bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphine use for cancer pain: A strong analgesic used only at the end of life? A qualitative study on attitudes and perceptions of morphine in patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers
Authors: Ho Julia Fee Voon , Yaakup Hayati , Low Grace Sook Hoon , Wong Siew Lih , Tho Lye Mun , Tan Seng Beng
Published: February 2020

Background:

The prevalence of undertreated cancer pain remains high. Suboptimal pain control affects quality of life and results in psychological and emotional distress. Barriers to adequate pain control include fear of opioid dependence and its side effects.

Aim:

To investigate the attitudes and perceptions of morphine use in cancer pain in advanced cancer patients and their caregivers and to examine the influence of caregivers’ attitudes and perceptions on patients’ acceptance of morphine.

Design:

Qualitative study involving semi-structured individual interviews transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.

Setting/Participants:

A total of 18 adult opioid-naïve patients with advanced cancer and 13 caregivers ( n = 31) were recruited at a private tertiary hospital via convenience sampling.

Results:

Attitudes and perceptions of morphine were influenced by previous experiences. Prevalent themes were similar in both groups, including perceptions that morphine was a strong analgesic that reduced suffering, but associated with end-stage illness and dependence. Most participants were open to future morphine use for comfort and effective pain control. Trust in doctors’ recommendations was also an important factor. However, many preferred morphine as a last resort because of concerns about side effects and dependence, and the perception that morphine was only used at the terminal stage. Caregivers’ attitudes toward morphine did not affect patients’ acceptance of morphine use.

Conclusion:

Most participants were open to future morphine use despite negative perceptions as they prioritized optimal pain control and reduction of suffering. Focused education programs addressing morphine misperceptions might increase patient and caregiver acceptance of opioid analgesics and improve cancer pain control.
Park-and-Ride Choice Behavior in a Multimodal Network with Overlapping Routes
Authors: Webb Alexander , Khani Alireza
Published: February 2020

This study estimates a discrete choice model from on-board survey data for park-and-ride (PNR) user’s station choice, and finds that users prefer a higher proportion of their trip time spent on transit than in a car. No evidence is found that users choose the PNR location that minimizes their overall travel time, but there is strong evidence that PNR locations closer to the direction of their destination are preferred. No significant relationship is found between PNR choice, user age, income, or gender. PNR facility amenities are found to be insignificant across all models tested, and the rail and bus rapid transit service provide a significant benefit to PNR user utility when compared to the express bus service. This study contributes to existing literature by accounting for route overlap among alternatives using a path size factor in the logit model estimation. A nested logit model for different transit types is estimated, but is surpassed in predictive ability by a multinomial and mixed logit model. Ultimately, the models are found to predict transit route choice more accurately than PNR location choice, improving on the PNR choice prediction by about 11%. Similarly, choice set alternatives that overlap with a user’s observed route are found to generally have higher choice probabilities than non-overlapping alternatives.
Mechanical-Chemical Characterization of the Effects of Type, Dosage, and Treatment Methods of Rejuvenators in Aged Bituminous Materials
Authors: Nsengiyumva Gabriel , Haghshenas Hamzeh F. , Kim Yong-Rak , Kommidi Santosh Reddy
Published: February 2020

Proper use of rejuvenators can improve the properties and performance of aged asphalt mixtures; however, there is currently a lack of understanding on how rejuvenator treatment details, such as type-dosage of rejuvenators and blending-curing of rejuvenation, affect properties and performance characteristics. This study aims to investigate the effects of type, dosage, and treatment methods of rejuvenators when added into aged bituminous materials. To meet the goal, three rejuvenators, categorized by their production technology, were selected to improve a high-recycled asphalt pavement mixture by conducting various binder-level and mixture-level tests. For the binder-level testing, the performance grading (PG) method was used to primarily determine proper dosages targeting desired binder grades, and two chemical tests (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Saturate, Aromatic, Resin and Asphaltene) were conducted to examine chemical characteristics altered by rejuvenation and the further aging process. The selected dosage levels from the binder testing were then applied to mixture-level performance evaluation by conducting two tests: flow number for rutting and semicircular bending fracture for cracking. Test-analysis results indicated that although it can successfully determine the proper dosage range of rejuvenators, PG binder testing is limited to only assessing the effects of rejuvenators on mechanical properties; this can be better aided by integrating chemical characterization that provides a more in-depth material-specific rejuvenation process. Moreover, it appears that rejuvenation methods can alter the performance of aged mixtures. Therefore, the selection of rejuvenators and their implementation into practice should be carried out considering multiple aspects, not only its PG recovery.
The use of two-dimensional spectroscopy to interpret the effect of temperature on the near infrared spectra of whisky
Authors: Joshi Ishita , Truong Vi Khanh , Chapman J , Cozzolino D
Published: February 2020

The variations in temperature during the analysis of alcoholic beverages are of importance to develop protocols based on near infrared spectroscopy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing temperature on the near infrared spectra of whisky samples using two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy. Whisky samples from different commercial labels were analyzed at four different temperatures (25°C, 35°C, 45°C, and 55°C) using a UV–VIS–NIR instrument. Asynchronous and synchronous two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy was used to reveal the effect of temperature on the near infrared spectra of the samples. The results of this study indicated that temperatures between 40°C and 55°C alter absorption at specific wavelengths in the near infrared region of the whisky samples analyzed. The combination of near infrared spectroscopy with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy has the potential to dramatically improve the efﬁciency of analytical laboratories, considering the range of data that can be collected.
A Human-Centered Approach to the Redesign of a Bitumen Trailer
Authors: Pazell Sara , Burgess-Limerick Robin
Published: February 2020

An electric heat-in-transit tanker (bitumen trailer) revolutionized the operation and design of bituminous tankers. It was developed using human-centered approaches and design philosophy, concepts, methods, and tools previously used in the mining industry. Task-based analysis was useful to contextualize opportunities and hazards. The new tanker improved efficiency in transit, reduced risk for exposure to hot bituminous product, improved access, reduced on-road travel time and risk for fatigue, optimized work performance, and challenged regulators to redefine safe transit requirements. The design process was opportunity based and highlighted the need to shift philosophy to consider performance-based needs of operators, not just equipment.
Mothering in the Context of Mental Disorder: Effect of Caregiving Load on Maternal Health in a Predominantly Hispanic Sample
Authors: Matsuda Yui , McCabe Brian E. , Behar-Zusman Victoria
Published: February 2020

Background:

Mothering in the context of mental disorders presents with multiple challenges. However, this phenomenon is poorly understood: It is not known how child caregiving affects the health of their mothers.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to examine associations between child caregiving load and health indicators in mothers receiving outpatient behavioral health services for mental or substance use disorders.

Method:

A total of 172 mothers (80% Hispanic/Latina) completed surveys on their mental and physical health, and children’s behaviors and medical problems. Child caregiving load consisted of number of children living with the mother, and presence of children’s internalizing, externalizing, or medical problems.

Results:

Child caregiving load had significantly positive associations with mother’s psychological distress, fatigue, pain, and body mass index. Child internalizing and medical problems were associated with mothers’ poor health status.

Conclusions:

Hispanics/Latinos experience health disparities, and Hispanic/Latina mothers who are already at risk due to their mental disorders experience an additional health burden associated with caring for children with emotional or health problems. Psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners should assess child caregiving impact on mothers with mental disorders and seek to mitigate their caregiving burden and maintain their health. Further research is needed to clarify child characteristics and the mechanisms associated with maternal caregiver burden, suboptimal self-care, and adverse health outcomes. Structural Ecosystems Therapy for women in Recovery (SET-R) study/Healthy Home; Clinical Trial ID NCT02702193
Frequency and characteristics of MRI-negative myelitis associated with MOG autoantibodies
Authors: Sechi Elia , Krecke Karl N , Pittock Sean J , Dubey Divyanshu , Lopez-Chiriboga A Sebastian , Kunchok Amy , Weinshenker Brian G , Zalewski Nicholas L , Flanagan Eoin P
Published: February 2020

Background:

Myelitis accompanied by a negative spinal cord MRI may lead to diagnostic uncertainty.

Objective and Methods:

We retrospectively investigated the frequency of negative spinal cord MRI (performed <6 weeks from onset) in Mayo Clinic patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-IgG-associated myelitis (2000–2019).

Results:

The initial spinal cord MRI was negative in 7/73 (10%) patients, despite severe acute disability (median EDSS, 7 (range, 4.5–8)); myelitis symptoms/signs were frequent (paraparesis, neurogenic bladder, sensory level, Lhermitte’s phenomenon). Myelitis lesions became overt at follow-up MRI in three patients.

Conclusions:

A negative spinal cord MRI should not dissuade from MOG-IgG testing in patients with acute/subacute myelitis.
‘It’s Like Therapy But More Fun’ Armed Forces and Veterans’ Breakfast Clubs: A Study of Their Emergence as Veterans’ Self-Help Communities
Authors: McDermott Jim
Published: February 2020

The armed forces veterans’ support sector is vast and, some would argue, overprovided for. At a time when some long-established ex-armed forces support organizations appear to be losing members, Armed Forces and Veterans’ Breakfast Clubs (AFVBCs) continue to grow. This article examines this phenomenon arguing that AFVBCs, which are organized in a somewhat unconventional way, provide a safe domain for veterans to reminisce, provide mutual support with others who share the same experiences, and understand military service and the difficulties of transition to civilian life, all factors which contribute to their well-being. They enable the generation and protection of military identity which is highly salient and prominent for many veterans. This study sees AFVBCs as a veteran’s self-help community which can also provide a focus for those responsible for implementing the Armed Forces Covenant. A total of 250 veterans contributed to this study, the majority being those who ‘do well’ in civilian life but with a minority who suffer in some way and need help. Veterans attending AFVBCs come from all branches of the armed forces, some having served for a short period and others a full career. Data were collected face-to-face at one AFVBC, from a study of online testimonials, conversations with the AFVBC founder and an online survey.
Motor Imagery Training After Stroke Increases Slow-5 Oscillations and Functional Connectivity in the Ipsilesional Inferior Parietal Lobule
Authors: Wang Xu , Wang Hewei , Xiong Xin , Sun Changhui , Zhu Bing , Xu Yiming , Fan Mingxia , Tong Shanbao , Sun Limin , Guo Xiaoli
Published: February 2020

Background. Reorganization in motor areas have been suggested after motor imagery training (MIT). However, motor imagery involves a large-scale brain network, in which many regions, andnot only the motor areas, potentially constitute the neural substrate for MIT. Objective. This study aimed to identify the targets for MIT in stroke rehabilitation from a voxel-based whole brain analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods. Thirty-four chronic stroke patients were recruited and randomly assigned to either an MIT group or a control group. The MIT group received a 4-week treatment of MIT plus conventional rehabilitation therapy (CRT), whereas the control group only received CRT. Before and after intervention, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Limb subscale (FM-UL) and resting-state fMRI were collected. The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) in the slow-5 band (0.01-0.027 Hz) was calculated across the whole brain to identify brain areas with distinct changes between 2 groups. These brain areas were then targeted as seeds to perform seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analysis. Results. In comparison with the control group, the MIT group exhibited more improvements in FM-UL and increased slow-5 fALFF in the ipsilesional inferior parietal lobule (IPL). The change of the slow-5 oscillations in the ipsilesional IPL was positively correlated with the improvement of FM-UL. The MIT group also showed distinct alternations in FCs of the ipsilesional IPL, which were correlated with the improvement of FM-UL. Conclusions. The rehabilitation efficiency of MIT was associated with increased slow-5 oscillations and altered FC in the ipsilesional IPL. Clinical Trial Registration. http://www.chictr.org.cn . Unique Identifier. ChiCTR-TRC-08003005.
The Impact of Professional Sports Activity on GH-IGF-I Axis in Relation to Testosterone Level
Authors: Barbara Morawin , Anna Kasperska , Agnieszka Zembron-Lacny
Published: February 2020

The study was designed to investigate whether sports-induced elevation of testosterone level impacts on the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I (GH-IGF-I) axis and body composition, especially skeletal muscle mass. The study included 12 male wrestlers aged 21.1 ± 1.7 years and 10 male nonathletes aged 21.1 ± 1.2 years. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements in the group of nonathlete men were carried out once, while for wrestlers they were carried out twice, that is, on the 1st and 14th days of the training camp.

The levels of resting free testosterone (fT), cortisol (C), and human growth hormone (hGH) were significantly higher in the athletes than in nonathletes. A 2-week sports training induced a significant reduction in fT, IGF-I, and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels and a rise in C level. Increased C level and reduced fT level in the athletes’ blood caused a rise in C/fT from the level of 39.95 ± 4.97 nmol/L to 59.73 ± 10.09 nmol/L ( p < .05). A negative correlation was demonstrated between C/fT ratio and IGF-I level ( r = −0.474, p < .05), which may indicate an inhibitory impact of high C level and low fT concentration on IGF-I release in response to sports training.

Sports activity induces significant changes in the C/fT ratio that can impact on the secretion of GH and IGF-I from the liver and finally on the fat-free body mass. The quantification of GH-IGF-I axis in relation to testosterone level could be a useful diagnostic tool in biochemical assessment of the regenerative ability of skeletal muscle or provide evidence of the early stages of muscle functional overload.
Alcohol hangover: The health impact with a historic and Chinese perspective
Authors: Nutt Prof David , Liu Yuan-Cai , Chen Mo-Si , Wang De-Liang , Palmer Emily , Tyacke Robin
Published: February 2020

Hangovers represent a major source of distress to the individual and a huge source of economic loss to society. Hangovers and their associated problems have been recognised for thousands of years in both Western and Eastern cultures but only in recent years has there been any scientific research into their mechanisms and treatments. This small review contrasts Chinese and Western approaches to the question of hangovers. We also give an overview of recent research into the mechanisms that may underpin it, which may suggest new approaches to prevention or treatment of hangovers.
Traumatic fragmentation and concurrent infection of a palmar sesamoid in a cat
Authors: Hernon Tom , Langley-Hobbs Sorrel J
Published: February 2020

Case summary

A 9-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was referred for assessment of a chronic non-weightbearing left forelimb lameness that had an acute onset following a suspected cat bite to the distal limb 4 weeks previously. There was minimal improvement following conservative management. On examination there was discomfort on palpation of the left palmar metacarpal region. An orthopaedic examination performed under sedation identified a moderate effusion of the left fourth metacarpophalangeal joint. A CT scan was performed, which identified fragmentation of the medial palmar sesamoid of the fourth digit (sesamoid V). Arthrocentesis of the fourth metacarpophalangeal joint identified septic inflammation. Surgical removal of the fragmented palmar sesamoid was performed and was submitted for histopathology and bacteriology analysis. Postoperative CT confirmed the removal of all fragments. Pasteurella species were isolated from the sesamoid fragments. Histopathology revealed osteomyelitis, neutrophilic inflammation and multifocal necrosis, with evidence of fibrosis present. The cat was re-examined 3 months postoperatively, at which point there was no evidence of lameness and orthopaedic examination of the limb was unremarkable.

Relevance and novel information

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of fragmentation of a palmar sesamoid in a cat. This case study describes the diagnosis and the successful management of a cat with fragmentation of a palmar sesamoid, following an altercation with another cat.
Rethinking Soft Skills Through Front-Stage and Back-Stage Genres
Authors: Orwig Marcy Leasum
Published: February 2020

Nearly every business communication textbook includes an explanation of “hard” and “soft” skills. Indeed, most business professionals understand the importance of honing interpersonal competencies as well as technical proficiencies. However, measuring the importance of soft skills and how they are used in an organization is often a difficult task. Therefore, the focus of this article is on rethinking the conversation by applying front-stage and back-stage communication theory to the genres in the case study example of Samsung surrounding its Galaxy Note 7 recall.
Czech Public Opinion on Turkey's Accession to the EU: An Analysis through the Lenses of Sociological and Discursive Institutionalism*
Authors: Musil Pelin Ayan
Published: February 2020

While Turkey lacks significant levels of public support from the Czech Republic in its EU bid, the existing studies of European public opinion on the question of Turkey do not bring any reasonable explanation as to why this can be so. To shed light on this problem, this article offers an analytical framework derived from sociological and discursive institutionalism. First, it shows that the historical/cultural context in the Czech Republic has created an informal institution built around the norms of “othering” Muslim societies like Turkey (sociological institutionalism). Second, based on the media coverage of selected political issues from Turkey between 2005 and 2010, it argues that this institution both enables and constrains the “discursive ability” of the media in communicating these issues to its audience (discursive institutionalism). Since the media—as a political actor—mostly acts to maintain this institution and does not critically debate it, the public opinion of Turkey as the “cultural other” remains as a dominant perception. The official support of the political elite for Turkey's accession to the EU does not countervail the media influence, as this support is often not conveyed to the Czech public agenda.
Russia and the World: 2016 IMEMO Forecast
Authors: Dynkin A. , Baranovsky V. , Kobrinskaya I. , Machavariany G. , Afontsev S. , Kuznetsov A. , Voytolovsky F. , Shvydko V. , Utkin S. , Mikheev V. , Lukonin S. , Federovsky A. , Frumkin B. , Zhuravleva V. , Zvyagelskaya I. , Toganova N. , Kvashnin Y. , Gushchin A.
Published: February 2020

This forecast examines the major trends in Russia's relations with the world and in the Russian view of the world in 2016. The forecast looks firstly at Russia's role in the world in the context of the extant and emergent state of geopolitics. In a confused international environment, caught between the multiple, discordant and disorderly games of checkers of the present and the emerging design of a new grand chessboard for international relations, Russia and the West have been forced into cooperation. While far from easy and far from guaranteed to work – or last – this situation does offer the possibility of overcoming divides to pursue mutual interests. These interests become particularly apparent in the context of increased shared threats and the need to act jointly against them, the uncertainties created by rising powers, and the difficulties that Russia finds itself in. The key role of new mega-regional trade agreements in this emerging great game is also emphasised in the subsequent sections of the forecast, which deal, respectively, with foreign policy and political economy. The foreign policy analysis sees the US in flux in a presidential election year, and the EU caught at the crossroads of its own failure to capitalise on integration and a migration crisis of unprecedented proportions. Meanwhile, foreign policy in the post-Soviet space is characterised more by stasis than by substantial change, with frozen conflicts and stagnant reforms in Ukraine and limited room for manoeuvre for other players the order of the day. The Russian involvement in the Middle East, however, is anything but stagnant, with the military operations in Syria having dramatic effects in both the situation in Syria and global and regional geopolitics. The sustainability of this quest for influence, however, is questioned by the attitude of other players, but also by Russia's own internal weaknesses, notably its serious and deepening economic crisis.
‘Like us’ or ‘One of us’: Tensions between Liberal and Communitarian Values in EU-Ukraine Relations
Authors: Krasnodębska Molly
Published: February 2020

The article compares the Eastern Neighbourhood policies of the two founders of the Eastern Partnership (EaP), Poland and Sweden. It focuses on the two countries’ approaches towards Ukraine during the preparations of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement (AA) in late 2013. The article argues that while both Sweden and Poland have a strongly value-driven approach towards Ukraine, their foreign policies are guided by two different understandings of values: a liberal and a communitarian understanding. Sweden's foreign policy, which is based on liberal values, focuses on the promotion of certain ‘universal’ norms connected to human rights, democracy, and good governance in its neighbourhood, offering assistance in reforms to those countries which show commitment to these norms. By contrast, Poland's approach towards the Eastern neighbourhood is guided by a communitarian understanding of solidarity and ‘kinship duty’ based on perceptions of a common heritage and a shared regional identity. From the different understandings of values follow different logics of action. For Sweden, Ukraine's inclusion into the EU's institutional structures, e.g. through the AA, is conditioned on Ukraine's democratic performance and approximation to European standards. Poland, on the other hand, views Ukraine's inclusion into EU structures as a precondition for the country's success in reforms. Because of these different logics, the EaP at large, which is shaped by both liberal and communitarian values, entails intrinsic tensions. These tensions are arguably more problematic than tensions between values and interests, to which scholars often attribute the EaP's shortcomings.
Calls of Duty: Romanian Politicians’ Deontological Discursive Strategies for Securing Free Movement in the European Union
Authors: Heinikoski Saila
Published: February 2020

This article discusses how the right to free movement within the European Union is presented as a matter of obligation, a duty of the other EU member states, in the discourse of Romanian Presidents and Prime Ministers (2005–2015). An examination of speeches and other statements from these politicians illuminates Romanian political reactions during the period when Romania became an EU member state, and reflects perceptions of Europeanness and European agreements. These issues take on an additional contemporary significance in the context of the Brexit negotiations, and they also add to the broader debate on whether EU norms and obligations are seen as being both just and equally applied. By analysing different types of argumentative topoi, I examine the deontological (obligation-based) argumentation employed in the free movement context. Furthermore, I examine to what extent these arguments are invoked in support of the right to free movement and who this right applies to. I argue that for Romanian politicians, deontological free movement arguments are connected to other states’ compliance with European treaties and to demands for equal application of European rules without discrimination, or the delegation of responsibility to others. This manifested itself most frequently in the calls for the EU and its member states to do their duty by treating Romanians equally to other EU citizens.
The Battle for Truth: Mapping the Network of Information War Experts in the Czech Republic
Authors: Rychnovská Dagmar , Kohút Martin
Published: February 2020

The rise of ‘information disorder’ that undermines Western political principles has become one of the key political concerns in today's Europe and United States and led to searching for new solutions to the problem of how to fight the spread of mis- and dis-information. The challenges of information disorder, however, are increasingly perceived as a part of the information war – which involves the intentional Russian propaganda using new media. Yet who gets to help our societies build resilience against the information war? This research looks at how this novel problematization of security affects the politics of security expertise. Or, who gains power in this ‘battle for truth'? Building on sociological approaches in security studies, this paper focuses on the Czech Republic as a country that has become very active in the fight against disinformation and analyses the network of actors recognized as providing security expertise on information warfare. Based on social network analysis, the research maps the structure of social relations among actors recognized as experts and points out the empowerment of think tanks and journalists, who are able to build social capital, mobilize their knowledge of Russian politics and the new media environment, and design new practices to make the society resilient towards information warfare.
Outcome assessment by central adjudicators in randomised stroke trials: Simulation of differential and non-differential misclassification
Authors: Godolphin Peter J , Bath Philip M , Partlett Christopher , Berge Eivind , Brown Martin M , Eliasziw Misha , Sandset Per Morten , Serena Joaquín , Montgomery Alan A
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Adjudication of the primary outcome in randomised trials is thought to control misclassification. We investigated the amount of misclassification needed before adjudication changed the primary trial results. Patients (or materials) and methods: We included data from five randomised stroke trials. Differential misclassification was introduced for each primary outcome until the estimated treatment effect was altered. This was simulated 1000 times. We calculated the between-simulation mean proportion of participants that needed to be differentially misclassified to alter the treatment effect. In addition, we simulated hypothetical trials with a binary outcome and varying sample size (1000–10,000), overall event rate (10%–50%) and treatment effect (0.67–0.90). We introduced non-differential misclassification until the treatment effect was non-significant at 5% level.

Results

For the five trials, the range of unweighted kappa values were reduced from 0.89–0.97 to 0.65–0.85 before the treatment effect was altered. This corresponded to 2.1%–6% of participants misclassified differentially for trials with a binary outcome. For the hypothetical trials, those with a larger sample size, stronger treatment effect and overall event rate closer to 50% needed a higher proportion of events non-differentially misclassified before the treatment effect became non-significant.

Discussion:

We found that only a small amount of differential misclassification was required before adjudication altered the primary trial results, whereas a considerable proportion of participants needed to be misclassified non-differentially before adjudication changed trial conclusions. Given that differential misclassification should not occur in trials with sufficient blinding, these results suggest that central adjudication is of most use in studies with unblinded outcome assessment.

Conclusion:

For trials without adequate blinding, central adjudication is vital to control for differential misclassification. However, for large blinded trials, adjudication is of less importance and may not be necessary.
Empirical damage and liquefaction fragility curves from 2012 Emilia earthquake data
Authors: Di Ludovico Marco , Chiaradonna Anna , Bilotta Emilio , Flora Alessandro , Prota Andrea
Published: February 2020

The study focuses on the effects of liquefaction on structures taken from data on about 1000 private residential masonry buildings located in several municipalities struck by the 2012 Emilia earthquake. Survey data were collected by teams of experts coordinated by the Italian Department of Civil Protection in the immediate post-earthquake emergency phase. They included information on building characteristics and the level and extent of the damage to structural and non-structural components. Furthermore, according to data related to the reconstruction process, information on the liquefaction-induced type and extent of the damage was also collected. Through a comparative analysis of the empirical damage, it was found that liquefaction strongly affected the buildings, confirming its relevance in the damage scenario under specific subsoil conditions. Based on this evidence, the article proposes a correlation between structural damage and liquefaction when it comes to deriving proper preliminary empirical fragility curves. A suitable parameter to define liquefaction effects at ground level is introduced and correlated to damage grades defined according to the European Macroseismic Scale: EMS-98.
An Ayurvedic herbal extract inhibits oral epithelial cell IL-8 responses to host and bacterial agonists
Authors: Chang Ana M. , Bamashmous Shatha , Darveau Richard P. , Rajapakse Sunethra
Published: February 2020

Background

Natural products constitute a promising class of therapeutics for the treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis as well as the maintenance of oral health. However, the limited understanding behind their potential mechanisms and modes of action have hampered their incorporation into popular western therapeutics. This in vitro study characterizes an Ayurvedic herbal extract mixture, which has been clinically shown to promote gingival health and homeostasis.

Methods

Telomerase immortalized gingival keratinocytes (TIGK) were infected with either Fusobacterium nucleatum cell wall, live F. nucleatum, IL-1β or TNF-α for 4 hours with and without the herbal extract. The immunomodulatory effects of the extract on host IL-8 production was measured by ELISA.

Results

It was found that the Ayurvedic herbal extract mixture inhibited gingival epithelial cell IL-8 expression in response to both bacterial and host cytokine agonists. The herbal extract inhibited IL-8 stimulated by F. nucleatum cell wall, live F. nucleatum, IL-1β, and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner that was not a result of host cell death. Furthermore, the extract showed significantly different ID50 doses demonstrating the differential ability to modulate both stimulated and basal IL-8 levels.

Conclusions

In vitro investigation of this herbal extract mixture revealed that it has the ability to modulate gingival epithelial cell IL-8 expression in response to stimulation by bacterial components and host pro-inflammatory signals. This data demonstrates that the reduction in the gingival epithelial cell IL-8 response may in part be responsible for the previously reported ability of the Ayurvedic herbal extract mixture to reduce gingivitis in two separate human clinical studies.
Cooperation program for volunteer medical students for training in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation and accident prevention in Honduras
Authors: Garreta Helena , Gutiérrez César , Greciano Paula , Riber Claudia , Urbano Javier , López-Herce Jesús
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To analyze a training program in accident prevention and care and Pediatric Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation taught by medical students.

Results

Medical students were trained as instructors. Four courses of were launched in Honduras, and the results were analyzed through a theoretical and practical evaluation and an anonymous survey. The volunteer experience for the students and the benefits to the population were positively valued. 37 students received the training. The score in the initial theoretical evaluation was 5.9 of 17 and in the final 10.5, p < 0.001. 89.1% and 91.9% of the students achieved adequate practical learning in basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for children and infants respectively. The course was rated excellently by the students. We conclude that a training program in accident prevention and care and Pediatric Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation taught by medical students could be useful in a cooperation health program.
A novel miR-0308-3p revealed by miRNA-seq of HBV-positive hepatocellular carcinoma suppresses cell proliferation and promotes G1/S arrest by targeting double CDK6/Cyclin D1 genes
Authors: Dai Xiaoming , Huang Ruixue , Hu Sai , Zhou Yao , Sun Xiaoya , Gui Pucheng , Yu Zijian , Zhou Pingkun
Published: February 2020

Background

Persistent infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) accounts for the majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the molecular mechanisms underlying liver carcinogenesis are still not completely understood. Increasing evidence demonstrates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play significant functional roles in virus–host interactions. The aim of this study was to explore differentially expressed miRNA profiles and investigate the molecular mechanism of miR-0308-3p in HBV-positive HCC carcinogenesis.

Methods

High-throughput sequencing was used to detect novel miRNAs in three samples of HBV-positive HCC tissue compared to matched HBV-negative HCC tissue. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to mine miRNAs related to HBV-positive HCC. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to predict the miRNAs’ possible biological and pathway regulatory functions. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was then applied to evaluate the expression levels of randomly selected miRNAs. CCK-8 was used to measure cell proliferation and cell cycles were analyzed using flow cytometry. A dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to confirm the downstream targets of miR-0308-3p.

Results

In total, there were 34 overlapping miRNAs in both our miRNA-seq data and the TCGA database. We found two overlapping miRNAs in both the HBV-positive HCC samples and the TCGA database, and 205 novel pre-miRNA sequences were predicted. miR-522 and miR-523 were markedly overexpressed in HBV-positive HCC and were associated with a significantly poorer long-term prognosis (miR-522, HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.33–3.6, p = 0.0015; miR-523HR 1.5, 95% CI 1–2.44, p = 0.0047). Of note, we found that the novel miR-0308-3p was markedly downregulated in HBV-positive HCC samples and HCC cancer cell lines compared with HBV-negative HCC samples and adjacent normal hepatic tissue. Moreover, elevated expression of miR-0308-3p was found to inhibit proliferation of cancer cells by promoting G1/S cell cycle arrest but did not influence the apoptosis of cancer cells. A dual luciferase reporter activity assay identified that miR-0308-3p acted directly on the target sequence of the CDK6 and Cyclin D1 mRNA 3ʹUTR to suppress CDK6 and Cyclin D1 expression.

Conclusions

MiR-0308-3p upregulation dramatically suppressed HCC cell proliferation and induced G1/S cell cycle arrest by directly targeting CDK6/Cyclin D1. These findings reveal a novel molecular mechanism for activation of G1/S arrest in HCC and may prove clinically useful for developing new therapeutic targets.
Prevalence and molecular characterizations of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization among patients in pediatric intensive care units in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yu-Hsin , Huang Kuan-Ying A. , Huang Yi-Chuan , Chi Hsin , Lu Chun-Yi , Chang Luan-Yin , Ho Yu-Huai , Chi Chia-Yu , Liu Ching-Chuan , Huang Li-Min , Yang Tien Yu Owen , Huang Yhu-Chering
Published: February 2020

Background

Nasal colonization of Staphylococcus aureus is a risk factor for the pathogen transmission and the development of infections. Limited information is available on the prevalence and molecular characteristics of S. aureus colonization in pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional, island-wide study was conducted in 2011. Nasal swabs were collected from pediatric ICU patients at six tertiary hospitals in Taiwan.

Results

Of 114 patients enrolled in total, nasal colonization of S. arueus was detected in 30 (26.3%) of them, among whom 20 (17.5%) with methicillin-resistant S. arueus (MRSA). The ST59/SCCmec IV and V clones were most common and accounted for 45% of MRSA isolates, followed by ST239/SCCmec III (25%) and ST45/SCCmec IV (20%) clones. Three ST59 MRSA isolates carried the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin genes.

Conclusions

The results indicated a high prevalence of S. arueus and MRSA nasal colonization among pediatric ICU patients in Taiwan. Identification of epidemic clones warrants the implement of infection control measures to reduce colonization and prevent the dissemination of MRSA in hospitals.
Accuracy of 3D-planned patient specific instrumentation in high tibial open wedge valgisation osteotomy
Authors: Fucentese Sandro F. , Meier Patrick , Jud Lukas , Köchli Gian-Luca , Aichmair Alexander , Vlachopoulos Lazaros , Fürnstahl Philipp
Published: February 2020

Purpose

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an effective treatment option in early osteoarthritis. However, preoperative planning and surgical execution can be challenging. Computer assisted three-dimensional (3D) planning and patient-specific instruments (PSI) might be helpful tools in achieving successful outcomes. Goal of this study was to assess the accuracy of HTO using PSI.

Methods

All medial open wedge PSI-HTO between 2014 and 2016 were reviewed. Using pre- and postoperative radiographs, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) and posterior tibial slope (PTS) were determined two-dimensionally (2D) to calculate 2D accuracy. Using postoperative CT-data, 3D surface models of the tibias were reconstructed and superimposed with the planning to calculate 3D accuracy.

Results

Twenty-three patients could be included. A mean correction of HKA of 9.7° ± 2.6° was planned. Postoperative assessment of HKA correction showed a mean correction of 8.9° ± 3.2°, resulting in a 2D accuracy for HKA correction of 0.8° ± 1.5°. The postoperative PTS changed by 1.7° ± 2.2°. 3D accuracy showed average 3D rotational differences of − 0.1° ± 2.3° in coronal plane, − 0.2° ± 2.3° in transversal plane, and 1.3° ± 2.1° in sagittal plane, whereby 3D translational differences were calculated as 0.1 mm ± 1.3 mm in coronal plane, − 0.1 ± 0.6 mm in transversal plane, and − 0.1 ± 0.6 mm in sagittal plane.

Conclusion

The use of PSI in HTO results in accurate correction of mechanical leg axis. In contrast to the known problem of unintended PTS changes in conventional HTO, just slight changes of PTS could be observed using PSI. The use of PSI in HTO might be preferable to obtain desired correction of HKA and to maintain PTS.
Microstructural evolution of tantalum nitride thin films synthesized by inductively coupled plasma sputtering
Authors: Baik Sung-Il , Kim Young-Woon
Published: February 2020

Tantalum nitride (TaNx) thin films were grown utilizing an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) assisted direct current (DC) sputtering, and 20–100% improved microhardness values were obtained. The detailed microstructural changes of the TaNx films were characterized utilizing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as a function of nitrogen gas fraction and ICP power. As nitrogen gas fraction increases from 0.05 to 0.15, the TaNx phase evolves from body-centered-cubic (b.c.c.) TaN0.1, to face-centered-cubic (f.c.c.) δ-TaN, to hexagonal-close-packing (h.c.p.) ε-TaN phase. By increasing ICP power from 100 W to 400 W, the f.c.c. δ- TaN phase becomes the main phase in all nitrogen fractions investigated. The higher ICP power enhances the mobility of Ta and N ions, which stabilizes the δ-TaN phase like a high-temperature regime and removes the micro-voids between the columnar grains in the TaNx film. The dense δ-TaN structure with reduced columnar grains and micro-voids increases the strength of the TaNx film.
Ascitic calprotectin as a useful marker in the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in adults
Authors: Abdel Rahman Eman M , Attia Fatma A , Alsebaey Ayman , Elkady Mohammad Abdel Khalik , Sayed Maha Mohammed , Reda Awad Alaa , El-Seidi Eman Ahmed
Published: February 2020

Background

Ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear leucocyte count (PMN) is known to be the gold standard for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) diagnosis. The aim of this work was to assess ascitic calprotectin for SBP diagnosis. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), nitrous oxide, ascitic PMN, ascitic leucocyte esterase and ascitic calprotectin were measured.

Results

The average age of our patients was 55.25 ± 7.89 years, mostly males (n = 51, 63.8%), anti-HCV antibodies were positive in (n = 61, 76.3%). Sixty-four patients (80%) were Child-Pugh C and their average MELD was 24.29 ± 8.06. Patients with SBP had statistically significant higher median MELD score (26.5 vs. 19) and higher average Child-Pugh score (12.18 ± 1.74 vs. 10.5 ± 1.97). Forty patients had SBP and 40 patients were without SBP. Both the serum and ascitic nitrous oxide did not differ statistically between patients with and without SBP. In contrast, patients with SBP had higher median serum CRP (49 vs. 12 mg/dL), hsCRP (58,000 vs. 23,750 ng/dL) and ascitic calprotectin (7.57 vs. 1.1 ng/mL). The ascitic leucocyte esterase test was positive in 95% of SBP patients in contrast to 2.5% patients without SBP. Ascitic calprotectin >2 ng/mL had 90% sensitivity, 92.5% specificity, 92.3% positive predictive value and 90.2% negative predictive value. MELD, CRP, hsCRP and ascitic calprotectin are independent predictors of SBP.

Conclusion

Ascitic calprotectin is a useful marker for SBP diagnosis.
Relationship of the psychosomatic status of pediatric interns and the efficiency of their education
Authors: Koloskova O. K. , Khilchevska V. S. , Bilyk G. A.
Published: February 2020

The results of a study of psychoemotional and psychosomatic status in a group of interns who are trained in an internship in the specialty "Pediatrics" are presented. It is established that changes in the psychosomatic status and personal characteristics of interns have a significant negative impact on the results of their training.In conducting the survey of interns-pediatricians found average levels of personal anxiety, extraversion and neuroticism. It should also be emphasized that signs of autonomic dysfunction were diagnosed in 65.0% of interns. The results of the final certification of interns were positively associated with their level of motivation (r = 0.40, p <0.05) and the severity of autonomic dysfunction (r = 0.58, p <0.05). It was established a feedback between the results of certification with complaints of pain syndrome of various localization (r = -0.37, p <0.05), complaints from the cardiovascular system (r = -0.42, p <0.05) and the level of personal anxiety (r = -0.36, p <0.05).
Strategies to promote the emotional health of nurses and other NHS staff
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: February 2020

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses the ongoing NHS Employers initiative which is designed to support the NHS employees' emotional health
Technology and Social Inclusion: Technology Training and Usage by Youth With IDD in the National Longitudinal Transition Study of 2012
Authors: Fisher Kim W. , Williamson Heather , Guerra Nichole
Published: February 2020

Technology use is a key form of social inclusion and a means to engage in community participation. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience a digital divide with less technology access as compared to their peers. We used data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study of 2012 to study technology use and access to instruction among adolescents with IDD compared to adolescents with other disabilities and adolescents without disabilities. Results indicate adolescents with IDD use technology less, receive less technology training, and engage in fewer social inclusion opportunities than their peers. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are provided, including promoting digital citizenship training during transition planning and the use of social capital theory.
Phase unwrapping based on a residual en-decoder network for phase images in Fourier domain Doppler optical coherence tomography
Authors: Wu Chuanchao , Qiao Zhengyu , Zhang Nan , Li Xiaochen , Fan Jingfan , Song Hong , Ai Danni , Yang Jian , Huang Yong
Published: February 2020

To solve the phase unwrapping problem for phase images in Fourier domain Doppler optical coherence tomography (DOCT), we propose a deep learning-based residual en-decoder network (REDN) method. In our approach, we reformulate the definition for obtaining the true phase as obtaining an integer multiple of 2π at each pixel by semantic segmentation. The proposed REDN architecture can provide recognition performance with pixel-level accuracy. To address the lack of phase images that are noise and wrapping free from DOCT systems for training, we used simulated images synthesized with DOCT phase image background noise features. An evaluation study on simulated images, DOCT phase images of phantom milk flowing in a plastic tube and a mouse artery, was performed. Meanwhile, a comparison study with recently proposed deep learning-based DeepLabV3+ and PhaseNet methods for signal phase unwrapping and traditional modified networking programming (MNP) method was also performed. Both visual inspection and quantitative metrical evaluation based on accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, root-mean-square-error, total-variation, and processing time demonstrate the robustness, effectiveness and superiority of our method. The proposed REDN method will benefit accurate and fast DOCT phase image-based diagnosis and evaluation when the detected phase is wrapped and will enrich the deep learning-based image processing platform for DOCT images.