation components and feature region components (ROI). This method plays a vital role in face detection. First of all, multiscale information can be grouped in detection, so as to deal with small areas of the face. Then, the method can use the inspiration of the human visual system to perform contextual reasoning and spatial transformation, including zooming, cutting, and rotating. Through comparative experiments, the analysis results show that this method can not only accurately detect human faces but also has better performance than fast RCNN. Compared with some advanced methods, this method has the advantages of high accuracy, less time consumption, and no correlation mark.
Combined Effect of Stray Current and Sustained Compressive Loading on Chloride Transport in Concrete
Authors: Ni Yuancheng , Zhu Eryu
Published: September 2021

As with the leakage of stray current in the surrounding medium, the chloride transport in concrete is influenced by the stray current and loading of the subway structure. This paper presents the results of the experimental study on the chloride transport properties of concrete under the combined action of stray current and sustained compressive loading. First, an experiment was setup to explore the chloride transport in the subway structure as the concrete specimen embedded with steel under test current and study the influence of the existence of steel on the chloride transport profiles in concrete under stray current. Then, to investigate the combined effect of stray current and loading on the chloride transport properties, an improved experiment was designed with stray current and sustained compressive loading. The chloride transport profiles were measured, respectively, subjected to different stray currents and compressive stress levels. The experimental results indicated that stray current and sustained compressive loading have a significant influence on the chloride transport properties of concrete, and the loading threshold existed as the turning point of the chloride transport rate. Based on the experimental data and migration theory, the prediction model of chloride transport in concrete under stray current and sustained compressive loading was established and verified by the experimental measurements, and the steel corrosion‐induced cover cracking was studied, and the comparison indicated that the numerical results were consistent with the experimental results.
In Vivo Human Single‐Chain Fragment Variable Phage Display‐Assisted Identification of Galectin‐3 as a New Biomarker of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Hemadou Audrey , Fontayne Alexandre , Laroche‐Traineau Jeanny , Ottones Florence , Mondon Philippe , Claverol Stéphane , Ducasse Éric , Sanchez Stéphane , Mohamad Sarah , Lorenzato Cyril , Duonor‐Cerutti Martine , Clofent‐Sanchez Gisèle , Jacobin‐Valat Marie‐Josée
Published: September 2021

Background

Atherosclerosis is a complex pathology in which dysfunctional endothelium, activated leucocytes, macrophages, and lipid‐laden foam cells are implicated, and in which plaque disruption is driven by many putative actors. This study aimed to identify accurate targetable biomarkers using new in vivo approaches to propose tools for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Methods and Results

Human scFv (single‐chain fragment variable) selected by in vivo phage display in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis was reformatted as scFv fused to the scFv‐Fc (single‐chain fragment variable fused to the crystallizable fragment of immunoglobulin G format) antibodies. Their reactivity was tested using flow cytometry and immunoassays, and aorta sections from animal models and human carotid and coronary artery specimens. A pool of atherosclerotic proteins from human endarterectomies was co‐immunoprecipitated with the selected scFv‐Fc followed by mass spectrometry for target identification. Near‐infrared fluorescence imaging was performed in
Apoe
−/−
mice after injection of an Alexa Fluor 647–labeled scFv‐Fc‐2c antibody produced in a baculovirus system with 2 additional cysteine residues (ie, 2c) for future coupling to nano‐objects for theranostic applications. One scFv‐Fc clone (P3) displayed the highest cross‐reactivity against atherosclerotic lesion sections (rabbit, mouse, and human) and was chosen for translational development. Mass spectrometry identified galectin‐3, a β‐galactoside‐binding lectin, as the leader target. ELISA and immunofluorescence assays with a commercial anti‐galectin‐3 antibody confirmed this specificity. P3 scFv‐Fc‐2c specifically targeted atherosclerotic plaques in the
Apoe
−/−
mouse model.

Conclusions

These results provide evidence that the P3 antibody holds great promise for molecular imaging of atherosclerosis and other inflammatory pathologies involving macrophages. Recently, galectin‐3 was proposed as a high‐value biomarker for the assessment of coronary and carotid atherosclerosis.
Insights From the Ventricular Fibrillation Waveform Into the Mechanism of Survival Benefit From Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Bessen Brooke , Coult Jason , Blackwood Jennifer , Hsu Cindy H. , Kudenchuk Peter , Rea Thomas , Kwok Heemun
Published: September 2021

Background

The mechanism by which bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves survival following out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest is unclear. We hypothesized that ventricular fibrillation (VF) waveform measures, as surrogates of myocardial physiology, mediate the relationship between bystander CPR and survival.

Methods and Results

We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult, bystander‐witnessed patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest with an initial rhythm of VF who were treated by a metropolitan emergency medical services system from 2005 to 2018. Patient, resuscitation, and outcome variables were extracted from emergency medical services and hospital records. A total of 3 VF waveform measures (amplitude spectrum area, peak frequency, and median peak amplitude) were computed from a 3‐second ECG segment before the initial shock. Multivariable logistic regression estimated the association between bystander CPR and survival to hospital discharge adjusted for Utstein elements. Causal mediation analysis quantified the proportion of survival benefit that was mediated by each VF waveform measure. Of 1069 patients, survival to hospital discharge was significantly higher among the 814 patients who received bystander CPR than those who did not (0.52 versus 0.43, respectively;
P
<0.01). The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio for bystander CPR and survival was 1.6 (95% CI, 1.2, 2.1), and each VF waveform measure attenuated this association. Depending on the specific waveform measure, the proportion of mediation varied: 53% for amplitude spectrum area, 31% for peak frequency, and 29% for median peak amplitude.

Conclusions

Bystander CPR correlated with more robust initial VF waveform measures, which in turn mediated up to one‐half of the survival benefit associated with bystander CPR. These results provide insight into the biological mechanism of bystander CPR in VF out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest.
Termination Based on Event Accrual in Per Protocol Versus Intention to Treat in the ROCKET AF Trial
Authors: Carnicelli Anthony P. , Hellkamp Anne S. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Singer Daniel E. , Breithardt Günter , Halperin Jonathan L. , Hankey Graeme J. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Becker Richard C. , Nessel Christopher C. , Berkowitz Scott D. , Fox Keith A. A. , Califf Robert M. , Patel Manesh R.
Published: September 2021

Background

In event‐driven clinical trials, study termination is based on accrual of a target number of primary efficacy events. For noninferiority trials in which superiority is conditionally examined, the ideal cohort in which to track event accrual is unclear. We used data from the ROCKET AF (Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared With Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation) trial to determine the effect of primary efficacy‐event tracking in the per‐protocol cohort during the on‐treatment period versus the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) cohort during the ITT period.

Methods and Results

ROCKET AF was terminated after accruing 429 primary efficacy events (stroke or systemic embolism) in the per‐protocol cohort during the on‐treatment period for noninferiority. We identified the date on which 429 events occurred in the ITT cohort during the ITT period. We performed noninferiority and superiority analyses based on hypothetical study termination on this date. ROCKET AF would have terminated 226 days earlier if events were tracked during the ITT period. Similar to the main trial findings, rivaroxaban would have met noninferiority versus warfarin for the primary efficacy end point (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62–0.96;
P
<0.001). In contrast to the main trial findings, rivaroxaban would have met superiority for the primary efficacy end point (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68–0.99;
P
=0.038). In both termination scenarios, rivaroxaban was associated with a lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage and similar risk of other safety end points.

Conclusions

Clinical trial termination based on event accrual in the ITT cohort versus the per‐protocol cohort may have important implications on trial results depending on rates of study drug discontinuation and event rates off treatment.
SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW OF 21st CENTURY MARITIME SILK ROAD: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: ÇELIK Mehmet Serdar , ÖZER ÇAYLAN Didem
Published: September 2021

One Belt One Road project cover approximately sixty-five percent of the world population and One Road is the main site of the project, including the sea route. The purpose of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is to increase the trade volume between western and eastern ports, especially Chinese ports. Maritime Silk Road (MSR) will also help economic cooperation between participating countries and increase connectivity between ports located through the route of the project. There is only one OBOR related review article in the literature however, there is no MSR review article. To fill this gap, the main aim of this study is to find out and examine MSR-related articles that contain a perspective of the context, vision, and geographical coverage of the initiative in terms of Bibliometric Analysis factors. The systematic literature review has been applied to obtain secondary data from Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Springer link websites to create our sample. Hsieh and Shannon's (2005) method was applied in this review article as a qualitative research approach. In the research process of the study, 45 out of 224 articles were selected to cover our main research objectives. As a result, this study provides categorization analysis to classify selected 45 MSR articles that cover different subjects such as transport infrastructure, challenges, and opportunities of MSR, maritime security, port network, transport connectivity, environmental issues. Besides, evaluation of the articles year by year that forms our sample was given in a detailed way in the research. The main contribution of this study is grouping the selected MSR articles in terms of their subjects and explaining common points to give ideas to researchers about the studied and unstudied subjects related to the MSR initiative. For future research, academics and researchers may focus on the methodologies of the MSR-related articles.
PANEL DATA ANALYSIS OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ECONOMIC GROWTH, FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT, EXCHANGE RATE AND TRADE OPENNESS IN NEWLY INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRIES
Authors: KÜÇÜKSAKARYA Sevilay , ÖZER Mustafa
Published: September 2021

This study examines the effects of foreign direct investment, gross fixed capital formation, real exchange rate, and trade openness on economic growth in newly industrialized countries for 1982 and 2019 by using the panel ARDL method. Before estimating panel ARDL, we tested the existence of cross-sectional dependence among the countries, determining the degree of the integrations of variables by using second-generation panel unit root tests and examining the cointegration among the variables. Finally, we carry out the Dumitreuscu Hurlin causality test to determine the direction of the causal relationship between variables. The study results indicate a positive long-run relationship between economic growth and FDI, gross capital formation and real exchange rate, and a negative long-run relationship with trade openness. The study's findings have significant implications for the industrial policies that these countries should adopt to reach developed countries.
GREECE’S “CHANGING” ISRAELI AND “UNCHANGING” EGYPTIAN POLICY
Authors: ŞAHİN İsmail , YAZICI Hanefi
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this article is to examine Greece’s policies related to Egypt and Israel in the context of regional developments. The issue is not limited to those two countries only. In addition, Athens’ historical perspective on Turkey is also included in the analysis in order to ensure the integrity of the issue. The factors determining the foreign policy of the Greek governments towards Israel are included and the elements of continuity and rupture in that policy are examined throughout the article. A similar method is used related to the Greece-Egypt relations. The reason why Greece’s Israeli policy changed and its Egyptian policy did not change is questioned comparatively through the threat perceptions of Athens. The reasons bringing Israel and Greece closer to each other are dealt with in this context. Accordingly, it has been determined that the two countries first entered a normalization period and then a rapprochement process due to pragmatist reasons in the face of regional developments.
TÜRKİYE’DE SPOR YATIRIMLARININ TABANA YAYILMASI POLİTİKASININ SOSYAL ADALET AÇISINDAN ÖNEMİ
Authors: KASAPOĞLU Mehmet Muharrem , ÖÇAL Mehmet
Published: September 2021

Yurttaşlık ilkesinin bünyesinde barındırdığı, kamu otoritesi tarafından sağlanan hizmet, olanak ve fırsatlara eşit ulaşım imkânı şeklinde tanımlanabilecek olan sosyal adalet olgusu sosyal devlet anlayışının temel yapı taşlarından bir tanesini teşkil etmektedir. Kamu otoritesinin dil, din, ırk, mezhep gibi farklılıklara bakmaksızın tüm yurttaşlarına eşit, asgari ve onların onuruna yakışır bir refah hizmeti sağlamasının temel dinamiği olan sosyal adalet ilkesi toplumsal barışın sağlanmasında da en önemli faktörlerden bir tanesi olarak görülebilecektir. Bu minvalde Türkiye’de kamu otoritesi tarafından son yıllarda refah hizmetlerinin sunulması sürecinde benimsenen “Tabana Yayılma Politikası” sosyal adaletin temini anlamında bir dönem noktası olabilecek potansiyele sahiptir.

Gerçekleştirilen araştırma kapsamında Türkiye’de spor yatırımlarının tarihsel bir perspektifte coğrafi dağılımı analiz edilmiş; benimsenen “Tabana Yayılma Politikası” nezdinde yatırımların dağılımın meydana gelen değişim irdelenmiştir. Bunun yanında sosyal dışlanma ile mücadelede önemli bir sosyal içerme politikası olarak spor ve sporun teşviki ele alınmış, yatırımı gerçekleştirilerek açılmış spor tesislerinden faydalanma oranları yıllara göre karşılaştırılmıştır. Nihayetinde benimsenmiş olan “Tabana Yayılma Politikası” çerçevesinde özellikle sosyal gelişmenin düşük olduğu, refah hizmetlerinden tam anlamı ile faydalanamayan bölgelerde gerçekleştirilen yatırımlardan faydalanma oranlarının bir hayli yüksek olduğu görülmüştür.
Virtual Ileostomy as an Option for Complicated Colorectal Resections
Authors: Alwatari Yahya , Lee McKenzie G. , Wieghard Nicole E. , Bohl Jaime L.
Published: September 2021

When surgery requires a colorectal anastomosis, a diverting ostomy may be created to decrease the clinical impact of anastomotic failure. Unfortunately, diverting ileostomies are also associated with significant morbidity. Recent literature suggests that diverting ostomies are not necessary for the majority of patients undergoing colorectal anastomosis and that creation of a virtual ileostomy (VI) may spare patients the complications that accompany diverting ileostomy creation. We present 4 patients with complex medical histories who underwent colorectal resections with primary anastomoses and VI creation. None of these patients suffered anastomotic leak or required conversion of VI to defunctioning ileostomy and there were no major complications associated with VI creation. Our results, although limited by sample size, support the creation of a virtual ileostomy as a safe and effective alternative to diverting ileostomy creation at the time of colorectal anastomosis.
Effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan Combined with Dapagliflozin on Long-Term Cardiac Mortality in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Karabulut Umut , Keskin Kudret , Karabulut Dilay , Yiğit Ece , Yiğit Zerrin
Published: September 2021

The angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor dapagliflozin have been shown to reduce rehospitalization and cardiac mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We aimed to compare the long-term cardiac and all-cause mortality of ARNI and dapagliflozin combination therapy against ARNI monotherapy in patients with HFrEF. This retrospective study involved 244 patients with HF with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II–IV symptoms and ejection fraction ≤40%. The patients were divided into 2 groups: ARNI monotherapy and ARNI+dapagliflozin. Median follow-up was 2.5 (.16–3.72) years. One hundred and seventy-five (71.7%) patients were male, and the mean age was 65.9 (SD, 10.2) years. Long-term cardiac mortality rates were significantly lower in the ARNI+dapagliflozin group (7.4%) than in the ARNI monotherapy group (19.5%) ( P = .01). Dapagliflozin [Hazard Ratio (HR) [95% Confidence Interval (CI)] = .29 [.10–.77]; P = .014] and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) [HR (95% CI) = .89 (.85–.93); P < .001] were found to be independent predictors of cardiac mortality. Our study showed a significant reduction in cardiac mortality with ARNI and dapagliflozin combination therapy compared with ARNI monotherapy.
Comparative Treatment Outcome in T3N0 Glottic Cancer With and Without Vocal Fold Fixation Receiving Radiation Therapy and Concurrent Low-Dose Intra-Arterial Cisplatin Infusion
Authors: Ono Takeharu , Tanaka Norimitsu , Chitose Shun-ichi , Tanoue Syuichi , Kurita Takashi , Sueyoshi Shintarou , Fukahori Mioko , Miyata Yusaku , Muraki Koichiro , Tsuji Chiyoko , Ogo Etsuyo , Hattori Chikayuki , Sato Kiminobu , Abe Toshi , Umeno Hirohito
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

Selective radiotherapy and concomitant intra-arterial cisplatin infusion (m-RADPLAT) with a lower cisplatin dosage have been performed for organ and function preservation in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (SCC-L), and results showing a lower rate of adverse events have been reported. This study evaluated the treatment outcomes of patients with T3N0 glottic SCC-L with or without vocal fold fixation (VFF) who were treated with m-RADPLAT.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 33 patients with T3N0 SCC-L who received m-RADPLAT.

Results:

The vocal fold in patients with VFF 3 months after completing m-RADPLAT resumed normal movement in 15 patients (83%) and persisted fixation in 3 (17%). The 3-year local control, laryngeal cancer-specific survival, and overall survival rates of patients with or without VFF were 88.9% and 86.7%, 94.1% and 93.3%, and 88.9% and 86.7%, respectively. Additionally, the 3-year freedom from laryngectomy, laryngectomy-free survival, and laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival rates of patients with or without VFF were 94.4% and 86.7%, 88.9% and 73.3%, and 83.3% and 73.3%, respectively. Grade 3 or higher toxicities were observed in all patients: leukopenia in 4 patients (12%), neutropenia in 5 (15%), anemia in 2 (6%), thrombocytopenia in 3 (9%), and mucositis in 2 (6%).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that m-RADPLAT yielded VFF improvement and a favorable survival while maintaining laryngeal function not only in patients with T3N0 glottic SCC-L without VFF but also in patients with VFF.
Pharmacist-led interventions for people living with severe and persistent mental illness: A systematic review
Authors: Ng Ricki , El-Den Sarira , Stewart Victoria , Collins Jack C , Roennfeldt Helena , McMillan Sara S , Wheeler Amanda J , O’Reilly Claire L
Published: September 2021

Objective:

People living with severe and persistent mental illness experience poorer physical health, often due to medication and preventable lifestyle factors, and exacerbated by barriers to accessing healthcare services. Pharmacists are well-positioned to improve the physical and mental health of this population. However, little is known about pharmacists’ current practices when providing services to this population nor the impact of pharmacist-led interventions on consumer health outcomes. We undertook a systematic review to identify, describe and assess the effectiveness of pharmacist-led interventions for supporting people living with severe and persistent mental illness and the impact on consumer outcomes.

Methods:

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses were searched between January 1990 and April 2020. Full-text studies exploring pharmacist-led interventions in any setting for people living with severe and persistent mental illness were included. A risk of bias assessment was conducted.

Results:

A total of 37 studies were included. More than half of the pharmacist interventions were multifaceted. The most common components of pharmacist-led interventions included education and/or patient counselling, providing recommendations to healthcare professionals and conducting medication reviews. Multifaceted interventions demonstrated improvements in clinical outcomes, whereas single interventions focused mostly on consumer-reported outcomes. The methodological quality of included studies was moderate-to-high risk of bias and there was considerable heterogeneity in the study design, interventions described, and outcomes reported.

Conclusion:

There is evidence that pharmacist-led interventions improve consumer-reported and clinical outcomes for people living with severe and persistent mental illness. Pharmacists are capable and have a role in supporting people living with severe and persistent mental illness, either individually or as interprofessional collaborators with other healthcare professionals. Future research should attempt to better understand which particular intervention components have the greatest impact and also evaluate the implementation and long-term sustainability of such interventions.
Impact of Body Mass Index, Socioeconomic Status, and Bedtime Technology Use on Sleep Duration in Adolescents
Authors: Stine Frederick , Collier David N. , Fang Xiangming , Dew Kelsey Ross , Lazorick Suzanne
Published: September 2021

Factors related to adolescents and sleep are understudied. We evaluate the relationship between bedtime technology use (TU), TV in bedroom, weight, and socioeconomic status in seventh graders (N = 3956) enrolled in a school-based wellness intervention. Sleep quantity was dichotomized to insufficient (<8 hours) or sufficient (≥8 hours); high TU before sleep was defined by use “a few nights each week” or “every, or almost every night.” Insufficient sleep (38.7%), having TV in bedroom (72.9%), and high TU (83.1%) were commonly reported. The likelihood of sufficient sleep was lower for those with high TU (odds ratio [OR] = 0.529 [0.463-0.605]), obese students (OR = 0.815 [0.700-0.949]), and those with a TV in the bedroom (OR = 0.817 [0.703-0.950]). Also, attending a school with higher percent low socioeconomic status students was also associated with insufficient sleep ( P = .026). Interventions to reduce TU may be important for improving sleep quantity, especially for some vulnerable populations.
Substance Use and Chemsex in MSM - A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Scholz-Hehn Anne Deborah , Milin Sascha , Schulte Bernd , Reimer Jens , Buth Sven , Schäfer Ingo
Published: September 2021

Engagement in “chemsex” among men who have sex with men is associated with higher rates of STIs and HIV seroconversion as well as an increased mental health burden. MSM were recruited for an anonymous online survey. The survey included questions of substance use, consumption motives, sexual risk behavior, HIV serostatus, and psychological characteristics. A latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups based on the consumed substances. 597 MSM answered the questionnaire. The latent class analysis revealed four different clusters. Most men described the use of amyl nitrite and cannabis ( n = 370). One cluster consumed mainly MDMA, cocaine, and amphetamine ( n = 106) and another cluster used mainly chemsex-related drugs ( n = 43). A fourth cluster reported a range of consumed substances ( n = 78). This cluster reported higher rates of suicide attempts, STIs, and risk behaviors. Substances typically related to chemsex were consumed in a sexualized context to a relevant extent.
Building a Taxonomy to Understand Health Care Worker’s Response to Workplace ‘Pressure’ in Complex, Volatile and Emergency Situations
Authors: Zavala-Calahorrano Alicia M. , Plummer David , Day Gary
Published: September 2021

This research aims to better understand performance under pressure as experienced by health and emergency staff in the workplace. Three basic questions underpin the work: (1) how do health and emergency workers experience and make sense of the ‘pressures’ entailed in their jobs? (2) What impacts do these pressures have on their working lives and work performance, both positively and negatively? (3) Can we develop a useful explanatory model for ‘working under pressure’ in complex, volatile and emergency situations? The present article addresses the first question regarding the nature of pressure; a subsequent article will address the question of its impact on performance. Using detailed interviews with workers in a range of roles and from diverse settings across Ecuador, our analysis aims to better understand the genesis of pressure, how people respond to it and to gain insights into managing it more effectively, especially with a view to reducing workplace errors and staff burnout. Rather than imposing preformulated definitions of either ‘pressure’ or ‘performance’, we took an emic approach to gain a fresh understanding of how workers themselves experience, describe and make sense of workplace pressure. This article catalogues a wide range of pressures as experienced by our participants and maps relationships between them. We argue that while individuals are often held responsible for workplace errors, both ‘pressure’ and ‘performance’ are multifactorial, involving individuals, teams, case complexity, expertise and organizational systems and these must be considered in order to gain better understandings of performing under pressure.