bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Modified Metal Organic Skeleton and Its Adsorption of Hydrochloric Acid Wastewater, Mercury and Arsenic in Water
Authors: Xu Hongna , Jin Liguo , Cheng Yan
Published: March 2020

Metal organic skeleton (MOFs) is a kind of porous material composed of metal ions and organic ligands through coordination, which can be used to absorb a lot of toxic substances from waste water. In this research, UiO-66, UiO-66(Zr) and UiO-66(Zr)–2COOH were synthesized by solvent
thermal method, and physical analysis was conducted on the adsorbent properties of the materials by means of XRD, IR, Zeta potential, etc. In the adsorption test of wastewater impurities, UiO-66(Zr)–2COOH was firstly taken as the research object. With the increase of the initial concentration
of hydrochloric acid, the adsorption capacity of the organic skeleton was greatly increased. However, when the concentration increases further, the growth rate of adsorption decreases, and with the increase of temperature, the adsorption decreases further. The organic skeleton of Hg(II) adsorption
process conforms to the secondary dynamic adsorption model. At the same time, the organic skeleton materials of Hg(II) has strong ability of recognition, the recognition of Hg(II) sex is much stronger than the Ni(II) identification. Uio-66(Zr) and UiO-66(Zr)–2COOH are selected for adsorption
of As, and the adsorption process of the two kinds of materials of As is close to the Freundlich model(III). The ability of absorbing As(III) of these materials is stronger than the ability of As(V). At the same time, UiO-66(Zr)–2COOH shows higher adsorption capacity on the As(III),
and maximum adsorption capacity is 220 mg/g.
Topographic Form Drag on Tides and Low-Frequency Flow: Observations of Nonlinear Lee Waves over a Tall Submarine Ridge near Palau
Authors: Voet Gunnar , Alford Matthew H. , MacKinnon Jennifer A. , Nash Jonathan D.
Published: March 2020

Towed shipboard and moored observations show internal gravity waves over a tall, supercritical submarine ridge that reaches to 1000 m below the ocean surface in the tropical western Pacific north of Palau. The lee-wave or topographic Froude number, Nh0/U0 (where N is the buoyancy frequency, h0 the ridge height, and U0 the farfield velocity), ranged between 25 and 140. The waves were generated by a superposition of tidal and low-frequency flows and thus had two distinct energy sources with combined amplitudes of up to 0.2 m s−1. Local breaking of the waves led to enhanced rates of dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy reaching above 10−6 W kg−1 in the lee of the ridge near topography. Turbulence observations showed a stark contrast between conditions at spring and neap tide. During spring tide, when the tidal flow dominated, turbulence was approximately equally distributed around both sides of the ridge. During neap tide, when the mean flow dominated over tidal oscillations, turbulence was mostly observed on the downstream side of the ridge relative to the mean flow. The drag exerted by the ridge on the flow, estimated to for individual ridge crossings, and the associated power loss, thus provide an energy sink both for the low-frequency ocean circulation and the tidal flow.
The Role of Local Orography on the Development of a Severe Rainfall Event over Western Peninsular Malaysia: A Case Study
Authors: Mohd Nor Mohd Fadzil Firdzaus , Holloway Christopher E. , Inness Peter M.
Published: March 2020

Severe rainfall events are common in western Peninsular Malaysia. They are usually short and intense, and occasionally cause flash floods and landslides. Forecasting these local events is difficult and understanding the mechanisms of the rainfall events is vital for the advancement of tropical weather forecasting. This study investigates the mechanisms responsible for a local heavy rainfall event on 2 May 2012 that caused flash floods and landslides using both observations and simulations with the limited-area high-resolution Met Office Unified Model (MetUM). Results suggest that previous day rainfalls over Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra Island influenced the development of overnight rainfall over the Strait of Malacca by low-level flow convergence. Afternoon convection over the Titiwangsa Mountains over Peninsular Malaysia then induced rainfall development and the combination of these two events influenced the development of severe convective storm over western Peninsular Malaysia. Additionally, anomalously strong low-level northwesterlies also contributed to this event. Sensitivity studies were carried out to investigate the influence of the local orography on this event. Flattened Peninsular Malaysia orography causes a lack of rainfall over the central part of Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra Island and produces a weaker overnight rainfall over the Strait of Malacca. By removing Sumatra Island in the final experiment, the western and inland parts of Peninsular Malaysia would receive more rainfall, as this region is more influenced by the westerly wind from the Indian Ocean. These results suggest the importance of the interaction between landmasses, orography, low-level flow, and the diurnal cycle on the development of heavy rainfall events.
Becoming Wards of the State: Race, Crime, and Childhood in the Struggle for Foster Care Integration, 1920s to 1960s
Authors: Simmons Michaela Christy
Published: March 2020

Using archival materials from the Domestic Relations Court of New York City, this article traces the conflict between private institutions and the state over responsibility for neglected African American children in the early twentieth century. After a long history of exclusion by private child welfare, the court assumed public responsibility for the protection of children of all races. Yet, in an arrangement of delegated governance, judges found themselves unable to place non-white children because of the enduring exclusionary policies of private agencies. When the situation became critical, the City sought to wrest control from private agencies by developing a supplemental public foster care system. This compromise over responsibility racialized the developing public foster care system of New York City, and it transformed frameworks of child protection as a social problem. The findings highlight the political salience surrounding issues of racial access in the delegated welfare state. Tracing how the conflict over access unfolded in New York City child protection provides an empirical case for understanding how the delegation of social welfare to private agencies can actually weaken racial integration efforts, generate distinct modes of social welfare inclusion, and racialize perceptions of social problems.
Functional and dysfunctional fear of crime in inner Sydney: Findings from the quantitative component of a mixed-methods study
Authors: Lee Murray , Jackson Jonathan , Ellis Justin R
Published: March 2020

This article presents the quantitative findings from a mixed-method study of perceptions of crime in inner Sydney. A survey was deployed via Computer-Assisted Telephone Interview on a randomly selected sample of the inner Sydney population ( n =  409). We find that less than half of the participants worry about crime but that a sizable minority (13%) indicated that they have some worry about a category of crime every week of the year or more. Building on a recent conceptual advance, we differentiate between functional and dysfunctional fear of crime. We find that greater direct and indirect experience of victimisation, believing one’s neighbourhood to be disorderly, and believing that collective efficacy is low, all predict moving up the scale from no worry, to functional fear, to increasingly frequent dysfunctional fear. The findings suggest gender and age are largely unrelated to worry about crime, controlling for perceptions of community disorder, perceptions of collective efficacy, direct victimisation experience and indirect victimisation experience. We conclude with some thoughts on the role of environmental cues in shifting people’s functional response to perceived risk to dysfunctional patterning of emotions in people’s daily lives.
Gli ammonitori di Giovanni Cena: un romanzo sociale
Authors: Risso Roberto
Published: March 2020

L’analisi del romanzo Gli ammonitori mette in evidenza come l’opera sia il frutto della rappresentazione della società torinese a cavallo dei due secoli, Ottocento e Novecento, e come l’autore abbia voluto fornire un breve, intenso e potente ritratto dello sviluppo della coscienza e dell’azione di un tipografo autodidatta, fino alle estreme conseguenze. Qui si dà conto del contesto sociale, storico e letterario dell’opera, con riferimenti puntuali a libri e quadri che hanno avuto influenza diretta sulla genesi del romanzo. Allo stesso tempo, si vuole inserire l’opera nel contesto della produzione poetica dell’autore, evidenziandone i temi costanti e le linee di sviluppo del pensiero, attraverso l’analisi di versi, lettere e taccuini. Si dà anche conto di alcune scelte fondamentali operate dall’autore del romanzo, nel passare dalla pubblicazione a puntate in rivista all’edizione in volume.
Stability enhancement of highly loaded nano-clay-based flexible polyurethane foams using hollow glass microspheres
Authors: Imran Mohammed , Rahaman Ariful , Shaik Aabid H , Chandan Mohammed R
Published: March 2020

Addition of fillers in polyurethane foams enhances the mechanical properties of polymeric foams. However, fillers can be loaded to a certain extent, as higher percentage of fillers in polymeric foam causes structural instability leading to the collapse of foam. In this article, we report the use of hollow glass microspheres as a possible co-filler which enables higher loading of nano-clay in flexible polyurethane foam. It has been observed that the structural and mechanical properties of nano-clay-loaded foams were found to cause instability at 5 wt% loading of nano-clay. Therefore, upon addition of hollow glass microspheres in 5 wt%, nano-clay-loaded polyurethane foam shows remarkable enhancement in terms of stability and mechanical properties of the resultant foams. A 100-fold increment in tensile strength has been observed for 2 wt% hollow glass microspheres and 5 wt% nano-clay-loaded flexible polyurethane foams as compared to conventional (unloaded) polyurethane foams.
Effect of friction and shear strength enhancement on delamination prediction
Authors: Hameed Marwah A , Ibrahim Ghalib R , Albarbar A
Published: March 2020

This study considers the intra-laminar damage mode in composite structures and its effect on delamination prediction. The progressive damage models for matrix cracking and fibre failure in ABAQUS, based on Hashin's model, are only available for shell elements. The results presented here show that the predicted matrix cracking based on the damage model presently available in ABAQUS diverges from experimental results. A new model based on strain failure criteria, which can be used with both shell elements and 3D solid elements, has been developed. The effect of friction coefficient and enhancement factor on the delamination lobes within the delamination area was investigated, and it is shown that the intact zone can be captured in laminate [03/903]s and [903/03]s subjected to low-velocity impact, by using an enhancement factor of η = 0.75, and friction coefficient [Formula: see text], together with the new model proposed here.
Branding Cultural Products in International Markets: A Study of Hollywood Movies in China
Authors: Gao Weihe , Ji Li , Liu Yong , Sun Qi
Published: March 2020

Cultural products are a major component of the world economy and are responsible for a growing share of U.S. exports. The authors examine brand name strategies when cultural products are marketed in foreign countries. Incorporating the unique characteristics of these products, the authors develop a theoretical framework that integrates similarity, which focuses on how the translated brand name relates to the original brand name, and informativeness, which focuses on how the translated brand name reveals product content, to study the impact of brand name translations. The authors analyze Hollywood movies shown in China from 2011 to 2018. The results show that higher similarity leads to higher Chinese box office revenue, and this effect is stronger for movies that perform better in the home market (i.e., the United States). When the translated title is more informative about the movie, the Chinese box office revenue increases. The informativeness effect is stronger for Hollywood movies with greater cultural gap in the Chinese market. Moreover, both similarity and informativeness effects are strongest when the movie is released and reduce over time. This research provides valuable guidance to companies, managers, and policy makers in cultural product industries as well as those in international marketing.
Use of high frequency jet ventilation as a refinement for imaging macaques with respiratory disease
Authors: Sharpe Sally A , Scott Shaun , Taylor Irene , Skinner Oliver , Clark Simon O , Smyth Donna , McIntyre Anthony , Gleeson Fergus V , Dennis Mike J
Published: March 2020

Imaging is used in human medicine to diagnose disease and monitor treatment efficacy. Computed tomography (CT) positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance (MR) are applied to animal models of infectious diseases to increase data quality, enhance their relevance to the clinical situation, and to address ethical issues through reduction of numbers and refinement of study designs. The time required for collection of MR and PET-CT scans means that normal breathing produces motion artefacts that can render images unacceptable. We report, for the first time, the use of high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) for respiratory management during imaging of macaques. HFJV enables continuous gaseous exchange, resulting in cessation of spontaneous breathing motion thus providing a motionless field without the potential stresses induced by repeated breath-hold strategies.
Policewomen’s perceptions of occupational culture in the changing policing environment of England and Wales: A study in liminality
Authors: Brown Jennifer , Fleming Jenny , Silvestri Marisa
Published: March 2020

Liminality is the transitional phase of a rite of passage when individuals no longer hold to their traditions but have yet to transition to a new status. Utilising cultural characterisations reported by a sample of policewomen ( N = 127) from England and Wales, a hierarchical cluster analysis revealed empirical demonstration of a traditional preliminal condition, a transforming postliminal state and a liminal betwixt and between period, which are associated with different discriminatory experiences and policing styles. Women as potential liminal workers may offer a way to nudge movement towards the postliminal incorporation of a more academically oriented professional police culture.
Time Perspective Constructs in Albanian and Italian Adolescents: Exploratory Analyses
Authors: Worrell Frank C. , Mello Zena R. , Laghi Fiorenzo , Baiocco Roberto , Lonigro Antonia
Published: March 2020

Time perspective is an important correlate of developmental outcomes in adolescence, and research has highlighted the importance of assessing the past, the present, and the future. However, there are few instruments that assess all three time periods. In the current study, we examined the responses of Italian and Albanian adolescents on the time frequency, time orientation, time relation, and time attitude subscales of the Adolescent and Adult Time Inventory. Participants consisted of two samples of adolescents—246 Italians and 312 Albanians—who completed translated versions of the Adolescent and Adult Time Inventory. Italian and Albanian adolescents had similar responses to time frequency and time attitudes but differed in time orientation and time relation. Additionally, psychometric evidence supported the internal consistency and structural validity of scores on five of the six time attitude subscales—Past Positive, Past Negative, Present Positive, Present Negative, and Future Positive—but provided less support for Future Negative subscale scores. Time attitude scores showed strong invariance across countries. Comparisons of time attitude mean scores in this study with time attitude means in samples from Germany, Japan, Italy, New Zealand, Turkey, and the United States revealed similarities and differences. Finally, time constructs did not have substantial associations with risky behaviors or seatbelt use. The findings suggest that the Adolescent and Adult Time Inventory can be used in cross-cultural research on time perspective and may help us understand adolescents in these contexts.
Effects of UV absorbers and reducing agents on light fastness of cotton fabrics pre-dyed with sodium copper chlorophyllin and gardenia yellow
Authors: Zhao Zhong , Zhang Mingwen , Hurren Chris , Zhou Liming , Wu Jihong , Sun Lu
Published: March 2020

In this study, inorganic and organic UV absorbers, as well as reducing agents, were employed to treat cotton fabrics that were pre-dyed with two natural dyes (sodium copper chlorophyllin and gardenia yellow) to improve light fastness. The performance of UV absorbers and reducing agents was evaluated by comparing ΔE (CIELAB) of the treated samples caused by their exposure to simulated sunlight irradiation. Results show that both inorganic and organic UV absorbers present unsatisfactory effects on inhibiting the photo-fading of dyes, while the reducing agents (i.e. sodium citrate and glucose) exhibit distinctive effects on improving their light fastness. The protection was enhanced when the amount of the two reducing agents was increased from 1% to 5% o.w.f. Sodium citrate was found to be more efficient than glucose in this regard. Change in shade of gardenia yellow and sodium copper chlorophyllin pre-dyed fabrics with a treatment of 5% o.w.f. sodium citrate after 10 h exposure to simulated sunlight were ΔE 3.95 and 2.46, while for the controls were ΔE 10.34 and 8.11, respectively.
A virtual e-bespoke men's shirt based on new body measurements and method of pattern drafting
Authors: Yan Jiaqi , Kuzmichev Victor E
Published: March 2020

Customization is prevailing in the apparel industry with increasing requirements from consumers and the popularization of new technologies. This study aimed to establish the novel approach of applying existing and new body measurements to customize the pattern block of a men's shirt, to enrich the anthropometric database, and to develop the fit evaluation procedure. New body measurements were extracted from 156 scanned male mesh bodies in accordance with the morphological features and developing method of pattern block sketching. Owing to these new body measurements, the customized shirt with assured high-level fit can be obtained by generating original patterns as bespoke, on the one hand, and by transforming ready-to-wear patterns, on the other hand. The first way is e-bespoke tailoring that utilizes the developed schedule of body morphological features, improved shirt pattern of desired style (body fit, slim fit, regular fit, and comfort fit), and virtual try-on software CLO 3D. The proposed method of virtual e-bespoke design allows readily completing a well-fitted and balanced men's shirt, which will contribute to the efficiency of customization and quality of end-products for the apparel industry.
Industrial Discourse in Voluntary Environmental Disclosure Questionnaires Responses: A Case Study
Authors: Lane Christina
Published: March 2020

Deploying a grounded theory approach, this case study examines 9 years of a nonrenewable energy company’s responses to a voluntary environmental disclosure questionnaire to discover how industrial discourse about climate change is used by industry writers. Through using the rhetorical strategies of emotions, affect, and mythic narrative within theory, balancing norm, and dominion frames, the company communicates climate change does not impact their secure economic future due to their proactive approach toward regulatory compliance with technological innovation and attentive internal and external policy oversight.
Quality of life, depression, and anxiety of patients undergoing hemodialysis: Significant role of acceptance of the illness
Authors: Marthoenis Marthoenis , Syukri Maimun , Abdullah Abdullah , Tandi Teuku M Reza , Putra Nadisyah , Laura Hasna , Setiawan Arie , Sofyan Hizir , Schouler-Ocak Meryam
Published: March 2020

Objective

Routine dialysis is stressful. It has the possibility of leading to depression and anxiety and also reducing patients’ quality of life. Despite these significant consequences, these comorbidities have been rarely studied among Indonesian patients. This study aims to examine the rate of depression, anxiety, and the role of acceptance of their illness on patients’ quality of life.

Method

A total of 213 patients undergoing hemodialysis in three general hospitals in Aceh, Indonesia, were included in the study. The presence of depression, anxiety, and the quality of life of each patient was assessed using the hospital anxiety and depression scale and WHO quality of life-BREF questionnaires.

Results

The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 46% and 30.5%, respectively. Depression was only associated with the presence of anxiety and the duration of hemodialysis. Anxiety was negatively associated with quality of life but positively associated with depression and the prescription of an anxiolytic. Overall quality of life was associated with age, body mass index, the presence of anxiety, and acceptance of the illness. Acceptance of the illness was also independently associated with almost every domain of patients’ quality of life.

Conclusions

The rates of depression and anxiety among patients undergoing hemodialysis in the current study setting are relatively similar to the rates in other settings. Patients’ acceptance of their illnesses is significantly associated with the occurrence of anxiety and quality of life. Therefore, health practitioners should help patients accept their illnesses and the administration of regular hemodialysis.
Burden, quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among caregivers of hemodialysis patients: The role of social support
Authors: Shukri Madihah , Mustofai Mohd Azman , Md Yasin Md Aris Safree , Tuan Hadi Tuan Sharipah
Published: March 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine how burden and quality of life predict anxiety and depressive symptoms among caregivers of hemodialysis patients. Social support was included in the model as a proposed moderator in the above relationships.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 340 caregivers of chronic kidney patients undergoing hemodialysis. The setting was in Terengganu, Malaysia. The caregivers completed the measures of caregiving burden, quality of life, social support, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Results

About 28.8% and 52.4% of caregivers showed clinically moderate levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. Furthermore, 35.9% and 3.8% of them showed clinically high levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. Analyses showed that general quality of life was a significant predictor of both anxiety and depressive symptoms. Burden and psychological domains of quality of life significantly predicted anxiety. In addition, a lack of social support was a determinant of depressive symptoms. Evidence suggested that social support moderated the burden–anxiety relationship. Specifically, caregivers with low levels of social support showed more elevated levels of anxiety symptoms when their burden was higher.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need for early detection to initiate prompt treatment in this population. The study provides some important insights into offering comprehensive intervention to help caregivers cope more effectively through the provision of sufficient social support to buffer the effects of caregiving burden and improve mental health.
Higher dose weekly fluoxetine in hemodialysis patients: A case series report
Authors: Kauffman Kelley M , Dolata Jacqueline , Figueroa Maria , Gunzler Douglas , Huml Anne , Pencak Julie , Sehgal Ashwini R , Sajatovic Martha
Published: March 2020

Objective

The antidepressant medication fluoxetine at 90 mg dosed weekly is as effective and safe as standard formulation fluoxetine 20 mg dosed daily in patients with major depressive disorder. Weekly fluoxetine has not been well studied in hemodialysis patients, and doses beyond 90 mg/week have not been described in this population. This case series, derived from a larger study on depression in hemodialysis patients, describes the use of weekly fluoxetine at dosages beyond 90 mg/week.

Method

Hemodialysis patients with depressive symptom severity scored ≥10 on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire and major depressive disorder confirmed with Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview were initially prescribed daily fluoxetine for two weeks and then transitioned to weekly fluoxetine. Dosage titration was made at the discretion of the prescribing clinician. Fluoxetine was continued for a total of 12 weeks.

Results

Four women, aged 24 to 65 years, on hemodialysis for 1 to 18 years, were started on weekly fluoxetine that was increased over several weeks up to 180 mg. Side effects included restlessness, dry mouth, sedation, and lightheadedness. Two patients ultimately had their weekly fluoxetine decreased back to 90 mg. However, all four continued weekly fluoxetine as part of poststudy aftercare and no longer met diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, current episode.

Conclusions

Weekly fluoxetine at doses of 180 mg may be a reasonable treatment consideration for hemodialysis patients who have partial or insufficient antidepressant response. Side effects may limit tolerance of the 180 mg dose in some individuals. Future research should investigate longer term health outcomes of weekly fluoxetine in this population.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and psycho-social impairment following snakebite in Northeastern Nigeria
Authors: Habib Zaharaddeen G , Salihu Auwalu S , Hamza Muhammad , Yakasai Ahmad M , Iliyasu Garba , Yola Ibrahim M , Gudaji Mustafa I , Abubakar Saidu B , Habib Abdulrazaq G
Published: March 2020

Background

Snakebite is a major public health problem among impoverished rural populations causing considerable morbidity and mortality in West Africa. Despite the huge burden of snakebite in this region, psycho-social impairment following snakebite has not been evaluated. In this study, we assessed for features of posttraumatic stress disorder and psycho-social impairment among rural snakebite victims in Northeastern Nigeria.

Methods

Individuals with previous snakebite managed in our facility, defined as exposed to snakebite, and their matched relatives not exposed to snakebite were invited to participate in the study following community mobilization. A retrospective cohort study was conducted evaluating the presence of psycho-social functioning, posttraumatic stress disorder, quality of life, social disability, cognitive impairment, and psychological morbidity using standard tools administered by the investigators, trained nurses, and community health workers.

Results

The prevalence of features of posttraumatic stress disorder among those exposed to snakebite compared to those not exposed to snakebite was 43% and 28%, respectively (risk ratio = 1.53; 95% confidence interval: 1.04–2.24; p = 0.024). Subjects exposed to snakebite had significantly poorer quality of life score in the psychological and social domains (p < 0.05). Other psycho-social complications associated with snakebite were impaired family/school functioning and psychological morbidity. No difference in cognitive functioning was observed between the two groups.

Conclusions

Snakebite is complicated by features of posttraumatic stress disorder, poor quality of life, and psycho-social impairments in northeastern Nigeria. Detection, monitoring, and appropriate management interventions should be provided and made more accessible to snakebite victims to ameliorate mental and psychological impairment.
Longitudinal Effects of an Intergenerational mHealth Program for Older Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Rural Taiwan
Authors: Yu Kexin , Wu Shinyi , Lee Pey-Jiuan , Wu Du-An , Hsiao Hsin-Yi , Tseng Yi-Chuan , Wang Ying-Wei , Cheng Ching-Feng , Wang Yi-Hsuan , Lee Szu-Pei , Chi Iris
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to test the longitudinal efficacy of a mHealth intervention (Intergenerational Mobile Technology Opportunities Program, IMTOP) for older type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in rural Taiwan. Few mHealth programs targeted rural older adults and the longitudinal effects are unknown.

Methods

Ninety-seven T2DM patients aged 55+ were recruited from an outpatient in Hualien, Taiwan. The intervention comprised 8-week technology and diabetes self-management training and 4-week technical support. College student tutors facilitated T2DM patients to learn technology. Participants used a diabetes self-management app to track health behaviors. Outcomes measured at baseline and at 4 and 8 months including patient-reported self-care behaviors, T2DM symptoms, clinical outcomes, health resource utilization, and medical expenditure. Linear mixed-effect regressions of repeated measures were conducted for each outcome.

Results

At 4 months, improvements in self-care behaviors were reported in diet, exercise, smoking, and blood glucose testing. Patients paid less endocrinology clinic visits, spent less on endocrinology medications, and improvements in fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol were observed. At 8 months, the statistical significance of improvements in diet and smoking were maintained, and the averaged endocrinology clinic visits remained less than baseline. However, more frequent occurrence of diabetes symptoms were reported at both follow-ups.

Conclusions:

IMTOP had lasting effects on diet and decreased smoking behavior, clinic visits, and medication costs over 8 months. Self-monitoring through an app increased awareness and may explain the increased reporting of diabetes symptoms. IMTOP is a promising model for promoting T2DM self-management in rural areas.
Stability and change in well-being among middle-aged and older Japanese
Authors: Nakagawa Takeshi , Nishita Yukiko , Tange Chikako , Tomida Makiko , Kinoshita Kaori , Otsuka Rei , Ando Fujiko , Shimokata Hiroshi
Published: March 2020

Prior evidence suggests that subjective well-being (SWB) remains relatively stable across adulthood. However, longitudinal evidence is sparse except in Western societies such as North America and Western Europe. We examined age-related changes in SWB (life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect) among middle-aged and older Japanese. We applied multilevel growth models to 14-year seven-wave longitudinal data of a dynamic cohort study. A total of 3,890 participants aged 40–81 at first assessment were included in the analysis. The longitudinal results demonstrated differential trajectories of SWB. Life satisfaction exhibited an accelerated increase in middle age but decreased and leveled off in old age. Positive affect increased in midlife and declined in late life. Negative affect remained stable in middle age but increased in old age. Demographics, health, and methodological correlates did not fully account for age-related changes in SWB. Of note, increases in negative affect in old age remained evident even after controlling for the correlates. In conclusion, life satisfaction was stable across adulthood, which was not the case with positive and negative affect. We discussed the possible mechanisms in these observed trajectories of SWB, in particular, negative affect in late life.
Sirolimus and propranolol inhibit endothelial proliferation while detergent sclerosants induce endothelial activation, microparticle release and apoptosis in vitro
Authors: Connor David E. , Gerbelli Jessica , Chew An-Ning , Cooley-Andrade Osvaldo , Goonawardhana Dulani , Cheung Kelvin , Parsi Kurosh
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To investigate the effects of detergent sclerosants, sodium tetradecyl sulphate and polidocanol, on endothelial cell activation and microparticle release and the effects of detergent sclerosants, sirolimus and propranolol, on apoptosis in vitro.

Methods

Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells and murine haemangioendothelioma (EOMA) cell lines were incubated with different concentrations of sodium tetradecyl sulphate and polidocanol, as well as sirolimus and propranolol. Endothelial activation was assessed using flow cytometry for CD62e (E-Selectin), CD54 (ICAM-1), CD105 (endoglin), CD144 (VE-Cadherin), CD146 (MCAM) and the release of endothelial microparticles. Cell proliferation was assessed using [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] and carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester assays. Apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry for lactadherin/propidium iodide staining and for Caspase-3 expression.

Results

Sublytic concentrations of sodium tetradecyl sulphate and polidocanol (0.075%–0.3%) increased the expression of the activation markers CD62e and CD54. The expression of CD105 decreased in sclerosant treated cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Both sodium tetradecyl sulphate and polidocanol induced the release of endothelial microparticles. All agents inhibited cell proliferation. Sodium tetradecyl sulphate and polidocanol-induced apoptosis as evidenced by increased phosphatidylserine exposure and caspase-3 expression, whereas sirolimus and propranolol increased caspase-3 expression only.

Conclusion

Sublytic concentrations of detergent sclerosants induce endothelial activation and the release of endothelial microparticles. All agents were anti-proliferative in EOMA cell lines, with sodium tetradecyl sulphate and polidocanol inducing cellular apoptosis.
Clinical study on minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis combined with severe narrowing of the intervertebral space
Authors: Wu Han , Gao Zhong-Wen , Zhao Dong-Xu , Li Long-Yun
Published: March 2020

Objective

To investigate the different clinical characteristics of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion on treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis combined with severe narrowing of the intervertebral space or simple grade II lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Methods

Thirty-eight patients were divided into groups A (16 cases combined with severe intervertebral space narrowing) or B (22 cases of simple grade II lumbar spondylolisthesis without intervertebral space narrowing). Differences in preoperative preparation, operation time, blood loss, tool selection, decompression, reduction, pedicle screw, cage size selection, and other aspects were compared. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were used to assess the effect of treatment.

Results

The operation time was significantly longer, blood loss was greater, the anatomical reduction rate was lower, and cage size was smaller in group A than in group B. Furthermore, special tools were required for treating the lumbar intervertebral space and the pedicle screws were different between the groups. JOA and VAS scores were similar between the groups

Conclusions

Cases of severe intervertebral space narrowing need to be fully released, with bilateral decompression, and special intervertebral processing tools need to be prepared. Long pedicle screws are conducive to connecting the rod and reducing slippage.
Effects and risks of 3.2-mm transparent corneal incision phacoemulsification for cataract after radial keratotomy
Authors: Wang Jin-da , Liu Xue , Zhang Jing-shang , Xiong Ying , Li Jing , Li Xiao-xia , Zhao Jing , You Qi-sheng , Huang Yao , Espina Mark , Jhanji Vishal , Wan Xiu-hua
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study was performed to analyze the visual outcomes and complications of phacoemulsification using a 3.2-mm transparent corneal incision in eyes with cataract after radial keratotomy (RK).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cases of lens phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation after RK. The main measurement results were postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density, and complications.

Results

Overall, 19 eyes of 12 patients with 8 (n = 6), 12 (n = 7), and 16 (n = 6) RK cuts were included in the study. Intraoperative wound dehiscence occurred in two eyes with 16 RK cuts. Successful phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation was performed in all eyes. The mean BCVA at the last follow-up (0.19 ± 0.13 LogMAR) was significantly better than the preoperative BCVA (0.72 ± 0.54 LogMAR). However, there was a significant reduction in the corneal endothelial cell density after surgery (2384.0 ± 833.4/mm2 vs. 1716.95 ± 906.79/mm2).

Conclusions

Surgeons should be aware of the risk of wound dehiscence in patients who undergo phacoemulsification after RK. A small transparent corneal incision or scleral tunnel incision is recommended.
Clinical analysis of aortic dissection with sudden coma and paraplegia as the main symptoms
Authors: Zhang Dongwei , Lin Yinuo , Liu Yuehui , Zhang Xinhong , Jiang Caixia
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with aortic dissection presenting with neurological symptoms as the initial symptoms.

Methods

Clinical characteristics, radiological abnormalities, and prognosis were analyzed in two female patients with aortic dissection. The main clinical symptoms were sudden coma and paraplegia. A detailed clinical examination was performed and computed tomography scans were evaluated.

Results

The initial symptoms of the patients involved the nervous system. Chest and abdominal computed tomography scans were performed to confirm the diagnosis of aortic dissection. Both patients died.

Conclusion

Patients who present with nervous system symptoms as the first symptoms of aortic dissection, which lead to misdiagnosis and missing the diagnosis, are rare. Improvement in the understanding of this disease is required to ensure that patients receive a timely diagnosis in the early stages.
Effects of propofol and sevoflurane on tumor killing activity of peripheral blood natural killer cells in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Ai Lili , Wang Hao
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells in patients with gastric cancer.

Methods

Patients with gastric cancer were anesthetized by propofol or sevoflurane. Peripheral blood NK cells were isolated and co-cultured with BGC-823 gastric cancer cell culture supernatant, and the rate of apoptosis and effector molecules were analyzed by flow cytometry. Effects of propofol and sevoflurane on NK cell function and SMAD4 protein expression were investigated.

Results

Cytotoxicity of NK cells in patients with gastric cancer was inhibited before surgery, but it was enhanced in patients who were anesthetized by propofol compared with those who had sevoflurane. In vitro co-culture with BGC-823 cells significantly inhibited the cytotoxicity of NK cells, which was abolished by treatment of propofol or transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. SMAD4 protein expression in the NK cell nucleus was significantly downregulated by TGF-β1 treatment and BGC-823 supernatant co-culture, and this expression could be restored by propofol.

Conclusions

Cytotoxicity of NK cells in patients with gastric cancer is low, but it can be promoted by propofol. Propofol regulates cytotoxicity in NK cells by promoting SMAD4, thereby affecting cellular function.
MicroRNA-21 may be involved in the therapeutic effects of Galla chinensis ointment on keloid
Authors: Tang Zhiming , Ding Jicun , Zhai Xiaoxiang , Jing Mengqing , Guan Zhiqiang , Li Yongcong
Published: March 2020

Objective

Galla chinensis ointment can inhibit the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts and decrease keloid formation. We investigated whether Galla chinensis ointment inhibits keloid fibroblast proliferation through expression of microRNA-21, phosphorylated (p)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), chromosome 10 neutropenic protein phosphatase (PTEN), protein kinase B (p-Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR).

Methods

A keloid mouse model and human keloid-derived fibroblasts were developed and treated with Galla chinensis. Immunohistochemistry, western blot, and reverse transcription-PCR were used to detect miR-21, PI3K, PTEN, Akt, and mTOR in keloid tissues.

Results

p-Akt and p-mTOR were highly expressed in the control group, PTEN was highly expressed in the treatment group, and p-PI3K was highly expressed in keloid tissue in both groups. Galla chinensis reduced miR-21 expression and increased PTEN mRNA expression in keloid fibroblasts compared with the control group, resulting in increased PTEN protein and decreased p-Akt and p-mTOR protein. Galla chinensis had no effect on p-PI3K.

Conclusion

Galla chinensis might inhibit proliferation of keloid fibroblasts by upregulating PTEN, thus inhibiting expression of miR-21 and downregulating p-Akt and p-mTOR expression. These results confirm the effect of Galla chinensis ointment on fibroblasts and suggest that it could be used to manage keloids clinically.
The combination of ulinastatin and 5-fluorouracil synergistically inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth
Authors: Hu Xueli , Ding Jie , Wang Ge , Zhang Xianming
Published: March 2020

Objective

Chemoresistance is a major problem during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment; thus, finding novel chemosensitizers and elucidating the underlying mechanisms that contribute to chemoresistance in HCC is critical.

Methods

Cell viability assays were used to detect the combined effects of ulinastatin (UTI) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the proliferation of HCC cells. RT-qPCR, western blot, sphere formation, and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) activity assays were used to examine UTI-mediated effects on HCC cell stemness and related mechanisms.

Results

We constructed 5-FU-resistant HCC cell lines and found that their stemness was higher than parental cells, as evidenced by increased sphere-formation ability, ALDH1 activity, and expression of stemness regulatory genes. While UTI had no effect on the viability of HCC cells, it significantly reduced the stemness of 5-FU-resistant HCC cells, which was determined by decreased sphere-formation capacity, ALDH1 activity, and expression of stemness-related genes. Furthermore, UTI attenuated 5-FU resistance in 5-FU-resistant HCC cells and enhanced the 5-FU sensitivity of parental cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that UTI suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which was responsible for the activity of UTI on the stemness of HCC cells.

Conclusions

UTI enhanced the 5-FU sensitivity of HCC cells by attenuating their stemness via inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Successful treatment of juvenile generalized pustular psoriasis with infliximab therapy: two case reports
Authors: Lu Jiajing , Li Ying , Yu Ning , Chen Fujuan , Ding Yangfeng , Yi Xuemei
Published: March 2020

Juvenile generalized pustular psoriasis is a rare, severe type of psoriasis that can be life-threatening. Thus far, treatment for juvenile generalized pustular psoriasis has been challenging, and no standardized guidelines are available. Here, we describe two Chinese boys with juvenile generalized pustular psoriasis who were successfully treated with infusions of infliximab. During 12 months of follow-up, no recurrence or exacerbation was observed in either patient. Herpes zoster was observed as an adverse effect in one patient, following the initial infusion of infliximab; the other patient did not experience any adverse reaction. Although infliximab is effective therapy for patients with juvenile generalized pustular psoriasis, there is a need for close monitoring of adverse effects in these patients.
The effect of endometrial injury on reproductive outcomes of frozen–thawed embryo transfer cycles in women with one implantation failure
Authors: Chen Ting , Shi Hao , Fang Lan Lan , Su Ying Chun
Published: March 2020

Objective

Endometrial injury (EI) is a simple procedure that may improve endometrial receptivity. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether EI improves reproductive outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles in patients with one implantation failure.

Methods

The EI group comprised 258 selected patients, and the control group comprised 258 patients retrospectively matched by age, number of transferred embryos, and stage of transferred embryos. The EI group underwent EI in the proliferative phase of FET cycles, and the control group did not undergo EI. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate.

Results

We detected significant differences between the EI and control groups in rates of biochemical pregnancy (5.0% vs. 10.1%), implantation (31.7% vs. 25.3%), clinical pregnancy (47.3% vs. 37.6%), and live birth (39.1% vs. 30.2%). Moreover, EI was found to be an independent factor that affected clinical pregnancy rate, as assessed by logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion

EI in the proliferative phase of FET cycles improves rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth in women with one implantation failure.
Cost of Dual-Task Performance in Tactile Perception Is Greater for Competing Tasks of the Same Type
Authors: Nguyen Dacey , Brown James , Alais David
Published: March 2020

This study examines dual-task performance in the tactile modality and tests whether dual-task cost depends on task type. Experiment 1 involved competing tasks of the same type, using a primary localisation task on the left hand and a secondary localisation task on the right hand. In Experiment 2, the primary task on the left hand remained the same, while an intensity discrimination task was used as the secondary task on the right hand. Subjects in both experiments completed three conditions: the primary task alone, a dual-task condition, and the primary task with the secondary stimulus present but no response required. Across both experiments, performance on the primary task was best when it was presented alone, and there was a performance decrement when the secondary stimulus was present but not responded to. Performance on the primary task was further decreased when participants had to respond to the secondary stimulus, and the decrease was larger when the secondary task was localisation rather than discrimination. This result indicates that task type in the tactile modality may modulate the attentional cost of dual-task performance and implies partially shared resources underlie localisation and intensity discrimination.