bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of water wave interaction with a submerged quarter-circular breakwater using multipole method
Authors: Li Ai-jun , Liu Yong , Lyu Zuo-rui
Published: March 2020

This article studies water wave interaction with a submerged quarter-circular breakwater based on potential theory and multipole expansion method. The obliquely and normally incident waves are independently considered. The series solution of velocity potential in the external fluid domain is expressed through the multipole expansions, while the series solution of velocity potential in the quarter-circular internal fluid domain is obtained through the separation of variables. Then, the unknown coefficients in the series solutions are determined by matching the boundary conditions between external and internal fluid domains. The calculation methods for the reflection and transmission coefficients of the submerged quarter-circular breakwater as well as the horizontal and vertical wave forces on the breakwater are presented. The wave forces acting on the submerged breakwater with a seaside quarter-circular-arc and that with a leeside quarter-circular-arc are compared. The hydrodynamic quantities of the submerged quarter-circular breakwater are also compared with those of the submerged semi-circular breakwater. In addition, the effects of breakwater radius, incident frequency, and incident angle on the hydrodynamic quantities of the quarter-circular breakwater are clarified. Valuable results for practical engineering application are drawn.
Circular RNA circMTO1 Suppresses RCC Cancer Cell Progression via miR9/LMX1A Axis
Authors: Li Kecheng , Wan Cheng-Liang , Guo Yan
Published: March 2020

Renal cell carcinoma is one of the most common kidney cancer, which accounts almost 90% of the adult renal malignancies worldwide. In recent years, a new class of endogenous noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs, exert important roles in cell function and certain types of pathological responses, especially in cancers, generally by acting as a microRNA sponge. Circular RNAs could act as sponge to regulate the microRNA and the target genes. However, the knowledge about circular RNAs in renal cell carcinoma remains unclear so far. In the research, we selected a highly expressed novel circular RNAs named circMTO1 in renal cell carcinomas. We investigated the roles of circMTO1 and found that circMTO1 overexpression could suppress cell proliferation and metastases in both A497 and 786-O renal cancer cells, while silencing of circMTO1 could promote the progression in SN12C and OS-RC-2 renal cancer cells. The study showed that circMTO1 acted as miR9 and miR223 sponge and inhibited their levels. Furthermore, silencing of circMTO1 in renal cell carcinoma could downregulate LMX1A, the target of miR-9, resulting in the promotion of renal cell carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, LMX1A expression suppression induced by transfection of miR9 mimics confirmed that miR9 exerted its function in renal cell carcinoma by regulating LMX1A expression. What’s more, miR9 inhibitor and LMX1A overexpression could block the tumor-promoting effect of circMTO1 silencing. In conclusion, circMTO1 suppresses renal cell carcinoma progression by circMTO1/miR9/ LMX1A, indicating that circMTO1 may be a potential target in renal cell carcinoma therapy.
Who Tweets About Diabetic Foot on Twitter and Which Tweets Are More Attractive?
Authors: Karahan İrfan , Yürekli Aybüke , Özcömert Ömer Recep , Oktaş Birhan , Çifci Aydın
Published: March 2020

Diabetic foot is a serious problem for health care systems. Twitter can provide communication between people and it might be an informative tool for health care management. The purpose of this study is detecting the people or organizations that tweet about diabetic foot and analyze the interactions of these tweets on Twitter. All tweets containing the keyword “diabetic foot” in April 2019 were collected. The users were separated into 7 groups: patients with diabetes, health care providers, nongovernmental organizations, information sites and communication media, private companies, medical students, and others. Health care professionals and nonprofessionals were evaluated in likes, mentions, and retweets. The major group was health care providers. By 2-group comparisons of professionals and nonprofessionals, all likes, mentions, and retweets were significantly different ( P = .02, P = .04, P < .001, respectively). We concluded that the tweets of health care professionals get more interaction than others. Twitter might be a useful tool to distinguish accurate information about diabetic foot. Also, health care professionals should use for making people aware of the diabetic foot and shed light on society.
Added-variable plots for panel-data estimation
Authors: Gallup John Luke
Published: March 2020

In this article, I extend the theory of added-variable plots to three panel-data estimation methods: fixed effects, between effects, and random effects. An added-variable plot is an effective way to show the correlation between an independent variable and a dependent variable conditional on other independent variables. In a multivariate context, a simple scatterplot showing x versus y is not adequate to show the relationship of x with y, because it ignores the impact of the other covariates. Added-variable plots are also useful for spotting influential outliers in the data that affect the estimated regression parameters. Stata can display added-variable plots with the command avplot, but it can be used only after regress. My new command, xtavplot, is a postestimation command that creates added-variable plots after xtreg estimates. Unlike avplot, xtavplot can display a confidence interval around the fitted regression line.
Fast Poisson estimation with high-dimensional fixed effects
Authors: Correia Sergio , Guimarães Paulo , Zylkin Tom
Published: March 2020

In this article, we present ppmlhdfe, a new command for estimation of (pseudo-)Poisson regression models with multiple high-dimensional fixed effects (HDFE). Estimation is implemented using a modified version of the iteratively reweighted least-squares algorithm that allows for fast estimation in the presence of HDFE. Because the code is built around the reghdfe package ( Correia, 2014 , Statistical Software Components S457874, Department of Economics, Boston College), it has similar syntax, supports many of the same functionalities, and benefits from reghdfe‘s fast convergence properties for computing high-dimensional leastsquares problems. Performance is further enhanced by some new techniques we introduce for accelerating HDFE iteratively reweighted least-squares estimation specifically. ppmlhdfe also implements a novel and more robust approach to check for the existence of (pseudo)maximum likelihood estimates.
A portmanteau test for serial correlation in a linear panel model
Authors: Jochmans Koen , Verardi Vincenzo
Published: March 2020

We introduce the command xtserialpm to perform the portmanteau test developed in Jochmans (2019, Cambridge Working Papers in Economics No. 1993, University of Cambridge, Faculty of Economics). The procedure tests for serial correlation of arbitrary form in the errors of a linear panel model after estimation of the regression coefficients by the within-group estimator. The test is designed for short panels and can deal with general missing-data patterns. The test is different from the related portmanteau test of Inoue and Solon (2006, Econometric Theory 22: 835–851), which is performed by xtistest (Wursten, 2018, Stata Journal 18: 76–100), in that it allows for heteroskedasticity. In simulations documented below, xtserialpm is found to provide a more powerful test than xthrtest (Wursten 2018), which performs the test for first-order autocorrelation of Born and Breitung (2016, Econometric Reviews 35: 1290–1316). We also provide comparisons with xtistest and xtserial (Drukker, 2003, Stata Journal 3: 168–177). These tests perform well under stationarity but break down under even mild forms of heteroskedasticity.
Metabolic Profiling of γ-Irradiated Barley Plants Identifies Reallocation of Nitrogen Metabolism and Metabolic Stress Response
Authors: Volkova Polina Yu. , Clement G. , Makarenko E. S. , Kazakova E. A. , Bitarishvili S. V. , Lychenkova M. A.
Published: March 2020

The favorable responses of crop species to low-dose γ irradiation can help to develop cultivars with increased productivity and improved stress tolerance. In the present study, we tried to reveal the candidate metabolites involved in growth stimulation of barley seedlings after applying low-dose γ-radiation (60Co) to seeds. Stimulating doses (5-20 Gy) provided a significant increase in shoot length and biomass, while relatively high dose of 100 Gy led to significant inhibition of growth. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry metabolomic analysis uncovered several compounds that may take part in radiation hormesis establishment in irradiated plants. This includes molecules involved in nitrogen redistribution (arginine, glutamine, asparagine, and γ-aminobutyric acid) and stress-responsive metabolites, such as ascorbate, myo-inositol and its derivates, and free amino acids (l-serine, β-alanine, pipecolate, and GABA). These results contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of hormesis phenomenon.
Study on the effect of Ce1-xMnxO2 catalyst on improving diesel emission performance
Authors: Huang He , Zhang Xiao , Liu Junheng , Ye Song
Published: March 2020

To reduce diesel emissions while permitting the passive regeneration of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) at low temperatures, we developed three after-treatment DPF devices. These devices consisted of a ceramic body that was either bare or loaded with the catalysts CeO2 (DPF-CeO2) or Ce0.5Mn0.5O2 (DPF-Ce0.5Mn0.5O2). The effects of these units on soot, NOx, CO, and hydrocarbon emissions were assessed. On average, the DPF-Ce0.5Mn0.5O2 device outperformed the DPF-CeO2 device. In addition, increasing the engine load was found to raise the exhaust temperature while increasing the soot oxidation efficiency and reducing soot emissions. The maximum soot removal percentages of the DPF-CeO2 and DPF-Ce0.5Mn0.5O2 were 37.6% and 55.1%, respectively, under B100 working conditions. The extent of NOx removal also gradually increased as the load increased, and the average removal percentages were 8.6% and 15.0%, respectively. Both catalytic devices lowered CO emissions to a much greater extent than the bare DPF, with average removals of 45.8% and 55.6%, respectively, while the average hydrocarbon oxidation values were 39.1% and 50.9%, respectively. Notably, the hydrocarbon emissions were almost zero after Ce1-xMnxO2 catalysis under C100 working conditions.
Extraction Optimization of Galla Turcica Polysaccharides and Determination of Its Antioxidant Activities In Vitro
Authors: Hu Jiangxia , Gao Jiayu , Zhao Zijun , Yang Xiao , Chen Lan
Published: March 2020

Though natural polysaccharides commonly show antioxidant activities, the current research on the isolation of polysaccharides from Galla Turcica and their antioxidant activities still remain as an ongoing challenge. In this work, response surface analysis was employed to optimize an ultrasonic-assisted extraction method for polysaccharides of Galla Turcica. Their antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities were then evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), total antioxidant activity, and iron ion reduction assays. Moreover, the protective effects of polysaccharides of Galla Turcica were determined on human embryonic kidney fibroblast 293 and hepatoma 7721 cells by cell proliferation assay. Overall, the key parameters of Galla Turcica polysaccharides extraction were optimized as crushing degree 100 mesh, ultrasonic time 50 min, and materials–liquid ratio 1:50. The isolated polysaccharides presented dose-dependent antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects in vitro. It also demonstrated an effective protective effect for human cells under oxidative damage. The results firstly determined the antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Galla Turcica, thus providing a new natural resource for future investigation and development of the polysaccharides-based antioxidant drugs, health products, or additives.
Primary Arthrodesis for Diabetic Ankle Fractures
Authors: Grote Caleb W. , Tucker William , Stumpff Kelly , Birt Mitchell C. , Horton Greg A.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Treatment of ankle fractures in patients with diabetes is associated with increased complication rates. Ankle arthrodesis is considered a salvage procedure after failed ankle fracture fixation, yet primary ankle arthrodesis has been proposed as a treatment option for patients with significant diabetes-related complications. To date, the characteristics of patients who undergo primary ankle arthrodesis and the associated outcomes have not been described.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of 13 patients with diabetes who underwent primary arthrodesis for traumatic ankle fracture. Patient demographics were characterized in addition to their diabetes complications, Adelaide Fracture in the Diabetic Ankle (AFDA) score, and fracture type. Outcomes assessed included reoperation rates, infection rates, wound complications, nonunion/malunion, amputation, and development of Charcot arthropathy postoperatively.

Results:

Patients who underwent primary arthrodesis had high rates of diabetes complications, average AFDA scores of 6.4, and high rates of severe injuries, including 38.5% open fractures and 69.2% fracture dislocations. The overall complication rate for primary arthrodesis of ankle fractures in diabetes patients was more than 75% in this cohort. Complications included a 38.5% reoperation rate, 38.5% infection rate, 53.8% wound complication rate, and 23.1% amputation rate. Despite a high nonunion rate at the attempted fusion sites, 89.9% of fractures healed and patients had a stable extremity.

Conclusion:

This review is the first to characterize the epidemiology and complications of diabetes patients undergoing primary ankle arthrodesis for ankle fractures. In this cohort, patients with multiple diabetic complications and severe injuries underwent primary arthrodesis, which led to an overall high complication rate. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate treatment option for these high-risk patients, and tibiotalocalcaneal stabilization without arthrodesis may be beneficial.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
The effects of daily fasting hours on shaping gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Li Linghao , Su Yuxin , Li Fanglin , Wang Yueying , Ma Zhongren , Li Zhuo , Su Junhong
Published: March 2020

Background

It has recently been reported that intermittent fasting shapes the gut microbiota to benefit health, but this effect may be influenced to the exact fasting protocols. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of different daily fasting hours on shaping the gut microbiota in mice. Healthy C57BL/6 J male mice were subjected to 12, 16 or 20 h fasting per day for 1 month, and then fed ad libitum for an extended month. Gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing and food intake was recorded as well.

Results

We found that cumulative food intake was not changed in the group with 12 h daily fasting, but significantly decreased in the 16 and 20 h fasting groups. The composition of gut microbiota was altered by all these types of intermittent fasting. At genus level, 16 h fasting led to increased level of Akkermansia and decreased level of Alistipes, but these effects disappeared after the cessation of fasting. No taxonomic differences were identified in the other two groups.

Conclusions

These data indicated that intermittent fasting shapes gut microbiota in healthy mice, and the length of daily fasting interval may influence the outcome of intermittent fasting.
Neuropathological changes in dorsal root ganglia induced by pyridoxine in dogs
Authors: Yun Sumin , Kim Woosuk , Kang Min Soo , Kim Tae Hyeong , Kim Yoonhwan , Ahn Jin-Ok , Choi Jung Hoon , Hwang In Koo , Chung Jin-Young
Published: March 2020

Background

Pyridoxine (PDX; vitamin B6), is an essential vitamin. PDX deficiency induces various symptoms, and when PDX is misused it acts as a neurotoxicant, inducing severe sensory neuropathy.

Results

To assess the possibility of creating a reversible sensory neuropathy model using dogs, 150 mg/kg of PDX was injected subcutaneously into dogs for 7 days and body weight measurements, postural reaction assessments, and electrophysiological recordings were obtained. In addition, the morphology of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and changes in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactive satellite glial cells and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) immunoreactive microglia/macrophages were assessed at 1 day, 1 week, and 4 weeks after the last PDX treatment. During the administration period, body weight and proprioceptive losses occurred. One day after the last PDX treatment, electrophysiological recordings showed the absence of the H-reflex in the treated dogs. These phenomena persisted over the four post-treatment weeks, with the exception of body weight which recovered to the pre-treatment level. Staining (CV and HE) results revealed significant losses of large-sized neurons in the DRG at 1 day and 1 week after PDX treatment cessation, but the losses were recovered at 4 weeks post-treatment. The Iba-1 and GFAP immunohistochemistry results showed pronounced increases in reactive microglia/macrophage and satellite glial cell at 1 day and 1 week, respectively, after the last PDX treatment, and thereafter, immunoreactivity decreased with increasing time after PDX treatment.

Conclusions

The results suggest that PDX-induced neuropathy is reversible in dogs; thus, dogs can be considered a good experimental model for research on neuropathy.
Mechanism of nutrition activity of a microgranule fertilizer fortified with proteins
Authors: Olbrycht Maksymilian , Kołodziej Michał , Bochenek Roman , Przywara Mateusz , Balawejder Maciej , Matłok Natalia , Antos Piotr , Piątkowski Wojciech , Antos Dorota
Published: March 2020

Background

A microgranule fertilizer was designed for localized fertilization of soil with controlled release of nutrients. The microgranule matrix was fortified with proteins, which were obtained from food industry byproducts or waste, i.e., whey protein from milk serum, soy protein from soy isolate and egg white protein from chicken egg white powder. The mechanism of the protein decomposition and migration of micro and macromolecule compounds through two different model soil systems was investigated. The potential of the protein fortified fertilizer for localized fertilization of the potted maize seeds was evaluated.

Results

The study revealed that proteins slowly diffused through soil with simultaneous degradation, which was accompanied with release of ammonia ions. The highest concentration of proteins and degradation products was found in a close vicinity of the microgranule. The microgranules were used as a local fertilizer for maize seeds in the pot experiments. The experiments confirmed statistically significant improvement in root density of maize plant compared to control group.

Conclusions

Byproducts or waste of food industry, such as the milk serum and soy can be used as a source of proteins that degrade in soil without a pretreatment. The degradation is accompanied with formation of ammonium ions, which can be utilized by plants as a nitrogen source. The fertilizer microgranule should be placed in a close vicinity to the plant seed, since the maximum of the protein concentration and ammonia ions is reached at a very close distance from the microgranule.
Chinese ASCVD risk equations rather than pooled cohort equations are better to identify macro- and microcirculation abnormalities
Authors: Li Qiaowei , Lin Fan , Gao Zhonghai , Huang Feng , Zhu Pengli
Published: March 2020

Background

We hypothesized that discriminating the early subclinical organ damage would serve as a great opportunity for prevention against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), low retinal vascular fractal dimension, and albuminuria are surrogates of subclinical vascular changes.

Methods

The aim of this study was to use Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) and ASCVD risk equations derived from “Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China project (CHINA-PAR)” to observe the prevalence of macro- and microcirculation abnormalities. A total of 2166 subjects were involved. Characteristics were investigated using questionnaire and physical examinations. We calculated the urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR). The baPWV was measured using a fully automatic arteriosclerosis detector. The retinal vascular fractal dimension was measured by a semiautomated computer-based program. The 10-year ASCVD risk was estimated using the PCE and CHINA-PAR model.

Results

The cut-off values for the elevated baPWV were 2.82 and 2.92% in the PCE model and CHINA-PAR model, respectively, with nearly 85% sensitivity and an average specificity of 74%. For low retinal fractal dimension, at the cut-off point of 3.8%, we acquired an acceptable sensitivity of 66.27–68.24% and specificity of 62.57–67.45%. All the C-statistics presented a significant improvement from the PCE model to the CHINA-PAR model (P < 0.05). For all categories—net reclassification improvement (NRI) values were significant and clearly varied (0.329, 0.183, and 0.104, respectively) depending on the cut-off set at 3%.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the CHINA-PAR equations rather than PCE could provide better identification of macro- and microcirculation abnormalities. A lower cut-off point for the subclinical vascular changes may be selected in a population from southeast China.
A case report of a recurrent early and late Bioresorbable vascular scaffold thrombosis: serial angiography and optical coherence tomography findings
Authors: Lee Cheol Hyun , Cho Yun-Kyeong , Yoon Hyuck-Jun , Hur Seung-Ho
Published: March 2020

Background

In bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVSs), there is some concern about a possible increase in the rate of scaffold thromboses (ScTs). Although several characteristics similarly contribute to the development of both early and late ScTs, there are also clearly different pathomechanisms between the two time-dependent types of thromboses, especially with BVSs.

Case presentation

We recently experienced a very rare case of a 69-year-old man who had recurrent early and late ScTs with somewhat differing pathomechanisms as assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). For the late ScT, OCT identified a scaffold dismantling in the same place that a peri-strut low intensity area (PLIA) was observed in the previous OCT finding.

Conclusion

We report the management of an ScT in a case with findings such as a heterogeneous a BVS degradation, peri-strut low intensity area (PLIA), intraluminal scaffold dismantling, and under-sizing and/or stent malapposition observed in OCT.
Patency of conduits in patients who received internal mammary artery, radial artery and saphenous vein grafts
Authors: Royse Alistair , Pamment William , Pawanis Zulfayandi , Clarke-Errey Sandy , Eccleston David , Ajani Andrew , Wilson William , Canty David , Royse Colin
Published: March 2020

Background

Where each patient has all three conduits of internal mammary artery (IMA), saphenous vein graft (SVG) and radial artery (RA), most confounders affecting comparison between conduits can be mitigated. Additionally, since SVG progressively fails over time, restricting patient angiography to the late period only can mitigate against early SVG patency that may have occluded in the late period.

Methods

Research protocol driven conventional angiography was performed for patients with at least one of each conduit of IMA, RA and SVG and a minimum of 7 years postoperative. The primary analysis was perfect patency and secondary analysis was overall patency including angiographic evidence of conduit lumen irregularity from conduit atheroma. Multivariable generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used. Patency excluded occluded or “string sign” conduits. Perfect patency was present in patent grafts if there was no lumen irregularity.

Results

Fifty patients underwent coronary angiography at overall duration postoperative 13.1 ± 2.9, and age 74.3 ± 7.0 years. Of 196 anastomoses, IMA 62, RA 77 and SVG 57. Most IMA were to the left anterior descending territory and most RA and SVG were to the circumflex and right coronary territories. Perfect patency RA 92.2% was not different to IMA 96.8%, P = 0.309; and both were significantly better than SVG 17.5%, P < 0.001. Patency RA 93.5% was also not different to IMA 96.8%, P = 0.169, and both arterial conduits were significantly higher than SVG 82.5%, P = 0.029. Grafting according to coronary territory was not significant for perfect patency, P = 0.997 and patency P = 0.289. Coronary stenosis predicted perfect patency for RA only, P = 0.030 and for patency, RA, P = 0.007, and SVG, P = 0.032.

When both arterial conduits were combined, perfect patency, P < 0.001, and patency, P = 0.017, were superior to SVG.

Conclusions

All but one patent internal mammary artery or radial artery grafts had perfect patency and had superior perfect patency and overall patency compared to saphenous vein grafts.
Reasons for previous Cesarean deliveries impact a woman’s independent decision of delivery mode and the success of trial of labor after Cesarean
Authors: Uno Kaname , Mayama Michinori , Yoshihara Masato , Takeda Takehiko , Tano Sho , Suzuki Teppei , Kishigami Yasuyuki , Oguchi Hidenori
Published: March 2020

Background

Cesarean delivery rates are increasing globally with almost half of them occurring due to a previous Cesarean delivery. A trial of labor after Cesarean (TOLAC) is considered a safe procedure, but most eligible women instead undergo Cesarean before 39 weeks of gestation. Lack of education about TOLAC is often associated with increased repeat Cesarean. To reveal the safety and feasibility of TOLAC, we conducted this observational, prospective study with women’s independent decisions. We aimed to clarify the relationship between their chosen mode of delivery and the reason for their previous Cesarean. Additionally, we have tried to identify maternal and obstetric factors associated with failed TOLAC to improve its success rate.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study of 1086 pregnant women with at least one previous Cesarean delivery. Of these, 735 women met our TOLAC criteria (Table 1), and then, could choose TOLAC or repeat Cesarean after receiving detailed explanations regarding the risks and benefits of both procedures. The primary outcomes were the number of successful TOLAC procedures and 5-min Apgar scores < 7 for the trial of labor after Cesarean group and elective Cesarean group. We collected the maternal and neonatal data including the reasons of previous Cesarean.

Results

In total, 64.1% of women chose TOLAC. The success rate was 91.3%. The uterine rupture rate was 0.6%. There were no significant differences in the rate of Apgar scores at 5 min < 7 between both groups. Histories of experience of labor in previous Cesarean delivery were observed in 30 and 50% of women who chose TOLAC and repeat Cesarean, respectively (p < 0.05). Factors related to failed TOLAC included ≥40 weeks of gestation (odds: 5.47, 95% CI: 2.55–11.70) and prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) (odds: 4.47, 95% CI: 2.07–9.63).

Conclusions

TOLAC is a favorable delivery option for both mothers and neonates when women meet criteria and choose after receiving detailed explanations. Women who experience PROM or ≥ 40 weeks of gestation, their modes of delivery should be reconsulted.
Analysis of lead, arsenic and calcium content in the hair of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Fiłon Joanna , Ustymowicz-Farbiszewska Jolanta , Krajewska-Kułak Elżbieta
Published: March 2020

Background

Explanation of the pathogenesis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is one of the most significant challenges for scientists today. It is believed that a major pathogenetic factor of this condition is epigenetic changes caused by environmental factors, including toxic metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), aluminium (Al), and arsenic (As)). The nervous system may also be affected by deficiencies of both micro- and macroelements (e.g. calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn)). The aim of the study was to analyze the concentrations of Pb, As, and Ca in the hair of children with ASD and a control group.

Methods

The materials for the study comprised hair samples collected from 30 children diagnosed with ASD (case group) and 30 children randomly selected from the general population of Bialystok and surrounding region (control group). Concentrations of Pb, As, and Ca were tested with electron microscopy scanning method. Next, the content of the analyzed elements in the hair was assessed as well as their impact on autism development in the children and the mutual interactions between them. The obtained results were statistically analyzed with Statistica PL 12.5., using the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

Mean Ca level in the hair of the case group was lower than the mean level of this element in the control group. Mean As and Pb concentration in the hair of children with ASD was statistically significantly higher than the mean concentration of this element in the hair of children without neurological disorders. Statistically insignificant weak positive correlations between Ca and As content and negative between Ca and Pb in the hair of children from the case group were noted. Also, statistically significant mean positive correlations between Pb and As were observed.

Conclusions

In this small study, according to the observations, children diagnosed with ASD suffer from Ca deficiency and toxic metal overload (As and Pb). These abnormalities may play the main role, as an environmental factor, in the pathogenesis of the analyzed disorder.
Validity and reliability of a Hausa language questionnaire assessing information, motivation and Behavioural skills for malaria prevention during pregnancy
Authors: Balami Ahmed Dahiru , Said Salmiah Md. , Zulkefli Nor’afiah Mohd , Bachok Norsa’adah , Audu Bala Muhammad
Published: March 2020

Background

Many studies on malaria knowledge, attitude and practice among pregnant women have been conducted in Hausa speaking communities in Nigeria. Despite this, no standard and uniform instrument for assessing this important public health problem has been developed in the Hausa language, even though it is widely spoken. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire in Hausa language assessing information, motivation, and behavioural skills for malaria prevention during pregnancy.

Methods

The questionnaire was first developed in English language, and then assessed for its contents by a team of experts. It was then forwardly translated to Hausa, and backwardly translated again to English by independent language experts. These two English versions were then compared by a Public Health expert, following which the questionnaire was administered to 190 Hausa speaking antenatal care attendees. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the data collected. Sixty three out of the 190 respondents were invited after 2 weeks to answer the same questionnaire, following which reliability tests were performed.

Results

The questionnaire showed good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.859, 0.890 and 0.773 for information, motivation and behavioural skills constructs respectively. The motivation and behavioural skills constructs were able to delineate their items into three and two sub-sections respectively. The factor loadings for the two constructs ranged from 0.610 to 0.965. As for test retest reliability, the Krippendorff’s alpha values for the items of the motivation section ranged from 0.941 to 0.996; that for behavioural skills ranged from 0.810 to 0.953, while for frequency of ITN use, it was 0.988. The Cohen’s kappa values for the information section ranged from 0.689–0.974, except the item for ‘fever’ (zazzabi) which was 0.382, and was as such reworded to a simpler terminology ‘hotness of the body’ (zafin jiki).

Conclusions

The Hausa language IMB questionnaire on malaria in pregnancy demonstrated good validity, and a high level of reliability. It is as such recommended for use among Hausa speaking communities to ensure uniformity and objectivity.
Psychological resources in adolescence and the association with labour market participation in early adulthood: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Jensen Jacob Devantie , Andersen Johan Hviid , Winding Trine Nøhr
Published: March 2020

Background

Young adults at the age of 25–29 in Denmark have the highest unemployment rate and are at higher risk of labour market marginalization. Exclusion from the labour market may have negative individual consequences on mental and physical health and can lead to increasing societal expenditures due to social benefits. It is important to understand what factors determine or protect against early labour market marginalization. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between psychological resources in adolescence and labour market participation in early adulthood, and whether the associations differed by gender.

Methods

This prospective cohort study used questionnaire data collected through the West Jutland Cohort study in 2004 and 2007. The study population (N = 2982) consisted of people born in 1989 and living in the county of Ringkjoebing at baseline in 2004. Outcome was dichotomized as +/− 12 months of passive labour market participation during the age of 25–29. Psychological resources were measured as self-esteem, sense of coherence and mastery. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations between psychological resources and labour market participation.

Results

Results indicated associations between high levels of mastery or sense of coherence in adolescence and high labour market participation in early adulthood. The strongest associations were observed for females with a medium (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.8) or high level (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0–2.4) of mastery or a high level of sense of coherence (OR: 1.6 95% CI: 1.0–2.4) at age 15 and for males with a medium (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.5–3.8) or high (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.5) level of mastery or a high level of sense of coherence (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 0.9–3.1) at age 18.

Conclusion

The results of the present study indicate associations between a high level of sense of coherence or mastery in adolescence and high labour market participation in early adulthood in a Danish context. Psychological resources seemed to play a bigger role for females in early adolescence compared to males, for whom a larger impact was seen in late adolescence.
The effect of manual therapy to the thoracic spine on pain-free grip and sympathetic activity in patients with lateral epicondylalgia humeri. A randomized, sample sized planned, placebo-controlled, patient-blinded monocentric trial
Authors: Zunke Philipp , Auffarth Alexander , Hitzl Wolfgang , Moursy Mohamed
Published: March 2020

Background

The treatment of first choice for lateral epicondylalgia humeri is conservative therapy. Recent findings indicate that spinal manual therapy is effective in the treatment of lateral epicondylalgia. We hypothesized that thoracic spinal mobilization in patients with epicondylalgia would have a positive short–term effect on pain and sympathetic activity.

Methods

Thirty patients (all analyzed) with clinically diagnosed (physical examination) lateral epicondylalgia were enrolled in this randomized, sample size planned, placebo-controlled, patient-blinded, monocentric trial. Pain-free grip, skin conductance and peripheral skin temperature were measured before and after the intervention. The treatment group (15 patients) received a one-time 2-min T5 costovertebral mobilization (2 Hz), and the placebo group (15 patients) received a 2-min one-time sham ultrasound therapy.

Results

Mobilization at the thoracic spine resulted in significantly increased strength of pain-free grip + 4.6 kg ± 6.10 (p = 0.008) and skin conductance + 0.76 μS ± 0.73 (p = 0.000004) as well as a decrease in peripheral skin temperature by − 0.80 °C ± 0.35 (p < 0.0000001) within the treatment group.

Conclusion

A thoracic costovertebral T5 mobilization at a frequency of 2 Hz shows an immediate positive effect on pain-free grip and sympathetic activity in patients with lateral epicondylalgia.

Clinical trial registration

German clinical trial registerDRKS00013964, retrospectively registered on 2.2.2018.
End-of-life care preferences of the general public and recommendations of healthcare providers: a nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Hamano Jun , Hanari Kyoko , Tamiya Nanako
Published: March 2020

Background

A better understanding of differences between the preferences of the general public and the recommendations of healthcare providers with regard to end-of-life (EOL) care may facilitate EOL discussion.

Methods

The aim of this study was to clarify differences between preferences of the general public and recommendations of healthcare providers with regard to treatment, EOL care, and life-sustaining treatment (LST) based on a hypothetical scenario involving a patient with advanced cancer. This study comprised exploratory post-hoc analyses of “The Survey of Public Attitude Towards Medical Care at the End of life”, which was a population based, cross-sectional anonymous survey in Japan to investigate public attitudes toward medical care at the end of life. Persons living in Japan over 20 years old were randomly selected nationwide. Physicians, nurses, and care staff were recruited at randomly selected facilities throughout Japan. The general public data from the original study was combined to the data of healthcare providers in order to conduct exploratory post-hoc analyses. The preferences of the general public and recommendations of healthcare providers with regard to EOL care and LST was assessed based on the hypothetical scenario of an advanced cancer patient.

Results

All returned questionnaires were analyzed: 973 from the general public, 1039 from physicians, 1854 from nurses, and 752 from care staff (response rates of 16.2, 23.1, 30.9, and 37.6%, respectively). The proportion of the general public who wanted “chemotherapy or radiation”, “ventilation”, and “cardiopulmonary resuscitation” was significantly higher than the frequency of these options being recommended by physicians, nurses, and care staff, but the general public preference for “cardiopulmonary resuscitation” was significantly lower than the frequency of its recommendation by care staff.

Conclusion

Regarding a hypothetical scenario for advanced cancer, the general public preferred more aggressive treatment and more frequent LST than that recommended by healthcare providers.
Identification of essential oils with activity against stationary phase Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Xiao Shuzhen , Cui Peng , Shi Wanliang , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2020

Background

Staphylococcus aureusis the most dominant human pathogen, responsible for a variety of chronic and severe infections. There is mounting evidence that persisters are associated with treatment failure and relapse of persistent infections. While some essential oils were reported to have antimicrobial activity against growingS. aureus, activity of essential oils against the stationary phaseS. aureusenriched in persisters has not been investigated.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the activity of 143 essential oils against both growing and stationary phaseS. aureusby minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing and by colony forming unit assay.

Results

We identified 39 essential oils (Oregano, Cinnamon bark, Thyme white, Bandit “Thieves”, Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), Sandalwood oil, Health shield, Allspice, Amyris, Palmarosa, Cinnamon leaf, Clove bud, Citronella, Geranium bourbon, Marjoram, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Cornmint, Elemi, Ho wood, Head ease, Lemon eucalyptus,Litsea cubeba, Myrrh, Parsley seed, Coriander oil, Dillweed, Hyssop, Neroli, Rosewood oil, Tea tree, Cajeput, Clove bud, Lavender, Sleep tight, Vetiver, Palo santo, Sage oil, Yarrow) at 0.5% (v/v) concentration, 10 essential oils (Cinnamon bark, Oregano, Thyme white, Bandit “Thieves”, Lemongrass, Sandalwood oil, Health shield, Allspice, Amyris, Palmarosa at 0.25% (v/v) concentration, and 7 essential oils (Oregano, Cinnamon bark, Thyme white, Lemongrass, Allspice, Amyris, Palmarosa at 0.125% (v/v) concentration to have high activity against stationary phaseS. aureuswith no visible growth on agar plates after five-day exposure. Among the 10 essential oils which showed high activity at 0.25% (v/v) concentration, 9 (Oregano, Cinnamon bark, Thyme white, Bandit “Thieves”, Lemongrass, Health shield, Allspice, Palmarosa, Amyris showed higher activity than the known persister drug tosufloxacin, while Sandalwood oil had activity at a higher concentration. In Oregano essential oil combination studies with antibiotics, Oregano plus tosufloxacin (or levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin) and rifampin completely eradicated stationary phaseS. aureuscells, but had no apparent enhancement for linezolid, vancomycin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, azithromycin or gentamicin.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that some essential oils have excellent activity against both growing and stationary phaseS. aureus.Further studies are needed to identify the active components, evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics, and their activity to eradicateS. aureusinfections in vivo.
Addressing microaggressions in racially charged patient-provider interactions: a pilot randomized trial
Authors: Kanter Jonathan W. , Rosen Daniel C. , Manbeck Katherine E. , Branstetter Heather M. L. , Kuczynski Adam M. , Corey Mariah D. , Maitland Daniel W. M. , Williams Monnica T.
Published: March 2020

Background

Racial bias in medical care is a significant public health issue, with increased focus on microaggressions and the quality of patient-provider interactions. Innovations in training interventions are needed to decrease microaggressions and improve provider communication and rapport with patients of color during medical encounters.

Methods

This paper presents a pilot randomized trial of an innovative clinical workshop that employed a theoretical model from social and contextual behavioral sciences. The intervention specifically aimed to decrease providers’ likelihood of expressing biases and negative stereotypes when interacting with patients of color in racially charged moments, such as when patients discuss past incidents of discrimination. Workshop exercises were informed by research on the importance of mindfulness and interracial contact involving reciprocal exchanges of vulnerability and responsiveness. Twenty-five medical student and recent graduate participants were randomized to a workshop intervention or no intervention. Outcomes were measured via provider self-report and observed changes in targeted provider behaviors. Specifically, two independent, blind teams of coders assessed provideremotional rapportandresponsivenessduring simulated interracial patient encounters with standardized Black patients who presented specific racial challenges to participants.

Results

Greater improvements in observed emotional rapport and responsiveness (indexing fewer microaggressions), improved self-reported explicit attitudes toward minoritized groups, and improved self-reported working alliance and closeness with the Black standardized patients were observed and reported by intervention participants.

Conclusions

Medical providers may be more likely to exhibit bias with patients of color in specific racially charged moments during medical encounters. This small-sample pilot study suggests that interventions that directly intervene to help providers improve responding in these moments by incorporating mindfulness and interracial contact may be beneficial in reducing racial health disparities.
Measuring the effectiveness of digital nursing technologies: development of a comprehensive digital nursing technology outcome framework based on a scoping review
Authors: Krick Tobias , Huter Kai , Seibert Kathrin , Domhoff Dominik , Wolf-Ostermann Karin
Published: March 2020

Background

Digital nursing technologies (DNT) comprise an expanding, highly diverse field of research, explored using a wide variety of methods and tools. Study results are therefore difficult to compare, which raises the question how effectiveness of DNT can be adequately measured. Methods currently used might not be sufficient for certain specific nursing contexts. A comprehensive outcome framework that shows the multitude of possible outcome areas could be useful to generate more comparable results. The aim of the present study is to develop an outcome framework for DNT and to indicate which outcome areas have been most frequently evaluated in previous studies and how this has been done.

Methods

We combined an inductive and deductive approach to develop the framework. The numerical analysis is based on a scoping review focussing on the effectiveness of DNT for persons in need of care, formal or informal caregivers or care institutions. Nine databases were included in the screening: Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, the Collection of Computer Science Bibliographies, GeroLit and CareLit. Additional literature searches and expert interviews were included.

Results

The developed framework comprises four outcome target groups and 47 outcome areas. There are considerable differences in the researched outcome areas for the individual outcome target groups. Persons in need of care were by far the most frequently surveyed, particularly with respect to their psychological health. There are much fewer studies on formal and informal caregivers, and it is particularly noticeable that the quality of life of both groups has rarely been investigated. Care process quality was most frequently researched for organisations.

Conclusion

We were able to provide a comprehensive DNT outcome framework, thereby identifying the outcome tools used and the less researched outcome areas. We recommend a detailed investigation of all areas and tools in future research projects with a view to initiating a discussion on the differing importance of existing outcome areas and on a standardisation of outcome tools. We also recommend the development of outcome areas for the macro level of effectiveness assessment.