bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meat on the menu? How the menu structure can stimulate vegetarian choices in restaurants
Authors: de Vaan Julie M. , van Steen Tommy , Müller Barbara C. N.
Published: September 2019

Excessive meat consumption has a negative impact on people's health, animal welfare, and the environment in general. Remarkably, however, despite the growing number of flexitarians, only a small number of people choose a vegetarian dish at a restaurant. Therefore, in the current study, we tested how vegetarian dishes need to be presented in order to stimulate the choice for these dishes. In an online study, participants were presented with one of four different menus: Either an all vegetarian menu, an all vegetarian menu with the possibility to add meat to each dish, a menu with increased offer on vegetarian dishes with explicit indication, and a menu with increased offer on vegetarian dishes without explicit indication. Subsequently, participants indicated how likely it was that they would eat in this restaurant and which dish they would choose (i.e., vegetarian or not). Additionally, they completed a reactance questionnaire. Results show that when people get the option to add meat to the vegetarian dishes on a menu this increases the choice for a vegetarian dish. No effect of menus on reactance and willingness to eat at a restaurant was found. These findings suggest that presenting meat as an alternative or additive option can help to change behavior toward a flexitarian lifestyle.
Skin disease profile of Syrian refugees in Jordan: a field‐mission assessment
Authors: Saikal S.L. , Ge L. , Mir A. , Pace J. , Abdulla H. , Leong K.F. , Benelkahla M. , Olabi B. , Medialdea‐Carrera R. , Padovese V.
Published: September 2019

Background

Since the beginning of the Syrian war in 2011, the world has faced the most severe refugee crisis in history and 5.6 million Syrians have sought asylum in neighbouring countries or in Europe. According to recent estimates, more than 650 000 Syrian refugees are displaced in Jordan.

Objectives

This article aims to assess the demographic characteristics and skin disease profile of Syrian displaced people residing in Al Za'atari camp and in communities in Jordan. Furthermore, the authors discuss the barriers to healthcare provision experienced during field missions.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of medical records collected during three medical missions in Jordan by an international dermatological team. Data on patient age, gender, country of origin and skin disease diagnoses were recorded both in Al Za'atari camp and Jordanian towns near the Syrian border.

Results

A total of 1197 patients were assessed during the field missions, with 67.7% female and 37.1% under the age of 14 years. Dermatitis was the leading dermatological condition in both refugee camp and community healthcare clinics. Infectious diseases were the second most common; however, fungal presentations were more common in the community as opposed to viral in Al Za'atari.

Conclusions

High dermatitis presentations were likely secondary to the environment, living conditions and lack of access to emollients. Infectious diseases were postulated secondary to poor hygiene and sharing of overcrowded spaces. Barriers to health care included limited pharmacological formulary, difficulty in continuity of care and case referrals due to lack of specialized services. Better access to health care, improvement of living conditions and hygiene, and increased availability of medications including emollients and sunscreens are all interventions that should be carried out to reduce skin disease burden. Our findings should further urge the international community to uphold their commitments and uptake engagement in improving health care for Syrian displaced people.
Nationwide validation study of diagnostic algorithms for inflammatory bowel disease in Korean National Health Insurance Service database
Authors: Lee Chang Kyun , Ha Hyo Jung , Oh Shin Ju , Kim Jung‐Wook , Lee Jung Kuk , Kim Hyun‐Soo , Yoon Soon Man , Kang Sang‐Bum , Kim Eun Soo , Kim Tae Oh , Na Soo‐Young , Lee Jun , Kim Sang‐Wook , Koo Hoon Sup , Park Byung Kyu , Lee Han Hee , Kim Eun Sun , Park Jae Jun , Kwak Min Seob , Cha Jae Myung , Ye Byong Duk , Choi Chang Hwan , Kim Hyo Jong
Published: September 2019

Background and Aim

We conducted a nationwide validation study of diagnostic algorithms to identify cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) within the Korea National Health Insurance System (NHIS) database.

Method

Using the NHIS dataset, we developed 44 algorithms combining the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐10 codes, codes for Rare and Intractable Diseases (RID) registration and claims data for health care encounters, and pharmaceutical prescriptions for IBD‐specific drugs.

For each algorithm, we compared the case identification results from electronic medical records data with the gold standard (chart‐based diagnosis). A multiple sampling test verified the validation results from the entire study population.

Results

A random nationwide sample of 1697 patients (848 potential cases and 849 negative control cases) from 17 hospitals were included for validation. A combination of the ICD‐10 code, ≥ 1 claims for health care encounters, and ≥ 1 prescription claims (reference algorithm) achieved excellent performance (sensitivity, 93.1% [95% confidence interval 91–94.7]; specificity, 98.1% [96.9–98.8]; positive predictive value, 97.5% [96.1–98.5]; negative predictive value, 94.5% [92.8–95.8]) with the lowest error rate (4.2% [3.3–5.3]). The multiple sampling test confirmed that the reference algorithm achieves the best performance regarding IBD diagnosis. Algorithms including the RID registration codes exhibited poorer performance compared with that of the reference algorithm, particularly for the diagnosis of patients affiliated with secondary hospitals. The performance of the reference algorithm showed no statistical difference depending on the hospital volume or IBD type, with P‐value < 0.05.

Conclusions

We strongly recommend the reference algorithm as a uniform standard operational definition for future studies using the NHIS database.
Skin sensitivity evaluation: What could impact the assessment results?
Authors: Ye CongXiu , Chen Jian , Yang SuLian , Yi JinLing , Chen HaiYan , Li MeiRong , Yin SongChao , Lai Wei , Zheng Yue
Published: September 2019

Background

For the evaluation results of skin sensitivity, such as clinical parameters, stinging test records and biophysical assessments dates might be impacted by many factors, the influence factors need to be further explored, and the skin sensitivity evaluation process and methodology needed distinction and normalization. In this study, we investigated the changes of sensitive skin indexes and lactic acid stinging test results in different seasons, facial regions, skin photo‐type, and living habits.

Methods

Twenty‐four healthy subjects had completed this study. Lactic acid stinging test was performed in different seasons. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, sebum secretion, and pH were measured in an environment‐controlled room. Correlations between stinging responses, skin biophysical parameters, and sensitive skin inducements in different seasons were statistically analyzed.

Results

Skin TEWL, hydration, sebum secretion, and pH values on different facial parts were various. Two‐way correlation analysis between the results of lactic acid stinging test in different seasons and the sensitivity factors showed differences between summer, autumn, and winter. The mean scores of lactic acid stinging test increased in autumn. Linear regression analysis of skin sensitivity factors in type III and type IV photobiology skin found that the frequency of sleeping time and eating spicy food in the past of week could infect the sensitive skin evaluation dates statistically (P < .05).

Discussion/Conclusions

Skin sensitivity assessment results were impacted by seasonal transformation, living habits and customs, and facial regions. These indicted that we should consider above interfering factors when evaluated the skin sensitivity for getting more precise dates.
Acne beliefs, treatment‐seeking behaviors, information media usage, and impact on daily living activities of Thai acne patients
Authors: Wisuthsarewong Wanee , Nitiyarom Rattanavalai , Kanchanapenkul Dollaporn , Arunkajohnask Sittiroj , Limphoka Pichaya , Boonchai Waranya
Published: September 2019

Background

Acne is a very common skin disease. Information on it is readily available and accessed by most patients. Nevertheless, they tend to have misunderstandings about the disease.

Aims

This study investigated Thai acne patients' perceptions of, and beliefs, about acne; their treatment‐seeking behaviors; and the data sources available to them.

Patients/Methods

A cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based study was conducted among teenage and adult acne patients at the skin clinics of the Department of Dermatology and the Department of Pediatrics, Siriraj Hospital, January‐December 2017.

Results

A total of 330 patients with a mean age of 23.89 ± 7.19 years (range: 9‐51 years) were enrolled. Hormonal factors were the most common determinant thought to worsen acne (80.6%), followed by dirt (72.4%), inadequate sleep (65.5%), cosmetics (58.2%), and stress (55.8%), whereas frequent facial washing and exercise were the least common (4.8% each). The most common information source utilized by patients was friends (40.9%), followed by digital media (36.8%). Both males and females felt their acne greatly affected their quality of life. Before visiting the hospital, most patients used vitamin supplements and over‐the‐counter drugs as treatment.

Conclusions

Some patients had good conceptions of certain aspects of acne, such as the influence of hormones or food, whereas others had misunderstandings about the effects of poor hygiene on acne. Friends and websites were the most common information resources exploited by patients. Acne substantially impaired the quality of patients' lives.
Politics of Constituency Representation and Legislative Ambition under the Glare of Camera Lights
Authors: Yildirim T. Murat
Published: September 2019

The introduction of legislative television as a transparency initiative has been welcomed in an increasing number of democracies. The impact of television cameras on parliamentary behavior, however, has received scant attention in systems where personal vote‐earning attributes are thought to be of little importance (e.g., closed‐list proportional representation). Additionally, studies examining this relationship relied exclusively on over‐time variation in legislative behavior (i.e., before and after the introduction of television into parliament), which arguably has important deficiencies in demonstrating the true effect of legislative television. Capitalizing on a unique quasi‐experimental setting, the present study aims to close these gaps in the literature by analyzing parliamentary activities in Turkey, where the legislative television was restricted to 3 days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) in 2011 after almost two decades of continuous 7‐day operation. Results based on original data sets of parliamentary activities from the pre‐ and postreform periods (2009–11 and 2011–13) indicate that the varying presence of television cameras exacerbated the effect of electoral and reputation‐building motivations on parliamentary behavior, encouraging electorally unsafe and junior MPs to shift their constituency focus to the televised proceedings. The results offer important implications for the study of legislative transparency and constituency representation in party‐list proportional representation systems.
Biochemical determinants of ObgE‐mediated persistence
Authors: Verstraeten Natalie , Gkekas Sotirios , Kint Cyrielle Ines , Deckers Babette , Van den Bergh Bram , Herpels Pauline , Louwagie Elen , Knapen Wouter , Wilmaerts Dorien , Dewachter Liselot , Fauvart Maarten , Singh Ranjan Kumar , Michiels Jan , Versées Wim
Published: September 2019

Obg is a versatile GTPase that plays a pivotal role in bacterial persistence. We previously showed that the Escherichia coli homolog ObgE exerts this activity through transcriptional activation of a toxin–antitoxin module and subsequent membrane depolarization. Here, we assessed the role of G‐domain functionality in ObgE‐mediated persistence. Through screening of a mutant library, we identified five obgE alleles (with substitutions G166V, D246G, S270I, N283I and I313N) that have lost their persistence function and no longer activate hokB expression. These alleles support viability of a strain otherwise deprived of ObgE, indicating that ObgE’s persistence function can be uncoupled from its essential role. Based on the ObgE crystal structure, we designed two additional mutant proteins (T193A and D286Y), one of which (D286Y) no longer affects persistence. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, stopped‐flow experiments and kinetics, we subsequently assessed nucleotide binding and GTPase activity in all mutants. With the exception of the S270I mutant that is possibly affected in protein–protein interactions, all mutants that have lost their persistence function display severely reduced binding to GDP or the alarmone ppGpp. However, we find no clear relation between persistence and GTP or pppGpp binding nor with GTP hydrolysis. Combined, our results signify an important step toward understanding biochemical determinants underlying persistence.
Mast cells are increased in the small intestinal mucosa of patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Robles Alejandro , Perez Ingles David , Myneedu Kanchana , Deoker Abhizith , Sarosiek Irene , Zuckerman Marc J. , Schmulson Max J. , Bashashati Mohammad
Published: September 2019

Background

Colonic mast cells have been proposed to be related to the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Whether mast cell counts are altered in the small intestine, a less‐explored region in patients with IBS is not completely clear.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE were searched for case‐control studies on mast cell count/density in the small intestine of patients with IBS vs controls through February 2019. Mast cell counts were separately analyzed in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Data were pooled using the standardized mean difference (SMD) method. When zero was not within the 95% confidence interval (CI), the SMD was considered significant.

Key Results

Data from 344 patients with IBS and 229 healthy controls from three studies in the duodenum, six in the jejunum, and five in the ileum were pooled in this meta‐analysis. The number of mast cells was significantly higher in the ileum (SMD: 1.78 [95% CI: 0.89, 2.66]) of patients with IBS. Mast cell counts were not significantly different in the duodenum (SMD: 0.81 [‐0.06, 1.67]) or the jejunum (SMD: 0.58 [‐0.03, 1.19]) of patients with IBS vs healthy controls.

Conclusions and Inferences

Mast cells are increased in the small intestine of IBS vs controls, mainly in the ileum. Future studies should address whether such findings are IBS subtype or gender‐dependent. Methodological variations, single‐center bias, and the limited number of studies included in this meta‐analysis may affect the final results.
Demineralized Bone Matrix Carriers and their Clinical Applications: An Overview
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yang Li , Yang Xiong‐gang , Wang Feng , Feng Jiang‐tao , Hua Kun‐chi , Li Qi , Hu Yong‐cheng
Published: September 2019

Reconstruction of massive bone defects is challenging for orthopaedic clinicians, especially in cases of severe trauma and resection of tumors in various locales. Autologous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) is the “gold standard” for bone grafting. However, the limited availability and complications at donor sites resulted in seeking other options like allografts and bone graft substitutes. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is a form of allograft using acidic solution to remove mineral components, while leaving much of the proteinaceous components native to bone, with small amounts of calcium‐based solids, inorganic phosphates, and some trace cell debris. It is an osteoconductive and osteoinductive biomaterial and is approved as a medical device for use in bone defects and spinal fusion. To pack consistently into the defect sites and stay firmly in the filling parts, DBM products have various forms combined with biocompatible viscous carriers, including sponges, strips, injectable putty, paste, and paste infused with chips. The present review aims to summarize the properties of various kind of viscous carriers and their clinical use combined with DBM in commercially available products. Given DBM'mercially available products. Given DBM;s long clinical track record and commercial accessibility in standard forms, opportunities to further develop and validate DBM as a versatile bone biomaterial in orthopaedic repair and regenerative medicine contexts are attractive.
The metabolic salute: A unique presentation of transverse nasal acanthosis nigricans and allergic rhinitis in an obese pediatric patient
Authors: Nolan Colin F. , Brelsford Megan A.
Published: September 2019

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a well‐known cutaneous condition that is most commonly associated with insulin resistance and obesity when present in a pediatric patient. We present a unique presentation of AN in an adolescent African American girl with a history of perennial allergic rhinitis. She presented with AN affecting the neck, axillae, as well as the transverse nasal crease, a consequence of habitual pushing of the nasal tip upward due to chronic obstruction and itching from allergic rhinitis known as the “allergic salute.” All providers should be aware of this rare presentation, as the presence of AN should prompt additional evaluation to determine the underlying cause and effect of appropriate treatment.
Transitions across labor market states including formal/informal division in Egypt
Authors: Tansel Aysit , Ozdemir Zeynel Abidin
Published: September 2019

This study examines the worker transitions across labor market states including formal/informal division using panel data of 2006 to 2012 from Egypt. We generate a broad set of facts about labor market dynamics in Egypt. We first develop transition probabilities by gender across different labor market states including formal/informal sectors utilizing Markov transition processes. Government employment is the most persistent labor market state for both men and women and the out of labor force is the second most persistent labor market state for women. Unemployment is the most mobile labor market state. Informal private wage work and self‐employed–agriculture are also relatively mobile labor market states. We next identify the effects of individual, household and job characteristics on different mobility patterns by estimating multinomial logit models. We find that gender, age, education, experience, and several sectors of economic activity are associated with the transition probabilities between the labor market states considered such as formal wage, informal wage, self‐employment, unemployment, government employment, and out of labor market. Education, in particular, university degree or above is noted to play a vital role in the probability of transitions across several labor market states.
Constructing durian terroir and geographical indications in Penang, Malaysia
Authors: Airriess Christopher
Published: September 2019

The tropical fruit durian in Southeast and East Asia has witnessed a surge in popularity in the past two decades to assume the rank of a fetishized commodity. This research investigates the construction of the multidimensional concept of terroir as applied to the durian economy of Penang, Malaysia based on personal interviews with orchard owners and state government officials to strategically embed the local in the global through the promotion of agritourism. While environmental terroir is a contingent dimension, the construction of a place bound cultural terror is anchored in a strong cultivation tradition, cultivar diversity, and a historical sense of community. This research deepens the cultural terroir dimension in two ways. First, it injects the otherwise aspatial concept of refinement to the cultural terroir narratives of orchard owners allowing the on‐farm tourist consumption experience to be more geographically rooted. Second, it conceptually links cultural terroir to the marketing terroir instrument of the Balik Pulau geographical indication; while functioning as a governance tool to prevent fraud and to construct a place bound product valorization and differentiation within an expanding and larger scale durian economy, it also indirectly assists in preserving agro‐diversity and local identity.
Cultivating a healthy neuro‐immune network: A health psychology approach
Authors: Bower Julienne E. , Kuhlman Kate R. , Haydon Marcie D. , Boyle Chloe C. , Radin Arielle
Published: September 2019

The field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) examines interactions among psychological and behavioral states, the brain, and the immune system. Research in PNI has elegantly documented effects of stress at multiple levels of the neuro‐immune network, with profound implications for both physical and mental health. In this review, we consider how the neuro‐immune network might be influenced by “positive” psychological and behavioral states, focusing on positive affect, eudaimonic well‐being, physical activity, and sleep. There is compelling evidence that these positive states and behaviors are associated with changes in immune activity in the body, including reductions in peripheral inflammatory processes relevant for physical health. Growing evidence from animal models also suggests effects of positive states on immune cells in the brain and the blood‐brain barrier, which then impact critical aspects of mood, cognition, and behavior. Tremendous advances are being made in our understanding of neuro‐immune dynamics; one of the central goals of this review is to highlight recent preclinical research in this area and consider how we can leverage these findings to investigate and cultivate a healthy neuro‐immune network in humans.
Reliable placement of beetle fossils via phylogenetic analyses – Triassic Leehermania as a case study (Staphylinidae or Myxophaga?)
Authors: Fikáček Martin , Beutel Rolf G. , Cai Chenyang , Lawrence John F. , Newton Alfred F. , Solodovnikov Alexey , Ślipiński Adam , Thayer Margaret K. , Yamamoto Shûhei
Published: September 2019

Triassic fossils are rare but crucial for understanding the early evolution of large insect clades including beetles (Coleoptera). Their phylogenetic assignment is problematic because of fragmentary preservation, yet crucial for the correct use of the information they provide. Here an analysis is presented of the phylogenetic position of Leehermania prorova, the Late Triassic compressed fossil which was described and hitherto widely used as the oldest representative of Staphylinidae (rove beetles) in the suborder Polyphaga. By contrast with the intuitive character assessment made in the original description, a phylogenetic analysis of Leehermania is performed using an extensive morphological matrix of extant Coleoptera provided by the Beetle Tree of Life project, constrained in view of the latest relevant molecular phylogenies. As a result, Leehermania is identified as an extinct lineage within the beetle suborder Myxophaga, closest to the modern family Hydroscaphidae. Excluding Leehermania from Staphylinidae and placing it in Myxophaga amends erroneous assumptions about early diversification of rove beetles and enhances our views of the evolutionary history of Coleoptera.
Improved HLA typing of Class I and Class II alleles from next‐generation sequencing data
Authors: Sverchkova Angelina , Anzar Irantzu , Stratford Richard , Clancy Trevor
Published: September 2019

Precise HLA genotyping is of great clinical importance, albeit a challenging bioinformatics endeavor because of the hyper polymorphism of the HLA region. The ever‐increasing availability of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) solutions has spurred the development of several computational methods for predicting HLA genotypes from NGS data. Although some of these tools genotype HLA Class I alleles reasonably well, there is a need to incorporate integrative parameters related to ethnicity frequency information, in order to improve performance for both Class I and Class II alleles. Here, we present a bioinformatics method that addresses some of the current shortfalls in HLA genotyping from NGS. First, reads that map to the HLA region is aligned against a comprehensive library of reference HLA alleles. The allele type was then subsequently determined on the basis of the distribution of aligned reads, and the prior probabilities of the ethnic frequencies of alleles. Three public NGS datasets were used to benchmark the approach against six similar tools. The method outlined in this manuscript displayed an overall accuracy of 98.73% for Class I and 96.37% for Class II alleles. We illustrate an improved integrative approach that outperforms existing tools and is able to predict HLA alleles with improved fidelity for both Class I and Class II alleles.
Teacher Education, Teacher Preparation and Professional Development of Secondary Schoolteachers in Light of Recent Global Trends
Authors: El-Zubair Banaga Taha , Mohammed El-Rusheed Habob , Alkubaisi Huda Salem
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this study is to present a brief overview of the nature of teacher education and preparation programs, and the professional development of secondary schoolteachers in the Arab world, and to offer insights into recent global trends in the matter.By examining some of the relevant literature and scholarly work, this study’s main objective is to provide a comprehensive picture of the teacher-program-related policies offered by education colleges/institutions in the region in the light of global trends. To achieve this, the researchers surveyed most of the existing related studies conducted in the region. This was pursued through analysis of evidence, methodologies, underlying ideologies, and indicators of examined literature. Similarly, an analysis of publications relating to recent global trends was undertaken.Results suggest that a comprehensive “five-year” teacher programs is ideal to be integrated into higher education in the Arab world due to its feasibility, affordability as well as lower financial costs. It was found that that the components of existing teacher programs must be subject to evaluation and review for further development. However, the results indicate not only that the strategy of candidate admission and enrollment in colleges are not based on appropriate criteria, but also that a clear policy for teaching licensure is ignored.The study emphasizes the need to establish fully equipped teacher training centers. To attain this, we strongly suggest selecting or creating well-equipped and administratively affiliated schools to the colleges to provide an experimental environment for candidates to practice what they have learned. Achieving a balance between different course packages should be considered.
The -cohomology in the semistable case
Authors: Česnavičius Kęstutis , Koshikawa Teruhisa
Published: September 2019

For a proper, smooth scheme $X$ over a $p$-adic field $K$, we show that any proper, flat, semistable ${\mathcal{O}}_{K}$-model ${\mathcal{X}}$ of $X$ whose logarithmic de Rham cohomology is torsion free determines the same ${\mathcal{O}}_{K}$-lattice inside $H_{\text{dR}}^{i}(X/K)$ and, moreover, that this lattice is functorial in $X$. For this, we extend the results of Bhatt–Morrow–Scholze on the construction and the analysis of an $A_{\text{inf}}$-valued cohomology theory of $p$-adic formal, proper, smooth ${\mathcal{O}}_{\overline{K}}$-schemes $\mathfrak{X}$ to the semistable case. The relation of the $A_{\text{inf}}$-cohomology to the $p$-adic étale and the logarithmic crystalline cohomologies allows us to reprove the semistable conjecture of Fontaine–Jannsen.
Development of a Numerical Model for Single- and Two-Phase Flow Simulation in Perforated Porous Media
Authors: Movahedi Hamed , Vasheghani Farahani Mehrdad , Masihi Mohsen
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we present a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to perform single- and two-phase fluid flow simulation on two- and three-dimensional perforated porous media with different perforation geometries. The finite volume method (FVM) has been employed to solve the equations governing the fluid flow through the porous media and obtain the pressure and velocity profiles. The volume of fluid (VOF) method has also been utilized for accurate determination of the volume occupied by each phase. The validity of the model has been achieved via comparing the simulation results with the available experimental data in the literature. The model was used to analyze the effect of perforation geometrical parameters (length and diameter), degree of heterogeneity, and also crushed zone properties (permeability and thickness) on the pressure and velocity profiles. The two-phase fluid flow around the perforation tunnel under the transient flow regime was also investigated by considering a constant mass flow boundary condition at the inlet. The developed model successfully predicted the pressure drop and resultant temperature changes for the system of air–water along clean and gravel-filled perforations under the steady-state conditions. The presented model in this study can be used as an efficient tool to design the most appropriate perforation strategy with respect to the well characteristics and reservoir properties.
Modeling of Impact Damping Effect on Hypoid Gear Dynamic Response
Authors: Shi Zhenghong , Lim Teik C.
Published: September 2019

An enhanced hypoid gear mesh model that incorporates the Hertzian impact damping function is developed in this study to reveal the mechanisms of damping during gear mesh. Two types of impact damping models, namely, viscous and nonviscous type based on the first principle of mechanics, are compared to previous empirical damping models with a constant damping coefficient. Parametric studies are performed for both steady-state and transient analyses to investigate the impact damping effect under numerous load conditions or physical parameters of a meshing gear pair. Comparative study between viscous and nonviscous damping models is also performed to examine their effects on dynamic response for various load levels. It is shown that impact damping can significantly reduce the amplitude of the dynamic mesh force. Nonviscous damping has more significant effect on the dynamic response under heavy torque load due to the influence of greater elastic deformation. Furthermore, it is observed that impact damping can turn double-sided impact into single-sided impact and suppress response peaks in a certain mesh frequency range during speed ramp up.
Identification of Host Adaptation Genes in Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli during Infection in Different Hosts
Authors: Zhang Haobo , Chen Xuhua , Nolan Lisa K. , Zhang Wei , Li Ganwu
Published: September 2019

Extraintestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(ExPEC) is an important human and animal pathogen. Despite the apparent similarities in their known virulence attributes, some ExPEC strains can cross the host species barrier and present a zoonotic potential, whereas other strains exhibit host specificity, suggesting the existence of unknown mechanisms that remain to be identified.
Multidrug Resistance Regulators MarA, SoxS, Rob, and RamA Repress Flagellar Gene Expression and Motility in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Thota Srinivas S. , Chubiz Lon M.
Published: September 2019

The
mar-sox-rob
regulon is a large and highly conserved stress response network in the
Enterobacteriaceae
family. Although it is well characterized in
E. coli
, the extent of this regulon in related species is unclear. Here, the control of costly flagellar gene expression is connected to the
mar-sox-rob
regulon of
S
. Typhimurium, contrasting with the
E. coli
regulon model. These findings demonstrate the flexibility of the
mar-sox-rob
regulon to accommodate novel regulatory targets, and they provide evidence for its broader regulatory role within this family of diverse bacteria.
Genetic Similarity of Gonococcal Homologs to Meningococcal Outer Membrane Proteins of Serogroup B Vaccine
Authors: Marjuki Henju , Topaz Nadav , Joseph Sandeep J. , Gernert Kim M. , Kersh Ellen N. ,   Antimicrobial-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Working Group, Wang Xin
Published: September 2019

Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease, causes substantial global morbidity and economic burden. New prevention and control measures for this disease are urgently needed, as strains resistant to almost all classes of antibiotics available for treatment have emerged. Previous reports demonstrate that cross-protection from gonococcal infections may be conferred by meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) outer membrane vesicle (OMV)-based vaccines. Among 1,525 common proteins shared across the genomes of both
N. gonorrhoeae
and
N. meningitidis
, 57 proteins were predicted to be surface expressed (outer membrane proteins [OMPs]) and thus preferred targets for vaccine development. The majority of these OMPs showed high sequence identity between the 2 bacterial species. Our results provide valuable insight into the meningococcal antigens present in the current OMV-containing MenB-4C vaccine that may contribute to cross-protection against gonorrhea and may inform next steps in gonorrhea vaccine development.
Polymicrobial Nature of Tick-Borne Diseases
Authors: Sanchez-Vicente Santiago , Tagliafierro Teresa , Coleman James L. , Benach Jorge L. , Tokarz Rafal
Published: September 2019

Tick-borne diseases have increased in prevalence in the United States and abroad. The reasons for these increases are multifactorial, but climate change is likely to be a major factor. One of the main features of the increase is the geographic expansion of tick vectors, notably
Amblyomma americanum
, which has brought new pathogens to new areas. The clinical spectrum of tick-borne diseases can range from asymptomatic to fatal infections, with a disproportionate incidence in children and the elderly. In addition, new pathogens that are cotransmitted by
Ixodes scapularis
have been discovered and have led to difficult diagnoses and to disease severity. Of these,
Borrelia burgdorferi
, the agent of Lyme disease, continues to be the most frequently transmitted pathogen. However,
Babesia microti
,
Borrelia miyamotoi
(another spirochete),
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
, and Powassan virus are frequent cotransmitted agents. Polymicrobial infection has important consequences for the diagnosis and management of tick-borne diseases.
Comparison of general anaesthesia and regional anaesthesia in terms of mortality and complications in elderly patients with hip fracture: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Ahn Eun Jin , Kim Hyo Jin , Kim Kyung Woo , Choi Hey Ran , Kang Hyun , Bang Si Ra
Published: September 2019

Objective

To evaluate the effects of anaesthesia on postoperative outcome in elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery.

Setting

Nationwide National Health Insurance Sharing Service database of Korea.

Participants

All patients aged ≥65 years old who underwent hip fracture surgery, covered by the Korean National Health Insurance, between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2015.

Interventions

Hip fracture surgery under general anaesthesia (group GA) or regional anaesthesia (group RA), with a principal diagnosis of femoral fracture.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the anaesthetic-type effect on 30-day mortality and the secondary outcome was postoperative delirium requiring pharmacological intervention.

Results

Among the 96 289 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery, 25 593 and 70 696 patients received GA and RA, respectively. After propensity score matching, 25 593 remained in each group. Postmatching mortality was lower in the RA than in the GA group (574 (2.24%) vs 654 (2.55%), p=0·0047, 95% CI −0.0099 to 0.0159). Delirium incidence was lower in the RA than in the GA group (5187 (20.27%) vs 5828 (22.77%), p<0·0001, 95% CI 0.019 to 0.045). The incidence of intensive care unit stay and ventilator care was lower in the RA than in the GA group (5838 (22.1%) vs 8055 (31.47%), p<0·0001, 95% CI 0.046 to 0.070 and 459 (1.73%) vs 1207 (4.72%), p<0·0001, 95% CI −0.0024 to 0.023, respectively).

Conclusion

RA was associated with better outcomes than GA, in terms of mortality, delirium, intensive care unit admission and ventilator care, in elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery.
Intensive and standard group-based treatment for persons with social communication difficulties after an acquired brain injury: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hansen Silje Merethe , Stubberud Jan , Hjertstedt Marianne , Kirmess Melanie
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Social communication difficulties (SCDs) occur frequently after an acquired brain injury (ABI) and have disabling consequences, but effective interventions are scant. Group Interactive Structured Treatment (GIST) is a holistic group treatment targeting SCD that has received empirical support.

Objective

To determine the efficacy of two GIST protocols, standard GIST and a newly developed intensive GIST, comparing standard GIST results to a wait-list control group (WL), as well as to intensive GIST received by participants following WL. The within subject results for WL and intensive GIST will also be examined.

Methods and analysis

Sixty adults (18–75 years) with SCD after ABI will be recruited for this randomised controlled trial. Standard GIST (n=30) will be delivered via outpatient sessions for 2.5 hours once per week for 12 weeks, plus one initial orientation session. Participants will be assessed at preintervention and postintervention and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups (T1-T4). Intensive GIST (n=30) participants will be admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit for 4 weeks (two times 3 days/week, two times 4 days/week) and receive full-day sessions each week. Those participants will complete four assessments (T1-T4) in 12-week intervals as part of WL, assessments preintensive and postintensive GIST and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups (T4-T7). The primary outcome measure is the La Trobe Questionnaire (self-report). Secondary outcome measures include the Profile of Pragmatic Impairment in Communication, a test of emotion recognition, the Goal Attainment Scale and questionnaires addressing social, emotional and cognitive functions, self-efficacy and quality of life.

Ethics and dissemination

Results will be communicated through international, peer-reviewed and popular science journals and presentations at scientific conferences. The study is approved by the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics Norway (2017/1360). The trial will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and reported in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 statement and Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials recommendations.

Trial registration number

NCT03636399.
Injury epidemiology of workers by age, sex and industrial classification using the medical claim data of National Health Insurance in South Korea, 2012–2015: a population-based retrospective study
Authors: Lim Sung-Shil , Kim Jihyun , Won Jong-Uk , Lee Wanhyung , Kim Yangwook , Yoon Jin-Ha
Published: September 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of inpatient hospitalisation for all-cause injuries, according to age, sex and industrial classification (IC) in South Korea.

Design

A population-based retrospective study.

Setting and participants

Data from the National Health Insurance Database on medical claims for the entire population of South Korean workers aged 25–59 years from January 2012 to December 2015 were retrieved. We observed 30 900 712 person-years (63.1%) in male workers and 18 105 272 person-years (36.9%) in female workers.

Main outcome measures

The inpatient hospitalisation for all-cause injury was defined as admission for which the principal diagnosis included S00–T98 in the Korean version of International Classification of Diseases-10 codes.

Results

Of 788 575 hospitalisations for all-cause injuries from 2012 to 2015, there were 565 107 cases in male workers (1 828.8 per 100 000 person-years) and 223 468 cases in female workers (1 234.3 per 100 000 person-years). The top five ICs with hospitalisation rate ratios (HRR) for all-cause injuries in both sexes compared with the financial intermediation IC included agriculture, hunting and forestry (HRR (95% CI); male: 2.09 (1.98 to 2.20); female: 1.53 (1.40 to 1.67)); mining and quarrying (male: 2.05 (1.92 to 2.19); female: 1.54 (1.27 to 1.87)) and fishing (male: 1.68 (1.57 to 1.80); female: 1.71 (1.51 to 1.93)). A U-shaped relationship occurred between age and risk for injuries in males; however, only a linear relationship was shown in females, regardless of IC.

Conclusions

The risk of injures varied by IC. The workers in agriculture, hunting, forestry, mining, quarrying and fishing were more vulnerable to injuries. The risk for injuries were higher among men and the age effect on this risk differed by sex. Thus, policy makers need to consider specific measures for prevention of injuries according to age, sex and IC.
Depressive symptoms and the general health of retired professional footballers compared with the general population in the UK: a case–control study
Authors: Fernandes Gwen S , Parekh Sanjay M , Moses Jonathan , Fuller Colin W , Scammell Brigitte , Batt Mark Edward , Zhang Weiya , Doherty Michael
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and general health of male ex-professional footballers compared with general population controls.

Methods

572 retired professional footballers and 500 general population controls in the UK were assessed by postal questionnaire. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a threshold score of ≥11 was used to indicate probable caseness. General health was ascertained using the Short Form-12 Health Survey Questionnaire quality of life (QoL) tool; self-reported comorbidities, analgesic usage and body pain; and Index of Multiple Deprivation based on postcode data. Mood was assessed using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale and sleep using the Medical Outcome Survey. Linear regression analysis was used to determine adjusted relative risk with 95% CI and adjusted for age, body mass index, comorbidities, body pain and medication usage.

Results

The prevalence of depressive symptoms in retired professional footballers was 5.66% compared with 5.76% in the general population and anxiety prevalence was also comparable (12.01% vs 10.29%; all p>0.05). However, footballers had lower physical and mental component scores compared with controls (p<0.01). They also reported significantly more sleep problems, more negative mood profiles and more widespread body pain (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.88, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.09). They also reported greater pain medication usage compared with controls (aRR 1.54, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.89). However, compared with controls, they were 26% (95% CI 15% to 37%) less likely to report comorbidities, especially heart attacks (aRR 57%, 95% CI 27% to 74%) and diabetes (aRR 61%, 95% CI 37% to 76%).

Conclusions

The prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms and probable caseness in ex-professional footballers is comparable with general population controls. However, ex-footballers reported lower health-related QoL, more widespread body pain and higher analgesic usage. Conversely, lower reporting of diabetes and heart attacks indicates potential long-term physical health benefits of professional football.
The European Robotic Spinal Instrumentation (EUROSPIN) study: protocol for a multicentre prospective observational study of pedicle screw revision surgery after robot-guided, navigated and freehand thoracolumbar spinal fusion
Authors: Staartjes Victor E , Molliqaj Granit , van Kampen Paulien M , Eversdijk Hubert A J , Amelot Aymeric , Bettag Christoph , Wolfs Jasper F C , Urbanski Sophie , Hedayat Farman , Schneekloth Carsten G , Abu Saris Mike , Lefranc Michel , Peltier Johann , Boscherini Duccio , Fiss Ingo , Schatlo Bawarjan , Rohde Veit , Ryang Yu-Mi , Krieg Sandro M , Meyer Bernhard , Kögl Nikolaus , Girod Pierre-Pascal , Thomé Claudius , Twisk Jos W R , Tessitore Enrico , Schröder Marc L
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Robotic guidance (RG) and computer-assisted navigation (NV) have seen increased adoption in instrumented spine surgery over the last decade. Although there exists some evidence that these techniques increase radiological pedicle screw accuracy compared with conventional freehand (FH) surgery, this may not directly translate to any tangible clinical benefits, especially considering the relatively high inherent costs. As a non-randomised, expertise-based study, the European Robotic Spinal Instrumentation Study aims to create prospective multicentre evidence on the potential comparative clinical benefits of RG, NV and FH in a real-world setting.

Methods and analysis

Patients are allocated in a non-randomised, non-blinded fashion to the RG, NV or FH arms. Adult patients that are to undergo thoracolumbar pedicle screw instrumentation for degenerative pathologies, infections, vertebral tumours or fractures are considered for inclusion. Deformity correction and surgery at more than five levels represent exclusion criteria. Follow-up takes place at 6 weeks, as well as 12 and 24 months. The primary endpoint is defined as the time to revision surgery for a malpositioned or loosened pedicle screw within the first postoperative year. Secondary endpoints include patient-reported back and leg pain, as well as Oswestry Disability Index and EuroQOL 5-dimension questionnaires. Use of analgesic medication and work status are recorded. The primary analysis, conducted on the 12-month data, is carried out according to the intention-to-treat principle. The primary endpoint is analysed using crude and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Patient-reported outcomes are analysed using baseline-adjusted linear mixed models. The study is monitored according to a prespecified monitoring plan.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol is approved by the appropriate national and local authorities. Written informed consent is obtained from all participants. The final results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

Clinical Trials.gov registryNCT03398915; Pre-results, recruiting stage.