bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telepsychiatry and the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health in Post-COVID-19 India: A Scoping Review on Opportunities
Authors: M Thenral , Annamalai Arunkumar
Published: September 2020

Background:

COVID-19 has a profound impact on people with existing mental disorders, augmenting the prevailing inequalities in mental health.

Methods:

In order to understand the status of telepsychiatry in India and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health and its potential applications, a scoping review was done between March 2020 and May 2020. The literature review revealed 253 papers, which were used to derive the primary framework for analysis. The information was then reviewed for ideas and concepts, which were integrated with evidence from gray literature and categorized under broader themes based on the insights derived. Finally, a thematic framework was developed for discussion to tailor scientific information for decision-makers’ needs.

Results:

Review findings are summarized under the following headings: changing patterns of health-seeking behavior, origin and evolution of telepsychiatry, possible applications of telepsychiatry and AI, technological features, and AI models in mental health.

Conclusions:

Though there are several potential opportunities, the time is not yet ripe for telepsychiatry and AI to be adopted fully in the field of mental health care. But it is time that we develop indigenous proprietary technology and test and validate it. With many solutions offered by telepsychiatry and AI, psychiatrists must choose an appropriate tool based on their requirements, availability of resources, and feasibility of deployment. Harmony between conventional care and technology-based care must be reached gradually.
ECMO support in SARS-CoV2 multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children in a child
Authors: Kaushik Shubhi , Ahluwalia Neha , Gangadharan Sandeep , Esperenza Maria , Murthy Raghav , Ofori-Amanfo George , Aydin Scott I
Published: September 2020

In this report, we describe the case of a 5-year-old male with SARS-CoV-2 associated MIS-C with progressive respiratory failure and vasoplegic shock requiring extracorporeal support. At presentation, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 was negative, however, SARS-CoV2 antibody testing was positive. Multiple inflammatory markers and cardiac biomarkers were elevated. Echocardiogram demonstrated mildly depressed left ventricular function and no coronary anomalies noted. The patient required mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, and eventually extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for profound circulatory shock and progressive respiratory failure. During his clinical course, recovery of cardiac function was demonstrated however, a middle cerebral artery infarct and left frontal subarachnoid hemorrhage was suffered which ultimately the patient succumbed to. To the best of our knowledge, this is the youngest previously healthy child who had multi-system hyperinflammatory syndrome requiring ECMO support and the first case of SARS-CoV-2 related pediatric stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration: None
Endothermal ablation for the treatment of clinically significant incompetent lower limb perforating veins: factors influencing the early outcomes
Authors: Woodburn Kenneth R
Published: September 2020

Background

To review the clinical experience and early outcomes of endothermal perforator ablation.

Method

Retrospective review of an endovenous practice from 2007-2019. Clinically significant incompetent perforators were treated by Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), or segmental radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Result

Complete data were available for 110 of the 116 symptomatic incompetent perforating veins treated. Radiofrequency ablation of 20 perforators produced a 55% perforator closure rate, while 90 EVLA perforator ablations resulted in a closure rate of 80%. Closure rates with EVLA varied by location and perforator length. Closure rates for truncal ablation were 95.5% for RFA and 97.2% for EVLA.

Conclusion

Early closure rates following endothermal ablation of incompetent lower limb perforating veins are lower than those obtained for truncal ablation. EVLA perforator closure appears to be more effective than segmental RFA in most situations but short treatment lengths and location at the ankle are associated with the poorest outcomes.
Neurobiological mechanisms associated with antipsychotic drug-induced dystonia
Authors: Loonen Anton JM , Ivanova Svetlana A
Published: September 2020

Dystonia is by far the most intrusive and invalidating extrapyramidal side effect of potent classical antipsychotic drugs. Antipsychotic drug-induced dystonia is classified in both acute and tardive forms. The incidence of drug-induced dystonia is associated with the affinity to inhibitory dopamine D2 receptors. Particularly acute dystonia can be treated with anticholinergic drugs, but the tardive form may also respond to such antimuscarinic treatment, which contrasts their effects in tardive dyskinesia. Combining knowledge of the pathophysiology of primary focal dystonia with the anatomical and pharmacological organization of the extrapyramidal system may shed some light on the mechanism of antipsychotic drug-induced dystonia. A suitable hypothesis is derived from the understanding that focal dystonia may be due to a faulty processing of somatosensory input, so leading to inappropriate execution of well-trained motor programmes. Neuroplastic alterations of the sensitivity of extrapyramidal medium-sized spiny projection neurons to stimulation, which are induced by the training of specific complex movements, lead to the sophisticated execution of these motor plans. The sudden and non-selective disinhibition of indirect pathway medium-sized spiny projection neurons by blocking dopamine D2 receptors may distort this process. Shutting down the widespread influence of tonically active giant cholinergic interneurons on all medium-sized spiny projection neurons by blocking muscarinic receptors may result in a reduction of the influence of extrapyramidal cortical-striatal-thalamic-cortical regulation. Furthermore, striatal cholinergic interneurons have an important role to play in integrating cerebellar input with the output of cerebral cortex, and are also targeted by dopaminergic nigrostriatal fibres affecting dopamine D2 receptors.
Antidepressant responses in direct comparisons of melancholic and non-melancholic depression
Authors: Undurraga Juan , Vázquez Gustavo H , Tondo Leonardo , Baldessarini Ross J
Published: September 2020

Background:

Efforts to develop less heterogeneous, more clinically useful diagnostic categories for depressive disorders include renewed interest in the concept of melancholia (Mel). However, clinical or biological differentiation of Mel from other (nonMel) episodes of depression has been questioned, and it remains unclear whether pharmacological responses proposed to be characteristic of Mel are supported by available research.

Methods:

We carried out a systematic review seeking treatment trials reports comparing Mel and nonMel depressed subjects for meta-analyses of their differences in responses (a) to antidepressants overall, (b) to tricyclic (TCAs) or serotonin-enhancing agents (serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) and (c) with placebo treatment.

Results:

We identified 25 trials in 16 reports comparing 2597 Mel with 5016 nonMel subjects. Overall, responses to antidepressant treatment did not differ between Mel (39.4%) and nonMel (42.2%) subjects. However, all subjects responded better to TCAs (50.6%) than SRIs (30.0%; p<0.0001). Mel subjects also responded less well with placebo, but also were significantly more severely depressed at intake.

Conclusions:

Antidepressant responses were similar in Mel and nonMel depressed patients. Mel subjects responded 25% less with placebo but were more severely depressed initially, and there was preferential response to TCAs in both Mel and nonMel subjects. The findings provide little support for proposed differences in responses to particular treatments among Mel versus nonMel depressed patients, and underscore the need to match for illness severity in making such comparisons.
Anxiolytic effects of acute and maintenance ketamine, as assessed by the Fear Questionnaire subscales and the Spielberger State Anxiety Rating Scale
Authors: Truppman Lattie Dylan , Nehoff Hayley , Neehoff Shona , Gray Andrew , Glue Paul
Published: September 2020

Background:

Ketamine has rapid anxiolytic effects in treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive, post-traumatic stress, generalised anxiety and social anxiety disorders.

Objectives:

This study aimed to assess changes following acute and maintenance ketamine therapy on the Fear Questionnaire (FQ) subscales and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (SSAI).

Methods:

This secondary analysis used data from a mixed open-label and double-blinded placebo-controlled study. A total of 24 patients received short-term ascending subcutaneous doses of ketamine and were then eligible to enter a 3-month maintenance phase of 1 mg/kg ketamine dosed once or twice weekly. FQ and SSAI data were analysed using mixed models to identify between-dose differences and to describe trends during maintenance.

Results:

Acute ketamine dosing showed a rapid dose-related reduction in all three FQ subscales (agoraphobia, social phobia and blood-injury phobia) and in the SSAI. A progressive decrease in pre-dose rating-scale scores was evident during the 3 months of maintenance therapy.

Conclusions:

Ketamine demonstrated dose-related improvements in all FQ subscales and in the SSAI. Both scales appear to be suitable tools to assess the anxiolytic effects of ketamine in patients with treatment-resistant anxiety. Furthermore, ketamine appears to have broad, dose-related anti-phobic effects. These findings raise the possibility that ketamine may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of other phobic states, such as specific phobia.
Study of Adolescents’ Puberty, Adolescence Training Program: The Application of Intervention Mapping Approach
Authors: Ziapour Arash , Sharma Manoj , NeJhaddadgar Nazila , Mardi Afrouz , Tavafian Sedigheh Sadat
Published: September 2020

Background

Adolescence is a significant period of life which is crucial for life long health. The purpose of the study was to develop a puberty intervention-training program using an intervention mapping approach (IMA).

Methods

The present study was a study protocol where IMA was used as a planning framework for developing a puberty intervention-training program (PITP). Six intervention mapping steps have been described in this protocol. As the first step, needs assessment was performed by reviewing the studies, qualitative evaluation, and interviews. In the second step, the matrix of change objectives was designed from the intersection of performance goals and determinants. Later on, after designing the program and planning the program implementation, the program evaluation plan was developed.

Results

IMA guided us in designing and implementing a control-oriented training program with the participation of the participants along with the definition of outcomes, performance goals and determinants, theoretical methods and practical applications, intervention program, implementation and step by step assessment.

Conclusion

Intervention mapping is a control-oriented, systematic, participation-based approach to design and implement targeted and on-going health promotion programs.
Diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted imaging combined with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Lu , Tan Yuchuan , Dan Hanli , Hu Lin , Zhang Jiuquan
Published: September 2020

Background

The diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) combined with dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of prostate cancer (PCa) has not been studied systematically to date.

Purpose

To investigate the value of DWI combined with DCE-MRI quantitative analysis in the diagnosis of PCa.

Material and Methods

A systematic search was conducted through PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases without any restriction to language up to 10 December 2019. Studies that used a combination of DWI and DCE-MRI for diagnosing PCa were included.

Results

Nine studies with 778 participants were included. The combination of DWI and DCE-MRI provide accurate performance in diagnosing PCa with pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratios of 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76–0.81), 0.85 (95% CI = 0.83–0.86), 6.58 (95% CI = 3.93–11.00), 0.24 (95% CI = 0.17–0.34), and 36.43 (95% CI = 14.41–92.12), respectively. The pooled area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.9268. Moreover, 1.5-T MR scanners demonstrated a slightly better performance than 3.0-T scanners.

Conclusion

Combined DCE-MRI and DWI could demonstrate a highly accurate area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity for detecting PCa. More studies with large sample sizes are warranted to confirm these results.
The Uncanny Valley Phenomenon and the Temporal Dynamics of Face Animacy Perception
Authors: Wang Shensheng , Cheong Yuk F. , Dilks Daniel D. , Rochat Philippe
Published: September 2020

Human replicas highly resembling people tend to elicit eerie sensations—a phenomenon known as the uncanny valley. To test whether this effect is attributable to people’s ascription of mind to (i.e., mind perception hypothesis) or subtraction of mind from androids (i.e., dehumanization hypothesis), in Study 1, we examined the effect of face exposure time on the perceived animacy of human, android, and mechanical-looking robot faces. In Study 2, in addition to exposure time, we also manipulated the spatial frequency of faces, by preserving either their fine (high spatial frequency) or coarse (low spatial frequency) information, to examine its effect on faces’ perceived animacy and uncanniness. We found that perceived animacy decreased as a function of exposure time only in android but not in human or mechanical-looking robot faces (Study 1). In addition, the manipulation of spatial frequency eliminated the decrease in android faces’ perceived animacy and reduced their perceived uncanniness (Study 2). These findings link perceived uncanniness in androids to the temporal dynamics of face animacy perception. We discuss these findings in relation to the dehumanization hypothesis and alternative hypotheses of the uncanny valley phenomenon.
Among the Two Kinds of Metacognitive Evaluation, Only One Is Predictive of Illusory Object Perception
Authors: Vetik Sandra , Tulver Kadi , Lints Diana , Bachmann Talis
Published: September 2020

The relationship between expectation-induced hallucination proneness and self-confidence in performance was studied in a visual perception task. Participants were prompted either to recognize briefly shown faces as male or female or to rate the subjective vividness of a square surrounding the face. Importantly, in a few critical trials, the square was absent. Upon completion, participants rated their performance in the face recognition task; they were also asked whether they were sure that their estimation was correct. Out of 35 participants, 33 “hallucinated” on at least one trial, rating the square as visible when it was actually absent. Negative correlation between hallucination proneness and self-confidence in performance (metacognitive rating) was found: The more hallucinations a participant experienced, the less confident he/she was in his/her performance in the face recognition task. Most subjects underestimated their performance; higher ratings were also more accurate. Thus, higher hallucination proneness was associated with more inaccurate ratings of one’s own perception. However, confidence in self-ratings as measured by the second follow-up question was unrelated to both, hallucination proneness and self-confidence in performance, supporting the view that there is no unitary mechanism of metacognitive evaluations and extending this view to the domain of visual hallucinatory perception.
Employment Perceptions of Parolees: The Role of Perceived Barriers and Criminal Thinking
Authors: Varghese Femina P. , Skaggs Sydney , Christie Christina , Mark Daniel , Swindle Taren , Anderson Evan , Sandlin Luke
Published: September 2020

This study explored offenders’ perception of their barriers to employment and investigated the role of criminal attitudes in parolees recently released from prison. An analysis of open-ended responses from offenders indicated that they perceived having a criminal record as the largest barrier to employment. Structural equation modeling, utilizing a cross-sectional design, indicated moderate support for a model of criminal thinking as a predictor of perceived barriers and of self-efficacy. Survey results also found that criminal attitudes have a positive direct relationship with perception of barriers in work and education, with perception of barriers increasing as criminal thinking increases. Furthermore, criminal thinking has a negative direct relationship with job search self-efficacy, with job search self-efficacy decreasing as criminal thinking increases. Criminal thinking also had an indirect relationship with career aspirations through job search self-efficacy. Findings have implications for vocational programming for parolees.
Understanding people’s experiences of using the SaeboFlex® following a stroke
Authors: Millard Hayley , Gustafsson Louise , Molineux Matthew , Richards Katherine
Published: September 2020

Introduction

This qualitative interpretive phenomenological study sought to understand the experiences of people using the SaeboFlex®, within an outpatient setting, following a stroke.

Method

Five adults who had experienced a stroke and had received the SaeboFlex® from occupational therapists in one outpatient service within the previous 12 months were recruited using convenience sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes emerged from the data: (a) hope for upper limb recovery: ‘you have got nothing to lose’; (b) the everyday experience of the SaeboFlex®: ‘just keeping it in a routine’; (c) the self-reported outcomes: ‘I can do more things you know … but there haven’t been any miracles’.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the important role of hope in the recovery of people following a stroke, and that participants continue to use the device despite limited goal achievement. The reports of limited transfer of training into everyday occupations, either with or without the device, is something that should be carefully considered. The SaeboFlex® is a tool that is promoted for upper limb rehabilitation, but which has limited evidence of effectiveness and mixed client experiences. Further research is required.
Feasibility study of a wellness intervention for caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: The Ready to CARE Intervention
Authors: Morency Jamme L , Caldon Kate L , Root Lynn , Hayes Christi A , Brighton Susan , Lyons Kathleen Doyle
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation need encouragement to maintain their own wellbeing. This feasibility study explored a six-session wellness intervention for caregivers entitled Ready to CARE (Connect, Actively Relax, and Exercise).

Method

This study used a single-arm pre–post design to explore the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and study procedures. The individual, participant-directed intervention was initiated at hospitalization for stem cell reinfusion. Caregivers completed telephone surveys on four occasions and engaged in one semi-structured interview to share their perceptions of the intervention.

Results

Twenty participants enrolled and completed the baseline survey, with 50%, 90%, and 80% completing the subsequent three surveys, respectively. Seventy-four percent completed all six sessions of the intervention. Caregivers most often used the sessions to set goals related to physical activity (36%), stress management (14%), sleep (13%), and caregiving tasks (11%). Caregivers reported appreciation of the intervention’s focus on supporting caregivers, taking action with goal-setting, and allowing caregivers to determine the focus of the goals. Scheduling the sessions was the most problematic aspect of the intervention.

Conclusion

While caregivers were open to a wellness intervention, a high degree of flexibility and tailoring is needed to engage and support busy caregivers. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03210727
Onset of action in placebo-controlled migraine attacks trials: A literature review and recommendation
Authors: Tfelt-Hansen Peer , Diener Hans-Christoph
Published: September 2020

Background

Migraine patients want acute treatment to provide complete relief of the migraine attack within 30 minutes. Traditionally, “speed of onset of effect” is evaluated by estimating the time-point for first statistical separation of drug and placebo. The estimated onset of effect can be a few percent difference of patients being pain free in very large randomised, controlled trials. This difference, however, can be clinically irrelevant.

Methods

Placebo-controlled randomised, controlled trials with pain freedom results from 30 min to 2–4 hours were retrieved from the literature. For each time-point, the therapeutic gain (drug minus placebo) (TG) was calculated. Therapeutic gain for being pain free of 5% was chosen for the definition of “onset of action”, since this is approximately 1/3 of the 16% TG and 1/4 of 21% of TG for sumatriptan 50 mg and 100 mg, respectively.

Results

A total of 22 time-effect curves based on randomised, controlled trials were analysed. Based on the “onset of action” of 5% pain freedom, the evaluated drugs and administration forms can be classified as follows: i) Early time to onset, ≤30 min (three randomised, controlled trials); ii) medium time to onset, 60 min (nine randomised, controlled trials); iii) delayed time to onset, 90–120 min (10 randomised, controlled trials).

Conclusion

Only three non-oral administration forms with a triptan (subcutaneous sumatriptan and nasal zolmitriptan) resulted in an “onset of action” at ≥30 min; in the future, early onset of action should be a priority in the development of new drugs or new administration-forms for the treatment of acute migraine attacks.
Protein requirement of patients on CAPD: A study on nitrogen balance
Authors: Giordano C. , De Santo N.G. , Pluvio M. , Di Leo V.A. , Capodicasa G. , Cirillo D. , Esposito R. , Damiano M.
Published: September 2020

This work was presented in part at the 12th Annual Contractor's Conference of the National Institutes of Arthritis, Metabolism and Digestive Diseases, Bethesda, USA, January 15, 1979 and the Congress of the International Society for Artificial Internal Organs at the symposium on CAPD, New York Hilton, New York, April 19, 1979.
Extracorporeal removal of immune complexes: Preparation and characterization of immobilized bovine conglutinin
Authors: Pitt A.M. , Terman D.S. , Colton C.K. , Solomon B.A.
Published: September 2020

The binding of immune complexes to immobilized bovine conglutinin (K) was studied in order to develop an ex vivo immunoadsorbent system for the removal of circulating immune complexes. K was immobilized to the surface of solid, polymeric beads of two different sizes (1–3 um and 38–63 um diameter) which were activated with N-hydroxysuccinimide ester groups. The binding of both a model immune complex, aggregated human globulin (AHG) and an actual immune complex, bovine serum albumin (BSA): anti-BSA, to the immobilized K were determined utilizing both batch and flow conditions. The binding of AHG occurred rapidly (within 15 min.) at 37°C and additional binding was attained by using a subsequent low temperature incubation (37°C, 30 min., followed by 4°C, 18 hrs.). Uptake of AHG from solution was 2.6 g/g immobilized K. The binding of the 125I-AHG to immobilized K was found to be linear with concentration over the range of 20-2,000 ug AHG/ml tested. Similarly, the binding of BSA:anti-BSA complexes in solution to immobilized K was 0.16 ug 125I-BSA:anti-BSA/ug immobilized K. Significant amounts of the bound AHG were found to be released nonspecifically in the presence of buffered protein solutions, including human serum albumin (HSA) and BSA, while bound BSA:anti-BSA complexes were not released by similar treatments. Effluents of solution perfused over immobilized K showed no toxicity upon intravenous infusion into mice. These studies suggest that K may be immobilized on a biocompatible solid support and in this state retains functional capacity to extract immune complexes from solution. Hence, this may represent a promising system for use as an extracorporeal immunoadsorbent to remove circulating immune complexes in vivo.
Insulin delivery and the artificial beta cell: Luminal obstructions in capillary conduits
Authors: Lougheed W. , Albisser A.M.
Published: September 2020

Insulin delivery mechanisms in which the polypeptide is conducted through fine bore tubes develope luminal occlusions after 2–6 weeks. Scanning electron micrographs of the ends of such capillaries reveal that the usual methods of sectioning these tubes produces barbed and distorted exits on which aggregates of insulin appear to be localized. This paper addresses a novel technique for sectioning teflon (PTFE) capillary bore tubing which avoids this problem.
Dialysis today: Methods, technologies and strategies
Authors: Vercellone A. , Segoloni G.P. , Triolo G. , Canavese C. , Messina M.
Published: September 2020

Dialysis is a method of treatment which in over 30 years of progress has developed different technologies and strategies now to be unified in a single dialytic culture.

In our experience we have decided to adopt an open policy as for the patient acceptance and the setting of modes of therapy, taking in account 5 fundamental criteria: i.e. dialytic adequacy, rehabilitation, safety, economy and working simplicity. Today short dialysis is the backbone schedule we have developed with an intensive participation of the patients to their treatment. Yet our results are not only the expression of a schedule but also a demonstration of how valuable may result some cautions in the management of the RDT patient.
Impact of the artificial lung on medical care
Authors: Galletti P.M.
Published: September 2020

Mechanical systems to oxygenate blood outside of the body were first employed in clinical medicine as a component of the «heart-lung machine». The artificial lung has been an essential component of the technology underlying the progress of cardiovascular surgery since 1950. Its impact on clinical medicine can be measured by the widespread acceptance of cardiac surgery for the treatment first of congenital malformations, then valvular lesions, and more recently, coronary artery disease. Whereas the use of the artificial lung during temporary exclusion of the pulmonary circulation for surgical purposes is now well established, the chronic application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in end-stage respiratory failure is still controversial. Internally implantable lung prostheses are still at the conceptual or developmental stage, and are unlikely to impact on clinical medicine for another decade.
15 years experience with 615 homograft and autograft aortic valve replacements
Authors: Wain W.H. , Greco R. , Ignegeri A. , Bodnar E. , Ross D.N.
Published: September 2020

Homograft valve replacement of the diseased aortic valve with a homologous aortic valve inserted in the sub-coronary position was first performed in July 1962 (Ross 1962). The procedure of transferring the patients autologous pulmonary valve to the aortic position has been used since 1967 (Ross 1967).

The long term performance of homograft valves has not been regarded as satisfactory in some centres (Cope-land 1977, Anderson & Hancock 1977) whereas others have shown it to be an excellent valve replacement (Barratt-Boyes, 1977, Bodnar et al 1979).

The differing experiences may be the results of alternative methods of sterilization, preservation and surgical insertion. This paper presents information on isolated aortic valve replacements with either homograft or autograft valves over a 15 year period.
A prosthetic myocardium for repair of localized defects of the left ventricle: Concept and hemodynamic feasibility
Authors: Kantrowitz A. , Igari T. , Hayashi I. , Freed P.S.
Published: September 2020

As an approach to the treatment of patients with large but circumscribed akinetic or dyskinetic regions in the left ventricular myocardium as sequelae of acute myocardial infarction, excision of the defect and implantation of a mechanical functional equivalent of myocardium is suggested. Experimental investigation of this technique is described.

Hemodynamic data from a series of dog experiments indicate that activation of the prosthetic myocardium after excision of the left ventricle is followed by improvement in various hemodynamic parametres of interest Although substantial experimental work must be completed and difficult bioengineering problems solved, preliminary results have encouraged us to continue our investigations of the prosthetic myocardium.

An imposing array of treatment methods is now available to the clinician who must deal with the sequelae of acute myocardial infarction. Selecting from pharmacologic, electrophysiologic, and surgical approaches the physician can in many instances design a treatment plan precisely tailored to the clinical problem.

Large left ventricular aneurysms and their functional equivalents of ventricular dyskinesis or hypokinesis continue, however, to represent a class of problems in which established techniques have been less then satisfactory. Surgical excision with closure of the defect is regarded as effective for small aneurysms, but such procedures may so compromise cardiac output in patients with large ones as to be unacceptable. Unfortunately, it is just the latter group in which medical palliation is least likely to be effective in managing congestive failure, angina, and other pathophysiologic manifestations.

A relatively unsual approach derived from in-series techniques of mechanical assistance to the failing circulation (1) offers the theoretical possibility of a treatment tailored to the problem of a large ventricular aneurysm. Experimental investigation of this technique in the Surgical Research Laboratory at the Sinai Hospital of Detroit has progressed to the point that a report of our experiences to date may be of interest.
Prosthetic creation of a double outlet left ventricle: Clinical experience of five cases
Authors: Cotrufo M. , Nappi G.A. , d'Angelo A. , Scar-done M. , de Vivo F.
Published: September 2020

Five clinical cases were treated with the implantation of an apical-aortic conduit.

Two adult patients were affected by obstructive myocardiopathy associated to subaortic membrane in one case, and three children by different forms of aortic stenosis (subaortic tunnel in one case; subaortic tunnel associated to severe coartation of the thoracic aorta in one case; aortic annulus hypoplasia in one case).

A double outlet left ventricle has been created in all cases by implanting a composite prosthesis between the apex of the left ventricle and the aorta. The extracardiac conduit consisted of an apical curved connector and a valved dacron tubular prosthesis. The site of implantation was the supraceliac abdominal aorta in three cases and the ascending aorta in two cases.

All patients survived the operation and one late mortality was observed for cerebral bleeding. The surviving patients have been restudied with satisfactory data.
Hemofiltration —Technique and clinical application
Authors: Quellhorst E. , Scheunemann B. , Hildebrand U.
Published: September 2020

The elimination of uremic substances is achieved in hemodialysis by diffusion from the blood to a modified Ringer's solution. In contrast to this effect, in which the elimination rate of substances is directly correlated to their molecular weight, the removal of waste products in hemofiltration is achieved by means of a convective transport, which is independent of the molecular weight, but dependent on the cutoff of the membrane and the filtrate flow. Hemofiltration, thus, resembles the filtration process of the natural kidney more closely than hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis do.

Having obtained promising results in the course of a pilot study (1), a study to compare hemodialysis with hemofiltration under standardized conditions was started in 1978 under the auspices of the NIH. Two groups of patients with stable chronic renal failure, were treated on an A-B-A (group I) and a B-A-B (group II) sequence (A=hemodialysis and B=hemofiltration). Each treatment period lasted for 5 months.
Hemodialysis / hemofiltration: A report of a controlled cross-over study
Authors: Baldamus C.A. , Knobloch M. , Schoeppe W. , Koch K.M.
Published: September 2020

In 14 stable ESRD patients an ABA cross-over study comparing conventional hemodialysis with post-dilution hemofiltration was performed in order to test the validity of clinical benefits reported for hemofiltration. No effect on blood-pressure could be observed in hypertensive hemofiltration patients when body weight was kept constant. The claimed positive effect of hemofiltration on hyperphosphatemia in dialysis patients could not be confirmed. A treatment with 3x18 I infusate per week seems to be insufficient treatment in regard to small molecule removal especially in heavy patients without any residual renal function. The decrease in urea nitrogen generation rate during the hemofiltration period might be the result of the lower small molecule removal in hemofiltration when compared to hemodialysis. The main clinical benefit of hemofiltration results from improved tolerance to volume removal due to improved hemodynamic stability during treatment.
The status of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Nolph K.D.
Published: September 2020

CAPD continues to show promise as a continuous internal portable dialysis technique. Although unknown long-term problems may develop, it would seem at this time to offer an acceptable form of chronic dialysis for many patients.
Biochemical investigations of CAPD: Plasma levels of trace elements and amino acids and impaired glucose tolerance during the course of treatment
Authors: Armstrong V.W. , Buschmann U. , Ebert R. , Fuchs C. , Rieger J. , Scheler F.
Published: September 2020

Investigations have been initiated into the effect of CAPD on the plasma concentrations of trace elements and amino acids, and in particular the response of patients to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during the course of treatment. Six months CAPD had no effect on the plasma concentrations of aluminium, fluoride, zinc and copper. Levels of aluminium and fluoride were above the normal range. Loss of amino acids in the dialysate correlated with their plasma concentrations. No changes were observed in the E/NE, Val/Gly or Tyr/Phe ratios during nine months treatment.

Five CAPD patients demonstrated an impaired glucose tolerance in response to an OGTT after one month of treatment and a further deterioration occurred in the glucose tolerance of three patients after another six months CAPD.

In a preliminary investigation with fructose substituted for glucose in the dialysate of one patient, an improvement in the OGTT and rate of insulin secretion was observed after 3 days dialysis against fructose.
Drill bit with clip-edges based on the force control model for reducing the CFRP damage
Authors: Hao Jiaxuan , Wang Fuji , Zhao Meng , Bai Yu , Jia Zhenyuan
Published: September 2020

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic composites are popular in the aviation industry, and it is inevitable to drill holes within strict damage tolerances during assembly. However, drilling damages often occur at the drill-exit of carbon fiber reinforced plastic for lacking back support. This paper aims to study the drilling damages formation of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and further proposes a novel drill structure for reducing the damages. According to the damage formation of drill-exit fibers, the mathematical model is established to analyze the tool-fibers cutting process and fiber deflection. Then based on the cutting model, the multi-edge control force cutting method is proposed, and it is an effective method to cut off fibers with deflection control and damage reduction. In order to carry out the cutting effect, a novel clip-edges drill structure is proposed. The geometric analysis of the novel structure reveals that the structure can cut the fibers from both sides and reduce fiber resin cracking. Finally, comparative experiments are carried out in drilling carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and the novel drill bit with clip-edges drill structure can reduce drilling exit damage and obtain more high-quality holes.
Four Galore? The Overlap between Mary Douglas’s Grid-Group Typology and Other Highly Cited Social Science Classifications
Authors: Verweij Marco , Alexandrova Petya , Jacobsen Henrik , Béziat Pauline , Branduse Diana , Dege Yonca , Hensing Jakob , Hollway James , Kliem Lea , Ponce Gabriela , Reichelt Inga , Wiegmann Mareile
Published: September 2020

Recently, neuroscientists have argued that elementary ways of organizing, perceiving, and justifying social relations lurk behind the diversity of social life. In developing grid-group typology, anthropologist Mary Douglas proposed such universal forms. If these are universal, then we could expect other widely cited classifications to overlap with grid-group typology. We tested this expectation by examining to which extent the elements of Douglas’s typology overlap with those of 39 highly influential classifications proposed since 1970. We established overlap by calculating the interrater agreement among 11 coders. Fair to good interrater agreement, despite a complex coding exercise and minimal training, suggests that such overlap exists. Nevertheless, limits to our research design call for further studies. These findings should contribute to a rekindling of the question whether universal forms of organizing and perceiving social relations exist and to a further consideration of whether Douglas has managed to uncover these.
Subsidizing Car Ownership for Low-Income Individuals and Households
Authors: Klein Nicholas J.
Published: September 2020

This article presents the findings from interviews with thirty individuals, living in Maryland and Virginia, who received subsidized cars from a nonprofit organization to examine how their lives changed when they received a subsidized car. Having a car eased their daily travel, and enabled access to higher paying jobs, moving to neighborhoods with more opportunities, and access to education and enrichment activities for recipients and their children. I also situate the subsidized cars within interviewees’ mobility history. Most had owned cars before, and subsidized car ownership programs offer low-income consumers a safe alternative to a risky and expensive market for used cars.
Work and thrive or claim and skive: Experiencing the ‘toxic symbiosis’ of worklessness and welfare recipiency in Ireland
Authors: Whelan Joe
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this paper is to shed much needed light on lived experience in the context of worklessness coupled with welfare receipt in Ireland. In doing so, the work ethic is presented as an objective social force that can be imposed externally and in a number of social and administrative contexts. Coupled with this, receiving welfare is argued as being a ‘problematic’ and potentially shameful social position. On this basis, it will be shown how worklessness and welfare receipt can coalesce to form a ‘toxic symbiosis’, something which can deeply and negatively affect those who experience it. The claims made in this paper are based on original research conducted in Ireland, in which 22 people were interviewed about their general experiences of being welfare recipients and their interactions with the Irish welfare state. Drawing on rich qualitative data, epistemic integrity is offered through depth of understanding meaning that what is presented here sheds lights on the social implications of the continuous denigration of welfare recipiency coupled with the continuous valorisation of work. In a practical sense, this suggests that, on the one hand, a new, less corrosive societal relationship with work is both desirable and necessary in respect to the well-being of persons, while on the other, a more holistic approach to the administration of welfare, in which a return to work is only one part of an overall approach, is both needed and ultimately more humane.
Building Inequality: Wage Disparity between Bangladeshi and Thai Guestworkers in Singapore’s Construction Industry
Authors: Rainwater Katie
Published: September 2020

Existing research on wage inequality in the construction industry focuses on dual labour markets in which migrants earn considerably less than native workers. This article examines occupational inequality between higher-paid Thai and lower-paid Bangladeshi first-time guestworkers in Singapore’s low-wage construction industry. It argues that differently priced national groups of first-time construction guestworkers persist in Singapore’s industry; first, because Singapore wages are established with reference to the economies of sending states, and second, because construction firms associate worker productivity with nationality. Alleged differences in productivity between Thai and Bangladeshi guestworkers are related to the workers’ differently classed socialization in their home countries: Bangladeshis are recruited from their country’s middle-class, whereas Thais are working-class. Sourcing reflects the subset of each sending state’s population who can afford the considerable recruitment and training fees and are attracted by Singapore wages and work.
Listen to my story: Contribution of patients to their healthcare through effective communication with doctors
Authors: Singh Harbir , Dey Ajoy Kumar
Published: September 2020

In the era of patient centered healthcare, patients are educated, more aware and demanding than ever. However, there is a significant misalignment between patients and doctors due to improper communication resulting in broken patient-doctor therapeutic relationships and degraded quality of healthcare. This suggests that patients have a greater and mature role to play in their healthcare. The paper aims to fill this gap by studying the contribution of patients in their healthcare through patientdoctor communication in selected Indian multispeciality hospitals. Qualitative multi-case study was steered and in-depth interviews of thirteen patients, twelve doctors were conducted along with the secondary data analysis of more than 600 pages of the documents from the official websites of the sample hospitals. Grounded theory three level coding revealed the themes of contribution of patients in through effective communication. The results indicate that patients contribute to their healthcare through effective communication by demonstrating association with doctors, reflecting reciprocally, resolving communication challenges and supporting their overall treatment process. The paper extends the literature on patient’s contribution in their healthcare. It presents clear and succinct implementable implications and distinctive ways in which patients cooperate with the doctors, work mutually, improves communication and strengthen their overall healthcare process.
Design of a transonic centrifugal compressor for High-speed turbomachinery
Authors: Pakle Sagar , Jiang Kyle
Published: September 2020

The paper presents a design of a small-scale centrifugal compressor to match the performance of up to 20% larger diameter compressor in order to meet the demands for a higher mass flow rate and wide operating range for turbocharging applications. This development considers the 44 mm diameter impeller design involving transonic blading and state-of-the-art blade features. In the course of design, the investigation on the inducer blade angle [Formula: see text] and blade inducer-to-outlet radius ratio has shown to have a dominant influence on the magnitude of inlet relative Mach number. Diffuser width and volute A/R ratio are also observed to be parameters affecting the overall performance of the compressor stage. Based on the diffuser parametric study, the most efficient diffuser width equal to 70% of the blade exducer width is observed.

The performance of the present compressor stage is analyzed with computational fluid dynamics simulations and experimental tests. The comparison of the predicted and measured results of the 44 mm compressor stage shows a good agreement for overall performance. Besides, the 44 mm compressor stage having the most efficient diffuser width and enlarged volute A/R ratio shows a good overlap of performance with approximately 20% larger diameter (52 mm) compressor stage performance. This development demonstrates that the impeller with state-of-the-art design features are likely to contribute to enhancement of the compressor performance.
Stability of rotor supported on powder lubricated journal bearings with surface pockets
Authors: Rahmani Faisal , Dutt JK , Pandey RK
Published: September 2020

Conventional oil lubricated journal bearings experience a degradation in the lubrication properties of oil at high temperatures thereby making the use of oil lubricants impractical in a hot working environment. Under these conditions, powder lubricants can be used for the successful operation of the rotor-bearing system. Whirl instability is a serious problem for rotors supported on journal bearings which restrict the system to be operated at high speeds. Surface modifications in the form pocket in the bearing can be used to improve the performance. A sudden change in film thickness caused by the presence of pocket in the bearing will generate hydrodynamic pressure which will support the external load and may influence the stability of the rotor supported on such bearings. The objective of this paper is to explore the stability characteristics of powder lubricated journal bearings employing pockets of different shapes (rectangular, trapezoidal, elliptical, and parabolic). It is observed that though the pocket of all shapes increases the whirl stability of a rotor-shaft system, the rectangular shape is the most effective among all. Therefore, such bearings may be given a rectangular pocket to increase the stability of rotors.
Experimental investigation on photothermal conversion using solar glycol/MWCNTs based nanofluids
Authors: Ganesh Kumar P , Vigneswaran VS , Sakthivadivel D , Meikandan M
Published: September 2020

This article deals with the photothermal conversion performance of solar glycol – multiwall carbon nanotubes based nanofluids were studied with various weight concentrations and time. A broad investigation was performed with various nanofluid samples with the help of a sun simulator. The measurement was conducted with solar glycol-MWCNTs based nanofluids with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% volume concentration respectively. The heat loss was reduced by insulation material, whereas the nanofluid samples were heated with the help of a sun simulator. The difference in temperature of 7.7°C was attained for the 0.3 vol.% nanofluid as compared with solar glycol. Compared with solar glycol the temperature of MWCNT-SG based nanofluid at the volume concentration of 0.3% was augmented by about 69.21% with a light irradiation time of 10 min. The experimental results confirm that the SG\MWCNTs based can be used as the right replacement for heat transfer fluids for direct absorption solar collector system applications.