bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erosion behavior and luminescence properties of Y3Al5O12:Ce3+‐embedded calcium bismuth borate glass‐ceramics for WLEDs
Authors: Xia Libin , Xiao Qinghui , Ye Xinyu , You Weixiong , Liang Tongxiang
Published: September 2018

Current white light emitting diodes (WLEDs) have poor thermal stability and lack red‐light, which restrict their applications in high‐power and high‐color‐rendering‐index solid‐state lighting. YAG glass‐ceramics provide an efficient way to resolve these problems. Herein, novel YAG‐embedded calcium bismuth borate glass‐ceramics (YAG‐GCs) with Eu3+ doping were prepared using a rapid melt quenching technique. The precursor glass exhibits superior YAG refractive index matching and high transmittance. Differential scanning calorimeter simulations verify YAG particles react with the precursor glass. The degree of YAG erosion is slight but monotonously increases with the co‐sintering temperature from 640 to 700°C. The erosion products probably contain YAB (Al3Y(BO3)4), Al3Eu(BO3)4, Bi24B2O39, and Ca12Al14O33 phases, and the Bi ion valence state is maintained during the reaction process. The energy transfer from Ce3+ to Eu3+ is suppressed. The YAG‐GC PL intensities monotonously increase as the co‐sintering temperature decrease from 640 to 700°C and the YAG content increase from 2.5 to 7 wt.%. The optical parameters of a WLEDs packed by YAG‐GCs and blue chips are a luminous efficiency of 105.3 lm/W, correlated color temperature of 3940 K and color rendering index of 70.1. The as‐prepared YAG‐GCs are promising candidates for high‐power, warm WLEDs due to their superior thermal stability, high quantum efficiency, and low cost.
Exploration of bluish violet‐emitting phosphor Ca3Al4ZnO10:Ti4+ with enhanced emission by Ca2+ vacancies
Authors: Zhou Zhi , Zhong Yuan , Gu Simin , Su Yifeng , Xia Mao , Zhang Yongli , Zhou Nan , Wang Jing
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we introduced a bluish violet‐emitting phosphor Ca3Al4ZnO10:Ti (IV) (CAZO:Ti4+) synthesized by high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. Upon 265 nm excitation, a broad emission band spanned from 300 nm to 500 nm and centered at 370 nm was observed. In addition, the effects of flux and charge compensation to photoluminescence properties of CAZO:Ti4+ were systematically investigated. The results show that 103% improvement of emission intensity was achieved when 1% H3BO3 flux was introduced and 32.8% enhancement of it for 2% Ca2+ vacancies doped as charge compensator. Moreover, the lifetimes, band gap energy, concentration quenching mechanism, as well as electron transition process of CAZO:Ti4+ were discussed. Due to the efficient broad bluish violet emission, this phosphor may find a potential application in mercury vapor‐excited fluorescent lamp for plant growth.
Compositional dependency of Cd‐S‐Se quantum dots within silicate glass on color conversion for a white LED
Authors: Han Karam , Im Won Bin , Heo Jong , Chung Woon Jin
Published: September 2018

Quantum dot embedded glasses (QDEGs) were prepared by the conventional melt‐quenching method to enhance its color conversion efficiency via optimizing the concentration of ZnS, ZnSe, and CdO within the silicate‐based glass matrix. The QDEG, which contained 0.875 ZnS, 0.625 ZnSe, and 0.75 CdO (in mol%) and was heat treated at 500°C for 10 hours showed promising color conversion with an improved quantum yield of up to 25%. Color coordination of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted with the QDEGs could be adjusted by tuning heat‐treatment conditions and thickness control of QDEGs. The practical feasibility of the QDEG for a white LED is demonstrated with a reasonable glass thickness for LED packaging process. The formation of Cd‐S‐Se quantum dots within a glass matrix was identified by Raman and HR‐TEM analyses. The effect of ZnSe and CdO on the formation of Cd‐S‐Se quantum dots within silicate glass is also discussed.
Completely nonfluoroscopic catheter ablation of left atrial arrhythmias and ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Sadek Mouhannad M. , Ramirez F. Daniel , Nery Pablo B. , Golian Mehrdad , Redpath Calum J. , Nair Girish M. , Birnie David H.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Fluoroscopy use during catheter ablation procedures increases the cumulative lifetime radiation exposure of patients and operators, potentially leading to a higher risk of cancer and radiation‐related injuries. Nonfluoroscopic ablation (NFA) has been described for supraventricular tachycardia, typical atrial flutter, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), and outflow‐tract ventricular tachycardia (VT). Complete transition to NFA of more complex arrhythmias, including persistent AF, left atrial (LA) flutter, and structural VT, has not been previously described. We describe the transition to completely NFA of complex arrhythmias, including LA flutter and structural VT. The techniques, challenges, limitations, and results are described.

Methods and Results

Complex ablation procedures were performed using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and a three‐dimensional mapping system without fluoroscopy or lead protection. Eighty consecutive patients underwent NFA (mean age, 60.1 ± 9.9 years, 70 with LA arrhythmias, 10 with VT). All cases were performed without the need for rescue fluoroscopy. There was an initial increase in procedural time for ablation of LA arrhythmias upon transitioning to NFA. However, after excluding the first 20 NFA cases to allow for operator learning, the transition to NFA was not associated with an increase in mean procedural time (229 ± 38 vs 225 ± 32 minutes; P = 0.002 for noninferiority). All procedures were completed successfully with no complications.

Conclusions

NFA of most complex arrhythmias (persistent AF, LA flutter, and structural VT) is feasible, with a modest learning curve and no increase in procedural times.
Avoiding inappropriate therapy of single‐lead implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator by using atrial‐sensing electrodes
Authors: Kurt Muhammed , Jathanna Nikesh , Babady Mehran , Schmidt Jan , Müller Patrick , Gerguri Shqipe , Clasen Lukas , Bejinariu Alexandru , Kelm Malte , Fürnkranz Alexander , Makimoto Hisaki
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The single‐chamber implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) can be associated with more frequent inappropriate therapies compared with dual‐chamber ICDs, when they are accompanied by a simpler implantation procedure. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a single‐lead ICD system with atrial‐sensing electrodes results in a reduction of inappropriate ICD therapy.

Methods and Results

The study population consisted of 212 consecutive patients, who underwent primary prophylactic single‐lead ICD implantation at our institute. A ventricular lead with atrial‐sensing electrodes was implanted in 77 patients (36%; Group‐VDD) and a ventricular lead without atrial‐sensing electrodes was implanted in 135 patients (64%; Group‐VVI). Procedural and follow‐up data were collected in a prospective registry. A higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation was present in Group‐VDD. There were no other significant differences in patient baseline characteristics (age, sex, and other comorbidities) or follow‐up period between the two groups. The operative parameters including fluoroscopic burden showed no significant differences between Group‐VDD and Group‐VVI. During a mean follow‐up period of 697 ± 392 days, 26 patients (12%) experienced appropriate ICD therapies and 13 patients (6%) suffered inappropriate ICD therapies. The incidence of inappropriate ICD therapies in Group‐VDD was significantly lower as compared to that of Group‐VVI (1/77 [1%] vs 12/135 [9%]; log‐rank,
P = 0.028). The incidence of appropriate ICD therapies and the occurrence of device‐related complications showed no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

Single‐lead ICD with atrial‐sensing electrodes shows a lower incidence of inappropriate ICD therapy compared with the absence of atrial‐sensing electrodes, without additional operative burden or increased complications.
Morphological Redescription and Molecular Identification of Trichodina reticulata Hirschmann & Partsch, 1955 (Ciliophora, Mobilida, Trichodinidae) with the Supplemental New Data of SSU rDNA and ITS‐5.8S rDNA
Authors: Wang Shaobin , Zhao Yuanjun , Du Yanhong , Tang Fahui
Published: September 2018

During a survey of trichodinids in Chongqing, China, two populations of Trichodina reticulata Hirschmann & Partsch, 1955 were isolated from gills of the freshwater fishes, Carassius auratus and Ctenopharyngodon idellus, and 11 molecular samples containing small subunit (SSU) rDNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)‐5.8S rDNA were newly sequenced. Both populations fell within the range of morphometry and corresponded well with the diagnostic morphological features of Trichodina reticulata Hirschmann & Partsch, 1955. It should be noted that one population possessed obvious central granules in the adhesive disc, while the other one did not. The detailed morphological redescription for these two populations is given in this work. Although some intraspecific differences were found, both populations were confirmed as Trichodina reticulata based on the morphological study and molecular data, including the sequence analysis of the primary and secondary structures of SSU rDNA, genetic distances and phylogenetic tree. Our study supports the assertion that central granules in the adhesive disc might be an auxiliary feature rather than a heritable character for determining taxonomic affiliations among trichodinids.
First record of the intermediate scabbardfish Aphanopus intermedius (Scombriformes: Trichiuridae) in the western South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Eduardo Leandro N. , Villarins Bárbara T. , Lucena‐Frédou Flávia , Frédou Thierry , Lira Alex S. , Bertrand Arnaud , Mincarone Michael M.
Published: September 2018

This study reports on the first record of the intermediate scabbardfish Aphanopus intermedius in the western South Atlantic Ocean, based on a single specimen 725 mm standard length collected between 0 and 610 m depth around Rocas Atoll off north‐eastern Brazil. Measurements and counts are provided and compared with those available in the literature.
Advance Care Planning in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults
Authors: deLima Thomas Jane , Sanchez‐Reilly Sandra , Bernacki Rachelle , O'Neill Lynn , Morrison Laura J. , Kapo Jennifer , Periyakoil Vyjeyanthi S. , Carey Elise C.
Published: September 2018

Older adults with cognitive impairment face many healthcare challenges, chief among them participating in medical decision‐making about their own health care. Advance care planning (ACP) is the process whereby individuals communicate their wishes for future care with their clinicians and surrogate decision‐makers while they are still able to do so. ACP has been shown to improve important outcomes for individuals with cognitive impairment, but rates of ACP for these individuals are low because of individual‐, clinician‐, and system‐related factors. Addressing ACP early in the illness trajectory can maximize the chances that people can participate meaningfully. This article recommends best practices for approaching ACP for older adults with cognitive impairment. The importance of providing anticipatory guidance and eliciting values to guide future care to create a shared framework between clinicians, individuals, and surrogate decision‐makers is emphasized. It is recommended that ACP be approached as an iterative process to continue to honor and support people's wishes as cognitive impairment progresses and increasingly threatens independence and function. The article describes effective strategies for assessing decision‐making capacity, identifying surrogate decision‐makers, and using structured communication tools for ACP. It also provides guidelines for documentation and billing. Finally, special considerations for individuals with advanced dementia are described, including the use of artificial hydration and nutrition, decisions about site of care, and the role of hospice care.
Effect of time pressure on the burnout of home‐visiting nurses: The moderating role of relational coordination with nursing managers
Authors: Cao Xiaoyi , Naruse Takashi
Published: September 2018

Aim

To examine the main effects of time pressure and relational coordination with nursing managers on burnout and to further analyze the moderating role of relational coordination with nursing managers on the association between time pressure and burnout among home‐visiting nurses in Japan.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional, quantitative study comprising 93 home‐visiting nurses in Japan. A hierarchical moderated regression analysis with mean‐centered predictor variables was used to explore the main effects of time pressure and relational coordination with nursing managers on burnout and the moderating effect of relational coordination with nursing managers on the time pressure and burnout relationship.

Results

Time pressure was a significant positive predictor for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, respectively. Relational coordination with the nursing managers was significantly and negatively related to depersonalization; however, its main effect on exhaustion was non‐significant. Significant interaction effects of time pressure and relational coordination with the nursing managers on exhaustion and depersonalization also were identified. Time pressure was a significant positive contributor to exhaustion and depersonalization when the home‐visiting nurses reported low relational coordination with the nursing managers.

Conclusion

Relational coordination with nursing managers is a critical resource for dealing with high time pressure. Strategies, such as establishing a skill‐mix program to alleviate nurses’ time pressure and creating a supportive work environment to facilitate relational coordination with nursing managers, might be effective ways to prevent burnout, as well as management interventions among home‐visiting nurses.
Rituximab in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy with associated diseases
Authors: Roux Thomas , Debs Rabab , Maisonobe Thierry , Lenglet Timothée , Delorme Cécile , Louapre Céline , Leblond Véronique , Viala Karine
Published: September 2018

We aimed to analyse the response to rituximab in a cohort of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) patients with associated disorders. We conducted a clinical and electrophysiological retrospective monocentric study in 28 CIDP patients. Response to rituximab was defined as (a) a five‐point increase in the Medical Research Council sum score or a one‐point decrease in the Overall Neuropathy Limitations Scale score, compared to the score at the first rituximab infusion, or (b) the discontinuation of, or reduced need for, the last treatments before rituximab initiation. Twenty‐one patients (75%) were responders to rituximab. The median time before response was 6 months (1‐10 months). Only two patients needed to be treated again during a median follow‐up of 2.0 years (0.75‐9 years). Interestingly, the response rate was good in patients with associated autoimmune disease (5/8) and similar to the response rate observed in patients with a haematological disease (16/20) (P = 0.63). A shorter disease duration was associated with a better clinical response to rituximab (odds ratio 0.81, P = 0.025) and the response rate was better (P = 0.05) in common forms (83.3%) than in sensory forms (42.9%). No major adverse events were recorded. Rituximab is efficacious in CIDP patients with haematological or autoimmune disease. It improves clinical response and decreases dependence on first‐line treatments.
Annual report of the Women's Health Care Committee, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2018
Authors: Kitawaki Jo , Kato Kiyoko
Published: September 2018

Since 2010, the Women's Health Care Committee has addressed important issues linked to women's quality of life. The five agendas this committee has engaged this academic year are: (i) clinical study of urinary complications in perinatal and postpartum women's health care; (ii) education on infectious diseases prophylaxis in obstetrics and gynecology in Japan; (iii) educational activities regarding management guidelines for a female athlete's health care; (iv) training program for women's healthcare advisers; and (v) pregnancy‐ and lactation‐associated osteoporosis (PLOP). The detailed activities of the five subcommittees are described herein. This report is based on the Japanese version of our annual report (Acta Obst Gynaec Jpn 2018; 70: 1538–1546), which publicizes the activities of our committee.
Waveform analysis of the fetal ECG in labor in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: Joutsiniemi Titta , Ekblad Ulla , Rosén Karl G. , Timonen Susanna
Published: September 2018

Aim

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is reported to be associated with an increased risk of sudden fetal death. The possible mechanism is thought to be cardiac arrhythmia. Prolonged QT interval of the electrocardiogram (ECG) is associated with arrhytmogenic events. The aim of the study was to compare the fetal ECG QT interval during labor in pregnancies complicated with ICP to healthy controls.

Methods

The fetal ECG and QT interval was reviewed retrospectively. The intrapartum QT interval was measured in 61 fetuses born to mothers with ICP and in a control group of similar size. The corrected QT interval (QTc) was calculated using Bazett's formula: QT/√RR. The occurrence of ST segment depression was also included in the analysis.

Results

The groups were similar regarding to maternal age, parity, BMI, gestational age and smoking habits. The rate of labor induction was significantly higher in ICP patients (P < 0.001). The QTc at the beginning and the end of recording was analyzed and there were no significant differences in these values between the ICP patients and healthy controls (P = 0.467). Most ICP patients used ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for mediation. We analyzed separately patients who had elevated liver enzymes before labor. No significant differences in the QTc were noted in these patients either. Nor were there any significant ST depressions in ICP patients.

Conclusions

The etiology of adverse perinatal outcome and even sudden fetal death in ICP is still controversial. No differences in QTc intervals and ST waveforms during labor were found in our study material.
Effects of a School‐Based Pedometer Intervention in Adolescents: 1‐Year Follow‐Up of a Cluster‐Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Isensee Barbara , Suchert Vivien , Hansen Julia , Weisser Burkhard , Hanewinkel Reiner
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) is one of the most important health behaviors that may be modified by each individual. To foster PA in adolescents, a school‐based intervention was evaluated.

METHODS

A cluster‐randomized controlled trial with preassessment in 2014 and follow‐up assessment in 2015 included 29 schools with 1020 students (47.6% girls, mean age = 13.69 years). Intervention students received pedometers and monitored their steps for 12 weeks. Classes with the most steps were awarded. Primary outcomes included moderate‐to‐vigorous PA, out‐of‐school sports activities, active transport assessed through questionnaires, as well as cardiorespiratory fitness measured using the 20‐m shuttle‐run test and anthropometric data (weight, height, body fat, and waist circumference) assessed by study staff.

RESULTS

Significant interaction terms between group and time were found for all 3 indicators of PA; intervention students showed a higher increase of PA than control students. The same pattern was shown for cardiorespiratory fitness, but the effect missed significance. A more favorable development for the intervention students was shown for body fat and waist‐to‐height ratio, while there was no effect on body mass index percentile.

CONCLUSIONS

An easy way to administer school‐based PA program may enhance students' leisure‐time PA even 1 year after the intervention has ended.
The Influence of Active Gaming on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Black and Hispanic Youth
Authors: Flynn Rachel M. , Staiano Amanda E. , Beyl Robbie , Richert Rebekah A. , Wartella Ellen , Calvert Sandra L.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Youth in the United States have low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, a risk factor for childhood obesity. Lower levels of physical fitness for black and Hispanic youth contribute to health disparities. In this feasibility study, we examined active video games (AVGs) as a tool to improve fitness and attitudes toward physical activity during early adolescence.

METHOD

A 6‐week AVG program took place in a youth development program in a high‐poverty neighborhood in New York City. Youth aged 10 to 15 years (50% overweight or obese) participated in 2 fitness tests and completed surveys that captured barriers to physical activity pre‐ and postintervention. Each week, participants played Wii Fit games for 30 minutes.

RESULTS

Participants improved the number of sit‐ups and step‐ups they completed from pre‐ to postintervention (p < .05). Participants also increased their self‐efficacy, intention to exercise and perceived social support to exercise (p < .05). Youth reported a high level of enjoyment and perceived Wii Fit as ways to increase physical fitness and increase their physical activity.

CONCLUSION

AVGs may be a viable alternative exercise program to increase physical activity for black and Hispanic youth living in poverty‐impacted neighborhoods.
The Effects of Asthma and Bullying on Suicidal Behaviors Among US Adolescents
Authors: Muhammad Lutfiyya N. , Korte Jeffrey E. , Bowman Charles M. , De Santis Mark L. , Nietert Paul J.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Positive associations between suicidal behaviors and asthma have been established in previous adolescent studies. Few studies consider social risk factors, such as bullying. This study involved an analysis of suicidal behaviors and asthma, but also includes an assessment of whether these relationships were modified by the co‐occurrence of bullying.

METHODS

Data included 13,154 participants from the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), collected by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Logistic regression models were constructed and summarized using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

When comparing adolescents with asthma who were bullied at school to those who were not bullied at school, the odds of contemplating suicide were increased by nearly 2‐fold (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.5‐2.3), and the odds of creating a suicide plan were 2.3 times higher (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.7‐3.1). The odds of a suicide attempt and incurring an injury from a suicide attempt were also substantially increased. Similarly, increased odds of suicidal behaviors were observed for adolescents with asthma who were bullied electronically.

CONCLUSION

Having asthma and being bullied are both associated with increased odds of suicidal behaviors.
National Analysis of State Health Policies on Students' Right to Self‐Carry and Self‐Administer Asthma Inhalers at School
Authors: Toups Madeleine M. , Press Valerie G. , Volerman Anna
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Asthma has no known cure, and though manageable, it disrupts the everyday lives of over 6 million US children. Because children spend more than half of their waking hours in school, students must be able to carry and administer their inhaler at school to manage their asthma.

METHODS

This policy paper is a comprehensive review of all 50 states and the District of Columbia's laws and policies for the self‐carry and administration of quick‐relief asthma inhalers among children in prekindergarten through 12th grade.

RESULTS

All states permit students to carry and administer their inhalers at school, although each state differs in their development and implementation of policies for asthma self‐management at school. This review examines how states regulate self‐carry policies by looking at policy development, regulated school systems, relevant stakeholders, required medical records, and school liability.

CONCLUSIONS

Each state's laws have nuances that create gray areas, increasing the potential of misinterpreted or incorrectly implemented policies for asthma self‐management at school. As a result, children may not have immediate access to their inhaler for symptom management or in an emergency. State policymakers should reform current laws to remove barriers for students to carry and use inhalers at school.
Composition of School Meals in Sweden, Finland, and Iceland: Official Guidelines and Comparison With Practice and Availability
Authors: Juniusdottir Ragnheidur , Hörnell Agneta , Gunnarsdottir Ingibjorg , Lagstrom Hanna , Waling Maria , Olsson Cecilia , Talvia Sanna , Olafsdottir Anna S.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Nutritious and attractive school meals can improve health equality and public health. Current official guidelines and recommendations on food and nutrient composition of school meals in 3 Nordic countries; Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, are described and compared with actual practice, ie, availability of foods and nutrients in served reference meals in 3 selected areas in each country.

METHODS

A country comparison was made between official guidelines, and actual practice was studied in participating schools. Reference portions of school meals (N = 170) provided in 24 compulsory schools were photographed and weighed. Food and nutrient availability were compared with official guidelines in each country.

RESULTS

Emphasis of recommendations on whole‐grain bread in Sweden, whole grains in Finland, and fish in Iceland were reflected in food availability. The energy content of the meals provided was lower than guidelines and there was a large variation in energy content between days.

CONCLUSIONS

The guidelines regarding food availability were quite well followed, but the large variation in energy and nutrient content of provided school meals between days indicates a need for standardization.
Rural Primary Care Providers’ Experiences and Knowledge Regarding LGBTQ Health in a Midwestern State
Authors: Shaver John , Sharma Akshay , Stephenson Rob
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Health disparities among LGBTQ people have been documented across various settings and recent research has indicated that many disparities are heightened in the context of rurality. Among these disparities is the decreased rate of primary care utilization by rural LGBTQ individuals. Understanding and addressing provider knowledge and attitudes related to LGBTQ health provides a relevant avenue for addressing underutilization.

Methods

The study presented was a mail‐out survey regarding rural primary care providers’ knowledge and experiences regarding LGBTQ health. Publicly available records were compiled to recruit a total sample of 113 primary care providers, at a response rate of 19.8%.

Findings

A majority of respondents reported experience providing care to LGBTQ patients, while only slightly over half had received LGBTQ health education. Data analyses revealed significant associations between reported experiences and patient characteristics including religion, religiousness, age, length of time practicing in current provider role, and gender identity. Provider knowledge of LGBTQ health varied greatly across the items assessed. Provider profession (physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant) and length of current county residence were significantly predictive of LGBTQ knowledge scores.

Conclusion

Results provide insight into rural health care for LGBTQ people. Preeminent findings were: (1) an existing need for LGBTQ health education, (2) variation in knowledge across content areas, and (3) association between knowledge, profession, and length of current county residence. Promotion of rural LGBTQ health may benefit by addressing identified gaps in current care.
REtrieval And cure of Chronic Hepatitis C (REACH): Results of micro‐elimination in the Utrecht province
Authors: Kracht Patricia A. M. , Arends Joop E. , van Erpecum Karel J. , Thijsen Steven F. T. , Vlaminckx Bart J. M. , Weersink Annemarie J. L. , Wensing Anne M. J. , Deege Marjolein P. H. , Dimmendaal Marieke , Stadhouders Paul H. G. M. , Friederich Philip W. , Verhagen Marc A. M. T. , Boland Greet J. , Hoepelman Andy I. M.
Published: September 2018

Background

The Netherlands is one of the six European countries considered on track to eliminate hepatitis C virus by 2030. To achieve this goal, continuous efforts have to be put into designing efficient case‐finding strategies, including the retrieval of previously diagnosed hepatitis C virus‐infected who are lost to follow‐up.

Aims

To trace and treat all lost to follow‐up hepatitis C virus patients in the Utrecht region and create an efficient retrieval strategy that can be used in future (national) retrieval initiatives.

Methods

Positive hepatitis C virus diagnostic tests (anti‐hepatitis C virus IgG or hepatitis C virus‐RNA) from the laboratory of all four hospitals and one central laboratory for primary care diagnostics in the province of Utrecht from 2001 to 2015 were linked to clinical records. Untreated patients with available contact information were deemed eligible for retrieval and invited for reevaluation with (virology) blood tests, fibroscan measurement and possible direct‐acting antiviral therapy.

Main results

After screening all hepatitis C virus diagnostics, 1913 chronic hepatitis C virus‐infected were identified of which 14.1% (n = 269) were invited back into care. Overall, 17.4% was traced with the highest yield (28.3%) in those who lived in the Utrecht province. Through renewed patient assessments, 42 chronic hepatitis C virus infections were re‐identified (76% with a history of intravenous drug use, 24% with Metavir F3‐F4). Until now, 59% has either scheduled or initiated direct‐acting antiviral therapy.

Conclusion

The retrieval of previously diagnosed hepatitis C virus patients through screening of laboratory diagnostics from the past is feasible and should be pursued for further control and reduction of hepatitis C virus infection. Retrieval is most successful when performed regionally.

Lay summary

To completely eliminate chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and prevent complications, undiagnosed and also previously diagnosed but lost to follow‐up (LFU) HCV patients have to be brought (back) into care for therapy. Retrieval of LFU HCV patients through screening of laboratory diagnostics from the past is feasible and most successful when performed regionally.
Autoimmune hepatitis exerts a profound, negative effect on health‐related quality of life: A prospective, single‐centre study
Authors: Janik Maciej K. , Wunsch Ewa , Raszeja‐Wyszomirska Joanna , Moskwa Maciej , Kruk Beata , Krawczyk Marcin , Milkiewicz Piotr
Published: September 2018

Background and Aims

Autoimmune hepatitis is a progressive chronic liver disease. Health‐related quality of life in autoimmune hepatitis has not attracted much attention so far. We prospectively assessed various aspects of health‐related quality of life in a well characterized group of patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

Methods

In total, 140 patients with autoimmune hepatitis (mean age 40 ± 17 years) and 170 controls (mean age 36 ± 14 years) were included. Health‐related quality of life was evaluated with following questionnaires: The Short Form (36) Health Survey, Modified Fatigue Impact Score, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 assessing depression.

Results

Patients with autoimmune hepatitis showed a significant impairment of health‐related quality of life in all, but one, domains of The Short Form (36) Health Survey. Autoimmune hepatitis was associated with pronounced physical fatigue (P < 0.001), anxiety (P < 0.001) and depression (P < 0.001). As compared to males, female patients demonstrated greater impairment of physical aspects of The Short Form (36) Health Survey and Modified Fatigue Impact Score. Twenty‐seven patients (19%) had moderate (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 >10) and 14 (10%) moderately severe depression (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 >15). Depression showed a very strong correlation with chronic fatigue (R = 0.68; P < 0.001); physical and mental components of The Short Form (36) Health Survey (R = 0.52/0.68 respectively; P < 0.001) and anxiety (R = 0.47; P < 0.001). There was a trend towards better life’s quality in patients treated with budesonide in some aspects of their health‐related quality of life. Duration of the disease, age at diagnosis, liver fibrosis and the presence of cirrhosis were not associated with health‐related quality of life.

Conclusions

Health‐related quality of life is significantly impaired in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Depression seems to be a dominant symptom affecting their well‐being, not associated with clinical and biochemical features of the disease.
Use of the Essential Nutrition Actions framework improved child growth in Bangladesh
Authors: Waid Jillian L. , Nielsen Jennifer N. , Afroz Shirin , Lindsey Diane , Sinharoy Sheela S.
Published: September 2018

The Essential Nutrition Actions (ENA) framework is an evidence‐based set of cost‐effective, integrated tools for training health and community workers to promote optimal nutrition practices for the first 1,000 days. This ENA pilot project (ENAPP) was implemented with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding from August 2008 to September 2009 in six unions of the working area of an existing USAID‐funded, Title II programme in southern Bangladesh. ENAPP, which targeted governmental and non‐governmental service providers, was intended to strengthen the behaviour change component of the nutrition strategy of this project. Following a qualitative review of ENAPP's activities, this evaluation uses administrative (growth monitoring) data and propensity score matching of pre‐intervention characteristics to create multiple counterfactuals for difference‐in‐difference estimations of the impact of ENAPP on child nutritional status. Records indicated that government and community healthcare workers received intensive training, and these staff reported that they could effectively integrate ENA messages into their existing responsibilities. Both longitudinal and cross‐sectional analyses indicate that ENAPP was successful in increasing children's weight‐for‐age z‐scores, and the difference in z‐scores between the treatment and the comparison group increased with time. The materials and methods used in this pilot project should be scaled up, based on the success of these tools and the project's ability to link with and influence the local health system.
Arthroderma chiloniense sp. nov. isolated from human stratum corneum: Description of a new Arthroderma species
Authors: Brasch Jochen , Beck‐Jendroschek Vera , Voss Karin , Yurkov Andrey , Gräser Yvonne
Published: September 2018

A 68‐year‐old woman was submitted to our hospital because of erythematous and scaly skin lesions. To exclude tinea samples of stratum corneum were collected and used for mycological investigations. In this material, no fungal elements were detected microscopically, but inoculation on Sabouraud agar with cycloheximide yielded a presumptive dermatophyte fungus. Subsequent detailed investigations with conventional morphological and physiological methods and a phylogenetic analysis of the combined LSU rRNA gene (D1/D2 domains) and ITS region sequences suggested that the fungus represents a hitherto undescribed species of the genus Arthroderma. Here, we describe this species as Arthroderma chiloniense sp. nov., EMBL accession no. LT992885. This new species can be distinguished from phylogenetically related Arthroderma species using ribosomal ITS and LSU genes, and 60S L10 protein sequences; specific macroscopic, microscopic and physiological features are lacking. Our attempts to re‐isolate this fungus from the patient's skin failed although her skin lesions persisted. Most likely A. chiloniense is a geophilic species that incidentally contaminated or transiently colonised the patient's skin. To avoid diagnostic misinterpretations, it is necessary to distinguish A. chiloniense from truly pathogenic dermatophytes like Trichophyton (T.) rubrum and T. interdigitale which can easily be confused with A. chiloniense based on similar mycelium morphology.
Governing through lifestyle—Lalonde and the biopolitical management of public health in Canada
Authors: Foth Thomas , Holmes Dave
Published: September 2018

In 1974, the Liberal government of Pierre Trudeau released a “green paper” known as the Lalonde Report, after the health minister at that time. The report formulated perspectives on health and the main concepts and ideas developed in it, particularly the concept of “lifestyle,” which became the foundation of public health policies in many different European countries and the United States. The concept of “lifestyle” connected personal behaviour and habits to the individual health condition; people were not dying due to a lack of access to medical care but because they lived a life prone to personal risk taking. Furthermore, what is seldom discussed is that this report not only propagated the (neo)liberal view of citizens as autonomous rational actors (homo oeconomicus), with personal responsibility for their health, but it was a first step in the transformation of Medicare and went far beyond the question of health promotion. Health was no longer something that happened to a person but was created through personal choice and, therefore, one had to assume responsibility for one's behaviour. Using Foucault's definition of government as the “conduct of conduct,” we will demonstrate that the Lalonde report must be understood as a specific “technology of government” and contributed to a neoliberal transformation of health care despite the fact that the Canadian system of Medicare was based on the idea of universality, meaning citizens had equal access to health care independent of their socio‐economic situation. As we will demonstrate, the Lalonde report undermined this foundation and initiated a profound reorientation, not only of the healthcare system, but even more importantly, it radically changed the way we think about our behaviour around health‐related issues. We will also discuss how the making of the report contributed to the redefinition of politics and demonstrated a lack of concern with liberal‐democratic decision‐making processes.
The many faces of genetic contributions to temporomandibular joint disorder: An updated review
Authors: Scariot Rafaela , Corso Paola F. C. L. , Sebastiani Aline M. , Vieira Alexandre R.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The aim was to review the literature regarding genetic contributions to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) after our 2008 publication.

Setting and Sample Population

Literature review.

Material and Methods

PubMed and MEDLINE were used to obtain literature in any language regarding genes and TMD, using the keywords “temporomandibular joint disorder” and “temporomandibular joint dysfunction” for studies published from 2009 to 2017.

Results

In our search, 274 studies were found. We excluded 76 studies from animal models, 22 studies that were in vitro and 120 reports that were not cohort or case‐control studies. Of the 274 results, 56 articles were selected for this review. Genes that are suggested to contribute to TMD included the ones related to disc and bone alterations as well as pain sensation.

Conclusion

Currently, no evidence of associated genetic variants, which can determine the development of TMD in individuals, could be translated to novel clinical management and public health strategies for patients suffering from TMD.
Lichen planus and diabetes mellitus: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Otero Rey Eva María , Yáñez‐Busto Anabel , Rosa Henriques Inés Filipa , López‐López José , Blanco‐Carrión Andrés
Published: September 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis answering the following questions: (a) "What is the prevalence and risk of oral lichen planus among patients with diabetes mellitus?" and (b) "What is the prevalence and risk of diabetes mellitus among patients with oral lichen planus?".

Material and methods

A bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed/Medline and Scopus database from 1966 to March 2018, using the following terms: “Lichen planus” AND “Diabetes mellitus” AND “Prevalence” AND “Oral mucosal lesions”.

Results

Twenty‐two studies were included in this review. Twelve studies assessed the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among patients with lichen planus. The prevalence reported ranges from 1.6% to 37.7% with a relative risk of 2.432. Ten studies assessed the prevalence of lichen planus among patients with diabetes mellitus which showed a prevalence of lichen planus ranging from 0.5% to 6.1% with a relative risk of 1.4.

Conclusions

Contradictory results were found when analyzing the relationship between lichen planus and diabetes mellitus. Diverse factors should be considered when studying this association for a correct interpretation of results. Diabetes mellitus has high prevalence and morbidity, which is why new case–control studies are needed to further investigate this association.
Pediatric transplantation case conference: Update on cytomegalovirus
Authors: Pellett Madan Rebecca , Allen Upton D. , Green Michael , Höcker Britta , Michaels Marian G. , Varela‐Fascinetto Gustavo , Danziger‐Isakov Lara ,   the Pediatric Subgroup for the International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Cytomegalovirus in Solid Organ Transplantation and the International Pediatric Transplant Association Infectious Disease Committee
Published: September 2018

The prevention and management of cytomegalovirus (CMV) remain challenging in children who have undergone solid organ transplantation, despite the availability of effective antiviral medications and sensitive diagnostic assays. The primary objective of this invited commentary is to provide an updated and multidisciplinary approach to persistently challenging CMV cases that commonly occur in pediatric transplantation candidates and recipients, including cases for which published data are frequently lacking.
National Identity, Collective Events, and Meaning: A Qualitative Study of Adolescents’ Autobiographical Narratives of Flag Ceremonies in Finland
Authors: Finell Eerika
Published: September 2018

Although collective events are central to group identity processes, little is known about how young people experience and remember national ceremonies in which they have participated. This qualitative study analyzes 80 autobiographical narratives written by upper secondary school students about flag ceremonies from their past in Finland. The analysis reveals that the narratives fall into three categories ((Dis)honored, Deserved and Loved Flag) according to how the social context, participants’ actions, narrator’s role, and emotions are described, all of which combine to create a dense web of meanings associated with this common national ceremony. The results also indicate that different group contexts—family and peer group networks and the national context—are inextricably linked in the narratives and that the meanings associated with these contexts tend to fuse. The findings highlight the importance of analyzing national collective events and related autobiographical memories to better understand the sources of national identity’s emotional power.
General budget support as an aid instrument—impact on economic growth
Authors: Alavuotunki Kaisa , Sandström Susanna
Published: September 2018

Since the change of the new millennium, general budget support (GBS) has become a prominent, yet controversial and heavily debated, modality for delivering aid. We study GBS as an aid instrument from a cross‐country perspective. We examine if any growth impacts can be identified as a result of the use of GBS. We use data covering nine 4‐year intervals from 1976 to 2011. We modify two supply‐side IV strategies from previous aid–growth literature. In our main approach, we employ an interaction of an exogenous supply‐side variable (donor government fractionalization) and an endogenous variable (probability of receiving GBS) as an instrument for GBS, and in the alternative approach we construct an instrument following a supply‐side approach. Our results suggest that GBS receiving countries have grown faster than countries receiving other types of aid. Selection bias does not explain this result. The growth effect is not only attributed to lagged GBS but also to contemporaneous GBS flows.
Like father like son? Revisiting the role of parental education in estimating returns to education in China
Authors: Gong Binlei
Published: September 2018

Parental education has been used as an instrument in the earnings equation to deal with the endogeneity problem of education. Recently, however, many have found that parental education can be a proxy for unobservable networking, which directly affects wages. This article revisits the role of parental education in estimating returns to education by introducing the “geographical isolation” theory. For migrant workers who receive an education and move around to work, parental education affects their education but otherwise is unrelated to their wages, which makes parental education a good instrument in the instrumental variable approach. For local residents who stay in the same place during childhood and adulthood, parental education can directly affect their wages, and is better introduced as a proxy variable using the control variable method. This article identifies the heterogeneous effect of parental education on wages for different Chinese cohorts and contributes to the debate between the control variable and instrumental variable methods in returns to education studies. Moreover, the idea of geographic isolation can help in the search for good instrumental variables for migrant workers, which is valuable when studying the large migrant population in developing countries such as Mexico, China, India, Vietnam, and many African countries.
China's export tax rebate and the duration of firm export spells
Authors: Anwar Sajid , Hu Beibei , Jin Yuying , Wang Kai
Published: September 2018

Using a survival analysis technique, this paper investigates the impact of the export tax rebate (ETR) on duration of the firm, country/destination, and product (F–C–P)‐level export spells in China. Empirical analysis of a large dataset that covers the 2001 to 2013 period shows that the effect of ETR on duration of export spells of Chinese firms is large and statistically significant. A 1 percentage point increase in ETR rate increases the duration rate of F–C–P relationships by 23.2%. Furthermore, compared with the high‐tech firms, low‐tech and middle‐tech firms experience a larger increase in the duration of export spells in response to increase in China's ETR. Firm ownership‐based analysis shows that an increase in ETR leads to a larger increase in export spells of privately owned firms than the export spells of state‐ and foreign‐owned firms. These findings have important policy implications for the design and implementation of China's ETR policy.