bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of Monitoring Surveys of the Quarantine Bacterium Xylella Fastidiosa Performed in Containment and Buffer Areas of Apulia, Southern Italy
Authors: Scortichini Marco , Cesari Gianluigi
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Xylella fastidiosa is a quarantine phytopathogen for the European Plant Protection Organization and currently infects olive trees in the Apulia region (southern Italy). Upon the Implementing Decision of the European Union 2016/764 of May 12, 2016, extensive monitoring surveys were performed on approximately 190 000 ha to ascertain the possible occurrence of X. fastidiosa.

Objectives:

The primary objectives of the analysis were to start to collect epidemiological data on X. fastidiosa occurrence in areas far from the initial outbreaks and discuss the results of the pathogen detection.

Methods:

A total of 220 279 olive trees were inspected. Basic information on farm and trees management was obtained. A total of 13 706 olive trees were analyzed through serological and molecular techniques to verify the possible occurrence of the bacterium.

Results:

The cultivars “Nociara,” “Cima di Melfi,” and “Cellina di Nardò” showed the highest occurrence of decline symptoms. Tree age appears to be related to the incidence of decline symptoms. Olive trees growing in well-managed soils showed fewer symptoms than trees cultivated in farms where such agronomic techniques are not regularly performed. X. fastidiosa was detected in 2078 samples taken from symptomatic trees and 1653 samples obtained from asymptomatic trees. In 3300 samples taken from symptomatic trees, the bacterium was not detected.

Conclusions:

Implementation and utilization of reliable in situ detection techniques could increase the number of sampled trees in each plot, thus allowing a more extensive and robust assessment of X. fastidiosa–infected plants in areas where the pathogen inoculums are still low.
The quasars’ redshift estimation method based on piecewise Gaussian fitting
Authors: Su Yanrui , Zhang Li , Jiang Bin , Liu Jiaqi , Yan Fabao
Published: May 2019

To solve the problem that high-redshift and broad emission lines weaken the quasar discovery and observation severely, a new redshift calculation method based on piecewise Gaussian fitting is proposed. The denoised and normalized spectrum is divided into two regions, peak and non-peak, by mean square error threshold segmentation first. Then, the non-peak region spectrum is applied to fit the continuous spectrum, removal of which gains access to the residual spectrum. And, the peak of each segment in the residual spectrum is precisely fitted by single-peak Gaussian fitting to replace the original multi-peak Gaussian fitting. Finally, through matching the accurate peak value with the stationary template, the redshift value is acquired. Compared with traditional methods, the method proposed improves the precision of continuous spectrum fitting and redshift calculation. The effectiveness and accuracy of this method have been verified by experiments based on the Sloan Digital Sky Survey data.
Residential programmes for mothers and children in prison: Key themes and concepts
Authors: Walker Jane R , Baldry Eileen , Sullivan Elizabeth A
Published: May 2019

Like the United Kingdom and New Zealand, all eight Australian jurisdictions have legal provisions for the full-time accommodation of young children with their mothers in prison. Whether and how these laws are enacted varies, and there are no national or international norms. This article integrates a review of policies, principles and operating models with findings from a qualitative study, to describe the current landscape in residential programmes for mothers and children in Australian prisons. It demonstrates how current ideologies limit the system’s ability to meet the needs of imprisoned mothers, their children and prison staff. Three issues emerge as problematic: the separation of the rights and interests of mothers and children; over-reliance on attachment theory as both rationale and evidence base; and the individualization of responsibility and risk. The study is of international relevance because these themes and concepts are recognizable elsewhere, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand and some European countries.
Dementia Friendly Hospital Design: Key Issues for Patients and Accompanying Persons in an Irish Acute Care Public Hospital
Authors: Xidous Dimitra , Grey Tom , Kennelly S. P. , McHale Cathy , O’Neill Desmond
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

Research was conducted to investigate the impact of the hospital environment on older people including patients with dementia and their accompanying persons (APs). The article presents key research findings in the case study hospital.

Background:

For many patients, the hospital is challenging due to the busy, unfamiliar, and stressful nature of the environment. For a person with dementia, the hospital experience can be exacerbated by cognitive impairment and behavioral or psychological symptoms and can therefore prove to be a frightening, distressing, and disorientating place.

Method:

The findings are based on a stakeholder engagement process where the research team spent approximately 150 hr observing within the hospital, administered 95 questionnaires to patients and/or APs, and conducted 12 structured interviews with patients and APs. A thematic analysis was employed to analyze and generate key themes emerging from the process.

Results:

Themes were grouped into overarching issues and design issues across spatial scales.

Conclusion:

This research confirms the negative impact of the acute hospital setting on older people with cognitive impairments including dementia and delirium. The multiple perspectives captured in this study, including most importantly people with dementia, ensure that stakeholder needs can be used to inform the design of the hospital environment. The research points to the value of understanding the lived experience of the person with dementia and APs. The voices of patients, particularly persons with dementia and their APs, are a crucial element in helping hospitals to fulfill their role as caregiving and healing facilities.
Bridging Theory and Practice
Authors: Yeoman Ian , Curry Andrew
Published: May 2019

The relationship between theory and practice has been an area of investigation since Aristotle. In the young domain of futures, methods dominate the literature and practice is over-represented. Nonetheless, futures theories and frameworks with an epistemological base do exist. This special edition of World Futures Review invited practitioners and academics to explore ways in which futurists could build a stronger bridge between theory and practice.
Linguistically guided community discovery
Authors: Gawron Jean M , Dodge Alex , Tsou Ming-Hsiang , Spitzberg Brian , An Li
Published: May 2019

Within some online communities, discussion often centers on issues on which writers take sides, and within some subset of those debate-prone communities, we find over time that particular sets of writers almost always end up on the same side of an issue. These sets we call factions. In this paper, we describe a tool to perform what we call faction discovery on online communities. Generalizing methods developed in the bibliometrics and information retrieval literature, we define a network determined by similarities of content in a community of users and add in direct evidence of online ties between users (e.g., link information such as mention-links). We then perform community detection on the network to find factions. Using a set of data collected from science and fantasy blogs, we show that the discovered factions accurately reflect an active conflict in the community leading to significant, politically related social fracture.
Challenges of Caring for Functionally Single Ventricle Patients in Africa
Authors: Edwin Frank , Elgamal Mohamed-Adel , Dorra Abid , Reddy Darshan , Entsua-Mensah Kow , Adzamli Innocent , Yao Nana-Akyaa , Tettey Mark , Tamatey Martin , Vosloo Susan , Kinsley Rob
Published: May 2019

Surgical palliation has remarkably improved survival of functionally single ventricle (FSV) patients born in developed nations but such outcomes have not occurred in Africa. The poor care coverage for FSV patients in Africa exists within the larger sphere of deficient health care for children born with congenital heart defects (CHDs) in Africa generally. This review takes the position that to improve health-care coverage for CHD patients on the continent, political priority is paramount. This can be attained with cohesive leadership for the CHD agenda, a guiding institution, and the mobilization of civil society to drive advocacy at national and international levels.
Does RAMP Matter? Comparing Elementary Student Grades and Absences in One District
Authors: Milsom Amy , Morey Melissa
Published: May 2019

This study examined the impact of Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program (RAMP) status on student grades and absences in four elementary schools in the same district. Hierarchical multiple linear regression results revealed that RAMP status positively predicted absences and negatively predicted course grades in a sample of 2,066 students, after controlling for demographic factors. Recommendations for research and practice focus on accountability and methodological considerations.
The Role of Resources and Flow at Work in Well-Being
Authors: Zito Margherita , Cortese Claudio G. , Colombo Lara
Published: May 2019

This study examined flow at work, an optimal experience for individuals and organizations generating motivation and well-being. Relationships between job resources, flow at work, and personal resources were investigated, and their association with positive/negative emotions at work was also investigated. In all, 520 Italian nurses completed a questionnaire which measured supervisors’ support, job autonomy (job resources), job competencies, self-efficacy at work (personal resources), flow at work, and positive and negative emotions at work. Data analysis performed using a structural equations model showed that job resources were positively associated with flow at work, which was positively associated with personal resources. Moreover, job resources were positively associated with personal resources through flow at work, and job resources and flow at work were positively associated with positive emotions. The relationship between these variables and well-being/discomfort highlights the importance of promoting flow at work, supporting job resources that nurture positive experiences at work.
Multimodal imaging of type 1 aneurysmal telangiectasia in a Turkish female with giant arteriovenous aneurysmal malformation
Authors: Sakir Goker Yasin , Teke Mehmet Yasin , Cakar Ozdal Pinar , Demir Abdulvahit
Published: May 2019

We present a case with giant arteriovenous aneurysmal malformation with different imaging modalities, including fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography. A 43-year-old Turkish female presented with gradual blurred vision in her left eye. Her best-corrected visual acuity was 20/200. The fundoscopic examination revealed hard exudates and microaneurysms around the macula. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed cystoid macular edema and serous macular detachment. Fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography angiography showed bean-like arteriovenous anastomosis between the inferior venous vascular arcade and the superior arterial vascular arcade. An en face angiogram using optical coherence tomography angiography within the deep capillary plexus also showed venous collateral channels across the horizontal raphe. The patient was diagnosed with arteriovenous aneurysmal malformation in association with type 1 aneurysmal telangiectasia. Ophthalmologists should note that giant aneurysmal lesions can occur in type 1 aneurysmal telangiectasia patients.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Long non-coding RNA AGAP2-AS1, functioning as a competitive endogenous RNA, upregulates ANXA11 expression by sponging miR-16-5p and promotes proliferation and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zhikui , Wang Yufeng , Wang Liang , Yao Bowen , Sun Liankang , Liu Runkun , Chen Tianxiang , Niu Yongshen , Tu Kangsheng , Liu Qingguang
Published: May 2019

Background

Accumulating evidence has highlighted the potential role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the biological behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we elucidated the function and possible molecular mechanisms of the effect of lncRNA-AGAP2-AS1 on the biological behaviors of HCC.

Methods

EdU, Transwell and flow cytometry were used to determine proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro. The subcutaneous tumor model and lung metastasis mouse model in nude mice was established to detect tumor growth and metastasis of HCC in vivo. The direct binding of miR-16-5p to 3’UTR of ANXA11 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. The expression of AGAP2-AS1 and miR-16-5p in HCC specimens and cell lines were detected by real-time PCR. The correlation among AGAP2-AS1 and miR-16-5p were disclosed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay and biotin pull-down assay.

Results

Here, we demonstrated that AGAP2-AS1 expression was up-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, especially in metastatic and recurrent cases. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments indicated that AGAP2-AS1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT progression and inhibited apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Further studies demonstrated that AGAP2-AS1 could function as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-16-5p in HCC cells. Functionally, gain- and loss-of-function studies showed that miR-16-5p promoted HCC progression and alteration of miR-16-5p abolished the promotive effects of AGAP2-AS1 on HCC cells. Moreover, ANXA11 was identified as direct downstream targets of miR-16-5p in HCC cells, and mediated the functional effects of miR-16-5p and AGAP2-AS1 in HCC, resulting in AKT signaling activation. Clinically, AGAP2-AS1 and miR-16-5p expression were markedly correlated with adverse clinical features and poor prognosis of HCC patients. We showed that hypoxia was responsible for the overexpression of AGAP2-AS1 in HCC. And the promoting effects of hypoxia on metastasis and EMT of HCC cells were reversed by AGAP2-AS1 knockdown.

Conclusions

Taken together, this research supports the first evidence that AGAP2-AS1 plays an oncogenic role in HCC via AGAP2-AS1/miR-16-5p/ANXA11/AKT axis pathway and represents a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC patients.
Implementation of motivational interviewing in a fall prevention exercise program: experiences from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Arkkukangas Marina , Hultgren Staffan
Published: May 2019

Objective

The elderly population over 65 is increasing globally, and interventions promoting health and preventive work, especially fall prevention, will constitute a large part of physiotherapists’ duties in the near future. To address the challenges of promoting effective and sustainable health behavior changes among older persons, physiotherapists need support when it comes to how to apply behavior change strategies, especially in fall prevention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe implementation of motivational interviewing in a fall prevention exercise program. This study is a side product of another project.

Results

Data from a recently performed three-armed randomized controlled trial were used to describe the implementation of motivational interviewing in the exercise group (n = 58). Level of motivation (priorities) and self-efficacy for both the physiotherapist and the participant in treatment, and to use a guide targeted towards the planned treatment are recommended actions. Regular meetings and follow ups as well as updates of motivational interviewing skills during a treatment period, should also be considered to achieve treatment fidelity.

Trial registration NCT01778972, Retrospectively registered January 29, 2013
Rock-physics modeling of ultrasonic P- and S-wave attenuation in partially frozen brine and unconsolidated sand systems and comparison with laboratory measurements
Authors: Zhan Linsen , Matsushima Jun
Published: May 2019

The nonintuitive observation of the simultaneous high velocity and high attenuation of ultrasonic waves near the freezing point of brine was previously measured in partially frozen systems. However, previous studies could not fully elucidate the attenuation variation of ultrasonic wave propagation in a partially frozen system. We have investigated the potential attenuation mechanisms responsible for previously obtained laboratory results by modeling ultrasonic wave transmission in two different partially frozen systems: partially frozen brine (two phases composed of ice and unfrozen brine) and unconsolidated sand (three phases composed of ice, unfrozen brine, and sand). We adopted two different rock-physics models: an effective medium model for partially frozen brine and a three-phase extension of the Biot model for partially frozen unconsolidated sand. For partially frozen brine, our rock-physics study indicated that squirt flow caused by unfrozen brine inclusions in porous ice could be responsible for high P-wave attenuation around the freezing point. Decreasing P-wave attenuation below the freezing point can be explained by the gradual decrease of squirt flow due to the gradual depletion of unfrozen brine. For partially frozen unconsolidated sand, our rock-physics study implied that squirt flow between ice grains is a dominant factor for P-wave attenuation around the freezing point. With decreasing temperature lower than the freezing point, the friction between ice and sand grains becomes more dominant for P-wave attenuation because the decreasing amount of unfrozen brine reduces squirt flow between ice grains, whereas the generation of ice increases the friction. The increasing friction between ice and sand grains caused by ice formation is possibly responsible for increasing the S-wave attenuation at decreasing temperatures. Then, further generation of ice with further cooling reduces the elastic contrast between ice and sand grains, hindering their relative motion; thus, reducing the P- and S-wave attenuation.
Novel bioerodable eluting-spacers for radiotherapy applications with in situ dose painting
Authors: Boateng Francis , Ngwa Wilfred
Published: May 2019

Objective:

To investigate feasibility of using bioerodable/bioerodible spacers (BES) over biodegradable spacers (BDS) loaded with gold nanoparticles for radiotherapy applications with in situ dose-painting, and to explore dosimetric impact on dose enhancement ratio of different radioisotopes.

Methods:

Analytical models proposed were based on experimentally reported erosion rate constant (k 0 = 5. 5E-7 kgm− 2s− 1 ) for bioerodible polymeric matrix. An in vivo determined diffusion coefficient (2.2E-8 cm2/s) of 10 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNP) of concentration 7 mg/g was used to estimate diffusion coefficient of other AuNP sizes (2, 5, 14 nm) using the Stoke–Einstein diffusion equation. The corresponding dose enhancement factors (DEF) were used to study dosimetric feasibility of employing AuNP-eluting BPS for radiotherapy applications.

Results:

The results showed AuNP release period from BES was significantly shorter (116 h) compared to BDS (more than a month) reported previously. The results also agree with reported Hopfenberg equation for a cylindrical matrix undergoing surface erosion. The DEF at tumour distance 5 mm for Cs-131 (DEF > 2.2) greater than that of I-125 (DEF > 2) and Pd-103 (DEF ≥ 2) could be achieved for AuNP sizes (2, 5, 10, and 14 nm) respectively.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggested that BES could be used for short-lived radioisotopes like Pd-103 and Cs-131 in comparison to eluting BDS which is feasible for long-lived radioisotopes like I-125.

Advances in knowledge:

The study provides scientific basis for development of new generation eluting spacers viable for enhancing localized tumour dose. It concludes that BES gives higher DEF for Cs-131, and good candidate for replacing conventional fiducials/spacers.
Diagnostic accuracy of diffusion weighted MRI in differentiating benign and malignant meningiomas
Authors: Sohu Din Muhammad , Sohail Saba , Shaikh Rehana
Published: May 2019

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of DWI in differentiating benign and malignant meningiomas keeping histopathology as gold standard.

Methods: This was a descriptive analytical study conducted at Radiology Department, DUHS/Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, from August 2016 to March 2018. It included152 patients clinically suspected of meningioma on conventional neuroimaging. Imaging features of DWI were compared with histopathology findings. The diagnostic accuracy of DWI was calculated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV using histopathology as gold standard.

Results: There were 59 male and 93 female patients with mean age of 55.38±9.8 years. Mean duration of sign and symptoms was 5.67±2.57 months. Out of 152 patients, 117(77%) and 35(23%) were differentiated into benign and malignant meningiomas respectively by DWI while 135(88.82%) and17(11.18%) patients were diagnosed respectively on histopathology. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of DWI of 84.4%, 82.3%, 97.4%, 40%, and 84.2% respectively keeping histopathology as gold standard.

Conclusion: DWI features along with calculation of ADC values is a reliable non-invasive technique for differentiating benign and malignant meningiomas. However the low negative predictive value necessitates the use of histopathology.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.1011

How to cite this:Sohu DM, Sohail S, Shaikh R. Diagnostic accuracy of diffusion weighted mri in differentiating benign and malignant meningiomas. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(3):726-730. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.1011

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Incidence of occupational injuries among adults residing in a selected rural area of India: A cross sectional study
Authors: Ravi Shilpa , Joseph Bobby
Published: May 2019

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the incidence and profile of occupational injuries among rural workers of rural India.

Methods: This study was conducted among all persons between the ages of 18 to 60 years and engaged in some occupation and residing in the villages under the three rural subcentres of Sarjapur Primary Health Centre during the time period of 2009-2012. The sample size was calculated to be 400 assuming a prevalence of 10% and absolute precision of 3% at 95% confidence limits and a systematic random sampling of the household was done to select the study population.

Results: The incidence of occupational injuries in the study period of 2009-2012 was 22%. Out of the total 91 injuries, the proportion of injuries, which were agriculture-related, was 62%. The most common cause of injury was due to contact with plant thorns. Above half (54%) involved the upper limbs, and (30%) involved the lower limbs. By using the injury severity scale, 88% were of minor degree. 67% required treatment and 32% of the injured persons took treatment in a private hospital. Those who sustained an injury, 9% required admission to a hospital. Three participants have sustained a permanent disability during this study.

Conclusion: The Incidence of occupational injuries was found to be 22% and agriculture showed to have the highest proportion of injuries.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.293

How to cite this:Ravi S, Joseph B. Incidence of occupational injuries among adults residing in a selected rural area of India: A cross sectional study. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(3):737-742. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.293

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Recent advances in the characterization of plant transcriptomes in response to drought, salinity, heat, and cold stress
Authors: Bashir Khurram , Matsui Akihiro , Rasheed Sultana , Seki Motoaki
Published: May 2019

Despite recent advancements in plant molecular biology and biotechnology, providing food security for an increasing world population remains a challenge. Drought (water scarcity), salinity, heat, and cold stress are considered major limiting factors that affect crop production both qualitatively and quantitatively. Therefore, the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly strategies will be needed to resolve these agricultural problems. This will require a comprehensive understanding of transcriptomic alterations that occur in plants in response to varying levels of environmental stresses, singly and in combination. Here, we briefly discuss the current status and future challenges in plant research related to understanding transcriptional changes that occur in response to drought, salinity, heat, and cold stress.
Does handwriting the name of a potential trial participant on an invitation letter improve recruitment rates? A randomised controlled study within a trial
Authors: McCaffery Jennifer , Mitchell Alex S. , Fairhurst Caroline , Cockayne Sarah , Rodgers Sara , Relton Clare , Torgerson David J. ,   OTIS Study Team
Published: May 2019

Background: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) often fail to recruit to target, resulting in a lack of generalisability of findings. A wide range of strategies for potentially increasing recruitment have been identified; however, their effectiveness has not been established. The aim of this study within a trial (SWAT) was to evaluate the effectiveness of handwritten personalisation of an invitation letter as part of a trial recruitment pack on recruitment to a host RCT.

Methods: A pragmatic, two-armed RCT was conducted, embedded within an existing falls prevention trial (OTIS) in men and women aged 65 years and over living in the community. Participants were randomised 1:1 to receive an OTIS recruitment pack containing an invitation letter on which their name was handwritten (intervention group), or one on which it was printed (control group). The primary outcome was randomisation into the host trial.  Secondary outcomes related to trial eligibility and retention.  Analyses were via logistic regression and Cox Proportional Hazards regression.

Results: Of the 317 SWAT participants, 12 (3.8%) were randomised into the OTIS trial: 3 (handwritten: 3/159 [1.9%]; printed: 9/158 [5.7%]; difference -3.8%, 95% CI -8.0% to 0.4%). There was weak evidence, against the intervention, of a difference in the likelihood of participants being randomised into the host trial between the two groups (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.20, p=0.09). There were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups on any of the secondary outcomes.

Conclusions: There was no evidence that personalisation of invitation letters improved recruitment to the OTIS trial. However, due to the small sample size, the results should be interpreted with caution. These findings need to be replicated across larger studies and wider populations.

Registration: ISRCTN22202133.
The General doctrine of the legal order. The rise of law and order
Authors: Черногор Николай , Chernogor Nikolay , Пашенцев Дмитрий , Pashentsev Dmitriy , Залоило Максим , Zaloilo Maksim
Published: May 2019

The monograph opens a series of studies, which set out the General doctrine of the rule of law. The first book is devoted to the Genesis of the legal order, its foundations and properties. The rule of law is regarded as a civilizational phenomenon and its evolution is characterized in the context of a combination of different principles and interests, social integration and differentiation, legality and justice, sustainability and its weakening. The socio-economic, intellectual-volitional, subject-institutional, normative foundations of law and order are revealed, its new typology is proposed, a detailed analysis of the archaic, traditional and modern law and order is given, the preconditions are shown and the forecast of its new type formation is presented.
For researchers, legal practitioners, employees of state and municipal authorities, teachers, graduate students.
Innovative economy
Authors: Донцова Олеся , Doncova Olesya
Published: May 2019

The textbook outlines the theoretical and methodological foundations of the formation of innovative economy. The features of state regulation of innovation processes, globalization and transformation of the economy, the connection of innovation with strategic management and other important areas of innovation economy. Features of creation and management of clusters, technoparks, special economic zones are given, their role in formation of innovative economy is shown.
Probabilistic Selling for Vertically Differentiated Products with Salient Thinkers
Authors: Zheng Quan , Pan Xiajun Amy , Carrillo Janice E.
Published: May 2019

Probabilistic selling can improve a seller’s profit by recognizing consumers’ salient thinking behavior.
Bowel preparation for inpatient colonoscopy: a quality evaluation
Authors: Catalan Carolina Clavera , Laura Estepa , Almudena Navarrete , MªAngels Milà , Avonello Maynard
Published: May 2019

Background:

Adequate bowel preparation is a prerequisite for colonoscopy. Good preparation improves adenoma detection and caecal intubation rates, and poor preparation can increase complications, cancellations, rebookings, and overall hospital stay.

Methods:

A retrospective descriptive study of all inpatient colonoscopies within inclusion criteria at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital from June 2016 to June 2017. This assessed the quality of bowel preparation using the simple, reliable Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) and collected data on demographics and the referring unit.

Results:

Of 10 643 diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopies performed, 854 (8%) were in inpatient studies, and 126 of these (14.8 %) were excluded. Of 728 patients included in the final analysis, bowel preparation was excellent in 18%, good in 45%, regular in 18% and poor in 19%. Of the 37% with inadequate preparation, 15% had to be repeated.

Conclusions:

Overall, hospital bowel preparations were insufficient. Proposals for improving the quality of bowel preparation included: recommending a waste-free diet for all new inpatients expected to undergo diagnostic colonoscopy; introducing a more tolerable polyethylene glycol laxative solution; and developing learning materials, such as simple written instructions for inpatients, a training plan for ward nurses and an infographic on the prerequisites for endoscopy.
The four Cs of effective teaching assistants
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: May 2019

Professional collaboration between teachers and teaching assistants is crucial to high-quality lessons and teaching. Matt Bromley outlines his four Cs for creating outstanding working relationships
What do you want to be when you're older?
Authors: O'Connell Suzanne
Published: May 2019

The importance of careers education and breaking down gender stereotypes at primary age is increasingly recognised. After the publication of a new report, Suzanne O'Connell looks at some best practice examples
Teaching mental health
Authors: Knight Shahana
Published: May 2019

As SATs approach, how can we teach children about their mental health and handling any pressure that they may be feeling? Continuing her therapeutic schools series, Shahana Knight discusses ways to incorporate teaching about mental health and wellbeing into the school week
Creation of a primary care personal asthma action plan
Authors: Looms Rachel
Published: May 2019

National guidelines recommend that all asthmatics are offered a personal action plan, writes Rachel Looms
Acne – how to answer the most common questions patients ask?
Authors: Van Onselen Julie
Published: May 2019

Julie Van Onselen considers the most important things to know about this dermatological condition
The prevalence of intimate partner violence in health workers
Authors: Forbes Lisa
Published: May 2019

Do nurses and other health professionals experience particularly high levels of intimate partner violence? Lisa Forbes looks at some of the evidence
ChatHealth: Text message support for new parents
Authors: Hancock David
Published: May 2019

Following a successful initiative by health visitors at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, parents of around 80 000 newborns have access to a text message service for advice and support. How does ChatHealth complement traditional face-to-face care?
The value of specialist knowledge and practice in health visiting
Authors: Judd Marian
Published: May 2019

This article analyses the infant feeding specialist health visitor role in leading practice and professional development, and concludes that increased continued breastfeeding rates reaffirm the place for specialist knowledge and practice in health visiting
Conversations with families about reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome
Authors: Pease Anna , Blair Peter S , Ingram Jenny , Fleming Peter
Published: May 2019

Inequalities in the burden of sudden and unexpected deaths in infancy make targeted action by health professionals a viable option for intervention. Most of the deaths that now occur have at least one known modifiable risk factor present, so the potential impact of supporting families with implementing safer sleep strategies is great and may bring about a further reduction in infant deaths. This article describes the latest evidence for action on three of the major risk factors for SIDS: sleeping position; smoking; and co-sleeping. It will go on to discuss how to translate this evidence into effective communication strategies for families, including giving information about why or how the messages increase safety for sleeping babies.
Regulation of education standards
Authors: Oldman Crystal
Published: May 2019

There is much we can learn from our Australian nursing colleagues in the coming months of consultation on the future of post-qualifying nurse education, says Crystal Oldman
Curriculum design under the new Ofsted regime
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: May 2019

The new Ofsted inspection framework will see a focus on the breadth of your school's curriculum offer, including its ‘intent’, ‘implementation’ and ‘impact’. In light of these changes, Matt Bromley looks at how schools might plan their curriculum…
Teacher burn-out and how you can avoid it
Authors: Hewitt Victoria
Published: May 2019

Burn-out is a clear and present danger for teachers and is something that Victoria Hewitt – who you might know as @MrsHumanities – has experienced. But it is possible to protect yourself and pull yourself back from the brink…
CPD for the EAL classroom
Authors: Richardson Silvana
Published: May 2019

As schools become linguistically and culturally diverse, it makes sense to ensure that teaching staff are adequately prepared. Silvana Richardson looks at CPD to enable teaching staff to work effectively in diverse multilingual and EAL classrooms
Equine asthma: managing the environment
Authors: Hotchkiss Joel William
Published: May 2019

Equine asthma is an umbrella term defined by nonseptic lower airway inflammation. Currently there are two broad categories, namely mild to moderate equine asthma (formerly known as inflammatory airway disease) and severe equine asthma (formerly known as recurrent airway obstruction or heaves). Environmental challenge is involved in the aetiopathogenesis of both these subcategories. Much of this challenge, and the part that we can control, is provided by the organic dust associated with the stabling of horses. This article reviews the available evidence relating to the environmental management of equine asthma and tries to relate this to practical options for providing a low-dust environment.
Prevalence of Hiv Infection Among Pregnant Women Attending Ajiko Medical Clinic, Damaturu, Nigeria
Authors: Khanam Sabina
Published: May 2019

Human immunodeficiency viruses causes HIV infection in humans belongs to two species of Lentivirus. It damages the cells of immune system which leads to weak immune system and the ability to fight from infections and diseases. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence rate of HIV infection among pregnant women of different age groups attending Ajiko medical clinic, Damaturu, Nigeria. The prevalence rate was maximum (12.5%) in 36-45 age group and minimum (5%) in 26-35 age group but their was no HIV infection in 15-25 age group. The overall prevalence rate among pregnant women was 4%. General knowledge , training and campaigns of HIV prevention need to be tailored towards older women of age group 36-45 because of high prevalence rate.
Immunodetection of Leishmania Infantum in the Subungual Area of Dogs with Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Bertolo Paulo Henrique Leal , Conceição Maria Eduarda Bastos Andrade Moutinho da , Moreira Pamela Rodrigues Reina , Souza Damazio Campos de , Rozza Daniela Bernadete , Cipriano Rafael Silva , Amoroso Lizandra , Vasconcelos Rosemeri de Oliveira
Published: May 2019

Onychogryphosis is one of the main clinical findings in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (VL); however, research focusing on the subungual area of infected dogs is scarce. This study aims to assess the subungual area of dogs with VL that presented or not onychogryphosis by means of histopathological analyses and immunohistochemical studies (parasite burden). The third digit of the thoracic and pelvic limbs of Leishmania infantum naturally infected dogs was collected regardless of sex, breed or age. The animals were split into two groups, dogs with onychogryphosis (G1; n=7) and without onychogryphosis (G2; n=9). The digits were evaluated in four areas (dorsal epidermis/dermis, ventral epidermis/dermis, dorsal matrix/dermis and ventral matrix/dermis). All lesions observed (mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, vacuolar degeneration of basal keratinocytes, dermoepidermal clefting and pigmentary incontinence) were present in both groups, being more severe in the digits of G1 group. Immunostaining of the amastigote forms of Leishmania infantum were observed in the different areas of the digit, with statistical difference between the dorsal epidermis/dermis area and the dorsal matrix/dermis of G1 group. In conclusion, the main histopathological alteration of the digit of dogs with VL is mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate and parasite burden, especially in cutaneous tissue adjacent to the nail matrix. This aspect can influence the onychogryphosis development, due to the presence of the parasite and by inflammatory mediators released in the nail microenvironment.
Dual Parasitization of the Biliary Tree: First Reported Case
Authors: Robbani Irfan , Shah Omar Javed , Shah Altaf A. , Ilyas Mohd
Published: May 2019

Cases of biliary ascariasis and hydatid cysts in liver and elsewhere are common in endemic areas and are routinely encountered in surgical outpatient departments. We describe the diagnosis and management of a unique case, who presented with manifestations of biliary ascariasis, but on further investigation was found to harbor ascarids as well as ruptured hydatids in his biliary passages. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of simultaneous parasitization of common bile duct by ascarid and hydatid forms, resulting in obstruction of the biliary system. This report highlights the diversity of presentation and challenges in the management of such cases, when encountered in practice.
Hypoglycemic syndrome in hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, successful treatment — liver transplantation from a living related donor
Authors: Bondar Irina A. , Chesnochenko Ludmila I. , Shabelnikova Olesia Yu. , Porshennikov Ivan A.
Published: May 2019

Hypoglycemic syndrome occurs not only in endocrine diseases but can complicate the course of many somatic diseases and tumors of pancreatic and extra-pancreatic localization. Development of hypoglycemia in liver tumors is associated with a decrease in the volume of functioning liver tissue, increased consumption, and utilization of glucose by the tumor tissue, inhibition of gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, and secretion of insulin-like peptides. Hypoglycemia in liver tumors is rarely the first symptom of the disease and usually occurs in patients with large tumor sizes and symptoms of tumor intoxication. Epithelioid hemangiendothelioma of the liver is the primary malignant neoplasm from the group of mesenchymal tumors, it occurs less than in 1% of cases of all malignant neoplasms of the liver. The clinical course of epithelioid hemangiendothelioma of the liver is highly variable. There are slowly and rapidly progressing variants. The diagnosis is based on the results of histological and immunohistochemical examination of the postoperative material. In the literature there is no description of hypoglycemia in epithelioid hemangiendothelioma. We report a patient with severe hypoglycemic syndrome, which was due to an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the liver. Pharmacological treatment of hypoglycemia was ineffective. The presence of massive bilobar tumor made it impossible to use a liver resection. Hepatectomy with living related liver transplantation was life-saving procedure and made it possible to eliminate hypoglycemia.
Efficacy and safety of sarilumab in combination with methotrexate in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and inadequate effect of methotrexate monotherapy (results of phase III MOBILITY study)
Authors: Nasonov E. L. , Stanislav M. L. , Raskina T. A. , Kuropatkin G. V. , Shirinsky I. V. , Rebrov A. P. , Shostak N. A. , Alikhanov B. A. , Ushakov E. N. , Kamalova R. G. , Smakotina S. A. , Simanenkov V. I. , Pavsun A. S. , Zaharjan I. I. , Yakushin S. S. , Sandin M. Yu.
Published: May 2019

Objective: to study the efficacy and safety of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment with monoclonal antibodies to interleukin 6 receptors (IL6R) – sarilumab (SAR) in combination with methotrexate (MT).

Subjects and methods. The study included adult patients with moderate or severe RA and inadequate effect of MT monotherapy. Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to subgroups receiving SAR (at doses of 150 or 200 mg) or placebo (PL) every 2 weeks in combination with a weekly intake of MT for 52 weeks. The primary endpoints of the study included the achievement of ACR20 after 24 weeks, the change of HAQ-DI after 16 weeks and assessment of radiological progression of joint destruction (modified total Sharp score mTSS) after 52 weeks.

Results and discussion. In general, the initial characteristics of patients were similar in all groups. A statistically significant improvement of all three primary endpoints was found in the groups of patients treated with SAR 150 and 200 mg compared to the group of PL. ACR20 response after 24 weeks was achieved in 53.6% (p<0.0005), 65.9 and 19.6% of patients respectively (p<0.0001), the average change in HAQ-DI after 16 weeks was 20.53; 20.55 and 20.29 respectively (p<0.0001); the average change in mTSS after 52 weeks was 0.49; 0.11 and 2.30, respectively (p<0.0001).

Conclusion. Both doses of SAR (150 and 200 mg every 2 weeks) in combination with MT demonstrated sustained clinical efficacy in patients with RA, which was confirmed by a significant improvement in symptomatic, functional and radiographic outcomes. SAR therapy was generally well tolerated. The adverse events observed in this study were consistent with the effects of the IL6 blockade.
Disease activity and two-year sacroiliac joint changes according to instrumental study findings in a CoRSAr cohort of patients with early axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Erdes Sh. , Rumyantseva D. G. , Smirnov A. V. , Dubinina T. V.
Published: May 2019

The evolution of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and the transition of its nonradiographic to radiographic stage, when ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be diagnosed, concern many researchers. To clarify this issue, an active search for predictors of the progression of this disease is underway; special cohort studies are being conducted.

Objective: to analyze two-year changes in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) inflammation and disease activity in patients with axSpA who form a Moscow CoRSAr cohort (a Cohort of early SpondylArthritis) and the role of these indicators in the progression of sacroiliitis.

Subjects and methods. The investigation enrolled 68 CoRSAr cohort patients followed up for two years. All the patients underwent pelvic radiography and SIJ MRI at inclusion in the cohort and then every year. At inclusion in the cohort, nonradiographic axSpA was present in 28 patients, and AS was in 40. Disease activity was determined by BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP. The progression of sacroiliitis was assessed by the total scores of radiographic sacroiliitis.

Results and discussion. The patients' age at inclusion in the cohort averaged 28.5±5.8 years, with a mean disease duration of 24.1±15.4 months and a male proportion of 51.5%; the HLA-B27-positive patients were 92.6%. At two years, 39% of the patients with nonradiographic axSpA went to the AS group. 24-month sacroiliitis progression was observed in 40% of the patients. Disease activity had little impact on the progression of sacroiliitis.

Conclusion. Over two years, almost 40% of patients with axSpA showed an increase in the radiographic stage of sacroiliitis in the CoRSar cohort; this progression was primarily associated with the foci of osteitis according to MRI and correlated little with the activity of the disease.
Problems of low activity and remission in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Soloviev S. K. , Aseeva E. A. , Zotkin E. G. , Kireeva S. Yu. , Nasonov E. L.
Published: May 2019

In recent years, the long-term survival of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has increased to more than 90%, but there are still quite a few unresolved problems. Although the main objective of the concept of «Treatment of SLE to target» is «remission of symptoms and absence of organ damage», it was recognized that there is currently no generally accepted definition of remission in SLE. The article discusses different variants of the definition of «remission» in SLE.
La cuestión doble del fundamento y el principio de identidad en las «Lecciones de Erlangen de F. W. J. Schelling»
Authors: Ramírez Cordón Miguel Ángel
Published: May 2019

Sobre la base de las Lecciones de Erlangen, se trata de analizar cuál es el procedimiento por el que se construye en la filosofía de Schelling el concepto de libertad. Libertad que, según el Freiheitsschrift, es la capacidad de elegir entre el bien y el mal, no es en el fondo más que el procedimiento por el que el fundamento de la ciencia y el principio de identidad quedan divididos. Esta división no es en cambio una fisura que marca la independencia entre ambos términos, sino que, al contrario, fundamento e identidad guardan una relación de antecedente y de consecuente respectivamente, ocupan dos tareas, dos competencias distintas, y cuyo trabajo conjunto y final es precisamente fruto de la libertad.
Description of aspheric surfaces
Authors: Schuhmann Rainer
Published: May 2019

Aspheric surfaces, in particular rotationally invariant surfaces, can be described according to the ISO standard 10110 Part 12 as sagitta functions of the surface coordinates. Usually, such functions are standardized as a combination of conic terms and power series or orthogonal polynomials. Similar functions are applied for surface forms, which are not rotationally invariant as cylindric and toric surfaces. In the following, different forms of describing aspheric surfaces as given in the standard as well as other forms will be presented and compared in an overview, and their special features will be discussed.