bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Built Environment Approaches to Increase Physical Activity: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association
Authors: Omura John D. , Carlson Susan A. , Brown David R. , Hopkins David P. , Kraus William E. , Staffileno Beth A. , Thomas Randal J. , Lobelo Felipe , Fulton Janet E. ,   On behalf of the American Heart Association Physical Activity Committee of the Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; and Council on Clinical Cardiology
Published: August 2020

Engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do to improve their cardiovascular health; however, population levels of physical activity remain low in the United States. Effective population-based approaches implemented in communities can help increase physical activity among all Americans. Evidence suggests that built environment interventions offer one such approach. These interventions aim to create or modify community environmental characteristics to make physical activity easier or more accessible for all people in the places where they live. In 2016, the Community Preventive Services Task Force released a recommendation for built environment approaches to increase physical activity. This recommendation is based on a systematic review of 90 studies (search period, 1980–June 2014) conducted using methods outlined by the Guide to Community Preventive Services. The Community Preventive Services Task Force found sufficient evidence of effectiveness to recommend combined built environment strategies. Specifically, these strategies combine interventions to improve pedestrian or bicycle transportation systems with interventions to improve land use and environmental design. Components of transportation systems can include street pattern design and connectivity, pedestrian infrastructure, bicycle infrastructure, and public transit infrastructure and access. Components of land use and environmental design can include mixed land use, increased residential density, proximity to community or neighborhood destinations, and parks and recreational facility access. Implementing this Community Preventive Services Task Force recommendation in communities across the United States can help promote healthy and active living, increase physical activity, and ultimately improve cardiovascular health.
Greater Neurobiological Resilience to Chronic Socioeconomic or Environmental Stressors Associates With Lower Risk for Cardiovascular Disease Events
Authors: Dar Tawseef , Osborne Michael T. , Abohashem Shady , Abbasi Taimur , Choi Karmel W. , Ghoneem Ahmed , Naddaf Nicki , Smoller Jordan W. , Pitman Roger K. , Denninger John W. , Shin Lisa M. , Fricchione Gregory , Tawakol Ahmed
Published: August 2020

Background:

Chronic exposure to socioeconomic or environmental stressors associates with greater stress-related neurobiological activity (ie, higher amygdalar activity [AmygA]) and higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). However, among individuals exposed to such stressors, it is unknown whether neurobiological resilience (NBResilience, defined as lower AmygA despite stress exposure) lowers MACE risk. We tested the hypotheses that NBResilience protects against MACE, and that it does so through decreased bone marrow activity and arterial inflammation.

Methods:

Individuals underwent
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography; AmygA, bone marrow activity, and arterial inflammation were quantified. Chronic socioeconomic and environmental stressors known to associate with AmygA and MACE (ie, transportation noise exposure, neighborhood median household income, and crime rate) were quantified. Heightened stress exposure was defined as exposure to at least one chronic stressor (ie, the highest tertile of noise exposure or crime or lowest tertile of income). MACE within 5 years of imaging was adjudicated. Relationships were evaluated using linear and Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier survival, and mediation analyses.

Results:

Of 254 individuals studied (median age [interquartile range]: 57 years [46–67], 36.7% male), 166 were exposed to at least one chronic stressor. Among stress-exposed individuals, 12 experienced MACE over a median follow-up of 3.75 years. Among this group, higher AmygA (ie, lower resilience) associated with higher bone marrow activity (standardized β [95% CI]: 0.192 [0.030–0.353],
P
=0.020), arterial inflammation (0.203 [0.055–0.351],
P
=0.007), and MACE risk (standardized hazard ratio [95% CI]: 1.927 [1.370–2.711],
P
=0.001). The effect of NBResilience on MACE risk was significantly mediated by lower arterial inflammation (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions:

Among individuals who are chronically exposed to socioeconomic or environmental stressors, NBResilience (AmygA <1 SD above the mean) associates with a >50% reduction in MACE risk, potentially via reduced arterial inflammation. These data raise the possibility that enhancing NBResilience may decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease.
Clinical Predictive Models of Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A Survey of the Current Science and Analysis of Model Performances
Authors: Carrick Richard T. , Park Jinny G. , McGinnes Hannah L. , Lundquist Christine , Brown Kristen D. , Janes W. Adam , Wessler Benjamin S. , Kent David M.
Published: August 2020

Background

More than 500 000 sudden cardiac arrests (SCAs) occur annually in the United States. Clinical predictive models (CPMs) may be helpful tools to differentiate between patients who are likely to survive or have good neurologic recovery and those who are not. However, which CPMs are most reliable for discriminating between outcomes in SCA is not known.

Methods and Results

We performed a systematic review of the literature using the Tufts PACE (Predictive Analytics and Comparative Effectiveness) CPM Registry through February 1, 2020, and identified 81 unique CPMs of SCA and 62 subsequent external validation studies. Initial cardiac rhythm, age, and duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation were the 3 most commonly used predictive variables. Only 33 of the 81 novel SCA CPMs (41%) were validated at least once. Of 81 novel SCA CPMs, 56 (69%) and 61 of 62 validation studies (98%) reported discrimination, with median c‐statistics of 0.84 and 0.81, respectively. Calibration was reported in only 29 of 62 validation studies (41.9%). For those novel models that both reported discrimination and were validated (26 models), the median percentage change in discrimination was −1.6%. We identified 3 CPMs that had undergone at least 3 external validation studies: the out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest score (9 validations; median c‐statistic, 0.79), the cardiac arrest hospital prognosis score (6 validations; median c‐statistic, 0.83), and the good outcome following attempted resuscitation score (6 validations; median c‐statistic, 0.76).

Conclusions

Although only a small number of SCA CPMs have been rigorously validated, the ones that have been demonstrate good discrimination.
Further additions to the apterogynine fauna of the genera Gynecaptera Skorikov, 1935 and Macroocula Panfilov, 1954 in Saudi Arabia: new species and a new sex association (Hymenoptera: Bradynobaenidae)
Authors: SOLIMAN AHMED M.
Published: August 2020

New species and a new sex association are proposed in the genera Gynecaptera Skorikov, 1935 and Macroocula Panfilov, 1954 (Bradynobaenidae, Apterogyninae). Two new species from Al-Madina region (Saudi Arabia), G. albicrus sp. nov. and M. madinaensis sp. nov., are described, illustrated and compared with the closest species. The previously unknown female of M. sinaica (Invrea, 1963) is described and illustrated for the first time.
Redescription and placement of Wyeomyia rorotai Senevet, Chabelard & Abonnenc (Diptera: Culicidae) in the subgenus Decamyia based on morphological and molecular analyses
Authors: RIBEIRO PAULINO SIQUEIRA , GALVÃO CLEBER , TALAGA STANISLAS , CARINCI ROMUALD , PAVAN MÁRCIO GALVÃO , LOURENÇO-DE-OLIVEIRA RICARDO , MOTTA MONIQUE DE ALBUQUERQUE
Published: August 2020

Decamyia Dyar is a subgenus of Wyeomyia Theobald with three valid species. Wyeomyia rorotai Senevet, Chabelard & Abonnenc, a species originally described rather briefly in the subgenus Dendromyia, is without subgeneric position in the genus. In the present work, we redescribe Wy. rorotai in all life stages and formally define its taxonomic placement in the subgenus Decamyia by combining morphological and molecular analyses based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. We also show that Decamyia is a rather homogeneous group of four species, i.e. Wy. ulocoma (Theobald), Wy. pseudopecten Dyar & Knab, Wy. felicia Dyar & Núñez Tovar and Wy. rorotai, the immature stages of which almost exclusively inhabit the flower bracts of Heliconiaceae.
Contribution to the knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Eutegaeus (Acari, Oribatida, Eutegaeidae)
Authors: ERMILOV SERGEY G.
Published: August 2020

The genus Eutegaeus (Oribatida, Eutegaeidae) comprises 13 species, which are distributed in the Australian, Neotropical and Antarctic regions; of these, two new species are described from litter in the relictual Valdivian forest of Chile. Eutegaeus parapapuaensis sp. nov. (description based on the adult and tritonymph) differs from Eutegaeus papuensis Aoki, 1964 by the absence of translamella, interbothridial tubercles, notogastral setae h3 and epimeral setae 3a. Eutegaeus paralagrecai sp. nov. (description based on the adult and proto-, deuto- and tritonymph) differs from Eutegaeus lagrecai Arcidiacono, 1993 by the presence of lanceolate bothridial setae and long notogastral setae p1, and the absence of striate ornamentation on the notogaster. A revised generic diagnosis and an identification key to known species of Eutegaeus are presented. Nymphs of Eutegaeus and related genera in Eutegaeoidea are compared.
Predictive current control of a bearingless induction motor model based on fuzzy dynamic objective function
Authors: Yang Zebin , Wu Jiajie , Lu Chengling , Wang Ding
Published: August 2020

A control strategy for a bearingless induction motor (BL-IM) based on the fuzzy dynamic objective function is proposed in this paper. Firstly, based on the discrete mathematical model of the BL-IM, the stator current and flux linkage are predicted according to the given stator current and flux linkage, the objective function of model predictive current control (MPCC) is designed. Secondly, the fuzzy control algorithm is introduced in the objective function of the MPCC to dynamically assign the weighting factors before the current component on the d- q axis and the influence of the objective function on the performance of the BL-IM is analyzed under different weighting factors. By discretizing the rotational speed deviation Δ ω and rotational speed deviation rate, fuzzy reasoning is performed to obtain the optimal fuzzy dynamic function. Finally, the optimal fuzzy dynamic function is selected as the objective function of the MPCC to perform the simulations and experiments. The results show that the performance of the BL-IM under the MPCC strategy based on the fuzzy dynamic objective function is improved compared with the traditional MPCC and the vector control based on the fuzzy PID, due to its better dynamic and suspension performance. Meanwhile, the stability of rotor current component is enhanced.
Parental Caregiving and Employment among Midlife Women in Japan
Authors: Kikuzawa Saeko , Uemura Ryotaro
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we examine how parental caregiving affects women’s employment in Japan. Drawing on the 2005–2014 Longitudinal Survey of Middle-Aged and Elderly Persons, we estimate logistic regression models for the employment status of middle-aged women in various types of employment as a function of caregiving intensity to examine when and in what context caregivers’ employment may be at risk for Japanese women. The results showed that working women who began providing 5 or more hours of care per week were significantly more likely to leave their jobs than non-caregiving women; those who began providing fewer than 5 hours of care per week did not show this likelihood. Among women in regular employment, those who began to provide 5 or more hours of care per week and those who provided care in the previous year were more likely to stop working or change jobs than their non-caregiving counterparts.
Alternatives: A Socio-political Commentary from the USA
Authors: Rowan Andrew N. , Andrutis Karl A.
Published: August 2020

The socio-political aspects of the alternatives concept in research and toxicity testing is discussed, primarily from a US perspective. A history of the alternatives concept is provided, describing some of the events which occurred in Europe and the UK in the 1970s/1980s. British Home Office statistics on animal use, showing its decline from 1976, are included. The recent history of the debate over the alternatives concept in the US is discussed, including Congressional action, NIH attitudes, and the Draize campaign. Current attitudes toward alternatives in the US, and the issues surrounding their adoption and use in toxicity testing and in biomedical research, are presented.
Cosmetic Safety
Authors: Goulding Roy
Published: August 2020

The health record of cosmetics over the past century or more has been exemplary. Nevertheless, this is a subject with which the Commission of the European Communities in Brussels is earnestly and zealously concerned. Rules are being drawn up, ostensibly in the cause of cosmetic safety, that entail systematic and exhausting toxicity testing in animals. It is suggested that this scheme is unrealistic, losing sight of the objective and sacrificing animals needlessly. A more simplified and practically orientated approach is proposed.
Use of Cultured Hepatoma Cell Lines in the Assessment of Aldehyde Metabolism
Authors: Ferro Margherita , Bassi Anna Maria , Penco Susanna , Piana Sandra , Ravera Giambattista , Nanni Giorgio
Published: August 2020

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH) represent a major pathway for the enzymatic removal of many potentially toxic aldehydes. The purpose of this study was to examine the basal levels of ALDH in five hepatoma cell lines chosen as representatives of three different species (man, rat, mouse) and their inducibility by some xenobiotics. Human HepG2, rat MH1C1, HTC, H4IIEC3 and mouse Hepa 1c1c7 cell lines were grown as monolayers. The ALDH activities were determined in cell homogenates from both unexposed control cultures and cells exposed to phenobarbital (PB), 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) and β-naphthoflavone (BNF). The ALDH activity was detected using benzaldehyde (BA) and propionaldehyde (PA) as substrates and both NAD and NADP as co-enzymes.

Great variability in basal ALDH levels was found in the five cell lines: BA/NAD and BA/NADP enzyme activities were very high in the HTC cell line, intermediate in MH1C1 cells (near to normal rat hepatocytes) and very low in the remaining three cell lines. In HTC cells only, the PA/NAD activity was slightly induced by PB, but it remained unchanged under all the other experimental conditions. MH1C1 cells showed highly significant increases of all the activities with MC and BNF (up to 10-fold). The low basal activity of the H4IIEC3 cell line was significantly increased by MC and BNF, but only with BA/NADP. The Hepa 1c1c7 cell line responded only to BNF, as inducing compound, whereas the low basal enzyme levels of the human-derived HepG2 cell line were not significantly increased.

These results suggest various applications of hepatoma cell cultures in in vitro toxicology.
Long-term Cytotoxicity Testing of the First Twenty MEIC Chemicals by the Determination of the Protein Content in Human Embryonic Lung Cells
Authors: Dierickx Paul J. , Ekwall Björn
Published: August 2020

Within the framework of the MEIC (the multicentre evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity) programme, the long-term cytotoxicity of the first twenty MEIC chemicals was investigated on MRC-5 cells. After treatment of the cells with each chemical for six weeks, the PI50 value was determined. The PI50 is the concentration (mM) of test compound required to induce a 50% reduction in total cell protein content. The results were compared with the acute PI50 values previously measured after treatment for 24 hours with the same compounds in Hep G2 cells. A good correlation between these two sets of data (r2 = 0.94) was observed, with the exception of digoxin. Together with other preliminary MEIC validation results, this study indicates that a good alternative cytotoxicity test may be found for the prediction of human long-term toxicity.
Quantification of Cytotoxicity by Cell Volume and Cell Proliferation
Authors: Winkelmeier Petra , Glauner Bernd , Lindl Toni
Published: August 2020

A fast and sensitive method for the quantification of cytotoxicity, using the cell counter and analyser system, CASY 1, was established. This system has a high resolution and a large dynamic range of volume determination, permitting the volume changes caused by cytotoxic effects to be measured in a reproducible and standardised manner. As a first approach, eight cytotoxic compounds with different modes of action were investigated. For seven of the compounds, changes in the mean cell volume could be demonstrated after three hours. All eight compounds showed a dramatic decrease in mean cell volume within 24 hours. Depending on the degree of membrane destruction caused by the direct or indirect actions of the cytotoxic compounds, values for the mean cell volume between the size of an undamaged cell and the size of the cell nucleus were determined. In addition, the number of living cells was substantially decreased by exposure to the chemicals. Both of the effects of cytotoxic compounds can be detected by following a single parameter, i.e. total cell volume. This parameter is highly sensitive for the detection and quantification of cytotoxicity. IC50 values were within the range obtained in testing by other methods. Cytotoxicity testing by CASY 1 is recommended when highly reproducible measurement is necessary, but the system is also valuable for cell counting and volume determination.
Achieving the Achievable: A Review of Animals in Politics
Authors: Hollands Clive
Published: August 2020

The background to the passage through the British Parliament of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the significance of Animal Welfare Year (1976/77) and the role of the Houghton/Platt Memorandum and the alliance formed by the British Veterinary Association, the Committee for the Reform of Animal Experimentation and the Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments. The importance of the new legislation is discussed, with particular reference to the restriction of pain, the reduction in the numbers of animals used, the development and use of humane alternative methods in research, and public accountability.
The Role of the home office Inspector
Authors: Straughan Donald W.
Published: August 2020

The organisation, qualifications and duties of the Home Office Inspectorate under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, and the assessment of project licence applications, are reviewed. Project assessment has evolved in the light of practical experience, and as a result of changes in knowledge and policy on “best practice”. It seems likely that the philosophy, design and analysis of experiments will improve further as a consequence of changing attitudes and education. The effectiveness of the controls on animal experiments and their assessment are noted. Although the number of animal experiments continues to decline with time, the number of licensees is more stable, and it is suggested that a modest increase in the numbers of Inspectors (from the present 21) would be of value. However, this would probably have to be justified by meaningful performance indicators, if these could be devised.
MEIC Evaluation of Acute Systemic Toxicity
Authors: Clemedson Cecilia , McFarlane-Abdulla Elisabeth , Andersson Marianne , Barile Frank A. , Calleja Mabel C. , Chesné Christophe , Clothier Richard , Cottin Martine , Curren Rodger , Daniel-Szolgay Erika , Dierickx Paul , Ferro Margherita , Fiskesjö Geirid , Garza-Ocañas Lourdes , Gómez-Lechón Maria Jose , Gülden Michael , Isomaa Boris , Janus Jeffrey , Judge Paula , Kahru Anne , Kemp Richard B. , Kerszman Gustaw , Kristen Udo , Kunimoto Manabu , Kärenlampi Sirpa , Lavrijsen Karel , Lewan Lillemor , Lilius Henrik , Ohno Tadao , Persoone Guido , Roguet Roland , Romert Lennart , Sawyer Thomas W. , Seibert Hasso , Shrivastava Ravi , Stammati Annalaura , Tanaka Noriho , Torres-Alanis Oscar , Voss Jens-Uwe , Wakuri Shinobu , Walum Erik , Wang Xinhai , Zucco Flavia , Ekwall Björn
Published: August 2020

The multicentre evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity (MEIC) study is a programme designed to evaluate the relevance of in vitro toxicity tests for predicting human toxicity, and is organised by the Scandinavian Society for Cell Toxicology. The project started in 1989 and is scheduled to be finished by June 1996. MEIC is a voluntary effort by international laboratories to test the same 50 reference chemicals in their own in vitro toxicity systems. At present, 31 laboratories have submitted results for the first 30 reference chemicals from a total of 68 in vitro cytotoxicity tests. In the definitive evaluation of the MEIC programme, these in vitro results will be compared with human lethal blood concentrations and other relevant acute systemic toxicity data, and the results will be published as a series of articles. This paper, which is the first article in this series, describes and analyses the methodologies used in the 68 tests. The origins and purities of the test chemicals, the biological systems and the toxicity endpoints are also discussed. Since MEIC is not centrally directed, the selection of tests was entirely dependent on the preferences of the individual laboratories. Thus, the collection of tests is not representative of the full range of existing in vitro toxicity tests. In our study, basal cytotoxicity tests and ecotoxicological tests are prevalent, while tests for toxicity to primary cultures of differentiated cells, measured by organotypic toxicity endpoints, are clearly under-represented.
In Vitro Studies of Acrylamide Neurotoxicity in Rat Pheochromocytoma (PC12) Cells
Authors: Lin Weiquan W. , Johnson Larry R. , Friedman Marvin A. , Abou-Donia Mohamed B.
Published: August 2020

This review discusses our studies on molecular mechanisms of acrylamide neurotoxicity by using the rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line. The results showed that: a) acrylamide altered the gross morphology of PC12 cells; b) acrylamide induced neurofilament accumulation in PC12 cells; c) the effects of acrylamide on PC12 cells are consistent with its neurotoxicity in vivo; d) acrylamide stimulated neurofilament protein synthesis in PC12 cells; e) acrylamide did not act via nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor gp140trk to regulate neurofilament synthesis in PC12 cells; f) dexamethasone antagonised NGF and/or acrylamide-induced neurofilament protein synthesis and expression; and g) acrylamide differentially regulated the mRNA levels of three neurofilament subunit genes in PC12 cells. These molecular studies provide the first evidence that: a) there are distinctive and convergent signalling pathways for NGF-regulated and acrylamide-regulated neurofilament expression; b) acrylamide may differentially regulate the expression of each subunit, resulting in aberrant accumulation of neurofilament proteins; and c) there is a dexamethasone-sensitive signalling step common to NGF and acrylamide. These results could partially explain the mechanisms of neurofilament accumulation in distal axonal swellings, a pathognomonic feature of acrylamide neurotoxicity.
Technical implementation of percutaneous thrombus aspiration using the AngioVac system
Authors: Haupt Benjamin , Merkle Frank , Dreizler Thomas , Falk Volkmar , Starck Christoph
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

The AngioVac system (AngioDynamics, Latham, NY, USA) provides a method for the minimally invasive, percutaneous aspiration of thrombus formations originating from the central venous system as well as solid matter such as lead vegetations and right atrial thrombi.

Methods:

This retrospective, observational study describes the initial experience in 52 adult patients with the AngioVac system, focusing mainly on the development of the extracorporeal circuit to improve usability and safety.

Results:

The mean patient age was 62.9 years (range 23-86 years). 22 patients were female and 30 were male. Indications for percutaneous aspiration were lead vegetations (n = 36; 69.2%), right atrial thrombi (n = 9; 17.3%), central venous thrombi (n = 5; 9.6%) and pulmonary embolisms (n = 2; 3.8%). Successful aspiration was performed in 44 cases (84.6%) and partial success was achieved in five patients (9.6%), while failure to remove thrombi or vegetations occurred in three cases (5.8%). Our practical experience led to the installation of a shunt line for recirculation and the implementation of safety features concerning air handling, which are also employed in minimally invasive extracorporeal bypass circuits. Initial tests monitored the level of negative pressure according to differences in flow and access sites but these still have to be validated on a larger scale.

Conclusion:

In this initial experience, the AngioVac system appeared to be safe regarding the extracorporeal circulation and the elimination of thrombi and lead vegetations.
Oculocardiac reflex and oculorespiratory reflex during strabismus surgery under general anesthesia using the laryngeal mask airway with maintenance of spontaneous respiration: A retrospective study
Authors: Shin Sun Young , Kim Min Ju , Joo Jin
Published: August 2020

Objective

To determine (1) how the specific muscle undergoing surgical treatment affects the occurrence of the oculocardiac reflex (OCR) and oculorespiratory reflex (ORR) and (2) whether the depth of anesthesia influences the occurrence of the OCR and ORR in patients undergoing strabismus surgery with a laryngeal mask airway with maintenance of spontaneous respiration.

Methods

The medical records of patients who underwent strabismus surgery on the lateral rectus (LR) and medial rectus (MR) muscles from January 2017 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The incidence of the OCR was not significantly different between LR and MR operations in either pediatric or adult patients. The incidence of the ORR as indexed by the tidal volume (TV) was significantly higher during MR than LR surgery in pediatric patients (29.3% vs. 10.1%, respectively). The change in TV during muscle traction and the bispectral index were significantly correlated in both pediatric and adult patients (r2 = 0.034 and 0.058, respectively).

Conclusions

The OCR was not influenced by the specific muscle undergoing surgery or the depth of anesthesia. The incidence of the ORR as indexed by the TV was higher during MR surgery in pediatric patients and was positively correlated with the depth of anesthesia.
Impact of anion exchange adsorbents on regional citrate anticoagulation
Authors: Strobl Karin , Harm Stephan , Fichtinger Ute , Schildböck Claudia , Hartmann Jens
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Heparin and citrate are commonly used anticoagulants in membrane/adsorption based extracorporeal liver support systems. However, anion exchange resins employed for the removal of negatively charged target molecules including bilirubin may also deplete these anticoagulants due to their negative charge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adsorption of citrate by anion exchange resins and the impact on extracorporeal Ca2+ concentrations.

Methods:

Liver support treatments were simulated in vitro. Citrate and Ca2+ concentrations were measured pre and post albumin filter as well as pre and post adsorbents. In addition, batch experiments were performed to quantify citrate adsorption.

Results:

Pre albumin filter target Ca2+ concentrations were reached well with only minor deviations. Citrate was adsorbed by anion exchange resins, resulting in a higher Ca2+ concentration downstream of the adsorbent cartridges during the first hour of treatment.

Conclusions:

The anion exchange resin depletes citrate, leading to an increased Ca2+ concentration in the extracorporeal circuit, which may cause an increased risk of clotting during the first hour of treatment. An increase of citrate infusion during the first hour of treatment should therefore be considered to compensate for the adsorption of citrate.
Quantification of geographical proximity of sugarcane bagasse ash sources to ready-mix concrete plants for sustainable waste management and recycling
Authors: Athira Gopinath , Bahurudeen Abdulsalam , Vishnu Vijaya Sukumar
Published: August 2020

As stated in the European Commission’s waste framework directive, the geographic proximity of wastes to the potential recovery/disposal site is of paramount importance in attaining an effective resource recycling paradigm. The global interest in achieving an end-of-waste scenario encourages the recovery of useful products/secondary raw materials from locally available waste materials. Sugarcane bagasse ash is an abundantly available waste (44,200 tonnes day–1) from sugar plants in India which has the potential to be used as a partial replacement to cement in ready-mix concrete plants. Although pozzolanic performance of sugarcane bagasse ash and its ability in reducing the carbon emissions associated with concrete production have been reported in earlier research studies, its use in concrete is hindered due to the lack of availability and accessibility data. In this study, the geographical distribution of sugar plants and the available quantity of sugarcane bagasse ash in India have been determined. In addition, a detailed network analysis using a geographic information system was conducted to quantify the geographic proximity of bagasse ash, fly ash and slag sources to ready-mix concrete plants. The study results indicate that for most of the ready-mix concrete plants in India, the probability of having a bagasse ash source in proximity is higher than the probability of encountering slag/fly ash sources.
Carborane-containing bismaleimide resins with excellent heat resistance and dimensional stability
Authors: Wu Yuane , Chen Gong , Gao Longfei , Zhang Wei , Li Song
Published: August 2020

Novel carborane-containing bismaleimides with excellent heat resistance and dimensional stability for advanced composites are presented. First, a new kind of carborane-containing mono-maleimido-terminated monomer 1-(4-tolyl)-2-(4-maleimido phenyl)- o-carborane (CB-MI) was synthesized and characterized by FT-IR and 1H-NMR. Then, it was used as a modifier for bismaleimide resin 4,4’-bismaleimidodiphenylmethane (BDM) with different weight fraction of CB-MI. The curing behavior and thermal property of the CB-MI/BDM resin systems were studied and presented here. Results displayed that a wide processing window and low curing temperature provided a good processability for the CB-MI/BDM resin system. Due to the effect of carborane groups, the char yield at 600°C of the cured resin systems tended to be increased with the addition of CB-MI. Moreover, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the resin was found to be reduced with the increase of CB-MI, indicative of a remarkable dimensional stability. This study might open up great opportunities for the preparation and design of various novel bismaleimides in a simple and feasible way and the resins with good thermal property and processability at the same time.
Using the Differential Aptitude Tests for Selection and Prediction in Vocational Education and Training
Authors: Goble David
Published: August 2020

The Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT) were first published in 1947 and have undergone numerous revisions since then. The tests were standardised in Australia and New Zealand in 1983 and are widely used by guidance counsellors, vocational psychologists, schools and business organisations. This paper reports the findings of a study focusing on the validity of the DAT as a predictor of performance in a post-secondary technical training program. Four subtests from the eight-test battery were used to predict student performance in two electronic engineering units: Electronic Principles and Digital Electronics. The sample consisted of 213 electronic engineering students with a mean age of 21.4 years (SD = 9.5 years). Principal Components Analysis and unweighted least squares factor analysis suggested that the DAT measures general ability and that its differential nature is limited. Hierarchical multiple regression was performed to measure the strength of association between the predictor variables and the criterion measures. The regression analysis indicated that general ability accounted for most of the variance in the criterion measures, ranging between 37 and 41% while specific abilities added, at most, 4% to these figures.
Role Strain and Psychological Distress in Late Career Mothers
Authors: Gill Angela , Muller Juanita
Published: August 2020

Balancing a career and family is difficult for mothers of young children. The cumulative demands of multiple roles can result in role strain (i.e. role overload, interference from work to family, and interference from family to work) and psychological distress as measured by the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). One strategy used by women to overcome such difficulties is to delay having children until their careers are established. Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS; 1997) reflect this trend. Research by Higgins, Duxbury and Lee (1994) has suggested, contrary to previously held views, that late career women who are at peak visibility in their work roles, and who are also having children at this time, are at greater risk of role strain and psychological distress than early career mothers. The aim of this study is to examine work to family interference, family to work interference, role overload and psychological distress in early and late career mothers with pre-school aged children. Early and late career stages are defined using Levinson's (1986) model of adult development. Participants were 75 women with children aged 6 years and younger, sampled from 12 local day care centres, who completed a brief questionnaire examining role strain, psychological distress and career stage. The findings reported in this study found that late career mothers experience greater role strain and psychological distress than early career mothers.
Neurological Assessment Using a Physical-Virtual Patient (PVP)
Authors: Gonzalez Laura , Daher Salam , Welch Greg
Published: August 2020

Background. Simulation has revolutionized teaching and learning. However, traditional manikins are limited in their ability to exhibit emotions, movements, and interactive eye gaze. As a result, students struggle with immersion and may be unable to authentically relate to the patient.

Intervention. We developed a new type of patient simulator called the Physical-Virtual Patients (PVP) which combines the physicality of manikins with the richness of dynamic visuals. The PVP uses spatial Augmented Reality to rear project dynamic imagery (e.g., facial expressions, ptosis, pupil reactions) on a semi-transparent physical shell. The shell occupies space and matches the dimensions of a human head.

Methods. We compared two groups of third semester nursing students (N=59) from a baccalaureate program using a between-participant design, one group interacting with a traditional high-fidelity manikin versus a more realistic PVP head. The learners had to perform a neurological assessment. We measured authenticity, urgency, and learning.

Results. Learners had a more realistic encounter with the PVP patient (p=0.046), they were more engaged with the PVP condition compared to the manikin in terms of authenticity of encounter and cognitive strategies. The PVP provoked a higher sense of urgency (p=0.002). There was increased learning for the PVP group compared to the manikin group on the pre and post-simulation scores (p=0.027).

Conclusion. The realism of the visuals in the PVP increases authenticity and engagement which results in a greater sense of urgency and overall learning.
Occupational Hazards and Health and Safety Risks for Latino Tree Trimmers in the Pine Forest Industry
Authors: Kearney Gregory D. , Berkner Ashley N. , Langley Ricky L. , Little N. Ruth Gaskins , Wambui David W.
Published: August 2020

A pilot project was conducted to evaluate the working conditions and work-related body pain among Latino immigrant tree trimmers ( n = 57) in the commercial pine forest service industry. Participants were interviewed about personal and work characteristics, job-related occupational hazards, and body pain. A structured questionnaire and a body pain diagram were used as measures for evaluating associations between personal and work characteristics and body pain. The most common health complaints were physical exhaustion (80.7 percent) and headache (33.9 percent). The reported percent of work-related body pain was 54.4 percent. Statistically significant associations were identified between experiencing body pain in knees, working more than two years, and working more than six hours per day ( p < .05) as a tree trimmer. Thorough clinical evaluations are needed to confirm these findings. Future research including a larger sample size and more in-depth evaluations are needed to better evaluate worker tasks, musculoskeletal risk factors, and safety climate issues among this highly vulnerable occupational group.
Sports- or Physical Activity–Related Concussions and Feelings of Sadness or Hopelessness Among U.S. High School Students: Results From the 2017 Youth Behavior Risk Survey
Authors: Sarmiento Kelly , Miller Gabrielle F. , Jones Sherry Everett
Published: August 2020

For this study, we explored the association between high school students’ reported history of sport- or physical activity–related concussions and persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Data from the 2017 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS; N = 14,765) was used for this analysis. YRBS is administered to high school students throughout the country every 2 years. Findings from this study demonstrate that the prevalence of persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness was 36.4% among students who reported sustaining one or more concussions. Compared to students who did not report having sustained a concussion, the odds of persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness were significantly higher among students who had sustained one or more concussions (AOR = 1.41). These findings support the need for continued efforts by school nurses and other health care providers to identify students with a history of concussion and assess their mental health needs.
Treatment of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Dysfunction With Angiotensin II in High-Renin Septic Shock
Authors: Chow Jonathan H. , Wallis Marianne , Lankford Allison S. , Chancer Zackary , Barth Rolf N. , Scalea Joseph R. , LaMattina John C. , Mazzeffi Michael A. , McCurdy Michael T.
Published: August 2020

Endothelial dysfunction is common in septic shock and has been shown to impair angiotensin converting enzyme and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Dysregulation of this pathway, which can be measured with plasma renin activity (PRA), is important not only because RAAS dysfunction is associated with increased mortality but also because treatment with angiotensin II (Ang-2) has been shown to decrease mortality. In this case series of 2 patients, serial PRA levels identified septic shock patients with RAAS dysfunction. The patients were treated with Ang-2, an angiotensin type 1 receptor agonist, which resulted in significant improvements in hemodynamics and PRA levels during treatment.
Three Decades of Customer Value Research: Paradigmatic Roots and Future Research Avenues
Authors: Zeithaml Valarie A. , Verleye Katrien , Hatak Isabella , Koller Monika , Zauner Alexander
Published: August 2020

The last three decades have witnessed a resurgence of research on the topic of customer value. In search of a comprehensive integration and analysis of this research—including conceptualization, operationalization, and measurement—we examined the myriad journal publications on the construct. We acknowledge that while some of the literature can be fully integrated, other parts are more difficult because they represent three different paradigms: positivist, interpretive, and social constructionist. We begin by briefly describing these three paradigms. Next, we detail the many studies representing the positivist paradigm, literature capturing customer value from just the customer’s perspective and using deductive logic. We designate the second paradigm as interpretive, in that researchers are interested in understanding the subjective nature of customer value along with its emergence through inductive logic. The third paradigm, the social constructionist, frames customer value as emerging from value co-creation practices in complex ecosystems. Building upon the commonalities and differences among research studies stemming from the positivist, interpretive, and social constructionist paradigms, we propose how researchers can complement one another to move the customer value field forward.
Effect of operative time on complications following primary total hip arthroplasty: analysis of the NSQIP database
Authors: Sikov Mark , Sloan Matthew , Sheth Neil P
Published: August 2020

Background:

Long operative times in total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been shown to be associated with increased risk of revision as well as perioperative morbidity. This study assesses the effect of extended operative times on complication rates following primary THA using the most recent national data.

Methods:

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2008–2016) was queried for primary THA. Groups were defined by operative time 1 standard deviation (1 SD) above the mean. Univariate, propensity score-matched, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate outcomes.

Results:

Data was available for 135,013 THA patients. Among these groups, mean operative time in the extended operative time group was 166 minutes (compared with 82 minutes). Patients undergoing longer operative times were 3.8 years younger, had a 1.5 kg/m2 higher body mass index and had a 0.5 day longer mean length of stay. Propensity matching identified 16,123 pairs for analysis in the 1 SD group. Longer operative time led to 173% increased risk of major medical morbidity, 140% increased likelihood of length of stay greater than 5 days, 59% increased risk of reoperation, 45% increased risk of readmission, and a 30% decreased likelihood of return to home postoperatively. There was no increased risk of death within 30 days.

Conclusion:

Long operative times were associated with increases in multiple postoperative complications, but not mortality. Surgeons should be advised to take steps to minimise operative time by adequate preoperative planning and optimal team communication.
Something New on the Western Front: Twenty Years of Interest Group Research (1999–2018)
Authors: Pritoni Andrea , Vicentini Giulia
Published: August 2020

In a book published in 1998, Baumgartner and Leech argued that interest group research was characterized by “elegant irrelevance.” Ten years later, Beyers and colleagues linked this to a number of conceptual, methodological and disciplinary barriers which render(ed) the accumulation of knowledge in this bulk of literature difficult. Are those same challenges still slowing down the study of interest groups and lobbying? The main aim of this article is to review all interest group scientific articles published in the top 50 political science journals between 1999 and 2018 in order to answer this question. Our results show a growing community focusing on many themes, preferring quantitative approaches, and analyzing more and more case studies. Interest group research has never before been so lively.
Efficacy and Safety of Banxia XieXin Decoction, a Blended Traditional Chinese Medicine, as Monotherapy for Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Ke Jianlong , Wang Cui , Li Yaling , Wu Guoyu , Ding Qian , Luo Qiuyue , Cai Rui , Lv Panpan , Song Tingting , Xiong Shaoquan
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

To explore a new therapeutic option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the efficacy and safety of a group of traditional Chinese medicines (Banxia XieXin recipe) as monotherapy for patients with advanced HCC was studied.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 68 patients with advanced HCC from August 16,2016 to August 15,2019 for analysis. These eligible patients received treatment with Banxia XieXin recipe for at least 1 month. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary efficacy endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). In addition, safety was also assessed.

Results:

The median treatment duration of these 68 patients was 10.3 months (range = 1.6-33.5 months), and follow-up is still ongoing. The median PFS was 6.07 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.748-8.392 months), and the median OS was 12.60 months (95% CI = 8.019-17.181 months). The ORR was 10.3% and the DCR was 41.2%. In the subgroup analysis, the median OS in the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) group was not reached, and the median OS in the NO TACE group was 11.30 months (95% CI = 3.219-19.381 months). In addition, no drug-related serious adverse events were observed during the study.

Conclusion:

This is the first clinical analysis of traditional Chinese medicine as a single treatment for advanced HCC. The obtained results are encouraging as they suggest that this panel of Chinese herbs is safe and it may be effective for patients with advanced HCC in a real-world clinical setting.
Management of a Compromised Frozen Elephant Trunk Due to Acute Type B Aortic Dissection
Authors: Harky Amer , Fisher Robert K. , Field Mark L.
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

To report a case who required a thoracic endovascular stenting (TEVAR) following the deployment of frozen elephant trunk due to false lumen expansion

Case Report:

A 47 years old male patient undergone emergency repair of acute type A aortic dissection in 2011 with bioprosthetic aortic root conduit. Seven years later he presented with moderate aortic valve disease and expanding chronic dissection of the aortic arch, therefore a redo operation with replacement of the prosthetic aortic valve, ascending aorta, total arch and deployment of frozen elephant trunk and he was discharged in good health. Several days post discharge he presented with new onset of chest pain and a new dissection involved the thoracoabdominal aorta was noted pressing on the true lumen and the frozen elephant trunk. Following a multi-disciplinary team meeting, TEVAR was deemed as a most appropriate approach and this was achieved successfully, and patient was discharged. At 1 year of follow up, he remains well and asymptomatic.

Conclusion:

Close imaging follow-up following deployment of a FET is mandatory. A new acute Type B aortic dissection distal to the FET, that causes false lumen propagation parallel to the stented portion, is a surgical emergency and further intervention mandated.