bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Good Pain Management (GPM) ward program on patterns of care and pain control in patients with cancer pain in Taiwan
Authors: Su Wei-Chih , Chuang Chieh-Han , Chen Fang-Ming , Tsai Hsiang-Lin , Huang Ching-Wen , Chang Tsung-Kun , Hou Ming-Feng , Wang Jaw-Yuan
Published: August 2020

Background

The undertreatment of cancer pain is a global issue although many international guidelines and various studies bloom to explore the approaches in pain management. However, there is no standard care for cancer pain in routine practices. To set up a standardized procedure for improving cancer pain management in Taiwan, the Good Pain Management (GPM) program is explored to provide treatments following the US National Cancer Care Network (NCCN) Adult Cancer Pain Guideline.

Method

Patients diagnosed with moderate-to-severe cancer pain were eligible and randomized into the GPM or control arm and observed the first 48 h to evaluate the effects of pain management between 2 arms. Pain control, adequacy of treatments, patient satisfaction, and quality of life (QoL) of eligible patients were analyzed. Ad hoc analyses based on the pain medication category were also conducted.

Result

Fifty-one patients were enrolled, with 26 and 25 assigned to the GPM and control arms, respectively. Significant differences among the GPM and control arms were found including a greater decrease in the mean numerical rating scale (NRS) score in the GPM arm (− 4.6 vs. − 2.8), a lower proportion of moderate-to-severe pain in the GPM arm (23.2% vs. 39.8%), and a higher pain management index (PMI) score in the GPM arm (0.64 points vs. 0.33 points) (all p < 0.05). Ad hoc analyses revealed that the patient subgroups using strong opioids showed better patient satisfaction in GPM arm when compared with the same subgroup in the control arm.

Conclusion

In summary, our study demonstrated that the implementation of a standardized pain assessment and management approach (GPM ward program) showed significant improvements on pain relief, decreased the portion of moderate-to-severe cancer pain, and increased patient satisfaction in the 1st 48 h after admission. The implementation of the GPM approach in the cancer ward may provide sooner and better improvement of cancer pain management for patients who suffered moderate-to-severe cancer pain.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03155516)
AA genotype of PLIN1 13041A>G as an unfavourable predictive factor of malnutrition associated with fat mass loss in locally advanced head and neck cancer male patients treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Powrózek Tomasz , Brzozowska Anna , Mazurek Marcin , Prendecka Monika , Homa-Mlak Iwona , Mlak Radosław , Małecka-Massalska Teresa
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Malnutrition is a frequently diagnosed condition in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients after radiation therapy (RTH). Malnutrition causes adipose tissue dysfunction associated with intensified lipolysis and disruption of the activity of mechanisms that protect adipose tissue against this process, which include the protective function of perilipin.

Material and methods

The purpose of this study was the evaluation of the predictive value of 13041A>G PLIN1 polymorphism in the development of malnutrition related to adipose tissue loss in a group of 80 patients with locally advanced HNC treated by means of radical radiation therapy.

Results

After the completion of RTH, men with AA genotype had significantly lower fat mass (FM compared to men with G haplotype; FM: 13.84 ± 6.36 kg and 19.06 ± 6.30 kg (p = 0.009). In consequence of RTH, the AA genotype carriers lost an average of 37.01% adipose tissue mass and patients with GA and GG genotypes lost 12.82 and 0.31% (p = 0.035), respectively. AA genotype was also associated with higher chance of ≥ 10%, ≥ 20% and ≥ 30% FM loss in the course of RTH (OR = 13.78; 5.78; 2.28).

Conclusions

The evaluation of such molecular factors as SNP 13041A>G may have higher predictive value in the development of malnutrition associated with severe loss of fat mass than the subjective scales, e.g., SGA and NRS-2002. The presence of AA genotype on men with HNC before RTH may facilitate earlier nutritional intervention and supportive treatment aimed at limiting or preventing body mass and fat mass loss during the applied treatment.
Early unplanned readmission of neurosurgical patients after treatment of intracranial lesions: a comparison between surgical and non-surgical intervention group
Authors: Sander Caroline , Oppermann Henry , Nestler Ulf , Sander Katharina , von Dercks Nikolaus , Meixensberger Jürgen
Published: August 2020

Background

Recent health care policy making has highlighted the necessity for understanding factors that influence readmission. To elucidate the rate, reason, and predictors of readmissions in neurosurgical patients, we analyzed unscheduled readmissions to our neurosurgical department after treatment for cranial or cerebral lesions.

Methods

From 2015 to 2017, all adult patients who had been discharged from our Department of Neurosurgery and were readmitted within 30 days were included into the study cohort. The patients were divided into a surgical and a non-surgical group. The main outcome measure was unplanned inpatient admission within 30 days of discharge.

Results

During the observation period, 183 (7.4%) of 2486 patients had to be readmitted unexpectedly within 30 days after discharge. The main readmission causes were surgical site infection (34.4 %) and seizure (16.4%) in the surgical group, compared to natural progression of the original diagnosis (38.2%) in the non-surgical group. Most important predictors for an unplanned readmission were younger age, presence of malignoma (OR: 2.44), and presence of cardiovascular side diagnoses in the surgical group. In the non-surgical group, predictors were length of stay (OR: 1.07) and the need for intensive care (OR: 5.79).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that reasons for readmission vary between operated and non-operated patients and are preventable in large numbers. In addition, we identified treatment-related partly modifiable factors as predictors of unplanned readmission in the non-surgical group, while unmodifiable patient-related factors predominated in the surgical group. Further patient-related risk adjustment models are needed to establish an individualized preventive strategy in order to reduce unplanned readmissions.
Phase I/II study of erlotinib plus S-1 for patients with previously treated non-small cell lung cancer: Thoracic Oncology Research Group (TORG) 0808/0913
Authors: Nakahara Yoshiro , Shimokawa Tsuneo , Misumi Yuki , Nogami Naoyuki , Shinkai Tetsu , Seki Nobuhiko , Hosomi Yukio , Hida Naoya , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: August 2020

Introduction In preclinical data, the combination therapy with S-1 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) had a synergistic antitumor effect on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), regardless of the EGFR mutation status. Patients and Methods Patients with previously treated NSCLC and adequate organ function regardless of EGFR mutation status were eligible for the phase I study, with wild-type EGFR were eligible for the phase II study. Treatment consisted of erlotinib 150 mg/body orally once every day and S-1 60 mg/m2, 70 mg/m2, or 80 mg/m2 (level 0, level 1, or level 2) orally on days 1–14 every three weeks. The primary endpoint for the phase I study was the determination of the recommended dose (RD), the phase II study was the overall response rate (ORR). Results A total of 7 patients with performance-status (PS) 0 or 1 were enrolled as subjects in phase I. Five of these subjects were EGFR-mutation positive. Four subjects were enrolled at S-1 dose level 1 and 3 were enrolled at S-1 dose level 2. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed in these subjects. The RD was decided as erlotinib 150 mg/body and S-1 80 mg/m2. In phase I, 5 subjects achieved partial response, and the ORR was 71.4%. A total of 10 patients with PS 0, 1, or 2 EGFR-wild type NSCLC were enrolled in phase II. In phase II, the ORR was 10.0%, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 40.0%. After the enrollment of 10 subjects, enrollment was stopped based on two treatment-related deaths. Conclusion The combination therapy of erlotinib plus S-1 was not feasible in the EGFR wild-type NSCLC at least and early stopped. Trial registration: UMIN-CTR Identifier: 000003421 (2010/03/31, phase I), 000003422 (2010/03/31, Phase II).
Multiple-group membership: warmth and competence perceptions in the workplace
Authors: Strinić Andrea , Carlsson Magnus , Agerström Jens
Published: August 2020

What kinds of stereotypes are evoked when employers review a job application from a 55-year-old Arab woman? Most previous research on stereotypes has focused on single demographic group categories (e.g., race or gender) rather than on their combinations, even though people inevitably belong to multiple group categories simultaneously. The current study examines how different combinations of demographic group categories (ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and age) are perceived in the context of the workplace, with a focus on two fundamental dimensions of social perception: warmth and competence. The results reveal interesting interactions among the studied demographic group categories such that when stigmatized group categories are added to one another, it does not necessarily produce additive negative effects on warmth and competence perceptions. Rather, one category that is perceived negatively in isolation (e.g., homosexuality) can offset the negative impact of another stigmatized category (e.g., Arab ethnicity). Practical implications for stereotyping and discrimination in the workplace are discussed.
The Italian Registry for Primary Immunodeficiencies (Italian Primary Immunodeficiency Network; IPINet): Twenty Years of Experience (1999–2019)
Authors: Lougaris Vassilios , Pession Andrea , Baronio Manuela , Soresina Annarosa , Rondelli Roberto , Gazzurelli Luisa , Benvenuto Alessio , Martino Silvana , Gattorno Marco , Biondi Andrea , Zecca Marco , Marinoni Maddalena , Fabio Giovanna , Aiuti Alessandro , Marseglia Gianluigi , Putti Maria Caterina , Agostini Carlo , Lunardi Claudio , Tommasini Alberto , Bertolini Patrizia , Gambineri Eleonora , Consolini Rita , Matucci Andrea , Azzari Chiara , Danieli Maria Giovanna , Paganelli Roberto , Duse Marzia , Cancrini Caterina , Moschese Viviana , Chessa Luciana , Spadaro Giuseppe , Civino Adele , Vacca Angelo , Cardinale Fabio , Martire Baldassare , Carpino Luigi , Trizzino Antonino , Russo Giovanna , Cossu Fausto , Badolato Raffaele , Pietrogrande Maria Cristina , Quinti Isabella , Rossi Paolo , Ugazio Alberto , Pignata Claudio , Plebani Alessandro
Published: August 2020

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are heterogeneous disorders, characterized by variable clinical and immunological features. National PID registries offer useful insights on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and natural history of these disorders. In 1999, the Italian network for primary immunodeficiencies (IPINet) was established. We report on data collected from the IPINet registry after 20 years of activity. A total of 3352 pediatric and adult patients affected with PIDs are registered in the database. In Italy, a regional distribution trend of PID diagnosis was observed. Based on the updated IUIS classification of 2019, PID distribution in Italy showed that predominantly antibody deficiencies account for the majority of cases (63%), followed by combined immunodeficiencies with associated or syndromic features (22.5%). The overall age at diagnosis was younger for male patients. The minimal prevalence of PIDs in Italy resulted in 5.1 per 100.000 habitants. Mortality was similar to other European registries (4.2%). Immunoglobulin replacement treatment was prescribed to less than one third of the patient cohort. Collectively, this is the first comprehensive description of the PID epidemiology in Italy.
Textbooks, Postcards, and the Public Consolidation of Nationalism in Latin America
Authors: Kyriazi Anna , vom Hau Matthias
Published: August 2020

The existing macro-historical scholarship tends to assert rather than demonstrate the wider impact of nationalism. Yet, state-sponsored national ideologies permeate the broader reaches of society to varying degrees. To investigate variations in the consolidation of official nationalism, this paper combines the content analysis of school textbooks as state-regulated and picture postcards as primarily market-driven sources. Building on this novel methodological approach, we find that textbooks published in mid-twentieth-century Argentina, Mexico, and Peru promoted a similar popular nationalism that portrayed the lower classes as “true” national subjects. However, picture postcards from the same period demonstrate that the consolidation of this official national ideology varied. In Mexico and Peru, the new state-sponsored conceptions of nationhood gained presence in public life, but they did not to take hold in Argentina. We conclude that studying the top-down nationalist messages promoted by states should not be equated with studying their ideological impact in public life.
A retrospective assessment of the KLIK PROM portal implementation using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)
Authors: van Oers Hedy A. , Teela Lorynn , Schepers Sasja A. , Grootenhuis Martha A. , Haverman Lotte ,   the ISOQOL PROMs and PREMs in Clinical Practice Implementation Science Group
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The KLIK Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) portal is an evidence-based intervention implemented in clinical practice in > 25 Dutch hospitals for patients (children and adults) who regularly visit the outpatient clinic. Implementation science frameworks can be used to understand why implementation succeeded or failed, to structure barriers and enablers, and to develop implementation strategies to overcome barriers. This paper aimed to (A) retrospectively describe determinants of successful KLIK PROM implementation using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), and (B) identify current barriers and match implementation strategies.

Methods

(A) The KLIK implementation process was described retrospectively based on literature and experience, using the 39 CFIR constructs organized in five general domains: intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting, characteristics of individuals, and implementation process. (B) The CFIR-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) Implementation Strategy Matching tool identified current barriers in the KLIK implementation and matched implementation strategies that addressed the identified barriers.

Results

(A) The most prominent determinants of successful KLIK PROM implementation lie in the following CFIR domains: intervention characteristics (e.g., easy to use), characteristics of individuals (e.g., motivation), and process of implementation (e.g., support). (B) 13 CFIR constructs were identified as current barriers for implementing the KLIK PROM portal. The highest overall advised ERIC strategy for the specific KLIK barriers was to identify and prepare champions.

Conclusion

Using an implementation science framework, e.g., CFIR, is recommended for groups starting to use PROMs in clinical care as it offers a structured approach and provides insight into possible enablers and barriers.
Assessment of European and hybrid aspen clones efficiency based on height growth and removal percentage of petroleum hydrocarbons—a field trial
Authors: Salam Mir Md Abdus , Mohsin Muhammad , Rasheed Fahad , Ramzan Muhammad , Zafar Zikria , Pulkkinen Pertti
Published: August 2020

Soils polluted by organic or inorganic pollutants are an emerging global environmental issue due to their toxic effects. A phytoremediation experiment was conducted to evaluate the extraction potential of three European aspen clones (R2, R3, and R4) and seven hybrid aspen clones (14, 27, 34, 134, 172, 191, and 291) grown in soils polluted with hydrocarbons (includes polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH)). Height growth, plant survival rates, and .hydrocarbon removal efficiencies were investigated over a 4-year period at a site in Somerharju, Luumaki Finland, to assess the remediation potential of the clones. Hydrocarbon content in the soil was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The results revealed that hybrid aspen clones 14 and 34 and European aspen clone R3 achieved greater height growth (171, 171, and 114 cm, respectively) than the other clones in the study. Further, the greatest removals of PAH (90% at depth 10–50 cm) and (86% at depth 5–10 cm) were observed in plot G15 planted with clone R2. Furthermore, the greatest TPH removal rate at 5–10 cm depth (C22–C40, 97%; C10–C40, 96%; and C10–C21, 90%) was observed in plot 117 with clone 134. However, other clones demonstrated an ability to grow in soils with elevated levels of TPH and PAH, which indicates their tolerance to hydrocarbons and their potential capacity for phytoremediation of hydrocarbon-polluted soils. Our study suggests that European aspen and hybrid aspen clones could be used for the remediation of soils polluted with PAH and TPH.
A TiN@Au-NR Plasmonic Structure with Tunable Surface Plasmon Resonance Depending on TiN to Au Thickness Ratio
Authors: Laghrissi Ayoub , Es-Souni Mohammed
Published: August 2020

TiN nanostructures have been shown to exhibit promising plasmonic properties and are potential candidates for various applications, including energy harvesting. However, these properties also show a strong dependence on the processing conditions which have been reported to affect metallicity of TiN. Herein, we report on layered TiN@Au-nanorods (NRs) nanostructures consisting of 20 nm TiN thin layer that is magnetron sputtered on Au-NRs of variable length, yielding different TiN/Au thickness ratios (R). While a 20 nm TiN layer sputtered on the same substrate on which the Au-NRs are grown shows a weak absorption peak in the near IR region, an intense and broad plasmonic peak that lies red from the transverse plasmonic peak of monolithic Au-NRs layer is observed for TiN@Au-NRs. The red-shift is shown to increase with increasing R, attaining 100 nm for R = 1, together with an intense tail in the IR region. These results are interpreted in terms of a strong coupling between TiN and Au that drastically affects the plasmonic behavior of the structure. The results are contrasted with those on Pd@Au-NRs where only a slight blue-shift of few nanometers from the Au peak is observed. Potential applications of the TiN@Au-NRs are mainly in energy harvesting such as water splitting and photocatalysis using electromagnetic radiation in a broad wavelength range, as well as medical applications. Pd@Au-NRs may be used as electrocatalysts with plasmonic enhancement, e.g., for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Handgrip Strength and Phase Angle Predict Outcome After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Gerken A. L. H. , Rohr-Kräutle K-K. , Weiss C. , Seyfried S. , Reissfelder C. , Vassilev G. , Otto M.
Published: August 2020

Background

The amount of postoperative weight loss after bariatric surgery varies interindividually. The quality of the pre- and postoperative body composition is an important predictor of success. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of preoperative handgrip strength and phase angle (PhA) as predictors of sustained postoperative weight loss in order to assess the influence of body composition on the postoperative outcome after bariatric surgery.

Method

In a prospective cohort study, bioelectrical impedance and follow-up data of 198 patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG;n = 68) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GB;n = 130) were analyzed for a period of 36 months postoperatively.

Results

The mean preoperative handgrip strength (31.48 kg, SD 9.97) correlates significantly with the postoperative body composition up to 24 months after surgery. Preoperative PhA, gender, size, and body weight influenced postoperative weight loss significantly. A significant correlation between preoperative PhA (mean 6.18°, SD 0.89°) and total weight loss (%TWL) was observed up to 3 months after SG (r = 0.31444,p = 0.0218) and up to 12 months after GB (r = 0.19184,p = 0.0467). The optimum cutoff for the prediction of a response of less than 50% excess weight loss was a preoperative PhA of 6.0°.

Conclusions

The preoperative handgrip strength confirmed its suitability for use as a predictor of postoperative body composition, whereas the preoperative PhA predicts postoperative weight loss after bariatric surgery. Further research is necessary to identify the role of these parameters for preconditioning.
The Changing Landscape of Lymphoma Associated with HIV Infection
Authors: Hübel Kai
Published: August 2020

Purpose of Review

Cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals, with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as the most frequent one. However, the introduction of modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) drastically improved treatment options and prognosis in HIV-associated lymphomas. This review summarized the current treatment landscape and future challenges in HIV-positive patients with non-Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Recent Findings

Selecting the appropriate therapy for the individual patient, diffuse-large B cell lymphoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma, and Hodgkin’s disease may be curable diseases. In contrast, the prognosis of plasmablastic lymphoma and primary effusion lymphoma remain poor. New treatment approaches, as targeted therapies or CAR T cell therapy, may broaden the therapeutic armamentarium.

The continuous application of ART is mandatory for successful treatment. The choice of lymphoma therapy may follow the recommendations for HIV-negative patients, but prospective trials in HIV-lymphoma are needed.
SIRT1+ Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Stem Cells (ASCs) Suspended in Alginate Hydrogel for the Treatment of Subchondral Bone Cyst in Medial Femoral Condyle in the Horse. Clinical Report
Authors: Golonka Paweł , Kornicka-Garbowska Katarzyna , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: August 2020

Stem cell based therapy are now commonly applied in human and veterinary medical practice especially in orthopaedics. Mesenchymal stromal stem cells isolated from adipose tissue (ASC) are first choice option due to relatively non-invasive and safe procedure of tissue harvesting. However, ASC therapeutic potential strongly rely on patients general health condition, age and life-style. For that reason, to enhance therapeutic potential of cells, they are modifiedin vitrousing different approaches. Previous studies have shown, that ASC treated with resveratrol, herein called SIRT+, are characterised by decreased senescence, increased proliferation rate and improved clinical outcome in autologous therapies. Herein, SIRT + cells in alginate hydrogel were applied to 5 years old warm breed mare was clinically evaluated due to the left hind lameness due to subchondral bone cyst. The therapeutic effect was assessed by the analysis of lameness score and radiological evaluation. This case report demonstrates the therapeutic potential of SIRT + cells in the treatment of orthopaedics disorders in horses as complete bone remodelling occurred after therapy and horse came back to training.
Entrepreneurial elements of human smuggling rings: findings from a multiple case study
Authors: Costantino Fabrizio , Di Nicola Andrea
Published: August 2020

Human smuggling towards Europe has reached an unprecedented level in the last years. The past decade has seen an intensification of the demand for irregular migration services, which increased the role of smuggling rings as service providers to assist irregular migrants in evading national border controls, migration regulations and visa requirements. These criminal organizations feature an entrepreneurial, rent-seeking behaviour using methods such as corruption, deceit, violence, and threats. Literature observes a number of elements which are essential for the establishment and development of any criminal organisation (capital collection, profit maximisation, differentiation of tasks, systems to conceal criminal money flows), but their actual presence within the human smuggling rings has never been verified. Using secondary sources, this contribution aims at verifying the presence of these entrepreneurial elements in the case of human smuggling rings by using a multiple case-study analysis.
The role of foxes in the Palaeolithic economies of the Swabian Jura (Germany)
Authors: Baumann Chris , Wong Gillian L. , Starkovich Britt M. , Münzel Susanne C. , Conard Nicholas J.
Published: August 2020

In this study, we examine the role of foxes in Palaeolithic economies, focusing on sites of the Middle Palaeolithic, Aurignacian, Gravettian and Magdalenian of the Swabian Jura. For this purpose, we used published faunal data from 26 assemblages from the region, including new information from the Magdalenian layers of Langmahdhalde. We explore how the abundance of foxes changes over time, how they were used by humans, and how they were deposited at the sites, with a special focus on fox hunting methods. To evaluate these hunting methods, we use the prey choice model of optimal foraging theory (OFT) and simulate possible hunting scenarios, which we test based on the published faunal assemblages. Our research indicates that foxes were hunted since the early Upper Palaeolithic for their meat, fur and teeth, possibly with traps. We find that the abundance of fox remains in the archaeological record of the region increased continuously starting in the Aurignacian, which cannot be explained by taphonomic factors. The trend of foxes to adapt to human-influenced environments with commensal behavior may also have contributed to them being hunted more often.
Understanding preservation and identification biases of ancient adhesives through experimentation
Authors: Kozowyk Paul R. B. , van Gijn Annelou L. , Langejans Geeske H. J.
Published: August 2020

Adhesive production is one of the earliest forms of transformative technology, predating ceramics and metallurgy by over 150,000 years. The study of the adhesives used by Neandertals and early modern humans currently plays a significant role in debates about human technological and cognitive evolution. Depending on the type of adhesive used, different production sequences were required. These can vary in complexity and would have needed different knowledge, expertise, and resources to manufacture. However, our knowledge of this important technological development is severely hampered by poorly understood taphonomic processes, which affects the preservation and identification of adhesive materials and leads to a research bias. Here we present the results from a 3-year field preservation experiment. Flint flakes hafted and non-hafted with replica adhesives were left to weather naturally on and below the surface at two locations with different soils and climatic conditions. Differential preservation was recorded on a variety of natural adhesives by digitally measuring the surface area of each residue before and after the elapsed time. Residues were further assessed and photographed using metallographic optical microscopy. Results show that certain adhesives preserve to a significantly higher degree than others, while some materials may be more easily overlooked or visually misdiagnosed. We must therefore be aware of both taphonomic and identification biases when discussing ancient adhesive technology. This research provides a first look that will help us understand the disparities between which adhesives were used in the past and what we find in the archaeological record today.
Application of CMRI-ISM RMR for Stability Analysis of Development Workings for Ballarpur Underground Coal Mine - An Empirical and Numerical Approach
Authors: Paul Avinash , Kumar Niraj , Kumar Pramod , Singh Ashok Kumar
Published: August 2020

Roof bolt failures in the mine generally occur due to the poor identification of the weak rock layers and considered as a major concern for underground coal mines in terms of its productivity and safety. The triggering factor responsible for underground roof failure is the presence of weak bedding planes and various geological discontinuities. Geological disruptions present in the mine roof seriously affect the continuity of the rock layers resulting in block failure. However, numerous improved methods have been suggested by a number of researchers but still, the upholding of the accidents due to roof fall is considered as a major challenge for underground mine workings. Thus, it is necessary to give proper emphasis on characterization of the roof fall so that stability of the mine workings could be increased and movement of the weak and layered strata can be arrested by applying an adequate roof bolting system. This mechanism of roof support gives the composite binding between the rock layers by restricting the roof fall. The stability of mine workings can be also increased by proper application of rock mass classifications system and adequate design of support system and finally, by extensive simulation methods and statistical methods like FLAC 3D numerical and statistical modelling to ascertain the stability of the workings. CMRI-ISM RMR (Central Mining Research Institute – Indian School of Mines Rock Mass Rating System) classification system is the most popular and practiced method for roof support design in Indian coal mines which is being successfully used from last several years for roof support design in Indian geo-mining conditions. This forms the basis to estimate the rock load and support design. In this paper attempt has been made to assess the stability of workings and pillars below the railway track by using empirical and numerical approach. After both the studies it can be said that, the galleries and pillars underlying the railways track are stable, as factor of safety in each case is more than 2. Later on, the study was also extended to see the effects of subsidence on the surface which reveals that, there shall be no such effect on the surface due to underground workings as the value of NEW (non-effective width) is less than 0.4 for both the cases.
A Multi Criteria Approach for Morpho-tectonic Evaluation of Sai River Basin in Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Arya Ajay Kumar , Singh Ajay Pratap , Agarwal Kamal Kishore
Published: August 2020

The study integrates the morphometric analysis, lineament evaluation and fluvial geomorphology to investigate the morphotectonic setup of Sai basin. The Sai river basin forms an integral part of the central Ganga plain where the gentle slope is significantly controlled by intra-basinal tectonic activity. The fluvial setup of the Sai basin which comprises of vast old flood plains now is displayed as an entrenched river with straight channel symmetry with multiple sinuous bends. The structural control and geomorphic asymmetry can be well established by using multi criteria approach of morphometric parameters and lineament analysis. The morphometric analysis of the basin shows that the Sai river comprises of 5th order stream basin with high elongation ratio and high bifurcation ratio suggesting structural and tectonic controls. The form factor, drainage density, and length of overland flow shows low permeability with low infiltration rate indicating sheet erosion as a major denudational process. The lineament analysis from the stream pattern analysis indicates structural control for drainages while geomorphology corresponds to the landscape of the basin. The lineaments analysis shows a major NW-SE trend in concordance to present foreland basin. Thus, the study confirms that the Sai basin has conclusive evidences of morpho-tectonic control in the central Ganga plain indicating the role of the tectonics in basin evoluation.
Curative gene therapies for rare diseases
Authors: Maldonado Rocio , Jalil Sami , Wartiovaara Kirmo
Published: August 2020

Diseases caused by alterations in the DNA can be overcome by providing the cells or tissues with a functional copy of the mutated gene. The most common form of gene therapy implies adding an extra genetic unit into the cell. However, new genome engineering techniques also allow the modification or correction of the existing allele, providing new possibilities, especially for dominant diseases. Gene therapies have been tested for 30 years in thousands of clinical trials, but presently, we have only three authorised gene therapy products for the treatment of inherited diseases in European Union. Here, we describe the gene therapy alternatives already on the market in the European Union and expand the scope to some clinical trials. Additionally, we discuss the ethical and regulatory issues raised by the development of these new kinds of therapies.
Orthorexic eating behavior and body dissatisfaction in a sample of young females
Authors: Barthels Friederike , Kisser Julia , Pietrowsky Reinhard
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To analyze body dissatisfaction in relation to orthorexic eating behavior in a sample of young females to further investigate characteristic features of orthorexic eating behavior and its association with other eating disorders.

Methods

N = 197 young females (age: M = 29.59, SD = 10.85 years) completed an online survey with the following questionnaires: the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale to measure orthorexic eating behavior, the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2), measuring psychopathological aspects of disordered eating behavior, the Dresden Body Image Questionnaire (DKB-35) to measure five components of body image, and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), measuring body dissatisfaction.

Results

In the total sample, Pearson correlations revealed that orthorexic eating behavior was positively associated with drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction. An independent samples t-Test revealed that females with elevated levels of orthorexic eating behavior (n = 35) displayed higher levels of drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction and lower levels of self-acceptance in comparison to a randomized sample from the remaining females with low levels of orthorexic eating behavior (n = 35). According to a multiple regression analysis, drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction measured by the BSQ served as positive predictors for orthorexic eating behavior, whereas bulimia and body dissatisfaction measured by the EDI-2 served as negative predictors.

Conclusions

Results reveal that orthorexic eating behavior is more closely related to psychopathological aspects of other eating disorders than previously assumed. Body dissatisfaction as another major feature of orthorexia nervosa should be taken into account in future studies.

Level of evidence

III, case–control analytic study.
Controllable synthesis of different morphologies of CuO nanostructures for tribological evaluation as water-based lubricant additives
Authors: Zhao Junhua , Yang Guangbin , Zhang Yujuan , Zhang Shengmao , Zhang Chunli , Gao Chuanping , Zhang Pingyu
Published: August 2020

In this study, water soluble CuO nanostructures having nanobelt, nanorod, or spindle morphologies were synthesized using aqueous solutions of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O and NaOH by adjusting the type of surface modifier and reaction temperature. The effect of morphologies of these various CuO nanostructures as water-based lubricant additives on tribological properties was evaluated on a UMT-2 micro-friction tester, and the mechanisms underlying these properties are discussed. The three different morphologies of CuO nanostructures exhibited excellent friction-reducing and anti-wear properties. Tribological mechanisms differed in the initial stage of frictional interactions, but in the stable stage, a tribochemical reaction film and adsorbed lubricious film on the rubbing surfaces played important roles in hindering direct contact between friction pairs, leading to improved tribological properties.
A finite element analysis (FEA) approach to simulate the coefficient of friction of a brake system starting from material friction characterization
Authors: Riva Gabriele , Varriale Francesco , Wahlström Jens
Published: August 2020

The coefficient of friction (COF) is one of the most important parameters to evaluate the performance of a brake system. To design proper brake systems, it is important to know the COF when estimating the brake force and resulting torque. It is challenging to simulate the COF since friction in disc brakes is a complex phenomenon that depends on several parameters such as sliding velocity, contact pressure, materials, and temperatures, etc. There is a lack of studies found in the literature focusing on simulation of the COF for a full brake system based on tribometer material characterization. The aim of this work is therefore to investigate the possibility to use a finite element analysis (FEA) approach combined with a COFpv-map to compute the global COF of a disc brake system. The local COF is determined from apv-map for each local sliding velocity and contact pressure determined by the FEA. Knowing the local COF, the braking force of the entire brake system and the global COF can be evaluated. Results obtained by the simulation are compared with dyno bench test of the same brake system to investigate the validity of the simulation approach. Results show that the simulation is perfectly in line with the experimental measurements in terms of in-stop COF development, but slightly higher with a positive offset for every braking.
Statistical Analysis of Anode Efficiency in Electrochemical Treatment of Wastewater and Sludge
Authors: Rumky Jannatul , Tang Walter Z. , Sillanpää Mika
Published: August 2020

Electrochemical processes have proven their potential as effective technologies to treat wastewater from industrial, urban and agricultural activities, and thus, contribute towards a cleaner environment. In this study, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of the leading electrochemical technologies, such as electro-oxidation, electrochemical coagulation and electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs), statistically for different types of anodes for the removal of various pollutants from wastewater along with their treatment efficiency. Anode is considered as a source of electron and an essential part of electrochemical processes. So, we have evaluated the relationship between different anode features such as anodic material, surface area versus removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and colour in various wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) by IBM SPSS Statistics 26. Apart from that, various process characteristics such as inter-electrode distance, system pH, reactor volume, current density and voltage were also considered in this investigation. From the regression analysis of the electrochemical coagulation system, it was found that the removal efficiency of pollutants is enhanced by the surface area of the electrodes along with the inter-electrode distance. Regarding electro-oxidation, it was seen that COD and colour removal are both dependent on the reaction time of the system, while the DOC removal rate of different EAOPs was strongly related to the reactor volume. Furthermore, the uncertainty of the regression analysis on pollutant removal efficiency prediction was assessed. Finally, sensitivity analysis was done by Monte-Carlo method to check modest changes from input variables.
Fabrication of Waterproof Artificial Compound Eyes with Variable Field of View Based on the Bioinspiration from Natural Hierarchical Micro–Nanostructures
Authors: Zhou Peilin , Yu Haibo , Zhong Ya , Zou Wuhao , Wang Zhidong , Liu Lianqing
Published: August 2020

Planar and curved microlens arrays (MLAs) are the key components of miniaturized microoptical systems. In order to meet the requirements for advanced and multipurpose applications in microoptical field, a simple manufacturing method is urgently required for fabricating MLAs with unique properties, such as waterproofness and variable field-of-view (FOV) imaging. Such properties are beneficial for the production of advanced artificial compound eyes for the significant applications in complex microcavity environments with high humidity, for instance, miniature medical endoscopy. However, the simple and effective fabrication of advanced artificial compound eyes still presents significant challenges. In this paper, bioinspired by the natural superhydrophobic surface of lotus leaf, we propose a novel method for the fabrication of waterproof artificial compound eyes. Electrohydrodynamic jet printing was used to fabricate hierarchical MLAs and nanolens arrays (NLAs) on polydimethylsiloxane film. The flexible film of MLAs hybridized with NLAs exhibited excellent superhydrophobic property with a water contact angle of 158°. The MLAs film was deformed using a microfluidics chip to create artificial compound eyes with variable FOV, which ranged from 0° to 160°.
Examining the link between economic strain and adolescent social behavior: Roles of social bonds and empathy
Authors: Jiang Shan , Dong Lei , Jiang Chaoxin
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The detrimental effect of economic strain on adolescent behavioral development is well established, but the mechanisms explaining this relationship are less known. This study aims to explore the psychosocial factors operating as pathways connecting economic strain to adolescent antisocial and prosocial behaviors, and examine whether these effects differ by gender.

Methods

The sample includes 1280 adolescents from middle and high schools in Hebei province, China (Mean age = 15.68 years; 52.6% girls), collected by a multi‐stage cluster random sampling. Multi‐group structural equation modeling is adopted for data analysis.

Results

Social bonds partially mediate the relationship between economic strain and adolescent antisocial behavior, and empathy fully mediates the relationship between economic strain and prosocial behavior after controlling for gender, age, household registration, and subjective socioeconomic status. In terms of gender differences, boys display more antisocial behaviors and less prosocial behaviors compared with girls. Significant gender differences are also found in the effect of economic strain on adolescent social behavior.

Conclusions

This study contributes to current knowledge by revealing the psychosocial mechanisms between economic strain and adolescent antisocial/prosocial behaviors. Findings highlight the gender differences in behavioral development among Chinese adolescents.
Cardiovascular effects and mechanisms of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors
Authors: Yang Fan , Meng Ran , Zhu Da‐Long
Published: August 2020

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors) are a new type of drug for the treatment of diabetes, and they have been proven to have a good hypoglycemic effect. Several lines of clinical evidence have shown that SGLT2 inhibitors can significantly reduce the risks of atherosclerosis, hospitalization for heart failure, cardiovascular death, and all‐cause mortality and delay the progression of chronic kidney disease. Because of the protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on the heart and kidney, they are being studied for the treatment of heart failure and chronic kidney disease in patients without diabetes. Therefore, it is necessary for cardiologists, patients with diabetes, and nephrologists to fully understand this type of drug. In this review, we summarize the following three aspects of SGLT2 inhibitors: the recent clinical evidence of their cardiovascular benefits, their mechanisms of action, and their safety.
Visual Conformity with Affirmed Gender or “Passing”: Its Distribution and Association with Depression and Anxiety in a Cohort of Transgender People
Authors: To Margaret , Zhang Qi , Bradlyn Andrew , Getahun Darios , Giammattei Shawn , Nash Rebecca , Owen-Smith Ashli A. , Roblin Douglas , Silverberg Michael J. , Tangpricha Vin , Vupputuri Suma , Goodman Michael
Published: August 2020

Background

Visual conformity with affirmed gender (VCAG) or “passing” is thought to be an important, but poorly understood, determinant of well-being in transgender people. VCAG is a subjective measure that is different from having an inner sense of being congruent with one's gender identity.

Aim

We examined the frequency and determinants of VCAG and explored its association with mental health outcomes in a cohort of transgender adults.

Methods

The “Study of Transition, Outcomes & Gender (STRONG)” is a cohort of transgender individuals recruited from 3 Kaiser Permanente health plans located in Georgia, Northern California and Southern California. A subset of cohort members completed a survey between 2015 and 2017. VCAG was assessed as the difference between 2 scales: scale 1 reflecting the person's sense of how they are perceived by others, and scale 2 reflecting the person's desire to be perceived. Participants were considered to have achieved VCAG when their scale 1 scores were equal to or exceeded their scale 2 scores. The frequency of VCAG and their independent associations with anxiety and depression symptoms were explored using data from 620 survey respondents including 309 transwomen and 311 transmen. Based on self-described gender identity, none of the participants identified as nonbinary or gender fluid.

Outcomes

VCAG, depression, and anxiety.

Results

VCAG was achieved in 28% of transwomen and 62% of transmen and was more common in persons who reported greater sense of acceptance and pride in their gender identity as measured on the Transgender Congruence Scale. Another factor associated with greater likelihood of VCAG was receipt of gender-affirming surgery, but the association was only evident among transmen. Participants who achieved VCAG had a lower likelihood of depression and anxiety with prevalence ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 0.79 (0.65, 0.96) and 0.67 (0.46, 0.98), respectively.

Clinical Implications

VCAG may serve as an important outcome measure after gender-affirming therapy.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths of this study include a well-defined sampling frame and use of a novel patient-centered outcome of interest. Cross-sectional design and uncertain generalizability of results are the limitations.

Conclusion

These results, once confirmed by prospective studies, may help better characterize the determinants of well-being in the transgender community, facilitating the design of interventions to improve the well-being and quality of life of this vulnerable population.