bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potere antiossidante di vini pugliesi
Authors: Antonacci G. , De Biase G. , Antonacci D. , Milella R.A.
Published: October 2019

I composti polifenolici presenti nell'uva e nel vino sono stati ampiamente caratterizzati ed è noto che possiedono un alto potenziale antiossidante. Pochi studi sono stati, invece, eseguiti sul potere antiossidante dei vini pugliesi. In questo studio abbiamo esaminato il poter antiossidante di ventisette vini pugliesi, prodotti nel rispetto dei locali disciplinari per la denominazione di origine, DOP e IGP, rappresentativi di uno dei territori più importanti dell'enologia nazionale italiana. I vini ottenuti dalle uve del territorio pugliese, in particolare quelli rossi, sono ottime fonti di sostanze antiossidanti. La ricerca conferma l'elevata correlazione tra il contenuto in PFT e l'attività antiossidante misurata con il metodo ORAC (r = 0.963). Minore correlazione è stata evidenziata tra i PFT e il metodo DPPH (r = 0.538).
Le verdissement des espaces urbains déconstruits et temporairement disponibles peut-il optimiser la biodiversité, en limiter les coûts de gestion voire les contraintes réglementaires ?
Authors: Lemoine G.
Published: October 2019

La ville est un espace dynamique qui vit au rythme des mutations économiques, commerciales, sociales et foncières. En certains endroits apparaissent ainsi des friches qui une fois déconstruites et en attente d’affectation voient l’expression de vives dynamiques naturelles, notamment de colonisation végétale. La qualité variable des sols en place et des végétations urbaines qui s’y installent peut parfois poser quelques problèmes aux riverains et aux aménageurs. La présence d’espèces rudérales (chardons, orties, armoises, morelles…), d’espèces exotiques envahissantes, ou l’implantation spontanée de ligneux (saules, bouleaux) entraînent des coûts de gestion. La présence éventuelle d’espèces protégées génère quant à elle des démarches complexes de prise en compte (évitement, réduction d’impacts et compensation) et coûteuses en temps (délais d’instruction) et en argent. En Nord et Pas-de-Calais, l’établissement public foncier (EPF), outil du renouvellement urbain, confronté à cette problématique a décidé, depuis 2015, de réaliser des verdissements à grande échelle. Ceux-ci favorables à l’intégration du site dans son territoire veulent également être une contribution à la préservation de la biodiversité.
Psychopharmaka-induzierte unerwünschte Wirkungen in der Ernährungstherapie
Authors: Schlumm Katharina , Sina Christian , Schröder Torsten , Smollich Martin
Published: October 2019

Metabolische Effekte von Psychopharmaka sind sehr häufig – dies gilt insbesondere für appetitsteigernde Wirkungen und die Zunahme von Körpergewicht. Besonders stark mit einer Gewichtszunahme assoziiert sind Antipsychotika (Neuroleptika) und einige Antidepressiva (Mirtazapin, Lithium, Trizyklika). Resultierende metabolische Veränderungen sind häufig klinisch relevant, da sie sich negativ auf die kardiovaskuläre Morbidität und Mortalität auswirken können. Insbesondere bei Patienten unter Therapie mit Antipsychotika sollten regelmäßig Kontrolluntersuchungen durchgeführt werden (Körpergewicht, Blutdruck, Blutzuckerspiegel, Cholesterin, Leber-/Nierenfunktion). Wirkstoffspezifische metabolische Nebenwirkungen können antizipiert und durch geeignete Ernährungs- und Verhaltensinterventionen abgemildert oder verhindert werden. Alternativ sollte ärztlicherseits auch ein Wirkstoffwechsel erwogen werden, falls die Nebenwirkungen die Lebensqualität des Patienten relevant beeinträchtigen. Bei Unwirksamkeit anderer Maßnahmen zur Gewichtskontrolle kann die Anwendung von Orlistat bzw. Metformin (off-label) versucht werden.
Percutaneous endoscopic versus radiologic gastrostomy for enteral feeding: a retrospective analysis on outcomes and complications
Authors: Strijbos Denise , Keszthelyi Daniel , Gilissen Lennard P. L. , Lacko Martin , Hoeijmakers Janneke G. J. , van der Leij Christiaan , de Ridder Rogier J. J. , de Haan Michiel W. , Masclee Ad A. M.
Published: October 2019

Background and study aims Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PRG) are techniques used for long-term enteral feeding. Our primary aim was to analyze procedure-related and 30-day mortality and complications between PEG and PRG in relation to indications.

Patients and methods A single-center retrospective analysis was performed thath included all adult patients receiving initial PEG (January 2008 until April 2016) and PRG (January 2010 until April 2016). Outcomes were mortality (procedure-related, 30-day), complications (early (≤ 30 days) and late) and success rates.

Results A total of 760 procedures (469 PRG and 291 PEG) were analyzed. Most common indications were head and neck cancer (HNC), cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Success rates for placement were 91.2 % for PEG and 97.1 % for PRG (P = 0.001). Procedure-related mortality was 1.7 % in PEG and 0.4 % in PRG (P = 0.113). The 30-day mortality was 10.7 % in PEG and 5.1 % in PRG (P = 0.481 after multivariate logistic regression) CVA was associated with higher 30-day mortality, whereas ALS, higher body weight, and prophylactic placements in HNC were associated with lower rates.

Tube-related complications were less frequent in PEG, both early (2.7 % vs. 26.4 %, P ≤ 0.001) and late (8.6 % vs. 31.5 %, P ≤ 0.001). The percentage of major complications and infections did not differ.

Conclusions With respect to procedure-related and 30-day mortality, PEG and PRG compare equally. PRG had a higher procedural success rate. Tube-related complications and pain are less frequent after PEG compared to PRG. The choice for either PEG or PRG therefore should primarily be based on local facilities and expertise.
A novel endoscopic assessment of the gastroesophageal junction for the prediction of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot study
Authors: Inoue Haruhiro , Fujiyoshi Yusuke , Abad Mary Raina Angeli , Rodriguez de Santiago Enrique , Sumi Kazuya , Iwaya Yugo , Ikeda Haruo , Onimaru Manabu , Shimamura Yuto
Published: October 2019

Background and aim Hiatal hernia and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) dysfunction play major roles in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) pathogenesis. We developed a novel endoscopic assessment to evaluate the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of this method for the diagnostic prediction of GERD.

Methods A retrospective analysis of patients with GERD symptoms who underwent gastroscopy and esophageal pH-impedance monitoring was conducted. The novel assessment evaluated the following in retroflex view: 1) Cardiac Opening (CO): diameter of the opening of the cardia, 2) Sliding Hernia (SH): length from the diaphragmatic crus to the squamocolumnar junction, 3) Scope Holding Time% (SHT%): the percentage of time that the Scope Holding Sign (SHS) was observed out of 30 seconds. The SHS is defined as the lower esophagus holding the endoscope under excessive insufflation. The results of this assessment and that of pH-impedance monitoring were compared.

Results In total, 61 patients (mean age ± SD, 54.1 ± 16.4 years, 32 males) were enrolled. CO and SH were significantly correlated with acid exposure time (AET) (ρ = 0.36, P = 0.005, and ρ = 0.36, P = 0.004). The optimal cutoff of CO for AET > 6 % was 3 cm (Sensitivity = 72.4 %, Specificity = 46.9 %, AUC = 0.64) and that of SH was 2 cm (Sensitivity = 55.2 %, Specificity = 75.0 %, AUC = 0.70). When the population was stratified according to this cutoff, patients with CO > 3 cm and those with SH > 2 cm presented higher AET (15.1 vs 4.1 %, P = 0.037, and 23.0 vs 3.6 %, P = 0.026). Optimal cutoff of SHT% for the number of all reflux episodes > 80 was 75 % (Sensitivity = 81.8 %, Specificity = 54.6%, AUC = 0.67). Patients with SHT% < 75 % presented a higher number of all reflux episodes (88 vs 65, P = 0.014). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of SHT% < 75 % for all reflux episodes > 80 were 81.8 % (95 %CI: 67.7 – 91.8), 54.5% (95 %CI: 40.4 – 64.5), and 68.2 % (95 %CI: 54.0 – 78.1).

Conclusion This novel endoscopic assessment of GEJ significantly predicted the presence of GERD and merits further testing in future studies.
Panzytopenie durch Azathioprin in Kombination mit Allopurinol
Authors: Elsner P. , Meyer J.
Published: October 2019

Ein 55-jähriger Patient mit einem seit Jahrzehnten vorbekannten systemischen Lupus erythematodes (SLE) und zahlreichen medikamentös behandelten Komorbiditäten (arterielle Hypertonie, Diabetes mellitus Typ 2, Hyperurikämie, Niereninsuffizienz, Antiphospholipid-Syndrom, venöse Thromboembolien und periphere arterielle Verschlusskrankheit) stellte sich zur Abklärung von Ulcera crurum bei einem Hautarzt vor. Der Dermatologe diagnostizierte eine Immunvaskulitis und verordnete Azathioprin (100 mg/Tag). In der Folge kam es zu einer deutlichen Verschlechterung des Allgemeinbefindens sowie zu einem Abszess am Oberschenkel; als Ursache stellte sich eine schwere Panzytopenie heraus. Während des nachfolgenden stationären Aufenthaltes wurde der Patient dialysepflichtig, entwickelte eine Pneumonie, Gerinnungsstörungen und zerebrale Infarkte mit Entwicklung einer kortikalen Blindheit. In zeitlichem Abstand traten eine akute Cholecystitis bei Cholelithiasis, eine Sepsis und zunehmende Ischämien im Bereich der hirnzuführenden Arterien mit motorischen Ausfällen, Sprachstörungen und rezidivierenden Krampfanfällen auf, die schließlich zum Tode führten.

Gutachterlich festgestellt und von der Schlichtungsstelle bestätigt wurde als Ursache der Panzytopenie die behandlungsfehlerhafte Komedikation von Azathioprin mit der vorbestehenden Medikation mit Allopurinol ohne Dosisanpassung. Xanthinoxidasehemmer wie Allopurinol können die Myelotoxizität von Azathioprin erhöhen; sollte im Einzelfall eine entsprechende Kombination unvermeidbar sein, ist laut Fachinformation eine Dosisreduktion von Azathioprin auf 25 % erforderlich sowie eine engmaschige Kontrolle von Blutbild und Thrombozyten.

Gerade bei multimorbiden, multimedikamentös vorbehandelten Patienten sollten bei Neuansetzen einer medikamentösen Therapie mögliche Arzneimittelinteraktionen sorgfältig überprüft werden.
Risk Factors for Impaired Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Increased Length of Hospital Stay Following Hysterectomy on Benign Indications in Premenopausal Women: a Study From the Swedish National Register for Gynecological Surgery
Authors: Borendal Wodlin Ninnie
Published: October 2019

Introduction The aims of the study were to evaluate the impact of intra- and postoperative complications on satisfaction one year after hysterectomy for benign conditions, to determine risk factors for low patient satisfaction and to analyze whether complications were associated with the length of hospital stay.

Material and Methods A retrospective study of 27 938 women from the Swedish National Register for Gynecological Surgery undergoing hysterectomy for benign conditions between January 2004 and June 2016. Data were obtained from prospectively collected pre-, peri- and postoperative forms. Statistical analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression models. Crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are presented.

Results More than 90% were satisfied with the hysterectomy. Dissatisfaction was associated with complications. Pelvic pain as indication, preoperatively having less expectations to get rid of symptoms or being alleviated from surgery, and current smoking were also risk factors for low patient satisfaction. Vaginal and abdominal subtotal hysterectomies were associated with high satisfaction. Occurrence of complications intra- and postoperatively before discharge was associated with increased length of hospital stay, as well as occurrence and severity of complications reported after discharge from hospital.

Conclusions Complications were strongly associated with lower patient satisfaction. Preoperative expectations of surgery, indication, mode of surgery and life-style factors had impact on the satisfaction. Patient-centered information to ensure realistic expectations and prevention of complications seem to be essential to gain optimal patient satisfaction with surgery.
Concomitant Overlapping Acute Extradural and Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Agrawal Amit , Kumar VA Kiran , Kiran NA Sai , Kumar V Anil , Raj Busetty Prithvi
Published: October 2019

Usually following traumatic brain injury, extradural hematoma (EDH) and subdural hematoma (SDH) appear in opposite locations, with EDH being a coup injury and SDH being a contrecoup injury. We present a case of 24-year-old male patient who had concomitant overlapping acute EDH and SDH requiring neurosurgical intervention and discuss the clinical relevance of these coexisting lesions. Concomitant overlapping EDH and SDH are uncommon lesions and need close observation and planned follow-up imaging.
Demonstration of Brain Expansion in Cases of Chronic SDH during Admission Leads to Decreased Rates of Recurrence
Authors: Yagnick Nishant S. , Moolchandani Sandeep , Sinha Sumit , Mehta V. S.
Published: October 2019

While being considered a simple procedure among the wide spectrum of neurosurgical procedures, the surgical management of chronic subdural hematoma (SDH) still possesses a degree of variability. Present concepts of production versus absorption of chronic SDH fluid has led to practitioners differing in the use of drains, the treatment of inner membrane, the flushing of the subdural cavity, and the perioperative decision making for cases with comorbidities and a history of anticoagulant/antiplatelet usage. In this article, we present the management of chronic SDH over a period of 15 months using the principles followed at our center. In 60 patients of chronic SDH, with the use of drains, we waited for radiological demonstration of brain expansion before drain removal and discharge. In our experience, this has led to better prognostication and very low recurrence rates, particularly in patients with comorbidities and on anticoagulant/ antiplatelet medication.
Role of Anthropometric Nutritional Assessment in Severe Head Injury
Authors: Dhandapani Manju , Dhandapani Sivashanmugam , Agarwal Meena , Chutani Alka , Sharma Bhawani S. , Mahapatra Ashok K.
Published: October 2019

Aim Nutritional demand after traumatic brain injury is increased due to hypermetabolic response. The present study was undertaken to assess nutritional status with anthropometric indices, factors associated, and their prognostic role following severe head injury (SHI).

Method A total of 114 patients in age group 20 to 60 years, admitted within 24 hours of SHI, with Glasgow Coma Scale of 4 to 8, and with no serious systemic disorder were enrolled for the study. Of these, 67 were prospectively assessed weekly till 21 days for changes in mid arm circumference (MAC), mid arm muscle circumference (MAMC), and triceps skin fold thickness (TSF). They were studied in relation to other factors and outcome was assessed at 3 months.

Results The percentage fall at 3 weeks for MAC, MAMC, and TSF were 14, 10, and 37%, respectively. The percentage of fall in MAMC was the earliest, and was significantly greater in patients with surgical intervention, tracheostomy, prolonged fever, delayed enteral feeding, and greater caloric deficit. Admission MAMC < 90% of standard was significantly associated with unfavorable outcome (odds ratio 5.9 [95% confidence interval 1.3–27.8], p = 0.01). Unfavorable outcome was significantly more frequent in patients who had at least 15% fall in MAC (85.7 vs. 41.9%, p = 0.03), or 10% fall in MAMC (68.8 vs. 38.2%, p = 0.04) at 2 weeks, compared with others. Fall in TSF had no significant association with outcome at 3 months. In multivariate analysis, MAMC fall had significant independent association with unfavorable outcome.

Conclusion Bedside anthropometry (especially MAMC) is efficient in identifying patients with nutrition depletion with significant influence on outcome at 3 months.
Manipulation under Anesthesia after Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated with Worse Long-Term Clinical Outcomes and Survivorship
Authors: Crawford David A. , Adams Joanne B. , Morris Michael J. , Berend Keith R. , Lombardi Adolph V.
Published: October 2019

The literature is mixed on the long-term fate of knees that undergo manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes and survivorship of patients who required a MUA after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared with a cohort of patients who did not undergo a MUA. Between 2003 and 2007, 2,193 patients (2,783 knees) underwent primary TKA with 2-year minimum follow-up; 182 knees (6.5%) had a MUA. Patients who had a manipulation were younger (p < 0.001) and had worse preoperative range of motion (ROM) (p < 0.001). Postoperative ROM, Knee Society clinical (KSC), functional, and pain (KSP) scores, revisions, and survivorship were compared between MUA and no MUA. Mean follow-up was 9.7 years. MUA patients had lower postoperative ROM (p < 0.001), change in ROM (p < 0.001), KSC (p < 0.001), KSP (p < 0.001), and change in KSP scores (0.013). Revisions occurred in 18 knees (9.9%) in the MUA group compared with 77 knees (3%) without a MUA (p < 0.001). Most common reason for revision after MUA was continued stiffness (50%). Relative risk for revision after one MUA was 2.01 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–3.8, p < 0.001) and after three or more MUAs were 27.02 (95% CI, 16.5–44.1, p < 0.001). Ten-year survival after MUA was 89.4% (95% CI, 87.1–91.7%) compared with 97.2% (95% CI, 96.9–97.5%) without a MUA (p < 0.001). Patients who undergo a MUA after primary TKA may have a knee at risk with higher revision rates, worse long-term clinical scores, ROM and survivorship.
Cervicothoracic Junction Fractures Management: An Overview of Literature
Authors: Dash Chinmaya
Published: October 2019

The cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) is a unique area of spine and is the junction between the mobile lordotic cervical spine and the rigid kyphotic thoracic spine. It extends from C6 through T4. The fractures of the CTJ are uncommon and not well known. The article focuses on biomechanics of cervicothoracic region, management strategies of fractures of cervicothoracic region, and reviews pertinent literature.
Ion irradiation of III–V semiconductor surfaces: From self-assembled nanostructures to plasmonic crystals
Authors: Kang M. , Goldman R. S.
Published: October 2019

Ion-irradiation of semiconductor surfaces has emerged as a promising approach to generate a variety of self-organized nanostructures. Furthermore, the combination of focused-ion-irradiation with molecular-beam epitaxy provides unprecedented design and control of surfaces and interfaces of hybrid materials at the atomic level during fabrication. In this review, we describe the directed self-assembly of nanostructure arrays ranging from islands to nanorods to 3-dimensional nanoparticle (NP) arrays. First, we discuss focused-ion-irradiation of III–V surfaces, which leads to preferential sputtering of group V species, followed by the formation of group III-rich metallic nanostructures. For continued irradiation beyond a threshold dose, the nanoparticle (NP) evolution is determined by the sputtering yield and the local ion beam angle of incidence, resulting in arrays of nanoparticles, nanorods, or nanoparticle chains. In addition to describing the formation of close-packed embedded Ga:GaAs nanocomposites using overgrowth of focused-ion-beam fabricated NP arrays, we discuss the surface plasmon resonances of NP arrays as well as the influence of both surface and buried NP arrays on the GaAs photoluminescence efficiency. Finally, we discuss the potential of “plasmonic crystals” for plasmon-enhanced optoelectronics.
Plant litter decomposition in a semiarid rangeland of Argentina: species and defoliation effects
Authors: Ambrosino Mariela L. , Busso Carlos A. , Torres Yanina A. , Ithurrart Leticia S. , Martínez Juan M. , Minoldo Gabriela , Cardillo Daniela S. , Palomo Iris R.
Published: October 2019

Plant litter decomposition is critical for terrestrial ecosystem productivity. Poa ligularis Nees ex Steud and Nassella tenuis (Phil.) Barkworth are native, desirable perennial grasses in central Argentina’s rangelands. Amelichloa ambigua (Speg.) Arriaga & Barkworth is only consumed when a better forage is unavailable. Litter traps were used to collect aboveground litter during two years. In March 2012, six bags, each one containing either leaf blade (three bags, one per species) or root litter (three bags, one per species) of the three species were located below the canopy of each replicate plant of the studied species (hereafter referred to as ‘location’). Blade litter bags were located on the soil surface, and root litter bags buried at 10cm soil depth. This allowed evaluation of the effects of defoliation, the different species canopies and the microbial community activity around their roots on decomposition of above- and belowground litter. For each species, twenty plants were either defoliated twice (5cm stubble height) or remained undefoliated during the growing season. Litter bags were collected after 2, 7, 13 and 24 months incubation. The study was repeated in 2013, with additional bags were placed for N content determination on leaf blade and root litters. Aboveground litter production was highest in P. ligularis; however, no differences were observed among species when the effect of plant size was eliminated. Aboveground litter of desirable species had higher N content and decomposed faster than that of A. ambigua. The opposite was recorded for root litter. Defoliation had no effect on litter decomposition, but location effects were detected after one year of incubation. Desirable perennial grasses promoted organic matter loss from litter, a key factor in increasing soil fertility in this semiarid ecosystem.
The Integration of Mental Health Care in Rural Iran
Authors: Smith Alex Keivahn
Published: October 2019

Iran’s rural mental health care system emerged in a context that included experiments in health care prior to the 1979 Revolution and the establishment of a primary health care (PHC) system after the Revolution. Beginning in the 1980s, Iran integrated mental health care into the existing PHC system by treating mental illness much like a communicable disease. Iran advanced treatment options compatible with the existing system, added new training for existing care providers, and incorporated specialists. The integration of mental health care led to the rapid improvement of health outcomes. The integration also created the unintended consequence of privileging pharmaceutical treatments and overlooking mental illnesses affected by somatization.
The Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and Substance use among Women with Opioid use Disorder
Authors: Pallatino Chelsea , Chang Judy C. , Krans Elizabeth E.
Published: October 2019

Background

Women with opioid use disorder (OUD) report high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and there is limited understanding of how IPV influences substance use behaviors among women with OUD.

Methods

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of 40 women with OUD participating in an ongoing clinical trial evaluating postpartum contraceptive utilization patterns for this population. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and lasted approximately 45 min. Interview questions focused on women's perceptions and experiences with IPV and how these experiences impacted their substance use behaviors. Transcripts were coded independently in Atlas.ti and qualitatively analyzed using a general qualitative inquiry approach for emerging themes.

Results

Participants were aged 24–29, and the majority were white, single, unemployed, had Medicaid insurance and a high school degree. Although personal IPV experiences were not necessary to be selected for this qualitative sub-study, all participants reported some lifetime experience with IPV. Four overarching themes emerged: (1) women attributed physical IPV to their partner's substance use; (2) emotional abuse prevented women from fully engaging in their recovery; (3) financial abuse prevented women from gaining independence from abusive partners; and (4) women coped with IPV experiences through substance use.

Conclusions

IPV had a significant influence on women's substance use behaviors including their perceived risk of relapse and treatment discontinuation. These findings demonstrate the need to integrate assessment, evaluation and management of IPV into substance use treatment settings.
Behavioral Economic Demand for Alcohol among Young Adults who Engage in Simultaneous Alcohol and Marijuana Use
Authors: Ramirez Jason J. , Cadigan Jennifer M. , Lee Christine M.
Published: October 2019

Background: Young adults (YAs) who engage in simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use (SAM) may combine substances due to enhanced subjective effects, and as a result, may place greater value (e.g., spend more resources) on alcohol relative to YAs who consume alcohol but do not engage in SAM. The aim of the current study was to evaluate behavioral economic demand for alcohol among YAs who reported SAM ( n = 101) relative to alcohol use only ( n = 316), and concurrent alcohol and marijuana use (CAM; n = 63).

Methods: YAs (18–25 years old) recruited from the community completed an online assessment that included the Alcohol Purchase Task as well as past month alcohol, marijuana, and SAM use.

Results: Analyses of covariance demonstrated that YAs who reported SAM had significantly higher Omax values (maximum overall expenditures on alcohol) than those who reported CAM, and both YAs who reported SAM and alcohol-only had significantly higher Pmax values (maximum inelastic price per drink) than YAs who reported CAM.

Conclusions: YAs that engage in SAM show an increased willingness to spend resources on alcohol. Elevated demand is not associated with concurrent use of multiple substances, but rather the combined (i.e., overlapping) use of substances.
The Relationship between Patient-Centered Care and Outcomes in Specialist Drug and Alcohol Treatment: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Davis Esther L. , Kelly Peter J. , Deane Frank P. , Baker Amanda L. , Buckingham Mark , Degan Tayla , Adams Sarah
Published: October 2019

Background: Patient-centered care is strongly advocated as a key for improving the quality of healthcare. Research examining the impact of patient-centered care in healthcare has concluded that there are demonstrable albeit inconsistent relationships between patient experience, quality of care, and healthcare outcomes. Knowledge of the impact of patient-centered care in the treatment of substance use disorder is limited. The aim of this review was to assess relationships between indicators of patient-centered care (satisfaction and patient-reported experience measures) and patient outcomes (substance use, psychological wellbeing, and service use) among people attending treatment for substance use disorder.

Methods: A systematic electronic literature search of a range of databases was conducted with variations of the search terms ‘patient-centered care’, ‘substance use disorders’, and residential or community specialist ‘treatment’. The populations, interventions and outcomes were summarized and described according to the PRISMA statement.

Results: A total of 25 articles were identified, of which only five included a patient-centered indicator other than satisfaction. Indicators of patient-centered care showed a generally positive association with improved outcomes, particularly between satisfaction with treatment and substance use. Nonetheless, mixed and contradictory results were not uncommon, more so for psychological wellbeing outcomes.

Conclusions: There were demonstrable relationships between patient-centered indicators and outcomes for people receiving treatment for substance use disorder. However, conclusions are limited due to underrepresentation of patient-reported experience measures. Further research in the area is needed involving comparisons of patient centered indicators with outcomes and use of patient-reported experience measures together with satisfaction.

Registration number: CRD42018092829
Understanding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: domestic politics and twenty-five years of fruitless negotiations 1994–2018
Authors: Gasparyan Arsen
Published: October 2019

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict negotiations have been continuing for more than two decades now, but a settlement still remains elusive. This paper is an exploration of the reasons for that failure, and it argues that the real obstacle for the peaceful settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh was the domestic politics of the parties to the conflict. By clarifying and testing alternative perspectives, this paper seeks to resolve an important debate about the causes of the OSCE Minsk process failure.
The performance of the KIBB-g1 tabletop Kibble balance at NIST
Authors: Chao Leon , Seifert Frank , Haddad Darine , Pratt Jon , Newell David , Schlamminger Stephan
Published: October 2019

A tabletop-sized Kibble balance (KIBB-g1) designed to directly realize mass at the gram-level range with uncertainties on the order of parts in 106 has been developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The masses of a nominally 5 g and 1 g weight were determined with

standard uncertainties of 9.0

g and 6.7

g, respectively. The corresponding relative uncertainties are

and

. The construction of the instrument, capabilities, and full uncertainty budgets are presented in this manuscript.
Operating room ventilation with laminar air flow ceiling and a local laminar air flow system near the operating table for the patient
Authors: Tacutu Laurentiu , Nastase Ilinca , Bode Florin
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study is to determine how the air flow from a unidirectional air flow (UAF) system and a local ventilation system will interact with each other. The study analyzes the air circulation near the operating table at different air flow velocities from both systems. The air flow velocities correspond to the usual range of velocities that are recommended by norms and guidelines. The research was approached by numerical and experimental studies. The thermal plume of the patient was measured by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and thermography (IR) and compared with the results from the numerical case. A mesh independency study was made for the numerical case. The study showed that velocities ≥0.2 m/s from the UAF, depending on the height of the room, can overcome the thermal plume generated by a human subject with a moderate activity (100÷120W). The velocities from the local ventilation system need to be higher with at least one step, in accordance with the distance from the ventilation system to the operating wound, in order to avoid disturbances generated from the UAF system.
Residential balanced ventilation and its impacts on indoor pressure, ventilation and IAQ
Authors: Ouazia B , Won D , Aubin D , Arsenault C , So S , Yang W
Published: October 2019

This paper presents results from a project on the assessment of the indoor air quality (IAQ) benefits that might accrue from the use of a balanced ventilation system. The study compared the whole-building pressure, IAQ and ventilation performance of energy recovery ventilation (exhausting from kitchen and bathrooms) with that of exhaust-only ventilation (continuous exhaust from master bathroom). The side-by-side comparisons included various indoor mixing scenarios (no mixing, partial mixing and continuous mixing) using the NRC’s twin research houses. The side-by-side testing showed that balanced ventilation (energy recovery ventilation) was superior as a whole-house ventilation strategy, compared to unbalanced ventilation (single-point exhaust ventilation). It was superior because of the positive indoor pressure (1 to 3 Pa), higher air change rate (6% to 34%), uniform inter-zonal air flows, lower concentration of formaldehyde (by 37% to 70% in winter and 6% to 34% in summer), lower concentration of VOCs in winter (alpha-Pinene by 26% to 89% / Toluene-d8 (dTol) by 8% to 76%) and in summer (α-Pinene by 87% to 339% / Toluene-d8 by 45% to 88% / Heptane by 40% to 91% / Benzaldehyde by 35% to 406%), and as expected lower whole-house heating/cooling and ventilation energy consumption by up to 8.5%.
Assessment of the ventilation in long-term care institutions in computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Tu Yi-Wen , Tseng Chia-Ti , Chen Jia-Kun , Tseng Tsu-I
Published: October 2019

Taiwan has entered aged society, the elderly are more and more dependent on long-term care institutions. Furthermore, the subjects for long-term care institutions in Taiwan are the elderly population and disabilities who are susceptible to the effects of indoor air quality. If people stay in the space with such poor indoor air quality, they may get sick building syndrome (SBS), allergy, and other respiratory diseases. The poor ventilation could make the disease worse and increase the probability of disease outbreaks.

The purpose of this study is to investigate to the benefit to control the indoor air quality in a room and to give a solution to indoor air quality (IAQ). On the other hand, we used software called computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate a suitable ventilation strategy. We aim at investigating the performance of decrease carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and other indoor air quality indicators and making an approach to the correlation between indoor air quality and flow movement.
Detailed comfort analysis of the cooling system in the 16th century Villa Aeolia (Costozza, Italy)
Authors: Ferrucci Margherita , Peron Fabio
Published: October 2019

The villas of Costozza (Vicenza, Italy), built in 16th century, give an example of bioclimatic architecture actual even today. These villas are connected to a large underground cavities network present inside the nearby hills, that can dissipate heat to the ground and provide cool air in summer. Here is analysed Villa Aeolia, still in operation, modelling its natural cooling system in a day of July by using steady-state 3D Fluid Dynamics computations. We focus on three scenarios depending on the outdoor temperature, that follows the daily temperature variations. The simulations let us to know the indoor velocity field and the temperature distribution in the main hall, the Sala Apollinea. Then, we evaluate the global thermal comfort and local discomfort by determining the sensation index Predicted Mean Vote, Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied and Draught Rating at 1.1 m above the hall floor. This method can easily be implemented in others cases and allows to have a spatial evaluation of comfort and therefore to identify in the different scenarios which are the parameters on which to act in the event of local discomfort.
Experimental investigation into thermal comfort and energy utilization efficiency of stratum ventilation under heating mode
Authors: Liang Shuangshuang , Li Bozheng , Tian Xue , Liao Chunhui , Cheng Yong
Published: October 2019

Stratum ventilation (SV) can energy-efficiently provide satisfactory thermal comfort under cooling mode. However, thermal comfort and energy efficiency of SV under heating mode can be different from those under cooling mode due to the distinct airflow patterns. In this study, thermal comfort and energy utilization efficiency of SV were investigated for six cases under heating mode. Air velocity and temperature were measured in the occupied zone of a multi-occupant room with dimensions of 8.4 m (L) ×5.4 m (W) ×2.6 m (H). Based on the measured air velocity and temperature, the thermal comfort indicators including vertical air temperature between head and ankle levels (ΔT), draught rate (DR), predicted mean vote (PMV) and energy utilization efficiency were calculated. The results showed that the energy utilization efficiency of SV was higher than one under heating mode, indicating energy saving. The draught rate under SV satisfied the requirement of Category B of thermal environments stipulated in ISO 7730. The PMV of SV can meet the acceptable range for general thermal comfort under the cases with suitably high supply air temperature according to ASHRAE 55-2017. The vertical air temperature difference between head and ankle levels can achieve acceptable results for SV under heating mode.
Development of a procedure to measure the performance of ventilation filters for nanoparticles
Authors: Bahloul A , Brochot C , Abdolghader P , Haghighat F
Published: October 2019

Filtration is a simple and effective way to capture particles of different sizes used in different workplaces. However, the state of current knowledge has shown that the performance of entire filter depending on the particle size are still very limited. The main objective has therefore been to develop a procedure to evaluate the filter performance used in ventilation systems for particles smaller than 300 nm including nanoparticles. The measurement procedure has been validated by comparing the penetration measurements on two different setups for nanoparticles.
Full-scale experimental study of moisture condensation on the glazing surface: condensation rate characterization
Authors: Nguyen C K , Teodosiu C , Kuznik F , David D , Rusaouën G
Published: October 2019

Excessive indoor moisture promotes the growth of mold and condensation on building envelope, which lead to severe IAQ problems. Given the transient, unsteady heat and mass transfer problem, studies dealing with the condensation phenomenon are generally lacking in the literature, especially studies on the condensation rate prediction. Consequently, this paper presents a method to quantify experimentally the condensation rate of droplets formed on a cold glazing surface in a full-scale entirely controlled test room (6.2 x 3.1 x 2.5 m). The condensation qualitative characterization, i.e. the moment of its appearance and its growth mechanism, is achievable using a macro-photography technique. From the time-series of droplet images captured, an image post-processing method is used to detect the droplet contours and to estimate the condensation mass flow rate. Comparisons between experimental and theoretical results show some agreement, which could validate the feasibility of imaging techniques in full-scale condensation studies. Those first results are encouraging and valuable since there were no similar studies in the literature at such the scale. Further investigations are needed in order to clarify all these aspects related to the accuracy of the condensation rate quantification methodology developed in this work.
Climate adaptability study on the roof buffer space of traditional Tujia folk dwellings
Authors: Dong Xin , Yang Zhenjing , Xu Yanan
Published: October 2019

In order to research the climate responsive of roof buffer space in Tujia traditional folk dwellings, two typical dwellings were taken as the research objects to measure relevant environmental parameters. Subsequently, the measurements were compared to analyze the coupling relationship between roof buffer space and indoor thermal environment. Analysis shows that the roof buffer space has the remarkable ability to block solar radiation, with the cooperation of valley-mountain breeze, which makes up for the shortcomings of poor thermal inertia and small heat insulation of wooden-plank wall dwellings: The indoor temperature peak reduces 2 °C; the range of difference between indoor average radiant temperature and the air temperature is 0.46 °C all day. The findings can guide the construction of modern wood-framed dwellings.
Climatic potential maps of ventilative cooling techniques in Italian climates including resilience to climate changes
Authors: Chiesa Giacomo
Published: October 2019

Building energy consumptions for space cooling is a globally rising voice. Considering the need to reduce the total energy consumptions and related GHG, alternative solutions based on natural heat sinks are essential. Unfortunately, these technologies, such as passive cooling systems, are vey local specific and their geo-climatic applicability needs to be studied to correctly choose and integrate them since early design phases. The paper studies the distribution of climate-related demand for cooling in the Italian context, by mapping local CDH (Cooling Degree Hours) together with the local potential of ventilative cooling dissipative technologies (e.g. controlled natural ventilation), for present and future climate conditions. A geo-referenced matrix – considering all the 7978 Italian Municipalities – of typical meteorological years will be generated and further analysed on hourly base by developing Python scripts. Results of this analysis are visualized in devoted maps of applicability able to underline the local expected potential of wind-driven ventilative solutions. These maps can act as a reference toolkit for designers considering early-design evaluations. Finally, the expected resilience of local climate-potential of these technologies to climate changes is analysed.
Simulations of a novel demand-controlled room-based ventilation system for renovated apartments
Authors: Smith K M , Kolarik J
Published: October 2019

The study simulated and assessed a novel control algorithm for an innovative room-based ventilation system for renovated apartments. The novel system is a manifold of fans that connects to an air-handling unit to control the supply of airflow to each room in an apartment. The exhaust side has a 3-way damper to control the division of extract airflows. The simulation required demand-control of ventilation airflows in each room. This included CO2- and temperature-based control of supply to dry rooms and humidity- and temperature-based control of exhaust from wet rooms. The object-oriented software IDA-ICE includes a graphical interface for assembling the controls, which enabled custom simulations. The controls efficiently maintained sufficient air quality in each room and ensured balance of supply and exhaust. The room-based demand-controlled ventilation system achieved 74% savings in fan energy consumption relative to the reference constant air-volume system. The simulations indicated the need for less-resisting overflow vents in doorways to prevent infiltration heat loss when supplying bedrooms with greater airflow. Infiltration heat losses increased by 18% with closed doors despite the use of acoustic vents to assist overflow. Future measurements will aim to validate the demand-control algorithm and the performance of the novel system in real apartments.
Effects of building parameters on occupant’s window opening behaviour
Authors: An Youngmin , Ko Bomin , cho Sungwon , Park Junseok , Jeong Jinhwa , Chae Youngtae
Published: October 2019

Nowadays a large portion of energy consumption is depends on Residential Building. For these reasons Mechanical ventilation, colling, heating such things also be improved. But Occupants take action to control their indoor environments to adjust their individual flavour. Window Opening & closing If this result is universally applicable most preferred behaviour to adjust their indoor environment. However these behaviour causes an increase in energy consumption in the building. Therefore, if the window opening and closing behavior can be predicted, it will lead to an increase the comfort in the building and a decrease in the energy consumption. Previous studies have confirmed that window opening and closing behavior is significantly affected by ambient temperature. This also indicates that the season also affects window opening. It can be seen that the machine learning algorithm has better prediction than the traditional regression model. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of building information (location, number of floors, area, completion year) and human characteristic for indoor environmental control(heating setting temperature), not on the environmental parameters(temperature, humidity, fine dust, etc.) applied to previous machine learning models in the prediction of window opening and closing behavior. If this result is normally applicable, it will make more realistic predictions possible than when predicting with existing environmental parameters alone. This will give a plausibility to the results of simulations on actual buildings.
Influences of stack effect and longitudinal ventilation on the movement of buoyancy-driven contaminants in sloping tunnels
Authors: Li P , Du T , Yang D
Published: October 2019

Sloping tunnels widely exist in mountainous regions and urban underground traffic systems. The dynamics of buoyancy-driven contaminants in a naturally ventilated slopping tunnel are generally different from that in a horizontal tunnel. Using the brine-water method and the light attenuation technique, we demonstrate that buoyancy-driven source location and source reduced gravity have significant influence on the steady-state density distribution in the sloping tunnel. The results suggest that the stack effect is an important factor influencing the movement of the buoyancy-driven flow in sloping tunnels. Subsequently, the dynamics of the buoyancy-driven flow in a longitudinally ventilated sloping tunnel are investigated. It is found that, under the combined effects of longitudinal ventilation and stack effect, multiple steady states exist for identical boundary conditions.
Factor controlling the formaldehyde emission rate from building materials in small, airtight, glass desiccators
Authors: Kang Y , Yoo S-J , Ito K
Published: October 2019

To clarify the effect of their geometries on the formaldehyde emission rate from building materials, we established a numerical model and analysis method for quantitatively investigating the formation of transient formaldehyde concentration distribution in small, airtight, glass desiccators. The detailed geometries of the desiccators, formaldehyde emission materials and the adsorbent were reproduced as 3D digital models. Numerical analyses were carried out to investigate transient formaldehyde emissions, molecular diffusion, and sorption. We considered the effect of adsorbent evaporation based on a three-component gas mixture theory. The results of the numerical analyses confirmed the impact of the adsorption and diffusion resistance of the water surface on the measured formaldehyde emission rates.
A field study on the indoor air quality of wooden welfare facilities in Korea
Authors: Mi Cho Hyun , Hun Park Ji , Lee Jongki , Wi Seunghwan , Yang Sungwoong , Yeol Yun Beom , Kim Sumin
Published: October 2019

The rapid economic growth in the East Asian region has particularly raised the issue of air quality. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has also become an important research topic in the building environment. Indoor air pollutants are harmful to human health and are especially dangerous to vulnerable populations, such as elderly people and children. Wood interior remodelling can protect people’s health from indoor air pollutants and wood is and eco-friendly and sustainable building material with low thermal conductivity and humidity control. This study measured the IAQ of twelve welfare facilities in Korea which renovated the interior with wood materials to improve indoor air quality. In this study, twelve IAQ factors were measured as follows. Comfort factors (Temperature and Relative humidity), particulate matter, biological pollutants, air borne asbestos fibers, and chemical pollutants (carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds, radon, ozone, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide). As a result, the measured value of the indoor air quality factors for 12 welfare facilities is as follows. The average particulate matter was less than 12μg/m3, the average of carbon dioxide was 754.2ppm, the formaldehyde was 46μg/m3, the volatile organic compounds was 335μg/m3, the total airborne bacteria was 37.8 CFU/m3and the radon was 59.5Bq/m3.