bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of telemonitoring of continuous positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: TELEPAP pilot study
Authors: Fernandes Manuel , Antunes Catarina , Martinho Cristina , Carvalho João , Abreu Tiago , Oliveira Ana , Pinto Paula , Bárbara Cristina
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Continuous positive airway pressure is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. However, positive airway pressure compliance rates are disappointingly low, so effective interventions are needed to improve compliance in sleep apnoea. Telemonitoring has been used to improve compliance, but results have been inconsistent. This study aimed to determine outcomes of telemonitoring positive airway pressure compliance and efficacy data compared to usual care and phone-call care.

Methods

Randomized controlled study in which 51 patients (82.4% male; between 25 and 78 years), diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea were consecutively randomized to usual care, weekly phone-call care or telemonitored care with the use of Restraxx™. All patients were submitted to a comprehensive educational programme during positive airway pressure adaptation. Patients were followed for the first four weeks of treatment with automatic positive airway pressure (AutoSet Spirit S8®; ResMed), and compliance and efficacy data were analyzed.

Results

Telemonitored care group used automatic positive airway pressure an average of 5.0 ± 1.8 hours/night, usual care patients 5.1 ± 2.5 hours and phone-call care patients 3.9 ± 2.6 hours. The residual Apnoea--Hypopnoea Index was 5.3 ± 3.0 in telemonitored care, 5.0 ± 2.5 in usual care and 5.6 ± 3.8 in phone-call care. No statistically significant differences were found between groups regarding positive airway pressure compliance or efficacy ( p = 0.296 and p = 0.825, respectively).

Discussion

In the presence of a comprehensive educational programme during positive airway pressure adaptation, telemonitoring patients did not show benefits concerning compliance and efficacy. A larger follow-up period is needed to evaluate the long-term results of a telemonitoring programme.
The effect of telehealth interventions on quality of life of cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Larson Jamie L , Rosen Adam B , Wilson Fernando A
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the effect of telehealth interventions to usual care for cancer survivors’ quality of life. A comprehensive search of four different databases was conducted. Manuscripts were included if they assessed telehealth interventions and usual care for adult cancer survivors and reported a measure of quality of life. Pooled random effects models were used to calculate overall mean effects for quality of life pre- and post-intervention. Eleven articles fit all systematic review and meta-analysis criteria. Initial analyses indicated that telehealth interventions demonstrated large improvements compared with usual care in quality of life measures (Δ = 0.750, p = 0.007), albeit with substantial heterogeneity. Upon further analysis and outlier removal, telehealth interventions demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life compared with usual care (Δ = 0.141–0.144, p < 0.05). The results of the systematic review with meta-analysis indicate that supplementary interventions through telehealth may have a positive impact on quality of life compared with in-person usual care.
A preliminary study on the acceptability of a brief SMS program for perinatal women
Authors: Barrera Alinne Z , Aguilera Adrian , Inlow Nicole , Servin Joanna
Published: October 2019

This study examined the acceptability of the BabyText program, a Spanish and English textmessaging program adapted from a prevention of postpartum depression group intervention. Ten ethnically and racially diverse pregnant and postpartum women (mean age = 31.3, standard deviation = 5.25) recruited from a metropolitan, urban area of the United States received the BabyText program over a 69-day period (between October 2015 and April 2016). Each tip was assessed for the helpfulness of the content, and all women were invited to provide qualitative feedback about the program. Eighteen of the tips received a positive endorsement of helpfulness from 75 to 100 percent of the women, 12 tips received a positive endorsement of helpfulness from 50 percent of the women, and one tip was rated negatively by those who responded. Qualitative feedback described the need to personalize the tips to reflect the characteristics of women such as planned/unplanned pregnancy status, available economic resources, and current psychological distress. Women in this study favored tips that described stress management skills and emphasized caring for the self (vs only the baby). Data from this study are preliminary but add to the growing sentiment that digital tools should continue to be developed and tested, and personalization of intervention content is important to users.
Developing an mHealth app for post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation: Feedback from US and Ethiopian rehabilitation clinicians
Authors: Hughes Charmayne Mary Lee , Padilla Alejandra , Hintze Amy , Raymundo Tatiana Mariscal , Sera Michael , Weidner Sven , Ontiveros Jonathan , Peng Tony , Encarcion Aaron , Cruz Zeus A , Warner Sam , Sany Kedir , Baye Moges
Published: October 2019

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability worldwide, with 70 percent of survivors exhibiting residual impairments of the upper limb that require frequent in-person visits to rehabilitation clinic over several months. This study explored rehabilitation clinician’s preferences for design features to be included in an mHealth-enabled app for post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation. Data were collected via online survey, sampling participants from Ethiopia ( n = 69) and the United States ( n = 75). Survey results indicated that Ethiopian and US rehabilitation clinicians have different opinions about the importance of design features that should be included in a stroke tele-rehabilitation system which are likely due to differences in culture, the availability of human and physical resources, and how the field of rehabilitation is organized and managed. Our results, thus, indicate that mHealth technologies must be tailored to the geographical and cultural context of the end users.
Design for mobile mental health: Exploring the informed participation approach
Authors: Aryana Bijan , Brewster Liz
Published: October 2019

Mobile applications (apps) have the potential to improve mental health services. However, there is limited evidence of efficacy or responsiveness to user needs for existing apps. A lack of design methods has contributed to this issue. Developers view mental health apps as stand-alone products and dismiss the complex context of use. Participatory design, particularly an informed participation approach, has potential to improve the design of mental health apps. In this study, we worked with young mobile users and mental health practitioners to examine the informed participation approach for designing apps. Using auto-ethnography and a set of design workshops, the project focused on eliciting design requirements as a factor for successful implementation. We compared resultant ideas and designs with existing apps. Many user requirements revealed were absent in existing apps, suggesting potential advantages to informed participation. The observation of the process, however, showed challenges in engagement that need to be overcome.
Exploring healthcare professionals’ understanding and experiences of artificial intelligence technology use in the delivery of healthcare: An integrative review
Authors: Shinners Lucy , Aggar Christina , Grace Sandra , Smith Stuart
Published: October 2019

Background:

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into our digital healthcare system is seen as a significant strategy to contain Australia’s rising healthcare costs, support clinical decision making, manage chronic disease burden and support our ageing population. With the increasing roll-out of ‘digital hospitals’, electronic medical records, new data capture and analysis technologies, as well as a digitally enabled health consumer, the Australian healthcare workforce is required to become digitally literate to manage the significant changes in the healthcare landscape. To ensure that new innovations such as AI are inclusive of clinicians, an understanding of how the technology will impact the healthcare professions is imperative.

Method:

In order to explore the complex phenomenon of healthcare professionals’ understanding and experiences of AI use in the delivery of healthcare, an integrative review inclusive of quantitative and qualitative studies was undertaken in June 2018.

Results:

One study met all inclusion criteria. This study was an observational study which used a questionnaire to measure healthcare professional’s intrinsic motivation in adoption behaviour when using an artificially intelligent medical diagnosis support system (AIMDSS).

Discussion:

The study found that healthcare professionals were less likely to use AI in the delivery of healthcare if they did not trust the technology or understand how it was used to improve patient outcomes or the delivery of care which is specific to the healthcare setting. The perception that AI would replace them in the healthcare setting was not evident. This may be due to the fact that AI is not yet at the forefront of technology use in healthcare setting. More research is needed to examine the experiences and perceptions of healthcare professionals using AI in the delivery of healthcare.
User involvement in the development of a telehealth solution to improve the kidney transplantation process: A participatory design study
Authors: Nielsen Charlotte , Agerskov Hanne , Bistrup Claus , Clemensen Jane
Published: October 2019

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease, and leads to everyday self-management of this chronic condition. This article aims to provide documentation for a participatory design study of a telehealth solution to improve the kidney transplantation process, and to identify the impact from the different participants in the participatory design study. Through a participatory design approach, a smartphone application (app) was developed for the entire kidney transplantation process together with a workflow for post-transplantation follow-up. A core element in participatory design is user involvement. By way of workshops and laboratory tests, the telehealth solution was developed in close cooperation with patients, their families, healthcare professionals, kidney association representatives, and Information Technology designers. The participatory design approach means that the telehealth solution was designed to be functional in a clinical setting, address patients’ needs, and support their self-management.
Analysis of barely visible impact damage severity with ultrasonic guided Lamb waves
Authors: Dafydd Ifan , Sharif Khodaei Zahra
Published: October 2019

Barely visible impact damage is one of the most common types of damage in carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer composite structures. This article investigates the potential of using ultrasonic guided Lamb waves to characterise the through thickness severity of barely visible impact damage in thin carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer structures. In the first step, a laser Doppler vibrometer was used to capture the full damage interaction of the wavefield excited by a piezoelectric actuator. Damage-scattered wavefield for four different severities were studied to find the best parameters for characterising the severity of damage. To reduce the overall acquisition time and size of data collected using the laser Doppler vibrometer, the measured signals were reconstructed from a singular broadband chirp response using a post-processing algorithm. From the full wavefield analysis obtained at a wide range of toneburst frequencies, the results showed that barely visible impact damage severity could be characterised using ultrasonic guided Lamb waves and that the [Formula: see text] mode, dominant at lower frequencies, gave better results than the [Formula: see text] mode. In the second step, the parameters for characterising the damage severity were applied to a sparse network of transducers as an in-service structural health monitoring methodology. The damage was successfully detected and located. In addition, the transducer path close to the predicted damage location was utilised to successfully quantify the damage severity based on the proposed damage index.
Can You Hear Me Now? An Autoethnographic Analysis of Code-Switching
Authors: Myers Taryn Kiana
Published: October 2019

This autoethnography, based on a cultural epistemology grounded in my lived experiences as Black and middle class, is written as an exploration of the communication practice of code-switching. It is the consideration of Du Bois’ double-consciousness as reflected in my language practices. It is a means to examine the development of my Black identity in an aggressively hegemonic society. Using Cross’ Black identity development model to structure and frame my inquiry, I examine my experiences with code-switching in both Black-dominated and White-dominated spaces to understand how the choice to use “Standard English” or Ebonics, depending on audience, reflects the tension inherent in the Black American identity. This autoethnography attempts to draw connections to how the intersection of oppressed identities results in power inequities that shape communication practices for marginalized populations.
MiR-26a-5p Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Enhances Doxorubicin Sensitivity in HCC Cells via Targeting AURKA
Authors: Yuan Yan Li , Yu HaiBo , Mu Sen-Mao , Dong Ya Dong , Li De Yu
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To investigate the role of miR-26a-5p in cell proliferation and doxorubicin sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods:

We evaluated miR-26a-5p expression in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cell lines by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to examine cell proliferation. Relationship between miR-26a-5p and aurora kinase A was evaluated by luciferase report system. Western blot was used to detect expression of aurora kinase A.

Results:

In this study, we observed miR-26a-5p was downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cell lines. Gain-of-function experiments showed that proliferation rate of hepatocellular carcinoma cells decreased under condition of miR-26a-5p mimics. We found miR-26a-5p mimics could enhance doxorubicin sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Further study showed that aurora kinase A was target gene of miR-26a-5p. Suppression of aurora kinase A could lead to lower cell proliferation and higher doxorubicin sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Conclusion:

Our study found that miR-26a-5p could inhibit cell proliferation and enhance doxorubicin sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting aurora kinase A.
Creating surrogate models for an air and missile defense simulation using design of experiments and neural networks
Authors: Wade Brian M
Published: October 2019

This paper demonstrates a method of constructing multiple linked surrogate models of a high-fidelity air and missile defense simulation using design of experiments to generate labeled data for neural network models. The surrogate models are used to predict the number of incoming missiles destroyed and the number of interceptors launched from a multi-layered defense composed of three different air defense systems intercepting both ballistic and cruise missiles without the need for time intensive simulation runs. A single model that predicts all outcomes was first attempted, but was shown to have inadequate prediction capabilities. The working setup uses multiple surrogate models that are linked to allow information to pass between each model. The paper demonstrates how to develop the surrogate models using a notional example, and how to link these surrogate models together using time to impact for the missiles. The same methodology also allows the same surrogate model to switch between ballistic and cruise missile engagements. When run on a desktop computer, a 30 Monte Carlo set of the notional example took several minutes to complete; however, this proof of principal implementation of the surrogate models was able to predict the mean number missiles destroyed or the mean number of interceptors fired to within one missile nearly instantaneously.
It Depends on the Situation: Women’s Identity Transformation in Prison, Jail, and Substance Abuse Treatment Settings
Authors: Hoskins Kayla M. , Cobbina Jennifer E.
Published: October 2019

Scholars have examined women’s identity development in prisons. Less is known if and how identity development affects women in different stages of the correctional system. This study applies narrative identity theory, cognitive transformation theory, and literature on pains of imprisonment to 118 women’s life-story narratives to explore identity change in prisons, jails, and substance abuse treatment. Qualitative analysis revealed noteworthy situational differences in the prevalence and nature of identity transformations. Women typically associated substance abuse treatment experiences with positive development, whereas prisons and jails were generally associated with harm to identity. Implications for correctional policy and practice are discussed.
A Mechanical Comparison of the Compressive Force Generated by Various Headless Compression Screws and the Impact of Fracture Gap Size
Authors: Ilyas Asif M. , Mahoney Jonathan M. , Bucklen Brandon S.
Published: October 2019

Background: There is evidence that interfragmentary fracture gap size may affect the compression achievable with a modern headless compression screw (HCS). This mechanical study compared the compression achieved by 3 commercial HCS systems through various fracture gaps: CAPTIVATE Headless (Globus Medical, Inc, Audubon, Pennsylvania), Synthes (DePuy Synthes, Westchester, Pennsylvania), and Acumed Acutrak 2 (Acumed LLC, Hillsboro, Oregon). Methods: Screws were inserted into a custom test fixture composed of polyurethane synthetic bone foam fragments, separated by a layer of easily compressible polyurethane foam simulating a fracture gap. Compression was measured after final insertion and countersinking. The effect of the interfragmentary fracture gap size on the compression generated was also investigated. Results: The CAPTIVATE Headless 3.0 mm screw (70.1 ± 5.7 N) and the Synthes 3.0 mm screw (64.9 ± 7.3 N) achieved similar compressive forces after final countersink. Similar comparisons were found for the CAPTIVATE Headless 2.5 mm and Synthes 2.4 mm screws, and the CAPTIVATE Headless 4.0 mm and Acutrak 2 Standard screws. The final compression of the CAPTIVATE Headless 2.5 mm and Synthes 2.4 mm screws was not significantly affected when the fracture gap was doubled from 2 to 4 mm, but was reduced significantly by 95.9% with the Acutrak 2 Micro screw. Conclusion: When comparing like-sized screws, the CAPTIVATE, Synthes, and Acutrak 2 HCS systems demonstrated similar potential compressive forces. However, compared with the CAPTIVATE Headless and Synthes HCS systems, which are inserted with a compression sleeve that is not gap distance–dependent, the Acutrak 2 HCS system demonstrated less compression when the simulated fracture gap size was increased to 4 mm.
Determining the optimal dose of tenecteplase before endovascular therapy for ischemic stroke (EXTEND-IA TNK Part 2): A multicenter, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Campbell Bruce CV , Mitchell Peter J , Churilov Leonid , Yassi Nawaf , Kleinig Timothy J , Yan Bernard , Thijs Vincent , Desmond Patricia M , Parsons Mark W , Donnan Geoffrey A , Davis Stephen M
Published: October 2019

Background and hypothesis

Intravenous thrombolysis with tenecteplase is more effective than alteplase in achieving substantial reperfusion at initial angiographic assessment and improves functional outcome. However, the optimal dose of tenecteplase remains uncertain. We hypothesized that 0.40 mg/kg tenecteplase is superior to 0.25 mg/kg tenecteplase in achieving reperfusion at initial angiogram, when administered within 4.5 h of ischemic stroke onset, in patients planned to undergo endovascular therapy.

Study design

EXTEND-IA TNK part 2 is an investigator-initiated, phase II, multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint (PROBE) study. Eligibility requires a diagnosis of ischemic stroke within 4.5 h of stroke onset, pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS)≤3 (no upper age limit), absence of contraindications to intravenous thrombolysis, and large vessel occlusion (internal carotid, basilar, or middle cerebral artery) on multimodal CT. Patients are randomized to IV tenecteplase at either 0.40 mg/kg (max 40 mg) or 0.25 mg/kg (max 25 mg) prior to thrombectomy.

Study outcomes

The primary outcome measure is reperfusion on the initial catheter angiogram, assessed as modified Treatment In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b/3, or the absence of retrievable intracranial thrombus. Secondary outcomes include mRS at day 90 and early neurological improvement (reduction in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) by ≥8 points or reaching 0–1) at day 3. Safety outcomes are death and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03340493
Organization of Stroke Care in Pakistan
Authors: Anwar Arsalan , Saleem Sidra , Aamir Alifiya , Diwan Mufaddal
Published: October 2019

In Pakistan, stroke is one of the major contributors to the health problem. The increasing incidence of stroke and lack of infrastructure in both urban and rural areas requires immediate attention. Multiple societies and groups have been established to highlight the growing problem, but necessary steps must be taken at the government level to improve and design a better stroke care system in the country.
Should we change reference range for serum albumin in major gastrointestinal surgery? Preoperative serum albumin as an important prognostic factor
Authors: Czempik Piotr F , Czepczor Kinga , Czok Marcelina Z
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The aim of the study was to analyse prognostic value of laboratory markers of nutritional status in gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory data of 102 patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit following elective gastrointestinal surgery. The outcome measures included hospital mortality, infectious complications, surgical complications and length of stay.

Results

Forty-eight patients had all three laboratory markers of nutritional status determined before surgery and these patients constituted our study group. We found correlations between preoperative serum albumin and hospital mortality, risk of reoperation and urinary tract infection. Preoperative total serum protein correlated with urinary tract infection. Total lymphocyte count was predictive of bacteraemia. No statistically significant correlations were found between markers of nutritional status and length of stay.

Conclusions

Serum albumin concentration at the lower limit is associated with increased mortality, reoperation, urinary tract infection. Total serum protein predicts urinary tract infection, whereas total lymphocyte count predicts bacteraemia.
Professional transition and identity formation of surgical care practitioners: a phenomenological interpretation of their lived experiences
Authors: Britton Carolina , Di Napoli R
Published: October 2019

Surgical care practitioners are non-medical members of the surgical team, who provide direct surgical care to patients, delegated by consultant surgeons. The surgical care practitioners’ professional role is within the new non-medical or nursing workstream, practising under the medical model of care in response to staff shortages and the rising expectations that are affecting the National Health Service. This article seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the phenomenon of the emergent professional identity of surgical care practitioners. Six surgical care practitioners were purposively sampled for in-depth, semi-structured interviews whereupon their concepts of professional transition and professional identity formation from their individual points of view were explored using a phenomenological approach. Transcripts and reflective texts were subject to repeated interpretation in a hermeneutic circle of understanding. Interpretation of the results in context allowed for a discussion informed by self-interpreted constructions and revolved around eight cluster themes that emerged explicating how surgical care practitioners experienced professional transition and professional identity formation. In addition, a notion of ‘journey’ in the development of professional identity (narratives about professional identity formation: the hero’s journey) was embedded in the reflections of the participants and their narratives produced rich accounts of the phenomenon under investigation.
The role of speech and language therapists in the intensive care unit
Authors: McRae Jackie , Montgomery Elizabeth , Garstang Zoë , Cleary Eibhlin
Published: October 2019

National guidance recommends the involvement of speech and language therapists in intensive care particularly for those requiring tracheostomy and ventilation. However, the role of speech and language therapists is poorly understood especially in the context of critical care. This article aims to increase awareness of the background training and skills development of speech and language therapists working in this context to demonstrate their range of specialist abilities. Speech and language therapists support and enhance the process of laryngeal weaning alongside the rehabilitation of speech and swallowing as part of the multidisciplinary team. Examples are provided of the types of interventions that are used and technological innovations that may enhance rehabilitation of oropharyngeal impairments.
Diastolic dysfunction in men with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome but without cardiovascular or oxidative stress-related comorbidities
Authors: Papanikolaou John , Ntalapascha Melpomeni , Makris Demosthenes , Koukoubani Triantafyllia , Tsolaki Vasiliki , Zakynthinos George , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos , Zakynthinos Epaminondas
Published: October 2019

Background:

We aimed to evaluate whether the severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) per se affects the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction in patients without comorbidities.

Methods:

A total of 42 patients with first-diagnosed severe OSAS [apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) > 30] and 25 controls (AHI < 5), having been referred for snoring to the Sleep Laboratory Department of our tertiary Hospital, were enrolled in the study. Inclusion criteria were absence of any cardiovascular or oxidative stress-related comorbidities, and age between 20 and 70 years. Clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, and polysomnographic data were recorded prospectively. Diastolic dysfunction diagnosis and grading was based on 2016 ASE/EACVI recommendations.

Results:

Severe OSAS was associated with significantly increased prevalence and degree of diastolic dysfunction (26/42; 61.9%) compared with controls (7/25; 28%) ( p = 0.007). AHI ⩾ 55 (dichotomous value of severe OSAS subset) was also characterized by greater prevalence and degree of diastolic dysfunction compared with 30 < AHI < 55 patients ( p = 0.015). In the severe OSAS subset, age >45 years-old, height <1.745 m, body-mass index (BMI) >27.76 kg m−2, OSAS severity (AHI > 57.35), oxidative stress (overnight reduction of reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio < 18.44%), and BMI/height ratio > 16.155 kg m−3 (an index describing ‘dense’, short-heavy patients) presented significant diagnostic utility in identifying diastolic dysfunction in ROC-curve analysis (0.697 ⩾ AUC ⩾ 0.855, 0.001 ⩽  p ⩽ 0.018). In binary logistic regression model, advanced age (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.025–1.477; p = 0.026) and AHI (OR 1.123, 95% CI 1.007–1.253; p = 0.036) showed independent association with diastolic dysfunction in severe OSAS.

Conclusions:

The present prospective study may suggest that severe OSAS is significantly associated with LV diastolic dysfunction; OSAS clinical severity exerts a positive influence on (and possibly constitutes an independent risk factor of) LV diastolic dysfunction. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplementary material section.
What sort of changes did the Spitzenkandidat process bring to the quality of the EU’s democracy?
Authors: Fotopoulos Stergios
Published: October 2019

In the 2014 and 2019 European elections, not only were parliamentary seats at stake, but more importantly, European citizens were given the opportunity to indirectly decide who would captain the ship of the European Commission for the next five years. Ahead of the elections, based on Article 17(7) of the Treaty on European Union, the European political parties nominated their lead candidates ( Spitzenkandidaten) for the Commission presidency and ran personalised, presidential-style campaigns across the member states. Although discarded in 2019, the Spitzenkandidat process brought about several political and institutional changes, while aiming to cure the EU’s democratic deficiencies. The process was conceived in 2014 as a way to make the selection of the Commission president more transparent and legitimate. At the same time, the level of politicisation was increased, with inter-institutional changes being implemented. The role of the European political parties was strengthened from that of being service providers to being proactive campaigners.
Saving face and facing climate change: Are border adjustments a viable option to stop carbon leakage?
Authors: Palacková Eva
Published: October 2019

This article argues that imposing a carbon tariff on imports from the EU’s trading partners could deliver tangible climate results but would also provoke strong trade repercussions. Ideally, the implementation of the Paris Agreement remains the best solution for the planet. But ambitious domestic climate policy in the absence of an international commitment to reduce carbon emissions puts the EU at a competitive disadvantage. While continuing its leadership on climate action, the EU has addressed the threat of displacing its production and its emissions elsewhere by subsidising European industry with carbon credits, an approach which has had unconvincing results. Carbon border adjustments could be a controversial but better option.
Synthesis of Functionalized Chiral Imidazole Derivatives Based on a Bornane Skeleton Bearing a Sterically Crowded Spirocyclic Substituent at the C-3 Position
Authors: Shimada Kazuaki , Fukuma Kodai , Korenaga Toshinobu
Published: October 2019

10-Imidazolylbornane-2-one bearing a sterically crowded spirocyclic substituent at the C-3 position was prepared from d-camphor through the procedure involving the formation of 10-bromobornane-2-thiones or 10-iodobornane-2-thiones and the subsequent conversion into the corresponding 10-imidazolylbornane-2-thiones followed by an efficient oxidative S-O exchange via thione S-oxides.
Assessment of Habitat Quality and Landscape Connectivity for Forest-Dependent Cracids in the Sierra Madre del Sur Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, México
Authors: Ocampo María C. Escobar , Castillo Santiago Miguel Ángel , Ochoa-Gaona Susana , Enríquez Paula L. , Sibelet Nicole
Published: October 2019

Assessing landscape connectivity allows us to identify critical areas that impede or facilitate the movement of organisms and their genes and to plan their conservation and management. In this article, we assessed landscape connectivity and ecological condition of the habitat patches of a highly biodiverse region in Chiapas, Mexico. We employed data of three cracid species with different characteristics in habitat use and mobility. The habitat map of each species was derived from a spatial intersection of the models of potential distribution and a high-resolution map of current land cover and land use. The ecological condition of vegetation types was evaluated using 75 field plots. Structure of landscape was estimated by fragmentation metrics, while functional connectivity was assessed using spatially explicit graph analysis. The extent of suitable habitat for Oreophasis derbianus, Penelopina nigra, and Penelope purpurascens correspond to 25%, 46%, and 55% of the study area (5,185.6 km2), respectively. Although the pine-oak forests were the most fragmented vegetation type, habitats of the three species were well connected, and only 4% to 9% of the fragments located on the periphery of the corridor had low connectivity. Landscape connectivity depends mainly on land uses with an intermediate and lower ecological condition (secondary forests and coffee agroforestry systems). Therefore, we suggest that in addition to promoting the improvement in connectivity in fragmented forests, conservation efforts should be aimed at preventing the conversion of mature forests into agricultural uses and maintaining agroforestry systems.
Some Initial Observations Concerning the African Wild Banana Ensete ventricosum as a Resource for Vertebrates
Authors: Ssali Fredrick , Sheil Douglas
Published: October 2019

The ecological role and significance of “African wild bananas” Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman (Musaceae) are unknown. We considered if E. ventricosum, with its sustained flowering and fruiting, might act in some ways like a keystone species by supporting animal populations during periods of resource scarcity. We deployed camera traps facing flowers or fruits of E. ventricosum for a total of 40 camera months in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. We recorded 1,691 visitor events by 11 vertebrate species to flowers and fruits (1,129 events by five species to flowers and 562 events by eight species to fruits); these visitors included potential pollinators and seed dispersers. Frequent visitors to flowers were the African dormouse Graphiurus murinus (53.3%), Nectar bat Megaloglossus woermanni (43.8%), and sunbirds (family Nectariniidae) (2.4%) while those to fruits were Carruther’s mountain squirrel Funisciurus carruthersi (54.1%), L'hoest's monkey Allochrocebus l’hoesti (18.7%), and Forest giant pouched rat Cricetomys emini (18.6%). Flower visitors were mainly nocturnal (with birds favoring dusk), while fruit visitors exhibited both diurnal and nocturnal activity patterns. The data indicate that by producing flowers and fruits continuously, E. ventricosum should support animal populations when other flower and fruit resources are scarce. We speculate that establishing these plants in degraded areas may facilitate forest resilience and recovery while providing fallback resources to many species. Such plant species are prime contenders for protection and restoration.
Early Alterations of Subchondral Bone in the Rat Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection Model of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Aizah Nik , Chong Pan Pan , Kamarul Tunku
Published: October 2019

Objective

Advances in research have shown that the subchondral bone plays an important role in the propagation of cartilage loss and progression of osteoarthritis (OA), but whether the subchondral bone changes precede or lead to articular cartilage loss remains debatable. In order to elucidate the subchondral bone and cartilage changes that occur in early OA, an experiment using anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) induced posttraumatic OA model of the rat knee was conducted.

Design

Forty-two Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups: the ACLT group and the nonoperated control group. Surgery was conducted on the ACLT group, and subsequently rats from both groups were sacrificed at 1, 2, and 3 weeks postsurgery. Subchondral bone was evaluated using a high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography scanner, while cartilage was histologically evaluated and scored.

Results

A significant reduction in the subchondral trabecular bone thickness and spacing was found as early as 1 week postsurgery in ACLT rats compared with the nonoperated control. This was subsequently followed by a reduction in bone mineral density and bone fractional volume at week 2, and finally a decrease in the trabecular number at week 3. These changes occurred together with cartilage degeneration as reflected by an increasing Mankin score over all 3 weeks.

Conclusions

Significant changes in subchondral bone occur very early in OA concurrent with surface articular cartilage degenerative change suggest that factors affecting bone remodeling and resorption together with cartilage matrix degradation occur very early in the disease.
On the Etiology of Self-Enhancement and Its Association With Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Luo Yu L. L. , Sedikides Constantine , Cai Huajian
Published: October 2019

Self-enhancement, the motive to view oneself in positive light, and its manifestations have received wide attention in behavioral sciences. The self-enhancement manifestations vary on a continuum from a subjective level (agentic narcissism, communal narcissism, narcissistic grandiosity) through an intermediate level (better-than-average judgments) to an objective level (overclaiming one’s knowledge). Prior research has established the heritability of self-enhancement manifestations at the subjective and intermediate levels. The present twin study demonstrated that (1) the objective level of self-enhancement manifestation is also heritable; (2) a common core, which is moderately heritable, underlies the three levels of self-enhancement manifestations; (3) the relation between self-enhancement (manifested at all three levels) and psychological well-being is partly heritable; and (4) environmental influences, either shared by or unique to family members, are evident through (1), (2), and (3). The findings deepen understanding of the etiology of individual differences in self-enhancement and their links to psychological well-being.
Small vessel disease in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: Prevalence and associations with vasospasm occurrence, severity and clinical outcomes
Authors: Villain Adrien , Boulouis Grégoire , Ben Hassen Wagih , Rodriguez-Regent Christine , Trystram Denis , Edjlali Myriam , Nataf François , Sauvageon Xavier , Sharshar Tarek , Meder Jean F , Oppenheim Catherine , Naggara Olivier
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Investigating the associations between cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) burden and cerebral vasospasm (CVS), delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and clinical outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Methods

Consecutive aSAH patients with initial (<7 days after onset) and 3-month follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical evaluation at 6 months were included. The cSVD burden score was built using MRI criteria. CVS was defined according to transcranial Doppler examination and computed tomography (CT) or digital subtraction angiography. DCI was defined by the appearance of hyperintense fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesions, with territorial or cortico-subcortical distribution, between initial MRI and 3-month MRI. The modified Rankin scale of ≤2 at 6 months was considered a favorable outcome. Using univariate and multivariable analyses, we investigated the associations between cSVD and CVS, DCI and clinical outcome.

Results

A total of 113 patients were included in the study sample (median age 49.1 years (IQR 42.1–60.8), 70/113 females). The burden of cSVD was mild with a median of 0 (IQR 0–1). When comparing patients with no/mild versus those with moderate/severe cSVD burden, we did not find a univariable difference regarding vasospasm occurrence (60% versus 46.1%, p = 0.54), DCI (20.2% versus 23%, p = 0.66) or favorable outcome at 3 months (94% versus 83.3%, p = 0.20). There was a univariable trend towards more frequent favorable outcome in patients with no/milde white matter hyperintensities versus those with moderate/severe white matter hyperintensities (92% versus 85%, p = 0.09). In multivariable models, cSVD markers were not associated with CVS occurrence and severity, DCI or clinical outcome.

Conclusions

In patients with mild aSAH, the burden of cSVD as assessed by MRI is minimal and is not associated with CVS, DCI or clinical outcome.
The ocean in (planetary) excess
Authors: Edwards Charity
Published: October 2019

This commentary responds to Kimberley Peters and Philip Steinberg’s new provocation, ‘The ocean in excess: Towards a more-than-wet ontology’, and suggests a further contribution can be made by consideration of bodies that are other than human, and of worlds beyond our own. The Southern Ocean and its increasingly autonomous underwater drone intelligences are examined for their potential to flex the many multiplicities and possibilities that emerge from Peters and Steinberg’s arguments, and to reveal potentially destructive processes within a very much more-than-wet ocean. Thinly veiled intentions to export such actions beyond our own planet are also brought to bear on this discussion. Here, the imagined ocean reveals planetary and extra-planetary excesses often masked from human experience and oversight, and signals the scale of radical transformation required to make sense of both our own ocean-world and an increasingly fluid universe of multiple worlds.
Cardiovascular disease in transgendered people: A review of the literature and discussion of risk
Authors: Seal Leighton J
Published: October 2019

This review examines the impact of gender affirming hormone therapy used in the transgendered and non-binary populations on cardiovascular outcomes and surrogate markers of cardiovascular health. Current evidence suggests that hormonal therapy for transgendered women decreases or is neutral regarding myocardial infarction risk. There is an increased incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), but newer studies suggest that the risk is significantly lower than previously described. For transgendered men, there appears to be an adverse effect on lipid parameters but this does not translate into an increased risk of cardiovascular disease above that of general male population. In all transgendered people, risk factor interventions such as smoking cessation, weight management and treatment of co-morbid conditions are important in optimising cardiovascular health. The effect of gender affirming hormonal therapy in transgendered people is difficult to interpret due to the variety of hormone regimens used, the relative brevity of the periods of observation and the influence of confounding factors such as the historical use of less physiological, oestrogens such as conjugated equine oestrogen and ethinylestradiol which are more pro-thrombotic than the 17β oestradiol that is used in modern practice.
Who gets what – and how efficiently? Assessing the spatial allocation of public goods
Authors: Carlitz Ruth D.
Published: October 2019

Governments frequently face distributive pressures that can lead them to allocate resources along partisan or ethnic lines. Such patterns of distribution can run counter to welfare maximization. It is therefore important to incorporate distributional concerns into the measurement of government performance. This paper outlines a method for doing so, adapting standard techniques for measuring government efficiency. The proposed method’s utility is demonstrated with data from Tanzanian local governments. The application illustrates how failing to take distributional concerns into account can bias the measurement of performance. Assessing how well governments translate resources into outputs that equitably serve their citizens is important for a number of topics in political science, including decentralization, distributive politics, and government fragmentation. It can also inform efforts to promote aid effectiveness. The proposed approach is applicable to a wide range of contexts given the increasing availability of geo-coded data on public goods. Replication files are provided for those wishing to conduct their own analyses.
Usage of a German prevention and health promotion web portal and cost per pageview: A life-cycle assessment
Authors: Kohler Stefan , Keil Thomas , Reinhold Thomas , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk , Willich Stefan N , Roll Stephanie
Published: October 2019

Background

Web portals providing health information online have the potential to reach large numbers of people. Yet few studies have assessed usage and costs of health portals, especially over an extended period of time.

Objectives

First, to assess the usage of a web portal on prevention and health promotion that was initiated by the German states of Berlin and Brandenburg. Second, to estimate average cost per pageview over the full web portal life-cycle.

Methods

Usage data were gathered through Google Analytics. The main usage metric assessed was pageviews originating from an IP address in Berlin or Brandenburg. Project cost data were reported by the local government and from own records. Descriptive and regression analyses were used to determine time trends in pageviews.

Results

The redesigned web portal Praeventionsatlas.de launched August 2011 and was discontinued March 2018. Analyzing the full calendar years only, the annual pageview number increased from 2012 (8492) to its peak in 2014 (11,876) and steadily decreased to its minimum in 2017 (7232). Pages of the web portal were most often viewed around lunchtime (12 to 1 p.m.), in the middle of the week (Wed to Thu), and at the beginning of the year (Jan to Feb). Adjusting for year, month, and weekday, the number of daily pageviews dropped on major public holidays (Easter −9, Pentecost −12, Christmas −12 and New Year’s Eve and Day −20; p < .001) and increased during the fasting period before Easter (+6; p < .001). Average cost per page viewed from relaunch until the web portal went offline was estimated to be €0.38 (€0.33 to €1.67) per pageview.

Conclusion

Usage of the web portal showed temporal variation and peaked before the middle of its 6.5 year life-cycle. Development and need for updates may require substantial investment in a web portal, such that a pageview can come at a considerable expense, even in small-scale projects. Assessing and discussing the cost-effectiveness of a web portal is therefore desirable.
Understanding job mobility patterns in contemporary China: A comparative study based on the China Family Panel Studies and the Panel Study of Income Dynamics
Authors: Zhou Yang
Published: October 2019

Based on a comparison between labor markets in China and those in the USA and using data from the China Family Panel Studies and the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, this paper studies the level, distribution and socioeconomic patterns of job mobility in contemporary China. I first discuss the different social contexts in China and the USA that have generated distinct opportunity structures of job mobility. Differences in levels of economic development, cultural traditions and institutional arrangements help to shape different labor markets and job mobility patterns across the two societies. I argue that job mobility is not always as good as we thought. There is a duality of job mobility at both the individual and the societal levels. Second, I develop several indexes and use the percentile share method to analyze job mobility rates by different groups and their uneven distributions. Compared to the USA, I find that China has a lower overall level of job mobility, a more skewed distribution and a higher concentration of mobility in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, such as the elderly, the less-educated and those of rural origin. The results demonstrate the importance of understanding the duality of mobility; that is, that mobility can be either upward or downward. In contemporary China, socioeconomically disadvantaged people may suffer downward job mobility.