bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of telehealth interventions as a part of secondary prevention in coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Turan Kavradim Selma , Özer Zeynep , Boz İlkay
Published: November 2019

Background

Coronary artery disease is one of the most important health problems among heart diseases in the world, with high morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle changes in particular are recommended in the latest guidelines for implementing secondary prevention.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth interventions as a part of secondary prevention compared to routine care in those with coronary artery disease.

Method

The systematic review with meta‐analysis was performed in accordance with Cochrane methods. Science Direct, Springer Link, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest and Network Digital Library databases were searched between 2000 and 2018 up to February 2018. The studies chosen conformed to PICOS inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guideline was used in reporting the study.

Results

Twenty‐four studies with a total of 6773 study participants met the inclusion criteria. It was found that telephone call interventions were the most commonly used, text message interventions came second with seven studies, telephone calls in combination with messages were used in four studies and telemonitoring was used in two studies. Compared to routine care, telehealth interventions had moderate significant effects in reducing waist circumference, total cholesterol and triglyceride, improving medication adherence and physical activity, and had small significant effects in reducing blood pressure and smoking cessation. No significant publication bias was found in the main outcomes.

Conclusion

Results showed that the telehealth interventions yielded positive outcomes in lifestyle changes for coronary artery disease. Therefore, telehealth interventions can be used for effective secondary prevention by health professionals who care for individuals with coronary artery disease. Additionally, this study will provide guidance for studies on the development of telehealth intervention.
Probing the Pharmacological Binding Properties, and Reactivity of Selective Phytochemicals as Potential HIV-1 protease Inhibitors
Authors: Akhtar Ammara , Hussain Waqar , Rasool Nouman
Published: November 2019

The HIV-1 protease plays an essential role in the replication cycle of HIV-1; therefore there is a direct need to develop novel inhibitors of the HIV-1 protease, which can cease the viral replication. The present study targets the discovery of potential inhibitors of HIV-1 protease from a set of phytochemicals. From 2505 phytochemicals, 108 compounds were docked, after screening, with the HIV-1 protease to analyze their inhibitory potential against the protease. DFT analysis was also conducted to study the reactivity of strongly docked compounds. Out of 108 phytochemicals, 38 compounds showed binding affinity greater than the desired threshold. Reactivity of these 38 inhibitors was also high as compared to other compounds, based on the DFT results. These results suggest that the selected 38 phytochemicals are drug candidates and they have the potential to be effectively used against HIV in the future.
Iterative Most Probable Point Search Method for Problems With a Mixture of Random and Interval Variables
Authors: Cho Hyunkyoo , Choi Kyung K. , Shin Jaekwan
Published: November 2019

To represent input variability accurately, an input distribution model for random variables should be constructed using many data. However, for certain input variables, engineers may have only their intervals, which represent input uncertainty. In practical engineering applications, both random and interval variables could exist at the same time. To consider both input variability and uncertainty, inverse reliability analysis should be carried out considering both random and interval variables—mixed variables—and their mathematical correlation in a performance measure. In this paper, an iterative most probable point (MPP) search method has been developed for the mixed-variable problem. The update procedures for MPP search are developed considering the features of mixed variables in the inverse reliability analysis. MPP search for random and interval variables proceed simultaneously to consider the mathematical correlation. An interpolation method is introduced to find a better candidate MPP without additional function evaluations. Mixed-variable design optimization (MVDO) has been formulated to obtain cost-effective and reliable design in the presence of mixed variables. In addition, the design sensitivity of a probabilistic constraint has been developed for an effective and efficient MVDO procedure. Using numerical examples, it is found that the developed MPP search method finds an accurate MPP more efficiently than the generic optimization method does. In addition, it is verified that the developed method enables the MVDO process with a small number of function evaluations.
Design and Analysis of a Smart Rehabilitation Walker With Passive Pelvic Mechanism
Authors: Ji Jiancheng (Charles) , Guo Shuai , Xi Fengfeng (Jeff) , Zhang Leigang
Published: November 2019

In response to the ever-increasing demand of community-based rehabilitation, a novel smart rehab walker iReGo is designed to facilitate the lower limb rehabilitation training based on motion intention recognition. The proposed walker provides a number of passive degrees-of-freedom (DoFs) to the pelvis that are used to smooth the hip rotations in such a way that the natural gait is not significantly affected, meanwhile, three actuated DoFs are actively controlled to assist patients with mobility disabilities. The walker first identifies the user’s motion intention from the interaction forces in both left and right sides of the pelvis and then uses the kinematic model to generate appropriate driving velocities to support the body weight and improve mobility. In this paper, workspace, dexterity, and the force field of the walker are analyzed based on the system Jacobian. Simulation and experiments with healthy subjects are carried out to verify the effectiveness and tip-over stability. These results demonstrate that the walker has sufficient workspace for pelvic motions, satisfactory dexterity, and near-linear force feedback within the prescribed workspace, and that the walker is easily controlled to ensure normal gait.
On the Shoulders of Little Giants: A Testimonial of Otherfathering and Social Capital in PETE
Authors: Clark Langston
Published: November 2019

In this autoethnography, I utilized the concepts of otherfathering, social capital, and testimonio (i.e., testimonial) to explicate the need for and value of Black male mentors in physical education teacher education (PETE). To do so, I describe how three of my mentors operated as otherfathers by imbuing me with the social capital needed to be successful in academia. I conclude by arguing for specific intersectional efforts to support Black men and Black women in PETE, along with the establishment of organizational efforts, to meet the needs of Black professionals in PETE.
Metabolic adaption through regulated proteolysis
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: November 2019

Induced mitochondrial protein turnover enables cells to metabolically adapt to oxygen and nutrient deprivation.
Ex Vivo
Urinary Bactericidal Activity and Urinary Pharmacodynamics of Fosfomycin after Two Repeated Dosing Regimens of Oral Fosfomycin Tromethamine in Healthy Adult Subjects
Authors: Wenzler E. , Meyer K. M. , Bleasdale S. C. , Sikka M. , Mendes R. E. , Bunnell K. L. , Finnemeyer M. , Rosenkranz S. L. , Danziger L. H. , Rodvold K. A.
Published: November 2019

The
ex vivo
bactericidal activity and pharmacodynamics of fosfomycin in urine were evaluated in 18 healthy subjects. Subjects received 3 g every other day (QOD) for 3 doses and then every day (QD) for 7 doses or vice versa. Serial urine samples were collected before and up to 24 h after dosing on days 1 and 5. Eight bacterial strains with various genotypic and phenotypic susceptibilities to fosfomycin were used for all experiments (5
Escherichia coli
, 2
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and 1
Proteus mirabilis
).
Evaluation of Calcium-Enhanced Media for Colistin Susceptibility Testing by Gradient Agar Diffusion and Broth Microdilution
Authors: Green Daniel A. , Macesic Nenad , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin , Lopez Mabel , Stump Stephania , Whittier Susan , Schuetz Audrey N. , Simner Patricia J. , Humphries Romney M.
Published: November 2019

Despite the increasing reliance on polymyxin antibiotics (polymyxin B and colistin) for treatment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections, many clinical laboratories are unable to perform susceptibility testing due to the lack of accurate and reliable methods. Although gradient agar diffusion is commonly performed for other antimicrobials, its use for polymyxins is discouraged due to poor performance characteristics.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa Strains TPD3 and TPD4, Isolated from Grapevines in Hou-li, Taiwan
Authors: Castillo Andreina I. , Tuan Shu-Jen , Retchless Adam C. , Hu Fei-Ting , Chang Hsun-Yin , Almeida Rodrigo P. P.
Published: November 2019

We report the draft assemblies of TPD3 and TPD4, two
Xylella fastidiosa
subsp.
fastidiosa
isolates infecting grapevines in Hou-li, Taiwan. TPD3 and TPD4 showed similar characteristics regarding genome size (2,483,503 bp and 2,491,539 bp, respectively), GC content (51.49% and 51.47%, respectively), and number of protein-coding sequences (2,394 and 2,413, respectively).
Draft Genome Sequences of 40 Pathogenic
Leptospira
Strains Isolated from Cattle in Uruguay
Authors: Nieves Cecilia , Ferrés Ignacio , Díaz-Viraqué Florencia , Buschiazzo Alejandro , Zarantonelli Leticia , Iraola Gregorio
Published: November 2019

Pathogenic
Leptospira
species represent a major concern for livestock but also for human health, as they cause zoonotic infections. Forty strains representing
L. interrogans
,
L. borgpetersenii
, and
L. noguchii
were isolated from naturally infected cattle in Uruguay. Here, we report the whole-genome sequences for these strains.
Coding-Complete Sequences of Barley Virus G Isolates from Australia, Obtained from a 34-Year-Old and a 1-Year-Old Sample
Authors: Nancarrow N. , Maina S. , Zheng L. , Aftab M. , Freeman A. , Kinoti W. M. , Rodoni B. , Trębicki P.
Published: November 2019

Coding-complete sequences of two barley virus G isolates from Australia were obtained from a 34-year-old oat sample (isolate Aus8) and a 1-year-old barley sample (isolate Aus17N). The Aus8 and Aus17N isolates share 96.3% nucleotide identity with each other and 95.7 to 95.8% nucleotide identity with the South Korean isolate Uiseong.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Panton-Valentine Leucocidin-Producing Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 154 Strain NRL 08/001, Isolated from a Fatal Case of Necrotizing Pneumonia
Authors: Indráková Adéla , Mašlaňová Ivana , Mrkva Ondřej , Bendíčková Kamila , Vrbovská Veronika , Doškař Jiří , Pantůček Roman
Published: November 2019

Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL)-positive methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains cause life-threatening diseases. We present a draft genome sequence of PVL-positive MRSA sequence type 154 (ST154) strain NRL 08/001, isolated from a fatal case of necrotizing pneumonia. The genome consists of 2.9 Mb over 39 contigs and harbors novel composite island staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
element (SCC
mec
)-mercury composite type 2B&5.
Vemurafenib as first-line therapy inBRAF-V600E-mutant Erdheim-Chester disease with CNS involvement
Authors: Fernández-Eulate Gorka , Muñoz-Lopetegi Amaia , Ruiz Irune , Urtasun Miguel
Published: November 2019

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare histiocytosis that may affect the central nervous system (CNS). Infiltration by the disease occurs throughout the neuroaxis, usually involving the dentate nucleus and the pons, manifested as a pyramido-cerebellar syndrome. CNS involvement is an adverse prognostic factor which warrants prompt evaluation and treatment.BRAFmutation occurs in more than half of the cases and has become central in the therapeutic approach. There is rapidly growing evidence that BRAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib or dabrafenib are effective in treating CNS-spread disease. We present a patient withBRAF-V600E-mutant ECD with a classical pyramido-ataxic onset of disease who improved after prompt diagnosis with vemurafenib treatment as first-line therapy.
Successful external cephalic version in a patient with uterus didelphys and fetal malpresentation
Authors: Mirzai Saeid , Wolf Samuel Brian , Mili Saima , Rifai Ahmad Oussama
Published: November 2019

Müllerian anomalies are congenital malformations of the female reproductive organs that occur when the müllerian ducts develop abnormally. Different types of müllerian anomalies have different pregnancy outcomes. Breech presentation is a common occurrence in pregnant women with uterus didelphys, and caesarean section is the traditional mode of delivery under such circumstances. Here, we present the case of a 29-year-old woman (gravida 2, para 1) with her fetus in a frank breech presentation. The patient had a known history of uterus didelphys and previous vaginal delivery. She elected to undergo external cephalic version (ECV) at 37 weeks with a trial of labour at 39 weeks as opposed to planned cesarean delivery. The version was successful, and the fetus was subsequently delivered vaginally without complications. This case demonstrates ECV as a possible option in women with uterus didelphys, provided the risks of the procedure are carefully weighed and individualised to each patient.
Neuroendocrine tumour of urinary bladder: a rare case of aggressively behaving primary well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumour with review of literature
Authors: Dadhwal Rohit , Jain Siddharth , Seth Amlesh , Bal Chandra Shekhar
Published: November 2019

Neuroendocrine tumour (NET) of the urinary bladder (UB) is a rare entity and comprises of well-differentiated, small cell and large cell types. Small and large cell NET like that in lung and gastrointestinal tract have an aggressive nature and are considered high-grade disease. Well-differentiated NET has been thought to be localised and having a good prognosis. We report the first case of metastatic well-differentiated NET of the UB. Our case is a 44-year-old man with well-differentiated NET of UB presented with hepatic and peritoneal metastases on initial diagnosis. He was treated with metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) therapy and had a modest survival of 16 months. The primary well-differentiated NETs can present as a metastatic disease with an aggressive nature. MIBG therapy can be considered as a useful option but overall prognosis is poor. Further research is needed for better understanding and better treatment protocol.
Acute oxalate nephropathy due to high vitamin C doses and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Authors: Fijen Lauré , Weijmer Marcel
Published: November 2019

Oxalate kidney injury can manifest as oxalate nephropathy or nephrolithiasis and present as acute kidney injury or even as end-stage renal disease. There are several known causes for acute oxalate nephropathy; however, the combination of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency with overconsumption of vitamin C has not been described before. In this case, a man in his early 80s presented with anorexia and extreme fatigue for 1 week. He had a history of myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, for which he took several supplements, including high doses of vitamin C. Furthermore, several years ago, he was diagnosed elsewhere with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. On admission, acute kidney injury was diagnosed. The kidney biopsy showed oxalate nephropathy as the cause. We diagnosed acute oxalate nephropathy due to high vitamin C doses and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Within 14 days, his kidney function got worse and he required renal replacement therapy.
Platelet rich plasma injection for acute Achilles tendon rupture: PATH-2 randomised, placebo controlled, superiority trial
Authors: Keene David J , Alsousou Joseph , Harrison Paul , Hulley Philippa , Wagland Susan , Parsons Scott R , Thompson Jacqueline Y , O’Connor Heather M , Schlüssel Michael Maia , Dutton Susan J , Lamb Sarah E , Willett Keith
Published: November 2019

Objective

To determine whether an injection of platelet rich plasma improves outcomes after acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Design

Randomised, placebo controlled, two arm, parallel group, participant and assessor masked, superiority trial.

Setting

Secondary care trauma units across 19 hospitals in the United Kingdom’s health service.

Participants

Recruitment commenced in July 2015 and follow-up was completed in March 2018. 230 adults aged 18 years and over were included, with acute Achilles tendon rupture presenting within 12 days of injury and managed with non-surgical treatment. Exclusions were injury at the insertion or musculotendinous junction, major leg injury or deformity, diabetes mellitus, platelet or haematological disorder, systemic corticosteroids, anticoagulation treatment, and other contraindicating conditions.

Interventions

Participants were randomised 1:1 to platelet rich plasma (n=114) or placebo (dry needle; n=116) injection. All participants received standard rehabilitation care (ankle immobilisation followed by physiotherapy).

Main outcomes and measures

Primary outcome was muscle tendon function at 24 weeks, measured objectively with the limb symmetry index (injured/uninjured×100) in maximal work done during the heel rise endurance test (an instrumented measure of repeated single leg heel rises until fatigue). Secondary outcomes included patient reported function (Achilles tendon rupture score), quality of life (short form 12 version 2®), pain (visual analogue scale), goal attainment (patient specific functional scale), and adverse events. A central laboratory analysed the quality and content of platelet rich plasma. Analyses were by modified intention to treat.

Results

Participants were 46 years old on average, and 57 (25%) of 230 were female. At 24 weeks, 202 (88%) participants completed the heel rise endurance test and 216 (94%) the patient reported outcomes. The platelet rich plasma was of good quality, with expected growth factor content. No difference was detected in muscle tendon function between participants receiving platelet rich plasma injections and those receiving placebo injections (limb symmetry index, mean 34.7% (standard deviation 17.7%)
v
38.5% (22.8%); adjusted mean difference −3.9% (95% confidence interval −10.5% to 2.7%)) or in any secondary outcomes or adverse event rates. Complier average causal effect analyses gave similar findings.

Conclusions

There is no evidence to indicate that injections of platelet rich plasma can improve objective muscle tendon function, patient reported function, or quality of life after acute Achilles tendon rupture compared with placebo, or that they offer any patient benefit.

Trial registration

ISRCTN54992179.
Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and their association with multimorbidity and demographic factors: a community-based, cross-sectional survey in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Farooq Salima , Khan Tahir , Zaheer Sidra , Shafique Kashif
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and their association with multimorbidity and the demographic characteristics of adults aged 30 years and above in Karachi, Pakistan.

Design

Observational cross-sectional study.

Study setting and participants

The study was carried out among a general population aged 30 years and above residing in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal town of Karachi, Pakistan. The study participants were recruited using the systematic random sampling approach based on the inclusion criteria. The data collected from 2867 participants were analysed.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome of the study was the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, measured with the Aga Khan University Anxiety Depression Scale. The secondary outcome was the association of anxiety and depressive symptoms with multimorbidity as well as with the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, using binary logistic regression.

Results

Out of 2867 individuals, 27.4% reported having anxiety and depressive symptoms. The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that the presence of multimorbidity (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.33, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.58), female gender (AOR=2.40, 95% CI 2.01 to 2.87), illiteracy (AOR=1.51, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.07), more children (AOR=0.74, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.93) and visiting a faith healer (AOR=2.29, 95% CI 1.82 to 2.88) were the significant factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

This study revealed a moderately high prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among adults aged 30 years and above in Karachi, Pakistan. The key variables associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms were multimorbidity, female gender, lower level of education, more children and visiting faith healers.
Towards Prepared mums (TOP-mums) for a healthy start, a lifestyle intervention for women with overweight and a child wish: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial in the Netherlands
Authors: Timmermans Yvon E G , van de Kant Kim D G , Reijnders Dorien , Kleijkers Lina M P , Dompeling Edward , Kramer Boris W , Zimmermann Luc J I , Steegers-Theunissen Régine P M , Spaanderman Marc E A , Vreugdenhil Anita C E
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Periconception obesity is associated with a higher risk for adverse perinatal outcomes such as gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, large for gestational age, operative delivery and preterm birth. Lifestyle interventions during pregnancy have resulted in insufficient effects on reducing these perinatal complications. A few reasons for this disappointing effect can be suggested: (1) the time period during pregnancy for improvement of developmental circumstances is too short; (2) the periconception period in which complications originate is not included; and (3) lifestyle interventions may not have been sufficiently multidisciplinary and customised. A preconception lifestyle intervention might be more effective to reduce perinatal complications. Therefore, the aim of the Towards Prepared mums study is to evaluate the effect of a lifestyle intervention starting prior to conception on lifestyle behaviour change.

Methods and analysis

This protocol outlines a non-blinded, randomised controlled trial. One hundred and twelve women (18–40 years of age) with overweight or obesity (body mass index≥25.0 kg/m2) who plan to conceive within 1 year will be randomised to either the intervention or care as usual group. The intervention group will receive a multidisciplinary, customised lifestyle intervention stimulating physical activity, a healthy diet and smoking cessation, if applicable. The lifestyle intervention and monitoring will take place until 12 months postpartum. The primary outcome is difference in weight in kg from baseline to 6 weeks postpartum. Secondary outcomes are gestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention, smoking cessation, dietary and physical activity habits. Furthermore, exploratory outcomes include body composition, cardiometabolic alterations, time to pregnancy, need for assisted reproductive technologies, perinatal complications of mother and child, and lung function of the child. Vaginal and oral swabs, samples of faeces, breast milk, placenta and cord blood will be stored for evaluation of microbial flora, epigenetic markers and breast milk composition. Furthermore, a cost-effectiveness analysis will take place.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Medical Ethical Committee of Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (NL52452.068.15/METC152026). Knowledge derived from this study will be made available by publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and will be presented at (inter)national scientific conferences. A dissemination plan for regional and national implementation of the intervention is developed.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.govNCT02703753.
Recruiting hard to reach populations to studies: breaking the silence: an example from a study that recruited people with dementia
Authors: Field Becky , Mountain Gail , Burgess Jane , Di Bona Laura , Kelleher Daniel , Mundy Jacqueline , Wenborn Jennifer
Published: November 2019

Objective

To share the challenges of recruiting people with dementia to studies, using experiences from one recently completed trial as an exemplar.

Background

Research publications always cite participant numbers but the effort expended to achieve the sample size is rarely reported, even when the study involved recruiting a hard to reach population. A multisite study of a psychosocial intervention for people with dementia illustrates the challenges. This study recruited 468 ‘dyads’ (a person with dementia and a family carer together) from 15 sites but the time taken to achieve this was longer than originally estimated. This led to a study extension and the need for additional sites. Recruitment data revealed that certain sites were more successful than others, but why? Can the knowledge gained be used to inform other studies?

Methods

Secondary analysis of routinely collected recruitment data from three purposefully selected sites was examined to understand the strategies used and identify successful approaches.

Findings

At all three sites, the pool of potential recruits funnelled to a few participants. It took two sites 18 months longer than the third to achieve recruitment numbers despite additional efforts. Explanations given by potential participants for declining to take part included ill health, reporting they were ‘managing’, time constraints, adjusting to a diagnosis of dementia and burden of study procedures.

Conclusions

Successful recruitment of people with dementia to studies, as one example of a hard to reach group, requires multiple strategies and close working between researchers and clinical services. It requires a detailed understanding of the needs and perspectives of the specific population and knowledge about how individuals can be supported to participate in research. Experiences of recruitment should be disseminated so that knowledge generated can be used to inform the planning and implementation of future research studies.
Evaluating sexual health in sex workers and men who have sex with men: the SMESH cross-sectional protocol study
Authors: Wendland Eliana Marcia , Bessel Marina , Comerlato Juliana , Horvath Jaqueline Driemeyer Correia , Falcetta Frederico , Mendes Pereira Gerson Fernando , de Souza Flávia Moreno Alves , Domingues Carla , Maranhão Ana Goretti Kalume , Kops Natalia Luiza
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, and vaginal and anal sex are the most common transmission routes. Sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM) are more exposed to the virus, and therefore, a higher frequency of this infection would be expected. The prevalence of HPV infection types and the forms and factors of transmission must be investigated to control infection-related outcomes. This protocol study will be the first nationwide study with a uniform methodology to evaluate HPV prevalence of and infection types among sex workers and MSM in Brazil.

Methods and analysis

This multicentre cross-sectional study will be conducted with a respondent-driven sampling method to recruit 1174 sex workers and 1198 MSM from all regions of Brazil. The study will consist of preliminary interviews to verify the eligibility criteria and characterise the network size as well as a second questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic, behavioural and sexual information. Specimens from the oral cavity and anal and cervical or penile/scrotal sites will be collected. All HPV samples will be processed in a certified central laboratory. Other sexually transmitted infections will be evaluated by interview and by rapid testing for HIV and syphilis. Strict quality control will be conducted using different procedures, including the training and certification of the health professionals responsible for acquiring data and monitoring visits.

Ethics and dissemination

The project was approved by the research ethics committee of the main institution and the corresponding ethics committees of the recruitment sites. Due to the literature gap on the sexual health of sex workers and MSM and the intense stigma surrounding these populations, a critical analysis of the study results will contribute to epidemiological knowledge and will be useful for the development of strategies against virus morbidities.
Use of touch screen tablets to support social connections and reduce responsive behaviours among people with dementia in care settings: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Hung Lillian , Berndt Annette , Wallsworth Christine , Horne Neil , Gregorio Mario , Mann Jim , Son Cathy , Camps Ainsley , Chow Bryan , O'Neill Ryan , Chaudhury Habib
Published: November 2019

Introduction

The disabilities associated with dementia make the adjustment to staying in a care setting stressful. Separation from family can exacerbate the effects of stress. The use of touch screen tablets such as an iPad may offer potential to support the person with dementia staying in a care setting. Although electronic devices are used among people with dementia for a variety of purposes, a comprehensive review of studies focusing on their impact in care settings for social connection and patient/resident behaviour is lacking. This scoping review will focus on the use of touch screen tablets to support social connections and reducing responsive behaviours of people with dementia while in a care setting, such as a hospital ward.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will follow Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology. The review team consists of two patient partners and three family partners, a nurse researcher, a research assistant and an academic professor. All authors including patient and family partners were involved in preparing this scoping review protocol. In the scoping review, we will search the following databases: MEDLINE, AgeLine, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO and IEEE. Google and Google Scholar will be used to search for additional literature. A hand search will be conducted using the reference lists of included studies to identify additional relevant articles. Included studies must report on the impact of using a touch screen technology intervention that involves older adults with dementia in care settings, published in English since 2009.

Ethics and dissemination

This review study does not require ethics approval. By examining the current state of using touch screen tablets to support older people with dementia in care settings, this scoping review can offer useful insight into users’ needs (eg, patients’ and care providers’ needs) and inform future research and practice. We will share the scoping review results through conference presentations and an open access publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Impact of economic recessions on healthcare workers and their crises’ responses: study protocol for a systematic review of the qualitative and quantitative evidence for the development of an evidence-based conceptual framework
Authors: Jesus Tiago Silva , Kondilis Elias , Filippon Jonathan , Russo Giuliano
Published: November 2019

Introduction

During economic recessions, health professionals face reduced income and labour opportunities, hard conditions often exacerbated by governments’ policy responses to crises. Growing evidence points to non-negligible effects on national health workforces and health systems—decrease in motivation, burnout, migration—arising from the combination of crisis-related factors. However, no theoretical conceptualisation currently exists framing the impacts recessions have on human resources for health (HRH), or on their reactions.

Methods and analysis

This paper lays out a protocol for a systematic review of the existing qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method evidence on the economic recessions and HRH; results from the review will be used to develop a conceptual framework linking existing theories on recessions, austerity measures, health systems and population health, with a view of informing future health policies. Eight relevant databases within the health, health systems, multidisciplinary and economic literature will be searched, complemented by secondary searches and experts’ input. Eligible studies will present primary quantitative or qualitative evidence on HRH impacts, or original secondary analyses. We will cover the 1970–2019 period—the modern age of global economic recessions—and full texts in English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese or Greek. Two reviewers will independently assess, perform data extraction and conduct quality appraisal of the texts identified. A ‘best-fit’ framework synthesis will be applied to summarise the findings, using an a priori, theoretically driven framework. That preliminary framework was built by the research team to inform the searches, and will be appraised by external experts.

Ethics and dissemination

In addition to peer-reviewed publications, the new framework will be presented in global health systems research conferences and inform regional policy dialogue workshops in Latin America on economic recessions and health systems.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019134165.
Which urban land covers/uses are associated with residents’ mortality? A cross-sectional, ecological, pan-European study of 233 cities
Authors: Olsen Jonathan R , Nicholls Natalie , Moon Graham , Pearce Jamie , Shortt Niamh , Mitchell Richard
Published: November 2019

​Objectives

The study aim was to determine whether the range and distribution of all, and proportions of specific, land covers/uses within European cities are associated with city-specific mortality rates.

​Setting

233 European cities within 24 countries.

​Participants

Aggregated city-level all-cause and age-group standardised mortality ratio for males and females separately and Western or Eastern European Region.

​Results

The proportion of specific land covers/uses within a city was related to mortality, displaying differences by macroregion and sex. The land covers/uses associated with lower standardised mortality ratio (SMR) for both Western and Eastern European cities were those characterised by ‘natural’ green space, such as forests and semi-natural areas (Western Female coefficient: −18.3, 95% CI −29.8 to −6.9). Dense housing was related to a higher SMR, most prominently in Western European cities (Western Female coefficient: 17.4, 95% CI 9.6 to 25.2).

​Conclusions

There is pressure to build on urban natural spaces, both for economic gain and because compact cities are regarded as more sustainable, yet here we offer evidence that doing so may detract from residents’ health. Our study suggests that urban planners and developers need to regard retaining more wild and unstructured green space as important for healthy city systems.
Effect of workflow metrics on clinical outcomes of low diffusion-weighted imaging Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (DWI-ASPECTS) patients subjected to mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Panni Pietro , Michelozzi Caterina , Richard Sébastien , Marnat Gaultier , Blanc Raphaël , Consoli Arturo , Mazighi Mikael , Piotin Michel , Dargazanli Cyril , Arquizane Caroline , Sibon Igor , Anxionnat René , Hossu Gabriela , Bourcier Romain , Anadani Mohammad , Lapergue Bertrand , Gory Benjamin
Published: November 2019

Background

Although accumulating evidence has demonstrated the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS), it is still unclear how workflow metrics impact the clinical outcomes of this subgroup of patients.

Methods

Patients with acute stroke and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) ASPECTS ≤5 at baseline, who underwent MT within 6 hours of symptoms onset, were included from a prospectively maintained national multicentric registry between January 1, 2012 to August 31, 2017. The degree of disability was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. The primary outcome was functional independence defined as mRS 0 to 2 at 90 days.

Results

The study included 291 patients with baseline DWI-ASPECTS ≤5. Good outcome was achieved in 82 (28.2%) patients, and 104 (35.7%) patients died within 90 days. Successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b-3) rate was 75.3%, and median onset to recanalization (OTR) time was 2 268min. Among time-related variables, OTR emerged as the strongest predictor of primary outcome (adjusted OR for every 60 min 0.59, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.77; p<0.001). mTICI 2c-3 independently predicted a good outcome (adjusted OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.004 to 3.6; p=0.049) along with age and baseline DWI-ASPECTS. Recanalization status failed to significantly impact outcome in the DWI-ASPECTS 0–3 subpopulation.

Conclusions

Near complete reperfusion (mTICI 2c-3) and OTR are the strongest modifiable outcome predictors in patients with DWI-ASPECTS≤5 treated with MT.
Experimental demonstration of catch hyperstability from habitat aggregation, not effort sorting, in a recreational fishery
Authors: Dassow Colin J. , Ross Alexander J. , Jensen Olaf P. , Sass Greg G. , van Poorten Brett T. , Solomon Christopher T. , Jones Stuart E.
Published: November 2019

The relationship between angler catch rates and fish abundance can contribute to or hinder sustainable exploitation of fisheries depending on whether catch rates are proportional to fish abundance or are hyperstable. We performed a whole-ecosystem experiment in which fish abundance was manipulated and paired with weekly angler catch rate estimates from controlled experimental fishing. Catch rates were hyperstable (β = 0.47) in response to changes in fish abundance. By excluding effort sorting (i.e., catch rates remaining high because less skilled anglers leave the fishery as abundance declines), our experiment isolated the influence of fish aggregation as a driver of hyperstability. Spatial analysis of catch locations did not identify clustering around specific points, suggesting that loose aggregation to preferred habitat at the scale of the entire littoral zone was enough to maintain stable catch rates. In our study, general, non-spawning, habitat preferences created loose aggregations for anglers to target, which was sufficient to generate hyperstability. Habitat preferences are common to nearly all fishes and widely known to anglers, suggesting that many harvest-oriented recreational fisheries can be expected to exhibit hyperstability.
Allyl isothiocyanate upregulates MRP1 expression through Notch1 signaling in human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Li Ni-ni , Guo Yan , Jiang Cheng-jun , Zhou Yuan-yuan , Li Chen-hui , Li Ze-geng , Wang Dian-lei
Published: November 2019

Multidrug resistance associated protein-1 (MRP1) and Notch signaling are closely related and both play a critical role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) establishment and progression. The aim of our work was to test whether Notch1 is involved in allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) induced MRP1 expression. We used cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to simulate the smoking microenvironment in vitro. The results demonstrated that CSE led to apoptosis as well as reduced the expression of Notch1, Hes1, and MRP1, while AITC significantly reversed this downregulation. Transfected with Notch1 siRNA downregulated MRP1 expression and activity, aggravated the suppression effect by CSE, and abolished the AITC-induced Notch1, Hes1, and MRP1 expression. Validation of the correlation between Notch1 and MRP1 was implemented by gel-shift assays (electrophoretic mobility shift assay). The result revealed an interaction between a specific promoter region of MRP1 and the intracellular domain of Notch1. In conclusion, Notch1 signaling positively regulated MRP1 in 16HBE cells and AITC induced MRP1 expression and function may be attributed to Notch1 signaling. These findings show that Notch1 and MRP1 might have a potential protective effect in the COPD process and become a new therapeutic target for COPD or other lung diseases. It also provides a theoretical basis for the therapeutic effects of AITC.
Casimir wormholes
Authors: Garattini Remo
Published: November 2019

Casimir energy is always indicated as a potential source to generate a traversable wormhole. It is also used to prove the existence of negative energy which can be built in the laboratory. However, in the scientific literature there is no trace of the consequences on the traversable wormhole itself. In this work, we would like to consider such a source to see if and which kind of traversable wormhole can be produced. In a further analysis, we examine also the consequences of quantum weak energy conditions on the traversability of the wormhole. We find agreement with the original Casimir traversable wormhole. Nevertheless, despite the traversability result, one finds once again that the traversability is only in principle but not in practice.
Thermodynamic studies of 5D Myers–Perry black holes: General uncertainty principle approach
Authors: Haldar Amritendu , Biswas Ritabrata
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we consider the five-dimensional Myers–Perry black hole solution to study the thermodynamic properties and compare this with the thermodynamic behaviors of generalized uncertainty principle (GUP)-induced Myers–Perry solution. We study the existence of remnant quantities. Stability criteria are studied by observing the natures of temperature growth and sign changes in specific heat. We try to locate phase transitions. Moreover, we study the corresponding physical range for the GUP parameter and try to justify the value with the data predicted by different observations.
New Hardware Static and Reconfigurable Architectures for Video Watermarking System
Authors: Dalbouchi Roukaya , Dhahri Salah , Elhajji Majdi , Zitouni Abdelkrim
Published: November 2019

The watermarking technique is an active subject in current research used as a solution for copyright protection in multimedia documents. In this paper, we propose the first hardware invisible robust video watermarking application based on motion estimation. Since the designers of this application face many challenges, two types of architecture are performed: static and dynamic/partial reconfigurable architecture. The proposed architecture is adapted to HEVC encoded video. Two protection techniques are linked up: the digital watermarking to insert a watermark in the video, and the scrambling technique for overall video protection. The watermark embedding is treated in the horizontal and vertical components of even motion vectors. Eventually, the entire vectors are scrambled. The used watermark is a binary sequence where only one bit is inserted into the horizontal and the vertical components of motion vectors. The recommended architecture applies for slow and fast video sequence, where we use a motion estimator reconfigured according to the macro-block video movement. We also utilize a pipeline structure and a clock gating module to increase computing power and reduce power consumption. Experimental results show that the suggested static and dynamic/partial reconfigurable architecture guarantees material efficiency and superior performance in terms of frequency and power consumption.
Mathematical modeling and analysis of meningococcal meningitis transmission dynamics
Authors: Musa Salihu Sabiu , Zhao Shi , Hussaini Nafiu , Habib Abdulrazaq Garba , He Daihai
Published: November 2019

Meningococcal meningitis (MCM) is one of the serious public health threats in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. In this paper, we propose an epidemic model to study the transmission dynamics of MCM with high- and low-risk susceptible populations. The model considers two different groups of susceptible individuals depending on the availability of medical resources (MR, including hospitals, health workers, etc.), which varies the infection risk. We find that the model exhibits the phenomenon of backward bifurcation (BB), which increases the difficulty of MCM control since the dynamics are not merely relying on the basic reproduction number, [Formula: see text]. This study explores the effects of MR on the MCM epidemics by mathematical analysis and shows the existence of BB on MCM disease. Our findings suggest that providing adequate MR in a community is crucial in mitigating MCM incidences and deaths, especially, in the MCM endemic regions.
Alternative Refrigerants for Solar Absorption Air-Conditioning
Authors: Chekir Nihel , Snoussi Ali , Brahim Ammar Ben
Published: November 2019

Three hydrocarbons are considered as refrigerants for solar absorption air-conditioner. The cooling plant is composed essentially of the absorption chiller and the solar system is simulated with three working pairs: propane/octane, butane/octane and iso-butane/octane. Results are compared to those of ammonia/water mixture at the same fixed operating conditions and assumptions. The main advantages of the investigated refrigerants are their similar cooling effect compared to ammonia with a coefficient of performance reaching 0.63 and their relatively low working pressures. Nevertheless, the circulation ratio for hydrocarbon mixture is higher compared to ammonia. Propane/octane working mixture seems to be suitable for solar absorption air-conditioners with some particular precautions. The heat required to drive the absorption system is provided by evacuated tubes solar collectors of 90[Formula: see text]m2, a value in agreement with commercialized solar absorption air-conditioner operating with ammonia.
A Beautiful Life: High Risk–High Payoff in Genetic Science
Authors: O'Brien Stephen J.
Published: November 2019

This narrative is a personal view of adventures in genetic science and society that have blessed my life and career across five decades. The advances I enjoyed and the lessons I learned derive from educational training, substantial collaboration, and growing up in the genomics age. I parse the stories into six research disciplines my students, fellows, and colleagues have entered and, in some cases, made an important difference. The first is comparative genetics, where evolutionary inference is applied to genome organization, from building gene maps in the 1970s to building whole genome sequences today. The second area tracks the progression of molecular evolutionary advances and applications to resolve the hierarchical relationship among living species in the silence of prehistory. The third endeavor outlines the birth and maturation of genetic studies and application to species conservation. The fourth theme discusses how emerging viruses studied in a genomic sense opened our eyes to host–pathogen interaction and interdependence. The fifth research emphasis outlines the population genetic–based search and discovery of human restriction genes that influence the epidemiological outcome of abrupt outbreaks, notably HIV–AIDS and several cancers. Finally, the last arena explored illustrates how genetic individualization in human and animals has improved forensic evidence in capital crimes. Each discipline has intuitive and technological overlaps, and each has benefitted from the contribution of genetic and genomic principles I learned so long ago from Drosophila. The journey continues.