bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active vibration control development in ultra‐precision machining
Authors: Aggogeri Francesco , Merlo Angelo , Pellegrini Nicola
Published: June 2020

This study presents a combined feedback–feedforward adaptive regulator applied to an active vibration control tool holder platform to contain the effect of machining vibrations. The proposed mechatronic solution can be integrated in a milling machine tool as an interface between the beam ( Z-axis) and the tool holder. The aim is to counteract vibrations in the broadband frequency range (100 Hz–900 Hz), controlling the tool position in real time. The active vibration control system is based on the harmonic steady-state concept due to the sinusoidal representation of the disturbance signals. The study focuses on the regulator architecture and the main logics applied to satisfy the required performance. A full investigation is executed through simulations and experimental campaigns, proving the disturbance reduction. The active vibration control system is implemented on a 4-axis machine tool and validated using multitonal disturbances. The system is evaluated in compensating a set of undesired effects, such as vibrations generated by unbalanced tools or hard material cutting processes. The obtained results show a maximum reduction of the vibration amplitude by 43.7% at the critical frequency.
Questionable Research Practices: How to Recognize and Avoid Them
Authors: Suter William Newton
Published: June 2020

This article focuses on questionable research practices (QRPs) that bias findings and conclusions. QRPs cast doubt on the credibility of research findings in home health and nursing science in general. They assault the research integrity of all researchers to the extent they are permitted to exist at all. Each QRP is defined via bundles of specific research behaviors with unifying labels that include deceptive mirages and phantom sharpshooters among others. These questionable behaviors are described in ways that enhance research understanding and enable QRP avoidance by careful home health nurse researchers using higher standards of scientific rigor. QRPs impede scientific progress by generating false conclusions. They threaten the validity and dependability of scientific research and confuse other researchers who practice rigorous science and maintain integrity. QRPs also clog the literature with studies that cannot be replicated. When researchers engage in QRPs at the expense of rigor, overall trust in the scientific knowledge base erodes.
Hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula ligation after renal transplantation: Impact on graft resistive index
Authors: Magnetti Marica , Leonardi Gianluca , Guarena Cesare , Dolla Caterina , Tarragoni Rita , Abbasciano Isabella , Fop Fabrizio , Tallia Caterina , Giordano Federica , Verri Aldo , Biancone Luigi
Published: June 2020

Background:

Kidney allograft resistive index (RI) is prognostic for graft and recipient survivals. Recipient hemodynamics could influence RI. In particular, dialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF) has been involved in heart function changes, reversible after AVF ligation. Knowledge about AVF and RI is lacking. In this study, we prospectively evaluated RI changes after AVF ligation in kidney transplanted patients.

Methods:

We enrolled 22 stable transplanted patients. Mean RI was measured before AVF ligation (T0), 18 to 24 h (T1) and 6 months (T6) after surgery; mean blood pressure (mBP), heart rate (HR), serum creatinine (sCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), 24 h proteinuria (24 h-P), immunosuppressive drug blood levels (IS) and antihypertensive drugs were also recorded.

Results:

AVF ligation was performed 3.1 years (IQR: 2.1–3.8) after transplantation. Median AVF flow (Qa) was 1868 mL/min (IQR: 1538–2712) and 8 AVF were classified as high flow (Qa ≥ 2 L/min). At baseline, median sCr was 1.32 mg/dL (IQR: 1.04–1.76) and median eGFR was 57.1 mL/min. Median RI was 0.71 at T0, 0.69 at T1, 0.66 at T6. RI reduction at T1 and T6 was statistically significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively); in particular, 90.4% of patients had persistently improved values at T6. Furthermore, mBP increased while HR decreased. These changes were independent from sCr, 24 h-P, IS, antihypertensive drugs number, Qa and AVF type.

Conclusions:

AVF ligation improves kidney allograft RI; it may reflect better kidney perfusion.
A Narrative Review: The Use of the Topical NSAID Ibuprofen for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. Supporting Clinician Decision-Making in the First-Line Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hawthorn Catrin
Published: June 2020

A Narrative Review:

The use of the topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) ibuprofen for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Supporting clinician decision-making in the first-line treatment of osteoarthritis.

Objective:

To open discussion at a clinical level on the guidelines for the pharmacological management of osteoarthritis of the knee, this narrative review looks into the use of topical NSAID being a clinically effective, safe, and cost-efficient treatment compared to an oral alternative.

Background:

With the over prescription of NSAIDs in the age of above 65 years, there has been a call for increased restrictions of the sale of oral preparations of NSAIDs. It is our view that there is still a lack of awareness in the benefit of topical NSAIDs to the patient (no evidence of adverse reactions recorded by the Joint Formulary Committee [JFC] to date) as well as provider (topical application is cheaper as a National Health Service [NHS] prescription).

Methods:

Key online resources included PubMed, Athens, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and relevant clinical and commissioning guidelines with the final date of data collection in March 2017. We also contacted the manufacturer and license holder directly for further clarification. Randomized, double-blind control studies, commissioned reports, International Guidelines, MEHA Guidelines, and license holder data were included. Where possible studies included had to have fair randomization and adhere to key treatment pathways as highlighted by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and other guidelines.

Discussion:

Current guidelines advise that patients who seek initial treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee should consider a combination of treatment modalities, including pharmacological therapies, particularly the use of NSAIDs. At a clinical level, a reoccurring issue identified with this advice is the inappropriate use of oral NSAIDs, and the concern that the risks associated with ease of access (“over the counter”), and overuse, may result in systemic adverse events in this cohort of patients. Multiple studies have examined the negative effect of oral NSAIDs and the associated risks of use. We were unable to source studies that showed any adverse systemic events from the use of topical NSAIDs; however, there are good quality trials comparing oral to topical NSAIDs, showing similar levels of efficacy at 6 and 12 weeks.

Conclusion:

Topical NSAIDs provide good levels of pain relief in subjects with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. There is also evidence for the use of the topical application being a clinically effective, safe, and cost-efficient treatment.
Policy translation in Turkish disability policy: The role and limitations of international organisations
Authors: Duygun Tolga
Published: June 2020

This article uses the case study of disability policy in Turkey to investigate how the policy of International Organisations (IOs) influences domestic policy and the ways in which domestic actors ‘assemble’ or re-‘assemble’ policies or construct ‘hybrid’ policy. Sociologists have devoted their efforts to finding reasonable explanations for how influence results in translating the policy ideas of international organisations (IOs) to the domestic context. Historically, IOs have been able to advance global disability policy developments; yet, there has been a significant gap in our knowledge of the detailed mechanisms of how IOs’ influence has been exerted at the domestic context. Drawing on both documentary sources and semistructured interviews, we found a combination of inspirational, and both direct and indirect coercive influence of IOs contributed to policy translation in Turkish disability policy between 1980 and 1999. However, there was no evidence for direct influence of neither IOs headquarters nor IOs Turkish offices in the policy translation in disability.
Laser ultrasonic monitoring of reversible/irreversible modification of a real crack under photothermal loading
Authors: Ni Chen-Yin , LV Jin-Chao , Zhang Yue-Ying , He Hai-Yan , Xia Xi-Feng , Shen Zhong-Hua , Gusev Vitalyi
Published: June 2020

We study the responses of laser-generated acoustic waves to localized reversible/irreversible modifications of microscopic asperities on crack surfaces during crack closure, which is an essential process in nonlinear photoacoustic/photothermal crack detection techniques. Our laser ultrasonics technique involves optical measurement of the transmission and mode conversion of the laser-generated surface acoustic waves caused by the crack. Reversible/irreversible modifications of asperities can be achieved via non-contact photothermal loading of the crack. Three photothermal loading cycles were realized in individual succession and were monitored using the laser ultrasonics technique at various experimental locations along the crack. In our experiments, each photothermal loading cycle includes multiple successive subcycles, in which the material is first heated and then cooled to its equilibrium temperature, thereby initiating local closing, followed by opening of the crack. Each subcycle is monitored twice using the laser ultrasonics technique, once each at the end of heating and cooling. Furthermore, each successive subcycle is accomplished at a higher power of heating laser than that of the previous subcycle. Significant differences in the peak-to-peak amplitude of the surface skimming longitudinal acoustic wave, which is excited by mode conversion of the Rayleigh wave by the crack, are revealed during the first cycle of photothermal loading. These differences clearly indicate a partial irreversibility of the mechanical processes occurring in the crack surfaces during subcycles of the first cycle. In a larger temporal scale, irreversible modification of crack surfaces is observed from the significant difference between the experimental results of the first photothermal loading cycle and the subsequent two cycles, whereas a reversible response of the crack surface to thermoelastic loading is observed from the similarity of the measurements accumulated during the two subsequent cycles.
The influence of frequency content on the performance of artificial neural network–based damage detection systems tested on numerical and experimental bridge data
Authors: Neves Ana C , González Ignacio , Karoumi Raid , Leander John
Published: June 2020

The method herein proposed provides a novel perspective about data processing within structural health monitoring, which is essential for automated real-time monitoring and assessment of civil engineering structures. The low- and high-frequency contents of the forced vibration response of a structure are used to train and test artificial neural networks for the purpose of damage detection. In the context of several damage scenarios, the different versions of the networks are compared with each other with the aim of verifying which are the most efficient regarding novelty detection (one-class classification). The data related with the high-frequency response showed to contain more useful information for the proposed damage detection algorithm, when compared with the low-frequency response data (typically modal). In view of that, high frequencies should be given more attention in future research about their application in connection with structural health monitoring systems.
Coordination and Party Change in the United States
Authors: Lee Daniel J. , Brady Michael
Published: June 2020

The ability of American political parties to change issue positions is potentially hindered by problems of coordination. Research on parties since the 1990s has shown what tools party leadership can use to enforce discipline and cohesion among its ranks. We, however, question whether those theories of party control, which explain party stability, can straightforwardly explain party change. Oftentimes we think of parties strategically altering issue positions, but what is “the party?” Rather than a monolithic group, American parties are relatively decentralized, weak, and individualistic compared with other party systems. We present an evolutionary game theoretic example to illustrate the problem of coordination in party change. This theoretical framework suggests an empirical focus on individual-level behaviors to better understand the dynamics of party change. We analyze roll call voting of members of Congress on the environment and abortion to illustrate micro-level behaviors suggested by our theoretical discussion.
Surgery Versus Nonsurgical Methods in Treating Neuropathic Plantar Forefoot Ulcers: A Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies
Authors: Yammine Kaissar , Assi Chahine
Published: June 2020

The treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is usually based on local debridement, topical agents, and nonsurgical off-loading. When compared with nonsurgical methods, a number of articles reported better results with surgery. The aim of this meta-analysis was to collate quantitative evidence on the outcomes of surgery versus nonsurgical treatment (NST) of DFUs. Databases were searched from inception to September 2019. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used to appraise studies’ quality. Nine studies were included totalizing 436 ulcers (216 treated with surgery and 220 DFUs with NST). The primary outcome was the healing rate. The secondary outcomes were time to heal, recurrence rate, transfer rate, infection rate, and amputation/revision surgery rate. The risk differences (RDs) between the healing rates following surgery and NST for infected and noninfected ulcers were 17% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.012-0.328, P = .03) and 19.2% (95% CI = 0.050-0.334, P = .008), respectively, in favor of surgery. The amputation/revision surgery rate was significantly better following surgery for both types of ulcers. Noninfected ulcers demonstrated significantly lesser time to heal, recurrence, and infection rates following surgery. This meta-analysis demonstrated that surgery was superior to NST in treating infected and noninfected neuropathic plantar wounds.
Do’s and Don’ts for a Good Reviewer of Scientific Papers: A Beginner’s Brief Decalogue
Authors: Lazarides Miltos K. , Georgiadis George S. , Papanas Nikolaos
Published: June 2020

Peer review has been the principal way of evaluating scientific articles, ensuring that publications meet standards of methodology, integrity, and ethics. Occasionally, however, reviews are suboptimal, especially those by inexperienced reviewers. Therefore, this article offers suggestions on how to review a scientific article. Some of the most important suggestions include submitting the review in a timely fashion without undue delay, not breeching confidentiality, focusing mainly on the methodology, following specific format, and avoiding embarrassing comments to the authors.
An Observational Retrospective Study Investigating Changes in Seizure Adequacy Parameters of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Their Relationships to Clinical Outcome in Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder
Authors: Durmaz Onur , Öcek Baş Tuba
Published: June 2020

The aim of the current study was to investigate a possible relationship between electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) seizure adequacy parameters and clinical outcome as well as differences between ECT responders and nonresponders in terms of ECT seizure parameters in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. First and last ECT records data, sociodemographic variables, and baseline and post ECT Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores were obtained. Maximum sustained power was higher in last ECT in favor of responders while peak heart rate was higher in ECT nonresponders than responders in first ECT. Stimulus doses were higher in last ECT than in the first ECT in both groups. No predictor variable was observed among baseline ECT seizure parameters for clinical improvement. Study was insufficient to yield a precise finding pointing a relationship between electrophysiological seizure parameters and clinical outcome in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Study on filtration performance of elliptical fiber with different arrangements
Authors: Zhou JiaWei , Zhang Liang , Zhang Bo , Gong Wei
Published: June 2020

The fibrous media composed of elliptical fibers is widely used owing to the high filtration efficiency. However, there are few studies on the arrangement of non-circular fibers, although the single non-circular fiber has been clearly investigated. In this article, two-dimensional numerical geometries of fibrous media with different elliptical fiber arrangements, namely, random distribution structure, dense–sparse structure, and bimodal structure, are developed for studying filtration performance. The results show that the large aspect ratio and solid volume fraction represent low particle penetration. When the particle diameter ( Dp) is small, the quality factor of bimodal structure is higher than the dense–sparse structure, especially at Dp = 50 nm. For the large Dp, the opposite is true. Meanwhile, reducing fiber diameter ( Df) is more significant than increasing solid volume fraction in terms of improving penetration. As for dense–sparse structure, replacing the elliptical fibers in sparse layers with circular fibers can comprehensively improve the quality factor of fibrous media. However, if the replacement between elliptical fiber and circular fiber occurs in dense layer, it will result in high quality factor at Dp ⩽ 500 nm, while low quality factor at Dp > 500 nm.
Building the executive system of autonomous aerial robots using the Aerostack open-source framework
Authors: Molina Martin , Carrera Abraham , Camporredondo Alberto , Bavle Hriday , Rodriguez-Ramos Alejandro , Campoy Pascual
Published: June 2020

A variety of open-source software tools are currently available to help building autonomous mobile robots. These tools have proven their effectiveness in developing different types of robotic systems, but there are still needs related to safety and efficiency that are not sufficiently covered. This article describes recent advances in the Aerostack software framework to address part of these needs, which may become critical in the case of aerial robots. The article describes a software tool that helps to develop the executive system, an important component of the control architecture whose characteristics significantly affect the quality of the final autonomous robotic system. The presented tool uses an original solution for execution control that aims at simplifying mission specification and protecting against errors, considering also the efficiency needs of aerial robots. The effectiveness of the tool was evaluated by building an experimental autonomous robot. The results of the evaluation show that it provides significant benefits about usability and reliability with acceptable development effort and computational cost. The tool is based on Robot Operating System and it is publicly available as part of the last release of the Aerostack software framework (version 3.0).
A prospective quasi-experimental controlled study evaluating the use of dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses to manage common postpartum ailments during postnatal care
Authors: Szkwara Jaclyn Michele , Milne Nikki , Rathbone Evelyne
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of a postnatal dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses to manage postpartum pain, improve functional capacity and enhance the quality of life arising from postnatal ailments immediately to an 8-week postpartum, compared with patients who did not wear dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses.

Method:

A total of 51 postpartum women were recruited (day 0 to 10 days post-delivery) from hospitals and community-based health clinics to participate in a prospective quasi-experimental controlled study using parallel groups without random allocation. The subgroup of the compression shorts group wore SRC recovery shorts and received standard postnatal care. The comparison group received standard postnatal care alone. Wear compliance was monitored throughout the study. Primary outcome measure, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and secondary outcome measures, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire–7, and Short Form (SF-36) were assessed fortnightly over 8 weeks for both groups.

Results:

The compression shorts group reported a larger reduction in mean (SD) Numeric Pain Rating Scale score (−3.09 (2.20)) from baseline to 8 weeks, compared to the comparison group (−2.00 (1.41)). However, there was insufficient evidence of a statistical difference in Numeric Pain Rating Scale score at 8 weeks when comparing the compression shorts group and comparison group (−1.17; 95%CI: (−2.35, −0.01), R2 = .19, p = .050). The compression shorts group met the wear compliance of the dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses and reported an average wear of the dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses as 9 out of 14 days for 11 h per day (SD 4.8 h) between the fortnightly timepoints.

Conclusion:

The use of dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses may be considered during postnatal care as a non-pharmacological therapeutic intervention to manage pain resulting from common postpartum ailments. While the dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses was clinically well accepted by participants with high wearing compliance, future research with larger population samples are needed to enable statistical conclusions on the effectiveness of a dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses in postnatal care to be made.

Registration:

Trial registration was not required as per the Australian Government Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration.
In the trap of Beatrice: On Florence Conard’s war memories and disciplinary turns
Authors: Aguirre Pombo José , Nezirevic Erma
Published: June 2020

This article examines the relationship between the family archive and Memory Studies. It analyzes the archive of a young woman, Florence Elizabeth Conard, whose writings of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) are archived in the Kautz FamilyYMCA Archive in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her story is narrated and edited by her father affirming her existence as a literary witness. We, the authors, use Borges’ reading of The Divine Comedy as a productive analogy to approach memory through the lens of literature, opening a path for further interrogation of narrative and moving from that which is narrated to that which is narratable and redactable. It illustrates how the mnemonic practices of memory reside in their narratability. Just the same, the academic field of Memory Studies grappling with these practices is not a fashionable product of the twentieth-century traumas, but has existed as a practice before the archive, which gives it a space.
Physiological Factors of Female Runners With and Without Stress Fracture Histories: A Pilot Study
Authors: Johnston Therese E. , Dempsey Colleen , Gilman Frances , Tomlinson Ryan , Jacketti Ann-Katrin , Close Jeremy
Published: June 2020

Background:

Female runners are at increased risk of stress fractures (SFs) compared with men. Literature is lacking with regard to best practice for preventing and treating SFs in women. The purpose of the study was to compare physiological measures and running-related factors between women of various ages and running abilities with and without a history of running-related SFs.

Hypothesis:

Women with and without SF histories will differ with regard to medical and menstrual history, bone health, body composition, nutrition, and running history.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

A total of 20 female runners with SF histories were matched based on age and running distance with 20 women without SF histories. Data included medical, menstrual, running, injury, and nutritional histories; blood histology related to nutritional, hormonal, and bone-related risk factors; and bone density, fat, and lean tissue using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Paired t tests were used to examine differences between women with and without SF histories, and Spearmen correlations were conducted to examine relationships between physiological factors.

Results:

Women with SF histories had lower hip bone mineral density compared with women without SF histories ( P < 0.05). SF history was moderately correlated with menstrual changes during increased training times ( r = 0.580; P < 0.0001) but was not correlated with any other physiological factor. There was a moderate correlation within the SF group ( r = 0.65; P = 0.004) for bone markers for resorption and formation both increasing, indicating increased bone turnover.

Conclusion:

Female runners with low hip bone mineral density, menstrual changes during peak training, and elevated bone turnover markers may be at increased risk of SF.

Clinical Relevance:

Female runners need routine screening for risks associated with SF occurrence. As bone mineral density and bone turnover markers are not routinely assessed in this population, important risk factors may be missed.
Need for preventive and control measures for Lassa fever through the One Health strategic approach
Authors: Abdullahi Idris Nasir , Anka Abubakar Umar , Ghamba Peter Elisha , Onukegbe Nkechi Blessing , Amadu Dele Ohinoyi , Salami Matthew Oluwafemi
Published: June 2020

Lassa virus (LASV) has increasingly been recognised as a significant public-health pathogen transmitted by rodents. LASV infection leads to life-threatening Lassa fever, which has high potential for severe morbidity and mortality. There have been several scientific efforts to understand the genomics and ecological epidemiology of Lassa. However, very limited studies have focused on the short- and long-term impacts of environmental factors, human behaviours and rodent activities on LASV transmission dynamics and control. Recently, a very plausible and ideal way to address the Lassa epidemic has been considered through the One Health approach. The One Health system of intervention is capable of providing better and comprehensive information necessary to address the complex interplay between human, ecological, and environmental determinants of LASV transmission, persistence and re-emergence. Thus, the aim of this article was to review critically the impacts of various environmental factors on rodent infestations, LASV transmission and how human activities contribute to the persistence of Lassa with regard to exploring how they could be harnessed for better understanding of Lassa prevention and control through a concerted One Health approach.
Early detection of and intervention for two newborns with critical congenital heart disease using a specialized device as part of a screening system
Authors: Gómez-Gutiérrez René , Cruz-Camino Héctor , Cantú-Reyna Consuelo , Martínez-Cervantes Adrián , Vazquez-Cantu Diana Laura , Rivas-Soriano Verónica , Vargas-Betancourt Eduardo , Britton-Robles Cecilia
Published: June 2020

Screening for critical congenital heart disease is a clinical method used for their early detection using pulse oximetry technology. This, followed by a diagnostic confirmatory protocol, allows timely therapeutic interventions that improve the newborn’s outcome. According to Mexican birth statistics, approximately 18,000–21,000 neonates are born with a form of congenital heart disease each year, of which 25% are estimated to be critical congenital heart disease. We report two cases with an early critical congenital heart disease detection and intervention through an innovative critical congenital heart disease screening program implemented in two Mexican hospitals. They integrated a new automated pulse oximetry data analysis method and a comprehensive follow-up system (Cárdi-k®). Both cases were confirmed by echocardiogram, which served for an intervention in the first week of life, and the patients were discharged in good clinical condition. In addition, to the routine physical assessments, the critical congenital heart disease screening program (which includes echocardiogram for presumptive positive cases) should be implemented in a timely manner.
Case report of large malignant pericardial effusion in a post-surgical setting of endometrial mixed carcinoma: A description of unique cytological, histological, and immunohistochemical findings
Authors: Mizuguchi Seiya , Shioya Akihiro , Sasagawa Toshiyuki , Yamada Sumire , Mizutani Kenichi , Kurose Nozomu , Yamada Sohsuke
Published: June 2020

Appearance of endometrial carcinoma in pericardial effusion is extremely rare. Its major etiological factors include lung cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. We herein report a case of a large malignant pericardial effusion 7 years after surgery for endometrial carcinoma. A 66-year-old woman who underwent modified radical hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and lymph node dissection for endometrial carcinoma 7 years ago and who had self-interrupted subsequent chemotherapy was presented with vertigo and vomiting. Chest computed tomography revealed pericardial effusion. Cytological examination diagnosed it as adenocarcinoma with psammoma bodies and mitoses. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that adenocarcinoma cells were positive for p53, p16, and insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein-3, but negative for estrogen receptor. Adenocarcinoma cells in pericardial effusion were morphologically and immunohistochemically similar to the serous carcinoma component of the surgical specimen. The appearance of psammoma bodies in cytological examination triggered the diagnosis.
Saw It on Facebook: The Role of Social Media in Facilitating Science Issue Awareness
Authors: Mueller-Herbst Julian M. , Xenos Michael A. , Scheufele Dietram A. , Brossard Dominique
Published: June 2020

Spreading issue awareness about increasingly interdisciplinary scientific discoveries faces progressively larger communication challenges due to the complexity, innovation pace, and broad applicability of these innovations. Traditionally, the public relies on legacy media for information and discussion of science topics. In face of a changing information landscape, however, legacy media struggle with decreasing funding for their science desks, and science journalists turn to more specialized outlets, often online. Given these developments, it is important to understand which platforms besides legacy media serve as facilitators of science issue awareness. In this study, we analyzed the impact of social media on the awareness of gene editing. We used a representative survey administered by professional survey firm YouGov between December 2016 and January 2017, yielding a final sample of 1,600 US adults with a 41.7% response rate. The regression analysis findings suggest that social media is a significant avenue through which awareness of gene editing, and subsequently other scientific issues, is spread. Using the example of Facebook, we were able to demonstrate that how, rather than if, one uses social media is the determining factor in spreading issue awareness. Awareness was positively predicted by the length of social media sessions and network heterogeneity, while pure amount of sessions actually negatively predicted awareness. Legacy media remain an important predictor of gene editing awareness. These results demonstrate that social media functions as an important information space for science issues and should receive individual attention along with legacy media outlets when examining science communication.
Gender differences in audio-vestibular disorders
Authors: Corazzi Virginia , Ciorba Andrea , Skarżyński Piotr Henryk , Skarżyńska Magdalena B , Bianchini Chiara , Stomeo Francesco , Bellini Tiziana , Pelucchi Stefano , Hatzopoulos Stavros
Published: June 2020

In the last years, the attention to the role of gender in physiopathology and pharmacology of diseases in several medical disciplines is rising; however, the data on the relationship between gender and audio-vestibular disorders are still inconclusive and sometimes confusing. With this letter to the editor, we would like to review the role of gender in audio-vestibular disorders. Literature data show that anatomic variances of the inner ear do exist in men and women and that the different physiology and/or hormonal influence between genders could produce different clinical outcome of routine audiological and vestibular tests. Beyond the epidemiological gender-related differences, the clinical data suggest that the gender has a potential role as an etiopathogenetic factor in audio-vestibular disorders and it is probably responsible for the different clinical features observed between male and female subjects.
Stop the Bleed: The Impact of a Basic Bleeding Control Course on High School Personnel’s Perceptions of Self-Efficacy and School Preparedness
Authors: Nanassy Autumn D. , Graf Richard L. , Budziszewski Ross , Thompson Rochelle , Zwislewski Adam , Meyer Loreen , Grewal Harsh
Published: June 2020

Background: Uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death from trauma. The Stop the Bleed (STB) initiative provides basic education about bleeding to potential immediate responders. The present study aimed to assess the perceptions of self-efficacy and school preparedness related to responding to a life-threatening bleeding emergency in school personnel at an urban high school. Methods: High school personnel from an urban high school ( N = 156) completed a 1-hour STB course that included a didactic and hands-on component. Participants rated their agreement with statements about self-efficacy and school preparedness on a 5-point Likert-type scale, responded to items regarding how school personnel could be better prepared for life-threatening emergencies, and had the option to provide written responses pre- and post-course. Findings: Independent samples t tests revealed that perceptions of self-efficacy and school preparedness increased after the course ( p < .001). Before the course, 87% of participants felt they needed training, 80% felt the school needed clearer procedures, and 74% felt the school required more equipment for a life-threatening bleeding incident compared with 63%, 69%, and 78% post-course, respectively. Thematic analysis of written responses revealed that participants desired higher frequencies of STB training, more equipment, clearer school procedures, and realistic training scenarios with students. Conclusions/Application to Practice: The STB course increased both perceptions of self-efficacy and school preparedness in a sample of high school personnel. Qualitative analyses provided insight to personnel’s opinion of STB’s effectiveness and what is necessary to maintain or follow through with this knowledge after completion of the course.
Evidence and Trends in Burn Wound Debridement: An Evidence Map
Authors: Ziegler Benjamin , Fischer Sebastian , Pieper Dawid , Mathes Tim , Kneser Ulrich , Hirche Christoph
Published: June 2020

Treatment of the burn wound is crucial in care of severely burned patients. Surgical strategies differ in technique and timing of wound excision and are considered to have an impact on morbidity and mortality of burn patients. Most techniques and strategies have been established during the last century and are still standard of care. Nonetheless, several newer techniques have been presented and evaluated recently. To summarize the evidence and trends for eschar removal by burn wound debridement currently available, an evidence map as variant of the systematic review, was prepared. For this purpose, a systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed databases until December 2016. While overall evidence in this domain is low, recent publications focus on optimal timing of wound excision, enzymatic debridement, and hydrosurgery. Several studies report the benefit of an early wound excision in terms of shorter hospital stay, lower wound infection rate, and reduction of postburn metabolic changes. Enzymatic debridement has been shown to be an effective tool for early eschar removal and in addition reduces the need for autografting of the debrided burn wound with a relatively high level of evidence (LoE 2-). Wound debridement by means of hydrosurgery is more precise compared to conventional wound excision and preserves viable dermis, but a positive effect on wound healing or scar formation could not been shown (LoE 2). Furthermore, rarely reported techniques comprise larvae therapy, debridement by laser, and other technical adjuncts, but the level of evidence is limited (LoE 4-/5).
Comparing Perspectives of Canadian Men Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer and Health Care Professionals About Active Surveillance
Authors: Fitch Margaret , Ouellet Veronique , Pang Kittie , Chevalier Simone , Drachenberg Darrel E , Finelli Antonio , Lattouf Jean-Baptiste , Loiselle Carmen , So Alan , Sutcliffe Simon , Tanguay Simon , Saad Fred , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie
Published: June 2020

Active surveillance (AS) has gained acceptance as a primary management approach for patients diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer (PC). In this qualitative study, we compared perspectives between patients and health care professionals (HCP) to identify what may contribute to patient–provider discordance, influence patient decision-making, and interfere with the uptake of AS. We performed a systematic comparison of perspectives about AS reported from focus groups with men eligible for AS (7 groups, N = 52) and HCP (5 groups, N = 48) who engaged in conversations about AS with patient. We used conventional content analysis to scrutinize separately focus group transcripts and reached a consensus on similar or divergent viewpoints between them. Patients and clinicians agreed that AS was appropriate for low grade PC and understood the low-risk nature of the disease. They shared the perspective that disease status was a critical factor to pursue or discontinue AS. However, men expressed a greater emphasis on quality of life in their decisions related to AS. Patients and clinicians differed in their perspectives on the clarity, availability, and volume of information needed and offered; clinicians acknowledged variations between HCP when presenting AS, while patients were often compelled to seek additional information beyond what was provided by physicians and experienced difficulty in finding or interpreting information applicable to their situation. A greater understanding of discordant perspectives about AS between patients and HCP can help improve patient engagement and education, inform development of knowledge-based tools or aids for decision-making, and identify areas that require standardization across the clinical practice.
Maintaining stroke care in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from an international survey of stroke professionals and practice recommendations from the European Stroke Organisation
Authors: Aguiar de Sousa Diana , van der Worp H Bart , Caso Valeria , Cordonnier Charlotte , Strbian Daniel , Ntaios George , Schellinger Peter D , Sandset Else Charlotte ,   for the European Stroke Organisation
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been placing an overwhelming burden on health systems, thus threatening their ability to operate effectively for acute conditions in which treatments are highly time sensitive, such as cerebrovascular disorders and myocardial infarction. As part of an effort to reduce the consequences of this outbreak on health service delivery to stroke patients, the European Stroke Organisation has undertaken a survey aimed at collecting information on the provision of stroke care during the pandemic.

Methods

Cross-sectional, web-based survey, conducted from 26 March through 1 April 2020 among stroke care providers, focused on reorganisation of health services, the delivery of acute and post-acute stroke care and the availability of personal protective equipment.

Results

A total of 426 stroke care providers from 55 countries completed the survey, most of whom worked in Europe (n = 375, 88%) and were stroke physicians/neurologists (n = 334, 78%). Among European respondents, 289 (77%) reported that not all stroke patients were receiving the usual care in their centres and 266 (71%) estimated that functional outcomes and recurrence rates of stroke patients would be negatively affected by the organisational changes caused by the pandemic. The areas considered as being most affected were acute care and rehabilitation. Most professionals had to adapt their activities and schedules and more than half reported shortage of protective equipment.

Discussion

Strategies to maintain availability of stroke care during the COVID-19 outbreak are crucial to prevent indirect mortality and disability due to suboptimal care.

Conclusion

European Stroke Organisation proposes a set of targeted actions for decision makers facing this exceptional situation.
Identification of bioactive compounds in ethylacetate fraction of Tapinanthus bangwensis leaves that ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats
Authors: Ihegboro Godwin Okwudiri , Alhassan Adamu Jibrin , Ononamadu Chimaobi James , Sule Mohamed Sani
Published: June 2020

The pharmacological effects of medicinal plants are due to the presence of certain chemical compounds present in them. Previous studies have shown that crude extracts of Tapinanthus bangwensis ( T. bangwensis) possess hepatocurative potential. However, the present study aims on evaluating the antioxidant activity as well as identifying the chemical compounds in ethylacetate fraction of T. bangwensis that ameliorate carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Six subfractions of ethylacetate fraction were obtained by column chromatography. The antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH), biochemical assay determined by spectrophotometry, and compound elucidation by liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) analysis. The DPPH result shows that subfraction F0 exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity followed by F4 while F1 exhibited the lowest. Oral administration of 100 mg/kg body weight of the subfractions of ethylacetate fraction of T. bangwensis increases superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and also glutathione level and decreases malondialdehyde level compared to the positive control group. Subsequently, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin were reduced while albumin and total protein levels increased compared to the positive control group. However, there were no significant differences between the positive control group and the group induced and treated with the subfractions at p < 0.05. The histopathology study shows normal hepatocyte distribution with no fat deposit in the induced and treated groups while fatty liver was observed in the positive group. The anti-hepatotoxic effect was higher in F4 than in other subfraction treated groups. Hence, the LC-MS analysis of F4 reveals the presence of 8-hydroxyluteolin-8-glucoside, Avicularin, Fisetin-7-glucoside, Isoscutellarein-7-xyloside, and Isovitexin, respectively, and has been reported to exhibit antioxidant and hepatocurative activities. It can be concluded that the hepatocurative effect could be due to the chemical compounds identified above.
Theoretical investigation on nonlinear dynamic characteristic of spindle system
Authors: Gao Xiangsheng , Qin Zeyun , Wang Min , Hao Yuming , Liu Ziyu
Published: June 2020

Radial gap will occur at the spindle–tool holder interface when the spindle rotates at high speed. Therefore, the radial gap will lead to the nonlinear stiffness at the spindle–tool holder connection, and it will have effects on dynamic characteristic of spindle system. In this research, classic elastic theory is adopted to evaluate the nonlinear stiffness at spindle–tool holder interface. Dynamic model of spindle system is established considering the nonlinear stiffness at spindle–tool holder interface. The fourth-order Runge–Kutta method is applied to solve dynamic response of the spindle system. On that basis, effects of drawbar force on dynamic characteristic of the system are investigated. Considering the cutting force, effects of rotational speed on dynamic response of cutter tip are also discussed. The numerical results show that the drawbar force has effects on vibration mode of cutter tip. Chaotic motion will not occur within the range concerned in engineering practice. Considering the cutting force, the motion of cutter tip turns to be chaotic. The proper rotational speed and drawbar force should be chosen to ensure a stable cutting according to the response of cutter tip.
Institutional delivery service utilization and associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and META-analysis
Authors: Nigusie Adane , Azale Telake , Yitayal Mezgebu
Published: June 2020

Background

There is wide variation in the utilization of institutional delivery service in Ethiopia. Various socioeconomic and cultural factors affect the decision where to give birth. Although there has been a growing interest in the assessment of institutional delivery service utilization and its predictors, nationally representative evidence is scarce. This study was aimed to estimate the pooled national prevalence of institutional delivery service utilization and associated factors in Ethiopia.

Methods

Studies were accessed through PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias, and I-squared statistic was applied to check heterogeneity of studies. A weighted Dersimonian laired random effect model was applied to estimate the pooled national prevalence and the effect size of institutional delivery service utilization and associated factors.

Result

Twenty four studies were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of institutional delivery service utilization was 31% (95% Confidence interval (CI): 30, 31.2%; I2 = 0.00%). Attitude towards institutional delivery (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) = 2.83; 95% CI 1.35,5.92) in 3 studies, maternal age at first pregnancy (AOR = 3.59; 95% CI 2.27,5.69) in 4 studies, residence setting (AOR = 3.84; 95% CI 1.31, 11.25) in 7 studies, educational status (AOR = 2.91;95% 1.88,4.52) in 5 studies, availability of information source (AOR = 1.80;95% CI 1.16,2.78) in 6 studies, ANC follow-up (AOR = 2.57 95% CI 1.46,4.54) in 13 studies, frequency of ANC follow up (AOR = 4.04;95% CI 1.21,13.46) in 4 studies, knowledge on danger signs during pregnancy and benefits of institutional delivery (AOR = 3.04;95% CI 1.76,5.24) in 11 studies and place of birth of the elder child (AOR = 8.44;95% CI 5.75,12.39) in 4 studies were the significant predictors of institutional delivery service utilization.

Conclusion

This review found that there are several modifiable factors such as empowering women through education; promoting antenatal care to prevent home delivery; increasing awareness of women through mass media and making services more accessible would likely increase utilization of institutional delivery.