bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The incidence and characteristics of accelerated knee osteoarthritis among women: the Chingford cohort
Authors: Driban Jeffrey B. , Bannuru Raveendhara R. , Eaton Charles B. , Spector Tim D. , Hart Deborah J. , McAlindon Timothy E. , Lu Bing , Lo Grace H. , Arden Nigel K.
Published: January 2020

Background

Prior research on accelerated knee osteoarthritis (AKOA) was primarily confined to the Osteoarthritis Initiative, which was enriched with people with risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). It is unclear how often AKOA develops in a community-based cohort and whether we can replicate prior findings from the Osteoarthritis Initiative in another cohort. Hence, we determined the incidence and characteristics of AKOA among women in the Chingford Study, which is a prospective community-based cohort.

Methods

The Chingford Study had 1003 women with quinquennial knee radiographs over 15 years. We divided the 15-year observation period into three consecutive 5-year phases. Within each 5-year phase, we selected 3 groups of participants among women who started a phase without KOA (Kellgren-Lawrence [KL] < 2): 1) incident AKOA developed KL grade ≥ 3, 2) typical KOA increased radiographic scoring (excluding AKOA), and 3) no KOA had the same KL grade over time. Study staff recorded each participant’s age, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure at baseline, 5-year, and 10-year study visits. We used multinomial logistic regression models to test the association between groups (outcome) and age, BMI, and blood pressure at the start of each phase. The cumulative incidences and odds ratios (OR) from each phase were pooled using a fixed-effect meta-analysis model.

Results

The person-based cumulative incidence of AKOA was 3.9% over 5 years (pooled estimate across the three 5-year phases). Among incident cases of KOA, AKOA represented ~ 15% of women with incident KOA. Women with AKOA were older than those with typical (OR = 1.56, 95%CI = 1.16–2.11) or no KOA (OR = 1.84, 95%CI = 1.40–2.43). Women with AKOA had a greater BMI than those without KOA (OR = 1.52, 95%CI = 1.17–1.97). We observed no association between group and blood pressure.

Conclusions

In a community-based cohort, > 1 in 7 women with incident KOA had AKOA. Like the Osteoarthritis Initiative, people with AKOA were more likely to have greater age and BMI.
Marginal bone resorption of posterior mandible dental implants with different insertion methods
Authors: Aliabadi Ehsan , Tavanafar Saeid , Khaghaninejad Mohammad Saleh
Published: January 2020

Background

To evaluated the marginal bone loss around dental implants by two insertion methods.

Methods

Eligible patients were divided into two groups; manual and mechanized groups. Peri-apical x-ray using a customized device to standardize the radiographs designed and used to take three periodical radiographs; after surgery, three months, and six months follow up. An independent t-test was used to compare the two groups regarding the average level of marginal bone loss (p < 0.05).

Results

After excluding dropouts, a total of 273 patients (120 males and 153 females, aged between 25 and 67 years old) were included in the study. The average marginal bone loss in the manual insertion method was 0.44 ± 0.84 mm, and 0.59 ± 0.20 mm, and for the mechanized method was 0.51 ± 0.20 mm and 0.67 ± 0.19 mm after three and six months, respectively. There was a significant difference in marginal bone loss after six months between the two groups(p < 0.001). However, no differences were observed after three months (p = 0.24).

Conclusions

Under the condition of this study, both techniques were safe and resulted in an acceptable amount of bone resorption; however, in the manual method, the less marginal bone loss occurred after six months.
Effects of a quasi-experimental study of using flipped classroom approach to teach evidence-based medicine to medical technology students
Authors: Huang Hsien-Li , Chou Chia-Pei , Leu Steve , You Huey-Ling , Tiao Mao-Meng , Chen Chih-Hung
Published: January 2020

Background

Flipped classroom is known to improve learning efficiency and to develop one’s ability to apply high-level knowledge. To investigate the effect of flipped classroom approach on teaching evidence-based medicine to medical technology students, we conducted a tailor-made six flipped classroom based EBM courses for medical technology students.

Methods

This study adopted a qusai-experimental design with 62 medical technology interns as the research object. Students in the experimental group attended the flipped classroom course, while students in the control group attended the traditional course. The learning outcomes were evaluated by Fresno test in both groups. Furthermore, to understand student’s perceptions on the flipped classroom approach, students in the experimental group were required to fill in a satisfaction survey and answer some open-ended questions.

Results

The Fresno test scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than that of the control group. From the results of the satisfaction survey, we know that students were satisfied with this course format. Students claimed that the flipped classroom approach could improve their learning efficiency and the interactions with teacher could help them to think more deeply.

Conclusions

To conclude, most students showed positive attitudes and views on flipped classroom strategy. Moreover, students’ questions were solved more effectively during class resulting in an improvement of effectiveness of evidence-based medicine trainings.
Implementing a sustainable health insurance system in Cambodia: a study protocol for developing and validating an efficient household income-level assessment model for equitable premium collection
Authors: Nakamura Haruyo , Amimo Floriano , Yi Siyan , Tuot Sovannary , Yoshida Tomoya , Tobe Makoto , Nomura Shuhei
Published: January 2020

Background

As elsewhere in low- and middle-income countries, due to limited fiscal resources, universal health coverage (UHC) remains a challenge in Cambodia. Since 2016, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has implemented a social health insurance scheme with a contributory approach for formal sector workers. However, informal sector workers and dependents of formal sector workers are still not covered by this insurance because it is difficult to set an optimal amount of contribution for such individuals as their income levels are inestimable. The present study aims to develop and validate an efficient household income-level assessment model for Cambodia. We aim to help the country implement a financially sustainable social health insurance system in which the insured can pay contributions according to their ability.

Methods

This study will use nationally representative data collected by the Cambodia Socio-Economic Survey (CSES), covering the period from 2009 to 2019, and involving a total of 50,016 households. We will employ elastic net regression analysis, with per capita disposable income based on purchasing power parity as the dependent variable, and individual and community-level socioeconomic and demographic characteristics as independent variables. These analyses aim to create efficient income-level assessment models for health insurance contribution estimation. To fully capture socioeconomic heterogeneity, sub-group analyses will be conducted to develop separate income-level assessment models for urban and rural areas, as well as for each province.

Discussion

This research will help Cambodia implement a sustainable social health insurance system by collecting optimal amount of contributions from each socioeconomic group of the society. Incorporation of this approach into existing NSSF schemes will enhance the country’s current efforts to prevent impoverishing health expenditure and to achieve UHC.
Attitude toward entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control, and entrepreneurial intention: dimensionality, structural relationships, and gender differences
Authors: Vamvaka Vasiliki , Stoforos Chrysostomos , Palaskas Theodosios , Botsaris Charalampos
Published: January 2020

Drawing on the theory of planned behavior, the main purpose of this cross-sectional study was to identify gender-related differences in the levels of and the interrelations among attitude toward entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control, and entrepreneurial intention using multi-group structural equations modeling in which the dimensions of these constructs were disentangled and treated as latent variables that were indirectly inferred from multiple indicators. The sample of the study consisted of 441 Greek tertiary education undergraduate information technology students. The results showed that attitude consists of two components—one instrumental and one affective; perceived behavioral control is comprised of two factors—perceived self-efficacy and perceived controllability; and entrepreneurial intention is best represented by three factors—choice intention, commitment to entrepreneurship, and nascent entrepreneurship. The findings indicated further that affective attitude and perceived self-efficacy are by far the strongest predictors of intention, thus highlighting the role of emotions in the entrepreneurial process. Our work revealed also that the relationship between commitment to entrepreneurship and nascent entrepreneurship is stronger in men than in women. Conceiving nascent entrepreneurship as a proxy for entrepreneurial behavior, this finding implies that gender is a moderator of the entrepreneurial intention-action translation. Despite its limitations, this study makes some important contributions and implications to the literature of entrepreneurship. These and future research suggestions are also discussed.
Validation of the English and simplified Mandarin versions of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire – Short Form in Chinese cancer survivors
Authors: Mahendran Rathi , Liu Jianlin , Kuparasundram Sangita , Griva Konstadina
Published: January 2020

Background

The fear of illness progression is common amongst those with chronic illnesses including cancers, and contributes to high psychological morbidity. Research in Asia on such fears however, is limited by a paucity of validated measurement instruments. Amongst the many available instruments, the Fear of Progression Questionnaire has a high quality rating, an important consideration in its selection. This study developed a simplified Mandarin version of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire – Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), and validated the English and Mandarin versions for use in Chinese populations.

Methods

The translation to a simplified Mandarin version was through a forward-backward translation with emphasis on conceptual and cultural equivalence. Cancer survivors (N = 341) completed a self-report questionnaire, the Fear of Progression Questionnaire – Short Form, other measures of fear of progression, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Reliability and criterion validity were assessed, and the factor-structure was replicated with a confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

The Fear of Progression Questionnaire – Short Form demonstrated high internal and test-retest reliability. Criterion validity was also demonstrated through convergent, concurrent and discriminant validity. The factor structure was supported and replicated. The goodness-of-fit indices of the original model indicated some misfit, which could be adequately addressed by freeing five parameters in the error covariance matrix, without changing the one-factor structure.

Conclusions

The Fear of Progression Questionnaire – Short Form is a reliable and valid measure of fear of progression applicable to a mixed-cancer survivor population in Singapore. The simplified Mandarin version of the questionnaire will be useful in other parts of Asia and for Chinese migrants in the West, further extending the use of this questionnaire.
Movement behaviour of two social urticating caterpillars in opposite hemispheres
Authors: Uemura Mizuki , Perkins Lynda E. , Zalucki Myron P. , Battisti Andrea
Published: January 2020

Background

Investigating movement ecology of organisms has economic, societal, and conservation benefits. Larval movement of insects for example, plays many significant ecological roles, and with the expansion of the human population and development, encounters and conflicts with insects have increased. Urticating caterpillars are a health concern to people and animals, especially when they disperse in a gregarious and synchronised manner in areas frequented by humans. Ochrogaster lunifer and Thaumetopoea pityocampa from the southern and northern hemispheres respectively, are two geographically-isolated species of moth with similar gregarious urticating caterpillars that can outbreak causing defoliation and medical issues.

Methods

Each year from March to May, O. lunifer and T. pityocampa caterpillars leave their nesting sites and form head-to-tail processions on the ground in search of pupation sites. This pre-pupation procession behaviour and its associated risk of human contact with O. lunifer and T. pityocampa caterpillars were studied and compared in Australia and Italy, respectively. The distance, duration, orientation and response to visible light of the pre-pupation processions were studied in both species to determine general patterns.

Results

In the morning, O. lunifer and T. pityocampa processions travelled on average 40 and 16 m per day from the nest in 153 and 223 min respectively, in search for potential pupation sites. Ochrogaster lunifer pre-pupation processions travelled generally to the north or south when leaving the nest, as was their final orientation to the bivouac/pupation site. Whereas T. pityocampa processions had no preference in orientation. Ochrogaster lunifer and T. pityocampa pre-pupation processions travelled towards the darker and the lighter areas of the environment, respectively. During our observations, 27% of O. lunifer and 44% of T. pityocampa processions had contact with humans driving, cycling or walking.

Conclusions

The amount of human contact is surprising and alarming, because of the serious health implications they cause to humans and animals. The processionary dispersal on the ground risks further spread of urticating hairs that can be easily detached, and particular during inadvertent contact. Our limited sample size of T. pityocampa processions may benefit from more observations to make conclusive remarks on their pre-pupation behaviour. Understanding the movement behaviour of O. lunifer and T. pityocampa pre-pupation processions around populated areas is crucial for predicting exposure risk and application of management strategies.
Learning from the past, intervening in the present: the role of conservation science in the challenging restoration of the wall painting Marriage at Cana by Luca Longhi (Ravenna, Italy)
Authors: Fiorillo Flavia , Fiorentino Sara , Montanari Matteo , Roversi Monaco Camilla , Del Bianco Andrea , Vandini Mariangela
Published: January 2020

The paper discusses the case study of the Marriage at Cana, a sixteenth century wall painting located in Ravenna and executed by Luca Longhi. A multi-analytical approach based upon OM, SEM–EDS, μ-Raman, μ-FTIR and biological analyses was selected to investigate the painting technique and the state of preservation of the artwork, compromised by a severe alteration. Data demonstrated that the artwork was executed with a dry painting technique: a siccative oil was used as binder, while indigo, lead white, carbon black, ochres, vermilion and red lead were identified as pigments. Biological analyses clearly allowed identifying Eurotium halophilicum as the fungus responsible for the white patina compromising the painted surface and, according to this result, Biotin T was selected as the most effective biocide to stop the biological attack. The precarious conditions in which the painting was, attributable to previously performed interventions and to the conservation environment, laid the groundwork for a challenging restoration conducted in 2016. Scientific analyses better clarified the kind of materials employed in the execution on the artwork, as well as how the previous restoration was carried out; furthermore, analytical data methodologically supported phases of the intervention like cleaning, filling of the lacunae and pictorial retouching, as products were selected on the basis of their affinity to original materials and painting technique. This study will hopefully encourage reflections on how a synergic dialogue between conservation science and restoration can represent an important reference point for interventions to be conducted with scientific criteria and suitable methodology, in the light of the shared vision and common goal of transferring patrimony to future generations.
Interpreting forest diversity-productivity relationships: volume values, disturbance histories and alternative inferences
Authors: Sheil Douglas , Bongers Frans
Published: January 2020

Understanding the relationship between stand-level tree diversity and productivity has the potential to inform the science and management of forests. History shows that plant diversity-productivity relationships are challenging to interpret—and this remains true for the study of forests using non-experimental field data. Here we highlight pitfalls regarding the analyses and interpretation of such studies. We examine three themes: 1) the nature and measurement of ecological productivity and related values; 2) the role of stand history and disturbance in explaining forest characteristics; and 3) the interpretation of any relationship. We show that volume production and true productivity are distinct, and neither is a demonstrated proxy for economic values. Many stand characteristics, including diversity, volume growth and productivity, vary intrinsically with succession and stand history. We should be characterising these relationships rather than ignoring or eliminating them. Failure to do so may lead to misleading conclusions. To illustrate, we examine the study which prompted our concerns —Liang et al. (Science 354:aaf8957, 2016)— which developed a sophisticated global analysis to infer a worldwide positive effect of biodiversity (tree species richness) on “forest productivity” (stand level wood volume production). Existing data should be able to address many of our concerns. Critical evaluations will improve understanding.
Benefits of temporary alcohol restriction: a feasibility randomized trial
Authors: Field Matt , Puddephatt Jo-Anne , Goodwin Laura , Owens Lynn , Reaves Danielle , Holmes John
Published: January 2020

Background

Participation in temporary alcohol abstinence campaigns such as ‘Dry January’ may prompt enduring reductions in alcohol consumption. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is required to establish any long-term benefits or negative consequences of temporary abstinence. In the present study, we randomized heavy drinkers to complete or intermittent alcohol abstinence for 4 weeks, in order to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a large-scale RCT.

Methods

This was a mixed methods feasibility study in which we explored recruitment and retention to a randomized trial, compliance with alcohol abstinence instructions and barriers to compliance, and acceptability of study procedures (primary feasibility outcomes). A community sample of women aged between 40 and 60 who drank in excess of 28 alcohol units per week were randomized to abstain from alcohol for 4 weeks either completely or intermittently (at least four abstinent days per week). To monitor compliance, both groups provided regular breath samples on a cellular breathalyser. A subsample completed a semi-structured interview that probed barriers to compliance with abstinence instructions and acceptability of study procedures.

Results

Within 5 months, we recruited, screened and randomized 25 participants (20% of participants who responded to advertisements: 14 in the complete abstinence group, 11 in the intermittent abstinence group), 24 of whom were retained throughout the 28-day intervention period. Participants in both groups tended to comply with the instructions: the median number of breathalyser-verified abstinent days was 24 (IQR = 15.5–25.0; 86% of target) in the complete abstinence group versus 12 (IQR = 10–15; 75% of target) in the intermittent abstinence group. Semi-structured interviews identified some barriers to compliance and methodological issues that should be considered in future research. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

It is feasible to recruit heavy drinking women from community settings and randomize them to either complete or intermittent abstinence from alcohol for 4 weeks. The majority of participants were retained in the study and compliance with the abstinence instructions was good, albeit imperfect. A comprehensive RCT to compare temporary alcohol abstinence with other alcohol reduction strategies on long-term alcohol consumption is feasible. Findings from such a trial would inform implementation of alcohol campaigns and interventions.
Multi-objective optimization strategy for distribution network considering V2G-enabled electric vehicles in building integrated energy system
Authors: Huang Zhao , Fang Baling , Deng Jin
Published: January 2020

Based on the large-scale penetration of electric vehicles (EV) into the building cluster, a multi-objective optimal strategy considering the coordinated dispatch of EV is proposed, for improving the safe and economical operation problems of distribution network. The system power loss and node voltage excursion can be effectively reduced, by taking measures of time-of-use (TOU) price mechanism bonded with the reactive compensation of energy storage devices. Firstly, the coordinate charging/discharging load model for EV has been established, to obtain a narrowed gap between load peak and valley. Next, a multi-objective optimization model of the distribution grid is also defined, and the active power loss and node voltage fluctuation are chosen to be the objective function. For improving the efficiency of optimization process, an advanced genetic algorithm associated with elite preservation policy is used. Finally, reactive compensation capacity supplied by capacitor banks is dynamically determined according to the varying building loads. The proposed strategy is demonstrated on the IEEE 33-node test case, and the simulation results show that the power supply pressure can be obviously relieved by introducing the coordinated charging/discharging behavior of EV; in the meantime, via reasonable planning of the compensation capacitor, the remarkably lower active power loss and voltage excursion can be realized, ensuring the safe and economical operation of the distribution system.
One Health Aotearoa: a transdisciplinary initiative to improve human, animal and environmental health in New Zealand
Authors: Harrison Sarah , Baker Michael G. , Benschop Jackie , Death Russell G. , French Nigel P. , Harmsworth Garth , Lake Robin J. , Lamont Iain L. , Priest Patricia C. , Ussher James E. , Murdoch David R.
Published: January 2020

There is increased recognition that complex health challenges at the human-animal-environmental interface require a transdisciplinary, “whole-of-society” approach. This philosophy is particularly pertinent in Aotearoa-New Zealand because of the country’s relatively isolated island ecosystem, economic reliance on agriculture and its intensification, and existing indigenous worldview that emphasises holism and interconnectivity between humans, animals and the environment. In New Zealand, the One Health Aotearoa (OHA) alliance was established in order to better connect researchers and to address a growing number of infectious diseases challenges. The emphasis of OHA is to bring together and facilitate interactions between people from diverse disciplines, link to stakeholders and communities, and engage with policy-makers, government operational agencies, and funders, thus providing a holistic and integrative systems-thinking approach to address priority questions and achieve desired outcomes in One Health. The initial focus of OHA has been on infectious diseases, but there is increasing recognition of the potential benefits of the alliance to address broader complex issues. Greater involvement and overlap of the environmental sciences, human and animal health sciences, social science, and indigenous kaupapa Māori research is particularly critical for ensuring its success within the New Zealand context. Given the economic and cultural importance of New Zealand’s “clean, green” image, a One Health approach that draws strongly on the environmental sciences makes particular sense. Furthermore, as the global environment becomes increasingly stressed by anthropogenic pressures our research may hold potential solutions for similar challenges elsewhere.
Brain and pain: old assumptions and new science about chronic pain
Authors: Ikkos George , Ramanuj Parashar Pravin
Published: January 2020

The authors summarise the evolving understanding of the neuropsychophysiology of chronic pain, including the relevance of adverse childhood experiences in facilitating it and similarities between the central physiology of chronic pain and opioid addiction. Emerging understanding highlights the importance of dopamine-expressing GABAergic neurons in the nucleus accumbens and suggests that D1 expression is associated with a sense of pleasure and approach behaviour and D2 with a sense of punishment and behavioural inhibition. Regulation of D1 and D2 expression may be mediated by nigrostriatal and medial frontal striatal pathways within the increasingly understood brain as a ‘predictive’ organ. The distinction between the predictive brain and personal ‘expectations’ and the importance of the latter for clinical outcomes are emphasised. The relevance of findings for possible future psychopharmacological treatment avenues is also presented.
Brain structure, IQ, and psychopathology in young offspring of patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
Authors: van Haren Neeltje E.M. , Setiaman Nikita , Koevoets Martijn G.J.C. , Baalbergen Heleen , Kahn Rene S. , Hillegers Manon H.J.
Published: January 2020

Background.

Studying offspring of schizophrenia (SZo) and bipolar disorder patients (BDo) provides important information on the putative neurodevelopmental trajectories underlying development toward severe mental illnesses. We compared intracranial volume (ICV), as a marker for neurodevelopment, and global and local brain measures between SZo or BDo and control offspring (Co) in relation to IQ and psychopathology.

Methods.

T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans were obtained from 146 participants (8–19 years; 40 SZo, 66 BDo, 40 Co). Linear mixed models were applied to compare ICV, global, and local brain measures between groups. To investigate the effect of ICV, IQ (four subtests Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children/Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III) or presence of psychopathology these variables were each added to the model.

Results.

SZo and BDo had significantly lower IQ and more often met criteria for a lifetime psychiatric disorder than Co. ICV was significantly smaller in SZo than in BDo (d= −0.56) and Co (d= −0.59), which was largely independent of IQ (respectively,d= −0.54 andd= −0.35). After ICV correction, the cortex was significantly thinner in SZo than in BDo (d= −0.42) and Co (d= −0.75) and lateral ventricles were larger in BDo than in Co (d= 0.55). Correction for IQ or lifetime psychiatric diagnosis did not change these findings.

Conclusions.

Despite sharing a lower IQ and a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders, brain abnormalities in BDo appear less pronounced (but are not absent) than in SZo. Lower ICV in SZo implies that familial risk for schizophrenia has a stronger association with stunted early brain development than familial risk for bipolar disorder.
Cannabis use and nonuse in patients with first-episode psychosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing neurocognitive functioning
Authors: Sánchez-Gutiérrez Teresa , Fernandez-Castilla Belén , Barbeito Sara , González-Pinto Ana , Becerra-García Juan Antonio , Calvo Ana
Published: January 2020

Background.

The implications of cannabis use in the onset of early psychosis and the severity of psychotic symptoms have resulted in a proliferation of studies on this issue. However, few have examined the effects of cannabis use on the cognitive symptoms of psychosis (i.e., neurocognitive functioning) in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the neurocognitive functioning of cannabis users (CU) and nonusers (NU) with FEP.

Methods.

Of the 110 studies identified through the systematic review of 6 databases, 7 met the inclusion criteria, resulting in 14 independent samples and 78 effect sizes. The total sample included 304 CU with FEP and 369 NU with FEP. The moderator variables were age at first use, duration of use, percentage of males, and age.

Results.

Effect sizes were not significantly different from zero in any neurocognitive domain when users and NU were compared. Part of the variability in effect sizes was explained by the inclusion of the following moderator variables: (1) frequency of cannabis use (β= 0.013,F= 7.56,p= 0.017); (2) first-generation antipsychotics (β= 0.019,F= 34.46,p≤ 0.001); and (3) country where the study was carried out (β= 0.266,t= 2.06,p= 0.043).

Conclusions.

This meta-analysis indicates that cannabis use is not generally associated with neurocognitive functioning in patients with FEP. However, it highlights the deleterious effect of low doses of cannabis in some patients. It also stresses the importance of the type of antipsychotic prescription and cannabis dose as moderator variables in the neurocognitive functioning of CU with FEP.
How We Approach Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Raje Noopur , Yee Andrew J.
Published: January 2020

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, to patients seen in their own clinical practice.
Urinary Norepinephrine Is a Metabolic Determinant of 24-Hour Energy Expenditure and Sleeping Metabolic Rate in Adult Humans
Authors: Hollstein Tim , Basolo Alessio , Ando Takafumi , Votruba Susanne B , Krakoff Jonathan , Piaggi Paolo
Published: January 2020

Background

Interindividual variability in 24-hour energy expenditure (24EE) during energy-balance conditions is mainly determined by differences in body composition and demographic factors. Previous studies suggested that 24EE might also be influenced by sympathetic nervous system activity via catecholamine (norepinephrine, epinephrine) secretion. Therefore, we analyzed the association between catecholamines and energy expenditure in 202 individuals from a heterogeneous population of mixed ethnicities.

Methods

Participants (n = 202, 33% female, 14% black, 32% white, 41% Native American, 11% Hispanic, age: 36.9 ± 10.3 y [mean ± SD], percentage body fat: 30.3 ± 9.4) resided in a whole-room calorimeter over 24 hours during carefully controlled energy-balance conditions to measure 24EE and its components: sleeping metabolic rate (SMR), awake-fed thermogenesis (AFT), and spontaneous physical activity (SPA). Urine samples were collected, and 24-h urinary epinephrine and norepinephrine excretion rates were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Both catecholamines were associated with 24EE and SMR (norepinephrine: +27 and +19 kcal/d per 10 μg/24h; epinephrine: +18 and +10 kcal/d per 1 μg/24h) in separate analyses after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, fat mass, fat-free mass, calorimeter room, temperature, and physical activity. In a multivariate model including both norepinephrine and epinephrine, only norepinephrine was independently associated with both 24EE and SMR (both P < .008), whereas epinephrine became insignificant. Neither epinephrine nor norepinephrine were associated with adjusted AFT (both P = .37) but epinephrine was associated with adjusted SPA (+0.5% per 1 μg/24h).

Conclusions

Our data provide compelling evidence that sympathetic nervous system activity, mediated via norepinephrine, is a determinant of human energy expenditure during nonstressed, eucaloric conditions.
Factory Productivity and the Concession System of Incorporation in Late Imperial Russia, 1894–1908
Authors: Gregg Amanda G.
Published: January 2020

In Imperial Russia, incorporation required an expensive special concession, yet over 4,000 Russian firms incorporated before 1914. I identify the characteristics of incorporating firms and measure the productivity gains and growth in machine power enjoyed by corporations using newly-constructed factory-level panel data compiled from Russian factory censuses. Factories owned by corporations were larger, more productive, and more mechanized than unincorporated factories. Higher productivity factories were more likely to incorporate and, after incorporating, added machine power and became even more labor productive. Russian firms sought the corporate form’s full set of advantages, not just stock markets access, to obtain scarce long-term financing. (JEL D24, G31, G32, L60, N43, N63)
A Passage to America: University Funding and International Students
Authors: Bound John , Braga Breno , Khanna Gaurav , Turner Sarah
Published: January 2020

The number of international undergraduate students at US public research universities increased dramatically over the past two decades, alongside concurrent reductions in state support for universities. We show that these trends are closely connected as public research universities relied on foreign students to cushion the effects of falling appropriations. The growing capacity in emerging economies to pay for a US education provided opportunities for universities to recover revenues from full-fare-paying foreign students. We estimate that between 1996 and 2012, a 10 percent reduction in state appropriations led to an increase in foreign enrollment of 16 percent at public research universities. (JEL H75, I22, I23)
Optimal Income Taxation with Unemployment and Wage Responses: A Sufficient Statistics Approach
Authors: Kroft Kory , Kucko Kavan , Lehmann Etienne , Schmieder Johannes
Published: January 2020

We derive a sufficient statistics tax formula in a model that incorporates unemployment and endogenous wages to study the shape of the optimal income tax. Key sufficient statistics are the macro employment response to taxation, the micro and macro participation response to taxation, and the wage-moderating effect of tax progressivity. We empirically implement the tax formula by estimating the micro and macro elasticities using policy variation from the United States. Our results suggest that the optimal tax more closely resembles a negative income tax than an earned income tax credit relative to the case where unemployment and wage responses are ignored. (JEL E24, H21, H23, H24, H31, J22, J31)
Pitfalls in the beam modelling process of Monte Carlo calculations for proton pencil beam scanning
Authors: Winterhalter Carla , Aitkenhead Adam , Oxley David , Richardson Jenny , Weber Damien C. , MacKay Ranald I. , Lomax Antony J. , Safai Sairos
Published: January 2020

Objective:

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations substantially improve the accuracy of predicted doses. This study aims to determine and quantify the uncertainties of setting up such a MC system.

Methods:

Doses simulated with two Geant4-based MC calculation codes, but independently tuned to the same beam data, have been compared. Different methods of MC modelling of a pre-absorber have been employed, either modifying the beam source parameters (descriptive) or adding the pre-absorber as a physical component (physical).

Results:

After the independent beam modelling of both systems in water (resulting in excellent range agreement) range differences of up to 3.6/4.8 mm (1.5% of total range) in bone/brain-like tissues were found, which resulted from the use of different mean water ionisation potentials during the energy tuning process. When repeating using a common definition of water, ranges in bone/brain agreed within 0.1 mm and gamma-analysis (global 1%,1mm) showed excellent agreement (>93%) for all patient fields. However, due to a lack of modelling of proton fluence loss in the descriptive pre-absorber, differences of 7% in absolute dose between the pre-absorber definitions were found.

Conclusion:

This study quantifies the influence of using different water ionisation potentials during the MC beam modelling process. Furthermore, when using a descriptive pre-absorber model, additional Faraday cup or ionisation chamber measurements with pre-absorber are necessary.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first study quantifying the uncertainties caused by the MC beam modelling process for proton pencil beam scanning, and a more detailed beam modelling process for MC simulations is proposed to minimise the influence of critical parameters.
A revolta de Pinto Madeira no Ceará: considerações sobre a formação do Estado
Authors: Teles Danielly de Jesus
Published: January 2020

A presente nota pretende discutir alguns objetivos e hipóteses da pesquisa de mestrado, “No Ceará contra o Império: a revolta de Pinto Madeira (1831-1834)”. Propomos discutir a possiblidade de pensarmos a revolta em concatenação com a construção violenta do Estado nacional no Brasil.
Política de morte: A mira certeira sem comoção
Authors: Azevedo Lídia Michelle Damaceno
Published: January 2020

A violência no Brasil, sobretudo no Rio de Janeiro, escapa aos conceitos e mesmo à etimologia antiga da palavra e atinge sobretudo os negros, maioria nas favelas e subúrbio da cidade, locais que são lembrados como cenário da política de extermínio do Estado, fenômeno que põe em xeque a atuação da mídia tradicional e impõe o questionamento acerca da não mobilização da sociedade civil pelo fim do extermínio da população negra. Neste artigo será abordado a subjugação da vida à morte e o que chamamos de semiótica aplicada do racismo. Serão apresentados três pontos: a prática de execução institucionalizada; os aspectos conceituais da “Razão Negra” e da “Necropolítica”, trabalhados por Achille Mbembe; e o crescimento do racismo de Estado e a combinação com a mídia e o mercado.
Violência contra jornalistas, ameaça à sociedade
Authors: Rios Aline , Bronosky Marcelo
Published: January 2020

Este artigo busca problematizar a violência contra jornalistas, considerando a interface jornalismo-sociedade. Neste sentido, a discussão está centrada na fruição do direito à informação e a relevância deste para a vida pública. Diante do crescente aumento de casos de ataques contra jornalistas no Brasil, tal reflexão torna-se oportuna e necessária, não apenas para garantir condições de trabalho, mas também para a sociedade.
Use of the informational spectrum methodology for rapid biological analysis of the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV: prediction of potential receptor, natural reservoir, tropism and therapeutic/vaccine target
Authors: Veljkovic Veljko , Vergara-Alert Júlia , Segalés Joaquim , Paessler Slobodan
Published: January 2020

A novel coronavirus recently identified in Wuhan, China (2019-nCoV) has expanded the number of highly pathogenic coronaviruses affecting humans. The 2019-nCoV represents a potential epidemic or pandemic threat, which requires a quick response for preparedness against this infection. The present report uses the informational spectrum methodology to identify the possible origin and natural host of the new virus, as well as putative therapeutic and vaccine targets. The performed in silico analysis indicates that the newly emerging 2019-nCoV is closely related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV and, to a lesser degree, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV. Moreover, the well-known SARS-CoV receptor (ACE2) might be a putative receptor for the novel virus as well. Actin protein was also suggested as a host factor that participates in cell entry and pathogenesis of 2019-nCoV; therefore, drugs modulating biological activity of this protein (e.g. ibuprofen) were suggested as potential candidates for treatment of this viral infection. Additional results indicated that civets and poultry are potential candidates for the natural reservoir of the 2019-nCoV, and that domain 288-330 of S1 protein from the 2019-nCoV represents promising therapeutic and/or vaccine target.
What are the outcomes of core decompression in patients with avascular necrosis? Protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Andronic Octavian , Shoman Haitham , Weiss Ori , Khanduja Vikas
Published: January 2020

Background: Core decompression is a hip preserving surgical procedure that is used to treat avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. The eventual clinical and radiological outcome following this procedure is varied in literature. Also, the time to a total hip replacement (THR) from the index procedure and the percentage of patients subsequently undergoing a THR is controversial. Furthermore, there are multiple surgical methods along with multiple augmentation techniques and various classification and staging systems described. The purpose of this systematic review, therefore, is to analyse the outcomes following decompression only, excluding any augmentation techniques for non-traumatic AVN of the femoral head.

Methods: This protocol is being developed in line with the PRISMA-P guidelines. The search strategy includes articles from Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, CINHAL and Cochrane library. The review and screening will be done by two independent reviewers. Review articles, editorials and correspondences will be excluded. Articles including patients with sickle cell disease and with core decompression where augmentation is used will be excluded. The risk of bias and quality of articles will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for the different study designs included.

Discussion: This study will be a comprehensive review on all published articles having patients with AVN of the femoral head and undergoing core decompression surgery only. The systematic review will then define the outcomes of the core decompression surgery based on clinical and radiological outcomes. Each outcome will include the different stages within it and finally, the total mean time to THR will be calculated. This will then be followed by assessing the cumulative confidence in evidence from all the data collected using the GRADE tool.  

Registration: This systematic review is registered in the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PROSPERO) under the registration number: CRD42018100596
Hacia un enfoque social de los territorios inteligentes: una primera aproximación
Authors: Quintero Pérez Gloria Isabel
Published: January 2020

Las aceleradas y disruptivas transformaciones que está viviendo la sociedad del siglo xxi han llevado al posicionamiento de nuevos modelos de comprensión y planeación de las ciudades y los territorios actuales. Modelos que integran la apuesta por la sostenibilidad ambiental, la incorporación de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (tic), la competitividad global y la cohesión y desarrollo social. Los territorios inteligentes son unos de los más abordados en nuestro contexto latinoamericano. ¿Qué son y de dónde surgen? ¿Dónde radica la verdadera inteligencia de un territorio? y ¿cuál es el enfoque social de los territorios inteligentes? Son las preguntas que orientan la construcción de este artículo, cuyo propósito es posicionar una mirada sociológica frente a este nuevo modelo de desarrollo territorial.
A guide to epidural management
Authors: McLaren Steve , Hughes Megan , Sheehan Catherine , Sokhi Jagdish
Published: January 2020

Epidural analgesia is a key component in the management of inpatient pain relief, particularly in surgical and trauma patients, and those with comorbidities. When used appropriately epidurals can decrease a patient's opiate consumption, as well as reducing the risk of adverse cardiorespiratory outcomes. To non-anaesthetists, or those not versed in their usage, epidurals can appear complex and intimidating, and the potential complications, although rare, can be catastrophic if not picked up on in a timely fashion. This article demystifies the epidural for hospital clinicians, looking at the anatomy and pharmacology, helping to identify patients who may benefit from epidural analgesia, highlighting some common pitfalls and questions posed by nursing staff, and providing a framework via which junior clinicians can detect, manage and appropriately escalate epidural-related problems and complications. Epidural analgesia is an invasive and high-risk intervention; as such it should always be managed by a multidisciplinary team, including anaesthesia and acute pain services.
George Armstrong: pioneer paediatrician
Authors: Ellis Harold
Published: January 2020

George Armstrong was probably the first physician to practice exclusively as a paediatrician in this country. He published the first account of the postmortem appearance of congenital pyloric stenosis. This year marks the 300th anniversary of his birth.
Flat knit hosiery and compression wraps: managing lower limb lymphoedema
Authors: Brown Annemarie
Published: January 2020

This article will give an overview of the causes and different types of lymphoedema of the lower limbs, together with the options available to manage the condition. Compression therapy is one of the main treatments for managing lymphoedema and the difference between circular knit and flat knit hosiery will be explained. More recently, compression wraps have been introduced as an alternative to hosiery and these may encourage patients to self-care for their condition and increase adherence to treatment. The need for a good skin regime in order to prevent cellulitis will be discussed, together with some useful resources, which will assist health professionals in caring for patients with lymphoedema.
Electron number density conservation model combined with a self-absorption correction methodology for analysis of nanostructure plasma using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Farooq Zahid , Ali Raheel , Ahmad Aqrab ul , Yaseen M. , Mahmood Mian H. R. , Fahad M. , Hussain M. Nasir , Rehan I. , Khan M. Zubair , Ramiza  , Farooq M. Umer , Qayyum M. Abdul , Shafique M.
Published: January 2020

We studied laser ablation and plasma property evolution for a nickel (Ni) doped tin (Sn) oxide nanostructures target using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The transition metal Ni doped tin oxide nanostructures were synthesized by co-precipitation and hydrothermal methodologies. The size of prepared nanoparticles was verified by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques. A frequency-doubled pulsed Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 532 nm was used to produce ablated plasma nanostructures. Ablation of doped and undoped nanostructures revealed salient-enhanced spectral emissions compared with their bulky counterparts. The emission lines of the constituent elements of doped material were used to find plasma parameters. The plasma temperature was estimated from a Boltzmann plot, and the electron number density was determined from the Saha–Boltzmann equation. The self-absorption effect has been observed in tiny plasma of nanostructures. The affected profiles of spectral lines of Ni and Sn nanoparticles due to self-absorption in LIBS spectra were corrected by the internal reference self-absorption correction (IRSAC) methodology. After correction of emitted line intensities by IRSAC, the electron number density (END) conservation approach was applied for quantitative analysis of doped nanostructures. In the END conservation approach, quantitative analysis of samples was carried out using electron number densities. Quantitative results derived from the END conservation approach at high and low concentrations exhibited good correlation when these were compared and validated with results from a conventional calibration free approach and the standard recognized energy dispersive X-ray technique.