bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National Foresight in Korea: History of Futures Studies and Foresight in Korea
Authors: Heo Kyungmoo , Seo Yongseok
Published: October 2018

Public interests in coming futures of Korea continue to be increasing. Fears on uncertainties and pending challenges as well as demands on a new but Korea-own development model trigger a quantitative increase of futures research and relevant organizations in both public and private. The objective of this paper is to review history of futures studies and national development plan and strategy linked with foresight along with its challenges and recommendations. This paper identifies drawbacks and limits of Korea foresight such as misapplication of foresight as a strategic planning tool for modernization and economic development and its heavy reliance on government-led mid- and long-term planning. As a recommendation, an implementation of participatory and community-based foresight is introduced as a foundation for futures studies in Korea. A newly established research institute, the National Assembly Futures Institute, has to be an institutional passage to deliver opinions of the public, a capacity-building platform to increase the citizen’s futures literacy, and a cooperative venue for facilitating a participation and dialogue between politicians, government officials, and researchers.
Deprescribing conversations: a closer look at prescriber–patient communication
Authors: Turner Justin P. , Richard Claude , Lussier Marie-Thérèse , Lavoie Marie-Eve , Farrell Barbara , Roberge Denis , Tannenbaum Cara
Published: October 2018

Background:

Little is known about the initiation, style and content of patient and healthcare provider communication around deprescribing. We report the findings from a content analysis of audio-recorded discussions of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and benzodiazepine deprescribing in primary care.

Methods:

Participants were healthcare providers ( n = 13) from primary care practices ( n = 3) and patients aged ⩾65 ( n = 24) who were chronic users of PPIs or benzodiazepines. The EMPOWER educational brochures were distributed prior to ( n = 15) or after ( n = 9) the patient’s usual healthcare provider appointment. Conversations were audio-recorded and coded using MEDICODE to analyze who initiated different themes, whether they followed a monologue or dialogue style, and to what extent the thematic content addressed issues pertaining to: ‘dosage/instructions,’ ‘medication action and efficacy,’ ‘risk/adverse effects,’ ‘attitudes/emotions,’ ‘adherence’ and ‘follow up.’ Descriptive analysis of the conversations was performed with comparison between patients who received the EMPOWER brochure before or after their appointments.

Results:

Patients were mostly women (67%) with a mean age of 74 ± 6 years. For PPI users, prior education resulted in a greater proportion of themes initiated by patients (44% versus 17%) and maintaining dialogue-style conversations (48% versus 28%). Among benzodiazepine users, conversation initiation (52% versus 47%) and conversation style was similar between both groups. The content of deprescribing conversations for PPIs revealed that patients and their healthcare providers focused less on ‘dosage/instructions,’ and more on the ‘medication action and efficacy’ and the necessity for ‘follow up.’ Conversations about stopping benzodiazepines were more likely to stagnate on the ‘if’ rather than the ‘how.’

Conclusion:

The initiation, style and content of the conversations varied between PPI and benzodiazepine users, suggesting that healthcare providers will need to tailor deprescribing conversations accordingly.
Improved survival with continuation of statins in bacteremic patients
Authors: Pawar Ajinkya M , LaPlante Kerry L , Timbrook Tristan T , Caffrey Aisling R
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

Varying statin exposures in bacteremic patients have different impacts on mortality. Among patients with adherent statin use, we sought to evaluate the impact of statin continuation on inpatient mortality in bacteremic patients.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using Optum ClinformaticsTM with matched Premier Hospital data (October 2009–March 2013). Patients with a primary diagnosis of bacteremia and 6 months of continuous enrollment prior to the admission, receiving antibiotics at least 2 days of antibiotics during the first 3 days of admission, were selected for inclusion. Furthermore, patients demonstrating adherent statin use based on 90 days of continuous therapy prior to admission were included. We then compared those continuing statin therapy for at least the first 5 days after admission and those not continuing during the admission.

Results:

Simvastatin (53.2%) and atorvastatin (33.8%) were the most commonly used statins among the 633 patients who met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Propensity score adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models demonstrated significantly lower inpatient mortality among those continuing statin therapy compared with those not continuing (n = 232 vs 401, adjusted hazard ratio 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.08–0.79).

Conclusion:

Among patients adherent to their statin therapy prior to a bacteremia hospitalization, continued statin use after admission increased survival by 75% compared with those not continuing.
Perceptions of meritocracy: A note on China
Authors: Bubak Oldrich
Published: October 2018

The last decades have witnessed a number of lapses and contradictions in the outcomes of policy and governance. It is no coincidence there has been an increasing interest from both within and without the academe in alternate systems of selection, representation and accountability, and in revisiting fairness, equity, and social mobility. This article engages a set of beliefs seen as fundamental in the debates and critiques of social systems in general, and of equality of opportunity and outcomes in particular. We thus seek to explore the factors influencing the individual perceptions of merit as opposed to chance as the determinant of success. The focus is on China, a sui generis state with a millennium-long Confucian tradition that continues to influence its meritocratic approach to education and governance. The results indicate a significant departure from the theorized explanations established in Western studies. Notably, we find that higher levels of education are negatively related with the endorsement of meritocracy, or views that effort rather than luck determines individual outcomes. At once, as we study the outlooks of Chinese citizens, we respond to and complement the emerging research with a potential to extend our conceptions of meritocracy in general.
Transformative School Counselor Leadership
Authors: Strear Molly M. , Van Velsor Patricia , DeCino Daniel A. , Peters Gregory
Published: October 2018

This descriptive, intrinsic case study explored a transformative leadership professional development opportunity designed for school counselors in a large, urban school district. Interviews with 19 participating school counselors provided increased understanding of school counselors’ beliefs, skills, and agency regarding leadership and comprehensive school counseling program implementation. We discuss the results to support school counselor leadership development and implications for school counselors striving for educational equity.
Hexavalent Chromium
Authors: Balmer Jennylynn
Published: October 2018

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a chemical used in many industries and has the potential to cause negative health effects. Occupational health nurses can intervene to protect workers from the health hazards associated with Cr(VI).
Measuring Fantasy Team and Favorite Team Interactivity Through Implicit Association
Authors: Dwyer Brendan , Larkin Ben , Goebert Chad
Published: October 2018

Traditional team fandom is a vital component of contemporary spectator sport marketing and communication. However, fantasy sport has recently emerged as a potential threat to team fandom, particularly with regard to the interactivity provided by the virtual game. Research has found evidence that fantasy sport can be both a substitute and a complement to traditional team fandom. However, with limited control over traditional team outcomes and perceived control over fantasy team outcomes, interactivity has emerged as a potential differentiator between the two forms of fandom. Guided by the fantasy football participation and consumption model and endowment theory, the current study conducted an implicit association experiment on the interactivity and passiveness of contemporary professional sport fandom. These results were combined with self-report data to explore potential indicators of implicit bias. The experiment uncovered an association of interactivity to favorite team players and passiveness to fantasy team players. The post hoc examination of potential predictors found the drive to compete, and in-season game outcomes positively impacted the unexpected interactivity implicit bias.
“Elevator Eyes” in Sports Broadcasting: Visual Objectification of Male and Female Sports Reporters
Authors: Cummins R. Glenn , Ortiz Monica , Rankine Andrea
Published: October 2018

Despite considerable research exploring female objectification in sports, researchers have not explored differences in how they are actually watched by audiences in terms of distribution of visual attention. Such differences can provide objective evidence of objectification by demonstrating a gender bias in terms of visual attention to female reporters’ bodies. This experiment ( N = 66) employs eye tracking to measure how much attention viewers allocated to male and female reporters’ bodies versus their faces, as well as differences in perceived credibility as a function of reporter gender. Results revealed a greater ratio of time on female reporters’ bodies to their faces relative to male reporters. This effect was most evident among viewers with reduced interest in sports. Furthermore, visual attention to reporters’ bodies—a passive measure of objectification—was largely unrelated to perceived credibility. Implications of these findings are discussed with respect to female objectification in sports and how this might inform program production personnel.
Digitally Empowered Village: Case of Akodara in Gujarat, India
Authors: Saxena Deepika , Joshi Navneet
Published: October 2018

Digitalization is the need of the era, and the Government of India has been taking numerous initiatives in this direction. The present case is about the Akodara Village in Gujarat which is known as the ‘first Indian digital village’. The ICICI Bank adopted this village and made it 100 per cent digital with proper infrastructure facilities which have been leading the village in the direction of electronic/digital payments. The purpose of the case is to make the people aware about the digitalization initiatives taken by the Government and banks and the possibilities of bringing technology to the rural areas of India. This has been seen from the case that if proper infrastructure is made available and there is a strong will power to plan and implement to challenge the status quo, nothing is impossible. ICICI Bank has actually converted impossible to possible. This case focuses on various initiatives taken in this direction to make this achievement possible.
Feasibility of Implementing a Breast Reconstruction Database
Authors: McGuire Connor R. , Allen Laura , LeBlanc Martin R.
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To assess whether implementing a breast reconstruction database would be feasible in terms of time commitment, cost, and overall benefits in a tertiary-care hospital.

Methods:

A survey was sent to 40 Canadian plastic surgeons who have a practice focused on breast reconstruction. The survey assessed demographics, practice characteristics, database use, and opinions on database construction. Univariate descriptive analyses were performed on all variables.

Results:

Thirty-one surgeons responded to the survey (77.5%). Most were from Ontario (29.1%) and worked in an academic center (83.9%). Of all, 45.3% of surgeons performed more than 50 breast reconstructions yearly. Six (19.4%) surgeons utilized databases that were all started for quality improvement and research purposes. Databases included variables such as demographics, type of reconstruction, complications, surgeons involved, and type of implants. Data are input by research assistants (50%) for approximately 4.2 hours per month at a cost below 200$CAD per month. Databases are funded by research grants (50%), hospital funds (33.3%), and/or division funds (16.7%). Of the surgeons without databases, 60% have considered starting a database. Barriers include being too busy (72%) and impressions of the cost being too high (32%). Surgeons commonly felt that a database would be beneficial at their practice (80%), provincially (77.4%), and nationally (67.7%).

Conclusions:

Plastic surgeons are open to the idea of constructing a breast reconstruction database and that the costs and time required are lower than expected. Grants or integration with existing databases should be pursued on a provincial level first prior to pursuing a national database.
Place-based Inequality in “Energetic” Pain: The Price of Residence in Rural America
Authors: Adua Lazarus , Beaird Ashley
Published: October 2018

Despite the tendency for some to view rural life or living close to nature with nostalgia, the unpalatable truth is that rural America is beset with many problems, including lower incomes, higher poverty rates, limited access to well-paying jobs, higher morbidity and mortality rates, inadequate access to health care, and lower educational attainment. In this study, we question whether this palpable rural disadvantage extends to residential energy costs, a subject with serious implications for the well-being of households. Analyses of data spanning two decades show that rural households consistently spend more on residential energy than urban households, although they generally use less. This finding, which indicates the existence of energy cost inequality between rural and urban places, represents a kind of rural tax. Any sustained spikes in costs, which has happened in the past and would likely happen in the future, could portend significant access risks to rural households.
Small vessel disease and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction after ischaemic stroke
Authors: Arba Francesco , Giannini Alessio , Piccardi Benedetta , Biagini Silvia , Palumbo Vanessa , Giusti Betti , Nencini Patrizia , Maria Gori Anna , Nesi Mascia , Pracucci Giovanni , Bono Giorgio , Bovi Paolo , Fainardi Enrico , Consoli Domenico , Nucera Antonia , Massaro Francesca , Orlandi Giovanni , Perini Francesco , Tassi Rossana , Sessa Maria , Toni Danilo , Abbate Rosanna , Inzitari Domenico
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Although pathogenesis of small vessel disease is poorly understood, increasing evidence suggests that endothelial dysfunction may have a relevant role in development and progression of small vessel disease. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the associations between imaging signs of small vessel disease and blood biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction at two different time points in a population of ischaemic stroke patients.

Patients and methods

In stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis, we analysed blood levels of von Willebrand factor, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Three reviewers independently assessed small vessel disease features using computed tomography. At baseline and 90 days after the index stroke, we tested the associations between single and combined small vessel disease features and levels of blood biomarkers using linear regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, smoke.

Results

A total of 263 patients were available for the analysis. Mean age (±SD) was 69 (±13) years, 154 (59%) patients were male. We did not find any relation between small vessel disease and endothelial dysfunction at baseline. At 90 days, leukoaraiosis was independently associated with intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (β = 0.21; p = 0.016) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (β = 0.22; p = 0.009), and lacunes were associated with vascular endothelial growth factor levels (β = 0.21; p = 0.009) whereas global small vessel disease burden was associated with vascular endothelial growth factor (β = 0.26; p = 0.006).

Discussion

Leukoaraiosis and lacunes were associated with endothelial dysfunction, which could play a key role in pathogenesis of small vessel disease.

Conclusions

Small vessel disease features and total burden were associated with endothelial dysfunction 90 days after the stroke, whereas there was no relation during the acute phase. Our results suggest that endothelial dysfunction, particularly vascular endothelial growth factor, is involved in pathological process of small vessel disease.
Retirement rigidities and the gap between effective and desired labour supply by older workers
Authors: Trucchi Serena , Fornero Elsa , Rossi Mariacristina
Published: October 2018

Our paper analyses the observed and desired labour supply by older workers and (recent) retirees in a country (Italy) with limited opportunities for flexible work schedules. To this purpose, we use a dataset drawn from the Bank of Italy’s Survey on Household Income and Wealth providing information on desired and actual working hours. Our empirical analysis documents the gap between older individuals’ desired and observed labour supply at both the extensive and the intensive margins and traces it back to gender, education and family composition. The paper provides useful insights into the potential usefulness of policies such as gradual retirement and part-time work in increasing older workers’ employment.
Comparison of inhaled versus intravenous anesthesia for laryngoscopy and laryngeal electromyography in a rat model
Authors: Gazzaz M. , Saini J. , Pagliardini S. , Tsui B. , Jeffery C. , El-Hakim H.
Published: October 2018

Background

Propofol and remifentanil intravenous combination is one popular form of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) in mainstream clinical practice, but it has rarely been applied to a rat model for laryngoscopy and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG). Our objective was to establish a safe and reproducible general anesthetic protocol for laryngoscopy and endoscopic LEMG in a rat model. Our hypothesis is that TIVA allows a minimally morbid, and feasible laryngoscopy and LEMG.

Methods

Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to either inhalational anesthesia (IA) (isoflurane) or TIVA (propofol and remifentanil) and underwent laryngoscopy and LEMG. The primary outcome was a complete minimally interrupted rigid laryngoscopy and obtaining reproducible motor unit potentials from the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles. The secondary outcome was morbidity and mortality.

Results

Seventeen out of twenty-two rats underwent both TIVA and IA. Only two underwent IA only. All nineteen rats that underwent IA had a successful experiment. Seventeen rats underwent TIVA, however, only nine completed a successful experiment due to difficulty achieving a surgical plane, and respiratory events. Upon comparing the success of the two anaesthetic regimens, IA was superior to TIVA ( P = 0.0008). There was no statistical difference between the amplitudes ( p = 0.1985) or motor units burst duration ( p = 0.82605) of both methods. Three mortalities were encountered, one of which was due to lidocaine toxicity and two were during anesthetic induction. Respiratory related morbidity was encountered in two rats, all seen with TIVA.

Conclusions

TIVA is not an ideal anesthetic regimen for laryngeal endoscopy and LEMG in rat models. Contrary to our hypothesis, IA did not affect the quality of the LEMG and allowed a seamless rigid endoscopy.
Assessment of syndecan-4 expression in the hearts of Trypanosoma cruzi-infected mice and human subjects with chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy
Authors: Larocca Ticiana Ferreira , Souza Bruno Solano de Freitas , Macêdo Carolina Thé , Azevedo Carine Machado , Vasconcelos Juliana Fraga , Silva Daniela Nascimento , Portella Diogo Crispim Nascimento , dos Santos Washington Luis Conrado , Tavora Fabio Rocha Fernandes , Souza Neto João David de , dos Santos Ricardo Ribeiro , Soares Milena Botelho Pereira
Published: October 2018

Background

Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is characterized by the presence of a multifocal inflammatory response and myocardial damage, leading to fibrosis, arrhythmias and ventricular dysfunction. The expression of syndecan-4, a transmembrane proteoglycan, was previously found to be increased in the hearts of mice chronically infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. The possible involvement of syndecan-4 in the disease pathogenesis, however, remains unknown. Here we evaluated the pattern of expression of syndecan-4 in the heart tissue of T. cruzi infected mice and subjects with Chagas cardiomyopathy, correlating with the degree of inflammation and fibrosis.

Methods

The expression of syndecan-4 was evaluated by immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR in the hearts of C57Bl/6 mice at different time points after infection with the Colombian strain of T. cruzi. Immunostainings for syndecan-4 were performed in heart samples obtained from CCC patients and other etiologies of heart failure. The number of infiltrating inflammatory cells and area of fibrosis were also evaluated and quantified.

Results

In the experimental model, the number of infiltrating inflammatory cells and fibrosis area in the hearts progressively increased after the acute phase of infection, while syndecan-4 expression remained elevated in similar levels in both the acute and chronic phases. Confocal microscopy analysis demonstrated the localization of syndecan-4 expression in blood vessels, co-localized with α-SMA, a marker for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Confocal microscopy analysis of human hearts samples showed a similar pattern of syndecan-4 expression in blood vessels. No correlation between syndecan-4 expression and inflammation or fibrosis was found in the hearts from subjects with CCC. We also compared the expression of syndecan-4 evaluated in subjects with CCC, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and ischemic cardiomyopathy. No differences in the number of syndecan-4 positive vessels/mm2 were found comparing the three groups (P = 0.466), whereas CCC patients presented a higher number of infiltrating inflammatory cells, compared to the other etiologies of heart failure. Additionally, no correlation between syndecan-4 and fibrosis or numbers of inflammatory cells was found.

Conclusions

Syndecan-4 is expressed in the heart during the acute and chronic phases of Chagas disease, in association with VSMCs, independently of the degree of myocardial fibrosis or the number of infiltrating inflammatory cells.
Perioperative Management and In-Hospital Outcomes After Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum: A Multicenter Registry Report From the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia Improvement Network
Authors: Muhly Wallis T. , Beltran Ralph J. , Bielsky Alan , Bryskin Robert B. , Chinn Christopher , Choudhry Dinesh K. , Cucchiaro Giovanni , Fernandez Allison , Glover Chris D. , Haile Dawit T. , Kost-Byerly Sabine , Schnepper Gregory D. , Zurakowski David , Agarwal Rita , Bhalla Tarun , Eisdorfer Seth , Huang Henry , Maxwell Lynne G. , Thomas James J. , Tjia Imelda , Wilder Robert T. , Cravero Joseph P.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND:

There are few comparative data on the analgesic options used to manage patients undergoing minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). The Society for Pediatric Anesthesia Improvement Network was established to investigate outcomes for procedures where there is significant management variability. For our first study, we established a multicenter observational database to characterize the analgesic strategies used to manage pediatric patients undergoing MIRPE. Outcome data from the participating centers were used to assess the association between analgesic strategy and pain outcomes.

METHODS:

Fourteen institutions enrolled patients from June 2014 through August 2015. Network members agreed to an observational methodology where each institution managed patients based on their institutional standards and protocols. There was no requirement to standardize care. Patients were categorized based on analgesic strategy: epidural catheter (EC), paravertebral catheter (PVC), wound catheter (WC), no regional (NR) analgesia, and intrathecal morphine techniques. Primary outcomes, pain score and opioid consumption by postoperative day (POD), for each technique were compared while adjusting for confounders using multivariable modeling that included 5 covariates: age, sex, number of bars, Haller index, and use of preoperative pain medication. Pain scores were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction. Opioid consumption was analyzed using a multivariable quantile regression.

RESULTS:

Data were collected on 348 patients and categorized based on primary analgesic strategy: EC (122), PVC (57), WC (41), NR (120), and intrathecal morphine (8). Compared to EC, daily median pain scores were higher in patients managed with PVC (POD 0), WC (POD 0, 1, 2, 3), and NR (POD 0, 1, 2), respectively (P < .001–.024 depending on group). Daily opioid requirements were higher in patients managed with PVC (POD 0, 1), WC (POD 0, 1, 2), and NR (POD 0, 1, 2) when compared to patients managed with EC (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data indicate variation in pain management strategies for patients undergoing MIRPE within our network. The results indicate that most patients have mild-to-moderate pain postoperatively regardless of analgesic management. Patients managed with EC had lower pain scores and opioid consumption in the early recovery period compared to other treatment strategies.
Survivin inhibits excessive autophagy in cancer cells but does so independently of its interaction with LC3
Authors: Humphry Nicola J. , Wheatley Sally P.
Published: October 2018

Survivin expression is pivotal to life and death at the cellular level. For the past decade its pro-survival activity has been attributed to its essential role in cell proliferation and its ability to inhibit apoptosis. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that it may also contribute to cell viability through an as yet undefined role in autophagy. We report that survivin overexpression in osteosarcoma (U2OS) cells is associated with increased LC3-II expression, smaller autophagosomes, enlarged lysosomes and reduced autophagic flux. We also demonstrate that survivin binds LC3 directly through a canonical LC3-interacting region (LIR) in its baculovirus inhibitors of apoptosis protein (IAP) repeat BIR domain, mutation of which inhibits the interaction, but does not abrogate its influence on autophagy. Collectively these data suggest that survivin expression restricts autophagic flux, thereby inhibiting late-stage autophagy and preventing cell death, but does so independently of LC3.
Case report Panuveitis: a case of suspected ocular tuberculosis
Authors: Burkes William , Freedman Kenu , Dominguez Leo
Published: October 2018

A 32-year-old incarcerated man was evaluated for decreased vision in both eyes at a tertiary care facility.  He presented with uveitis and the initial work up indicated that tuberculosis was the most likely etiology.  This report will discuss the frequency, presentation, diagnostic procedures and yield, and treatment of ocular tuberculosis.
Review of inflammatory biomarkers in hospitalized adults with suspected infection
Authors: Lacy Mark
Published: October 2018

Quantitative measurement of inflammatory biomarkers is frequently obtained in evaluating hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed infections and other inflammatory disorders.  These markers may be used to establish a diagnosis or assess response to therapy.  Consensus on which marker to use and when to use them is not settled nor is the extent of how these indicators improve outcomes or quality of care.  The following is a brief review of the common inflammatory biomarkers and a suggested approach for their utilization.
Development of an evacuation policy at a healthcare facility
Authors: Barry Connor , Ali Zain
Published: October 2018

An Evacuation Policy is a procedure and plan that is needed for a healthcare facility to ensure the safety of patients, families, and the staff in the event of an Emergent or Non-Emergent Evacuation. While disasters are unplanned, a procedure of any caliber can be used to maximize resources and abilities of a healthcare facility. An Evacuation Policy is the designated policy and procedure for a partial or complete evacuation of a hospital or clinic.  During an evacuation, the organization and coordination of the evacuation policy are at top priority for the successful and safe relocation of patients, families, and staff. Without an effective policy, there would be an increased risk of chaos due to uncoordinated staff and patient movement. This paper proposes an efficient evacuation plan to ensure patients are evacuated in a smooth manner on and between floors. This proposed plan is based on four fundamental principles: staff hierarchy, universal patient triaging, patient movement procedure, and end point locations. Using these four principles, an efficient flow will be created for moving patients between the affected area and the safe end point. Evacuation plans are necessary for any emergency when mass coordinated patient and staff movement to safety is required.
Latest clinical research
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: October 2018

Mark Greener rounds up the latest papers and reports relevant to primary care nurses
E-cigarettes: A review of the parliamentary green paper
Authors: Cope Graham
Published: October 2018

As e-cigarettes become increasingly popular, MPs have tried to ascertain their safety. By Graham Cope
Acute otitis media in infants and children: diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Hughes Valance
Published: October 2018

Valance Hughes details this common condition, and how it can be managed in primary care
Teaching mental health
Authors: Knightsmith Pooky
Published: October 2018

SecEd's resident wellbeing expert Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers 10 tips for teaching about mental health safely and sensitively
Newly Synthesized Oxadiazole Based Mannich Base Derivatives of Fatty Acid: in Silico Study and in Vivo Anti-Hyperglycaemic Estimation
Authors: Kapoor Garima , Pal Pathak Dharam , Bhutani Rubina , Husain Asif , Jain Sandeep , Kant Ravi , Iqbal Md. Azhar
Published: October 2018

A receptor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma was targeted by series of new fatty acid chemical entities (M1- M22) which was designed, synthesized and characterized by spectral analysis. Metabolites molecular properties were calculated using Lipinski’s rule of five using molinspiration online software. Docking studies were done on co-crystallized protein structure of PPAR γ, PDB-1FM9 showing M15, M17 and M8 to be best located in the active sites with scores -10.43, -10.21 and -10.00 respectively. The free binding energy estimation was done using model of Maestro 9.0 (Schrodinger) and lies between -80.15 to -61.26 kcal/mol which is significant as compared to that of standard (-48.58 Kcal/mol). Nine best docked derivatives were evaluated in-vivo for oral glucose tolerance and antihyperglycemic activity by streptozotocin induced diabetes model and M15 exhibited most promising antidiabetic activity more than the standard glibenclamide. The promising results encourage future investigation on fatty acids for development of active compounds.
Development and Validation of Rapid, Sensitive Rp-Uplc Method for Determination of Related Impurities in Dexrabeprazole Sodium
Authors: T. Khadangale Santosh , M. Dhalape Vitthal , V. Pinjari Rahul
Published: October 2018

Dexrabeprazole sodium (DEX•Na) is an active pharmaceutical ingredient and used as proton pump inhibitor. A reverse phase (RP) ultra-performance liquid chromatographic (UPLC) method is developed for determination of related impurities in DEX•Na and this method is validated using ICH guideline. This method was developed using BEH C18 (2.1 X 50 mm) 1.7 µm column and gradient program for mobile phase. Mobile phase A contains 99% phosphate buffer of pH ~7.0 and 1% acetonitrile, whereas mobile phase B is the methanol and acetonitrile in 95:5 ratio. The 0.45 mL/min total flow rate, 3.0 µL injection volume, 40°C column oven temperature and 284 nm detection wavelength are used with sampling rate of 5 points per second. The DEX•Na peak is well separated from its known and unknown impurities. The run time of the method is reduced to 10 min, which is ~11 times smaller than methods reported in literature. The method is accurate and precise as well as linear in the range of LOQ to 150% level with respect to specification concentration limit of impurities. The stress conditions to DEX•Na revealed that drug is stable in alkaline medium, while it is sensitive to acidic and oxidative condition. The new method is sensitive, precise, accurate, and rapid; it also qualifies all the criteria of linearity, stability, as well as robustness.
New Aromatic Azo-Schiff as Carbon Steel Corrosion Inhibitor in 1 M H2SO4
Authors: Edan Salman Hamida , A. Balakit Asim , Ahmed Abdulridha Ali
Published: October 2018

A new aromatic Schiff base with azo linkage (AS) has been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques. The new compound (AS) has been evaluated as carbon steel corrosion inhibitor at different concentrations (0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 mM) and different temperatures (303 – 333 K). The corrosion inhibition efficiency was studied by potentiodynamic polarization and weight loss measurements. The effects of concentration and temperature on the inhibition efficiency were studied by potentiodynamic polarization studies, the results showed that increasing concentration of AS increases the inhibition efficiency while increasing the temperature decreases it, the highest corrosion inhibition efficiency, 93.9% was recorded with 0.08 mM of AS at 313 K in 1 M H2SO4. Weight loss measurements showed that the inhibition efficiency reached 97.1% in the presence of AS (0.08 mM) at 313 K. The adsorption process was found to obey Langmuir isotherm, and the adsorption thermodynamic parameters were studied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to confirm the results.
Construction and Performance of a Self-Contained, Temperature-Controlled Heat Source (Electronic Chicken) to Quantify Thermal Load during Live Haul of Broilers
Authors: Luthra Kaushik , Liang Yi , Andress James R , Costello Thomas A , Watkins Susan E , Aldridge Douglas
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Strategies for quantifying heat loss of broilers on live-haul trailers would be beneficial, particularly under conditions of environmental extremes. We have developed an electronic chicken (a self-contained, temperature-controlled heat source) to simulate the sensible heat loss of a live broiler during the transit and holding periods in commercial live-haul trips. The simulated electronic chicken is an aluminum box, having surface area equivalent to a 2.3 to 2.8 kg broiler chicken (0.13 m2), with a thermostatically controlled power source to maintain the internal temperature at 41°C (typical broiler core body temperature). Different cover materials were tested to identify an appropriate cover that resulted in measured values of electronic chicken heat production being similar to published values of sensible heat production for broilers. A double layer of fleece fabric provided a reasonable match. The sensible heat loss of the electronic chickens exhibited positive correlation with exposed wind, and a positive correlation with temperature gradient between internal and external environment. Wetting the fabric cover of electronic chickens only slightly increased heat loss as compared to the dry fabric cover. Wet fabric cover experienced lower heat loss than that expected from the wetted surface of a live chicken, therefore heat loss under the wet scenario would be underestimated. Electronic chickens were installed in modules on trailers with live chickens during commercial live-haul process under various environmental conditions and different management practices. Measured heat losses from electronic chickens were in the range of 8.2 to 20.3 W with outside temperature of -17°C to 3.0°C in winter, and 4.5 to 6.7 W with 28°C to 34°C in summer. Based on literature-reported sensible heat loss under thermoneutrality, it was determined that the measured air temperature inside the live-haul modules on the trailer in the range of 11°C to 25.1°C during transit (outdoor temperature range of 1.7°C to 22.2°C) and 5.3°C to 21.7°C during holding (outdoor temperature range of -9.1°C to 19.8°C) would allow the live chickens to regulate heat by their metabolism and stay comfortable. For the holding period, the winter trips were mostly in the zone of thermal comfort. In summers, hyperthermic conditions were possible during transit, although additional cooling due to surface wetting of birds as a result of misting (on the farm prior to beginning the transit) could have been beneficial but not detectable by electronic chickens. The electronic chickens can be used effectively as a model to evaluate and identify conditions that cause thermal stress conditions during live-haul conditions and to design systems and strategies to alleviate that stress. Keywords: Broiler transport, Physiological stress, Thermal micro-environment, Thermoneutral zone.
Quantitative Analysis of Cadmium Content in Tomato Leaves Based on Hyperspectral Image and Feature Selection
Authors: Zhang Yuechun , Sun Jun , Li Junyan , Wu Xiaohong , Dai Chunmei
Published: October 2018

Abstract.

In order to ensure that safe and healthy tomatoes can be provided to people, a method for quantitative determination of cadmium content in tomato leaves based on hyperspectral imaging technology was put forward in this study. Tomato leaves with seven cadmium stress gradients were studied. Hyperspectral images of all samples were firstly acquired by the hyperspectral imaging system, then the spectral data were extracted from the hyperspectral images. To simplify the model, three algorithms of competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), variable combination population analysis (VCPA) and bootstrapping soft shrinkage (BOSS) were used to select the feature wavelengths ranging from 431 to 962 nm. Final results showed that BOSS can improve prediction performance and greatly reduce features when compared with the other two selection methods. The BOSS model got the best accuracy in calibration and prediction with R2c of 0.9907 and RMSEC of 0.4257mg/kg, R2p of 0.9821, and RMSEP of 0.6461 mg/kg. Hence, the method of hyperspectral technology combined with the BOSS feature selection is feasible for detecting the cadmium content of tomato leaves, which can potentially provide a new method and thought for cadmium content detection of other crops. Keywords: Feature selection, Hyperspectral image technology, Non-destructive analysis, Regression model, Tomato leaves.
Design, Testing, and Evaluation of a Hydrous Bioethanol Distiller for the Production of Fuel-grade Alcohol from Nipa Sap (Nypa fruticans)
Authors: Regalado Manuel Jose Cajayon , Belonio Alexis Tanangonan , Villota Katherine Corpuz , Rafael Marvelin Legaspi , Castillo Phoebe Reyes
Published: October 2018

Abstract.

To help reduce dependence on fossil fuels for mechanized farm operations, we developed and tested a distiller using fermented nipa sap with 7% alcohol content and diluted nipa sap fermentation liquor or crude bioethanol (15% concentration) to produce fuel-grade bioethanol for small spark-ignition engines. Keywords: Click here to enter keywords and key phrases, separated by commas, with a period at the end
Morbidity and Mortality from Farm Tractor and Other Agricultural Machinery-Related Injuries in Arkansas
Authors: Cardenas Victor M. , Cen Ruiqi , Clemens Melissa M. , Conner Jennifer L. , Victory Jennifer L. , Stallones Lorann , Delongchamp Robert R.
Published: October 2018

Abstract. This study applied a text string search algorithm to ascertain suspect farm tractor or agricultural machinery-related injuries in data sources available for 2000-2014 in the state of Arkansas. The occurrences of tractor or other agricultural machinery-related injuries were compared with data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). For death certificates that assigned an external cause of death, the authors first collected all those that were coded as related to agricultural machinery, based on search strings for occupation and industry and a description of how the injury occurred. They then inspected each case individually and removed those that were likely unrelated to agricultural machinery. This approach significantly increased (by 7.8 times) the number of suspect agricultural machinery-related fatalities compared to the number reported to CFOI, but there was only a 17% (not statistically significant) increase compared to NCHS. All hospital records with any discharge diagnosis coded as related to agricultural machinery were selected. Descriptive analysis of the fatalities and hospital records showed a significantly increased risk among men above retirement age, peaks during the summer, and an increased risk in the Mississippi delta region. About one-third of the agricultural machinery-related fatalities were due to overturns. The use of the algorithm can improve ascertainment of fatal agricultural machinery-related injuries in Arkansas. The death records were found to be rich in data on the circumstances of the injuries, which can be used to screen for tractor-related fatalities and, if confirmed, translated into action to improve the safety of Arkansas farmers. Keywords: Agricultural machinery, Farm, Farming, Injury, Risk, Statistics, Tractors.
National Estimates of Youth and Injuries on U.S. Farms, 2012
Authors: Hendricks Kitty J. , Layne Larry A. , Goldcamp E Michael
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in order to provide injury surveillance for youth on farms in the U.S., partnered with the USDA to conduct the Childhood Agricultural Injury Survey (CAIS). CAIS data for all farm youth less than 20 years of age have been collected intermittently since 1998. CAIS data from 2012 indicated that an estimated 25.9 million youth lived on, worked on, or visited U.S. farms. These youth experienced almost 14,000 injuries while on the farm. The majority of these injuries occurred to males (7,290) and youth between the ages of 10 and 15 years (5,766). Approximately 20% (2,739) of the injuries were related to work being done on the farm. Youth living on the farm incurred 56% (7,784) of the injuries. An additional 5,771 injuries occurred to hired and visiting youth. Although youth injuries on farms have declined, the numbers are still unacceptably high. Additional research and detailed assessments of subsets of the youth population would help to better direct safety intervention programs and focus future research activities. Keywords: Agriculture, Injury, Youth.
Editorial: The Cab Crush Hazard
Authors: Myers Melvin  L.
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in order to provide injury surveillance for youth on farms in the U.S., partnered with the USDA to conduct the Childhood Agricultural Injury Survey (CAIS). CAIS data for all farm youth less than 20 years of age have been collected intermittently since 1998. CAIS data from 2012 indicated that an estimated 25.9 million youth lived on, worked on, or visited U.S. farms. These youth experienced almost 14,000 injuries while on the farm. The majority of these injuries occurred to males (7,290) and youth between the ages of 10 and 15 years (5,766). Approximately 20% (2,739) of the injuries were related to work being done on the farm. Youth living on the farm incurred 56% (7,784) of the injuries. An additional 5,771 injuries occurred to hired and visiting youth. Although youth injuries on farms have declined, the numbers are still unacceptably high. Additional research and detailed assessments of subsets of the youth population would help to better direct safety intervention programs and focus future research activities. Keywords: Agriculture, Injury, Youth.
Short Communication: Phylogenetic analysis and molecular identification of Canar (Smilax spp.) in Java, Indonesia Based on DNA Barcoding Analysis
Authors: SULISTYANINGSIH LULUT DWI , ARDIYANI MARLINA , ABINAWANTO ABINAWANTO , SALAMAH ANDI
Published: October 2018

Sulistyaningsih LD, Abinawanto, Ardiyani M, Salamah A. 2018. Short Communication: Phylogenetic analysis and molecular identification of Canar (Smilax spp.) in Java, Indonesia Based on DNA Barcoding Analysis. Biodiversitas 19: 364-368. Smilax spp. (Smilacaceae) has long been used as medicinal herbs especially in East Asia and North America as they were known to be rich in steroidal saponin. Pharmacological study has been carried out in Indonesia. This genus is widespread in Indonesia and fairly abundant in Java and has been known either as edible fruit or medicinal plants. Characteristics of Smilax as a dioecious plant with high morphological variations make it thorny in species identification. Various molecular approaches have been devised to overcome identification problems such as DNA barcoding. This study, therefore was conducted to analyze the DNA barcoding application for phylogenetic and identification of Smilax in Java. A total of 31 samples were used in this study including 19 accession numbers from NCBI GeneBank. The genus Ripogonum was used as the out-group in phylogenetic reconstruction. Samples were successfully extracted by CTAB method with some modifications. rbcL region was used as the DNA barcode showed sufficient variation and conserved flanks. Two unidentified specimens have high similarity with S. leucophyla and lies in the same clade. The phylogenetic tree constructed by Maximum Likelihood analysis. The result showed that the monophyletic of Smilacaceae consisted of four clades. The genus Heterosmilax nested with Smilax though with low bootstraps value. It supports the monogeneric status of Smilacaceae.