bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the healthcare workplace learning culture through safety and dignity narratives: a UK qualitative study of multiple stakeholders’ perspectives
Authors: Sholl Sarah , Scheffler Grit , Monrouxe Lynn V , Rees Charlotte
Published: May 2019

Objectives

While studies at the undergraduate level have begun to explore healthcare students’ safety and dignity dilemmas, none have explored such dilemmas with multiple stakeholders at the postgraduate level. The current study therefore explores the patient and staff safety and dignity narratives of multiple stakeholders to better understand the healthcare workplace learning culture.

Design

A qualitative interview study using narrative interviewing.

Setting

Two sites in the UK ranked near the top and bottom for raising concerns according to the 2013 General Medical Council National Training Survey.

Participants

Using maximum variation sampling, 39 participants were recruited representing four different groups (10 public representatives, 10 medical trainees, 8 medical trainers and 11 nurses and allied health professionals) across the two sites.

Methods

We conducted 1 group and 35 individual semistructured interviews. Data collection was completed in 2015. Framework analysis was conducted to identify themes. Theme similarities and differences across the two sites and four groups were established.

Results

We identified five themes in relation to our three research questions (RQs): (1) understandings of safety and dignity (RQ1); (2) experiences of safety and dignity dilemmas (RQ2); (3) resistance and/or complicity regarding dilemmas encountered (RQ2); (4) factors facilitating safety and/or dignity (RQ3); and (5) factors inhibiting safety and/or dignity (RQ3). The themes were remarkably similar across the two sites and four stakeholder groups.

Conclusions

While some of our findings are similar to previous research with undergraduate healthcare students, our findings also differ, for example, illustrating higher levels of reported resistance in the postgraduate context. We provide educational implications to uphold safety and dignity at the level of the individual (eg, stakeholder education), interaction (eg, stakeholder communication and teamwork) and organisation (eg, institutional policy).
Recommendations for integrating physiotherapy into an interprofessional outpatient care setting for people living with HIV: a qualitative study
Authors: deBoer Heather , Cudd Stephanie , Andrews Matthew , Leung Ellie , Petrie Alana , Chan Carusone Soo , O’Brien Kelly K
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To identify factors to consider when integrating physiotherapy (PT) into an interprofessional outpatient HIV care setting from the perspective of healthcare professionals and adults living with HIV.

Design

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews (healthcare professionals) and focus groups (adults living with HIV). We asked participants their perspectives on barriers, facilitators and strategies to accessing and participating in outpatient PT, important characteristics physiotherapists should possess working in outpatient HIV care, content and structure of PT delivery, and programme evaluation.

Recruitment and setting

We purposively sampled healthcare professionals based on their experiences working in interprofessional HIV care and recruited adults with HIV via word of mouth and in collaboration with an HIV-specialty hospital in Toronto, Canada. Interviews were conducted via Skype or in-person and focus groups were conducted in-person at the HIV-specialty hospital.

Participants

12 healthcare professionals with a median of 12 years experience in HIV care, and 13 adults living with HIV (11 men and 2 women) with a median age of 50 years and living with a median of 6 concurrent health conditions in addition to HIV.

Results

Overall impressions of PT in outpatient HIV care and factors to consider when implementing PT into an interprofessional care setting include: promoting the role of, and evidence for, PT in outpatient HIV care, structuring PT delivery to accommodate the unique needs and priorities of adults living with HIV, working collaboratively with a physiotherapist on the healthcare team and evaluating rehabilitation as a component of interprofessional care.

Conclusions

Multiple factors exist for consideration when implementing PT into an interprofessional outpatient HIV care setting. Results provide insight for integrating timely and appropriate access to evidence-informed rehabilitation for people living with chronic and episodic illness, such as HIV.
How do doctors experience the interactions among professional fulfilment, organisational factors and quality of patient care? A qualitative study in a Norwegian hospital
Authors: Baathe Fredrik , Rosta Judith , Bringedal Berit , Rø Karin Isaksson
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Doctors increasingly experience high levels of burnout and loss of engagement. To address this, there is a need to better understand doctors’ work situation. This study explores how doctors experience the interactions among professional fulfilment, organisational factors and quality of patient care.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study design with semistructured individual interviews was chosen. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed by a transdisciplinary research group.

Setting

The study focused on a surgical department of a mid-sized hospital in Norway.

Participants

Seven doctors were interviewed. A purposeful sampling was used with gender and seniority as selection criteria. Three senior doctors (two female, one male) and four in training (three male, one female) were interviewed.

Results

We found that in order to provide quality care to the patients, individual doctors described ‘stretching themselves’, that is, handling the tensions between quantity and quality, to overcome organisational shortcomings. Experiencing a workplace emphasis on production numbers and budget concerns led to feelings of estrangement among the doctors. Participants reported a shift from serving as trustworthy, autonomous professionals to becoming production workers, where professional identity was threatened. They felt less aligned with workplace values, in addition to experiencing limited management recognition for quality of patient care. Management initiatives to include doctors in development of organisational policies, processes and systems were sparse.

Conclusion

The interviewed doctors described their struggle to balance the inherent tension among professional fulfilment, organisational factors and quality of patient care in their everyday work. They communicated how ‘stretching themselves’, to overcome organisational shortcomings, is no longer a feasible strategy without compromising both professional fulfilment and quality of patient care. Managers need to ensure that doctors are involved when developing organisational policies, processes and systems. This is likely to be beneficial for both professional fulfilment and quality of patient care.
Cohort profile: Development and profile of a population-based, retrospective cohort of diagnosed people living with HIV in Ontario, Canada (Ontario HIV Laboratory Cohort)
Authors: Liu Juan , Wilton James , Sullivan Ashleigh , Marchand-Austin Alex , Rachlis Beth , Giles Madison , Light Lucia , Sider Doug , Kroch Abigail E , Gilbert Mark
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Population-based cohorts of diagnosed people living with HIV (PLWH) are limited worldwide. In Ontario, linked HIV diagnostic and viral load (VL) test databases are centralised and contain laboratory data commonly used to measure engagement in HIV care. We used these linked databases to create a population-based, retrospective cohort of diagnosed PLWH in Ontario, Canada.

Participants

A datamart was created by integrating diagnostic and VL databases and linking records at the individual level. These databases contain information on laboratory test results and sociodemographic/clinical information collected on requisition/surveillance forms. Datamart individuals enter our cohort with the first record of a nominal HIV-positive diagnostic test (1985–2015) or VL test (1996–2015), and remain unless administratively lost to follow-up (LTFU; no VL test for >2 years and no VL test in later years). Non-nominal diagnostic tests are excluded as they lack identifying information to permit linkage to other tests. However, individuals diagnosed non-nominally are included in the cohort with record of a VL test. The LTFU rule is applied to indirectly censor for death/out-migration.

Findings to date

As of the end of 2015, the datamart contained 40 372 HIV-positive diagnostic tests and 23 851 individuals with ≥1 VL test. Almost half (46.3%) of the diagnostic tests were non-nominal and excluded, although this was lower (~15%) in recent years. Overall, 29 587 individuals have entered the cohort—contributing 229 302 person-years of follow-up since 1996. Between 2000 and 2015, the number of diagnosed PLWH (cohort individuals not LTFU) increased from 8859 to 16 110, and the percent who were aged ≥45 years increased from 29.1% to 62.6%. The percent of diagnosed PLWH who were virally suppressed (<200 copies/mL) increased from 40.7% in 2000 to 79.5% in 2015.

Future plans

We plan to conduct further analyses of HIV care engagement and link to administrative databases with information on death, migration, physician billing claims and prescriptions. Linkage to other data sources will address cohort limitations and expand research opportunities.
‘At the grass roots level it’s about sitting down and talking’: exploring quality improvement through case studies with high-improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary healthcare services
Authors: Larkins Sarah , Carlisle Karen , Turner Nalita , Taylor Judy , Copley Kerry , Cooney Sinon , Wright Roderick , Matthews Veronica , Thompson Sandra , Bailie Ross
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Improving the quality of primary care is an important strategy to improve health outcomes. However, responses to continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives are variable, likely due in part to a mismatch between interventions and context. This project aimed to understand the successful implementation of CQI initiatives in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services in Australia through exploring the strategies used by ‘high-improving’ Indigenous primary healthcare (PHC) services.

Design, settings and participants

This strengths-based participatory observational study used a multiple case study method with six Indigenous PHC services in northern Australia that had improved their performance in CQI audits. Interviews with healthcare providers, service users and managers (n=134), documentary review and non-participant observation were used to explore implementation of CQI and the enablers of quality improvement in these contexts.

Results

Services approached the implementation of CQI differently according to their contexts. Common themes previously reported included CQI systems, teamwork, collaboration, a stable workforce and community engagement. Novel themes included embeddedness in the local historical and cultural contexts, two-way learning about CQI and the community ‘driving’ health improvement. These novel themes were implicit in the descriptions of stakeholders about why the services were improving. Embeddedness in the local historical and cultural context resulted in ‘two-way’ learning between communities and health system personnel.

Conclusions

Practical interventions to strengthen responses to CQI in Indigenous PHC services require recruitment and support of an appropriate and well prepared workforce, training in leadership and joint decision-making, regional CQI collaboratives and workable mechanisms for genuine community engagement. A ‘toolkit’ of strategies for service support might address each of these components, although strategies need to be implemented through a two-way learning process and adapted to the historical and cultural community context. Such approaches have the potential to assist health service personnel strengthen the PHC provided to Indigenous communities.
Developing a new quality of life instrument with older people for economic evaluation in aged care: study protocol
Authors: Ratcliffe Julie , Cameron Ian , Lancsar Emily , Walker Ruth , Milte Rachel , Hutchinson Claire Louise , Swaffer Kate , Parker Stuart
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The ageing of the population represents a significant challenge for aged care in Australia and in many other countries internationally. In an environment of increasing resource constraints, new methods, techniques and evaluative frameworks are needed to support resource allocation decisions that maximise the quality of life and well-being of older people. Economic evaluation offers a rigorous, systematical and transparent framework for measuring quality and efficiency, but there is currently no composite mechanism for incorporating older people’s values into the measurement and valuation of quality of life for quality assessment and economic evaluation. In addition, to date relatively few economic evaluations have been conducted in aged care despite the large potential benefits associated with their application in this sector. This study will generate a new preference based older person-specific quality of life instrument designed for application in economic evaluation and co-created from its inception with older people.

Methods and analysis

A candidate descriptive system for the new instrument will be developed by synthesising the findings from a series of in-depth qualitative interviews with 40 older people currently in receipt of aged care services about the salient factors which make up their quality of life. The candidate descriptive system will be tested for construct validity, practicality and reliability with a new independent sample of older people (n=100). Quality of life state valuation tasks using best worst scaling (a form of discrete choice experiment) will then be undertaken with a representative sample of older people currently receiving aged care services across five Australian states (n=500). A multinomial (conditional) logistical framework will be used to analyse responses and generate a scoring algorithm for the new preference-based instrument.

Ethics and dissemination

The new quality of life instrument will have wide potential applicability in assessing the cost effectiveness of new service innovations and for quality assessment across the spectrum of ageing and aged care. Results will be disseminated in ageing, quality of life research and health economics journals and through professional conferences and policy forums. This study has been reviewed by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of South Australia and has ethics approval (Application ID: 201644).
Market segmentation tools provide insights into demographic variations in bowel cancer screening uptake
Authors: Gavens Lucy , Whiteley Leila , Belencsak Agnes , Careless Jane , Devine Shirley , Richmond Nicola , Muirhead Andrew
Published: May 2019

Background

The National Health Service Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NHS BCSP) aims to detect individuals who have precancerous polyps or early stage cancer, when it is easier to treat. To be effective, a screening uptake of at least 52% is required. Variations in uptake by demographic characteristic are reported and the aim of this study was to better understand who participates in the NHS BCSP, to inform action to address inequalities in screening uptake.

Methods

Invitation-level data for the Derbyshire population were supplied by the NHS BCSP Eastern Hub for the period 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2016. Data were linked by postal code to the Mosaic Public Sector Segmentation tool. Descriptive analysis using 14 groups and 61 types within Mosaic was undertaken to offer insight into the demographic, lifestyle and behavioural traits of people living in small geographies against their screening uptake, with a particular focus on identifying population groups with an uptake below 52% and so at risk of health inequalities.

Results

180 176 screening invitations were dispatched with an overall uptake of 60.55%. Six Mosaic groups have an uptake below the 52% acceptable level: urban cohesion, rental hubs, transient renters, family basics, vintage value and municipal tenants. These groups are characterised by high levels of social-rented accommodation, multicultural urban communities and transient populations.

Conclusion

Segmentation tools offer an effective way to generate novel insights into bowel cancer screening uptake and develop tailored strategies for working with identified communities to increase participation.
In vitro assessment of pacing as therapy for aortic regurgitation
Authors: Peruzzo Paolo , Susin Francesca Maria , Colli Andrea , Burriesci Gaetano
Published: May 2019

Background and objective

Clinical evaluation of pacing therapy in mitigating the aortic insufficiency after transchateter aortic valve implantation often gives contradictory outcomes. This study presents an in vitro investigation aimed at clarifying the effect of pacing on paravalvular leakage.

Methods

A series of in vitro tests reproducing the heart operating changes clinically obtained by pacing was carried out in a 26 mm Edwards Sapien XT prosthesis with mild paravalvular leakage. The effect of pacing on the regurgitant volumes per cycle and per minute was quantified, and the energy and power consumed by the left ventricle were calculated.

Results

Results indicate that though pacing results in some reduction in the total regurgitation per cycle, the volume of fluid regurgitating per minute increases substantially, causing overload of left ventricle.

Conclusions

Our tests indicate no effective haemodynamic benefit from pacing, suggesting a prudential clinical use of this therapy for the treatment of postoperative aortic regurgitation.
Prognostic impact of postprocedure stroke volume in patients with low-gradient aortic stenosis
Authors: Nara Yugo , Kataoka Akihisa , Watanabe Yusuke , Makoto Nakashima , Hioki Hirofumi , Kawashima Hideyuki , Fukuko Nagura , Kozuma Ken , Shirai Shinichi , Tada Norio , Araki Motoharu , Naganuma Toru , Yamanaka Futoshi , Ueno Hiroshi , Tabata Minoru , Mizutani Kazuki , Higashimori Akihiro , Takagi Kensuke , Yamamoto Masanori , Hayashida Kentaro
Published: May 2019

Objective

The effect of postoperative blood flow status on the prognosis of patients with low-gradient severe aortic stenosis (AS) has not been examined. Severe AS is associated with a higher mortality rate after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We examined the prognostic value of low-flow status by comparing stroke volume indices (SVi) before and after TAVI in patients with symptomatic, low-gradient severe AS.

Methods

A total of 1613 patients with severe symptomatic AS who underwent TAVI in 14 Japanese institutes for low-gradient severe AS (418 patients, median age 84 years, 32.5% men) were prospectively enrolled. The primary endpoint was cardiovascular mortality during follow-up after TAVI, and independent predictors were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to determine the optimal cut-off value of post-TAVI SVi for predicting cardiovascular mortality, and the receiver operating characteristic curves of pre-TAVI and post-TAVI SVi were compared.

Results

The cardiovascular mortality rate was 4.1% (17 patients) during follow-up (median 9.2 months). Multivariate analysis revealed post-TAVI SVi to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality (per 10 mL/m2decrease; HR, 2.0; 95% CI 1.28 to 3.12). The optimal cut-off value of post-TAVI SVi was 41.4 mL/m2. Post-TAVI SVi showed significantly larger area under the curve than pre-TAVI SVi (0.74 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.79) vs 0.61 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.65), p<0.05).

Conclusions

Post-TAVI SVi is a better predictor of cardiovascular mortality than pre-TAVI SVi in patients with symptomatic low-gradient severe AS. Low-flow and low-normal-flow status (35≤ SVi <40 mL/m2) require careful management after TAVI.
Understanding the association between skin involvement and joint activity in patients with psoriatic arthritis: experience from the Corrona Registry
Authors: Mease Philip J , Etzel Carol J , Huster William J , Muram Talia M , Armstrong April W , Lisse Jeffrey R , Rebello Sabrina , Dodge Rhiannon , Murage Mwangi James , Greenberg Jeffrey D , Malatestinic William N
Published: May 2019

Objective

To compare the characteristics of patients with psoriatic arthritis among patient groups stratified by degree of skin and joint involvement, and to evaluate the relationship between skin severity and joint activity.

Methods

Body surface area (BSA) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) at enrolment were analysed. Patient characteristics were stratified by skin severity and joint activity. Baseline patient characteristics, clinical and disease characteristics and patient-reported outcomes were compared. The strength of the relationship of skin severity and joint activity was evaluated using methods for categorical variables (χ2test, Cramer’s V) and continuous variables (linear regression).

Results

1542 adult patients in the Corrona Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondyloarthritis Registry enrolled between 21 May 2013 and 20 September 2016 were analysed. Most patients in the BSA >3%/CDAI moderate/high subgroup had worse clinical and patient-reported outcomes. A significant (p<0.001) modest association (Cramer’s V=0.1639) between skin severity and joint activity was observed among all patients at enrolment. Patients with higher skin severity were two times more likely to have higher joint involvement (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.71 to 3.01). A significant linear relationship between CDAI and BSA was observed. Effect modification showed this linear relationship was modified by age, gender, insurance, work status, current therapy, Health Assessment Questionnaire, Nail visual analogue scale, minimal disease activity, dactylitis count, patient-reported pain and fatigue.

Conclusion

Skin severity is modestly correlated with joint activity, and patients with higher skin severity are two times more likely to have increased joint involvement. Clinicians need to address both skin severity and joint activity in treatment decisions.
Laryngeal infiltrative lipoma in a nine‐year‐old Rottweiler
Authors: Caraty Johan , Belluzzi Elena , Hassoun Roy , Esmans Maya , Bongartz Alexandre
Published: May 2019

This report describes an infiltrative laryngeal lipoma in a nine‐year‐old female neutered Rottweiler, that was diagnosed with CT and surgically removed. The dog presented with a 3‐month progressive history of severe stridor, exercise intolerance and dysphagia. CT cranial to the thoracic vertebrae showed a 33 cm3hypoattenuating mass between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages. Surgical resection was performed and the dog recovered uneventfully postoperatively and did not show any signs of recurrence over a 2‐year period. Histopathological findings revealed an infiltrative lipoma. This clinical case demonstrated a good outcome after resection of a laryngeal infiltrative lipoma and the benefits of performing advanced imaging.
Pilot study evaluating the monitoring of canine diabetes mellitus in primary care practice
Authors: Cartwright Jennifer Ann , Cobb Malcolm , Dunning Mark D
Published: May 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to describe how canine diabetes mellitus (CDM) is monitored in primary care practice (PCP) and to report outcomes.

Design

Retrospective case review.

Setting

PCP.

Participants

40 dogs of 22 different pedigrees and five crossbreeds. Median age at diagnosis was nine years and six months (eight years six months to 10 years five months). Dogs were diagnosed with CDM between January 1, 2008 and December 30, 2012 and remained with the practice to the study end or until death.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Stability achievement and death or euthanasia. Consultations for each dog were identified and recorded through records collected from the PCP (January 1, 2008 to December 30, 2012).

Results

A median of three consultations per dog occurred in the first month, subsequently falling to a median of one consultation every 19 days thereafter. After the first month postdiagnosis, weight and single blood glucose concentrations were most frequently recorded at 66.8 and 42 per cent of consultations respectively and a blood glucose curve was performed infrequently (17.4 per cent). Serum biochemistry was measured at 8 per cent of consultations and urine culture at only 0.8 per cent. Median survival time (MST) for all dogs was eight months (2–21 months). Eighteen dogs stabilised within three months of diagnosis and their MST was 20.5 months, (10.25–25.75 months), significantly longer than the 22 dogs not achieving stability within three months (MST 2.5 months, 0–5.5 months) (P<0.001). Those dogs not surviving beyond the first month had significantly fewer consultations than those still alive (P<0.005).

Conclusions

This pilot study indicates dogs with CDM managed solely in PCP experience limited monitoring tests and have lower MST than reported in the literature. Recruitment of a larger cohort of CDM cases from a larger number of PCP will help determine whether these results accurately represent this demographic and verify if infrequent testing is associated with a poor outcome. Importantly, prospective evaluation of decision‐making around monitoring CDM in PCP is required, to help determine the effectiveness and feasibility of more frequent monitoring strategies, such as those recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association, particularly to influence MST.
Fluctuation Scaling of Neuronal Firing and Bursting in Spontaneously Active Brain Circuits
Authors: Guo Xinmeng , Yu Haitao , Kodama Nathan X. , Wang Jiang , Galán Roberto F.
Published: May 2019

We employed high-density microelectrode arrays to investigate spontaneous firing patterns of neurons in brain circuits of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in mice. We recorded from over 150 neurons for 10[Formula: see text]min in each of eight different experiments, identified their location in S1, sorted their action potentials (spikes), and computed their power spectra and inter-spike interval (ISI) statistics. Of all persistently active neurons, 92% fired with a single dominant frequency — regularly firing neurons (RNs) — from 1 to 8[Formula: see text]Hz while 8% fired in burst with two dominant frequencies — bursting neurons (BNs) — corresponding to the inter-burst (2–6[Formula: see text]Hz) and intra-burst intervals (20–160[Formula: see text]Hz). RNs were predominantly located in layers 2/3 and 5/6 while BNs localized to layers 4 and 5. Across neurons, the standard deviation of ISI was a power law of its mean, a property known as fluctuation scaling, with a power law exponent of 1 for RNs and 1.25 for BNs. The power law implies that firing and bursting patterns are scale invariant: the firing pattern of a given RN or BN resembles that of another RN or BN, respectively, after a time contraction or dilation. An explanation for this scale invariance is discussed in the context of previous computational studies as well as its potential role in information processing.
Evolution of universe from Raychaudhuri equation for membranes
Authors: Cervantes Aldrin
Published: May 2019

We know that in general relativity the Raychaudhuri equation gives the congruence and evolution of the geodesics. In this work, it is proposed that in brane cosmology the Raychaudhuri equation, apart from giving the collapse of the brane, it gives the evolution of the brane. Therefore, the Raychaudhuri equation gives the same information as the one of Friedmann’s, in the context of evolution.
Active Control of Plates Made of Functionally Graded Piezoelectric Material Subjected to Thermo-Electro-Mechanical Loads
Authors: Xue Yu , Li Jinqiang , Li Fengming , Song Zhiguang
Published: May 2019

The present paper concentrates on the active control of the static bending and dynamic response of a functionally graded piezoelectric material (FGPM) plate subjected to thermo-electro-mechanical loads. Using the first-order shear deformation theory and Hamilton’s principle, the equation of motion for the FGPM plate is deduced. Based on the smart properties of piezoelectric ceramic, the active control of the static bending and vibration of the FGPM plate is studied by the mechanical load feedback, velocity feedback and LQR control methods in thermal environment. The effects of load parameter, temperature, volume fraction index and feedback control gain on the static bending and dynamic response of the FGPM plate are examined in detail. The simulation results show that the present control method can largely improve both the static and dynamic stability of the FGPM plate.
Knowledge Management and Its Impacts on Organisational Performance: An Empirical Research in Public Higher Education Institutions of Vietnam
Authors: Ngoc-Tan Nguyen , Gregar Aleš
Published: May 2019

Studies that acknowledge the association between knowledge management (KM) and organisational performance (OP) are replete in extant literature. However, there are few of them providing empirical evidence of this relationship especially in academia. Multiple conjectures are made about this little-known relationship. This paper aims to explore the impacts of KM on OP in the public higher education institutions (HEIs) of Vietnam. Results of the studies were generated based on survey data collected in 30 universities located in three regions of Vietnam during 2017 by means of structured questionnaire. The hypothesised relationships between KM and OP are tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings of the research showcase that KM does exert its impacts but not on all dimensions of OP in the public HEIs of Vietnam. Besides adding to the literature on performance management in academia by demonstrating the impacts of KM as a managerial tool for increasing OP, the paper also presents measurement dimensions with specific scale items measuring KM and OP of a HEI. Avenues for future research are also recommended.
Polynomial identities between Hecke eigenforms
Authors: Bao Dianbin
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we study solutions to [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] are Hecke newforms with respect to [Formula: see text] of weight [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We show that the number of solutions is finite for all [Formula: see text]. Assuming Maeda’s conjecture, we prove that the Petersson inner product [Formula: see text] is nonzero, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are any nonzero cusp eigenforms for [Formula: see text] of weight [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. As a corollary, we obtain that, assuming Maeda’s conjecture, identities between cusp eigenforms for [Formula: see text] of the form [Formula: see text] all are forced by dimension considerations. We also give a proof using polynomial identities between eigenforms that the [Formula: see text]-function is algebraic on zeros of Eisenstein series of weight [Formula: see text].
Laser Irradiation-Hindered Growth of Small-Diameter Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Fu Yunlei , Zhang Xiuyun , Lao Chunfeng , Shang Danhong , He Maoshuai
Published: May 2019

SWNTs are synthesized on a Co/MgO catalyst using “laser-disturbed” CVD with CO as the carbon source. Compared with SWNTs grown by thermal CVD without laser irradiation (normal CVD), SWNTs synthesized under laser irradiation demonstrate the suppression of small-diameter SWNT growth, as indicated by Raman spectroscopy. Such a phenomenon is also observed for other supported catalysts, such as Co/SiO2 and Fe/MgO. Controlled experiments were carried out to clarify the effects of lasers. On the one hand, laser irradiation increases the reaction temperature locally, favoring the growth of SWNTs at a set temperature as low as 350°C. On the other hand, laser irradiation inhibits the nucleation of small SWNT caps, leading to the growth of large-diameter SWNT species. This work opens a new avenue for growing SWNTs with controlled diameters.
Development and Validation of a New Method for Determination of Pb and Cr in Marine Organisms by Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) Spectroscopy
Authors: Beltrán Blanca G. , Martínez-Serrano Ibiza , Ramos-Sanchez Victor , Chávez-Flores David , Nevárez-Rodríguez Myrna C. , Suárez-Domínguez Emilio A.
Published: May 2019

Lead and chromium contamination represents one of the most serious problems in the aquatic environments. The aim of this work was to develop and validate an accurate, sensitivity, and rapid method for the simultaneous determination of Pb and Cr at trace levels in tissues and fat of marine organisms such as turtle (Chelonia mydas), shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae), and dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), utilizing the total reflection X-Ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy. Working solutions were prepared in 10 mL of a solution 0.005 mol·L−1 EDTA and 1 mol·L−1 HNO3. In order to correct possible instrument drifts, 20 μg·L−1 of gallium was used as internal standard (IS). The results showed that TXRF method was linear over the concentration ranges of 5.242–100 μg·L−1 for Pb and 2.363–100 μg·L−1 for Cr. Limits of detection (LOD) achieved were 1.573 and 0.709 μg·L−1 for Pb and Cr, respectively, while limits of quantification achieved were 5.242 μg·L−1 for Pb and 2.363 μg·L−1 for Cr. The validated method was accurate and precise enough for determination of these heavy metals in samples of marine organisms as indicated by acceptable values of recovery between 90–101%. In addition, a certified reference material (BCR-279, sea lettuce) and a Centrum tablet were satisfactory analyzed, and the T-test for comparison of means revealed that there were no significant differences at the 95% confidence level between the values obtained with the proposed TXRF method and the certificated values. The repeatability of the method, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), was 5.1% and 4%, for Pb and Cr, respectively. In addition, other features of the developed method were a low sample volume of 10 μL, and the sample frequency achieved was 20 h−1.
On-Board Correction of Systematic Odometry Errors in Differential Robots
Authors: Maldonado-Bascón S. , López-Sastre R. J. , Acevedo-Rodríguez F. J. , Gil-Jiménez P.
Published: May 2019

An easier method for the calibration of differential drive robots is presented. Most calibration is done on-board and it is not necessary to spend too much time taking note of the robot’s position. The calibration method does not need a large free space to perform the tests. The bigger space is merely in a straight line, which is easy to find. The results with the method presented are compared with those from UMB for reference, and they show very little deviation while the proposed calibration is much simpler.
Chemical Analysis and Cytotoxic and Cytostatic Effects of Twelve Honey Samples Collected from Different Regions in Morocco and Palestine
Authors: Imtara Hamada , Kmail Abdalsalam , Touzani Soumaya , Khader Mira , Hamarshi Hadeel , Saad Bashar , Lyoussi Badiaa
Published: May 2019

The aim of this in vitro study is to characterize the phenolic compounds of twelve honey samples collected from different locations in Palestine (H1-6) and Morocco (H7-12) and to evaluate their cytotoxic and cytostatic effects in cells from the human colorectal carcinoma cell line HCT-116 and breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Quantitative HPLC analysis revealed nine phenolic compounds in three Moroccan honey samples, namely, syringic acid, tannic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, coumaric acid, gallic acid, rosmarinic acid, epicatechin, and pyrogallol. Syringic acid, abundant in numerous types of honey with strong antioxidant capacities, was present at values ranging between 0.10 mg/100 g and 1.24 mg/100 g of Daghmos (H11) and Kabbar (H10) samples, respectively. No significant reductions in cell viability were observed in both cell lines treated with the Palestinian samples as measured with MTT assay. Significant cytostatic effects were after treatment of HCT cells with Morar honey H1 with IC50 of 1789 μg/ml. Three Moroccan samples, H7 (Zaâtar), H9 (Bochnikha), and H10 (Kabbar), showed slight, but significant cytostatic effects in HCT cells. A strong correlation was observed between cytostatic activity of MCF cells and antioxidant content (phenols, flavonoids, and flavonol). Furthermore, a strong negative correlation was detected between the cytostatic activity in HCT cells and the contents of syringic acid (r= -0.756) and tannic acid (r= -0.610). These results indicate that the traditionally known anticancer effects of honey might be mediated in part through cytostatic effects.
Effects of Focal Vibration over Upper Limb Muscles on the Activation of Sensorimotor Cortex Network: An EEG Study
Authors: Li Wei , Li Chong , Xu Quan , Ji Linhong
Published: May 2019

Studying the therapeutic effects of focal vibration (FV) in neurorehabilitation is the focus of current research. However, it is still not fully understood how FV on upper limb muscles affects the sensorimotor cortex in healthy subjects. To explore this problem, this experiment was designed and conducted, in which FV was applied to the muscle belly of biceps brachii in the left arm. During the experiment, electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded in the following three phases: before FV, during FV, and two minutes after FV. During FV, a significant lower relative power at C3 and C4 electrodes and a significant higher connection strength between five channel pairs (Cz-FC1, Cz-C3, Cz-CP6, C4-FC6, and FC6-CP2) in the alpha band were observed compared to those before FV. After FV, the relative power at C4 in the beta band showed a significant increase compared to its value before FV. The changes of the relative power at C4 in the alpha band had a negative correlation with the relative power of the beta band during FV and with that after FV. The results showed that FV on upper limb muscles could activate the bilateral primary somatosensory cortex and strengthen functional connectivity of the ipsilateral central area (FC1, C3, and Cz) and contralateral central area (CP2, Cz, C4, FC6, and CP6). These results contribute to understanding the effect of FV over upper limb muscles on the brain cortical network.
Update on Screening for Sight-Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Scanlon Peter H.
Published: May 2019

Purpose: The aim of this article was to describe recent advances in the use of new technology in diabetic retinopathy screening by looking at studies that assessed the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of these technologies. Methods: The author conducts an ongoing search for articles relating to screening or management of diabetic retinopathy utilising Zetoc with keywords and contents page lists from relevant journals. Results: The areas discussed in this article are reference standards, alternatives to digital photography, area of retina covered by the screening method, size of the device and hand-held cameras, mydriasis versus non-mydriasis or a combination, measurement of distance visual acuity, grading of images, use of automated grading analysis and cost-effectiveness of the new technologies. Conclusions: There have been many recent advances in technology that may be adopted in the future by screening programmes for sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy but each device will need to demonstrate effectiveness and cost-effectiveness before more widespread adoption.
Limitations of Fat-Free Mass for the Assessment of Muscle Mass in Obesity
Authors: Jensen Björn , Braun Wiebke , Geisler Corinna , Both Markus , Klückmann Kristin , Müller Manfred J. , Bosy-Westphal Anja
Published: May 2019

Background: A high amount of adipose tissue limits the accuracy of methods for body composition analysis in obesity. Objectives: The aim was to quantify and explain differences in fat-free mass (FFM) (as an index of skeletal muscle mass, SMM) measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography (ADP), and deuterium dilution in comparison to multicompartment models, and to improve the results of BIA for obese subjects. Methods: In 175 healthy subjects (87 men and 88 women, BMI 20–43.3 kg/m2, 18–65 years), FFM measured by these methods was compared with results from a 3- (3C) and a 4-compartment (4C) model. FFM4C was compared with SMM measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Results: BIA and DXA overestimated and ADP underestimated FFM in comparison to 3C and 4C models with increasing BMI (all p < 0.001). ­Differences were largest for DXA. In obesity, BIA results were improved: valuecorrected = ­valueuncorrected – a(BMI – 30 kg/m2), a = 0.256 for FFM and a = 0.298 for SMM. SMM accounts for 45% of FFM in women and 49% in men. Conclusions: In obesity, the use of FFM is limited by a systematic error of reference methods. In addition, SMM accounts for about 50% of FFM only. Corrected measurement of SMM by BIA can overcome these drawbacks.
Hepatic Stellate Cells Play a Functional Role in Exacerbating Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rat Liver
Authors: Takahashi Tomokazu , Yoshioka Masato , Uchinami Hiroshi , Nakagawa Yasuhiko , Otsuka Naohiko , Motoyama Satoru , Yamamoto Yuzo
Published: May 2019

Purpose: The involvement of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) with ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat liver was examined using gliotoxin, which is known to induce HSC apoptosis. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. HSC was represented by a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cell. Liver ischemia was produced by cross-clamping the hepatoduodenal ligament. The degree of I/R injury was evaluated by a release of aminotransferases. Sinusoidal diameter and sinusoidal perfusion rates were examined using intravital fluorescence microscopy. Results: Gliotoxin significantly decreased the number of GFAP-positive cells 48 h after dosing (2.50 ± 0.19% [mean ± SD] in the nontreated group vs. 1.91 ± 0.46% in the gliotoxin-treated group). Liver damage was significantly suppressed by the pretreatment with gliotoxin. Sinusoidal diameters in zone 3 were wider in the gliotoxin group (10.25 ± 0.35 µm) than in the nontreated group (8.21 ± 0.50 µm). The sinusoidal perfusion rate was maintained as well in the gliotoxin group as in normal livers, even after I/R. Conclusions: Pretreatment with gliotoxin significantly reduced the number of HSCs in the liver and further suppressed liver injury following I/R. It is strongly suggested that HSCs play a functional role in exacerbating the degree of I/R injury of the liver.
Metastatic SMARCB1 (INI-1)-Deficient Sinonasal Carcinoma Diagnosed by Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration (EBUS-FNA): A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall and Review of the Literature
Authors: McHugh Kelsey E. , Policarpio-Nicolas Maria Luisa C.
Published: May 2019

SMARCB1 (INI-1)-deficient sinonasal carcinoma is a rare entity within the subgroup of poorly differentiated sinonasal tract carcinomas. As there are only two papers describing the cytologic features of this entity, herein we describe the unique cytomorphologic features of a pulmonary metastasis of this tumor and include the differential diagnosis based on tumor location. The patient was a 53-year-old male who initially presented with sinus congestion and vision changes including left-eye proptosis and diplopia. The initial biopsy of the ethmoid-centered sinonasal mass was non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma based on strong immunoreactivity with p40 and absence of immunoreactivity for chromogranin, synaptophysin, p16, and EBER. However, the final diagnosis of the surgical resection was amended to SMARCB1 (INI-1)-deficient sinonasal carcinoma after additional immunohistochemical stains were performed. Post-primary resection, follow-up computed tomography imaging revealed significant interval progression of a solitary, initially indeterminate 1-cm lung nodule in the left upper lobe. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration with concomitant core-needle biopsy was performed. Rapid on site evaluation of cytologic smears revealed a hypercellular specimen consisting of sheets of epithelioid cells with very scant to absent cytoplasm, ill-defined cell borders, enlarged fragile nuclei, and areas of nuclear molding. Mitotic figures were present. Other areas showed tumor cells with spindled to elongated nuclei and scant to ill-defined wispy cytoplasm. Both cytology cell block and core-needle biopsy histopathologic material showed the tumor cells to be negative for INI-1 nuclear staining as well as CK5/6, CAM5.2, p40, p63, CK7, AE1/3, and TTF-1. SMARCB1 (INI-1)-deficient sinonasal carcinoma can have a spectrum of morphologies and may mimic “small-round-blue-cell” and spindle-cell tumors on cytology preparations. Given the pulmonary location of the aspirate, familiarity with the cytomorphologic spectrum of SMARCB1 (INI-1)-deficient sinonasal carcinoma, inclusion of this entity within the differential diagnosis, and performance of immunohistochemistry will aid in arriving at the correct diagnosis.
Assessment of the Outcome of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Basrah, Southern Iraq: A Cohort Study
Authors: Marzoq Abdulhussein , Shiaa Nadeem , Zaboon Raghda , Baghlany Qutaiba , Alabbood Majid H.
Published: May 2019

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most severe and costly complications of diabetes. Foot ulcers result from a combination of multiple causes including peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease. Patients with diabetic foot ulcers frequently require amputation of the lower limb. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of diabetic foot ulcers among Iraqi patients with diabetes and to examine the effect of some risk factors on healing of the ulcer. Methods: A cohort study was conducted on 100 patients from January to August 2017 at the Diabetic Foot Clinic, Alfayha Teaching Hospital, Basrah, Iraq. Results: A total of 100 patients with diabetic foot ulcers were included. The ulcers of 60% of the patients healed, whereas 8% persisted unhealed; 25% of the patients had a minor amputation, 5% had a major amputation, 1% had recurrent ulcers, and 1% died. The study showed statistically significant associations between diabetic foot ulcer healing and the following variables: patients’ age, glycated HbA1c, duration of diabetes, complications of diabetes like peripheral neuropathy, and ulcer size. Conclusions: Diabetic foot ulcer outcomes can be predicted by several factors, some of which are modifiable. Modification of the modifiable factors, such as better control of diabetes, treatment of peripheral neuropathy, and early management of ulcers, may improve the outcome and facilitate healing.
Foreign Body Removal by Endoscopic Urology Dormia Basket: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Li Yun Lim , Muttusamy Prakash Seelan , Pauzi Mohd Faeiz , Abdullah Baharudin
Published: May 2019

Pediatric foreign body inhalation is a medical emergency that is both challenging and tricky to treat. We report a 6-year-old child who presented with a foreign body in the right main bronchus that was removed successfully using an endoscopic urology Dormia basket. We reviewed the literature and proposed a recommendation to assist clinicians in dealing with pediatric foreign body inhalation.