bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perception of health, health behaviours and the use of prophylactic examinations in postmenopausal women
Authors: Pilewska-Kozak Anna B. , Pałucka Klaudia , Łepecka-Klusek Celina , Stadnicka Grażyna , Jurek Krzysztof , Dobrowolska Beata B.
Published: April 2020

Background

Pro-health behaviours aim at disease prevention, recovery from an illness and maintenance of good health in a physical, mental and social sphere. The study had two main objectives: (a) to analyse health behaviours of postmenopausal women and their understanding of the notion of health, and (b) to analyse the relationship between individual categories of health behaviours and prophylactic activities undertaken by postmenopausal women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 510 postmenopausal women. Three study instruments were used: an original questionnaire and two instruments designed by Juczyński: the List of Health Criteria and the Health Behaviour Inventory.

Results

In the view of the respondents health was primarily synonymous with a feature, because the following three associations were given the highest priority when defining health: to be healthy means ‘have all body parts functioning well’ (M = 1.82), ‘do not experience any physical problems’ (M = 1.43) and ‘not be sick, only occasionally suffer from flu, cold or indigestion’. The score for health behaviours was average (M = 86.18). The highest score was achieved in the area of prophylactic behaviours. General indicator of health-related behaviours was higher in women who rated their health as very good (p < 0.05). Women whose general indicator of health-related behaviours was higher regularly performed prophylactic gynaecological examinations (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Results showed that women after menopause treat health mainly as a feature of their body and condition specific for this period of life. The analysis of postmenopausal women’s health behaviours and their perception of health helped to identify areas that require the focus of medical personnel in regard to health promotion and prophylaxis. The average general indicator of health-related behaviours is positive for this group of women as it shows that they care about their health, especially in terms of prophylaxis.
Enhancing the monitoring of fallen stock at different hierarchical administrative levels: an illustration on dairy cattle from regions with distinct husbandry, demographical and climate traits
Authors: Fernández-Fontelo Amanda , Puig Pedro , Caceres German , Romero Luis , Revie Crawford , Sanchez Javier , Dorea Fernanda C. , Alba-Casals Ana
Published: April 2020

Background

The automated collection of non-specific data from livestock, combined with techniques for data mining and time series analyses, facilitates the development of animal health syndromic surveillance (AHSyS). An example of AHSyS approach relates to the monitoring of bovine fallen stock. In order to enhance part of the machinery of a complete syndromic surveillance system, the present work developed a novel approach for modelling in near real time multiple mortality patterns at different hierarchical administrative levels. To illustrate its functionality, this system was applied to mortality data in dairy cattle collected across two Spanish regions with distinct demographical, husbandry, and climate conditions.

Results

The process analyzed the patterns of weekly counts of fallen dairy cattle at different hierarchical administrative levels across two regions between Jan-2006 and Dec-2013 and predicted their respective expected counts between Jan-2014 and Jun- 2015. By comparing predicted to observed data, those counts of fallen dairy cattle that exceeded the upper limits of a conventional 95% predicted interval were identified as mortality peaks. This work proposes a dynamic system that combines hierarchical time series and autoregressive integrated moving average models (ARIMA). These ARIMA models also include trend and seasonality for describing profiles of weekly mortality and detecting aberrations at the region, province, and county levels (spatial aggregations). Software that fitted the model parameters was built using the R statistical packages.

Conclusions

The work builds a novel tool to monitor fallen stock data for different geographical aggregations and can serve as a means of generating early warning signals of a health problem. This approach can be adapted to other types of animal health data that share similar hierarchical structures.
TLR2 and caspase-1 signaling are critical for bacterial containment but not clearance during craniotomy-associated biofilm infection
Authors: Aldrich Amy L. , Heim Cortney E. , Shi Wen , Fallet Rachel W. , Duan Bin , Kielian Tammy
Published: April 2020

Background

A craniotomy is required to access the brain for tumor resection or epilepsy treatment, and despite precautionary measures, infectious complications occur at a frequency of 1–3%. Approximately half of craniotomy infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) that forms a biofilm on the bone flap, which is recalcitrant to antibiotics. Our prior work in a mouse model of S. aureus craniotomy infection revealed a critical role for myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in bacterial containment and pro-inflammatory mediator production. Since numerous receptors utilize MyD88 as a signaling adaptor, the current study examined the importance of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR9 based on their ability sense S. aureus ligands, namely lipoproteins and CpG DNA motifs, respectively. We also examined the role of caspase-1 based on its known association with TLR signaling to promote IL-1β release.

Methods

A mouse model of craniotomy-associated biofilm infection was used to investigate the role of TLR2, TLR9, and caspase-1 in disease progression. Wild type (WT), TLR2 knockout (KO), TLR9 KO, and caspase-1 KO mice were examined at various intervals post-infection to quantify bacterial burden, leukocyte recruitment, and inflammatory mediator production in the galea, brain, and bone flap. In addition, the role of TLR2-dependent signaling during microglial/macrophage crosstalk with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) was examined.

Results

TLR2, but not TLR9, was important for preventing S. aureus outgrowth during craniotomy infection, as revealed by the elevated bacterial burden in the brain, galea, and bone flap of TLR2 KO mice concomitant with global reductions in pro-inflammatory mediator production compared to WT animals. Co-culture of MDSCs with microglia or macrophages, to model interactions in the brain vs. galea, respectively, also revealed a critical role for TLR2 in triggering pro-inflammatory mediator production. Similar to TLR2, caspase-1 KO animals also displayed increased S. aureus titers coincident with reduced pro-inflammatory mediator release, suggestive of pathway cooperativity. Treatment of caspase-1 KO mice with IL-1β microparticles significantly reduced S. aureus burden in the brain and galea compared to empty microparticles, confirming the critical role of IL-1β in limiting S. aureus outgrowth during craniotomy infection.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the existence of an initial anti-bacterial response that depends on both TLR2 and caspase-1 in controlling S. aureus growth; however, neither pathway is effective at clearing infection in the WT setting, since craniotomy infection persists when both molecules are present.
Health policy mapping and system gaps impeding the implementation of reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health programs in South Sudan: a scoping review
Authors: Belaid Loubna , Bayo Pontius , Kamau Lynette , Nakimuli Eva , Omoro Elijo , Lobor Robert , Samson Baba , Dimiti Alexander
Published: April 2020

Background

Pregnant women, neonates, children, and adolescents are at higher risk of dying in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Strengthening the healthcare system is a key strategy for the implementation of effective policies and ultimately the improvement of health outcomes. South Sudan is a fragile country that faces challenges in implementing its reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) policies. In this paper, we map the key RMNCAH policies and describe the current status of the WHO health system building blocks that impede the implementation of RMNCAH policies in South Sudan.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review (39 documents) and individual interviews (n = 8) with staff from the national Ministry of Health (MoH) and implementing partners. We organized a workshop to discuss and validate the findings with the MoH and implementing partner staff. We synthesized and analyzed the data according to the WHO health system building blocks.

Results

The significant number of policies and healthcare strategic plans focused on pregnant women, neonates, children, and adolescents evidence the political will of the MoH to improve the health of members of these categories of the population. The gap in the implementation of policies is mainly due to the weaknesses identified in different health system building blocks. A critical shortage of human resources across the blocks and levels of the health system, a lack of medicines and supplies, and low national funding are the main identified bottlenecks. The upstream factors explaining these bottlenecks are the 2012 suspension of oil production, ongoing conflict, weak governance, a lack of accountability, and a low human resource capacity. The combined effects of all these factors have led to poor-quality provision and thus a low use of RMNCAH services.

Conclusion

The implementation of RMNCAH policies should be accomplished through innovative and challenging approaches to building the capacities of the MoH, establishing governance and accountability mechanisms, and increasing the health budget of the national government.
RANKL blockade alleviates peri-implant bone loss and is enhanced by anti-inflammatory microRNA-146a through TLR2/4 signaling
Authors: Pan Keqing , Hu Yang , Wang Yufeng , Li Hao , Patel Michele , Wang Danyang , Wang Zuomin , Han Xiaozhe
Published: April 2020

Background

The present study was to determine the effect of local anti-RANKL antibody administration in the presence or absence of microRNA-146a on ligature-induced peri-implant bone resorption, and the potential role of TLR2/4 signaling in such effect.

Results

Titanium implants were placed in the left maxilla alveolar bone 6 weeks after extraction of first and second molars in C57/BL6 wild-type (WT) and TLR2−/− TLR4−/− (TLR2/4 KO) mice. Silk ligatures were tied around the implants 4 weeks after implantation. Anti-RANKL antibody (500 μg/mL) with or without microRNA 146a (miR-146a) (100 nM) was injected into palatal gingiva around implant on days 3, 6, and 9 during 2 weeks of ligation period. Bone resorption around the implants was assessed by 2D imaging using area measurement and 3D imaging using micro-computed tomography (μCT). Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to determine the peri-implant gingival mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) and osteoclastogenesis-related cytokines (RANKL). In both WT and TLR2/4 KO mice, the bone resorption around implants was significantly increased in the ligation only group when compared to the non-ligation group, but TLR2/4 KO mice showed significantly less bone loss compared to WT mice after ligation. As expected, gingival injection of anti-RANKL antibody significantly reduced bone loss compared with the ligation only group in both WT and TLR2/4 KO mice. Moreover, injection of miR-146a in addition to anti-RANKL antibody significantly enhanced the inhibition of bone loss in WT mice but not in TLR2/4 KO mice. Gingival mRNA expressions of RANKL were significantly reduced by anti-RANKL antibody treatment in both WT and TLR2/4 KO mice but were not affected by the additional miR-146a treatment. Gingival mRNA expression of TNF-α was significantly reduced by miR-146a treatment in WT mice but not in TLR2/4 KO mice. The number of gingival inflammatory cell infiltration and peri-implant TRAP-positive cell formation was significantly reduced by the additional miR-146a treatment in WT mice but not in TLR2/4 KO mice.

Conclusions

This study suggests that anti-inflammatory miR-146a enhance anti-RANKL-induced inhibition of peri-implant bone resorption through the regulation of TLR2/4 signaling and inhibition of TNF-α expression.
Measuring serum estradiol and progesterone one day prior to frozen embryo transfer improves live birth rates
Authors: Alur-Gupta Snigdha , Hopeman Margaret , Berger Dara S. , Barnhart Kurt T. , Senapati Suneeta , Gracia Clarisa
Published: April 2020

Background

Given no consensus in the literature, this study sought to determine if a protocol of measuring serum estradiol and progesterone the day prior to frozen embryo transfer (FET) improves likelihood of pregnancy and livebirth.

Methods

This was a retrospective time-series study of women undergoing autologous vitrified-warmed blastocyst programmed FETs at an academic institution. Live birth rates were compared between a surveillance protocol, where serum estrogen and progesterone surveillance are performed the day prior to a programmed FET, and a standard protocol, whereby no hormonal lab evaluation is performed the day prior.

Results

Three hundred seventy-nine standard FET and 524 surveillance FET cycles were performed. Patients in the surveillance protocol were significantly more likely to achieve live birth (51% vs. 39%; aOR 1.6, 95%CI [1.2, 2.2]). Obese women were noted to be more likely to have lower progesterone hormone levels on surveillance labs (OR 3.2, 95%CI [2.0, 5.3]). However those whose hormonal medication dose was modified because of pre-transfer labs were as likely to achieve live birth as those whose dose was not modified (47% vs. 53%; aOR 0.8, 95%CI [0.6, 1.2]).

Conclusions

Cycles with the surveillance protocol were more likely to result in live birth. Patients with low levels of pre-transfer hormones, such as obese patients, likely have lower pregnancy rates. It is possible that when these levels were corrected after measurement, pregnancy rates improved to match those whose levels were not low enough to warrant intervention.
Anti-melanogenic activity of methanolic extract from leaves of Sorbaria sorbifolia var. stellipila Max. on α-MSH-stimulated B16 melanoma 4A5 cells
Authors: Nishi Kosuke , Mori Mizuki , Nakayama Daisuke , Sato Junna , Kim In-Hae , Kim Minju , Kim Songmun , Sugahara Takuya
Published: April 2020

Background

Melanin is a pigment, which is widely distributed in organisms. In humans, melanin pigments determine eye, hair, and skin color and protect the skin from damage by ultraviolet radiation; however, immoderate distribution of melanin in the skin causes discoloration. In the present study, we screened methanolic extracts from leaves of 47 plant species, most of which are native to East Asia, for the inhibitory activity against melanogenesis.

Methods

B16 melanoma 4A5 cells were used in all assays conducted in this study. Melanin content assay was performed using methanolic extracts from leaves of 47 plant species. Cytotoxicity of the extract from leaves of Sorbaria sorbifolia var. stellipila Max. (SME) was evaluated by WST-8 assay. Tyrosinase activity was determined using the lysate of α-MSH-stimulated B16 melanoma 4A5 cells and L-dopa as a colorimetric substrate. Melanogenic gene expression was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results

SME showed the highest inhibitory activity among tested samples without cytotoxicity. SME exhibited the inhibition potency for the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase. In addition, qRT-PCR result displayed that SME downregulates the expression of melanogenic genes including tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, and the transcription factor MITF.

Conclusion

Overall results revealed that the extract from leaves of S. sorbifolia var. stellipila Max. has a potential to be used as a skin whitening agent.
The impact of the illness label ‘gout’ on illness and treatment perceptions in Māori (Indigenous New Zealanders)
Authors: Dalbeth Nicola , Douglas Meihana , MacKrill Kate , Te Karu Leanne , Kleinstäuber Maria , Petrie Keith J.
Published: April 2020

Background

Despite contemporary advances in understanding pathogenesis and effective management of gout, beliefs about the disease continue to be focused on gout as a self-inflicted illness. The illness label itself may contribute to inaccurate perceptions of the disease and its management. In Aotearoa/New Zealand, Māori (Indigenous New Zealanders) have high prevalence of severe gout. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the illness label ‘gout’ on perceptions of the disease and its management for Māori.

Methods

Māori supermarket shoppers (n = 172) in rural and urban locations were recruited into a study examining the perceptions about arthritis. Participants were randomised 1:1 to complete a questionnaire examining the perceptions of the same illness description labelled as either ‘gout’ or ‘urate crystal arthritis’. Differences between the two illness labels were tested using independent sample t-tests.

Results

‘Gout’ was most likely to be viewed as caused by diet, whereas ‘urate crystal arthritis’ was most likely to be viewed as caused by aging. ‘Urate crystal arthritis’ was seen as having a wider range of factors responsible for the illness, including stress or worry, hereditary factors and chance. ‘Gout’ was less likely to be viewed as having a chronic timeline, and was perceived as being better understood. Dietary management strategies were seen as more helpful for management of the gout-labelled illness.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated that for Māori, Indigenous New Zealanders who are disproportionately affected by gout, the illness label influences perceptions about gout and beliefs about management.
Traits of the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb-EG strain), for potential biocontrol in strawberry fields
Authors: Shehata Ibrahim E. , Hammam Mostafa M. A. , El-Borai Fahiem E. , Duncan Larry W. , Abd-Elgawad Mahfouz M. M.
Published: April 2020

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) can provide a substantial control, especially of the root feeding larval pests. The objective of the present study was to examine beneficial traits of an indigenous entomopathogenic nematode species,Heterorhabditis bacteriophoraPoinar (Hb-EG strain), and to identify superior biocontrol candidates for suppression of the scarab beetleTemnorhynchus baal(Reiche & Saulcy) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) larvae as serious pests of strawberry in Egypt. The nematodes were applied to infect the greater wax moth,Galleria mellonellaL. cadavers, to represent natural emergence from the host in laboratory and under field conditions. Its average yield was 49604 infective juveniles (IJs) perG. mellonellalarva. Overall averages of nematode-induced mortality inG.mellonellalarvae were (4.63, 3.12, and 1.92) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively, after continuous weekly baiting with 5 cadavers. Nematode capability for infection and reproduction ranged from 72 to 26% one to five months, respectively, after field inoculation of the infected larvae into the strawberry rhizosphere. The number of IJs, moved to the North of the rhizosphere, was significantly (P≤ 0.05) less than that moved to the South or the East as reflected by the numbers of infected insects. The factors that may have a marked influence on EPN foraging behavior, persistence, and movement direction with implications for harnessing them as biological pest control agents were discussed.
GbAt11 gene cloned from Gossypium barbadense mediates resistance to Verticillium wilt in Gossypium hirsutum
Authors: QIU Tingting , WANG Yanjun , JIANG Juan , ZHAO Jia , WANG Yanqing , QI Junsheng
Published: April 2020

Background

Gossypium hirsutum is highly susceptible to Verticillium wilt, and once infected Verticillium wilt, its yield is greatly reduced. But G. barbadense is highly resistant to Verticillium wilt. It is possible that transferring some disease-resistant genes from G. barbadense to G. hirsutum may contribute to G. hirsutum resistance to Verticillium wilt.

Result

Here, we described a new gene in G. barbadense encoding AXMN Toxin Induced Protein-11, GbAt11, which is specifically induced by Verticillium dahliae in G. barbadense and enhances Verticillium wilt resistance in G. hirsutum. Overexpression in G. hirsutum not only significantly improves resistance to Verticillium wilt, but also increases the boll number per plant. Transcriptome analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that GbAt11 overexpression can simultaneously activate FLS2, BAK1 and other genes, which are involved in ETI and PTI pathways in G. hirsutum.

Conclusion

These data suggest that GbAt11 plays a very important role in resistance to Verticillium wilt in cotton. And it is significant for improving resistance to Verticillium wilt and breeding high-yield cotton cultivars.
High efficacy of low-dose albumin infusion in the prevention of paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction
Authors: Alsebaey Ayman , Rewisha Eman , Waked Imam
Published: April 2020

Background

Large-volume paracentesis (LVP) is a main pillar in treating patients with tense ascites. Without plasma expanders use, paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction (PICD) is a common complication with decreased survival. The aim was to compare low-dose albumin (2 g/L ascitic fluid removed n = 85) with standard-dose albumin (6 g/L ascitic fluid removed, n = 25) for prevention of PICD. Liver function tests, urea, creatinine, CBC, and abdominal ultrasonography were done. Plasma renin activity (PRA) was measured at baseline and on the 6th day post-LVP. The delta change (Δ) = day 6 variable minus baseline variable value. PICD was defined as increase in PRA of > 50% of the baseline value.

Results

Patients in low-dose albumin group were mainly Child B compared with Child C (85.9% vs. 52%; p = 0.001), underwent less paracentesis volume (9.78 ± 3.56 vs. 12.52 ± 3.6 L; p = 0.001), but had higher baseline PRA (859.62 ± 1151.34 vs. 165.93 ± 95.34 pg/mL; p = 0.001). In both groups, the PRA increased at day 6 compared with the baseline (1141.57 ± 1433.01 vs. 859.62 ± 1151.34 pg/mL; p = 0.01) and (192.21 ± 80.99 vs. 165.93 ± 95.34 pg/mL; p = 0.01) respectively. Both groups were comparable for Δ PRA (281.95 ± 851.4 vs. 26.28 ± 30.2 pg/mL; p = 0.102) and PRA percent increase (10.97 ± 30.77 vs. 12.57 ± 14.87; p = 0.844). They had comparable PICD incidence (24.7% vs. 12%; p = 0.27). Females were more liable for PICD occurrence than males (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.125–7.547, p = 0.028) and so Child B patients than Child C (OR 8.4, 95% CI 1.072–65.767, p = 0.043).

Conclusion

Low-dose albumin infusion is comparable to the standard-dose albumin for the prevention of PICD.
CD4/CD8 T-Cell Selection Affects Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Potency and Toxicity: Updated Results From a Phase I Anti-CD22 CAR T-Cell Trial
Authors: Shah Nirali N. , Highfill Steven L. , Shalabi Haneen , Yates Bonnie , Jin Jianjian , Wolters Pamela L. , Ombrello Amanda , Steinberg Seth M. , Martin Staci , Delbrook Cindy , Hoffman Leah , Little Lauren , Ponduri Anusha , Qin Haiying , Qureshi Haris , Dulau-Florea Alina , Salem Dalia , Wang Hao-Wei , Yuan Constance , Stetler-Stevenson Maryalice , Panch Sandhya , Tran Minh , Mackall Crystal L. , Stroncek David F. , Fry Terry J.
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE

Patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia who experience relapse after or are resistant to CD19-targeted immunotherapies have limited treatment options. Targeting CD22, an alternative B-cell antigen, represents an alternate strategy. We report outcomes on the largest patient cohort treated with CD22 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a single-center, phase I, 3 + 3 dose-escalation trial with a large expansion cohort that tested CD22-targeted CAR T cells for children and young adults with relapsed/refractory CD22+ malignancies. Primary objectives were to assess the safety, toxicity, and feasibility. Secondary objectives included efficacy, CD22 CAR T-cell persistence, and cytokine profiling.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight participants were infused; 51 (87.9%) after prior CD19-targeted therapy. Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 50 participants (86.2%) and was grade 1-2 in 45 (90%). Symptoms of neurotoxicity were minimal and transient. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis–like manifestations were seen in 19/58 (32.8%) of subjects, prompting utilization of anakinra. CD4/CD8 T-cell selection of the apheresis product improved CAR T-cell manufacturing feasibility as well as heightened inflammatory toxicities, leading to dose de-escalation. The complete remission rate was 70%. The median overall survival was 13.4 months (95% CI, 7.7 to 20.3 months). Among those who achieved a complete response, the median relapse-free survival was 6.0 months (95% CI, 4.1 to 6.5 months). Thirteen participants proceeded to stem-cell transplantation.

CONCLUSION

In the largest experience of CD22 CAR T-cells to our knowledge, we provide novel information on the impact of manufacturing changes on clinical outcomes and report on unique CD22 CAR T-cell toxicities and toxicity mitigation strategies. The remission induction rate supports further development of CD22 CAR T cells as a therapeutic option in patients resistant to CD19-targeted immunotherapy.
Associations Between Antihypertensive Medications and Severe Hyponatremia: A Swedish Population–Based Case–Control Study
Authors: Falhammar Henrik , Skov Jakob , Calissendorff Jan , Nathanson David , Lindh Jonatan D , Mannheimer Buster
Published: April 2020

Background

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs), beta-receptor blockers (BBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) have occasionally been reported to cause severe hyponatremia. The aim was to explore the association between CCBs, BBs, ACEIs, and ARBs and hospitalization due to hyponatremia.

Methods

Patients hospitalized with a principal diagnosis of hyponatremia (n = 11 213) were compared with matched controls (n = 44 801). Linkage of national population-based registers was used to acquire data. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for co-medications, diseases, previous hospitalizations, and socioeconomic factors was used to explore the association between hospitalization for severe hyponatremia and the use of different CCBs, BBs, ACEIs, and ARBs. Furthermore, newly initiated (≤90 days) and ongoing use were examined separately.

Results

Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) (95% confidence interval) for the investigated 4 drug classes ranged from 0.86 (0.81-0.92) for CCBs to 1.15 (1.07-1.23) for ARBs. For newly initiated drugs, aORs spanned from 1.64 (1.35-1.98) for CCBs to 2.24 (1.87-2.68) for ACEIs. In contrast, the corresponding associations for ongoing therapy were not elevated, ranging from 0.81 (0.75-0.86) for CCBs to 1.08 (1.00-1.16) for ARBs. In the CCBs subgroups, aOR for newly initiated vascular CCBs was 1.95 (1.62-2.34) whereas aOR for ongoing treatment was 0.82 (0.77-0.88).

Conclusions

For newly initiated CCBs, BBs, ACEIs, and ARBs, the risk of hospitalization due to hyponatremia was moderately elevated. In contrast, there was no evidence that ongoing treatment with investigated antihypertensive drugs increased the risk for hospitalization due to hyponatremia.
Autonomous Systems in Anesthesia: Where Do We Stand in 2020? A Narrative Review
Authors: Zaouter Cédrick , Joosten Alexandre , Rinehart Joseph , Struys Michel M. R. F. , Hemmerling Thomas M.
Published: April 2020

As most of us are aware, almost every facet of our society is becoming, for better or worse, progressively more technology-dependent. Technological advancement has made autonomous systems, also known as robots, an integral part of our life in several fields, including medicine. The application of robots in anesthesia could be classified into 3 types of robots. The first ones are pharmacological robots. These robots are based on closed-loop systems that allow better-individualized anesthetic drug titration for optimal homeostasis during general anesthesia and sedation. Recent evidence also demonstrates that autonomous systems could control hemodynamic parameters proficiently outperforming manual control in the operating room. The second type of robot is mechanical. They enable automated motorized reproduction of tasks requiring high manual dexterity level. Such robots have been advocated to be more accurate than humans and, thus, could be safer for the patient. The third type is a cognitive robot also known as decision support system. This type of robot is able to recognize crucial clinical situation that requires human intervention. When these events occur, the system notifies the attending clinician, describes relevant related clinical observations, proposes pertinent therapeutic options and, when allowed by the attending clinician, may even administer treatment. It seems that cognitive robots could increase patients’ safety. Robots in anesthesia offer not only the possibility to free the attending clinicians from repetitive tasks but can also reduce mental workload allowing them to focus on tasks that require human intelligence such as analytical and clinical approach, lifesaving decision-making capacity, and interpersonal interaction. Nevertheless, further studies have yet to be done to test the combination of these 3 types of robots to maintain simultaneously the homeostasis of multiple biological variables and to test the safety of such combination on a large-scale population.
Automated Pulse Oximeter Waveform Analysis to Track Changes in Blood Pressure During Anesthesia Induction: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Ghamri Yassine , Proença Martin , Hofmann Gregory , Renevey Philippe , Bonnier Guillaume , Braun Fabian , Axis Alexandre , Lemay Mathieu , Schoettker Patrick
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND:

Intraoperative hypotension is associated with postoperative complications and death. Oscillometric brachial cuffs are used to measure arterial pressure (AP) in most surgical patients but may miss acute changes in AP. We hypothesized that pulse oximeter waveform analysis may help to detect changes in systolic AP (SAP) and mean AP (MAP) during anesthesia induction.

METHODS:

In 40 patients scheduled for an elective surgery necessitating general anesthesia and invasive AP monitoring, we assessed the performance of a pulse oximeter waveform analysis algorithm (optical blood pressure monitoring [oBPM]) to estimate SAP, MAP, and their changes during the induction of general anesthesia. Acute AP changes (>20%) in SAP and MAP assessed by the reference invasive method and by oBPM were compared using 4-quadrant and polar plots. The tracking ability of the algorithm was evaluated on changes occurring over increasingly larger time spans, from 30 seconds up to 5 minutes. The second objective of the study was to assess the ability of the oBPM algorithm to cope with the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards. The accuracy and precision of oBPM in estimating absolute SAP and MAP values compared to the invasive method was evaluated at various instants after algorithm calibration, from 30 seconds to 5 minutes.

RESULTS:

Rapid changes (occurring over time spans of ≤60 seconds) in SAP and MAP assessed by oBPM were strongly correlated and showed excellent concordance with changes in invasive AP (worst-case Pearson correlation of 0.94 [0.88, 0.97] [95% confidence interval], concordance rate of 100% [100%, 100%], and angular concordance rate at ±30° of 100% [100%, 100%]). The trending ability tended to decrease progressively as the time span over which the changes occurred increased, reaching 0.89 (0.85, 0.91) (Pearson correlation), 97% (95%, 100%) (concordance rate), and 90% (85%, 94%) (angular concordance rate) in the worst case. Regarding accuracy and precision, oBPM-derived SAP values were shown to comply with AAMI criteria up to 2 minutes after calibration, whereas oBPM-derived MAP values were shown to comply with criteria at all times.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pulse oximeter waveform analysis was useful to track rapid changes in SAP and MAP during anesthesia induction. A good agreement with reference invasive measurements was observed for MAP up to at least 5 minutes after initial calibration. In the future, this method could be used to track changes in AP between intermittent oscillometric measurements and to automatically trigger brachial cuff inflation when a significant change in AP is detected.
Wpływ budowy geologicznej i rzeźby na procesy kształtujące skład chemiczny wód w czasie wezbrania roztopowo-deszczowego w zlewni Bystrej w Tatrach Zachodnich
Authors: Sajdak Monika , Siwek Joanna P. , Żelazny Mirosław , Dojtrowska Izabela
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the study was to identify processes shaping water chemistry in streams draining the crystalline and sedimentary portions of the Bystra Stream catchment in the Tatras during rain-on-snow event in April 2016. Data were gathered at two water gauging sites representative of areas formed of crystalline rock (i.e. Goryczkowy Stream) and areas formed of sedimentary rock characterized by extensive karst systems (Bystra Stream). The main process responsible for changes in water chemistry in both catchments over the study period was dilution of groundwater with snowmelt and precipitation water. This was manifested via a decrease in the concentration of most ions in the studied streams at high water stages. The water chemistry of Bystra Stream draining sedimentary rocks was affected in part also by the influx of water from karst systems. In the Goryczkowy Potok Stream the changes were modified by flushing of ions from the soil by throughflow.
ВЛИЯНИЕ ВЕТРОГЕНЕРАТОРОВ НА ЗАГРЯЗНЕНИЕ ПОЧВ ТЯЖЕЛЫМИ МЕТАЛЛАМИ
Authors: Kazakova Natalya Anatolevna , Sadretdinova Liliya Rushanovna , Muhametshin Aizat Askhatevich
Published: April 2020

Актуальность. В современном мире появляется все больше путей получения каких-либо ресурсов и это ведет за собой определенные последствия, которые зачастую вызывают загрязнение окружающей среды. На сегодняшний день одним из путей получения энергии являются ветрогенераторы, поэтому изучение их влияния на окружающую среду, в том числе и почву, является весьма актуальным.Цель. Изучить степень загрязнения почв тяжелыми металлами на территории ветропарка, расположенного в селе Красный Яр Ульяновской области.Материалы и методы. В основу работы были положены общепринятые в геохимии и почвоведении методы [1–4]. Определение концентрации тяжелых металлов в образцах почвы поводили в агрохимцентре г. Ульяновска на атомно-абсорбционном спектрофотометре. Оценка результатов проводилась по «Перечню ПДК и ОДК химических веществ в почве» (№6229-91, 1991). Статистический анализ полученных данных проводили с использованием общепринятых методов и пакета прикладных программ MS Excel for Windows (2013).Во всех взятых почвенных образцах методом атомно-адсорбционной спектроскопии были определены концентрации следующих тяжелых металлов – Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cd.Результаты. В ходе наших исследований были получены адекватные результаты, которые отражены в таблице 1. Из полученных данных было установлено, что содержание Pb 8,1 мг/кг, у окраины Красного Яра – 9,1 мг/кг, в центре Красного Яра – 10,7 мг/кг. Общесанитарная предельно допустимая концентрация (ПДК) Pb составляет 30 мг/кг. Результаты исследований показывают, что превышения фонового показателя по Pb в селе Красный Яр и у ветропарка не обнаружено.Наличие Cd было обнаружено во всех почвенных пробах, содержание которого не превышает ПДК (1,0 мг/кг).Содержание Cu также находится в допустимых пределах концентраций. ПДК Zn составляет 100 мг/кг почвы, превышение данного показателя не выявлено ни в одном из мест сбора проб.Наибольшее содержание Ni обнаружено на окраине села Красный Яр, но показатель не превышает предельно допустимый коэффициент.Заключение. Превышения предельно допустимых концентраций тяжелых металлов выявлено не было, поэтому, благодаря полученным результатам можно сделать вывод, что ветрогенераторы вполне безопасны для почвы и оказывают минимальное влияние на накопление в ней тяжелых металлов, что играет важную роль в экологии участка, выбранного под строительство ветропарка и близлежащих территорий.
Regular clinical supervision to enhance wellbeing in inflammatory bowel disease specialist nurses: a small pilot study
Authors: Younge Lisa , Sufi Halima , Dibley Lesley
Published: April 2020

Background:

Increasing demands oninflammatory bowel disease clinical nurse specialists (IBD-CNSs) can lead to overwhelming workloads, causing stress and burnout.

Aim:

To assess the potential for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based clinical supervision to enhance IBD-CNS wellbeing.

Method:

This exploratory qualitative study involved interviewing IBD-CNSs who had participated in CBT-based clinical supervision sessions delivered previously in one UK hospital by a psychotherapist. Interviews were audio-recorded, then transcribed and anonymised by an independent transcriptionist. Data were analysed thematically.

Findings:

Four nurses participated. Four themes emerged: ‘surprise benefits’, ‘learning from others’, ‘thinking differently to change self and practice’ and ‘features of clinical supervision sessions’. Participants found group CBT-based supervision helpful for thinking differently about work-related challenges. All wanted to continue but were concerned about accommodating clinical supervision in already-busy schedules.

Conclusions:

Regular CBT-based clinical supervision has the potential to enhance wellbeing of IBD-CNSs. Further research with more participants is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Gastrointestinal symptoms of pelvic radiation disease (part 2): impact on patients and carers
Authors: Ludlow Helen
Published: April 2020

Background:

Radiotherapy for pelvic cancers can affect any organ within the pelvis, including the gastrointestinal tract. These late effects, or consequences of treatment, can have a significant impact. These symptoms are collectively known as pelvic radiation disease (PRD).

Aims:

To identify and consider the experiences of people affected by PRD, including both the patient and their family and friends.

Methods:

Exploratory interviews were conducted with patients and their carers. The transcripts underwent framework analysis to identify key themes.

Findings:

Three main areas of concern were feelings of stigma, experiences of contact with healthcare services and the need, and occasional lack, of support from family and friends.

Conclusion:

PRD has a significant physical, psychological and social impact on quality of life for those affected, as well as their carers.
Radial head fractures
Authors: Khawar Haseeb , Craxford Simon , Ollivere Benjamin
Published: April 2020

Radial head fractures are a common fracture involving the elbow joint. Patients typically present after a fall onto an outstretched hand with elbow pain and swelling. Without adequate treatment, this can lead to long-term complications, including loss of elbow motion and pain. Radial head fractures may also be associated with other injuries including elbow dislocation, neighbouring bony fractures and associated ligamentous rupture. It is therefore imperative that hospital clinicians understand the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. The plain radiograph is the optimum method to diagnose a radial head fracture. These fractures can be managed using a variety of techniques, from non-surgical conservative methods for the undisplaced fracture through to surgical fixation, radial head replacement and excision for the more complex, displaced fracture.
Development and Psychometric Assessment of the Social Media Motives Scale among University Students
Authors: Alhadabi Amal , Karpinski Aryn C.
Published: April 2020

Social media (SM) use is a rapidly growing phenomenon among Millennials. Thus, a growing body of studies have explored the beneficial applications and negative consequences of their use in an increasingly virtual world. The current study aimed to develop and validate a scale that measures university students’ motives for using SM from a psychological and social perspective. In Study 1 (N = 316), the psychometric properties of SM motives were examined. The estimated factorial structure was validated in Study 2 (N = 200). The Study 1 results showed two active personal motives scales (i.e., self-actualization and purposive motives), one passive motive scale (i.e., enjoyment), one active contextual motive scale (i.e., self-enhancement), and a contextual (neither active nor passive) motive scale (i.e., a factor of convenience). Study 2 findings confirmed this factorial structure. Construct validity was supported with significant differences between three types of users (i.e., productive, consuming, and disinterested) on their motives (151 words).
A Methodology to Reduce Uncertainties in the High-Flow Portion of a Rating Curve
Authors: Baffaut Claire , Sadler E. John , Ghidey Fessehaie
Published: April 2020

Streamflow monitoring typically relies on the establishment of a rating curve that describes the relationship between stage and streamflow. This rating curve is based on direct and indirect measurements of discharge at various stages and application of open-channel hydraulics principles. Potential measurement errors increase with out-of-bank flow conditions because of difficulties in measuring flow velocity and flow depth during increased stages. With increasing frequency of large rain events attributed to climate change, it becomes critical to have an accurate rating curve for flood flows. This article presents techniques that, when used concurrently, can help identify errors and reduce uncertainty in the rating curve. They include commonly used techniques such as comparison of mean annual discharge per unit drainage area with those from nearby watersheds having similar characteristics. In addition, new techniques are proposed based on the hydrologic budget of a storm event and the analysis of the change in flow relative to time and stage. The methodology was tested using flow data from the 72 km2 Goodwater Creek Experimental Watershed in northeast Missouri. Results showed that the original rating curve overestimated flow values by 30% for out-of-bank conditions. A revised rating curve was proposed based on channel conveyance. This revised rating curve satisfied the requirements of water balance and change in flow relative to time and stage. The resulting annual flows were reduced by up to 30%, better matching those of nearby watersheds. These techniques are useful for retrospective analysis of flow data series and for identifying rating curve inconsistencies.
The cost of caring: out-of-pocket expenditures and financial hardship among Canadian carers
Authors: Duncan Karen A. , Shooshtari Shahin , Roger Kerstin , Fast Janet , Han Jing
Published: April 2020

Many carers spend money out of their own pockets on the care-related needs of their family members or friends, and this spending may expose carers to a higher risk of financial hardship. Using data from a nationally representative sample of family carers drawn from Statistics Canada’s 2012 General Social Survey on Caregiving and Care Receiving, we find that nearly one in five carers reports experiencing financial hardship. The results from multivariate logistic regression analysis show that care-related out-of-pocket expenditures are significant predictors of financial hardship. The results suggest establishing personal financial planning strategies and public policies to minimise the risk of incurring financial hardship due to care-related out-of-pocket expenditures.
239. Territorialidades em redes digitais de culturas globais: juventudes de favelas e periferias em suas estéticas de atitude
Authors: Barbosa Jorge Luiz
Published: April 2020

As relações entre o mercado, o consumo e a cultura assumiram dimensões inimagináveis na definição do sentido das cidades contemporâneas. A expansão das tecnologias de informação e comunicação contribuiu decisivamente para tais condições, uma vez que se trata da ampliação da circulação de imagens visuais e sonoras em redes digitais. É nesse novo campo de relações que conflitos, insurgências e enfrentamentos emergem com maior ou menor vigor, caracterizando as tensões da cultura globalizada com as vivências locais, provocando questionamentos sobre a força homogeneizadora das dos dispositivos digitais no cotidiano dos mais diversos grupos sociais. É justamente neste complexo cenário que surgem autorias outras para marcar suas estéticas de atitude em territorialidades de pertença. São os jovens e as jovens de subúrbios, periferias e favelas a desafiar os processos globalizados de consumo de identidades, símbolos e valores com suas práticas de invenção e compartilhamento de experiências culturais.
Nanostructured coating of graphene nanoparticles deposited onto a
cladding etched no-core optical fiber for temperature measurement
Authors: Al-Rubaiyee Hussein Alaa , Al-Hayali Sarah Kadhim , Al-Janabi Abdul Hadi
Published: April 2020

We report on a temperature sensor based on an optical fiber with
nanostructured cladding fabricated by graphene nanoparticles (G-NPs)
deposited onto a chemically etched no-core fiber (NCF). The basic
structure of this sensor comprises a
single-mode-no-core-single-mode (SNCS) fiber section concatenation.
The sensing head is the NCF segment where the modal interference is
highly sensitive to temperature variations. The influence of the NCF
diameter on the sensitivity of the sensor has been investigated. The
obtained results revealed that the sensor with an etched NCF diameter
of 60 µm coated with G-NPs embedded in polyvinyl alcohol exhibits a
maximum sensitivity of

−

0.104

n
m

/

∘

C

in the temperature range of 25–235°C,
which is approximately six times higher than that of the basic
structure without coating. To the best of our knowledge, this is the
first demonstration of a temperature sensor based on an etched NCF
coated with graphene-polyvinyl alcohol thin film.
Large area precision optical coatings by reactive ion beam sputtering
Authors: Sakiew Wjatscheslaw , Schrameyer Stefan , Schwerdtner Philippe , Erhart Nick , Starke Kai
Published: April 2020

The demand for ion beam sputtering (IBS) coated substrates is growing. In order to introduce IBS technology into new fields of application, the uniform deposition area (UDA) must be further increased. In the present investigation, a simple approach toward enlarging a UDA and the corresponding scaling laws are presented. By taking symmetry properties into account, the collection efficiency of the sputtered particles could be doubled. A process is demonstrated which allows the simultaneous and uniform coating of two areas each with a diameter of 600 mm.
Experimental investigation of the time-delay signature of chaotic output and dual-channel physical random bit generation in 1550  nm mutually coupled VCSELs with common FBG filtered feedback
Authors: Cai Wei , Xiang Shuiying , Cao Xingyu , Wen Aijun , Hao Yue
Published: April 2020

Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate mutually coupled 1550 nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), subject to common fiber Bragg grating (FBG) feedback (FMC-VCSELs), to conceal the time-delay signature (TDS) of chaotic outputs. The autocorrelation function and delayed mutual information are used to quantitatively identify the TDS of chaotic output. For comparison, the evolution of the TDS of chaotic output in mutually coupled VCSELs (MC-VCSELs) is also presented. The effects of injection power, frequency detuning between two VCSELs, and frequency detuning between FBG and VCSELs on the TDS concealment are experimentally measured. Experimental results show that FMC-VCSELs have a better TDS suppression performance than MC-VCSELs for varying injection power. In addition, for the FMC-VCSELs system, the TDS can be suppressed to below 0.1 when the VCSELs x-polarization component is located at the edge of the main FBG lobe. Furthermore, dual-channel physical random numbers with verified randomness at a rate of 800 Gbps (

2

×
5

L
S
B
s

×

80

G
H
z

) are achieved by utilizing the chaotic outputs with a low TDS from two VCSELs in the FMC-VCSELs system.