bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasive and non-invasive acupuncture techniques for pain management in neonates: a systematic review
Authors: Stadler Jasmin , Raith Wolfgang , Mileder Lukas P. , Schmölzer Georg M. , Urlesberger Berndt
Published: December 2020

Background:

Neonatal pain is an extensive research field and there are many possibilities to treat pain in neonates. Acupuncture is one new and non-pharmacological option and a promising tool to reduce pain in neonates undergoing minor painful interventions during routine medical care.

Objectives:

This review summarises trials of acupuncture for pain reduction in neonates undergoing painful interventions during routine medical care.

Data source:

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, electronic clinical trials registry platforms and reference lists were systematically screened for trials from their dates of inception to February 2017 (English language database search).

Study selection:

Inclusion criteria were (1) preterm or term neonates, (2) acupuncture for painful medical interventions and (3) formal pain assessment as a primary or secondary study outcome. We included only randomised controlled trials.

Data extraction:

Data were extracted using a standardised protocol and individual risk of bias was assessed.

Results:

The literature search revealed a total of 12 196 records. After application of inclusion criteria, five studies were included in this review. Two studies demonstrated significant pain reduction, one found equal outcomes in comparison to standard care, and two showed significantly higher pain scores with acupuncture alone.

Limitations:

The main limitation of the results is the heterogeneity across trials in acupuncture modality, acupuncture point selection, control groups and pain assessment (heterogeneity: I2=87%).

Conclusion:

The results of this review suggest that acupuncture may have a positive pain-relieving effect in neonates. However, due to the low number of available high-quality trials and heterogeneity across the studies it is not possible to state clear recommendations.
Cosmic-ray antiprotons in the AMS-02 era: A sensitive probe of dark matter
Authors: Heisig Jan
Published: December 2020

Cosmic-ray antiprotons are a powerful tool for astroparticle physics. While the bulk of measured antiprotons is consistent with a secondary origin, the precise data of the AMS-02 experiment provides us with encouraging prospects to search for a subdominant primary component, e.g. from dark matter. In this brief review, we discuss recent limits on heavy dark matter as well as a tentative signal from annihilation of dark matter with a mass [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]100 GeV. We emphasize the special role of systematic errors that can affect the signal. In particular, we discuss recent progress in the modeling of secondary production cross-sections and correlated errors in the AMS-02 data, the dominant ones originating from uncertainties in the cross-sections for cosmic-ray absorption in the detector.
Cyclic quantum teleportation via G-states
Authors: Verma Vikram
Published: December 2020

In 2017, Chen et al. [Quantum Inf. Process. 16 (2017) 201] proposed a scheme for cyclic quantum teleportation (CYQT) of three single-qubit information states among three participants by using six-qubit entangled state as a quantum channel. Following the work of Chen et al., we propose a new scheme for CYQT in which four participants cyclically teleport four arbitrary single-qubit information states among themselves by using two [Formula: see text]-states as a quantum channel. In our scheme, reverse CYQT can also be realized throughout changing the qubit pairs to be measured by each participant. We also generalize our scheme for CYQT of [Formula: see text]-qubit entangled states.
KFGRNI: A robust method to inference gene regulatory network from time-course gene data based on ensemble Kalman filter
Authors: Pirgazi Jamshid , Olyaee Mohammad Hossein , Khanteymoori Alireza
Published: December 2020

A central problem of systems biology is the reconstruction of Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs) by the use of time series data. Although many attempts have been made to design an efficient method for GRN inference, providing a best solution is still a challenging task. Existing noise, low number of samples, and high number of nodes are the main reasons causing poor performance of existing methods. The present study applies the ensemble Kalman filter algorithm to model a GRN from gene time series data. The inference of a GRN is decomposed with p genes into p subproblems. In each subproblem, the ensemble Kalman filter algorithm identifies the weight of interactions for each target gene. With the use of the ensemble Kalman filter, the expression pattern of the target gene is predicted from the expression patterns of all the remaining genes. The proposed method is compared with several well-known approaches. The results of the evaluation indicate that the proposed method improves inference accuracy and demonstrates better regulatory relations with noisy data.
Acute Wound Healing Potential of Marine Worm, Diopatra claparedii Grube, 1878 Aqueous Extract on Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Che Soh Nor ‘Awatif , Rapi Hannah Syahirah , Mohd Azam Nurul Shahirah , Santhanam Ramesh Kumar , Assaw Suvik , Haron Mohd Nizam , Ali Abdul Manaf , Maulidiani M. , Idris Izwandy , Ismail Wan Iryani Wan
Published: December 2020

Diopatra claparedii which is colloquially known as Ruat Sarung can be found along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The species has a unique ability to regenerate anterior and posterior segments upon self‐amputation or injury, thus having potential as a wound healing promoter. In this study, the wound healing potential of D. claparedii aqueous extract on acute wound model in rats was revealed for the first time. Various concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0% w/w) of D. claparedii ointment were formulated and tested on Sprague Dawley rats through topical application on full‐thickness skin wounds for 14 days. The wound healing effects were investigated via behaviour observation, wound contraction, and histopathological analysis. Quality assessment was performed via skin irritation test, microbial contamination test (MCT), and heavy metal detection. The study also included test for antibacterial activities and detection of bioactive compounds in D. claparedii. One percent of D. claparedii ointment showed rapid wound healing potential with good soothing effects and more collagen deposition in comparison to the commercial wound healing ointments such as acriflavine (0.1% w/v) and traditional ointment gamat (sea cucumber extract) (15.0% w/v). No local skin irritation, microbial contamination, and insignificant concentration of heavy metals were observed, which indicate its safe application. Moreover, the aqueous extract of D. claparedii exhibited antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value at 0.4 g/ml. 1H NMR analysis of the aqueous extract of D. claparedii revealed some metabolites that might be responsible for its wound healing properties such as amino acids, halogenated aromatics, organic acids, vitamins, and others. Altogether, these results suggested that the aqueous extract of D. claparedii could be utilised as an alternative natural wound healing promoter.
A Case of Multiple Phleboliths on the Medial Side of the Right Mandible
Authors: Sato Shinichi , Takahashi Masato , Takahashi Tetsu
Published: December 2020

A 66-year-old female patient was admitted to the orthopedic department due to a left femoral neck fracture. She received perioperative oral management prior to femoral head replacement. Laboratory blood tests indicated an elevated D-dimer level, which suggested the presence of a venous malformation. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and short TI inversion recovery indicated the presence of multiple phleboliths medial to the right mandibular ramus. No swelling, redness, or salivary colic pain was observed. Owing to the absence of clinical symptoms, the patient elected to undergo observation of the lesion, as opposed to surgical treatment.
The Role of Inflammation in Crohn’s Disease Recurrence after Surgical Treatment
Authors: Sensi B. , Siragusa L. , Efrati C. , Petagna L. , Franceschilli M. , Bellato V. , Antonelli A. , Arcudi C. , Campanelli M. , Ingallinella S. , Guida A. M. , Divizia A.
Published: December 2020

Introduction. Postoperative recurrence after surgery for Crohn’s disease (CD) is virtually inevitable, and its mechanism is poorly known. Aim. To review the numerous factors involved in CD postoperative recurrence (POR) pathogenesis, focusing on single immune system components as well as the immune system as a whole and highlighting the clinical significance in terms of preventive strategies and future perspectives. Methods. A systematic literature search on CD POR, followed by a review of the main findings. Results. The immune system plays a pivotal role in CD POR, with many different factors involved. Memory T-lymphocytes retained in mesenteric lymph nodes seem to represent the main driving force. New pathophysiology-based preventive strategies in the medical and surgical fields may help reduce POR rates. In particular, surgical strategies have already been developed and are currently under investigation. Conclusions. POR is a complex phenomenon, whose driving mechanisms are gradually being unraveled. New preventive strategies addressing these mechanisms seem promising.
Mapas digitais interativos como ferramenta de auxílio na gestão de projetos em design: uma análise da plataforma My maps
Authors: Weber Karina Pereira , Berlato Larissa Fontoura , Gonçalves Berenice Santos , De Figueiredo Luiz Fernando Gonçalves
Published: December 2020

Inserido na temática de mapas digitais interativos, como interface de visualização da informação, este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar a plataforma My Maps da Google. A análise se deu a partir dos princípios de design da informação por meio das variáveis visuais de Mijksenaar (1997) e métodos de mapeamento (LOCH, 2006; ARCHELA; THÉRY, 2008), avaliando suas funcionalidades e condições para uso como ferramenta estratégica de gestão de projetos. Como resultados, pontua-se que a plataforma é um recurso que potencializa a visualização de cenários, atores de sistemas, bem como valorização territorial por meio de narrativas que podem ser contadas nas descrições dos projetos mapeados, ainda que seja um tanto limitada para explorar os diferentes tipos de métodos de mapeamento. Os mapas digitais interativos, pelo My Maps, podem contribuir no processo de gestão de design em nível estratégico, auxiliando na visualização da informação.
Segregação do desejo na “escolha” profissional e seus impasses subjetivos no trabalho docente
Authors: Brandão Neto Bionor Rebouças , Ornellas Maria de Lourdes Soares
Published: December 2020

O artigo tematiza a importância do trabalho como meio de afirmação para o sujeito em sua inscrição no circuito da construção civilizatória. Problematiza a investigação da atividade docente, convocada a um processo de ressignificação em um cenário em que as escolhas profissionais parecem cada vez mais apartadas do desejo e assentadas em promessas de satisfação desvinculadas da história de cada qual. Por meio da interrogação de fragmento de caso clínico e de comentários extraídos da internet, o objetivo do texto é lançar questões sobre os impactos do atual imperativo de gozo nas escolhas profissionais e na atuação docente. Conclui-se que a formação universitária, em um pacto com a pesquisa, precisa encontrar meios de transcender a lógica da sobrevivência e subsistência e recuperar o que se encontra na essência da palavra.
ÇOKLU DOĞRUSAL REGRESYON ANALİZİ GÜVENİLİRLİĞİNİN JACKKNİFE TEKNİĞİ İLE SINANMASINA YÖNELİK BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: HOŞ Safa
Published: December 2020

Bilimsel çalışmalar için
kullanılan veri setlerinde örneklem genişliği oldukça önemli bir konudur.
Seçilen örneklemin anakütleyi temsil etme yeteneğinin olması için
araştırmacılar yoğun çaba harcarlar. Örneklem genişliği ne kadar artarsa,
örneklemin anakütleyi temsil etme yeteneği de o kadar artar. Sağlık bilimleri
başta olmak üzere hemen hemen tüm bilimlerde ortak sorun ise yeterli örneklem
genişliğine ulaşmanın güçlüğüdür. Örneklem genişliğini arttırmak için çok fazla
zaman harcanacak olması ya da maliyetinin çok yüksek olması gibi pek çok
sebepten dolayı araştırmacılar yeterli örneklem genişliğine ulaşmakta
zorlanabilmektedir. Bu çalışmada düşük örneklem genişliğine sahip bir veri
setine çoklu doğrusal regresyon analizi uygulanmıştır. Elde edilen tahmin
sonuçlarının güvenilirliği ise Jackknife Tekniği kullanılarak
değerlendirilmiştir.
La storiografia medica nell'età della Rivoluzione : l'esperienza francese e italiana
Authors: Bonuzzi di Luciano
Published: December 2020

Dopo un breve cenno alia storia della storiograjia medica da fppocrate alVeta della grande Rivoluzione, si confrontono i contributi italiani efrancesi editi alia fine del ’700.

Nel ’700 la storia della medicina segue indirizzi annalistici, bibliografici e metodologici. In Francia, con Pinel e Cabanis, la storia della medicina ha soprattutto carattere metodologico come aveva insegnato Cullen. Anche in Italia, dove rinteresse per la disciplina è più tardivo rispetto agli altri paesi europei, si impone il modello metodologico trasmesso dalla cultura di lingua francese.
Un médecin genevois ayant marqué son époque : Jean-Charles Coindet (1796—1876), hygiéniste et aliéniste
Authors: Bonard Claude
Published: December 2020

Jean-Charles Coindet, fils du Dr Jean-Francois Coindet (1774-1834), est reçu docteur en 1820 après avoir étudié à l'Académie puis à Edimbourg. Peu après 1823, il se voue plus spécialement au traitement des maladies mentales et aux questions relatives à l'hygiene, ce qui l'amène à publier de nombreux traités. Outre ses publications scientifiques au sein desquelles l'influence de la philosophic de Samuel Tuke est perceptible, Jean-Charles Coindet collabore activement aux travaux de la Société d’histoire et d'archéologie de Genève. Homme de culture et homme politique, membre du conseil représentatif Coindet signera, en novem-bre 1841, l'«Adresse des quatre-vingts», qui annonce les prémices de la metamorphose des institutions politiques genevoises, en 1842 puis en 1846.
Péripéties genevoises de la psychiatrie légale fin-de-siècle
Authors: Barras Vincent
Published: December 2020

Dans la deuxième moitié du XIXe siècle se déroulent â Genève deux importants procès criminels. Les expertises medico-legales qui y ont lieu sont l'occasion et le prétexte de débats théoriques animes, débordant le cadre strictement local: des personnalités étrangères interviennent, des articlespolémiques sont publiés dans les revues spécialisées franqaises. On peut lire dans ces affrontements non seulement une lutte depouvoir entre médecine et mondejuridique, mais aussi les difficultés théoriques d’un domaine en pleine elaboration de ses propres concepts, qui trouveront une formulation stabilisée dans les theories freudiennes.
Zur historisch-geographischen Epidemiologie der Poliomyelitis
Authors: Knolle Helmut
Published: December 2020

Poliomyelitis was considered a rare disease before it terrified Europe and North America with large-scale epidemics during the first half of the 20th century. In Africa and Asia the number of reported cases increased remarkably only after World War II. A. theory which is widely accepted today assumes that infection with poliovirus 1, 2 and 3 has always been globally endemic, but that the proportion of cases with residual paralysis has increased only since 1900 as a consequence of the rise of the mean age at infection. Sabin, however, initially was convinced that virus strains with enhanced neurotropism had caused the dramatic increase in paralytic poliomyelitis. Epidemic outbreaks in anglo-american troops in Malta and in the Far East during the war played a crucial role in the discussion . Later, also Sabin sustained the theory mentioned first, which gradually assumed the position of a dogma. The present paper deals with the question of how this dogma became dominant, in spite of the weakness of its epidemiological and virological foundation.
Heinrich Zangger und die Berufung Einsteins an die ETH. Sein Einfluss auf die Besetzung weiterer Physik-Lehrstühle in Zürich
Authors: Medicus Heinrich A.
Published: December 2020

Heinrich Zangger, 1874-1957, an eminent professor of forensic medicine at the University of Zurich, was a scientist with far ranging interests in many fields. In the course of his own research in physics, he became a close friend of Albert Einstein. When a chair in physics at his university or the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) was to be filled, Zangger was frequently actively involved in the search for a candidate. In particular, he engaged himself strongly, and in unconventional ways, in order to have Einstein appointed as professor at the ETH in 1912.
De l’entomologie à la psychanalyse
Authors: Amouroux Rémy
Published: December 2020

Vues analytiques sur la vie des abeilles et des termites (Analytical perspectives on the life of bees and termites) is a letter from L. R. Delves Broughton to Freud dated the 7th of August, 1927. The letter was translated into French by Marie Bonaparte (1882–1962) for the Revue Française de Psychanalyse (French Review of Psychoanalysis) in 1927. A German translation of the letter was done for the review Imago in 1928. In his letter Delves Broughton develops a captivating connection between Man’s libidinal economy and that of certain social insects. His main argument is based on the readings of several works by Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) and Maurice Maeterlinck (1862–1949). He proposes, as in the bioanalysis project of Sándor Ferenczi (1873–1933), the application of psychoanalytic knowledge on a specific area of the natural sciences: entomology.
The Red Sea and the Port of Clysma. A Possible Gate of Justinian’s Plague
Authors: Tsiamis Costas , Poulakou-Rebelakou Effie , Petridou Eleni
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study is to present the sea and land commercial routes of the Byzantine Egypt and their role in the dissemination of the plague bacteria Yersinia pestis from the Red Sea to Mediterranean ports.The Mediterranean port of Pelusium was considered as the starting point of the first plague pandemic, according to the historical and archaeological data; the port of Clysma in the Red Sea, however, can also be assumed as possible entrance gate of the Yersinia pestis. Indeed, it is proposed that the port of Clysma is most likely to have been the gateway of Yersinia pestis in the Byzantine Egypt when the epidemic broke out, given its geographic position and close trade relationship at the time of the epidemic in Pelusium.
La place de l’étude des écrits dans l’approche psychopathologique du spiritisme (1850–1950)
Authors: Maléfan Pascal Le
Published: December 2020

We propose a chronological review of the psychopathological interpretations of writings produced by spiritualists during their practices of trance or by spiritualists turned delirious. The interest is to highlight the exemplary role that psychiatrists or psychopathologists made attributed to mediumnism in the elaboration of psychiatric knowledge.
L’entomologie autour de 1900: une science d’amateurs?
Authors: Casson Loïc
Published: December 2020

At the turn of the twentieth century, French entomology seemed divided between a multitude of fans and few official scholars. On the one hand, the network of the French Entomological Society, and on the other, a chair at the Muséum national d’histoire naturelle. To illustrate this duality between academic entomology and a more domestic entomology, we present a study based on two men: Charles Janet, a little-known province engineer who could be seen as a mere amateur among the professionals, Eugène-Louis Bouvier who was a scholar at the Muséum national d’histoire naturelle and the Academy of Sciences. The biographical approach developed here will allow us to meet close associates of these two men. Considering their own perceptions we will see how these actors situated themselves within their discipline. This approach will allow us to give a broader picture of French entomologists around 1900: their number, their institutions, their relationships and their means of communication. This text shows that the amateur/professional dichotomy is an unsuitable tool to describe entomology at that time.
La botanique dans un contexte local: les jardins de Florence à l’époque des grands-ducs (1569–1859)
Authors: Sigrist René , Zanier Sonia
Published: December 2020

This article describes the social and institutional conditions of the practice of botany in early modern Florence. This practice started with the study of medical plants in hospital and university contexts, with the passion of the Medicis for gardens, and the interest of the Vallombrosian monks for cryptogams. During the XVIIIth century, science of plants focused on classification (morphology), pharmacology (materia medica) and vegetable physiology, but included also the inventory of Tuscan flora and agronomy. These diverging aims created tensions within the nascent community of botanists, crystallizing around the management of gardens and the choice of classification systems. After 1770, a more scientific approach of botany was made possible by the rise of experimental practices and the development of chemistry. Yet, a true professionalization of research did not occur before the political unification of Italy, when the management of institutions and the recruitment of botanists were assumed by a central Ministry of education, instead of being dependent on princely favors and patrician connections.
Playing with Practice Theory: Preliminary Remarks on the Work of Performance Ecologies in 21st Century Bangkok
Authors: Skar Lowell
Published: December 2020

This article builds a framework for considering the place of contemporary performance groups in 21st century Bangkok. It grounds performance groups in ensembles of performance practices developed by groups as part of their unique performance cultures. The varied ensembles of performance practice of three such groups – the Pichet Klunchun Dance Company, the 8X8 Theatre Group, and the B-Floor Artist Collective – are embodied in these groups’ distinctive interactive performance styles and tied to the different creative spaces where they work. The groups’ artistic practices and their working spaces are produced within larger ecologies of performance spanning the urban landscape of 21st century Bangkok. The article suggests this framework as a richer way to study performance cultures in Thailand. Relating the performance landscape of Bangkok’s contemporary theatre scene to the embodied artistic practices of different groups shows how their unique performance cultures help to enliven the city’s distinctive cultural ecology of performance.
A study on the influence of reduced graphene oxide on the mechanical, dynamic mechanical and tribological properties of silicone rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Sarath PS , Moni Grace , George Jinu Jacob , Haponiuk Józef T , Thomas Sabu , George Soney C
Published: December 2020

Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by modified Hummer’s method and it reduced with hydrazine. Synthesized reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. An elastomeric nanocomposite was prepared by incorporating rGO in silicone rubber using two roll mill mixing method.Tribological study was conducted at a wear surface of hardened ground steel against different applied load, sliding speed and temperature using a pin on disk setup. Addition of rGO results in an improvement of mechanical, tribological and thermal properties of silicone rubber. The coefficient friction (COF) and specific wear rate of the nanocomposite decreased with rGO concentration, applied load, and temperature. Morphological analysis of SRrGO nanocomposites was deeply investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Worn surface analysis confirms that rGO forms a lubricant film on the counter surface but it fails to form a strong adhesive film on the metal surface. The depth wear rate decreased by the incorporation of rGO in the Silicone rubber (SR) matrix.
Effect of core-based exercise in people with scoliosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xin , Shen Jie , Liang Juping , Zhou Xuan , Yang Yuqi , Wang Dexuan , Wang Shanshan , Wang Lixia , Wang Hong , Du Qing
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To systematically assess the effectiveness of core-based exercise for correcting a spinal deformity and improving quality of life in people with scoliosis.

Data sources:

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science databases were searched from inception up to September 30, 2020.

Methods:

Clinical controlled trials were eligible if they compared the effectiveness of core-based exercise to other nonsurgical interventions in people with scoliosis. The revised Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool for randomized trials and the methodological index for non-randomized studies scale were used to assess the risk of bias. The outcomes included the Cobb angle, the angle of trunk rotation and quality of life. RevMan 5.3 was used, and intergroup differences were determined by calculating mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

After screening 1348 studies, nine studies with 325 participants met the inclusion criteria. The exercise group had significantly lower Cobb angles (MD = −2.08, 95% CI: −3.89 to −0.28, P = 0.02) and significantly better quality of life as measured by the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire (MD = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.49, P = 0.03) than the control groups. However, no significant difference was observed regarding the angle of trunk rotation between groups (MD = −0.69, 95% CI: −2.61 to 1.22, P = 0.48). Furthermore, no serious adverse events were reported. The overall quality of evidence ranged from low to very low.

Conclusion:

Core-based exercise may have a beneficial role in reducing the Cobb angle and improving quality of life in people with scoliosis in the short term.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42020160509 (Available at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ )
Rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair: A nested qualitative study exploring the perceptions and experiences of participants in a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Stephens Gareth , Littlewood Chris , Foster Nadine E , Dikomitis Lisa
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To investigate acceptability, barriers to adherence with the interventions, and which outcome measures best reflect the participants’ rehabilitation goals in a pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial evaluating early patient-directed rehabilitation and standard rehabilitation, including sling immobilisation for four weeks, following surgical repair of the rotator cuff of the shoulder.

Design:

Nested qualitative study.

Setting:

Five English National Health Service Hospitals.

Subjects:

Nineteen patient participants who had undergone surgical repair of the rotator cuff and 10 healthcare practitioners involved in the trial.

Method:

Individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed thematically.

Results:

Four themes: (1) Preconceptions of early mobilisation; many participants were motivated to enter the trial for the opportunity of removing their sling and getting moving early. (2) Sling use and movement restrictions; for some, sling use for four weeks was unacceptable and contributed to their pain, rather than relieving it. (3) Tensions associated with early mobilisation; clinical tensions regarding early mobilisation and the perceived risk to the surgical repair were apparent. (4) Processes of running the trial; participants found the trial processes to be largely appropriate and acceptable, but withholding the results of the post-operative research ultrasound scan was contentious.

Conclusion:

Trial processes were largely acceptable, except for withholding results of the ultrasound scan. For some participants, use of the shoulder sling for a prolonged period after surgery was a reported barrier to standard rehabilitation whereas the concept of early mobilisation contributed tension for some healthcare practitioners due to concern about the effect on the surgical repair.
Effect of combined home-based, overground robotic-assisted gait training and usual physiotherapy on clinical functional outcomes in people with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wright Amy , Stone Keeron , Martinelli Louis , Fryer Simon , Smith Grace , Lambrick Danielle , Stoner Lee , Jobson Simon , Faulkner James
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

To assess the effect of a home-based over-ground robotic-assisted gait training program using the AlterG Bionic Leg orthosis on clinical functional outcomes in people with chronic stroke.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Home.

Participants:

Thirty-four ambulatory chronic stroke patients who recieve usual physiotherapy.

Intervention:

Usual physiotherapy plus either (1)10-week over-ground robotic-assisted gait training program ( n = 16), using the device for ⩾30 minutes per day, or (2) control group ( n = 18), 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

Measurements:

The primary outcome was the Six-Minute Walk Test. Secondary outcomes included: Timed-Up-and-Go, Functional Ambulation Categories, Dynamic Gait Index and Berg Balance Scale. Physical activity and sedentary time were assessed using accelerometry. All measurements were completed at baseline, 10 and 22 weeks after baseline.

Results:

Significant increases in walking distance were observed for the Six-Minute Walk Test between baseline and 10 weeks for over-ground robotic-assisted gait training (135 ± 81 m vs 158 ± 93 m, respectively; P ⩽ 0.001) but not for control (122 ± 92 m vs 119 ± 84 m, respectively). Findings were similar for Functional Ambulation Categories, Dynamic Gait Index and Berg Balance Scale (all P ⩽ 0.01). For over-ground robotic-assisted gait training, there were increases in time spent stepping, number of steps taken, number of sit-to-stand transitions, and reductions in time spent sitting/supine between baseline and 10 weeks (all P < 0.05). The differences observed in all of the aforementioned outcome measures were maintained at 22 weeks, 12 weeks after completing the intervention (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Over-ground robotic-assisted gait training combined with physiotherapy in chronic stroke patients led to significant improvements in clinical functional outcomes and physical activity compared to the control group. Improvements were maintained at 22 weeks.
Chemical stability of oil-infused polyethylene
Authors: Zaribaf Fedra P , Gill Harinderjit S , Pegg Elise C
Published: December 2020

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) can be made radiopaque for medical imaging applications through the diffusion of an iodised oil-based contrast agent (Lipiodol Ultra Fluid). A similar process is used for Vitamin E incorporated polyethylene which provides antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the critical long-term properties of oil-infused medical polyethylene after 4 weeks of accelerated thermal ageing. Samples treated with an oil (Vitamin E or Lipiodol) had a higher oxidation stability than currently used medical grade polyethylene, indicated by a smaller increase in oxidation index after ageing (Vitamin E + 36%, Lipiodol +40%, Untreated +136%, Thermally treated +164%). The tensile properties of oil treated polyethylene after ageing were significantly higher than the Untreated and Thermally treated controls (p<0.05) indicating less mechanical degradation. There was also no alteration in the percentage crystallinity of oil treated samples after ageing, though the radiopacity of the Lipiodol treated samples reduced by 54% after ageing. The leaching of oil with time was also investigated; the leaching of Lipiodol and Vitamin E followed the same trend and reached a steady state by two weeks. Overall, it can be concluded that the diffusion of an oil-based fluid into polyethylene not only increases the oxidative and chemical stability of polyethylene but also adds additional functionality (e.g. radiopacity) providing a more suitable material for long–term medical applications.
Thermal non-equilibrium model subjected to thermal radiation impact and dust particles suspension in a porous square cavity
Authors: Mahdy A , Mohamed RA , Hady FM , Abo Zaid Omima A
Published: December 2020

Heat transfer due to a square Darcy porous cavity in the presence of dust particles and thermal radiation effect by applying the thermal non-equilibrium model is investigated numerically in the current paper. The square cavity is maintained at a hot temperature at the left side wall, and the right side wall is maintained at cold temperature. While the bottom and top walls of the cavity are considered adiabatic. The impact of governing physical parameters on the streamlines, isotherms contours for the fluid and dust phases and isotherms for the solid phase are tested and represented through Graphic. In addition, the profiles of the average Nusselt numbers for solid and fluid phases and the total average Nusselt number are presented. The finite difference method is convenient to obtain a numerical analysis of the non-dimensionalized equations via the influence of mass concentration of the dust particles, fluid-particle interaction parameter for velocity, fluid-particle interaction parameter for temperature, Eckert number, radiation parameter, Rayleigh number, modified conductivity ratio, and inter-phase heat transfer coefficient. The results urge that the presence of dust particles leads to reduces the heat transfer rate at the left wall of the enclosure.
Beware of the 3776.24 m peak
Authors: Yu Stephanie Dorothy Pui Ming , Lau James Siu Ki , Chan Puisy Yau Ng , Kan Pui Gay
Published: December 2020

A middle‐aged man presented to the emergency department after a seemingly trivial head injury. Recognition of pathognomonic radiological findings allowed early diagnosis of a potentially life‐threatening condition. The patient recovered uneventfully after prompt neurosurgical intervention.
Responding to Domestic and Family Violence: A Qualitative Study on the Changing Perceptions of Frontline Police Officers
Authors: Maple Emily , Kebbell Mark
Published: December 2020

Police officers gave accounts of how their perceptions toward Domestic and Family Violence have changed over repeated exposure to these types of incidents as first responders. Interviews were conducted with 16 police officers in an Australian state. Officers expressed a desire to help people and reported personal growth through increased interpersonal skills and open-mindedness but many also became disillusioned. Officers highlighted futility, paperwork, and scrutiny of their actions as factors that inhibited their ability to cope. The findings imply that although officers’ competence may increase, their well-being and capacity to do their job effectively and compassionately may become impaired.
Improving the Quality of Survey Data on College Campus Woman Abuse: The Contribution of a Supplementary Open-Ended Question
Authors: DeKeseredy Walter S. , Stoneberg Danielle M. , Nolan James , Lory Gabrielle L.
Published: December 2020

Obtaining accurate survey data on the prevalence of woman abuse in institutions of higher education continues to be a major methodological challenge. Underreporting is difficult to overcome; yet, there may be effective ways of minimizing this problem. One is adding a supplementary open-ended question to a primarily quantitative questionnaire. Using data derived from the Campus Quality of Life Survey (CQLS), this article examines whether asking respondents to complete such a question increases the prevalence rates of four types of woman abuse and provides information on behaviors that are not included in widely used and validated measures of these harms.
Bing-Neel syndrome: A case reports
Authors: Demircioğlu Sinan , Oltulu Pembe , Emlik Ganime D , Tekinalp Atakan , Çeneli Özcan
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Bing-Neel syndrome (BNS) is a rare complication of of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) identified by involvement of central nervous system (CNS) lymphoplasmacytic cells.

Case report

We present a patient who was diagnosed with Bing-Neel syndrome four years after the diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia.

Management & outcome

The patient was admitted with neurological symptoms. There were lesions associated with WM involvement on brain imaging. The diagnosis was made by brain biopsy. High dose methotrexate treatment was given.

Discussion

CNS infiltrating agents such as fludarabine, methotrexate and cytarabine are often used in BNS treatment. Ibrutinib, which is a new bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has recently started to be used in BNS treatment, as it has been shown to be effective and penetrate the CNS.
The role of fentanyl in the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain: Different biotechnologies, different results and different drug costs
Authors: Giuliani Jacopo , Fiorica Francesco , Sacchetto Alfredo , Franceschini Gianfranco , Vaccari Ferdinando , Bonetti Andrea
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper was to assess the drug costs of the different biotechnologies (intranasal fentanyl spray (INFS), oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) and fentanyl buccal tablet (FBT)) in the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP). We have calculated the mean drug costs (expressed in euros (€)) for patients treated for BTCP. INFS resulted the less expensive towards OTFC and FBT, with 697 440 €versus (vs.) 809 552 €vs. 779 662 €every 100 patients treated for BTCP, respectively. In conclusion, combining drug costs of different biotechnologies (INFS, OTFC and FBT) with the measure of efficacy represented by the reduction of BTCP avoided (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, ICER), INFS resulted in better cost-effectiveness.
Stabilizing control of two-wheeled wheelchair with movable payload using optimized interval type-2 fuzzy logic
Authors: Fadzlina Jamin Nurul , Abdul Ghani Nor Maniha , Ibrahim Zuwairie , Kasruddin Nasir Ahmad Nor , Rashid Mamunur , Osman Tokhi Mohammad
Published: December 2020

The control schemes of a wheelchair having two wheels with movable payload utilizing the concept of a double-link inverted pendulum have been investigated in this article. The proposed wheelchair has been simulated using SimWise 4D software considering the most efficient parameters. These parameters are extracted using the spiral dynamic algorithm while being controlled with interval type-2 fuzzy logic controller (IT2FLC). The robustness and stability of the implemented controller are assessed under different situations including standing upright, forward motion and application of varying directions and magnitudes of outer disturbances to movable (up and down) system payload. It is shown that the two-wheeled wheelchair adopted by the newly introduced controller has achieved a 94% drop in torque for both Link1 and Link2 and more than 98% fall in distance travelled in comparison with fuzzy logic control type-1 (FLCT1) controller employed in an earlier design. The present study has further considered the increased nonlinearity and complexity of the additional moving payload. From the outcome of this study, it is obvious that the proposed IT2FLC-spiral dynamic algorithm demonstrates better performance than FLCT1 to manage the uncertainties and nonlinearities in case of a movable payload two-wheel wheelchair system.
5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T gene polymorphism and peripheral arterial disease: A meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Fanyun , Du Jun , Nie Menglin , Fu Jian , Sun Jianming
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Peripheral arterial disease is one common vascular disease most caused by atherosclerosis. As with stroke and coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease is one clinical type of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with many unmeasured environmental and genetic components. MTHFR C677T polymorphism is associated with the increased risk of ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease. MTHFR C677T polymorphism is associated with decreasing enzyme activity and increasing homocysteine levels. Meta-analysis of studies had demonstrated an association between elevated plasma homocysteine levels and peripheral arterial disease. Elevated plasma homocysteine level is closely related to MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Recent studies had clarified the relationship of MTHFR C677T polymorphism and peripheral arterial disease. So we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and peripheral arterial disease.

Materials and methods

We searched the database PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for all English-language articles related to peripheral arterial disease and MTHFR C677T through 30 June 2020. Analysis results were shown by forest plot. Publication bias was estimated using funnel plot.

Results

A total of 15 studies comprising 1929 patients with peripheral arterial disease and 2952 healthy controls were included in the meta-analysis. Significant associations between MTHFR C677T genetic polymorphism and peripheral arterial disease were found (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.09–1.58, P <0.01). But there was no significant association (poor OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.98–1.26, P =0.11) between the T allele carrier and peripheral arterial disease.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggested that MTHFR C677T genetic polymorphism TT genotype may be associated with increased peripheral arterial disease risk. But further studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm our findings.
A critique on ‘A Boltzmann transformation method for investigation of water vapour transport in building materials’
Authors: Janssen Hans
Published: December 2020

In 2011, this journal published the paper ‘A Boltzmann transformation method for investigation of water vapour transport in building materials’, proposing a dynamic measurement of building materials’ vapour permeability via the Boltzmann-Matano method. This critique points out that this publication is flawed, since it proposes an invalid approach and presents erroneous results. The analysis first shows that the presented vapour permeability values cannot be reproduced and instead far lower vapour transport properties are obtained. These corrected outcomes are however also much below the dry-cup reference values, and it is established that these deviations stem from the invalidity of the proposed approach, due to disregarding the material’s hygroscopicity. Given its erroneous results and invalid approach, it is finally recommended to have the paper officially retracted by the journal.
The management of pancreatic metastasis from synovial sarcoma of the soft tissue: A case report
Authors: Malek Bouhani , Saida Sakhri , Olfa Jaidane , Salma Kammoun , Maher Slimene , Riadh Chargui , Khaled Rahal
Published: December 2020

Pancreatic metastases are rare, accounting for 2%–3% of pancreatic tumors. The pancreas represents an unusual metastatic site of synovial sarcoma (SS) outside the usual localizations (regional nodes, lung, bone, and liver). The diagnosis is evoked by the personnel medical history of SS and imaging then confirmed by histological examination of the guided pancreatic biopsy. Its therapeutic management is mainly surgical with extensive removal of the lesion. So far only four cases have been reported in the English literature. We reported the case of a male aged 30-year-old who was admitted to our Institute for a local recurrence of SS of the left thigh which was initially treated by surgical excision. The patient underwent a wide surgical excision followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. About 15 months later, he experienced a pancreatic metastasis of his SS. He had a caudal splenopancreatectomy with partial resection of the transverse colon followed by chemotherapy. This report highlights the diagnostic difficulties of this rare localization and therapeutic challenge.
Phosphatidylserine inside out: a possible underlying mechanism in the inflammation and coagulation abnormalities of COVID-19
Authors: Argañaraz Gustavo A. , Palmeira Julys da Fonseca , Argañaraz Enrique R.
Published: December 2020

The rapid ability of SARS-CoV-2 to spread among humans, along with the clinical complications of coronavirus disease 2019—COVID-19, have represented a significant challenge to the health management systems worldwide. The acute inflammation and coagulation abnormalities appear as the main causes for thousands of deaths worldwide. The intense inflammatory response could be involved with the formation of thrombi. For instance, the presence of uncleaved large multimers of von Willebrand (vWF), due to low ADAMTS13 activity in plasma could be explained by the inhibitory action of pro-inflammatory molecules such as IL-1β and C reactive protein. In addition, the damage to endothelial cells after viral infection and/or activation of endothelium by pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-8, and TNF-α induces platelets and monocyte aggregation in the vascular wall and expression of tissue factor (TF). The TF expression may culminate in the formation of thrombi, and activation of cascade by the extrinsic pathway by association with factor VII. In this scenario, the phosphatidylserine—PtdSer exposure on the outer leaflet of the cell membrane as consequence of viral infection emerges as another possible underlying mechanism to acute immune inflammatory response and activation of coagulation cascade. The PtdSer exposure may be an important mechanism related to ADAM17—mediated ACE2, TNF-α, EGFR and IL-6R shedding, and the activation of TF on the surface of infected endothelial cells. In this review, we address the underlying mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of inflammation and coagulation abnormalities. Moreover, we introduce key biochemical and pathophysiological concepts that support the possible participation of PtdSer exposure on the outer side of the SARS-CoV-2 infected cells membrane, in the pathophysiology of COVID-19.
Pain as clinical manifestations of COVID-19 infection and its management in the pandemic era: a literature review
Authors: Widyadharma I. Putu Eka , Sari Ni Nyoman Shinta Prasista , Pradnyaswari Kadek Enny , Yuwana Kadek Tresna , Adikarya I. Putu Gede Danika , Tertia Clarissa , Wijayanti I. A. Sri , Indrayani I. A. Sri , Utami Desak Ketut Indrasari
Published: December 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a current global pandemic. The case number has increased since December 31, 2019. It has been reported that COVID-19 patients have been giving pain complaints, one of which is muscular pain. Other types of pain that have also been reported by COVID-19 patients are joint pain, stomach pain, and testicular pain. Neuropathic pain is the rarest case among others. COVID-19 mechanisms in the nerve and musculoskeletal damage are believed to be caused by the expression and distribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2). Patients with pain, especially neuropathic pain, normally do not respond well to various therapies, and experience psychiatric disorders such as depression, which leads to a decrease in the patient’s quality of life. Important considerations for health professionals in terms of pain management during this pandemic include ensuring treatment continuity, painkillers, utilization of telemedicine, biopsychosocial management approach, and modifying therapy needs to reduce the risks of COVID-19 complications.