bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with severity and resolution of intramuscular injection site pain following treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhoea: a prospective cohort study of GToG trial participants
Authors: Ayinde Oluseyi , Ross Jonathan D. C.
Published: June 2020

Background
Intramuscular injection (IMI) pain reduces the acceptability of treatment, but data identifying those at highest risk of severe pain following an injection are limited. This study identified factors associated with the severity, duration and resolution of IMI pain following treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhoea. Methods: Data from a subset of participants (aged 16–70 years) recruited between October 2014 and November 2016 into the ‘Gentamicin for the treatment of gonorrhoea’ trial in England were analysed. Pain was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) immediately after injection. Self-reported duration of pain was collected at a scheduled 2-week follow-up visit. Results: Overall, 688 participants (82% male), reported a median pain VAS score of 23.5 (range 0–100), which was moderate–severe (VAS score >30) in 38% (262/688) of participants. Age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.86 per 5-yearly increase, (0.78–0.94)], gender [female cf. male, aOR 1.62 (1.18–2.24)], ethnicity [Asian cf. Caucasian, aOR 2.79 (1.72–4.51)], body mass index [aOR 0.80 per 5 kgm–2 increase, (0.72–0.89)] and antibiotic regimen [gentamicin cf. ceftriaxone, aOR 3.92, (3.12–4.93)] were associated with moderate–severe injection pain. The median duration of pain was 2 h (range 0–648). Gender [female cf. male, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.76 (0.57–1.00)], ethnicity [Mixed race cf. Caucasian, aHR 0.64 (0.45–0.92)], self-reported pain [aHR 0.97 per 10 mm VAS score increase, (0.95–0.99)] and symptom status [asymptomatic cf. symptomatic aHR 1.35 (1.12–1.64)] were associated with pain resolution. Conclusions: IMI pain is influenced by specific demographic, anthropometric and clinical factors. Knowledge of these factors will help identify those most at risk of pain.
Lexical, syntactic, and pragmatic sources of countability
Authors: Srinivasan Mahesh , Barner David
Published: June 2020

In this chapter, we suggest that the meanings of mass and count nouns result from the interaction of three components of language - lexical roots, syntax, and pragmatic inference. We begin by providing a brief history of early work on the mass-count distinction, and show how the experimental literature gradually converged on the idea that the mass-count distinction is rooted in quantification, rather than in the object/substance distinction. Next, we review experimental evidence suggesting that the mass-count distinction is asymmetric, such that although children and adults expect count nouns to denote individuals, they think that mass nouns can denote a wider range of phenomena including objects, substances, and actions (whether individuated or not). Based on these data, we propose a model in which count syntax takes unindividuated semantic representations as input, and specifies quantification over countable individuals, while mass syntax leaves the measuring dimension up to individual semantic representations, such that some nouns quantify according to mass/volume, while others are lexically specified for individuation and thus quantify according to number. Finally, we suggest that although syntax and lexical semantic representations help determine whether a noun denotes countable individuals, they do not specify which countable individuals they denote. Drawing on evidence from young children's surprising failures in countIng object pieces as whole objects, we propose that nouns themselves do not encode full conceptual criteria for individuation, but instead encode partial criteria that are filled out pragmatically, by contrasting alternative descriptions of objects and their parts.
Branched actin networks are assembled on microtubules by adenomatous polyposis coli for targeted membrane protrusion
Authors: Efimova Nadia , Yang Changsong , Chia Jonathan X. , Li Ning , Lengner Christopher J. , Neufeld Kristi L. , Svitkina Tatyana M.
Published: June 2020

Cell migration is driven by pushing and pulling activities of the actin cytoskeleton, but migration directionality is largely controlled by microtubules. This function of microtubules is especially critical for neuron navigation. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show that branched actin filament networks, the main pushing machinery in cells, grow directly from microtubule tips toward the leading edge in growth cones of hippocampal neurons. Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), a protein with both tumor suppressor and cytoskeletal functions, concentrates at the microtubule-branched network interface, whereas APC knockdown nearly eliminates branched actin in growth cones and prevents growth cone recovery after repellent-induced collapse. Conversely, encounters of dynamic APC-positive microtubule tips with the cell edge induce local actin-rich protrusions. Together, we reveal a novel mechanism of cell navigation involving APC-dependent assembly of branched actin networks on microtubule tips.
Characterization of tellurium and silicon as n-type dopants for GaAsBi
Authors: Stevens Margaret A , Lenney Samuel , McElearney John , Grossklaus Kevin A , Vandervelde Thomas E
Published: June 2020

Films of n-GaAs1-xBix films were grown via molecular beam epitaxy using both Si and Te as dopant sources. Electron mobility was characterized by Hall effect measurements as a function of carrier concentration and Bi content for films with bismuth fractions of x = 0.02 and x = 0.06. While GaAsBi:Te shows lower majority carrier mobility than GaAsBi:Si at low Bi concentrations, the two become comparable as Bi content increases. Furthermore, it was observed that in the presence of bi-metallic Bi-Ga droplets on the film surface, films doped with Si display p-type behavior, likely due to Si preferentially occupying group-V sites. The use of Te as a dopant always resulted in n-type epilayers, making it a more reliable dopant choice for high Bi content films. Finally, ex situ annealing was studied as a method to improve majority carrier mobility in GaAs0.98Bi0.02:Te films, with a 10 min anneal at 350 °C resulting in a 30% improvement in electron mobility. Improvement of film quality was confirmed through spectroscopic ellipsometry examination of film optical properties. Annealing at higher temperatures resulted in electrical, optical, and structural degradation of the GaAsBi films.
Dissolution suppression of self-assembled GaSb quantum dots on silicon by proper surface preparation
Authors: Goroshko Dmitriy , Chusovitin Evgeniy , Subbotin Evgeniy , Chusovitina Svetlana
Published: June 2020

The temperature stability of high-density GaSb quantum dots grown on a Si(111) surface using solid-phase epitaxy is investigated during annealing at 450 °C. It is found that the bare silicon surface plays a critical role in the GaSb decomposition through the destruction of Sb–Ga bonds with the simultaneous formation of Sb–Si bonds. GaSb decomposition can be significantly suppressed if saturated monolayer coverage in the form of the Si(111)-(√3 × √3)-R30°-Sb surface reconstruction is preliminarily formed. This allows GaSb quantum dots to be embedded in the silicon matrix using molecular beam epitaxy at high temperature.
Nanoscale ion implantation using focussed highly charged ions
Authors: Räcke Paul , Wunderlich Ralf , Gerlach Jürgen W , Meijer Jan , Spemann Daniel
Published: June 2020

We introduce a focussed ion beam (FIB) based ion implanter equipped with an electron beam ion source (EBIS), able to produce highly charged ions. As an example of its utilisation, we demonstrate the direct writing of nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond using focussed, mask-less irradiation with Ar8+ ions with sub-micron three dimensional placement accuracy. The ion optical system was optimised and is characterised via secondary electron imaging. The smallest measured foci are below 200 nm, using objective aperture diameters of 5 and 10 µm, showing that nanoscale ion implantation using an EBIS is feasible.
Hybrid vector beams with non-uniform orbital angular momentum density induced by designed azimuthal polarization gradient*
Authors: Han Lei , Qi Shuxia , Liu Sheng , Li Peng , Cheng Huachao , Zhao Jianlin
Published: June 2020

Based on angular amplitude modulation of orthogonal base vectors in common-path interference method, we propose an interesting type of hybrid vector beams with unprecedented azimuthal polarization gradient and demonstrate in experiment. Geometrically, the configured azimuthal polarization gradient is indicated by intriguing mapping tracks of angular polarization states on Poincaré sphere, more than just conventional circles for previously reported vector beams. Moreover, via tailoring relevant parameters, more special polarization mapping tracks can be handily achieved. More noteworthily, the designed azimuthal polarization gradients are found to be able to induce azimuthally non-uniform orbital angular momentum density, while generally uniform for circle-track cases, immersing in homogenous intensity background whatever base states are. These peculiar features may open alternative routes for new optical effects and applications.
D*Dρ and B*Bρ strong couplings in light-cone sum rules *
Authors: Wang Chao , Li Hua-Dong
Published: June 2020

We present an improved calculation of the strong coupling constants

and

in light-cone sum rules, including one-loop QCD corrections of leading power with

meson distribution amplitudes. We further compute subleading-power corrections from two-particle and three-particle higher-twist contributions at leading order up to twist-4 accuracy. The next-to-leading order corrections to the leading power contribution numerically offset the subleading-power corrections to a certain extent, and our numerical results are consistent with those of previous studies on sum rules. A comparison between our results and existing model-dependent estimations is also made.
Re-visiting supersymmetric Janus solutions: a perturbative construction *
Authors: Kim Nakwoo , Kim Se-Jin
Published: June 2020

We construct holographic Janus solutions, which describe a conformal interface in the theory of M2-branes, in four-dimensional gauged supergravities using a perturbative method. In particular, we study three Einstein-scalar systems and their BPS equations, which are derived by Bobev, Pilch, and Warner (2014). The actions of our interest are all consistent truncations of

supergravity, chosen to be invariant under

,

, and

symmetry subgroups of

. The utility of our semi-analytic result is illustrated by the calculation of minimal area surface and the associated holographic entanglement entropy.
Doublet bands at borders of A ≈ 130 island of chiral candidates: Case study of 120I *
Authors: Guo Rui , Liu Yong-Hao , Li Jian , Sun Wu-Ji , Li Li , Ma Ying-Jun
Published: June 2020

Positive-parity doublet bands were reported in 120I. Based on these, we discuss the corresponding experimental characteristics, including rotational alignment, and re-examine the corresponding configuration assignment. The self-consistent tilted axis cranking relativistic mean-field calculations indicate that the doublet bands are built on the configuration

. By adopting the two quasiparticles coupled with a triaxial rotor model, the excitation energies, energy staggering parameter S(I),

, effective angles, and K plots are discussed and compared with available data. The obtained results support the interpretation of chiral doublet bands for the positive-parity doublet bands in 120I, and hence identify this nucleus as the border of the A ≈ 130 island of chiral candidates.
Schrödinger’s ants: a continuous description of Kirman’s recruitment model
Authors: Moran José , Fosset Antoine , Benzaquen Michael , Bouchaud Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2020

We show how the approach to equilibrium in Kirman’s ants model can be fully characterized in terms of the spectrum of a Schrödinger equation with a Pöschl–Teller (tan2) potential. Among other interesting properties, we have found that in the bimodal phase where ants visit mostly one food site at a time, the switch time between the two sources only depends on the ‘spontaneous conversion’ rate and not on the recruitment rate. More complicated correlation functions can be computed exactly, and involve higher and higher eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Schrödinger operator, which can be expressed in terms of hypergeometric functions.
Preparation and characterization of Ag-nanostars@Au-nanowires hierarchical nanostructures for highly sensitive surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zalaffi Maria Sole , Litti Lucio , Canton Patrizia , Meneghetti Moreno , Moretto Ligia Maria , Ugo Paolo
Published: June 2020

In this work we study the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) produced by hierarchical nanostructures obtained by coupling different anisotropic nanomaterial of two SERS active metals, namely Ag nanostars (AgNSs) and Au nanowires (AuNWs). Ag nanostars (AgNSs) are prepared, by a two-step one-pot synthesis by reduction of AgNO3 with hydroxylamine, trisodium citrate and NaOH. AuNWs are obtained by electroless templated synthesis in track-etched polycarbonate membranes with following etching of the template. The two precursors are bound together by bridging with the bifunctional cysteamine molecule, obtaining AgNS@AuNW hierarchical structures. Benzenethiol (BT) is adsorbed on the nanostructured material and used as SERS probe to study the amplification of Raman signals. Experimental results indicate significantly larger Raman enhancement when BT is adsorbed onto the AgNS@AuNW in comparison to AuNWs alone or decorated with quasi-spherical silver nanoparticles obtaining AgNP@AuNW. Digital simulations performed by the boundary element method agree with the experimental findings, showing higher number of hot spots and significantly higher SERS enhancements for AgNS@AuNW versus AuNWs or AgNSs or AgNP@AuNW.
Adaptation and Nostalgia
Authors: Kennedy-Karpat Colleen
Published: June 2020

This essay highlights the shared critical terrain of adaptation and nostalgia: how they critically juxtapose the past with the present, and how they underscore the impossibility of return while also relying on prior experience. It also explores nostalgia’s effect on personal responses to adaptations and its interaction with textual form. Drawing from various areas of literary, media, and performance studies, including film adaptations of children’s literature, Watchmen and its screen adaptations, and Disney’s live-action remakes, this essay underscores how both nostalgia and adaptation are inherently multivalent concepts, and how they each rely on perspective to generate critical meaning.
TULUA Lipoabdominoplasty: No Supraumbilical Elevation Combined With Transverse Infraumbilical Plication, Video Description, and Experience With 164 Patients
Authors: Villegas Francisco
Published: June 2020

Background

TULUA (transverse plication, undermining halted at umbilicus, liposuction [without restrictions], umbilicoplasty with a skin graft, and abdominoplasty with low transverse scar localization) is a fundamentally different lipoabdominoplasty technique intended to reduce the risk of vascular compromise, correct wall laxity through a unique plication, allow freedom in choosing the umbilical position, reduce tension on closure, and keep the final scar low.

Objectives

The objectives of this article were to describe the TULUA technique and its variations, delineate the indications and contraindications, show the expected results, and determine its safety profile.

Methods

A series of 164 patients is presented. The technique’s basic tenets were (1) infraumbilical wide transverse plication; (2) no undermining above the umbilicus; (3) unrestricted liposuction, including the supraumbilical tissues; (4) umbilical amputation and neoumbilicoplasty in the ideal position with a skin graft; and (5) low transverse scar placement. Complications were recorded and tabulated. Results were evaluated utilizing Salles’ and the author’s graded scales.

Results

Scores averaged 9.4 out of 10 on the Salles’ scale and 5.6 out of 6 on the author’s scale, demonstrating adequate correction of the abdominal contour and the wall and skin laxity, with properly placed scars and umbilici, and without compensatory epigastric bulging. Overall, 20% of the patients experienced a complication: 9.7% experienced a delay in either the healing or graft take of the umbilicus, 0.6% developed skin necrosis, 0.6% experienced a wound dehiscence, 2.4% had an infection, and 4.9% developed a seroma.

Conclusions

The TULUA lipoabdominoplasty technique was found to improve abdominal wall laxity and aesthetics to a degree that is similar to traditional abdominoplasty, based on the evaluated parameters. The complications associated with the procedure are within the range of other abdominoplasty techniques, and the technique potentially has a reasonable safety profile with less risk of vascular compromise.

Level of Evidence: 4
Maternal predation risk increases offspring’s exploration but does not affect schooling behavior
Authors: Cattelan Silvia , Herbert-Read James , Panizzon Paolo , Devigili Alessandro , Griggio Matteo , Pilastro Andrea , Morosinotto Chiara
Published: June 2020

The environment that parents experience can influence their reproductive output and their offspring’s fitness via parental effects. Perceived predation risk can affect both parent and offspring phenotype, but it remains unclear to what extent offspring behavioral traits are affected when the mother is exposed to predation risk. This is particularly unclear in live-bearing species where maternal effects could occur during embryogenesis. Here, using a half-sib design to control for paternal effects, we experimentally exposed females of a live-bearing fish, the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), to visual predator cues and conspecific alarm cues during their gestation. Females exposed to predation risk cues increased their antipredator behaviors throughout the entire treatment. Offspring of mothers exposed to the predation stimuli exhibited more pronounced exploratory behavior, but did not show any significant differences in their schooling behavior, compared to controls. Thus, while maternally perceived risk affected offspring’s exploration during early stages of life, offspring’s schooling behavior could be influenced more by direct environmental experience rather than via maternal cues. Our results suggest a rather limited role in predator-induced maternal effects on the behavior of juvenile guppies.
Deep-learning method for data association in particle tracking
Authors: Yao Yao , Smal Ihor , Grigoriev Ilya , Akhmanova Anna , Meijering Erik
Published: June 2020

Motivation

Biological studies of dynamic processes in living cells often require accurate particle tracking as a first step toward quantitative analysis. Although many particle tracking methods have been developed for this purpose, they are typically based on prior assumptions about the particle dynamics, and/or they involve careful tuning of various algorithm parameters by the user for each application. This may make existing methods difficult to apply by non-expert users and to a broader range of tracking problems. Recent advances in deep-learning techniques hold great promise in eliminating these disadvantages, as they can learn how to optimally track particles from example data.

Results

Here, we present a deep-learning-based method for the data association stage of particle tracking. The proposed method uses convolutional neural networks and long short-term memory networks to extract relevant dynamics features and predict the motion of a particle and the cost of linking detected particles from one time point to the next. Comprehensive evaluations on datasets from the particle tracking challenge demonstrate the competitiveness of the proposed deep-learning method compared to the state of the art. Additional tests on real-time-lapse fluorescence microscopy images of various types of intracellular particles show the method performs comparably with human experts.

Availability and implementation

The software code implementing the proposed method as well as a description of how to obtain the test data used in the presented experiments will be available for non-commercial purposes from https://github.com/yoyohoho0221/pt_linking.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Proximate and ultimate drivers of variation in bite force in the insular lizardsPodarcis melisellensisandPodarcis sicula
Authors: Taverne Maxime , King-Gillies Nina , Krajnović Maria , Lisičić Duje , Mira Óscar , Petricioli Donat , Sabolić Iva , Štambuk Anamaria , Tadić Zoran , Vigliotti Chloé , Wehrle Beck , Herrel Anthony
Published: June 2020

Bite force is a key performance trait in lizards because biting is involved in many ecologically relevant tasks, including foraging, fighting and mating. Several factors have been suggested to impact bite force in lizards, such as head morphology (proximate factors), or diet, intraspecific competition and habitat characteristics (ultimate factors). However, these have been generally investigated separately and mostly at the interspecific level. Here we tested which factors drive variation in bite force at the population level and to what extent. Our study includes 20 populations of two closely related lacertid species, Podarcis melisellensis and Podarcis sicula, which inhabit islands in the Adriatic. We found that lizards with more forceful bites have relatively wider and taller heads, and consume more hard prey and plant material. Island isolation correlates with bite force, probably by driving resource availability. Bite force is only poorly explained by proxies of intraspecific competition. The linear distance from a large island and the proportion of difficult-to-reduce food items consumed are the ultimate factors that explain most of the variation in bite force. Our findings suggest that the way in which morphological variation affects bite force is species-specific, probably reflecting the different selective pressures operating on the two species.
Heterosexist Attitudes amongst Students Entering a Bachelor of Social Work Programme in Switzerland: Exploring Continuing Challenges for Social Work Education
Authors: Gredig Daniel , Bartelsen-Raemy Annabelle
Published: June 2020

Social work programmes are expected to enable students to work adequately with sexual minorities. In Switzerland, however, curricular content on sexual minorities is lacking in BSW programmes. Potential sexual prejudice is not explicitly addressed. This study aimed to assess the attitudes towards lesbian women and gay men amongst students entering the BSW programme of a university in Switzerland to establish a basis for discussing curriculum development. Students entering the programme from 2015 through 2018 were surveyed using an online questionnaire. Heterosexist attitudes were captured using the ‘Multidimensional Scale of Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men’. The responding 955 entering students reported positive attitudes towards lesbians and gay men and evidenced low levels of heterosexist views. However, only 4.3 per cent of the respondents consistently disagreed with all items expressing heterosexist views, whilst 43.3 per cent completely agreed with at least one item. The views expressed by male participants expressed significantly higher levels of heterosexism than did those of female participants. The findings evidence uncertainties and a lack of reflection on unquestioned but heteronormative views. This reflects a need to infuse BSW programmes with sexual minority content, to provide opportunities for critical reflection and to address heteronormative and heterosexist views.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Typhoidal Salmonella: Around the World in 3 Days
Authors: Saha Senjuti , Sajib Mohammad Saiful Islam , Garrett Denise , Qamar Farah N
Published: June 2020

With the increasing antibacterial resistance in typhoidal Salmonella and the dearth of novel antimicrobials on the horizon, we risk losing our primary defense against widespread morbidity and mortality from enteric fever. During 26–28 March 2019, researchers from around the world came together in Hanoi, Vietnam, and shared some of their latest findings on antimicrobial resistance. From the 258 abstracts presented at the conference, at least 50 discussed phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of antimicrobial resistance in typhoidal Salmonella, covering data of at least 24 different countries, spanning 5 continents. Here, we summarize the key findings, focusing on our global journey ahead.
Impact of electronic alerts for acute kidney injury on patient outcomes: interrupted time-series analysis of population cohort data
Authors: Baird David , De Souza Nicosha , Logan Rachael , Walker Heather , Guthrie Bruce , Bell Samira
Published: June 2020

Background

Automated acute kidney injury (AKI) electronic alerts (e-alerts) are rule-based warnings triggered by changes in creatinine and are intended to facilitate earlier detection in AKI. We assessed the impact of the introduction in the Tayside region of UK in April 2015 of automated AKI e-alerts with an accompanying education programme.

Methods

Interrupted time-series analysis using segmented regression was performed involving all adults with AKI aged ≥18 years who had a serum creatinine measured between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2017. Analysis evaluated associations of AKI e-alert introduction on rate and severity (Stages 2–3) of AKI as well as mortality and occupied hospital bed days per patient per month in the population with AKI.

Results

There were 32 320 episodes of AKI during the observation period. Implementation of e-alerts had no effect on the rate of any AKI [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.996, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.991 to 1.001, P = 0.086] or on the rate of severe AKI (IRR 0.995, 95% CI 0.990 to 1.000, P = 0.061). Subgroup analysis found no impact on the rate or severity of AKI in hospital or in the community. Thirty-day mortality following AKI did not improve (IRR 0.998, 95% CI 0.987 to 1.009, P = 0.688). There was a slight reduction in occupied bed days (β-coefficient −0.059, 95% CI −0.094 to −0.025, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Introduction of automated AKI e-alerts was not associated with a change in the rate, severity or mortality associated with AKI, but there was a small reduction in occupied hospital bed days.
Optically Improved Mitochondrial Function Redeems Aged Human Visual Decline
Authors: Shinhmar Harpreet , Grewal Manjot , Sivaprasad Sobha , Hogg Chris , Chong Victor , Neveu Magella , Jeffery Glen
Published: June 2020

The age spectrum of human populations is shifting toward the older with larger proportions suffering physical decline. Mitochondria influence the pace of aging as the energy they provide for cellular function in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) declines with age. Mitochondrial density is greatest in photoreceptors, particularly cones that have high energy demands and mediate color vision. Hence, the retina ages faster than other organs, with a 70% ATP reduction over life and a significant decline in photoreceptor function. Mitochondria have specific light absorbance characteristics influencing their performance. Longer wavelengths spanning 650–>1,000 nm improve mitochondrial complex activity, membrane potential, and ATP production. Here, we use 670-nm light to improve photoreceptor performance and measure this psychophysically in those aged 28–72 years. Rod and cone performance declined significantly after approximately 40 years of age. 670-nm light had no impact in younger individuals, but in those around 40 years and older, significant improvements were obtained in color contrast sensitivity for the blue visual axis (tritan) known to display mitochondrial vulnerability. The red visual axis (protan) improved but not significantly. Rod thresholds also improved significantly in those >40 years. Using specific wavelengths to enhance mitochondrial performance will be significant in moderating the aging process in this metabolically demanding tissue.
Leisure-time physical activity, coping and life satisfaction among Korean individuals with physical disabilities
Authors: Kim Junhyoung , Kim Jaehyun , Han Areum
Published: June 2020

A few studies explored the relationships among leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), coping, and life satisfaction among individuals with physical disabilities. This study aims to investigate how LPTA contributes to coping and life satisfaction among Korean individuals with physical disabilities. Using a purposive sampling strategy, a total of 351 people with physical disabilities participated in this study. The results of this study find that participation in LTPA leads to the development of active coping strategies that contribute to increased life satisfaction. This study suggests that encouraging LTPA participation can be a critical task to healthcare providers working with individuals with physical disabilities.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Compression Interventions for Managing Hand Burn Edema, as Measured by Bioimpedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Edwick Dale O , Hince Dana A , Rawlins Jeremy M , Wood Fiona M , Edgar Dale W
Published: June 2020

Compression, a common treatment of choice for the management of edema, is one intervention that is applied with little objective understanding of the optimal parameters of application or efficacy in acute burn wounds. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of different methods of compression for the management of hand edema following burn injury. The primary hypothesis tested was that in acute hand burn injury, the application of cohesive bandage will reduce edema faster than a generic compression glove. It is a randomized controlled study of 100 patients presenting with hand burn injury. Compression was randomized to one of the three methods of application: 1) spiral application of Coban to fingers, figure of eight to hand and wrist; 2) pinch application of Coban to fingers, spiral application to hand and wrist; or 3) a generic compression glove (control condition). Bioimpedance spectroscopy was used to measure hand volumes. Hand and wrist range of movement, pain scores, and QuickDASH were recorded. One hundred patients (68 males) demonstrated significant reductions in hand volumes, using all compression methods. Both methods of applying Coban resulted in significantly greater reductions in edema compared to the generic compression glove. Notwithstanding compression method, all range of movement measures improved, with significant improvement in thumb opposition (P = .046), hand span (P = .020), and wrist flexion (P = .020). QuickDASH decreased between sessions (P < .001). Different methods of applying Coban are superior to generic compression gloves for managing acute hand burn edema.
Work-Related Burn Injuries in a Tertiary Care Burn Center, 2013 to 2018
Authors: Nurczyk Kamil , Chrisco Lori P , Di Corpo Marco , Nizamani Rabia , Sljivic Sanja , Calvert Catherine T , Jones Samuel W , Cairns Bruce A , Williams Felicia N
Published: June 2020

The features of work-related burn (WRB) injuries are not well defined in the literature and they vary depending on geographical location. We wanted to describe these characteristics among patients treated in the UNC Burn Center to evaluate the potential impact of commonly accepted prevention efforts. Adults of working age, admitted between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018, were identified using our Burn Center Registry. Demographic data, characteristics of injury, course of treatment, and patients’ outcomes were described. Differences between work-related and non-work-related injuries were evaluated using the Chi-square test and Student t-test where appropriate. Three thousand five hundred and forty-five patients were included. WRB cases constituted 18% of the study population, and this proportion remained relatively stable during the study timeframe. Young white males were the majority of this group. When compared with non-WRB patients, they were characterized by fewer co-morbidities, decreased TBSA burns, decreased risk of inhalation injury, shorter time of intensive care treatment, shorter lengths of hospital stay, and lower treatment cost. In contrast to non-WRB, among which flame injuries were the main reason for admission, work-related patients most often suffered scald burns. They also had a dramatically increased proportion of chemical and electrical burns, making the latter the most common cause of death in that group. WRB are characterized by a characteristic patient profile, burn etiologies, and outcomes. Learning specific patterns at this group may contribute to optimize work safety regulations and medical interventions.
Association between low doses of ionizing radiation, administered acutely or chronically, and time to onset of stroke in a rat model
Authors: Takahashi Norio , Misumi Munechika , Murakami Hideko , Niwa Yasuharu , Ohishi Waka , Inaba Toshiya , Nagamachi Akiko , Suzuki Gen
Published: June 2020

Exposure to high-doses of ionizing radiation has been reported to be associated with the risk of stroke. However, risks associated with lower dose exposures remain unclear, and there is little information available for the risk modification according to the dose-rate. There are few studies using animal models which might be able to provide complementary information on this association. In this study, the male stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) was used as a model animal. The rats were acutely irradiated with doses between 0 and 1.0 Gy or chronically irradiated with a cumulative dose of 0.5 or 1.0 Gy (at a dose rate of 0.05 or 0.1 Gy/day, respectively). The onset time of stroke related symptoms in SHRSP was used as an endpoint for evaluating the effects of low dose and the low dose-rate gamma-ray exposures. With respect to acute exposure, the time to the onset of stroke in the irradiated rats suggested the presence of a threshold around 0.1 Gy. For the low dose-rate chronically exposed, no significant increase in stroke symptom was observed. These findings are novel and demonstrate that the SHRSP system can be used to determine the association between the risk of stroke and radiation exposure with high sensitivity. Moreover, these studies provide important information regarding the association between the low dose and low dose-rate radiation exposure and circulatory diseases, especially stroke.
Competition (Law Enforcement) and Economic Growth
Authors: Cheng Thomas K
Published: June 2020

This chapter assesses whether competition promotes economic growth. In contemplating the design of competition policy in a developing country, the first question to be answered is whether a policy that aims to maximize competition with competition law enforcement will deliver economic growth and meet the development needs of a developing country. As indicated by all the growth models examined in the previous chapter, the key to economic growth is the ability to create more output for the economy with existing resources; it relies on productivity gains and innovation. The chapter then examines whether competition promotes productivity growth and innovation. Overall, there is overwhelming evidence that increased competition leads to higher productivity and economic growth. There is also very strong evidence that competition law enforcement promotes productivity and economic growth. However, it should be noted that at least one study concludes that competition law enforcement has negligible effect on economic growth. Meanwhile, there is some conflicting evidence as to whether a minimum degree of institutional capacity is needed to allow a country to benefit from the introduction of competition law. One other factor that has been traditionally given a high degree of importance for economic growth in developing countries is foreign direct investment.
Industrial Policy and Competition Law Enforcement
Authors: Cheng Thomas K
Published: June 2020

This chapter examines the role of industrial policy in developing countries. On the one hand, industrial policy is arguably the antithesis of competition law and policy. Industrial policy substitutes government planning for competition and is vehemently opposed if not maligned by adherents of free market economics. Industrial policy as practiced in some countries such as Japan and Korea have entailed government-organized cartels and the grooming of national champions, both of which are direct affronts to the notion of competition. On the other hand, to the defenders of industrial policy, it has successfully lifted a number of Asian countries out of poverty and turned them into industrial and technological powerhouses. However, even the extent to which the success of these economies can be attributed to industrial policy is highly contested. There are hence two layers to the controversy. The first is whether industrial policy worked at all. The second is even if it did, whether a growth strategy relying on competition is superior to industrial policy, and if not, how competition law enforcement should accommodate industrial policy.
Arbitration Procedure and Assistance and Control by the Court
Authors: Oda Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

This chapter focuses on the arbitration procedure. The Russian Law on International Commercial Arbitration does not contain detailed provisions on the procedure of arbitration as is the case with the UNCITRAL Model Law. Parties may freely agree on the procedure of arbitration provided that the agreement is compatible with the Law on International Commercial Arbitration. In the absence of such an agreement, the arbitration tribunal may conduct arbitration as they find adequate, including deciding on the admissibility, relativity, and significance of evidence. Therefore, details of the procedure are determined by the institutional rules. The fundamental principle of arbitral procedure is the equality of the parties. Each party must be given every possibility of presenting their own case. The chapter then looks at the provisions on the assistance and control of arbitration by the court introduced by the 2015 Reform.
The Law of Proprietary Estoppel
Authors: McFarlane Ben
Published: June 2020

This book provides a comprehensive and practically structured resource on the doctrine of proprietary estoppel. It offers answers to a number of difficult problems arising in recent litigation and guidance on managing proprietary estoppel cases. Relevant authorities are set out in an accessible format addressing issues that arise in practice, such as ‘reasonable reliance’, ‘unconscionable conduct’, and ‘satisfying the equity’. The long-standing doctrine of proprietary estoppel has come to prominence in recent years—it is regularly discussed by courts at all levels and is frequently pleaded by litigants wishing to show that they have informally acquired an interest in land. There is also much debate regarding the relationship between proprietary estoppel and other doctrines, such as constructive trusts and unjust enrichment. A problem faced by anyone seeking to make, or respond to, a proprietary estoppel claim is that the law is to be found almost entirely in cases. This second edition provides a clear structure with which to understand the law. It draws together all of the relevant scholarship on proprietary estoppel and makes reference to useful cases from outside the jurisdiction of England and Wales to aid understanding of the law and related doctrines.
Formal Requirements and Other Possible Bars
Authors: McFarlane Ben
Published: June 2020

This chapter considers more specific statutory and common law rules that may also seem to have the potential to deny, or at least affect, a claim based on proprietary estoppel. It therefore considers the effect of informality, incapacity, ultra vires, and illegality. The chapter focuses in particular on informality, as this is the area of most practical importance. In its interaction with rules as to formality, capacity, vires, or legality, proprietary estoppel is no different from any other legal doctrine: it will not be allowed to operate in such a way as to stultify or undermine the statutory or common law rule. The effect of a particular statutory provision on a proprietary estoppel claim will therefore depend on ‘the nature of the enactment, the purpose of the provision and the social policy behind it’; the same can be said for the impact of a non-statutory rule. The court will also have to consider the conduct of each of A and B and whether it would, overall, be ‘disproportionate’ to deny B’s claim. The precise nature of the claimed estoppel is therefore important.
Jurisdiction Over Crimes Against Humanity
Authors: Mettraux Guénaël
Published: June 2020

This chapter examines the jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes against humanity. There is no international convention providing for a jurisdictional arrangement regarding crimes against humanity similar to the one provided for grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions or genocide. However, the absence of a conventional root did not foreclose the development of a principle of international law pursuant to which states enjoy a right to exercise universal jurisdiction over crimes against humanity. Crimes against humanity are crimes which, by their nature and magnitude, affect the interests of humanity as a whole. Thus, when a nation takes on the responsibility of prosecuting such crimes, it effectively acts on behalf of all nations. The chapter then considers the effect of the right to exercise universal jurisdiction over crimes against humanity. In some jurisdictions, the existence of such a right would provide a valid and sufficient jurisdictional basis on which judicial and prosecutorial authorities could bring such cases to justice. The recognition of the existence of such a right could also be sufficient and provide the necessary support in some jurisdictions to authorize the extradition of an individual suspected of committing crimes against humanity.
The Void Inside
Authors: Keel Pamela K.
Published: June 2020

Right now, more than 2 million girls and women in the United States suffer from purging disorder, an eating disorder characterized by vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications to control weight or shape, and nearly half a million boys and men join them. But purging disorder’s status as an “other” eating disorder has left it invisible to all but those who suffer from it. This book provides the go-to resource for accurate, scientifically based information for those who suffer with the illness, their friends and loved ones, health professionals, educators, and anyone interested in learning about this hidden psychiatric illness. This book distinguishes purging disorder from the better-known eating disorders, explains what factors contribute to its unique development and maintenance and what treatments work, and describes outcomes associated with this illness. Topics include the emergence of purging disorder as a “new” eating disorder at the turn of the millennium; cross-cultural presentations of the illness; theories and research findings regarding social, psychological, and biological mechanisms driving this illness; medical complications associated with purging; approaches to assessment and treatment; and information on recovery from 10 weeks to 10 years following diagnosis with purging disorder. Case studies and quotes from those impacted by purging disorder present how the illness affects the lives of real people to underscore the severity, chronicity, and need for greater awareness of this invisible illness.
Acute Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Impulse Control Disorders After Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Ramirez-Zamora Adolfo
Published: June 2020

Neuropsychiatric symptoms, including impulse control disorders and mood changes, are common nonmotor features across all Parkinson disease (PD) stages. Subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a safe and well-established treatment for the management of refractory motor fluctuations in PD; however, it has been associated with worsening neuropsychiatric symptoms in the short and long term. Recognizing the occurrence of stimulation-induced behavioral symptoms is critical to implement effective and timely treatment. Most reports indicate that stimulation of the ventral and medial region within the STN and surrounding structures, including the substantia nigra, might account for the occurrence of acute impulsive behaviors and hypomania, requiring adopting different programming strategies aimed at limiting behavioral side effects while reducing parkinsonism. Stimulation of the most dorsal and lateral contacts can mitigate behavioral side effects after STN DBS, but specific treatment needs to be applied based on the patient’s individual neuropsychiatric and motor presentations and specific imaging-based brain localization of DBS lead contacts.
What is general practice?
Authors: Simon Chantal , Everitt Hazel , van Dorp Françoise , Hussain Nazia , Nash Emma , Peet Danielle
Published: June 2020

This chapter in the Oxford Handbook of General Practice describes general practice in the UK, including what general practice is, how to become a general practitioner (GP) in the UK, education in primary care, appraisal and revalidation, working arrangements, career options, good medical practice, the multidisciplinary team, Foundation doctors, stress in general practice, organizations important to general practice, and practice in other countries.
Cardiology and vascular disease
Authors: Simon Chantal , Everitt Hazel , van Dorp Françoise , Hussain Nazia , Nash Emma , Peet Danielle
Published: June 2020

This chapter in the Oxford Handbook of General Practice explores cardiology and vascular disease (CVD) in general practice. It covers the symptoms and signs of CVD, how to examine the heart and arterial system, cardiac investigation, common electrocardiogram changes, and prevention of CVD. It reviews hypertension and blood pressure measurement, hyperlipidaemia, and angina. It examines myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, infective endocarditis, rheumatic fever, myocarditis, pericarditis, cardiomyopathy, heart transplant, valve disease and other structural heart abnormalities, as well as aneurysms, chronic peripheral ischaemia, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, and deep vein thrombosis.
Infectious disease
Authors: Simon Chantal , Everitt Hazel , van Dorp Françoise , Hussain Nazia , Nash Emma , Peet Danielle
Published: June 2020

This chapter in the Oxford Handbook of General Practice explores infectious disease in general practice. It covers immunization and symptoms, signs, and notification of infectious disease. It explores sepsis, illness in returning travellers, and immunocompromise. It also examines childhood viral infections, staphylococcal and streptococcal infection, and other bacterial infections.