bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid hormone resistance syndrome with P453T mutation in thyroid hormone receptor β gene
Authors: Yusufu Ayiguli , Chen Wen-Jing , Zhang Ming-Chen
Published: October 2020

Rationale:

Thyroid hormone resistance syndrome (THRS) is an inherited condition characterized by reduced responsiveness of target tissues to thyroid hormone. Due to their nonspecific symptomatic manifestations, these patients can be misdiagnosed. This study reports a pedigree with THRS caused by a mutation in the thyroid hormone receptor β (THRβ) gene.

Patient concern:

The proband, a 36-year-old woman at 19+4 weeks of gestation, was referred to our hospital because of abnormal thyroid function results. She was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in October 2015, and had been treated with methimazole until her pregnancy.

Diagnosis:

The proband and 2 of her children were diagnosed with THRS based on genetic analysis. Sequence analysis of the THRβ gene showed a heterozygous mutation C>A located at exon 10. The mutation results in a change in proline for threonine at amino acid position 453, P453T.

Interventions:

No treatment will fully and specifically correct the defect. All 3 patients were in normal metabolic status, and thus treatment was not required.

Outcomes:

During a 2-year follow-up period, none of them had any complaints. The 20-year-old son (167 cm in height) and the 18-year-old daughter (150 cm in height) both had low academic performance.

Lessons:

Elevated serum thyroid hormone (TH) levels associated with nonsuppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels usually leads to the diagnosis of THRS. Genetic analysis provides a short cut to diagnosis and the treatment should be based on the patient's clinical manifestations.
A retrospective controlled study protocol of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion compared with posterior lumbar interbody fusion for spondylolisthesis
Authors: Yi Ping , Tang Xiangsheng , Yang Feng , Tan Mingsheng
Published: October 2020

Background:

In the current literature, for adult lumbar spondylolisthesis, the direct comparison of clinical outcomes and perioperative complications between transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is limited. Whether the therapeutic effect of TLIF is better than that of PLIF is still controversial. In this retrospective controlled study, our aim was to compare their clinical outcomes and radiological results of the above two stabilization approaches after 1-year follow-up period.

Methods:

This investigation was approved via the Institutional Review committee of China-Japan friendship hospital. This was a retrospective single-center analysis of subjects. We reviewed the patients with spondylolisthesis treated with TLIF or PLIF between July 2016 and February 2019 in our hospital. Patients with these conditions will be included: with the radiological evidence of degenerative lumbar spondylolismia with leg pain and/or low back pain, or the neurogenic claudication after failure of conventional conservative treatment for more than 6 months. The patients who received 3 levels or more intervertebral fusion levels were excluded. Patients without a completed medical history were excluded. Patients who had a history of lumbar spine surgery were also excluded. Clinical outcomes in our follow-up included functional outcomes, complications, and radiographic such as spondylolisthesis degree. The radiographs were obtained at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months during the outpatient follow-up.

Results:

This protocol will provide a solid theoretical basis for exploring which technique is better in treatment of spondylolisthesis.

Trial registration:

This study protocol was registered in Research Registry (number: researchregistry6032).
Clinical features and prognosis of duplex primary malignant neoplasms involving chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Liu Chunshui , Wang Cong , Du Zhonghua , Xue Hongwei , Liu Zhihe
Published: October 2020

This study was to investigate clinical features and prognosis of duplex primary malignant neoplasms involving chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-DPMNs). Clinical data of thirteen CML-DPMN patients who were admitted to the First Hospital of Jilin University from May 2008 to December 2018 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Female patients (9/13) were predominant in this cohort study. Nine patients were metachronous DPMNs (metachronous duplex primary malignant neoplasms involving chronic myeloid leukemia) with 5 years median interval time from primary malignancy to secondary malignancy. The other 4 patients were diagnosed as synchronous CML-DPMNs. Seven of the metachronous duplex primary malignant neoplasms involving chronic myeloid leukemia suffered from CML following many years of comprehensive anti-cancer therapy. Two of CML-MDPMN patients had invasive ductal carcinoma of breast after many years of treatment with imatinib. There was no difference between treatment-related CML group and non-treatment-related CML group in regard as the gender, age, white blood cell count, hemoglobin level, platelet count, and risk level. The median overall survival time of these thirteen patients with CML-DPMNs was not reached. In conclusion, female patients are more likely to suffer from the CML-DPMNs in the present article. Overall survival time of patients with DPMNs involving CML could be promising if timely and effective treatment therapy is adopted.
Efficacy and safety of Sangbaipi Decoction in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Li Jiazhou , Jiang Junlin , Jing Chunxiang , Zheng Wenjiang , Pan Huashan
Published: October 2020

Background:

Chinese medicine Sangbaipi decoction is extensively applied to the therapy of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in China. However, owing to the low quality, small sample size, and methodological heterogeneity of these studies, this conclusion is not convincing. Consequently, it is necessary to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Sangbaipi Decoction in the treatment of AECOPD patients, and provide high-quality evidence for its clinical application.

Methods:

We will follow the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) for reporting the results of the review in this study. We will utilize the Review Manage software V5.3.0 (The Nordic Cochrane Center, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014, Copenhagen, Denmark) to assess the risk of bias and visualize the results. We will use Stata software (version 15.0, StataCorp, College Station, TX) to perform the meta-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol of Sangbaipi decoction on AECOPD, participants were not recruited and data were not collected from participants, so ethical ratification is not required.

Results:

This study will provide high-quality synthesis of the effectiveness and safety of Sangbaipi decoction for AECOPD. Upon completion, the results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:

The efficacy and safety assessment of Sangbaipi decoction for AECOPD will be supported by this protocol.

Registration number:

PROSPERO CRD 42019138405.
Mediastinal desmoplastic small round cell tumor
Authors: Jin Dacheng , Chen Meng , Wang Bing , Gou Yunjiu
Published: October 2020

Rationale:

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare distinct tumor with a high-grade malignancy.

Patient concerns:

A 51-year-old male visited a local hospital in April 2016 complaining of shortness of breath, chest tightness and pain, and exhibited significant swelling in both sides of the chest.

Diagnoses:

CT demonstrated thoracic symmetry and no abnormalities were observed in the soft tissues of the ribs and the chest wall. A general observation of CT-guided puncture biopsy revealed 2 stripes of gray and grayish-white puncture tissues of 0.5 and 1 cm in length, respectively, and 0.1 cm in diameter. These results preliminarily suggested a (mediastinum) malignant small round cell tumor.

Intervention:

Given the progression of the disease, the chemotherapy regimen, consisting of ifosfamide and etoposide, was altered during the course and radiotherapy (total of 70 Gy of mediastinal Y field radiation) was conducted.

Outcomes:

The patient and his family declined further treatment. Through follow-up, the total survival period was determined as 17 months.

Lessons:

DSRCT is a rare interstitial malignant tumor. Effective cytoreduction combined with comprehensive therapies could achieve partial remission or prolong the survival of patients.
Successful treatment of recurrent benign fibrous histiocytoma by complete surgical removal and appropriate ocular surface reconstruction
Authors: Wang Haixu , Zhang Shuang , Hong Jing
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Ocular benign fibrous histiocytoma can involve corneoscleral limbus and adjacent cornea and usually has a good prognosis after surgical removal. Despite the low recurrence rate, we reported a rare case of ocular benign fibrous histiocytoma with twice recurrences after excision.

Patient concerns:

A 12-year-old Chinese girl presented with two painless progressively enlarging masses in the right eye for 6 years. She once had the lesions excised 1 year ago. However, the primary lesions relapsed again.

Diagnosis:

Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examinations of the excised samples supported the diagnosis of benign fibrous histiocytomas of the corneoscleral limbus.

Interventions:

The patient underwent mass resection with limbal stem cell transplantation and amniotic membrane transplantation at first. As for the tumors’ second recurrence, we performed extended excision combined with lamellar keratoplasty and amniotic membrane implantation.

Outcomes:

The corneal graft remained clear with no sign of tumor recurrence 3 years after the second surgery.

Conclusion:

Complete surgical resection with tumor-free margins is critical to reduce the recurrence of benign fibrous histiocytoma and appropriate ocular surface reconstruction is necessary to remedy tissue defect and maintain epithelial integrity.
Baduanjin exercise for patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Jieying , Yin Shuai , Li Ruiqing , Ge Beibei , Su Kaiqi , Song Xiaolei , Zhang Zhenhua , Chang Yiniu , Feng Xiaodong , Wu Nan
Published: October 2020

Background:

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic degenerative disorder with an increasingly prevalence among the older individuals and the leading cause of pain in the elderly. Baduanjin, one of the ancient traditional Chinese mind-body exercise routine, has been recognized to have clinical benefits for KOA. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Baduanjin for patients with KOA through this systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

Four English databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science), and 4 Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Wanfang Database), will be searched from establishment of the database until October 2020. The reference lists and the citation lists of studies meeting the inclusion criteria will also be searched to identify further studies for inclusion. The search languages are English and Chinese. The randomized controlled trials of Baduanjin training for patients with KOA will be included. The primary outcome will be assessed according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Meta-analysis will be conducted with the use of RevMan 5.3.

Results:

The results of this research will be submitted to a peer-reviewed publications.

Conclusion:

This systematic review aims to present evidence for whether Baduanjin training is an effective intervention which can improve both physical condition and life quality in patients suffering KOA.

INPLASY registration number:

INPLASY202090051.
Clinical nursing pathway improves the nursing satisfaction in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Fu Su , Han Hui , Fan Chaofeng , Jiang Yan
Published: October 2020

Background:

Cerebral hemorrhage (CH) is a very common cerebrovascular disorder in clinical practice. More and more studies reported that proper nursing care could promote the rate of treatment, and improve the prognosis after treatment. Clinical nursing pathway (CNP) refers to original nursing mode with good quality, outstanding efficiency, and low treatment spending. Few articles have reported the effect of CNP in patients with acute CH. The program is in urgent need of convinced evidence to prove the reliability. Thus, we perform this randomized controlled trial protocol and hypothesize that CNP is associated with improved outcomes and nursing satisfaction, reduced adverse reactions in patients with acute CH.

Method:

It is a single-center randomized controlled study to be conducted from October 2020 to October 2021. It was admitted via the Ethics Committee of the West China Hospital of Sichuan University (0038842/121). Eighty patients meet diagnostic standards for CH are included. The study group receives the clinical nursing path model. In the control group, patients receive the routine care before and after taking to the hospital. The main outcome contains the Barthel index score, the patient's degree of satisfaction about care, the length of hospital stay, and the risk of complications such as infection, bedsores and gastrointestinal function between the 2 groups. Six months after admission, the functional independence measure and Fugl Meyer score are recorded. All data are analyzed by the IBM SPSS Statistics, version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY edition).

Results:

Table 1 shows the clinical outcomes between groups.

Conclusion:

CNP may improve the clinical outcomes for patients with acute CH and have a significant value in actual applications.

Trial registration number:

researchregistry6061
Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicinal enemas for treatment of chronic renal failure
Authors: Wu Lihua , Wang Yating , Liu Yu , Wu Ling , Cheng Dan , Jiang Ting , Qu Bo , Lu Hongmei , Yang Ju , Tang Anqi , Li Mingquan
Published: October 2020

Background:

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a common kidney disease characterized by a slow and progressive decline in kidney function. Clinical practice suggests that traditional Chinese medicinal enemas have a therapeutic effect on CRF. To assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicinal enemas in treating CRF, we created a protocol for a systematic review to inform future clinical applications.

Methods:

We completed a literature search of all clinical randomized controlled trials evaluating traditional Chinese medicinal enemas on CRF in the following five English and four Chinese databases completed before August 2020: Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Cochrane Library database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WANFANE Database, Chinese Scientific and Technological Periodical Database (VIP) and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM). The primary outcomes evaluated blood urea nitrogen levels, uric acid levels, endogenous creatinine clearance rate, and serum creatinine, and the secondary outcomes included clinical efficacy and adverse effects of treatment. Two independent researchers performed data extraction and quality assessment. RevMan5.3 software was used to assess data quality and bias. This protocol was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocol (PRISMA-P) statement.

Results:

This study will provide a rational synthesis of current evidence for traditional Chinese medicinal enemas for the treatment of CRF.

Conclusion:

This study presents evidence on whether traditional Chinese medicinal enemas are an effective and safe intervention for CRF patients.

Registration number:

INPLASY202080052
Surgical treatment and strategy in patients with pressure sores
Authors: Chen Chun-Yu , Chiang I-Han , Ou Kuang-Ling , Chiu Yu-Lung , Liu Hung-Hui , Chang Chun-Kai , Wu Chien-Ju , Chu Tzi-Shiang , Hsu Kuo-Feng , Huang Dun-Wei , Tzeng Yuan-Sheng
Published: October 2020

With aging, pressure ulcers become a common health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality for physically limited or bedridden elderly persons. Here, we present our strategy for such patients. Between August 2010 and March 2019, 117 patients were enrolled. Patient age, etiology, defect size and location, flap reconstruction, outcome, and follow-up period were reviewed. Of these patients, 64 were female and 53 were male, with an age range of 21 to 96 years (mean 75.6). The mean area of defect was 61.5 cm2. The most common etiology was dementia (33.3%), and ulcers were most frequently caused by sacral pressure (70.3%). The commonest surgical treatment was a V–Y advancement flap (50%). The complication rate was 27.5%, including dehiscence and late recurrence. Negative pressure wound therapy could be used if the initial defect was large. V–Y advancement flap is the most frequent surgical treatment for sacral pressure ulcers because it is simple and available for most types of defect. Primary closure may be considered as the simplest method if the defective area is <16 cm2. Intraoperative indocyanine green angiography can help avoid secondary flap revisions. Our protocol ensures a short surgery time, little bleeding, and a low complication rate.
Comparison of clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics between SARS-CoV-2 infection and community-acquired pneumonia caused by influenza virus
Authors: Lin Yi-Hua , Luo Wen , Wu Ding-Hui , Lu Fang , Hu Su-Xian , Yao Xiang-Yang , Wang Zhan-Xiang , Shi Yong-Hong
Published: October 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the most important global public health issue that we currently face. We aimed to explore the clinical features of patients with COVID-19 and compared them with those of hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients caused by influenza virus during the same period.

From Jan 1, to Mar 4, 2020, patients with COVID-19 or CAP caused by influenza virus who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University were consecutively screened for enrollment.

A total of 35 COVID-19 patients and 22 CAP patients caused by influenza virus were included in this study. Most of COVID-19 patients had characteristics of familial clustering (63%), however, in the other group, there was no similar finding. The percentages of patients with a high fever (the highest recorded temperature was ≥39.0°C; 11% vs 45% [COVID-19 vs CAP groups, respectively]), dyspnea (9% vs 59%), leukocytosis (3% vs 32%), elevated C-reactive protein concentrations (>10 mg/L, 48% vs 86%), elevated procalcitonin levels (>0.1 ng/ml, 15% vs 73%), PaO2/FiO2 <200 mm Hg (4% vs 22%), and infiltration on imaging (29% vs 68%) in the COVID-19 group were less than those same indices in the hospitalized CAP patients caused by influenza virus. Ground-glass opacity with reticular pattern (63%) and interlobular septal thickening (71%) in chest CT were commonly observed in the COVID-19 group.

COVID-19 and CAP caused by influenza virus appear to share some similarities in clinical manifestaions but they definitely have major distinctions. Influenza infection remains a health problem even during COVID-19 pandemic.
Heat Shock Factor 1 in Relation to Tumor Angiogenesis and Disease Progression in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lin Qiuman , Xiao Gui , Wang Guiliang , He Qingzhang , Xu Linfang , Qiu Ping , Tan Sipin , Gong Min , Wen Jianbo , Xiao Xianzhong
Published: October 2020

Objective

In this article, the aims were to study the expression of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) in patients with pancreatic cancer and to elucidate the relevance between HSF1, angiogenesis, clinicopathological factors, and prognosis.

Methods

Pancreatic cancer, paracancerous, and normal pancreatic tissues were collected. The HSF1 RNA and protein expressions were identified using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining. Associations of HSF1 and cluster of differentiation 34 with clinical variables and disease outcomes were investigated.

Results

Compared with the normal pancreatic and paracancerous tissue, HSF1 RNA and protein significantly showed higher expression in the pancreatic cancer tissue and was significantly associated with microvessel density. The high expression of HSF1 did not correspond to the patients' sex, age, carcinoembryonic antigen level, diameter of tumors, and locations; however, it corresponded significantly with carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level, lymph node metastasis, tumor node metastasis stage, differentiation degree, vascular invasion, and distant metastasis. The expression levels of HSF1 and cluster of differentiation 34 were significantly correlated with prognosis, disease specificity, and survival. The high expression of HSF1 would lead to worse prognosis and decrease in survival time and disease-free survival time.

Conclusions

HSF1 expression level in pancreatic cancer tissue could be an ideal prognostic biomarker for risk stratification and a potential therapeutic target for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Experienced Nurses Transition to Practice
Authors: Windey Maryann , McGuire Theresa
Published: October 2020

When I think about transition to practice, I immediately think about the new graduate nurse. The novice nurse who spent countless hours learning from a textbook, practicing skills in a laboratory setting, and rotating through many clinical experiences. I conjure up a pleasant image of the new nurse who is excited about their inaugural nursing job as they don their sparkling clean uniform and pristine nursing shoes. I see the nurse who is ready to apply what was learned in a controlled setting taking the good from all their mentors while weeding out the bad to define a personal nursing identity of their own. But there are other new nurses out there—the experienced nurse who is transitioning to a new specialty. For the purposes of this article, we will call them the transitioning experienced nurse.
Prevalence of Acute Rehabilitation for Kids in the PICU: A Canadian Multicenter Point Prevalence Study*
Authors: Choong Karen , Zorko David J. , Awojoodu Ronke , Ducharme-Crevier Laurence , Fontela Patricia S. , Lee Laurie A. , Guerguerian Anne-Marie , Garcia Guerra Gonzalo , Krmpotic Kristina , McKelvie Brianna , Menon Kusum , Murthy Srinivas , Sehgal Anupam , Weiss Matthew J. , Kudchadkar Sapna R.
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

To evaluate mobilization practices, barriers, and mobility-related adverse events in Canadian PICUs.

Design:

National 2-day point prevalence study.

Setting:

Thirteen PICUs across Canada.

Patients:

Children with a minimum 72-hour PICU length of stay on the allocated study day.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Outcomes of interest were the prevalence and nature of mobilization activities, rehabilitation resources, adverse events, and factors associated with out-of-bed mobility and therapist-provided mobility. Two PICUs (15%) had early mobilization practice guidelines, and one PICU (8%) reported a formal process for engaging families in the mobilization of patients. The prevalence of mobilization was 110 of 137 patient-days (80%). The commonest activity was out-of-bed mobility (87/137; 64% patient-days); there was no active mobilization on 46 patient-days (34%). Therapists provided mobility on 33% of patient-days. Mobility was most commonly facilitated by nurses (74% events) and family (49% events). Family participation was strongly associated with out-of-bed mobility (odds ratio 6.4; p = 0.001). Intubated, mechanically ventilated patients were mobilized out-of-bed on 18 of 50 patient-days (36%). However, the presence of an endotracheal tube, vasoactive infusions, and age greater than or equal to 3 years were independently associated with not being mobilized out-of-bed. Barriers were reported on 58 of 137 patient-days (42%), and adverse events occurred in 22 of 387 mobility events (6%).

Conclusions:

Mobilization is common and safe, and the majority of children in Canadian PICUs are being mobilized out-of-bed, even when mechanically ventilated. Family engagement in PICU-based rehabilitation is increasing. This study provides encouraging evidence that common barriers can be overcome in order to safely mobilize children in PICUs.
At-Home Breathing Exercise for the Elderly Using a Party Horn
Authors: Takahata Hideaki
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To test the efficacy of at-home breathing exercises for the elderly using a party horn.

Methods:

Maximum phonation time, swallowing speed, and maximum voluntary tongue pressure were recorded before and after the 6-month exercise period in 53 medically stable elderly subjects.

Results:

Maximum phonation time, swallowing speed, and maximum voluntary tongue pressure significantly improved in 26 (49.0%) participants who continued the exercise throughout the study period, while swallowing speed significantly decreased in those who did not continue the exercise (n = 21).

Conclusion:

Blowing into a party horn is feasible for the elderly and may maintain their respiration and swallowing.
Dishonesty as a signal of trustworthiness: Honesty-Humility and trustworthy dishonesty
Authors: Ścigała Karolina A. , Schild Christoph , Zettler Ingo
Published: October 2020

Trustworthiness is a foundation of well-functioning relationships and societies, and thus often perceived as a socially normative behaviour. Correspondingly, a broad array of research found that people tend to act in a trustworthy way and signal their trustworthiness to others, and that trustworthiness is rewarded. Herein, we explore whether this motivation to behave trustworthily can have socially undesirable effects in terms of leading to dishonesty targeted at fulfilling the trustor's expectations (i.e.trustworthy dishonesty). Furthermore, we examine how the basic trait of Honesty-Humility, which has consistently been found to be linked to both higher honesty and trustworthiness, relates to trustworthy dishonesty, where honesty and trustworthiness are at odds. Specifically, we conducted three pre-registered studies (N= 7080), introducing a novel behavioural game, thelying-trust game, where participants had a chance to lie to act trustworthily. In two studies, we found that, when offered ‘full trust’, participants high in Honesty-Humility (i.e. the top 10%) engaged in trustworthy dishonesty, i.e. lied in order to avoid maximizing their own incentive at the cost of minimizing the incentive of their trustor. This pattern was not present when the trustor offered minimal trust only, as well as among participants low in Honesty-Humility (i.e. the bottom 10%).
Shell biomass material supported nano-zero valent iron to remove Pb
2+
and Cd
2+
in water
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wu Xique , Luo Shengxu , Wang Yanshi , Tong Zhuang , Deng Qin
Published: October 2020

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) has a high adsorption capacity for heavy metals, but easily forms aggregates. Herein, preprocessed undulating venus shell (UVS) is used as support material to prevent NZVI from reuniting. The SEM and TEM results show that UVS had a porous layered structure and NZVI particles were evenly distributed on the UVS surface. A large number of adsorption sites on the surface of UVS-NZVI are confirmed by IR and XRD. UVS-NZVI is used for adsorption of Pb
2+
and Cd
2+
at pH = 6.00 in aqueous solution, and the experimental adsorption capacities are 29.91 and 38.99 mg g
−1
at optimal pH, respectively. Thermodynamic studies indicate that the adsorption of ions by UVS-NZVI is more in line with the Langmuir model when Pb
2+
or Cd
2+
existed alone. For the mixed solution of Pb
2+
and Cd
2+
, only the adsorption of Pb
2+
by UVS-NZVI conforms to the Langmuir model. In addition, the maximum adsorption capacities of UVS-NZVI for Pb
2+
and Cd
2+
are 93.01 and 46.07 mg g
−1
, respectively. Kinetic studies demonstrate that the determination coefficients (
R
2
) of the pseudo first-order kinetic model for UVS-NZVI adsorption of Cd
2+
and Pb
2+
are higher than those of the pseudo second-order kinetic model and Elovich kinetic model. Highly efficient performance for metal removal makes UVS-NZVI show potential application to heavy metal ion adsorption.
Environmental conditions alter behavioural organization and rhythmicity of a large Arctic ruminant across the annual cycle
Authors: van Beest Floris M. , Beumer Larissa T. , Chimienti Marianna , Desforges Jean-Pierre , Huffeldt Nicholas Per , Pedersen Stine Højlund , Schmidt Niels Martin
Published: October 2020

The existence and persistence of rhythmicity in animal activity during phases of environmental change is of interest in ecology, evolution and chronobiology. A wide diversity of biological rhythms in response to exogenous conditions and internal stimuli have been uncovered, especially for polar vertebrates. However, empirical data supporting circadian organization in behaviour of large ruminating herbivores remains inconclusive. Using year-round tracking data of the largest Arctic ruminant, the muskox (
Ovibos moschatus
), we modelled rhythmicity as a function of behaviour and environmental conditions. Behavioural states were classified based on patterns in hourly movements, and incorporated within a periodicity analyses framework. Although circadian rhythmicity in muskox behaviour was detected throughout the year, ultradian rhythmicity was most prevalent, especially when muskoxen were foraging and resting in mid-winter (continuous darkness). However, when combining circadian and ultradian rhythmicity together, the probability of behavioural rhythmicity declined with increasing photoperiod until largely disrupted in mid-summer (continuous light). Individuals that remained behaviourally rhythmic during mid-summer foraged in areas with lower plant productivity (NDVI) than individuals with arrhythmic behaviour. Based on our study, we conclude that muskoxen may use an interval timer to schedule their behavioural cycles when forage resources are low, but that the importance and duration of this timer are reduced once environmental conditions allow energetic reserves to be replenished ad libitum. We argue that alimentary function and metabolic requirements are critical determinants of biological rhythmicity in muskoxen, which probably applies to ruminating herbivores in general.
Casimir force and its effects on pull-in instability modelled using molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Sircar Avirup , Patra Puneet Kumar , Batra Romesh C.
Published: October 2020

We present a new methodology to incorporate the Casimir forces within the molecular dynamics (MD) framework. At atomistic scales, the potential energy between two particles arising due to the Casimir effect can be represented asU(rij) = C/r7. Incorporating the Casimir effect in MD simulations requires the knowledge ofC, a problem hitherto unsolved. We overcome this by equating the total potential energy contributions due to each atomistic pair with the potential energy of continuum scale interacting bodies having similar geometries. After having identified the functional form ofC, standard MD simulations are augmented with the potential energy contribution due to pairwise Casimir interactions. The developed framework is used to study effects of the Casimir force on the pull-in instability of rectangular and hollow cylindrical shaped deformable electrodes separated by a small distance from a fixed substrate electrode. Our MD results for pull-instability qualitatively agree with the previously reported analytical results but are quantitatively different. The effect of using longer-ranged Casimir forces in a constant temperature environment on the pull-in behaviour has also been studied.
Localized structures on librational and rotational travelling waves in the sine-Gordon equation
Authors: Pelinovsky Dmitry E. , White Robert E.
Published: October 2020

We derive exact solutions to the sine-Gordon equation describing localized structures on the background of librational and rotational travelling waves. In the case of librational waves, the exact solution represents a localized spike in space-time coordinates (a rogue wave) that decays to the periodic background algebraically fast. In the case of rotational waves, the exact solution represents a kink propagating on the periodic background and decaying algebraically in the transverse direction to its propagation. These solutions model the universal patterns in the dynamics of fluxon condensates in the semi-classical limit. The different dynamics are related to modulational instability of the librational waves and modulational stability of the rotational waves.
Madagascan highlands: originally woodland and forest containing endemic grasses, not grazing-adapted grassland
Authors: Joseph Grant S. , Seymour Colleen L.
Published: October 2020

Long considered a consequence of anthropogenic agropastoralism, the origin of Madagascar's central highland grassland is hotly disputed. Arguments that ancient endemic grasses formed grassland maintained by extinct grazers and fire have been persuasive. Consequent calls to repeal fire-suppression legislation, burn protected areas, and accept pastoralism as the ‘salvation’ of endemic grasses mount, even as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declares 98% of lemurs face extinction through fire-driven deforestation. By analysing grass data from contemporary studies, and assessing endemic vertebrate habitat and feeding guilds, we find that although the grassland potentially dates from the Miocene, it is inhospitable to endemic vertebrates and lacks obligate grazers. Endemic grasses are absent from dominant grassland assemblages, yet not from woodland and forest assemblages. There is compelling evidence that humans entered a highland dominated by woodland and forest, and burned it; by 1000 current era (CE), grass pollens eclipsed tree pollens, reminiscent of prevailing fire-induced transformation of African miombo woodland to grassland. Endemic grasses are survivors from vanished woody habitats where grassy patches were likely small and ephemeral, precluding adaptive radiation by endemic vertebrates to form grazing-guilds. Today forests, relic tapia woodland, and outcompeted endemic grasses progressively retreat in a burning grassland dominated by non-endemic, grazing-adapted grasses and cattle.
Features of C-reactive protein in COVID-19 patients within various period: a cohort study
Authors: Huang Guoxin , Qu Gaojing , Yu Hui , Zhang Meiling , Song Xiaoming , Chen Lei , Zhu Haoming , Wang Yunfu , Pei Bin
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared as a threat to the global. Due to the lack of efficient treatments, indicators were urgently needed during the evolvement of disease to analyze the illness and prognosis and prevent the aggravation of COVID-19.

METHODS

All laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital were included. Patients’ general information, clinical type, CRP value and outcome were collected. CRP values of all patients during disease course from different initial time were analyzed.

RESULTS

The 131 enrolled patients were 50.13±17.13 years old. All cases underwent 724 tests of CRP since symptom onset, 53.18% of the test results were abnormal and the median value was 9.52(2.63-34.10) mg/L. The first median value on the day 8 from exposure onset was 39.08(11.92-47.89) mg/L then fluctuated around it until the day 28. The CRP median increased from 15.93 mg/L to 41.44 mg/L and then decreased to 18.26 mg/L before transformation of severe type, and then increased to 62.25 mg/L on the transforming date. Conversely, the CRP median increased from 56.17 mg/L 102.75 mg/L before transformation of critical type but decreased to 68.68 mg/L on the transforming date. The changes of CRP median over time before death ranged from 77.77 mg/L to 133.52 mg/L.

CONCLUSIONS

CRP increased before symptom onset and substantially increased during the early-to-mid stage (especially early stage), which was different from other virus-infected diseases. The changes of CRP before the transformation of clinical type was inconsistent with the aggravating of illness. And the CRP maintained over 100.00 mg/L prompted poor prognosis.
Ultrastructural view of astrocyte-astrocyte and astrocyte-synapse contacts within the hippocampus
Authors: Kiyoshi Conrad M. , Aten Sydney , Arzola Emily P. , Patterson Jeremy A. , Taylor Anne T. , Du Yixing , Guiher Ally M. , Philip Merna , Camacho Elizabeth Gerviacio , Mediratta Devin , Collins Kelsey , Benson Emily , Kidd Grahame , Terman David , Zhou Min
Published: October 2020

Astrocytes branch out and make contact at their interfaces. However, the ultrastructural interactions of astrocytes and astrocytes with their surroundings, including the spatial-location selectivity of astrocyte-synapse contacts, remain unknown. Here, the branching architecture of three neighboring astrocytes, their contact interfaces, and their surrounding neurites and synapses have been traced and 3D reconstructed using serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM). Our reconstructions reveal extensive reflexive, loop-like processes that serve as scaffolds to neurites and give rise to spongiform astrocytic morphology. At the astrocyte-astrocyte interface, a cluster of process-process contacts were identified, which biophysically explains the existence of low inter-astrocytic electrical resistance. Additionally, we found that synapses uniformly made contact with the entire astrocyte, from soma to terminal processes, and can be ensheathed by two neighboring astrocytes. Lastly, in contrast to densely packed vesicles at the synaptic boutons, vesicle-like structures were scant within astrocytes. Together, these ultrastructural details should expand our understanding of functional astrocyte-astrocyte and astrocyte-neuron interactions.
The importance of knowledge and trust for ethical fashion consumption
Authors: Liu Yongdan , Liu Matthew Tingchi , Pérez Andrea , Chan Wilco , Collado Jesús , Mo Ziying
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The clothing industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, although manufacturers and retailers are trying to revert this tendency by applying ethical fashion principles. Drawing on the knowledge–attitude–behavior (KAB) model or practice, this study aims to predict Chinese consumers' purchase intention of ethical fashion by employing and extending the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

The extended TPB model incorporates knowledge of ethical fashion and trust in the fashion industry and two critical variables in ethical fashion literature to explain the purchase intention of ethical fashion. Primary data from 245 Chinese respondents were collected in 2019. The model was tested and analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Results show that the extended TPB model has higher predictability than the original TPB model. Attitude toward ethical fashion and subjective norm significantly predicts purchase intention while perceived behavioral control (PBC) does not. In addition, trust of ethical fashion is positively related to attitude toward ethical fashion and purchase intention, whereas knowledge of ethical fashion plays a significant role in predicting trust and the three TPB factors. The subjective norm was found to have the most significant impact on consumers' intention to purchase ethical fashion, which shows that social pressure from one individual's reference group is the most dominant factor in forming consumer's purchase intention on ethical fashion.

Originality/value

The findings enrich the past literature on ethical fashion that trusting belief is a salient determinant of consumers' attitude toward ethical fashion and purchase intention of ethical fashion products. The findings also supported the applicability of KAB and TPB in the domain of ethical consumption in the context of a developing country.
Municipal collaborative planning boosting climate resilience in the built environment
Authors: Flyen Cecilie , Hauge Åshild Lappegard , Almås Anders-Johan , Godbolt Åsne Lund
Published: October 2020

Purpose

A meta-study covering the past decade maps the development of Norwegian municipal planning, climate adaptation and institutional vulnerability towards climate change. This paper aims to explore the implementation of climate adaptive changes in Norwegian legal planning and building framework into municipal practice and policy instruments from 2007 to 2016. The study is planned to answer the question: what drivers ensure increased municipal efforts in their climate adaptive planning and building practice?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents empirical findings from two qualitative research projects, each with nine interviews of municipal key personnel within three municipalities’ planning and building services and an ongoing qualitative, expert interview-based study (eight individual/group interviews).

Findings

Risk reduction and climate resilience are still unsatisfactorily attended in many Norwegian municipalities. There is a gap between political and administrative levels in communicating bilateral expectations and needs for incorporation of climate adaptive measures. Policy instruments maintaining climate adaptation are in demand by different building process actors. Yet, extreme weather events seem to be the main drivers for actual implementation of climate change aspects into municipal policy instruments. Networking, both within and between municipalities, is an important strategy for learning climate adaptation.

Research limitations/implications

Both globally and in Norway, the focus on climate change impacts is steadily increasing. Municipal risk and vulnerability analyses are statutory, as is the incorporation of the results into local plans at appropriate levels.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is the meta-perspective over the past decade, the qualitative approach and the use of environmental psychology theories.
Customers' experience of purchasing event tickets: mining online reviews based on topic modeling and sentiment analysis
Authors: Celuch Krzysztof
Published: October 2020

Purpose

In search of creating an extraordinary experience for customers, services have gone beyond the means of a transaction between buyers and sellers. In the event industry, where purchasing tickets online is a common procedure, it remains unclear as to how to enhance the multifaceted experience. This study aims at offering a snapshot into the most valued aspects for consumers and to uncover consumers' feelings toward their experience of purchasing event tickets on third-party ticketing platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a cross-disciplinary study that applies knowledge from both data science and services marketing. Under the guise of natural language processing, latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling and sentiment analysis were used to interpret the embedded meanings based on online reviews.

Findings

The findings conceptualized ten dimensions valued by eventgoers, including technical issues, value of core product and service, word-of-mouth, trustworthiness, professionalism and knowledgeability, customer support, information transparency, additional fee, prior experience and after-sales service. Among these aspects, consumers rated the value of the core product and service to be the most positive experience, whereas the additional fee was considered the least positive one.

Originality/value

Drawing from the intersection of natural language processing and the status quo of the event industry, this study offers a better understanding of eventgoers' experiences in the case of purchasing online event tickets. It also provides a hands-on guide for marketers to stage memorable experiences in the era of digitalization.
Taiwan's budgetary responses to COVID-19: the use of special budgets
Authors: Liao Wei-Jie , Kuo Nai-Ling , Chuang Shih-Hsien
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The authors examine the Taiwanese government's budgetary responses to COVID-19, with a focus on the special budgets created for containing the virus, undertaking bailouts and providing economic stimulus. The authors assess the short-term and long-term fiscal implications of the budgetary measures and discuss how Taiwan's experiences could provide lessons for other countries for future emergencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect data from Taiwan's official documents and news reports and compare the special budgets proposed by the Taiwanese government during the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors discuss lessons learned from the 2008–09 special budget and possible concerns of the 2020 special budgets. In the conclusions, the authors discuss potential long-term implications for Taiwan's budgetary system as well as possible lessons for other countries based on Taiwan's experiences

Findings

The authors found that the 2008–09 special budgets focused only on economic stimulus, whereas the 2020 special budgets covered COVID-19 treatments, bailouts and economic stimulus. In 2020, the Taiwanese government devised targeted bailout plans for industries and individuals most affected by the pandemic and created the Triple Stimulus Vouchers to boost the economy. Since the special budgets were largely funded through borrowing, the authors pointed out concerns for fiscal sustainability and intergenerational equity.

Originality/value

COVID-19 has changed how the world functions massively. This work adds to the literature on COVID-19 by providing Taiwan's budgetary responses to the pandemic. This work also identifies ways for Taiwan to improve the existing budgetary system and discusses lessons for other countries.
Comparative study of the flexural properties of ABS, PLA and a PLA–wood composite manufactured through fused filament fabrication
Authors: Travieso-Rodriguez J.A. , Jerez-Mesa R. , Llumà Jordi , Gomez-Gras Giovanni , Casadesus Oriol
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyze the mechanical properties of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) parts manufactured through fused filament fabrication and compare these results to analogous ones obtained on polylactic acid (PLA) and PLA–wood specimens to contribute for a wider understanding of the different materials used for additive manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

With that aim, an experimental based on an L27 Taguchi array was used to combine the specific parameters taken into account in the study, namely, layer height, nozzle diameter, infill density, orientation and printing velocity. All samples were subjected to a four-point bending test performed according to the ASTM D6272 standard.

Findings

Young’s modulus, elastic limit, maximum stress and maximum deformation of every sample were computed and subjected to an analysis of variance. Results prove that layer height and nozzle diameter are the most significant factors that affect the mechanical resistance in pieces generated through additive manufacturing and subjected to bending loads, regardless of the material.

Practical implications

The best results were obtained by combining a layer height of 0.1 mm and a nozzle diameter of 0.6 mm. The comparison of materials evidenced that PLA and its composite version reinforced with wood particles present more rigidity than ABS, whereas the latter can experience further deflection before break.

Originality/value

This study is of interest for manufacturers that want to decide which is the best material to be applied for their application, as it derives in a practical technical recommendation of the best parameters that should be selected to treat the material during the fused filament fabrication process.