bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully automated and comprehensive MRI-based left-ventricular contractility analysis in post-chemotherapy breast cancer patients
Authors: Kar Julia , Cohen Michael V. , McQuiston Samuel A. , Figarola Maria S. , Malozzi Christopher M.
Published: October 2019

Objective:

This study investigated the occurrence of cardiotoxicity-related left-ventricular (LV) contractile dysfunction in breast cancer patients following treatment with antineoplastic chemotherapy agents.

Methods:

A validated and automated MRI-based LV contractility analysis tool consisting of quantization-based boundary detection, unwrapping of image phases and the meshfree Radial Point Interpolation Method was used toward measuring LV chamber quantifications (LVCQ), three-dimensional strains and torsions in patients and healthy subjects. Data were acquired with the Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes (DENSE) sequence on 21 female patients and 21 age-matched healthy females. Estimates of patient LVCQs from DENSE acquisitions were validated in comparison to similar steady-state free precession measurements and their strain results validated via Bland–Altman interobserver agreements. The occurrence of LV abnormalities was investigated via significant differences in contractility measurements (LVCQs, strains and torsions) between patients and healthy subjects.

Results:

Repeated measures analysis showed similarities between LVCQ measurements from DENSE and steady-state free precession, including cardiac output (4.7 ± 0.4 L, 4.6 ± 0.4 L, p = 0.8), and LV ejection fractions (59±6%, 58±5%, p = 0.2). Differences found between patients and healthy subjects included enlarged basal diameter (5.0 ± 0.5 cm vs 4.4 ± 0.5 cm, p < 0.01), apical torsion (6.0 ± 1.1° vs 9.7 ± 1.4°, p < 0.001) and global longitudinal strain (−0.15 ± 0.02 vs. -0.21 ± 0.04, p < 0.001), but not LV ejection fraction (59±6% vs. 63±6%, p = 0.1).

Conclusion:

The results from the statistical analysis reveal the possibility of LV abnormalities in the post-chemotherapy patients via enlarged basal diameter and reduced longitudinal strain and torsion, in comparison to healthy subjects.

Advances in knowledge:

This study shows that subclinical LV abnormalities in post-chemotherapy breast cancer patients can be detected with an automated technique for the comprehensive analysis of contractile parameters.
Prognostic utility of serial 18F-FDG-PET/CT in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent tri-modality treatment
Authors: Fernando Sumal , Lin Michael , Pham Trang Thanh , Chong Shanley , Ip Emilia , Wong Karen , Chua Wei , Ng Weng , Lin Peter , Lim Stephanie
Published: October 2019

Objective:

This study explored the value of serial 18-fludeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) in predicting disease-free survival (DFS) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NCRT) and surgery.

Methods:

We prospectively studied 46 patients with LARC who underwent NCRT and surgery. 18F-FDG-PET/CT scans were performed at three time-points before surgery (pre-NCRT-PET1, during NCRT-PET2 and following completion of NCRT-PET3). The following semi-quantitative PET parameters were analysed at each time point: maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), SUVmean, metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and tumour lesion glycolysis (TLG). Absolute and percentage changes in these parameters were analysed between time points. Statistical analysis consisted of median tests, Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis for DFS.

Results:

The median follow-up time was 24 months. A reduction in PET parameters showed statistically significant differences for patients with recurrence compared to those without; percentage changes in MTV between PET1 and PET3 (cut-off: 87%, p = 0.023), percentage changes in TLG between PET1 and PET3 (cut-off: 94%, p = 0.02) and absolute change in MTV PET1 and PET2 (cut-off: 10.25, p = 0.001).

An absolute reduction in MTV between PET1 and PET3 (p=0.013), a percentage reduction in TLG between PET1 and PET2 (p=0.021), SUVmax and SUVmean at PET2 (p = 0.01, p = 0.027 respectively)were also prognostic indicators of recurrence.

MTV percentage change between PET1 and PET2 and SUVmean percentage change between PET1 and PET3 were also trending towards significance (p = 0.052, p = 0.053 respectively).

Conclusion:

Serial 18F-FDG-PET/CT is a potentially reliable non-invasive method to predict recurrence in patients with LARC. Volumetric parameters were the best predictors. This could allow risk-stratification in patients who may benefit from conservative management.

Advances in knowledge:

This paper will add to the literature in risk-stratifying patients with LARC based on prognosis, using 18F-FDG-PET/CT. This may improve patient outcomes by selecting suitable candidates for conservative management.
Double reading in breast cancer screening: considerations for policy-making
Authors: Taylor-Phillips Sian , Stinton Chris
Published: October 2019

In this article, we explore the evidence around the relative benefits and harms of breast cancer screening using a single radiologist to examine each female’s mammograms for signs of cancer (single reading), or two radiologists (double reading). First, we briefly explore the historical evidence using film-screen mammography, before providing an in-depth description of evidence using digital mammography. We classify studies according to which exact version of double reading they use, because the evidence suggests that effectiveness of double reading is contingent on whether the two radiologists are blinded to one another’s decisions, and how the decisions of the two radiologists are integrated. Finally, we explore the implications for future mammography, including using artificial intelligence as the second reader, and applications to more complex three-dimensional imaging techniques such as tomosynthesis.
Burden of health behaviours and socioeconomic position on health care expenditure in Ontario
Authors: Manuel Douglas G. , Bennett Carol , Perez Richard , Wilton Andrew S. , Rohit Dass Adrian , Laporte Audrey , Henry David A.
Published: October 2019

Background: Smoking, unhealthy alcohol consumption, poor diet and physical inactivity are leading risk factors for morbidity and mortality, and contribute substantially to overall healthcare costs. The availability of health surveys linked to health care provides population-based estimates of direct healthcare costs. We estimated health behaviour and socioeconomic-attribute healthcare costs, and how these have changed during a period when government policies have aimed to reduce their burden. 

Methods: The Ontario samples of the Canadian Community Health Surveys (conducted in 2003, 2005, and 2007-2008) were linked at the individual level to all records of health care use of publicly funded healthcare. Generalized linear models were estimated with a negative binomial distribution to ascertain the relationship of health behaviours and socioeconomic risk factors on health care costs. The multivariable cost model was applied to unlinked, Ontario CCHS samples for each year from 2004 to 2013 to examine the evolution of health behaviour and socioeconomic-attributable direct health care expenditures over a 10-year period.

Results: We included 80,749 respondents, aged 25 years and older, and 312,952 person-years of follow-up. The cost model was applied to 200,324 respondents aged 25 years and older (CCHS 2004 to 2013). During the 10-year period from 2004 to 2013, smoking, unhealthy alcohol consumption, poor diet and physical inactivity attributed to 22% of Ontario’s direct health care costs. Ontarians in the most disadvantaged socioeconomic position contributed to 15% of the province’s direct health care costs. Combined, these health behaviour and socioeconomic risk factors were associated with 34% ($134 billion) of direct health care costs (2004 to 2013). Over this time period, we estimated a 1.9% reduction in health care expenditure ($5.0 billion) attributable to improvements in some health behaviours, most importantly reduced rates of smoking.

Conclusions: Adverse health behaviours and socioeconomic position cause a large direct health care system cost burden.
Knowledge management awareness assessment in Nigerian tertiary institutions
Authors: Ogunbanwo Afolakemi Simbo , Okesola Julius Olatunji , Buckley Sheryl
Published: October 2019

Background: Knowledge management (KM) is a recipe for increasing performance and promoting innovation in tertiary institutions. However, some scholars argue that the Nigerian educational sector is yet to fully appreciate the importance of KM as their KM awareness level is still low. Since measurement is the basic foundation to accomplish success, this paper assesses the KM awareness level in tertiary institutions of south-west Nigeria.

Methods: The study applied a survey method using a closed ended questionnaire administered to 50 participants from each of the 10 institutions measured by Likert scaling. Employing SPSS for data analysis, frequency count and percentage score were adopted to analyse the demographic data, and the research hypotheses were analysed with chi square test, Pearson chi square and bivariate correlation (Pearson) analysis.

Results: A positive relationship between awareness, current status and level of familiarity was noted. KM awareness level in the institutions is high even though there is a significant difference between the public and private universities, as well as between the students and academic staff.

Conclusions: Since an increase in the awareness level increases both current status and level of familiarity which often account for KM success, it is recommend that KM awareness level should continuously be improved upon in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist treatment in acute ischaemic stroke does not alter systemic markers of anti-microbial defence
Authors: McCulloch Laura , Allan Stuart M. , Emsley Hedley C. , Smith Craig J. , McColl Barry W.
Published: October 2019

Background: Blockade of the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) with IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is a candidate treatment for stroke entering phase II/III trials, which acts by inhibiting harmful inflammatory responses.  Infection is a common complication after stroke that significantly worsens outcome and is related to stroke-induced deficits in systemic immune function thought to be mediated by the sympathetic nervous system.  Therefore, immunomodulatory treatments for stroke, such as IL-1Ra, carry a risk of aggravating stroke-associated infection. Our primary objective was to determine if factors associated with antibody-mediated antibacterial defences were further compromised in patients treated with IL-1Ra after stroke.

Methods: We assessed plasma concentrations of immunoglobulin isotypes and complement components in stroke patients treated with IL-1Ra or placebo and untreated non-stroke controls using multiplex protein assays. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) was determined by measuring noradrenaline, a major SNS mediator.

Results:  There were significantly lower plasma concentrations of IgM, IgA, IgG1 and IgG4 in stroke-patients compared to non-stroke controls, however there were no differences between stroke patients treated with placebo or IL-1Ra. Concentrations of complement components associated with the classical pathway  were increased and those associated with the alternative pathways decreased in stroke patients, neither being affected by treatment with IL-1Ra.  Noradrenaline concentrations were increased after stroke in both placebo and IL-1Ra-treated stroke patients compared to non-stroke controls. 

Conclusion: These data show treatment with IL-1Ra after stroke does not alter circulating immunoglobulin and complement concentrations and is therefore unlikely to further aggravate stroke-associated infection susceptibility through altered availability of these key anti-microbial mediators.
Recent advances in understanding lipodystrophy: a focus on lipodystrophy-associated cardiovascular disease and potential effects of leptin therapy on cardiovascular function
Authors: Bruder-Nascimento Thiago , Kress Taylor C. , Belin de Chantemele Eric J.
Published: October 2019

Lipodystrophy is a disease characterized by a partial or total absence of adipose tissue leading to severe metabolic derangements including marked insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and steatohepatitis. Lipodystrophy is also a source of major cardiovascular disorders which, in addition to hepatic failure and infection, contribute to a significant reduction in life expectancy. Metreleptin, the synthetic analog of the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin and current therapy of choice for patients with lipodystrophy, successfully improves metabolic function. However, while leptin has been associated with hypertension, vascular diseases, and inflammation in the context of obesity, it remains unknown whether its daily administration could further impair cardiovascular function in patients with lipodystrophy. The goal of this short review is to describe the cardiovascular phenotype of patients with lipodystrophy, speculate on the etiology of the disorders, and discuss how the use of murine models of lipodystrophy could be beneficial to address the question of the contribution of leptin to lipodystrophy-associated cardiovascular disease.
Influence of different types of whitening tooth pastes on the tooth color, enamel surface roughness and enamel morphology of human teeth
Authors: Shamel Mohamed , Al-Ankily Mahmoud M. , Bakr Mahmoud M.
Published: October 2019

Background: Tooth whitening usually includes the direct use of gels containing carbamide or hydrogen peroxide on the tooth enamel surface through a wide variety of products formulas. A generally new advancement in whitening of teeth uses the significant importance of the tooth color shift from yellow to blue in delivering a general enhancement in the observation of tooth whiteness. The aim of the current work was to measure the tooth whitening effects, surface roughness and enamel morphology of six different types of blue covarine-containing and blue covarine-free toothpastes using in vitro models.

Methods: A total of 70 sound extracted human premolars were randomly and equally divided into seven groups, and each subjected to tooth brushing using different toothpastes. Tooth color and enamel surface roughness were measured before and after the brushing procedure using a white light interferometer, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess tooth surface after the procedure.

Results: Toothpaste containing blue covarine resulted in the greatest improvement in tooth color amongst all groups as well as a statistically significant color difference when compared to blue covarine-free toothpaste.  Furthermore, blue covarine-containing toothpaste resulted in fewer morphological changes to the enamel surface. This was confirmed with SEM images that showed smooth enamel surfaces with fine scratches.  

Conclusions: The results from the present study show that blue covarine containing toothpastes are reliable, effective in tooth whitening and produce less surface abrasion when compared to blue covarine-free toothpastes.
The Similarity Network of Motion Pictures
Authors: Max Wei Yanhao
Published: October 2019

Ideas are connected. New ideas are often seen as creative combinations of previous ideas. I study these connections in the context of motion pictures. A network of 4,445 movies is constructed to indicate which movies are similar. I first examine the properties of the network using descriptive and regression analysis; then I develop a model of network formation for counterfactual analysis. It is found that most movies imitate and evolve around a “core” of the more successful movies. In addition, imitation is both conventional and atypical: a new movie usually follows a stream of similar movies yet simultaneously combines atypical elements from movies outside this stream. This atypicality, if well balanced, has a positive effect on the individual movie’s box office. However, I find that, in the long run, atypical combination may lead to a worse collective box-office performance because of the way it changes the market structure.

This paper was accepted by Matthew Shum, marketing.
Decompositions of Semidefinite Matrices and the Perspective Reformulation of Nonseparable Quadratic Programs
Authors: Frangioni Antonio , Gentile Claudio , Hungerford James
Published: October 2019

We study the problem of decomposing the Hessian matrix of a mixed integer convex quadratic program (MICQP) into the sum of positive semidefinite 2 × 2 matrices. Solving this problem enables the use of perspective reformulation techniques for obtaining strong lower bounds for MICQPs with semicontinuous variables but a nonseparable objective function. An explicit formula is derived for constructing 2 × 2 decompositions when the underlying matrix is weakly scaled diagonally dominant, and necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the decomposition to be unique. For matrices lying outside this class, two exact semidefinite programming approaches and an efficient heuristic are developed for finding approximate decompositions. We present preliminary results on the bound strength of a 2 × 2 perspective reformulation for the portfolio optimization problem, showing that, for some classes of instances, the use of 2 × 2 matrices can significantly improve the quality of the bound with respect to the best previously known approach, although at a possibly high computational cost.
Randomized Linear Programming Solves the Markov Decision Problem in Nearly Linear (Sometimes Sublinear) Time
Authors: Wang Mengdi
Published: October 2019

We propose a novel randomized linear programming algorithm for approximating the optimal policy of the discounted-reward and average-reward Markov decision problems. By leveraging the value–policy duality, the algorithm adaptively samples state–action–state transitions and makes exponentiated primal–dual updates. We show that it finds an ɛ-optimal policy using nearly linear runtime in the worst case for a fixed value of the discount factor. When the Markov decision process is ergodic and specified in some special data formats, for fixed values of certain ergodicity parameters, the algorithm finds an ɛ-optimal policy using sample size and time linear in the total number of state–action pairs, which is sublinear in the input size. These results provide a new venue and complexity benchmarks for solving stochastic dynamic programs.
Introduction to the Applied Probability Society’s “Open Problems in Applied Probability” Session at the INFORMS Annual Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona, November 4–7, 2018
Authors: Atar Rami , Honappa Harsha
Published: October 2019

This Special Section of Stochastic Systems includes a number of open problems that were presented at a session organized by the Applied Probability Society during the INFORMS Annual Meeting held in Phoenix, Arizona, November 4–7, 2018, on topics of current interest in applied probability.
VARIATION OF COMORBIDITIES IN ROMANIA AT THE LAU2 LEVEL, A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Pana Adrian , Ileanu Bogdan-Vasile
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Romania is still lagging behind in regard to main health indicators when compared to average values of European Union countries with a disproportionate share of disability due mainly to chronic diseases. There are tools available to quantify the negative health outcomes due to comorbidities, and among them the Elixhauser Index was found to be the best to predict health care utilization and expenditures.

Objective: To measure the extent of comorbidities at the LAU2 level using the Elixhauser Index.

Methods: All relevant comorbidities at the local level were summed-up using the Elixhauser index. This was followed with standardization by population number and then by 10-year age group. Due to large oscillation from one year to another during the 2014-2016 period, the geometrical mean was computed, then few measures of the variation such as decile ratio and variation coefficient were also computed.

Results: High variability of comorbidities is observed at the local level (LAU2). Clusters of comorbidities concentration are found near medical university centers and localities in non-MUC districts located at the furthest distance from the county residential center.

Conclusions: Several factors such as proximity to referral hospitals, increased accessibility to these hospitals due to low control at primary healthcare levels, availability of diagnostic technologies and different diagnostic coding patterns, as well as isolation and unavailability of primary health care services are listed as possible factors that can explain these results.
RENOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF MELATONIN IN CONDITIONS OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY AND ALTERED PINEAL GLAND ACTIVITY
Authors: Shchudrova Tetiana , Dudka Yevheniia , Korotun Olena , Bilous Tetiana , Herman Fedir , Zamorskii Igor
Published: October 2019

INTRODUCTION: Melatonin is a promising therapeutic agent due to its multiple beneficial effects, wide availability and relatively high safety. As melatonin acts as a chronobiotic agent, its adequate production by the pineal gland allows for adaptation to environmental changes, while disturbances in melatonin secretion are associated with health disorders. The renoprotective effect of exogenous melatonin was established on different experimental models of acute kidney injury (AKI), while the influence of the altered pineal gland activity on the efficacy of melatonin treatment has not been investigated.   

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to study the renoprotective potential of melatonin in conditions of aminoglycoside-induced AKI against the background of pineal hypo- and hyperfunction.

METHODS: Nonlinear mature white rats (n=40) were randomly divided into 5 groups. Animals from the I (Control), and II (AKI) group were kept under the natural light regimen. Pineal hypofunction was simulated in rats from the III group by maintenance under conditions of constant light at 500 lux (24.00 light : 0.00 darkness) for 7 days. Pineal hyperfunction was simulated in rats from the IV group by maintenance under conditions of constant darkness (0.00 light : 24.00 darkness). Toxic AKI (II-IV groups) was induced by daily administration of gentamicin at a dose of 80 mg/kg for 6 days. Animals from the III-IV groups were injected daily with melatonin at a dose of 5 mg/kg. 24 h after the last injection biochemical and histological examination was performed. For the statistical analysis SPSS 17.0 software was used.

RESULTS: Nephrotoxicity of gentamicin caused significant (p<0.05) functional changes and structural alterations to the rat kidneys. Treatment with melatonin in conditions of gentamicin-induced kidney injury significantly limited the degree of damage to renal tissue and prevented a critical reduction in kidney function, confirming a protective effect of melatonin. At the same time, significant (p<0.05) differences between the indices of the III and IV group allow us to state, that treatment with exogenous melatonin on the background of endogenous melatonin deficiency was less effective in comparison to the administration of melatonin in conditions of pineal hyperfunction.

CONCLUSION: Melatonin ameliorates gentamicin-induced kidney injury by the limitation of histopathological changes in kidney tissue and the preservation of kidney function. Pre-existing deficiency of endogenous melatonin decreases the resistance of kidneys to the damaging action of the toxin and lessens the protective effect of the exogenous melatonin. Alternatively, in rats with increased pineal gland activity and melatonin production, co-treatment with exogenous melatonin more effectively protects the kidney from gentamicin-induced structural and functional changes and prevents the development of renal failure.
STUDENTS ATTITUDE TOWARDS MEDICAL ETHICS EDUCATION
Authors: Vodenitcharova Alexandrina , Leventi Nikoleta , Popova Kristina
Published: October 2019

Medical ethics (ME) and bioethics education are integrated in many medical schools, as a discipline, which aims to help future doctors to recognize ethical issues in healthcare and develop ethical decision-making skills. The main purpose of this paper was to explore students’ attitude towards medical ethics and bioethics, as a course of their education curriculum in the Medical University of Sofia in Bulgaria. The goal was to find out students expectations for the contribution of the acquired knowledge to reflect upon the ethical dimensions and human rights considerations of medicine, healthcare and science after the end of their ME course. A paper questionnaire was distributed to medical students with a letter indicating the purpose of the study. All the students were anonymous and voluntarily participated in the survey. Completed questionnaires were received from 344 medical students. According to the results, the majority (94%) of the participants are familiar with the principles of medical ethics and bioethics and supports (86%) the necessity of studying Medical ethics. Most of the students (87%) think that medical ethics education will help them in their future work and believe (86%) that this course will improve their professionalism, while their opinion (70%) is that medical ethics will lead to effectively co-working with other medical professionals.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE AVIAN PATHOTYPE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ON LAYER FLOCKS BY MULTIPLEX PCR
Authors: Burtan Marilena , Popa Virgilia , Gurau Maria Rodica , Danes Doina
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Colibacillosis in poultry is determined by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and represents an important source of economic losses  in the poultry industry. APEC’s pathogenicity relies on the presence and expression of different virulence factors. The genes ompA , iss  and  fimH, encoding the outer membrane protein, the protein inducing resistance to complement and the synthesis of type 1 fimbria are present in APEC strains.

Objective: Escherichia coli strains isolated from layers were analysed to assess the pathotype they belong to.

Methods: In order to detect the three genes associated with APEC strains, 16 E. coli isolates were investigated for virulence associated genes ompA, iss and fimH, using multiplex PCR.

Results: From the 16 E.coli strains submitted, multiplex PCR assessment revealed that 14 (87.5%) of the E. coli strains isolated contained at least one virulence gene, while 2 (12.5%) strains did not harbour any of the virulence genes tested. The fimH gene was noted in 13 (81.25%) of the strains tested, the ompA gene has been present in 12 (75%) strains and the iss gene was present in 9 (56.25%) strains. Eight (50%) strains were found to present all three investigated genes.

Conclusion: Presence of these genes is a strong indicatory to consider those strains as belonging to the APEC pathotype.
LIQUID CRYSTAL MATERIALS ORIENTATION USING NEW APPROACH
Authors: Kamanina Natalia
Published: October 2019

It is well known that the liquid crystal (LC) mesophase is actively used in display technique and biomedicine devices. Unfortunately, the switching time of the devices based on the LCs is not fast enough; thus, it is very important to find novel perspective ways to obtain the good switching time of the LC dipoles used in these devices. Initial orientation of the LC molecules influences the dynamic parameters, for example, the switch-on and switch-off characteristics and the diffraction efficiency of the final devices. Among the different methods and approaches to find the optimized orientation of the inertial LC molecules a nanotechnology approach has shown the best results. This approach allows increasing the transparency, to decrease the resistivity and the number of the functional layers in the sandwich LC structures. Thus, it results in a decrease in the applied bias voltage. The effect is based on the fact that the ITO coating can be considered as the conducting layer and as the orienting (alignment) layer simultaneously. In the current paper, we continue our steps in the direction to find the best way of the LC molecules orientation. It is proposed to consider the LC media sensitization process as the method to change the surface relief when this relief is prepared from the polymeric orienting materials doped with the carbon nano-objects. Based on the solid fullerene-doped polyimide thin films and other organics it can be shown that the content of the fullerenes influences the wetting angle significantly. The fullerene concentration is correlated with the different surface relief view applied in the aligning of the LC molecules. The switching of the LC can be improved; furthermore the novel relief depended on the fullerene content can be used for the optical limiting of the laser irradiation.
INFLUENCE OF INDOOR POLLUTION AND PARAMETERS ON HUMAN HEALTH
Authors: Velichkova Rositsa , Stankov Peter , Angelova Radositna A. , Simova Iskra , Markov Detelin
Published: October 2019

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is an important issue, considering that modern people spend most of their time indoors in houses, workplaces, recreation areas. IAQ has a serious impact on human health, comfort, performance, and wellbeing. In order to minimize the negative consequences, considerable efforts are made to assure the high quality of the indoor air. In the present paper, indoor pollution is analysed in light of its effect on IAQ and human health. The indoor pollutants are due to the presence of higher concentrations of chemical species, physical processes or biologicals in the ambient air.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS OF CARDIAC DATA OBTAINED THROUGH HOLTER MONITORING IN REAL LIVING CONDITIONS
Authors: Georgieva-Tsaneva Galya Nikolova
Published: October 2019

The paper presents frequency methods for estimating the variability of intervals between individual heart beats in Electrocardiogram. This parameter is known in the scientific literature as the Heart Rate Variability and with this method it is possible to make predictions about human health. Three frequency ranges have been studied: Very Low Frequency, Low Frequency, and High Frequency. The study in this paper was based on real cardiological data obtained from 33 patients suffering from heart fibrillations and 29 healthy individuals. The investigated records are obtained through a Holter monitoring of studied individuals in real life conditions. The obtained results show significantly lower values ​​of the tested spectral parameters in the diseased individuals compared to the healthy controls. The accomplished study shows the effective applicability of the spectral methods of Heart Rate Variability analysis and the possibility of differentiation by the spectral parameters of the patients from healthy individuals.
Development of a decision guide for transanal irrigation in bowel disorders
Authors: Emmanuel Anton , Collins Brigitte , Henderson Michelle , Lewis Lisa , Stackhouse Kelly
Published: October 2019

Transanal irrigation (TAI), which has emerged as a therapy for patients with bowel dysfunction, can aid emptying of the bowel and help to re-establish control of bowel function by choosing the time and place of evacuation. Because of the ever-growing numbers of TAI systems available, choosing the optimal equipment can be overwhelming. Therefore, a consensus review of best practice from a working party of experts was thought to represent the most appropriate means of arriving at clinically meaningful advice. This led to the production of an article as well as a decision-guide booklet to aid choice of equipment, initiation, patient education, regimen setting and follow-up. These are designed to help healthcare providers initiating TAI to make optimal decisions for each individual patient.
Evaluating evidence for stoma care nursing: appraising a randomised controlled trial of ostomy skin barriers
Authors: McPhail Jackie
Published: October 2019

Background:

Nursing practice should be evidence-based. As such, nurses should be able to rank sources according to a hierarchy of evidence and critically appraise the validity of studies. This is especially important in stoma care, where high-quality evidence is limited.

Methods:

Evidence appraisal is made easier by tools, such as the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) for Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT). CASP was used to critique the ADVOCATE Trial, ( Colwell et al 2018 ), A Randomised Controlled Trial Determining Variance in Ostomy Skin Condition and the Economic Impact (ADVOCATE Trial), which had an adaptive design and compared the cost efficiency and efficacy of a ceramide-infused two-piece skin barrier with a comparator. The participants were randomised, and the trial was double blinded.

Results:

The trial addressed clearly focused issues. The improvement in cost efficacy for the trial group was statistically significant (p=0.017); in addition, three of six tertiary objectives were also statistically significant. Improvement in peristomal skin health was noticeable but not statistically significant. The results can be applied to other ostomy patient populations, and all clinically important outcomes were considered.

Conclusion:

CASP provided a staged and structured approach to review an RCT. It can help specialist nurses to find and apply relevant study findings to practice. CASP assessment found the ADVOCATE trial to be a reliable evidence base on which stoma care nurse could adjust their practice to optimise costs and peristomal skin health.
Implementation of the Omega (ω) Index to Detect Large-Scale Systematic Cheating
Authors: Vista Alvin
Published: October 2019

Cheating detection is an important issue in standardized testing, especially in large-scale settings. Statistical approaches are often computationally intensive and require specialised software to conduct. We present a two-stage approach that quickly filters suspected groups using statistical testing on an IRT-based answer-copying index. We also present an approach to mitigate data contamination and improve the performance of the index. The computation of the index was implemented through a modified version of an open source R package, thus enabling wider access to the method. Using data from PIRLS 2011 (N=64,232) we conduct a simulation to demonstrate our approach. Type I error was well-controlled and no control group was falsely flagged for cheating, while 16 (combined n=12,569) of the 18 (combined n=14,149) simulated groups were detected. Implications for system-level cheating detection and further improvements of the approach were discussed.
Short-term perioperative parecoxib is not detrimental to shaft fracture healing in a rat model
Authors: Hjorthaug Geir A. , Søreide Endre , Nordsletten Lars , Madsen Jan E. , Reinholt Finn P. , Niratisairak Sanyalak , Dimmen Sigbjørn
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Experimental studies indicate that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may have negative effects on fracture healing. This study aimed to assess the effect of immediate and delayed short-term administration of clinically relevant parecoxib doses and timing on fracture healing using an established animal fracture model.

Methods

A standardized closed tibia shaft fracture was induced and stabilized by reamed intramedullary nailing in 66 Wistar rats. A ‘parecoxib immediate’ (Pi) group received parecoxib (3.2 mg/kg bodyweight twice per day) on days 0, 1, and 2. A ‘parecoxib delayed’ (Pd) group received the same dose of parecoxib on days 3, 4, and 5. A control group received saline only. Fracture healing was evaluated by biomechanical tests, histomorphometry, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at four weeks.

Results

For ultimate bending moment, the median ratio between fractured and non-fractured tibia was 0.61 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.45 to 0.82) in the Pi group, 0.44 (IQR 0.42 to 0.52) in the Pd group, and 0.50 (IQR 0.41 to 0.75) in the control group (n = 44; p = 0.068). There were no differences between the groups for stiffness, energy, deflection, callus diameter, DXA measurements (n = 64), histomorphometrically osteoid/bone ratio, or callus area (n = 20).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates no negative effect of immediate or delayed short-term administration of parecoxib on diaphyseal fracture healing in rats. Cite this article: G. A. Hjorthaug, E. Søreide, L. Nordsletten, J. E. Madsen, F. P. Reinholt, S. Niratisairak, S. Dimmen. Short-term perioperative parecoxib is not detrimental to shaft fracture healing in a rat model. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:472–480. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.810.BJR-2018-0341.R1.
A Review of In-Canopy and Near-Canopy Sprinkler Irrigation Concepts
Authors: Lamm Freddie R. , Bordovsky James P. , Howell Sr. Terry A.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. The use of in-canopy and near-canopy sprinkler application with mechanical-move systems is prevalent in the U.S. Great Plains. These systems can reduce evaporative losses by nearly 15%, but they introduce a much greater potential for irrigation non-uniformity and other water losses. This article is a review of these application technologies for mechanical-move sprinkler irrigation systems that have been widely adopted in the region, where irrigation capacities are typically less than those required to meet “fully irrigated” crop water demand and there is limited seasonal precipitation. Close attention to the design, installation, management, and operating guidelines for these systems can prevent many of the non-uniformity and water loss issues that reduce system performance and crop water productivity. Keywords: Center pivot, In-canopy sprinkler application, LEPA, LESA, LPIC, MESA, PARM, Sprinkler irrigation.
Investigating the Effects of Interaction of Single-Tine and Rotating-Tine Mechanisms with Soil on Weeding Performance Using Simulated Weeds
Authors: Kshetri Safal , Jiken Jafni Johari , Steward Brian L. , Tang Lie , Tekeste Mehari Z.
Published: October 2019

Mechanical weeding augmented with automation technology should result in highly effective weeding systems. However, the interaction between weeding mechanisms and soil is not well understood. Moreover, soil is highly variable, which makes studying this interaction challenging. The main objective of this research was to develop a method to investigate the effects of mechanical tool-soil interaction on weeding performance for different operating conditions in a controlled environment. Experiments were conducted in an indoor soil bin with loam soil, and the weeding performance was studied using small wooden cylinders as simulated weed plants. The investigations featured a single cylindrical tine and a rotating tine mechanism, vertically oriented and inserted into the soil. The total width of soil disturbance and potential weeding rate were evaluated for the single cylindrical tine at different levels of three operating parameters: tine diameter (6.35, 7.94, and 9.53 mm), working soil depth (25.4, 50.8, and 76.2 mm), and tine speed (0.23 and 0.45 m s-1). Potential weeding rate was examined for the rotating tine mechanism with two operating parameters: working soil depth (25.4 and 76.2 mm) and rotational speed (25, 50, and 100 rpm). Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA at p < 0.05. A simulation of the rotating tine mechanism was developed that estimated the disturbed area. For the single tine, soil disturbance width was independent of tine speed; however, tine diameter and depth had significant effects, as the width increased with increased levels of these two parameters. All three parameters had significant effects on the potential weeding rate of the single tine, and the rates were observed to increase with higher levels of the parameters. For the rotating tine mechanism, both depth and rotational speed were significant. The potential weeding rate for the rotating tine mechanism was found to increase with higher levels of these parameters. The results showed that although the width of soil disturbance due to a cylindrical tine was affected by the tine diameter and working soil depth, operating parameters such as increased longitudinal and rotational speeds also affected plant disturbance. The percentage of disturbed soil area in the simulation followed similar patterns as the percentage of disturbed plants observed in the experiments. Keywords: Inter-row weeding, Intra-row weeding, Mechanical weeding, Rotating tine mechanism, Soil disturbance, Tine.
Corn and Sorghum ET, E, Yield, and CWP as Affected by Irrigation Application Method: SDI versus Mid-Elevation Spray Irrigation
Authors: Evett Steven R. , Marek Gary W. , Colaizzi Paul D. , Brauer David K. , O’Shaughnessy Susan A.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Greater than 80% of the irrigated area in the Southern High Plains is served by center-pivot irrigation, but the area served by subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is increasing due to several factors including declining well yields and improved yields and crop water productivity (CWP), particularly for cotton. Not as well established is the degree to which the reduced soil water evaporation (E) in SDI systems affects the soil water balance, water available to the crop, and overall water savings. Grain corn ( L.) and sorghum ( L. Moench) were grown on four large weighing lysimeters at Bushland, Texas, in 2013 (corn), 2014 and 2015 (sorghum), and 2016 (corn). Evapotranspiration (ET) was measured using the lysimeters and using a neutron probe in the surrounding fields. Two of the lysimeters and surrounding fields were irrigated with SDI, and the other two were irrigated with mid-elevation spray application (MESA). The lysimeter-measured evaporative losses were 149 to 151 mm greater from sprinkler-irrigated corn fields than from SDI fields. When growing sorghum, the lysimeter-measured evaporative losses were 44 to 71 mm greater from sprinkler-irrigated fields than from SDI fields. The differences were affected by plant height and became smaller when plant height reached the height of the spray nozzles, indicating that the use of LEPA or LESA nozzles could decrease the evaporative losses from sprinkler-irrigated fields in this region with its high evaporative demand. Annual weather patterns also influenced the differences in evaporative loss, with increased differences in dry years. SDI reduced overall corn water use by 13% to 15%, as determined by neutron probe, while either not significantly affecting yield (2016) or increasing yield by up to 19% (2013) and increasing CWP by 37% (2013) to 13% (2016) as compared with MESA full irrigation. However, sorghum yield decreased by 15% and CWP decreased by 14% in 2014 when using SDI compared with MESA full irrigation due to an overly wet soil profile in the SDI fields and deep percolation that likely caused nutrient losses. In 2015, there were no significant sorghum yield differences between irrigation methods. Sorghum CWP was significantly greater (by 14%) in one SDI field in 2015 compared with MESA fully irrigated sorghum. Overall, sorghum CWP increased by 8% for SDI compared with MESA full irrigation in 2015. These results indicate that SDI will be successful for corn production in the Texas High Plains, but SDI is unlikely to benefit sorghum production. Keywords: Corn, Crop water productivity, Evaporative loss, Evapotranspiration, Irrigation application method, Sorghum, Water use efficiency, Weighing lysimeter.
The Effectiveness of Air Ionization in Reducing Bioaerosols and Airborne PRRS Virus in a Ventilated Space
Authors: La Amy , Zhang Qiang , Levin David B. , Coombs Kevin M.
Published: October 2019

The presence of bioaerosols in swine production facilities affects the respiratory health of swine workers and pigs. Air ionization (AI) is an affordable technology for removing bioaerosols in the air. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of AI on aerosols in a ventilated space in terms of reduction in aerosol concentration, changes in particle size distribution, and reduction of airborne Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV). Experiments were performed in a two-chamber system in which aerosols containing PRRSV were introduced. Tests were conducted for two ventilation rates of 34 and 136 m3 h-1 and two aerosol generation rates of 14.8 and 33.0 mL h-1. The aerosol concentration and size distribution were measured with an aerosol particle size spectrometer. The average reduction in geometric mean diameter of aerosols by AI treatment ranged from 8% to 53%, and reduction in aerosol concentration ranged from 68% to 96%. Ventilation rate was found to affect the efficiency of AI in reducing aerosol concentration; the removal efficiency decreased with increased ventilation rate. The removal efficiency of AI varied with particle size. Specifically, at the low airflow rate, the removal efficiency of AI increased sharply with particle size from 70% at 0.25 µm to 95% at 0.6 µm and reached 100% for particles larger than 6 µm. At the high airflow rate, the removal efficiency varied between 50% to 80% before reaching 100% removal for particles sizes of 7 to 9 µm. The average reduction in PRRSV concentration ranged from 68% to 96%, and the residual PRRSV remaining in the air after treatment ranged from 154 to 4593 viral genome copy number (VGCN) m-3. Ozone generation by the AI system was not measured in this study, and it may be a concern due to the health risk to pigs and workers when using AI systems for removing bioaerosols. Keywords: Air ionization, Air quality, Bioaerosols, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus, Swine.
Evaluation of Sediment Load Reduction by Natural Riparian Vegetation in the Goodwin Creek Watershed
Authors: Momm Henrique G. , Yasarer Lindsey M. W. , Bingner Ronald L. , Wells Robert R. , Kunhle Roger A.
Published: October 2019

Natural riparian vegetation can contribute to edge-of-field filtering of nonpoint-source (NPS) pollutants and function as a conservation structure. The challenge resides in quantifying the performance of riparian vegetation. In this study, the impact of natural and constructed riparian vegetation in reducing sediment loads was evaluated at field and watershed scales in the Goodwin Creek experimental watershed using the Annualized Agriculture Non-Point Source (AnnAGNPS) watershed pollutant model. Detailed characterization of actual natural riparian vegetation was performed with the AGNPS-Buffer GIS tool (AGBUF), and the results were integrated with the AnnAGNPS model to estimate suspended sediment concentrations at the edges of fields and at the watershed outlet. The specific objectives focused on natural vegetation characterization, quantification of sediment trapping efficiency (TE), and comparison of sediment loads of different particle sizes under contrasting alternative scenarios with varying buffer widths and concentrated flow path (CFP) assumptions. Simulation results indicated that the potential of natural riparian vegetation to reduce sediment yield differed for clay, silt, and sand particle sizes. Evaluation of the simulation describing actual conditions but with varying CFP assumptions indicated improved agreement with the observed values when an increasing number of CFPs was considered. Simulation results demonstrated the importance of maintenance to prevent CFPs, as comparisons of simulations containing constructed buffer alternatives suggested that narrower well-maintained buffers can be as efficient as wider buffers containing CFPs and have the potential to remove less land from production. Keywords: AnnAGNPS, Buffer trapping efficiency, Integrated field and watershed scales, Natural riparian buffers, Watershed modeling.
Autonomous network diagnosis from the carrier perspective [Invited]: publisher’s note
Authors: Tanaka Takafumi , Hirano Akira , Kobayashi Shoukei , Oda Takuya , Kuwabara Seiki , Lord Andrew , Gunning Paul , Gonzalez de Dios Oscar , Lopez Victor , Lopez de Lerma Arturo Mayoral , Manzalini Antonio
Published: October 2019

This publisher’s note corrects an author’s affiliation in
J. Opt. Commun.
Netw. 12, A9
(2020)JOCNBB1943-062010.1364/JOCN.12.0000A9.