bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracorporeal lithotripsy in ureteral stones: Our experience with Dornier HM3, EDAP LT02, Piezolith 2300 lithotripters
Authors: Carmignani L. , Baccalin A. , Sala M. , Panizzutti M. , Decobelli O. , Larcher P. , Musci R. , Rocco F.
Published: November 2018

We present our experience with three different lithotriptors: Dornier HM3, EDAP LT02 and Piezolith 2300. Materials and methods: 1876 patients with ureteral stones were treated between 1 January 1988 and 1 January 1996. The above 3 lithotriptors were used. In 925 patients the stones were located in the upper ureter, in 182 in the middle ureter and in 769 in the pelvic ureter. Auxiliary procedures were performed in 37% of patients. A DJ stent was used to catheterise 299 (16%) patients and a nephrostomy was performed in 19 (1%). Catheterisation was carried out in 247 (13.1%) ureters to localise the stones, plus 83 (4.4%) push ups and 52 (2.7%) Dormia baskets. Results: one treatment was sufficient in 1395 (74.3%) patients, 2 treatments in 335 (29.1%), 3 in 114 (6%), 4 in 21 (1.1%), 5 in 10 (0.5%) and 6 in 1 (0.05%). Patients were considered stone-free when they had negative X-ray and sonography two months after treatment; stones smaller than 3 mm, capable of being spontaneously eliminated without retrograde dilatation, were considered as fragments. The results were 1475 (78.6%) stone-free patients, 246 (13.1%) with fragments and 117 (6.2%) failures. 38 patients failed to appear at follow-up. Complications: complications were considered as hyperpyrexia and colics. There was very little hematuria, which regressed spontaneously in any case within the first 24 hours. Conclusion: side effects were few and required no treatment, so in our experience lithotripsy is the first choice treatment for ureteral stones. Particular attention, however, must be paid to the size of the stone in predicting the number of treatments.
Present role of surgery
Authors: Anselmo G. , Merlo F.
Published: November 2018

The advent of more advanced endoscopic methods and extracorporeal lithotripsy (ESWL) plus the increasing use of radiological means such as ultrasound, which has allowed the bloodless treatment of small stones, have gradually reduced the number of traditional surgical operations. In one decade surgery has dropped from 63% (1983-1985) to 3.6% (1993-1995) in stone cases, mainly following unsuccessful ESWL or endoscopic methods. It is rarely first choice in lumbar calculosis unlike in voluminous obstructing iliac calculosis, while it is exceptional in cases of pelvic stones. Surgery may be “necessary”, however, with associated ureteral stenosis or anatomical alterations preventing endoscopic or percutaneous approaches and contemporaneousness of surgical operations. Occasionally circumstances, such as working conditions or the psychological state of the patient, “condition” the choice for an immediate, final solution by a single procedure. Lastly, surgery should be reserved today for selected cases and when used, should be highly competitive, from all points of view, compared to all other methods.
Management of ureteral calculi and DRG
Authors: Ranieri A. , Tura M. , Hurle R. , Lembo A.
Published: November 2018

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureterolithotripsy (ULT) have dramatically changed the management of ureteral calculi. Since the new financial policy of public hospitals is now operative, we tried to evaluate if the management of ureteral calculi is conditioned by technical availability and by the Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) payment system. Open surgery is still first-line treatment for renal calculi over 3 cm in diameter. ESWL is preferentially employed for the treatment of lumbar ureteral calculi, while ULT is preferred in distal ureteral stones. Non-analytical evaluation of costs in our Hospital showed that ESWL and ULT with an average of three days hospital stay were remunerative if DRG standards were applied. This was not the case if the same treatments were applied on a “day-hospital” basis or in one day of hospital stay. As far as therapeutical choice is concerned, in our and other urological divisions it was dictated by clinical and technical more than economic considerations.
Risk factors for urological prosthetic infection
Authors: Fortunato P. , Schettini M. , Gallucci M.
Published: November 2018

We reviewed our experience of 91 procedures for implant and revision of urological prostheses from 1989 to 1996. The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors for urological prostheses. The procedures consisted of 48 implants of artificial urinary sphincters AMS 800 (35 primary implants and 13 revisions) and 43 penile prostheses (40 primary implants and 3 revisions). Simultaneous penile reconstruction was performed in 5 cases. The mean follow-up was 2 years (range 1-6 years) for artificial urinary sphincter and 1.8 years (range 1-4) for penile prostheses. Infection occurred in 7 cases (4 urinary sphincter and 3 penile prostheses). The infection rate after primary uncomplicated implant of AMS 800 was 8.5% compared to 7.6% for revision procedures (p=n.s.). The infection rate after primary implant of penile prostheses was 5% compared to 33% for revision procedures. There was a similar significant difference between the penile prostheses implant group with reconstruction of the corpora (2 out 5 patients) and the primary uncomplicated implant group (p=0.001). The risk of infection is significantly greater when penile reconstruction is required and is associated with revision operations.
Prostatic microwave therapy: A pilot study for technology assessment
Authors: Sing R. , Emerson L , Morales A.
Published: November 2018

Objective. The Genemed Genetherm S 150 is an easy to use and comparatively inexpensive device for administering prostatic microwave therapy. This study was aimed at testing the efficacy and safety of this machine in a pilot study. Methods. Sixteen patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy participated in the study, but only fourteen were evaluable. All received one hour of microwave therapy where the mean temperature was 45.7±0.2 °C. Symptom scores (International Prostate Symptom Score and Quality of Life Assessment), peak flow rates and post void residuals were used to evaluate participants prior to and three months following their treatment. Results. The results of this study show a statistically significant improvement in mean symptom scores. There was no significant change in mean peak flow rates while a statistically significant increase in mean post void residual occurred. Individually, however, only one patient experienced an improvement in all of the above parameters. There were no undesirable side effects during or after treatment. Conclusions. We conclude that the results of this pilot study do not warrant further study of this device, despite its practicality and safety.
Preservation of anterograde ejaculation after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and the bladder neck (TURBN)
Authors: Ronzoni G. , De Vecchis M.
Published: November 2018

The authors present the results of TURP performed on patients with small obstructive adenomas, which allowed anterograde ejaculation to be preserved in over 80% of the cases. The technique, involving supramontanal prostate tissue sparing, was developed following new findings using endorectal ultrasonography during ejaculation, which revealed the absence of the accumulation stage. Contraction during ejaculation of the preserved portion of the prostate enables anterograde ejaculation to be preserved without causing a significant obstacle to micturition.
Female urethrocystalgias (UC): The Urologist's viewpoint
Authors: Seren P. , Andretta E. , Gasparella V. , Bastianello P. , Artuso G. , Benzone S. , Signorelli G.
Published: November 2018

Idiopathic urethrocystalgia is a diagnosis by exclusion. The Urologist's task is to carry out all the clinical investigations necessary to exclude possible organic and functional pathologies which can cause urethrocystalgia.
Painful bladder syndromes in the female: Pharmaceutical therapy
Authors: Gasparella V. , Andretta E. , Bastianello P. , Artuso G. , Seren P. , Benzone S. , Signorelli G.
Published: November 2018

Treatment of painful bladder syndromes is only empiric. Intravesical therapy, with heparin or dimethylsulfoxide, has recently become the mainstay of treatment. Transient relief of symptoms after hydrodistension occurs in 50% of interstitial cystitis. Good results have been obtained with amitriptyline, nifedipine and antihistamines, but always in uncontrolled studies.
A Wesleyan-Ignatian Approach to Spiritual Formation: A Case Study in Jesuit Higher Education
Authors: Gallagher Luisa J.
Published: November 2018

Christ’s call to unity in the Church is an imperative for Christian education today. An ecumenical approach to spiritual formation reaffirms a common shared identity rooted in Christ, and strengthens a common witness in a troubled world. Through an examination of Wesleyan and Ignatian Christian education, a complementary holistic discourse emerges. This article explores a Wesleyan-Ignatian model of spiritual formation that is holistic in nature: engaging cognitive thinking, inward journey, and an outward expression of faith. Furthermore, this article provides a case study applying this ecumenical spiritual formation model in a Jesuit higher education setting.
Big Data Ethics and Politics: Toward New Understandings
Authors: Chen Wenhong , Quan-Haase Anabel
Published: November 2018

The hype around big data does not seem to abate nor do the scandals. Privacy breaches in the collection, use, and sharing of big data have affected all the major tech players, be it Facebook, Google, Apple, or Uber, and go beyond the corporate world including governments, municipalities, and educational and health institutions. What has come to light is that enabled by the rapid growth of social media and mobile apps, various stakeholders collect and use large amounts of data, disregarding the ethics and politics. As big data touch on many realms of daily life and have profound impacts in the social world, the scrutiny around big data practice becomes increasingly relevant. This special issue investigates the ethics and politics of big data using a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches. Together, the articles provide new understandings of the many dimensions of big data ethics and politics, showing it is important to understand and increase awareness of the biases and limitations inherent in big data analysis and practices.
Pedagogy of nation: A concept and method to research nationalism in young children’s institutional lives
Authors: Millei Zsuzsa
Published: November 2018

In our current context, researching how young children encounter and inhabit the nation among diverse people is ever-more important. In societies free of conflict, the nation operates beneath the surface, therefore, it is difficult to study. By bringing together the perspectives of ‘everyday nationalism’ and ‘cultural pedagogy’, I develop the concept of ‘pedagogy of nation’ to focus on and account for various didactic means through which young children learn to inhabit the nation and to further explore everyday nationalism.
Numerical analysis of transient characteristics of a bulb hydraulic turbine during runaway transient process
Authors: Feng Jianjun , Li Wenfeng , Luo Xingqi , Zhu Guojun
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the runaway transient process in a bulb turbine has been investigated by adopting commercial CFD code ANSYS CFX, and transient characteristics in the process have been examined and analyzed in detail. The results show that the predicted maximal runaway rotational speed and flow rate of the turbine are in close agreement with experimental data. During transient process, both the flow rate and rotational speed are rising with time, leading to an increase in both axial and circumferential velocities at the runner outlet. The velocity ratio between them has been diminished greatly at the draft tube inlet, inducing a spiral vortex rope growing with time. The cavitation will shorten the duration and reduce the maximal rotational speed of the runaway process. The runner blade pressure surface is much more critical to cavitation than the suction surface. The amplitude of pressure fluctuation in the runaway process is increasing in the main flow direction. Furthermore, the amplitude of pressure fluctuation reaches up to over 100% of the working head in the draft tube, considerably threatening the safe operation of the turbine.
Asset-based welfare: Is housing equity release a viable option for pensioners in Slovenia
Authors: Sendi Richard , Filipovič Hrast Maša , Kerbler Boštjan
Published: November 2018

The transformations in the welfare state regimes that have occurred globally, over the last three decades or so, have seriously affected the capacity of states to sustain the previous levels of social care and protection. These changes, already being manifested, inter alia, in trends in declining earnings of pensioners have inspired some researchers in this field to explore alternative ways of mitigating their impact on the well-being of the elderly during the retirement period. One of the theories that has been advanced to this effect is the so-called asset-based welfare concept which suggests that the wealth accumulated by people in the form of housing assets presents a financial reservoir that may serve as a source of income for pensioners in time of need. To address these issues, a variety of mechanisms have been developed and presented as ‘equity release products’ that may be used by senior homeowners to improve their living situation. This article contributes to the debate from the perspective of a country in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), a region that has been rarely included in the scholarly discourse on the topic. While there might have been some level of success in the implementation of these instruments in some countries, the survey findings presented and discussed in this article show that Slovenian elderly homeowners strongly reject all the equity release products that were presented to them as potential options for alleviating financial hardship in old age. These findings lead us to the conclusion that it is highly unlikely that Slovenian elderly homeowners would ever accept and exploit, at any meaningful level of uptake, the investigated equity release mechanisms.
Testing active choice for screening practitioner’s gender in endoscopy among disinclined women: An online experiment
Authors: Stoffel Sandro T , Hirst Yasemin , Ghanouni Alex , McGregor Lesley M , Kerrison Robert , Verstraete Wouter , Gallagher Ailish , Waller Jo , von Wagner Christian
Published: November 2018

Objectives

A large proportion of women have a preference for a same-gender endoscopy practitioner. We tested how information about practitioner gender affected intention to have bowel scope screening in a sample of women disinclined to have the test.

Methods

In an online experimental survey, women aged 35–54 living in England who did not intend to participate in bowel scope screening (N = 1060) were randomised to one of four experimental conditions: (1) control (practitioner’s gender is unknown), (2) opposite-gender (male practitioner by default), (3) same gender (female practitioner by default), and (4) active choice (the patient could choose the gender of the practitioner). Intention was measured following the interventions.

Results

Of 1010 (95.3%) women who completed the survey, most were White-British (83.6%), and working (63.3%). Compared with control, both active choice and same-gender conditions increased intention among disinclined women (9.3% vs. 16.0% and 17.9%; OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.07–3.20 and OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.23–3.50). There were no differences in intention between the opposite-gender and control conditions (9.8% vs. 9.3%; OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.60–1.90) or the active choice and same-gender conditions (16.0% vs. 17.9%: OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.55–1.46, using same gender as baseline).

Conclusions

Offering disinclined women a same-gender practitioner, either by choice or default, increased subsequent intention, while an opposite gender default did not negatively affect intention. Reducing uncertainty about gender of practitioner could positively affect uptake in women, and should be tested in a randomised controlled trial.
Shanghai Silk Pharma Ltd: Employee Turnover
Authors: Syed Jawad , Wang Junhua
Published: November 2018

This case highlights the issues of employee turnover and retention in a Chinese private sector pharmaceutical company. It discusses the reasons of high employee turnover and the company’s approach to retention. While the case shows that individual–company fit and individual–work fit affects voluntary turnover, it also highlights the importance of financial and non-financial incentives and measures to improve employee retention. It also discusses issues of high-power distance and guanxi that are unique to China. Overall, the case brings to light different organizational choices and strategies to address employee retention.
Book Review: VIF Editorial Board, Securing India: VIF Perspective—Issues and Trends
Authors: Singh Bhartendu Kumar
Published: November 2018

VIF Editorial Board, Securing India: VIF Perspective—Issues and Trends. New Delhi: Wisdom Tree, 2017, pp. 208, ₹1495. ISBN: 9788183284950.
Book Review: Amitav Acharya, East of India, South of China: Sino-Indian Encounters in Southeast Asia
Authors: Tieri Silvia
Published: November 2018

Amitav Acharya, East of India, South of China: Sino-Indian Encounters in Southeast Asia. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2017, 260 pp., ₹695. ISBN: 9780199461141.
Securing the Administrative Appeals Tribunal’s independence: Tenure and mechanisms of appointment
Authors: Morgan James
Published: November 2018

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal must be independent from inappropriate influence, and the perception of such influence, in order to effectively perform its duties of de novo merits review of government decisions. Drawing on recent controversies surrounding the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in 2017, this article concludes that the current mechanisms of Administrative Appeals Tribunal member reappointment exposes the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to a risk of inappropriate influence by the government of the day or at least a risk of public perception to that effect. After examining several possible reforms to minimise this risk, this paper proposes the creation of an independent reappointment committee for the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Navigating human and non-human animal relations: Okja, Foucault and animal welfare laws
Authors: Gunawan Michelle
Published: November 2018

This article draws upon a Foucauldian analysis of power to conceptualise the human and non-human animal relations throughout the Netflix film Okja. The article examines how ‘super-pig’ Okja’s experiences (and subjectivities) are deeply shaped by the ‘apparatuses’ within which Okja is situated. As the power relationships and practices of ‘domination’ portrayed in Okja highlight, the legal categorisation of animals and their foundations within mainstream discourses reflect, and perpetuate, society’s understanding of the moral significance of animals. Okja’s transformation throughout the film, as well as her very existence as a hybrid ‘super-pig’, confuses the legal categorisation of non-human animals and highlights a double standard in the law.
Analyzing Factors Associated With Decisional Stage of Adoption for Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Older Korean Americans Using Precaution Adoption Process Model
Authors: Jin Seok Won , Lee Jongwook , Lee Sohye
Published: November 2018

Introduction: For Korean Americans (KAs), colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates remain lower than the national target. This study aimed to examine factors predicting decisional stage of CRC screening adoption among older KAs using the precaution adoption process model. Method: Convenience sampling was employed to recruit KAs aged 50 to 75 years from the Atlanta metropolitan area in the United States. A total of 433 KAs completed a cross-sectional survey that collects information on sociodemographics, CRC screening history, a physician’s recommendation, knowledge, self-efficacy, and decisional balance pertaining CRC screening, and precaution adoption process model stage. Results: Higher scores of decisional balance (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.34), having a physician’s recommendation ( OR = 8.61), and having regular annual medical checkups ( OR = 4.44) were significantly associated with higher decisional stage compared with lower stage, controlling for other variables. Discussion: Intervention research should incorporate consideration of individuals’ decisional stage to move KAs forward from not engaging the screening to maintaining regular participation in CRC screening.
Vitamin K-Dependent Coagulation Factors That May be Responsible for Both Bleeding and Thrombosis (FII, FVII, and FIX)
Authors: Girolami Antonio , Ferrari Silvia , Cosi Elisabetta , Santarossa Claudia , Randi Maria Luigia
Published: November 2018

Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors are commonly divided into prohemorrhagic (FII, FVII, FIX, and FX) and antithrombotic (protein C and protein S). Furthermore, another protein (protein Z) does not seem strictly correlated with blood clotting. As a consequence of this assumption, vitamin K-dependent defects were considered as hemorrhagic or thrombotic disorders. Recent clinical observations, and especially, recent advances in molecular biology investigations, have demonstrated that this was incorrect. In 2009, it was demonstrated that the mutation Arg338Leu in exon 8 of FIX was associated with the appearance of a thrombophilic state and venous thrombosis. The defect was characterized by a 10-fold increased activity in FIX activity, while FIX antigen was only slightly increased (FIX Padua). On the other hand, it was noted on clinical grounds that the thrombosis, mainly venous, was present in about 2% to 3% of patients with FVII deficiency. It was subsequently demonstrated that 2 mutations in FVII, namely, Arg304Gln and Ala294Val, were particularly affected. Both these mutations are type 2 defects, namely, they show low activity but normal or near-normal FVII antigen. More recently, in 2011-2012, it was noted that prothrombin defects due to mutations of Arg596 to Leu, Gln, or Trp in exon 15 cause the appearance of a dysprothrombinemia that shows no bleeding tendency but instead a prothrombotic state with venous thrombosis. On the contrary, no abnormality of protein C or protein S has been shown to be associated with bleeding rather than with thrombosis. These studies have considerably widened the spectrum and significance of blood coagulation studies.
An approach for the impact feature extraction method based on improved modal decomposition and singular value analysis
Authors: Bie Fengfeng , Horoshenkov Kirill V. , Qian Jin , Pei Junfeng
Published: November 2018

For non-stationary vibration useful information of the impact feature tends to be overwhelmed with strong routine components, which make it difficult to implement pattern recognition. This paper proposes improved signal processing methods of variational mode decomposition (VMD) and singular value decomposition (SVD) for non-stationary impact feature extraction in application to condition monitoring of reciprocating machinery. The impact feature is firstly simulated with the dynamics' analysis of the driving mechanism of a reciprocating pump. Through comparison the merit of the improved VMD method is demonstrated. The singular value of the decomposed modes is extracted with the SVD method. The support vector machine method is used as the classifier for the extracted set of features. The performance of the proposed VMD-based method is validated practically through a set of measured data from the reciprocating pump setup.
Adequacy and Accuracy of Core Biopsy in Children: A Radiologic/Pathologic Correlation Study
Authors: Parsons Lauren N , Vo Nghia , Moe David C , Jarzembowski Jason A
Published: November 2018

Core biopsy (CB) is increasingly popular for assessing solid lesions in children. To date, pediatric literature is limited regarding factors contributing to diagnostically inadequate or inaccurate CB. Therefore, we retrospectively examined radiologic/pathologic factors associated with adequacy/accuracy of CB in pediatric patients. A search of the surgical pathology database for CB between January 2007 and December 2014 yielded 134 CB from 99 patients. Age, sex, anatomic site of lesion, CB diagnosis, and final diagnosis were acquired from the electronic medical record. Image guidance modality, lesion size, and CB sampling device were obtained from radiology records. CB hematoxylin and eosin slides were reviewed for fragmentation, percentage of fibrosis, and percentage of necrosis. Overall, CB length was measured using cellSens software and a DP71 camera. Groups were compared using 2-sided homoscedastic Student’s t tests; 87.3% (117/134) CB were diagnostic; final diagnosis was available for 105 cases, with a concordance rate of 80.0% (84/105). Image guidance modality, lesion site (extremity vs nonextremity), and CB needle gauge did not significantly differ between diagnostic versus nondiagnostic CB or concordant versus discordant CB. Diagnostic CB had less necrosis and fibrosis than did nondiagnostic CBs (6.8% vs 29.7%, P = .0002 and 10.3% vs 29.1%, P = .0006). Nondiagnostic and discordant CB were more likely to be from bony lesions than soft tissue ( P = .01 and P = .0248). CB is valuable for diagnosing solid lesions in children, with good overall diagnostic rates regardless of lesion size, location, or imaging modality used for biopsy. Nondiagnostic and discordant CB were more often obtained from bony lesions; sampling via open biopsy may be more useful in that setting. Nondiagnostic and discordant CB have more necrosis and fibrosis, suggesting that on-site evaluation of CB tissue viability—for example, by touch imprint or fine needle aspiration—may be useful in further enhancing CB utility.
Approach to the Assessment and Management of Adult Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: A Consensus Document. Section V: Consensus Statements on the Assessment and Management of Adult Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Hong Chih-ho , Gooderham Melinda J. , Albrecht Lorne , Bissonnette Robert , Dhadwal Gurbir , Gniadecki Robert , Grewal Parbeer , Kirchhof Mark G. , Landells Ian , Lansang Perla , Lynde Chuck W. , Papp Kim A. , Poulin Yves , Sussman Gordon , Turchin Irina , Wiseman Marni , Yeung Jensen
Published: November 2018

This document is a concise, current, and practical guide for dermatologists and other health care providers managing adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). The recommendations made here are based on a consensus of specialists with extensive experience managing patients with AD. Topics reviewed in this publication include AD pathophysiology, assessment, comorbidities, and treatment options.
Approach to the Assessment and Management of Adult Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: A Consensus Document. Section IV: Treatment Options for the Management of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Dhadwal Gurbir , Albrecht Lorne , Gniadecki Robert , Poulin Yves , Yeung Jensen , Hong Chih-ho , Gooderham Melinda J.
Published: November 2018

The objectives of therapy for atopic dermatitis (AD) are to reduce skin inflammation and pruritus, restore skin barrier function, and improve quality of life (QoL). Treatments can be classified as moisturizing and basic care, topical therapy, phototherapy, and systemic therapy. In this review, we summarize the treatments for AD and recommendations for their use.
Netflix and Chill? What Sex Differences Can Tell Us About Mate Preferences in (Hypothetical) Booty-Call Relationships
Authors: March Evita , Van Doorn George , Grieve Rachel
Published: November 2018

The booty-call relationship is defined by both sexual characteristics and emotional involvement. In the current study, men’s and women’s preferences for a booty-call mate were explored. Men and women were predicted to exhibit different mate preferences depending on whether they considered a booty-call relationship a short- or long-term relationship. Participants ( N = 559, 74% women) completed an anonymous online questionnaire, designing their ideal booty-call mate using the mate dollars paradigm. Both sexes considered the physical attractiveness and kindness of a booty-call mate a necessity, expressing both short- and long-term mate preferences. The current study highlights the need to explore mate preferences outside the dichotomy of short- and long-term relationships, providing evidence of a compromise relationship.
Association of glucagon-to-insulin ratio and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Moh Moh Myint Aung , Jung Chan-Hee , Lee Bora , Choi Dughyun , Kim Bo-Yeon , Kim Chul-Hee , Kang Sung-Koo , Mok Ji-Oh
Published: November 2018

Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between glucagon-to-insulin ratio and the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on ultrasonography in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Research design and methods:

This cross-sectional study was performed with data obtained from 172 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus admitted to a University hospital of Korea. Participants were assessed for serum fasting and postprandial serum glucagon-to-insulin ratio and divided into tertiles. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was defined as ultrasonographically detected fatty liver.

Results:

Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was significantly decreased across tertile of fasting and postprandial glucagon-to-insulin ratio ( p = 0.009 for trend, p = 0.001 for trend, respectively). Lower glucagon-to-insulin ratio was significantly associated with the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease even after adjustment for potential confounding variables [fasting glucagon-to-insulin ratio: odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 2.68 (1.08–6.86)], postprandial glucagon-to-insulin ratio: [2.72 (1.03–7.35)]. The participants in the lowest tertile of fasting glucagon-to-insulin ratio had higher body mass index, visceral fat thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness, homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance and shorter duration of diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that lower glucagon relative insulin may be independently associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in participants with type 2 diabetes.
Pain in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease indicated for post-acute pulmonary rehabilitation
Authors: van Dam van Isselt Eléonore F , Groenewegen-Sipkema Karin H , van Eijk Monica , Chavannes Niels H , Achterberg Wilco P
Published: November 2018

Pain is a significant problem in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with other symptoms, worse health status and lower functional status. Not much is known about pain in unstable disease. The primary aim of the present study is to investigate prevalence, characteristics and relationships of pain in patients with COPD hospitalized for an acute exacerbation (AECOPD) and indicated for post-acute pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). This cross-sectional observational study included 149 patients (mean age 70.8 (±7.9) years, 49% male, mean forced expiratory volume in one second as percentage of predicted value 35.3 (±12.6)). Pain was assessed using the brief pain inventory. Functional status and health status were measured using the six-minute walking test (6MWT), the Barthel index (BI) and the clinical COPD questionnaire (CCQ), respectively. Pain was prevalent in 39.6% of all patients. Symptom burden was high, especially in patients with pain. Although we found no difference in objective measurements of functional status (6MWT, BI), patients with pain had clinically relevant lower health status (CCQ), attributed to the functional domain. Pain in patients hospitalized for AECOPD and indicated for post-acute PR is a relevant problem and needs more attention. Incorporation of standard pain assessment during exacerbations and post-acute PR is recommended.
Association Between Positive Occipital Sharp Transients of Sleep and Lambda Waves
Authors: Amin Ushtar , Sullivan Lucy , Trudeau Pat , Benbadis Selim R.
Published: November 2018

Positive occipital sharp transients of sleep (POSTS) and lambda waves have similar morphology and location. We studied a possible association between these 2 normal EEG patterns. We reviewed a series of consecutive unselected ambulatory EEGs during a 3-month period (October 16, 2017 to January 19, 2018) and identified records with POSTS and records with lambda waves. Statistical analysis was performed using a chi-square test. A total of 140 ambulatory EEGs were reviewed. Duration of EEGs ranged from 24 to 168 hours (mean 76 hours). The population was 34% males, with ages ranging from 3 to 93 years (mean 48 years). Of the 140 records, 30 were abnormal, including 20 with epileptiform abnormalities. A chi-square test for independence (with Yates continuity correction) indicated a significant association between POSTS and lambda waves, χ2(1, n = 140) = 69.208, p < .001, φ = 0.72. In addition, 100% of records with lambda waves had POSTS, and 72% of records with POSTS had lambda waves. There is a high association between lambda waves and POSTS. This suggests a strong similarity between the 2 waveforms, and possibly a common occipital generator.
Determining the Dynamic Efficiency with which wiping Materials Remove Liquids from Surfaces
Authors: Oathout J. M.
Published: November 2018

While a number of tests exist to characterize wiping materials for their capacity and rate of sorption, none of these static tests describe how effectively a wiper will remove liquid from a surface under dynamic conditions of use. This paper describes the development and application of a test for dynamic wiping efficiency, or “wipe-dry,” under conditions similar to manual wiping operations. The method was used to characterize 11 commercially available fabrics used as wipers in industrial, food service, and cleanroom applications. As a class, fabrics constructed by hydroentangling generally outperformed those made by other means. Of those, fabrics with bulky character exhibited superior wipe-dry. Also included are comparative data of sorbent capacity, rate of sorption and bursting strength.
Cotton-Surfaced Nonwovens for Short-Wear-Cycle Apparel
Authors: Wadsworth Larry C. , Suh Hannah , Allen Charles
Published: November 2018

Cotton-surfaced nonwovens have been developed with cotton on one side or both sides of a core structure in which the cotton content varies from 41–75% of the fabric weight. The thermally bonded two or three layered laminates are soft but strong and have a hand similar to cotton knits or hydroentangled fabrics. The fabrics have also demonstrated excellent wetting, wicking rates, water adsorption and water retention properties. Although these novel fabrics have notable flexibility and extensibility as produced, a post-treatment process provides the fabrics with instantaneous elastic recoveries ranging from 83–93% from an extension of 50%. The fabrics exhibit minimal linting characteristics and would be suitable as medical isolation gowns, head covers and shoe covers, bed sheets, pillow cases and for consumer applications such as disposable underwear, towels, wipers and personal hygiene products.
A Study of the Airflow and Fiber Dynamics in the Transport Chamber of a Sifting Air-laying System: Part 1
Authors: Pourmohammadi A. , Russell S.J. , Brandean R. , Ingham D.B. , Wen X.
Published: November 2018

The structural architecture of air-laid webs produced from short fibres is largely dependent on the manner in which fibres are assembled together during the web formation process. An improved understanding of the behaviour of fibres during air-laying is essential to provide a basis for more effective engineering of the structure and properties of resulting fabrics. This two part paper presents the results of a preliminary experimental study of the airflow and the fibre dynamics in a sifting air-laying process using LDV and high-speed photographic techniques. In Part 1 of the paper the airflow characteristics are investigated using Laser Doppler Velocimetry. In a commercially representative sifting air-laying machine it was established that the air velocity varies along the length and the height of the transport chamber. The variation is markedly increased by the rotation of the blades in the dispersing zone. Generally, the air velocity was found to increase from the top to the bottom of the transport chamber. With the rotating blades in operation the trend in the airflow velocity was characterised by a ‘V’ shaped profile along the length of the chamber and was independent of the height of the chamber. (Part 2 of this paper will appear in the Fall, 2000 issue of the International Nonwovens Journal.)
Performance of Nonwoven Cellulosic Composites for Automotive Interiors
Authors: Parikh D.V. , Calamari T.A. , Myatt J.C.
Published: November 2018

Finding methods to provide a quiet passenger compartment in a car are highly sought after by automobile manufacturers. The ability to reduce noise inside the vehicle enhances the perceived value of the vehicle to the consumer and offers a competitive advantage to the manufacturer.

Several methods to reduce noise and its sources are employed, one of which reduces noise in the passenger compartment using sound absorbing materials attached to various components such as doors, quarter panels, trunk sides and floors, headliners and others.

This study attempts to quantify the characteristics of several cellulosic-based nonwovens to act as efficient absorbers, reducing the overall sound level in the passenger compartment as measured by ASTM C-384 “Impedance and Absorption of Acoustic Materials by the Impedance Tube Method.”

The results of testing demonstrate that each of the cellulosic-based nonwoven composites contribute to the absorptive properties of the components and are effective for overall noise reduction in the vehicle. The individual acoustic characteristics of the various vehicles determine the type and amount of material required to provide the best results.
Strength Loss in Thermally Bonded Polypropylene Fibers
Authors: Chidambaram Aparna , Davis Hawthorne , Batra Subhash K.
Published: November 2018

Single fiber experiments to analyze the relationships between fiber structure, fiber properties and bonding conditions were performed with three structurally different polypropylene (PP) fibers. Bonds were formed between pairs of fibers at different temperatures and bond strengths were measured. Fiber strengths were measured before and after bonding to estimate changes caused by the bonding process. Bonded fiber strength was also compared with the strength of single fibers which experienced the same thermal conditions to assess the effect of mechanical damage from pressing fibers together with steel rolls while creating bonds. In all fiber types, significant bonding occurred simultaneously with degradation of fiber strength. The observed reduction in fiber strength was caused mainly by thermal, rather than mechanical, damage during bonding. Fibers with low birefringence skins formed strong interfiber bonds at lower temperatures with smaller losses in fiber strength.
Wet Process Drainage — Effects of White Water Chemistry and Forming Wire Structures
Authors: Dong Daojie
Published: November 2018

This paper reports the effects of white water characteristics and forming wire parameters on wet process drainage. By employing a recently developed lab tester, the present investigation conducted drainage experiments of long (32 mm) fiberglass in polyacrylamide (PAM)-based white water with a real (commercial) forming fabric in position. The forming wires under investigation cover air permeability from 465 to 715 CFM and drainage index from 9.5 to 22.

Drainage experiments show that both PAM concentration and shearing (mixing) effect can strongly affect wet process drainage. So, white water of fixed composition, but with a different mixing history may behave very differently, and an increase in input mixing energy usually results in a substantial increase in drainage.

Mat basis weight also strongly influences wet process drainage. Although an increase in basis weight always reduces the rate of drainage regardless of wire structure, its impact is much stronger on the wires with a high air permeability and a low drainage index than the ones with a low air permeability and a high drainage index.

Another important finding of this study was that drainage index did not predict the performance of a forming wire, and the main causes were believed to be the fundamental differences between the wet-formed glass mat (WFGM) and papermaking processes. Also, correlation between air permeability and wet process drainage was found very complex: while air permeability may be used as an empirical parameter to predict drainage for light weight mats at low PAM concentrations, however, the higher the web basis weight and the higher the PAM concentration, the more likely it would fail.
The Role of Structure on Mechanical Properties of Nonwoven Fabrics
Authors: Kim H.S. , Pourdeyhimi B.
Published: November 2018

The mechanical properties, namely, tensile modulus, maximum stress in tension and elongation at maximum stress of thermally point-bonded nonwoven fabrics with different bonding temperature have been evaluated. Image acquisition and analysis techniques have been used to quantify structural parameters such as fiber orientation distribution function, bond-region strain, and unit cell strain during controlled-deformation experiments and to identify failure mechanisms. We have shown that an in situ experimental visualization and measurement of the structural changes occurring during controlled-deformation experiments can help establish links between mechanical properties and the structure properties of nonwoven fabrics.
Antibacterial Cotton Blend Nonwovens
Authors: Vigo Tyrone L. , Parikh Dharnidhar V. , Danna Gary F.
Published: November 2018

A new environmentally benign antibacterial agent (magnesium hydroperoxyacetate or MHPA, the reaction product of magnesium acetate tetrahydrate and hydrogen peroxide) was affixed to cotton/polyester webs of varying fiber content (10/90, 20/80 and 30/70 cotton/polyester) by spraying a dilute aqueous dispersion on the webs, drying and curing, then needlepunching the treated webs to produce antibacterial nonwovens. The composition of the MHPA was monitored by differential scanning calorimetry, and the peroxide content of the MHPA and of the modified nonwovens determined by iodometric titration. Resultant nonwovens had comparable physical properties to untreated and needlepunched nonwovens (air permeability, stiffness and bursting strength) and excellent antibacterial activity toward representative Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria, even at the lowest level of cotton and MHPA in the blends. Several applications for the modified nonwovens are described.
Nonwoven Structure Statistics: Simulation of Effects of Fiber Crimp, Flocculation, Density and Orientation
Authors: Scharcanski J. , Dodson C.T.J. , Clarke R. T.
Published: November 2018

New simulations suggest a universal relationship between the mean number of fibers per zone in a complete sampling scheme and the mean void size, independent of whether the structure is isotropic or anisotropic, contains crimped or straight fibers, randomly laid or flocculated.

The mean and standard deviation turn out to be positively correlated for some network parameters, such as mean void size, density, and mean number of fiber contacts. Also, our simulations suggest that fiber crimp has a higher impact on isotropic nonwovens. As crimp is increased, isotropic structures tend to present smaller mean voids, higher mean number of fibers per zone, and higher total number of bonds per fiber, than anisotropic structures.
Fiber Motion near the Collector during Melt Blowing Part 1: General Considerations
Authors: Bresee Randall R.
Published: November 2018

We conducted numerous experiments to achieve greater understanding of multi-hole melt blowing at commercial speed. On-line measurements acquired near the collector and off-line measurements of web structure allowed us to better understand fiber speed, fiber flow direction, fiber orientation and fiber entanglement during melt blowing.
Rapid Morphology (Property) Changes at the Bond Periphery in Thermal Point-bonded Nonwovens
Authors: Michielsen Stephen , Wang Xueqin
Published: November 2018

In well-bonded thermal point-bonded nonwovens, most failures originate at the bond edge. Although there have been many explanations of this observation, to date there has not been an experimental test of these explanations. This paper discusses the use of Raman microspectroscopy to infer the morphology of the polymer in the vicinity of the bond edge. The results show that there is a rapid loss of molecular orientation moving from the bridging fibers into the bond. This loss of orientation leads to a decrease in both the modulus and the strength of the fibers at the bond edge, thus explaining the observed failures. It is also shown that the loss of orientation in the vicinity of the bond edge depends directly on processing conditions.
Study of Meltblown Structures Formed by Robotic and Meltblowing Integrated System: Impact of Process Parameters on Fiber Orientation
Authors: Farer Raoul , Ghosh Tushar K. , Seyam Abdelfattah M. , Grant Eddie , Batra Subhash K.
Published: November 2018

A novel system that forms two-dimensional (2D) structures on a rotating drum and three-dimensional (3D) structures on 3D molds through proper integration of a laboratory scale meltblown unit with a small die and six-axis robot is briefly described. The system advantages over traditional systems are demonstrated. Parametric studies evaluating the effect of take-up speed, die-to-collector-distance (DCD), polymer throughput rate, and attenuating air pressure on the fiber orientation distribution functions (ODFs) of 2D structures formed by the system are reported. An additional new parameter termed “fiber-stream approach-angle” is introduced and its impact on the ODF of 2D structures is also reported. Under the experimental range studied, the ODFs were significantly impacted by the parameters studied. The fiber-stream approach angle showed the highest impact, among the parameter studied, on the ODF.
In-Plane Liquid Distribution of Nonwoven Fabrics: Part I — Experimental Observations
Authors: Konopka A. , Pourdeyhimi B. , Kim H. S.
Published: November 2018

In nonwovens, fiber orientation is an important characteristic as it directly influences the properties of the material. Fiber orientation is an important structural characteristic. In modeling the performance of nonwovens, it is desirable to understand the impact of fiber orientation and anisotropy on performance. With respect to absorbency and in-plane wicking, the role of structure anisotropy cannot be underestimated. In a series of papers, we plan to explore the manner in which fluids flow though nonwovens and will develop a framework for the prediction of wicking. This paper reports on the development of an improved test method and presents preliminary data on in-plane moisture movement in a series of nonwoven fabrics.