bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unexplored Aspects of the Meaning of Living with Chronic Heart Failure: A Phenomenological Study within the Framework of the Model of Interpersonal Relationship between the Nurse and the Person/Family Cared for
Authors: Olano-Lizarraga Maddi , Martín-Martín Jesús , Oroviogoicoechea Cristina , Saracíbar-Razquin Maribel
Published: January 2020

The complicated situation experienced by chronic heart failure (CHF) patients affects their entire well-being but clinical practice continues to fail to adequately respond to their demands. The aim of this study was to understand the meaning of living with CHF from the patient’s perspective. A hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted according to Van Manen’s phenomenology of practice method. Individual conversational interviews were held with 20 outpatients with CHF. Six main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Living with CHF involves a profound change in the person; (2) The person living with CHF has to accept their situation; (3) The person with CHF needs to feel that their life is normal and demonstrate it to others; (4) The person with CHF needs to have hope; (5) Having CHF makes the person continuously aware of the possibility of dying; (6) The person with CHF feels that it negatively influences their close environment.
H∞ control method for seismically excited building structures with time-delay
Authors: Lezgy-Nazargah Mojtaba , Elahi Arezou , Pakizeh Tali Mohammad
Published: January 2020

Although remarkable studies are reported about active structural control of seismically excited building structures and different control algorithms are introduced, most of the available control strategies have neglected the effects of time-delay in the control system. However, the time-delay has a significant influence on the control performance so that instability in responses may occur if time-delay is not considered in design of controllers and their control algorithms. In this paper, two types of controllers (state feedback and dynamic output feedback controllers) are designed for vibration suppression of seismically excited building structures considering the effects of time-delay. To this aim, the dynamic differential equations of a system with an artificial time-delay are first written. Then, the dynamic system is converted into delay-free equations by using a special integral transformation. Finally, state feedback and dynamic output feedback controllers are designed by using the [Formula: see text] control theory. Simulation results show that the suggested control algorithms can effectively suppress the vibrations of building structures under time-delay conditions.
Full-state nonlinear trajectory tracking control of underactuated surface vessels
Authors: Fetzer Karl L , Nersesov Sergey , Ashrafiuon Hashem
Published: January 2020

This article presents the development, implementation, and comparison of two trajectory tracking nonlinear controllers for underactuated surface vessels. A control approach capable of stabilizing all the states of any planar vehicle is specifically adapted to surface vessels. The method relies on transformation of the six position and velocity state dynamics into a four-state error dynamics. The backstepping and sliding mode control laws are then derived for stabilization of the error dynamics and proven to stabilize all system states. Simulations are presented in the absence and presence of modeling uncertainties and unknown disturbances. An experimental setup is then described, followed by successful experimental implementation and comparison of the two controllers.
Hearing and Being Heard, Seeing and Being Seen: Qualitative Inquiry in the Public Sphere—Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Flick Uwe
Published: January 2020

What means qualitative inquiry in the public sphere? What are public spheres for qualitative inquiry? First, to transgress the disciplinary boundaries of qualitative inquiry. Second, to identify research problems of societal relevance and target groups affected. Third, to make our results accessible for public audiences—how we write about our research and where we publish our findings. Fourth, to face changing political discourses with our research. Public sociology and ethnography are discussed for their relevance for qualitative inquiry in the public sphere. An overview of the contributions and the way this idea is treated in them are given.
Addressing Domestic Violence as It Relates to Livelihoods in Rural Tajikistan
Authors: Wood Elizabeth A. , Ludgate Nargiza , Mamadnazarova Camila
Published: January 2020

This study investigates patterns of rural livelihoods in Khatlon Province, Tajikistan, as it relates to gender roles and responsibilities. This included a workshop in the train-the-trainer format for community workers to implement a violence participatory workshop among village-related women and men. Key informant interviews were performed to collect information about the perceptions of violence among village households followed by individual semistructured interviews with participants of the participatory workshops. Analysis included ethnographic content analysis using NVivo 12 software to extract salient themes. Results concluded that education and employment were essential in building empowerment among women in the villages.
Shame, Family Honor, and Dating Abuse: Lessons From an Exploratory Study of South Asian Muslims
Authors: Couture-Carron Amanda
Published: January 2020

Generally, South Asian Muslim communities reject dating and view it as shameful. Despite this, many South Asian Muslims still engage in dating. These traditional norms, however, remain influential and a part of the cultural context in which dating abuse occurs. This exploratory study examines South Asian Muslims’ perceptions of how cultural norms forbidding dating and constructing it as shameful may affect women’s experiences of dating abuse. Findings indicate these cultural norms may prompt fear of parental and community reactions to dating as well as strong relationship attachment. These then have implications for disclosure, help seeking, and ending abusive relationships.
Depression Outcomes From a Fully Integrated Obstetric Mental Health Clinic: A 10-Year Examination
Authors: Goedde Diane , Zidack Astri , Li Ya-Huei , Arkava Diane , Mullette Elizabeth , Mullowney Yvonne , Brant Jeannine M.
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND: A fully integrated Obstetric Mental Health Clinic (OBMHC) was established in 2007 in the rural northwest United States to address perinatal depression. AIMS: The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine depression outcomes in women receiving outpatient psychiatric services between 2007 and 2017 at a fully integrated OBMHC and to explore patient and obstetric team perceptions of OBMHC experiences. METHOD: A retrospective database study was employed; depression was measured at baseline and follow-up visits using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Descriptive statistics, regression models, and trend analysis were employed to determine effectiveness. A subset of patients participated in telephone interviews; the obstetric team was surveyed regarding perceptions of the service. RESULTS: The sample included 192 women (195 pregnancies). Approximately 72% experienced less depression by the first follow-up visit. Patients taking three or more psychiatric medications attended more OBMHC visits. Trend analysis indicated that women with the highest levels of depression had the best response to the intervention. Three qualitative themes emerged: Safe Place, Mental/Emotional Stability, and Integrated Personalized Approach. Obstetric team members ( n = 11) perceived the clinic to be helpful and noted improved access to mental health care. CONCLUSION: OBMHCs can be effective when psychiatric nurses are embedded within an outpatient obstetric service. Improved access, timely services, and patient reassurance can lead to an improved pregnancy experience and reduced depressive symptoms. The longevity of this clinic’s experience serves as a role model for other centers to replicate this successful integrated model of care.
More than happiness: Aliveness and struggle in lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer lives
Authors: McGlynn Nick , Browne Kath , Banerjea Niharika , Biswas Ranjita , Banerjee Rukmini , Bakshi Leela
Published: January 2020

Happiness is often seen as the product of a good life, and can be attached to normative institutions such as marriage. The pursuit of happiness has been critically scrutinised, including by queer theorists and particularly Sara Ahmed who proposes a concept of aliveness. This article explores what it means to put liveability into conversation with critical engagements with happiness. Using transnational empirical material regarding what makes lives liveable for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) people in India and the UK, we argue that this dialogue not only expands upon the existing critiques of happiness, but also rethinks liveability as a form of struggle between ‘living’ and ‘surviving’. Challenge and struggle can be central to feeling alive. This emerges most prominently when LGBTQ people feel part of a collective struggle, or when they feel others are supporting them in their individual struggle. Delinking a normative understanding of happiness from liveability brings us closer to everyday struggles as a way to chart out paths through hegemonic orders and normativities. A good life can have ‘flowers and sunshine’ but it is not necessarily, or always, happy.
Eager to leave? Populist radical right parties’ responses to the UK’s Brexit vote
Authors: van Kessel Stijn , Chelotti Nicola , Drake Helen , Roch Juan , Rodi Patricia
Published: January 2020

Populist radical right parties are naturally Eurosceptic. Many responded positively to the British referendum vote to leave the European Union; various observers even spoke of a potential populist radical right-instigated ‘domino effect’. We ask whether this Brexit-enthusiasm prevailed in the proximate aftermath of the UK referendum, by means of a comparative analysis of populist radical right parties’ national election campaigns in the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Italy. The analysis considers whether the UK referendum result served as an external stimulus for populist radical right parties to harden their Euroscepticism and politicise the issue of European integration. The results show that this has, generally speaking, not been the case, and that Brexit has also not stimulated or amplified calls for leaving the European Union. Relating our findings to literature on the politicisation of European integration and strategic party behaviour, we argue that populist radical right parties had few incentives to act differently given the uninviting political opportunity structure.
A phenomenological modelling framework for particle emission simulation in a direct-injection gasoline engine
Authors: Frommater Stefan , Neumann Jens , Hasse Christian
Published: January 2020

A phenomenological modelling framework is presented that allows the simulation of the engine-out particle emissions of direct-injection gasoline engines based on physical principles. It is applicable both at steady-state operating conditions and in transient driving cycles. Within the modelling framework, a multi-zone model with gas-phase reaction kinetics is coupled with a stochastic reactor model considering the soot formation dynamics. Both model parts are fed with inputs from an accompanying engine process simulation. Particle emissions from injector deposits and inhomgeneous gaseous mixture preparation are taken into account. Pyrolysis reactions are considered in a zone with remaining fuel film at the injector, whereas in gas-phase zones that arise from inhomogeneous mixture preparation, the reaction of the air–fuel mixture is calculated under sub-stoichiometric conditions. The setup of those mixture-induced zones is generated by an existing homogenisation sub-model. The modelling framework is evaluated by test bench measurements of the engine operating map, a variation of engine actuator settings and transient driving profiles. Hereby, an accuracy of less than 20% deviation for particle number and mass is achieved.
Multi-level feature fusion in densely connected deep-learning architecture and depth-first search for crack segmentation on images collected with smartphones
Authors: Mei Qipei , Gül Mustafa
Published: January 2020

Cracks are important signs of degradation in existing infrastructure systems. Automatic crack detection and segmentation plays a key role in developing smart infrastructure systems. However, this field has been challenging over the last decades due to irregular shape of the cracks and complex illumination conditions. This article proposes a novel deep-learning architecture for crack segmentation at pixel-level. In this architecture, one convolutional layer is densely connected to multiple other layers in a feed-forward fashion. Max pooling layers are used to reduce the dimensions of the features, and transposed convolution layers are used for multi-level feature fusion. A depth-first search–based algorithm is applied as post-processing tool to remove isolated pixels and improve the accuracy. The method is tested on two previously published data sets. It can reach 92.02%, 91.13%, and 91.58% for the first data set, and 92.17%, 91.61%, and 91.89% for the second data set for precision, recall, and F1 score, respectively. The performance of the proposed method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods. At the end of the article, the influence of feature fusion methods and transfer learning are also discussed.
Evaluation of mechanical properties of coconut flower cover fibre-reinforced polymer composites for industrial applications
Authors: Palani Kumar K , Keshavan D , Natarajan Elango , Narayan Arvind , Ashok Kumar K , Deepak M , Freitas Lidio Inacio
Published: January 2020

In recent times, polymer composites have played an epochal role in transforming material science. Some of their properties such as toughness, strength, flexibility and rigidity have helped them supplant conventional materials such as iron, steel, and aluminium on several occasions. Apart from this, they are light in weight and more cost-efficient, which make them a viable alternative. They have found their application in several fields such as automobile industry, aerospace industry, construction and pipeline industry. Owing to its excellent impact strength, tensile and hardness, natural fibres serve as an excellent replacement. Natural fibres are an environmental friendly, biodegradable and are readily available. The present investigation uses a new fibre for manufacturing the eco-friendly composite material. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, shear stress, flexural rigidity, impact strength and hardness of a coconut fibre-reinforced polymer composite material are evaluated as per respective ASTM standards. A surface analysis of the material using a scanning electron microscope is also performed. The results are categorized and tabulated accordingly. The values obtained appear to fall in line with the experimental data and hence can be espoused as an alternative material especially in the automotive sector.
Endovascular Treatment of Long Superficial Femoral Artery–Chronic Total Occlusions Using the Gogo Catheter With IVUS Via a Popliteal Puncture Method Is Effective, Safe, and Useful
Authors: Nakamura Shinichi , Rokutanda Taku , Kurokawa Hirofumi , Onoue Yoshirou
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate the usefulness of inserting a 6Fr sheath guided by duplex ultrasonography via a popliteal artery puncture. We also aimed to demonstrate endoluminal tracking using a retrograde approach using the Gogo catheter with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

Background:

The bidirectional approach is useful for increasing the success rate of the procedure for long superficial femoral artery–chronic total occlusions (SFA-CTOs). However, this procedure becomes somewhat complicated. Since the proximal blood vessel diameter is clearly larger than the distal end of the CTO and the body surface duplex guide can also be used in the proximal part, it is easier to introduce a retrograde guidewire (GW) into the proximal end.

Methods:

We performed endovascular treatment for long SFA-CTOs with a Gogo catheter + IVUS guide in 31 consecutive cases (male 20/female 11; mean age, 75.6 ± 7.6) from May 2017 to November 2018. We advanced the IVUS until the true lumen could be confirmed and advanced the Gogo catheter toward the IVUS for reinforcement. We attempted to approach the long CTO by repeating this procedure. We named this procedure the GIP method (GIP: Gogo catheter with IVUS via a popliteal puncture). Hemostasis of the popliteal artery was achieved using a commercially available compression hemostatic kit (Tometa-kun, XEMEX, Japan).

Results:

Successful revascularization was achieved in all cases (in 2 cases, a femoral artery puncture was added, and a bidirectional approach was used, and in 1 case, a CROSSER system was used). On average, the fluoroscopy time was 42.2 ± 30.4 minutes, radiation dose 93.7 ± 78.7 mGy, and amount of contrast medium used 15.0 ± 9.6 mL. The procedure time was defined as from the start of the popliteal artery puncture to the time the GW passed through the CTO lesion, including the posture transformation time from prone to the supine position. The procedure time was 42.1 ± 40.2 minutes. There were no major adverse events or other major complications, such as a distal embolism, rupture of the CTO lesion, arteriovenous fistula, or major hematoma requiring a transfusion or surgical treatment. Only 2 small hematomas occurred at the popliteal artery puncture site. The patients were treated conservatively and were discharged as usual.

Conclusions:

Endovascular treatment of long SFA-CTOs via the popliteal approach was effective and safe. Using the GIP method to address long SFA-CTOs is recommended.
Update on covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation
Authors: Reijnen Michel MPJ
Published: January 2020

Objective

The covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation (CERAB) technique was introduced in 2009 in order to provide an anatomically and physiologically optimal endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation.

Method

In the current review, all available evidence on this technique was summarized.

Results

In vitro studies have shown a more favorable geometry of CERAB compared to kissing stents, leading to better local flow conditions. The results of CERAB are at least as good as those achieved with kissing stents in a more complex group of treated patients. The mid-term patency rates approach those of surgical reconstruction. Initial data show that the technique can also be used in combination with chimney grafts in order to preserve side branches.

Conclusion

CERAB has proven to be the most optimal endovascular treatment option for aorto-iliac occlusive disease with regard to geometry and flow and is related to promising clinical outcomes. Prospective and comparative trials are necessary to elucidate the most optimal treatment algorithm for patients with aorto-iliac occlusive disease.
On 3D simultaneous attack against manoeuvring target with communication delays
Authors: Liu Zhaohui , Lv Yuezu , Zhou Jialing , Hu Liang
Published: January 2020

This article investigates the simultaneous attack problem of multiple missiles against a manoeuvring target with delayed information transmission in three-dimensional space. Based on the kinetic model of the missiles, the problem is divided into three demands: the velocity components normal to line-of-sight converge to zero in finite time, the component of motion states along line-of-sight should achieve consensus and converge to zero. The guidance law is designed for each demand and by theoretical proof, the upper bound of delay which can tolerate is presented and the consensus error of the relative distances can converge to a small neighbourhood of zero. And simulation example presented also demonstrates the validity of the theoretical result.
Can ‘the Other’ ever become ‘One of Us’? Comparing Turkish and European attitudes toward refugees: A five-country study
Authors: De Coninck David , Ogan Christine , d’Haenens Leen
Published: January 2020

Since 2015, refugee numbers in Europe have risen to an all-time high. Despite the desperate conditions of most refugees, many European countries have been reluctant to accept them. We investigate how refugees are received in five European countries (Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Turkey) and the perceptions of the general population on these refugees. Our data were collected through face-to-face interviews (N = 2,649) in Turkey and an online survey (N = 6,000) in Western Europe. Our findings indicate that positive socio-economic conditions are related to more positive attitudes at the country level, whereas a high number of refugees are related to more negative attitudes. On the individual level, we find that attitudes are shaped by economic class, religiosity, religious piety, and settlement conditionality.
Early Addition of Parathyroid Hormone–Related Peptide Regulates the Hypertrophic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Ramesh Sowmya , Madhuri Vrisha
Published: January 2020

Objective

Chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into hyaline cartilage is complicated by terminal hypertrophic differentiation. In growth plate, parathyroid hormone–related peptide (1-34) (PTHrP) plays a crucial role in maintaining chondrocytes in their proliferation state by counteracting the hypertrophic differentiation. This study aims to test the effect of PTHrP supplementation at different time points on chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs and assess the final quality of differentiated chondrocytes.

Methods

Human periosteum and bone marrow MSCs isolated from 3 patient samples (donor unmatched) were characterized by flow cytometry and multilineage differentiation. The cells were differentiated into chondrocytes in the presence of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and the PTHrP (1-34) was added from 4th or 14th day of culture. The outcome was analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression.

Results

Flow cytometry and multilineage differentiation confirmed that the cells isolated from periosteum and bone marrow exhibited the phenotype of MSCs. During chondrogenic differentiation, pellets that received PTHrP from the 4th day of culture showed a significant reduction in hypertrophic markers (COL10A1 and RUNX) than the addition of PTHrP from the 14th day and TGF-β alone treated samples. Furthermore, 4th day supplementation of PTHrP significantly improved the expression of cartilage-specific markers (COL2A1, SOX9, ACAN) in both periosteum and bone marrow-derived MSCs. Histology and immunostaining with collagen type X data corroborated the gene expression outcomes.

Conclusion

The outcome showed that supplementing PTHrP from the 4th day of chondrogenic differentiation produced better chondrocytes with less hypertrophic markers in both bone marrow and periosteal-derived MSCs.
Transcriptomic analyses of Pinus koraiensis under different cold stresses
Authors: Wang Fang , Chen Song , Liang Deyang , Qu Guan-Zheng , Chen Su , Zhao Xiyang
Published: January 2020

Background

Pinus koraiensis is an evergreen tree species with strong cold resistance. However, the transcriptomic patterns in response to cold stress are poorly understood for P. koraiensis. In this study, global transcriptome profiles were generated for P. koraiensis under cold stress (− 20 °C) over time by high-throughput sequencing.

Results

More than 763 million clean reads were produced, which assembled into a nonredundant data set of 123,445 unigenes. Among them, 38,905 unigenes had homology with known genes, 18,239 were assigned to 54 gene ontology (GO) categories and 18,909 were assigned to 25 clusters of orthologous groups (COG) categories. Comparison of transcriptomes of P. koraiensis seedlings grown at room temperature (20 °C) and low temperature (− 20 °C) revealed 9842 differential expressed genes (DEGs) in the 6 h sample, 9250 in the 24 h sample, and 9697 in the 48 h sample. The number of DEGs in the pairwise comparisons of 6 h, 24 h and 48 h was relatively small. The accuracy of the RNA-seq was validated by analyzing the expression patterns of 12 DEGs by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In this study, 34 DEGs (22 upregulated and 12 downregulated) were involved in the perception and transmission of cold signals, 96 DEGs (41 upregulated and 55 downregulated) encoding 8 transcription factors that regulated cold-related genes expression, and 27 DEGs (17 upregulated and 10 downregulated) were involved in antioxidant mechanisms in response to cold stress. Among them, the expression levels of c63631_g1 (annexin D1), c65620_g1 (alpha-amylase isozyme 3C), c61970_g1 (calcium-binding protein KIC), c51736_g1 (ABA), c58408_g1 (DREB3), c66599_g1 (DREB3), c67548_g2 (SOD), c55044_g1 (CAT), c71938_g2 (CAT) and c11358_g1 (GPX) first increased significantly and then decreased significantly with the extension of stress time.

Conclusions

A large number of DEGs were identified in P. koraiensis under cold stress, especially the DEGs involved in the perception and transmission of cold signals, the DEGs encoding TFs related to cold regulation and the DEGs removing ROS in antioxidation mechanisms. The transcriptome and digital expression profiling of P. koraiensis could facilitate the understanding of the molecular control mechanism related to cold responses and provide the basis for the molecular breeding of conifers.
Glycated albumin in pregnancy: reference intervals establishment and its predictive value in adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Dong Ying , Zhai Yanhong , Wang Jing , Chen Yi , Xie Xin , Zhang Chunhong , Liu Jingrui , Lu Yifan , Tang Guodong , Han Lican , Li Lin , Cao Zheng
Published: January 2020

Background

Many efforts have been focused on the alternative glycemic marker glycated albumin (GlyA) and its application in pregnancy during which profound physiological changes take place. Our objective was to determine the reference intervals (RIs) of GlyA in healthy Chinese pregnant women and to assess the predictive value of serum GlyA in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

Totally 421 healthy subjects including 137 in the first trimester, 152 in the second trimester, and 132 in the third trimester were enrolled from March to July 2019, for the purpose of establishing the trimester-specific RIs of GlyA. In addition, 67 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM were enrolled at 24–28 weeks of gestation. The diagnostic value of GlyA for GDM patients was evaluated and compared with that of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at 24–28 weeks of gestation. The association between GlyA in the late pregnancy and the adverse pregnancy outcomes was analyzed with the data collected from January to June 2018 at our hospital.

Results

The estimated RIs of GlyA in present study were 11.26–15.10%, 10.04–13.50%, and 9.76–13.09% in the first, second, and third trimesters respectively. The areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were 0.503 for GlyA and 0.705 for FPG. More importantly, the GlyA level in the third trimester was not more elevated in the patients with adverse pregnancy outcomes including large for gestational age (LGA), preterm delivery, hypertension and preeclampsia (PE). The exception was made with the GDM patients who suffered from postpartum hemorrhage and had significantly higher GlyA levels than the control group.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the GlyA was continuously decreased as the gestational age went up. The GlyA testing has limited value in diagnosing GDM and predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Elder abuse in Norwegian nursing homes: a cross-sectional exploratory study
Authors: Botngård Anja , Eide Arne Henning , Mosqueda Laura , Malmedal Wenche
Published: January 2020

Background

Elder abuse is a global public health and human rights problem that is predicted to increase as many countries experience a rapid growth in their population of older adults. Elder abuse undermines an older person’s well-being and is associated with a range of serious health consequences. In institutional care settings, older residents are particularly vulnerable and hence at higher risk of being abused, but few countries have explored the extent and nature of this phenomenon in national studies. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of observed and perpetrated staff-to-resident abuse in Norwegian nursing homes.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional exploratory study of nursing staff in 100 randomly drawn Norwegian nursing homes. Nursing staff completed a pen and paper survey measuring how often during the past year they had observed staff commit acts of neglect and psychological, physical, financial/material, and sexual abuse towards residents. They also reported how often they had perpetrated acts of abuse themselves, and these rates were disaggregated by nursing staff’s gender, age and education.

Results

Of 3693 nursing staff (response rate 60.1%), 76% had observed one or more incidents of elder abuse during the past year, and 60.3% reported they had perpetrated one or more incidents of abuse in the same period. Psychological abuse and neglect were most commonly reported. Male staff reported more acts of physical abuse, while female staff reported more acts of neglect. Higher education of staff was associated with higher rates of self-reported psychological abuse, physical abuse and neglect.

Conclusions

This first national survey of staff in Norwegian nursing homes is one of the largest studies globally estimating the prevalence of elder abuse in institutional settings. Overall, we found staff-to-resident abuse to be relatively common, and our findings propose a need for preventive strategies to improve the quality of life and safety of residents in Norwegian nursing homes.
Therapeutic applications of nucleic acid aptamers in microbial infections
Authors: Afrasiabi Shima , Pourhajibagher Maryam , Raoofian Reza , Tabarzad Maryam , Bahador Abbas
Published: January 2020

Today, the treatment of bacterial infections is a major challenge, due to growing rate of multidrug-resistant bacteria, complication of treatment and increased healthcare costs. Moreover, new treatments for bacterial infections are limited. Oligonucleotide aptamers are single stranded DNAs or RNAs with target-selective high-affinity feature, which considered as nucleic acid-based affinity ligands, replacing monoclonal antibodies. The aptamer-based systems have been found to be talented tools in the treatment of microbial infections, regarding their promising anti-biofilm and antimicrobial activities; they can reduce or inhibit the effects of bacterial toxins, and inhibit pathogen invasion to immune cell, as well as they can be used in drug delivery systems. The focus of this review is on the therapeutic applications of aptamers in infections. In this regard, an introduction of infections and related challenges were presented, first. Then, aptamer definition and selection, with a brief history of aptamers development against various pathogens and toxins were reviewed. Diverse strategies of aptamer application in drug delivery, as well as, the effect of aptamers on the immune system, as the main natural agents of human defense against pathogens, were also discussed. Finally, the future trends in clinical applications of this technology were discussed.
Pedicle screw placement in spinal neurosurgery using a 3D-printed drill guide template: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Chengqiang , Ou Yufu , Xie Chengxin , Zhang Yu , Wei Jianxun , Mu Xiaoping
Published: January 2020

Background

Many surgeons believe that the use of a 3D-printed drill guide template shortens operative time and reduces intraoperative blood loss compared with those of the free-hand technique. In this study, we investigated the effects of a drill guide template on the accuracy of pedicle screw placement (the screw placed completely in the pedicle), operative time, and intraoperative blood loss.

Materials/Methods

We systematically searched the major databases, such as Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, regarding the accuracy of pedicle screw placement, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss. The χ2 test and I2 statistic were used to examine heterogeneity. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to calculate the accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement, and weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% CIs were utilized to express operative time and intraoperative blood loss.

Results

This meta-analysis included 13 studies (seven randomized controlled trials and six prospective cohort studies) involving 446 patients and 3375 screws. The risk of research bias was considered moderate. Operative time (WMD = − 20.75, 95% CI − 33.20 ~ − 8.29, P = 0.001) and intraoperative blood loss (WMD = − 106.16, 95% CI − 185.35 ~ − 26.97, P = 0.009) in the thoracolumbar vertebrae, evaluated by a subgroup analysis, were significantly different between groups. The 3D-printed drill guide template has advantages over the free-hand technique and improves the accuracy of pedicle screw placement (OR = 2.88; 95% CI, 2.39~3.47; P = 0.000).

Conclusion

The 3D-printed drill guide template can improve the accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement, shorten operative time, and reduce intraoperative blood loss.
Predictive formula of cervical lordosis in asymptomatic young population
Authors: Zhu Yuchen , An Zhongcheng , Zhang Yingjian , Wei Hao , Dong Liqiang
Published: January 2020

Background

Not a large number of previous studies have reported the normal sagittal balance of the cervical spine and physiological cervical lordosis (CL) has not been clearly defined yet.

Methods

This was a prospective radiological analysis of asymptomatic subjects. The following cervical sagittal parameters were measured: CL, thoracic inlet angle (TIA), T1 slope (T1S), neck tilt (NT), and C2–7 sagittal vertical axis (C2–7 SVA). The Pearson correlation test was calculated, and the stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted by using the CL (dependent variable) and the other cervical sagittal parameters (independent variables) to determine the best sets of predictors. A paired sample t test was conducted between the predicted and measured values.

Results

The mean age of 307 participants was 24.54 + 3.07. The mean CL, TIA, T1S, NT, and C2–C7 SVA was 17.11° ± 6.31°, 67.87° ± 7.78°, 25.84° ± 5.36°, 42.53° ± 6.68°, and 14.60 ± 8.20 mm, respectively. The formula was established as follows: CL = 0.762 × T1S − 0.392 × C2–C7 SVA + 0.25 × TIA − 13.795 (R = 0.812, R2 = 0.660) (stepwise multiple regression) and CL = 0.417 × TIA − 11.193 (R = 0.514, R2 = 0.264) (simple linear regression). There was no statistical difference between the predicted CL and the measured CL (t = 0.034, P = 0.973).

Conclusions

There was a significant correlation between CL and other cervical sagittal parameters, including TIA, T1S, NT, and C2–C7 SVA in asymptomatic Chinese population. The results of this study may serve as a normal reference value for the study of asymptomatic population.
Healthcare trajectory of children with rare bone disease attending pediatric emergency departments
Authors: Yang David Dawei , Baujat Geneviève , Neuraz Antoine , Garcelon Nicolas , Messiaen Claude , Sandrin Arnaud , Cheron Gérard , Burgun Anita , Pejin Zagorka , Cormier-Daire Valérie , Angoulvant François
Published: January 2020

Background

Children with rare bone diseases (RBDs), whether medically complex or not, raise multiple issues in emergency situations. The healthcare burden of children with RBD in emergency structures remains unknown. The objective of this study was to describe the place of the pediatric emergency department (PED) in the healthcare of children with RBD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study at a French university hospital. We included all children under the age of 18 years with RBD who visited the PED in 2017. By cross-checking data from the hospital clinical data warehouse, we were able to trace the healthcare trajectories of the patients. The main outcome of interest was the incidence (IR) of a second healthcare visit (HCV) within 30 days of the index visit to the PED. The secondary outcomes were the IR of planned and unplanned second HCVs and the proportion of patients classified as having chronic medically complex (CMC) disease at the PED visit.

Results

The 141 visits to the PED were followed by 84 s HCVs, giving an IR of 0.60 [95% CI: 0.48–0.74]. These second HCVs were planned in 60 cases (IR = 0.43 [95% CI: 0.33–0.55]) and unplanned in 24 (IR = 0.17 [95% CI: 0.11–0.25]). Patients with CMC diseases accounted for 59 index visits (42%) and 43 s HCVs (51%). Multivariate analysis including CMC status as an independent variable, with adjustment for age, yielded an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of second HCVs of 1.51 [95% CI: 0.98–2.32]. The IRR of planned second HCVs was 1.20 [95% CI: 0.76–1.90] and that of unplanned second HCVs was 2.81 [95% CI: 1.20–6.58].

Conclusion

An index PED visit is often associated with further HCVs in patients with RBD. The IRR of unplanned second HCVs was high, highlighting the major burden of HCVs for patients with chronic and severe disease.
Treatment of Middle East respiratory syndrome with a combination of lopinavir/ritonavir and interferon-β1b (MIRACLE trial): statistical analysis plan for a recursive two-stage group sequential randomized controlled trial
Authors:   and the Saudi Critical Care Trials group, Arabi Yaseen M. , Asiri Ayed Y. , Assiri Abdullah M. , Aziz Jokhdar Hani A. , Alothman Adel , Balkhy Hanan H. , AlJohani Sameera , Al Harbi Shmeylan , Kojan Suleiman , Al Jeraisy Majed , Deeb Ahmad M. , Memish Ziad A. , Ghazal Sameeh , Al Faraj Sarah , Al-Hameed Fahad , AlSaedi Asim , Mandourah Yasser , Al Mekhlafi Ghaleb A. , Sherbeeni Nisreen Murad , Elzein Fatehi Elnour , Almotairi Abdullah , Al Bshabshe Ali , Kharaba Ayman , Jose Jesna , Al Harthy Abdulrahman , Al Sulaiman Mohammed , Mady Ahmed , Fowler Robert A. , Hayden Frederick G. , Al-Dawood Abdulaziz , Abdelzaher Mohamed , Bajhmom Wail , Hussein Mohamed A.
Published: January 2020

The MIRACLE trial (MERS-CoV Infection tReated with A Combination of Lopinavir/ritonavir and intErferon-β1b) investigates the efficacy of a combination therapy of lopinavir/ritonavir and recombinant interferon-β1b provided with standard supportive care, compared to placebo provided with standard supportive care, in hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed MERS. The MIRACLE trial is designed as a recursive, two-stage, group sequential, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized controlled trial. The aim of this article is to describe the statistical analysis plan for the MIRACLE trial. The primary outcome is 90-day mortality. The primary analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. The MIRACLE trial is the first randomized controlled trial for MERS treatment.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT02845843. Registered on 27 July 2016.
Danish Evaluation of Your Heart Forecast (DANY): study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial on an interactive risk-communication tool aimed at improving adherence of patients with high blood pressure
Authors: Jensen Anders Elkær , Søndergaard Jens , Kjær Niels Kristian , Jackson Rod , Nielsen Jesper Bo
Published: January 2020

Background

To improve communication of risk messages, they must be communicated in a way that is understandable and relevant to the patient. Communicating risk of cardiovascular disease is a complex and individualised task, since the risk itself is a combination of multiple personal risk factors. Raised blood pressure is but one of these risk factors. In Denmark, only one-third of hypertensive patients are adequately treated, with regards to national clinical guidelines. One reason for this problem is low treatment adherence; tools with documented effects for increasing adherence of patients are limited.

Our objective is to evaluate the effect of a personalised, interactive and dynamic risk-assessment and risk-communication tool: ‘Your Heart Forecast’ (YHF) on blood pressure control, primary non-compliance, health literacy and patient empowerment.

Methods

Cluster-randomised controlled trial in general practice. Effect measures are adherence, blood pressure, lipid levels and empowerment at inclusion and after 6 and 12 months. To identify other benefits or possible adverse effects of the intervention, qualitative interviews will be conducted with a subgroup of patients.

Discussion

The investigators will explore effects of Your Heart Forecast on patients’ health literacy, adherence, empowerment and blood pressure control. The DANish evaluation of Your heart forecast (DANY) project will be the first to rigorously evaluate effects of YHF in Denmark and to link adherence of hypertensive patients exposed to YHF with the national databases of prescriptions and health services provided.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04058847. Registered on 16 August 2019.
Aerobic and resistance training enhances endothelial progenitor cell function via upregulation of caveolin-1 in mice with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhai Lu , Liu Yuhua , Zhao Wenpiao , Chen Qingyun , Guo Tao , Wei Wei , Luo Zhuchun , Huang Yanfeng , Ma Cui , Huang Feng , Dai Xia
Published: January 2020

Background

To explore the effect of aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT) or a combination of AT and RT (AT+RT) on the function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in mice with type 2 diabetes and the potential effective mechanisms

Methods

Eight-week-old db/db male mice were used as type 2 diabetic animal models in this study. Mice were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 5), AT group (n = 5), RT group (n = 5) and AT+RT group (n = 5). Mice in the control group remained sedentary with no specific training requirement. Mice were motivated to perform AT, RT or AT+RT by a gentle pat on their body for 3 or 4 days/week for 14 days. AT was performed by treadmill running, RT was performed by ladder climbing and AT+RT involved both AT and RT. Bone-derived EPCs were isolated after 14 days of the intervention. EPC expression of CD31, CD34, CD133, CD144 and VEGFR2 was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Fluorescence detection was performed on attached mononuclear cells to detect double-positive EPCs. We then explored the effect of caveolin-1 knockdown (lentiviral vector with caveolin-1-siRNA) on the proliferation and adherence of EPCs and the concentration of caveolin-1 and PI3K/AKT via western blot analyses.

Results

Compared to the mice in the control group, the mice in the AT, RT and AT+RT groups presented significant increases in proliferation and adherence after 14 days of intervention. AT+RT induced an increase in EPC adherence, which was greater than that of the control, RT and AT groups. Caveolin-1 knockdown inhibited the EPC proliferative and adherent abilities. The AT+RT group showed higher levels of caveolin-1 and p-AKT than the control group, but these changes were decreased by caveolin-1-siRNA transfection.

Conclusion

Combined AT and RT is an effective way to improve EPC function through upregulation of caveolin-1 in mice with type 2 diabetes.
Influence of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in vitro and their role in ageing
Authors: Fafián-Labora Juan , Morente-López Miriam , Sánchez-Dopico María José , Arntz Onno J. , van de Loo Fons A. J. , De Toro Javier , Arufe María C.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

This study assessed whether mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles influenced ageing and pluripotency markers in cell cultures where they are added.

Methods

MSC-derived extracellular vesicles from old and young rat bone marrows were isolated by ultracentrifugation and were characterised by western blotting, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). They were added to young and old MSC cultures. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions and western blot analysis were performed to check the markers of ageing (vinculin and lamin A), pluripotency markers (Nanog and Oct4) and components of the mTOR signalling pathway (Rictor, Raptor, AKT and mTOR) in these cell populations. Subsequently, microRNA (miR)-188-3p expression was transiently inhibited in young MSCs to demonstrate the influence of mTOR2 on MSC ageing.

Results

Incubation with young MSC-derived extracellular vesicles decreased the levels of ageing markers and components of the mTOR pathway and increased the pluripotency markers from old MSC populations. By contrast, incubation of young MSCs with old MSC-derived extracellular vesicles generated the reverse effects. Inhibition of miR-188-3p expression in young MSCs produced extracellular vesicles that when incubated with old MSCs produced an increase in the levels of Rictor, as well as a decrease of phosphor-AKT, as indicated by a significant decrease in beta-galactosidase staining.

Conclusions

MSC-derived extracellular vesicles affected the behaviour of MSC cultures, based on their composition, which could be modified in vitro. These experiments represented the basis for the development of new therapies against ageing-associated diseases using MSC-derived extracellular vesicles.
SLA-aware resource scheduling algorithm for cloud storage
Authors: Wang Yong , Tao Xiaoling , Zhao Feng , Tian Bo , Vera Venkata Sai Akshita Maradapu
Published: January 2020

Cloud computing is a novel computing paradigm, which connects plenty of computing resources and storage resources via Internet. Cloud computing provides a number of high-quality services, such as cloud storage, outsourcing computing, and on-demand self-service, which have been widely accepted by the public. In cloud computing, by submitting their tasks to cloud, plenty of applications share huge computation and storage resources. However, how to schedule resource efficiently is a big challenge in cloud computing.In this paper, we propose a SLA-aware resource algorithm to enable cloud storage more efficiently. In our scheme, we take advantage of the back-end node space utilization and I/O throughput comprehensively simultaneously. We compare and contrast the existing scheduling storage policies by implementing those algorithms. The extensive tests show that our algorithm achieves a considerable improvement in terms of violation rate and the number of used hosts.
On some Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities for $tgs$-convex functions via generalized fractional integrals
Authors: Mehreen Naila , Anwar Matloob
Published: January 2020

In this research article, we establish some Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities for$tgs$tgs-convex functions via Katugampola fractional integrals andψ-Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals. Through these results we give some new Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities for$tgs$tgs-convex functions via Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals and classical integrals.
Correction to: Detecting neurodegenerative pathology in multiple sclerosis before irreversible brain tissue loss sets in
Authors: Van Schependom Jeroen , Guldolf Kaat , D’hooghe Marie Béatrice , Nagels Guy , D’haeseleer Miguel
Published: January 2020

In the original publication of this article [1], the following statement should be added in the Acknowledgement section.