bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melamine Recognition: Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Selective and Sensitive Determination of Melamine in Food Samples
Authors: Biabani Mohadese , Nezhadali Azizollah , Nakhaei Ahmad , Nakhaei Hossein
Published: November 2020

In this study, a sensitive and selective sensor is constructed to measure the melamine (MEL) using molecular imprinting polymer (MIP) technique. Chemical and electrochemical techniques are used to construct the MIP and quantitative measurements. The constructed sensor was modified with GO-Fe3O4@SiO2 nanocomposite. Screening and optimization of factors are done using statistical methods, including Plackett–Burman design (PBD) and central composite design (CCD). Under the optimized conditions, an MIP sensor showed a linear range from 5.0 × 10−7 to 1.0 × 10−5 M MEL concentration with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9997. The limit of detection was obtained (0.028 µM) with a highly reproducible response (RSD 2.15%, n = 4). The electrochemical sensor showed good results for the determination of MEL in food samples.
Development of Hepatitis Disease Detection System by Exploiting Sparsity in Linear Support Vector Machine to Improve Strength of AdaBoost Ensemble Model
Authors: Akbar Wasif , Wu Wei-ping , Saleem Sehrish , Farhan Muhammad , Saleem Muhammad Asim , Javeed Ashir , Ali Liaqat
Published: November 2020

Hepatitis disease is a deadliest disease. The management and diagnosis of hepatitis disease is expensive and requires high level of human expertise which poses challenges for the health care system in underdeveloped and developing countries. Hence, development of automated methods for accurate prediction of hepatitis disease is inevitable. In this paper, we develop a diagnostic system which hybridizes a linear support vector machine (SVM) model with adaptive boosting (AdaBoost) model. We exploit sparsity in linear SVM that is caused by

L

1

regularization. The sparse

L

1

-regularized SVM is capable of eliminating redundant or irrelevant features from feature space. After filtering features through the sparse linear SVM, the output of the SVM is applied to the AdaBoost ensemble model which is used for classification purposes. Two types of numerical experiments are performed on the clinical features of hepatitis disease collected from UCI machine learning repository. In the first experiment, only conventional AdaBoost model is used, while in the second experiment, a feature vector is applied to the sparse linear SVM before its application to the AdaBoost model. Simulation results demonstrate that the strength of a conventional AdaBoost model is enhanced by 6.39% by the proposed method, and its time complexity is also reduced. In addition, the proposed method shows better performance than many previously developed methods for hepatitis disease prediction.
Environmental Investment Decision of Green Supply Chain considering the Green Uncertainty
Authors: Wu Shaobo , Yao Xun , Wu Guangdong
Published: November 2020

The uncertainty of eco-friendly intermediate components has an important impact on green supply chain decisions. In this paper, the Stackelberg game model of green investment decision-making among enterprises is established by considering the case of the supplier’s green investment alone and the case of the manufacturer and the supplier’s joint green investment. The influence of green uncertainty on enterprise’s decision-making is analyzed, and the green investment decision-making strategies of both sides in two cases are compared. There are four main conclusions derived from the results: (i) with the increase in the supplier’s green cost coefficient, the supplier will reduce the green investment and the manufacturer will reduce the share of the green costs; (ii) with a decrease in uncertainty for eco-friendly intermediate components and the increase in their feasibility factor, the supplier will increase the greenness of intermediate components and increase the investment in environment, and the manufacturer will reduce the share of the green costs; (iii) the increase in the manufacturer’s share of green costs will promote the supplier to increase the greenness of intermediate components and increase its green investment, which shall increase the supplier’s optional choice space of for green investment; (iv) in the case of the manufacturer and the supplier jointly making a green investment, the threshold value for the environmental input of the supply chain members (i.e., the manufacturer and the supplier) is lower, and the supply chain members will have more choice space. At the same time, the care for environment in the case of a cooperative is higher than that in the case of a supplier investing alone.
AN-Aided Secure Beamforming in SWIPT-Aware Mobile Edge Computing Systems with Cognitive Radio
Authors: Wang Zhe , Li Taoshen , Ye Jin , Yang Xi , Xiong Ke
Published: November 2020

Simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) becomes more and more popular in cognitive radio (CR) networks, as it can increase the resource reuse rate of the system and extend the user’s lifetime. Due to the deployment of energy harvesting nodes, traditional secure beamforming designs are not suitable for SWIPT-enabled CR networks as the power control and energy allocation should be considered. To address this problem, a dedicated green edge power grid is built to realize energy sharing between the primary base stations (PBSs) and cognitive base stations (CBSs) in SWIPT-enabled mobile edge computing (MEC) systems with CR. The energy and computing resource optimal allocation problem is formulated under the constraints of security, energy harvesting, power transfer, and tolerable interference. As the problem is nonconvex with probabilistic constraints, approximations based on generalized Bernstein-type inequalities are adopted to transform the problem into solvable forms. Then, a robust and secure artificial noise- (AN-) aided beamforming algorithm is presented to minimize the total transmit power of the CBS. Simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm achieves a close-to-optimal performance. In addition, the robust and secure AN-aided CR based on SWIPT with green energy sharing is shown to require a lower transmit power compared with traditional systems.
Integrative Analysis of miRNAs Identifies Clinically Relevant Epithelial and Stromal Subtypes of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Holt Jeremiah , Walter Vonn , Yin Xiaoying , Marron David , Wilkerson Matthew D. , Choi Hyo Young , Zhao Xiaobei , Jo Heejoon , Hayes David Neil , Ko Yoon Ho
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

The objective of this study is to characterize the role of miRNAs in the classification of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Experimental Design:

Here, we analyzed 562 HNSCC samples, 88 from a novel cohort and 474 from The Cancer Genome Atlas, using miRNA microarray and miRNA sequencing, respectively. Using an integrative correlations method followed by miRNA expression–based hierarchical clustering, we validated miRNA clusters across cohorts. Evaluation of clusters by logistic regression and gene ontology approaches revealed subtype-based clinical and biological characteristics.

Results:

We identified two independently validated and statistically significant (P < 0.01) tumor subtypes and named them “epithelial” and “stromal” based on associations with functional target gene ontology relating to differing stages of epithelial cell differentiation. miRNA-based subtypes were correlated with individual gene expression targets based on miRNA seed sequences, as well as with miRNA families and clusters including the miR-17 and miR-200 families. These correlated genes defined pathways relevant to normal squamous cell function and pathophysiology. miRNA clusters statistically associated with differential mutation patterns including higher proportions of TP53 mutations in the stromal class and higher NSD1 and HRAS mutation frequencies in the epithelial class. miRNA classes correlated with previously reported gene expression subtypes, clinical characteristics, and clinical outcomes in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model with stromal patients demonstrating worse prognoses (HR, 1.5646; P = 0.006).

Conclusions:

We report a reproducible classification of HNSCC based on miRNA that associates with known pathologically altered pathways and mutations of squamous tumors and is clinically relevant.
A Longstanding, Persistent and Recurrent Case of Cryptogenic Panniculitis
Authors: Pukhalskaya Tatsiana , Brown J. Ahmad , Sills Adam A. , Smoller Bruce R.
Published: November 2020

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. There may be a significant histologic overlap with traumatic panniculitis and lupus profundus. We describe a 54-year-old woman who had received a diagnosis of SPTCL based upon a left parietal scalp biopsy 5 years earlier. This diagnosis was supported by immunohistochemistry (IHC) demonstrating a CD8+ predominant lymphocyte population in the subcutis. T-cell gene rearrangement studies were not performed at that time. The patient was treated and showed significant clinical improvement. When several tender erythematous subcutaneous nodules appeared on the upper back, left plantar surface and pretibial region, repeat biopsy was performed. Histology revealed a lobular and septal panniculitis with no vasculitis. The infiltrate contained abundant eosinophils and histiocytes not seen in the original biopsy specimen. IHC demonstrated a mixture of CD4+, CD8+ and CD7+ lymphocytes with abundant CD68+ histiocytes. T-cell gene rearrangement studies performed on one of the lesions failed to demonstrate clonality. It is important to recognize that patients with SPTCL are not exempt from other types of panniculitis, and complete histologic, IHC and molecular workups are essential to properly classify all cutaneous lesions in these patients.
Characteristics of Pulmonary Auscultation in Patients with 2019 Novel Coronavirus in China
Authors: Wang Bo , Liu Yanbin , Wang Ye , Yin Wanhong , Liu Tao , Liu Dan , Li Diandian , Feng Mei , Zhang Yanlin , Liang Zong’an , Fu Ziqiao , Fu Siyun , Li Weimin , Xiong Nian , Wang Gang , Luo Fengming
Published: November 2020

Background: Effective auscultations are often hard to implement in isolation wards. To date, little is known about the characteristics of pulmonary auscultation in novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the features and clinical significance of pulmonary auscultation in COVID-19 pneumonia using an electronic stethoscope in isolation wards. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted among patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 at Wuhan Red-Cross Hospital during the period from January 27, 2020, to February 12, 2020. Standard auscultation with an electronic stethoscope was performed and electronic recordings of breath sounds were analyzed. Results: Fifty-seven patients with average age of 60.6 years were enrolled. The most common symptoms were cough (73.7%) during auscultation. Most cases had bilateral lesions (96.4%) such as multiple ground-glass opacities (69.1%) and fibrous stripes (21.8%). High-quality auscultation recordings (98.8%) were obtained, and coarse breath sounds, wheezes, coarse crackles, fine crackles, and Velcro crackles were identified. Most cases had normal breath sounds in upper lungs, but the proportions of abnormal breath sounds increased in the basal fields where Velcro crackles were more commonly identified at the posterior chest. The presence of fine and coarse crackles detected 33/39 patients with ground-glass opacities (sensitivity 84.6% and specificity 12.5%) and 8/9 patients with consolidation (sensitivity 88.9% and specificity 15.2%), while the presence of Velcro crackles identified 16/39 patients with ground-glass opacities (sensitivity 41% and specificity 81.3%). Conclusions: The abnormal breath sounds in COVID-19 pneumonia had some consistent distributive characteristics and to some extent correlated with the radiologic features. Such evidence suggests that electronic auscultation is useful to aid diagnosis and timely management of the disease. Further studies are indicated to validate the accuracy and potential clinical benefit of auscultation in detecting pulmonary abnormalities in COVID-19 infection.
Sealing Proximal Non- and Micro-Cavitated Carious Lesions Using a One-Session Separator Technique: A 2-Year Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Lindquist Birgitta , Emilson Claes-Göran
Published: November 2020

The presence of initial caries accounts for the majority of approximal carious lesions in many countries. The aim of this clustered, split-mouth, randomised, controlled clinical trial was to use a metal separator to widen the approximal space in a one-visit session before sealing and to evaluate patient acceptance, together with the efficacy of the proximal sealing in arresting incipient carious lesions after 2 years. A total of 48 patients with a mean age of 41.9 years were selected. They had at least one pair of proximal initial carious lesions, including the distal surface of the canines to the mesial surface of the third molars (bite-wing score D1–D3). The patient’s caries risk at baseline was analyzed using a Cariogram. All surfaces were examined for mutans streptococci (ms) counts. The separator technique made it possible to diagnose whether or not a microcavity was present. After 2 years, 212 surfaces in 45 subjects were examined using the same as baseline standardized digital follow-up radiographs. Two analyses were performed, one sensitive, where a progression or a regression was assessed if one of the examiners made one of those diagnoses, and one conservative, where unchanged. For both analyses, the sealed test surfaces showed a significantly higher regression (67 and 29%) compared to the control group (13 and 2%) p < 0.0001. It did not appear that the baseline variables, such as the caries risk, surface diagnoses, or ms counts, influenced the caries outcome. In the test group, there was no difference in caries progression if there was a microcavity or not. The separation treatment was well accepted by the patients. The method of separation for diagnosis and sealing treatment in a single session appears to be a clinically applicable method for the control of proximal carious lesions.
The Use of Rotterdam CT Score for Prediction of Outcomes in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Admitted to Emergency Service
Authors: Katar Salim , Aydin Ozturk Pinar , Ozel Mehmet , Arac Songul , Evran Sevket , Cevik Serdar , Baran Oguz
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Rotterdam CT score for prediction of outcome in traumatic brain injury is widely used for patient evaluation. The data on the assessment of pediatric traumatic brain injury patients with the Rotterdam scale in our country are still limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the use of the Rotterdam scale on pediatric trauma patients in our country and assess its relationship with lesion type, location and severity, trauma type, and need for surgery. Methods: A total of 229 pediatric patients admitted to the emergency service due to head trauma were included in our study. Patients were evaluated in terms of age, gender, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), initial and follow-up Rotterdam scale scores, length of stay, presence of other traumas, seizures, antiepileptic drug use, need for surgical necessity, and final outcome. Results: A total of 229 patients were included in the study, and the mean age of the patients was 95.8 months. Of the patients, 87 (38%) were girls and 142 (62%) were boys. Regarding GCS at the time of admission, 59% (n = 135) of the patients had mild (GCS = 13–15), 30.6% (n = 70) had moderate (GCS = 9–12), and 10.5% (n = 24) had severe (GCS < 9) head trauma. The mean Rotterdam scale score was calculated as 1.51 (ranging from 1 to 3) for mild, 2.22 (ranging from 1 to 4) for moderate, and 4.33 (ranging from 2 to 6) for severe head trauma patients. Rotterdam scale score increases significantly as the degree of head injury increases (p < 0.001). Discussion: With the adequate use of GCS and cerebral computed tomography imaging, pediatric patients with a higher risk of mortality and need for surgery can be predicted. We recommend the follow-up of pediatric traumatic brain injury patients with repeated CT scans to observe alterations in Rotterdam CT scores, which may be predictive for the need for surgery and intensive care.
Acetylsalicylic Acid Exerts Potent Antitumor and Antiangiogenic Effects in Cutaneous and Uveal Melanoma Cell Lines
Authors: Fausto de Souza Dominique , Tsering Thupten , Burnier  Miguel N. , Bravo-Filho Vasco , Dias Ana Beatriz Toledo , Abdouh Mohamed , Goyeneche Alicia , Burnier Julia Valdemarin
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has been investigated for a potential anticancer role in several cancers, such as colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. Moreover, ASA has been shown to abrogate various processes that contribute to tumor growth and progression. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ASA on cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM). Methods: Human CM and UM cells were treated with 5 mM ASA and assessed for changes in cellular functions. Antiangiogenic effects of ASA were determined using an ELISA-based assay for 10 proangiogenic cytokines, and then validated by Western blot. Finally, proteomic analysis of ASA-treated cells was performed to elucidate the changes that may be responsible for ASA-mediated effects in melanoma cells. Results: Treatment with ASA significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration capabilities, and caused a significant decrease in angiogenin and PIGF secretion in both CM and UM. Mass spectrometry revealed 179 protein changes associated with ASA in the CM and UM cell lines. Conclusions: These results suggest that ASA may be effective as an adjuvant therapy in metastatic CM and UM. Future studies are needed to determine the regulating targets that are responsible for the antitumor effects of ASA.
Four Actionable Bottlenecks and Potential Solutions to Translating Psychiatric Genetics Research: An Expert Review
Authors: Bourdon Jessica L. , Davies Rachel A. , Long Elizabeth C.
Published: November 2020

Background: Psychiatric genetics has had limited success in translational efforts. A thorough understanding of the present state of translation in this field will be useful in the facilitation and assessment of future translational progress. Purpose: A narrative literature review was conducted. Combinations of 3 groups of terms were searched in EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The review occurred in multiple steps, including abstract collection, inclusion/exclusion criteria review, coding, and analysis of included papers. Results: One hundred and fourteen articles were analyzed for the narrative review. Across those, 4 bottlenecks were noted that, if addressed, may provide insights and help improve and increase translation in the field of psychiatric genetics. These 4 bottlenecks are emphasizing linear translational frameworks, relying on molecular genomic findings, prioritizing certain psychiatric disorders, and publishing more reviews than experiments. Conclusions: These entwined bottlenecks are examined with one another. Awareness of these bottlenecks can inform stakeholders who work to translate and/or utilize psychiatric genetic information. Potential solutions include utilizing nonlinear translational frameworks as well as a wider array of psychiatric genetic information (e.g., family history and gene-environment interplay) in this area of research, expanding which psychiatric disorders are considered for translation, and when possible, conducting original research. Researchers are urged to consider how their research is translational in the context of the frameworks, genetic information, and psychiatric disorders discussed in this review. At a broader level, these efforts should be supported with translational efforts in funding and policy shifts.
Development and Pilot Validation of an Instrument Assessing Sensorimotor Skills for Percutaneous Gastral Puncture
Authors: Engelke Monika , Grund Karl Ernst , Schilling Dieter , Beilenhoff Ulrike , Stebner Ferdinand , Kugler Christiane
Published: November 2020

Introduction: The acquisition of sensorimotor skills, so-called “technical skills”, plays an essential part in the professional and continuing educational training of medical and nursing staff. Facilities turn to simulator training to promote the safe and accurate performance of endoscopic examinations. Thus, this study aimed to develop and pilot-test a corresponding assessment instrument to monitor necessary sensorimotor or “technical” skills of the examiner for a safe percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (AS-PEG). Materials and Methods: Instrument development and pilot validation involved four stages: identification of potential items and initial draft of the AS-PEG; expert panel with 11 experts (content validity index [CVI] calculated); empirical validation using a quasi-experimental intervention on simulators; revision of the pilot AS-PEG taking expert assessment, and empirical testing into consideration. Results: The initial instrument yielded 13 categories and 44 items describing the PEG procedure. Experts rated 30 out of 44 items (68%) extremely or very important for the safety of the puncture of the stomach. Initial item-CVIs ranged from 0.00 to 1.00; scale-CVI was 0.61. Twenty-four trainees (7 physicians, 17 nurses) participated in the pilot simulation study. On average, 8:25 min were required for PEG placement (min–max 5:59–13:38 min, SD = 1:43). The revised AS-PEG version was reduced to 14 items with a range of the item CVI from 0.8 to 1.0, and a scale-CVI of 0.90. Conclusion: The AS-PEG instrument facilitates the evaluation of sensorimotor skills during percutaneous gastric puncture procedures within the context of PEG placement, across professions and without relating to the number of procedures previously performed. The instrument is economical and shows satisfying content validity.
Patients’ Experiences of Remote Neurology Consultations during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: McKenna Mary Clare , Al-Hinai Mahmood , Bradley David , Doran Elisabeth , Hunt Isabelle , Hutchinson Siobhan , Langan Yvonne , O’Rourke Deirdre , Qasem Raga , Redmond Janice , Troy Emma , Doherty Colin P.
Published: November 2020

Telemedicine has been widely implemented during the COVID-19 global pandemic to enable continuity of care of chronic illnesses. We modified our general neurology clinic to be conducted using remote audio-only telephone consultations. We included all patients over a 10-week period who agreed to both a telephone consultation and a questionnaire afterwards in order to ascertain the patient’s perspective of the experience. There were 212 participants consisting of men (43.8%) and women (56.2%). The mean ± standard deviation of age was 47.8 ± 17.0 (range 17–93) years. For the most part, patients found remote consultations either “just as good” (67.1%) or “better” (9.0%) than face-to-face consultations. Those who deemed it to be “not as good” were significantly older (52.3 ± 17.9 years vs. 46.6 ± 16.6 years, p =0.045) or were more likely to have a neurological disorder that required clinical examination, namely, a neuromuscular condition (66.7%, p = 0.002) or an undiagnosed condition (46.7%, p = 0.031). At the height of the COVID-19 global pandemic, most patients were satisfied with remote consultations. The positive feedback for remote consultations needs to be verified outside of this unique scenario because the results were likely influenced by the patients’ apprehension to attend the hospital amongst other factors.
Narco-cenários latino-americanos: a busca por modos de identificação
Authors: Santos Larissa , Mendes Rayssa
Published: November 2020

O cinema é uma importante ferramenta para atribuição de significados e construção de identidades, para o bem e para o mal. No presente artigo, a partir de diferentes lentes cinematográficas, propomos analisar a construção da identidade latino-americana e alguns dos estigmas e mazelas sociais que herda de seu passado colonial e sua consequente posição marginal na divisão internacional do trabalho. Tal análise virá sobretudo por meio de uma reflexão sobre os narco-cenários produzidos pelo cinema hegemônico. Na primeira parte, abordaremos aspectos do conteúdo ideológico que tem produzido historicamente uma violência simbólica contra as nações latino-americanas, construindo e reforçando estereótipos. Na segunda parte, adentraremos à cadeia de relações econômicas que sustenta esse tipo de produção e que, como veremos adiante, na terceira parte, encontra respaldo no discurso e nas políticas de Guerra às Drogas, promovida por governos estadunidenses e que gera consequências devastadoras para a região. Na última parte, traremos a abordagem das produções cinematográficas não-hegemônicas, que têm proposto, nos últimos anos, problematizar e repensar os narco-cenários e a própria narco-economia.
Periprocedural Hydrogen Sulfide Therapy Improves Vascular Remodeling and Attenuates Vein Graft Disease
Authors: Kip Peter , Tao Ming , Trocha Kaspar M. , MacArthur Michael R. , Peters Hendrika A. B. , Mitchell Sarah J. , Mann Charlotte G. , Sluiter Thijs J. , Jung Jonathan , Patterson Suzannah , Quax Paul H. A. , de Vries Margreet R. , Mitchell James R. , Keith Ozaki C.
Published: November 2020

Background

Failure rates after revascularization surgery remain high, both in vein grafts (VG) and arterial interventions. One promising approach to improve outcomes is endogenous upregulation of the gaseous transmitter‐molecule hydrogen sulfide, via short‐term dietary restriction. However, strict patient compliance stands as a potential translational barrier in the vascular surgery patient population. Here we present a new therapeutic approach, via a locally applicable gel containing the hydrogen sulfide releasing prodrug (GYY), to both mitigate graft failure and improve arterial remodeling.

Methods and Results

All experiments were performed on C57BL/6 (male, 12 weeks old) mice. VG surgery was performed by grafting a donor‐mouse cava vein into the right common carotid artery of a recipient via an end‐to‐end anastomosis. In separate experiments arterial intimal hyperplasia was assayed via a right common carotid artery focal stenosis model. All mice were harvested at postoperative day 28 and artery/graft was processed for histology. Efficacy of hydrogen sulfide was first tested via GYY supplementation of drinking water either 1 week before VG surgery (pre‐GYY) or starting immediately postoperatively (post‐GYY). Pre‐GYY mice had a 36.5% decrease in intimal/media+adventitia area ratio compared with controls. GYY in a 40% Pluronic gel (or vehicle) locally applied to the graft/artery had decreased intimal/media area ratios (right common carotid artery) and improved vessel diameters. GYY‐geltreated VG had larger diameters at both postoperative days 14 and 28, and a 56.7% reduction in intimal/media+adventitia area ratios. Intimal vascular smooth muscle cell migration was decreased 30.6% after GYY gel treatment, which was reproduced in vitro.

Conclusions

Local gel‐based treatment with the hydrogen sulfide‐donor GYY stands as a translatable therapy to improve VG durability and arterial remodeling after injury.
An Ecological Whodunit: The Story of Colony Collapse Disorder
Authors: Portus Rosamund
Published: November 2020

As life on Earth becomes increasingly precarious, it becomes ever clearer that, while some nonhuman losses are perceived as tragic and controversial, many more are left to slip away, unnoticed and unmourned. The purpose of this study, then, is to determine what renders a nonhuman animal life as significant and why. Specifically, the story of colony collapse disorder is traced, illustrating how the loss of honeybees became framed as an ecological whodunit. This framing incited widespread interest in and anxiety about the disappearance of honeybees. Moreover, the controversy surrounding colony collapse disorder encouraged the preemptive mourning of honeybees’ extinction, a fact which has consequently increased their chances of survival. Therefore, I argue that the stories told about nonhuman animals have influence. This article contributes to literature that recognizes extinction as a distinctly biocultural process, shaped as much by cultural values as it is by scientific fact.
Comparative Outcomes in Patients With Small- and Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (NEC) and Mixed Neuroendocrine-Non-Neuroendocrine Neoplasm (MiNEN) of the Stomach
Authors: Choi Nam Young , Kim Byung-Sik , Oh Sung Tae , Yook Jeong Hwan , Kim Beom Su
Published: November 2020

Background

Gastric neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), consisting of both large- and small-cell NECs, and mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas (MANECs), including mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs), are a group of high-grade malignancies. Few studies to date have reported clinical outcomes, including prognosis, in patients with these tumors. This study therefore evaluated the clinicopathologic outcomes and prognosis in patients with NECs and MANECs.

Methods

This study included 36 patients diagnosed with gastric NECs, including 23 with large-cell and 13 with small-cell NECs, and 85 with MiNENs, including 70 with high-grade and 15 with intermediate-grade MiNENs. Clinical outcomes, including overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), were assessed.

Results

DFS was significantly poorer in patients with NEC than in patients with intermediate-grade MiNEN ( P < .05), whereas both OS and DFS were similar in patients with NEC and high-grade MiNEN ( P > .05). Patients with large-cell NEC were more likely to undergo aggressive surgery than patients with high-grade MiNEN ( P < .05). Lymphovascular invasion was more frequent and DFS poorer in patients with large-cell than small-cell NECs ( P < .05 each).

Conclusion

DFS is significantly poorer in patients with NEC than in patients with intermediate-grade MiNEN and significantly lower in patients with large-cell than small-cell NECs.
A Single Surgeon’s 10-Year Experience in Remote-Access Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
Authors: Kandil Emad , Akkera Mounika , Shalaby Hosam , Munshi Ruhul , Attia Abdallah , Elnahla Ahmed , Shalaby Mahmoud , Abdelgawad Mohamed , Grace Lee , Kang Sang W.
Published: November 2020

Background

Remote-access thyroid and parathyroid surgery has gained popularity recently due to its benefit of avoiding visible neck scars. Most of these techniques were described and performed in Asia, on patients with different body habitus compared to American patients. We aim to analyze the learning curve in performing these operations in North America. 

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of a 10-year experience by a single surgeon at a North American institute. Patients who underwent thyroid or parathyroid procedures by a transaxillary, retroauricular, or transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) were included. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) was used to analyze learning curves based on intraoperative blood loss and total operative times and learning phases were divided accordingly.

Results

Three hundred seventy-two remote-access thyroid and parathyroid procedures were performed during the study period. Total operative time for transaxillary procedures was initially reduced after the 69th procedure and then again after the 134th case. For retroauricular procedures, marked reduction in the operative time was observed after 21 procedures. Most patients (57.02%) were discharged home on the same day during the mastering phase. In the transaxillary procedures, only 1 case of brachial plexus injury occurred prior to the routine use of somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring.

Discussion

Remote-access thyroid and parathyroid surgeries can be performed safely with minimal complications in a select group of patients. Analysis of the learning curve in performing these operations aids in structuring a safe and effective learning period for endocrine surgeons seeking to venture into this modality of treatment.
A Corpus-based Study of Vocabulary in the New Concept English Textbook Series
Authors: Yang Lu , Coxhead Averil
Published: November 2020

Growing a large vocabulary is one of the most important tasks of language learners and yet research reports on low levels of lexical knowledge for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. In EFL contexts, textbooks are a vital source of exposure to English and the words that are worth learning. The New Concept English textbook series is widely used in China by large numbers of learners in secondary schools and cram schools, and in preparation for university studies. This study finds that while learners will encounter mostly high-frequency vocabulary in these books, they will need to know between 3000 and 6000 word families to cope with these texts, and Book 4 requires 1000 more word families than Book 3. Science-related texts in the books contribute to the vocabulary load because they contain a large proportion of low-frequency words used only once and have a higher vocabulary load than humanities texts. There are opportunities for learning mid-frequency vocabulary in these textbooks. Limitations of current research and suggestions for future research are also presented.
Queer urban activism under state impunity: Encountering an LGBTTTI Pride archive in Chilpancingo, Mexico
Authors: Payne William J
Published: November 2020

While southern Mexico’s state of Guerrero has faced rising socio-political violence and impunity for over a decade, with particular consequences for sexual and gender minorities, an LGBTTTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, travesti and intersex) rights movement has simultaneously emerged in the state capital, Chilpancingo, and in other cities and towns. In 2002, activists organised the state’s first Pride march in this small, peripheral Latin American city, and each year since, people have gathered for what has become an annual event in this remote place nevertheless formed by what happens in distant centres of power. Also, LGBTTTI marches, parades, drag competitions and other events meant to orient the community and state institutions towards recognition of the rights of sexual and gender minorities have extended to public spaces across the state. This article examines this incongruous actuality through a study of the photos and videos in the private collection of a local activist and professional photographer, visual data that provide a unique record of how the local LGBTTTI movement has drawn on transnationally recognisable symbols and local cultural motifs to bring attention to violence experienced by its members. Building on a dense description of this archive, this paper argues that an identity-rights-based movement can coexist with a weak state that has abdicated its responsibility to guarantee basic human rights. Through its use of urban public spaces, such a movement can convey its message and draw people together, though given the limits of state-sanctioned impunity it may opt for strategic silence on wider socio-political issues in order to make specific advances.
School Climate, Peer Relationships, and Adolescent Mental Health: A Social Ecological Perspective
Authors: Long Emily , Zucca Claudia , Sweeting Helen
Published: November 2020

The current study investigated peer relationship and school climate factors associated with adolescent mental health. Cross-sectional data from 2,571 fifteen-year old students in 22 Scottish secondary schools was used. Multilevel models tested for school differences in mental health, and nested linear regression models estimated peer and school effects. Results demonstrated no significant between-school variation in mental health. Peer victimization was the only peer effect associated with mental health. School-belonging, student-teacher relationships, and a perceived inclusive school climate were associated with better mental health, whereas a perceived school climate of exam pressure was associated with worse mental health. The findings highlight multiple aspects of school climate that could be targeted in school-based interventions for adolescent mental health.
The use of research methods in the South African Journal of Psychology
Authors: Scholtz Salomé Elizabeth , de Klerk Werner , de Beer Leon T
Published: November 2020

Research methods play an important role in the outcome of research projects and publication, which contribute to various aspects of a country’s development and well-being. This study explored the current use of research methods in psychological research within South Africa. The South African Journal of Psychology was chosen to represent a sample for this investigation. A systematised review was used to discern what research methods are being used, how these methods are being used and for what topics. Thus, 116 articles published in the South African Journal of Psychology from 2013 to 2017 were categorised. Research articles in the selected sample generally provided fewer details with regard to the applied methodology. Therefore, only the reported methodology in these articles is documented in this study. The type of research methods used in the South African Journal of Psychology focused mainly on quantitative and qualitative methods. These methods were typically applied to 10 research topics of which Social Psychology was most dominant, and Education and Learning least dominant. Data collection mostly consisted of questionnaires or interviews using samples of convenience with various techniques of data analysis. The results are discussed from the perspective of a national and an international study to highlight South Africa’s research position with regard to international publications. Overall, this investigation shows the uniqueness of South African research, areas for future study and research development, considering international trends.
Morphological/alignment properties of thermoplastic polyurethane nanofiber affected by processing parameters
Authors: Selver Erdem , Karaca Neslihan , Onen Aysen , Ucar Nuray , Altay Pelin
Published: November 2020

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) in nanofiber or submicron fiber has widespread application areas including the biomedical applications, such as artificial vein, cell cultivation etc. due to both TPU’s and nanofiber’s morphological properties. The morphology and aligment of nanofibers obtained from electrospinning are significantly affected by process parameters, which affect their end uses. This study aims to investigate the effect of process parameters of electrospinning (nozzle axis type, collector type, collector speed and filler types) on morphological properties (fiber orientation, fiber diameter and porous structure) of thermoplastic polyurethanes. Experimental results showed that nanofiber diameter increased with an increase of collector speed due to the relaxation of extensible TPU nanofiber after spinning process. When the rotational speed of collector reaches to 2000 rpm, the orientation could be observed. Using rotational wire collector resulted in thinner and more oriented fibers compared to rotating cylinder collector. Adding salt particles results in thinnest and highly oriented nanofiber webs. Higly porous surfaces were obtained using coaxial technique at the same feeding rates with miscible solvents for both shell and core. It was seen that using solvent with low boiling point in core may lead to higher porous surfaces. Nanofiber diameter increased using coaxial nozzle instead of single axis nozzle.
The Organizational Improvisation Landscape: Taking Stock and Looking Forward
Authors: Ciuchta Michael P. , O’Toole Jay , Miner Anne S.
Published: November 2020

Over the past 25 years, scholars have produced a wide variety of organizational improvisation (OI) scholarship from multiple fields that has improved our understanding of the OI phenomenon. However, because of its complexity and the heterogeneity of approaches used to study it, OI remains challenging to grasp. This makes it difficult for scholars to understand the contributions of this literature both in terms of extant findings as well as potential gaps and future areas of inquiry. Accordingly, we take stock of the extant literature by reviewing 186 peer-reviewed scholarly articles on OI primarily from management and related fields such as entrepreneurship and marketing as well as other disciplines such as information systems and communications. We introduce an aggregate framework that emphasizes the sequential process of OI. We also identify specific theoretical and associated empirical gaps in each of the pre-, during, and post-phases of an OI episode. We specifically address questions surrounding the origination and content of initial improvisational actions, conceptual ambiguity regarding the prevalence of OI, and the confounding of causal factors that impact the outcomes following an OI episode.
Implementation Monitoring of a Promotora-Led, Home-Based Obesity Prevention Pilot Study With Latino Preschool Children and Their Mothers
Authors: Taverno Ross Sharon E. , Smith Tapia Ivonne , Saunders Ruth P. , Documet Patricia I. , Pate Russell R.
Published: November 2020

Background

Latino preschool children have higher rates of obesity than children from other racial/ethnic backgrounds. Few effective, culturally-tailored obesity prevention interventions exist that have focused on Latino preschool children, and even fewer have published results of the process evaluation. The purpose of this paper was to monitor reach, fidelity, and completeness of implementation to determine whether ANDALE, a promising promotora-led, home-based pilot study to prevent obesity in Latino preschool children, was implemented as planned.

Methods

Guided by a logic model, we assessed reach, implementation fidelity and completeness through descriptive analyses of multiple data sources. Reach was assessed through attendance records. Fidelity was assessed via observation checklist and completeness was assessed via survey with both parents and promotoras in a subsample of 12 families.

Results

Promotoras recruited participants primarily through their own social networks and delivered the intervention to 50 families (mother-child dyads); the majority were of Mexican-origin, low-acculturation, dual-parent households. Nearly all (98%) families completed the whole 10-week intervention. Results demonstrated completeness and fidelity of implementation were acceptable in a subsample of 12 families. In sum, 75% of families in the subsample met the criteria (≥75%) for overall implementation of essential program elements (i.e., reach, completeness, and fidelity).

Conclusion

Evidence suggests that ANDALE was delivered with high levels of completeness and fidelity in this sample of Latino families with preschool-aged children. These results support implementation of ANDALE in a large, randomized trial.
Changes in pentraxin 3 and oxidative parameters during coronary bypass grafting and factors affecting postoperative atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bostan Cem , Kaya Ayşem , Yiğit Zerrin
Published: November 2020

Objective

The performance of coronary bypass grafting (CBG) induces a type of subclinical systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The present study was performed to examine the changes in pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and oxidative parameters during cross-clamping in patients undergoing CBG. We also examined factors affecting the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF).

Method

This study involved 40 patients who underwent elective on-pump CBG (33 men, 7 women; mean age, 60.8 ± 8.0 years). Blood specimens were drawn before anaesthesia and after aortic cross-clamping. POAF was detected by analysing the rhythm records of telemetry units for 96 hours postoperatively.

Results

The mean PTX3 concentration prior to surgery was 176.3 ± 148.4 pg/mL. After cross-clamping, it increased to 947.7 ± 377.2 pg/mL. The increase was statistically significant. Twelve patients had POAF. The leucocyte count and change in the oxidative stress index were significantly higher in patients without than with POAF. Although the increase in PTX3 was higher in patients without POAF, the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The PTX3 concentration significantly increases during CBG. A significant change in the oxidative stress index and a more intense increase in the PTX3 concentration were seen in patients without POAF.
Development and validation of a Brazilian nomogram to assess sentinel node biopsy positivity in melanoma
Authors: Bertolli Eduardo , Calsavara Vinicius F. , de Macedo Mariana P. , Pinto Clovis A.L. , Duprat Neto João P.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Although well-established, sentinel node biopsy (SNB) for melanoma is not free from controversies and sometimes it can be questionable if SNB should be considered even for patients who meet the criteria for the procedure. Mathematical tools such as nomograms can be helpful and give more precise answers for both clinicians and patients. We present a nomogram for SNB positivity that has been internally validated.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent SNB from 2000 to 2015 in a single institution. Single logistic regressions were used to identify variables that were associated to SNB positivity. All variables with a p value < 0.05 were included in the final model. Overall performance, calibration, and discriminatory power of the final multiple logistic regression model were all assessed. Internal validation of the multiple logistic regression model was performed via bootstrap analysis based on 1000 replications.

Results:

Site of primary lesion, Breslow thickness, mitotic rate, histologic regression, lymphatic invasion, and Clark level were statistically related to SNB positivity. After internal validation, a good performance was observed as well as an adequate power of discrimination (area under the curve 0.751).

Conclusions:

We have presented a nomogram that can be helpful and easily used in daily practice for assessing SNB positivity.
Characteristics of headache attributed to COVID-19 infection and predictors of its frequency and intensity: A cross sectional study
Authors: Magdy Rehab , Hussein Mona , Ragaie Christine , Abdel-Hamid Hoda M , Khallaf Ahmed , Rizk Hoda I , Dahshan Ahmed
Published: November 2020

Objective

To study the characteristics of headache attributed to COVID-19 infection and predictors of its severity.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involved 172 individuals who had headache due to COVID-19 infection. A detailed analysis of such headache was done through a face-to-face interview. Patients with any other form of secondary headache were excluded. Labs, including lymphocytic count, C-reactive protein, D-dimer and ferritin and chest imaging, were made available.

Results: The

majority of our patients had a diffuse headache (52.9%). It was pressing in 40.7%, with median intensity of 7 (assessed by visual analogue scale) and median frequency of 7 days/week. Patients with preexisting primary headache (52.9%) had significantly more frequent COVID-19 related headache than those without (47.1%) ( p = 0.001). Dehydrated patients (64.5%) had more frequent COVID-19 related headache than those who were not dehydrated (35.5%) ( p = 0.029). Patients with fever (69.8%) had significantly higher frequency and intensity of COVID-19 related headache compared to those without fever (30.2%) ( p = 0.003, 0.012). Patients with comorbidities (19.8%) had significantly higher frequency and intensity of headache than those without comorbidities (80.2%) ( p = 0.006, 0.003). After multiple linear regression, primary headache disorders, dehydration and comorbidities were considered predictors of frequency of COVID-19 related headache. Meanwhile, fever and dehydration were predictors of pain intensity.

Conclusion

Healthcare providers of COVID-19 patients need to be aware of frequency and intensity predictors of COVID-19 related headache: Primary headache disorders, fever, dehydration, and comorbidities.