bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensing of epigallocatechin gallate and tannic acid based on near infrared optical spectroscopy of DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotube hybrids
Authors: Yamazaki Yuto , Umemura Kazuo
Published: December 2020

The optical responses of DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (DNA-SWNTs) caused by the addition of epigallocatechin gallate (EG) and tannic acid (TA) were investigated. Near infrared absorbance and photoluminescence spectra of pre-oxidized DNA-SWNTs were measured with and without EG and TA. Since both EG and TA have antioxidant abilities, the near infrared spectra changed after the addition of the chemicals. While detection of the antioxidant abilities of EG by DNA-SWNT hybrids has been previously reported, TA was employed for the first time. The changes in the absorbance caused by the addition of TA were found to saturate at 0.33 µM TA, although saturation was not observed even at 3.3 µM with the addition of EG. Oxidation of DNA-SWNT was suppressed by addition of TA or EG. The effects of TA were much greater than those of EG on the absorbance. The photoluminescence did not appear to saturate at 3.3 µM for either EG or TA. photoluminescence had a larger measurement capacity than NIR absorbance. Interestingly, the photoluminescence change caused by EG was much larger than that of TA at 3.3 µM, although the antioxidant property of TA was stronger at 0.33 and 0.033 µM, suggesting that the optical responses were not simple redox reactions. Peak shifts in the absorbance/photoluminescence spectra revealed unique differences according to the chirality of the SWNTs and the types of chemicals used. This suggests that the combination of absorbance/photoluminescence and peak intensity/peak shifts could detect multiple types of chemical information, not only redox reaction. A direct comparison between EG and TA was demonstrated for the first time in this novel study. In addition, sensing of EG and TA by near infrared spectra was made available using not only changes in intensity but also a variety of peak shifts of SWNTs.
The Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR): Prevalence and Factors Associated With Vision Impairment in an Urban Population in Malaysia
Authors: Jamaluddin Ahmad Marium , Maw Pin Tan , Khaliddin Nurliza , Effendi-Tenang Irina , Amir Nurul Najieha , Kamaruzzaman Shahrul Bahyah , Ramli Norlina
Published: December 2020

Low vision and blindness are major health issues affecting ageing population. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of visual impairment (VI) in Petaling Jaya North, Petaling Jaya South, and Lembah Pantai using data from the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research. There were 1322 participants aged ≥55 years selected by random sampling from parliamentary electoral rolls. Visual acuity was assessed using the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution chart at 4 m distance. The overall population-adjusted prevalence of VI was 9.0%. The estimated prevalence of VI was highest in Malays followed by Indians and Chinese. Following adjustments for ethnic discrepancies in age, marital status, education level, gender and medical illness, the Malay ethnicity remained an independent association for VI. Education level was associated with Indian ethnicity. In conclusion, the Malay ethnicity and lower education level among Indian ethnicity were found to be associated with VI among the older population in Malaysia. The Malay ethnicity showed the highest prevalence of VI followed by Indians and Chinese.
Disability Type, Financial Capability, and Risky Asset Holding
Authors: Xiao Jing Jian , O’Neill Barbara
Published: December 2020

Risky financial asset holding is considered an indicator of financial well-being because risky asset holders are likely to accumulate more wealth than nonholders. Like the general population in the United States, many people with disabilities need long-term financial planning services. The purpose of this study was to examine whether disability type and financial capability are associated with risky asset holding of adults with disabilities. Using data from the 2015 National Financial Capability Study, we found that adults with different types of disabilities have different chances of holding risky assets. After controlling for financial capability, income, and other variables in the logistical model, people who are deaf or have difficulties running errands are more likely, while people with a work disability are less likely, than the mentally disabled to hold risky financial assets. In addition, two financial capability variables, objective financial knowledge, and desirable financial behavior, are positively associated with risky asset holding after controlling for other factors. Several disabilities, financial capability, and other factors showed differences in risky asset holding when lower-income and higher-income subsamples were examined.
Clinical Course for Patients With Trisomy 13 and 18 Pursuing Life-Prolonging Therapies Versus Comfort-Directed Care
Authors: Milligan Michelle C. Perry , Jackson Laura E. , Maurer Scott H.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Care for infants with Trisomy 13 and 18 is evolving with more children being offered medical and surgical interventions. Parents and clinicians of children diagnosed with trisomy 13 and 18 would benefit from understanding how parental goals of care correlate with the subsequent clinical course of children with these conditions.

Objective:

To describe and compare parental goals of care (GOC) and clinical course in infants with trisomy 13 and 18.

Design:

Single center, retrospective (2013-19) analysis of electronic health record repository at a birthing center and a tertiary care hospital.

Measurements:

ICD-9/10 codes were used to identify patients with trisomy 13 or 18 born between 2013-2019. Their records were abstracted for their diagnosis, hospitalization days, interventions, GOC, death location and length of life.

Result:

Twenty-eight total patients were identified; trisomy 13, mosaic trisomy 13 and trisomy 18 were diagnosed in 9, 2 and 17 patients respectively. Among the 26 patients with complete trisomy 13 or 18, 8 had life-prolonging and 18 had comfort care goals at birth/diagnosis. Life-prolonging goals were not associated with longer life (p = 0.36) but were associated with more mean hospital days (70 vs. 12, p = 0.01), ICU days (66 vs. 9, p = 0.009), intubation (7/8 vs 7/18, p = 0.04), and death in ICU (7/7 vs. 10/17, p = 0.02). Zero patients underwent cardiac surgery.

Conclusion:

Parental GOC did not affect length of life in children with complete trisomy, but did alter treatment intensity. This may inform decision making for patients with trisomy 13 or 18.
Psychometric Equivalence of Standard and Prorated Boston Naming Test Scores
Authors: Zimmerman Danielle , Attridge J. , Rolin Summer , Davis Jeremy
Published: December 2020

This study compared prorated Boston Naming Test (BNT-P; omitting the noose item) and standard administration (BNT-S) scores in physical medicine and rehabilitation patients ( N = 480). The sample was 34% female and 91% White with average age and education of 46 ( SD = 15) and 14 ( SD = 3) years, respectively. BNT-P was calculated by summing correct responses excluding item 48 and estimating the 60-item score with cross multiplication and division. BNT-P and BNT-S scores were compared via concordance correlation (CC) coefficients; reflected and log transformed data were examined with equivalence tests. BNT-P and BNT-S scores showed almost perfect agreement (CC = .99). Transformed scores demonstrated equivalence (±1.1 points). Raw and scaled score differences were 0 in 88% and 96% of cases, respectively. Race and ethnicity accounted for item 48 outcomes while controlling for age and education. Findings support the utility of prorated BNT scores in rehabilitation patients.
Keeping the Lights on and the Wolves Outside: College Student Media Advisers in Communities of Practice
Authors: Smith Elizabeth , Lyon Payne Lisa , Hettinga Kirstie , Norman Jean
Published: December 2020

This research advances communities of practice (CoPs) theory by documenting a role distinct to CoPs within student newsrooms. Using a survey ( N = 127) of college student media advisers, the data support a liminal role in which advisers are simultaneously inside and outside the CoP. This study also develops and verifies scales for each of the four pillars of a CoP in student newsrooms, that is, practice, community, identity, and meaning. Furthermore, these findings explore the impact of newsroom structure on the formation of CoPs and the differences among advisers regarding time spent in mentorship and assessment.
Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors: A review of a novel therapeutic class
Authors: Weaver April , Bossaer John B
Published: December 2020

Comprehensive genomic profiling has an emerging role in cancer therapeutics. As treatment options remain needed for advanced cancers, patients are relying increasingly more on tumor genomic alterations as possible targets for cancer treatment. Frequent tumor fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations are seen in many cancers, and include genetic amplifications, mutations, rearrangements and fusions. FGFR inhibitors target these receptor alterations and show promise as a drug class. Currently 2 medications are currently FDA approved: erdafitinib and pemigatinib. Through the FDA accelerated approval process, erdafitinib is indicated to treat metastatic urothelial carcinoma with FGFR2 and FGFR3 alterations, whereas pemigatinib is indicated to treat unresectable cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 alterations. Despite growing knowledge about such advanced cancers, treatment is usually palliative. With multiple FGFR inhibitors in the pipeline, further FDA approvals are possible, and it is likely their role in therapy will extend to other cancer types. This review outlines erdafitinib, pemigatinib, their role in cancer, as well as outlining the possible future use of other FGFR inhibitors in urothelial carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and other malignancies.
Methodological Socialization and Identity: A Bricolage Study of Pathways Toward Qualitative Research in Doctoral Education
Authors: Cilesiz Sebnem , Greckhamer Thomas
Published: December 2020

Trends toward convergence on common methodologies and standardized templates restrict the diversity of qualitative methods in organizational research. Considering that graduate education is a critical process in the socialization of researchers into the norms and dominant practices of their discipline, graduate students’ socialization into research methodologies is vital for understanding methodological convergence. The purpose of our study was to understand how graduate students’ socialization shapes their methodological and paradigmatic preferences. Showcasing methodological bricolage as an alternative to qualitative templates, we constructed a research design that combined thematic, discourse, and narrative analyses to investigate graduate students’ reflections throughout a qualitative methods course introducing alternative research paradigms. Our findings highlight the role of institutional, disciplinary, and personal influences as well as identity work in researchers’ socialization and trace alternative trajectories by which socialization and methodological identity construction processes may unfold. We offer a sketch of methodological socialization and suggest that its understanding should be central to nurturing paradigmatic and methodological plurality in qualitative research. We conclude with implications for future research and for research methods training.
Evaluation of thermo-oxidized Jatropha bio-oil in lubrication of actual wet clutch materials
Authors: Farfan-Cabrera Leonardo I , Gallardo-Hernández Ezequiel A , Pérez-González José , Marín-Santibáñez Benjamín M , Lewis Roger , González-Lamas Ana K
Published: December 2020

In this work, an assessment of the performance of thermo-oxidated Jatropha oil as a lubricant for actual wet clutch materials was performed and compared with a commercial automatic transmission fluid. For this, Jatropha oil, a commercial automatic transmission fluid and a blend of 20 vol% Jatropha oil–80 vol% automatic transmission fluid were subjected to thermo-oxidative aging at 26 °C and 100 °C, followed by a pin-on-disk testing with disk samples from an actual wet clutch. Evaluation of the film thickness at the sliding interface resulted in a boundary lubrication regime for all the tests. The changes in oxidation, viscosity, and a viscosity index of the samples were evaluated along with friction coefficients at various sliding speeds. Jatropha oil was the most sensitive to thermo-oxidation. Jatropha oil and the blend showed a higher viscosity increase than automatic transmission fluid with thermo-oxidation, while the viscosity index of all oils was decreased considerably, Jatropha oil and the blend being the most reduced. Finally, the anti-shudder property, as measured by the change in the friction coefficient with a sliding speed, of Jatropha oil and automatic transmission fluid was improved by thermo-oxidation at 26 °C but worsened at 100 °C, meanwhile it was barely affected in the blend. Therefore, these results indicate that using pure Jatropha oil as automatic transmission fluid would be unsuitable, but blending it with automatic transmission fluids in specific proportions may be apposite for improving the friction properties of wet clutches even under thermo-oxidative conditions.
Telepharmacy in oncology care: A scoping review
Authors: Vo Anh Thu , Gustafson Diana L
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Telepharmacy has the potential to enhance pharmacy services in oncology care, especially in remote areas. This scoping review explored the range, critical benefits and barriers of using telepharmacy services in oncology care.

Methods

The scoping review followed the Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework to identify available evidence. PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched for original research published between 2010 and 2020. The five dimensions of the Alberta Quality Matrix for Health were used to analyse reported outcomes.

Results

Eligible articles ( n = 21) were analysed. Telepharmacy in oncology care was used for follow-up, monitoring and counselling, intravenous chemotherapy and sterile compounding, expanding availability of pharmacy services, and remote education. Telepharmacy obtained high acceptability among cancer patients ( n = 5) and healthcare professionals ( n = 5), and increased accessibility of pharmaceutical services to underserved cancer populations ( n = 2). Commonly cited effectiveness and safety outcomes were improved patient adherence ( n = 5), increased pharmacy services ( n = 3) and early identification of medication-related problems ( n = 5). Telepharmacy improved efficiency in staffing and workload ( n = 3), and increased cost savings ( n = 3). A shortage of resources ( n = 5), technical problems ( n = 4) and prolonged turnaround time ( n = 4), safety concerns ( n = 2) and patient willingness to pay ( n = 1) were identified barriers to implementing telepharmacy in oncology care.

Discussion

Despite evidence pointing to the advantages and opportunities for expanding oncology pharmacy services through telepharmacy, certain challenges remain. Further research is needed to investigate safety concerns and patient willingness to pay for telepharmacy services.
Social inclusion, a challenge for deliberative democracy? Some reflections on Habermas’s political theory
Authors: Aubert Isabelle
Published: December 2020

This article explains how the issue of inclusion is central to Habermas’s theory of democracy and how it is deeply rooted in his conception of a political public sphere. After recalling Habermas’s views on the public sphere, I present and discuss various objections raised by other critical theorists: Oskar Negt and Alexander Kluge, Nancy Fraser, Axel Honneth and Iris Marion Young. These criticisms insist on the paradoxically excluding effects of a conception of democracy that promotes civic participation in the public debate. Negt, Kluge and Fraser develop a Marxist line of analysis that question who can participate in the public sphere. Honneth and Young criticize in various ways the excluding effect of argumentation: are unargumentative speeches excluded from the public debate? I show how Habermas’s model can provide some responses to these various objections by drawing inspiration from his treatment of the gap between religious and post-metaphysical world views.
Improving African American confidence in law enforcement: Recruit to optimize procedural justice, not racial quotas
Authors: MacLean Charles E
Published: December 2020

Although a common maxim among many practitioners argues that police departments should recruit their way out of the African American confidence race gap by hiring more minority officers, that maxim is unfounded and redirects our recruitment efforts away from hiring to ensure procedural justice and police effectiveness—the two most powerful determinants of African American confidence in the police. The author’s nationwide survey revealed that African Americans living in cities with more racially representative law enforcement agencies were no more confident in local law enforcement than those living in cities where African Americans were underrepresented. That same survey proved, instead, that African American confidence is far higher where local police forces deliver procedural justice and effective policing than where local police forces are merely racially representative. This article presents the survey findings and explores the policy implications for law enforcement recruitment.
Experiencing autonomous futures: Engaged learning with next generation technology
Authors: Kassens-Noor Eva , Durst Noah , Decaminada Travis , Parcell Jake
Published: December 2020

Digital software has been proliferating in the classroom, frequently replacing students’ hands on experiences. This article reports on a study that tested how hands on experiences with physical emerging technology, namely personal robots, drones, cameras, and echo dots, may improve or impair student learning and enhance or diminish the classroom experience. This study examines the potential impact of hands on experiences on student knowledge, skills, and values regarding emerging technology in the context of a course that employed traditional learning, defined as theoretical applications of next generation technology, namely autonomous vehicles during the first half, and hands on experiences with physical emerging technologies related to domotics, during the second half. Using three diagnostics, tweets, reflections, and discussion posts, we suggest that hands on experiences allowed students to more easily identify potential challenges with, and reduced their fears regarding, emerging technology. Additionally, our findings suggest that traditional learning methods may decrease familiarity with most technologies, whereas hands on experiences increased familiarity. Hands on experiences also appear to reverse several other trends associated with traditional learning. Ultimately, given the proliferation of technologies in the modern world and the impacts of automation, hands on experiences may be even more valuable than expected to students as they enter the workforce.
Increased Expression of TXNIP Facilitates Oxidative Stress in Nasal Epithelial Cells of Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps
Authors: Lin Hai , Ba Guangyi , Tang Ru , Li Mingxian , Li Zhipeng , Li Dawei , Ye Haibo , Zhang Weitian
Published: December 2020

Background

Oxidative stress plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is essential in the process of triggering oxidative stress. However, its role and mechanism in CRSwNP remain unclear. The present study sought to explore the role and mechanism of TXNIP in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP.

Methods

Western blotting, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed to assess TXNIP, thioredoxin (TRX) expression in nasal tissue samples from patients with CRSwNP and control subjects. MDA level and SOD activity in nasal tissue homogenates were measured using MDA and SOD Assay Kit. To evaluate the role and mechanism of TXNIP in CRSwNP, human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were cultured and stimulated using TXNIP siRNA, with or without N-acetylcysteine (NAC, an ROS scavenger). Western blotting, real-time PCR, ROS detecting dye DCFH-DA, MDA and SOD Assay Kit were performed to assess the effects and mechanisms of stimulators on the cells.

Results

We found significantly increased levels of TXNIP and decreased levels of TRX protein, mRNA, positive cells, increased MDA level and decreased SOD activity in CRSwNP patients compared with control subjects. In vitro study, significantly altered levels of TXNIP, TRX, MDA, SOD and ROS in HNECs were found following treatment of TXNIP siRNA with or without NAC on HNECs.

Conclusion

TXNIP expression was increased and TRX expression was decreased in CRSwNP at both protein and mRNA levels. MDA levels were increased and SOD activities were decreased in CRSwNP. TXNIP may have negative association with TRX, and then decrease SOD activities and increase MDA levels, resulting in the upregulation of ROS and oxidative stress in HNECs, which may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP. Future studies are expected to further explore the role and mechanism of TXNIP in CRSwNP.
Sacroiliac Joint Degeneration After Lumbopelvic Fixation
Authors: Nakashima Hiroaki , Kanemura Tokumi , Satake Kotaro , Ito Kenyu , Tanaka Satoshi , Segi Naoki , Ouchida Jun , Kagami Yujiro , Ando Kei , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Imagama Shiro
Published: December 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective Study.

Objectives:

Sacroiliac buttress screws (SBS) and S2 alar iliac screws (SAI) are used as distal screws in cases with long fusion to the pelvis. Distal fixation ends, whether exceeding the sacroiliac joint (SIJ), may affect postoperative degenerative changes in the SIJ. The aim of this study was to investigate SIJ degeneration after lumbosacral and lumbopelvic fixation, using SBS and SAI in degenerative spine diseases, respectively.

Methods:

This study included 70 patients aged ≥50 years with lumbosacral fusion (>3 levels). They were divided into 2 groups (SBS 20 and SAI 50 cases) based on the type of distal screws. Radiographical and clinical data were reviewed with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Radiographical SIJ degeneration was analyzed using computed tomography; clinical outcomes were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Questionnaire (JOABPEQ).

Results:

No significant differences were observed in patients’ preoperative characteristics between the 2 groups. The incidence of SIJ degeneration, including osteophyte formation (30.0% and 8.0%, p = 0.03), intraarticular air (75.0% and 16.0%, p < 0.001), and subchondral cyst (20.0% and 2.0%. p = 0.02) in SBS and SAI groups, respectively, at the follow-up, was significantly higher in the SBS group. Although SIJ degenerative changes were significantly different between the SBS and SAI groups, there was no significant difference in VAS and JOABPEQ scores between the groups at 2 years post-surgery.

Conclusions:

Lumbosacral fusion can cause SIJ degeneration, which is more frequent when SBS are used in fixation to the sacrum.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Neurological Deterioration in Posterior Corrective Surgeries for Severe Angular Kyphotic Deformities: A 10-Year Institutional Retrospective Study
Authors: Kalidindi Kalyan Kumar Varma , Sath Sulaiman , Sharma Jeevan Kumar , Vishwakarma Gayatri , Chhabra Harvinder Singh
Published: December 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective case-control study.

Objective:

Neurological deficit is one of the dreaded complications of kyphotic deformity correction procedures. There is inconsistency in the reports of neurological outcomes following such procedures and only a few studies have analyzed the risk factors for neurological deficits. We aimed to analyze the factors associated with neurological deterioration in severe kyphotic deformity correction surgeries.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective study of 121 consecutive surgically treated severe kyphotic deformity cases (49 males, 56 females) at a single institute (May 1st 2008 to May 31st 2018) and analyzed the risk factors for neurological deterioration. The demographic, surgical and clinical details of the patients were obtained by reviewing the medical records.

Results:

105 included patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A (without neurological deficit) with 92 patients (42 males, 50 females) and Group B (with neurological deficit) with 13 patients (7 males, 6 females) (12.4%). Statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was observed in the preoperative sagittal Cobbs angle (p < 0.0001), operative time (p = 0.003) and the presence of myelopathic signs on neurological examination (p = 0.048) and location of the apex of deformity (p = 0.010) but not in other factors.

Conclusions:

Preoperative Sagittal Cobbs angle, presence of signs of myelopathy, operative time and location of apex in the distal thoracic region were significantly higher in patients with neurological deterioration as compared to those without neurological deterioration during kyphotic deformity correction surgery. Distal thoracic curve was found to have 4 times more risk of neurological deterioration compared to others.
The Expression of Intimacy and Sexuality in Persons With Dementia
Authors: D’cruz Migita , Andrade Chittaranjan , Rao T. S. Sathyanarayana
Published: December 2020

Sexuality in dementia is infrequently addressed. Dementia is characterized by a progressive deterioration in all domains of functioning, including loss of sexual function. However, the diagnosis of dementia does not mean an immediate or complete cessation of sexuality in the person, or a loss of the ability to consent to sexual activity with a partner.

A discussion of sexuality in dementia occurs infrequently in clinical care for several reasons. These include (a) a discomfort in discussing sexuality in older adults, (b) the fear of causing social or cultural offense, and (c) the assumption that the cessation of the reproductive period implies the end of sexual life in older adults. There is also a tendency to focus on the preservation of cognition and independence, with relative neglect of the need for physical and emotional intimacy or quality of life.

Patients with dementia are more likely to be sexually active than not. The most common change is a lack or loss or sexual desire. Inappropriate sexual behaviors occur in a minority of patients (28%) and can be usually managed with behavioral measures, with the use of pharmacotherapy for symptomatic management in refractory cases.

Other clinical and ethical concerns in dementia include the capacity to consent to sexual intimacy, the formation of new relationships, sexuality in long-term residential facilities, and vulnerability to sexual abuse. Dementia care guidelines recommend a low threshold of suspicion for abuse, with a focus on patient safety. These must, however, be counterweighed by respect for patient autonomy and wishes.
Correction to: Genetic characterization of Addison’s disease in Bearded Collies
Authors: Gershony Liza C. , Belanger Janelle M. , Hytönen Marjo K. , Lohi Hannes , Famula Thomas R. , Oberbauer Anita M.
Published: December 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy program intended to improve public health professionals’ ability to identify and manage perinatal depressive symptoms: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Phoosuwan Nitikorn , Lundberg Pranee C.
Published: December 2020

Background

During the perinatal period women lack screening and treatments for perinatal depressive symptoms, while public health professionals (PHPs) in primary care centres (PCCs) need training for identification and management of such symptoms. This quasi-experimental study was aimed at evaluating knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy among PHPs after participating in a Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-efficacy (KAS) program for identification and management of perinatal depressive symptoms.

Method

The KAS-program, carried through in Sakonnakhon in north-eastern Thailand, comprised one day of theory and a four-week period of field practice. Thirty-three PHPs from PCCs participated in the program. Twenty-three of them participated in focus group discussions (FGDs). Chi-square for trend, paired-sample T-tests and content analysis were used.

Results

Knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy scores increased after the PHPs had fully participated in the KAS-program. Four categories emerged from the FGDs: increased understanding and knowledge, being aware and having a positive attitude, having confidence and ability to work, and need of regular training and feedback.

Conclusion

The KAS-program may contribute to giving PHPs in PCCs the knowledge, positive attitude and self-efficacy they need to identify and manage perinatal depressive symptoms. Implementation of the KAS-program to other healthcare professionals such as nurses/midwives is great of interest.
Attitudes towards using electronic health records of patients with psoriasis and dermatologists: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Klein Toni Maria , Augustin Matthias , Kirsten Natalia , Otten Marina
Published: December 2020

Background

Electronic health records (EHRs) offer various advantages for healthcare delivery, especially for chronic and complex diseases such as psoriasis. However, both patients’ and physicians’ acceptability is required for EHRs to unfold their full potential. Therefore, this study compares patients’ and physicians’ attitudes towards using EHRs in routine psoriasis care.

Methods

For the purpose of this study, a questionnaire was developed based on literature research and analyses of previously conducted focus groups. Participants completed either a paper-based or an electronic version of the questionnaire. Patient recruitment took place at an dermatological outpatient clinic and via several online pathways (patient associations, and social media). Physicians were recruited via a mailing list of a dermatological association and at a dermatological conference. Patients’ and physicians’ responses were compared using χ2 tests and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

The study consisted of 187 patients and 44 dermatologists. Patients compared to physicians rated almost all potential EHR uses as significantly more important and expected significantly more potential benefits from EHRs.

Conclusions

Patients showed positive expectations towards using EHRs, whereas there was more scepticism in the physician sample. This aligns with previous findings. These differences illustrate the necessity to involve all stakeholders, especially patients and physicians, into the process of developing and implementing EHRs.
Comparing different wavelet transforms on removing electrocardiogram baseline wanders and special trends
Authors: Chen Chao-Chen , Tsui Fuchiang Rich
Published: December 2020

Background

Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, an important indicator for heart problems, is commonly corrupted by a low-frequency baseline wander (BW) artifact, which may cause interpretation difficulty or inaccurate analysis. Unlike current state-of-the-art approach using band-pass filters, wavelet transforms can accurately capture both time and frequency information of a signal. However, extant literature is limited in applying wavelet transforms (WTs) for baseline wander removal. In this study, we aimed to evaluate 5 wavelet families with a total of 14 wavelets for removing ECG baseline wanders from a semi-synthetic dataset.

Methods

We created a semi-synthetic ECG dataset based on a public QT Database on Physionet repository with ECG data from 105 patients. The semi-synthetic ECG dataset comprised ECG excerpts from the QT database superimposed with artificial baseline wanders. We extracted one ECG excerpt from each of 105 patients, and the ECG excerpt comprised 14 s of randomly selected ECG data. Twelve baseline wanders were manually generated, including sinusoidal waves, spikes and step functions. We implemented and evaluated 14 commonly used wavelets up to 12 WT levels. The evaluation metric was mean-square-error (MSE) between the original ECG excerpt and the processed signal with artificial BW removed.

Results

Among the 14 wavelets, Daubechies-3 wavelet and Symlets-3 wavelet with 7 levels of WT had best performance, MSE = 0.0044. The average MSEs for sinusoidal waves, step, and spike functions were 0.0271, 0.0304, 0.0199 respectively. For artificial baseline wanders with spikes or step functions, wavelet transforms in general had lower performance in removing the BW; however, WTs accurately located the temporal position of an impulse edge.

Conclusions

We found wavelet transforms in general accurately removed various baseline wanders. Daubechies-3 and Symlets-3 wavelets performed best. The study could facilitate future real-time processing of streaming ECG signals for clinical decision support systems.
Publisher Correction to: Challenges and strategies in conducting sexual and reproductive health research among Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Rushdia , Aktar Bachera , Farnaz Nadia , Ray Pushpita , Awal Abdul , Hassan Raafat , Shafique Sharid Bin , Hasan Md Tanvir , Quayyum Zahidul , Jafarovna Mohira Babaeva , Kobeissi Loulou Hassan , El Tahir Khalid , Chawla Balwinder Singh , Rashid Sabina Faiz
Published: December 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Skeletal dysplasia-like syndromes in wild giraffe
Authors: Brown Michael Butler , Wells Emma
Published: December 2020

Objective

Skeletal dysplasias, cartilaginous or skeletal disorders that sometimes result in abnormal bone development, are seldom reported in free-ranging wild animals. Here, we use photogrammetry and comparative morphometric analyses to describe cases of abnormal appendicular skeletal proportions of free-ranging giraffe in two geographically distinct taxa: a Nubian giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis) in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda and an Angolan giraffe (Giraffa giraffa angolensis) on a private farm in central Namibia.

Results

These giraffe exhibited extremely shortened radius and metacarpal bones relative to other similarly aged giraffe. Both giraffe survived to at least subadult life stage. This report documents rare occurrences of these apparent skeletal dysplasias in free-ranging wild animals and the first records in giraffe.
Cognitive impact of COVID-19: looking beyond the short term
Authors: Miners Scott , Kehoe Patrick G. , Love Seth
Published: December 2020

COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease but up to two thirds of hospitalised patients show evidence of central nervous system (CNS) damage, predominantly ischaemic, in some cases haemorrhagic and occasionally encephalitic. It is unclear how much of the ischaemic damage is mediated by direct or inflammatory effects of virus on the CNS vasculature and how much is secondary to extracranial cardiorespiratory disease. Limited data suggest that the causative SARS-CoV-2 virus may enter the CNS via the nasal mucosa and olfactory fibres, or by haematogenous spread, and is capable of infecting endothelial cells, pericytes and probably neurons. Extracranially, SARS-CoV-2 targets endothelial cells and pericytes, causing endothelial cell dysfunction, vascular leakage and immune activation, sometimes leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation. It remains to be confirmed whether endothelial cells and pericytes in the cerebral vasculature are similarly targeted. Several aspects of COVID-19 are likely to impact on cognition. Cerebral white matter is particularly vulnerable to ischaemic damage in COVID-19 and is also critically important for cognitive function. There is accumulating evidence that cerebral hypoperfusion accelerates amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation and is linked to tau and TDP-43 pathology, and by inducing phosphorylation of α-synuclein at serine-129, ischaemia may also increase the risk of development of Lewy body disease. Current therapies for COVID-19 are understandably focused on supporting respiratory function, preventing thrombosis and reducing immune activation. Since angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 is a receptor for SARS-CoV-2, and ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are predicted to increase ACE-2 expression, it was initially feared that their use might exacerbate COVID-19. Recent meta-analyses have instead suggested that these medications are protective. This is perhaps because SARS-CoV-2 entry may deplete ACE-2, tipping the balance towards angiotensin II-ACE-1-mediated classical RAS activation: exacerbating hypoperfusion and promoting inflammation. It may be relevant thatAPOEε4 individuals, who seem to be at increased risk of COVID-19, also have lowest ACE-2 activity. COVID-19 is likely to leave an unexpected legacy of long-term neurological complications in a significant number of survivors. Cognitive follow-up of COVID-19 patients will be important, especially in patients who develop cerebrovascular and neurological complications during the acute illness.
Sustainability in the automotive industry, importance of and impact on automobile interior – insights from an empirical survey
Authors: Wellbrock Wanja , Ludin Daniela , Röhrle Linda , Gerstlberger Wolfgang
Published: December 2020

Sustainability is currently one of the main issues in all media and in society as a whole and is increasingly discussed in science from different sides and areas. Especially for the automotive industry, sustainability becomes more and more important due to corporate scandals in the past and topics such as electric motors, lightweight construction and CO2 emission reduction are key issues. Although the focus is primarily on other components, the interior cannot be neglected either in terms of sustainability. Interior is the most frequently seen part of the car by the driver. Therefore, e.g. the use of natural fibres especially for premium brands can only be considered in connection with highest standards regarding practical and aesthetical aspects. Consequently, the following research question arises: How do the three pillars of sustainability (economical, ecological and social issues) influence interior development at premium brand manufacturers and how do customers accept sustainable solutions? The focus of the paper is exclusively on premium brands due to the higher spread of sustainability effects compared to volume brands. A quantitative study is carried out to determine the expectations on the customer side regarding more sustainability in the automotive industry in general and in the interior sector in particular and to derive corresponding challenges and potentials for original equipment manufacturers.
Effects of Lorentz violation in the Bose-Einstein condensation
Authors: Furtado J. , Ramos A. C. A. , Assunção J. F.
Published: December 2020

In this paper we study the corrections emergent from a Lorentz-violating CPT-odd extension of the complex scalar sector to the Bose-Einstein condensation and to the thermodynamics parameters. We initially discuss some features of the model to only then compute the corrections to the Bose-Einstein condensation. The calculations are done by computing the generating functional, from which we extract the thermodynamics parameters. We also obtain a Lorentz-violating correction for the critical temperature T

c
that sets the Bose-Einstein condensation.
Selective Use of Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Papillary Thyroid Cancers With Low or Lower-Intermediate Recurrence Risk
Authors: Grani Giorgio , Lamartina Livia , Alfò Marco , Ramundo Valeria , Falcone Rosa , Giacomelli Laura , Biffoni Marco , Filetti Sebastiano , Durante Cosimo
Published: December 2020

Context

Current guidelines recommend a selective use of radioiodine treatment (RAI) for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

Objective

This work aimed to determine how policy changes affect the use of RAI and the short-term outcomes of patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of longitudinal data was conducted in an academic referral center of patients with nonaggressive PTC variants; no extrathyroidal invasion or limited to soft tissues, no distant metastases, and 5 or fewer central-compartment cervical lymph node metastases. In cohort 1, standard treatments were total thyroidectomy and RAI (May 2005-June 2011); in cohort 2 decisions on RAI were deferred for approximately 12 months after surgery (July 2011-December 2018). Propensity score matching was used to adjust for sex, age, tumor size, lymph node status, and extrathyroidal extension. Intervention included immediate RAI or deferred choice. Main outcome measures were responses to initial treatment during 3 or more years of follow-up.

Results

In cohort 1, RAI was performed in 50 of 116 patients (51.7%), whereas in cohort 2, it was far less frequent: immediately in 10 of 156 (6.4%), and in 3 more patients after the first follow-up data. The frequencies of structural incomplete response were low (1%-3%), and there were no differences between the 2 cohorts at any follow-up visit. Cohort 2 patients had higher rates of “gray-zone responses” (biochemical incomplete or indeterminate response).

Conclusion

Selective use of RAI increases the rate of patients with “uncertain” status during early follow-up. The rate of structural incomplete responses remains low regardless of whether RAI is used immediately. Patients should be made aware of the advantages and drawbacks of omitting RAI.
The Bitter and the Sweet: Relationship of Lactate, Glucose, and Mortality After Severe Blunt Trauma
Authors: Richards Justin E. , Mazzeffi Michael A. , Massey Michael S. , Rock Peter , Galvagno Samuel M. , Scalea Thomas M.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND:

Hyperglycemia is associated with mortality after trauma; however, few studies have simultaneously investigated the association of depth of shock and acute hyperglycemia. We evaluated lactate, as a surrogate measure for depth of shock, and glucose levels on mortality following severe blunt trauma. We hypothesize that measurements of both lactate and glucose are associated with mortality when considered simultaneously.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective cohort study at a single academic trauma center. Inclusion criteria are age 18–89 years, blunt trauma, injury severity score (ISS) ≥15, and transferred from the scene of injury. All serum blood glucose and lactate values were analyzed within the first 24 hours of admission. Multiple metrics of glucose and lactate were calculated: first glucose (Glucadm) and lactate (Lacadm) at hospital admission, mean 24-hour after hospital admission glucose (Gluc24-h
Mean) and lactate (Lac24-h
Mean), maximum 24-hour after hospital admission glucose (Gluc24-h
Max) and lactate (Lac24-h
Max), and time-weighted 24-hour after hospital admission glucose (Gluc24-h
TW) and lactate (Lac24-h
TW). Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression modeling assessed the odds ratio (OR) of mortality, after adjusting for confounding variables.

RESULTS:

A total of 1439 trauma patients were included. When metrics of both glucose and lactate were analyzed, after adjusting for age, ISS, and admission shock index, only lactate remained significantly associated with mortality: Lacadm (OR, 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.44); Lac24-h
Mean (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.52-2.28); Lac24-h
Max (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.23-1.56); and Lac24-h
TW (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.53-2.26).

CONCLUSIONS:

Lactate is associated with mortality in severely injured blunt trauma patients, after adjusting for injury severity, age, and shock index. However, we did not find evidence for an association of glucose with mortality after adjusting for lactate.
Consumption Insurance against Wage Risk: Family Labor Supply and Optimal Progressive Income Taxation
Authors: Wu Chunzan , Krueger Dirk
Published: December 2020

We show that a calibrated life cycle two-earner household model with endogenous labor supply can rationalize the extent of consumption insurance against shocks to male and female wages, as estimated empirically by Blundell, Pistaferri, and Saporta-Eksten (2016) in US data. In the model, 35 percent of male and 18 percent of female permanent wage shocks pass through to consumption, compared to the empirical estimates of 32 percent and 19 percent. Most of the consumption insurance against permanent male wage shocks is provided through the presence and labor supply response of the female earner. Abstracting from this private intrahousehold income insurance mechanism strongly biases upward the welfare losses from idiosyncratic wage risk as well as the desired extent of public insurance through progressive income taxation. Relative to the standard one-earner life cycle model, the optimal degree of tax progressivity is significantly lower and the welfare gains from implementing the optimal system are cut roughly in half. (JEL D15, H21, H24, J16, J22, J31)
Optimal Positive Capital Taxes at Interior Steady States
Authors: Benhabib Jess , Szoőke Bálint
Published: December 2020

We generalize recent results of Bassetto and Benhabib (2006) and Straub and Werning (2019) in a neoclassical model with endogenous labor-leisure choice where all agents are allowed to save and accumulate capital. We provide a sufficient condition under which optimal redistributive capital taxes remain at their allowed upper bound forever, even if the resulting equilibrium trajectory converges to a unique steady state with positive and finite consumption, capital, and labor. We then provide an interpretation of our sufficient condition. Using recent evidence on wealth distribution in the United States, we argue that our sufficient condition is empirically plausible. (JEL D31, E21, H21, H23, H25, J22)