bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of pruritus and sensory qualities induced by capsaicin, histamine and cowhage
Authors: Hawro T. , Lehmann S. , Deuring E. , Weller K. , Altrichter S. , Church M.K. , Maurer M. , Metz M.
Published: June 2019

Background

In skin diseases and experimental models of pruritus, pure itch is accompanied by additional sensations that are poorly characterized.

Objectives

This study compared the sensory qualities evoked by different models of experimentally induced pruritus including skin prick testing (SPT) with histamine or capsaicin and application of cowhage spicules. SPT as a method of capsaicin application was validated for this purpose.

Methods

Two pilot experiments were performed in eight healthy volunteers. First, a concentration of 8% capsaicin was identified as evoking a reproducible itch using SPT. Further, a list of the seven most frequently reported sensations was chosen after SPT with 10 mg/mL histamine, 8% capsaicin and application of 40–45 cowhage spicules. Finally, 31 subjects were challenged with the same itch‐inducers. Wheal and flare were measured at 10, 20, 40, 60 and 90 min, itch intensity every minute for 30 min, and the overall evaluation of sensory descriptors were recorded on a 100‐mm visual analogue scale once itching had subsided.

Results

Skin prick testing with histamine and capsaicin resulted in flare reactions, which were 23% smaller for capsaicin (P < 0.001). Histamine, capsaicin and cowhage‐induced pruritus, the duration of which was shorter for cowhage than for histamine (13.5 ± 1.4 vs. 8.8 ± 1.2 min, P = 0.005). Different mediators induced sensations of different intensities. Capsaicin produced less itch and physical urge to scratch than histamine (P = 0.001) and cowhage (P < 0.001). However, both capsaicin and cowhage induced more burning than histamine (P = 0.002 and P = 0.04, respectively). Provocation with cowhage caused more intense sensations of pricking than histamine (P = 0.033).

Conclusion

This study shows that provocation with histamine, capsaicin and cowhage results in itch responses that are different in their duration, the profile of accompanying sensations, and the flare that comes with the itch.
Trends in the use of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators for prevention of sudden cardiac arrest: A South Korean nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Roh Seung‐Young , Choi Jong‐Il , Kim Min Sun , Cho Eun Young , Kim Yun Gi , Lee Kwang‐No , Baek Yong‐Soo , Shim Jaemin , Kim Jin Seok , Park Sang‐Weon , Chugh Sumeet S. , Kim Young‐Hoon
Published: June 2019

Background

The benefits of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) for the prevention of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) are well established. However, a significant knowledge gap remains regarding current indications and utilization of ICDs in real‐world settings in Asia.

Methods

Patients who underwent ICD implantation in South Korea from 2007 to 2015 were identified using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. We investigated trends in use of ICD for the prevention of SCA.

Results

A total of 4649 ICDs were implanted during 9 years. ICDs were implanted in 1448 (31.2%) patients for primary prevention and in 3201 (68.8%) for secondary prevention. The proportion of ICDs for primary prevention increased from 6.1% in 2007 to 41.9% in 2015. Primary prevention was more frequent in older (≥40 years) recipients (34.4% vs. 14.6%, P < .0001). The rates of ICD implantation for primary prevention were highest for nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (55.1%) and lowest (9.7%) for inherited primary arrhythmia syndrome (IPAS).

Conclusion

Our data showed a trend of progressively increasing rates of ICD implantation in Asia, especially for primary prevention of SCA. Primary prevention as an indication for ICD in patients with IPAS remained low.
Genome‐wide identification and analysis of heterotic loci in three maize hybrids
Authors: Liu Hongjun , Wang Qin , Chen Mengjiao , Ding Yahui , Yang Xuerong , Liu Jie , Li Xiaohan , Zhou Congcong , Tian Qilin , Lu Yiqi , Fan Danlin , Shi Junpeng , Zhang Lin , Kang Congbin , Sun Mingfei , Li Fangyuan , Wu Yujian , Zhang Yongzhong , Liu Baoshen , Zhao Xiang Yu , Feng Qi , Yang Jinliang , Han Bin , Lai Jinsheng , Zhang Xian Sheng , Huang Xuehui
Published: June 2019

Heterosis, or hybrid vigour, is a predominant phenomenon in plant genetics, serving as the basis of crop hybrid breeding, but the causative loci and genes underlying heterosis remain unclear in many crops. Here, we present a large‐scale genetic analysis using 5360 offsprings from three elite maize hybrids, which identifies 628 loci underlying 19 yield‐related traits with relatively high mapping resolutions. Heterotic pattern investigations of the 628 loci show that numerous loci, mostly with complete–incomplete dominance (the major one) or overdominance effects (the secondary one) for heterozygous genotypes and nearly equal proportion of advantageous alleles from both parental lines, are the major causes of strong heterosis in these hybrids. Follow‐up studies for 17 heterotic loci in an independent experiment using 2225 F2 individuals suggest most heterotic effects are roughly stable between environments with a small variation. Candidate gene analysis for one major heterotic locus (ub3) in maize implies that there may exist some common genes contributing to crop heterosis. These results provide a community resource for genetics studies in maize and new implications for heterosis in plants.
Superior Sporting Performance in Athletics: Determinants and Sustainability
Authors: Meier Henk Erik , Jetzke Malte , Nagm Amin , von Uechtritz Cosima
Published: June 2019

The article aims to contribute to the understanding of competitive dynamics and specialization in international sport by analyzing superior sporting performance (SSP) in international athletics in the period from 1999 to 2018. By applying iterative Kolmogorov‐Smirnov tests to annual bests, the study examines national SSPs. Contrary to theoretical considerations, less specialized countries are more likely to achieve SSP. Technical entry barriers and macrosocial factors also appear to play a limited role. SSP seems not to disappear due to increased international competition. The United States and Russia are identified as “sporting super powers,” able to persistently dominate a number of disciplines. The case of Russia poses fundamental questions concerning market distortions in international sport resulting from doping. The results come with substantial policy implications.
Volunteered geographic information systems: Technological design patterns
Authors: Gómez‐Barrón José Pablo , Manso‐Callejo Miguel Ángel , Alcarria Ramón
Published: June 2019

Volunteered geographic information (VGI) has been studied extensively within various contexts, however, generally focusing on isolated aspects of data. Therefore, we still need to advance the structured knowledge of the mechanisms that affect and support its creation. This article aims to contribute to the integrated study of VGI systems (VGIS) in order to enhance design processes that lead to a more systematic and efficient VGI management. We define VGIS, their main components, and general architectures. Then, we use the service blueprinting technique to conduct the case study of several systems, identifying system actions to find the processes and technologies forming the different functional components of VGIS: elements of the technological infrastructure that implement diverse processes to facilitate participation and data management. Integrated in the data collection component, we also propose a typology of crowdsourcing tasks that—coupled with the functional components—establishes a foundation for VGIS research and design. We characterize these components, arguing that they are necessary in the development of VGIS, however, there is still a need for a more detailed study of the flow of processes and subprocesses and how they work under the criteria of different types of projects to continue facilitating their design.
An automated motivational interview promotes donation intention and self‐efficacy among experienced whole blood donors
Authors: Livitz Irina E. , France Christopher R. , France Janis L. , Fox Kristen R. , Ankawi Brett , Slepian P. Maxwell , Kessler Debra A. , Rebosa Mark , Shaz Beth H.
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Interventions intended to motivate donors to return can be costly and time consuming. The current study examined the effect of a Web‐based automated interview, informed by motivational interviewing and self‐determination theory, on donor intention, motivation, and behavior in a sample of highly experienced donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Approximately 1 week after donating, 1177 highly experienced whole blood donors (mean prior donations, 35.5; mean age, 46.9 years; 66.3% female) participated in a study in which they were randomly assigned to either a donor motivational interview (n = 544) or knowledge interview (n = 633). Measures of donor motivation and psychological need support were obtained before the interviews, and again at postinterview assessments conducted approximately 2 days later and 7 weeks later. Blood center records were used to assess repeat donation attempts for 1 year after the interviews.

RESULTS

Relative to the knowledge interview, participants in the motivational interview had larger increases in donation intention and self‐efficacy from preinterview to the first follow‐up. Among women only, the motivational interview was associated with greater competence and relatedness increases at both follow‐up assessments.

CONCLUSION

An automated motivational interview appears to be a feasible way to promote donation intention and self‐efficacy. Although the observed effects were small among highly experienced donors, we are currently assessing the potential effect of this intervention among less experienced donors.
Identificación de malformaciones congénitas asociadas a plaguicidas disruptores endocrinos en estados brasileños productores de granos
Authors: Dutra Lidiane Lidiane , Ferreira Aldo Pacheco
Published: June 2019

El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar la asociación entre el uso de plaguicidas y malformaciones congénitas en municipios brasileños con exposición por mayor producción de commodities agrícolas entre 1994 y 2014, así como evaluar la correlación entre la tendencia observada y el volumen de plaguicidas dados como disruptores endocrinos. Es un estudio transversal, de carácter exploratorio, descriptivo y cuantitativo. Se analizaron las informaciones de los nacidos vivos (SINASC/Ministerio de Salud), elaborándose tasas de malformaciones ocurridas de 1994-2003 y 2004-2014. La asociación entre los tipos de malformaciones y las variables fue probada por odds ratio. Se constató que las tasas referentes a las malformaciones congénitas fueron mayores para los años de mayor exposición (2004-2014) y tuvieron asociación estadísticamente significativa. Los resultados indicaron que las malformaciones congénitas identificadas en el sitio de estudio están fuertemente correlacionadas a exposición de plaguicidas.
Situación de la enfermería en el desarrollo de la atención primaria en salud en Antioquia (Colombia): aproximación desde la perspectiva de los profesionales
Authors: Atehortúa Mira Sonia María , Castaño Pineda Yeferson , Restrepo Villa Román Orlando
Published: June 2019

Objetivo: comprender la situación de la enfermería en el desarrollo de la atención primaria en salud (APS) en Antioquia, Colombia. Metodología: estudio cualitativo de tipo etnografía enfocada que combinó observación participante con entrevistas semiestructuradas a trece profesionales de enfermería. Resultados: a partir del 2005, Antioquia implementa la estrategia de APS renovada con participación de la enfermería para enfrentar diversos obstáculos derivados de la configuración del sistema de salud actual que privilegia el enfoque clínico sobre el comunitario y ofrece mejores condiciones laborales. Este imaginario social se reproduce en la formación profesional; no obstante, para estos profesionales de enfermería, el trabajo comunitario en APS es fuente de motivación personal y profesional. Conclusión: la praxis de enfermería se ha constituido en campo de disputa entre sus ámbitos clínico y comunitario. El primero goza de mayor prestigio, mientras que el segundo —que se ha ocupado de implementar la APS— sufre subvaloración gremial y laboral.
La violencia obstétrica en la literatura de las ciencias sociales en América Latina
Authors: Lafaurie Villamila María Mercedes , Rubio León Diana Carolina , Perdomo Rubio Alejandro , Cañon Crespo Andrés Felipe
Published: June 2019

A partir del análisis de dieciocho estudios realizados por científicos sociales de América Latina, el presente trabajo busca poner en el escenario la “violencia obstétrica” y suscitar reflexión en torno a su conceptualización y sus orígenes, además de retomar las recomendaciones propuestas por las y los autores para un cambio de situación y de proponer nuevas rutas de indagación. Un cambio de paradigmas en los sistemas de salud, en los procedimientos y en la formación de los profesionales con miras a la humanización de la atención en el campo de la salud de las mujeres y la erradicación de todas las formas de la violencia obstétrica son requeridos para que sea posible hablar de ejercicio de ciudadanía en ese ámbito; en la investigación social se requiere incluir la perspectiva del personal de salud y profundizar en realidades como la vulnerabilidad social de las mujeres y el aborto.
Análisis sobre la formación académica y el ejercicio profesional del psicólogo clínico en Ecuador
Authors: Moreta-Herrera Rodrigo , Guerrero-Escobar Evelyn
Published: June 2019

Objetivo. Analizar la formación académica y el campo laboral del psicólogo clínico en una muestra de profesionales de la zona de planificación III del Ecuador (ZP3). Método. La muestra del estudio estuvo conformada por 101 psicólogos clínicos, con una edad media de 30.6 (DE = 7.1) y una media de ejercicio profesional de 6.5 años (DE = 5.75), que ejercen su labor profesional en la ZP3 del Ecuador. Resultados. Los participantes, en su mayoría, se titularon en la Universidad Técnica de Ambato (pública) y en la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador Sede Ambato (cofinanciada). Más del 64% de los profesionales laboran en el sector público. El 40% de los participantes accedieron a sus puestos actuales por concurso de méritos. El 56.6% trabajan en el sector salud e intervención social. El salario general en promedio es de USD 1380. Conclusión. La formación del psicólogo clínico se restringe de manera significativa a la titulación de grado, dejando de lado, por diversas razones, la formación de posgrado como elemento complementario.
Old and New
Authors: Langston Lee S.
Published: June 2019

As prime movers go, gas turbines are virtually brand new, compared to, say, wind and water turbines which have been around for millennia. But they have also reached a considerable level of maturity. Gas turbines now dominate both the world’s aircraft propulsion and a good portion of electric power generation. The fortunes of the industry are not uniform, however. The commercial jet engine market is robust and growing; the military jet engine, electric power, and other markets have been relatively flat or declining. But those are the sectors where the possibilities lie. They aren’t new, but they have the potential for renewal. This study delves deeper into the current status and trends in theworldwide gas turbine market.
Looking Back Over the 6+ Years of the DSC Magazine
Authors: Meckl Peter
Published: June 2019

Since this is the last issue of the DSC magazine in its current form, this article is a chance to look back over the years and reflect on what the magazine offered over that time.
Predicting Hawaiian Youth’s Physical Activity and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Behaviors: A 10-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Fleary Sasha A. , Mehl Robin , Nigg Claudio
Published: June 2019

Background: Health behaviors in childhood and adolescence are implicated in health behaviors and chronic disease risk in adulthood for the majority of the US population. However, little is known about these relationships in Hawaiian youth. This study investigated the extent to which childhood physical activity (PA) and fruit and vegetable consumption behaviors predicted later behaviors across a 10-year period in Hawaiian youth. Methods: Three cohorts of fourth- to sixth-grade students who participated in an elementary after-school program (Fun 5) provided baseline data (Y1—data collected between 2003 and 2007), 5-year (Y5—data collected between 2008 and 2012), and 10-year (Y10—data collected between 2013 and 2017) follow-up surveys. Demographic, PA, and fruit and vegetable consumption measures were completed at all 3 time points. Bivariate and multiple regressions were computed in 2018. Results: Y1 and Y5 behavior predicted PA in young adulthood. For fruit and vegetable consumption, Y1 behavior predicted Y5 behavior but not Y10 behavior, and Y5 behavior predicted Y10 behaviors. Conclusions: Similar to mainland US youth, it is important to address PA and nutrition early in the life span for Hawaiian youth to increase long-term preventive health behaviors and reduce long-term chronic disease risk.
Development of Perfectionism in Junior Athletes: A Three-Sample Study of Coach and Parental Pressure
Authors: Madigan Daniel J. , Curran Thomas , Stoeber Joachim , Hill Andrew P. , Smith Martin M. , Passfield Louis
Published: June 2019

Perfectionism predicts cognitions, emotions, and behaviors in sport. Nonetheless, our understanding of the factors that influence its development is limited. The authors sought to address this issue by examining the role of coach and parental pressure in the development of perfectionism in sport. Using 3 samples of junior athletes (16–19 years; cross-sectionaln = 212, 3-month longitudinaln = 101, and 6-month longitudinaln = 110), the authors examined relations between coach pressure to be perfect, parental pressure to be perfect, perfectionistic strivings, and perfectionistic concerns. Mini meta-analysis of the combined cross-sectional data (N = 423) showed that both coach pressure and parental pressure were positively correlated with perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns. In contrast, longitudinal analyses showed that only coach pressure predicted increased perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns over time. Overall, our findings provide preliminary evidence that coaches may play a more important role in the development of junior athletes’ perfectionism than parents.
Climbing droplets driven by mechanowetting on transverse waves
Authors: De Jong Edwin , Wang Ye , Den Toonder Jaap M. J. , Onck Patrick R.
Published: June 2019

Mechanowetting drives droplets on (vertically) inclined surfaces through dynamic surface deformations.
Exciton funneling in light-harvesting organic semiconductor microcrystals for wavelength-tunable lasers
Authors: Wang Kang , Gao Zhenhua , Zhang Wei , Yan Yongli , Song Hongwei , Lin Xianqing , Zhou Zhonghao , Meng Haibing , Xia Andong , Yao Jiannian , Zhao Yong Sheng
Published: June 2019

Wavelength-tunable lasers were experimentally achieved through exciton funneling in light-harvesting organic microcrystals.
Shear-solvo defect annihilation of diblock copolymer thin films over a large area
Authors: Kim Ye Chan , Shin Tae Joo , Hur Su-Mi , Kwon Seok Joon , Kim So Youn
Published: June 2019

Shear-solvo annealing enables defect removal and orientation alignment in block copolymer nanopatterns in centimeter scale areas.
IL-23–producing IL-10Rα–deficient gut macrophages elicit an IL-22–driven proinflammatory epithelial cell response
Authors: Bernshtein Biana , Curato Caterina , Ioannou Marianna , Thaiss Christoph A. , Gross-Vered Mor , Kolesnikov Masha , Wang Qian , David Eyal , Chappell-Maor Louise , Harmelin Alon , Elinav Eran , Thakker Paresh , Papayannopoulos Venizelos , Jung Steffen
Published: June 2019

Proinflammatory IL-10R–deficient colonic macrophages trigger defined T cell and epithelial responses causing colitis.
PD-1
hi
CD8
+
resident memory T cells balance immunity and fibrotic sequelae
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wang Shaohua , Goplen Nick P. , Li Chaofan , Cheon In Su , Dai Qigang , Huang Su , Shan Jinjun , Ma Chaoyu , Ye Zhenqing , Xiang Min , Limper Andrew H. , Porquera Eva-Carmona , Kohlmeier Jacob E. , Kaplan Mark H. , Zhang Nu , Johnson Aaron J. , Vassallo Robert , Sun Jie
Published: June 2019

Exhausted-like CD8
+
resident memory T cells in the lung limit immune activation–driven fibrosis.
Respiration and Small Colony Variants of
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Proctor Richard
Published: June 2019

Respiratory mutants, both naturally occurring and genetically constructed, have taught us about the importance of metabolism in influencing virulence factor production, persistence, and antibiotic resistance. As we learn more about small colony variants, we find that
Staphylococcus aureus
has many pathways to produce small colony variants, although the respiratory variants are the best described clinically and in the laboratory.
2 The incidence of undiagnosed coeliac disease in patients presenting with stress fracture to a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Smith R , Baldock J , FitzPatrick M , Jones N , Newton J
Published: June 2019

Aim

Stress fracture aetiology is often multifactorial and laboratory blood tests (LBT) can unmask underlying metabolic bone risk factors and disorders. Coeliac disease (CD) is associated with low bone mineral density and an increased risk of fractures.1In addition, there are rare reports of occult CD presenting with stress fractures.2Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (TTG) testing has a high sensitivity and specificity for CD and is used as a screening test.3This report examines the incidence of undiagnosed CD in patients presenting with stress fractures to a Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) clinic.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive patients with radiologically proven stress fractures presenting to a single tertiary NHS SEM clinic was performed. Age, gender, fracture site, co-morbidities, TTG result and subsequent investigations were examined. Records were reviewed to confirm LBT, including TTG, had been performed at the time of diagnosis.

Results

Seventy patients (70%) were female and mean age was 37 years (range 18–69). Metatarsal (35%) and tibial (21%) fractures were most common. TTG was performed in 85 patients. Two patients were excluded due to pre-existing CD. Five patients (5/83 (6%), mean age 38 years (28–57), 80% female) had a positive TTG; three of whom had CD confirmed by endoscopic biopsy and two are awaiting investigation. Four patients with a positive TTG underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, with osteopenia (T-Score between −1.0 and −2.5) found in 75% of cases, although only one had a Z-score less than -2.0.

Conclusion

In this cohort, the incidence of undiagnosed CD was between 3.6% to 6%, with a prevalence between 5% to 7%, approximately 5-fold higher than UK population estimates. We recommend that TTG screening should be performed in all patients presenting with stress fractures to identify underlying CD. Further work is required to confirm this association and elucidate potential underlying mechanisms.

References

Heikkilä K, Pearce J, Mäki M, et al. Celiac disease and bone fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Clin Endocrinol Metab2015;100(1):25–34.

Gilbody J, Trevett M. Coeliac disease presenting with bilateral fibular stress fractures.Foot Ankle Surg2009;15:96–100.

3. Downey L, Houten R, Murch S, Longson D, Group GD. Recognition, assessment, and management of coeliac disease: summary of updated NICE guidance.BMJ2015;351:h4513.
3 Platelet rich plasma for acute achilles tendon rupture: a double-blind, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Keene DJ , Alsousou J , Harrison P , Hulley P , Wagland S , Schlüssel MM , Dutton S , Lamb SE , Willett K
Published: June 2019

Aim

Slow recovery and disability after Achilles tendon rupture are major challenges. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an autologous supraphysiological concentration of platelets from whole blood that has demonstrated positive cellular and physiological effects on healing in the laboratory and is widely used in musculoskeletal treatments. However, evidence from adequately powered, robust clinical trials is lacking. We aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of PRP for treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Methods

230 adults starting Achilles rupture non-surgical management within 12 days of injury were randomised to PRP injection or dry needle insertion to the rupture gap, under local anaesthetic. Participants were blinded to study treatment and received standardised rehabilitation. Blinded outcome assessments were at 4, 7, 13, and 24 weeks. The primary outcome was muscle-tendon function assessed by work performed during the heel-rise endurance test (HRET), measured with the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) (0–100%; 100% denotes full recovery) at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were the Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS), quality of life (SF-12), pain and goal attainment. The trial was prospectively registered.

Results

Of 230 participants, 114 were allocated to PRP injection (103 received PRP), 116 were allocated to and received placebo. At 24 weeks, 201/230 (87%) completed the HRET and 214/230 (93%) completed patient reported outcomes. Participant characteristics between the groups were similar. There was no difference between groups at 24 weeks in LSI (mean difference = -4.373; 95% CI −11.217 to 2.471; p=0.195). There were no differences in the secondary outcomes and adverse event rates.

Conclusion

This trial design and standardised PRP preparation secure the first robust clinical trial evidence for PRP in managing Achilles tendon rupture, and suggest that PRP offers no patient benefit. The use of PRP in soft tissue injuries must be questionable unless supported by equally robust evidence indicating positive outcomes.
5 The motivators and barriers to physical activity in primary prevention of chronic disease
Authors: Pavitt A
Published: June 2019

Background

Regular physical activity is protective against many chronic diseases. Despite this, 39% of adults in the UK are insufficiently active with an increased risk of chronic disease. Moving Medicine is an online resource developed by the FSEM to facilitate clinician-led conversations to reduce the risk of chronic disease through increased physical activity.

Aim

This is the first review to categorise and understand the principle motivators for and barriers against physical activity, for the primary prevention of chronic disease. It has informed the development of a national Moving Medicine resource.

Methods

A structured search of MEDLINE and OpenGrey, augmented by handsearching of reference lists and contents of key journals. Qualitative evidence was then synthesised thematically.

Results

Thirteen papers were selected as being of good quality (structured interviews and focus groups rather than questionnaires) and relevant to the aims of this review. Motivators identified were grouped into: anticipated positive effects, support/encouragement, social aspects, environmental aspects, goal-setting, and the use of feedback. Barriers to physical activity were grouped into: time constraints, physical health problems, environmental aspects, cost and poor communication.

Building results into the resource

The results of this review were presented to an expert panel of SEM doctors, GPs, nurses, physiotherapists, and patients. This multidisciplinary team then helped shape the primary prevention resource on the Moving Medicine website. See examples from the resource below.

Conclusion

Good quality conversations on physical activity in healthcare require an understanding of the key motivators and barriers reported by patients. Combining this qualitative review with the knowledge, skills and the experience of a multidisciplinary expert panel has enabled the development of a unique patient-centred primary prevention resource. Delivering this information through MovingMedicine.ac.uk is a vital step in using these important findings to inform routine clinical practice across the NHS. This should facilitate an increase in the proportion of adults meeting recommended physical activity levels and therefore reduce the rates of chronic disease.
Patient perceptions and interactions with their web portal-based laboratory results
Authors: Robinson Sean , Reed Melissa , Quevillon Travis , Hirvi Ed
Published: June 2019

Background

The movement to improve patient-centred care, combined with the development of user-friendly technology has led to the spread of electronic patient portals (EPP). Little research has examined the effects of providing patients with access to their laboratory results on their healthcare and health behaviours.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the use of EPPs, understand why patients use EPPs to access their laboratory results and explore its impact on their health.

Method

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 21 patients who used the laboratory results section of an EPP. Interviews were analysed using a grounded theory approach.

Results

Participant interactions with their laboratory results varied based on their level of understanding of their results. Benefits of EPP-based access to test results included convenience, fewer appointments and decreased anxiety. Some participants described increased engagement in their healthcare and positive health changes. However, some were concerned about receiving alarming test results.

Conclusion

Healthcare providers using EPPs to provide patients with their test results should try to ensure their patients understand their test results. Patient comprehension of test results may be improved by having providers comment on the meaning of test results and by encouraging patients to use specific websites and search options within EPPs.
Trend of intestinal infectious diseases recorded at a tertiary care hospital in India: an ICD-10 analysis
Authors: Jathanna P N Roopalekha , Vijeta Ramya , Jathanna Vinod R
Published: June 2019

The World Health Organization identifies the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries as infectious and communicable diseases. Health records coded uniformly using ICD-10 can form an accurate database and conclusions drawn from this are extremely important for understanding the public health situation.

The aim of this study is to analyse the trend of intestinal infectious diseases recorded at a tertiary care hospital in India.

A retrospective disease index study was conducted on data comprising 5317 cases from 2012 to 2016 for intestinal infectious diseases, analysed with ICD-10.

Of these, 5.5% were from the age group 0-5 years; 57.66% were male; and 85% deaths in this cohort (62/73) were due to diarrhoea and gastroenteritis of presumed infectious origin.

The findings of this study highlight an urgent need for health education among the population regarding infectious intestinal diseases and to redesign health promotion and preventive strategies for addressing these problems.
“You can smell the freedom”: a qualitative study on perceptions and experiences of sex among Swedish men who have sex with men in Berlin
Authors: Dennermalm Nicklas , Ingemarsdotter Persson Kristina , Thomsen Sarah , Forsberg Birger C
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of sex among Swedish Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) in Berlin.

Background

MSM are disproportionally affected by HIV.

Berlin is also a key destination when looking into where Swedish MSM sero-convert, while travelling.

Method

A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions with participants recruited through network sampling. Data were analysed with content analysis.

Participants

15 Swedish cis-men (as in non-transgender) who have sex with men aged 25–44 years, who travelled to or were living in Berlin. To be included in the study, the participants had to be cis-MSM, Swedish citizens, spending time in Berlin and having sex in both settings.

Results

For a majority of the participants, sex was the main reason for going to Berlin but cultural aspects like art and the techno scene were also important. Berlin was perceived as a sex-oriented city providing venues where respondents did not have to care about reputation and status and where social and sexual spaces co-existed side by side. This in sharp contrast to Sweden, which represented a limiting environment both in culture and what was available culturally and sexually.

Conclusion

The men interviewed experienced multiple partners and had a broad sexual repertoire both abroad and at home. However, the behaviour was amplified in Berlin. The men did not alter their safer sex practice depending on if they had sex in Sweden or Berlin. The high mobility and vulnerability for HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) among these men highlights the need of increased access to antiretroviral treatment, pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV and low-threshold HIV/STI testing services in Europe.
Development of a core outcome set for traumatic brachial plexus injuries (COMBINE): study protocol
Authors: Miller Caroline , Cross Jane , Power Dominic M , Kyte Derek , Jerosch-Herold Christina
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Traumatic brachial plexus injury (TBPI) involves major trauma to the large nerves of the arm which control the movement and sensation. Fifty per cent of injuries result in complete paralysis of the arm with many other individuals having little movement, sensation loss and unremitting pain. The injury often causes severe and permanent disability affecting work and social life, with an estimated cost to the National Health Service and the economy of £35 million per annum. Advances in microsurgery have resulted in an increase in interventions aimed at reconstructing these injuries. However, data to guide evidence-based decisions is lacking. Different outcomes are used across studies to assess the effectiveness of treatments. This has impeded our ability to synthesise results to determine which treatments work best. Studies frequently report short-term clinical outcomes but rarely report longer term outcomes and those focused on quality of life. This project aims to produce a core outcome set (COS) for surgical and conservative management of TBPI. The TBPI COS will contain a minimum set of outcomes to be reported and measured in effectiveness studies and collected through routine clinical care.

Methods and analysis

This mixed-methods project will be conducted in two phases. In phase 1 a long list of patient-reported and clinical outcomes will be identified through a systematic review. Interviews will then explore outcomes important to patients. In phase 2, the outcomes identified across the systematic review, and the interviews will be included in a three-round online Delphi exercise aiming to reach consensus on the COS. The Delphi process will include patient and healthcare participants. A consensus meeting will be held to achieve the final COS.

Ethics and dissemination

The use of a COS in TBPI will increase the relevance of research and clinical care to all stakeholders, facilitate evidence synthesis and evidence-based decision making. The study has ethical approval.

Trial registration numbers

CRD42018109843.
Gastrointestinal fistula with thigh extension and intractable pain
Authors: Deskur-Śmielecka Ewa , Sopata Mateusz , Chojnicki Michal , Sopata Maciej
Published: June 2019

Spontaneous enterocutaneous fistulae are a rare complication in patients with cancer, especially following irradiation, chemotherapy or cytoreductive operations. They are associated with worse prognosis, higher costs of treatment and impaired quality of life. Proper recognition of the problem and fast implementation of selective therapy including water electrolyte resuscitation, infection control, nutritional support, control of output volume, proper wound care and, ultimately, surgical treatment in selected patients may result in better symptom relief and improved quality of life of patients. We describe a case of a patient with advanced rectal cancer and acute pain in the lateral aspect of thigh caused by the presumptive presence of an enterocutaneous fistula, in whom therapy with antibiotics and surgical incision enabled rapid pain relief and comfort of dying.
Screening for and management of comorbidities after a nurse-led program: results of a 3-year longitudinal study in 769 established rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Gossec Laure , Soubrier Martin , Foissac Frantz , Molto Anna , Richette Pascal , Beauvais Catherine , Ruyssen-Witrand Adeline , Perdriger Aleth , Chary-Valckenaere Isabelle , Mouterde Gael , Dernis Emanuelle , Euller-Ziegler Liana , Flipo René-Marc , Gilson Mélanie , Guis Sandrine , Mariette Xavier , Pouplin Sophie , Marhadour Thierry , Schaeverbeke Thierry , Sordet Christelle , Fayet Françoise , Dougados Maxime
Published: June 2019

Background/purpose

Cardiovascular (CV) risk, cancer, infections and osteoporosis should be screened for in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective was to assess 3-year effects of a nurse visit for comorbidity counselling.

Methods

This was an open long-term (3 years) extension of the Comorbidities and Education in Rheumatoid Arthritis 6-month randomised controlled trial in which patients with definite, stable RA were visiting a nurse for comorbidity counselling. Comorbidity status was assessed and nurses provided advice on screening and management, at baseline and 3 years later. A score was developed to quantify comorbidity screening and management: 0–100, where lower scores indicate better screening and management. The score was compared between baseline and 3-year assessment using a Wilcoxon test for paired data.

Results

Of the 970 recruited patients, 776 (80%) were followed-up at 2–4 years and 769 (79%) had available data for comorbidities at both time points: mean (±SD) age 58 (±11) years and mean disease duration 14 (±10) years; 614 (80%) were women, the mean Disease Activity Score 28 was 3.0±1.3, and 538 (70%) were receiving a biologic. At baseline, the mean comorbidity screening score was 36.6 (±19.9) and it improved at 3 years to 24.3 (±17.8) (p<0.0001), thus with a relative improvement of 33% (improvement of 12 points). CV risk screening, vaccination status and bone densitometry performance improved the most.

Conclusions

Comorbidity screening was suboptimal but improved notably over 3 years, after a nurse-led programme aiming at checking systematically for comorbidity screening and giving patient advice. This long-term efficacy pleads in favour of nurse-led interventions to better address comorbidities in RA.

Trial registration number

NCT01315652
Circ_RUSC2 upregulates the expression of miR-661 target gene SYK and regulates the function of vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Sun Jingang , Zhang Zhigang , Yang Shuguo
Published: June 2019

Many studies have identified circRNA as a prospective direction in the field of cardiovascular research. Detection of circRNA expression in different vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypes revealed that circ_RUSC2 is upregulated in proliferative VSMCs. Sequence analysis of circ_RUSC2 showed that there are multiple binding sites of miR-661 on circ_RUSC2, and that SYK is an important target gene of miR-661. MiR-661 expression is downregulated in proliferative VSMCs, whereas the expression of SYK is upregulated. Circ_RUSC2 and miR-661 do not affect each other’s expression levels, but circ_RUSC2 can promote the expression of SYK and inhibit the expression of SM22-alpha, whereas miR-661 has the opposite effect. At the same time, VSMC proliferation and migration can be promoted by SYK or circ_RUSC2, but the linear sequence of circ_RUSC2 can not. MiR-661 and circ_RUSC2 siRNAs inhibit VSMC proliferation and migration, and promote cell apoptosis. When an miR-661 mimic or SYK siRNAs were co-transfected with circ_RUSC2 overexpression vector, VSMC proliferation, apoptosis, and migration were not significantly altered. Accordingly, circ_RUSC2 can promote the expression of SYK, a target gene of miR-661, and regulate VSMC proliferation, apoptosis, phenotypic modulation, and migration. These findings will supply a theoretical basis for studying circRNA function in VSMCs, and new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
A human impact metric for coastal ecosystems with application to seagrass beds in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Murphy Grace E.P. , Wong Melisa C. , Lotze Heike K.
Published: June 2019

Coastal biogenic habitats are vulnerable to human impacts from both terrestrial and marine realms. Yet the broad spatial scale used in current approaches of quantifying anthropogenic stressors is not relevant to the finer scales affecting most coastal habitats. We developed a standardized human impact metric that includes five bay-scale and four local-scale (0–1 km) terrestrial and marine-based impacts to quantify the magnitude of anthropogenic impacts to coastal bays and nearshore biogenic habitats. We applied this metric to 180 seagrass beds ( Zostera marina), an important biogenic habitat prioritized for marine protection, in 52 bays across Atlantic Canada. The results show that seagrass beds and coastal bays exist across a wide human impact gradient and provide insight into which are the most and least affected by human threats. Generally, land alteration, nutrient loading, and shellfish aquaculture were higher in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, whereas invasive species and fishing activities were higher along the Atlantic coast. Sixty-four percent of bays were at risk of seagrass decline from nitrogen loading. We also found high within-bay variation in impact intensity, emphasizing the necessity of quantifying impacts at multiple spatial scales. We discuss implications for management and conservation planning, and application to other coastal habitats in Canada and beyond.
The origin of the spooky behavior of quantum particles: Time reversal
Authors: Wang Jin Tong , Kan Aaron X. , Fan J. D.
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we study the origin of the quantum particle entanglement. Particles will have one mixed wave function as soon as they are created, which are called quantum particle entanglement. Electron spin states are used as an example to discuss this topic. When two electrons are created simultaneously, they have two different mixed quantum spin states. Before the measurement of its spin, we cannot determine its spin state. However, as soon as the spin of one of the electrons is determined (measured), the spin of the other will definitely be in the opposite state, regardless of how far they are away from each other. This paper uses the mechanism that the wave packet spreads as soon as they are created and then the wave packet shrinks when it undergoes a measurement to interpret this spooky phenomenon mentioned above.
Computing from projections of random points
Authors: Greenberg Noam , Miller Joseph S. , Nies André
Published: June 2019

We study the sets that are computable from both halves of some (Martin–Löf) random sequence, which we call [Formula: see text]-bases. We show that the collection of such sets forms an ideal in the Turing degrees that is generated by its c.e. elements. It is a proper subideal of the [Formula: see text]-trivial sets. We characterize [Formula: see text]-bases as the sets computable from both halves of Chaitin’s [Formula: see text], and as the sets that obey the cost function [Formula: see text].

Generalizing these results yields a dense hierarchy of subideals in the [Formula: see text]-trivial degrees: For [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the collection of sets that are below any [Formula: see text] out of [Formula: see text] columns of some random sequence. As before, this is an ideal generated by its c.e. elements and the random sequence in the definition can always be taken to be [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, the corresponding cost function characterization reveals that [Formula: see text] is independent of the particular representation of the rational [Formula: see text], and that [Formula: see text] is properly contained in [Formula: see text] for rational numbers [Formula: see text]. These results are proved using a generalization of the Loomis–Whitney inequality, which bounds the measure of an open set in terms of the measures of its projections. The generality allows us to analyze arbitrary families of orthogonal projections. As it turns out, these do not give us new subideals of the [Formula: see text]-trivial sets; we can calculate from the family which [Formula: see text] it characterizes.

We finish by studying the union of [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]; we prove that this ideal consists of the sets that are robustly computable from some random sequence. This class was previously studied by Hirschfeldt [D. R. Hirschfeldt, C. G. Jockusch, R. Kuyper and P. E. Schupp, Coarse reducibility and algorithmic randomness, J. Symbolic Logic 81(3) (2016) 1028–1046], who showed that it is a proper subclass of the [Formula: see text]-trivial sets. We prove that all such sets are robustly computable from [Formula: see text], and that they form a proper subideal of the sets computable from every (weakly) LR-hard random sequence. We also show that the ideal cannot be characterized by a cost function, giving the first such example of a [Formula: see text] subideal of the [Formula: see text]-trivial sets.
Overlapping sliced inverse regression for dimension reduction
Authors: Zhang Ning , Yu Zhou , Wu Qiang
Published: June 2019

Sliced inverse regression (SIR) is a pioneer tool for supervised dimension reduction. It identifies the effective dimension reduction space, the subspace of significant factors with intrinsic lower dimensionality. In this paper, we propose to refine the SIR algorithm through an overlapping slicing scheme. The new algorithm, called overlapping SIR (OSIR), is able to estimate the effective dimension reduction space and determine the number of effective factors more accurately. We show that such overlapping procedure has the potential to identify the information contained in the derivatives of the inverse regression curve, which helps to explain the superiority of OSIR. We also prove that OSIR algorithm is [Formula: see text]-consistent and verify its effectiveness by simulations and real applications.
A unified power quality conditioner for power quality improvement in distributed generation network using adaptive distributed power balanced control (ADPBC)
Authors: Mohanraj M. R. , Prakash R.
Published: June 2019

Power quality improvement is one of the central and critical needs in all types of power-driven industries for perfect utilization of sources. However, fundamental inconveniences in power quality have been recognized, for instance, sags, swells, harmonic distortions and different blocks. Among those, sags and swells are overwhelmingly uncovered, and each influences the electrical gadgets or electrical machines and this requires to be compensated with an advancement to ensure any mal-operation or disappointment. To settle these troubles, custom power gadgets are used like unified power quality conditioner (UPQC), dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) and Distributed Static Compensator (DSTATCOM). This work aims to update the power quality in both single-phase and three-phase system using UPQC. The capacity of UPQC to mitigate voltage sag, voltage swell, responsive power remuneration, load balancing, zero voltage direction, and power factor redress and Total Harmonics Distortion (THD) in the appropriation framework is done by utilizing adaptive distributed power balanced control (ADPBC) method. This investigation works on the single-phase UPQC design to utilize two H-connect setups with eight switches and the three-phase UPQC arrangement to use four legs and three-phase four wire course of action. The overall function of the UPQC with distributed generation (DG) system will be able to compensate for the offset voltage and current disturbances with all the compensated data being collected and verified in Internet of Things (IoT) based on conditional Random Fields (CRFs).