bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do bulk‐fill resins decrease the restorative time in posterior teeth? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of in vitro studies
Authors: Bellinaso Mariana D. , Soares Fabio Z. M. , Rocha Rachel de Olivera
Published: September 2019

The aim of the present study was to compare the restorative time for filling cavities in posterior teeth using bulk‐fill and conventional resin composites through a systematic review and meta‐analysis. A search for clinical trials and laboratory studies was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature database, the Brazilian Library in Dentistry, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials, and ReBEC (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos) databases without publication year or language restriction. Two reviewers identified eligible studies according to the inclusion criteria: bulk‐fill compared to conventional resin in class I or II, and the restorative time as an outcome. A meta‐analysis of the restorative time mean difference between composites was performed (inverse variance method, random effects model; Z‐test, P ≤ .05). From the 662 eligible studies, 133 were selected for full‐text analysis; three were included in the systematic review and in the meta‐analysis. Overall, the restorative time was lower when bulk‐fill was used (P = .0007, Z = 3.37), as the subgroup full‐body bulk‐fill (P < .00001, Z = 21.00). There was no difference in restorative time between flowable bulk‐fill and conventional resins (P = .08, Z = 1.76). Moderate‐to‐substantial heterogeneity was detected. Full‐body bulk‐fill composites decrease the restorative time in posterior teeth compared to conventional resins. Full‐body bulk‐fill resins require a shorter restorative time to perform restorations in posterior teeth than conventional resins, but the same is not valid for flowable bulk‐fill resin composites.
Effect of porous tantalum on the biological response of human peripheral mononuclear cells exposed to Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Temponi Eduardo Frois , Souza Paulo Eduardo Alencar , Souto Giovanna Ribeiro , Magalhães Luísa Mourão Dias , Dutra Walderez Ornelas , Gollob Kenneth John , Silva Tarcília Aparecida , Soares Rodrigo Villamarim
Published: September 2019

Aim

To evaluate biological behavior of human peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) in contact with porous tantalum (PT) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg).

Methods

Pg was incubated for 8 hours. The groups formed were: PBMC (control), PBMC + PT, PBMC + Pg and PBMC + PT + Pg. Cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay. The morphology and adhesion of PBMC to PT was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Expression of interleukin (IL)‐10, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)‐9 and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κΒ ligand (RANKL) was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

MTT assay revealed that PT did not interfere in the mitochondrial activity of PBMC (P > .05). Scanning electron microscopy showed the adherence of PBMC to PT. IL‐10 levels in PBMC + PT were similar to PBMC and lower than PBMC + Pg. TGF‐β levels in PBMC + PT were higher than PBMC and PBMC + Pg. MMP‐9 levels in PBMC + PT were similar to PBMC and lower than PBMC + Pg and PBMC + PT + Pg. RANKL levels in PBMC + PT were lower than in PBMC.

Conclusion

PT did not affect PBMC viability, allowed cell adhesion, reduced expression of RANKL and enhanced TGF‐β in comparison with the control group.
The evasion of fiscal and labor regulations: Firm behavior and optimal tax policy
Authors: Cuff Katherine , Mongrain Steeve , Roberts Joanne
Published: September 2019

Firms face many fiscal and labor regulations, but they may evade these legal requirements in several different ways. We develop a model that captures these two types of evasion decisions and unlike existing literature assume firms can evade labor regulations independently from income tax responsibilities. We characterize firms’ entry and evasion behavior and find that the design of the tax system can generate both positive and negative correlations between evasion decisions consistent with what is observed empirically. We then characterize optimal government policies given the firms’ decisions. We obtain intuitive optimal tax rules that highlight the trade‐offs the government faces when firms have multiple margins on which to evade.
Effect of dietary digestible lysine level on growth performance, blood metabolites and meat quality of broilers 23–38 days of age
Authors: Zarghi Heydar , Golian Abolghasem , Nikbakhtzade Mahdie
Published: September 2019

This study was done to evaluate the effects of different dietary digestible lysine (dig Lys) levels on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass and breast yield, and breast meat quality of broilers 23–38 days of age. Three hundred 23‐day‐old Cobb‐500 male broiler chickens were allocated to a completely randomized design with five treatments (finisher diet containing 0.88%, 0.94%, 1.00%, 1.06% and 1.12% dig Lys) and six replicates of 10 birds each. Feed intake (FI) was not affected by different dietary dig Lys levels. Weight gain (WG) linearly increased and feed conversion ratio (FCR) linearly decreased with an increasing dietary dig Lys levels. With increasing dietary dig Lys levels, carcass and breast yield and breast meat hue angle (h*) linearly increased, but abdominal fat decreased quadratically, whereas breast meat lightness (L*) and ether extract composition linearly decreased. Dietary dig Lys levels did not show any significant effect on serum metabolites, breast meat cooking loss and water holding capacity. Based on the linear broken‐line regression models, the weight gain, feed conversion ratio and breast yield were optimized when dietary dig Lys levels were 0.95%, 1.01% and 1.02% respectively. It is concluded that Lys requirements vary according to what productive parameter is taken for optimization. A minimum of 1.02% dig Lys concentration in the finisher diet is suggested to optimize breast yield, feed efficiency and performance in broiler chickens.
Predicting early risk of chronic kidney disease in cats using routine clinical laboratory tests and machine learning
Authors: Bradley Richard , Tagkopoulos Ilias , Kim Minseung , Kokkinos Yiannis , Panagiotakos Theodoros , Kennedy James , De Meyer Geert , Watson Phillip , Elliott Jonathan
Published: September 2019

Background

Advanced machine learning methods combined with large sets of health screening data provide opportunities for diagnostic value in human and veterinary medicine.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To derive a model to predict the risk of cats developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) using data from electronic health records (EHRs) collected during routine veterinary practice.

Animals

A total of 106 251 cats that attended Banfield Pet Hospitals between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2017.

Methods

Longitudinal EHRs from Banfield Pet Hospitals were extracted and randomly split into 2 parts. The first 67% of the data were used to build a prediction model, which included feature selection and identification of the optimal neural network type and architecture. The remaining unseen EHRs were used to evaluate the model performance.

Results

The final model was a recurrent neural network (RNN) with 4 features (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urine specific gravity, and age). When predicting CKD near the point of diagnosis, the model displayed a sensitivity of 90.7% and a specificity of 98.9%. Model sensitivity decreased when predicting the risk of CKD with a longer horizon, having 63.0% sensitivity 1 year before diagnosis and 44.2% 2 years before diagnosis, but with specificity remaining around 99%.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The use of models based on machine learning can support veterinary decision making by improving early identification of CKD.
Shoo fly don't bother me: Flies track social primates and carry viable anthrax
Authors: Zohdy Sarah , Schwartz Tonia S.
Published: September 2019

Flies—a small name for an enormous taxonomic group of over 110,000 described species that have unique ecological roles. Nonbiting flies ingest organic material in faecal matter or carrion, which is rich in microbes and nutrients that benefit both adults and their offspring (maggots). These are often referred to as “filth flies” because they are often pests in human settlements and responsible for the spread of enteric pathogens. Filth flies associate with human populations; however, whether this association is simply due to the presence of organic waste produced, or if flies move with social groups remains unknown. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Gogarten et al. (2019) use a unique combination of field methods and molecular tools to show that filth flies (predominantly Muscidae [house flies] and Calliphoridae [blow flies]) associate and move with social nonhuman primate (NHP) groups (mangabeys and chimpanzees) for up to 12 days and over 1 km. Filth flies captured near these groups were found to have pathogen DNA on them from the causative agents of sylvatic anthrax and yaws. Furthermore, the authors were able to show that the anthrax bacteria on the flies was viable. Previous research emphasized sylvatic anthrax as a major conservation threat to wildlife at this field site (Hoffmann et al., 2017), highlighting the significance of filth flies as potential vectors of anthrax. The authors present a suite of methods and approaches that utilize flies to better understand rainforest biodiversity, pathogen transmission potential, and filth fly‐host associations. This work represents new directions and opportunities to integrate entomology into field research and exploit the natural history of flies to understand the pathogen landscape and address outstanding questions in ecology and evolution.
Small RNA inhibits infection by downy mildew pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis
Authors: Bilir Özlem , Telli Osman , Norman Chris , Budak Hikmet , Hong Yiguo , Tör Mahmut
Published: September 2019

Gene silencing exists in eukaryotic organisms as a conserved regulation of the gene expression mechanism. In general, small RNAs (sRNAs) are produced within the eukaryotic cells and incorporated into an RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC) within cells. However, exogenous sRNAs, once delivered into cells, can also silence target genes via the same RISC. Here, we explored this concept by targeting the Cellulose synthase A3 (CesA3) gene of Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa), the downy mildew pathogen of Arabidopsis thaliana. Hpa spore suspensions were mixed with sense or antisense sRNAs and inoculated onto susceptible Arabidopsis seedlings. While sense sRNAs had no obvious effect on Hpa pathogenicity, antisense sRNAs inhibited spore germination and hence infection. Such inhibition of infection was not race‐specific, but dependent on the length and capping of sRNAs. Inhibition of infection by double stranded sRNA was more efficient than that observed with antisense sRNA. Thus, exogenous sRNA targeting conserved CesA3 could suppress Hpa infection in Arabidopsis, indicating the potential of this simple and efficient sRNA‐based approach for deciphering gene functions in obligate biotrophic pathogens as well as for R‐gene independent control of diseases in plants.
Comparative transcriptome profiling uncovers a Lilium regale NAC transcription factor, LrNAC35, contributing to defence response against cucumber mosaic virus and tobacco mosaic virus
Authors: Sun Daoyang , Zhang Xinguo , Zhang Qingyu , Ji Xiaotong , Jia Yong , Wang Hong , Niu Lixin , Zhang Yanlong
Published: September 2019

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a highly prevalent viral pathogen causing substantial damage to the bulb and cut‐flower production of Lilium spp. Here, we performed an Illumina RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) study on the leaf tissues of a virus‐resistant species Lilium regale inoculated with mock control and CMV. A total of 1346 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the leaves of L. regale upon CMV inoculation, which contained 34 up‐regulated and 40 down‐regulated DEGs that encode putative transcription factors (TFs). One up‐regulated TF, LrNAC35, belonging to the NAM/ATAF/CUC (NAC) superfamily, was selected for further functional characterization. Aside from CMV, lily mottle virus and lily symptomless virus infections provoked a striking increase in LrNAC35 transcripts in both resistant and susceptible Lilium species. The treatments with low temperature and several stress‐related hormones activated LrNAC35 expression, contrary to its reduced expression under salt stress. Ectopic overexpression of LrNAC35 in petunia (Petunia hybrida) resulted in reduced susceptibility to CMV and Tobacco mosaic virus infections, and enhanced accumulation of lignin in the cell walls. Four lignin biosynthetic genes, including PhC4H, Ph4CL, PhHCT and PhCCR, were found to be up‐regulated in CMV‐infected petunia lines overexpressing LrNAC35. In vivo promoter‐binding tests showed that LrNAC35 specifically regulated the expression of Ph4CL. Taken together, our results suggest a positive role of transcriptome‐derived LrNAC35 in transcriptional modulation of host defence against viral attack.
Experimental Verification of the Sky View Factor Model in Multiple-Row Photovoltaic Fields
Authors: Massalha Y. , Appelbaum J.
Published: September 2019

In multiple rows of photovoltaic fields, the rows may be installed with several modules placed along the row width. The verification of the sky view factor model pertains to the second and subsequent rows. Photovoltaic (PV) modules along the row width experience uneven incident diffuse radiation caused by differences in the sky view factor of the modules. The present experimental study verifies first the sky view factor model, and second shows the differences in output power of the PV modules (affected by the sky view factors) placed in different locations along the width of the second row. This work complements the theoretical previous work and emphasizes the importance of the incident diffuse radiation, associated with the sky view factor, on the energy loss of the PV field. Two rows deployed with PV modules were tested on the laboratory roof for several days for different inclination angles and distances between rows. The results show that a top module on a row may generate 8% more power than a bottom module at noontime. The findings of this experimental study have technical significance in designing PV systems.
The Influences of Stagger and Pretwist Angles of Blades on Coupling Vibration in Shaft-Disk-Blade Systems
Authors: Heydari Hassan , Khorram Amir , Afzalipour Laya
Published: September 2019

The influences of stagger angle (α) and pretwist angle (βL) of blades on the coupling vibration among shaft bending and blade bending in a shaft-disk-blade (SDB) system are investigated using a Lagrangian approach in combination with the assumed modes method (AMM). The disk is rigid, and the flexible shaft is supported with two rigid bearings. It is shown that α and βL have variable effects on the coupling vibration because their influences can be increased, reduced, or even completely eliminated for different values of disk location (λ), blade thickness ratio (δ), and blade aspect ratio (γ). To study the coupling vibration in an SDB system, consideration of λ, δ, and γ are very important because those can alter the coupling magnitude, the coupling pattern as well as the predominant modes. Nevertheless, previous researches rarely take into account these parameters. Moreover, in the present work, to investigate the natural frequencies and critical speeds versus λ, δ, and γ, new diagrams are introduced. Also, the relation between the in-plane and out-of-plane motions of the blades with the coupling vibration is precisely analyzed.
Ethylene glycol, by near-ambient pressure XPS
Authors: Patel Dhananjay I. , O’Tani James , Bahr Stephan , Dietrich Paul , Meyer Michael , Thißen Andreas , Linford Matthew R.
Published: September 2019

Near-ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) is a less traditional form of XPS that allows samples to be analyzed at relatively high pressures, i.e., greater than 2500 Pa. With NAP-XPS, XPS can analyze moderately volatile liquids, biological samples, porous materials, and/or polymeric materials that outgas significantly. In this submission, we show C 1s, O 1s, and survey NAP-XPS spectra from ethylene glycol, an organic solvent that could not be analyzed at near-ambient pressures by conventional approaches. An N 1s signal is present in the survey spectrum of the material.
The Alberta Women in Sport Leadership Project: A Social Learning Intervention for Gender Equity and Leadership Development
Authors: Culver Diane M. , Kraft Erin , Din Cari , Cayer Isabelle
Published: September 2019

This best practice paper describes a Canadian intervention to address the lack of women in sport coaching and leadership roles. While the number of female athletes has increased over the last decades, the opposite is true of female head coaches, both nationally and internationally. The issues influencing this trend are mostly institutional and societal. There is a lack of support systems in place for females attempting to become involved (recruitment) and maintain their involvement (retention) in coaching. The Alberta Women in Sport Leadership Impact Program (AWiSL) takes a community of practice approach to increase gender equity and leadership diversity in Alberta sport organizations. The AWiSL began in October 2017 and continues until early 2020. There are currently 6 mentors and 12 sport leaders from Alberta sport organizations, who engage in monthly meetings to learn and participate in the co-creation of knowledge to meet the project outcomes, which include the planning and implementation of initiatives for their individual sport organizations, all in the service of supporting gender equity. Descriptions of specific activities thus far are presented as well as information about the how to of conducting such an intervention. Various challenges and lessons are discussed. The description of the AWiSL and ongoing program evaluation aims to support other organizations seeking an example of an initiative to create equitable coaching and leadership opportunities, and to create change.
Manganese Is Required for the Rapid Recovery of DNA Synthesis following Oxidative Challenge in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Hutfilz Corinne R. , Wang Natalie E. , Hoff Chettar A. , Lee Jessica A. , Hackert Brandy J. , Courcelle Justin , Courcelle Charmain T.
Published: September 2019

Iron and manganese play important roles in how cell’s cope with oxygen stress. However, how these metals affect the ability of cells to replicate after oxidative challenges is not known. Here, we show that replication in
Escherichia coli
is inhibited following a challenge with hydrogen peroxide and requires manganese for the rapid recovery of DNA synthesis. The manganese-dependent recovery of DNA synthesis occurs independently of lesion repair and modestly improves survival, but it also increases the mutation rate in cells. The results imply that replication in
E. coli
is likely to utilize an iron-dependent enzyme(s) that becomes oxidized and inactivated during oxidative challenges. We propose that manganese remetallates these or alternative enzymes to allow genomic DNA replication to resume, although with reduced fidelity.
Being ‘at-home’ on outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT): a qualitative study of parents’ experiences of paediatric OPAT
Authors: Carter Bernie , Fisher-Smith Debra , Porter David , Lane Steven , Peak Matthew , Taylor-Robinson David , Bracken Louise , Carrol Enitan
Published: September 2019

Objective

To better understand the factors that facilitate and hinder a positive experience of paediatric outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT).

Design

Qualitative study using semistructured interviews.

Setting

A dedicated paediatric consultant-led hospital-based, outreach OPAT service in England.

Participants

Participants were primarily parents of children who had received OPAT; one child participated.

Methods

Children and parents of children who received OPAT and who had participated in the survey phase of the larger study were invited to be interviewed.

Results

12 parents (10 mothers and 2 fathers) of 10 children participated; one child (aged 15 years). Data analysis resulted in one meta-theme, ‘At-homeness’ with OPAT, this reflected the overall sense of home being a place in which the children and their parents could be where they wanted to be. Four key themes were identified that reflect the ways in which parents and children experienced being at-home on OPAT: ‘Comfort, security, freedom, and control’; ‘Faith, trust and confidence’; ‘Explanations and communication’ and ‘Concerns, restrictions and inconveniences’.

Conclusions

Despite feeling anxious at times, parents reported that they and their children generally had a positive experience of OPAT; being at-home brought many benefits compared with in-patient care. Recommendations arising from the study include a ‘whole-system’ approach to discharge home that includes support related to return to school/nursery, reduction in disruptions to home-based routines, more clarity on choice and preparation for managing potential anxiety, better consideration of dose timing and enhanced preparation and information.
Heritability of pachymetric indices using Pentacam Scheimflug imaging
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Yekta AbbasAli , Heydarian Samira , Ostadimoghaddam Hadi , Aghamirsalim Mohammadreza , Derakhshan Akbar , Khabazkhoob Mehdi
Published: September 2019

Aim

To investigate the heritability of corneal thickness at the apex, entrance pupil centre, thinnest point, pachymetric progression index (PPI) and maximum Ambrósio relational thickness (ARTmax) using Pentacam.

Methods

The present cross-sectional and population-based study was conducted in two rural districts that were selected randomly. Individuals 5 years and older and data from households where one of the parents and at least one child participated in the study were considered for this analysis. All subjects were examined for visual acuity, refraction, biomicroscopy and, finally, Pentacam imaging. The heritability estimate was used to calculate familial aggregation of pachymetric indices.

Results

Of the 3851 selected individuals, 3314 participated in the study. After applying the exclusion criteria, a total of 1383 individuals from 382 households were included in the analysis; of these, 754 (54.52%) were female. The mean age of the subjects was 37.23±19.35 years (from 6 to 93 years). The highest heritability was observed for corneal thickness at the apex (85%), and the lowest was for ARTmax (27.62%). The heritability of other studied parameters, including corneal thickness at the entrance pupil centre, thinnest point and average PPI, was 82.0%, 77.0% and 31.49%, respectively.

Conclusion

The high heritability of the mentioned pachymetric parameters confirms the high correlation between these phenotypes and genetic factors and calls for genetic and molecular research to find related genes and to understand the aetiology of associated diseases, especially glaucoma and keratoconus.
Taste test using an edible taste film kit: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kim Ji-sun , Kim Dong-Hyun , Jeon Eun-ju , Kim Byung Guk , Yu Jeongjun , Shin Hyun-Il
Published: September 2019

Objectives

We developed an edible taste film test that can be stored easily as a kit. This study was conducted to confirm the agreement between the results of the edible taste film kit test and the conventional taste solution test.

Design

Prospective, randomised, controlled trial.

Setting

Single tertiary hospital.

Participants

Sixty-two healthy volunteers with no self-described taste problems.

Interventions

A randomisation scheme was used to determine the order of use of the edible taste film kit and the taste solution test for each subject. The taste solution test was performed using a cotton swab. In the taste film kit test, an edible taste film was placed on the tongue, and the subject detected the taste after the film was dissolved by saliva.

Outcome measures

For each test, we measured the taste identification threshold, taste detection time and total test time.

Results

We confirmed the consistency of the taste identification thresholds of the two tests, and the results were consistent with each other except for the bitter taste results, which used coffee in the edible taste film kit and quinine in the taste solution test. Although the detection time for each taste quality was faster for the taste solution test, the mean total time was significantly shorter for the taste film kit test than for the taste solution test (6.16±2.27 min vs 7.04±1.98 min, respectively; p=0.004).

Conclusions

The edible taste film kit along with the taste solution test will be useful for quantitative taste testing.

Trial registration number

KCT0002865.
Perception and self-management of hypertension in Chinese cardiologists (CCHS): a multicenter, large-scale cross-sectional study
Authors: Hou Lei , Jin Xuejuan , Ma Jianying , Qian Juying , Huo Yong , Ge Junbo
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To determine the frequency of risk factors for hypertension among Chinese cardiologists using a nation-wide survey.

Design

Multicenter, cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

2441 hospitals across China were surveyed between September 2016 and August 2017.

Participants

All in-service cardiologists were surveyed (n=28 924).

Interventions

WeChat-based electronic data capture system, a social application in China (Tencent, Nanshan, China), was used for data acquisition. Physician subscribed to the WeChat official account of the China Cardiologist Heart Study, and filled out an online questionnaire that included age, gender, level of in-service hospital, professional title, academic degree, area of expertise and cardiovascular risk factors. All information was required.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. The secondary outcome was the impact of the risk factors on the occurrence of hypertension.

Results

Among 28 924 Chinese cardiologists who completed the questionnaire, 57.6% had blood pressure of 130–139/80–89 mm Hg (5.3% were taking antihypertensive drugs) and 22.0% had blood pressure>140/>90 mm Hg (36.5% were taking antihypertensive drugs). The multivariable analysis showed that age, gender, academic degree, hospital level, body mass index (BMI), smoking and comorbidities were independently associated with hypertension among cardiologists (all p<0.05). Age, female gender, BMI, smoking, family history of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and comorbidities were independently associated with taking antihypertensive drugs among hypertensive cardiologists (all p<0.05). Age, hospital level, professional title, BMI, family history of CVDs and comorbidities were independently associated with reaching target blood pressure among hypertensive cardiologists taking antihypertensive drugs.

Conclusion

Chinese cardiologists do not recognise and pay attention to their own blood pressure. Their rate of antihypertensive treatment was low. The identified risk factors could be used to identify cardiologists at higher risk for hypertension and for implementing preventive interventions.
Empowering healthcare providers through smoking cessation training in Malaysia: a preintervention and postintervention evaluation on the improvement of knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy
Authors: Hasan Siti Idayu , Mohd Hairi Farizah , Ahmad Tajuddin Nur Amani , Amer Nordin Amer Siddiq
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Healthcare providers are ideally positioned to advise their patients to quit smoking by providing effective smoking cessation intervention. Thus, we evaluate the effectiveness of a 1-day training programme in changing the knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy of healthcare providers in smoking cessation intervention.

Methods

A prepost study design was conducted in 2017. The 8-hour Smoking Cessation Organising, Planning and Execution (SCOPE) training comprised lectures, practical sessions and role-play sessions to 218 healthcare providers. A validated evaluation tool, Providers’ Smoking Cessation Training Evaluation, was administered to assess the impact of training on knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy on smoking cessation intervention.

Results

After SCOPE training, the knowledge score increased significantly from 7.96±2.34 to 10.35±1.57 (p<0.001). Attitude and self-efficacy in smoking cessation intervention also increased significantly from 34.32±4.12 to 37.04±3.92 (p<0.001) and 40.31±8.61 to 54.67±7.45 (p<0.001) respectively. Pretraining and post-training scores improved significantly for all professions, and each measure, particularly self-efficacy.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that SCOPE training could improve healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy on smoking cessation intervention. Future training is recommended to equip healthcare providers with current knowledge, positive attitude and high self-efficacy to integrate what they have learned into practice successfully.
Effect on nurse and patient experience: overnight use of blue-depleted illumination
Authors: Albala Lorenzo , Bober Timothy , Hale Graham , Warfield Benjamin , Collins Micaela Langille , Merritt Zak , Steimetz Eric , Nadler Shmuel , Lev Yair , Hanifin John
Published: September 2019

Background

Typical hospital lighting is rich in blue-wavelength emission, which can create unwanted circadian disruption in patients when exposed at night. Despite a growing body of evidence regarding the effects of poor sleep on health outcomes, physiologically neutral technologies have not been widely implemented in the US healthcare system.

Objective

The authors sought to determine if rechargeable, proximity-sensing, blue-depleted lighting pods that provide wireless task lighting can make overnight hospital care more efficient for providers and less disruptive to patients.

Design

Non-randomised, controlled interventional trial in an intermediate-acuity unit at a large urban medical centre.

Methods

Night-time healthcare providers abstained from turning on overhead patient room lighting in favour of a physiologically neutral lighting device. 33 nurses caring for patients on that unit were surveyed after each shift. 21 patients were evaluated after two nights with standard-of-care light and after two nights with lighting intervention.

Results

Providers reported a satisfaction score of 8 out of 10, with 82% responding that the lighting pods provided adequate lighting for overnight care tasks. Among patients, a median 2-point improvement on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was reported.

Conclusion and relevance

The authors noted improved caregiver satisfaction and decreased patient anxiety by using a blue-depleted automated task-lighting alternative to overhead room lights. Larger studies are needed to determine the impact of these lighting devices on sleep measures and patient health outcomes like delirium. With the shift to patient-centred financial incentives and emphasis on patient experience, this study points to the feasibility of a physiologically targeted solution for overnight task lighting in healthcare environments.
Treatment for depression comorbid with dementia
Authors: Baruch Nina , Burgess Jennifer , Pillai Manjunadh , Allan Charlotte Louise
Published: September 2019

Depression is a common comorbidity in dementia. Randomised controlled studies of antidepressants do not show a significant improvement in depressive symptoms in patients with comorbid dementia and are known to lead to an increase in side effects. However, there are relatively few studies of depression in dementia, and drawing firm conclusions about the use of antidepressants is limited by the amount of data available. Furthermore, it is unclear whether data can be extrapolated from similar populations (eg, those with late-life depression) to inform pharmacotherapy in this patient group. Given the lack of effectiveness and risk of side effects associated with pharmacological treatments, psychological interventions may offer important therapeutic benefits. There is evidence for the effectiveness of individual psychological therapy, and further research will establish which psychological approach is the most effective. Some studies have shown an improvement in depressive symptoms using structured sleep hygiene programmes, exercise, arts interventions and music therapy. These studies are hampered by small data sets, and the benefits to individuals may not be well captured by standard outcome measures. At present, the best evidence for arts-based approaches is in music therapy. Depression with comorbid dementia responds well to electroconvulsive therapy and this is a useful treatment modality for those with severe or life-threatening depressive symptoms. Alternative neurostimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation are not widely used at present and further research is needed before they can be a more widely used treatment modality.
Consent to discuss participation in research: a pilot study
Authors: Walker Sophie , Potts Jennifer , Martos Lola , Barrera Alvaro , Hancock Mark , Bell Stuart , Geddes John , Cipriani Andrea , Henshall Catherine
Published: September 2019

Background

Equitable access to research studies needs to be increased for all patients. There is debate about which is the best approach to use to discuss participation in research in real-world clinical settings.

Objective

We aimed to determine the feasibility of asking all clinical staff within one hospital Trust (an organisation that provides secondary health services within the English and Welsh National Health Service) to use a newly created form on the Trust’s electronic patient records system, as a means of asking patients to consent to discuss participation in research (the opt-in approach). We also aimed to collect feedback from patients and clinicians about their views of the opt-in approach.

Methods

Four pilot sites were selected in the Trust: two memory clinics, an adult mental health team and an acute adult ward. Data were collected in three phases: (1) for 6 months, pilot site staff were asked to complete a consent to discuss participation in research form with patients; (2) staff feedback on the form was collected through an online survey; and (3) patient feedback was collected through focus groups.

Findings

Of 1779 patients attending services during the pilot period, 197 (11%) had a form completed by staff and 143 (8%) opted-in to finding out about research. Staff cited limited time, low priority and poor user experience of the electronic patient records system as reasons for low uptake of the form. Patients generally approved of the approach but offered suggestions for improvement.

Conclusions

There were mixed results for adopting an opt-in approach; uptake was very low, limiting its value as an effective strategy for improving access to research.

Clinical implications

Alternative strategies to the opt-in approach, such as transparent opt out approaches, warrant consideration to maximise access to research within routine clinical care.
British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults
Authors: Lamb Christopher Andrew , Kennedy Nicholas A , Raine Tim , Hendy Philip Anthony , Smith Philip J , Limdi Jimmy K , Hayee Bu’Hussain , Lomer Miranda C E , Parkes Gareth C , Selinger Christian , Barrett Kevin J , Davies R Justin , Bennett Cathy , Gittens Stuart , Dunlop Malcolm G , Faiz Omar , Fraser Aileen , Garrick Vikki , Johnston Paul D , Parkes Miles , Sanderson Jeremy , Terry Helen ,   IBD guidelines eDelphi consensus group, Gaya Daniel R , Iqbal Tariq H , Taylor Stuart A , Smith Melissa , Brookes Matthew , Hansen Richard , Hawthorne A Barney
Published: September 2019

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn’s and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, including patients, their families and friends.
Diffusion weighted image documented cerebral ischemia in the postprocedural period following pipeline embolization device with shield technology treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a prospective, single center study
Authors: Pikis Stylianos , Mantziaris Georgios , Mamalis Vasileios , Barkas Konstantinos , Tsanis Antonios , Lyra Stavroula , Karkoulias Kuriakos , Petrosyan Tigran , Archontakis Eftychios
Published: September 2019

Objective

Acute ischemic stroke and silent cerebral infarctions following pipeline embolization device (PED) treatment of intracranial aneurysms have been estimated to occur in 3–6% and in 50.9–90% of patients respectively. The PED with Shield technology (PED-Shield) incorporates a surface phosphorylcholine polymer to reduce the thrombogenicity of the implant. We sought to determine the incidence of diffusion weighted image (DWI) documented cerebral ischemia after PED-Shield treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

This prospective study involved a single center series of consecutive patients treated for an unruptured intracranial aneurysm with the PED-Shield. All participants underwent clinical evaluation on admission, after the procedure, at discharge, and 30 days following treatment. Brain MRI was obtained within 72 hours of the procedure. Ischemic lesions identified on DWI sequences where examined as to their number, size, and location in relation to the procedure.

Results

Over 12 months, 33 patients harboring 38 intracranial aneurysms were treated with the PED-Shield in 36 procedures. Neither mortality nor clinically evident ischemic events were noted in the 30 day postprocedural period. DWI documented, silent cerebral ischemia occurred in six patients (18.18%) after six procedures (16.66%). No statistically significant risk factors for postprocedural silent cerebral ischemia were identified.

Conclusion

We demonstrated a reduced rate of silent cerebral infarcts following PED-Shield treatment of intracranial aneurysms than previously reported with other endovascular treatment modalities and with the previous device generations. Further research is necessary to evaluate our results and to identify methods to reduce the incidence of postprocedural cerebral ischemic events.
Impact of ultrasound contrast agent on the detection of thrombi during transoesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Ebelt Henning , Offhaus Alexandra , Wiora Matthias , Roehl Peter , Schwenzky Andreas , Weida Anja , Hoyme Matthias , Bindemann-Koecher Juliane , Anacker Jelena
Published: September 2019

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) carries the risk of thrombus formation in the left atrium and especially in the left atrial appendage (LAA). A transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is routinely performed in these patients to rule out thrombi before cardioversion or structural interventions like LAA closure or pulmonary vein isolation. However, in a certain number of cases, inconclusive results of the TOE may result. This study was performed to analyse whether the routine use of ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) has an influence on the frequency of thrombus detection.

Methods

In patients with AF who were scheduled for a subsequent interventional procedure, a TOE was initially performed without contrast agent. Then, the TOE was repeated with the use of UCA. The percentage of diagnostic findings regarding the prevalence of thrombus in the LAA with and without UCA were compared (thrombus present (T+), no thrombus (T−) and inconclusive result (T+/−)).

Results

223 patients were prospectively included into the trial. The numbers of thrombus detection were as follows: without UCA: 17 T+ (7.6%), 154 T− (69.1%), 52 T+/− (23,3%); with UCA: 16 T+ (7.2%), 179 T− (80.3%), 28 T+/− (12.6%; χ2: p<0.01). In 29 examinations (13.0%), the use of UCA had an impact on the subsequent treatment strategy.

Conclusions

The use of UCA during TOE in patients with AF has a significant impact on the subsequent patient management especially due to an improved rule out of LAA thrombi.
Blood pressure and the brain: the neurology of hypertension
Authors: Kelly Dearbhla M , Rothwell Peter M
Published: September 2019

Hypertension affects more than one in four adults. The brain is an early target of hypertension-induced organ damage, and may manifest as stroke, subclinical cerebrovascular abnormalities and dementia. Hypertension-related small vessel disease can cause vascular dementia and can potentiate Alzheimer’s pathology, lowering the threshold at which signs and symptoms manifest. Many hypertensive emergencies may also have a neurological presentation, such as hypertensive encephalopathy, haemorrhagic stroke or pre-eclampsia. Here we highlight the importance of blood pressure in maintaining brain health and the brain’s role in controlling blood pressure.
Rates of $$D^{*}_{0}(2400)$$, $$ D_J^*(3000) $$ as the $$D^{*}_{0}(2P)$$ and $$D^{*}_{0}(3P)$$ in B decays
Authors: Tan Xiao-Ze , Jiang Yue , Wang Tianhong , Zhou Tian , Li Geng , Geng Zi-Kan , Wang Guo-Li
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we use the instantaneous Bethe–Salpeter method to calculate the semi-leptonic and non-leptonic production of the orbitally excited scalar$$ D_0^* $$D0∗inBmeson decays. When the final state is 1Pstate$$ D_0^*(2400) $$D0∗(2400), our theoretical decay rate is consistent with experimental data. For$$ D_J^*(3000) $$DJ∗(3000)final state, which was observed by LHCb collaboration recently and here treated as the orbitally excited scalar$$D^{*}_{0}(2P)$$D0∗(2P), its rate is in the order of$$ 10^{-4} \sim 10^{-6}$$10-4∼10-6. We find the special node structure of$$D^{*}_{0}(2P)$$D0∗(2P)wave function possibly results in the suppression of its branching ratio and the abnormal uncertainty. The 3Pstates production rate is in the order of$$ 10^{-5}$$10-5.
Effective locality and chiral symmetry breaking in QCD
Authors: Grandou T. , Tsang P. H.
Published: September 2019

A few years ago, the use of standard functional manipulations was demonstrated to imply an unexpected property satisfied by the fermionic Green’s functions of QCD, and called effective locality. This feature of QCD is non-perturbative as it results from a full integration of the gluonic degrees of freedom. In this paper, at eikonal and quenching approximation at least, the relation of effective locality to dynamical chiral symmetry breaking is examined.
Molecular dynamics simulations of single-walled carbon nanotubes and polynylon66
Authors: Zhang Danhui , Yang Houbo , Liu Zhongkui , Liu Anmin
Published: September 2019

Polynylon66, as a kind of important engineering plastics, is widely used in various fields. In this work, we studied the interfacial interactions between polynylon66 and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results showed that the polynylon66 could interact with the SWCNTs and the mechanism of interfacial interaction between polynylon66 and SWCNTs was also discussed. Furthermore, the morphology of polynylon66 adsorbed to the surface of SWCNTs was investigated by the radius of gyration. Influence factors such as the initial angle between polynylon66 chain and nanotube axis, SWCNT radius and length of polynylon66 on interfacial adhesion of single-walled carbon nanotube-polymer and the radius of gyration of the polymers were studied. These results will help to better understand the interfacial interaction between polymer and carbon nanotube (CNT) and also guide the fabrication of high performance polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposites.
Membrane-gravity correspondence
Authors: Dandekar Yogesh
Published: September 2019

We discuss a novel description of the dynamics of black holes in terms of the dynamics of “Membranes”. The membrane description emerges naturally if we consider black holes in the limit of a large number of spacetime dimensions [Formula: see text]. This “Large [Formula: see text] membrane paradigm” can be systematically constructed in a perturbation theory in [Formula: see text]. A similar membrane description can be constructed for the case of finite-dimensional black holes — and it reproduces black hole dynamics correctly in some nontrivial cases — which is quite striking.
A Customer Loyalty Model for E-Commerce Recommendation Systems
Authors: Ebrahimi Leila , Mirabi Vahid Reza , Ranjbar Mohammad Hossein , Pour Esmaeil Hassan
Published: September 2019

Customer loyalty is one of the important issues of e-commerce. In the context of e-commerce recommender systems, there is small number of studies investigating this issue. The main objective of this research is to provide a customer loyalty model for e-commerce recommender systems. The proposed model is developed using Delone and McLean Information System success model and a set of factors which are identified from the literature. To test the research hypotheses of the developed model, a questionnaire survey is conducted and the data is collected from 384 customers in a B2C website. We used SPSS and SmartPLS software for descriptive statistics and path analyses and to verify the proposed model. Our analysis on the collected data showed the acceptance of all hypotheses in the model. The result of the Structural Equations Modelling showed that trust has a significant relationship with the customers’ satisfaction in the e-commerce recommendation systems. In addition, the results revealed that satisfaction with the recommended products can improve the customers’ loyalty in the B2C recommendation systems. The proposed model will help the e-commerce managers to improve their website recommendation systems and increase the sale of the products by achieving the customers’ loyalty in the online shopping websites.
No eigenvalues outside the support of the limiting spectral distribution of quaternion sample covariance matrices
Authors: Li Huiqin
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we consider the spectral properties of quaternion sample covariance matrices. Let [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the square root of a [Formula: see text] quaternion Hermitian non-negative definite matrix [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text] matrix consisting of i.i.d. standard quaternion entries. Under the framework of random matrix theory, i.e. [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text], we prove that if the fourth moment of the entries is finite, then there will almost surely be no eigenvalues that appear in any closed interval outside the support of the limiting distribution as [Formula: see text].