bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A preliminary study of an intelligent grip force collector and service system for the elderly
Authors: Luo Shijian , Li Wenjie , Wei Mingya , Huang Yichao
Published: February 2019

China has the most elderly people in the world, and home-based care is the best choice. Existing Chinese home smart health monitoring products and service systems for the elderly are relatively lacking. Numerous clinical and epidemiological studies show that grip force has the potential to be a predictor of short-term and long-term mortality and morbidity. Better collection and investigation of elderly grip force can help achieve real-time monitoring of their physical condition and healthy aging. This research studied an intelligent grip force collector and service system for the elderly. First, shortcomings of existing grip force collectors were examined; user needs, product functions, and system requirements were summarized by researching 60 target users. Then, hand model data of the elderly were collected and exploratory adjustments were carried out for the hardware product design. Next, six target users were invited to test the interactive prototype; finally, the interface design of the service system was optimized and completed. The study incorporates consultation with rehabilitation doctors from a hospital in Hangzhou. The final product design makes combined software and hardware innovations, guiding self-health monitoring and management of the elderly, strengthening prevention of health risks, and improving user experience compared to that with existing products.
Intra-rater reliability of transversus abdominis measurement by a novice examiner: Comparison of “freehand” to “probe force device” method of real-time ultrasound imaging
Authors: Kennedy Vanessa L , Flavell Carol A , Doma Kenji
Published: February 2019

A “free hand” real-time-ultrasound method is commonly applied to measure transversus abdominis. Potentially, this increases transversus abdominis measurement error due to uncontrolled variability in probe to skin force, inclination, and roll, particularly for novice examiners. This single-group repeated-measures reliability study compared the intra-rater reliability of transversus abdominis thickness and activation measurement by a novice examiner between free hand and a standardized probe force device method. The examiner captured ultrasound videos of transversus abdominis in a single session in healthy participants ( n =  33). Free hand ultrasound featured uncontrolled probe force, inclination, and roll, while probe force device method ultrasound standardized these parameters. Images of transversus abdominis at rest and contracted were measured and transversus abdominis activation calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, standard error of measurement, and worthwhile differences were calculated. The probe force device method resulted in greater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.75–0.96) and lower measurement error (coefficient of variation = 8.89–28.7%) compared to free hand (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.63–0.93; coefficient of variation = 6.52–29.4%). Reliability was good for all measurements except free hand TrA-C, which was moderate. TrA-C had the lowest reliability, followed by contracted thickness of the transverse abdominis, with resting thickness of the transverse abdominis being highest. Worthwhile differences were lower using a probe force device method versus free hand for resting thickness of the transverse abdominis and contracted thickness of the transverse abdominis and similar for TrA-C. Standardization using probe force device method ultrasound to measure transversus abdominis improved intra-rater reliability in a novice examiner. Use of a probe force device method is recommended to improve reliability through reduced sources of measurement error. Probe force device method intra- and inter-rater reliability in examiners of varying experience, in clinical populations, and to visualize other structures merits exploration.
Peer victimization and its relationship to self-esteem in children with mild intellectual disability and borderline intellectual functioning in regular and special schools: An exploratory study in urban Bengaluru
Authors: Nambiar Priyanka , Jangam Kavita , Roopesh BN , Bhaskar Adhin
Published: February 2019

The Research in the field of mental health and educational needs of children with intellectual disabilities has increased over the years. However, the focus on milder disabilities such as mild intellectual disability and borderline intellectual functioning (MBID; intelligence quotient: 50–85) is still limited. The current study aimed at understanding peer victimization and its relationship to the self-esteem of children with MBID in regular and special schools. The study utilized a cross-sectional research design with a sample of 40 children who met the inclusion criteria. On analysis, the results showed that peer victimization was more common in regular schools ( U = 51, p ≤ 0.001), wherein the peer victimization had a significant negative correlation with their self-esteem ( r = −0.536, p ≤ 0.001). Overall, the findings implied the need for promotion of inclusive education in regular schools by sensitization against peer victimization of children with disabilities.
Methodological lessons on measuring quality teaching in Southern contexts, with a focus on India and Pakistan
Authors: Aslam Monazza , Malik Rabea , Rawal Shenila , Rose Pauline , Vignoles Anna , Whitaker Lydia
Published: February 2019

Quantifying the impact of teaching quality on pupil learning, and understanding what teacher characteristics or practices are likely to improve student achievement, are pressing research questions in all countries. Empirical evidence also needs to be context specific since different education systems are likely to have different facilitators and barriers to good teaching. Existing evidence, largely from the US, suggests a number of strong research designs that enable researchers to model the impact of teaching on pupil achievement. However, operationalising these models in more resource-constrained contexts is challenging. In this paper we describe our attempt to model the impact of teachers and their practices on pupil achievement using the quantitative data generated for this research (household and school surveys with a teacher survey and an attempt to assess teacher knowledge). We describe the challenges when trying to implement this approach in the Indian and Pakistan context and the methodological adaptions needed. We reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of our approach. We note that existing literature tends to provide relatively minimal descriptions of the specific research design and instruments used to model teacher quality and hence provides a partial picture of methodological considerations. In this paper we contribute a detailed and frank account of developing a workable research design and the challenges we encountered.
Preoperative fasting durations for adult elective surgical patients: Convenient for the professional, but detrimental to the patient? A narrative review
Authors: King Emma
Published: February 2019

Preoperative fasting is necessary in reducing the risk of aspiration of stomach contents when undergoing a procedure that requires anaesthesia. There are numerous guidelines based upon evidence-based practice that outline the safe duration of a fast prior to the induction of anaesthesia. Common practice however is to give advice that unnecessarily starves the patient leading to perioperative complications. There is a breadth of literature analysing the fasting durations of various institutions, with a consensus of fasting from midnight being the norm, and side effects of nausea and dehydration being unfortunate by-products of fasting. A review of the literature examines the continued poor compliance of evidenced-based practice.
Phenotypic switch of human and mouse macrophages and resultant effects on apoptosis resistance in hepatocytes
Authors: Bai Li , Chen Yu , Zheng Sujun , Ren Feng , Kong Ming , Liu Shuang , Han Yuanping , Duan Zhongping
Published: February 2019

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) carries a significant burden on critical care services and health care resources. However, the exact pathogenesis of ACLF remains to be elucidated, and novel treatments are desperately required. In our previous work, we utilized mice subjected to acute insult in the context of hepatic fibrosis to simulate the development of ACLF and documented the favorable hepatoprotection conferred by M2-like macrophages in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, we focused on the phenotypic switch of human and mouse macrophages and assessed the effects of this switch on apoptosis resistance in hepatocytes. For this purpose, human and mouse macrophages were isolated and polarized into M0, M(IFN-γ), M(IFN-γ→IL-4), M(IL-4) or M(IL-4→IFN-γ) subsets. Conditioned media (CM) from these subsets were applied to human and mouse hepatocytes followed by apoptosis induction. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by immunostaining for cleaved caspase-3. As a result, M(IFN-γ) or M(IL-4) macrophages switched their phenotype into M(IFN-γ→IL-4) or M(IL-4→IFN-γ) through reprogramming with IL-4 or IFN-γ, respectively. Importantly, hepatocytes pre-treated with M(IFN-γ→IL-4) CMs exhibited much weaker expression of cleaved caspase-3, compared to those pre-treated with M(IFN-γ) CM, and vice versa. Together, phenotypic switch of macrophages toward M(IL-4) phenotype confers hepatocytes enhanced resistance to apoptosis.
Sero-prevalence of transfusion-transmittable infections and associated factors among blood donors in Eastern Ethiopia: an Institutional-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Heyredin Ibrahim , Mengistie Bezatu , Weldegebreal Fitsum
Published: February 2019

Background:

Blood transfusion saves millions of lives each year globally. But, it was associated with certain risks which can lead to adverse consequences. However, there is paucity of information regarding to the sero-prevalence and risk factor of transfusion-transmittable infections among blood donors in Eastern Ethiopia.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the sero-prevalence of transfusion-transmittable infections and associated factors among blood donors in Eastern Ethiopia from February to March 2018.

Methods:

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 blood donors in Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and laboratory blood screening. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Statistically significance was considered at p < 0.05.

Results:

The overall sero-prevalence of transfusion-transmittable infections was 12.4% (95% confidence interval: 9.5, 15.3). Hepatitis B virus (6.6%) and syphilis (3.4%) were found at high magnitude. Those with family having human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis (adjusted odd ratio = 2.91; 95% confidence interval: 1.33, 6.33), giving care for human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis patient (adjusted odd ratio = 3.24; 95% confidence interval: 1.49, 7.07), multiple sex partner (adjusted odd ratio = 2.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.21, 5.19), unsafe sex (adjusted odd ratio = 2.99; 95% confidence interval: 1.51, 5.92), dental procedure (adjusted odd ratio = 2.75; 95% confidence interval: 1.20, 6.28), and had no formal education (adjusted odd ratio = 2.46; 95% confidence interval: 1.24, 4.86) were significantly associated with transfusion-transmittable infections.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of transfusion-transmittable infections in this study was relatively high compared to studies conducted earlier in Ethiopia. Factors such as unsafe sex, multiple sex partner, dental procedure, and family with human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis, provide health care for human immunodeficiency virus–infected or hepatitis patients, donor type, and educational level were significantly associated with transmission-transmittable infections. Thus, health promotion about prevention and control transmission-transmittable infections should be given to the community by considering the identified risk factors. Each of the blood banks and regional health bureaus in the study area should mobilize community for increasing repeated voluntary donors through promotion of blood bank activity.
The use of clozapine and clonazepam co-administration in the treatment of a severe tardive dyskinesia: A case report
Authors: Haile Kibrom , Umer Halima
Published: February 2019

This is a case report of a patient who was treated with clozapine and clonazepam after he developed neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia following treatment for schizophrenia. There are reports of clozapine treatment itself causing tardive dyskinesia; however, more reports have shown clozapine’s benefit for patients with neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia. This is a case report of a patient with neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia who benefitted from clozapine treatment with adjuvant use of clonazepam – the first such case report from Ethiopia. A 43-year-old male patient developed severe involuntary abnormal body movements mainly involving the trunk after he received chlorpromazine for 8 years for the diagnosis of schizophrenia. When the movement disorder became intolerable and disabling, the diagnosis of severe neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia was established and the patient was started on clozapine with adjuvant clonazepam treatment. Following such management, the patient responded well and the dyskinetic movements were fully controlled, and the patient was able to work. Patients with severe and disabling neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia can be treated and be productive if they receive treatment with clozapine, with adjuvant use of clonazepam.
Cross-sectional study of smoking exposure: no differential effect on OCT metrics in a cohort of MS patients
Authors: Rosso Mattia , Kimbrough Dorlan J , Gonzalez Cindy T , Glanz Bonnie I , Healy Brian C , Rocca Maria Assunta , Filippi Massimo , Weiner Howard , Chitnis Tanuja
Published: February 2019

Background

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides quantitative measures of retinal layer thickness. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS) onset and disease severity: its effects on OCT metrics have not been assessed.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of smoking history on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform (GCIP) of MS patients by OCT.

Methods

112 MS patients were recruited from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Spectralis OCT scans were acquired to measure GCIP, peripapillary RNFL, and total macular volume. Multivariable linear mixed effects regression model assessed RNFL and GCIP change with fixed effects for smoking history while adjusting for optic neuritis eye status, age, disease duration, sex, baseline EDSS, and disease modifying therapies (DMTs).

Results

Smoking histories were available for 102 patients: 46 (45.10%) had a history of smoking cigarettes and 56 (54.90%) never smoked. No statistically significant differences were found between ever-smokers and never-smokers with respect to GCIP, RNFL, and macular volume.

Conclusion

Our study shows no significant difference in retinal thickness between ever-smokers and never-smokers. If confirmed, this result suggests mechanistic differences between the retina and other central nervous system (CNS) compartments in response to smoking and should be noted when considering OCT as a surrogate measure of CNS activity.
The Effect of Incremental Innovation and Disruptive Innovation on the Sustainable Development of Manufacturing in China
Authors: Li Bingqiang , Huang Lei
Published: February 2019

Innovation is an important driver for the promotion of manufacturing, and governmental intervention could significantly affect the development of innovation and manufacturing in China. The purpose of this article was to reveal different modes of innovation regarding the development of manufacturing in China. A theoretical model was used to analyze the effects of incremental innovation and disruptive innovation on the sustainable development of the manufacturing industry from the aspect of the industry’s ability to survive under governmental intervention; a corresponding empirical analysis was performed from perspectives of the whole nation and various regions using a panel data model. The results demonstrated that the promotion of the incremental innovation ability was not beneficial to enhance the ability to survive and that the effect of disruptive innovation was the opposite from the aspect of national level. The influencing directions of various innovation modes in the developed region and the underdeveloped region coincided generally with those at the national level but achieved larger effects individually, with stronger effects occurring in the underdeveloped region compared with those in the developed region, while opposite effects occurring in the region with medium development.
Investigation of the effect of para-amino benzoic acid (PABA) added starch-coated chemicals on the printability properties of paper
Authors: Ozcan Arif
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

Paper is the most important material of the printing industry and is being improved due to the increasing needs of industry. The most important process to improve the optical and physical properties of paper is the surface coating. Paper has a smoother and opaquer surface with surface coating. In addition, brightness, whiteness, and yellowness values   are improved with surface coating. Ultraviolet (UV) light in sunlight causes changes in the structure of the paper and coating chemicals and accordingly causes yellowing. Para-amino benzoic acid (PABA), due to its chemical structure, is a UV-blocking agent used in sunscreen creams.

Methods:

The effect of PABA on paper gloss, yellowness, and lightfastness values   was investigated by adding it into the surface coating formulation. For this purpose, coating formulations were prepared with cationic starch and 3%, 5%, and 7% PABA; coatings were applied to the paper according to laboratory condition standards. Coated papers were printed with an IGT-C1 lab-type offset printability device with magenta ink. The printed papers were then exposed to a light fastness test with Solarbox. The color, brightness, and yellowness values   of all samples before and after lightfastness were measured with an X-Rite spectrophotometer. The gloss of coated and printed paper sample values was measured with a BYK-Gardner glossmeter.

Results:

The gloss values   of paper to which PABA was added, increased; however, it was determined that these gloss values   decreased after the lightfastness test.

Conclusions:

PABA-added cationic starch coatings are more affected by UV light than cationic starch coatings.
Laser versus LED polymerization: Comparison of in vitro preventive sealing procedures
Authors: Mastrangelo Filiberto , Perraro Isabella , Mattia Sabrina , Troiano Giuseppe , Zhurakivska Khrystyna , Polizzi Elisabetta , Chiesa Roberto , Gherlone Enrico , Lo Muzio Lorenzo
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

The technique of sealing is a widely accepted procedure for prevention of caries. The aim of our in vitro study was to compare the effect of two different curing units (traditional LED source and innovative laser diode lamp) on the integrity of fissure sealant material and its interface with tooth enamel.

Materials and methods:

Sixty healthy third molars were randomly assigned to two groups. In group A were teeth intended for polymerization by LED B lamp, and group B comprised teeth to be polymerized by an innovative laser diode. Both groups were treated with the traditional sealing technique, subjected to a metallization process, and analyzed by scanning electron microscope.

Results:

Micro-gaps between the sealant and the enamel were found in specimens in both A (43%) and B (40%) groups ( p=0.793), and sealant shrinkage was seen. Significant differences between the groups emerged in the percentage of perimetric micro-erosion sites (80% vs. 100%, p=0.010) and the presence of holes and micro-bubbles on the sealant surface (21% vs. 63%, p=0.001).

Conclusions:

Although macroscopic clinical polymerization occurred with both instruments, the microscopic evaluation showed significant differences between the studied groups in terms of perimetric micro-erosion sites and micro-bubbles, which were higher in laser-cured samples.
Effect of cleansers on denture base resins’ structural properties
Authors: Ozyilmaz Ozgun Yusuf , Akin Ceyda
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

We assessed the effect of different available denture cleansers on the roughness and hardness of polyetherketoneketone, thermoinjection-molded polyamide, and polymethylmethacrylate.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 150 disc-shaped specimens were fabricated (10 mm × 2 mm) from these three denture base resins, and divided into five subgroups ( n = 10) according to immersion procedures. One of these groups subjected to distilled water served as control, whereas other groups were subjected to daily cleansing with four denture cleansers (Corega, Protefix, Curaprox, and Perlodent) for 8 h a day for 140 days. The surface roughness and hardness values of specimens were recorded by measuring twice at baseline, and again after application of chemical solutions. Topography alterations after treatments were assessed with scanning electron microscopy. The data were subjected to statistical analysis and comparison among groups was done using Kruskal Wallis and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests. P-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

The surface roughness of polyetherketoneketone, polymethylmethacrylate, and polyamide dentures was increased significantly by chemical solutions of denture cleansers. While the hardness value of polyetherketoneketone was not affected significantly after immersion in denture cleansers, those of polymethylmethacrylate and polyamide decreased significantly. Compared with Curaprox, the effervescent tablets significantly altered the surface hardness and roughness of polyamide.

Conclusion:

Denture cleansers can considerably alter the surface roughness and hardness of denture base resins and should be used carefully depending on the material.
Polymerization characteristics of colored compomers cured with different LED units
Authors: Bakkal Meltem , Yılmaz Berza , Durmus Ali , Durmus Zehra , Ozalp Serife
Published: February 2019

Aim:

Incomplete polymerization of a resin material used for dental restoration affects the properties of the restoration. We evaluated the structural and mechanical properties of three different colored compomers cured with three different LED units to observe the characteristic changes occurring in different matches.

Methods:

Polytetrafluoroethylene molds (5 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) were used to prepare disk-shaped sample specimens. Nine sample groups (each of five specimens) were prepared, three each of different compomer resin colors (gold, berry, and silver). Samples were cured using three different LED units (Optima, VALO, and Demi Ultra), according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Microstructural properties of samples were characterized by determining the degree of curing using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and by analyzing sample morphology under a scanning electron microscope. The Vickers hardness, compressive strength, and elastic modulus of the samples were measured to investigate their mechanical properties.

Results:

The degrees of curing decreased in the order of silver > berry > gold for all curing units. Conversely, gold compomers exhibited poorer mechanical values than the berry and silver counterparts. The Optima 10 unit yielded slightly higher degrees of curing than the other devices, followed by Demi Ultra and VALO light-curing units, respectively.

Conclusion:

The resin color affected the structural and mechanical properties of the compomers, possibly as a result of the complex interactions and relationships between the irradiation light and resin material, such as light absorbance and reflectance; thus, depending on the color as well as the curing protocol.
Long-term clinical results of the crosse de hockey procedure for recurrent patellar dislocation
Authors: Goshima Kenichi , Sawaguchi Takeshi , Shigemoto Kenji , Iwai Shintaro , Oshima Takeshi
Published: February 2019

Background:

A gold standard procedure has not been established for recurrent patellar dislocation because of multifactorial etiologies. We have been performing crosse de hockey procedure, which is a combination of medial and anterior transfer of the tibial tuberosity, in our institution since 1993. This study aimed to investigate the long-term clinical results of this procedure.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 19 patients (21 knees) underwent the crosse de hockey procedure for recurrent patellar dislocation. Of these patients, four were lost to follow-up. The remaining 17 knees in 15 patients (5 male and 10 female) were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 13.2 years (range: 5–22.6 years). Clinical evaluation was performed using the Kujala score. Radiographic indicators, such as modified Insall–Salvati ratio, sulcus angle, congruence angle, tilting angle, lateral shift ratio, and the progression of patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA), were measured.

Results:

Positive apprehension sign and redislocation were not observed in any of the patients. The mean Kujala score was significantly improved from 36.5 ± 18.0 preoperatively to 92.6 ± 9.9 at the final follow-up. Definite OA (a grade 2 or more using the Iwano grading system) was not observed in the patellofemoral joint at the final follow-up.

Conclusions:

The crosse de hockey procedure showed satisfactory long-term clinical results for recurrent patellar dislocation. This procedure could prevent the progression of patellofemoral OA because of the unloading effect of the patellofemoral joint by anteromedial transfer of the tibial tuberosity.
Fibular nails for open and closed ankle fractures: Results from a non-designer level I major trauma centre
Authors: Al-Obaidi Bilal , Wiik Anatole Vilhelm , Bhattacharyya Rahul , Mushtaq Nadeem , Bhattacharya Rajarshi
Published: February 2019

Aim:

To evaluate the outcome of a fibular nail in the treatment of open and closed unstable ankle fractures in a non-designer centre.

Methods:

In a retrospective cohort study, a total of 39 ankle fractures (14 open and 25 closed) treated with a locking fibular nail were evaluated between 2012 and 2015 in a non-designer level I major trauma centre. Post-operative radiographs were analysed to assess the quality of reduction (McLennan and Ungersma marking system), fracture union and complications. Three patient reported outcome scores (Olerud and Molander score (OMAS), American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) foot and ankle score and 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12)) were collected to obtain an overall measure of the patient’s physical and mental outcome.

Results:

The adequacy of reduction data was available for 38 of 39 cases; 33 (87%) achieved good, 3 (8%) fair and 2 (5%) poor ratings, based on the McLennan and Ungersma marking system. Thirty-five (12 open and 23 closed) patients were available for initial follow-up. Five (14.3%) of 35 had documented complications (2 of 12 in the open cohort and 3 of 23 in the closed cohort). All fibular fractures treated with the fibular nail went on to unite. Twenty-three (66%) of 35 patients were available at 1-year follow-up for measurement of objective outcome. The combined mean OMAS for both groups was 53.7 (0–85) with statistically better results (59.5 (25–85) vs. 37.3 (0–75)) in favour of the closed versus open injuries, respectively. The mean AAOS score was also statistically better for the closed group than the open, 70.3 (30–95) versus 46.6 (20–77), respectively. The mean SF-12 score (physical component) was 40 (21.6–52.4) in the closed group versus 36.1 (19.4–51.5) in the open group; the mean mental component was 42.5 (26.6–54.3) in the closed group versus 38.8 (28.4–60.5) in the open group, these however were not statistically different.

Conclusion:

Fibular nails are an effective alternative for the treatment for both closed and open unstable ankle fractures with soft tissue compromise.
Computer navigation has no beneficial effect on blood loss and transfusion in sequential bilateral total knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Jhurani Anoop , Agarwal Piyush , Aswal Mukesh , Jain Pramod , Malepati Sricharan , Sharma Ritu
Published: February 2019

Background:

Bilateral total knee arthroplasty is associated with significant blood loss. Postoperative anaemia retards patients recovery, and blood transfusion increases the risk for major complications including infection. While strategies like hypotensive anaesthesia, tranexamic acid, bone wax and so on are useful to conserve blood, navigation has also shown to decrease blood loss and transfusion in unilateral knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to compare the blood loss and transfusion in sequential bilateral knee arthroplasty performed with or without navigation.

Materials and methods:

A retrospective case control cohort study of sequential bilateral knee arthroplasties was performed between 2 groups of 77 patients each, group N operated with navigation and group M operated without navigation. Both groups were matched for age, sex and body mass index. All patients were operated with similar surgical technique. The two cohorts were compared for blood loss calculated by three reliable methods.

Results:

The preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) in group N was 12.83 ± 1.32 and group M was 12.58 ± 1.33 ( p = 0.24). The postoperative Hb taken day 4 before any blood transfusions was 8.60 ± 1.24 in group N and 8.54 ± 1.16 in group M ( p = 0.75). The average fall in Hb was 4.23 ± 1.08 in group N and 4.04 ± 1.19 in group M ( p = 0.31). There was no difference in blood loss between group N and M in all three methods; Gross equation ( p = 0.56), Hb dilution ( p = 0.24) and Hb balance ( p = 0.20). Need for blood transfusion was similar in group N and M ( p = 0.56).

Conclusion:

Blood loss and transfusion are equivalent in sequential bilateral total knee arthroplasty perform with or without navigation.
European Stroke Organisation (ESO) – European Society for Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy (ESMINT) Guidelines on Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischaemic StrokeEndorsed by Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE)
Authors: Turc Guillaume , Bhogal Pervinder , Fischer Urs , Khatri Pooja , Lobotesis Kyriakos , Mazighi Mikaël , Schellinger Peter D. , Toni Danilo , de Vries Joost , White Philip , Fiehler Jens
Published: February 2019

Background

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the cornerstone of acute ischaemic stroke management in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). The aim of this guideline document is to assist physicians in their clinical decisions with regard to MT.

Methods

These Guidelines were developed based on the standard operating procedure of the European Stroke Organisation and followed the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. An interdisciplinary working group identified 15 relevant questions, performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the literature, assessed the quality of the available evidence, and wrote evidence based recommendations. Expert opinion was provided if not enough evidence was available to provide recommendations based on the GRADE approach.

Results

We found high quality evidence to recommend MT plus best medical management (BMM, including intravenous thrombolysis whenever indicated) to improve functional outcome in patients with LVO-related acute ischaemic stroke within 6 hours after symptom onset. We found moderate quality of evidence to recommend MT plus BMM in the 6-24h time window in patients meeting the eligibility criteria of published randomized trials. These guidelines further detail aspects of prehospital management, patient selection based on clinical and imaging characteristics, and treatment modalities.

Conclusions

MT is the standard of care in patients with LVO-related acute stroke. Appropriate patient selection and timely reperfusion are crucial. Further randomized trials are needed to inform clinical decision making with regard to the mothership and drip-and-ship approaches, anesthaesia modalities during MT, and to determine whether MT is beneficial in patients with low stroke severity or large infarct volume.
Revitalising Naxi dongba as a ‘pictographic’ vernacular script
Authors: Poupard Duncan
Published: February 2019

A script can be a window into a language and all the culture contained within it. China’s minority peoples have a multitude of scripts, but many are in danger of falling out of use, a decline spurred by the adoption and promotion of standard Chinese across the country. Nevertheless, efforts are being made to preserve minority writing systems. This article reveals how the primarily logographic Naxi dongba script (often labelled the world’s ‘last living pictographs’), used in China’s southwestern Yunnan province to record the Naxi language, can be practically used as a modern writing system alongside its more widely known traditional role as a means of recording religious rites, and what exactly separates these two styles of writing. The efforts that have been made to achieve the goal of modernisation over the past decades are reviewed, including the longstanding attempts at Unicode encoding. I make some suggestions for the future development of the script, and employ plenty of examples from recent publications, alongside phonetic renderings and English translations. It is hoped that overall awareness of this unique script can be raised, and that it can develop into a vernacular script with everyday applications.
Adsorption of 5-aminosalicylic acid on kaolinite surfaces at a molecular level
Authors: Awad Mahmoud E. , Escamilla-Roa Elizabeth , Borrego-Sánchez Ana , Viseras César , Hernández-Laguna Alfonso , Sainz-Díaz C. Ignacio
Published: February 2019

The application of clay minerals in therapeutics is becoming important due to their structural and surface physicochemical properties. 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is a very common pharmaceutical drug and is used worldwide. The interactions between the 5-ASA molecule and both the aluminol and siloxane surfaces of kaolinite are studied by means of atomistic calculations using force fields based on empirical interatomic potentials and quantum mechanics calculations based on density functional theory. A conformational analysis of 5-ASA has been performed and the anion of 5-ASA was also studied. The calculated adsorption energy values indicate that 5-ASA is likely to be adsorbed on the kaolinite surfaces with greater affinity to the aluminol surface. Hence, kaolinite may be considered as a promising pharmaceutical carrier of 5-ASA.
Lipuite, a new manganese phyllosilicate mineral from the N'Chwaning III mine, Kalahari Manganese Fields, South Africa
Authors: Gu Xiangping , Yang Hexiong , Xie Xiande , van Nieuwenhuizen Jaco J. , Downs Robert T. , Evans Stanley H.
Published: February 2019

A new phyllosilicate mineral, lipuite (IMA2014-085), has been discovered from the N'Chwaning III mine, Kalahari Manganese Fields, Northern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa. It occurs as platy, tabular, or granular crystals and veined agglomerate in association with Mn-bearing sugilite, taniajacoite, pectolite, richterite, norrishite and namansilite. Lipuite is dark red–brown with vitreous lustre, red streak, an estimated Mohs hardness of 5 and the measured density is 2.83(3) g/cm3. It is biaxial (+) and characterised by bright red to dark red colour in thin section with measured refractive indices in white light: α = 1.635(1), β = 1.653(1), γ = 1.670(1) and 2V = 86(2)°. The Raman spectra of lipuite are composed of over 21 bands at 109, 146, 162, 183, 206, 244, 288, 342, 362, 455, 496, 520, 552, 613, 669, 886, 930, 971, 1097, 3487 and 3540 cm–1. The empirical formula from microprobe analyses is (based on total number of cations = 27.5 and structural refinement): K1.12Na8.16(Mn4.77Fe0.07)Σ4.84Mg0.44[Si11.97O30(OH)4](PO4)0.94O2(OH)2·4H2O. The idealised formula is: KNa8Mn3+5Mg0.5[Si12O30(OH)4](PO4)O2(OH)2·4H2O.

Lipuite is orthorhombic, space groupPnnm,a= 9.080(3),b= 12.222(3),c= 17.093(5) Å,V= 1897.0(9) Å3andZ= 2. The strongest powder X-ray diffraction peaks [d, Å (I) (hkl)] are: 9.965(40)(011), 2.938(33)(310), 2.895(100)(311), 2.777(38)(224), 2.713(53)(320), 2.483(32)(126), 2.086(35)(046) and 1.534(40)(446). The crystal structure of lipuite is characterised by sheets of SiO4tetrahedra that are linked together along [010] by K+, Na+, Mn3+, Mg2+and P5+cations, as well as hydrogen bonds. These tetrahedral sheets consist of 14-membered rings of SiO4tetrahedra that zigzag along [100]. The two independent Mn3+cations are both octahedrally coordinated. They form five-membered, edge-shared octahedral clusters between the SiO4tetrahedral sheets. Lipuite represents a rather unique structure type and its silicate tetrahedral sheets can be considered a derivative of the silicate sheets in mica.
HMGA2 promotes long-term engraftment and myeloerythroid differentiation of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Beck Dominik , Galeev Roman , Thoms Julie A. I. , Talkhoncheh Mehrnaz Safaee , de Jong Ineke , Unnikrishnan Ashwin , Baudet Aurélie , Subramaniam Agatheeswaran , Pimanda John E. , Larsson Jonas
Published: February 2019

Identification of determinants of fate choices in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is essential to improve the clinical use of HSCs and to enhance our understanding of the biology of normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Here, we show that high-mobility group AT hook 2 (HMGA2), a nonhistone chromosomal-binding protein, is highly and preferentially expressed in HSCs and in the most immature progenitor cell subset of fetal, neonatal, and adult human hematopoiesis. Knockdown of HMGA2 by short hairpin RNA impaired the long-term hematopoietic reconstitution of cord blood (CB)–derived CB CD34+ cells. Conversely, overexpression of HMGA2 in CB CD34+ cells led to overall enhanced reconstitution in serial transplantation assays accompanied by a skewing toward the myeloerythroid lineages. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that enforced HMGA2 expression in CD34+ cells induced gene-expression signatures associated with differentiation toward megakaryocyte-erythroid and myeloid lineages, as well as signatures associated with growth and survival, which at the protein level were coupled with strong activation of AKT. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a key role of HMGA2 in regulation of both proliferation and differentiation of human HSPCs.
Daily light-and-darkness onset regulates mouse hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Golan Karin , Lapidot Tsvee
Published: February 2019

In this issue’s Blood Advances Talk, Lapidot and Golan discuss how changes in daily light regulate hematopoiesis. This fascinating mechanism helps control the process of maintaining the hematopoietic stem cell pool while promoting sufficient differentiation to supply adequate numbers of functional blood cells. We hope you enjoy listening to this interesting topic.
Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in adults: phenotype and genotype findings from a clinically derived cohort
Authors: Underwood Jack F. G. , Kendall Kimberley M. , Berrett Jennifer , Lewis Catrin , Anney Richard , van den Bree Marianne B. M. , Hall Jeremy
Published: February 2019

Background

The past decade has seen the development of services for adults presenting with symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the UK. Compared with children, little is known about the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of these patients.

Aims

This e-cohort study aimed to examine the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of a clinically presenting sample of adults diagnosed with ASD by specialist services.

Method

Individuals diagnosed with ASD as adults were recruited by the National Centre for Mental Health and completed self-report questionnaires, interviews and provided DNA; 105 eligible individuals were matched to 76 healthy controls. We investigated demographics, social history and comorbid psychiatric and physical disorders. Samples were genotyped, copy number variants (CNVs) were called and polygenic risk scores were calculated.

Results

Of individuals with ASD, 89.5% had at least one comorbid psychiatric diagnosis, with depression (62.9%) and anxiety (55.2%) being the most common. The ASD group experienced more neurological comorbidities than controls, particularly migraine headache. They were less likely to have married or be in work, and had more alcohol-related problems. There was a significantly higher load of autism common genetic variants in the adult ASD group compared with controls, but there was no difference in the rate of rare CNVs.

Conclusions

This study provides important information about psychiatric comorbidity in adult ASD, which may inform clinical practice and patient counselling. It also suggests that the polygenic load of common ASD-associated variants may be important in conferring risk within the non-intellectually disabled population of adults with ASD.

Declaration of interest

None.
Personal management. Practicum
Authors: Резник Семен , Reznik Semen , Бондаренко Владимир , Bondarenko Vladimir
Published: February 2019

Tests and specific situations for practical training on the course "Personal management"are given.
The manual is intended for students studying in the field of training 38.03.02 "Management".
It can be used by students of other economic and technical specialties and directions.
A View Inside Corporate Risk Management
Authors: Bodnar Gordon M. , Giambona Erasmo , Graham John R. , Harvey Campbell R.
Published: February 2019

Why do firms manage risk? According to various theories, firms hedge to mitigate credit rationing, to alleviate information asymmetry, and to reduce the risk of financial distress. However, empirical support for these theories is mixed. Our paper addresses the “why” by directly asking the managers that make risk management decisions. Our results suggest that personal risk aversion in combination with other executive traits plays a key role in hedging. Our analysis also indicates that risk-averse executives are more likely to rely on (more conservative) fat-tailed distributions to estimate risk exposure. While most theories of risk management ignore the human dimension, our results suggest that managerial traits play an important role.

This paper was accepted by Karl Diether, finance.
Regional Recipes: A Configurational Analysis of the Regional Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for U.S. Venture Capital-Backed Startups
Authors: Vedula Siddharth , Fitza Markus
Published: February 2019

We examine the relationship between the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem (REE) and the performance of U.S. venture capital (VC)-backed startups. We conceptualize the REE as a complex system and pair a variance decomposition methodology with a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to study the configurations (combinations of regional factors) associated with high levels of performance of nascent early-stage startups and mature late-stage ventures. Our key finding is of an inverse relationship between startup maturity and the combinatorial complexity of regional factors that underlie the REE. Our analyses highlight the conditions under which VC-backed startups benefit most from the resources in the REE, extend prior research on location-based competitive advantages, and demonstrate how regional resource dependencies dynamically shift as a function of the startups’ life cycle.
Simulation-Based Travel Time Reliable Signal Control
Authors: Chen Xiao , Osorio Carolina , Santos Bruno Filipe
Published: February 2019

This paper addresses a travel time reliable signal control problem. Travel time distributional estimates are obtained from a stochastic microscopic traffic simulator. The estimates are embedded within a simulation-based optimization algorithm. Analytical approximations of the simulated metrics are combined with the simulated data in order to enhance the computational efficiency of the algorithm. The signal control problems are formulated based on the expectation and the standard deviation of travel time metrics. The proposed approach goes beyond the traditional use of first-order simulated information, it addresses a problem that embeds higher-order distributional information. It is used to solve a large-scale signal control problem. The approach addresses these challenging simulation-based optimization problems in a computationally efficient manner. Its performance is compared to that of a traditional simulation-based optimization approach. The proposed method systematically outperforms the traditional approach. Such an approach can be used to inform the design and operations of transportation systems by, for instance, addressing reliable and/or robust formulations of traditional transportation problems.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2017.0812 .
Urinary tract infection in multiple sclerosis: closing an audit loop by co-design and innovation
Authors: Porter Bernadette , John Nevin A , Brenner Robert , Wilson Heather C , Turner Benjamin , Chataway Jeremy
Published: February 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can result in multi-level uro-neurological dysfunction that significantly increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs in patients with MS can lead to significant patient morbidity and cost to the National Health Service (NHS). Data collected from the NHS clinical commissioning groups in 2012/2013, and again in 2016/2017, revealed that UTI remains the most common cause of non-elective hospital admission in patients with MS, and that the overall cost of such admissions continued to rise across this period. In order to address this burgeoning problem, we used the evidence-based co-design methodology to collaborate with patients, their families and clinical staff to create a novel and innovative, patient-centred model called NeuroResponse®. We present the multi-faceted NeuroResponse® model and the results of the pilot study in the London Borough of Camden.
How to reduce the risk of surgical site infections
Authors: Yon Evie
Published: February 2019

For as long as surgery is carried out on patients, surgical site infections (SSIs) will pose an invisible threat. These infections can lead to post-surgical complications that may result in delayed wound healing, sepsis and, in worst case scenarios, mortality. Therefore, it is imperative for all members of the veterinary team to be aware of the implications of SSIs and the ways in which the risks can be reduced. The proper implementation of evidence-based protocols is also necessary to ensure a standardised approach to achieving minimum risk of SSI contraction.
ESCCAP spring update 2019
Authors: Stokes Laura , Wright Ian
Published: February 2019

This article draws from information published in the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) UK & Ireland Parasite Forecasts. It provides a brief roundup of parasitology-related events from 2018, analyses interest trends from the public over the past year, and looks at parasite-related research planned for 2019.