bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P522: Alcohol Consumption and Cardiovascular Mortality After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Küpers Leanne K , de Ruiter Anne J , Busstra Maria C , Geleijnse Johanna M
Published: March 2020

Background:
Little is known about alcohol consumption in relation to long-term mortality risk after myocardial infarction (MI). We examined alcohol consumption in relation to total, coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the Alpha Omega Cohort of Dutch post-MI patients.

Methods:
We included 4,365 patients (60-80y, 79% male) with MI ≤10y before enrolment. Heavy alcohol users (≥6 glasses/d) were excluded from cohort participation. Dietary intake and alcohol consumption were assessed using a 203-item validated food-frequency questionnaire. Patients were classified as non-drinkers (0 g/d, n=956), very light (>0-≤2 g/d, n=385), light (M: >2-≤10, F: >2-≤5 g/d, n=1,125), moderate (M: >10-≤30, F: >5-≤15 g/d, n=1,207) or heavy drinkers (M :>30, F: >15 g/d, n=692). Hazard ratios (HRs) for total, CHD and CVD mortality were obtained, adjusting for age, sex, education, smoking, BMI, physical activity, energy intake and other dietary factors.

Results:
Alcohol was consumed by 83% of men and 61% of women. During 11.1y follow up, 2,035 deaths occurred of which 575 from CHD and 801 from CVD. Compared to the reference group of very light drinkers, HRs (95%CI) for total mortality were 1.01 (0.85, 1.19) in non-drinkers, and 0.88 (0.74, 1.04), 0.85 (0.72, 1.01) and 0.91 (0.76, 1.10) in light, moderate and heavy drinkers respectively. Adding non-drinkers to the reference group did not affect HRs: 0.87 (0.78, 0.98), 0.85 (0.76, 0.96) and 0.91 (0.79, 1.05) for light, moderate and heavy drinkers. Associations were slightly stronger but non-significant for CVD and CHD mortality. Findings were roughly similar after exclusion of former drinkers (n=385), diabetics (n=883) and patients with poor health (n=1,010).

Conclusion:
Light to moderate alcohol consumption was weakly inversely associated with total, CVD and CHD mortality risk in post-MI patients. In this observational study, potential bias and confounding cannot be ruled out and findings should be interpreted cautiously in light of the totality of evidence.
Abstract P523: Effect Of Alcohol And Tobacco Among Those With Thyroid Problems
Authors: Ramirez Francisco E , Hartman Elijah , Nedley Neil
Published: March 2020

Background:
This study documents the effect that alcohol and tobacco have on those with thyroid problems who participated in an 8 week lifestyle education program.

Methods:
Participants from the a depression and anxiety educational program were studied. Those who chose to participate met once a week for 8 weeks for a 2 hour program. It consisted of a 45 minute DVD presentation followed by a small group discussion. No doctor patient relationship was established. The program was offered by certified facilitators and focused on educating participants on healthy behaviors such as exercise, plant-based diets, sleep hygiene and others. Each participant answered the Depression and Anxiety Assessment Test (registration TX 7-398-022) both pre and post program. It assessed depression level based on DSM-5 [The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Volume 5] criteria, use of tobacco and alcohol as well as clinical history including thyroid function. The degree of morbid thoughts was ranked from 0-3 ([0] having none or rare; [1] having them 1/4 of the days; [2] being 1/2 of the days; [3] being almost every day in a period of 2 weeks).

Results:
From n=6118 participants that finished the 8 week program, n=561 participants had thyroid problem those participants were used in the study. The group mean age was 53, SD 15.0, and 82.7% were female. From this group, n=42 (7.5%) were using alcohol and n=44 (7.8%) were tobacco users. Among the those using alcohol, baseline mean depression was 14.67 (SD 6.6), suicidal ideation score was 1.2 at the end of the program mean depression was 9.62 (SD 6.6, p < .001), and suicide thoughts were 0.33. Among the tobacco users, baseline mean depression was 16.23 (SD 6.8) suicidal thought were 1.50 at the end of the program mean depression was 8.84 (SD 5.8, p < .001), 0.34 for suicide thoughts. Among the non-tobacco users, baseline mean depression was 12.44 (SD 7.3), suicidal thoughts was 0.86 at the end of the program depression was 7.95 (SD 6.6, p < .001), and suicidal thoughts were 0.25. Among the non-alcohol users, baseline mean depression was 12.58 (SD 7.4), suicidal thoughts was 0.88 at the end of the program mean depression was 7.89 (SD 6.5, p < .001), suicidal thoughts were 0.25.

Conclusion:
The findings suggest this program is effective at reducing depression, suicidal thoughts, among individuals with thyroid dysfunction who use alcohol or tobacco; however greater benefit may be achieved by abstaining from both substances.
Abstract P540: Predictors of Resilience Among CVD Patients
Authors: Love Mary F , LoBiondo-Wood Geraldine , Wind Wardell Diane , Beauchamp Jennifer E
Published: March 2020

Objective:
A cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnosis is a stressful event that challenges patients physically and psychologically. Tertiary prevention of CVD focuses on management of traditional risk factors, including biological factors such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes, and behavioral factors such as smoking, diet, and sedentary lifestyle. Recent evidence indicates nontraditional psychological and social risk factors, including depression, anxiety, hostility, low social support, social isolation, and low socioeconomic status, also influence CVD incidence and prognosis. A focus on resilience, the ability to rebound from stress or adversity, could positively impact the health of CVD patients. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence for biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors that influence resilience among patients with CVD.

Methods:
A systematic search of PubMED, PsycINFO, and CINAHL was conducted from database inception through October 2019. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and study quality was evaluated with the National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tools. Inclusion criteria were: quantitative research studies; adult sample, age 18 or above; CVD diagnosis (e.g. acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, stroke); resilience; and published in English.

Results:
Of the 746 articles retrieved for review, 67 were retained for full text assessment, and 30 were eligible for study inclusion. Twenty-seven of these studies were observational, with sample sizes from 11 to >237,000 participants, and settings in Europe, America, Asia, and Australia. The majority of participants were men, and only three studies reported on resilience among black participants. Psychological factors of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress were inversely associated with resilience, while quality of life and self-efficacy were positively associated with resilience. Among behavioral factors, composite measures of self-care were positively associated with resilience. Evidence for biological and social factors was minimal, but findings from a recent study suggest blacks living in lower versus higher cardiovascular-risk neighborhoods have higher levels of resilience, which was assessed with measurements of neighborhood perceptions and psychological attributes.

Conclusions:
This review provides evidence for factors influencing resilience in the CVD population. Research is needed to further delineate the relationship of these factors with resilience, ascertain differential effects between sexes and among minority populations, and explore interventions to enhance resilience among CVD patients. In addition, attention to the relationship of community factors with resilience in CVD is needed.
Abstract P545: Insufficient Sleep and Nitric Oxide-Mediated Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Adults With Elevated Blood Pressure
Authors: Stockelman Kelly A , Bain Anthony R , Withrow Dana M , Larson Tracey A , Boland Elizabeth M , Greiner Jared J , Harsh John R , Stauffer Brian L , Wright Kenneth P , Desouza Christopher A
Published: March 2020

Elevated blood pressure (BP ≥130/80 mmHg) is associated with increased risk for myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke and vascular disease. Insufficient nightly sleep (<7 h/night) has been linked not only to the etiology of elevated blood pressure but is a prevalent, often ignored, comorbidity. Indeed, short sleep duration is now considered to be a plausible risk factor for elevated blood pressure and a harbinger of increased cardiovascular risk. A high prevalence of insufficient nightly sleep has been reported in adults with elevated blood pressure. The influence of insufficient sleep on endothelial vasodilator function in adults with elevated blood pressure is unknown. We tested the hypotheses that chronic insufficient sleep is associated with diminished nitric oxide (NO)-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation in adults with elevated blood pressure. Moreover, the insufficient sleep-related reduction in endothelial vasodilator function is due, at least in part to increased oxidative stress. Thirty-five middle-aged and older adults with elevated blood pressure were studied: 15 with normal nightly sleep duration (11M/4F; age: 58±2 yr; BP: 136/82±1/2 mmHg; sleep: 7.6±0.2 h/night) and 20 with short nightly sleep duration (14M/6F; 58±1 yr; BP: 138/84±1/1 mmHg; sleep: 6.0±0.1 h/night). Forearm blood flow (FBF) responses to intra-arterial infusion of acetylcholine (ACh), in the absence and presence of the endothelial NO synthase inhibitor N
G
-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) and the antioxidant vitamin C were determined by venous occlusion plethysmography. The FBF response to ACh was significantly lower (~20%) in the short sleep (from 3.8±0.2 to 11.0±0.6 ml/100 ml tissue/min) compared with the normal sleep duration group (from 4.2±0.2 to 13.6±0.6 ml/100 ml tissue/min). L-NMMA significantly reduced (~25%) the FBF response to ACh in the normal sleep but not the short sleep group. Vitamin C markedly increased (~35%; P<0.05) the vasodilator response to ACh in short sleepers only. In summary, habitual short sleep duration worsens NO-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation in adults with elevated blood pressure. Furthermore, the sleep-related diminishment in endothelial vasodilator function is due, in part, to increased oxidative stress.
Abstract P560: Serum Non-esterified Fatty Acids and Risk of Incident Stroke in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Huang Neil K , Matthan Nirupa R , Biggs Mary L , Longstreth W T , Siscovick David S , Djousse Luc , Mukamal Kenneth J , Lichtenstein Alice H
Published: March 2020

Introduction:
Serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) have been linked to both local and systemic inflammation and are higher in individuals with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and ischemic stroke risk. Significant associations between total plasma NEFA concentrations and incident ischemic stroke have been reported in some but not all prospective studies. Given the functional and structural diversity among circulating NEFA, the associations of individual or clusters of circulating NEFAs may provide additional insight into their relationship with incident stroke.

Hypothesis:
Fasting serum n-3 NEFAs are inversely associated, and saturated and
trans
NEFAs are positively associated with incident stroke.

Methods:
We analyzed the incidence of stroke among Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) participants who were free of stroke in 1996-1997 and underwent fasting NEFA profile measurement. At baseline, mean age was 77.8±4.5, body mass index was 26.7±4.4 and 61% were female. A total of 38 individual NEFAs in 5 classes (saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated n-6, polyunsaturated n-3 and
trans
NEFAs) were measured using gas chromatography. Cox regression was used to evaluate the association of individual NEFA species with incident stroke, adjusting for: age, sex, race, and field center (model 1); model 1 covariates plus smoking, education, physical activity, alcohol consumption, eGFR, BMI, aspirin use, waist circumference, hypertension, prevalent diabetes, and cholesterol (model 2).

Results:
A total of 338 cases of incident stroke occurred during median follow-up of 10.5 years. In the fully adjusted model,
trans
-palmitoleic acid was inversely associated with incident stroke (HR per 1 mol% of NEFA composition: 0.03 [95% CI: 0.00 to 0.77],
P
<0.03). Serum docosahexaenoic acid levels were associated with lower risk of incident stroke (HR: 0.63 [95% CI: 0.40 to 1.00],
P
<0.05). Total n-3 fatty acids (HR: 0.78 [95% CI: 0.63 to 0.97]) and docosapentaenoic acid (HR: 0.12 [95% CI: 0.02 to 0.88]) were each associated with lower risk of incident stroke only in model 1. No significant association of saturated NEFAs with incidence of stroke was observed.

Conclusion:
Among fasting serum NEFA, docosahexaenoic acid and
trans
-palmitoleic acid were inversely associated with incident stroke, suggesting that these fatty acids may protect older adults from stroke.
Trends in Acute Myocardial Infarction by Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Chi Gloria C. , Kanter Michael H. , Li Bonnie H. , Qian Lei , Reading Stephanie R. , Harrison Teresa N. , Jacobsen Steven J. , Scott Ronald D. , Cavendish Jeffrey J. , Lawrence Jean M. , Tartof Sara Y. , Reynolds Kristi
Published: March 2020

Background

Trends in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) incidence rates for diverse races/ethnicities are largely unknown, presenting barriers to understanding the role of race/ethnicity in AMI occurrence.

Methods and Results

We identified AMI hospitalizations for Kaiser Permanente Southern California members, aged ≥35 years, during 2000 to 2014 using discharge diagnostic codes. We excluded hospitalizations with missing race/ethnicity information. We calculated annual incidence rates (age and sex standardized to the 2010 US census population) for AMI, ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction, and non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction by race/ethnicity (Hispanic and non‐Hispanic racial groups: Asian or Pacific Islander, black, and white). Using Poisson regression, we estimated annual percentage change in AMI, non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction, and ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction incidence by race/ethnicity and AMI incidence rate ratios between race/ethnicity pairs, adjusting for age and sex. We included 18 630 776 person‐years of observation and identified 44 142 AMI hospitalizations. During 2000 to 2014, declines in AMI, non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction, and ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction were 48.7%, 34.2%, and 69.8%, respectively. Age‐ and sex‐standardized AMI hospitalization rates/100 000 person‐years declined for Hispanics (from 307 to 162), Asians or Pacific Islanders (from 271 to 158), blacks (from 347 to 199), and whites (from 376 to 189). Annual percentage changes ranged from −2.99% to −4.75%, except for blacks, whose annual percentage change was −5.32% during 2000 to 2009 and −1.03% during 2010 to 2014.

Conclusions

During 2000 to 2014, AMI, non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction, and ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction hospitalization incidence rates declined substantially for each race/ethnic group. Despite narrowing rates among races/ethnicities, differences persist. Understanding these differences can help identify unmet needs in AMI prevention and management to guide targeted interventions.
A review of the feather mite family Gabuciniidae Gaud & Atyeo (Acariformes: Astigmata: Pterolichoidea) of Brazil, with descriptions of eleven new species
Authors: HERNANDES FABIO A.
Published: March 2020

The feather mite family Gabuciniidae currently includes 16 genera and approximately 65 described species associated with birds of nine orders, with the greatest diversity on Accipitriformes. In this study, 11 new species are described from the following hosts: Aetacarus accipiter sp. nov. from the Bicolored Hawk Accipiter bicolor (Vieillot, 1817) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae), Capitolichus campoflicker sp. nov. from the Campo Flicker Colaptes campestris (Vieillot, 1818) (Piciformes: Picidae), Coraciacarus cabure sp. nov. from the Barred Forest-falcon Micrastur ruficollis (Vieillot, 1817) (Falconiformes: Falconidae), Coraciacarus peixefrito sp. nov. from the Pheasant Cuckoo Dromococcyx phasianellus (Spix, 1824) (Cuculiformes: Cuculidae), Gabucinia neotropica sp. nov. from the Curl-crested Jay Cyanocorax cristatellus (Temminck, 1823) (type host) and C. chrysops (Vieillot, 1818) (Passeriformes: Corvidae), Hieracolichus caboclo sp. nov. from the Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis (Latham, 1790) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae), Hieracolichus falcon sp. nov. from the Southern Caracara Caracara plancus (Miller, 1777) (Falconiformes: Falconidae), Piciformobia adjuncta sp. nov. from the Guira Cuckoo Guira guira (Gmelin, 1788) (Cuculiformes: Cuculidae), Proaposolenidia bicolor sp. nov. from the Bicolored Hawk Accipiter bicolor (Vieillot, 1817) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae), Proaposolenidia plumbea sp. nov. from the Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea (Gmelin, 1788) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae), and Tocolichus toco sp. nov. from the Toco Toucan Ramphastos toco Statius Müller, 1776 (Piciformes: Ramphastidae). In addition, two new combinations are proposed, Proaposolenidia ostoda (Gaud, 1983) comb. nov. and Aetacarus hirundo (Mégnin & Trouessart, 1884) comb. nov., both transferred from the genus Hieracolichus. With the addition of these new species, the number of gabuciniids described from the Neotropical region has increased from 14 to 25 species. These findings indicate that Brazil is home to a large diversity of undescribed gabuciniids, which is not surprising considering the vast bird fauna of this country, and especially since most avian species from Brazil have yet to be investigated for their feather mites.
Unexpected species diversity within Sri Lanka’s snakehead fishes of the Channa marulius group (Teleostei: Channidae)
Authors: SUDASINGHE HIRANYA , ADAMSON ELEANOR A. S. , RANASINGHE R.H. THARINDU , MEEGASKUMBURA MADHAVA , IKEBE CHIHO , BRITZ RALF
Published: March 2020

The taxonomic status of the large snakeheads of the Channa marulius group that occur in Sri Lanka is reviewed and clarified. Two species are recognized from the island, based on both morphological and molecular (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1: cox1) differentiation: C. marulius Hamilton from the northern dry zone and C. ara Deraniyagala from the middle and lower regions of the Mahaweli basin. Channa ara is endemic to Sri Lanka and can be distinguished from its Marulius group congeners, C. marulius, C. aurolineata and C. auroflammea, by having fewer dorsal- and anal-fin rays, fewer lateral-line scales and fewer vertebrae; from C. marulioides by a different adult colour pattern; and from C. pseudomarulius by having more vertebrae. At the cox1 barcoding locus, Channa ara is at least 3.6% genetically different from C. marulius, and at least 8% different from the other described species in the group. Specimens collected from the southwestern wet zone in Sri Lanka are a puzzling third component of the Marulius group’s diversity, uncovered in this study, and identified here as C. cf. ara. Whilst genetically more similar to C. marulius, C. cf. ara possesses fewer dorsal- and anal-fin rays, fewer lateral-line scales and fewer vertebrae and is therefore morphologically more similar to C. ara. Channa ara can be distinguished from C. cf. ara, however, by differences in circumpeduncular scale count, adult colour pattern, and by an uncorrected pairwise genetic distance of 3.7% in cox1 sequences. A neotype is designated for Ophicephalus marulius ara Deraniyagala.
First record of the leafhopper genus Scaphomonus Viraktamath from Korea, with description of one new species (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)
Authors: DUTTA NIRMAL KUMAR , KWON JIN HYUNG , SUH SANG JAE , KWON YONG JUNG
Published: March 2020

The leafhopper genus Scaphomonus Viraktamath, 2009 is reported from the Korean peninsula for the first time, based on the discovery of a new species: Scaphomonus naejangsanus sp. nov. A checklist and keys to world Scaphomonus species are given.
Cure-induced residual stresses for warpage reduction in thermoset laminates
Authors: Struzziero Giacomo , Nardi Davide , Sinke Jos , Teuwen J J E
Published: March 2020

The paper addresses the role played by the cure stage of a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process in residual stresses generation. The Airstone 780E epoxy resin and Hardener 785H system broadly used in the wind turbine blade industry has been used in this study. The viscous–elastic properties of the resin have been characterized and implemented in a thermo-mechanical FE model. The model has been validated against manufactured [0/90]4 asymmetric laminates. Analysis of residual stresses generation highlighted that compressive stresses generation occurs when the cure is shrinkage dominated and tensile stresses when expansion dominated in the 0° plies. The finding points out that 10% reduction in warpage and 33% reduction in process time can be obtained by selecting cure cycle parameters that allow tensile stresses development during the cure process in the 0° plies.
Using Public Exam Questions in Fishbowl Debate to Engage Exam-Oriented Students in Communicative Language Teaching
Authors: Yung Kevin Wai-Ho
Published: March 2020

This article introduces the use of public exam questions in fishbowl debate to engage highly exam-oriented secondary students with communicative language teaching (CLT). The practice aims to address the issue that many teachers of English as a second language (ESL)/English as a foreign language (EFL) in Asian contexts either teach to the test or implement CLT without catering for the students’ pragmatic needs to pass external assessment. A series of activities was implemented in a secondary school in Hong Kong to promote positive washback from the public exam. The author’s experience and reflections informed by ongoing dialogue with the stakeholders in the school and data collected from student focus group interviews suggest that the fishbowl debate encouraged students to use English for authentic and meaningful purposes, while appreciating its relevance to the writing exam. An important pedagogical implication is for teachers to balance CLT and exam preparation and help students to reach both their mastery and performance goals.
Cova da Moura: Citizenship, Neighborship, and Conflicts over Territory in Lisbon’s Periphery, 1974-2014
Authors: Cuberos-Gallardo Francisco J.
Published: March 2020

The Cova da Moura neighborhood, located in the suburbs of Lisbon, is currently facing a serious conflict between two approaches to urban planning. On one side, Portuguese state institutions are attempting to regulate an area that emerged forty years ago through illegal occupation by immigrants. On the other side, neighbors are opposing to any urban plans proposed by the Portuguese state and are demanding recognition and urban policies to protect the neighborhood’s cultural uniqueness. The article discusses in detail this conflict, which highlights two opposite territorialization planning models: the one that is built on citizens’ status, using Cartesian criteria, and the other which is based on the notion of neighbor and which relies on the idiosyncrasies of concrete experiences.
Semisupervised sentiment analysis method for online text reviews
Authors: Lee Gyeong Taek , Kim Chang Ouk , Song Min
Published: March 2020

Sentiment analysis plays an important role in understanding individual opinions expressed in websites such as social media and product review sites. The common approaches to sentiment analysis use the sentiments carried by words that express opinions and are based on either supervised or unsupervised learning techniques. The unsupervised learning approach builds a word-sentiment dictionary, but it requires lengthy time periods and high costs to build a reliable dictionary. The supervised learning approach uses machine learning models to learn the sentiment scores of words; however, training a classifier model requires large amounts of labelled text data to achieve a good performance. In this article, we propose a semisupervised approach that performs well despite having only small amounts of labelled data available for training. The proposed method builds a base sentiment dictionary from a small training dataset using a lasso-based ensemble model with minimal human effort. The scores of words not in the training dataset are estimated using an adaptive instance-based learning model. In a pretrained word2vec model space, the sentiment values of the words in the dictionary are propagated to the words that did not exist in the training dataset. Through two experiments, we demonstrate that the performance of the proposed method is comparable to that of supervised learning models trained on large datasets.
Management of lymphoma survivor patients in Italy: an evaluation by Fondazione Italiana Linfomi
Authors: Minoia Carla , Bari Alessia , Nassi Luca , Banzi Rita , Gerardi Chiara , Lenti Valentina , Calabrese Marco , Spina Michele , Guarini Attilio
Published: March 2020

Several outpatient models for the follow-up of cancer survivors have been developed worldwide. A multidisciplinary approach is often necessary to guarantee the best monitoring of long-term toxicities. Guidelines also indicate a close education on healthy lifestyles. In this context, we have analyzed the Italian follow-up modalities of lymphoma survivors, with the aim to have a starting line to hypothesize and plan the best model for Italian hematology centers.
Elastic-Plastic Stress Analysis in a Thermoplastic Composite Cantilever Beam Loaded by Bending Moment
Authors: Sayman Onur , Uyaner Mesut , Tarakçioglu Necmeitin
Published: March 2020

In this study, an elastic-plastic stress analysis is carried out in a thermoplastic composite cantilever beam loaded by a bending moment at the free end. The composite beam is reinforced unidirectionally by steel fibers at 0, 30. 45, 60, and 90° orientation angles. An analytical solution is performed for satisfying both the governing differential equation in the plane stress case and boundary conditions for small plastic deformations. The solution is carried out under the assumption of the Bernoulli-Navier hypotheses. It is found that the intensity of the residual stress component of σ x is maximum at the upper and lower surfaces or at the boundary of the elastic and plastic regions. The composite material is assumed to be as hardening linearly. The Tsai-Hill theory is used as a yield criterion.
Fire behaviour of ecological soil–cement blocks with waste incorporation: Experimental and numerical analysis
Authors: Ferreira Débora Macanjo , Luso Eduarda , Cruz Maria Lurdes , Mesquita Luís MR , Gontijo Guilherme
Published: March 2020

The main goal of this study is to assess the behaviour of soil–cement blocks with incorporation of organic wastes. The problem of waste accumulation exists worldwide and has become a concern in today’s society, leading to enormous environmental damage. One of the possibilities for reducing their environmental impact is the reuse of these wastes in new materials. However, incorporating waste changes the mechanical, physical and thermal properties of the new material. In order to evaluate the potential use of waste in blocks composition, laboratory tests were conducted and the results were analysed. This article presents the fire behaviour of ecological soil–cement blocks with waste incorporation. Therefore, an experimental programme was performed using samples of wall panel with soil–cement blocks. The wall specimen under fire conditions was also analysed by a non-linear transient finite element numerical model, in time and temperature domains, and the numerical and experimental temperature fields were compared.
Assessment of Treatment Outcome of Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate and Its Postsurgical Stability
Authors: Bhutiani Neha , Tripathi Tulika , Verma Mahesh , Bhandari Padam Singh , Rai Priyank
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To analyze the effects of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) in newborns with cleft lip and palate and evaluate its postsurgical stability at 1-year follow-up using a nasal stent.

Design:

Prospective clinical trial.

Setting:

Department of Orthodontics, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi.

Patients:

Patients with cleft lip and palate of 0 to 6 months. Sample size 25 recruited, 16 satisfactorily completed the procedure.

Interventions:

Presurgical nasoalveolar molding done as indicated in all the patients. Postsurgical external nasal stents were given for 1 year to maintain the nasal correction.

Main Outcome Measures:

Changes in cleft defect and maxillary arch were recorded pre- and post-PNAM. Changes in nasal morphological parameters assessed pre- and post-PNAM and 1 year after surgical repair following the use of nasal stent.

Results:

There was a significant reduction in cleft defect assessed both intraorally ( 4.16 mm) and extra orally ( 4.42 mm) at the end of PNAM therapy (average treatment time 4 months). The nasal morphology improved with an increase in columella height (1.5 mm) and reduction in columella width. Bialar width reduced (2.90 mm) with an increase in nostril height ( 2.10 mm). Better symmetry was achieved in all cases as the nostril height and width difference changed significantly pre- and post-nasoalveolar molding. The percentage increase in columella height was greater for infants less than 6 weeks.

Conclusions:

Presurgical nasoalveolar molding considerably reduces the cleft gap and improves arch form making surgical union easier along with improved nasal morphology which can be maintained at 1-year postsurgery by use of a postsurgical external nasal stent.
Endometrial Calcifications
Authors: AbdullGaffar Badr , AlMulla Amal
Published: March 2020

Benign endometrial calcifications with or without bone fragments are uncommon clinicopathologic findings. They can be detected during pelvic ultrasonography or as incidental pathologic findings. They have been found to be associated with infertility and menstrual anomalies in young adult patients and in symptomatic postmenopausal women with endometrial atrophy and endometrial polyps. Its exact etiology is unknown, its pathogenesis is controversial, and its clinical importance is not fully validated. We performed a retrospective review study over 7 years and found 11 (0.4%) cases of benign endometrial calcifications. The mean patient age was 45.2 years (range = 20-66 years). All of the women complained of menstrual abnormalities and 4 complained of infertility. Six had a previous procedure of abortion, 2 had oral contraceptive pills, and 4 a course of progesterone therapy. Their size and morphology varied from heterogeneous microcalcifications of variable appearances, shattered glassy chunks to detached bones. Four cases were associated with endometrial polyps, 1 with a placental site nodule, 1 with chronic endometritis, and 1 with endometrial hyperplasia. Most showed secretory endometrial tissue and ciliated cell metaplasia. Two cases showed atrophic endometrium. Etiology and pathogenesis are multifactorial and miscellaneous. Progesterone may play a role. Heterogeneous histomorphologic patterns may carry potential pitfalls. Pathologic recognition is clinically important to reassure clinicians in symptomatic postmenopausal women, alert gynecologists to a treatable albeit rare cause of infertility in younger women, and assist in patients’ counselling. We also included cases of calcifications associated with endometrial malignancies to compare and contrast malignant endometrial calcifications with benign endometrial calcifications.
Ultrasound-guided proximal versus distal axillary vein puncture in elderly patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Hai-Yan , Sheng Ruan-Mei , Gao Yan-Ding , Wang Xue-Min , Zhao Wen-Biao
Published: March 2020

Background:

Ultrasound-guided axillary vein catheterization is now widely used in hospital, but it remains uncertain whether the distal axillary vein approach is more beneficial for seniors than the proximal axillary vein approach. This study aims to compare the puncture success rate and anatomical characteristics between these two approaches.

Methods:

Senior patients requiring central venous catheterization were enrolled and randomized to the proximal axillary vein group ( n = 49) or the distal axillary vein group ( n = 50). Proximal axillary vein and distal axillary vein location time, venous depth, maximum diameter, and collapse index (defined as the percentage change in vein width caused by respiration) were recorded for all patients. The rate of puncture success and operation time were compared between groups.

Results:

Mean venous depth was 1.93 ± 0.45 cm for proximal axillary vein and 1.79 ± 0.46 cm for distal axillary vein ( p < 0.001). Maximum diameter was 0.80 ± 0.33 cm for proximal axillary vein and 0.61 ± 0.33 cm for distal axillary vein ( p < 0.001). Collapse indices were 20% ± 27% and 56% ± 34%, respectively ( p < 0.001). Also, location time was significantly shorter for proximal axillary vein than for distal axillary vein ( p < 0.001). One attempt and overall success rates were significantly higher in the proximal axillary vein group, compared with the distal axillary vein group (71.4% vs 42.0%, p = 0.003; 79.6% vs 54.0%, p = 0.007).

Conclusion:

For catheterization under ultrasound guidance in elderly patients, the proximal axillary vein approach is superior to the distal axillary vein approach.
Stress analysis of coated spur and helical gears considering load distribution
Authors: Yang Yong , Wang Jiaxu , Huang Yanyan , Yang Wanyou , Zhou Qinghua
Published: March 2020

A load distribution model along the line of contact considering sliding friction is proposed for both spur and helical gear pairs in order to determine the critical load condition. Further, a semi-analytical method is introduced for modeling the stress field of coated gears. The elastic field is calculated by utilizing influence coefficients obtained from frequency response functions and discrete convolution and fast Fourier transform. Effects of friction coefficient, coating properties and thickness on the stress distribution of a gear pair at the critical load position during meshing are investigated. Maps describing the maximum transverse and shear stress distributions on coating–substrate interface with respect to friction coefficient and coating thickness are demonstrated, which may facilitate the selection of preferable coating thickness.
High-strength protective polyester textiles incorporated with metallic materials: Characterizations and radiation-shielding effectiveness
Authors: Lin Ting An , Lin Mei-Chen , Lin Ting Ru , Sim Keng Siang , Lin Jia-Horng , Lou Ching-Wen
Published: March 2020

In this study, wrapping and weaving techniques are used to produce fibrous composites that can block electromagnetic radiation and ultraviolet radiation. Stainless steel filaments are used as the core, and high-strength ultraviolet resistant polyester (PET) filaments are used as the sheath materials to manufacture functional wrapped yarns. The wrapped yarns are made into woven fabric via weaving process. The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and ultraviolet resistance of woven fabrics are evaluated in order to examine the influence of the number of laminated layer and laminated angles. The test results show that the two-layered woven fabrics that are laminated at 90° have the optimal ultraviolet resistance and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. Stainless steel/ultraviolet resistance PET woven fabrics are also light weight and can be custom-made into planar protective textile composites based on users’ commands and also can be used in the outdoor domains.
Thin Fluttering Bands: New Findings in the Carotid Evaluation
Authors: Filipuzzi Juan Manuel , Ciccale Smit Antonella , Segovia Araceli , Florencia Malio Ana , Killinger Gisela , Rodriguez Correa Carlos
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and possible clinical impact of the thin fluttering bands detected by carotid ultrasound. This is a prospective, observational study carried out in a single center between 2016 and 2018. A thin fluttering band was defined as a hyperechoic fluttering band detected by ultrasound in the carotid lumen in absence of findings compatible with pattern of dissection. Intraobserver and interobserver variability were carried out. A total of 3440 patients (p) were evaluated by carotid ultrasound, and thin fluttering bands were detected in 118 p (prevalence of 3.43%). The mean age was 58.9 ± 8.5 years and 48 p (40.7%) were male. In total, 97.5% of patients had no symptoms or neurological history. A total of 134 thin fluttering bands were identified (1.13 TFB/p; 104 p with 1 thin fluttering band, 12 p with 2 thin fluttering bands, and 2 p with 3 thin fluttering bands), and 83% of them were visualized from both longitudinal and transversal ultrasound views. Seventy-seven (57.5%) thin fluttering bands were localized on the right side, with the carotid bifurcation as the most common location (127 thin fluttering bands, 94.8%). The mean length of the bands was 5.6 ± 2.6 mm, with no significant differences in size according to the location, intima media thickness, or presence of carotid plaques. No significant interobserver and intraobserver variability was found. In conclusion, we have presented patients with thin fluttering bands, observing a significant prevalence in our population and ruling out a visual artifact. Their relationship with the genesis of atheroma plaques or its possible neurologic impact remains unclear.
Successful endovascular therapy for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis accompanied by heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Fukushima Yoshihisa , Takahashi Kenji , Nakahara Ichiro
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune-mediated complication of heparin exposure. A limited number of studies have reported cerebral venous sinus thrombosis accompanied by heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Here, we present a case of successful endovascular therapy (EVT) without periprocedural heparinization in this situation.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old woman taking an oral contraceptive was admitted to our hospital with severe headache to be diagnosed as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Initially, she got improved by medical treatment with intravenous unfractionated heparin. However, she rapidly developed disturbance of consciousness and right hemiplegia due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis accompanied by heparin-induced thrombocytopenia on the 14th hospital day. She underwent emergent EVT by immediate conversion of anticoagulation from heparin to argatroban. Despite a large clot burden, sufficient recanalization and anterograde venous drainage were re-established by combined EVT including aspiration, balloon sinoplasty, and local thrombolysis with urokinase infusion. She got improved immediately after the intervention and discharged home without any neurological sequelae after two months.

Conclusion

This unique case of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis worsened by occurrence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during the treatment finally resulted in excellent outcome highlights effectiveness of emergent endovascular intervention for critical cerebral venous sinus thrombosis resistant to initial medical treatment and of immediate establishment of effective anticoagulant strategy for both of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Neuroendovascular therapy for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis using alternative argatroban to heparin for periprocedural anticoagulation might be safe and feasible.
Justifying Educational Administration
Authors: Evers Colin W. , Lakomski Gabriele
Published: March 2020

Colin Evers is Associate Professor in the School of Graduate Studies of the Faculty of Education at Monash University in Australia and Gabriele Lakomski is Head of the Department of Policy, Context and Evaluation Studies at the University of Melbourne in Australia. In this paper they reprise and develop some of the keys ideas which inform their book Knowing Educational Administration and in doing so set the scene for the papers which follow in this symposium.
Practical application of ecological dynamics for talent development in cricket
Authors: Lascu Alexandra , Spratford W , Pyne DB , Etxebarria N
Published: March 2020

Talent development in sport is a comprehensive area of research with various conceptualisations of how the body moves and how skills are developed. The sports coaching environment is often criticised for a lack of evidence-based approaches to talent development, driven by limited access to appropriate sources of information. The current conceptualisation of motor learning, which harnesses dynamical systems theory and ecological psychology, is a complex and underdeveloped area in sport. Recommendations for talent development are often lost in complex pedagogies, so there is high demand for practical information on the translation of this knowledge. At its core, ecological dynamics views the body as a complex system which can reorganise to solve challenging problems in different ways, and emphasises that personal experiences, the task and the environment are all interacting. The specific elements of nonlinear development (person), representative learning design (task) and the talent development pathway (environment) are key elements for cricket coaching that are yet to be synthesised for the coaches who provide early learning experiences.
Extraction With Sweat-Sebum Emulsion as a New Test Method for Leachables in Patch-Based Medical Devices, Illustrated by Assessment of Isobornylacrylate (IBOA) in Diabetes Products
Authors: Fink Herbert , de Barros Fernandes Nuno M. , Weissmann Jörg , Frey Manfred
Published: March 2020

Background:

The increasing offering of patch-based medical devices is accompanied by growing numbers of reported adverse skin reactions. Procedures for testing leachables according to ISO 10993 may not be optimal for lipophilic substances that can be mobilized on skin by sweat and sebum. We propose an improved extraction method for targeted analysis of leachables using low volumes of a sweat-sebum emulsion. The approach is illustrated by the analysis of isobornylacrylate (IBOA), a compound found in some devices and suspected for allergenic potential.

Method:

Three patch-based products were tested: an implantable device for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), an intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM) device, and a micro-insulin pump. Quantification of IBOA was performed by gas chromatography and allergenic potential of IBOA levels was assessed by the KeratinoSens cell assay. Different combinations were used for extraction solvent (isopropanol, 5% ethanol-water solution, and sweat-sebum emulsion), extraction volumes (complete immersion vs partial immersion in 2 mm of solvent), and extraction time (3, 5, and 14 days).

Results:

Isobornylacrylate was only found in the isCGM device. About 20 mg/L IBOA were eluted after 3 days in isopropanol but only about 1 mg/L in ethanol-water. Sweat-sebum emulsion dissolves IBOA better and gives a more stable solution than ethanol-water. Decomposition of IBOA solutions requires adjusted extraction timing or correction of results. In the sweat-sebum extract, IBOA levels were about 20 mg/L after 3 days and about 30 mg/L after 5 days, clearly above the threshold found in the KerationSens assay for keratinocyte activation (10 mg/L).

Conclusion:

Extraction by low volumes of sweat-sebum emulsion can be a superior alternative for the targeted simulating-use assessment of leachables in patch-based medical devices.
Risk priorities and their co-occurrences in smart city project implementation: Evidence from India’s Smart Cities Mission (SCM)
Authors: Gupta Khushboo , Zhang Wenwen , Hall Ralph P
Published: March 2020

With an increasing number of smart cities initiatives in developed as well as developing nations, smart cities are seen as a catalyst for improving the quality of life for city residents. However, current understanding of the risks that may hamper successful implementation of smart city projects remains limited due to inadequate data, especially in developing nations. The recent Smart Cities Mission launched in India provides a unique opportunity to examine the type of risks, their likelihood, and impacts on smart city project implementation by providing risk description data for area-based (small-scale) development and pan-city (large-scale) development projects in the submitted smart city proposals. We used topic modeling and semantic analysis for risk classification, followed by risk likelihood–impact analysis for priority evaluation, and the keyword co-occurrence network method for risk association analysis. The risk classification results identify eight risk categories for both the area-based and pan-city projects, including (a) Financial, (b) Partnership and Resources, (c) Social, (d) Technology, (e) Scheduling and Execution, (f) Institutional, (g) Environmental, and (h) Political. Further, results show risks identified for area-based and pan-city projects differ in terms of risk priority distribution and co-occurrence associations. As a result, different risk mitigation measures need to be adopted to manage smart city projects across scales. Finally, the paper discusses the similarities and differences in risks found in developed and developing nations, resulting in potential mitigation measures for smart city projects in developing nations.
Prenatal Diagnosis of a Cyst of the Canal of Nuck Associated With an Ovarian Cyst and Acute Polyhydramnios
Authors: Allen Lisa M. , Williams Kathleen D.
Published: March 2020

In the female, the canal of Nuck is a tubular fold of parietal peritoneum that travels along with the round ligament through the inguinal canal to its attachment on the labia majora. The canal of Nuck is analogous to the processus vaginalis in the male. In embryonic development, this pathway typically obliterates early in life; however, in some cases, it may partially or completely fail to close. This failure to obliterate can lead to complications ranging from a cyst of the canal of Nuck (also known as a female hydrocele) to herniation and incarceration of abdominal and pelvic organs. There is little information available in the medical literature concerning this rare condition; therefore, it is important for sonographers, physicians, and surgeons to be familiar with this developmental abnormality. This report represents the first prenatal case of a cyst of the canal of Nuck, along with the unique combination of a large left fetal ovarian cyst and acute polyhydramnios. The embryology, incidence, differential diagnosis, management, and treatment of these female conditions are discussed.