bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can the simulated experience of connecting through narratives and personal artefacts raise students’ perceptions of their preparedness to communicate with their patients about more than their illness?
Authors: Gaida Fellon , Frost Jane 
Published: June 2021

Objective: Building therapeutic connections is at the core of quality nursing care. It is often difficult however, for neophyte nursing students to understand how meaningful connections with patients can be formed. Therapeutic connection and person-centered communication are multi-faceted constructs that require exploration and practice. Methods: In order to explore a new way of enhancing communication skills and increasing the preparedness of students to build therapeutic relationships, a novel learning experience was created. This experience centered around multi-modal simulation which incorporated 360 degree technology, digital platforms and interactive simulation using the Mask-Ed ™(KRS simulation) technique. The experience was offered to an entire cohort of students in their first year of a Baccalaureate nursing program. Evaluation data was collected via pre and post-test questionnaires. Results: A statistically significant improvement in student’s self-reported confidence in building rapport and initiating conversation with patients was observed. 80% of students felt the intervention had assisted with their learning and would like to see it offered again in the future. Conclusion: Findings suggest that there is potential in combining interactive 360 degree technology and Mask-Ed™ simulation to augment the learning experience, increase student engagement and to create a safe space for students to explore learning.
How might clinical pharmacists use a profession developed competency based self-assessment tool to direct their professional development?
Authors: Sheridan Berenice 
Published: June 2021

Background: The Society of Hospital Pharmacists Australia (SHPA) created a clinical competency based self-assessment task (the shpa-clin-C-A-T) to be used by clinical pharmacists throughout Australia to assess their clinical competency and direct their professional development. Aims: The primary aim of this project was to investigate how clinical pharmacists might use the shpaclinCAT self-assessment tool to direct their professional development. Secondary aims included identifying barriers or challenges with the use of this tool to direct professional development, whether pharmacists differ in their approach to the self-assessment task based on their level of experience and to derive recommendations for revisions to this tool. Method: Three newly registered pharmacists and three experienced clinical pharmacists were conveniently selected to be part of this project. Due to the small sample size, this work was considered a pilot study. Each pharmacist attended a 20 minute semi-structured interview which explored the participant’s experience and the process undertaken to complete the shpaclinCAT self-assessment task. The principals of thematic analysis were used to code interview transcripts and to identify common themes. Findings of the research: The findings of this project suggest that the shpaclinCAT self-assessment tool provides benefit to less experienced pharmacists due to its general procedural nature. More experienced pharmacists however did not find the tool captured their current level of practice. Participants suggested that the length of the assessment tool, relevancy, difficulties with understanding terminology and completing the self-assessment as potential barriers to the use of this tool. Conclusion: This project provides further evidence of the importance of obtaining participant feedback when evaluating new assessment systems. It is recommended to target the use of this tool to less experienced pharmacists due to its general procedural nature. Further development of this tool is suggested to improve usability and its ability to direct professional development.
Fred Keller Goes to Law School
Authors: Rawson Shirley L , Tyree Alan L 
Published: June 2021

It seems axiomatic among some law teachers that small group “Socratic” teaching in one form or another is a superior teaching method. 1 Unfortunately, when taught to small groups it is also an expensive teaching method. While new and/or well funded schools have been able to embrace it, others find that they cannot afford the method. The Law School at the University of Sydney is one of the oldest in Australia. For many years, it has also been one of the worst funded. Our exploration of other teaching methods was driven by our dissatisfaction with the traditional lecture method of teaching, fuelled by these economic restraints. Our explorations led us to consider the Keller Plan teaching method. Educational research suggested that the Plan could be at least as effective as intensive small group teaching, but available at a price that we could afford. The Keller Plan, also known as a Personalised System of Instruction (PSI), is a teaching method which combines “mastery learning” with principles of reinforcement learning theory. Since we find that few law teachers are familiar with these concepts, the first part of this paper will be an introduction to mastery learning and its particular refinement in the Keller Plan. We will then describe some of the research which compares the Keller Plan with other teaching models, and finish with a description of a particular implementation of the Keller Plan which we used in 1990 at the University of Sydney, in a class of 130 students.
Solutions to the Dilemmas and Concerns of Teaching International Students in Universities
Authors: Phillips DJ 
Published: June 2021

[Extract] The decision by the Australian Department of Trade in 19853 to allow Australian tertiary institutions to offer places to Full Fee Paying (FFP) international students, following the release of the Goldring and Jackson Reports, resulted in large numbers of FFP students studying in Australian institutions. By 1991 such students had increased to 34,408. The nature of Australia’s objectives in its international education programs (discussed by Harris and Jarrett and others,) vary considerably. In general, for sponsored students there is an expressed policy that “education and training programme(s are) designed to assist recipient countries to develop the human resources needed for their economic and social advancement…(and which might draw on) areas where Australia can offer a high standard of relevant expertise.” Harris and Jarrett further discussed the focusing of this aid program by the International Development Program of Australian Universities and Colleges. On the other hand, for Full Fee Paying students, the Jackson Report recommended that “Education should be regarded as an export industry in which institutions are encouraged to compete for students and funds.” This more entrepreneurial approach to higher education, subsequently adopted by the Government, has since been applied to the export of education to overseas countries and now is the main aspect of the international education program.
Lyophilization‐Free Engineering of Polyelectrolyte Monolith by an Ice‐Dissolving‐Complexation Method
Authors: Ni Yunxia , Zhou Xiaohong , Gong Jiang , Xue Longjian , Zhao Qiang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIce templating is a versatile strategy for structural engineering of hydrophilic polymers and composites, yet the removal of ice templates requires lengthy lyophilization, and the prepared materials need further crosslinking for use in water. This study introduces an ice‐dissolving‐complexation (IDC) method to prepare ice templating monolith in an hour without the need for ice sublimation under a vacuum. The aqueous solution of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCNa) is frozen, immersed in ethanol/Cu2+ bath (−20 °C). Ice templates dissolved in ethanol, whereby the CMC‐Cu2+ complexation occurred simultaneously to stabilize CMC microstructures. The IDC method enables the preparation and stabilization of CMC monolith with pores and/or aligned channels in one step that is 30–50 times more efficient than lyophilization in terms of the time consumed for ice removal. The IDC method is applicable to various polyelectrolytes and hybrids for straightforward use in water, as exemplified by a proof‐of‐concept CMC‐Cu2+‐carbon nanotubes monolith, which exhibits high performance solar‐steaming under one sun irradiation.
Design Considerations for Macroencapsulation Devices for Stem Cell Derived Islets for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Goswami Debkalpa , Domingo‐Lopez Daniel A. , Ward Niamh A. , Millman Jeffrey R. , Duffy Garry P. , Dolan Eimear B. , Roche Ellen T. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStem cell derived insulin producing cells or islets have shown promise in reversing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), yet successful transplantation currently necessitates long‐term modulation with immunosuppressant drugs. An alternative approach to avoiding this immune response is to utilize an islet macroencapsulation device, where islets are incorporated into a selectively permeable membrane that can protect the transplanted cells from acute host response, whilst enabling delivery of insulin. These macroencapsulation systems have to meet a number of stringent and challenging design criteria in order to achieve the ultimate goal of reversing T1D. In this progress report, the design considerations and functional requirements of macroencapsulation systems are reviewed, specifically for stem‐cell derived islets (SC‐islets), highlighting distinct design parameters. Additionally, a perspective on the future for macroencapsulation systems is given, and how incorporating continuous sensing and closed‐loop feedback can be transformative in advancing toward an autonomous biohybrid artificial pancreas.
Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide into Formate: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Al‐Tamreh Shaima A. , Ibrahim Mohamed H. , El‐Naas Muftah H. , Vaes Jan , Pant Deepak , Benamor Abdelbaki , Amhamed Abdulkarem 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCarbon dioxide conversion into useful products has been gaining considerable attention as a global‐warming‐mitigation technique. The electrochemical conversion of CO2 into high‐value chemicals involves the utilization of electrical energy in the presence of an effective catalyst. The process products depend on the number of transferred electrons during the reaction and the characteristics of the electrode. Recently, electrodes coupled with active catalysts have been used to convert CO2 into valuable products including formic acid, hydrocarbons, and syngas. This review offers an overview of the recent literature on the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to valuable products, with an emphasis on the production of formate/formic acid. In addition, it compares the main features of electrochemical conversion to other techniques and summarizes their key advantages. It also provides future perspective for research and development, such as the need for novel and selective catalysts to obtain high conversion and product yield with low energy consumption.
Multi‐shelled Hollow Nanospheres of SnO2/Sn@TiO2@C Composite as High‐performance Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Wencai , Yuan Yongfeng , Du Pingfan , Zhu Min , Yin Simin , Guo Shaoyi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTo overcome two main drawbacks of SnO2 as anode material in lithium‐ion batteries, low conductivity and poor cycling stability, SnO2/Sn@TiO2@C composite is prepared via one‐pot hydrothermal reaction to synthesize SnO2/C precursor‐assembled hollow nanospheres and then coated with TiO2 and resorcinol‐formaldehyde resin. After calcination, multi‐shelled hollow nanospheres of SnO2/Sn@TiO2@C are formed. When used as anode material in lithium‐ion batteries, the as‐prepared composite exhibits high discharge capacity of 1565 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1. After 300 cycles at 1 A g−1, the discharge capacity still reaches 961 mAh g−1 with capacity fading rate of just 0.11 % per cycle. The average discharge capacity reaches 395 mAh g−1 even at 5 A g−1. The superior lithium storage performance mainly benefits from the unique multi‐shelled hollow nanosphere structure. The coating TiO2 and amorphous carbon increase structural and cycling stabilities of SnO2/Sn hollow nanospheres. The outermost carbon shell further enhances electronic conductivity of the composite. The hollow nanosphere structure also endows SnO2/Sn nanoparticles with high electrochemical activity. This work proposes a feasible synthesis and structure design strategy for the development of advanced SnO2‐based composite materials.
Prognostic significance of liver stiffness assessed by fibrosis‐4 index in patients with heart failure
Authors: Takae Masafumi , Fujisue Koichiro , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Egashira Koichi , Komorita Takashi , Oike Fumi , Nishihara Taiki , Yamamoto Masahiro , Hirakawa Kyoko , Tabata Noriaki , Tokitsu Takanori , Yamanaga Kenshi , Sueta Daisuke , Hanatani Shinsuke , Nakamura Taishi , Usuku Hiroki , Araki Satoshi , Arima Yuichiro , Takashio Seiji , Suzuki Satoru , Kaikita Koichi , Matsushita Kenichi , Tsujita Kenichi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundHeart failure (HF)‐related congestive hepatopathy is a well‐recognized problem in management of HF. The fibrosis‐4 (FIB4) index calculated by [age × aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L)/platelet count (109/L) × square root of alanine aminotransferase (IU/L)] is useful for evaluating liver stiffness. We aimed to investigate the impact of the FIB4 index on prognosis in patients with HF.Methods and resultsConsecutive HF patients referred for hospitalization at Kumamoto University Hospital, Japan, were registered between 2006 and 2015. We observed cardiovascular outcomes in each type of HF [HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HFrEF), HF with mid‐range LVEF (HFmrEF) and with preserved LVEF (HFpEF)] according to their FIB4 index; Group 1 (FIB4 index <1.3), Group 2 (FIB4 index: 1.3–2.67), and Group 3 (FIB4 index >2.67). This study enrolled 83 HFrEF patients, 117 HFmrEF patients, and 504 HFpEF patients. In HFpEF patients, the Kaplan–Meier curve revealed that Group 3 had a significantly higher rate of total cardiovascular events compared with the other two groups. By contrast, the occurrences of total cardiovascular events were not different among three groups in HFrEF and HFmrEF patients.Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis with significant factors in univariate analysis identified that the FIB4 index as an independent and significant predictor for future total cardiovascular events in HFpEF patients (hazard ratio: 1.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.15, P = 0.001).ConclusionsThe FIB4 index was a significant predictor for total cardiovascular events in HFpEF.
Identification of sex‐specific biomarkers predicting new‐onset heart failure
Authors: Raafs Anne , Verdonschot Job , Ferreira João Pedro , Wang Ping , Collier Timothy , Henkens Michiel , Björkman Jens , Boccanelli Alessandro , Clark Andrew L. , Delles Christian , Diez Javier , González Arantxa , Girerd Nicolas , Jukema J. Wouter , Pinet Florence , Rossignol Patrick , Thum Thomas , Vodovar Nicolas , de Boer Rudolf A. , van Empel Vanessa , Staessen Jan A. , Hazebroek Mark , Cleland John , Zannad Faiez , Heymans Stephane 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimsHeart failure (HF) is common in both men and women, yet disease pathophysiology, presentation, and progression differ between sexes. Studies addressing whether biomarkers predict new onset HF sex‐specifically are scarce. This study therefore aims to test the sex‐specificity of 252 protein biomarkers for new‐onset HF.Methods and resultsA matched case–control design in patients selected from cohorts within the HOMAGE consortium was used. Cases (new‐onset HF, n = 562) and controls (n = 780) were matched for cohort (PREDICTOR, HEALTH‐ABC, & PROSPER), follow‐up time (defined as time from entry to incident HF), and age. Incident HF was defined as first hospitalization for HF. Targeted plasma proteins (n = 252) were measured using Proximity Extension Assay technology from O‐link. To look for sex differences for new onset HF, we adjusted for cohort, age, and baseline clinical parameters. At baseline, women had a biomarker profile reflecting activated metabolism and immune responses. However, none of the biomarkers had a significant interaction with sex in predicting new onset HF, but four biomarkers had a trend towards sex‐specificity (P < 0.013). E‐selectin and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist were more female‐specific, whereas IL17A and CHIT1 tended to be male sex‐specific for incident HF.ConclusionsThe majority of biomarkers associated with incident HF did not significantly differ between women and men, despite clear differences in biomarkers at baseline.
Intra‐aortic balloon pump on in‐hospital outcomes of cardiogenic shock: findings from a nationwide registry, China
Authors: Chu Songyun , Sun Pengfei , Zhang Yan , Li Jianping , Liu Lin , Shi Ying , Wang Haibo , Chen Hu , Fu Michael , Huo Yong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimsThe real‐world usage of intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) in various cardiogenic shocks (CS) and the association with outcomes are lacking. We aimed to investigate IABP adoption in CS in a nationwide registry in China.Methods and resultsWe retrospectively retrieved data of 30 106 CS patients (age 67.1 ± 14.6 years, 37.6% female patients) in the Hospital Quality Monitoring System registry from 2013 to 2016. Ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of CS (73.9%). Hypertension, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, valvular, and congenital heart disease were seen in 36.0%, 7.5%, 2.6%, 7.3%, and 2.4% of the population. IABP was employed in 2320 (7.7%) subjects. The association between IABP usage and primary outcome of in‐hospital mortality and secondary outcomes of expenses and lengths of stay were investigated. The patients with IABP support had similar in‐hospital mortality to those without IABP (39.6% vs. 38.3%, P = 0.226), but longer hospital‐stay [8.0 (2.0–16.0) vs. 6.0 (2.0–13.0) days, P < 0.001] and higher expenses [7.1(4.4–11.1) vs. 2.3 (0.8–5.5) 10 000RMB, P < 0.001]. IABP support was not associated with reduced mortality in the overall CS population in multivariate regression analysis [odds ratio (OR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95–1.17], except for subgroups with myocarditis (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.39–0.95, P for interaction = 0.010) and those who did not receive the early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75–0.97, P for interaction < 0.001). Similar results were further confirmed in the propensity‐score‐matched population.ConclusionsIn this nationwide registry of CS patients, IABP was not noted with improved survival but increased healthcare consumption. However, IABP appears protective in those with myocarditis or who failed to receive early PCI.
Multichamber Dysfunction in Children and Adolescents With Severe Obesity: A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Myocardial Strain Study
Authors: Xu Eric , Kachenoura Nadjia , della Valle Valeria , Dubern Béatrice , Karsenty Alexandra , Tounian Patrick , Dacher Jean‐Nicolas , Layese Richard , Lamy Jérôme , Ducou le Pointe Hubert , Redheuil Alban , Blondiaux Eléonore 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn severe obesity, left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) remodeling and contractile dysfunction have been documented, but less is known regarding left atrial (LA) dysfunction and its association with LV/RV remodeling, especially in children.PurposeTo assess the effects of severe childhood obesity on cardiac function by using multichamber strain analysis with MRI.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsForty‐five children aged 7–18 years (including 20 with severe obesity, defined as a body mass index values above the 99th percentile).Field Strength5 T.SequenceSteady‐state‐free‐precession (SSFP) images in short‐axis views and longitudinal two‐ and four‐chamber views.AssessmentCardiac strain measurements were derived from standard SSFP cine images by using a dedicated MR imaging feature tracking software. Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability were evaluated.Statistical TestsIndependent sample t test, Spearman's correlation coefficient, principal component analysis, Bland–Altman analysis, and intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC). A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsAs compared to children without obesity, those with obesity showed significantly reduced LA reservoir function (22.2% ± 6.4% vs. 33.8% ± 9.0%) and contractile function (5.4% ± 3.2% vs. 13.3% ± 8.0%) as well as significantly decreased absolute values for LA longitudinal strain in reservoir and contraction phases and LA radial motion fraction in reservoir and contraction phases. Children with severe obesity showed significantly reduced absolute RV radial motion fraction (−10.6% ± 2.9% vs. −18.2% ± 2.9%) and circumferential strain (−10.6% ± 2.9% vs. −16% ± 2.5%) as well as higher LV mass index (28.7% ± 5.1% vs. 21.7 ± 4.6 g/m2) along with significantly reduced LV ejection fraction (56.4% ± 3.9% vs. 60% ± 4.1%), LV radial strain (56% ± 6% vs. 61.8% ± 11.3%), and longitudinal strain (−17.8% ± 1.8% vs. −20.3% ± 3.2%). Reliability was good to excellent, with ICC ranging from 79.1% to 97.7%.Data ConclusionMR feature‐tracking strain analysis revealed multichamber dysfunction in severely obese children with impaired LA reservoir and atrial contraction phases, which suggest an early loss in the compensatory ability of atrial contraction with severe obesity.Level of Evidence2Technical Efficacy Stage3
Surveillance Imaging Following Head and Neck Cancer Treatment and Microvascular Reconstruction
Authors: House Adrian E. , Zebolsky Aaron L. , Jacobs Joanna , Likhterov Ilya , Behr Spencer , Glastonbury Christine , Seth Rahul , Heaton Chase , Knott Philip Daniel 
Published: June 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTo assess the accuracy and utility of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting head and neck cancer (HNC) recurrence after microvascular reconstructive surgery.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsAnalysis of HNC patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction at a single, tertiary academic center following ablative surgery from 1998 to 2015. Forty‐six patients aged 61.4 ± 15.8 years with both PET/CT and MRI examinations were identified. Two radiologists were blinded and interpreted each imaging study. Recurrence certainty scores were determined via continuous (0–100) and Likert (“Likely” to “Unlikely”) scales, with larger values indicating a higher likelihood of recurrence. Pathologic confirmation of recurrence was confirmed in 23 patients (50%).ResultsAmong those with primary site recurrences, mean recurrence certainty was significantly higher with PET/CT versus MRI on the continuous scale (63.9 vs. 44.4, P = .006). A receiver operating characteristic analysis for predicting primary site recurrence demonstrated a significantly larger area under the curve of 0.79 for PET/CT compared to 0.64 for MRI (P = .044). Categorization of “Likely” primary site recurrence on PET/CT, versus MRI, had higher sensitivity (0.63 vs. 0.40), but lower specificity (0.90 vs. 1.0). MRI demonstrated higher sensitivity (1.0 vs. 0.78) at detecting regional site recurrences.ConclusionPET/CT demonstrates greater sensitivity than MRI as a surveillance tool for primary site recurrence following microvascular reconstruction where clinical evaluation is hindered by anatomical distortion. Therefore, PET/CT should be pursued as first‐line imaging, with MRI utilized for confirmation of positive imaging findings at the primary site.Level of Evidence2 Laryngoscope, 131:2713–2718, 2021