bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors of exit-site infection in incident peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Lin Jianxiong , Ye Hongjian , Li Jianying , Qiu Yagui , Wu Haishan , Yi Chunyan , Lu Shuchao , Chen Jingjing , Mao Haiping , Huang Fengxian , Yu Xueqing , Yang Xiao
Published: February 2020

Background:

Exit-site infection (ESI) is a common complication in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Clearly understanding the risk factors may be useful for the prevention of ESI. This study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors of ESI in incident PD patients.

Methods:

We evaluated ESI in incident PD patients who had catheter insertion in our center between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013, with follow-up for 1 year. We collected data on demographics, clinical features, and nursing care methods of the exit site (ES).

Results:

We recruited 1133 incident PD patients (687 male (60.6%); mean age 47.0 ± 15.1 years), and 245 (21.6%) had diabetes. Median follow-up was 12.0 months. One hundred and thirty-one patients had 139 episodes of ESI with a rate of 92.8 patient-months per episode (0.13 episodes per year). Coagulase-negative staphylococcus was the main pathogen, accounting for 33.8% of the ESIs. Gram-positive rods, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas, fungi, and other organisms accounted for 23.0%, 15.8%, 1.4%, 1.4%, and 2.9%, respectively. No bacterial growth was found in 15.1%. There were no differences in demographic and laboratory data (age, gender, primary kidney disease, hemoglobin, white blood cell, serum albumin, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and C-reactive protein) between the ESI and non-ESI groups. Poor competency of ES care, poor catheter immobilization, history of catheter-pulling injury, and mechanical stress on the ES were significantly associated with increased risk of ESI.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of ESI was 0.13 episodes per year. Poor competency of ES care, catheter mobilization, history of catheter-pulling injury, and mechanical stress by waist belt or the protective bag of PD on ES were risk factors for ESI.
Investigation on experiment and simulation of the grinding process of cast iron
Authors: Tu Lihui , Li Jianqiang , Shi Weimin
Published: February 2020

Grinding is used to reduce form error and improve the surface quality of workpiece in metal cutting. To investigate the grinding process of cast iron, a series of grinding tests and simulation of cast iron were carried out. At the same time, the finite element method was used to establish a finite element model to simulate the grinding process of cast iron. In the model, the dynamic effects, thermo-mechanical coupling, Johnson–Cook constitutive model, material damage model, and contact model were taken into account. Then, the grinding process of cast iron was simulated using the established finite element model in the ABAQUS software. Material remove, residual stress, grinding force, and cutting temperature were achieved through the simulation. In addition, the effect of the main grinding parameters (depth of grinding and spindle speed) on residual stress, grinding force, and surface quality in the grinding of cast iron was investigated.
Taking Advantage of a Multicultural Campus: Impact of At-Home Intercultural Initiatives on Japanese Students’ Skills and Future Goals
Authors: Hofmeyr Ana Sofia
Published: February 2020

In 2014, 24 Type B universities were selected as part of the Top Global University Project to act as institutional role models of internationalization in Japan and as gateways for the development of global human resources, that is, globally competent human resources. The increasing pressure to internationalize, perceived as a major solution to Japan’s aging population, declining birthrate, and economic slump, is set against broader concerns regarding the emphasis placed by policy makers on quantitative goals. This research study aimed to explore the impact of six at-home initiatives developed to promote intercultural interaction at a highly diverse Japanese university and, ultimately, foster the development of global human resources. Online survey results of 355 Japanese students of English as a foreign language were used as data to analyze participation and interaction rates, as well as skill development and pertinence to postgraduation goals. Results show that despite the emphasis placed by the university on intercultural exchange, participation in noncompulsory activities that support language and cross-cultural competence acquisition is still relatively low. In addition, a significant number of students who participated in the initiatives admitted to only interacting with Japanese peers or perceived little impact on their skills. Suggestions are made to improve the discussed initiatives so as to maximize the impact of the multicultural campus on domestic students’ skills.
Guidelines for Sanger sequencing and molecular assay monitoring
Authors: Crossley Beate M. , Bai Jianfa , Glaser Amy , Maes Roger , Porter Elizabeth , Killian Mary Lea , Clement Travis , Toohey-Kurth Kathy
Published: February 2020

Genetic sequencing, or DNA sequencing, using the Sanger technique has become widely used in the veterinary diagnostic community. This technology plays a role in verification of PCR results and is used to provide the genetic sequence data needed for phylogenetic analysis, epidemiologic studies, and forensic investigations. The Laboratory Technology Committee of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians has prepared guidelines for sample preparation, submission to sequencing facilities or instrumentation, quality assessment of nucleic acid sequence data performed, and for generating basic sequencing data and phylogenetic analysis for diagnostic applications. This guidance is aimed at assisting laboratories in providing consistent, high-quality, and reliable sequence data when using Sanger-based genetic sequencing as a component of their laboratory services.
A magnetic screw pump for magnetorheological clutch durability enhancement
Authors: Pilon Raphaël , Landry-Blais Alexandre , Gillet Benoit , Pin Anaële , Lucking Bigué Jean-Philippe , Plante Jean-Sébastien
Published: February 2020

Magnetorheological clutches have great potential for demanding applications such as powertrains and aircraft primary flight controls. However, in such high-power applications (>1 kW), durability is a challenge because of the continuous slippage at the clutch shear interface. To improve durability, this research studies the potential of using a magnetic screw pump to promote fluid mixing within a magnetorheological clutch. The screw flights are made of magnetorheological fluid formed by the concentration of the magnetic field lines around helical grooves machined into the shear interface (drum) of the clutch. While the magnetic pump does not display a typical screw pump behavior, a semi-empirical yield screw pump model is proposed to better understand the macroscopic behavior. Experimental flow characterization results show that the pressure–flow relation is significantly affected by the number of grooves, magnetic field intensity, and rotational speed. For a clutch containing 50 mL of magnetorheological fluid, maximum flow rates of up to 25 mL/min and a maximum pressure of 150 kPa are achieved. Finally, durability test results show that the magnetic screw pump can increase durability by up to 42% when compared to a standard magnetorheological clutch, confirming that such a device is a viable solution for promoting durability.
Damage and healing mechanics in plane stress, plane strain, and isotropic elasticity
Authors: Voyiadjis George Z , Oucif Chahmi , Kattan Peter I , Rabczuk Timon
Published: February 2020

The present paper presents a theoretical formulation of different self-healing variables. Healing variables based on the recovery in elastic modulus, shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, and bulk modulus are defined. The formulation is presented in both scalar and tensorial cases. A new healing variable based on elastic stiffness recovery in proposed, which is consistent with the continuum damage-healing mechanics. The evolution of the healing variable calculated based on cross-section as function of the healing variable calculated based on elastic stiffness is presented in both hypotheses of elastic strain equivalence and elastic energy equivalence. The components of the fourth-rank healing tensor are also obtained in the case of isotropic elasticity, plane stress, and plane strain. It is found that the healing variable calculated based on elastic stiffness reduction is greater than the one calculated based on cross-section reduction in the case of the hypothesis of elastic energy equivalence. It is also shown that the healing tensor fits the boundary conditions of the healing variable in the case of scalar formulation.
The Presence of Smartphones at Dinnertime: A Parental Perspective
Authors: Latif Hasan , Şimşek Kandemir Aysen , Uçkun Seher , Karaman Engin , Yüksel Asiye , Onay Ömer Alperen
Published: February 2020

In this study, the use of smartphones by children during family dinners at home and the e-communication behaviors of children through their smartphones at dinnertime were examined from the perspective of parents. The objectives were to determine children’s use of smartphones and priority they give to their smartphones, to find out the effect of such use and priority on the importance given to family dinners at home, and to examine whether such use and priority make it difficult for the family to come together for dinner. A new scale was developed to determine children’s use of smartphones and their e-communication behaviors through their smartphones during dinnertime. The findings showed that the priority given to smartphones made it challenging for the family to come together for dinner and that the use of smartphones during the meal had a negative effect on the dinner; additionally, the priority given to smartphones affected the dinner not only negatively but also positively. This contradiction was interpreted based on the assumption that the priority given to smartphones by children makes it difficult for the family to gather for dinner. On the other hand, when the children keep their smartphones in a passive position but at a reachable distance, the importance and concentration they give to the meal could increase.
The Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Treatment Gap: A National Study of Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Authors: Havnes Ingrid Amalia , Jørstad Marie Lindvik , McVeigh Jim , Van Hout Marie-Claire , Bjørnebekk Astrid
Published: February 2020

Background:

Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use is associated with serious mental and physical health problems. Evidence indicates that AAS use among people who use psychoactive substances is higher than in the general population. This study aims to estimate lifetime AAS use among patients in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, compare characteristics of AAS and non-AAS users and identify whether AAS use was addressed during treatment.

Methods:

This cross-sectional survey included 563 (142 women, 24.2%) patients in 38 SUD treatment facilities in Norway. Respondents reported on AAS and substance use, and treatment experiences.

Results:

Lifetime AAS use was reported by 156 (28.3%) SUD patients, thereof 35.6% of the men and 8.0% of the women. Lifetime AAS use was highest among men with stimulants (55.8%) as preferred substance, and lowest among men who preferred alcohol (14.6%). Initiation of AAS use due to getting thinner following substance use was reported by 44.5% of the AAS using men. AAS users reported more severe substance use than non-AAS users. More than half (58%) of all patients had not been asked about AAS use, and 42.4% of those who were asked, experienced that treatment providers lacked expertise about AAS.

Conclusion:

Lifetime AAS use in this sample of SUD patients is common practice and comprise an underrecognized problem in SUD treatment. Given the deleterious implications to the individual and society that concomitant use of AAS may cause, it would be essential to raise the awareness about AAS use among SUD patients, and the level of competence among health professionals.
‘Queen of Scots’: The monarch’s body and national identities in the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum
Authors: Clancy Laura
Published: February 2020

On 20 September 2014, in the wake of the Scottish Independence Referendum, the pro-union, right-wing British broadsheet The Daily Telegraph’ s front page was dominated by a photograph of Queen Elizabeth II in the grounds of her Balmoral Estate in the Scottish Highlands, under the headline ‘Queen’s pledge to help reunite the Kingdom’. This article takes the headline as a departure point through which to explore competing discourses of national identity during the Independence Referendum. Understanding the Queen’s body as a site of symbolic struggle over these discourses, this article undertakes visual analysis to unpack the composition of the photograph, in order to understand its social, historical, political and cultural meanings. In so doing, it argues that the use of ‘Queen of Scots’ in The Daily Telegraph at the specific conjunctural moment of the Scottish Independence Referendum reveals the complex intersections between monarchy, power, (geo)politics, symbolism, sovereignty, national identity/identities and landscape in the United Kingdom.
All-fabric flexible supercapacitor for energy storage
Authors: Luo Weihua , Li Xinxin , Chen Jonathan Y
Published: February 2020

An all-fabric solid-state flexible supercapacitor has been fabricated using three types of commercial woven fabrics made of carbon fiber, activated carbon fiber, and polyester fiber, respectively. The activated carbon fiber fabric is viscose-based twill through carbonization and activation, followed by a deposition of CeO2 or ZnO nanoparticles through a hydrothermal process. The resultant fabric supercapacitor displays a high specific capacitance of 13.24 mF cm−2 at a scan rate of 0.2 mV s−1, an excellent capacitance retention of 87.6% at 5000 charge/discharge cycles, and a high energy density of 4.6 × 10−7 Wh cm−2 at a power density of 3.31 × 10−6 W cm−2. The supercapacitor is capable of bending in any angles without losing its performance, revealing an excellent flexibility. The facile, cost-effective fabrication process and excellent electrochemical performance allow this all-fabric solid-state flexible supercapacitor to be potentially used in new generation of wearable and self-powered electronic devices.
Does coaching experience and coaching efficacy of untrained volunteer youth sport coaches influence children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity?
Authors: Cohen Alysia J , Bovbjerg Viktor , Wegis Heidi
Published: February 2020

This observational study addresses physical activity levels among youth sport participants as influenced by coaching experience and coaching efficacy. It describes the proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per sport contextual factor by years of coaching experience and coaching efficacy. Physical activity levels of youth ( n = 146) were measured via accelerometer. Contextual factors of practice and physical activity were obtained via direct observation. Coaching experience and efficacy of volunteer coaches ( n = 26) were measured by a demographics questionnaire and the coaching efficacy scale. Practices averaged 69.81 min (SD = 13.12) with 39.7% (SE = 1.7) spent in sedentary behavior, 32.2% (SE = 1.5) in MVPA, and 20.6% (SE = 1.2) in vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA). Spearman-rho coefficients suggest no significant relationship between coaching efficacy and %MVPA ( rs = 0.337, p =0 .092) or %VPA ( rs = 0.200, p = 0.327). Repeated-measures analysis of variance found a significant relationship between direct observation MVPA and practice contextual factors, but not by coaching experience or efficacy. Multiple regression found no significance of either variable in predicting MVPA. Coaching experience and perceived coaching efficacy do not appear to influence MVPA behavior during sport practices; however, it is unclear whether coach education training in this area would. Emphasis on implementing coach training standards to enhance coaches’ confidence to motivate children to be more physically active during practice and opportunities to do so, may improve youth health through physical activity.
Comment on “A Relational Framework for Integrating the Study of Empathy in Children and Adults”: A Conversation Analytic Perspective
Authors: Kupetz Maxi
Published: February 2020

This comment on Main and Kho’s suggestion for “a relational framework for integrating the study of empathy in children and adults” (2020) takes a conversation analytic perspective. First, I will summarize how empathy is conceptualized within conversation analysis (CA), an observational approach that aims at reconstructing naturally occurring social interaction. Second, Main and Kho’s suggestions for further research will be commented on, supporting their take on empathy as a relational phenomenon.
Predictive inference with random forests: A new perspective on classical analyses
Authors: McAlexander Richard J. , Mentch Lucas
Published: February 2020

Despite the number of problems that can occur when core model assumptions are violated, nearly all quantitative political science research relies on inflexible regression models that require a linear relationship between dependent and independent variables for valid inference. We argue that nonparametric statistical learning methods like random forests are capable of combining the benefits of interpretability and flexibility. Recent work has shown that under suitable regularity conditions, averaging over predictions made by subsampled random forests produces asymptotically normal predictions. After estimating the variance, this property can be exploited to produce hypothesis tests and confidence intervals analogous to those produced within a parametric framework. We demonstrated the utility of this approach by replicating an important study on the determinants of civil war onset and show that subtle nonlinear relationships are uncovered, providing a new perspective on these ongoing research questions.
White matter lesion location correlates with disability in relapsing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gaetano Laura , Magnusson Baldur , Kindalova Petya , Tomic Davorka , Silva Diego , Altermatt Anna , Magon Stefano , Müller-Lenke Nicole , Radue Ernst-Wilhelm , Leppert David , Kappos Ludwig , Wuerfel Jens , Häring Dieter A , Sprenger Till
Published: February 2020

Background

Lesion location is a prognostic factor of disease progression and disability accrual.

Objective

To investigate lesion formation in 11 brain regions, assess correlation between lesion location and physical and cognitive disability measures and investigate treatment effects by region.

Methods

In 2355 relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients from the FREEDOMS and FREEDOMS II studies, we extracted T2-weighted lesion number, volume and density for each brain region; we investigated the (Spearman) correlation in lesion formation between brain regions, studied association between location and disability (at baseline and change over 2 years) using linear/logistic regression and assessed the regional effects of fingolimod versus placebo in negative binomial models.

Results

At baseline, the majority of lesions were found in the supratentorial brain. New and enlarging lesions over 24 months developed mainly in the frontal and sublobar regions and were substantially correlated to pre-existing lesions at baseline in the supratentorial brain ( p = 0.37–0.52), less so infratentorially ( p = −0.04–0.23). High sublobar lesion density was consistently and significantly associated with most disability measures at baseline and worsening of physical disability over 24 months. The treatment effect of fingolimod 0.5 mg was consistent across the investigated areas and tracts.

Conclusion

These results highlight the role of sublobar lesions for the accrual of disability in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis.
Nudge Effect of Fact-Check Alerts: Source Influence and Media Skepticism on Sharing of News Misinformation in Social Media
Authors: Nekmat Elmie
Published: February 2020

This study extends the nudge principle with media effects and credibility evaluation perspectives to examine whether the effectiveness of fact-check alerts to deter news sharing on social media is moderated by news source and whether this moderation is conditional upon users’ skepticism of mainstream media. Results from a 2 (nudge: fact-check alert vs. no alert) × 2 (news source: legacy mainstream vs. unfamiliar non-mainstream) ( N = 929) experiment controlling for individual issue involvement, online news involvement, and news sharing experience revealed significant main and interaction effects from both factors. News sharing likelihood was overall lower for non-mainstream news than mainstream news, but showed a greater decrease for mainstream news when nudged. No conditional moderation from media skepticism was found; instead, users’ skepticism of mainstream media amplified the nudge effect only for news from legacy mainstream media and not unfamiliar non-mainstream source. Theoretical and practical implications on the use of fact-checking and mainstream news sources in social media are discussed.
The origins of dengue and chikungunya viruses in Ecuador following increased migration from Venezuela and Colombia
Authors: Maljkovic Berry Irina , Rutvisuttinunt Wiriya , Sippy Rachel , Beltran-Ayala Efrain , Figueroa Katherine , Ryan Sadie , Srikanth Abhinaya , Stewart-Ibarra Anna M. , Endy Timothy , Jarman Richard G.
Published: February 2020

Background

In recent years, Ecuador and other South American countries have experienced an increase in arboviral diseases. A rise in dengue infections was followed by introductions of chikungunya and Zika, two viruses never before seen in many of these areas. Furthermore, the latest socioeconomic and political instability in Venezuela and the mass migration of its population into the neighboring countries has given rise to concerns of infectious disease spillover and escalation of arboviral spread in the region.

Results

We performed phylogeographic analyses of dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) virus genomes sampled from a surveillance site in Ecuador in 2014–2015, along with genomes from the surrounding countries. Our results revealed at least two introductions of DENV, in 2011 and late 2013, that initially originated from Venezuela and/or Colombia. The introductions were subsequent to increases in the influx of Venezuelan and Colombian citizens into Ecuador, which in 2013 were 343% and 214% higher than in 2009, respectively. However, we show that Venezuela has historically been an important source of DENV dispersal in this region, even before the massive exodus of its population, suggesting already established paths of viral distribution. Like DENV, CHIKV was introduced into Ecuador at multiple time points in 2013–2014, but unlike DENV, these introductions were associated with the Caribbean. Our findings indicated no direct CHIKV connection between Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela as of 2015, suggesting that CHIKV was, at this point, not following the paths of DENV spread.

Conclusion

Our results reveal that Ecuador is vulnerable to arbovirus import from many geographic locations, emphasizing the need of continued surveillance and more diversified prevention strategies. Importantly, increase in human movement along established paths of viral dissemination, combined with regional outbreaks and epidemics, may facilitate viral spread and lead to novel virus introductions. Thus, strengthening infectious disease surveillance and control along migration routes and improving access to healthcare for the vulnerable populations is of utmost importance.
Transcriptome analysis of postharvest blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Duke’) in response to cold stress
Authors: Zhang Fan , Ji Shujuan , Wei Baodong , Cheng Shunchang , Wang Yajuan , Hao Jia , Wang Siyao , Zhou Qian
Published: February 2020

Background

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is a small berry with high economic value. Although cold storage can extend the storage time of blueberry to more than 60 days, it leads to chilling injury (CI) displaying as pedicle pits; and the samples of 0 °C-30 days was the critical point of CI. However, little is known about the mechanism and the molecular basis response to cold stress in blueberry have not been explained definitely. To comprehensively reveal the CI mechanisms in response to cold stress, we performed high-throughput RNA Seq analysis to investigate the gene regulation network in 0d (control) and 30d chilled blueberry. At the same time, the pitting and decay rate, electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA) proline content and GSH content were measured.

Results

Two cDNA libraries from 0d (control) and 30d chilled samples were constructed and sequenced, generating a total of 35,060 unigenes with an N50 length of 1348 bp. Of these, 1852 were differentially expressed, with 1167 upregulated and 685 downregulated. Forty-five cold-induced transcription factor (TF) families containing 1023 TFs were identified. The DEGs indicated biological processes such as stress responses; cell wall metabolism; abscisic acid, gibberellin, membrane lipid, energy metabolism, cellular components, and molecular functions were significantly responsed to cold storage. The transcriptional level of 40 DEGs were verified by qRT-PCR.

Conclusions

The postharvest cold storage leads serious CI in blueberry, which substantially decreases the quality, storability and consumer acceptance. The MDA content, proline content, EL increased and the GSH content decreased in this chilled process. The biological processes such as stress responses, hormone metabolic processes were significantly affected by CI. Overall, the results obtained here are valuable for preventing CI under cold storage and could help to perfect the lack of the genetic information of non-model plant species.
Global identification and analysis revealed differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with meiosis and low fertility in autotetraploid rice
Authors: Li Xiang , Shahid Muhammad Qasim , Wen Minsi , Chen Shuling , Yu Hang , Jiao Yamin , Lu Zijun , Li Yajing , Liu Xiangdong
Published: February 2020

Background

Autotetraploid rice is a useful germplasm for polyploid rice breeding. Our previous research showed that non-coding RNAs might be associated with low fertility in autotetraploid rice. However, little information is available on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in the low fertility of autotetraploid rice. In the present study, RNA-seq was employed to detect the differentially expressed meiosis-related lncRNAs in autotetraploid rice, and gene overexpression and knock out experiments were used to validate the potential function of candidate lncRNA.

Results

A total of 444 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DEL) were detected during anther and ovary meiosis in autotetraploid rice. Of these, 328 DEL were associated with the transposable elements, which displayed low expression levels during meiosis in autotetraploid rice. We used rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) assay to validate 10 DEL and found that the lncRNAs were not assembly artifacts, and six of them were conserved in tetraploid rice. Moreover, 237 and 20 lncRNAs were associated with pollen mother cell (PMC) and embryo sac mother cell (EMC) meiosis in autotetraploid rice, respectively. The differential expressions of some meiosis-related targets and its DEL regulator, including MEL1 regulated by TCONS_00068868, LOC_Os12g41350 (meiotic asynaptic mutant 1) by TCONS_00057811 in PMC, and LOC_Os12g39420 by TCONS_00144592 in EMC, were confirmed by qRT-PCR. TCONS_00057811, TCONS_00055980 and TCONS_00130461 showed anther specific expression patterns and were found to be highly expressed during meiosis. CRISPR/Cas9 editing of lncRNA57811 displayed similar morphology compared to wild type. The overexpression of lncRNA57811 resulted in low pollen fertility (29.70%) and seed setting (33%) in rice.

Conclusion

The differential expression levels of lncRNAs, associated with transposable elements and meiosis-regulated targets, might be endogenous noncoding regulators of pollen/embryo sac development that cause low fertility in autotetraploid rice. The results enhance our understanding about rice lncRNAs, and facilitate functional research in autotetraploid rice.
Use of potentially inappropriate medication and polypharmacy in older adults: a repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Thorell Kristine , Midlöv Patrik , Fastbom Johan , Halling Anders
Published: February 2020

Background

With age, the number of chronic conditions increases along with the use of medications. For several years, polypharmacy has been found to be on the increase in western societies. Polypharmacy is associated with an increased risk of adverse drug events (ADE). Medications called potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) have also been found to increase the risk of ADEs in an older population. In this study, which we conducted during a national information campaign to reduce PIM, we analysed the prevalence of PIM in an older adult population and in different strata of the variables age, gender, number of chronic conditions and polypharmacy and how that prevalence changed over time.

Methods

This is a registry-based repeated cross-sectional study including two cohorts. Individuals aged 75 or older listed at a primary care centre in Blekinge on the 31st March 2011 (cohort 1, 15,361 individuals) or on the 31st December 2013 (cohort 2, 15,945 individuals) were included in the respective cohorts. Using a chi2 test, the two cohorts were compared on the variables age, gender, number of chronic conditions and polypharmacy. Use of five or more medications at the same time was the definition for polypharmacy.

Results

Use of PIM decreased from 10.60 to 7.04% (p-value < 0.001) between 2011 and 2013, while prevalence of five to seven chronic conditions increased from 20.55 to 23.66% (p-value < 0.001). Use of PIM decreased in all strata of the variables age, gender number of chronic conditions and polypharmacy. Except for age 80–84 and males, where it increased, prevalence of polypharmacy was stable in all strata of the variables.

Conclusions

Use of potentially inappropriate medications had decreased in all variables between 2011 and 2013; this shows the possibility to reduce PIM with a focused effort.

Polypharmacy does not increase significantly compared to the rest of the population.
Effects of aquatic physical intervention on fall risk, working memory and hazard-perception as pedestrians in older people: a pilot trial
Authors: Nissim Michal , Livny Abigail , Barmatz Caroline , Tsarfaty Galia , Berner Yitshal , Sacher Yaron , Giron Jonathan , Ratzon Navah Z.
Published: February 2020

Background

Normal aging is associated with balance, mobility and working memory decline that increase fall risk and influence activity of daily living functions. Mounting evidence suggests that physical activity is beneficial for decreasing aging effects. Previous studies have focused on land-based physical activity. Research concerning the aquatic environment is scarce.

The primary objectives of this three arm intervention pilot study were to examine the effects of an aquatic physical intervention program on balance, gait, fall risk and working memory among community-dwelling older individuals. The secondary objective was to examine the effects of an aquatic physical intervention program on safety of street–crossing among community-dwelling older individuals.

Methods

Forty-two healthy participants aged 65 or older were enrolled into one of three intervention groups: aquatic physical intervention (API) (N = 13), on-land physical intervention (OLPI) (N = 14) or non-physical intervention (NPI) (N = 15). The intervention took place from 2018 until 2019 at Tel-Aviv University, Sheba medical center and Reich Center. The protocol included 30-min sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. Balance, gait and fall risk were assessed by the Tinneti test, working memory abilities were assessed by digit span and Corsi blocks tests and simulated safe streets-crossing was assessed by the hazard perception test for pedestrians.

Testing and data collection was conducted at baseline, after six weeks and 12 weeks of intervention. All members of the professional team involved in evaluating participants were blind to the intervention group to which participants were allocated.

Results

The differences in Tinetti balance (F (2, 39)=10.03, p < 0.01), fall risk (F (2, 39)=5.62, p0 > .05), digit span forward (F (2, 39)=8.85, p < 0.01) and Corsi blocks forward (F (2, 39)=3.54, p < 0.05) and backward (F (2, 39)=6.50, p < 0.05) scores after 12 weeks between the groups were significant. The API group showed improved scores. The differences in hazard perception test for pedestrians scores after 12 weeks of intervention between the groups were marginally significant (F (2, 39)=3.13, p = 0.055). The API group showed improved scores.

Conclusions

These findings may affect experts working with the elderly population when making decisions concerning therapeutic prevention interventions for the deficiencies of elderly patients. Older adults practicing aquatic physical activity could contribute to their increased safety.

Trial registration

Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov Registry NCT03510377. Date of registration: 10/31/2017.
Adverse events in Chinese human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients receiving first line antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Dai Lili , Su Bin , Liu An , Zhang Hongwei , Wu Hao , Zhang Tong , Shao Ying , Li Jianwei , Ye Jiangzhu , Bai Shaoli , Guo Xiaoling , Sun Lijun
Published: February 2020

Background

Although the global human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic has improved significantly due to antiretroviral treatment (ART), ART-related adverse events (AEs) remain an issue. Therefore, investigating the factors associated with ART-related AEs may provide vital information for monitoring risks.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients (aged 18 years or older) with HIV who received Tenofovir (TDF) + Lamivudine (3TC) + Efavirenz (EFV) as first-line ART regimens. All AEs during the first 12 months of therapy were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with AEs.

Results

Four hundred seventy-four patients receiving TDF+ 3TC+ EFV ART regimens between March 2017 and October 2017 were included in the study analysis. Among them, 472 (99.6%) experienced at least one AE, 436 (92.0%) patients experienced at least one AE within 1 month of treatment, 33 (7.0%) between one and 3 months of treatment, and three (0.6%) patients after 3 months of treatment. The most commonly reported AE was nervous system (95.6%) related, followed by dyslipidemia (79.3%), and impaired liver function (48.1%). Patients with baseline body mass index (BMI) greater than 24 kg/m2 (adjusted OR 1.77, 95%CI 1.03–3.02), pre-existing multiple AEs (adjusted OR 2.72, 95%CI 1.59–4.64), and pre-existing severe AEs (adjusted OR 5.58, 95%CI 2.65–11.73) were at increased odds of developing a severe AE. Patients with baseline BMI greater than 24 kg/m2 (adjusted OR 2.72, 95%CI 1.25–5.89) were more likely to develop multiple AEs.

Conclusion

The incidence of ART-related adverse events over a 12-month period in China was high. Baseline BMI greater than 24 kg/m2, pre-existing multiple AEs, and pre-existing severe AEs were shown to be independent risk factors for developing a severe AE.
The association between climate, geography and respiratory syncitial virus hospitalizations among children in Ontario, Canada: a population-based study
Authors: Radhakrishnan Dhenuka , Ouedraogo Alexandra , Shariff Salimah Z. , McNally J. Dayre , Benchimol Eric I. , Clemens Kristin K.
Published: February 2020

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of hospitalization in young children in Canada, despite routine immunoprophylaxis in those with medical risk factors. We aimed to determine if cold temperatures are associated with RSV hospitalization.

Methods

We conducted a population-based nested case–control study of children in Ontario, Canada, using health administrative data. We compared children hospitalized for RSV between September 1, 2011 and August 31, 2012 to age and sex matched controls. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify associations between minimum daily temperature and RSV hospitalizations with adjustment for sociodemographic and environmental factors.

Results

We identified 1670 children with RSV hospitalizations during the study period and 6680 matched controls. Warmer temperatures (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.93, 0.95) were associated with lower odds of RSV hospitalization. Southern ecozone (OR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.2, 2.1), increased ozone concentration (OR = 1.03, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.06) and living in a lower income neighbourhood (OR = 1.3, 95%CI: 1.1, 1.5) significantly increased the odds of RSV hospitalization, as did living in a household with a larger number of siblings in a sub-cohort of children (OR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.26, 1.41).

Conclusions

In Ontario, the likelihood of having an RSV hospitalization is associated with colder temperature exposures and socioeconomic factors.
Association between thyroid dysfunction and perinatal outcomes in women with gestational hypertension: a retrospective study
Authors: Gui Juan , Xu Wangming , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2020

Background

Previous studies showed that thyroid dysfunction in women with gestational hypertension could negatively affect maternal and fetal outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether thyroid dysfunction assessed in the second half trimester contributed to neonatal outcomes of pregnancy in different subtypes of gestational hypertension disease.

Methods

We performed a retrospective case-control study and collected data from 135 singleton pregnant women with gestational hypertension disease and their offspring who delivered in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 2015 to June 2017. We classified the patients based on the severity of the preeclampsia into three groups: pregnant induced hypertension (PIH), mild preeclampsia (MPE) and severe preeclampsia (SPE). Based on the onset time of preeclampsia, we classified the patients into PIH, early onset preeclampsia (EPE) and late onset preeclampsia. Demographic data and levels of thyroid hormones, as well as the adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were collected from Electronic Medical Records. Logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between thyroid dysfunction and neonatal outcomes in these patients.

Results

Gestational weeks and neonatal birthweight were significantly lower, while incidence of preterm birth was significantly higher in the SPE and EPE groups than those in the PIH group (P < 0.001). Thyroid dysfunction was more frequent in the SPE group than in the MPE group (P = 0.01). Incidences of both preterm birth and low birth weight were significantly higher in patients with thyroid dysfunction (P = 0.008, P = 0.047 respectively). After adjustment, both severity of gestational hypertension (OR = 4.360, 95%CI [2.050, 9.271], P < 0.001; OR = 4.023, 95%CI [1.933, 8.372], P < 0.001) and thyroid dysfunction (OR = 3.011, 95%CI [1.248, 7.262], P = 0.014; OR = 11.306, 95%CI [1.040, 122.889], P = 0.046) were associated with higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, while the onset time of preeclampsia (OR = 0.031, 95%CI [0.009, 0.110], P < 0.001; OR = 0.097, 95%CI [0.033, 0.282], P < 0.001) was negatively associated with the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

Conclusion

Severe and early onset preeclampsia, as well as thyroid dysfunction are associated with higher risk of preterm birth and low neonatal birth weight. Therefore, our data suggest that monitoring thyroid hormones in women with preeclampsia might help to predict adverse neonatal outcomes.
Rectal aberrant crypt foci (ACF) as a predictor of benign and malignant neoplastic lesions in the large intestine
Authors: Kowalczyk Marek , Orłowski Marcin , Klepacki Łukasz , Zinkiewicz Krzysztof , Kurpiewski Waldemar , Kaczerska Dorota , Pesta Wiesław , Zieliński Ewa , Siermontowski Piotr
Published: February 2020

Background

The importance of ACF is not fully explained, however, their number may be a good predictor of synchronous and metachronic adenoma or other polyps whose removal reduces the risk of CRC. Due to the epidemiological and genetic association of ACF with pre-cancer lesions, they may be a potential CRC biomarker. The aim of our study was to show that the number and type of rectal ACF may be a good predictive factor for the presence of polyps located proximally from the splenic flexure and that the type and number of ACF can correlate with the number and specific types of polyps in the large intestine.

Methods

The study included 131 patients who underwent colonoscopy combined with rectal mucosa staining with 0.25% methylene blue. The number of rectal ACF was determined and bioptats were sampled for histopathological examination to assess the type of ACF. Endoscopic ACF assessment criteria given by L. Roncucci were used. The obtained material was subjected to statistical analysis using probability distribution, U-test, t-student test, and chi 2 as well as the Statistica 7.1 software package.

Results

The study population was divided into three subgroups according to the number of ACF observed, i.e. ACF < 5, 5–10 and > 10. ACF < 5 were found in 35 patients (29.41%), 5–10 ACF in 70 (58.82%) and ACF > 10 in 14 individuals (11.76%).

The study revealed the presence of normal ACF (p = 0.49), hyperplastic ACF (p = 0.34), dysplastic ACF (p = 0.11), and mixed ACF (p = 0.06). A single type of ACF was most commonly observed (n = 88, p = 0.74). In the researched group a larger number of ACF is concurrent with adenomas and hyperplastic polyps. The number of ACF clearly correlates with the dysplasia advancement in the adenoma and the number of polyps found.

Conclusions

Rectal ACF are a useful marker for the presence of cancerous lesions in the proximal and distal sections of the large intestine.
Management of stretched scar– induced secondary strabismus
Authors: Farid Mohamed F. , Mahmoud Mohamed R. , Awwad Mohamed A.
Published: February 2020

Background

To determine characteristics and management of consecutive or recurrent strabismus secondary to stretched scar.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with late secondary consecutive or recurrent strabismus due to stretched scar from 2012 to 2017. The diagnosis of stretched scar was made in any case of late (≥ 1 month) consecutive or recurrent strabismus associated with underaction of the previously operated muscle. The diagnosis was confirmed intraoperatively by negative forced duction test and the characteristic appearance of the scar tissue. Surgical correction involved excision of the scar tissue with muscle re-attachment to the sclera using non-absorbable sutures. Study parameters include improvement in secondary deviations, degree of muscle underaction and diplopia.

Results

21 consecutive and 6 recurrent cases of stretched scar –induced strabismus were identified and all cases were associated with variable degrees of limited ocular duction. After surgical correction of the stretched scar, consecutive deviations in the form of consecutive esotropia and exotropia were corrected by means of 26.1PD and 65.6PD while recurrent deviations in the form recurrent exotropia and recurrent hypertropia were corrected by means of 34.3PD and 11PD respectively with significant improvement of limited ocular ductions. 21 patients had diplopia at presentation and all were improved after surgery.

Conclusion

management of stretched scar –induced secondary strabismus by excision of the stretched scar and muscle fixation to the sclera using non-absorbable sutures significantly corrects secondary deviations and improves limitation of ocular duction.
Playing sport injured is associated with osteoarthritis, joint pain and worse health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bullock Garrett S. , Collins Gary S. , Peirce Nick , Arden Nigel K. , Filbay Stephanie R.
Published: February 2020

Background

Sports participants are faced with the decision to continue or cease play when injured. The implications of playing sport while injured on joint health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between having played sport while injured and HRQoL, osteoarthritis, and persistent joint pain; and compare findings in elite and recreational cricketers.

Methods

The Cricket Health and Wellbeing Study cohort was used for this study. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥ 18 years, played ≥1 cricket season. Questionnaire data collected included a history of playing sport injured, SF-8 (physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component scores), physician-diagnosed osteoarthritis, and persistent joint pain (most days of the last month). Multivariable linear regressions and logistic regressions were performed. Continuous covariates were handled using fractional polynomials. Models were adjusted for age, sex, cricket-seasons played, playing status, joint injury, and orthopaedic surgery. All participants (n = 2233) were included in HRQoL analyses, only participants aged ≥30 years (n = 2071) were included in osteoarthritis/pain analyses.

Results

Of the 2233 current and former cricketers (mean age: 51.7 SD 14.7, played 30 IQR 24 cricket seasons, 60% were current cricketers, 62% played recreationally; median PCS: 51.4 IQR 9.0; MCS: 54.3 IQR 8.6) 1719 (77%) had played sport while injured. People who had played sport injured reported worse adjusted PCS (Effect(95% CI): − 1.78(− 2.62, − 0.93) and MCS (− 1.40(− 2.25, − 0.54), had greater odds of osteoarthritis (adjusted OR(95% CI): 1.86(1.39, 2.51) and persistent joint pain (2.34(1.85, 2.96)), compared to people who had not played sport injured. Similar relationships were observed regarding PCS, osteoarthritis and pain in elite and recreational subgroups. Playing injured was only related to worse MCS scores for elite cricketers (− 2.07(− 3.52, − 0.63)); no relationship was observed in recreational cricketers (− 0.70(− 1.79, 0.39)).

Conclusion

Cricketers that had played sport injured had impaired HRQoL, increased odds of osteoarthritis and persistent joint pain, compared to those who had not played sport injured. Playing sport injured was only related to impaired mental-components of HRQoL in elite cricketers. The long-term impact of playing while injured on musculoskeletal health, should be considered when advising athletes on their ability to compete following injury.