bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional gender-sensitive analysis of depressive symptoms in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Shapiro Gilla K , Mah Kenneth , de Vries Froukje , Li Madeline , Zimmermann Camilla , Hales Sarah , Rodin Gary
Published: August 2020

Background:

Patients with advanced cancer commonly report depressive symptoms. Examinations of gender differences in depressive symptoms in patients with advanced cancer have yielded inconsistent findings.

Aim:

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the severity and correlates of depressive symptoms differ by gender in patients with advanced cancer.

Design:

Participants completed measures assessing sociodemographic and medical characteristics, disease burden, and psychosocial factors. Depressive symptoms were examined using the Patient Health Questionnaire, and other measures included physical functioning, symptom burden, general anxiety, death related distress, and dimensions of demoralization. A cross-sectional analysis examined the univariate and multivariate relationships between gender and depressive symptoms, while controlling for important covariates in multivariate analyses.

Setting/participants:

Patients with advanced cancer ( N = 305, 40% males and 60% females) were recruited for a psychotherapy trial from outpatient oncology clinics at a comprehensive cancer center in Canada.

Results:

Severity of depressive symptoms was similar for males ( M = 7.09, SD = 4.59) and females ( M = 7.66, SD = 5.01), t(303) = 1.01, p = 0.314. Greater general anxiety and number of cancer symptoms were associated with depressive symptoms in both males and females. Feeling like a failure ( β = 0.192), less death anxiety ( β = –0.188), severity of cancer symptoms ( β = 0.166), and older age ( β = 0.161) were associated with depressive symptoms only in males, while disheartenment ( β = 0.216) and worse physical functioning ( β = 0.275), were associated with depressive symptoms only in females.

Conclusions:

Males and females report similar levels of depressive symptoms but the pathways to depression may differ by gender. These differences suggest the potential for gender-based preventive and therapeutic interventions in this population.
NLRC5 alleviated OGD/R-induced PC12-cell injury by inhibiting activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Sun Yuhan , Chen Xin
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess the role of NOD-like receptor C5 (NLRC5; a major NLRC family protein that regulates immunity, inflammation and tissue fibrosis), in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, characterized by inflammation and oxidative damage.

Methods

Blood NLRC5 levels were assessed in neonates with cerebral ischemia and in healthy controls. A stable PC12 cell line was established that overexpressed or knocked down NLRC5. Inflammatory responses, apoptosis rate and oxidative damage in PC12 cells under oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) conditions were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay.

Results

Blood NLRC5 levels were suppressed in neonates with cerebral ischemia. ELISAs showed that NLRC5 suppressed levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, ROS and superoxide dismutase in OGD/R-treated PC12 cells. Furthermore, NLRC5 overexpression was associated with reduced apoptosis rate in PC12 cells treated by OGD/R. Overexpression of NLRC5 also inhibited levels of toll-like receptor (TLR)4, myeloid differentiation primary response protein MyD88 (MyD88) and phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B-transcription factor p65 (NF-κB p-p65) in PC12 cells, and decreased nuclear levels of NF-κB p-p65.

Conclusion

NLRC5 alleviated inflammatory responses, oxidative damage and apoptosis in PC12 cells under OGD/R conditions by suppressing activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.
Prediction of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women undergoing in vitro fertilization using estradiol levels, collected ova, and number of follicles
Authors: Madrazo Ivan , Vélez Monserrat Fabiola , Hidalgo Josue Jonathan , Ortiz Ginna , Suárez Juan José , Porchia Leonardo M. , Gonzalez-Mejia M. Elba , López-Bayghen Esther
Published: August 2020

Objective

Our objective was to determine whether estradiol (E2) levels (Day 3 and fold change to Day 10), antral follicle count (AFC), and number of ova collected could predict ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and culdocentesis intervention.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patient charts between January 2008 and December 2017. OHSS was defined using American Society for Reproductive Medicine criteria. Predictability was evaluated by measuring the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

The cohort included 319 women (166 controls, 153 OHSS, of whom 54 had severe OHSS). The OHSS group had higher E2Day 3 (249 ± 177 vs. 150 ± 230 ng/L), E2FoldChange (32.2 ± 29.1 vs. 20.1 ± 23.8), AFC (18.2 ± 9.1 vs. 11.6 ± 8.3), and number of ova collected (21.1 ± 9.0 vs. 10.1 ± 6.5). E2Day 3 (AUC = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.71–0.82), E2FoldChange (AUC = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.65–0.77), AFC (AUC = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.70–0.81), and number of ova collected (AUC = 0.85, 95%CI: 0.81–0.89) were predictive for OHSS. All variables were predictive for culdocentesis intervention (E2Day 3: AUC = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.55–0.70; E2FoldChange: AUC = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.55–0.71; AFC: AUC = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.68–0.80; number of ova collected: AUC = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.75–0.85).

Conclusions

Day 3 E2 levels and number of ova collected predict patients who could develop OHSS and may require culdocentesis.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in an elderly patient with renal dysfunction: a case report
Authors: Ma Cong , Yu Bingxiang , Zhang Haomin , Yang Bo , Li Dongwan , Li Rong , Lu Xuechun
Published: August 2020

Objective

This study was performed to examine the treatment regimen used for an elderly patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) complicated with renal dysfunction.

Case report

An 85-year-old man presented with nasal and sinus disorders in May 2018. He was also found to have renal insufficiency caused by long-term consumption of compound aminopyrine phenacetin tablets. Physical examination revealed irritation of the nasal mucous membrane on the right side and dark red nasal passages with a smooth surface. The right side of the neck contained several small peanut-sized lymph nodes. A biopsy of the right nasal neoplasm revealed germinal center type DLBCL. The mini–rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone regimen (mini-R-CHOP) was administered as the main chemotherapy regimen. Additionally, the use of thrombopoietin prevented further deterioration in renal function. This individualized treatment program helped the patient to achieve complete remission. The creatinine level decreased and was well maintained.

Conclusion

The mini-R-CHOP and rituximab cross-use regimen was found to be safe in an elderly patient with chronic renal insufficiency. Thrombopoietin exerted a protective effect on renal function.
Andrographolide enhanced radiosensitivity by downregulating glycolysis via the inhibition of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Tian Ruifang , Liu Lan , Wang Lihui , He Dong , Cao Ke , Ma John K. , Huang Chenghui
Published: August 2020

Objective

Radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, some patients benefit minimally from radiotherapy because of radioresistance. This study investigated the effects of andrographolide on radiosensitivity in HCT116 CRC cells and examined its mechanism of action.

Methods

Cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration were evaluated using MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry, and Transwell cell invasion assays, respectively. Glycolysis-related indicators were measured to examine cell glycolytic activity. The expression of related proteins was detected by western blotting.

Results

After andrographolide treatment, the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway-related proteins, glycolytic activity, and cell survival and invasion rates were decreased in HCT116 cells. Andrographolide plus irradiation increased apoptosis and decreased survival, invasion, and colony formation compared with the effects of irradiation alone.

Conclusion

Andrographolide enhanced radiosensitivity by downregulating glycolysis via inhibition of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in HCT116 cells.
Advanced primary squamous cell carcinoma of gallbladder and potential predictive biomarkers for prognosis
Authors: Li Jianping , Miao Yuqing , Wang Yulan , Chen Ping , Lan Jianyun , Wu Haohao
Published: August 2020

Gallbladder cancer is a relatively rare malignancy that is generally diagnosed at an advanced stage. Palliative chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy may be appropriate options for advanced gallbladder cancer, instead of radical surgery. In the present report, we describe an extremely unusual case of a 59-year-old man diagnosed with advanced primary squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder, according to imagological and pathological examinations. The symptoms of the patient were atypical. Preliminary data indicated that not only the systemic inflammatory biomarkers neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio but also jaundice might be correlated with the prognosis. Although the patient was treated with the best supportive care, overall survival time was only about 2 months. Advanced primary squamous cell carcinoma of gallbladder is incurable and highly lethal.
Stress characteristics of double-row glass fiber-reinforced plastic pipe culvert with sand and optimization of load reduction parameters under adverse conditions
Authors: Wang Qing-Zhou , Jiao Cheng-Yu , Zhou Jian-Bin , Wei Lian-Yu , Xiao Cheng-Zhi
Published: August 2020

In this study, the stress and deformation rules of the double-row fiber-reinforced plastic sand pipes under the two loading methods of single-pipe and double-pipe loading were discussed. First, the indoor full-scale test was used to analyze the single-tube pipe top loading. The 90° measurement point of the loaded pipe and the 270° measurement point of the adjacent pipe were the most unfavorable positions for the stress of the pipeline. Through investigating the influence of cover soil height, load level, and compaction on the mechanical index of the most unfavorable load-bearing measuring point of the pipeline, the height of the overburden is found to be the most significant factor affecting the double-pipe stress system. Second, the numerical calculation model of the stress of the double-row pipeline was established to analyze the stress and deformation of the pipe culvert when the spacing of the double pipe was changed. The results indicated the critical spacing equivalent to the stress of the single pipe was 2.5D. Finally, the numerical method was also used to optimize the parameter of the geogrid at the top of the pipe in the most unfavorable stress state of the double pipe with 550-mm pipe spacing and double-loaded mode.
The influencing factors of Harbin (China) residents’ satisfaction with municipal solid waste treatment
Authors: Chu Xu , He Zhiyong , Fan Xiuhua , Zhang Ling , Wen Hong , Huang Wei-Chiao , Wang Tao
Published: August 2020

China is experiencing an enormous increase in municipal household solid waste (MHSW) generation and is facing multiple problems associated with the treatment of MHSW. This paper analyses factors affecting residents’ satisfaction with MHSW treatment performance. Six factors were identified by the Delphi method: (a) pick-up frequency by waste collection vehicles, (b) fund supply situation, (c) charging standard for waste treatment, (d) waste bin arrangement, (e) laws and regulations, (f) publicity and education. We examine the significance of these six influencing factors, estimating binary logistic regression models. Data for this study are derived from the survey responses of 469 households in Harbin, one of the largest cities in northeast China. The results indicate that ‘pick-up frequency by waste collection vehicles’ is ranked the first and most important determinant of Harbin residents’ satisfaction with MHSW treatment; this is closely followed by ‘publicity and education’. The third and fourth significant influencing factors, respectively, are ‘fund supply situation’ and ‘charging standard for waste treatment’. The last two factors are ‘laws and regulations’ and ‘waste bin arrangement’. By understanding the influence of various factors on residents’ satisfaction, this study aims to help in designing an effective waste management system to reduce the cost of MHSW management, and to raise the residents’ satisfaction with municipal solid waste treatment. Based on the research findings, we advocate that establishing a reasonable waste transport (pick-up) system as well as strengthening publicity and education of waste management are key to improving residents’ satisfaction with the MHSW treatment performance.
Neonatal Adverse Outcomes, Neonatal Birth Risks, and Socioeconomic Status: Combined Influence on Preterm Infants’ Cognitive, Language, and Motor Development in Brazil
Authors: Panceri Carolina , Valentini Nadia Cristina , Silveira Rita C. , Smith Beth A. , Procianoy Renato S.
Published: August 2020

Background:

This study extended previous research by investigating the combined effects of neonatal birth risks, neonatal adverse outcomes, and socioeconomic status on preterm neurodevelopment.

Method:

A total of 184 preterm infants were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III in a follow-up clinic in southern Brazil. Structural equation modeling was conducted with 3 latent variables (neonatal birth risks, neonatal adverse outcomes, and socioeconomic status) and 3 outcomes (cognitive, language, and motor development).

Results:

The analyses showed that neonatal adverse outcomes were associated with infants’ cognitive (b = –0.45, P < .001), language (b = –0.23, P = .001), and motor (b = –0.51, P < .001) development. Socioeconomic status also explained the variances (cognitive: b = 0.20, P = .006; language: b = 0.28, P = .001; and motor: b = 0.21, P = .004), whereas neonatal birth risks remained significant only in the motor development (b = 0.15, P = .040).

Conclusion:

This study suggests that the most evident contributors to poor neurodevelopment were adverse outcomes and socioeconomic risk factors.
Fluid Intelligence Moderates the Link Between Psychopathy and Aggression Differently for Men and Women
Authors: Thomson Nicholas D. , Kevorkian Salpi , Bozgunov Kiril , Psederska Elena , Aboutanos Michel , Vasilev Georgi , Vassileva Jasmin
Published: August 2020

Research on sex differences in the association of psychopathy with fluid intelligence is limited, and it remains unknown if fluid intelligence plays a meaningful role in explaining the psychopathy–aggression link for men and women. The present study aimed to test for sex differences in the relation between the four-facet model of psychopathy and intelligence, and to assess whether fluid intelligence moderates the link between psychopathy and aggression. In a community sample of men ( n = 356) and women ( n = 196), we assessed psychopathy using the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV), fluid intelligence using the Raven’s Progressive Matrices, and types of aggression using the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). Hierarchical regressions showed that the psychopathy lifestyle facet was negatively associated with intelligence and there were no sex differences. Our analyses for types of aggression revealed sex differences and similarities. For both men and women, total AQ scores were predicted by higher antisocial facet scores. Lower intelligence moderated the link between higher antisocial facet scores and aggression in men, but not for women. Physical aggression in women was associated with higher interpersonal, affective, and antisocial facet scores, whereas for men, it was only associated with higher antisocial facet scores. Verbal and indirect aggression were associated with higher intelligence in both men and women. For men only, higher antisocial facet scores were associated with verbal and indirect aggression. Higher intelligence moderated the link between the lifestyle facet and indirect aggression for women, whereas for men, it moderated the link between the affective facet and indirect aggression. This study further highlights sex differences in mechanisms of psychopathy-related aggression, which need to be considered in the development of violence interventions and risk assessment.
Attachment Anxiety, Rape Myth Acceptance, and Sexual Compliance
Authors: Brewer Gayle , Forrest-Redfern Anna
Published: August 2020

People may consent to sexual activity with a partner when they do not desire it (i.e., sexual compliance), and such behavior is particularly prevalent in women. Despite the negative consequences of unwanted sex, (e.g., guilt and poor health), few studies have considered those factors influencing sexual compliance. Attachment anxiety is characterized by overestimation of relationship threats and sensitivity to romantic rejection and rape myths are beliefs about rape that deny, trivialize, or justify sexual aggression and assault. In the present study both attachment anxiety and rape myth acceptance were hypothesized to influence perceptions of unwanted sex and personal experience of sexual compliance. Heterosexual women ( N = 158) completed a series of online standardized self-report measures. Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to determine whether attachment anxiety and rape myth acceptance predicted women’s perceptions of unwanted sex (perpetrator blame, victim blame, no blame, compliance, confrontation, and ignore) and personal experience of sexual compliance, while controlling for participant age and length of their current romantic relationship. Women high on attachment anxiety were less likely to endorse confrontation of a partner and were more likely to report personal experience of unwanted sex. Those accepting rape myths were more likely to endorse compliance and less likely to blame perpetrators or endorse confrontation of the partner. Future research should consider the consequences of unwanted sex and experiences of sexual compliance in nonheterosexual relationships and those who do not identify as women.
Factors Related to Sleep Disturbances for Informal Carers of Individuals With PD and Dyadic Relationship: A Rural Perspective
Authors: Wade Rachael , Pachana Nancy A. , Dissanayaka Nadeeka
Published: August 2020

This study examines factors related to sleep disturbances, and the dyadic sleep relationship, in a convenience sample of 29 persons with Parkinson disease (PD) and spouse carer dyads living in regional Queensland. Carers completed questionnaires on sleep, depression, anxiety, carer burden, and well-being. Regarding carers, 66% reported sleep disturbances related to nocturnally care demands. Less than half of informal carers with a disturbed sleep had informed a health professional of this problem. Medication was the most commonly advised sleep intervention (44%). Sleep disturbances in informal carers correlated with increasing carer burden, depression scores, anxiety scores, poor quality of life, negative cognitions related to their sleep disturbance, and poor sleep hygiene. Regarding patient-carer dyads, 59% reported both the individuals having problematic sleep disturbances. Patient sleep disturbance correlated with informal carer increase in depression and anxiety scores, and poor carer burden. Informal carer’s sleep disturbance correlated with patient anxiety scores and severity of complications from PD therapy. Evidence-based sleep interventions addressing such dyads in rural areas warrant future study.
Tracking hydration status changes by bioimpedance spectroscopy in children on peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Karava Vasiliki , Stabouli Stella , Dotis John , Liakopoulos Vassilios , Papachristou Fotios , Printza Nikoleta
Published: August 2020

Background:

This 6-month prospective longitudinal study investigates the association between hydration status changes using bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and systolic blood pressure (SBP), pulse pressure (PP), and serum albumin (sAlb) changes in children on peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Methods:

Thirteen patients (median age: 12.58 years) were enrolled. Normal hydration, moderate hydration, severe overhydration, and dehydration were defined as −7% ≤ relative overhydration (Re-OH) < +7%, +7% ≤ Re-OH < +15%, Re-OH ≥ +15%, and Re-OH < −7%, respectively. Automated office blood pressure z-score, sAlb, and weight z-score were recorded.

Results:

Fifty-two Re-OH measurements were recorded: three in five, four in five, five in two, and seven in one patient, respectively. SBP was higher and sAlb lower in cases with severe overhydration (9 readings) ( p < 0.001, p < 0.001), but distribution of these parameters did not differ between normal hydration/dehydration (28 readings) and moderate overhydration (15 readings) cases. In patients with hydration status change, SBP and PP were higher while sAlb lower in cases with higher hydration status level ( p = 0.026, p = 0.05, and p = 0.109, respectively). In all patients, visit-to-visit SBP, PP, and sAlb changes were correlated to Re-OH changes ( rs = 0.693, p < 0.001; rs = 0.643, p < 0.001; rs = −0.444, p = 0.008, respectively) but not to weight changes ( rs = 0.052, p = 0.754; rs = 0.034, p = 0.838; rs = −0.156, p = 0.378, respectively). Visit-to-visit Re-OH changes, which were >+4% or <−4%, were linearly correlated to SBP ( r = 0.858, p < 0.001), PP ( r = 0.757, p < 0.001), and sAlb ( r = −0.699, p = 0.002) changes.

Conclusion:

In children on PD, longitudinal Re-OH changes are superior to weight changes in assessing volume-dependent variations of SBP, PP, and sAlb. Routine BIS application, rather than single BIS measurements, seems useful in the intra-patient monitoring of hydration status.
Impact of Pharmacist Intervention in Response to Automated Molecular Diagnostic Tests of Blood Culture Results
Authors: McCarthy Lauren , Colley Peter , Nguyen Hoa L. , Berhe Mezgebe
Published: August 2020

Background:

Rapid molecular diagnostic tests can aid in deescalating antimicrobial therapy prior to final culture and susceptibility reports.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a new workflow that incorporated pharmacist review of these results reduced time to change in antimicrobial therapy.

Methods:

This retrospective study analyzed pre- and post-implementation of pharmacist review of positive blood cultures analyzed by rapid diagnostics with clinical recommendations paged to providers. Patients 18 years of age or older initiated on empiric antibiotics were included. The primary outcome was the time to change to targeted antimicrobials. Other outcomes evaluated were rates of Clostridioides difficile (C difficile) infection, inpatient mortality, and intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay.

Results:

A total of 199 patients were included, with 98 and 101 patients in the pre- and post-implementation groups, respectively. The median time to change to targeted antimicrobials was significantly reduced with pharmacist intervention from 18.35 to 8.43 hours ( P = 0.042). The groups had similar rates of C difficile infection (1% vs 0%, P = 0.492) and mortality (7.1% vs 5%, P = 0.564). The post-group also had significant reductions in antibiotic days of therapy (10.5 vs 9 days, P = 0.014) and intensive care unit length of stay (3.04 vs 1.44 days, P = 0.046). Median hospital length of stay was similar between the pre- and post-groups (8.5 vs 8 days, P = 0.106), respectively.

Conclusion:

Incorporating pharmacist review of rapid molecular results of blood cultures decreased time to change to targeted antimicrobials and reduced inpatient antibiotic days of therapy.
Analysis of a misalignment-insensitive spur gear transmission using a Rzeppa joint
Authors: Galym Zhaksylyk , Spitas Christos
Published: August 2020

The design of a novel gear system based on a Rzeppa joint internal interface is presented and analysed. The joint allows the transmission of torque loads while allowing real-time re-alignment of the gear to eliminate non-torque loads arising from misalignment. This gear, when part of a misaligned pair, is shown by means of quasi-static FE simulations to remain essentially under the same stress conditions, even when under considerable misalignment, and to outperform crowned gears. The trade-off is increased contact stress at the ball elements of the joint interface. In addition, the mesh stiffness for the conventional and the novel design are estimated, showing that the proposed design produces a lower but nearly constant stiffness throughout the mesh cycle.
The genetic algorithm-radial basis function neural network to quickly predict aerodynamic performance of compressors
Authors: Tang Tianquan , Liu Bo
Published: August 2020

In this paper, compressor aerodynamic performance has been predicted based on throughflow theory, combined with a surrogate model, which is a combination of the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and generalized Radial Basis function (RBF) neural network. And the predicting results have been compared with those from the traditional models and spanwise mixing model, which still widely be used to predict the aerodynamic performance. We first predicted the deviation angle and total-pressure loss coefficient (TPLC) by the surrogate model, and then using these two intermediate variables connected the model with throughflow theory. The pressure ratio and efficiency, representing the compressors’ total performance parameters, are predicted and compared with experimental data. In order to increase the accuracy of prediction, a data augmentation method based on the piecewise cubic Hermite interpolation (PCHIP) algorithm is introduced to enlarge the training database. At the same time, considering the vast differences of deviation angle and loss in different working conditions as well as aerodynamic and geometric differences of rotor and stator, the database and the network should be split into six components based on the choke, the normal and the stall conditions as well as rotor and stator. Then, the performance curves of pressure ratio and efficiency can be determined by an iteration process. The predicting results are compared with experimental data, which shows that the surrogate model matches experiments much better than those from the traditional models and spanwise mixing model.
Revisiting the Suffixing Preference: Native-Language Affixation Patterns Influence Perception of Sequences
Authors: Martin Alexander , Culbertson Jennifer
Published: August 2020

Similarities among the world’s languages may be driven by universal features of human cognition or perception. For example, in many languages, complex words are formed by adding suffixes to the ends of simpler words, but adding prefixes is much less common: Why might this be? Previous research suggests this is due to a domain-general perceptual bias: Sequences differing at their ends are perceived as more similar to each other than sequences differing at their beginnings. However, as is typical in psycholinguistic research, the evidence comes exclusively from one population—English speakers—who have extensive experience with suffixing. Here, we provided a much stronger test of this claim by investigating perceptual-similarity judgments in speakers of Kîîtharaka, a heavily prefixing Bantu language spoken in rural Kenya. We found that Kîîtharaka speakers ( N = 72) showed the opposite judgments to English speakers ( N = 51), which calls into question whether a universal bias in human perception can explain the suffixing preference in the world’s languages.
Comparative performance of prognostics for remaining useful life of bearing
Authors: Nistane Vinod M
Published: August 2020

The frequent failure components in rotary machinery are the rolling element bearings as it is important for prognostics of rolling element bearings. In this study, the data-driven technique was used to develop the prognostic models based on particle swarm optimization techniques. These models apply to estimate the rolling element bearing degradation and predict remaining useful life. Initially, the fault features were extracted by processing the vibration signals through wavelet packet decomposition based on the intensifying impulsive characteristics and superiority of features. Health indicators evaluate from fault features. The prognostic models are developed with the following approaches: Gated recurrent neural network, classification and regression tree, and Autoregressive-Moving Average models. Performances of models are verified on the basis of error in prediction. To verify the suggested methodology, an experiment on normal and faulty bearings was conducted using a bearing test rig. Experimental results clarify that the prognostic algorithms predict bearing remaining useful life with significant robustness. Outperformance of the proposed method and conformation of degree of accuracy from results indicate that remaining useful life is conjectured as inference compared with the published literature.
Renewable and non-renewable energy consumption and economic growth in the US: A Markov-Switching VAR analysis
Authors: Cevik Emrah Ismail , Yıldırım Durmuş Çağrı , Dibooglu Sel
Published: August 2020

We examine the relationship between renewable and non-renewable energy consumption and economic growth in the United States. While the regime-dependent Granger causality test results for the non-renewable energy consumption and economic growth suggest bi-directional causality in both regimes, we cannot validate any causality between renewable energy consumption and economic growth. The US meets its energy demand from non-renewable sources; as such, renewable energy consumption does not seem to affect economic growth. Given the efficiency and productivity of renewable energy investments, we conclude that it is worthwhile to consider renewable energy inputs to replace fossil fuels given potential benefits in terms of global warming and climate change concerns. In this regard, increasing the R&D investments in the renewable energy sectors, increases in productivity and profitability of renewable energy investments are likely to accrue benefits in the long run.
Pilot study of anti-mitochondrial antibodies in antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Becker Yann LC , Julien Anne-Sophie , Godbout Alexandra , Boilard Éric , Fortin Paul R
Published: August 2020

Background

Mitochondria are intracellular organelles of bacterial origin capable of stimulating the immune system when released into the extracellular milieu. We previously reported the expression of anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) targeting whole organelles (AwMA), mitochondrial DNA (AmtDNA) or mitochondrial RNA (AmtRNA) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune condition that may be independent of, or associated with, other diseases, usually SLE. This study aimed to detect AMA in patients with APS and to explore the association with clinical features of APS.

Methods

AwMA-, AmtDNA- and AmtRNA-IgG and -IgM were detected in a pilot study (healthy controls n = 30 and APS patients n = 24) by direct ELISA, and their levels were associated with demographic and disease characteristics.

Results

AmtDNA-IgM and AmtRNA-IgG and IgM were elevated in APS compared to healthy controls ( p = 0.009, p = 0.0005 and p = 0.01, respectively). AwMA-IgG were increased in patients positive for lupus anticoagulant (median ± interquartile range = 0.36 ± 0.31 vs. 0.14 ± 0.08, p = 0.008), and optical density values for AwMA-IgM were correlated with titres of IgM against cardiolipin ( rs = 0.51, p = 0.01). An increment of 0.1 unit of AmtDNA-IgM levels was associated with reduced prior reporting of arterial events (odds ratio = 0.86; 95% confidence interval 0.74–1.00; p = 0.047).

Conclusion

Our pilot study suggests that AMA are represented within the autoantibody repertoire in APS and may display different associations with the clinical manifestations of the disease. Further studies should focus on reproducing these preliminary results by following AMA levels through time in larger prospective cohorts.
Dynamic predictions of kidney graft survival in the presence of longitudinal outliers
Authors: Asar Özgür , Fournier Marie-Cécile , Dantan Etienne
Published: August 2020

In kidney transplantation, dynamic predictions of graft survival may be obtained from joint modelling of longitudinal and survival data for which a common assumption is that random-effects and error terms in the longitudinal sub-model are Gaussian. However, this assumption may be too restrictive, e.g. in the presence of outliers, and more flexible distributions would be required. In this study, we relax the Gaussian assumption by defining a robust joint modelling framework with t-distributed random-effects and error terms to obtain dynamic predictions of graft survival for kidney transplant patients. We take a Bayesian paradigm for inference and dynamic predictions and sample from the joint posterior densities. While previous research reported improved performances of robust joint models compared to the Gaussian version in terms of parameter estimation, dynamic prediction accuracy obtained from such approach has not been yet evaluated. Our results based on a training sample from the French DIVAT kidney transplantation cohort illustrate that estimates for the slope parameters in the longitudinal and survival sub-models are sensitive to the distributional assumptions. From both an internal validation sample from the DIVAT cohort and an external validation sample from the Lille (France) and Leuven (Belgium) transplantation centers, calibration and discrimination performances appeared to be better under the robust joint models compared to the Gaussian version, illustrating the need to accommodate outliers in the dynamic prediction context. Simulation results support the findings of the validation studies.
Eating Disorder Among Malaysian University Students and Its Associated Factors
Authors: Chan Yun Li , Samy Alexander Lourdes , Tong Wen Ting , Islam Mohammad Ashraful , Low Wah Yun
Published: August 2020

Eating disorder is highly prevalent among university students worldwide. However, in Malaysia, studies on eating disorder is scanty and were mostly conducted among medical students. A stratified cluster sampling was used to recruit participants in a university based in Kuala Lumpur. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1017/1132 students (response rate: 89.8%). The questionnaires administered was a combination of the Eating Attitude Test-26 and items related to perceived body weight, body mass index, trying to weight loss, tobacco use, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression. Descriptive analyses were performed to provide background information of at-risk students by gender. Multiple logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors of eating disorder. The results showed that 13.9% of the university students were at risk of eating disorder. Students who were trying to lose weight and had posttraumatic stress disorder predicted eating disorder. Hence, eating disorder among university students merits attention and requires implementations of public health policies.
How section 90 of the Constitution makes cannabis law reform less likely in Australia
Authors: Keyzer Patrick
Published: August 2020

Cannabis law reform is unlikely in Australia because section 90 of the Constitution gives the exclusive power to tax goods to the Commonwealth, yet it is the states and territories that have the power to decriminalise use. What incentive does a state have to decriminalise cannabis if they cannot tax it? This article summarises the High Court’s s 90 jurisprudence. It also briefly explores the question of whether the states or territories could impose a levy on cannabis as a ‘fee for services rendered’ in the event that a user accesses state health services for cannabis-related health conditions.
What do you Need to Get Started in your Own Counselling Practice?
Authors: Abramson Rachel
Published: August 2020

Picture this; You are sitting in your office, seeing lots of clients. They come to you from far and wide to seek your advice. You feel good, knowing you can help them. You know that if you tell them they have to come back and see you again, they will readily accept your advice. If you are sick for a week or two, you know they will wait until you are better. You can charge what you like and you are earning a tidy sum of money. You know you will be around in the business world for a long, long, time.

You look at the long list of bookings. You reach for the telephone and ring a trusted colleague. “Can you come in for a couple of days,” you ask. “I've got a backlog of clients to get through.” Your colleague wonders how you do it. Your colleague is struggling to make ends meet. If your colleague was to ask: “How did you do it?” what would your response be? Would you be talking about marketing strategies? Perhaps you would be talking about business plans? Or perhaps you had another strategy up your sleeve that works well for you?

Take the time to reflect on your own strategies for a while. Then write down your own ideas for later use.
A Multi-Billion Dollar Growth Industry
Authors: Johnsen Samantha
Published: August 2020

The tourism and hospitality industry is the world's fastest growing business sector and it has an increasing need for people with formal degree qualifications to be effective senior managers and executives of the future. This case study describes the opportunities in this sector and outlines the facilities and courses of the Australian International Hotel School.
A Career Advisory System for Australia?
Authors: McCowan Col , Hyndman Ken
Published: August 2020

This article presents a review of career activity, in particular as it relates to vocational education and training, and proposes a model for a system that incorporates an understanding of:

• the transition to the changing world of work;

• the range and variety of types of employment; and

• the best means of utilising available pathways between employment, on- and off-the-job vocational education and training, and university study.

In order to maximise the benefits to be gained from recent reforms in the education and training system, an improved career advisory system is needed to enable students to make informed choices regarding further study and employment. The continual demands for retraining, skills development, work restructuring and continuous improvement mean that the individual's need for ongoing opportunities for career information, counselling and advice can no longer be limited to the formal years of education.

The Career Pathways project team, with the assistance of a reference group, undertook a range of tasks to collect data for the report. These included interviews, visits, focus groups, literature and policy reviews, and detailed analysis of practices of six countries: France, Germany, New Zealand, Canada the United States and the United Kingdom. This article represents a summary of the report, highlighting key findings and recommendations.
Crystal Ball Gazing
Authors: Hosking Karin
Published: August 2020

A recent survey of careers advisers indicated that they expected careers libraries to be largely computer-based in the future, taking advantage of the enormous variety of Internet and multimedia resources now available. The people surveyed also predicted that future clients would use resources from their home computers, and seek on-line career advice and counselling.
Applying the VPI and the 16PF in a Case of Mismatched Occupations
Authors: Abramson Rachel
Published: August 2020

Career counsellors have long known that occupational interests are often linked with abilities. We also know that if one has the ability, but not the interest, that ability will not be used. What happens, however, when one has an interest but not the right temperament or personality?

I recently had the pleasure of seeing someone for career counselling who fell in this latter category. This individual (let us call her Ms S) came to my rooms with one burning question on her lips: “What's wrong with me? Why can't I keep a job? I was in my past job for 4 weeks and the one before that for 3 weeks. How do I hang on to a job?” Ms S had a secretarial background. She had been fired from her previous positions and was concerned whether she had the capacity to continue working in this field or whether she had somehow become too slow.

After obtaining some background information, I asked Ms S to complete a battery of career counselling tests. Of special interest to this case was the results from both the Vocational Preference Indicator (VPI) and the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF), which I shall discuss below.
Discourses of Case Management: A Labour Market Program Analysis
Authors: Gursansky Di , Kennedy Rosemary , Gursansky Di , Kennedy Rosemary
Published: August 2020

This paper outlines the origins of case management and the diverse meanings of the term. Through illustrations from two Australian policy examples of long-term unemployment and homelessness, it is argued that case management is now often a black box approach to service delivery, underpinned by an economic reform agenda. Analysis of the discourse associated with contemporary policy developments allows insight into the ways in which case management redefines descriptions of service delivery in the human services. It is argued that the rhetoric of case management may not have changed much over time but the motivation behind it may have, and its conceptualisation and theoretical development have not kept pace with practice. The paper concludes with adoption and implementation guidelines for case management.
Case Discussions in Advanced Care Planning
Authors: Krechowicz Regine , Gupta Melini , Gratton Valerie , Hickey Carly , Thompson Laura H. , Kyeremanteng Kwadwo
Published: August 2020

Background:

Advanced care planning (ACP) provides an opportunity for individuals to explore and document their values concerning medical care decisions prior to an acute event. This manuscript explores the value of ACP and compares and contrasts 2 ACP models currently in practice.

Methods:

This hypothetical case describes an elderly, frail patient with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who is also a high user of health care resources. A new palliative care-led outpatient ACP clinic model is described using this example.

Results:

Using the ACP clinic model in this case reveals how different a patient’s end of life experience may be when proper, proactive planning measures are in place. With proper education and discussion around this patient and family’s wishes pertaining to the end of his life, this man was able to change his plan of care from aggressive resuscitation treatment in hospital to a peaceful palliative experience at home.

Conclusions:

In this case description, the valuable role of ACP in preserving quality of life for patients, increasing satisfaction with care, and decreasing distress among family members during a medical event is demonstrated.
Surgical Repair of Orofacial Clefts in North Kivu Province of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Authors: Kalisya Luc Malemo , Bake Jacques Fadhili , Elisee Bake , Nyavandu Kavira , Perry Robert , Rothstein David H. , Cairo Sarah B.
Published: August 2020

Background:

There is a high prevalence of orofacial clefts in low- and middle-income countries with significant unmet need, despite having 50% of the population younger than 18 years in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The purpose of this article is to report on the experience of general surgeons with orofacial clefts at a single institution.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study of patients treated for cleft lip/palate in the province of North Kivu, DRC between 2008 and 2017.

Results:

A total of 1112 procedures (122/year) were performed. All procedures were performed by general surgeons following training by an international nongovernmental aid organization. A total of 59.2% of patients were male and the median age was 3.4 years (interquartile range: 0.7-13 years). Average distance from surgical center to patient location was 242.6 km (range: 2-1375 km) with outreach performed for distances >200 kms. A majority (82.1%) of patients received general anesthesia (GA) with significant differences in use of GA, age, weight, and length of stay by major orofacial cleft category. Of the 1112 patients, 86.1% were reported to have cleft lip alone, 10.5% had cleft lip and palate, and 3.4% cleft palate alone. Despite this, only 5.3% of patients underwent surgical repair of cleft palate.

Conclusions:

Multiple factors including malnutrition, risk of bleeding, procedural complexity, and cosmetic results may contribute to the distribution of procedures performed where most cleft palates are not treated. Based on previously published estimates, unmet needs and social burden of cleft lip and palate are high in the DRC.
The Cleft Nurse Specialist: A Key Building Block in the Cleft Multidisciplinary Team
Authors: Martin Serena , Slevin Emma , Hill Chris
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

The cleft nurse specialist (CNS) plays a key role in counselling and supporting parents from the diagnosis onward. The CNS started in 2012 and we aimed to perform a qualitative study to determine the benefits this brought to the cleft community from the parents’ perspective.

Methods:

The cleft database was used to locate babies born in 2010/2011 and 2013/2014. Parents were contacted by phone by 2 authors and completed a questionnaire on the care and support they received following the diagnosis, in the early days and around the time of surgery.

Results:

Parents of 38 babies completed the survey. In 2010/2011, only 21% had an antenatal diagnosis compared to 47% in 2013/2014. 2011/2012: 3 unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), 3 bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), 4 CLO, 9 cleft palate only (CPO). 2013/2014: 5 UCLP, 7 BCLP, 7 CPO. 2011/2012: 68% were counselled by a surgeon, 42% were seen >1 week after birth, with some over a month. 2013/2014: 84% were counselled by the CNS, 53% were seen within 48 hours, and 100% within 7 days. Parents in 2013/2014 felt more supported by the cleft team throughout pregnancy and the early days, with home visits being particularly advantageous.

Conclusion:

The introduction of the CNS to the cleft multidisciplinary team has significantly improved the pathway for parents and is a key link with the wider cleft team. With the improvement in antenatal diagnosis, counselling occurs at an earlier stage and prepares parents for the difficulties commonly experienced in the early days. Key themes included; home visits and direct contact with the CNS.