bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farm-Workers Perception of Personal Protective Equipment: Case Study in the Lower South Coast, South Africa
Authors: Nwafor Christopher , Nwafor Ifeoma
Published: November 2020

Safety and health issues are growing concerns in the agricultural sector among farm-workers in South Africa. The current health pandemic arising from the corona virus has thrown these issues into the spotlight, and this study explored the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of using personal protective materials among farm-workers in the banana sector. Using a case study of 10 large farms in the lower south coast of South Africa, we utilized descriptive and inferential analysis to identify the demographic composition of farm-workers in the study area, examine their perception of specific personal protective materials, and determine the relationship between demographic characteristics and perception of personal protective materials. Farm-workers in the study area were found to be predominantly single black males aged between 36-55years, with no more than a primary education, with work experience of between 6-10 years and employed as unskilled farm-labourers. Perceived usefulness (83%) and perceived ease of use (79%) for personal protective materials was high. Respondents gender (p=0.012), marital status (p=0.029), level of education (p=0.035) and farm-work experience (p=0.008) were significant, while their age (p=0.057), population group (p=0.160) and work classification (p=0.203) were not found significant in determining perceived usefulness or perceived ease of use. Our study makes valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge regarding farm-worker safety issues by exploring perception of personal protective materials.
Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Wound Healing Properties of Cyanobacteria from Thermal Mud of Balaruc-les-Bains, France: A Multi-Approach Study
Authors: Demay Justine , Halary Sébastien , Knittel-Obrecht Adeline , Villa Pascal , Duval Charlotte , Hamlaoui Sahima , Roussel Théotime , Yéprémain Claude , Reinhardt Anita , Bernard Cécile , Marie Benjamin
Published: November 2020

Background: The Balaruc-les-Bains’ thermal mud was found to be colonized predominantly by microorganisms, with cyanobacteria constituting the primary organism in the microbial biofilm observed on the mud surface. The success of cyanobacteria in colonizing this specific ecological niche can be explained in part by their taxa-specific adaptation capacities, and also the diversity of bioactive natural products that they synthesize. This array of components has physiological and ecological properties that may be exploited for various applications.
Comparative Study of Thermal Comfort Indices: A Melbourne CBD Case Study
Authors: Ng Anne WM , Muttil Nitin , Balany Fatma , Zegeye Bruke
Published: November 2020

This study assesses Human Thermal Comfort in two selected areas: a Green Infrastructure (GI) area represented by a garden and a high-rise building area, in the Central Business District (CBD) of Melbourne, Australia. Three-dimensional microclimatic modelling software, ENVI-met version 4 was used to simulate the microclimate. The indices of Predicted Mean Vote (PMV), Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and Universal Temperature Climate Index (UTCI) were used to quantify the level of thermal comfort in the research areas. The simulation results showed that at midday, the difference in temperature between the garden area and the high-rise building area was approximately 1°C. Increasing temperatures at midday led to a change in the level of thermal comfort for both the areas, even though it was not significant. In general, the thermal perception in the GI area was slightly ‘cooler’ than in the high-rise building area. The results of the study indicated the important role of GI in improving the thermal comfort in urban areas.
Material Similarity of Scaled Models
Authors: Wang Shuai , Xu Fei , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yang Leifeng
Published: November 2020

When different strain hardening and strain rate sensitive materials are used for scaled model and prototype, the traditional pure geometrical similarity laws of solid mechanics will fail. Although correcting the basic scaling factors of velocity, density and geometry have been developed to compensate for the material distortion in recent non-geometric scaling works, it is difficult to be widely used because of its inherent indirect (depending on the structural strain and strain rate responses) and inexact (having significant prediction errors for prototype) defects. In this paper, a framework of material similarity, based on the new suggested material dimensionless numbers and the ‘Material number vs. strain/strain-rate’ function curves, are further developed, which represents the objective requirement of similarity theory for the basic mechanical properties of materials. It is demonstrated what is similitude materials of solid mechanics and how to use the best similitude materials to overcome the non-scalabilities of materials for identical or different materials. The direct and exact solution of the basic correction factors is further obtained and therefore overcomes the previous inherent indirect and inexact defects radically. Based on the similarity evaluation of different materials of the classical constitutive models, the impacted structures of circular plate and crooked plate with strain hardening and strain rate sensitive materials are verified numerically. The results show the completely different materials can be exact similitude for various structural behaviors (strain, strain rate, stress and displacement) of time and space fields after using the best similitude materials; and the basic correction factors do not depend on the structural strain and strain rate responses. As a contrast, when the non-similitude materials are used, the similarity results are very sensitive to the selection of strain/strain-rate and often leads to failed predictions. In addition, for the material elastic and temperature effects, the proposed method is also discussed to be valid.
How to Erase Quantum Monogamy?
Authors: Mardari Ghenadie
Published: November 2020

The phenomenon of quantum erasure exposed a remarkable ambiguity in the interpretation of quantum entanglement. On the one hand, the data is compatible with the possibility of arrow-of-time violations. On the other hand, it is also possible that temporal non-locality is an artifact of post-selection. Twenty years later, this problem can be solved with a quantum monogamy experiment, in which four entangled quanta are measured at the same time. If Bell violations can be recovered from a “monogamous” quantum system, then the arrow of time is obeyed at the quantum level.
The Data-Driven Pattern for Healthy Behaviors of Car Drivers Based on Daily Records of Traffic Count Data From 2018 To 2019 Near Airports. A Functional Data Analysis
Authors: Fayaz Mohammad , Abadi Alireza , Khodakarim Soheila , Hoseini Mohammadreza , Razzaghi Alireza
Published: November 2020

The road traffic injuries risk factors such as driving offenses and average speed are concerns for health organizations to reduce the number of injuries. Without any comprehensive view of each road, one cannot decide about the effective policy. In this manner, the data-driven policy will help to improve and assess the decisions. The count data near the road of two airports is surveyed for investigating the time-varying speed zones. The descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and functional data analysis were used. The hourly data of traffic counts for four different locations at the entrance of the two airports, international and domestics, were collected for one the year 2018 to 2019.The hourly pattern of driving offenses for each road was assessed and the to and from airport roads had different peaks (<0.05). The hour, weekdays, type of airport, direction and their interactions were statistically significant (<0.05) for the chance of driving offenses. The speed average during the day was statistically different (<0.5) by the number of different types of vehicles. The traffic count data is a great resource for decision making in safe driving subjects such as driving offenses. With functional data analysis, we can analyze them to get the most of the characteristics of this data. The airports are public places with high traffic demand in all countries that yields the different pattern of traffic transportation, therefore we extract the factors that affect the driving offenses. Finally, we conclude that conducting a time-varying speed zone near the airports seems vital.
Impact of COVID-19 on Fossil Energies and its Consequence in Climate Change, and Nine other Environmental Indicators
Authors: Rashedi A , Khanam Taslima , Rahman Saidur
Published: November 2020

COVID‑19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, has spread rapidly across the globe since the end of 2019 and brought impressive changes in our life and living through partial or full lockdown and reduced anthropogenic activities. Hence, it is imperative to investigate the impacts and consequences of COVID-19 on global eco-system and environment. The present study accordingly addresses the impacts and consequences of COVID-19 by ten environmental indicators; viz., global warming (or greenhouse gas emission), stratospheric ozone depletion, ozone formation (on human health), fine particulate matter formation, smog, ionizing radiation, human carcinogenic toxicity, human non-carcinogenic toxicity, water resource consumption, and effect on human health. The overall study has been performed in agreement with the standard principle and guidelines of life cycle assessment. Worldwide changes in consumption of fossil fuels, viz., petroleum, coal and natural gas, as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, has been the core theme of the study. Outcomes from the study show that COVID-19 has been a ‘blessing in disguise’ for the global environment with most of the above-mentioned indicators declining by approximately 20-30% in 2020 in comparison to the 2019 level.
Combined Transfer of the Gluteus Maximus and Tensor Fasciae Latae for Irreparable Gluteus Medius Tear Using Contemporary Techniques
Authors: Maldonado David R. , Annin Shawn , Chen Jeffrey W. , Yelton Mitchell J. , Shapira Jacob , Rosinsky Philip J. , Lall Ajay C. , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Combined transfer of the gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae (TFL) has been acknowledged as a treatment for irreparable full-thickness gluteus medius tears; yet, there is a paucity of reports on outcomes for this topic in the current literature. The purpose of the present study was to report short-term patient-reported outcome scores in patients who underwent combined transfer of the gluteus maximus and TFL in the setting of an irreparable gluteus medius tear.

Methods:

Data for patients who underwent hip preservation and hip arthroplasty between July 2011 and November 2017 were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. Patients were considered for this study if they had undergone combined transfer of the gluteus maximus and TFL for irreparable gluteus medius tears. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients who had a minimum 1-year follow-up for the modified Harris hip score, Non-Arthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score Sports Specific Subscale, visual analog scale score for pain, and patient satisfaction. The exclusion criterion was Workers’ Compensation status.

Results:

The study included 18 hips in 18 patients who underwent combined transfer of the gluteus maximus and TFL, with a mean follow-up of 39.75 months (range, 12.04 to 93.88 months). The average age was 68.48 ± 11.05 years, the average body mass index was 29.54 ± 6.23 kg/m2, and 13 patients were female. Abductor strength improved in 7 of 17 patients, with abduction data unavailable for 1 patient. Significant improvements were observed in modified Harris hip score from 49.73 ± 16.85 to 74.94 ± 17.91 (p < 0.001), Non-Arthritic Hip Score from 55.02 ± 22.53 to 72.78 ± 19.17 (p = 0.032), and visual analog scale for pain from 5.42 ± 3.42 to 1.57 ± 1.68 (p = 0.0004). No secondary surgeries were reported.

Conclusions:

Significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes were observed in patients who underwent combined transfer of the gluteus maximus and TFL for the treatment of irreparable full-thickness gluteus medius tears at short-term follow-up.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Kesesuaian Varietas, Jenis Pupuk Organik dan Pupuk Hayati untuk Peningkatan Produktivitas Kedelai di Lahan Pasang Surut
Authors: Kristiono Afandi , Purwaningrahayu Runik Dyah , Elisabeth Dian Adi Anggraeni , Wijanarko Andy , Taufiq Abdullah
Published: November 2020

Lahan pasang surut merupakan kawasan potensial untuk perluasan areal tanam kedelai namun kemasaman dan kejenuhan Al tanah yang tinggi, serta ketersediaan unsur hara yang rendah merupakan masalah yang harus dihadapi. Oleh karena itu perlu pengelolaan kesuburan tanah yang memadukan ameliorasi, pemupukan, pemanfaatan mikroorganisme, dan varietas yang adaptif. Tujuan penelitian adalah menguji kesesuaian varietas, pupuk organik, dan pupuk hayati untuk peningkatan produktivitas kedelai di lahan pasang surut. Penelitian dilaksanakan di lahan pasang surut tipe C di Jambi pada musim kemarau (Juni-Oktober) 2017 seluas 5 ha. Penelitian menggunakan rancangan percobaan petak terbagi, empat ulangan (petani kooperator sebagai ulangan). Petak utama adalah empat varietas kedelai  (Anjasmoro, Dena 1, Deja 2, dan Devon 1), dan anak petak adalah tiga kombinasi pupuk organik dengan pupuk hayati Agrisoy (1.500 kg/ha pupuk kandang, 1.500 kg/ha pupuk kandang + Agrisoy, dan  1.500 kg/ha pupuk organik Santap M + Agrisoy). Pupuk dasar 200 kg/ha Phonska dan 100 kg/ha SP36 diaplikasikan pada semua perlakuan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan  bahwa kedelai varietas Anjasmoro, Dena 1, Deja 2, dan Devon 1 dapat dikembangkan dengan baik pada lahan pasang surut tipe C dengan pH tanah 4,5 dan kejenuhan Al  32,35%, dengan menggunakan amelioran dolomit 1,5 t/ha dan pupuk kandang 1,5 t/ha. Empat varietas tersebut mampu menghasilkan biji kedelai >2 t/ha dengan penambahan  200 kg Phonska + 100 kg SP36/ha. Pada lahan pasang surut yang sudah biasa ditanami kedelai, tidak diperlukan tambahan pupuk hayati berbahan baku rhizobium.  Penggunaan pupuk kandang untuk budi daya kedelai di lahan pasang surut, dari aspek ekonomi dan teknis (kemudahan mendapatkannya) lebih layak daripada penggunaan pupuk organik Santap M.
Síntomas depresivos y cobertura de diagnóstico y tratamiento de depresión en población mexicana
Authors: Cerecero-García Diego , Macías-González Fernando , Arámburo-Muro Tania , Bautista-Arredondo Sergio
Published: November 2020

Objetivo. Estimar cambios en la prevalencia de síntomasdepresivos (SD) y en la cobertura de detección y tratamientoentre 2006 y 2018, e identificar los factores sociodemográficosasociados con estos últimos. Material y métodos. Seutilizaron datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición(Ensanut) 2006, 2012, 2018-19 y 100k. Usamos regresiónlogística para explorar factores demográficos asociados condetección y tratamiento de depresión. Resultados. Laprevalencia de SD fue respectivamente de 15.4, 13.7, 13.6y 15.0%. Vivir en municipios con muy alto y alto grado demarginación se asoció con menor cobertura de deteccióny tratamiento de depresión. Conclusiones. Este trabajobrinda evidencia sobre las brechas que existen en el accesoa servicios de salud mental entre regiones y diferentes nivelesde marginación, y resalta la necesidad de encaminar esfuerzospara incrementar acceso de servicios de salud que permitanel diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos de SD y la depresión.
Asociación de un índice de dieta saludable y sostenible con sobrepeso y obesidad en adultos mexicanos
Authors: Shamah-Levy Teresa , Gaona-Pineda Elsa B , Mundo-Rosas Verónica , Méndez Gómez-Humarán Ignacio , Rodríguez-Ramírez Sonia
Published: November 2020

Objetivo. Evaluar la asociación de un patrón de dietasostenible con sobrepeso y obesidad en adultos mexicanos.Material y métodos. En 11 506 adultos de la Ensanut2018-19, con información de índice de masa corporal y delcuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos, se estimóel puntaje de un índice de dieta saludable y sostenible(IDSS) clasificando los alimentos y bebidas en 13 grupos.Mediante modelo logístico ordinal, se analizó la asociaciónentre el puntaje del IDSS y la presencia de sobrepeso yobesidad. Resultados. El puntaje promedio del IDSS fue6.7 de 13 puntos. Se encontró interacción significativa entreIDSS y sexo sobre la prevalencia de obesidad. Los hombrescon mayor IDSS presentaron menor prevalencia de obesidad(OR=0.55, p<0.05); esta asociación no fue significativaen mujeres. Conclusiones. Mayor IDSS se relaciona conmenor prevalencia de obesidad y, por ende, de enfermedadescrónicas. Se requiere mayor investigación para su implementacióna nivel poblacional.
Condiciones de salud y uso de servicios en pueblos indígenas de México
Authors: Pelcastre-Villafuerte Blanca Estela , Meneses-Navarro Sergio , Sánchez-Domínguez Mario , Meléndez-Navarro David , Freyermuth-Enciso Graciela
Published: November 2020

Objetivo. Identificar diferencias en indicadores socioeconómicos,de condiciones de salud y uso de servicios entrela población indígena (PI) y no indígena (PNI) del país.Material y métodos. Estudio trasversal descriptivo coninformación de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición2018-19. Resultados. La mayoría de la PI se encuentra enel quintil socioeconómico más bajo y usa menos los serviciosde salud. Las mujeres indígenas reportaron un mayornúmero de hijos, así como atención del parto con parteras.La PI acude por atención médica a las instituciones parapoblación sin seguridad social como primera opción, peromanifiesta menor deseo de regresar a atenderse al mismolugar. Conclusiones. La PI utiliza menos los servicios desalud. Se configura un panorama epidemiológico de doblecarga e inequidad en indicadores de acceso que afecta a laPI. La salud reproductiva es el ámbito donde se observan lasmayores desigualdades.
Guest Editorial: Data and Digitalization Breakthroughs Create a New Era for Well Construction
Authors: Bell Dean
Published: November 2020

Digitalization and automation have delivered step changes not only in technology, but also to process in the oilfield industry. Instead of making small incremental shifts in well construction operations, our industry can now make disruptive shifts for tangible performance gains in efficiency, safety, and well integrity. Indeed, many of those changes will enable fully automated drilling and are either in their nascent stages or already here. Operators and service companies that intend to remain competitive in this context must accelerate their own digital transformations going forward.

Digitalization and automation make existing processes or technologies more efficient and less error prone. Some examples of technologies which have been improved by digitalization and automation include automated tubular makeup and connection integrity management, intelligent managed-pressure drilling (MPD), and well-construction optimization software. These automated technologies enable working with fewer personnel, managing from a distance, reducing operational costs, and making better, more consistent decisions.
QTL Mapping of Fruit and Seed-related Traits in Watermelon Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing-based High-density Linkage Mapping
Authors: Gao Meiling , Liang Xiaoxue , Liu Xiujie , Guo Yu , Xu Hongguo , Liu Jixiu , Gao Yue , Yuan Chengzhi , Luan Feishi
Published: November 2020

BackgroundWatermelon is an important vegetable crop with dual use of both fruit and seeds. Understanding the genetic basis of fruit quality and seed size-related traits is important for efficient marker-assisted breeding in watermelon. Linkage mapping in watermelon segregating populations using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) provides insights into genetic control of fruit- and seed-related traits and genome collinearity in commercial watermelon cultivars. ResultsIn the present study, we conducted QTL mapping of 12 horticulturally important traits on external and internal fruit quality and seed size/weight using segregating populations derived a cross between two commercial varieties. A high-density genetic map was developed with GBS which contained more than 6,000 SNP loci in 1,004 bins with a total map length of 1261.1 cM and average marker interval of 1.26 cM or 329 kb. Phenotypic data of fruit rind color (RC), rind stripe pattern (RSP), flesh color (FFC), fruit diameter (FD), fruit length (FL), fruit shape index (FSI), fruit weight (FW), Brix content central (BCC), Brix content edge (BCE), seed length (SL), width (SW), and weight (20SWT) were collected from two locations in two years. QTL analysis identified 47 QTL for the 12 traits, of which 24 had moderate- or major-effects, and 34 were novel QTL not identified in previous studies. The QTL for RSP were identified overlapped with previous reports, and mapped the QTL to a small interval on chromosome 6. From the detected novel QTL, we identify FD (qfd2.1), FL (qfl2.1) co-located with FSI (qfsi2.1) QTL on chromosome 2, and the minor QTL qfw3.2 co-located with previously reported fruit shape QTL (qfd3.1, qfl3.1, qfsi3.1), and SW (qsw10.1) co-located with 20SWT QTL (q20swt10.1) on chromosome 10, and 5 minor QTL (qbcc2.1, qbcc5.1, qbce2.1, qbce2.2, qbce5.1) were found to be likely new locus for Brix content.ConclusionWe conducted GBS consisting of 120 F2 individuals and developed a high-density linkage map with more than 6,000 SNP loci in 1004 bins in watermelon. We identified 47 QTL for 12 fruit and seed related traits including 34 novel QTL. Our work expands the molecular breeding toolbox for watermelon to improve the yield and fruit quality.
Copper, Chromium and Nickel Heavy Metal Effects on Total Sugar and Protein Content in Glycine Max.
Authors: Duan Yongtao , Sangani Chetan B. , Muddassir Mohd , Soni Kunjal V.
Published: November 2020

BackgroundMetals are one of the micro molecules required by living cell to do their biochemical functions. Out of a list of metals few are very important and useful to cells while few are required in very minute amount and their higher concentration harm or cause adverse effects on living forms. Copper and ferrous are commonly counted as essential metals to plant cells but sometimes their higher concentration is harmful to plant cells. Copper is commonly counted as important metal to plant cells but sometimes their higher concentration is harmful to plant cells.ResultsIt was found that higher concentration of copper and ferrous showed reduction in germination percentages and gemination time of investigated plant while chromium shown lethal impacts on seed germinationConclusionsIn the present study effects of copper, chromium and nickel was studied for total sugar and protein content of widely cultivated pulses i.e. Glycine max. Collectively present study showed that higher concentration of copper and nickel has adverse effects on Glycine max total sugar and protein content while chromium has lethal impacts at lower concentration also.
Biomechanical Model for Testing Cage Subsidence in the Osteoporotic Spine Under Permanent Maximum Load
Authors: Schleifenbaum Stefan , Heilmann Robin , Elena Riemer , Reise Rebekka , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Jarvers Jan-Sven , Pieroh Philipp , Völker Anna , Hoeh Nicolas Heinz von der
Published: November 2020

BackgroundFusions in cases of reduced bone density are a tough challenge. As not only does bone quality have an influence on force transmission, these forces must be bridged for much longer time, as a fusion takes longer than in bone-healthy patients. However, cage subsidence or displacement results to loss of reposition and pain. From a biomechanical point of view, the majority of current studies have focussed on the range of motion or have shown test setups for single component tests. Definite setups for biomechanical testing of the primary stability of a 360° fusion using a screw rod system and cage on the osteoporotic spine are missing. The aim of this study is to develop a test stand to provide information about the bone-implant interface under reproducible conditions.MethodsAfter pre-testing with artificial bone, human functional spine units were tested with 360° fusion in TLIF technique. The movement sequences was conducted in flexion, extension, right-left lateral bending and right-left axial rotation on an osteoporotic human model.ResultsDuring the testings of human cadavers, 4 vertebrae were fully tested and were inconspicuous even after radiological and macroscopic examination. 1 vertebra showed a subsidence of 2mm and 1 vertebra had a cage collapsed into the vertebra.ConclusionsThis setup is suitable for biomechanical testing of cyclical continuous loads on the osteoporotic spine. The embedding method is stable and ensures a purely monosegmental setup. The optical monitoring provides a very accurate indication of cage movement, which correlates with the macroscopic and radiological results.
Association of eating habits and cooking methods with breast tumors among childbearing aged urban women in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Cahyani Imaviana , Kurniawan Adi , Palupi Khairizka , Jallow Amadou , Paramastri Rathi , Sa’pang Mertien
Published: November 2020

Background: This study aimed to determine the associations of eating habits and cooking methods with a breast tumor in childbearing aged Indonesian urban women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a research of non-communicable disease 2016 database from the ministry of health of Indonesia. In total 28558 women, aged 25 – 49 years old were retrieved from the database. Eating habits and cooking methods were measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire. A forward logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of eating habits and cooking methods with the risk of breast tumors. Results: Higher education level was positively associated with the incidence of breast tumor (OR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.01-1.20, p = 0.026). Seafood (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.96, p = 0.006) and fast foods (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00-1.20, p = 0.049) were significantly associated with the incidence of breast tumor among urban women. Roasted/smoked cooking method was positively associated with risk of breast tumor (OR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.01 – 1.61, p = 0.043). Conclusion: Our study is the first community-based study in Indonesia investigating the association of eating habits and cooking methods with the incidence of breast tumors among childbearing aged urban women. High intake of seafood was associated with a lower risk of breast tumors while fast foods and roasted/smoked cooking method belief to have a detrimental effect on a breast tumor. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the present study findings.
Wavefront Guided LASIK with a High-Resolution Aberrometer Induces Less Higher-Order Aberration than Early Custom LASIK
Authors: Hieda Osamu , Sotozono Chie , Kayukawa Kanae , Kinoshita Shigeru
Published: November 2020

Background: The use of 'high-resolution' aberrometer wavefront-guided LASIK system offers the theretical advantages. To date there have been a few papers that proved the clinical superiority of the 'high-resolution' wavefront-guided LASIK. The purpose of this present study was to To evaluate the surgical outcomes of wavefront-guided laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) via a high-resolution aberrometer to treat myopic refractive error. Methods: This study involved 51 eyes of 26 consecutive patients (high-resolution group) who underwent wavefront-guided LASIK from 2012 to 2015 via high-resolution aberrometer and excimer laser surgical unit at the Baptist Eye Institute, Kyoto, Japan and who were followed for 6-months postoperative. Postoperative outcomes were compared with our historical control data (early custom group) from 2002 to 2007 (51 eyes of 26 patients) treated with the same correction amount. Measured parameters included Visual acuity (VA), spherical equivalent refractive error (SER), higher-order aberration (HOA), and contrast sensitivity (CS).Results: In the high-resolution group and the early custom group, the mean SER was -5.86±2.57 diopters (D) and -5.99±2.52D, respectively, and the mean patient age was 33.8±9.2 and 34.3±6.9 years, respectively. LogCS of 18 cycles-per-degree (cpd) change was more satisfactory in the high-resolution group than in the early custom group. Postoperative spherical aberration change in the high-resolution group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Decrease of induced spherical aberration produced a positive effect on the post LogCS of 18 cpd.Discussion: The latest wavefront-guided LASIK induced less HOAs than early custom LASIK, and although similar VA and refractive precision findings were observed, the high-resolution group tended to acquire better visual function post surgery.
Medical Faculty Profile is an Important Determinant of Student Profile and Future Practice Expectations of Medical Students in Angola
Authors: Fronteira Inês , Freitas Helga , Guimarães Nkanga , Fresta Mário , Ferrinho Paulo
Published: November 2020

Background: Angola is among one of the most deprived countries in the world in terms of medical professionals. In the past decade, the Angolan Government has invested in the expansion of faculties of medicine in the country. We analysed the profiles of medical students in Angola according to four clusters of medical schools: older faculty in the country, private faculties, Cuban sponsored faculties and military faculty; under the assumption that the organizational culture of the different faculties might influence the expectations and decisions towards future professional life of medical students regarding where they want to work (community versus hospital) and in which sector (exclusively public versus not exclusively public).Methods: Observational cross-sectional study. Piloted, standardized questionnaire to final year medical students or higher year of training in the first four-month of 2014 (N=402). Data were entered into a SPSS v.20 database and descriptive statistics computed. Statistical significance for categorical variables was tested by Pearson chi-square, Fisher exact or likelihood ratio tests as appropriate. Comparison of means was tested with Anova. Backward elimination binary logistic regression was used to test the hypothesis that type of faculty of medicine is an important determinant of future professional practice, i.e., level (hospital vs community) or sector of practice (exclusive public sector vs private or private and public), while controlling for confounders. Results: After controlling for age, sex, marital status, place of birth and place of primary and secondary education, type of family and family influence, students were more likely to choose community over hospital practice and to prefer exclusive public practice if attending a Cuba supported faculty of medicine. Conclusions: Medical education cannot be isolated from planning of the medical workforce. Some important and impactful careers choices, like choosing rural over urban practice, public over private sector practice, have deep influences in the medical professionals’ labour market. Some of these decisions are shaped even before the end of the medical training. As such, the monitoring of future professional intentions in medical schools should be done regularly to accommodate both the health system needs and the hopes and dreams of medical trainees.
Callous-unemotional Traits in Preschool Children With Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Zhang Jinsong , Li Wei , Zhang Huifeng , Wilson Amanda , Shuai Lan , Xia Weiping , Wang Zhouye , Qiu Meihui , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: November 2020

Background:Children with early onset of callous unemotional ( CU traits are at risk for long term, persistent psychosocial problems The current study aimed to explore the characteristics of CU in preschool children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD and the diagnostic significance of CU traits in ADHD. Method: A total of 227 preschool children (89 with ADHD, 51 with Autism Spectrum Disorder [ ASD ]], and 87 Typically Developing Children [ TDC ]]) aged 4 5 years old were recruited. The participants were diagnosed using the Diagnostic Infant and Preschool Assessment (DIPA), and assessed using t he Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale IV , The Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits I CU ), t he Behavior Rating Scale of Executive Function Preschool Version BRIEF P )), and t he parent rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ ). Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between ICU subscale scores and total scores among the ADHD, ASD and TDC groups F 59.87 P < 0.001 with the ASD group s coring the higheset 37.16±10.19 ) and the TDC scoring the lowest 20.39±7.40 )). T he callousness scores in the ADHD+ODD group showed the highest level of significance , and the ADHD only group was significantly higher than the TDC F 20.42 , P < 001) The ICU subscales showed low to moderate positive correlations with the SDQ subscales γ 0.21 ~ 0.68 P < 0.01) except the unemotional subscale T he ICU subscales were also negatively associated with the prosocial behaviour subscale γ = 0.45 ~ 0.68 P < The total ICU score was moderately and positively related to the BRIEF-P subscales (γ = 0.4 7 ~0.6 7 P < 0.01). The CU traits were also used to predict oppositional defiant symptoms β = 0.32, R2 = 0.11, P < 0.001). The callousness and uncaring subscale scores and the total ICU score were significantly correlated with ADHD symptoms and explained a significant 3 proportion of the variance (15-24%).Conclusions: The current study indicated that having high CU scores was associated with increased odds of having ADHD. Screening for CU traits could be used to predict ADHD diagnosis in preschool children .
Facing Costs With Dementia: Daily Lives Perspectives From Informal Caregivers
Authors: Lindeza Patrícia , Virgolino Ana , Santos Osvaldo , Guerreiro Manuela , Rosa Mário
Published: November 2020

Background: Caregivers of people with dementia report stress, depression and economic burden compared to other caregivers. This study aimed to characterize the daily lives experiences of dementia patients’ informal caregivers and to uncover day-to-day sources of expenses related with dementia care. Research design and methods: Qualitative observational study, following a grounded theory approach. Data were collected with semi-structured focus groups with informal caregivers of persons with dementia. Discussed themes included changes in daily lives, formal care services utilization, quality of life and costs. Content analysis was conducted with Charmaz’s line-by-line open coding procedure.Results: Overall, 14 relatives of persons with dementia were included. Most of participants were female (12) and eight of them were daughters of the patient. Ages ranged from 39 to 84 years and eight had a high degree of education. Four of the caregivers were professionally active and the range of years assuming the role of main informal caregiver varied from two to 15 years. Conclusions: Findings provide insight into the daily life experience of caring for a person with dementia, while revealing the impact on the quality of life of caregivers. The individual sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics, together with a lack of adapted formal care services and low financial aid leaded to a high burden experience for these caregivers. A multidirectional approach addressing caregivers needs, while improving formal care services and creating social and financial support programmes for families affected by dementia is required to decrease its financial and psychosocial burden.
Effects of Early Neurological Deterioration in Acute Ischemic Stroke on Multiple Dimensions of Functional Outcomes Using Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Qu Jian-Feng , Zhong Huo-Hua , Liang Wen-Cong , Chen Yang-Kun , Liu Yong-lin , Wang Shi-fang
Published: November 2020

Background: Early neurological deterioration (END) is common in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but its effect on functional outcomes is not well understood. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of END on multiple dimensions of functional outcomes.Methods: In the present study, 256 patients with AIS were analyzed. All patients were followed up for 1 year. We used the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) to assess body function impairment, the Lawton activities of daily living scale to assess activity limitations, and the reintegration to normal living index (RNLI) to assess participation restrictions. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was performed to identify acute infarcts and preexisting abnormalities, such as white matter lesions, medial temporal lobe atrophy, microbleeds, and silent lacunae. To reduce the effects of a lack of randomization, we conducted a propensity score analysis. Results: The study sample consisted of 185 men (72.3%) and 71 women (27.7%). Sixty-one patients (23.8%) had END. Before matching, patients with END had higher levels of small artery-type stroke, higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores on arrival, higher systolic blood pressure on admission, and larger infarct volumes. After matching, there were no significant differences between the two groups in any clinical or neuroimaging variables, except for stroke subtype and cortical region infarct. Logistic regression analysis revealed that END was a significant predictor of poor mRS (odds ratio [OR], 3.829; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.367–10.723, p = 0.011) and poor RNLI (OR, 2.777; 95% CI, 1.133–6.806, p = 0.026) scores after adjusting for confounding factors.Conclusions: END is relatively common in AIS, with an incidence of 23.8%. END might be able to predict poor functional outcomes, including body function impairment and reduced social participation.
Acute kidney injury among preterm infants receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Ting Joseph , McDougal Kate , Mello Alanna De , Kwan Eddie , Mammen Cherry
Published: November 2020

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are a frequently prescribed class of medication in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Hospitalized patients receiving NSAID therapy are at an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Our primary objective was to reveal AKI epidemiology in NSAID-exposed premature infants admitted to the NICU using a standardized definition.Methods: This retrospective study included infants born at ≤34 weeks gestational age who received NSAID for intraventricular haemorrhage prophylaxis [“prophylaxis group”] or symptomatic treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) [“treatment group”] between January and December 2014 at British Columbia Women’s Hospital NICU. All available serum creatinine (SCr) and 12-hour urine output (UO) were recorded from admission till day 7 post NSAID exposure. AKI incidence was determined using the modified Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification with an increase in SCr (ΔSCr) (50% rise from prior SCr within 7 days or 26.5 mmol/L rise within 48 hours) and/or UO < 1 mL/kg/hour, excluding the first 24 h of life.Results: We identified 70 eligible subjects, 32 of whom received prophylactic NSAID (prophylaxis group), and 38 received indomethacin or ibuprofen for treatment of symptomatic PDA (treatment group), with an overall AKI incidence of 23% (16/70). The treatment group had a higher proportion of infants with SCr monitoring during the NSAID than the prophylaxis group (87% vs. 13%, p<0.001). Based upon the above defined criteria (fulfilling at least one—either the UO or SCr monitoring criteria), the prophylaxis group had a significantly lower AKI rate compared with the treatment group (9% vs. 34%; p=0.014). Conclusions: AKI incidence is higher in infants treated with NSAID for symptomatic PDA than in those treated prophylactically during the first day of life, based on the criteria applied. However, the burden of AKI may be underestimated in the prophylaxis group due to fewer available SCr values after exposure, and inability to utilize UO criteria in the 1st 24 hours of life. Standardized protocols for monitoring daily SCr and UO after exposure should be implemented for all neonates with NSAID exposure and should be considered to improve AKI recognition.
Characterising water loss in pomegranate fruit cultivars (‘Acco’, ‘Herskawitz’ & ‘Wonderful’) under cold and shelf storage conditions
Authors: Lufu Robert , Tsige Alemayehu , Opara Umezuruike
Published: November 2020

Fruit water loss results in a huge financial loss to the industry due to loss of aesthetic appeal and direct loss of saleable fruit weight. There is currently a limited knowledge on the mechanism of water loss in pomegranate fruits, given their complex structure. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise water loss in the most common export pomegranate cultivars (‘Acco’, ‘Herskawitz’ and ‘Wonderful’) of South Africa. Fruits were stored for 42 d at 7 ºC and 90 % RH and thereafter transferred to shelf at 23 ºC and 58 % RH. Another batch of fruit was immediately stored under prolonged shelf conditions for 16 d. Water loss, respiration rate, arils-peel proportions and moisture content, peel thickness and colour attributes, puncture resistance property and chemical quality attributes of fruit juice were measured. The study revealed that despite the physiological and structural differences among pomegranate cultivars, water loss was similar during the 42 d of cold storage. However, the medium-sized fruits (‘Herskawitz’ and ‘Wonderful’) had significantly higher water loss (0.32 ± 0.01 g cm-2) than the small-sized fruits (‘Acco)’ (0.25 ± 0.01 g cm-2) during the prolonged 16 d of shelf storage. The observed maximum water loss of 24.2 % is mainly from the peel proportion. Therefore, research should primarily focus on the peel fraction in addressing the water loss problems of pomegranate fruits.
A Cross-Case Analyses of Laboratory Professionals-Patients Interaction for Patients Accessing Laboratory Services at University of Cape Coast Hospital and Ewim Polyclinic in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Adu Patrick
Published: November 2020

Background: There is scarcity of data on experiences of patients who access laboratory services during hospital visits in sub-Saharan Africa. This study sought to evaluate the depth of laboratory professionals-patient interactions during pre- and post-sampling period at two hospitals in Ghana. Methods: This study used real time observations of patient-laboratory staff interactions to collect first-hand data. Additionally, two separate sets of semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on the experiences of patients and laboratory professionals. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS version 25. Results: Inadequate laboratory space is a major factor limiting adequacy of patients-laboratory professionals’ interactions. Overall, even though the laboratory professionals (93.3%) overwhelmingly agreed to the need to inform patients about the turnaround time of the respective laboratory testing, this was not routinely done. Irrespective of patients’ educational attainment, patients were poorly informed about their respective laboratory tests. Although both patients and laboratory professionals (60.0% vs 63.6% respectively) indicated that the prescriber has responsibility to inform patients about their laboratory testing, only 29.1% of patients indicated having received such explanations from their respective prescribers. Furthermore, although 28.1% of patients indicated knowing the specifics of their respective test requisition, only 15% could correctly identify their requested laboratory testing. Conclusion: There is the need for standard operating protocols to standardize practitioner-patient interaction at the two facilities. Moreover, there is the need for laboratory staff-prescribers engagement to clearly delineate who has what responsibilities regarding informing patients about laboratory testing.
Beneficial Effects of Weekly Walking Activity on Vascular Hypertensive Mediated Organ Damage in Community-dwelling Elderly Chinese: Northern Shanghai Study
Authors: Lyu Yuyan , Yu Shikai , Chi Chen , Teliewubai Jiadela , Ji Hongwei , Zhang Yi , Xu Yawei
Published: November 2020

Background: The value of exercise is well-established for health promotion. Walking as the most common campaign in older people, is recommended to improve their cardiovascular health. However, the direct association between weekly walking activity and asymptomatic hypertensive mediated organ damage (HMOD) remains unclear.Methods: 2830 community-dwelling elderly subjects (over 65 years) in northern Shanghai were recruited from June 2014 to June 2018. Weekly walking activity was evaluated by standard questionnaire based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaires-short form (including walking duration per time and walking days per week). Within the framework of comprehensive cardiovascular examinations, HMOD, including left ventricular mass index (LVMI), peak transmitral pulsed Doppler velocity/early diastolic tissue Doppler velocity (E/Ea), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), arterial plaque, creatinine clearance rate (CCR), urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) and ankle-brachial index (ABI), were all evaluated.Results: 1862 (65.8%) participants were enrolled in weekly walking activity, with 56.8 ± 36.8 min/day and a median of 6.71 days/week walking. Young elderly, fewer smokers, lower CIMT, lower cf-PWV, fewer abnormal ABI, lower prevalence of hypertension and coronary heart disease were observed in walking activity group. Similarly, pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that weekly walking activity was significantly correlated with elderly (age ≥ 70 years) and smoker. After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, weekly walking activity was only significantly associated with peripheral artery diseases in logistic regression analysis. Finally, only walking duration more than 30 min per time was related to arterial plaque in subgroup analysis of weekly walking acitivity (OR: 1.048, 95% CI: 1.002-1.095, P = 0.038).Conclusions: In the community-dwelling elderly Chinese, weekly walking activity seemed to be a way to encourage a healthy lifestyle for HMOD prevention and management, especially for vascular HMOD, irrespective of walking duration per time and walking days per week.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02368938 (clinicaltrials.gov)