bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Contained Three-Dimensional Bioprinter for Applications in Cardiovascular Research
Authors: Kharel Prabhuti , Somasekhar Likitha , Vecheck Amy , Mitra Kunal
Published: June 2019

Bioprinting is a technique of creating 3D cell-laden structures by accurately dispensing biomaterial to form complex synthetic tissue. The printed constructs aim to mimic the native tissue by preserving the cell functionality and viability within the printed structure. The 3D bioprinting system presented in this paper aims to facilitate the process of 3D bioprinting through its ability to control the environmental parameters within an enclosed printing chamber. This design of the bioprinter targets to eliminate the need for a laminar flow hood, by regulating the necessary environmental conditions important for cell survival, especially during long duration prints. A syringe-based extrusion (SBE) deposition method comprising multiple nozzles is integrated into the system. This allows for a wider selection of biomaterials that can be used for the formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Tissue constructs composed of alginate-gelatin hydrogels were mixed with fibrinogen and human endothelial cells which were then characterized and compared using two methodologies: casted and bioprinted. Furthermore, vasculature was incorporated in the bioprinted constructs using sacrificial printing. Structural and functional characterization of the constructs were performed by assessing rheological, mechanical properties, and analyzing live-dead assay measurements.
Numerical simulation of two-dimensional multiple scattering of sound by a large number of circular cylinders
Authors: Rohfritsch Adrien , Conoir Jean-Marc , Marchiano Régis , Valier-Brasier Tony
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this article is to present an innovative resolution method for investigating problems of sound scattering by infinite cylinders immersed in a fluid medium. The study is based on the analytical solution of multiple scattering, where incident and scattered waves are expressed in cylindrical harmonics. This modeling leads to dense linear systems, which are made sparse by introducing a cutoff radius around each particle. This cutoff radius is deeply studied and quantified. Numerical resolution is performed using parallel computing methods designed to solve very large sparse linear systems. Comparisons with direct calculations made with another numerical software and homogenization techniques follow and show good agreement with the implemented method. The last part is dedicated to a comparison between the propagation of waves in a circular cluster made of a random distribution of cylinders and the propagation in the corresponding homogenized cluster where the multiple scattering formalism is combined with a statistical analysis to provide an effective medium.
Transport of a graphene nanosheet sandwiched inside cell membranes
Authors: Chen Pengyu , Yue Hua , Zhai Xiaobo , Huang Zihan , Ma Guang-Hui , Wei Wei , Yan Li-Tang
Published: June 2019

Diffusion transport of a 2D nanosheet sandwiched inside a cell membrane can exhibit the transition from Brownian to Lévy dynamics.
Cytotoxic Curli Intermediates Form during
Salmonella
Biofilm Development
Authors: Nicastro Lauren K. , Tursi Sarah A. , Le Long S. , Miller Amanda L. , Efimov Andrey , Buttaro Bettina , Tam Vincent , Tükel Çağla
Published: June 2019

Amyloid proteins are the major proteinaceous components of biofilms, which are associated with up to 65% of human bacterial infections. Amyloids produced by human cells are also associated with diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The amyloid monomeric subunits self-associate to form oligomers, protofibrils, and finally mature fibrils. Amyloid β oligomers are more cytotoxic to cells than the mature amyloid fibrils. Here we detected oligomeric intermediates of curli for the first time. Like the oligomers of amyloid β, intermediate curli fibrils were more cytotoxic than the mature curli fibrillar aggregates when incubated with bone marrow-derived macrophages. The discovery of cytotoxic curli intermediates will enable research into the roles of amyloid intermediates in the pathogenesis of
Salmonella
and other bacteria that cause enteric infections.
Parents’ prioritised outcomes for trials investigating treatments for paediatric severe infection: a qualitative synthesis
Authors: Woolfall Kerry , O’Hara Caitlin , Deja Elizabeth , Canter Ruth , Khan Imran , Mouncey Paul , Carter Anjali , Jones Nicola , Watkins Jason , Lyttle Mark David , Tume Lyvonne , Agbeko Rachel , Tibby Shane M , Pappachan John , Thorburn Kent , Rowan Kathryn M , Peters Mark John , Inwald David
Published: June 2019

Objective

To identify parents’ prioritised outcomes by combining qualitative findings from two trial feasibility studies of interventions for paediatric suspected severe infection.

Design

Qualitative synthesis combining parent interview data from the Fluids in Shock (FiSh) and Fever feasibility studies. Parents had experience of their child being admitted to a UK emergency department or intensive care unit with a suspected infection.

Participants

n=: 85 parents. FiSh study: n=41 parents, 37 mothers, 4 fathers, 7 were bereaved. Fever study: n=44 parents, 33 mothers, 11 fathers, 7 were bereaved.

Results

In addition to survival, parents prioritised short-term outcomes including: organ and physiological functioning (eg, heart rate, breathing rate and temperature); their child looking and/or behaving more like their normal self; and length of time on treatments or mechanical support. Longer term prioritised outcomes included effects of illness on child health and development. We found that parents’ prioritisation of outcomes was influenced by their experience of their child’s illness, survival and the point at which they are asked about outcomes of importance in the course of their child’s illness.

Conclusions

Findings provide insight into parent prioritised outcomes to inform the design of future trials investigating treatments for paediatric suspected or proven severe infection as well as core outcome set development work.
Electronic prescribing in paediatric secondary care: are harmful errors prevented?
Authors: Fox Andy , Portlock Jane , Brown David
Published: June 2019

Objective

The aim of this research was to ascertain the effectiveness of current electronic prescribing (EP) systems to prevent a standardised set of paediatric prescribing errors likely to cause harm if they reach the patient.

Design

Semistructured survey.

Setting

UK hospitals using EP in the paediatric setting.

Outcome measures

Number and type of erroneous orders able to be prescribed, and the level of clinical decision support (CDS) provided during the prescribing process.

Results

90.7% of the erroneous orders were able to be prescribed across the seven different EP systems tested. Levels of CDS varied between systems and between sites using the same system.

Conclusions

EP systems vary in their ability to prevent harmful prescribing errors in the hospital paediatric setting. Differences also occur between sites using the same system, highlighting the importance of how a system is set up and optimised.
How should clinicians rehabilitate patients after ACL reconstruction? A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) with a focus on quality appraisal (AGREE II)
Authors: Andrade Renato , Pereira Rogério , van Cingel Robert , Staal J Bart , Espregueira-Mendes João
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To summarise recommendations and appraise the quality of international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.

Design

Systematic review of CPGs (PROSPERO number: CRD42017020407).

Data sources

Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, PEDro and grey literature databases were searched up to 30 September 2018.

Eligibility criteria

English-language CPGs on rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction that used systematic search of evidence to formulate recommendations.

Methods

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to report the systematic review. Two appraisers used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument to report comprehensiveness, consistency and quality of CPGs. We summarised recommendations for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.

Results

Six CPGs with an overall median AGREE II total score of 130 points (out of 168) and median overall quality of 63% were included. One CPG had an overall score below the 50% (poor quality score) and two CPGs scored above 80% (higher quality score). The lowest domain score was ‘applicability’ (can clinicians implement this in practice?) (29%) and the highest ‘scope and purpose’ (78%) and ‘clarity of presentation’ (75%). CPGs recommended immediate knee mobilisation and strength/neuromuscular training. Early full weight-bearing exercises, early open and closed kinetic-chain exercises, cryotherapy and neuromuscular electrostimulation may be used according individual circumstances. The CPGs recommend against continuous passive motion and functional bracing.

Conclusion

The quality of the CPGs in ACL postoperative rehabilitation was good, but all CPGs showed poor applicability. Immediate knee mobilisation and strength/neuromuscular training should be used. Continuous passive motion and functional bracing should be eschewed.
The governance of local health systems in the era of Sustainable Development Goals: reflections on collaborative action to address complex health needs in four country contexts
Authors: Schneider Helen , Zulu Joseph Mumba , Mathias Kaaren , Cloete Keith , Hurtig Anna-Karin
Published: June 2019

This analysis reflects on experiences and lessons from four country settings—Zambia, India, Sweden and South Africa—on building collaborations in local health systems in order to respond to complex health needs. These collaborations ranged in scope and formality, from coordinating action in the community health system (Zambia), to a partnership between governmental, non-governmental and academic actors (India), to joint planning and delivery across political and sectoral boundaries (Sweden and South Africa). The four cases are presented and analysed using a common framework of collaborative governance, focusing on the dynamics of the collaboration itself, with respect to principled engagement, shared motivation and joint capacity. The four cases, despite their differences, illustrate the considerable challenges and the specific dynamics involved in developing collaborative action in local health systems. These include the coconstruction of solutions (and in some instances the problem itself) through engagement, the importance of trust, both interpersonal and institutional, as a condition for collaborative arrangements, and the role of openly accessible information in building shared understanding. Ultimately, collaborative action takes time and difficulty needs to be anticipated. If discovery, joint learning and developing shared perspectives are presented as goals in themselves, this may offset internal and external expectations that collaborations deliver results in the short term.
The effects of alcohol pricing policies on consumption, health, social and economic outcomes, and health inequality in Australia: a protocol of an epidemiological modelling study
Authors: Jiang Heng , Room Robin , Livingston Michael , Callinan Sarah , Brennan Alan , Doran Christopher , Thorn Michael
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Alcohol use and misuse are associated with substantial health and social issues in Australia and internationally. Pricing policy is considered as one of the most effective means to reduce risky drinking and related harms. This protocol paper describes a study that will model and estimate the effects, effectiveness and cost–benefit of alcohol pricing policy initiatives in reducing risky drinking, health and social harms, and health inequalities among subpopulations in Australia.

Methods and analysis

The study is a modelling and epidemiological study using data from various resources, such as survey, previous literatures and response agencies. A number of statistical procedures will be undertaken to evaluate the impact of different alcohol pricing policy initiatives on various outcomes, including alcohol consumption in population subgroups, and health and social problems, and to measure health inequalities and cost-effectiveness of those proposed pricing policies, such as a 10% tax increase on all alcohol beverages or introduction of a minimum unit price.

Ethics and dissemination

The ethics approval of this study was obtained from the College Human Ethics Sub-Committee of the La Trobe University on 9 November 2017 (Ref: S17-206). While examining the heterogeneous effects of price policy across population subgroups, this study will provide the first comprehensive estimates of the likely impacts of alcohol price changes on health inequalities. The study will also provide sophisticated economic analyses of the impact of price policy changes, which is critical information for policy makers and will assist policy makers in directing resources to a more efficient alcohol strategy. Results will be made available to communities and societies, health departments and other researchers.
Penetrating thoracic injuries: a retrospective analysis from a French military trauma centre
Authors: Swiech Astree , Boddaert G , Daban J-L , Falzone E , Ausset S , Boutonnet M
Published: June 2019

Background

Penetrating thoracic injuries (PTIs) is a medicosurgical challenge for civilian and military trauma teams. In civilian European practice, PTIs are most likely due to stab wounds and mostly require a simple chest tube drainage. On the battlefield, combat casualties suffer severe injuries, caused by high-lethality wounding agents.

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the demographics, injury patterns, surgical management and clinical outcomes of civilian and military patients with PTIs.

Methods

All patients with PTIs admitted to a Level I Trauma Centre in France or to Role-2 facilities in war theatres between 1 January 2004 and 31 May 2016 were included. Combat casualties’ data were analysed from Role-2 medical charts. The hospital manages military casualties evacuated from war theatres who had already received primary surgical care, but also civilian patients issued from the Paris area. During the study period, French soldiers were deployed in Afghanistan, in West Africa and in the Sahelo-Saharan band since 2013.

Results

52 civilian and 17 military patients were included. Main mechanisms of injury were stab wounds for civilian patients, and gunshot wounds and explosive fragments for military casualties. Military patients suffered more severe injuries and needed more thoracotomies. In total, 29 (33%) patients were unstable or in cardiac arrest on admission. Thoracic surgery was performed in 38 (55%) patients (25 thoracotomies and 13 thoracoscopies). Intrahospital mortality was 18.8%.

Conclusion

War PTIs are associated with extrathoracic injuries and higher mortality than PTIs in the French civilian area. In order to reduce the mortality of PTIs in combat, our study highlights the need to improve tactical en route care with transfusion capabilities and the deployment of forward surgical units closer to the combatants. In the civilian area, our results indicated that video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a reliable diagnostic and therapeutic technique for haemodynamically stable patients.
Soil quality and land capability of reclaimed oil and gas well pads in southern Alberta: long-term legacy effects
Authors: Janz A. , Whitson I.R. , Lupardus R.
Published: June 2019

Since 1963 approximately 100 000 oil and gas well pads have been officially certified as reclaimed in Alberta, yet follow-up monitoring programs have not been established to assure provincial environmental desired outcomes such as equivalent land capability are met at these certified well pads. The Ecological Recovery Monitoring Project was designed to determine long-term recovery of environmental quality at certified, reclaimed oil and gas well pads. Our study used soil data from 25 oil and gas well pads that were certified as reclaimed between 1964 and 2011. The objective of this study was to determine if well pad reclamation had long-term legacy effects on soil parameters and land capability as measured with the land suitability rating system (LSRS). We used multivariate covariance generalized linear models to determine effects of recovery time and reclamation on well pad soil parameters pH, bulk density (Db), total organic carbon (TOC), and electrical conductivity relative to reference soils. We also determined effects of reclamation on capability ratings using the LSRS. We concluded that soil quality and LSRS indices on well pads were lower than references due to adverse effects on pH, Db, and TOC. Long-term legacy effects on cultivated soils are significant and not well aligned with intended provincial outcomes. Further monitoring of reclaimed sites is strongly recommended.
DIRECT EFFECT OF INWARD FDI AND TARGET FIRM PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE WITH CHINESE FIRM-LEVEL DATA
Authors: CHEN SE , LI MINGXIAN
Published: June 2019

This paper uses Chinese firm-level data from 2001 to 2007 and applies a propensity score matching method combined with a difference-in-differences approach to examine the direct causal link between inward foreign direct investment (FDI) and various aspects of Chinese firms’ performance. We divide China into four economic regions and subdivide the origin of foreign investment into HMT investment (within the Greater China Area) and other foreign investment (outside the Greater China Area). The results indicate that the progress of the IFDI market in China is not evenly balanced within the four economic regions, while the different origins of foreign investment produce different effects.
Characterization of S-transform for general construction of infinite-dimensional distributions
Authors: Accardi Luigi , Ji Un Cig , Saitô Kimiaki
Published: June 2019

We study the analytic characterization of [Formula: see text]-transform in a general setting of white noise functionals. Then, the measurability condition of the norms generating the underlining locally convex space is a necessary and sufficient condition for the analytic characterization of the [Formula: see text]-transform in terms of analytic and growth conditions.
A general approach for generating sets of certain subsemigroups of monotone maps
Authors: Bugay Leyla
Published: June 2019

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be the monoids of all (full) transformations and of all partial transformations, on a finite chain [Formula: see text] under its natural order, respectively. Moreover, let [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) be the subsemigroup of [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) consists of all monotone transformations (monotone partial transformations) with height less than or equal to [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]). In this paper, we develop a new and general approach to find a (minimal) generating set of [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]).
Rare-earth element doping in glass frit for improved performance in silicon solar cells
Authors: Gao Zhou , Jiang Xing , Wang Xingbo , Chen Yongji , Liu Jian , Chen Haibiao , Lin Yuan , Pan Feng
Published: June 2019

Glass frit plays an important role in the silver paste for silicon solar cells. In this work, we prepare glass frit doped with different rare-earth elements (Y, La, Sm, Er) and study how the doping element affects the performance of the solar cells. Solar cells with La-doped and Sm-doped glass frits show average conversion efficiencies higher than 17.5%, while solar cells with Y-doped or Er-doped frit show lower efficiencies. By analyzing the Raman spectra of the rare-earth doped glass frits, we find that the average coordination number of Te–O ([Formula: see text]) in the glass can be tuned by the rare-earth dopant. La or Sm doping leads to a moderate value of [Formula: see text], which is believed to achieve a glass formation ability that optimizes the structure of the Ag–Si interface of the cell for the best performance.
Co-doped ZnO/C composites as high capacity materials for Li storage
Authors: Jin Jiawei , Sun Xuejiao , Xu Miaoqiong , Chen Shaoyun , Chen Wenjie , Zhao Xiaojing , Wu Qi-Hui , Li Yi
Published: June 2019

Co-doped ZnO/C composites derived from Co-doped MOF-5 were applied as the anode materials for Li-ion batteries (LIBs), which showed advanced capacity and rate performance. Their good electrochemical properties were attributed to the Co-doping and C complex which greatly enhance ZnO electrical conductivity, and the microporous and macroporous structure which augments the contact area between electrolyte and electrode shortening the diffusion path of Li ions as well as releasing the intense heat caused by Li alloying.
Recurrent biotic rebounds during the Early Triassic: biostratigraphy and temporal size variation of conodonts from the Nanpanjiang Basin, South China
Authors: Wu Kui , Tian Li , Liang Lei , Metcalfe Ian , Chu Daoliang , Tong Jinnan
Published: June 2019

Eleven conodont zones are established for the Lower Triassic of the Motianling section in the Nanpanjiang Basin, South China. Detailed size measurements on 2244 P
1
conodont elements demonstrate dynamic size variation patterns during the Early Triassic that are calibrated to the Early Triassic timescale and conodont zonation. Correlation of conodont size variation with various environmental indicators shows that these size changes are primarily controlled by rapidly changing and episodic environmental conditions and ecological recovery in the aftermath of the end-Permian mass extinction. Decreasing size trends occur in the early Griesbachian, late Griesbachian and at the Smithian–Spathian boundary. Episodes of size increase (rebounds) occur in the middle Griesbachian, Induan–Olenekian boundary and middle–late Spathian. The observed temporal size variations indicate that conodont animals were significantly affected by rapidly changing environmental conditions (mainly temperature and redox conditions) during the Early Triassic and recurrent size increases (rebounds) occurred during periods of environmental and climatic amelioration (climatic cooling and oxygenation), demonstrating a complicated recovery history of marine ecosystems in the aftermath of the largest Phanerozoic biotic crisis.

Supplementary material:
Data for all species are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4528616
Differentially expressed genes for atrial fibrillation identified by RNA sequencing from paired human left and right atrial appendages
Authors: Thomas Alison M. , Cabrera Claudia P. , Finlay Malcolm , Lall Kulvinder , Nobles Muriel , Schilling Richard J. , Wood Kristie , Mein Charles A. , Barnes Michael R. , Munroe Patricia B. , Tinker Andrew
Published: June 2019

Atrial fibrillation is a significant worldwide contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Few studies have investigated the differences in gene expression between the left and right atrial appendages, leaving their characterization largely unexplored. In this study, differential gene expression was investigated in atrial fibrillation and sinus rhythm using left and right atrial appendages from the same patients. RNA sequencing was performed on the left and right atrial appendages from five sinus rhythm (SR) control patients and five permanent AF case patients. Differential gene expression in both the left and right atrial appendages was analyzed using the Bioconductor package edgeR. A selection of differentially expressed genes, with relevance to atrial fibrillation, were further validated using quantitative RT-PCR. The distribution of the samples assessed through principal component analysis showed distinct grouping between left and right atrial appendages and between SR controls and AF cases. Overall 157 differentially expressed genes were identified to be downregulated and 90 genes upregulated in AF. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated a greater involvement of left atrial genes in the Wnt signaling pathway whereas right atrial genes were involved in clathrin-coated vesicle and collagen formation. The differing expression of genes in both left and right atrial appendages indicate that there are different mechanisms for development, support and remodeling of AF within the left and right atria.
ВИВЧЕННЯ ТРИВОЖНО-ДЕПРЕСИВНИХ РОЗЛАДІВ ТА ОЦІНКА ЯКОСТІ ЖИТТЯ У ХВОРИХ НА ТИРЕОПАТІЮ
Authors: Savchenko I. P. , Stepova M. V. , Mazur L. M.
Published: June 2019

Хвороба має значний вплив на фізичне здоров’я, емоційні реакції та поведінку людини. У статті досліджено зв’язок між психоемоційним станом пацієнта із патологією щитоподібної залози та оцінкою якості життя. Психічні та поведінкові розлади надзвичайно поширені й уражають 25 % людей в різні періоди їх життя, мають економічний вплив на суспільство і на якість життя окремих осіб з психічними розладами.
СЕСТРИНСЬКІ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ НА ЕТАПІ СТАЦІОНАРНОГО ЛІКУВАННЯ ХВОРИХ, ЯКІ ПОТРЕБУЮТЬ ЕНДОПРОТЕЗУВАННЯ КУЛЬШОВОГО СУГЛОБА
Authors: Kostyuchok I. V. , Luchyshyn N. Yu.
Published: June 2019

У статті подано основні функції медичної сестри у забезпеченні лікувального процесу та організації догляду за пацієнтами з патологією кульшових суглобів, які перебувають на стаціонарному лікуванні в ортопедичному відділенні. Обґрунтовано необхідність якісного супроводу пацієнтів з ендопро­тезами грамотними медичними сестрами, що дозволяє досягти успішного і біомеханічно коректного відновлення пацієнтів.
ЦУКРОВИЙ ДІАБЕТ
Authors: Shchegol I. M.
Published: June 2019

У статті висвітлено типи, симптоми  і діагностику цукрового діабету.
Jurisprudence of Tolerance: Hate Speech, Article 17 and Theory of Democracy in the European Convention on Human Rights
Authors: Nikouei Majid , Zamani Masoud
Published: June 2019

What does the protection or prohibition of a speech tell us about the tripartite relationship between political power, democracy and rights? This question has somehow underscored the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights in hate speech cases for more than a half century. We argue that this question has invariably placed the Court in an uneasy position, which is, choosing between a democracy empowered by unlimited freedom of speech, but with recurrent social tensions, and a democracy with rather strict hate speech laws, but at ease with different segments of population. That said, the jurisprudence of the European Court outlines a pattern by which to identify a specific direction for the evolution of rights and democracy. This article considers this pattern. Not only does this article, examine the pattern in the Court’s and the Commission’s jurisprudence, but it also argues that this pattern unfolds a subtle presence of Hobbesian and Lockean theories of political power and the limits in its midst. By invoking this presence, we indicate how the debate in the jurisprudence of the European Court has shifted from the language of protecting democracy to that of rights.
Mapping Uncertainty
Authors: Lovejoy Henry B.
Published: June 2019

This historical GIS experiment attempts to map the collapse of the kingdom of Oyo alongside the departure of slave ships from the Bight of Benin. The achievements and drawbacks of mapping Africa’s pre-colonial past require an overview of the sources and methods used to illustrate the dissolution and formation of inland places during an intense period of intra-African conflict. By collating geopolitical data, it is possible to represent on annual maps the likely origins and migrations of diverse groups of enslaved people who were involved in the warfare in the Bight of Benin hinterland between 1816 and 1836. During this period, an unknown number of captives were enslaved and forced into an internal slave trade, most especially into the Sokoto Caliphate, while over 75,000 individuals involuntarily boarded European slave ships leaving for Brazil, Cuba and, due to British abolition efforts, Sierra Leone.
A new species of the genus Chinoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from southern China
Authors: LÜ DONGBIAO , YAN YANHUA , LI WEIHAI , WANG HONGLIANG
Published: June 2019

A new species of the perlid genus Chinoperla Zwick, C. biprojecta sp. nov. from Hainan Province of southern China is described. The male of the new species is easily distinguished from other known species by the pair of finger-like projections at posterior margin of the median sclerite of tergum 9.
Elateridae (Coleoptera) of Lebanon
Authors: NÉMETH TAMÁS
Published: June 2019

A checklist of Elateridae of Lebanon is provided. Altogether, 54 species classified in 23 genera are listed, with 11 species reported from the country for the first time. Elathous agilis sp. nov. and Megathous tannourinensis sp. nov. are described, compared with congeners, and their main diagnostic characters are figured.
Copper Nanoparticles Deposited Cellulose Acetate Microfibers as Heterogenous Catalysts for 4-Nitrophenol Reduction in Aqueous Media
Authors: Xu Peng , Cen Changli , Chen Nannan , Zheng Mengke , Wu Zhenguo , Xu Nanfang , Tang Jingen , Teng Zhaogang
Published: June 2019

In this work, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) loaded cellulose acetate microfibers (CAMFs-Cu) are successfully prepared as a novel heterogenous catalyst. For this purpose, the cellulose acetate microfibers (CAMFs) with a diameter of ca. 300–500 nm are fabricated by electrospinning
method. Then, CuNPs are deposited onto the CAMFs via a convenient wet reduction process using copper chloride as precursor and sodium borohydride as reduction agent. The chemical composition of the fabricated CAMFs-Cu is characterized by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, powder X-ray
diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images reveal that the CuNPs with a diameter of approximately 20 nm are homogenously deposited on the CAMFs. The distribution density for the CuNPs increases
with precursor concentrations. The catalytic performance shows that the CAMFsCu lead to approximate 100% reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) and the reaction constant increases with deposited Cu content. The CAMFs-Cu heterogenous catalysts are very stable and could be
reused up to eight times in consecutive runs without any treatment between the cycles. The CAMFs-Cu is thus expected to have great potential as a highly efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly reusable catalyst for catalytic applications.
Rapid Decline of Total Antarctic Sea Ice Extent during 2014–16 Controlled by Wind-Driven Sea Ice Drift
Authors: Wang Zhaomin , Turner John , Wu Yang , Liu Chengyan
Published: June 2019

Between 2014 and 2016 the annual mean total extent of Antarctic sea ice decreased by a record, unprecedented amount of 1.6 × 106 km2, the largest in a record starting in the late 1970s. The mechanisms behind such a rapid decrease remain unknown. Using the outputs of a high-resolution, global ocean–sea ice model we show that the change was predominantly a result of record atmospheric low pressure systems over sectors of the Southern Ocean in 2016, with the associated winds inducing strong sea ice drift. Regions of large positive and negative sea ice extent anomaly were generated by both thermal and dynamic effects of the wind anomalies. Although the strong wind forcing also generated the warmest ocean surface state from April to December 2016, we show that enhanced northward sea ice drift and hence increased melting at lower latitudes driven by strong winds made the dominant contribution to the large decrease in total Antarctic sea ice extent between 2014 and 2016.
Parental Self-Efficacy in New Mothers Predicts Infant Growth Trajectories
Authors: Bahorski Jessica S. , Childs Gwendolyn D. , Loan Lori A. , Azuero Andres , Rice Marti H. , Chandler-Laney Paula C. , Hodges Eric A. , Wasser Heather M. , Thompson Amanda L. , Bentley Margaret E.
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine whether parental self-efficacy (PSE) is associated with change in infant weight-for-length z score (WLZ) from age 3 to 12 months. Data were drawn from the Infant Care, Feeding, and Risk of Obesity study, conducted with low-income, African American mother–infant dyads ( n = 127). PSE was measured at infant age of 3 months. Infant anthropometrics were measured at infant age of 3 and 12 months, WLZ change between these time points was calculated, and infants stratified into WLZ change categories (expected, excessive, or slow). To analyze the data, ANCOVA, multiple regression, and post hoc techniques were used. Controlling for infant birthweight, PSE at 3 months was associated with infant WLZ change (η2 = 0.05, p = .04). Mothers of infants who exhibited excessive growth had higher PSE than mothers of infants who exhibited slow growth (Tukey-adjusted p = .03). This finding suggests that infants of mothers with high PSE may have increased obesity risk, but more research is needed.
A consumer-based textile quality scoring model using multi-criteria decision making
Authors: Benkirane Romain , Thomassey Sébastien , Koehl Ludovic , Perwuelz Anne
Published: June 2019

In the clothing industry, the understanding of the quality is a major issue to well meet the customer needs. The dilemma that faces manufacturers is to find the balance between good quality and “overquality,” what the quality criteria are, and how to target requirements specifications. The aim of this study was to propose a multi-attribute ranking method of products. Ranking is based on an overall quality score. The quality score, here called consumer-based quality, is computed via the combination of textile testing and consumer perception to deterioration. Such a perception has been surveyed, and damage that can lead to end of life has been investigated. Collected data have been translated into a consumer sensitivity using multi-criteria decision making and fuzzy techniques. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process has been used. Five damage categories have been weighted. A selection of appropriate tests according to standards has been completed to test the product resistance to the damage. The tests results have been computed with the consumer sensitivity to obtain the consumer-based quality score. Finally, the ranking method is applied on T-shirts, and a single score ranking is made possible and objectively depict perceived quality.
Leukocytosis and thrombosis in essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Carobbio Alessandra , Ferrari Alberto , Masciulli Arianna , Ghirardi Arianna , Barosi Giovanni , Barbui Tiziano
Published: June 2019

In the last years, a growing amount of evidence has been produced regarding the role of leukocytosis as a risk factor for thrombosis in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms, predominantly in polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET). Results from epidemiologic studies on this issue, however, are inconclusive. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published in the last 12 years addressing the issue, according to a predefined protocol. Forty-one articles analyzing >30 000 patients met our inclusion criteria and were deemed of acceptable methodologic quality. In addition to data on thrombosis, data were collected on bleeding, hematologic evolution, secondary cancer, and death. The relative risk (RR) of thrombosis in the presence of leukocytosis was 1.59 (95% CI, 1.40-1.80), mainly accounted for by ET (RR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.43-1.91) and arterial thrombosis (RR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13-1.86) subgroups; the effect was not significant in venous thrombosis alone. Sensitivity analyses considering recurrent events as well as white blood cell estimates adjusted or unadjusted for confounding factors confirmed the primary results. In addition, the pooled RR of studies that tested white blood cell counts in time-dependent models suggested a causative effect of leukocytes in the mechanism that triggers thrombosis. The effect of leukocytosis on bleeding (RR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.26-2.77) and death (RR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.59-2.23) was confirmed, whereas conclusions on hematologic evolutions and solid tumors were uncertain. To confirm the accuracy of these results, an investigation on individual patient data in a large collective archive of homogeneous patients is warranted.
Development and Implementation of Survivorship Tools to Enable Medical Follow-Up After Childhood Cancer Treatment in Southern Sweden
Authors: Petersson-Ahrholt Magnus , Wiebe Thomas , Hjorth Lars , Relander Thomas , Linge Helena M.
Published: June 2019

PURPOSE

Survival rates after childhood cancer have increased from 20% to 80% since the 1970s. The increased number of survivors emphasizes the importance of late effects and their monitoring. Late effects may have a strong impact on quality of life in survivors. The purpose of this study was to make key data in a quality registry available for direct clinical use, enabling health care professionals to perform efficient and appropriate long-term medical follow-up after childhood cancer treatment.

METHODS

The population-based quality registry upon which this study is centered contains data on all individuals diagnosed with childhood cancer (diagnosed at 18 years of age or younger) in southern Sweden since January 1, 1970, and treatment data on 5-year survivors. Web tools, which were developed and implemented in a health care setting, generate a personalized treatment summary for each patient and enable risk group stratification of survivors.

RESULTS

Generation of a personalized treatment summary and risk group stratification of survivors led to identification of women at risk for developing breast cancer as a consequence of childhood cancer treatment. Three novel cases of previously undiagnosed breast cancer were identified.

CONCLUSION

The registry, together with the developed tools, enabled health care professionals to perform medical follow-up in this at-risk patient population.
Horizontal Crank Position Affects Economy and Upper Limb Kinematics of Recumbent Handcyclists
Authors: STONE BENJAMIN , MASON BARRY S. , WARNER MARTIN B. , GOOSEY-TOLFREY VICTORIA L.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To determine the effects of horizontal crank position on economy and upper limb kinematics in recumbent handcycling.

Methods

Fifteen trained handcyclists performed trials at 50% and 70% of their peak aerobic power output (POPeak), determined during a maximal exercise test, in each horizontal crank position. Four horizontal crank positions, 94%, 97%, 100%, and 103% of arm length, were investigated. Horizontal crank positions were defined as the distance between the acromion angle to the center of the handgrip, while the crank arm was parallel to the floor and pointing away from the participant. Economy and upper limb kinematics were calculated during the final minute of each 3-min trial.

Results

Horizontal crank position significantly affected handcycling economy at 70% POPeak (P < 0.01) but not at 50% POPeak (P = 0.44). The 97% horizontal crank position (16.0 [1.5] mL·min−1·W−1) was significantly more economical than the 94% (16.7 (1.9) mL·min−1·W−1) (P = 0.04) and 103% (16.6 (1.7) mL·min−1·W−1) (P < 0.01) positions. The 100% horizontal crank position (16.2 (1.7) mL·min−1·W−1) was significantly more economical than the 103% position (P < 0.01). Statistical parametric mapping indicated that an increase in horizontal crank position, from 94% to 103%, caused a significant increase in elbow extension, shoulder flexion, adduction, internal rotation, scapular internal rotation, wrist flexion, clavicle depression and clavicle protraction between 0% and 50% (0°–180°) of the cycle (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Positioning the cranks at 97% to 100% of the athletes’ arm length improved handcycling economy at 70% POPeak as, potentially, the musculature surrounding the joints of the upper limb were in a more favorable position to produce force economically.
Assessment of Na+/K+ ATPase Activity in Small Rodent and Human Skeletal Muscle Samples
Authors: JANNAS-VELA SEBASTIAN , BROWNELL STUART , PETRICK HEATHER L. , HEIGENHAUSER GEORGE J. F. , SPRIET LAWRENCE L. , HOLLOWAY GRAHAM P.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

In skeletal muscle, the Na+/K+ ATPase (NKA) plays essential roles in processes linked to muscle contraction, fatigue, and energy metabolism; however, very little information exists regarding the regulation of NKA activity. The scarcity of information regarding NKA function in skeletal muscle likely stems from methodological constraints, as NKA contributes minimally to total cellular ATP utilization, and therefore contamination from other ATPases prevents the assessment of NKA activity in muscle homogenates. Here we introduce a method that improves accuracy and feasibility for the determination of NKA activity in small rodent muscle samples (5–10 mg) and in human skeletal muscle.

Methods

Skeletal muscle homogenates from mice (n = 6) and humans (n = 3) were used to measure NKA and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) activities with the addition of specific ATPase inhibitors to minimize “background noise.”

Results

We observed that myosin ATPase activity was the major interfering factor for estimation of NKA activity in skeletal muscle homogenates, as the addition of 25 μM of blebbistatin, a specific myosin ATPase inhibitor, considerably minimized “background noise” (threefold) and enabled the determination of NKA maximal activity with values three times higher than previously reported. The specificity of the assay was demonstrated after the addition of 2 mM ouabain, which completely inhibited NKA. On the other hand, the addition of blebbistatin did not affect the ability to measure SERCA function. The coefficient of variation for NKA and SERCA assays were 6.2% and 4.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

The present study has improved the methodology to determine NKA activity. We further show the feasibility of measuring NKA and SERCA activities from a common muscle homogenate. This methodology is expected to aid in our long-term understanding of how NKA affects skeletal muscle metabolic homeostasis and contractile function in diverse situations.
The Cascade Analysis Tool: software to analyze and optimize care cascades
Authors: Kedziora David J , Abeysuriya Romesh , Kerr Cliff C , Chadderdon George L , Harbuz Vlad-Ștefan , Metzger Sarah , Wilson David P , Stuart Robyn M
Published: June 2019

Introduction: Cascades, which track the progressive stages of engagement on the path towards a successful outcome, are increasingly being employed to quantitatively assess progress towards targets associated with health and development responses. Maximizing the proportion of people with successful outcomes within a budget-constrained context requires identifying and implementing interventions that are not only effective, but also cost-effective.

Methods: We developed a software application called the Cascade Analysis Tool that implements advanced analysis and optimization methods for understanding cascades, combined with the flexibility to enable application across a wide range of areas in health and development. The tool allows users to design the cascade, collate and enter data, and then use the built-in analysis methods in order to answer key policy questions, such as: understanding where the biggest drop-offs along the cascade are; visualizing how the cascade varies by population; investigating the impact of introducing a new intervention or scaling up/down existing interventions; and estimating how available funding should be optimally allocated among available interventions in order to achieve a variety of different objectives selectable by the user (such as optimizing cascade outcomes in target years). The Cascade Analysis Tool is available via a user-friendly web-based application, and comes with a user guide, a library of pre-made examples, and training materials.

Discussion: Whilst the Cascade Analysis Tool is still in the early stages of existence, it has already shown promise in preliminary applications, and we believe there is potential for it to help make sense of the increasing quantities of data on cascades.
Self-reported disability in rural Malawi: prevalence, incidence, and relationship to chronic disease
Authors: Prynn Josephine E. , Dube Albert , Mwaiyeghele Elenaus , Mwiba Oddie , Geis Steffen , Koole Olivier , Nyirenda Moffat , Kuper Hannah , Crampin Amelia C.
Published: June 2019

Background: Disability is a complex concept involving physical impairment, activity limitation, and participation restriction. The Washington Group developed a set of questions on six functional domains (seeing, hearing, walking, remembering, self-care, and communicating) to allow collection of comparable data on disability. We aimed to improve understanding of prevalence and correlates of disability in the low-income setting of Malawi.

Methods: This study is nested in the Karonga Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in Malawi; the Washington Group questions were added to the annual survey in 2014. We used cross-sectional data from the 2014 survey to estimate the current prevalence of disability, simulate disability prevalence over the previous 12 years, and examine associations of disability with certain chronic diseases. We then reviewed the consistency of responses to the questions over time using data from the 2015 survey.

Results: Of 10,863 participants, 9.6% (95% CI 9.0-10.1%) reported disability in at least one domain. Prevalence was higher among women and increased with age. Since 2004, we estimate the number of people experiencing disability has increased 1.5 times. Obesity and diabetes were associated with disability, but hypertension and HIV were not. Participants reporting “no difficulty” or “can’t do at all” for any domain were likely to report the same status one year later, whereas there was considerable movement between people describing “some difficulty” and “a lot of difficulty”.

Conclusions: Disability prevalence is high and likely to increase over time. Further research into the needs of this population is crucial to ensure inclusive policies are created and sustainable development goals are met.
Protocol for an app-based affective control training for adolescents: proof-of-principle double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schweizer Susanne , Leung Jovita T. , Kievit Rogier , Speekenbrink Maarten , Trender William , Hampshire Adam , Blakemore Sarah-Jayne
Published: June 2019

Background: 75% of all mental health problems have their onset before the end of adolescence. Therefore, adolescence may be a particularly sensitive time period for preventing mental health problems. Affective control, the capacity to engage with goal relevant and inhibit distracting information in affective contexts, has been proposed as a potential target for prevention. In this study, we will explore the impact of improving adolescents’ affective control capacity on their mental health.

Methods: The proof-of-principle double-blind randomized controlled trial will compare the effectiveness of an app-based affective control training (AC-Training) to a placebo training (P-Training) app. In total, 200 (~50% females) adolescents (11-19 years) will train for 14 days on their training app. The AC-Training will include three different n-back tasks: visuospatial, auditory and dual (i.e., including both modalities). These tasks require participants to flexibly engage and disengage with affective and neutral stimuli (i.e., faces and words). The P-Training will present participants with a perceptual matching task. The three versions of the P-Training tasks vary in the stimuli included (i.e., shapes, words and faces). The two training groups will be compared on gains in affective control, mental health, emotion regulation and self-regulation, immediately after training, one month and one year after training.

Discussion: If, as predicted, the proposed study finds that AC-Training successfully improves affective control in adolescents, there would be significant potential benefits to adolescent mental health. As a free app, the training would also be scalable and easy to disseminate across a wide range of settings.

Trial registration: The trial was registered on December 10th 2018 with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (Registration number: ISRCTN17213032).