bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient perception of disease burden in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , Allanore Yannick , Denton Christopher P , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Pope Janet , Hinzmann Barbara , Davies Siobhan , de Oliveira Pena Janethe , Distler Oliver
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

Systemic sclerosis is a rare multi-organ autoimmune rheumatic disease, resulting in progressive fibrosis of the skin/internal organs. This study aimed to understand the impact of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis symptoms and disease burden from the patient’s perspective.

Methods:

This was a mixed methodology, market research study involving ethnography, structured interviews, video diaries, and patient tasks. Patients had been diagnosed with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis for ⩾ 6 months and were recruited via healthcare professionals or patient associations (France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Patients filmed short (~15 min) daily video diaries about their lives over 7 days and participated in ethnographic sessions, patient tasks, and structured video interviews. In Germany and Spain, patients participated in 60-min telephone interviews.

Results:

Twenty-three patients (mean age: 54 years; 83% women; minimum disease duration: 6 months) participated in the study. Time to diagnosis was prolonged, as patients overlooked their symptoms and some healthcare professionals attributed symptoms to other causes. Patients rarely received additional information or support services at diagnosis. Importantly, although patients were aware of the seriousness of organ involvement, they reported that skin changes, pain, and fatigue impaired their ability to perform routine tasks. Patients had a high prescription treatment burden (mean: 10 tablets/day; up to >25 tablets/day) with additional non-prescription medication taken for other comorbidities. Treatment discontinuation was common due to side effects. Patients experienced diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis as a loss of independence and self-esteem. Moreover, patients tended to have small support networks, and emotional support services were not offered as standard care.

Conclusion:

Patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis had high treatment and disease burdens, with skin changes, pain, and fatigue profoundly affecting their lives. There is an unmet need for patient information at the time of diagnosis and emotional support services throughout the patient’s journey with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Based on the results of this study, we provide recommendations for improving diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis care.
Degrowth: A metamorphosis in being
Authors: Heikkurinen Pasi
Published: August 2019

The call to transform the growth society lacks an analysis of the human will. Problematically for degrowth, the enactment of this so-called will to transform has undesired matter-energetic consequences. Every act of transformation requires matter–energy, adding to the cumulative throughput of societies. To revert the ecospherical metabolism from a state of overshoot to one of degrowth, a metamorphosis in being is proposed. Building on Heidegger’s fundamental ontology, the article invites degrowth practitioners to become releasers by waiting for the unexpected and then to prepare for the expected, the collapse of civilization. A practice of releasement, where meditative thinking resides, is considered as an effective way to counter the destructive will to transform, and hence contribute to degrowth.
The ‘state’ of degrowth: Economic growth and the making of state hegemony in Turkey
Authors: Akbulut Bengi
Published: August 2019

Critical perspectives on economic growth have laid bare the fragility of the assumed link between material growth and socio-ecological wellbeing. The appeal of economic growth, however, goes beyond the economic sphere. As a societal goal, growth is often mobilized to pre-empt and/or co-opt opposition around issues of social justice and redistribution. Not only does the constitution of growth as a collective goal serve to unite the internally fragmented sphere of the social and brush aside (class-based) distributional conflicts, but it also enables the distribution of material concessions to subordinate classes for eliciting their consent. The degrowth proposal should thus more broadly tackle the material and discoursive ways in which growth enables the reproduction of contemporary political-economic systems. This paper argues that the notion of growth functions as a powerful ideal that shapes state–society relationships and social-collective imaginations. It demonstrates this by discussing the making of state in Turkey through a Gramscian perspective, where the notion of economic growth is deeply imprinted in the broader practices of the state to legitimize its existence and dominates the social imaginary in a way that cannot be easily dismissed. Against this backdrop, the possibility of not only effectuating, but also imagining and desiring degrowth would call for a radical reconfiguration of state–society relationships. Within this context, the Kurdish Freedom Movement’s project of Democratic Economy emerges as an alternative, both to the nation-state paradigm and to the imperative of economic growth.
Geographies of degrowth: Nowtopias, resurgences and the decolonization of imaginaries and places
Authors: Demaria Federico , Kallis Giorgos , Bakker Karen
Published: August 2019

The term ‘ décroissance’ (degrowth) signifies a process of political and social transformation that reduces a society's material and energy use while improving the quality of life. Degrowth calls for decolonizing imaginaries and institutions from – in Ursula Le Guin's words – ‘a one-way future consisting only of growth’. Recent scholarship has focused on the ecological and social costs of growth, on policies that may secure prosperity without growth, and the study of grassroots alternatives pre-figuring a post-growth future. There has been limited engagement, however, with the geographical aspects of degrowth. This special issue addresses this gap, looking at the rooted experiences of peoples and collectives rebelling against, and experimenting with alternatives to, growth-based development. Our contributors approach such resurgent or ‘nowtopian’ efforts from a decolonial perspective, focusing on how they defend and produce new places, new subjectivities and new state relations. The stories told span from the Indigenous territories of the Chiapas in Mexico and Adivasi communities in southern India, to the streets of Athens, the centres of power in Turkey and the riverbanks of West Sussex.
Efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in Ph-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia harboring ABL-class rearrangements
Authors: Tanasi Ilaria , Ba Ibrahima , Sirvent Nicolas , Braun Thorsten , Cuccuini Wendy , Ballerini Paola , Duployez Nicolas , Tanguy-Schmidt Aline , Tamburini Jérôme , Maury Sébastien , Doré Eric , Himberlin Chantal , Duclos Cédric , Chevallier Patrice , Rousselot Philippe , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Cavé Hélène , Baruchel André , Dombret Hervé , Soulier Jean , Landman-Parker Judith , Boissel Nicolas , Clappier Emmanuelle
Published: August 2019

Tanasi et al present a prospective strategy for identifying patients with Philadelphia-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia, demonstrating the efficacy of early introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in improving outcomes.
Is consumer behaviour towards footwear predisposing for lower extremity injuries in runners and walkers? A prospective study
Authors: Willems Tine Marieke , De Ridder Roel , Roosen Philip
Published: August 2019

Background

Runners and walkers often suffer from lower extremity injuries. Little is known about the relationship between their consumer behaviour towards footwear and the development of those injuries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate if consumer behaviour towards footwear is a risk factor for lower extremity injuries.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was set‐up in leisure‐time walkers and runners. Potential risk factors in consumer behaviour were obtained by means of a baseline questionnaire related to the acquisition of current walking or running shoes. Information on injuries sustained during a 24 week period after the baseline questionnaire was obtained in 104 runners and 104 walkers using a 2‐weekly questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for lower extremity injuries in the consumer behaviour.

Results

Forty‐ nine (24%) subjects suffered a self‐reported lower extremity injury. 35 injuries occurred in runners and 14 among walkers.

Undergoing a gait analysis before buying shoes was associated with an increased occurrence of lower extremity injuries (odds ratio (OR) 4.76). A protective factor was caring a lot about the right fitting of the shoes (OR 0.11).

Conclusion

Runners and walkers should pay attention to the correct size when buying footwear to diminish the risk of lower extremity injury. Buying footwear after a gait analysis increased the risk of a lower extremity injury in runners and walkers, however, this might be associated with the increased risk that was already present because of previous injury.

Trial registration

This trial was not registered since this was an observational study and no intervention took place.
Anesthetic Management During Electroconvulsive Therapy in Children: A Systematic Review of the Available Literature
Authors: Stein Alecia L. S. , Sacks Stuart M. , Roth Joeli R. , Habis Mohammed , Saltz Samantha B. , Chen Catherine
Published: August 2019

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is indicated in a myriad of pediatric psychiatric conditions in children, and its use is increasing. Literature on the clinical features salient to anesthetic care is lacking. The objective of this systematic review is to describe the available literature on the anesthetic considerations of pediatric ECT. Original publications were screened for inclusion criteria: (1) manuscript written in English; (2) persons under 18 years of age; and (3) use of ECT. Data tabulation included demographic information, details of anesthetic management and ECT procedure, and adverse events. The mean age was 15 years, 90% were 12–17 years of age, and no cases involving children <6 years of age were identified. The psychiatric diagnoses most commonly represented were major depressive disorder (n = 185) and schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders (n = 187). ECT was also used to treat many neurological disorders. Medical comorbidities were reported in 16% of all cases. Common coexisting conditions included developmental delay (n = 21) and autism (n = 18). Primary ECT indications included severe psychosis (n = 190), symptoms refractory to pharmacotherapy (n = 154), and suicidality (n = 153). ECT courses per patient ranged from 2 to 156. Duration averaged 91.89 ± 144.3 seconds. The most commonly reported induction agents were propofol and methohexital, and the most commonly reported paralytic agent was succinylcholine. Reported adverse events included headache, nausea, sedation, and short-term amnesia, as well as rare cases of benign dysrhythmias and prolonged seizure. Negative perception and diminished access to care result in treatment delays; thus, these children present in an advanced state of disease. In examining the details of modern ECT performed in 592 children, no major anesthetic morbidity was identified. Further study should start with retrospective analysis of anesthesia data during ECT to compare various effects of anesthesia medications and technique on adverse events and outcomes.
Cognitive Aids in Obstetric Units: Design, Implementation, and Use
Authors: Abir Gillian , Austin Naola , Seligman Katherine M. , Burian Barbara K. , Goldhaber-Fiebert Sara N.
Published: August 2019

Obstetrics has unique considerations for high stakes and dynamic clinical care of ≥2 patients. Obstetric crisis situations require efficient and coordinated responses from the entire multidisciplinary team. Actions that teams perform, or omit, can strongly impact peripartum and perinatal outcomes. Cognitive aids are tools that aim to improve patient safety, efficiency in health care management, and patient outcomes. However, they are intended to be combined with clinician judgment and training, not as absolute or exhaustive standards of care for patient management. There is simulation-based evidence showing efficacy of cognitive aids for enhancing appropriate team management during crises, especially with a reader role, with growing literature supporting use in obstetric and nonobstetric clinical settings when combined with local customization and implementation efforts. The purpose of this article is to summarize current understanding and available resources for cognitive aid design, implementation, and use in obstetrics and to highlight existing gaps that can stimulate further enhancement in this field.
On Women and their Wombs: Capitalism, Racialization, Feminism
Authors: Vergès Françoise
Published: August 2019

This article draws from Françoise Vergès's book, Le ventre des femmes: Capitalisme, racialisation, féminisme,* which traces the history of the colonization of the wombs of Black women by the French state in the 1960s and 1970s through forced abortions and the forced sterilization of women in French foreign territories. Vergès retraces the long history of colonial state intervention in Black women's wombs during the slave trade and post-slavery imperialism, and after World War II, when international institutions and Western states blamed the poverty and underdevelopment of the Third World on women of color. Vergès looks at the feminist and Women's Liberation movements in France in the 1960s and 1970s and asks why, at a time of French consciousness about colonialism brought about by Algerian independence and the social transformations of 1968, these movements chose to ignore the history of the racialization of women's wombs in state politics. In making the liberalization of contraception and abortion their primary aim, she argues, French feminists inevitably ended up defending the rights of white women at the expense of women of color, in a shift from women's liberation to women's rights.
Sequence-specific retrotransposition of 28S rDNA-specific LINE R2Ol in human cells
Authors: Su Yuting , Nichuguti Narisu , Kuroki-Kami Azusa , Fujiwara Haruhiko
Published: August 2019

R2 is a long interspersed element (LINE) found in a specific sequence of the 28S rDNA among a wide variety of animals. Recently, we observed that R2Ol isolated from medaka fish, Oryzias latipes, retrotransposes sequence specifically into the target sequence of zebrafish. Because the 28S target and flanking regions are widely conserved among vertebrates, we examined whether R2Ol can also integrate in a sequence-specific manner in human cells. Using adenovirus-mediated expression of R2Ol constructs, we confirmed an accurate insertion of R2Ol into the 28S target of human 293T cells. However, the R2Ol mutant devoid of endonuclease (EN) activity showed no retrotransposition ability, suggesting that the sequence-specific integration of R2Ol into 28S rDNA occurs via the cleavage activity of EN. By introducing both R2Ol helper virus and donor plasmid in human cells, we succeeded in retrotransposing an exogenous EGFP gene into the 28S target site by the trans-complementation system, which enabled simplification of specific gene knock-in in a time-efficient manner. We believe that R2Ol may provide an alternative targeted gene knock-in method for practical applications such as gene therapy in future.
Strong association of anemia in people with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs): Study from a specialist foot care center
Authors: Shareef Abdul Majid , Ahmedani Muhammad Yakoob , Waris Nazish
Published: August 2019

Background & Objective: Anemia is common finding in people with diabetes and diabetic foot ulcers. Therefore, our objective was to observe and compare the association of anemia in people with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) with age and sex matched people without DFUs.

Methods: This prospective case control study was undertaken at a multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinic of Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE) between October 2014 and October 2015. Participants were categorized into two groups; Case group (people with DFUs) and Control group (people without DFUs). Baseline demographic characteristics, biochemical and hematological parameters were recorded. University of Texas (UT) classification system was used to grade and stage DFU in case group. Subjects with other apparent causes of anaemia were excluded. Age and sex matched controls were taken from diabetic clinic presented during same time period. Data was analyzed by using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20.

Results: Total of 161 participants in case group were compared with similar number of age and sex matched participants of control group. Most of the participants were males 119(73.9%). Age and sex matched case and control groups were comparable except for duration of diabetes, BMI and HDL levels. Overall, 85.67% case group (males 64.56%); females 21.11%) and 35.3% control group (males 22.9%; females12.4%) have anemia. Mean Hb level was 10.49g/dl in case group and 13.39g/dl in control group. Significant differences were also noted in other blood parameters.

Conclusion: Our study concludes that anaemia is strongly associated with DFU disease. Anaemia should be considered and treated as co-morbidity while managing patients with foot ulcers.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.1421

How to cite this:Shareef AM, Ahmedani MY, Waris N. Strong association of anemia in people with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs): Study from a specialist foot care center. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(5):1216-1220. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.1421

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Identification of risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa population: A case control study
Authors: Haider Jamila , Lutfullah Ghosia , Rehman Irshad ur , Khattak Irfan
Published: August 2019

Objectives: The present study aims to identify the risk factors for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1(HIV-1) infection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) population by comparing HIV-antibody positive cases with HIV-antibody-negative controls.

Methods: The study was designed at the Family Care Centre (FCC), Hayatabad Medical Centre (HMC) Peshawar from February 2015 to December 2016. A total of 280 individuals were selected randomly for the study as cases and control. Data was collected on a structured questionnaire with informed oral consent. The collected data was analysed statistically using SPSS version 20.

Results: Out of 280 individuals, 56% were males, 44% were females, and 53.21% belonged to the urban areas. The literacy rate was 48.6%, and 75.4% were married. The statistical analysis of risk factors revealed the following factors as of significance value (p < 0.05). Family history of HIV (OR = 9.46), spouse status of HIV (OR=22.22), injection drug users (IDUs), migrants (OR=2.234), use of therapeutic injections (OR= 2.791), employment (OR=2.545), male gender (OR=2.35), tattooing (OR=7.667) and history of blood transfusion (OR= 2.69).

Conclusion: The present study revealed spouse status of HIV, tattooing, migrants, IDUs, use of therapeutic injections, history of blood transfusion, male gender and employment as significant risk factors for HIV infection in the population of KP.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.258

How to cite this:Haider J, Lutfullah G, Irshad ur Rehman, Khattak I. Identification of risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa population: A case control study. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(5):1258-1263. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.258

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Prognostic factors and outcome of Post-Neonatal Tetanus in an intensive care unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Sultana Nighat , Bari Attia , Faizan Mehwish , Sarwar Muhammad
Published: August 2019

Objective: To determine the prognostic factors and outcome of tetanus in children of post-neonatal age admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: This prospective cross sectional study, carried out in the Pediatric ICU of The Children’s Hospital Lahore from Jan 2013 to March 2017. Children of both genders with age range of two months to 16 years diagnosed clinically as tetanus were included. All 132 patients were scrutinized for all possible risk factors, need for mechanical ventilation and outcome. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.

Results: Mean age of children was 7.5±3.4 years with male predominance (70.5%). Only (38.6%) received three doses of vaccination but none had booster dose. Trauma (43.2%) encompassed maximum predisposing factor followed by ear or nose prick and ear discharge. Mean duration of ICU stay was 20±13.3 days. Mortality rate was (17.4%). Ventilator support was given to (78.8%). Neurological outcome was normal in (82.6%). Trauma, ear or nose prick in girls and ear discharge were significantly associated with poor outcome and death with p-value of <0.001, 0.011 and <0.001 respectively. Other factors associated with poor outcome were need for mechanical ventilation and neurological impairment with p-value of 0.001 and <0.001 respectively.

Conclusion: Tetanus is causing our children to suffer from devastating disease. Vaccination status is not satisfactory and along with trauma, ear discharge and ear or nose prick are identifiable risk factors. To combat these issues large scale vaccination and booster doses remains promising option.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.656

How to cite this:Sultana N, Bari A, Faizan M, Sarwar M. Prognostic factors and outcome of Post-Neonatal Tetanus in an intensive care unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(5):1233-1237. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.656

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Targeted need’s assessment: Medical ethics in MBBS curriculum of Pakistan
Authors: Javaeed Arslaan
Published: August 2019

Objective: To assess the learner need’s assessment of medical ethics in undergraduate medical curriculum of Pakistan.

Methods: To establish an actual need, three methods were employed during October 2018. The first included a review of the curriculum for medical ethics as designed by the Pakistan Medical and Dental College (PMDC). A supplementary document “Code of Ethics”, published by Pakistan Medical and Dental College (PMDC), was also reviewed. In the second method, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all 500 undergraduate medical students at Poonch Medical College. Data analysis was performed through SPSS v 23.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, US) at 95% CI. The results were expressed in the form of frequencies. The third method employed was an extensive review of literature to identify gaps and to propose learning strategies.

Results: In the section on guiding principles in the curriculum, Ethics is considered as an optional subject. Bioethics is designated to be taught in the 3rd year of the MBBS, as part of Forensic Medicine. The agreement to study Medical Ethics Principles as part of the curriculum among final-year medical students saw numbers almost double to 84.61%. The highest majority was seen among final year medical students where 84.6% of the students agreed to study principles of medical ethics as part of their curriculum.

Conclusions: Data and the PMDC curriculum support the incorporation of medical ethics in undergraduate education. Thus, an effective educational program based on the assessment of needs could be developed for medical ethics.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.873

How to cite this:Javaeed A. Targeted need’s assessment: Medical ethics in MBBS curriculum of Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(5):1253-1257.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.873

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Association between core body temperature and mean airway pressure with endotracheal cuff pressure in intubated patients of emergency department
Authors: Parsian Zahra , Rahmani Farzad , Mahmoodpoor Ata , Pouraghaei Mahboob , Barzegar Jalali Maryam , Mehdizadeh Esfanjani Robab , Soleimanpour Hassan
Published: August 2019

Background & Objective: Endotracheal intubation is routinely performed in the critical situations. In order to prevent microaspiration and tracheal injury endotracheal cuff pressure is important to remain constant between 20 and 30 cmH2O. Positive pressure ventilation, duration of intubation, body temperature, and body movements can alter endotracheal cuff pressure. This survey was conducted to evaluate core body temperature and cuff pressure relation with airway pressure simultaneously.

Methods: This was a descriptive analytic study conducted from March 2018 to July 2018 on 150 intubated patients in the emergency department. All were ventilated with SIMV mode and had Ramsi sedation level of 2‑3. Mean airway pressure was measured simultaneouly with core body temperature measurement from ventilator monitor. All these parameters were measured 10 times each hour and documented.

Results: There was a statistically meaningful relation between airway pressure and cuff pressure in the primary evaluation (P=0.02, r=0.19), while none of the subsequent evaluations showed meaningful relation (P>0.05). No significant relation was found between cuff pressure and core body temperature in any of the measurements (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The pressure of cuff should be checked repeatedly after intubation because of substantial variation over time. Factors other than core body temperature and airway pressure can influence cuff pressure.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.886

How to cite this:Parsian Z, Rahmani F, Mahmoodpoor A, Pouraghaei M, Jalali MB, Esfanjani RM, et al. Association between core body temperature and mean airway pressure with endotracheal cuff pressure in intubated patients of emergency department. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(5):1248-1252. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.886

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Revolution in the everyday: using Gramsci to inspire hope and change with social workers
Authors: Withers Alex
Published: August 2019

This article is a discussion about using the work of Antonio Gramsci in social work supervision. Gramsci can offer a challenge to the political ideology of the neoliberal era. Through focusing on his concepts of hegemony and common sense, an understanding of social work practice in the neoliberal era can start to be discerned and can provide a platform for developing practice that centers on people’s actual lived experience. Gramsci’s theory can also provide social workers with a way of challenging neoliberal common sense views and can, consequently, have the potential to inspire optimism and hope.
Urinary Amino-Terminal Pro–C-Type Natriuretic Peptide: A Novel Marker of Chronic Kidney Disease in Diabetes
Authors: Prickett Timothy C R , Lunt Helen , Warwick Julie , Heenan Helen F , Espiner Eric A
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Chronic renal inflammation and fibrosis are common sequelae in diabetes mellitus (DM) and are major causes of premature mortality. Although upregulation of NPPC expression occurs in response to renal inflammation in experimental animals, nothing is known of the molecular forms of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) products in urine of people with DM or links with renal function.

METHODS

ProCNP products in urine were characterized with HPLC and a range of antisera directed to specific epitopes of amino-terminal proCNP (NTproCNP). The 5-kDa intact peptide was quantified in spot urine samples from healthy adults and 202 participants with DM selected to provide a broad range of renal function.

RESULTS

The predominant products of proCNP in urine were consistent with the 2-kDa fragment (proCNP 3–20) and a smaller peak of intact (5-kDa) fragment (proCNP 1–50, NTproCNP). No peaks consistent with bioactive forms (proCNP 82–103, 50–103) were identified. The urine NTproCNP to creatinine ratio (NCR) was more reproducible than the albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) and strongly associated with the presence of chronic kidney disease. In models predicting independence, among 10 variables associated with renal function in DM, including plasma NTproCNP, only 3 (sex, ACR, and plasma creatinine) contributed to NCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Characterization of the products of proCNP in urine confirmed the presence of NTproCNP. In spot random urine from study participants with DM, NCR is inversely associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate. In contrast to ACR, NCR reflects nonvascular factors that likely include renal inflammation and fibrosis.
The effects of participating in a community concert band on senior citizens’ quality of life, mental and physical health
Authors: Barbeau Audrey-Kristel , Cossette Isabelle
Published: August 2019

Music participation has been shown to have many positive effects on older adults, including on perceived health, mental well-being and social interactions. However, researchers have yet to explore the experience of older adults who are just starting their musical journey. This study’s goal was to determine the extent to which participating in a community band had an impact on the quality of life (QoL), mental health and physical health of beginner musicians 60+ years old. The theoretical framework used for this project was the biopsychosocial model, which posits that health is influenced by the interactions between biological, psychological and social factors. Using a quasi-experimental design, the researchers followed eight participants over four months of music instruction and compared them to a control group of eight non-musicians. Interviews, questionnaires and physiological tests were carried out pre- and post-intervention. Results were analysed using the biopsychosocial model’s factors and thematic analyses. Physically, subjects reported self-perceived improvements in breathing and physical endurance. Psychologically, benefits included increased well-being, cognitive stimulation, sense of purpose and identity, as well as overall enjoyment. Socially, positive outcomes identified were being part of a group, meeting new people, and keeping in touch or reconnecting with friends. Band members reported a high level of satisfaction, which is in keeping with findings from the literature. Further pedagogical considerations are discussed.
Increasing sustainability in clothing production and consumption ‐ opportunities and constraints
Authors: Kleinhückelkotten Silke , Neitzke Horst-Peter
Published: August 2019

The rapidly rising consumption level of clothing makes it imperative to transform unsustainable consumption and production patterns. Which are the factors that could support or impede a transition to more sustainability? Based on representative empirical results, we discuss attitudes
and behaviour related to clothing consumption, and experts’ forecasts of developments in clothing production and market.The provision and consumption of goods and services are determined by a multitude of economic, technical, social and personal factors as well as by the regulatory
framework. In this article it is discussed which factors impede or support a change towards more sustainability in the mass market, using the example of clothing. The spectrum of methods used in the under lying investigations comprises amongst others a representative and an expert survey,
focus groups, dialogue boards, and expert interviews. For the consumers, relatively high levels of problem awareness concerning the production conditions for conventional clothing and the desire for environmentally and socially compliant clothing offer opportunities for changes in consumption
patterns. However, there are clear differences between the social milieus, and widespread reservations with respect to more sustainable alternatives. The latter, along with many competing factors relevant to purchase decisions, could inhibit the increase in demand for more sustainably produced
clothing as predicted in the expert survey. For industry, changes in the fibre materials used and new technologies will allow more sustainable production. However, the necessary rearrangements along the textile chain are hindered by a severe lack of transparency. There is an essential need
for generally binding conducive political and legal frame settings.
Household Attitudes towards Sustainable Management of Urban Green Spaces and Parks in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Ajewole O. C. , Adebo G. M. , Fadipe B. O.
Published: August 2019

The attitude of urban dwellers is essential to the sustainable management of green spaces and parks in their environment.  The study was carried out to examine various ways of raising fund, preferred mode of contribution and determinants of mode of contribution of the respondents to sustainable management of urban green spaces and parks.  A total of 120 respondents were purposively selected based on the existence of green spaces and parks in six local government areas of Lagos state, Nigeria, Frequency counts, percentages and multivariate Probit regression model were used to analyze the data.  The result shows that voluntary donations and Tax were rated by 40.8% of the respondents respectively as the most viable way of generating funds for sustainable management and maintenance of urban green spaces and park in Lagos state. Also, 46.67% of the respondents were willing to donate or pay cash as their means of contributing to sustainable management of green spaces and parks, while 6.67% were not willing to donate or render any assistance for sustainable management of green spaces and parks. The study affirmed that the Sex, Marital status, and average monthly income of the respondents  had  positive and significant influence on the respondents’ contribution to sustainable management of urban green space and parks, while educational  level had a negative  influence on the mode respondents’ contribution to sustainable management of green spaces and parks.
“OMG It’s not a big deal:” Generation Z’s perceptions of academic integrity and cheating in the 21st century: A phenomenological study
Authors: Bernadowski Carianne
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine Generation Z’s perceptions of cheating in relation to academic integrity, more specifically plagiarism. Utilizing a phenomenological design the researcher identified three key themes, which included social media assistance, helping not cheating, and Google as a learning tool. From these findings, it can be inferred that with the advent of social media and the accessibility of technology, our newest generation enrolled in middle and high school have a relaxed attitude toward academic integrity. The issues that arise from this study provide teachers, administrators and parents reason to pause and question the appropriate use of technology in our connected 21st Century classrooms.
Effects of zinc supplementation on oxidant/antioxidant and lipids status of pesticides sprayers
Authors: Saad-Hussein Amal , Ibrahim Khadiga S , Abdalla Mohgah Sh , El-Mezayen Hatem A , Osman Nehal F A
Published: August 2019

Background

Excess exposure to pesticides induces oxidative stress and causes alteration in the lipid profile

Objectives

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Zinc (Zn) supplementation on the oxidant/antioxidant and lipid status in pesticide sprayers.

Methods

Forty pesticide sprayers were included in the study. Blood lipids, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Zn were estimated; before and after Zn supplementation.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed that after Zn supplementation, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and MDA were significantly decreased. However, there was a significant increase in the high density lipoprotein (HDL), SOD, GPx, and Zn levels. After Zn supplementation, significant inverse correlations were detected between the Zn and the levels of MDA, TG, and VLDL, while positive correlation between Zn and the levels of HDL and TC.

Conclusions

Zn supplementation improves the oxidative/antioxidants and lipid status in pesticide sprayers.
Amelioration of Aflatoxin B1-induced gastrointestinal injuries by Eucalyptus oil in rats
Authors: Akinrinde A. S. , Adebiyi O. E. , Asekun A.
Published: August 2019

Background

Eucalyptus oil (EO), derived from Eucalyptus species, possesses vast remedial and healing properties, although its gut health-promoting properties have not been well investigated. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition of a commercial EO formulation and its potential role in protecting against aflatoxin B1 (AfB1)-induced gastrointestinal damage in rats.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups with eight rats each. Control rats were administered with the vehicle (1% Tween 80) for 14 days, while another group was exposed to two oral doses of AFB1 on days 12 and 14. Two other groups were pre-treated with oral doses of EO (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w.) for 14 consecutive days, along with two oral doses of AfB1 (5 mg/kg b.w.) on days 12 and 14. The remaining two groups were treated with EO alone at the two doses for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples, stomach and intestinal tissues were collected for measurement of oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters and light microscopic examination.

Results

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed Eucalyptol (1, 8-cineole) as the main constituent (67.48%) of the oil. AfB1 administration induced oxidative and inflammatory disturbances, indicated by significantly (p<0.05) increased serum nitric oxide level and myeloperoxidase activity; increased tissue contents of hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls, accompanied with corresponding histological alterations. AfB1 also induced significant (p<0.05) reductions in glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Treatment with EO produced significant improvements in the biochemical parameters as well as the appearance of the gastric and intestinal mucosa. EO alone, at the two doses tested did not produce any significant changes in the parameters investigated.

Conclusion

The findings from this study showed that EO demonstrated protective activity against Aflatoxin-induced toxicity in stomach and intestinal tissues and may thus find application in treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
Effect of crude
Moringa oleifera
Lam. seed extract on the blood markers of metabolic syndrome in high-fructose diet-fed growing Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Mapfumo Masiline , Lembede Busisani W. , Ndhlala Ashwell R. , Chivandi Eliton
Published: August 2019

Background

Moringa oleifera seed has anti-diabetic and anti-obesogenic properties. This study interrogated the effect of crude hydroethanolic M. oleifera seed extract on the blood markers of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in high-fructose diet fed growing Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods

Sixty 21-day old female and male Sprague-Dawley rat pups were randomly allocated to and administered one of the following treatment regimens daily for twelve weeks: group I – plain drinking water (PW)+plain gelatine cube (PC), group II – 20% (w/v) fructose solution (FS)+PC, group III – FS+100 mg/kg body mass fenofibrate in gelatine cube (FN), group IV – FS+low dose (50 mg/kg body mass) of M. oleifera in gelatine cube (LMol) and group V – FS+high dose (500 mg/kg body mass) of M. oleifera in gelatine cube (HMol). The rats in each treatment regimen had ad libitum access to a standard rat chow. After the 12-week trial, the rats were subjected to an oral glucose tolerance test and then euthanised 48 h later. Blood was collected. Plasma triglyceride, cholesterol and insulin concentration were determined. HOMA-IR was then computed.

Results

The high-fructose diet increased (p<0.05) plasma insulin concentration and HOMA-IR in female rats only. It increased plasma triglyceride concentration in both female and male rats and plasma cholesterol concentration in male rats only. The crude hydroethanolic M. oleifera seed extract prevented the high-fructose diet-induced metabolic derangements in male and female rats.

Conclusion

Crude hydroethanolic M. oleifera seed extract can potentially be used as a prophylactic intervention for diet-induced MetS in children.
Carboxyhemoglobin in umbilical cord blood and maternal smoking
Authors: Hengstler Kevin , van ’t Sant Peter , Jira Petr E.
Published: August 2019

Background

Smoking during pregnancy still exists in daily life but the effect on the newborn in the early stage of life is still unclear. This study investigates the normal reference range of carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) in umbilical cord blood gas (UBG).

Methods

A single center retrospective cross-sectional cohort study was performed with 1172 cases. We analyzed HbCO values in umbilical cord blood, maternal smoking, birth weight percentiles, duration of amenorrhea and maternal admission duration prior to delivery.

Results

HbCO levels in newborns range from 0 to 7.7% with a mean of 0.6% (standard deviation 0.6). Newborns from women who smoked during pregnancy have a significant higher HbCO value compared to newborns from women who did not smoke. Birth weight is negatively correlated with HbCO (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results show the normal reference range in this study is 0–1.2% for HbCO in the umbilical blood of newborns. Smoking prior to delivery leads to a higher HbCO value in the UBG sample of the newborn, a lower birth weight and may be potential harmful.
The predictive value of serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) levels on pregnancy outcome in threatened miscarriages
Authors: Adeku Mosunmola A. , Adegbola Omololu , Ajayi Godwin O.
Published: August 2019

Background

Spontaneous miscarriages are common pregnancy complications which result in psychological and emotional burden in the affected women. It is therefore necessary to identify biomarkers that can predict pregnancy outcome in women with threatened miscarriages so as to assist in their counselling and management.

Methods

The study compared levels of maternal serum CA125 in 65 pregnancies with threatened miscarriages (study group) with 65 normal intrauterine pregnancies (control group) between 6 weeks and 19 weeks + 6 days gestation using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique.

Results

The mean age of the study and control groups were 29.5 ± 0.14 years and 30.1 ± 0.14 years, respectively. The mean serum CA125 in the study group was 30.1 ± 1.1 IU/mL while that of the control group was 22.9 ± 1.2 IU/mL and this was statistically significant (P = 0.0001). The mean serum CA125 level in the women whose pregnancies were aborted (aborters) was 34.8 ± 1.4 IU/mL while the mean value among those whose pregnancies continued till term (non-aborters) was 27.3 ± 1.2 IU/mL. This was statistically significant (P = 0.001). Further analysis using CA125 ≥36.2 IU/mL (mean value of serum CA125 among aborters + 1 standard deviation) as a threshold for intrauterine pregnancies that eventually got aborted showed a sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 83.3%, positive predictive value of 55.6%, negative predictive value of 88.9% and the diagnostic effectiveness (accuracy) was 79.4%.

Conclusion

The measurement of serum CA125 is a useful predictor of pregnancy outcome in threatened miscarriages.
Parallel MCMC methods for global optimization
Authors: Zhang Lihao , Ye Zeyang , Deng Yuefan
Published: August 2019

We introduce a parallel scheme for simulated annealing, a widely used Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method for optimization.
Our method is constructed and analyzed under the classical framework of MCMC.
The benchmark function for optimization is used for validation and verification of the parallel scheme.
The experimental results, along with the proof based on statistical theory, provide us with insights into the mechanics of the parallelization of simulated annealing for high parallel efficiency or scalability for large parallel computers.
7-(4-Fluorobenzylidene)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-phenyl-3,3a,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-2H-indazole-2-carbothioamide–dimethylformamide (2/1), C27H23F2N3S, 0.5(C3H7NO)
Authors: Aldosari Obaid Fahad , Abdel-Wahab Bakr F. , Alotaibi Mohammad Hayal , Hegazy Amany S. , Kariuki Benson M. , El-Hiti Gamal A.
Published: August 2019

C27H23F2N3S, 0.5(C3H7NO), monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 25.1579(10) Å, b = 9.9356(4) Å, c = 20.1799(7) Å, β = 91.741(4)°, V = 5041.8(3) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0508, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1385, T = 296(2) K.
Crystal structure of ethyl (Z)-(4-oxo-4-phenylbut-2-en-2-yl)glycinate, C14H17NO3
Authors: Safavora A.S. , Brito Ivan , Cisterna Jonathan , Cárdenas Alejandro , Huseynov E.Z. , Khalilov A.N. , Naghiyev F.N. , Askerov R.K. , Maharramov A.M.
Published: August 2019

C14H17NO3, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 11.1445(7) Å, b = 8.5442(5) Å, c = 14.2503(8) Å, β = 97.5684(11)°, V = 1345.10(14) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0668, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1680, T = 296(2) K.
Crystal structure of poly[aqua(μ2-2-amino-1,4-benzenedisulfonato-κ2
O:O′)bis(μ2-pyrazin-κ2
N:N′)silver(I)], C14H16Ag2N5O8S2
Authors: Li Jia-Wei , Jiang Jin-Ke , Jiang Hui
Published: August 2019

C14H16Ag2N5O8S2, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 7.1305(7) Å, b = 7.3558(6) Å, c = 9.8517(10) Å, α = 73.816(9)°, β = 82.648(8)°, γ = 88.080(7)°, V = 492.17(8) Å3, Z = 1, Rgt
(F) = 0.0491, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1515, T = 293(2) K.
Fiber structures and properties of eucalyptus kraft pulp via different bleaching methods
Authors: Jiang Yu , Chen Yangmei , Wu Qitang , Wei Zebin
Published: August 2019

The fiber morphology, the content of hydrogen bonds (HBs) of different models, cellulose crystalline structure, water retention value (WRV), and strength properties of eucalyptus pulp bleached by different bleaching methods (hydrogen peroxide bleaching and sodium dithionite bleaching) were investigated. The results of fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) showed that the content of intramolecular hydrogen bonds (HBintra) increased by 11.6 % and 4.8 % after hydrogen peroxide bleaching and sodium dithionite bleaching, respectively. The energy of the hydrogen bonds was changed after bleaching treatment. The hydrogen bonding distances showed a small change after different bleaching treatment. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated a decrease in the average width of crystallite size in the (002) lattice plane after different bleaching treatment, which was the same trend with the variability of cellulose crystallinity. Compared with the unbleached pulp, the WRV and strength properties of the bleached pulp increased after each bleaching process. Tear index of handsheets made from the hydrogen peroxide and sodium dithionite bleaching pulps were 46.0 % and 54.8 %, respectively. The sodium dithionite bleaching treatment had more significant effects on fiber swelling capability.