bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Features reported after exposure to automatic dishwashing rinse aids
Authors: Day R , Bradberry SM , Sandilands EA , Thomas SHL , Thompson JP , Vale JA
Published: January 2020

Introduction:

Automatic dishwashing rinse aids are drying aids which contain non-ionic surfactants, usually ethoxylated alcohols, typically at concentrations of ≤30%.

Objective:

To assess the reported toxicity of rinse aids.

Methods:

Telephone enquiries to the UK National Poisons Information Service were analysed from January 2008 to June 2019.

Results:

Ingestion: Ingestion was involved in 976 cases and produced gastrointestinal features, coughing and central nervous system depression, particularly in young children. In those in whom the amount ingested was known, the majority (56%) of children <18 years and of adults (57%) ingested <50 mL of rinse aid. Although moderate or severe exposures (Poisoning Severity Score (PSS) ≥ 2) were uncommon, they occurred significantly ( p < 0.0008) more often in adults (9.0%) than in children (1.8%); however, three of the four adults with PSS ≥ 2 co-ingested other substances. Eye exposure: Ocular exposure was reported in 35 cases, of whom 29 developed features. Eye irritation ( n = 10, 28.6%) and eye pain ( n = 10, 28.6%) were reported most commonly, and three patients (8.6%) developed corneal abrasions (PSS 2). Dermal exposure: Thirty-four patients were exposed dermally, and six (17.6%) reported features, including rash, numbness, pruritus and burns (PSS 1).

Conclusions:

Overall, clinical features developed in 47% of patients exposed to rinse aids, but more severe features (PSS ≥ 2) were rare (<3%) following exposure by any route.
Nurses’ experiences of working under time pressure in care for older persons
Authors: Dierckx de Casterlé Bernadette , Mertens Evelyne , Steenacker Jessica , Denier Yvonne
Published: January 2020

Background

The international health workforce crisis had led to an increasing shortage of nurses, which has substantial implications for the quality of patient care. This shortage potentially results in nurse-perceived time pressure, which can be particularly challenging for nurses who provide care for older persons.

Objective

This study aimed to show how geriatric nurses experience working under time pressure, perceive its impact on care and deal with time pressure in daily care.

Research design

A qualitative descriptive interview design was used.

Participants and research context

Purposive sampling led to the inclusion of 11 nurses from three geriatric nursing wards in two general hospitals in Flanders (Belgium). Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and analysed using the QUAGOL (Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven).

Ethical considerations

The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Hospitals Leuven (Ethics committee of the University Hospitals Leuven).

Findings

In all interviews, time pressure was described as ubiquitous in the daily care of older persons. A sense of failure in providing care was the common thread in many interviews. Nurses felt compelled to ‘reduce’ good-quality care to basic care by focusing on the physical and visible aspects of care. Nevertheless, personal experiences with time pressure and strategies to cope with it differed among the interviewees. These variations were related to the working environment and the nurses themselves. They underscored the importance of nurses’ perspectives for a good understanding of the phenomenon of time pressure.

Discussion and conclusion

Working under time pressure in the care of older persons leads to various important challenges for nursing ethics. The findings show that providing care that promotes the human dignity of older persons in busy working environments in which care is rationed is an important ethical challenge. As such, our study offers a baseline for further research and discussion on how to support nurses working under time pressure.
Influence of Family Ownership and Governance on Performance: Evidence from India
Authors: Srivastava Aman , Bhatia Shikha
Published: January 2020

This study examines how firm performance is impacted by family ownership and governance in an emerging market. Employing a panel data set of listed companies from National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India for the period 2011–2017, this study analyses the relationship between family ownership and firm performance while controlling for variables like impact of external environment and characteristics of firms. The performance of firms is measured by accounting measures of performance and Tobin’s Q. The findings of this study suggest that family ownership and firm performance have a nonlinear relationship and family ownership has a positive impact on firm performance till a certain point and after that it starts affecting firm performance negatively. This study also finds that family involvement in governance positively affects the firm performance.
An Empirical Insight into the Financial Globalization–Growth Nexus via Trade Openness: Evidence from Select South Asian Countries
Authors: Sahoo Malayaranjan , Sethi Narayan
Published: January 2020

This article explores the relationship among financial globalization, trade openness and economic growth for the select South Asian countries, that is, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka over the time period 1990–2017. We have applied panel unit root test like that of Im–Pesaran–Shin (IPS) and Levin–Lin–Chu (LLC) to check the stationarity of the variables. Kao, Fisher and Pedroni’s residual cointegration test has been considered to find out the long-run relationship among the variables. The cointegration results confirm that there exists a long-run relationship among the considered variables. The pairwise Granger Causality test confirms that there is a unidirectional causal relationship between growth and financial globalization, growth and foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade openness and financial globalization. Further, full modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) methods are used to find out the long-run dynamic relation between the variables, and the results show that financial globalization and trade openness have a positive and significant influence on economic growth. Our empirical findings suggest that South Asian countries should ensure that necessary policies require to be implemented if they need to partake in the gains from trade openness and capital flows, which would lead to stimulate the economic performance of the country. Also, governments should focus more on the enhancement of domestic financial system. In addition, an open economy requires global coordination to build a strong international financial system to prevent and manage financial crises or potential shock.
The Moral of the Story: Use What Works
Authors: Dunbar Laura
Published: January 2020

The column contains some basic guidelines for technology use in the music classroom.
Achieving Consensus in the Measurement of Psychological Adjustment to Cleft Lip and/or Palate at Age 8+ Years
Authors: Stock Nicola Marie , Hammond Vanessa , Hearst Daniela , Owen Tina , Edwards Zoe , Ridley Matthew , Rumsey Nichola
Published: January 2020

Background:

Consensus regarding optimal outcome measurement has been identified as one of the most important, yet most challenging developments for the future of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) services. In 2011, a process began to adopt a shared conceptual framework and to identify a set of core outcome measures for the comprehensive assessment of psychological adjustment.

Objectives:

The aim of the current article is to outline the collaborative process used to achieve consensus in the academic and clinical measurement of psychological adjustment to CL/P from the age of 8 years onward.

Results:

A conceptual framework and corresponding parent- and self-reported outcome measures for use at ages 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, and 25 years have been agreed upon by clinicians, researchers, and patient and parent representatives. All measures have been evaluated according to their psychometric properties, clinical utility, ability to produce meaningful longitudinal data, and a range of pragmatic considerations.

Conclusions:

Although the collaborative process has been challenging and has required ongoing dedication from multiple stakeholders, consistency in data collection over time will allow for key research questions in CL/P to be addressed, both in the United Kingdom (UK) and internationally. The process has also demonstrated the clinical utility of the measures and the potential for the gradual integration of the measures into clinical practice. UK progress has sparked global interest, and the adaptation of the framework and its corresponding measures for worldwide use is now a prominent focus.
Dietary Supplements Pose Real Dangers to Patients
Authors: White C. Michael
Published: January 2020

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act led to a flood of poor-quality dietary supplements. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) jurisdiction is limited to removing products proven unsafe, rather than prospectively assessing them for quality manufacturing. With so many products available, there is very little FDA oversight until reports of patient harm occur. Microbial and heavy metal contamination, adulteration with synthetic drugs (including drugs banned from the United States), substituting herbs, and fraudulently specifying ingredients on the label have all occurred. Clinicians should collectively advocate for legislative change, only recommend products tested by outside laboratories for quality, and educate consumers about the risks of using unverified products.
Different Styles, Different Times: How Response Times Can Inform Our Knowledge About the Response Process in Rating Scale Measurement
Authors: Henninger Mirka , Plieninger Hansjörg
Published: January 2020

When respondents use different ways to answer rating scale items, they employ so-called response styles that can bias inferences drawn from measurement. To describe the influence of such response styles on the response process, we investigated relations between extreme, acquiescent, and mid response style and response times in three studies using multilevel modeling. On the response level, agreement and midpoint, but not extreme responses were slower. On the person level, response times increased for extreme, but not for acquiescence or mid response style traits. For all three response styles, we found negative cross-level interaction effects, indicating that a response matching the response style trait is faster. The results demonstrate that response styles facilitate the choice of specific category combinations in terms of response speed across a wide range of response style trait levels.
Reducing the Number of Children Entering Foster Care: Effects of State Earned Income Tax Credits
Authors: Rostad Whitney L. , Ports Katie A. , Tang Shichao , Klevens Joanne
Published: January 2020

Foster care caseloads, an indicator of child maltreatment, are increasing. Children living in poverty are significantly more likely to be reported to the child welfare system and are overrepresented in foster care. Thus, it is critical to identify prevention strategies that can stem the flow of foster care entries, particularly among populations at higher risk. We used variations in the adoption and refund status of state-level Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a socioeconomic policy intended to reduce poverty, to examine their effect on foster care entry rates. Fixed-effects models, accounting for year- and state-fixed effects, demonstrated that a refundable EITC was associated with an 11% decrease in foster care entries compared to states without a state-level EITC after controlling for child poverty rate, racial/ethnic composition, education, and unemployment. Policies that strengthen economic supports for families may prevent child maltreatment and reduce foster care entries and associated costs.
The Language of Erasure: Neutralization Techniques in Contemporary South African Marital Rape Judgments
Authors: Karimakwenda Nyasha
Published: January 2020

This article investigates how the rape myths that underpinned the marital rape exemption in South Africa until 1993 have filtered into contemporary legal discourse. Through a feminist sociolegal framing, I integrate multidisciplinary tools that counter simplistic conceptions of rape myths and highlight how myths are locally and culturally contingent. With this foundation, I apply neutralization theory to the judicial language of marital rape cases to explicate how patriarchal caricatures of sexual violence transition from the social sphere into the legal sphere. This exercise illuminates how judges and rapists draw upon the same culturally sanctioned language and techniques to justify marital rape.
Intraocular foreign body and traumatic cataract removal 65 years after penetrating trauma
Authors: Wong John XH , Assia Ehud I
Published: January 2020

We report a case of successful intraocular foreign body/traumatic cataract removal and anterior segment reconstruction surgery of a patient’s eye that suffered penetrating injury 65 years earlier. Surgery was not recommended by ophthalmologists that she had earlier consulted. The patient opted for surgery to improve cosmesis due to leukocoria, but the level of regained vision exceeded expectations of both the patient and the surgeon. This case adds further evidence that the duration of occlusion time has no effect on visual potential in patients out of amblyogenic age. The ethical considerations of operating on such an eye with poor prognosis after traumatic injury are also discussed. To our knowledge, our patient has the longest reported duration (65 years) between the time of injury and successful surgery with good outcome.
A new intraocular lens with artificial iris for treating a case of iris extrusion secondary to traumatic opening of a radial keratotomy
Authors: Frisina Rino , De Biasi Chiara Sofia , Londei Davide , Gambato Catia , Midena Edoardo
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

Traumatic globe rupture can lead to aniridia with subsequent glare, light sensitivity and psychological discomfort. The authors report the results of a sulcus implantation of a new intraocular lens with artificial iris (Reper) in an eye affected by traumatic opening of a radial keratotomy incision with total iris extrusion and subluxated cataract.

Methods:

A case of 56-year-old female affected by aniridia and subluxated cataract in left eye secondary to a traumatic opening of one of 12 radial keratotomy underwent a Reper implantation with three-point transcleral fixation. The following parameters were collected at 1, 3 and 6 postoperative months: best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), simulated keratometry (Sim K), endothelial cell count (ECC) and anterior chamber depth (ACD). Pupil spread function study was performed to evaluate the high-order aberrations and the quality of vision.

Results:

BCVA improved from light perception to 20/20 (Snellen fraction) at 6 postoperative months. No IOP postoperative peaks were detected. CCT was 520 μm at 6 postoperative months. Corneal topography showed regularization with symmetrical flattening of the central part and a residual peripheral curvature. No significant reduction of ECC was detected. ACD was stable, superior to 3 mm at each time point of follow-up. Pupil spread function study highlighted that the quality of vision was the same in both eyes at the end of follow-up.

Conclusion:

Reper is a promising functional and cosmetic solution for the treatment of aphakia and aniridia.
Acidic Exopolysaccharide Produced from Marine Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 3MS 2017 for the Protection and Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Ibrahim Abeer Y , Youness Eman R , Mahmoud Manal G , Asker Mohsen S , El-Newary Samah A
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

This study was planned to investigate the anti-breast-cancer property of acidic exopolysaccharide produced from marine Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 3MS 2017 (BAEPS) in an animal model, which previously showed in-vitro anti-breast-cancer activity, by studying its potential participation in various targeted mechanisms.

Methods:

Mammary carcinoma in female Sprague-Dawley rats, both in prophylactic and in curative designs, was chemically induced using 7,12-dimethylebenz-(a)-anthracene (DMBA). B. amyloliquefaciens 3MS 2017 anti-breast-cancer property was evaluated by studying its effects on cancer-growth-rate-limiting enzymes (aromatase and Na+/K+ ATPase), sexual hormones (estrogen and progesterone), antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers (cyclooxygenase-1; COX-1 and cyclooxygenase-2; COX-2). The incidence of breast cancer by DMBA was dependent on the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and aromatase.

Results:

7,12-Dimethylebenz-(a)-anthracene female rats were characterized by a significant increase in cancer-related biomarkers with an increase of oxidative stress biomarkers, in comparison with the negative control. Potent BAEPS anticancer activity on DMBA rats was exhibited either as a prophylactic or as a curative agent, which appeared via restoring the aromatase and Na+/K+ ATPase subunits levels and CEA close to the normal level. Besides, BAEPS modulated a sexual hormone, in comparison with the cancer control group ( P ⩽ .05). B. amyloliquefaciens 3MS 2017 selectively inhibited COX-2 in parallel with promising antioxidant properties. The curative characters of BAEPS were more promising than the prophylactic.

Conclusion:

The anti-breast-cancer characters accompanied with a good safety margin may be attributed to its inhibitory effect on cancer-growth-rate-limiting enzymes, estrogen production, COX-2 level and lipid peroxidation, concurrent with enhancing COX-1 level, progesterone production, and antioxidant status.
Use of Pulse Pressure Variation as Predictor of Fluid Responsiveness in Patients Ventilated With Low Tidal Volume: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alvarado Sánchez Jorge Iván , Caicedo Ruiz Juan Daniel , Diaztagle Fernández Juan José , Ospina-Tascón Gustavo Adolfo , Cruz Martínez Luis Eduardo
Published: January 2020

Introduction:

Pulse pressure variation (PPV) has been shown to be useful to predict fluid responsiveness in patients ventilated at tidal volume (Vt) >8 mL kg−1. Nevertheless, most conditions in critical care force to use lower Vt. Thus, we sought to evaluate the operative performance of PPV when a Vt ⩽8 mL kg−1 is used during mechanical ventilation support.

Methods:

We searched PubMed and Embase databases for articles evaluating the operative performance of PPV as a predictor of fluid responsiveness in critical care and perioperative adult patients ventilated with tidal volume ⩽8 mL kg−1 without respiratory effort and arrhythmias, between January 1990 and January 2019. We included cohort and cross-sectional studies. Two authors performed an Independently selection using predefined terms of search. The fitted data of sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were assessed by bivariate and hierarchical analyses.

Results:

We retrieved 19 trials with a total of 777 patients and a total of 935 fluid challenges. The fitted sensitivity of PPV to predict fluid responsiveness during mechanical ventilation at Vt ⩽8 mL kg−1 was 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-0.73), the specificity was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.73-0.84), and the AUC was 0.75. The diagnostic odds ratio was 5.5 (95% CI: 3.08-10.01, P < .001) by the random-effects model.

Conclusions:

Pulse pressure variation shows a fair operative performance as a predictor of fluid responsiveness in critical care and perioperative patients ventilated with a tidal volume ⩽8 mL kg−1 without respiratory effort and arrhythmias.
Mixed thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis with dynamic performance of aero ball bearing during start-up and shut-down
Authors: Shi Xiujiang , Wu Jiqiang , Zhao Bin , Ma Xuan , Lu Xiqun
Published: January 2020

In this study, a coupling model is developed to include the aero ball bearing dynamic performance in the mixed thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis, and the low-speed and heavy-load conditions during start-up and shut-down are involved. Based on the bearing quasi-dynamics, the inside motion state of the main loading surface is obtained, and the mixed thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication is conducted to get bearing lubrication state and properties. The numerical lubrication model under low-speed and heavy-load conditions is validated against published tested data, which reveal well consistency in central film thickness. The lubrication properties between a single ball and inner race during start-up have been studied, which indicate the lubrication film transforms from boundary lubrication to unsafe mixed thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication, and then goes into safe lubrication. The lubrication properties of the balls at different azimuths have been investigated during shut-down and compared with those in start-up, which have a similar opposite changing trend, but not a simple invertible process. The time in boundary lubrication region during shut-down is shorter, and the ball number in boundary lubrication region gets less, which means the lubrication properties are relatively better. At last, the parametric study on mixed thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication properties during shut-down has been carried out. It is found that the small bearing curve coefficient and increasing ball number can reduce the boundary lubrication time and improve the bearing lubrication.
Gray matter atrophy cannot be fully explained by white matter damage in patients with MS
Authors: Zhang Jian , Giorgio Antonio , Vinciguerra Claudia , Stromillo Maria Laura , Battaglini Marco , Mortilla Marzia , Tappa Brocci Riccardo , Portaccio Emilio , Amato Maria Pia , De Stefano Nicola
Published: January 2020

Background:

Source-based morphometry (SBM) was recently used for non-random “patterns” of gray matter (GM) atrophy or white matter (WM) microstructural damage.

Objective:

To assess whether and to what extent such patterns may be inter-related in MS.

Methods:

SBM was applied to images of GM concentration and fractional anisotropy (FA) in MS patients ( n = 41, median EDSS = 1) and normal controls (NC, n = 28). The same procedure was repeated on an independent and similar data set (39 MS patients and 13 NC).

Results:

We found in MS patterns of GM atrophy and reduced FA ( p < 0.05, corrected). Deep GM atrophy was mostly (70%) explained by lesion load in projection tracts and lower FA in posterior corona radiata and thalamic radiation. By contrast, sensorimotor and posterior cortex atrophy was less (50%) dependent from WM damage. All patterns correlated with EDSS ( r from −0.33 to −0.56, p < 0.03) while the only cognition-related correlation was between posterior GM atrophy pattern and processing speed ( r = 0.45, p = 0.014). Reliability analysis showed similar results.

Conclusion:

In relatively early MS, we found a close link between deep GM atrophy pattern and WM damage while sensorimotor and posterior cortex patterns were partially independent from WM damage and perhaps related to primary mechanisms. Patterns were clinically relevant.
Computational time series analysis of patient referrals to a primary percutaneous coronary intervention service
Authors: Iftikhar Aleeha , Bond Raymond R , McGilligan Victoria , Leslie Stephen J , McShane Anne , Knoery Charles , Rjoob Khaled , Peace Aaron
Published: January 2020

This article retrospectively analyses a primary percutaneous coronary intervention dataset comprising patient referrals that were accepted for percutaneous coronary intervention and those who were turned down between January 2015 and December 2018 at Altnagelvin Hospital (United Kingdom). Time series analysis of these referrals was undertaken for analysing the referral rates per year, month, day and per hour. The overall referrals have 70 per cent (n = 1466, p < 0.001) males. Of total referrals, 65 per cent (p < 0.001) of referrals were ‘out of hours’. Seasonality decomposition shows a peak in referrals on average every 3 months (standard deviation = 0.83). No significant correlation (R = 0.03, p = 0.86; R = −0.11, p = 0.62) was found between the referral numbers and turndown rate. Being female increased the probability of being out of hour in all the groups. The 30-day mortality was higher in the turndown group. The time series of all the referrals depict variation over the months or days which is not the same each year. The average age of the patients in the turndown group is higher. The number of referrals does not impact on the turndown rate and clinical decision making. Most patients are being referred out of hours, especially females. This analysis leads to the emphasis on the importance of working 24/7 CathLab service.
Modeling heavy-duty diesel engines using tabulated kinetics in a wide range of operating conditions
Authors: Zhou Qiyan , Lucchini Tommaso , D’Errico Gianluca , Hardy Gilles , Lu Xingcai
Published: January 2020

Fast and high-fidelity combustion models including detailed kinetics and turbulence chemistry interaction are necessary to support design and development of heavy-duty diesel engines. In this work, the authors intend to present and validate tabulated flamelet progress variable model based on tabulation of laminar diffusion flamelets for different scalar dissipation rate, whose predictability highly depends on the description of fuel–air mixing process in which engine mesh layout plays an important role. To this end, two grids were compared and assessed: in both grids, cells were aligned on the spray direction with such region being enlarged in the second one, where the near-nozzle and near-wall mesh resolution were also improved, which is expected to better account for both spray dynamics and flame–wall interaction dominating the combustion process in diesel engines. Flame structure, in-cylinder pressure, apparent heat release rate, and emissions for different relevant operating points were compared and analyzed to identify the most suitable mesh. Afterwards, simulations were carried out in a heavy-duty engine considering 20 operating points, allowing to comprehensively verify the validity of tabulated flamelet progress variable model. The results demonstrated that the proposed approach was capable to accurately predict in-cylinder pressure evolution and NO x formation across a wide engine map.
President and Assemblies—25 Years After Shugart and Carey’s Book: Introduction to Special Issue
Authors: Fruhstorfer Anna , Passarelli Gianluca
Published: January 2020

Why are some institutions capable of enhancing democracy, while others struggle under pressure? Shugart and Carey wrote their seminal book Presidents and Assemblies at a crucial time in modern history in an effort to answer these fundamental questions. Because of bold claims and huge theoretical and conceptual contributions, their timely publication became the starting point for a new way to think about institutional specifications and types of political systems. And although their examples are by now dated, the idea of “trade-off” or “balancing efficiency and representativeness” still speaks to the fundamental questions of regime change and democratic sustainability. While their study made clear that there are distinctions between system types, they also argued that not a specific type is more conducive or damaging to democracy; rather specific institutional configurations lead to a vulnerability of a political regime. Twenty-five years after the first publication of Presidents and Assemblies, this special issue uses this argument and reconnects Shugart and Carey’s book with the recent debate on individual attributes of legislative–executive relations and their effect on democracy. This article serves as an introduction and highlights the rationale and the major themes that run through the contributions to the special issue.
Development of laid-in knitted fabric for buoyant swimwear
Authors: Li Nga-Wun , Ho Chu-Po , Yick Kit-Lun , Zhou Jin-Yun
Published: January 2020

As the use of buoyant swimwear by children in residential swimming becomes more common, the investigation of the effects of buoyant textiles is crucial for the optimisation of functional buoyant clothing design. This study investigated buoyant knitted fabrics developed using an inlaid knitting technique for buoyant swimwear application. The impact of the inner diameter, outer diameter, and the linear density of the inlaid tube on the buoyant ability of the buoyant fabrics was analyzed using multiple linear regression. The result demonstrated that the fabric’s net buoyant force was significantly affected by all three parameters, with inner diameter having the greatest effect, followed by the outer diameter and linear density of the inlaid tube. The increase in the net buoyant force of the fabric can be predicted by the increase in the inner diameter of its inlaid tube and linear density and decrease in the outer diameter. The divergence of the results for specimens inlaid with Silicon tube and from the result predicted by multiple linear regression indicates that the net buoyant force is also affected by the linear density and the wall thickness of the inlaid tube. The new knowledge of this study can contribute to the production of buoyant layers inside the buoyant swimwear in replace of air chambers to improve the limitation of non-distributed buoyancy, accidental punctuation and bulkiness in conventional buoyant swimwear.
Investigation of the mechanical, thermal, and acoustical behaviors of cotton, polyester, and cotton/polyester nonwoven wastes reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Baccouch Wafa , Ghith Adel , Yalcin-Enis Ipek , Sezgin Hande , Miled Wafa , Legrand Xavier , Faten Fayala
Published: January 2020

The aim of this paper is to develop a textile waste-based composite material with adequate mechanical, acoustical, and thermal properties for automotive or construction fields. For this purpose, three recycled nonwoven wastes including cotton, polyester, and cotton/polyester blend are employed and blended in epoxy resin. The manufacturing of the composite panels is performed by vacuum infusion technique. Mechanical, thermal and acoustical tests are conducted to characterize the performances of both nonwoven fabrics and composite panels. Theoretical Young’s moduli of different composites are calculated based on the rule of mixtures in two ways and compared with practical results. Results show that mechanical properties of the manufactured panels are significantly improved compared to pure resin without a notable change in the thermal behavior of the epoxy resin, where composite reinforced cotton nonwoven shows a specific Young’s modulus of 3500 MPa/g·cm−3 and a specific tensile strength of 38 MPa/g·cm−3. These panels have been found to be promising materials to decrease the noise emission and good alternatives to pure epoxy products due to their contribution to reducing the textile wastes in landfills as well as the production costs.
An Exploratory Randomized Trial of Physical Therapy for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Andersen Hammond Elizabeth , Pitz Marshall , Steinfeld Karen , Lambert Pascal , Shay Barbara
Published: January 2020

Background. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of taxane treatment and cannot currently be prevented or adequately treated. Physical therapy is often used for neural rehabilitation following injury but has not been evaluated in this patient population. Methods. Single-blind, randomized controlled exploratory study compared standard care to a physical therapy home program (4 visits) throughout adjuvant taxane chemotherapy for stage I-III patients with breast cancer (n = 48). Patient questionnaires and quantitative sensory testing evaluated the treatment effect throughout chemotherapy to 6 months post treatment. Nonrandomized subgroup analysis observed effect of general exercise on sensory preservation comparing those reporting moderate exercise throughout chemotherapy to those that did not exercise regularly. Clinical Trial Registration. clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02239601). Results. The treatment group showed strong trends toward less pain (odds ratio [OR] 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17-1.01; P = .053) and pain decreased over time (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.94; P = .002). Pain pressure thresholds ( P = .034) and grip dynamometry ( P < .001) were improved in the treatment group. For the nonrandomized subgroup analysis, participants reporting general exercise had preservation of vibration (Left P = .001, Right P = .001) and normal heat pain thresholds (Left P = .021, Right P = .039) compared with more sedentary participants. Conclusion. Physical therapy home program may improve CIPN pain in the upper extremity for patients with breast cancer, and general exercise throughout chemotherapy treatment was observed to have correlated to preservation of sensory function. Further research is required to confirm the impact of a physical therapy home program on CIPN symptoms.
Use of Digital Health Information for Health Information Seeking Among Men Living With Chronic Disease: Data From the Health Information National Trends Survey
Authors: Sherman Ledric D. , Patterson Megan S. , Tomar Aditi , Wigfall Lisa T.
Published: January 2020

Although diabetes education plays an important role in self-management for people living with diabetes, male health “help-seeking” lags far behind women. These gender-related “help-seeking” disparities often result in males being less engaged in their health care, which subsequently leads to poorer health outcomes among males. In this cross-sectional study, we used data from the 2017 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) to identify factors that may contribute to communication inequalities between males and females. A hierarchical {linear/logistic} regression model was used to examine factors associated with online health information seeking among males living with diabetes. The results suggest that education, income, age, identifying as Hispanic, being a smoker, using a device to track progress toward a health-related goal, and using device to seek health information were all related to eHealth sum scores. Future research should consider testing applications among various at-risk groups to determine if the technology itself is becoming a barrier to eHealth.
Multisite Culinary Medicine Curriculum Is Associated With Cardioprotective Dietary Patterns and Lifestyle Medicine Competencies Among Medical Trainees
Authors: Razavi Alexander C. , Monlezun Dominique J. , Sapin Alexander , Stauber Zachary , Schradle Kara , Schlag Emily , Dyer Amber , Gagen Brennan , McCormack Isabella G. , Akhiwu Ofure , Ross Alexandria , McWhorter John Wesley , Hamilton Lisa , Sarris Leah , Dotson Kerri , Harlan Timothy S.
Published: January 2020

Background. Adherence to Mediterranean dietary patterns reduces the incidence of cardiovascular disease and other major chronic diseases. We aimed to assess the association between participation in kitchen-based nutrition education and Mediterranean diet intake and lifestyle medicine counseling competencies among medical trainees. Methods. The Cooking for Health Optimization with Patients (CHOP) curriculum is a hands-on cooking-based nutrition education program implemented at 32 medical programs (4125 medical trainees) across the United States. Mediterranean diet intake, nutrition attitudes, and lifestyle medicine counseling competencies were assessed via validated surveys. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression assessed the relationship of CHOP education with Mediterranean diet intake, nutrition attitudes, and lifestyle medicine counseling competencies. Results. Individuals participating in the CHOP program were 82% more likely to follow the Mediterranean diet compared with those receiving traditional nutrition education (OR = 1.82; P < .001). CHOP participants were more likely to satisfy daily intake of fruits (OR = 1.33; P = .019) and vegetables (OR = 2.06; P < .001) and agree that nutrition counseling should be a routine component of clinical care (OR = 2.43; P < .001). Kitchen-based nutrition education versus traditional curricula is associated with a higher likelihood of total counseling competency involving 25 lifestyle medicine categories (OR = 1.67; P < .001). Conclusion. Kitchen-based nutrition education is associated with cardioprotective dietary patterns and lifestyle medicine counseling among medical trainees.
Lower circulating adiponectin is associated with higher risk of renal cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis
Authors: Fang Jiajie , Xu Xuanli , Mao Qiqi , Ying Yufan , Zhang Xu , Xie Liping
Published: January 2020

Background:

Changes in circulating adiponectin have been related to the risks of various cancers. However, the association between circulating adiponectin and the risk of renal cell carcinoma has not been fully determined. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between circulating adiponectin and renal cell carcinoma risk.

Methods:

Observational studies that evaluated the association between circulating adiponectin and renal cell carcinoma risk were identified via a systematic search of PubMed and Embase databases. The difference between circulating adiponectin in renal cell carcinoma cases and healthy controls, and the multivariable adjusted association between circulating adiponectin and renal cell carcinoma risk were evaluated. A random effects model was used if significant heterogeneity existed; otherwise a fixed effects model was applied.

Results:

Eight case-control studies with 2624 renal cell carcinoma cases and 2904 healthy controls were included. Pooled results showed that circulating adiponectin was significantly lower in renal cell carcinoma cases than in healthy controls (mean difference = −1.08 ug/mL; 95% confidence interval (CI) −1.62, −0.54; P < 0.001). Higher circulating adiponectin was independently associated with a significantly lowered risk of renal cell carcinoma (adjusted odds ratio for 1 SD increment of adiponectin = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.96; P = 0.02). Subgroup analyses according to characteristics including study design, ethnics of participants, blood samples, numbers of participants, mean ages of participants, and study quality showed consistent results.

Conclusions:

Lower circulating adiponectin is associated with increased risk of renal cell carcinoma. The potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the role of circulating adiponectin in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma deserve further investigation.
The price of wearing (or not wearing) the crown: The effects of loneliness on leaders and followers
Authors: Silard Anthony , Wright Sarah
Published: January 2020

Loneliness has become a complex, ubiquitous problem in organizations. We review the research on loneliness in leader and follower roles and develop propositions related to understanding loneliness in organizational settings. Utilizing critical perspectives on leadership to better understand this phenomenon, we propose that loneliness is more emergent when leaders are either new to the leadership role or enact more “transformational,” “transactional,” or “authentic” leadership behaviors. Our analysis sheds light on the dark side of these popular leadership theories, especially with respect to the lack of development of high-quality relationships—and the resultant loneliness of both leaders and followers—in organizations stewarded by such leaders. We discuss implications and suggestions for future research.
A reflection on future directions: Global international and intercultural competencies in higher education
Authors: Islam Md. Shahriar , Stamp Kerry
Published: January 2020

In the final article of the special issue, we offer a reflection on the ideas presented by the authors and recommendations for future research on implementation and assessment of Global, International, and Intercultural (GII) competencies in higher education. Themes identified from the articles include the intersection of GII competencies and inclusive excellence in higher education, the importance of integrating GII learning into the core curriculum, and the high impact of interdisciplinary approaches. Parallel recommendations for future scholarship include: further application of the inclusive excellence framework to GII competencies research, additional study on methods for integration of GII learning into core curriculum, and attention to successful strategies for application within interdisciplinary settings.
Fabrication of silver-doped zinc oxide nanorods piezoelectric nanogenerator on cotton fabric to utilize and optimize the charging system
Authors: Rafique Sumera , Kasi Ajab Khan , Kasi Jafar Khan , Aminullah  , Bokhari Muzamil , Shakoor Zafar
Published: January 2020

Textile-based piezoelectric nanogenerator generates electrical energy from human motion. Here a novel type of textile-based piezoelectric nanogenerator is reported which is fabricated using the growth of silver-doped zinc oxide on carton fabric. Along with the optical and structural characterization of silver-doped zinc oxide nanorods, the electrical characterization was also performed for silver-doped zinc oxide piezoelectric nanogenerator. The silver-doped zinc oxide piezoelectric nanogenerator was found to generate three times greater power compared to undoped zinc oxide piezoelectric nanogenerator. By applying external mechanical force of 3 kgf and 31 MΩ of load resistance, the silver-doped zinc oxide piezoelectric nanogenerator generated an output power density of 1.45 mW cm−2. The effect of load resistance and load capacitor was determined and optimum values were calculated. The maximum output power was observed at a load resistance of 31 MΩ. The silver-doped zinc oxide piezoelectric nanogenerator was utilized to charge load capacitors and found that maximum energy could be stored at optimum load capacitance of 22 nF in 600 s (1800 cycles). This research may provide the opportunity to design high-output textile-based nanogenerators for practical applications like powering portable devices and sensors.
Atrial fibrillation in acute heart failure: A position statement from the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association and European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Gorenek (Chair) Bulent , Halvorsen Sigrun , Kudaiberdieva Gulmira , Bueno Hector , Van Gelder Isabelle C , Lettino Maddalena , Marin Francisco , Masip Josep , Mueller Christian , Okutucu Sercan , Poess Janine , Potpara Tatjana S , Price Susanna , Lip (Co-chair) Gregory YH
Published: January 2020

Atrial fibrillation and acute heart failure frequently co-exist and can exacerbate each other. Their combination leads to increased morbidity and mortality. However, the prevalence and significance, as well as the treatment, of atrial fibrillation in acute heart failure are not well studied. Management of atrial fibrillation in acute heart failure requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Treatment of underlying disease(s), identification and treatment of potentially correctable causes and precipitating factors and anticoagulation are crucial. In this article, current evidence on atrial fibrillation in the setting of acute heart failure is summarised. The recommendations on management of atrial fibrillation in the prehospital stage, the treatment of reversible causes, when and how to use rate or rhythm control, maintenance of sinus rhythm, catheter ablation and pacing, anticoagulation, as well as measures on prevention of atrial fibrillation are provided.
Parasellar meningioma presenting by stroke and bilateral occlusion of the internal carotid arteries: A case report
Authors: Hamed Sherifa A
Published: January 2020

Cerebrovascular stroke caused by skull base meningioma has been rarely reported. A 30-year-old male presented (April 2015) with acute right-sided hemiplegia. His brain neuroimaging (computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) showed left ischemic infarction in the territory of middle cerebral artery. Magnetic resonance imaging also showed a right parasellar solid lesion which extended to the right basisphenoid and cavernous sinus and attenuated the right internal carotid artery. It also had left smaller parasellar extension. The lesion enhanced uniformly and strongly following gadolinium injection. Digital subtraction angiography using selective catheterization of both common carotid and left vertebral arteries (07/13/2015) showed occlusion of both internal carotid arteries and faint visualization of left terminal internal carotid artery and its bifurcation. The right internal carotid artery and its branches were not visualized. Left vertebral injection showed prominent left vertebral and basilar arteries and filling of both internal carotid arteries through posterior communicating arteries. A faint blush of contrast was noticed at the parasellar region coinciding with meningioma. The patient received three treatment sessions of gamma knife radiosurgery as follow: 20 cc of the tumor was treated with 12 Gy (15 August 2015), 1.7 cc was treated with 10 Gy (31 January 2016), and 2.5 cc was treated with 11 Gy (13 August 2016) which resulted in complete clinical recovery and tumor size reduction. Compensation from the posterior communicating and external carotid arteries might explain the complete clinical recovery after tumor size reduction with gamma knife radiosurgery.
The Effects of Race and Physical Evidence on the Likelihood of Arrest for Homicide
Authors: Arndt Maria , Stolzenberg Lisa , D’Alessio Stewart J.
Published: January 2020

Previous research examining the association between criminal suspect’s race and the likelihood of arrest has produced inconsistent findings. Social scientists remain unsure as to whether Black or White criminal suspects have a higher probability of arrest. Still others find no substantive association between a criminal suspect’s race and the likelihood of arrest. This study contributes to the extant literature by examining the relationship between a criminal suspect’s race and the arrest sanction for the crime of homicide while controlling for the strength of physical evidence linking the criminal suspect to the crime. Although strength of physical evidence against a defendant in a criminal case has been repeatedly shown to be important in determining a variety of criminal justice processing outcomes, it has typically been excluded from research studies examining the arrest decision due to data limitations. Logistic regression results show that Black homicide suspects are not more likely than similarly situated White homicide suspects to be arrested by police. Results also show that Black-on-White homicides are not more apt than other offender–victim racial combinations to culminate in an arrest. Based on these findings, it appears that a homicide suspect’s race does not play a noteworthy role in influencing the likelihood of arrest after accounting for the strength of physical evidence gathered against the criminal suspect in the case.
The Interrelationship Among Psychological Capital, Mindful Learning, and English Learning Engagement of University Students in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yi-Ti
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to investigate the interrelationship of psychological capital (PsyCap) and mindful learning for English learning engagement and the possible path from PsyCap to English learning engagement with mindful learning as the mediator for university students in Taiwan. Data from 245 Taiwanese university students were used to analyze their PsyCap, mindful learning, and English learning engagement. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that PsyCap predicted mindful learning, mindful learning predicted English learning engagement, and a complete mediation existsed with mindful learning as the mediator between PsyCap and English learning engagement. The findings suggested that training and practicing PsyCap and mindful learning may be effective in facilitating English learning outcomes.