bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family Experience With Pierre Robin Sequence: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Skirko Jonathan R. , Pollard Sarah Hatch , Slager Stacey , Hung Man , Weir Charlene
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To identify concepts and constructs important to parents of children with Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS).

Design:

Qualitative study.

Setting:

All children received some care at a tertiary hospital with additional care at outside facilities. Interviews were conducted in nonclinical locations, including remote locations.

Participants:

Parents of children <5 years old with a diagnosis of PRS. Prior treatments included observation, positioning, nasal trumpet, mandibular distraction osteogenesis, tracheostomy, and gastrostomy.

Intervention:

Semi-structured interviews with individuals (4) and with groups (focus groups, 4) were conducted using open-ended questions and non-leading prompts. Transcripts were analyzed with iterative open and axial coding. Concepts and constructs were identified and refined into codes and central themes. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved.

Results:

Sixteen parents were interviewed. Their experiences were coded into 5 main themes, which can be summarized as: (1) child’s symptoms/well-being, (2) parents’ grief/isolation, (3) family stress, (4) relationships with providers, and (5) psychological and technical growth. Difficulty with feeding, weight gain, and breathing problems were core physical issues described by participants with associated intense fear. Participants described frustration from not only lack of care coordination, slow diagnoses, and poor communication but also gratitude for providers who served as advocates. Participants described gradual development of knowledge/competencies.

Conclusions:

Families of children with PRS have experiences that profoundly affect their lives. Child’s physical symptoms/well-being and parents’ psychosocial well-being provide content for a future PRS-specific quality-of-life instrument. Concepts that emerged also provide a framework to improve parents’ experience and enhance their children’s quality of care.
The Association Between Traditional Masculinity Ideology and Predictors of Military to Civilian Transition Among Veteran Men
Authors: O’Loughlin Julia I. , Cox Daniel W. , Ogrodniczuk John S. , Castro Carl Andrew
Published: March 2020

Although there is ample evidence that endorsement of traditional masculinity ideology may negatively affect veteran men’s military to civilian transition, it remains unclear which specific facets of traditional masculinity are most likely to impede successful transition to civilian life. To better understand the association between traditional masculinity ideology and veteran transition, this study sought to examine the relationship between five facets of traditional masculinity ideology (restrictive emotionality, avoidance of femininity, toughness, dominance, and self-reliance) and four factors associated with difficult veteran transition (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], depression, perceived social support, and alcohol-related problems) in ( N = 289) veteran men. Results indicate that restrictive emotionality was the most significant contributing facet of traditional masculinity ideology to PTSD, depression, and perceived social support, whereas avoidance of femininity was the masculinity facet most significantly associated with alcohol-related problems. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
Lived experience in people with inflammatory bowel disease and comorbid anxiety and depression in the United Kingdom and Australia
Authors: Mikocka-Walus Antonina , Hanlon Inna , Dober Madeleine , Emerson Catherine , Beswick Lauren , Selinger Christian , Taylor Jo , Olive Lisa , Evans Subhadra , Hewitt Catherine
Published: March 2020

This study explored the lived experience of people with inflammatory bowel disease and anxiety/depression. It utilised a deductive biopsychosocial framework. Overall, 24 patients and 20 healthcare professionals from two countries participated. In the United Kingdom, the main themes included (1) bidirectional relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and mental health, (2) the need for healthcare integration and (3) lack of awareness about the disease. In Australia, (1) the ‘vicious cycle’ of inflammatory bowel disease and psychosocial health, (2) the need for biopsychosocial healthcare integration and (3) the stigma of a hidden disease. Better communication around mental illness is essential in improving inflammatory bowel disease healthcare.
Understanding patterns of care for musculoskeletal patients using routinely collected National Health Service data from general practices in England
Authors: Smith Chris , Hewison Jenny , West Robert M , Kingsbury Sarah R , Conaghan Philip G
Published: March 2020

Musculoskeletal conditions are extremely common and represent a costly and growing problem in the United Kingdom. Understanding patterns of care and how they vary between individual patients and patient groups is necessary for effective and efficient disease management. In this article, we present a novel approach to understanding patterns of care for musculoskeletal patients in which trajectories are constructed from clinical and administrative data that are routinely collected by clinicians and healthcare professionals. Our approach is applied to routinely collected National Health Service data for musculoskeletal patients who were registered to a set of general practices in England and highlights both known and previously unreported variations in the prescribing of opioid analgesics by gender and presence of pre-existing depression. We conclude that the application of our approach to routinely collected National Health Service data can extend the dimensions over which patterns of care can be understood for musculoskeletal patients and for patients with other long-term conditions.
The relationship between psychological wellbeing, social support, and personality in an English police force
Authors: Jackman Patricia C , Henderson Hannah , Clay Georgia , Coussens Adam H
Published: March 2020

Police employees are exposed to a variety of complex, work-related stressors and are susceptible to experiencing reduced psychological wellbeing. To advance understanding of the personal and social factors underpinning psychological wellbeing in this population, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between psychological wellbeing, perceived support from colleagues, received support from colleagues and personality factors in police employees. A sample of 381 police employees from a county police force in England completed an online questionnaire assessing: psychological wellbeing; perceived support; received support; and personality factors. Psychological wellbeing was significantly and positively associated with perceived support from colleagues, received support from colleagues, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness to experience. Further investigation of these relationships using multiple logistic regression analysis found that perceived support from colleagues, received support from colleagues, extraversion, and emotional stability significantly predicted psychological wellbeing. Given growing concerns about psychological wellbeing in police forces, the findings could help to inform the promotion of psychological wellbeing across operational and non-operational police employees. The results suggest that increasing both perceptions of available support and the amount of support received among employees in police forces is important for enhancing psychological wellbeing in this population. Furthermore, police employees with lower levels of extraversion and emotional stability should also be considered for additional support to promote psychological wellbeing.
Post-human encounters: Humanising the technological Other in videogames
Authors: Coanda Iulia , Aupers Stef
Published: March 2020

Whether we are talking about Alexa, chat bots or a videogame character, technological artefacts are increasingly being developed to mimic different aspects of being human. However, research on people’s experience with such technologies and the cultural imaginations of what makes them human remains underdeveloped. Guided by a reexamination of the sociocultural concept of the Other, this article empirically studies how and why players humanise non-playable videogame characters. The analysis is based on 21, online and offline, semi-structured interviews with players of two single player, role-playing videogames – The Witcher and Dragon Age – and other players’ anonymous posts on various websites. The analysis illustrates the different ways in which players humanise non-playable videogame characters (NPCs) and the ways these impede on their offline relationships. Finally, the analysis shows that the meaningful interactions with videogame characters affect players’ human relationships and, thus, blur the boundaries between humans and nonhumans, and reality and virtuality.
A framework for interactive human–robot design exploration
Authors: Jensen Mads Brath , Foged Isak Worre , Andersen Hans Jørgen
Published: March 2020

This study seeks to identify key aspects for increased integration of interactive robotics within the creative design process. Through its character as foundational research, the study aims to contribute to the advancement of new explorative design methods to support architects in their exploration of fabrication and assembly of an integrated performance-driven architecture. The article describes and investigates a proposed design framework for supporting an interactive human–robot design process. The proposed framework is examined through a 3-week architectural studio, with university master students exploring the design of a brick construction with the support of an interactive robotic platform. Evaluation of the proposed framework was done by triangulation of the authors’ qualitative user observations, quantitative logging of the students’ individual design processes, and through questionnaires completed after finishing the studies. The result suggests that interactive human–robot fabrication is a relevant mode of design with positive effect on the process of creative design exploration.
Burnout and Wellness: The Anesthesiologist’s Perspective
Authors: Romito Bryan T. , Okoro Ejike N. , Ringqvist Jenny R. B. , Goff Kristina L.
Published: March 2020

Burnout syndrome results from unmanaged chronic workplace stress. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, lack of a sense of personal accomplishment, and depersonalization. Burnout is associated with the development of poor work-related outcomes, mental health disorders, substance abuse, and cardiovascular disease. Burnout in physicians and other health care providers can negatively affect patient care. The prevalence of burnout in anesthesiology is among the highest of all medical specialties, with rates approaching 40%. Unique risk factors for the development of burnout in anesthesiologists may include environmental social isolation, long work hours, lack of control over one’s career, and the presence of certain personality traits that select for a career in anesthesia. System-based interventions targeting workplace contributions to burnout and individual resilience and mindfulness training can be helpful in reducing burnout symptoms. Future research efforts examining both the health care environmental structure and the specific burnout risk factors for anesthesiologists will help produce targeted treatment strategies for members of the anesthesiology community.
Numerical simulation of the non-uniform flow in a full-annulus multi-stage axial compressor with the harmonic balance method
Authors: Sun Haiou , Wang Meng , Wang Zhongyi , Wang Song , Magagnato Franco
Published: March 2020

To improve the understanding of unsteady flow in modern advanced axial compressor, unsteady simulations on full-annulus multi-stage axial compressor are carried out with the harmonic balance method. Since the internal flow in turbomachinery is naturally periodic, the harmonic balance method can be used to reduce the computational cost. In order to verify the accuracy of the harmonic balance method, the numerical results are first compared with the experimental results. The results show that the internal flow field and the operating characteristics of the multi-stage axial compressor obtained by the harmonic balance method coincide with the experimental results with the relative error in the range of 3%. Through the analysis of the internal flow field of the axial compressor, it can be found that the airflow in the clearance of adjacent blade rows gradually changes from axisymmetric to non-axisymmetric and then returns to almost completely axisymmetric distribution before the downstream blade inlet, with only a slight non-axisymmetric distribution, which can be ignored. Moreover, the slight non-axisymmetric distribution will continue to accumulate with the development of the flow and, finally, form a distinct circumferential non-uniform flow field in latter stages, which may be the reason why the traditional single-passage numerical method will cause certain errors in multi-stage axial compressor simulations.
A systematic review into the effectiveness of Integrated Offender Management
Authors: Hadfield Emma , Sleath Emma , Brown Sarah , Holdsworth Emma
Published: March 2020

Integrated Offender Management was introduced by the Home Office and Ministry of Justice in 2009. Since its introduction, it has been piloted, developed and implemented across probation and policing areas within England and Wales. The scheme aims to reduce reoffending through the targeting of specific cohorts of offenders within local areas. Understanding its overall effectiveness would therefore be paramount in supporting its ongoing development. This article presents a systematic review of the research regarding the effectiveness of Integrated Offender Management. There were 15 articles reviewed in this regard, using a search criterion and assessment of the research aims. The findings revealed key areas which impact upon effectiveness: partnerships; locality and offender cohorts; finance; and workforce.
Validation of Automated Screening for Referable Diabetic Retinopathy With an Autonomous Diagnostic Artificial Intelligence System in a Spanish Population
Authors: Shah Abhay , Clarida Warren , Amelon Ryan , Hernaez-Ortega Maria C. , Navea Amparo , Morales-Olivas Jesus , Dolz-Marco Rosa , Verbraak Frank , Jorda Pablo P. , van der Heijden Amber A. , Peris Martinez Cristina
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic performance of an autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) system for the diagnosis of referable diabetic retinopathy (RDR) to manual grading by Spanish ophthalmologists.

Methods:

Subjects with type 1 and 2 diabetes participated in a diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening program in 2011 to 2012 in Valencia (Spain), and two images per eye were collected according to their standard protocol. Mydriatic drops were used in all patients. Retinal images—one disc and one fovea centered—were obtained under the Medical Research Ethics Committee approval and de-identified. Exams were graded by the autonomous AI system (IDx-DR, Coralville, Iowa, United States), and manually by masked ophthalmologists using adjudication. The outputs of the AI system and manual adjudicated grading were compared using sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of both RDR and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR).

Results:

A total of 2680 subjects were included in the study. According to manual grading, prevalence of RDR was 111/2680 (4.14%) and of VTDR was 69/2680 (2.57%). Against manual grading, the AI system had a 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 97%-100%) sensitivity and 81.82% (95% CI: 80%-83%) specificity for RDR, and a 100% (95% CI: 95%-100%) sensitivity and 94.64% (95% CI: 94%-95%) specificity for VTDR.

Conclusion:

Compared to manual grading by ophthalmologists, the autonomous diagnostic AI system had high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (82%) for diagnosing RDR and macular edema in people with diabetes in a screening program. Because of its immediate, point of care diagnosis, autonomous diagnostic AI has the potential to increase the accessibility of RDR screening in primary care settings.
Advances in Pharmacological Activities of Terpenoids
Authors: Yang Wenqiang , Chen Xu , Li Yanli , Guo Shaofen , Wang Zhen , Yu Xiuling
Published: March 2020

Terpenoids, the most abundant compounds in natural products, are a set of important secondary metabolites in plants with diverse structures. Terpenoids play key roles in plant growth and development, response to the environment, and physiological processes. As raw materials, terpenoids were also widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics industries. Terpenoids possess antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antimalarial effects, promote transdermal absorption, prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, and have hypoglycemic activities. In addition, previous studies have also found that terpenoids have many potential applications, such as insect resistance, immunoregulation, antioxidation, antiaging, and neuroprotection. Terpenoids have a complex structure with diverse effects and different mechanisms of action. Activities and mechanisms of terpenoids were reviewed in this paper. The development and application prospect of terpenoid compounds were also prospected, which provides a useful reference for new drug discovery and drug design based on terpenoids.
The Quest for Hope: Disadvantaged Group Members Can Fulfill Their Desire to Feel Hope, but Only When They Believe in Their Power
Authors: Hasan-Aslih Siwar , Shuman Eric , Goldenberg Amit , Pliskin Ruthie , van Zomeren Martijn , Halperin Eran
Published: March 2020

Within contexts of oppression and struggle for social change, in which hope is constantly challenged, do disadvantaged group members still want to feel hope? If so, does this desire translate into actual hope? And does motivation for hope relate to disadvantaged individuals’ collective action tendencies? We suggest that, especially when faced with setbacks in the struggle for social change, disadvantaged group members want to feel hope, but actualizing this motivation depends on their group efficacy beliefs. We address these questions in a two-wave sample of 429 Palestinians living under militarized occupation in the West Bank. Our results indicate that when faced with setbacks, Palestinians want to feel hope for social change, but only those who perceive high group efficacy are able to fulfill their desire. We discuss these findings’ implications for understanding motivated emotional processes and hope in contexts of oppression.
D-dimer as a thrombus biomarker for predicting 2-year mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Zhao Xueyan , Li Jianxin , Tang Xiaofang , Jiang Lin , Chen Jue , Qiao Shubin , Yang Yuejin , Gao Runlin , Xu Bo , Yuan Jinqing
Published: March 2020

Background:

D-dimer has predictive value for mortality in some diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between D-dimer and mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods:

We examined 10,724 consecutive patients who underwent PCI between January 2013 and December 2013. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, and the secondary endpoint was cardiac mortality. Patients were divided according to the median D-dimer level of 0.28 μg/ml. Multivariable model were including age, sex, and risk factors after stepwise selection.

Results:

After a 2-year follow up, 8565 patients with D-dimer data were analyzed. There were 116 (1.35%) all-cause deaths and 64 (0.75%) cardiac deaths. D-dimer levels were significantly higher in the all-cause mortality group [0.42 (0.29, 0.68) μg/ml] and cardiac mortality group [0.48 (0.30, 0.81) μg/ml] than in the survival group [0.28 (0.20, 0.41) μg/ml] (both p < 0.001). Multivariate-adjusted Cox hazard analysis showed that high D-dimer levels (⩾0.28 μg/ml) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality in the total population [hazard ratio (HR): 2.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44–3.84, p = 0.001], acute coronary syndrome (ACS) subgroup (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.08–3.38, p = 0.027), and stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) subgroup (HR: 3.82, 95% CI: 1.45–10.10, p = 0.007). High D-dimer levels were significantly associated with cardiac mortality in the total population (HR: 3.44, 95% CI: 1.61–7.36, p = 0.001) and the ACS subgroup (HR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.38–8.03, p = 0.007), but not in the SCAD subgroup (HR: 3.68, 95% CI: 0.80–16.91, p = 0.094).

Conclusions:

D-dimer levels are independently associated with 2-year all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality in patients undergoing PCI.
Does Care at a Trauma Center Affect Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients?
Authors: Pasternack Jordan B. , Ciminero Matthew L. , Silver Michael , Chang Joseph , Gupta Piyush , Kang Kevin K.
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

With respect to care setting, there are mixed results in the literature with respect to the role of trauma centers in management of isolated geriatric hip fractures. During a transition from a Level 3 to a Level 1 trauma center, significant protocol changes were implemented that sought to standardize and improve the care of hip fracture patients. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of this transition on the management, efficiency, morbidity, mortality, and discharge of geriatric hip fracture patients.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of geriatric hip fractures treated operatively was conducted. Two cohorts were compared: hip fractures in the year prior to (2015) and year following (2017) Level 1 Trauma designation. Primary outcome measures were length of stay (LOS), transfusion rate, complication rate, and mortality rate. Secondary outcome measures were time from emergency department (ED) arrival to medical optimization, time from medical optimization to surgery, time from ED arrival to surgery, and discharge destination.

Results:

There were no differences in LOS, transfusion rate, or complication rate between the two cohorts. There was a nonsignificant trend toward lower in-hospital mortality after the transition (2.24% vs 0.83%). There were no differences in time from ED arrival to medical optimization, time from medical optimization to surgery, time from ED arrival to surgery, and percentage of patients discharged home between the cohorts.

Discussion:

Management of operative geriatric hip fractures at our institution has remained consistent following transition to a Level 1 trauma center. There was a trend toward lower mortality after transition, but this difference was not statistically significant. We attribute the variety of findings in the literature with respect to trauma center management of hip fractures to individualized institutional trauma protocols as well as the diverse patient populations these centers serve.
Mental Disorder During Adolescence: Evidence of Arrested Personality Development
Authors: Ormel Johan , Oerlemans Anoek M. , Raven Dennis , Oldehinkel Albertine J. , Laceulle Odilia M.
Published: March 2020

The experience of a mental disorder may affect the development of personality in multiple ways, but empirical evidence regarding psychopathology effects on personality development that persist after remission of the disorder is limited and inconsistent. In the longitudinal cohort TRacking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS), mental disorders during adolescence were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and parent-reported effortful control, fearfulness, and frustration at age 11 and age 19 through the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire. We found that adolescent mental disorders had small effects on personality change. Internalizing disorders predicted increases of fearfulness and frustration but hardly affected effortful control; externalizing disorders were unrelated to frustration and fearfulness but predicted a decrease of effortful control. Whereas fearfulness and frustration partially caught up after disorder remission, virtually all delay in effortful control was still present 2.9 years later, suggesting scarring effects.
A Causative Approach to Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Parental Ratings of Child Oral Health
Authors: Foley M.A. , Spencer A.J. , Lalloo R. , Do L.G.
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

Many studies have investigated associations between demographic, socioeconomic status (SES), behavioral, and clinical factors and parental ratings of child oral health. Caries experience, pain, missing teeth, malocclusions, and conditions and treatments likely to negatively affect the child or family in the future have been consistently associated with poorer parental ratings. In contrast, effect sizes for associations between demographic and SES indicators (race/ethnicity, country of birth, family structure, household income, employment status, and parental education levels) and parental ratings vary greatly.

Objectives:

The primary objectives of this study were to estimate effect sizes for associations between demographic and SES variables and parental ratings of child oral health and then to consider possible causal implications.

Methods:

This article uses a nationally representative data set from 24,664 Australian children aged 5 to 14 y, regression analyses guided by a directed acyclic graph causal model, and sensitivity analyses to investigate effects of demographic and SES factors on parental ratings of oral health.

Results:

One in 8 children had oral health rated as fair or poor by a parent. Indigenous children, older boys, young children with a migrant parent, children from single-parent families, low-income households and families where no parent worked full-time, and children whose parents had lower education levels were much more likely to receive a fair or poor parental oral health rating in crude and adjusted models.

Conclusion:

This cross-sectional study helps to clarify inconsistent findings from previous research and shows many demographic and SES variables to be strong determinants of parental ratings of child oral health, consistent with the effects of these variables on other health outcomes. Sensitivity analyses and consideration of the potential for chance and bias to have affected these findings suggest that many of these associations may be causal.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

Based on regression analyses driven by a directed acyclic graph causal model, this research shows a strong impact of demographic and socioeconomic determinants on parental ratings of child oral health, consistent with associations between these variables and other oral and general health outcomes. Many of these associations may be causal. We demonstrate the value of causal models and causal thinking when analyzing complex multilevel observational data.
Factors associated with abnormal cerebral blood flow in Egyptian children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Abd-Allah Foad , Eltagui Mona , Aboulfotooh Alshaimaa Mahmoud , Kishk Nirmeen Adel , Farrag Mohammad Ahmed , Mohammed Sandra Ahmed , Shamloul Reham Mohammed , El-Jaafary Shaimaa , Said Fadwa , Ibrahim Ahmed , Elghamrawy Mona
Published: March 2020

Background:

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is a well-established tool for cerebrovascular assessment. Estimating the flow velocity across the intracranial arteries helps to identify children with sickle cell anaemia who are at risk for stroke.

Objective:

Our aim is to correlate TCD findings with clinical condition in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) to determine the value of TCD assessment as a predictive tool for stroke in SCD and to identify any association of TCD findings with disease severity, transfusion therapy and treatment administered.

Methods:

Eighty-five paediatric SCD patients aged from 3 years to 18 years of both genders who were followed up at the Hematology Clinic of New Children’s Hospital at Cairo University were included in this cross-sectional observational study. All our participants underwent routine laboratory investigations and TCD assessments.

Results:

Oof the 85 patients, two patients (2.3%) died before completing the TCD study and eventually 83 patients were included in the analysis. Seventeen (20.5%) patients had abnormal TCD findings, seven (8.4%) patients showed high-risk findings and 10 (12.1%) patients had conditional flow pattern. Logistic linear regression analysis confirmed that annual frequency of blood transfusion and hydroxyurea (HU) dose were associated with a decreased risk of abnormal TCD findings.

Conclusion:

The current study demonstrates that our TCD data reproduce the findings of other studies and that it is very likely the results from large trials are applicable for Egyptian children. The annual frequency of blood transfusion and HU dose were associated with a decreased frequency of abnormal TCD findings.
Cause and level of treatment of injuries from earthquake damage to commercial buildings in New Zealand
Authors: Yeow Trevor , Baird Andrew , Ferner Helen , Ardagh Michael , Deely Joanne , Johnston David
Published: March 2020

This study assesses the number of injuries directly caused by structural and non-structural damage within New Zealand commercial buildings from notable shaking events between 2010 and 2014 and the treatment level required. After applying filtering to a comprehensive New Zealand earthquake-induced injury database, 947 injuries matched this study’s scope, of which 174 were fatal. Collapse or movement of non-structural elements caused 556 injuries; though over 85% were treated outside hospitals and none were fatal. In contrast, 60% of the 220 structural damage-related injuries were fatal. The high injury occurrence from non-structural damage highlights its high risk of injury burden. The two leading causes of non-structural damage-related injuries were movement and/or damage of contents (e.g. furniture) and ceiling and services damage. This emphasizes the importance of reducing injury from movement and damage of non-structural elements during earthquake shaking, in addition to reducing fatalities by preventing structural and masonry collapse.
Origin and characterisation of the extractable colour of oak heartwood used for ageing spirits
Authors: Vivas Nicolas , Bourden-Nonier Marie-Françoise , de Gaulejac Nathalie Vivas , Mouche Claire , Rossy Cybille
Published: March 2020

In this study, investigation is focused on the soluble part of oak heartwood colour, with the objective of defining its impact on the colour of spirits after a barrel ageing. Colour is an important parameter for estimating the quality of many beverages and food items. Acetone with 30% water permitted a fast and complete extraction of the soluble colouring matter of heartwood. Water is necessary to improve the extraction of wood fibres by hydration. In heartwood, the repartition of colour is heterogeneous. The outer heartwood, which is new wood, presents a lower soluble colour than the inner heartwood, which is older. This difference is due to the polymerisation by oxidation of the ellagitannins during the natural process of wood ageing and the copolymerisation of cell-wall polymers as polysaccharides.
Determination of high-temperature and low-humidity treatment time for larch boxed-heart timber
Authors: Kang Chun-Won , Li Chengyuan , Sun Yao-Xing
Published: March 2020

The larch boxed-heart timbers with a cross section of 100 × 100 mm were dried after steamed at 100 °C dry-bulb temperature and 0 °C wet-bulb depression for 5 h, and then dried at 120 °C dry-bulb temperature and 30 °C wet-bulb depression for 8, 12 and 16 h, respectively, in order to determine optimal treatment time for the timber. This study indicated that the pretreatment of 12 and 16 h prevented both the surface and internal check of the timber. However, the pretreatment delayed drying time by at least 19%.
Application of normalisation process theory in understanding implementation processes in primary care settings in the UK: a systematic review
Authors: Huddlestone Lisa , Turner Jessica , Eborall Helen , Hudson Nicky , Davies Melanie , Martin Graham
Published: March 2020

Background

Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) provides a framework to understand how interventions are implemented, embedded, and integrated in healthcare settings. Previous reviews of published literature have examined the application of NPT across international healthcare and reports its benefits. However, given the distinctive clinical function, organisational arrangements and the increasing management of people with a wide variety of conditions in primary care settings in the United Kingdom, it is important to understand how and why authors utilise and reflect on NPT in such settings to inform and evaluate implementation processes.

Methods

A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature using NPT in primary care settings in the United Kingdom (UK) was conducted. Eight electronic databases were searched using replicable methods to identify articles published between January 2012 and April 2018. Data were analysed using a framework approach.

Results

Thirty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. Researchers utilised NPT to explore the implementation of interventions, targeting a wide range of health services and conditions, within primary care settings in the UK. NPT was mostly applied qualitatively; however, a small number of researchers have moved towards mixed and quantitative methods. Some variation was observed in the use of NPT constructs and sub-constructs, and whether and how researchers undertook modification to make them more relevant to the implementation process and multiple stakeholder perspectives.

Conclusion

NPT provides a flexible framework for the development and evaluation of complex healthcare interventions in UK primary care settings. This review updates the literature on NPT use and indicates that its application is well suited to these environments, particularly in supporting patients with long-term conditions and co-morbidities. We recommend future research explores the receipt of interventions by multiple stakeholders and suggest that authors reflect on justifications for using NPT in their reporting.
Laparoscopic orchiopexy of palpable undescended testes_ experience of a single tertiary institution with over 773 cases
Authors: You Jia , Li Gang , Chen Haitao , Wang Jun , Li Shuang
Published: March 2020

Background

Discuss the superiority of laparoscopic orchiopexy in the treatment of inguinal palpable undescended testes.

Methods

Inclusion criteria: Preoperative examination and color Doppler ultrasound examination confirmed that the testes were located in the inguinal canal and could not be pulled into the scrotum, except for retractive and ectopic testes. The surgical steps were depicted as follow. The retroperitoneal wall was carved by ultrasonic scalpels, separates the spermatic vessels closed to the inferior pole of the kidney if necessary, dissects the peritoneum of vas deferens, cuts the testicular gubernaculum, and pulls back the testicle into the abdominal cavity. Besides, protect the vas deferens, and descend the testes to the scrotum and fix them without tension.

Results

There were 773 patients with 869 inguinal undescended palpable testes, 218 cases on the left side, 459 cases on the right side and 96 cases with bilateral undescended testes, whose age ranged from 6 months to 8 years, with an average of 20 months. All testes were successfully operated, no converted to open surgery. The average operation time was (34.8 ± 5.4) min. There were 692 testes have an ipsilateral patent processus vaginalis (89.5%); In 677 cases of unilateral cryptorchidism, 233 cases (34.4%) have a contralateral patent processus vaginalis, and laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure the hernia sac carry out during the surgery. There was no subcutaneous emphysema during the operation, no vomiting, no abdominal distension, no wound bleeding and obvious pain after surgery, especially wound infection is rarely. Doppler ultrasound was evaluated regularly after surgery. The patients were followed up for 6 to 18 months. All the testes were located in the scrotum without testicular retraction and atrophy. No inguinal hernia or hydrocele was found in follow-up examination.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic orchiopexy manage inguinal palpable cryptorchidism is safe and effective, and there are obvious minimally invasive advantages. Furthermore, It could discover a contralateral patent processus vaginalis, and treat at the same time, which avoid the occurrence of metachronous inguinal hernia.
Correction to: A combination of omega-3 and plant sterols regulate glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals with impaired glucose regulation: a randomized and controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wang Ji-fang , Zhang Hai-ming , Li Yan-yan , Xia Song , Wei Yin , Yang Ling , Wang Dong , Ye Jing-jing , Li Hao-xiang , Yuan Jing , Pan Rui-rong
Published: March 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], the Authors’ Contributions statement need to be changed.
Could remnant-like particle cholesterol become a risk factor in diabetic menopausal women with coronary artery disease? A cross-sectional study of single academic center in China
Authors: Feng Xunxun , Guo Qianyun , Zhou Shu , Sun Tienan , Liu Yuyang , Zhou Zhiming , Zhou Yujie
Published: March 2020

Background and aims

It has been confirmed that remnant-like particle cholesterol (RLP-C) mediates the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Currently there is limited information on RLP-C in menopausal women. With the special status of diabetes mellitus (DM) combined with the special body changes of the menopausal women, the RLP-C is particularly important when studying the changes that occurred in response to CAD and its associated risk factors. This study discussed whether RLP-C could be an independent risk factor for menopausal women with CAD and DM.

Methods

The cohort consisted of 4753 menopausal women who had undergone coronary angiography. Subjects were separated into CAD and non-CAD groups, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of CAD risk factors were performed. All patients with a history of DM were divided into DM subgroups. Then, the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of the risk factors of CAD and the comparison among age groups in the DM subgroup were performed. After age stratification of the DM group, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the differences of various lipid indexes among age groups.

Results

The multivariate logistic regression showed that RLP-C was an independent risk factor for CAD in menopausal women (OR 1.232, 95%CI 1.070–1.419). In the DM subgroup, it was also found that RLP-C was an independent risk factor for CAD (OR 1.366, 95%CI 1.043–1.791). Kruskal-Wallis test analysis found that RLP-C had no significant difference among three groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

RLP-C was proved to be an independent risk factor for menopausal women with CAD and DM.
The fatty acid profile of adipose tissue as a predictor of the ponderal and inflammatory response in adult women six years after bariatric surgery
Authors: Almeida Crislaine das Graças de , Viana Elaine Cristina , Moreira Ana Vládia Bandeira , Miguel Gustavo Peixoto Soares , Pedra Fernanda Semião Garcia , Oliveira Fabiana Eleotério , Quimquim Tayla Neves , Bissoli Nazaré Souza , Alves Raquel Duarte Moreira , Bressan Josefina
Published: March 2020

Background

Adipose tissue is involved in several metabolic changes. This study investigated the association between the fatty acid (FA) composition of subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue pre-surgery and the postsurgical response regarding the evolution of weight and concentrations of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in adult women who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n = 14) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n = 19) at one (T1), three (T3) and six (T6) years after surgery.

Methods

Blood samples were collected to obtain plasma for the measurement of IL-6 and TNF. Anthropometric measurements were performed, collecting samples of VAT and SAT during surgery to assess the FA profiles.

Results

Weight loss had a positive correlation with the percentage of VAT-C17:0 (T1, T3) and SAT-C18:2 (T1, T3, T6), and it had a negative correlation with SAT-C22:0 (T1, T3) and VAT-C22:0 (T3). Regarding the inflammatory response, SAT-C14:0 (T6), VAT-C14:0 (T6), SAT-C14:1 (baseline), SAT-C15:0 (T6), SAT-C16:1 (T6), VAT-C16:1 (baseline), SAT-C17:1 (T6), VAT-C17:1 (baseline), VAT-C18:1 (T6), and VAT-C20:1 (T6) exhibited positive correlations with the concentration of IL-6, which were different from the correlations of IL-6 concentrations with SAT-C18:2, VAT-C18:2 (T6), and VAT-C18:3 (T6). The FA SAT-C18:0 (T1) was negatively correlated with TNF concentrations.

Conclusions

Saturated FAs were predominantly proinflammatory, primarily in the late postoperative period. Alternately, the polyunsaturated FAs exhibited anti-inflammatory potential and predicted weight loss. Thus, the FA profile of the adipose tissue of obese adult women may be a predictor of the ponderal and inflammatory response 6 years after bariatric surgery.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the ethics committee of Federal University of Viçosa; Registration n. 17287913.2.0000.5153; Date: 07/05/2013.
Phytochemical analysis and Evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of Maytenus royleanus leaves extract against anti-tuberculosis drug induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Shabbir Maria , Afsar Tayyaba , Razak Suhail , Almajwal Ali , Khan Muhammad Rashid
Published: March 2020

Background

Myrin®-p Forte is an anti-tuberclosis agent that can cause hepatic injuries in clinical settings. Maytenus royleanus (Celastraceae) is a medicinal plant, possesses antioxidant and anticancer activities. The hepatoprotective effect of the methanol extract of Maytenus royleanus leaves (MEM) against Myrin®-p Forte induced hepatotoxicity in mice was investigated.

Methods

Mice were randomly parted into six groups (n = 6). Fixed-dose combination of Myrin®-p Forte (13.5 mg/kg Rifampicin, 6.75 mg/kg Isoniazid, 36.0 mg/kg Pyrazinamide and 24.8 mg/kg Ethambutol; RIPE] was administered for 15 days to induce liver injury. In treatment groups MEM (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses) and Vitamin B6 (180mg/kg) were administered prior to RIPE. Control group received 2% DMSO. Serum liver function tests, DNA damage, tissue antioxidant enzymes and histopathological alterations were studied. HPLC analysis was performed to determine the chemical composition using standard compounds.

Results

The quercitin, gallic acid, luteolin, viteixin, apigenin, kaempherol, hyperoside and myricetin contents of all samples were determined by reverse-phase HPLC. Quercetin (0.217 mg/g dry weight) and luteolin (0.141 mg/g dry weight) were the major flavonoids identified in MEM. Myrin®-p Forte markedly (p < 0.05) deteriorated lipid profile and upregulated the concentration of LDH, AST, ALP, ALT and γ-GT in serum along with DNA fragmentation (37.13 ± 0.47%) and histopathological injuries in hepatic tissues of mice compared with the control group. Myrin®-p Forte increased (p < 0.001) lipid peroxidation and H2O2 while decreased (p < 0.001) the activity level of CAT, SOD, POD, GPx, GST, GSR, γ-GT and GSH. Co-administration of MEM (200 mg/kg; 400 mg/kg) or the vitamin B6 (180 mg/kg) to Myrin®-p Forte administered mice significantly ameliorated LDL, cholesterol, HDL and triglyceride content. Furthermore, MEM dose dependently corrected serum liver function tests, decrease % DNA fragmentation (17.82 ± 0.35 and 7.21 ± 0.32 respectively), DNA damage. MEM treated protect RIPE induced oxidative damage by enhancing antioxidants to oxidants balance. Histological examination comprehends biochemical findings.

Conclusion

The antioxidant effects of MEM exerted the hepatoprotective potential against the Myrin®-p Forte induced hepatotoxicity in mice.
Antinociceptive effect of intrathecal injection of miR-9-5p modified mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on a mouse model of bone cancer pain
Authors: Zhu Chao , Wang Kun , Chen Zhi , Han Yingchao , Chen Hao , Li Quan , Liu Zude , Qian Lie , Tang Jun , Shen Hongxing
Published: March 2020

Background

A growing body of studies have indicated that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have powerful analgesic effects in animal models of bone cancer pain. Here, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying how BMSCs alleviate pain sensation in a mouse model of bone cancer pain.

Methods

C3H/HeN adult male mice were used to generate a bone cancer pain model. BMSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow, modified by transfection with microRNA-9-5p (miR-9-5p), and infused into the spinal cord. Spontaneous flinches, paw withdrawal latency, limb-use score, and weight-bearing score were used to assess pain-related behaviors. ELISA, RT-PCR, western blot, and luciferase assay were used to assess gene expressions.

Results

Our results show that miR-9-5p regulated the expression of both repressor element silencing transcription factor (REST) and μ-opioid receptors (MOR) by targeting REST in primary mouse BMSCs. Overexpression of miR-9-5p reversed the activation of inflammatory pathway in TNF-α- and IL-6-treated BMSCs. In addition, miR-9-5p modified BMSCs alleviated cancer pain in the sarcoma-inoculated mouse model. MiR-9-5p modified BMSCs suppressed cytokine expression in the spinal cord of sarcoma-inoculated mice by suppressing REST gene expression.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that miR-9-5p modified BMSCs can relieve bone cancer pain via modulating neuroinflammation in the central nervous system, suggesting genetically modified BMSCs could be a promising cell therapy in pain management.
Contemporary issues and new challenges in chronic kidney disease amongst people living with HIV
Authors: Heron Jack Edward , Bagnis Corinne Isnard , Gracey David M.
Published: March 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a comorbidity of major clinical significance amongst people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of CKD is rising, despite the widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and is increasingly related to prevalent non-infectious comorbidities (NICMs) and antiretroviral toxicity. There are great disparities evident, with the highest prevalence of CKD among PLWHIV seen in the African continent. The aetiology of kidney disease amongst PLWHIV includes HIV-related diseases, such as classic HIV-associated nephropathy or immune complex disease, CKD related to NICMs and CKD from antiretroviral toxicity. CKD, once established, is often relentlessly progressive and can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Identifying patients with risk factors for CKD, and appropriate screening for the early detection of CKD are vital to improve patient outcomes. Adherence to screening guidelines is variable, and often poor. The progression of CKD may be slowed with certain clinical interventions; however, data derived from studies involving PLWHIV with CKD are sparse and this represent an important area for future research. The control of blood pressure using angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, in particular, in the setting of proteinuria, likely slows the progression of CKD among PLWHIV. The cohort of PLWHIV is facing new challenges in regards to polypharmacy, drug–drug interactions and adverse drug reactions. The potential nephrotoxicity of ART is important, particularly as cumulative ART exposure increases as the cohort of PLWHIV ages. The number of PLWHIV with ESRD is increasing. PLWHIV should not be denied access to renal replacement therapy, either dialysis or kidney transplantation, based on their HIV status. Kidney transplantation amongst PLWHIV is successful and associated with an improved prognosis compared to remaining on dialysis. As the cohort of PLWHIV ages, comorbidity increases and CKD becomes more prevalent; models of care need to evolve to meet the new and changing chronic healthcare needs of these patients.