bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal ions and graphene-based compounds as alternative treatment options for burn wounds infected by antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Karaky Nathalie , Kirby Andrew , McBain Andrew J. , Butler Jonathan A. , El Mohtadi Mohamed , Banks Craig E. , Whitehead Kathryn A.
Published: January 2020

Burn infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa pose a major complication in wound healing. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial effect of metal ions, graphene (Gr), and graphene oxide (GO), individually and in combination, against the planktonic and biofilm states of two antimicrobially resistant clinical strains of P. aeruginosa each with different antibiotic resistance profiles. Minimum inhibitory, minimum bactericidal, and fractional inhibitory concentrations were performed to determine the efficacy of the metal ions and graphene composites individually and their synergy in combination. Crystal violet biofilm and XTT assays measured the biofilm inhibition and metabolic activity, respectively. Molybdenum, platinum, tin, gold, and palladium ions exhibited the greatest antimicrobial activity (MIC = 7.8–26.0 mg/L), whilst GO and Gr demonstrated moderate-to-no effect against the planktonic bacterial cells, irrespective of their antibiograms. Biofilms were inhibited by zinc, palladium, silver, and graphene. In combination, silver–graphene and molybdenum–graphene inhibited both the planktonic and biofilm forms of the bacteria making them potential candidates for development into topical antimicrobials for burns patients infected with antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa.
Results of the double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing laser hemorrhoidoplasty with sutured mucopexy and excisional hemorrhoidectomy
Authors: Poskus Tomas , Danys Donatas , Makunaite Gabija , Mainelis Antanas , Mikalauskas Saulius , Poskus Eligijus , Jotautas Valdemaras , Dulskas Audrius , Jasiunas Eugenijus , Strupas Kestutis
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To compare the results of laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP), excisional hemorrhoidectomy (EH), and sutured mucopexy (MP).

Methods

A randomized, parallel-group, double-blinded, single-center prospective study.

Patients

Symptomatic 2nd- or 3rd-degree hemorrhoids patients.

Interventions

Computer randomization sequence, patient blinding, operating surgeon blinding, and surgeon-evaluator blinding. LHP was performed using a 1470 nm diode laser. Up to 250 J of energy delivered per 1 hemorrhoid. The procedure was performed circumferentially. MP ligations were placed in the area of visible hemorrhoidal tissue. Standard EH was performed up to the level of the hemorrhoidal pedicle. Follow-up at 1 and 6 weeks and 1 year.

Outcome measures

Recurrence of symptoms requiring treatment, intensity, and duration of pain after the operation, patients’ quality of life, fecal incontinence, and patients’ evaluation of treatment.

Results

A total of 121 patients. Groups were even preoperatively. LHP took 15 min (SD 5.6), MP took 16 min (SD 5.58), and EH took 29 min (SD 10.3). Recurrence requiring treatment rate was 0% after EH, 10% after LHP, and 22% after MP, p = 0.004. LHP and MP were less painful than EH, p < 0.001. Patients after LHP returned to regular activity after 15 days, after MP after 22 days, and after EH after 30 days, p < 0.001. SF-36 scores were better after EH. Symptoms of fecal incontinence improved in all the groups. Patients evaluate LHP better than EH and MP.

Limitations

Single-center study.

Conclusions

Laser hemorrhoidoplasty is a safe, minimally invasive option for hemorrhoids, more effective than MP and less effective than EH. Patients evaluate this technique better than the other two.
Chirurgie bei funktioneller Mitralklappeninsuffizienz
Authors: Müller Ludwig
Published: January 2020

Hintergrund

Neue Studien haben in den letzten Jahren wesentlich zum Verständnis der Behandlung der funktionellen Mitralklappeninsuffizienz (FMR) beigetragen. Dabei scheint vordergründig der interventionellen „Edge-to-edge“-Plastik die tragende Rolle zuzukommen.

Fragestellung

Welche Bedeutung hat die chirurgische Mitralklappenrekonstruktion bei FMR im Lichte der aktuellen Evidenz?

Material und Methoden

Die kritische Betrachtung aktueller Studien (CTSNet, MITRA-FR, COAPT), von Metaanalysen und neuer chirurgischer Studien zeigt Mängel der erstgenannten Studien sowie fehlendes Potenzial für Verallgemeinerungen und die Wertigkeit neuerer chirurgischer Ansätze auf.

Ergebnisse

Erstmals konnte in einer randomisierten Studie die Überlegenheit einer Klappenintervention gegenüber optimaler medikamentöser Therapie gezeigt werden. Neue chirurgische Techniken mit Einschluss subanulärer Rekonstruktionen in minimalinvasiver Technik gehen mit einer deutlich besseren Prognose für den Patienten einher als die restriktive Anuloplastie allein und als interventionelle Rekonstruktionen durch Edge-to-edge-Plastik.

Schlussfolgerung

Diese Ergebnisse verdeutlichen die Vorteile der Mitralklappenrekonstruktion in der Behandlung der FMR. Ergänzende subanuläre Rekonstruktionen bergen das Potenzial für eine anhaltende Freiheit von Mitralklappeninsuffizienz Rezidiven und klinischen Ereignissen, das die isolierte Edge-to-edge-Plastik nicht erreicht. Allein durch interdisziplinäre Diskussion im Herz-Team kann die optimale individualisierte Therapiestrategie unter Einbeziehung aller Techniken gefunden werden.
Occupational exposure to noise and cold environment and the risk of death due to myocardial infarction and stroke
Authors: Pettersson Hans , Olsson David , Järvholm Bengt
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The present study examined a possible association between occupational exposure to noise, working and living in cold conditions, and the risk of mortality in myocardial infarction and stroke.

Methods

The present cohort study consists of 194,501 workers in the Swedish construction industry that participated in health examinations between 1971 and 1993. Noise exposure was defined on a job-exposure matrix based on a survey of the working conditions carried out during the mid 1970s. All workers were categorised into three main regions of Sweden, differing in temperature: Reference (Götaland), colder (Svealand), and coldest (Norrland). Relative risks (RR) were analysed by negative binomial regression adjusting for age, BMI, and smoking habits.

Results

Moderate and high noise exposure was associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction (RR 1.10–1.13 with 95% CI over unit) and stroke mortality (RR 1.15 to 1.19 with 95% CI over unit). There was an increased risk for myocardial infarction (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.20), but not for stroke mortality (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.94–1.25) associated with living and working in the coldest region. There was an interaction on the risk of myocardial infarction mortality between different regions and noise exposure (p = 0.016), but not for stroke mortality (p = 0.88).

Conclusions

The study indicates an interaction between working at hazardous noise levels and living and working in cold conditions for increased mortality in myocardial infarction.
Determining the prevalence and severity of cancer cachexia in advanced non-small cell lung cancer and its relationship with chemotherapy outcomes
Authors: White Rhys , Weekes C. Elizabeth , Grant Robert , Baldwin Christine , Ahmed Hafez
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Cancer cachexia (CC) is a syndrome characterised by an ongoing loss of skeletal muscle mass associated with reduced tolerance to treatment. This study explored the prevalence and severity of CC in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and determined its relationship with chemotherapy outcomes.

Methods

CC was classified into a four-stage model: no cachexia, pre-cachexia (PC), cachexia and refractory cachexia (RC) with categorisation determined from biochemical and body composition and performance assessment. Associations between the stage of cachexia and chemotherapy outcomes including radiological response, the number of chemotherapy cycles completed and the number of cycles delayed or dose reduced were explored.

Results

Twenty-four patients were included with 4 (18%) classified as having no cachexia, 4 (18%) PC, 3 (14%) cachexia (13.6%), and 11 (50%) RC. No association was observed between the stage of cachexia and the radiological response to chemotherapy number of cycles delayed or the number of cycle’s dose reduced; however, there was an association with the number of cycles completed (p = 0.030). An association between C-reactive protein (CRP) and the number of chemotherapy cycles completed (p = 0.044) and the number of dose reductions (p = 0.044) was also identified.

Conclusions

Limited conclusions can be drawn given the small sample size. However, the majority of patients presented with some degree of cachexia at diagnosis. A relationship was identified between the increasing severity of cachexia and a lower number of chemotherapy cycles completed, as well as between CRP and the number of chemotherapy cycles completed and the number of dose reductions required, and therefore warrants further exploration in larger studies.
Correction to: Current management strategies for visceral artery aneurysms: an overview
Authors: Obara Hideaki , Kentaro Matsubara , Inoue Masanori , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: January 2020

The article Current management strategies for visceral artery aneurysms
Correction to: Preoperative predictors of postoperative complications after gastric cancer resection
Authors: Kanda Mitsuro
Published: January 2020

The article Preoperative predictors of postoperative complications after gastric cancer resection.
Serum myelin basic protein as a marker of brain injury in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Wąsik Norbert , Sokół Bartosz , Hołysz Marcin , Mańko Witold , Juszkat Robert , Jagodziński Piotr Paweł , Jankowski Roman
Published: January 2020

Background

Myelin basic protein (MBP) is the second most abundant protein in central nervous system myelin. Since the 1980s, it has been regarded as a marker of brain tissue injury in both trauma and disease. There have been no recent reports regarding MBP in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).

Methods

One hundred four SAH patients with ruptured aneurysms underwent endovascular treatment within 24 h of rupture, and 156 blood samples were collected: 104 on days 0–3, 32 on days 4–6 and 20 on days 9–12 post-SAH. MBP levels were assayed using ELISA and compared with the clinical status on admission, laboratory results, imaging findings and treatment outcome at 3 months.

Results

MBP levels on days 0–3 post-SAH were significantly higher among poor outcome patients (p < 0.001), non-survivors (p = 0.005), patients who underwent intracranial intervention (p < 0.001) and patients with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH; p < 0.001). On days 4–6 post-SAH, significantly higher levels were found following intracranial intervention (p = 0.009) and ICH (p = 0.039). There was clinically relevant correlation between MBP levels on days 0–3 post-SAH and 3-month Glasgow Outcome Scale (cc = − 0.42) and also ICH volume (cc = 0.48). All patients who made a full recovery had MBP levels below detection limit on days 0–3 post-SAH. Following endovascular aneurysm occlusion, there was no increase in MBP in 86 of the 104 patients investigated (83%).

Conclusions

The concentration of MBP in peripheral blood after intracranial aneurysm rupture reflects the severity of the brain tissue injury (due to surgery or ICH) and correlates with the treatment outcome. Endovascular aneurysm occlusion was not followed by a rise in MBP in most cases, suggesting the safety of this technique.
Defining genetic risk factors for scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Stock Carmel J. W. , De Lauretis Angelo , Visca Dina , Daccord Cecile , Kokosi Maria , Kouranos Vasilis , Margaritopoulos George , George Peter M. , Molyneaux Philip L. , Nihtyanova Svetlana , Chua Felix , Maher Toby M. , Ong Voon , Abraham David J. , Denton Christopher P. , Wells Athol U. , Wain Louise V. , Renzoni Elisabetta A.
Published: January 2020

Although several genetic associations with scleroderma (SSc) are defined, very little is known on genetic susceptibility to SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). A number of common polymorphisms have been associated with SSc-ILD, but most have not been replicated in separate populations. Four SNPs in IRF5, and one in each of STAT4, CD226 and IRAK1, selected as having been previously the most consistently associated with SSc-ILD, were genotyped in 612 SSc patients, of European descent, of whom 394 had ILD. The control population (n = 503) comprised individuals of European descent from the 1000 Genomes Project. After Bonferroni correction, two of the IRF5 SNPs, rs2004640 (OR (95% CI)1.30 (1.10–1.54), pcorr = 0.015) and rs10488631 (OR 1.48 (1.14–1.92), pcorr = 0.022), and the STAT4 SNP rs7574865 (OR 1.43 (1.18–1.73), pcorr = 0.0015) were significantly associated with SSc compared with controls. However, none of the SNPs were significantly different between patients with SSc-ILD and controls. Two SNPs in IRF5, rs10488631 (OR 1.72 (1.24–2.39), pcorr = 0.0098), and rs2004640 (OR 1.39 (1.11–1.75), pcorr = 0.03), showed a significant difference in allele frequency between controls and patients without ILD, as did STAT4 rs7574865 (OR 1.86 (1.45–2.38), pcorr = 6.6 × 10−6). A significant difference between SSc with and without ILD was only observed for STAT4 rs7574865, being less frequent in patients with ILD (OR 0.66 (0.51–0.85), pcorr = 0.0084). In conclusion, IRF5 rs2004640 and rs10488631, and STAT4 rs7574865 were significantly associated with SSc as a whole. Only STAT4 rs7574865 showed a significant difference in allele frequency in SSc-ILD, with the T allele being protective against ILD.Key points• We confirm the associations of the IRF5 SNPs rs2004640 and rs10488631, and the STAT4 SNP rs7574865, with SSc as a whole.• None of the tested SNPs were risk factors for SSc-ILD specifically.• The STAT4 rs7574865 T allele was protective against the development of lung fibrosis in SSc patients.• Further work is required to understand the genetic basis of lung fibrosis in association with scleroderma.
Just Like Any Other Family? Everyday Life Experiences of Mothers of Adults with Severe Mental Illness in Sweden
Authors: Piuva Katarina , Brodin Helene
Published: January 2020

This study explores experiences of mothers in Sweden who care for their adult children suffering from severe mental illness. Using 15 interviews with mothers from 40 to 80 years old, the article examines how predominant professional knowledge and sanism constructs the mothers and their children as deviant and what counterstrategies the mothers develop as a response to these experiences of discrimination. The findings show that the mothers’ experiences are characterized by endless confrontations with negative attitudes and comments that have forced them to go through painful and prolonged processes of self-accusations for not having given enough love, care, support and help in different stages of their children's life. But the mothers’ experiences also reveal important aspects of changes over the life span. As the mothers are ageing, the relationship between them and their children becomes more reciprocal and the ill child may even take the role as family carer.
Two-dimensional NMR lineshape analysis of single, multiple, zero and double quantum correlation experiments
Authors: Waudby Christopher A. , Ouvry Margaux , Davis Ben , Christodoulou John
Published: January 2020

NMR spectroscopy provides a powerful approach for the characterisation of chemical exchange and molecular interactions by analysis of series of experiments acquired over the course of a titration measurement. The appearance of NMR resonances undergoing chemical exchange depends on the frequency difference relative to the rate of exchange, and in the case of one-dimensional experiments chemical exchange regimes are well established and well known. However, two-dimensional experiments present additional complexity, as at least one additional frequency difference must be considered. Here we provide a systematic classification of chemical exchange regimes in two-dimensional NMR spectra. We highlight important differences between exchange in HSQC and HMQC experiments, that on a practical level result in more severe exchange broadening in HMQC spectra, but show that complementary alternatives to the HMQC are available in the form of HZQC and HDQC experiments. We present the longitudinal relaxation optimised SOFAST-H(Z/D)QC experiment for the simultaneous acquisition of sensitivity-enhanced HZQC and HDQC spectra, and the longitudinal and transverse relaxation optimised BEST-ZQ-TROSY for analysis of large molecular weight systems. We describe the application of these experiments to the characterisation of the interaction between the Hsp90 N-terminal domain and a small molecule ligand, and show that the independent analysis of HSQC, HMQC, HZQC and HDQC experiments provides improved confidence in the fitted dissociation constant and dissociation rate. Joint analysis of such data may provide improved sensitivity to detect and analyse more complex multi-state interaction mechanisms such as induced fit or conformational selection.
Multiple Wavemode Scanning for Near and Far-Side Defect Characterisation
Authors: Xiang L , Edwards R S
Published: January 2020

The combination of ultrasonic inspections using different wavemodes can give more information than is available with single mode inspection. In this work, the response of shear and Rayleigh waves to surface-breaking defects propagating on the near-side and far-side of a sample is investigated. The directivity of shear waves generated by a racetrack coil electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) is identified and used to set an ideal separation for a pair of transmit-receive EMATs. Defects are indicated by a reduction in the transmitted Rayleigh wave amplitude, and by blocking of the shear wave. Used together, these can identify features in the bulk wave behaviour which are due to near-face surface-breaking defects, and give a full picture of both surfaces. By using a combination of the two wavemodes, the angle of propagation and length of any near-side defects can additionally be identified. A scanning method for samples is proposed.
Injector-coupled thermoacoustic instabilities in an experimental LOX-methane rocket combustor during start-up
Authors: Klein Sebastian , Börner Michael , Hardi Justin S. , Suslov Dmitry , Oschwald Michael
Published: January 2020

This paper reports the investigation of acoustic combustion instability experienced during repetitive ignition testing of a sub-scale LOX-methane rocket thrust chamber. The occurrence of resonant coupling between the LOX injectors and the combustion chamber acoustic modes was assessed from the experimental data recorded during the highly transient phase of operation from ignition up to around 2 s. A method was developed to model the evolution of acoustic properties in both the combustion chamber and the injectors during the transient period. For the LOX injectors, the Woods equation was used to estimate the speed of sound in the two-phase flow. The models were used to identify the corresponding mode frequencies in the unsteady pressure measurements, and show that the high-amplitude instability occurred when they intersected. Very close coupling of less than 3% frequency difference is required for high amplitudes to be observed. However, the condition was necessary but not sufficient for high amplitudes to be reached.
Integrated application of flow pattern map for long-term gas lift optimization: a case study of Well T in Indonesia
Authors: Rahmawati Silvya Dewi , Chandra Steven , Aziz Prasandi Abdul , Daton Wijoyo Niti , Gaol Ardhi H. Lumban
Published: January 2020

Gas lift optimization has been a classic problem since its inception. The problem with currently practiced optimization, the gas lift performance curve (GLPC), was the sole requirement for exhaustive calculation that has to be performed every time changes to the reservoir are acknowledged. The approach of mechanistic modeling has been proven to be a powerful tool to complement the analysis of GLP curves, especially in complex, multi-well gas lift system. This publication offers a new approach in modeling the progression of flow pattern map (FPM) in case of reservoir pressure decline. The findings presented in this publication encourage the hypothesis that FPM can be used with minimum alteration should there be any changes in reservoir pressure.
Klinische epidemiologie: maximale detrusorcontractiekracht gerelateerd aan leeftijd en geslacht
Authors: Rosier Peter F. W. M. , ten Donkelaar Celine S. , de Kort Laetitia M. O.
Published: January 2020

Samenvatting

In deze cross-sectionele epidemiologische studie is nagegaan wat de relatie is tussen maximale detrusorcontractiekracht en leeftijd bij patiënten die waren verwezen met lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Hiertoe is een retrospectieve analyse uitgevoerd op de resultaten van urodynamisch onderzoek dat werd uitgevoerd bij 1.308 patiënten. De detrusorcontractiekracht gedurende mictie werd vergeleken tussen mannen en vrouwen en tussen verschillende leeftijdsgroepen (range 20–90 jaar). Het betreffen cross-sectionele data van patiënten met LUTS die waren verwezen naar een specialistisch centrum. In hogere leeftijdsgroepen werd er een lagere maximale detrusorcontractie waargenomen. De maximale detrusorcontractiekracht was gemiddeld 30 % minder krachtig bij oudere vrouwen en 12 % minder krachtig bij oudere mannen dan bij jongere vrouwen en mannen. Uit dit onderzoek blijkt dat zowel bij vrouwen als bij mannen met LUTS de maximale detrusorcontractiekracht van de oudere patiënt lager is dan die van de jongere patiënt. Het verschil in maximale detrusorcontractiekracht in relatie tot de leeftijd is groter bij vrouwen dan bij mannen. Deze bevindingen kunnen niet zonder meer gegeneraliseerd worden naar een asymptomatische populatie.
Case report. Progressieve zwelling op de glans penis bij gebruik van een buitenwaarts draagurinaal
Authors: de Barros Hilda A. , Rynja Sybren P. , Noordzij Marinus A.
Published: January 2020

Samenvatting

Een progressieve zwelling op de glans penis is verdacht voor een maligniteit. Differentiaaldiagnostisch kan er ook gedacht worden aan benigne afwijkingen, zoals een fibro-epitheliale poliep (FEP). Een FEP is een tumor die zelden voorkomt op de glans penis. Hieraan lijken chronische lokale druk, inflammatie of eerdere peniele chirurgie ten grondslag te liggen. Klinisch kan het lastig zijn een FEP te diagnosticeren en daarom is het verkrijgen van histologie noodzakelijk. Behandeling bestaat uit excisie. Hier beschrijven wij een zwelling op de glans penis bij een 75-jarige man die een buitenwaarts draagurinaal gebruikt. Hoewel wij aanvankelijk dachten aan een maligniteit, toonde histologisch onderzoek een FEP aan.
The oxidation and hypoglycaemic effect of sorafenib in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Karbownik Agnieszka , Stachowiak Anna , Urjasz Hanna , Sobańska Katarzyna , Szczecińska Agnieszka , Grabowski Tomasz , Stanisławiak-Rudowicz Joanna , Wolc Anna , Grześkowiak Edmund , Szałek Edyta
Published: January 2020

Background

Diabetes reduces the activity of CYP3A4 and may increase the exposure for the drugs metabolized by the isoenzyme. Sorafenib is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), used for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and radioactive iodine resistant thyroid carcinoma. The TKI undergoes CYP3A4-dependent oxidative transformation, which may be influenced by hyperglycaemia. The aim of the study was to compare the oxidation for sorafenib between healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Additionally, the effect of sorafenib on glucose levels was investigated.

Methods

The rats were assigned to the groups: streptozotocin-induced diabetic (DG, n = 8) or healthy (HG, n = 8). The rats received sorafenib orally as a single dose of 100 mg/kg. The plasma concentrations of sorafenib and its metabolite N-oxide were measured with the validated high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection.

Results

The difference between groups in Cmax and AUC0−t values for sorafenib were significant (p = 0.0004, p = 0.0104), and similarly for the metabolite (p = 0.0008, p = 0.0011). Greater exposure for the parent drug and analysed metabolite was achieved in diabetic group. However, the Cmax, AUC0−t, and AUC0−∞ ratios between the metabolite and sorafenib were similar in both groups. The significant reduction of glycaemia was observed only in the diabetic animals.

Conclusion

The findings of the study provide evidence that diabetes significantly influence on the exposition for sorafenib and its metabolite, but similar ratios N-oxide/sorafenib for AUC and Cmax in healthy and diabetic animals suggest that oxidation of the TKI is rather unchanged. Additionally, sorafenib-associated hypoglycaemia was confirmed in diabetic animals.
Gender differences in associations between digital media use and psychological well‐being: Evidence from three large datasets
Authors: Twenge Jean M. , Martin Gabrielle N.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Adolescents spend an increasing amount of time using digital media, but gender differences in their use and in associations with psychological well‐being are unclear.

Method

We drew from three large, representative surveys of 13‐ to 18‐year‐old adolescents in the U.S. and UK (total N = 221,096) examining digital media use in hours per day and several measures of psychological well‐being separately in each of the three datasets.

Results

Adolescent girls spent more time on smartphones, social media, texting, general computer use, and online, and boys spent more time gaming and on electronic devices in general. Associations between moderate or heavy digital media use and low psychological well‐being/mental health issues were generally larger for girls than for boys. Light users of digital media were slightly higher in well‐being than non‐users, with larger differences among boys. Among both genders, heavy users of digital media were often twice as likely as low users to be low in well‐being or have mental health issues, including risk factors for suicide.

Conclusions

Associations between heavy digital media use and low psychological well‐being are larger for adolescent girls than boys.
Management Challenges of Informal Volunteers: The Case of Kermanshah Earthquake in Iran (2017)
Authors: Sharififar Simintaj , Khoshvaghti Amir , Jahangiri Katayoun
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

Two of the 5 great earthquakes have occurred in Iran between 1990 and 2005. Informal volunteers’ management is a determinant factor in disaster management. This research was conducted to investigate the management challenges of informal volunteers after the Kermanshah earthquake.

Methods:

The study is qualitative, done by content analysis. Data were gathered by observation and semi-structured interview.

Results:

Analysis of 12 interviews resulted in 4 main categories (inappropriate dispatch, volunteers’ inefficiency, decrease in volunteers’ incentive, deficiency of welfare services) and 11 subcategories.

Discussion:

To avoid mistrust and decrease in motivation, proposed actions are: standardize information collection, apply effective communication, create registration networks and accreditation of certificates and expertise, and perform periodic drills.

Conclusion:

We recommend the start of extracurricular programs and applying potential volunteers within the preparedness phase, and follow-up at the beginning of the response phase. Decrease of motivation to participate in future events needs to be studied more comprehensively.
Distinctive context, divergent pattern: Diffusion of imported management practices in Turkey and implications for late-industrializing countries
Authors: Özen Şükrü , Önder Çetin
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we develop and empirically test hypotheses about the diffusion of imported management practices in Turkey. We emphasize the sociopolitical legitimacy of these practices and present hypotheses as to timing, motivations, and self-promotion. We test these hypotheses with quantitative data on Total Quality Management (TQM) adoption by industrial companies in Turkey. Findings reveal that elite companies adopt TQM earlier on, self-report greater levels of sociopolitically driven legitimacy concerns, and are more likely to participate in a prestigious quality award contest. Overall, our study contributes to diffusion research guided by the new institutional approach by expanding existing models to the diffusion of imported practices across organizations in late-industrializing recipient countries. We particularly show that sociopolitical legitimacy of imported practices that is more characteristic of late-industrializing recipient contexts may generate a divergent pattern of diffusion whereby elite organizations emerge as early adopters and engage in brandishing adoption.
DEGREES OF BRAUER CHARACTERS AND NORMAL SYLOW -SUBGROUPS
Authors: CHEN XIAOYOU , LEWIS MARK L.
Published: January 2020

Let $p$ be a prime, $G$ a solvable group and $P$ a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$. We prove that $P$ is normal in $G$ if and only if $\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}(1)_{p}^{2}$ divides $|G:\ker (\unicode[STIX]{x1D711})|_{p}$ for all monomial monolithic irreducible $p$-Brauer characters $\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}$ of $G$.
INEQUALITIES OF JENSEN’S TYPE FOR POSITIVE LINEAR FUNCTIONALS ON HERMITIAN UNITAL BANACH -ALGEBRAS
Authors: DRAGOMIR S. S.
Published: January 2020

We establish inequalities of Jensen’s and Slater’s type in the general setting of a Hermitian unital Banach $\ast$-algebra, analytic convex functions and positive normalised linear functionals.
ON SUMS OF TWO PRIME SQUARES, FOUR PRIME CUBES AND POWERS OF TWO
Authors: LIU YUHUI
Published: January 2020

We prove that every sufficiently large even integer can be represented as the sum of two squares of primes, four cubes of primes and 28 powers of two. This improves the result obtained by Liu and Lü [‘Two results on powers of 2 in Waring–Goldbach problem’, J. Number Theory 131(4) (2011), 716–736].
ODD–EVEN DECOMPOSITION OF FUNCTIONS
Authors: PINELIS IOSIF
Published: January 2020

The main result of this note implies that any function from the product of several vector spaces to a vector space can be uniquely decomposed into the sum of mutually orthogonal functions that are odd in some of the arguments and even in the other arguments. Probabilistic notions and facts are employed to simplify statements and proofs.
Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty for Eustachian tube dysfunction: report of long-term outcomes in a UK population
Authors: McMurran A E L , Hogg G E , Gordon S , Spielmann P M , Jones S E
Published: January 2020

Background

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty is a surgical management option for Eustachian tube dysfunction; it has shown promising results in studies worldwide, but has had limited uptake in the UK. This study reports long-term outcomes for patients offered balloon Eustachian tuboplasty for chronic dilatory and baro-challenge-induced Eustachian tube dysfunction, and describes practical experience gained from its implementation.

Methods

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty was conducted in 25 patients (36 ears) with Eustachian tube dysfunction over three years. Information on presenting symptoms and signs, audiometric findings, tympanometry, and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 scores were recorded pre- and post-operatively with a minimum follow up of one year.

Results

Sixteen (64 per cent) of the 25 patients demonstrated symptom resolution after balloon Eustachian tuboplasty according to the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7. Fourteen (64 per cent) of the 22 patients with a type B or C tympanogram pre-operatively, had a type A trace post-operatively. Fifteen (75 per cent) of 20 patients with pre-operative conductive hearing loss showed improvement post-operatively, and 11 (50 per cent) of 22 patients with pre-operative middle-ear effusion or tympanic membrane retraction showed resolution.

Conclusion

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty can improve subjective and objective measures of Eustachian tube dysfunction, and provide longer-term resolution.
Determinants of successful tracheostomy decannulation in children: a multicentric cohort study
Authors: Schweiger C , Manica D , Lubianca Neto J F , Sekine L , Krumenauer R , Caixeta J A , Maunsell R , Gomes Avelino M
Published: January 2020

Background

Determining prognostic factors for the probability of tracheostomy decannulation is key to an adequate therapeutic plan.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 160 paediatric patients undergoing tracheostomy was conducted. Associations between different parameters and eventual tracheostomy decannulation were assessed.

Results

Mean follow-up duration was 27.8 months (interquartile range = 25.5–30.2 months). Median age at tracheostomy was 6.96 months (interquartile range = 3.37–29.42 months), with median tracheostomy maintenance of 14.5 months (interquartile range = 3.7–21.5 months). The overall tracheostomy decannulation rate was 22.5 per cent. Factors associated with a higher probability of tracheostomy decannulation included age at tracheostomy (hazard ratio = 1.11, 95 per cent confidence interval = 1.03–1.18) and post-intubation laryngitis as an indication for tracheostomy (hazard ratio = 2.25, 95 per cent confidence interval = 1.09–4.62). Neurological (hazard ratio = 0.30, 95 per cent confidence interval = 0.12–0.80) and pulmonary (hazard ratio = 0.41, 95 per cent confidence interval = 0.18–0.91) co-morbidities were negatively associated with tracheostomy decannulation. The probability of tracheostomy decannulation decreased significantly with increasing numbers of co-morbidities (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Age, post-intubation laryngitis, and number and type of co-morbidities influence tracheostomy decannulation rate in the paediatric population.
The distinctive neural circuitry of complex posttraumatic stress disorder during threat processing
Authors: Bryant Richard A. , Felmingham Kim L. , Malhi Gin , Andrew Elpiniki , Korgaonkar Mayuresh S.
Published: January 2020

Background

There is controversy over the extent to which the new International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) diagnosis of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is distinct from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to conduct the first investigation of distinctive neural processes during threat processing in CPTSD relative to PTSD.

Method

This cross-sectional functional magnetic resonance study included 99 participants who met criteria for PTSD (PTSD = 32, CPTSD = 28) and 39 trauma-exposed controls. PTSD was assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). CPTSD was assessed with an adapted version of the International Trauma Questionnaire. Neural responses were measured across the brain while threat or neutral faces were presented at both supraliminal and subliminal levels.

Results

During supraliminal presentations of threat stimuli, there was greater bilateral insula and right amygdala activation in CPTSD participants relative to PTSD. Reduced supraliminal right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation and increased subliminal amygdala and insula activation were observed as common dysfunction for both CPTSD and PTSD groups relative to trauma controls. There were no significant differences in terms of subliminal presentations and no differences in functional connectivity. Dissociative responses were positively associated with right insula activation (r = 0.347, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

These results provide the first evidence of distinct neural profiles of CPTSD and PTSD during threat processing. The observation of increased insula and right amygdala activation in CPTSD accords with the proposal that CPTSD is distinguished from PTSD by disturbances in emotion regulation and self-concept.
Prenatal and perinatal factors and risk of eating disorders
Authors: Larsen Janne Tidselbak , Bulik Cynthia M. , Thornton Laura M. , Koch Susanne Vinkel , Petersen Liselotte
Published: January 2020

Background

Among the most disabling and fatal psychiatric illnesses, eating disorders (EDs) often manifest early in life, which encourages investigations into in utero and perinatal environmental risk factors. The objective of this study was to determine whether complications during pregnancy and birth and perinatal conditions are associated with later eating disorder risk in offspring and whether these associations are unique to EDs.

Methods

All individuals born in Denmark to Danish-born parents 1989–2010 were included in the study and followed from their 6th birthday until the end of 2016. Exposure to factors related to pregnancy, birth, and perinatal conditions was determined using national registers, as were hospital-based diagnoses of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa, and eating disorder not otherwise specified during follow-up. For comparison, diagnoses of depressive, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders were also included. Cox regression was used to compare hazards of psychiatric disorders in exposed and unexposed individuals.

Results

1 167 043 individuals were included in the analysis. We found that similar to the comparison disorders, prematurity was associated with increased eating disorder risk. Conversely, patterns of increasing risks of EDs, especially in AN, with increasing parental ages differed from the more U-shaped patterns observed for depressive and anxiety disorders.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that pregnancy and early life are vulnerable developmental periods when exposures may influence offspring mental health, including eating disorder risk, later in life. The results suggest that some events pose more global transdiagnostic risk whereas other patterns, such as increasing parental ages, appear more specific to EDs.
SOCIOLINGUISTIC COMPETENCE AND INTERPRETING VARIABLE STRUCTURES IN A SECOND LANGUAGE
Authors: Kanwit Matthew , Geeslin Kimberly L.
Published: January 2020

Learners must develop the ability to vary language according to linguistic and situational factors to produce context-appropriate utterances. Likewise, interpreting the additional meaning conveyed through language variation is essential for successful communication. Nevertheless, research on the interpretation of the variable copulas in Spanish is scarce and we do not know how individual lexical items and patterns of co-occurrence of adjectives with particular copulas influence interpretation. Addressing this void, we compare interpretation of the copulas by native speakers and highly advanced, advanced, and intermediate learners. Participants completed an interpretation task containing the copulas paired with one of nine adjectives, categorized as typically co-occurring withser,estar, or both copulas. The current study contributes to the body of work on communicative competence and advanced L2 proficiency by exploring the development of interpretative abilities of English-speaking learners of Spanish and the extent to which interpretation differs across adjective classes and individual adjectives.
Case marking and word order in Greek heritage children
Authors: CHONDROGIANNI Vasiliki , SCHWARTZ Richard G.
Published: January 2020

This study examined the linguistic and individual-level factors that render case marking a vulnerable domain in English-dominant Greek heritage children. We also investigated whether heritage language (HL) children can use case-marking cues to interpret (non-)canonical sentences in Greek similarly to their monolingual peers. A group of six- to twelve-year-old Greek heritage children in New York City and a control group of age-matched monolingual children living in Greece participated in a production and a picture verification task targeting case marking and (non-)canonical word order in Greek. HL children produced syncretic inflectional errors, also found in preschool monolingual children. In the comprehension task, HL children showed variable performance on the non-canonical OVS but ceiling performance on the SVO conditions, which suggests influence from English. Linguistic factors such as case transparency affected comprehension, whereas child-level factors such as proficiency and degree of (early) use of Greek influenced performance on both modalities.
Colonial Virginia's paper money, 1755–1774: a reply to Michener
Authors: Grubb Farley
Published: January 2020

Ron Michener takes issue with my approach to and analysis of colonial Virginia's paper money. He objects to how I calculate the paper money's asset present value when the paper money is hypothesized to be zero-coupon and interest-bearing bonds. He questions my data on the amount of Virginia's paper money in circulation, and he objects to the econometric treatment I apply to my model of that money's performance. He, however, presents no alternative data constructions, or any alternative explanations for the patterns in the data, nor does he present any alternative hypotheses or do any hypothesis testing to account for the level and movement in the value of Virginia's paper money.
Advantage and Limitation of Using a Visual Feedback Device during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training
Authors: Kim Chan Woong , Oh Je Hyeok
Published: January 2020

Introduction:

Recent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines recommend the use of CPR prompt/feedback devices during CPR training because it can improve the quality of CPR.

Problem:

Chest compression depth and full chest recoil show a trade-off relationship. Therefore, achievement of both targets (adequate chest compression depth and full chest recoil) simultaneously is a difficult task for CPR instructors. This study hypothesized that introducing a visual feedback device to the CPR training could improve the chest compression depth and ratio of full chest recoil simultaneously.

Methods:

The study investigated the effects of introducing a visual feedback device during CPR training by comparing the results of skill tests before and after introducing a visual feedback device. The results of skill tests from 2016 through 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The strategy of emphasizing chest compression depth was implemented during the CPR training in 2017, and a visual feedback device was introduced in 2018. The interval between the CPR training and skill tests was seven days. Feedback was not provided during the skill tests.

Results:

In total, 159 students completed skill tests. Although the chest compression depth increased significantly from 50 mm (42–54) to 60 mm (59–61) after emphasizing chest compression depth (P < .001), the ratio of full chest recoil decreased simultaneously from 100% (100–100) to 81% (39–98; P < .001). The ratio of full chest recoil increased significantly from 81% (39–98) to 95% (77–100) after introducing a visual feedback device (P = .018). However, the students who did not achieve 80% of the ratio of full chest recoil remained significantly higher than in 2016 (1% in 2016, 49% in 2017, and 27% in 2018; P < .001).

Conclusions:

Although introducing a visual feedback device during CPR training resulted in increasing the ratio of full chest recoil while maintaining the adequacy of chest compression depth, 27% of the students still did not achieve 80% of the ratio of full chest recoil. Another educational strategy should be considered to increase the qualities of CPR more completely.
Examining violence among Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity state hospital inpatients across multiple time points: the roles of criminogenic risk factors and psychiatric symptoms
Authors: Delgado Darci , Mitchell Sean M. , Morgan Robert D. , Scanlon Faith
Published: January 2020

Objective

Institutional violence in state hospitals is a public health problem that has been severely understudied. Given the personal (ie, staff and patients) and fiscal harms associated with institutional violence, more research into contributing factors for violence is needed. The overarching aim of this study then was to examine associations among psychiatric symptoms, criminal risk factors, and institutional violence.

Methods

Participants were 200 male, female, and transgender forensic mental health inpatients adjudicated Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity and committed to the California Department of State Hospitals. Participants completed a psychiatric symptom measure, and measures of and associated with criminal risk. Institutional violence was recorded from file review and includes physical violence toward staff or patients for 6-months prior to and post patient participation in this study.

Results

After adjusting for previous institutional violence, results indicated that psychiatric symptoms were not associated with follow-up institutional violence; however, criminal risk was associated with follow-up institutional violence. Unexpectedly, 2 aspects of criminal risk, antisocial cognitions and associates, were not associated with follow-up institutional violence after adjusting for previous institutional violence. Results also provided a tentative cutoff score on the Self-Appraisal Questionnaire for predicting follow-up institutional violence.

Conclusions

These results have important implications for treating and managing patients at risk for institutional violence, including the need to assess criminogenic risk and leverage treatments that target these risk factors as a best practice approach.
ZERO JORDAN PRODUCT DETERMINED BANACH ALGEBRAS
Authors: ALAMINOS J. , BREŠAR M. , EXTREMERA J. , VILLENA A. R.
Published: January 2020

A Banach algebra $A$ is said to be a zero Jordan product determined Banach algebra if, for every Banach space $X$, every bilinear map $\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}:A\times A\rightarrow X$ satisfying $\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}(a,b)=0$ whenever $a$, $b\in A$ are such that $ab+ba=0$, is of the form $\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}(a,b)=\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}(ab+ba)$ for some continuous linear map $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}$. We show that all $C^{\ast }$-algebras and all group algebras $L^{1}(G)$ of amenable locally compact groups have this property and also discuss some applications.
DERIVATION RELATION FOR FINITE MULTIPLE ZETA VALUES IN
Authors: MURAHARA HIDEKI , ONOZUKA TOMOKAZU
Published: January 2020

Ihara et al. proved the derivation relation for multiple zeta values. The first-named author obtained its counterpart for finite multiple zeta values in ${\mathcal{A}}$. In this paper, we present its generalization in $\widehat{{\mathcal{A}}}$.
Community transformation through certified organic cotton initiatives—an analysis of case studies in Peru, Tanzania and India
Authors: Altenbuchner Christine , Vogel Stefan , Larcher Manuela
Published: January 2020

This paper examines how certified organic cotton initiatives (COCIs) influence community capitals in rural Peru, Tanzania and India using the community capitals framework (CCF). Case study analyses, including qualitative interviews of farmers, expert interviews and participatory observations, were conducted in Northern Peru, Northern Tanzania and Eastern India. The results show slight changes in community capitals in Peru, while comprehensive changes and spiraling-up effects were triggered by certified organic cotton farming initiatives in Tanzania and India. These community developments strongly depended on set measures, such as the extent of (1) partnership (e.g., contract farming), (2) input support (e.g., seeds, loans, community infrastructure), (3) capacity building (through training and advisory services), (4) group formation and (5) formation of cooperatives. Favorable environmental conditions and supporting local institutions facilitated spiraling-up effects, while social preconditions (e.g., gender inequality) strongly limited these effects. The research showed that COCIs have considerable potential to trigger spiraling-up effects in rural communities. However, the capacity strongly depends on the respective initiative and its ability to involve and empower farmers, i.e., to build up human and social capital.