bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sampling-based Markov regression model for multistate disease progression: Applications to population-based cancer screening program
Authors: Hsu Chen-Yang , Hsu Wen-Feng , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Chen Hsiu-Hsi
Published: November 2019

To develop personalized screening and surveillance strategies, the information required to superimpose state-specific covariates into the multi-step progression of disease natural history often relies on the entire population-based screening data, which are costly and infeasible particularly when a new biomarker is proposed. Following Prentice’s case-cohort concept, a non-standard case-cohort design from a previous study has been adapted for constructing multistate disease natural history with two-stage sampling. Nonetheless, the use of data only from first screens may invoke length-bias and fail to consider the test sensitivity. Therefore, a new sampling-based Markov regression model and its variants are proposed to accommodate additional subsequent follow-up data on various detection modes to construct state-specific covariate-based multistate disease natural history with accuracy and efficiency. Computer simulation algorithms for determining the required sample size and the sampling fraction of each detection mode were developed either through power function or the capacity of screening program. The former is illustrated with breast cancer screening data from which the effect size and the required sample size regarding the effect of BRCA on multistate outcome of breast cancer were estimated. The latter is applied to population-based colorectal cancer screening data to identify the optimal sampling fraction of each detection mode.
Reactions of women underscreened for cervical cancer who received unsolicited human papillomavirus self-sampling kits
Authors: Malone Colin , Tiro Jasmin A , Buist Diana SM , Beatty Tara , Lin John , Kimbel Kilian , Gao Hongyuan , Thayer Chris , Miglioretti Diana L , Winer Rachel L
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To evaluate experiences and reactions after receiving a mailed, unsolicited human papillomavirus self-sampling kit and identify psychosocial correlates of using kits.

Methods

Survey participants were underscreened women aged 30–64 who were mailed human papillomavirus kits as part of a pragmatic trial at Kaiser Permanente Washington, a United States integrated health care system. Six months after the mailing, we invited kit returners and non-returners to complete a web survey that measured psychosocial factors (e.g. cervical cancer/human papillomavirus knowledge, attitudes toward screening), experiences, and reactions to kits. We compared responses between kit returners and non-returners.

Results

Comparing 116 kit returners (272 invited) and 119 non-returners (1083 invited), we found no clinically significant differences in psychosocial factors. Overall, survey respondents showed knowledge gaps in human papillomavirus natural history (82% did not know human papillomavirus infection can clear on its own) and interpreting human papillomavirus test results (37% did not know a human papillomavirus-negative result indicates low cancer risk). Kit returners found kits convenient and easy to use (>90%). The most common reason for non-return was low confidence in ability to correctly use a kit, although many non-returners (49%) indicated that they would consider future use. Women reported low trust in human papillomavirus testing to identify women at high risk for cervical cancer (52% in returners, 42% in non-returners).

Conclusions

Screening programs could improve uptake and acceptability of human papillomavirus self-sampling through outreach materials that emphasize the high efficacy of human papillomavirus testing for cervical cancer screening and educate patients about how to interpret results.
The practice and safety profile of endotracheal intubation in an emergency department: A single‐center study in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Yang WX , Fan KL , Leung LP
Published: November 2019

Objectives:

Endotracheal intubation is an essential skill of every emergency department clinician. The current practice of emergency intubation in the emergency departments in China and its safety is largely unknown. This study aimed at evaluating the practice and the safety profile of emergency intubation in an emergency department in Shenzhen.

Methods:

This study was of retrospective design. It was conducted in the emergency department of a university affiliated hospital. All patients requiring emergency intubation from 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2018 were recruited. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics of patients and characteristics of intubations were collected and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 128 patients were analyzed. Patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage were most common. Airway protection for patency was the most common indication of intubation. Most intubations were performed by emergency department staff with direct laryngoscopy. The first attempt success rate was 93.8%. Serious adverse events were rare.

Conclusion:

The practice of endotracheal intubation in the emergency department is in line with international ones. The safety profile is good. A national registry of emergency airway management is recommended.
Oral Semaglutide: First-in-Class Oral GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cowart Kevin
Published: November 2019

Objective:The purpose of this article is to review the pharmacological characteristics and clinical evidence of oral semaglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Data Sources: A MEDLINE/PubMed search was conducted between January 1, 2005, and September 30, 2019. Search terms included semaglutide, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, GLP-1 receptor agonist, and type 2 diabetes. Study Selection and Data Extraction Quantification: The following study designs were included in the analysis: systematic review and/or meta-analyses, clinical trial, or observational study design. Narrative reviews were excluded. Articles were included only if they were published in the English language or evaluated oral semaglutide with regard to pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy in humans. Data Synthesis: Oral semaglutide has been Food and Drug Administration approved for the treatment of T2DM as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Oral semaglutide has been shown to result in an absolute hemoglobin A1C reduction between −0.5% and −1.5% and weight reductions between −1 and −4.7 kg. Oral semaglutide has been shown to be noninferior to placebo for cardiovascular (CV) safety although additional CV outcomes trials are ongoing. Adverse effects appear to be similar to those of other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and are gastrointestinal in nature. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Oral semaglutide may be appropriate as second- or third-line add-on therapy for patients with T2DM who are not meeting treatment goals on metformin and are overweight and reluctant to use an injectable drug. Conclusions: Oral semaglutide appears safe and effective as monotherapy and add-on pharmacological therapy for the treatment of T2DM.
Is there an association between congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and cesarean delivery?
Authors: Alakus Mehmet Fuat , Dag Umut , Balsak Selahattin , Erdem Seyfettin , Oncul Hasan , Akgol Sedat , Diri Halit
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to research the relationship between types of birth and congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Method:

The study enrolled 665 infantile patients with prediagnosis of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction due to associated ophthalmic symptoms. Age, gender, family history, delivery type, and patient medical records were investigated. Patients were grouped and compared according to their birth type and whether it was the first birth.

Results:

The number of the infants with and without congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction was 227 (34.1%) and 438 (65.9%), respectively. Comparison of the congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and non-congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction groups according to the first births showed that ratio of cesarean section was significantly higher in the congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction group than the non- congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction group (58.7% and 20.7%, respectively). Number with positive family history also was significantly higher in the congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction group.

Conclusion:

Cesarean section in first birth and positive family history of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction appear to be important risk factors in the etiopathogenesis of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Genotyping-by-Sequencing of Gossypium hirsutum Races and Cultivars Uncovers Novel Patterns of Genetic Relationships and Domestication Footprints
Authors: Zhang Shulin , Cai Yaling , Guo Jinggong , Li Kun , Peng Renhai , Liu Fang , Roberts Jeremy A , Miao Yuchen , Zhang Xuebin
Published: November 2019

Determining the genetic rearrangement and domestication footprints in Gossypium hirsutum cultivars and primitive race genotypes are essential for effective gene conservation efforts and the development of advanced breeding molecular markers for marker-assisted breeding. In this study, 94 accessions representing the 7 primitive races of G hirsutum, along with 9 G hirsutum and 12 Gossypium barbadense cultivated accessions were evaluated. The genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach was employed and 146 558 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were generated. Distinct SNP signatures were identified through the combination of selection scans and association analyses. Phylogenetic analyses were also conducted, and we concluded that the Latifolium, Richmondi, and Marie-Galante race accessions were more genetically related to the G hirsutum cultivars and tend to cluster together. Fifty-four outlier SNP loci were identified by selection-scan analysis, and 3 SNPs were located in genes related to the processes of plant responding to stress conditions and confirmed through further genome-wide signals of marker-phenotype association analysis, which indicate a clear selection signature for such trait. These results identified useful candidate gene locus for cotton breeding programs.
The Impact of History of Aggression and Alcohol Use on Aggressive: Responding in the Laboratory
Authors: Ritter Kathrin , Lookatch Samantha J , Schmidt Megan R , Moore Todd M
Published: November 2019

The current study examines how different levels of past aggression combined with self-reported levels of alcohol use impacted lab-based aggressive responding. Data were collected from 160 male undergraduate college students. Participants completed online measures of drinking (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and past aggression (Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire) prior to a lab session assessing aggressive responding [Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm (PSAP)]. Regression analyses revealed participants with “high” levels of past alcohol use and a history of “high” aggression were more likely to respond aggressively on the PSAP, a trend primarily driven by those with a history of physical aggression. For proactively aggressive participants, the risk for aggressive responding is greater in individuals with a history of physically aggressive behavior as they report higher alcohol use, relative to those “low” in past aggression. The interaction of alcohol use and past aggression was associated with continued aggressive behavior.
Tryptophan Metabolism as Source of New Prognostic Biomarkers for FAP Patients
Authors: Crotti Sara , Bedin Chiara , Bertazzo Antonella , Digito Maura , Zuin Matteo , Urso Emanuele DL , Agostini Marco
Published: November 2019

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a common inherited form of colorectal cancer (CRC), causes the development of hundreds to thousands of colonic adenomas in the colorectum beginning in early adolescence. In absence of a prophylactic surgery, FAP patients almost inevitably develop CRC by the age of 40 to 50. The lack of valuable prognostic biomarkers for FAP patients makes it difficult to predict when the progression from adenoma to malignant carcinoma occurs. Decreased tryptophan (TRP) plasma levels and increased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) enzymatic activities have been associated to tumour progression in CRC. In the present study, we aimed at investigating whether an altered TRP metabolism might also exist in FAP patients. Our results highlighted that plasma levels of TRP and its main catabolites are comparable between FAP patients and healthy subject. On the contrary, FAP patients presented significantly higher TRP levels with respect to high-grade adenoma (ADE) subjects and CRC patients. Obtained data lead us to evaluate IDO1 and TPH1 enzymes activity in the study groups. For both enzymes, it was possible to discriminate correctly between FAP subject and ADE/CRC patients with high sensitivities and specificities. By receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the cut-off values of IDO1 and TPH1 enzymatic activities associated to the presence of an active malignant transformation have been calculated as >38 and >5.5, respectively. When these cut-off values are employed, the area under the curve (AUC) is > 0.8 for both, indicating that TRP metabolism in patients with FAP may be used to monitor and predict the tumorigenic evolution.
Whose crisis? Pandemic flu, ‘communication disasters’ and the struggle for hegemony
Authors: Hall Kevin , Wolf Meike
Published: November 2019

Public health authorities in Germany regard communication as a crucial part of infectious disease prevention and control strategies. Communication becomes even more important during public health crises such as pandemics. Drawing on Briggs and Hallin’s concept of biocommunicability, we analysed the German National Pandemic Plan and key informant interviews with public health experts, critical infrastructure providers and ambulance services. We examined the projected expectations towards the behaviour of the audiences and the projected ways of information circulation informing public health communication strategies during a pandemic. Participants shared the expectation that the population would react towards an influenza pandemic with panic and fear due to a lack of information or a sensationalist media coverage. They associated the information uptake of their target audience with trust in their expertise. While our informants from public health conceptualised trust in terms of a face-to-face interaction, they sought to gain trust through transparency in their respective institutional settings. Our analysis suggests that this moved health information into a political register where their medical authority was open to debate. In response to this, they perceived the field of communication as a struggle for hegemony.
Casting and scripting: Visibility, responsibility, and legitimacy in transcultural psychiatry apprenticeships in Paris
Authors: Ansari David A.
Published: November 2019

Transcultural psychiatry was developed in France to promote cultural and linguistic diversity and address the mental health needs of immigrants who were excluded from accessing other public mental health services. Professionals in health and social services refer patients to transcultural psychiatry consultations when miscommunications arise or when professionals determine that patients need culturally sensitive therapy. In transcultural psychiatry consultations, a group of therapists, composed primarily of psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as other health and social service professionals, receives a patient, the patient’s family, and referring professionals. Previous research on transcultural psychiatry has emphasized the importance of culturally diverse therapy teams and the ways that therapists’ diversity could permit patients to open up in consultation sessions. This study draws on ethnographic research in two transcultural psychiatry consultations in Île-de-France, and pays particular attention to the experiences of apprentice therapists, who were often graduate students in clinical psychology. Apprentice therapists reported being introduced to patients in ways that they would not choose themselves. As a result, therapists felt that they had to overemphasize their cultures or countries of origin and French therapists questioned their place in the group. This article describes how transcultural therapy groups are a theater in which belonging, identity, and Frenchness are contested and performed. Apprentice therapists proposed more intersectional and inclusive ways of portraying diversity in the transcultural groups.
Support from next of kin and nurses are significant predictors of long-term adherence to treatment in post-PCI patients
Authors: Kähkönen Outi , Kyngäs Helvi , Saaranen Terhi , Kankkunen Päivi , Miettinen Heikki , Oikarinen Anne
Published: November 2019

Background:

Adherence to treatment is a crucial factor in preventing the progression of coronary heart disease. More evidence of the predictors of long-term adherence is needed.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to identify the predictive factors of adherence to treatment six years after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods:

Baseline data ( n=416) was collected in 2013 and follow-up data in 2019 ( n=169) at two university hospitals and three central hospitals in Finland. The self-reported Adherence of Patients with Chronic Disease Instrument was used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis.

Results:

The respondents reported higher adherence to a healthy lifestyle six years after percutaneous coronary intervention in comparison to four months post-percutaneous coronary intervention; adherence was seen in their healthy behaviour, such as decreased smoking and reduced alcohol consumption. Participating in regular follow-up control predicted adherence. Support from next of kin predicted physical activity and normal cholesterol levels; this outcome was associated with close relationships, which also predicted willingness to be responsible for treatment adherence. Women perceived lower support from nurses and physicians, and they had more fear of complications. Fear was more common among respondents with a longer duration of coronary heart disease. Physical activity and male gender were associated with perceived results of care.

Conclusion:

Support from next of kin, nurses and physicians, results of care, responsibility, fear of complication and continuum of care predicted adherence to treatment in long term. These issues should be emphasised among women, patients without a close relationship, physically inactive and those with a longer duration of coronary heart disease.
Detection of weak multi-target with adjacent frequency based on chaotic system
Authors: Chen Dawei , Shi Shuo , Gu Xuemai , Shim Byonghyo , Ren Qianyao
Published: November 2019

As a promising technology in signal detection, the chaotic detection system can significantly improve the accuracy of weak signal detection in strong background noise. It benefits from its characteristics of the sensitivity to the initial condition and the immunity to the Additive White Gaussian Noise. However, the fundamental challenges of the existing chaotic detection system are the sensitivity to narrow-band noise and the influences of multi-target detection with adjacent frequency, which bring great difficulties in the real application. To address these problems, in this article, we focus on the weak multi-target detection with adjacent frequency under the narrow-band noise, and a novel chaotic detection system that integrates the detection algorithm based on period-chaos duration ratio is proposed. In order to enhance the robustness to narrow-band noise, the Melnikov method is used to analyze the Duffing difference system. To realize the detection of weak multi-target with adjacent frequency, we proposed the detection system using the rule named general critical state. Furthermore, simulation results corroborate that the proposed system based on period-chaos duration ratio can achieve satisfactory performance in terms of the weak multi-target detection under narrow-band noise, and it is well investigated by extensive simulation for testing its effectiveness.
Fluorescent Cholangiography in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: An Updated Canadian Experience
Authors: Bleszynski Michael S. , DeGirolamo Kristin M. , Meneghetti Adam T. , Chiu C. Jack , Panton Ormond Neely
Published: November 2019

Background. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most common general surgery procedures in Canada with approximately 100 000 cases performed per year. Bile duct injury remains a morbid complication with an incidence rate of 0.3% to 0.5%. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent cholangiography is a noninvasive technology aiding in real-time identification of biliary structures for safe dissection within Calot’s triangle. The objectives were to provide an update to our initial experience with ICG aiding in the identification of biliary structures and ensuring that no adverse patient reactions occurred with ICG administration. Methods. Prospective case series from 2016 to 2018 for elective LC with ICG technology performed at a single academic teaching institution. Patient demographics, indications for operation, biliary structures visualized, amount of ICG used, operative times, and complications were recorded. Results. One hundred eight cases were included for review. The cystic duct, common hepatic duct, and common bile duct were identified with ICG in 90%, 48%, and 84% of cases, respectively. ICG simultaneously visualized at least 2 of 3 biliary structures 83.4% of the time. Only 1 biliary structure was identified in 10% of cases. No biliary structures were identified in 6% of cases. Mean initial ICG dose given was 1.65 mL. No adverse patient reactions to ICG were noted. Conclusions. This updated series illustrates that administration of ICG enhances visualization of the biliary system during outpatient LC. ICG is safe and its application should be further studied in early LC for acute cholecystitis.
Dyed fabrics modified via assembly with phytic acid/berberine for antibacterial, UV resistance, and self-cleaning applications
Authors: Liu Jiaojiao , Lin Xinghuan , Liang Hui’e
Published: November 2019

There is a growing demand for dyed cotton fabrics for antibacterial and UV-resistant materials application. Here, we use titanium dioxide (TiO2) to improve the UV resistance and impart self-cleaning property to cotton fabrics. Besides, to produce antibacterial dyed fabrics, berberine hydrochloride is used as a dye and antibacterial agent. Phytic acid and berberine hydrochloride are coated onto the fabrics via self-assembly to improve the light fastness. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy tests show that TiO2 nanoparticles are grafted onto fabrics, and phytic acid (–) and berberine hydrochloride (+) are successfully assembled onto the fabric surface. The treated fabrics exhibit excellent UV light fastness and good self-cleaning property. Most importantly, the obtained cotton fabrics illustrate remarkable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 with 97.63% and 84.52% bacterial reduction within 60 min of contact time, respectively. Therefore, our designed dyed antibacterial fabrics may have great potential for use in textiles.
Aggregation structure characterization of silk fibroin–crosslinking oxidized bamboo pulp fibers
Authors: Wang Yunxia , Du Zhaofang , Zhang Liling , Xu Yunhui
Published: November 2019

Bamboo pulp fiber as one of new promising green fiber was widely used in clothing, medical, automotive, construction, transportation, and many other areas. However, bamboo pulp fiber also has many defects such as larger shrinkage, lower wet strength, fabric wrinkle, and the poor ability to keep type. In this study, a green modification method for bamboo fiber was applied to overcome above-mentioned drawback and verified by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and solid-state CP/MAS 13C nuclear magnetic resonance respectively. The scanning electron microscopy results showed that oxidation treatment can cause fibers edge damage and denudation after modification, but can introduce the carboxyl groups to C6 position of pure bamboo cellulose macromolecular. The X-ray diffraction results revealed that the fibers’ crystalline structure was not changed throughout the modification process. The oxidation treatment processes can be interpreted as following: amino groups of silk fibroin first react with the carboxyl group and are connected to the fibers though C–N covalent bond, and then a smooth silk fibroin film was formed on the surface of fibers by crosslinking reaction of itself.
Kinematic analysis of a novel 2-PrRS-PR(P)S metamorphic parallel mechanism
Authors: Ma Kun , Ma Hongwei , Tian Haibo
Published: November 2019

Lower mobility parallel mechanisms have been developed in different structures and widely applied in industry, but still have disadvantages in various tasks and functional requirements. A 2-PrRS-PR(P)S metamorphic parallel mechanism with two working configurations and a transiting configuration is presented. First, the architecture and the way of metamorphosis about the mechanism are described in detail. The mobility of the metamorphic parallel mechanism is obtained with screw theory. Furthermore, the parasitic motions in different configurations are derived based on the geometry constraint conditions. Both the inverse kinematic problem and forward kinematic problem of the mechanism are investigated by the closed-loop equation and validated via numerical examples. Then, the velocity and acceleration in two working configurations are obtained by the derivation of the inverse kinematic problem. Finally, the reachable orientation workspaces are discussed using the three-dimensional search method in different configurations. A comparison with the 3-PRS PM without metamorphic mechanism in workspace is presented and an example of the metamorphic parallel mechanism in robotic supporting leg is presented. The above analyses provide theoretical foundations for application of this mechanism.
Speed control of brushless direct current motor using a genetic algorithm–optimized fuzzy proportional integral differential controller
Authors: Hu Huangshui , Wang Tingting , Zhao Siyuan , Wang Chuhang
Published: November 2019

In this article, a genetic algorithm–based proportional integral differential–type fuzzy logic controller for speed control of brushless direct current motors is presented to improve the performance of a conventional proportional integral differential controller and a fuzzy proportional integral differential controller, which consists of a genetic algorithm–based fuzzy gain tuner and a conventional proportional integral differential controller. The tuner is used to adjust the gain parameters of the conventional proportional integral differential controller by a new fuzzy logic controller. Different from the conventional fuzzy logic controller based on expert experience, the proposed fuzzy logic controller adaptively tunes the membership functions and control rules by using an improved genetic algorithm. Moreover, the genetic algorithm utilizes a novel reproduction operator combined with the fitness value and the Euclidean distance of individuals to optimize the shape of the membership functions and the contents of the rule base. The performance of the genetic algorithm–based proportional integral differential–type fuzzy logic controller is evaluated through extensive simulations under different operating conditions such as varying set speed, constant load, and varying load conditions in terms of overshoot, undershoot, settling time, recovery time, and steady-state error. The results show that the genetic algorithm–based proportional integral differential–type fuzzy logic controller has superior performance than the conventional proportional integral differential controller, gain tuned proportional integral differential controller, conventional fuzzy proportional integral differential controller, and scaling factor tuned fuzzy proportional integral differential controller.
Educating democracy: Competences for a democratic culture
Authors: Jónsson Ólafur Páll , Garces Rodriguez Antonio
Published: November 2019

The focus within the European tradition of democratic education has increasingly been on personal traits or character traits, values, and skills, rather than on broad structural features or systemic issues. This is reflected in a recent publication by the Council of Europe titled Competences for Democratic Culture: Living Together as Equals in Culturally Diverse Democratic Societies. In that publication relevant character traits are grouped under the heading ‘competences for democratic culture’. We scrutinize the notion of ‘democratic competences’ which is developed in the publication and suggest a different one. The Council of Europe presents a model with 20 competences, each of which falls into one of four categories: (1) a value, (2) an attitude, (3) a skill, or (4) knowledge and understanding. We suggest a notion of competences where a competence is conceived of as a complex construct composed of elements from all these categories. We then describe seven democratic competences, grounded in a Deweyan conception of democracy, which we think are both central to a democratic culture while also educationally relevant and manageable.
Alienated and disaffected students: Exploring the civic capacity of ‘Outsiders’ in Latin America
Authors: Kuang Xiaoxue , Kennedy Kerry J
Published: November 2019

The aim of the study is to explore alienated and disaffected students in Latin America and investigate the development of their civic attitudes. The study has focused on a context that is assuming growing importance globally and about which more needs to be known, especially in terms of its potential for democratic development. The focus is on students from Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Mexico. Three distinct groups of students were identified labeled ‘Outsiders’, ‘Moderates’, and ‘Active Participators’. The ‘Outsiders’ had lowest scores on all civic values. Gender, parents’ political and social interest, students’ expected education level and home literacy were the four most important predictors for membership in the ‘Outsider’ group. Implications and future directions for research on Latin American ‘Outsiders’ are discussed.
How Do Multiracial and Monoracial People Categorize Multiracial Faces?
Authors: Iankilevitch Maria , Cary Lindsey A. , Remedios Jessica D. , Chasteen Alison L.
Published: November 2019

Due to their awareness of multiraciality and their perceptions of race categories as fluid, multiracial individuals may be unique in how they racially categorize multiracial faces. Yet race categorization research has largely overlooked how multiracial individuals categorize other mixed-race people. We therefore asked Asian, White, and multiracial individuals to categorize Asian-White faces using an open-ended response format, which more closely mirrors real-world race categorizations than forced-choice response formats. Our results showed that perceivers from all three racial groups tended to categorize Asian-White faces as monoracial Asian, White, or Hispanic. However, multiracial perceivers categorized the Asian-White faces as multiracial more often than monoracial perceivers did. Our findings suggest that multiracial individuals may approach racial categorization differently from either monoracial majority or minority group members. Furthermore, our results illustrate possible difficulties multiracial people may face when trying to identify other multiracial in-group members.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation-enhanced rehabilitation is associated with not only motor but also somatosensory cortical plasticity in chronic stroke patients: an interventional study
Authors: Tashiro Syoichi , Mizuno Katsuhiro , Kawakami Michiyuki , Takahashi Osamu , Nakamura Takuya , Suda Mabu , Haruyama Koshiro , Otaka Yohei , Tsuji Tetsuya , Liu Meigen
Published: November 2019

Background:

Somatosensory function has been frequently overlooked in clinics and research in the field of chronic stroke. The effects of neurorehabilitation interventions on sensory processing have still to be investigated using electrophysiological means. This study investigated the effect of hybrid assistive neuromuscular dynamic stimulation (HANDS) therapy utilizing closed-loop electromyography-controlled neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), on sensory changes and cortical plasticity among patients with chronic stroke.

Methods:

This study was a prespecified analysis of 23 participants involved in an ongoing large interventional study. Patients with severe upper limb hemiplegia dues to chronic stroke underwent 3 weeks of inpatient HANDS therapy, where daily treatment consisted of 8 h of NMES combined with wrist splinting, 90 min of comprehensive occupational therapy, and the practice of bimanual activities of daily living. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and functional sensory assessments, including the Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test (SWMT) and thumb localizing test (TLT), were compared pre and post-treatment.

Results:

While no significant recovery of tactile sensation was observed, significant improvements in proprioception and motor function were induced. The number of cortical peaks significantly increased in the median nerve, but not in the tibial nerve. A total of 9 out of 11 participants who initially lacked certain peaks responded to treatment. Further analysis revealed a significant improvement in latency and amplitude of SEP peaks.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that NMES-based neurorehabilitation induces certain plastic changes in the primary sensory cortex and in cortices associated with sensorimotor processing in people with chronic stroke sequelae, which may explain the observed improvements in proprioception.
Improvement in VO2peak predicts readmissions for cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Mikkelsen Nicolai , Cadarso-Suárez Carmen , Lado-Baleato Oscar , Díaz-Louzao Carla , Gil Carlos P , Reeh Jacob , Rasmusen Hanne , Prescott Eva
Published: November 2019

Background

Improvement in exercise capacity is a main goal of cardiac rehabilitation but the effects are often lost at long-term follow-up and thus also the benefits on prognosis. We assessed whether improvement in VO2peak during a cardiac rehabilitation programme predicts long-term prognosis.

Methods and results

We performed a retrospective analysis of 1561 cardiac patients completing cardiac rehabilitation in 2011–2017 in Copenhagen. Mean age was 63.6 (11) years, 74% were male and 84% had coronary artery disease, 6% chronic heart failure and 10% heart valve replacement. The association between baseline VO2peak and improvement after cardiac rehabilitation and being readmitted for cardiovascular disease and/or all-cause mortality was assessed with three different analyses: Cox regression for the combined outcome, for all-cause mortality and a multi-state model. During a median follow-up of 2.3 years, 167 readmissions for cardiovascular disease and 77 deaths occurred. In adjusted Cox regression there was a non-linear decreasing risk of the combined outcome with higher baseline VO2peak and with improvement of VO2peak after cardiac rehabilitation. A similar linear association was seen for all-cause mortality. Applying the multi-state model, baseline VO2peak and change in VO2peak were associated with risk of a cardiovascular disease readmission and with all-cause mortality but not with mortality in those having an intermediate readmission for cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

VO2peak as well as change in VO2peak were highly predictive of future risk of readmissions for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. The predictive value did not extend beyond the next admission for a cardiovascular event.
The yield of respiratory viruses detection testing is age-dependent in children with acute otitis media
Authors: Marom Tal , Fellner Avital , Hirschfeld Ze’ev , Lazarovitch Tzilia , Gavriel Haim , Muallem-Kalmovich Limor , Pitaro Jacob
Published: November 2019

Background:

Studies of nasopharyngeal secretions serve as reliable surrogate to evaluate the involvement of viruses in acute otitis media (AOM) and upper/lower respiratory tract infections (URIs/LRIs). We explored nasopharyngeal viral studies from children with uncomplicated AOM and examined their cost-effectiveness in relation to their age.

Methods:

We identified children aged 0–6 years admitted to our pediatrics department in a university-affiliated, secondary hospital with uncomplicated AOM and concurrent URI/LRI between 2012 and 2017, during October–April, when viral studies are performed. Studies were performed either using antigen detection tests, for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A/B (2012–2016) and for a variety of other common respiratory viruses, utilizing multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays (2017).

Results:

A total of 249 children were included (median age: 15 months). In 88 (35%) children, viral studies were positive, most of them in children ⩽24 months (78, 89%). RSV was positive in 52 (59%) children, followed by influenza A and B, in 11 (13%) and 5 (6%) children, respectively. First year switch to a molecular assay, 4.5-fold more expensive, resulted in a statistically significant higher yield: 69% positive results in ⩽24 months, and 66% in those aged ⩽12 months ( p < 0.05). In those ⩽24 months, US$23 and US$95 were spent for one positive test in the antigen detection years and the polymerase chain reaction year, respectively, whereas in those >24 months, US$83 and US$878 were invested for one positive test in the same year, respectively.

Conclusion:

In cost-effectiveness terms, the greatest benefit of nasopharyngeal studies was highest in children ⩽24 months.
Writing through grief: Using autoethnography to help process grief after the death of a loved one
Authors: Matthews Angela
Published: November 2019

While reliving traumatic events may initially feel agonizing, writing down our worst experiences can also offer a way to cope with some of life’s horrors. The following narrative presents and describes how one grieving mother harnessed autoethnography to process her profound grief. The researcher draws on personal experience losing her son, chronicling her thoughts and feelings in grief journals, and eventually compiling autoethnographic field notes and reflections. This article helps support the argument that weaving personal experiences with academic research can reveal an understanding of complex, painful issues, such as death, grief, and traumatic loss. The author recommends similar strategies for others examining difficult topics, as this method reveals insights about difficult experiences without infringing on the pain of other subjects.
A Case of Neonatal Seizures With an Unusual Electroclinical Pattern
Authors: Kulkarni Neil , Mittlesteadt Jackson , Vidaurre Jorge
Published: November 2019

Benign familial neonatal epilepsy is a syndrome characterized by recurrent seizures occurring in the neonatal period. Seizures commonly begin at day 3 of life and usually abate by 1 to 4 months of life. Seizures are usually described as tonic with an asymmetric component with associated autonomic features. The authors report a newborn presenting with an unusual electroclinical phenotype. The electroencephalogram demonstrated an unusual pattern of electrical attenuation at the onset of seizures. Identification of these features is important for early recognition of this neonatal syndrome, as well as initiation of proper therapy.
Patterns of Frequently Diagnosed Pediatric Morbidities in Hospitalized Children in the Volta Region of Ghana
Authors: Adadey Samuel Mawuli , Ayee Richmond , Languon Sylvester , Quansah Darius , Quaye Osbourne
Published: November 2019

Background. The aim of this study was to identify the frequently diagnosed pediatric diseases in the Volta Region of Ghana, as well as to examine the burden of these diseases. The top pediatric diseases that were frequently diagnosed were malaria, gastroenteritis, systemic infection, anemia, pneumonia, and respiratory tract infection. Methods. Clearance was obtained from the Volta Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service to collect primary data on pediatric hospitalizations in the major hospitals in the Region. Diseases with more than 1000 recorded cases of hospitalizations were considered among the top frequently diagnosed childhood morbidities. Results. The data suggest that the Northern sector had different seasonal patterns of recorded diagnosed pediatric cases compared with the Central and Southern sectors, which had similar patterns of the reported diseases. Most of the pediatric diseases in the Volta Region were more prevalent during the dry seasons compared with the rainy seasons and resulting in seasonal patterns of hospitalizations. Conclusion. Although the frequently diagnosed pediatric diseases can be prevented and/or treated, many children are hospitalized, with a proportion of them dying. It is, therefore, important that efforts are made to reduce the burden of pediatric hospitalization.
Glycemia and Lipidemia in Term Newborns Correlate With Maternal Metabolism
Authors: Oliveira Hugo Razini , de Oliveira Toso Beatriz Rosana Gonçalves , Guimarães Ana Tereza Bittencourt , Viera Cláudia Silveira , Grassiolli Sabrina , Frizon Bruna Juliana Zancanaro , Barreto Grasiely Masotti Scalabrin , Conterno Julia Reis , Minosso Kamila Caroline
Published: November 2019

The present study characterized the plasma glycemic and lipid profiles in full-term newborn babies at birth and correlated these variables with growth markers and maternal clinical and metabolic conditions, to observe if maternal pregnancy conditions can influence metabolic programming in these newborn babies. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected from 162 mother/newborn binomials at birth and at 6 months at a public hospital in Western Paraná State, Brazil. Samples of blood tests for glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were obtained. Two classes of mothers/babies were statistically defined. The glycemic profiles in Class 1, at birth, were 63.0 ± 19.6 mg/dL and at 6 months 80.4 ± 10.6 mg/dL; in Class 2, at birth, they were 66.1 ± 20.8 mg/dL and at 6 months 78.2 ± 9.4 mg/dL. The triglycerides levels in Class 1 and Class 2, at birth, were 124.5 ± 47.8 mg/dL and 132.6 ± 60.2 mg/dL, respectively, and at 6 months they were 139.0 ± 51.5 mg/dL and 115.2 ± 39.9 mg/dL, respectively. Even though most of the pregnant women were overweight at the end of the gestation period, the anthropometric patterns found for babies followed the desirable standards. Furthermore, the average glycemic profile values were between the cutoff standards at birth and at 6 months; however, the triglycerides were above the expected values.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Role of Sugar-Free Chewing Gum in Dental Caries
Authors: Newton J.T. , Awojobi O. , Nasseripour M. , Warburton F. , Di Giorgio S. , Gallagher J.E. , Banerjee A.
Published: November 2019

Objective:

To determine the difference in level of dental caries in adults and children who chew sugar-free gum (SFG), compared with those who do not chew SFG or use alternatives such as lozenges, candies, rinses, tablets, and other nonchewing controls.

Methods:

Systematic review of published literature.

Results:

Twelve studies of interventions of SFG for dental caries outcomes were included. SFGs were found to significantly reduce caries increment, giving a preventative fraction (PF) of 28% (95% CI, 7% to 48%). Including the 8 trials that used xylitol gum only as the basis of the intervention, the PF was 33% (95% CI, 4% to 61%). No adverse effects were recorded. There was a high level of heterogeneity among the trials included.

Conclusion:

The findings of this review provide tentative evidence that chewing SFG reduces caries increment in comparison to nonchewing controls. However, there is a considerable degree of variability in the effect and the trials included were generally of moderate quality. There is a need for future research to explore the acceptability and feasibility of the use of SFG as a public health intervention (PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018094676).

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The results of this study can be used by clinicians when deciding how best to implement dental caries prevention regimes for their patients. With consideration of cost and patient preference, this information could help to develop national policy directives on caries prevention and dictate the direction of future clinical research.
Influence of multiple extrusions of blends made of polyethylene terephthalate and an oxygen scavenger on processing and packaging-related properties
Authors: Sängerlaub Sven , Glas Carlotta Elfi , Schlemmer Daniel , Müller Kajetan
Published: November 2019

We investigated the influence of multiple extrusions of poly-(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) blended with a polymer-based oxygen scavenger. PET and PET blended with an oxygen scavenger additive were extruded up to four times to polymer strands. They were chilled in a water bath and cut to granules. Between the extrusions, the granules were dried at (only) 60°C to avoid the oxygen scavenger losing its reactivity. The water content was up to 0.5 wt.-% and therefore up to factor 100 higher than the recommended water content for PET extrusion. For further analysis, films were extruded and bottles were stretch-blow-molded. Due to polymer degradation and the recycled PET blend viscosity being too low, this material had to be blended with virgin PET in order to be processable. We used 33 wt.-% recycled PET and 66 wt.-% virgin PET ratio. The impact of the thermomechanical stress by multiple extrusions was investigated by several test methods: analysis of the melt pressure in the extruder barrel during extrusion, intrinsic viscosity and melt flow rate, microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, color value measurements (L*a*b* values), tensile testing, compression testing, and oxygen absorption measurements. The intrinsic viscosity reduced after four re-extrusions in a compounder from 0.82 dl/g to 0.35 dl/g for PET with scavenger and to 0.41 dl/g for pure PET. This, even though low, difference can be explained by the slightly higher PET degradation due to the oxygen scavenger. We found slightly better mechanical properties (yield stress, Young’s modulus) for pure PET films compared to PET blended with an oxygen scavenger. At up to three extrusions, there was little influence on these properties. The extruded material with 3 wt.-% oxygen scavenger additive has an oxygen absorption capacity of 9.5 mg oxygen per 1 g of granules, i.e., the scavenger additive absorbed about 300 mg oxygen per 1 g of additive. Our results are relevant for in-house recycling processes of PET with oxygen scavenger.