bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Original research Socio-demographic patterning of self-reported physical activity and sitting time in Latin American countries: findings from ELANS
Authors:   on behalf of the ELANS Study Group, Luis de Moraes Ferrari Gerson , Kovalskys Irina , Fisberg Mauro , Gómez Georgina , Rigotti Attilio , Sanabria Lilia Yadira Cortés , García Martha Cecilia Yépez , Torres Rossina Gabriella Pareja , Herrera-Cuenca Marianella , Zimberg Ioná Zalcman , Guajardo Viviana , Pratt Michael , King Abby C. , Solé Dirceu
Published: December 2019

Background

Low levels of physical activity (PA) and prolonged sitting time (ST) increase the risk of non-communicable diseases and mortality, and can be influenced by socio-demographic characteristics. The aim of this study was to use self-report data to characterise socio-demographic patterns of PA and ST in eight Latin American countries.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS), a household population-based, multi-national, cross-sectional survey (n = 9218, aged 15–65 years), collected from September 2014 to February 2015. Transport and leisure PA and ST were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–long version. Overall and country-specific mean and median levels of time spent in transport and leisure PA and ST were compared by sex, age, socioeconomic and education level.

Results

Mean levels of transport and leisure PA were 220.3 min/week (ranging from 177.6 min/week in Venezuela to 275.3 min/week in Costa Rica) and 316.4 min/week (ranging from 272.1 min/week in Peru to 401.4 min/week in Ecuador). Transport and leisure PA were higher (p < 0.005) in men than women with mean differences of 58.0 and 34.0 min/week. The mean and median for transport PA were similar across age groups (15–29 years: mean 215.5 and median 120 min/week; 30–59 years: mean 225.0 and median 120 min/week; ≥60 years: mean 212.0 and median 120 min/week). The median time spent in transport and leisure PA between three strata of socioeconomic and education levels were similar. The prevalence of not meeting PA recommendations were 69.9% (95% CI: 68.9–70.8) for transport and 72.8% (95% CI: 72.0–73.7) for leisure. Men, younger people (15–29 years), individuals with higher socioeconomic and education levels spent significantly (p < 0.001) more time sitting than women, older people (30–59 years and ≥ 60 years) and those in the middle and low socioeconomic and education groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Transport and leisure PA and ST range widely by country, sex, and age group in Latin America. Programs for promoting leisure and transport PA and reducing ST in Latin America should consider these differences by age and gender and between countries.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT02226627. Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.
Characteristics and health burden of the undiagnosed population at risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China
Authors: Koch Marco , Butt Thomas , Guo Wudong , Li Xue , Chen Yirong , Tan Diana , Liu Gordon G.
Published: December 2019

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in China. However, identifying patients has proved challenging, resulting in widespread under-diagnosis of the condition. We examined the prevalence of COPD diagnosis and COPD risk among adults in urban mainland China, the factors associated with having a COPD diagnosis or COPD risk, and the healthcare resource use and health outcomes of these groups compared with controls.

Methods

Respondents to the 2017 National Health and Wellness Survey in China (n = 19,994) were classified into three groups: ‘COPD Diagnosed’, ‘COPD Risk (undiagnosed)’, and Control (unaffected), based on their self-reported diagnosis and Lung Function Questionnaire (LFQ) score. The groups were characterised by sociodemographic, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), productivity impairment, and healthcare resource use. Pairwise comparisons (t tests and chi-squared tests) and multivariable regression analyses were used to investigate factors associated with being at risk of, or diagnosed with, COPD.

Results

3320 (16.6%) respondents had a suspected risk of COPD but did not report receiving a diagnosis. This was projected to 105.3 million people, or 16.9% of adult urban Chinese. Of these respondents with an identified risk, only 554 (16.7%) were aware of COPD by name. Relative to those without COPD, those with a risk of COPD (undiagnosed) had significantly greater healthcare resource use, lower productivity and lower HRQoL not only compared to those without COPD, but also compared to people with a COPD diagnosis. Factors associated with increased odds of being at risk of COPD were older age, smoking, alcohol consumption, overweight BMI, occasional exercise, higher comorbidities, asthma diagnosis, being female, lower education, not being employed, and living in a high pollution province (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

There is a substantial group of individuals, undiagnosed, but living with a risk of COPD, who have impaired HRQoL, lower productivity and elevated healthcare resource use patterns. Case-detection tools such as the LFQ may prove a quick and cost-effective approach for identifying these at-risk individuals for further definitive testing and appropriate treatment in China.
The challenge of managing mild to moderate distress in patients with end stage renal disease: results from a multi-centre, mixed methods research study and the implications for renal service organisation
Authors: Damery Sarah , Sein Kim , Nicholas Johann , Baharani Jyoti , Combes Gill
Published: December 2019

Background

Lower-level emotional and psychological difficulties (‘distress’) in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), can lead to reduced quality of life and poor clinical outcomes. National guidelines mandate provision of emotional and psychological support for renal patients yet little is known about the support that patients may require, or the challenges that staff experience in identifying and responding to patient distress.

Methods

Mixed methods study in renal units at four NHS Trusts in the West Midlands, UK involving cross-sectional surveys of ESRD patients and renal unit staff and semi-structured interviews with 46 purposively-sampled patients and 31 renal unit staff. Interviews explored patients’ experience of distress and personal coping strategies, staff attitudes towards patient distress and perceptions of their role, responsibility and capacity.

Results

Patient distress was widespread (346/1040; 33.3%), and emotional problems were frequently reported. Younger patients, females, those from black and minority ethnic (BME) groups and patients recently initiating dialysis reported particular support needs. Staff recognised the value of supporting distressed patients, yet support often depended on individual staff members’ skills and personal approach. Staff reported difficulties with onward referral to formal counselling and psychology services and a lack of immediate access to less formalised options. There was also a substantial training/skills gap whereby many staff reported lacking the confidence to recognise and respond to patient distress. Staff fell broadly into three groups: ‘Enthusiasts’ who considered identifying and responding to patient distress as integral to their role; ‘Equivocators’ who thought that managing distress was part of their role, but who lacked skills and confidence to do this effectively, and ‘Avoiders’ who did not see managing distress as part of their role and actively avoided the issue with patients.

Conclusions

Embedding the value of emotional support provision into renal unit culture is the key to ‘normalising’ discussions about distress. Immediately accessible, informal support options should be available, and all renal staff should be offered training to proactively identify and reactively manage patient distress. Emotional support for staff is important to ensure that a greater emphasis on managing patient distress is not associated with an increased incidence of staff burnout.
Is it time to rethink how we page physicians? Understanding paging patterns in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Witherspoon Luke , Nham Emily , Abdi Hamidreza , Dergham Ali , Skinner Thomas , Oake J. Stuart , Watterson James , Lavallée Luke T.
Published: December 2019

Background

Frequent pages can disrupt workflow, interrupt patient care, and may contribute to physician burnout. We hypothesized that paging volumes followed consistent temporal trends, regardless of the medical or surgical service, reflecting systems based issues present in our hospitals.

Methods

A retrospective review of the hospital paging systems for 4 services at The Ottawa Hospital was performed. Resident paging data from April 1 to July 31, 2018 were collected for services with a single primary pager number including orthopaedic surgery, general surgery, neurology, and neurosurgery. Trends in paging volume during the 4-month period were examined. Variables examined included the location of origin of the page (emergency room vs. inpatient unit), and day/time of the page.

Results

During the study period, 25,797 pages were received by the 4 services, averaging 211 (± Standard Deviation (SD) 12) pages per day. 19,371 (75%) pages were from in-patient hospital units, while 6426 (24%) were pages from the emergency room. The median interval between pages across all specialties was 22:30 min. Emergency room pages peaked between 16:30 and 20:00, while in-patient units peaked between 17:30 and 18:30.

Conclusions

Each service experienced frequent paging with similar patterns of marked increases at specific times. This study identifies areas for future study about what the factors are that contribute to the paging patterns observed.
TBX2-positive cells represent a multi-potent mesenchymal progenitor pool in the developing lung
Authors: Wojahn Irina , Lüdtke Timo H. , Christoffels Vincent M. , Trowe Mark-Oliver , Kispert Andreas
Published: December 2019

Background

In the embryonic mammalian lung, mesenchymal cells act both as a signaling center for epithelial proliferation, differentiation and morphogenesis as well as a source for a multitude of differentiated cell types that support the structure of the developing and mature organ. Whether the embryonic pulmonary mesenchyme is a homogenous precursor pool and how it diversifies into different cell lineages is poorly understood. We have previously shown that the T-box transcription factor geneTbx2is expressed in the pulmonary mesenchyme of the developing murine lung and is required therein to maintain branching morphogenesis.

Methods

We determined Tbx2/TBX2 expression in the developing murine lung by in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence analyses. We used a genetic lineage tracing approach with aCreline under the control of endogenousTbx2control elements (Tbx2cre), and theR26mTmGreporter line to trace TBX2-positive cells in the murine lung. We determined the fate of the TBX2 lineage by co-immunofluorescence analysis of the GFP reporter and differentiation markers in normal murine lungs and in lungs lacking or overexpressing TBX2 in the pulmonary mesenchyme.

Results

We show that TBX2 is strongly expressed in mesenchymal progenitors in the developing murine lung. In differentiated smooth muscle cells and in fibroblasts, expression of TBX2 is still widespread but strongly reduced. In mesothelial and endothelial cells expression is more variable and scattered. All fetal smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts derive from TBX2+progenitors, whereas half of the mesothelial cells have a different descent. The fate of TBX2-expressing cells is not changed inTbx2-deficient and inTBX2-constitutively overexpressing mice but the distribution and abundance of endothelial and smooth muscle cells is changed in the overexpression condition.

Conclusion

The fate of pulmonary mesenchymal progenitors is largely independent of TBX2. Nevertheless, a successive and precisely timed downregulation of TBX2 is necessary to allow proper differentiation and functionality of bronchial smooth muscle cells and to limit endothelial differentiation. Our work suggests expression of TBX2 in an early pulmonary mesenchymal progenitor and supports a role of TBX2 in maintaining the precursor state of these cells.
When and how do individuals transition from regular drug use to injection drug use in Uganda? Findings from a rapid assessment
Authors: Baluku Matayo , Wamala Twaibu
Published: December 2019

Background

In Uganda, injection drug use is a growing but less studied problem. Preventing the transition to injection drug use may help prevent blood-borne viral transmission, but little is known about when and how people transition to injection drug use. A greater understanding of this transition process may aid in the country’s efforts to prevent the continued growth of injection drug use, HIV, and hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID).

Methods

Using a rapid situation assessment framework, we conducted semi-structured interviews among 125 PWID (102 males and 23 females)—recruited through outreach and snow-ball sampling. Participants were interviewed about their experiences on when and how they transitioned into injection drug use and these issues were also discussed in 12 focus groups held with the participants.

Results

All the study participants started their drug use career with non-injecting forms including chewing, smoking, and sniffing before transitioning to injecting. Transitioning was generally described as a peer-driven and socially learnt behavior. The participants’ social networks and accessibility to injectable drugs on the market and among close friends influenced the time lag between first regular drug use and first injecting—which took an average of 4.5 years. By the age of 24, at least 81.6% (95.7% for females and 78.4% for males) had transitioned into injecting. Over 84.8% shared injecting equipment during their first injection, 47.2% started injecting because a close friend was already injecting, 26.4% desired to achieve a greater “high” (26.4%) which could reflect drug-tolerance, and 12% out of curiosity.

Conclusions

Over 81% non-injecting drug users in Kampala and Mbale districts transitioned into injecting by the age of 24; a process that reproduces a population of PWID but also puts them at increased risk of HIV and HCV infection. As Uganda makes efforts to introduce and/or strengthen harm reduction services, interventions targeting non-injecting drug users before they transition into injecting should be considered as a key component for HIV/HCV epidemic control efforts, and their evaluation considered in future researches.
Molecular biomarkers in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ziemssen Tjalf , Akgün Katja , Brück Wolfgang
Published: December 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory-neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system presenting with significant inter- and intraindividual heterogeneity. However, the application of clinical and imaging biomarkers is currently not able to allow individual characterization and prediction. Complementary, molecular biomarkers which are easily quantifiable come from the areas of immunology and neurobiology due to the causal pathomechanisms and can excellently complement other disease characteristics. Only a few molecular biomarkers have so far been routinely used in clinical practice as their validation and transfer take a long time. This review describes the characteristics that an ideal MS biomarker should have and the challenges of establishing new biomarkers. In addition, clinically relevant and promising biomarkers from the blood and cerebrospinal fluid are presented which are useful for MS diagnosis and prognosis as well as for the assessment of therapy response and side effects.
Life-threatening complications of high doses of intravenous methylprednisolone for treatment of Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Walasik-Szemplińska Dorota , Kamiński Grzegorz , Sudoł-Szopińska Iwona
Published: December 2019

Background

Treatment of moderate to severe Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is based mainly on intravenous pulses of methylprednisolone. High doses of methylprednisolone can exert several adverse effects, some of which might be life-threatening. The objective of this study is to describe the most severe complications associated with intravenous administration of high doses of glucocorticoids, and to develop the patient examination standards prior to their qualification for the therapy.

Main body

In this paper, we describe the most severe, life-threatening complications of intravenous methylprednisolone and address their possible underlying mechanism. We also present recommendations and precautions which should be taken prior to initiation of intravenous pulses of methylprednisolone treatment for GO. To address risk of hepatic complications, we recommend regular monitoring of biochemical parameters of hepatic function. Additionally, assessment of the risk of cardiovascular events should be undertaken based on medical history, estimation of risk factors, and investigations, such as determination of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, electrolyte and glucose concentrations, electrocardiogram examination and measurements of blood pressure.

Conclusions

An individualized safe and effective dose of intravenous methylprednisolone should be established for each patient with GO based on the vascular risk factors, comorbidities, and concomitant drugs. According to the European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) guidelines, cumulative doses of intravenous methylprednisolone should not exceed 8 g.
Impact of gender on post- traumatic intensive care and outcomes
Authors: Larsson Emma , Lindström Ann-Charlotte , Eriksson Mikael , Oldner Anders
Published: December 2019

Background

Several reports indicate gender disparities in health care provision. There is a well-documented male patient dominance in intensive care unit (ICU) admittance. It is not established if this difference reflects medical needs or is influenced by other factors. The aim of the current study was to investigate if patient gender influences the pattern of ICU admittance in a cohort of trauma patients.

Methods

Data from patients admitted to an urban trauma centre over a 10-year interval were linked to regional and national health registries to obtain data on demographics, co-comorbidities, trauma-related variables, ICU-admittance patterns and mortality. The association between gender and ICU-admission were explored using logistic regression analysis. The association between gender and short- and long-term mortality were explored using Cox regression models.

Results

In this study cohort of approximately 14,000 trauma patients, men had a higher probability of being admitted to the ICU after initial trauma resuscitation. The difference was limited to patients with less severe injuries (ISS < 15). No differences were noted in short-term survival, whereas men had a higher long-term mortality.

Conclusions

In this retrospective cohort study we found a difference between men and women in post trauma ICU admittance patterns, restricted to less injured patients, where men had a higher probability of ICU admittance. Whether this is a true gender bias or an effect of other factors not analysed in this study remains unknown. This finding warrants further studies.
Feature selection and dimension reduction for single-cell RNA-Seq based on a multinomial model
Authors: Townes F. William , Hicks Stephanie C. , Aryee Martin J. , Irizarry Rafael A.
Published: December 2019

Single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) profiles gene expression of individual cells. Recent scRNA-Seq datasets have incorporated unique molecular identifiers (UMIs). Using negative controls, we show UMI counts follow multinomial sampling with no zero inflation. Current normalization procedures such as log of counts per million and feature selection by highly variable genes produce false variability in dimension reduction. We propose simple multinomial methods, including generalized principal component analysis (GLM-PCA) for non-normal distributions, and feature selection using deviance. These methods outperform the current practice in a downstream clustering assessment using ground truth datasets.
What and how should we measure in paediatric oncology FDG-PET/CT? Comparison of commonly used SUV metrics for differentiation between paediatric tumours
Authors: Blautzik Janusch , Grelich Leonie , Schramm Nicolai , Henkel Rebecca , Bartenstein Peter , Pfluger Thomas
Published: December 2019

Background

In clinical routine, SUVmaxand SUVpeakare most often used to determine the glucose metabolism in tumours by18F-FDG PET/CT. Both metrics can be further normalised to SUVs in reference regions resulting in a SUV ratio (SUVratio). The aim of the study was to directly compare several widely used SUVs/SUVratioswith regard to differentiation between common tumours in paediatric patients; a special focus was put on characteristics of reference region SUVs.

Methods

The final study population consisted of 61 children and adolescents with diagnoses of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL,n= 25), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL,n= 14), and sarcoma (n= 22). SUV metrics included SUVmaxand SUVpeakas well as both parameters normalised to liver and mediastinal blood pool, respectively, yielding the SUVratiosSUVmax/liver, SUVmax/mediastinum, SUVpeak/liver, and SUVpeak/mediastinum.

Results

The metrics SUVmax, SUVpeak, SUVmax/liver, and SUVpeak/liverall proved to be sensitive for tumour differentiation (p≤ 0.008); in contrast, SUVmax/mediastinumand SUVpeak/mediastinumrevealed to be non-sensitive approaches. Correlation analyses showed inverse associations between reference region SUVs and SUVratios(p< 0.05). Multiple regression analyses demonstrated significant effects of factors as bodyweight and uptake time on reference region SUVs (p< 0.01), and thus indirectly on the corresponding SUVratios.

Conclusions

In the paediatric population, the ability to differentiate between common tumours remarkably varies between SUV metrics. When using SUVratios, the choice of reference region is crucial. Factors potentially influencing reference region SUVs (and thus SUVratios) should be taken into account in order to avoid erroneous conclusions. When not possible, SUVmaxand SUVpeakrepresent less complex, more robust alternatives.
Online/offline score informed music signal decomposition: application to minus one
Authors: Munoz-Montoro Antonio Jesús , Carabias-Orti Julio José , Vera-Candeas Pedro , Canadas-Quesada Francisco Jesús , Ruiz-Reyes Nicolás
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we propose a score-informed source separation framework based on non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) and dynamic time warping (DTW) that suits for both offline and online systems. The proposed framework is composed of three stages: training, alignment, and separation. In the training stage, the score is encoded as a sequence of individual occurrences and unique combinations of notes denoted as score units. Then, we proposed a NMF-based signal model where the basis functions for each score unit are represented as a weighted combination of spectral patterns for each note and instrument in the score obtained from a trained a priori over-completed dictionary. In the alignment stage, the time-varying gains are estimated at frame level by computing the projection of each score unit basis function over the captured audio signal. Then, under the assumption that only a score unit is active at a time, we propose an online DTW scheme to synchronize the score information with the performance. Finally, in the separation stage, the obtained gains are refined using local low-rank NMF and the separated sources are obtained using a soft-filter strategy. The framework has been evaluated and compared with other state-of-the-art methods for single channel source separation of small ensembles and large orchestra ensembles obtaining reliable results in terms of SDR and SIR. Finally, our method has been evaluated in the specific task of acoustic minus one, and some demos are presented.
Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews (PRIOR): a protocol for development of a reporting guideline for overviews of reviews of healthcare interventions
Authors: Pollock Michelle , Fernandes Ricardo M. , Pieper Dawid , Tricco Andrea C. , Gates Michelle , Gates Allison , Hartling Lisa
Published: December 2019

Background

Overviews of reviews (i.e., overviews) compile information from multiple systematic reviews to provide a single synthesis of relevant evidence for healthcare decision-making. Despite their increasing popularity, there are currently no systematically developed reporting guidelines for overviews. This is problematic because the reporting of published overviews varies considerably and is often substandard. Our objective is to use explicit, systematic, and transparent methods to develop an evidence-based and agreement-based reporting guideline for overviews of reviews of healthcare interventions (PRIOR, Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews).

Methods

We will develop the PRIOR reporting guideline in four stages, using established methods for developing reporting guidelines in health research. First, we will establish an international and multidisciplinary expert advisory board that will oversee the conduct of the project and provide methodological support. Second, we will use the results of comprehensive literature reviews to develop a list of prospective checklist items for the reporting guideline. Third, we will use a modified Delphi exercise to achieve a high level of expert agreement on the list of items to be included in the PRIOR reporting guideline. We will identify and recruit a group of up to 100 international experts who will provide input into the guideline in three Delphi rounds: the first two rounds will occur via online survey, and the third round will occur during a smaller (8 to 10 participants) in-person meeting that will use a nominal group technique. Fourth, we will produce and publish the PRIOR reporting guideline.

Discussion

A systematically developed reporting guideline for overviews could help to improve the accuracy, completeness, and transparency of overviews. This, in turn, could help maximize the value and impact of overviews by allowing more efficient interpretation and use of their research findings.
Using simulation-based learning to provide interprofessional education in diabetes to nutrition and dietetics and exercise physiology students through telehealth
Authors: O’Shea Marie-Claire , Reeves Nathan E. , Bialocerkowski Andrea , Cardell Elizabeth
Published: December 2019

Background

Current workforce demands require new graduates to competently work within health care teams and often in remote settings. To better prepare students for this work, universities have spent much time developing interprofessional education (IPE) activities. The body of literature supporting IPE of allied health students is growing. Simulation-based learning with simulated patients is one platform through which IPE can be implemented in a dedicated, supported environment and potentially at scale. This study describes an interprofessional simulation-based learning experience with nutrition and dietetics and exercise physiology students. The common practice area of interacting with patients who have type 2 diabetes was targeted, and the simulation was delivered in partnership with simulated patients via a telehealth platform to allow interprofessional teams to work collaboratively in remote locations.

Methods

Ten nutrition and dietetics and 13 exercise physiology students participated in a simulation module in which students observed and collaborated in the development and delivery of an interprofessional treatment plan for patients with diabetes. Learning outcomes were measured according to the first two levels of Kirkpatrick’s (1994) model for training evaluation (i.e. reaction and learning), as well as the perceived impact on behaviour.

Results

The students’ confidence in communication, assessment, management and ability to work with another health professional significantly increased (p< 0.05) post-activity. Students perceived that the simulation-based learning would have a positive impact on their clinical skills and ability to work with other health professionals. Students reported that the most effective aspects of the simulation module were learning from and about each other, the opportunity for experiential learning and the supportive learning environment. However, the telehealth platform audio clarity and delay had negative impact on the learning experiences for students.

Conclusion

The overall positive results demonstrate the potential of simulation-based learning activities for preparing allied health students for working in interprofessional teams. Although remote access was possible, the telehealth platform was identified as a limiting factor to this simulation-based learning experience. However, videoconferencing technology has advanced considerably since this study. Hence, there is an opportunity to employ more reliable technology for future simulations.
Role of magnetic resonance imaging in pregnancy-associated obstetric and gynecological complications
Authors: Nagenthran Gayathri , Rangasami Rajeshwaran , Chandrasekharan Anupama , Soundararajan Poovini , Godla Usha Rani
Published: December 2019

Background

To study the role of MRI in diagnosing pregnancy-associated obstetric and gynecological complications. We prospectively studied 48 pregnant and postpartum women, aged between 20 and 45 years, who were referred for MRI between August 2016 and April 2018 with suspected pregnancy-associated obstetric and gynecological complication. MRI findings were confirmed by intra-operative or histological findings.

Results

Out of the 48 patients, there were 32 women with suspected placenta accreta, 5 pregnant women with 6 ectopic pregnancies (1 patient had two gestational sacs), 3 with ovarian pathologies, 3 with uterine pathologies, 3 with abruptio placenta, and 2 with miscellaneous pathologies. In our study, there was an accuracy of 81.6% with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 50%. There was 100% accuracy in predicting abruptio placenta, ovarian, uterine, and miscellaneous pathologies by MRI. There was 83.4% and 75% accuracy in predicting ectopic pregnancy and placenta accreta, respectively, by MRI.

Conclusion

MRI is very useful to diagnose pregnancy-associated obstetric and gynecological complications. It will be an important complementary tool to sonography and thereby facilitate better patient management.
“In Defense of Our Livelihoods”: Rethinking Authoritarian Legality and Worker Resistance during Argentina’s Proceso de Reorganización Nacional
Authors: Brudney Edward
Published: December 2019

This article examines a series of worker strikes that culminated in the takeover of the Deutz Argentina tractor factory in October 1980. These mobilizations occurred under the most violent military regime in modern Argentine history—the Proceso de Reorganización Nacional (Process of National Reorganization, 1976–83)—yet they did not provoke legal or extralegal repression. Instead, over a week of highly visible conflicts, the Deutz workforce challenged the company’s decision to close the plant and publicly attacked the dictatorship’s economic policies and failure to defend Argentina’s national interest. This episode has been largely ignored within the history of labor relations during the Proceso. In this article, I advance two related arguments. First, I suggest that while several factors contributed to the lack of violence, the workers’ discourse demands serious analysis and shows important continuities with historical Peronist ideologies. Rather than passive victims or heroic revolutionaries, I demonstrate that Deutz workers pursued a pragmatic and occasionally aggressive strategy centered around ideas of patriotism, family, and religion—all ideas that the Armed Forces rhetorically celebrated. Second, I argue that this case challenges accepted notions related to the “state of exception” that nominally suspended the normal functioning of the law. Instead, I show, the law and legal precedent remained critically important to workers, trade unionists, management, and state actors as they navigated this situation. Labor legislation played a key role in the development, understanding, and resolution of the confrontation. This reading takes seriously the Proceso as a government and offers new insight into authoritarian legality.
Benchmarking of long-read assemblers for prokaryote whole genome sequencing
Authors: Wick Ryan R. , Holt Kathryn E.
Published: December 2019

Background: Data sets from long-read sequencing platforms (Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Pacific Biosciences) allow for most prokaryote genomes to be completely assembled – one contig per chromosome or plasmid. However, the high per-read error rate of long-read sequencing necessitates different approaches to assembly than those used for short-read sequencing. Multiple assembly tools (assemblers) exist, which use a variety of algorithms for long-read assembly.

Methods: We used 500 simulated read sets and 120 real read sets to assess the performance of six long-read assemblers (Canu, Flye, Miniasm/Minipolish, Raven, Redbean and Shasta) across a wide variety of genomes and read parameters. Assemblies were assessed on their structural accuracy/completeness, sequence identity, contig circularisation and computational resources used.

Results: Canu v1.9 produced moderately reliable assemblies but had the longest runtimes of all assemblers tested. Flye v2.6 was more reliable and did particularly well with plasmid assembly. Miniasm/Minipolish v0.3 was the only assembler which consistently produced clean contig circularisation. Raven v0.0.5 was the most reliable for chromosome assembly, though it did not perform well on small plasmids and had circularisation issues. Redbean v2.5 and Shasta v0.3.0 were computationally efficient but more likely to produce incomplete assemblies.

Conclusions: Of the assemblers tested, Flye, Miniasm/Minipolish and Raven performed best overall. However, no single tool performed well on all metrics, highlighting the need for continued development on long-read assembly algorithms.
Airline Timetable Development and Fleet Assignment Incorporating Passenger Choice
Authors: Wei Keji , Vaze Vikrant , Jacquillat Alexandre
Published: December 2019

Flight timetabling can greatly impact an airline’s operating profit, yet data-driven or model-based solutions to support it remain limited. Timetabling optimization is significantly complicated by two factors. First, it exhibits strong interdependencies with subsequent fleet assignment decisions of the airlines. Second, flights’ departure and arrival times are important determinants of passenger connection opportunities, of the attractiveness of each (nonstop or connecting) itinerary, and, in turn, of passengers’ booking decisions. Because of these complicating factors, most existing approaches rely on incremental timetabling. This paper introduces an original integrated optimization approach to comprehensive flight timetabling and fleet assignment under endogenous passenger choice. Passenger choice is captured by a discrete-choice generalized attraction model. The resulting optimization model is formulated as a mixed-integer linear program. This paper also proposes an original multiphase solution approach, which effectively combines several heuristics, to optimize the network-wide timetable of a major airline within a realistic computational budget. Using case study data from Alaska Airlines, computational results suggest that the combination of this paper’s model formulation and solution approaches can result in significant profit improvements as compared with the most advanced incremental approaches to flight timetabling. Additional computational experiments based on several extensions also demonstrate the benefits of this modeling and computational framework to support various types of strategic airline decision making in the context of frequency planning, revenue management, and postmerger integration.
Siete errores comunes en el diagnóstico, manejo y tratamiento de heridas crónicas
Authors: Vallejo Leticia
Published: December 2019

Sinopsis:

En los últimos 40 años, se han logrado importantes avances para mejorar la práctica, el manejo y el cuidado de heridas crónicas. Sin embargo, los costos para tratar estas heridas continúan superando los miles de millones de dólares anuales en el mundo y afectando la calidad de vida del paciente que las padece. El proceso de cicatrización de heridas crónicas implica factores complejos que la mayoría de los profesionales de la salud desconoce, y que varían según cada paciente. Teniendo en cuenta estos puntos y la literatura disponible, la autora presenta siete errores comunes en el diagnóstico, manejo y tratamiento avanzado de heridas crónicas basados en 20 años de experiencia, que podrían ayudar a establecer un cuidado uniforme, de calidad e integrado en los diferentes países de América latina.
Formulating strategies for development of lontar sugar industry in Rote Ndao District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia
Authors: Fahrizal  , JASMAN  , YEHESKIAL NGGANDUNG  , KARTIWAN
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Fahrizal, Jasman, Nggandung Y, Kartiwan. 2019. Formulating strategies for development of lontar sugar industry in Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. Trop Drylands 3: 41-48. Lontar (Borassus flabellifer) is a kind of palm tree exploited by home industries in Rote Ndao District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, for making sugar. Generally, the lontar sugar produced is molded sugar and crystal sugar. However, the home industries produce molded sugar more than the crystal one. This research aimed to formulate and determine the priority of strategies for development of the crystal sugar industry in Rote Ndao District. Depth interview techniques, observation, and literature studies were used to identify the strategic factors, which were then displayed in the form of EFE and IFE matrix. The value of each factor was obtained from pairwise comparison method. SWOT analysis released 5 strategies to be applied. The priority order of the strategies are: (i) development of crystal sugar industry by partnership system, (ii) application of technology for improving quality and quantity of the product, (iii) training of Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Agricultural Practice, (iv) institutional assistance from the related department, and (iv) increasing of marketing networks.
Yield and yield component performances of local pigmented upland rice cultivars from East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia in three locations
Authors: Ndiwa Antonius , S. Mau Yosep
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Ndiwa ASS, Mau YS. 2019. Yield and yield component performances of local pigmented upland rice cultivars from East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia in three locations. Trop Drylands 3: 49-55. Several pigmented upland rice cultivars from East Nusa Tenggara Province have been selected based on their agronomic performance, blast resistance, and drought tolerance traits. This study aimed to further elucidate the selected upland rice cultivars for their yield performance and stability in a multi-location trial in three locations. The results showed the significant effect of rice genotype, location, and interactions between rice genotype and location (GxE) on most observed variables, both in each location and across the three locations. Five genotypes produced average grain yield of ≥ 4.0 t/ha over three locations, i.e., NGR-22, PMK-01, ADN-05, Inpago 7 and Aek Sibundong. These five genotypes were found to produce high and stable grain yield under the three growing environments.
A case report and review of the literature of Bouveret syndrome
Authors: Singh G , Merali N , Shirol S , Drymousis P , Singh S , Veeramootoo D
Published: December 2019

Bouveret syndrome is a rare variant of gallstone ileus causing gastric outlet obstruction. It results from the formation of either a cholecystoduodenal or a cholecystogastric fistula and subsequent migration of gallstone into the duodenum or pylorus of stomach, causing obstruction. The first case was reported by Leon Bouveret in 1896. We report a case illustrating the rarity and severity of this condition, together with a review of the literature of the different methods of endoscopic and surgical treatment.
Evaluation of the Settling Basin of Keumala Weir, Krueng Baro River, Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Azmeri Azmeri , Herawati Henny , Amalia Nur Aisya , Jemi Faris Zahran
Published: December 2019

Krueng Baro Irrigation network is a strategic technical irrigation area in Pidie, Aceh, Indonesia. The primary water source is the Krueng Baro River flow using the infrastructure of Keumala Weir in which sedimentation is currently a significant problem in its operations. To prevent the sediment from entering the irrigation channel is to settle it in the settling basin. However, the primary irrigation channel with the stone masonry walls kept experiencing high sedimentation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Keumala Weir settling basin including its capacity and efficiency. This study used a survey method for data collection and an evaluation method following the current guidelines for data analysis. The sediment sampling was conducted in the settling basin and the primary channel. The flushing was currently carried out for seven days. However, the settling basin capacity of 2,436.75 m3 did not meet the flushing requirements. Thus, the flushing should be performed daily for a volume of 1,859.43 m3 to fulfill the condition, so that the capacity of the settling basin was controlled. The efficiency of sediment settling was 75%, and the effect of water turbulence was in a safe condition, that the sediment settled in a settling basin would not be eroded when it is empty or full. For the flushing efficiency, the shear stress was 15,538 N/m2 that can rinse less than 16 mm particles. Based on this evaluation, it can be concluded that the sediments in the primary channel were from the settling basin. It is suggested to limit the speed in the regulating building to approximately 1.5 m/s to reduce the sediments entering the primary channel. It also requires accuracy in the operation of the primary channel intake.
The state-as-parent: reframing parent–child relations in Rwanda
Authors: Benda Richard , Pells Kirrily
Published: December 2019

This article attempts to think across and beyond the fields of childhood studies and parenting culture studies by employing postcolonial, relational and temporal lenses to explore child–parent–state relations and how these relations have been constructed, represented and enacted over time. Using the case study of Rwanda, we suggest that the phenomenon of state-as-parent functions symbolically and instrumentally to establish state legitimacy and national unity in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, informed by both the specificities of the Rwandan historical and current contexts, as well as transnational discourses on childhood and parenting. Furthermore, we argue that plural, coexisting and conflicting temporalities are at play in the reframing and reworking of state–parent–child relations, which are also a site for the generation of subaltern forms of temporality to contest the overarching narrative of state-as-parent.
Steady-state frequency-tracking distortion in the digital Pound–Drever–Hall technique
Authors: Wang Xiao , Feng Lishuang , Xu Jun , Ni Peiren
Published: December 2019

We present here a general method for evaluating the steady-state frequency-tracking distortion in the digital Pound–Drever–Hall technique with modulation harmonic distortion. The theoretical tracking distortion model is established based on the multi-beam interference theory. The effects of the additional harmonic phase shift and the relative distortion ratio changes in the model are simulated by the Runge–Kutta method. Moreover, we demonstrate the steady-state frequency-tracking distortion caused by the modulation harmonic distortion in a resonant frequency tracking system with a 35 mm

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waveguide ring resonator. According to the measured and simulated results, we obtain the optimal modulation frequency and depth with minimal frequency-tracking distortion, which are 11.49 MHz and 3.96, respectively.
Realization of a compact cross-grating spectrometer and validating experimental tests
Authors: Kraus Matthias , Förster Erik , Bagusat Verena , Hönle Tobias , Uwurukundo Xavier , Bohnert Patrick , Brüning Robert , Hillmer Hartmut , Brunner Robert
Published: December 2019

Echelle inspired cross-grating spectrometers offer the potential to
bridge the gap between classical high-end echelle spectrometers and
curved-grating single-element instruments. In particular, the
cross-grating approach offers the possibility to simultaneously
achieve a high spectral resolution and a wide accessible spectral
range in compact dimensions and without moving parts. We report on the
complete realization and implementation details of an all-reflective
cross-grating spectrometer based on a modified Czerny–Turner
configuration including a folded beam path and a toric-convex mirror
for aberration compensation. The applicability of the cross-grating
spectrometer is demonstrated by test measurements including the
recording of the spectra of different plant leaves. For the
cross-grating spectrometer, with an accessible wavelength range
between 330 and 1100 nm, a spectral resolution of 0.6 nm at 589 nm was
achieved.
Bubble optics
Authors: Selmke Markus
Published: December 2019

Starting from a peculiar image observed below a bubble that is floating at a water–air interface, this paper analyzes several optical properties of these special types of refracting objects (termed bubble axicons). Using mainly geometrical optics, their relation to common axicons, the shadow-sausage effect, and elementary optical catastrophes (caustics) are discussed.
Full-field analysis of wavefront errors in point diffraction interferometer with misaligned Gaussian incidence
Authors: Gao Fen , O’Donoghue Thomas , Wang Wei
Published: December 2019

The precision and accuracy of profile measurement achieved by a point diffraction interferometer (PDI) is determined by a spherical diffraction reference wavefront whose quality is mainly controlled by the pinhole’s alignment. In consideration of a Gaussian beam incidence, different diffraction wavefront errors stemming from misalignment of pinhole including lateral shift, defocus, and tilt are analyzed with the help of a proposed systematic model and a new evaluation criterion established under spherical coordinates. The full-field distributions of various diffraction wavefront errors are obtained through simulation. The predicted accuracy of an actual PDI makes a good agreement with the experiment results. The achieved results will be beneficial to the accuracy evaluation of a PDI before and after its design.
Cross-correlation registration algorithm enhancements for multipixel inverse synthetic aperture LiDAR
Authors: Hennen John A. , Dierking Matthew P.
Published: December 2019

The accurate registration and realignment of complex signal volumes is critical for cross-range aperture gain in 3D LiDAR aperture synthesis. For targets at long range, only a limited number of diffraction-limited pixels will be projected on the target, resulting in low cross-range support. In addition, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is typically low. This research describes an enhanced cross-correlation registration algorithm for 3D inverse synthetic aperture LiDAR data volumes that improves performance for low cross-range support, low SNRs, and relatively large aperture shifts. The registration performance is improved through statistical removal of the cross-correlation noise pedestal and compensation for the reduced signal overlap caused by larger shifts. The registration performance is characterized as a function of SNR, signal shift (target rotation rate), and target pixel support. The algorithm’s improvements allow for registration convergence at 1–5 dB lower SNR than the baseline cross-correlation algorithm. In addition, the algorithm enhancements allow for registration convergence at 10%–20% greater shifts.