bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The development of a current events and dialogue forum at a large U.S. academic
medical center
Authors: Kuhn Andrew W. , Hanna Eriny S. , Menon Varun K. , Jarrett Ryan T. , Committee VC , Payne Kate L. , Churchwell André L. 
Published: January 2021

Background The Vanderbilt Community Circle (VC2) was designed to provide all
faculty, staff, and students within the entire Vanderbilt University Medical Center
community a dedicated venue to discuss current events and ongoing societal issues.
Approach During the 2017–18 academic year, four VC2 events were held on: “Race,
identity, and conflict in America,” “Gun violence in America,” “Gender in the
workplace,” and “Immigration in America.” Facilitators guided participants to share
their views and perspectives on these matters with pre-developed open-ended questions.
Attendees started discussions in small groups and then eventually combined into a large
one. Pre- and post-event surveys were administered to measure the program’s
effectiveness. Evaluation One-hundred and twenty-four participants were included,
75 of whom completed both the pre- and post-event surveys. Sixty-four of the 75 (85%)
agreed or strongly agreed that “multiple perspectives and opinions were represented” and
73% felt that their “own perspective was broadened on the issue.” Most (89%) believed
that the format and setting of the event was conducive to dialogue and discussion, and
almost all (91%) reported that they would attend a similar event in the future.
Groningen Reflection Ability Scale scores were high before (94 [25th–75th: 88–99]) and
remained high after the events (93 [25th–75th: 88–93.3], p>0.05).
Utility of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) for diagnosing small subepithelial lesions (< 20 mm)
Authors: Sekine Masanari , Miura Takaya , Fujiwara Junichi , Uehara Takeshi , Asano Takeharu , Matsumoto Satohiro , Miyatani Hiroyuki , Mashima Hirosato 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Aim
Subepithelial lesions (SELs) are defined as being located under the mucosa. Presently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is commonly performed to diagnose SELs. With the development of new puncture needles, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB), which allows for the acquisition of large tissue samples, has been proposed. However, studies on EUS-FNB of SELs measuring < 20 mm have not yielded satisfactory results. Therefore, we aimed to assess the performance and usefulness of EUS-FNB of SELs measuring less than < 20 mm.

Methods
The present study included 62 patients who underwent EUS-FNA or EUS-FNB for SELs at our hospital between January 2015 and March 2019. EUS-FNA was performed using fine-needle aspiration needles, and EUS-FNB was performed using fine-needle biopsy needles. These needles, which come in different shapes and diameters, were compared in terms of their usefulness in performing procedures for SELs measuring ≥ 20 mm and those measuring < 20 mm.

Results
For SELs measuring ≥ 20 mm, the use of needles with a large diameter, such as 19 or 20 G, resulted in significantly improved diagnostic rates. For SELs measuring < 20 mm, the use of FNB needles showed significantly improved diagnostic rates, regardless of the size of the puncture needles.

Conclusion
Even when SELs are less than 20 mm, they might have malignant potential, and histological diagnosis may be desirable in some cases. EUS-FNB has an advantage over EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of SELs measuring < 20 mm.
Serum thyroglobulin is associated with orbitopathy in Graves’ disease
Authors: Khamisi S. , Lundqvist M. , Emadi P. , Almby K. , Ljunggren Ö. , Karlsson F. A. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Serum thyroglobulin levels are often elevated in Graves’ disease (GD) and in most cases decrease during treatment. Its relation to Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) has not been clarified. Previously, a risk of GO has been linked to smoking, TSH receptor stimulation, high TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb), low thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies (TPOAb, TgAb).

Methods
We examined Tg levels in 30 consecutive patients with GD were given drug therapy (methimazole + thyroxine) for up to 24 months. GO was identified by clinical signs and symptoms. 17 patients had GO, 11 of whom had it at diagnosis while 6 developed GO during treatment. During the study, 5 subjects were referred to radioiodine treatment, 3 to surgery. The remaining 22 subjects (GO n = 12, non-GO n = 10) completed the drug regimen.

Results
At diagnosis, Tg levels in GO patients (n = 11) were higher (84, 30–555 µg/L, median, range) than in non-GO patients (n = 19) (38, 3.5–287 µg/L), p = 0.042. Adding the 6 subjects who developed eye symptoms during treatment to the GO group (n = 17), yielded p = 0.001 vs. non-GO (n = 13). TRAb tended to be higher, while TPOAb and TgAb tended to be lower in the GO group. For the 22 patients who completed the drug regimen, Tg levels were higher in GO (n = 12) vs. non-GO (n = 10), p = 0.004, whereas TRAb levels did not differ.

Conclusion
The data may suggest that evaluation of thyroglobulin levels in GD could contribute to identify patients at increased risk of developing GO. Possibly, thyroidal release of Tg in GD reflects a disturbance that also impacts retroorbital tissues.
Hypogonadism and liver fibrosis in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Quiros-Roldan E. , Porcelli T. , Pezzaioli L. C. , Degli Antoni M. , Paghera S. , Properzi M. , Focà E. , Carriero C. , Castelli F. , Ferlin A. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Hypogonadism is frequent in HIV-infected men and might impact on metabolic and sexual health. Low testosterone results from either primary testicular damage, secondary hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, or from liver-derived sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) elevation, with consequent reduction of free testosterone. The relationship between liver fibrosis and hypogonadism in HIV-infected men is unknown. Aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and type of hypogonadism in a cohort of HIV-infected men and its relationship with liver fibrosis.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional retrospective study including 107 HIV-infected men (median age 54 years) with hypogonadal symptoms. Based on total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone, and luteinizing hormone, five categories were identified: eugonadism, primary, secondary, normogonadotropic and compensated hypogonadism. Estimates of liver fibrosis were performed by aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores.

Results
Hypogonadism was found in 32/107 patients (30.8%), with normogonadotropic (10/107, 9.3%) and compensated (17/107, 15.8%) being the most frequent forms. Patients with secondary/normogonadotropic hypogonadism had higher body mass index (BMI) (p < 0001). Patients with compensated hypogonadism had longer HIV infection duration (p = 0.031), higher APRI (p = 0.035) and FIB-4 scores (p = 0.008), and higher HCV co-infection. Univariate analysis showed a direct significant correlation between APRI and TT (p = 0.006) and SHBG (p = 0.002), and between FIB-4 and SHBG (p = 0.045). Multivariate analysis showed that SHBG was independently associated with both liver fibrosis scores.

Conclusion
Overt and compensated hypogonadism are frequently observed among HIV-infected men. Whereas obesity is related to secondary hypogonadism, high SHBG levels, related to liver fibrosis degree and HCV co-infection, are responsible for compensated forms.
Algebraic Stability Analysis of Particle Swarm Optimization Using Stochastic Lyapunov Functions and Quantifier Elimination
Authors: Gerwien Maximilian , Voßwinkel Rick , Richter Hendrik 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper adds to the discussion about theoretical aspects of particle swarm stability by proposing to employ stochastic Lyapunov functions and to determine the convergence set by quantifier elimination. We present a computational procedure and show that this approach leads to a reevaluation and extension of previously known stability regions for PSO using a Lyapunov approach under stagnation assumptions.
Predictive Factors and Outcomes for Successful Thoracoscopic Lung Resection in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Clark Rachael A. , Perez Eduardo A. , Chung Dai H. , Pandya Samir R. 
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND:
Less than 50% of children with congenital lung lesions are treated thoracoscopically. There are variable data regarding the benefits and limited information on factors contributing to successful thoracoscopic lobectomies in pediatric patients. We sought to identify predictive factors leading to safe and efficient thoracoscopic lung resection.

STUDY DESIGN:
We performed a single-center, retrospective chart review of patients (age <18 y) who underwent lung resection between June 2009 and July 2020. Pulmonary wedge resection was excluded. Data collected included demographics, perioperative findings, such as symptoms or infection, and postoperative outcomes. Univariate, multivariate, and sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS:
Ninety-six patients were identified. Sixty-nine patients (72%) underwent initial thoracoscopy, with 15 (22%) converting to open thoracotomy (CTO). Forty-one (43%) patients had preoperative symptoms and 15 (15.6%) had an active infection. Among symptomatic patients, 18 (43.9%) underwent thoracotomy and 23 (56%) were attempted thoracoscopically, 13 (31%) of whom were completed thoracoscopically. On univariate analysis, age >1 year, infection, preoperative symptoms, and intraoperative adhesions were associated with CTO. Older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.041) and estimated blood loss (EBL) (OR = 2.398) were significant prognostic factors of CTO on logistic regression. Thoracoscopy was significantly associated with decreased length of stay, opioid use, chest tube duration, blood loss and need for blood transfusion. There was no difference in operative time, 30-day readmission, or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS:
Thoracoscopy has become a standard approach for pediatric lung resection. Our findings indicate that age < 1 year and the absence of active respiratory infection and preoperative symptoms may be predictive of successful completion of the thoracoscopic approach. Thoracoscopy offers significant advantages over the traditional open thoracotomy with regard to blood loss and opioid requirements, LOS, and chest tube duration.
Critical Role of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Physicians in Patient Satisfaction: An Analysis of Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, Hospital Version Data from 186,779 Patients and 168 Hospitals in a National Healthcare System
Authors: Lieser Mark J. , Watts Dorraine D. , Cooper Tabatha , Chipko John , Carrick Matthew M. , Berg Gina M. , Wilson Nina Y. , Wyse Ransom J. , Garland Jeneva M. , Fakhry Samir M. 
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND:
Trauma and emergency surgery patients are unique with regard to the sudden and unexpected nature of their hospitalization and this can adversely affect patient satisfaction, but, to our knowledge, no large study exists examining this issue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the major factors that affect satisfaction scores in trauma and emergency surgery patients.

STUDY DESIGN:
Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, Hospital Version survey data from patients discharged in 2018-2019 from facilities in a national hospital system were obtained. Patients were categorized as trauma, emergency surgery, or direct admit surgery (elective surgery). Individual Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, Hospital Version question scores were regressed on the score for “overall rating” to determine the primary, secondary, and tertiary satisfaction drivers.

RESULTS:
There were 186,779 patients from 168 hospitals included. As expected, the primary determinant of patient satisfaction was nursing communication for all groups. However, trauma and emergency surgery patients differed from elective surgery patients in that physician communication was the second most important factor in patient satisfaction, accounting for 12.0% (trauma) and 8.6% (emergency surgery) of the total variability in the overall rating beyond the variability explained by the primary driver. If physician communication received low ratings, it was unlikely that high scores in other metrics could compensate to bring the overall score above the 50th percentile.

CONCLUSIONS:
Acute care surgeons appear to play a uniquely important role in support of Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, Hospital Version scores. These data emphasize the importance of physician communication, particularly when a prehospital physician-patient relationship does not exist. Future research should explore specific mechanisms by which physicians effectively communicate with patients.
Pornography Use Prevalence and Associated Factors in Arab Countries: A Multinational Cross-Sectional Study of 15,027 Individuals
Authors: Eljawad Mohamed Abd , Se’eda Hussien , Ghozy Sherief , El-Qushayri Amr Ehab , Elsherif Ahmed , Elkassar Ahmed Hussein , Atta-Allah Mohammed H. , Ibrahim Wael , Elmahdy Mohamed A. , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundThere has been a tangible increase in pornography consumption during the past decade, with the absence of a large-scale study of Arab countries.AimThe present study aimed to assess the prevalence of pornography viewing and its associated risk factors in Arab countries.MethodsA large cross-sectional online survey was carried out recruiting participants without restrictions on the age, socioeconomic level, job, or educational level. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify possible risk factors for viewing porn and results were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).OutcomesMain outcomes were pornography viewing (first exposure and frequency), the perceptions of this act, use of spare time, physical activity (exercising), and frequency of psychiatrist visits.RESULTSThe final number of participants included in the study was 15027 participants with a mean age ± standard deviation of 23.82 years ± 24.99. Most of the participants were men (84.56%), living with parents (81.71%), and 60.51% university graduates. There were statistically significant differences (P &lt; .001) in the attitude and practice of men compared with women throughout all tested variables. Frequent pornography viewing was associated with male gender (OR [95% CI] = 7.08 [6.43 to 7.81]; P &lt; .001) and age group ≤15 years (OR [95% CI] = 1.33 [1.01 to 1.75]; P = .044). By contrast, higher education was inversely associated with viewing rates reaching the lowest level in PhD awardees (OR [95% CI] = 0.36 [0.26 to 0.51]; P = .003). It was also noted that regular exercising (OR [95% CI] = 0.66 [0.58 to 0.74]; P &lt; .001) was associated with a reduction in pornography viewing rates.Clinical implicationsYoung age, male gender, and lower educational level are all predictors for higher pornography viewing and should be considered when designing public health intervention in a related context.Strengths and limitationsThis is the first large-scale multi-national survey to be conducted in Arab countries to investigate pornography viewing. The main limitations were the cross-sectional design (cannot indicate causality) and the self-report nature (liable to social desirability and recall bias).CONCLUSIONPornography viewing is common in Arab countries and associated with some personal and behavioral factors.
Utilizing Drones to Restore and Maintain Radio Communication During Search and Rescue Operations
Authors: McRae Jake N. , Nielsen Brandon M. , Gay Christopher J. , Hunt Andrew P. , Nigh Andrew D. 
Published: January 2021

Introduction The ability of rescuers to maintain contact with incident command (IC) and each other is a critical component of search and rescue (SAR) operations. When rescuers lose radio communication with operation leaders, the effectiveness of operations may be substantially affected. This often occurs owing to the limitations of standard communications equipment in difficult terrain or when victims are beyond line-of-sight. This study investigates the viability of using an aerial drone-repeater system configuration to restore and maintain radio communications between IC and deployed rescuers. Methods SAR operators in Southern Utah identified 10 areas where radio communication is compromised during live rescue operations. Trained SAR personnel were deployed to these areas in a mock exercise. After confirmed loss of communication, a repeater-equipped aerial drone was piloted 122 m above IC to restore communication. Once restored, communication was assessed at regular intervals for the duration of the mock deployment. Results In all 10 areas tested, communication was successfully restored. In all cases, once communication was restored, no additional loss of radio contact occurred. The time between communication loss and restoration across the 10 scenarios was 6.5±1.1 (4.4–9.3) min (mean±SD with range). Conclusions This method of restoring radio communication among SAR personnel could drastically improve the ability to assist victims and help mitigate the risks faced by rescuers. SAR leaders should be made aware of the useful applications of drones during SAR operations, especially in instances where communication is compromised.
Taking God Seriously
Authors: Davies Brian , Ruse Michael 
Published: January 2021

Is debate on issues related to faith and reason still possible when dialogue between believers and non-believers has collapsed? Taking God Seriously not only proves that it is possible, but also demonstrates that such dialogue produces fruitful results. Here, Brian Davies, a Dominican priest and leading scholar of Thomas Aquinas, and Michael Ruse, a philosopher of science and well-known non-believer, offer an extended discussion on the nature and plausibility of belief in God and Christianity. They explore key topics in the study of religion, notably the nature of faith, the place of reason in discussions about religion, proofs for the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the problem of multiple competing religious systems, as well as the core concepts of Christian belief including the Trinity and the justification of morality. Written in a jargon-free manner, avoiding the extremes of evangelical literalism and New Atheism prejudice, Taking God Seriously does not compromise integrity or shy from discussing important or difficult issues.
Causes and climatic influence of centennial-scale denitrification variability in the southeastern Arabian Sea since the last glacial period
Authors: Nagoji Sidhesh , Tiwari Manish 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDenitrification occurring in the oxygen minimum zone of the Arabian Sea produces nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms controlling denitrification's intensity and evaluate its influence on the global climate at various timescales. We studied multiple geochemical and isotopic proxies in a sediment core from the southeastern Arabian Sea (SEAS) at a high (centennial-scale) resolution. We find that since the last glacial period, both the ventilation and the productivity caused by the South Asian summer monsoon played a major role in controlling the denitrification variability in SEAS. During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and since the Holocene, denitrification increased in SEAS despite reduced monsoon-induced productivity. During the LGM, weakened thermohaline circulation resulted in reduced ventilation of the intermediate waters of SEAS, causing increased denitrification. During the Holocene, the increase in denitrification is caused by an enhanced inflow of oxygen-depleted Red Sea and Persian Gulf waters into the intermediate depth of SEAS owing to a rising sea level that prohibited ventilation by the Antarctic Intermediate Water. We further find millennial-scale synchronicity between denitrification in SEAS, global monsoons, and the North Atlantic climate, implying systematic linkages via greenhouse gases abundance.
Diets, nutrients, genes and the microbiome: recent advances in personalised nutrition
Authors: Matusheski Nathan V. , Caffrey Aoife , Christensen Lars , Mezgec Simon , Surendran Shelini , Hjorth Mads F. , McNulty Helene , Pentieva Kristina , Roager Henrik M. , Seljak Barbara Koroušić , Vimaleswaran Karani Santhanakrishnan , Remmers Marcus , Péter Szabolcs 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAs individuals seek increasingly individualised nutrition and lifestyle guidance, numerous apps and nutrition programmes have emerged. However, complex individual variations in dietary behaviours, genotypes, gene expression and composition of the microbiome are increasingly recognised. Advances in digital tools and artificial intelligence can help individuals more easily track nutrient intakes and identify nutritional gaps. However, the influence of these nutrients on health outcomes can vary widely among individuals depending upon life stage, genetics and microbial composition. For example, folate may elicit favourable epigenetic effects on brain development during a critical developmental time window of pregnancy. Genes affecting vitamin B12metabolism may lead to cardiometabolic traits that play an essential role in the context of obesity. Finally, an individual’s gut microbial composition can determine their response to dietary fibre interventions during weight loss. These recent advances in understanding can lead to a more complete and integrated approach to promoting optimal health through personalised nutrition, in clinical practice settings and for individuals in their daily lives. The purpose of this review is to summarise presentations made during the DSM Science and Technology Award Symposium at the 13th European Nutrition Conference, which focused on personalised nutrition and novel technologies for health in the modern world.
Robust Stable Limit Cycle Generation in Multi-Input Mechanical Systems
Authors: Binazadeh Tahereh , Karimi Mahsa 
Published: January 2021

SUMMARYThis paper proposes a robust controller for the generation of stable limit cycles in multi-input mechanical systems subjected to model uncertainties. The proposed idea is based on Port-Controlled Hamiltonian (PCH) model and energy-based control by considering the Hamiltonian function as the Lyapunov function. For this purpose, first, a nominal controller is designed by shaping the energy function of the system according to the structure of the desired limit cycle. Then, an additional robustifying control term is designed based on the integral sliding mode method with the selection of an appropriate sliding surface. Finally, computer simulations for two practical case studies are provided to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed controller in the generation of stable limit cycles in the presence of uncertainties.