bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of food consumption in Indian adults between national and sub-national dietary data sources
Authors: Aleksandrowicz Lukasz , Tak Mehroosh , Green Rosemary , Kinra Sanjay , Haines Andy
Published: May 2017

Accurate data on dietary intake are important for public health, nutrition and agricultural policy. The National Sample Survey is widely used by policymakers in India to estimate nutritional outcomes in the country, but has not been compared with other dietary data sources. To assess relative differences across available Indian dietary data sources, we compare intake of food groups across six national and sub-national surveys between 2004 and 2012, representing various dietary intake estimation methodologies, including Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys (HCES), FFQ, food balance sheets (FBS), and 24-h recall (24HR) surveys. We matched data for relevant years, regions and economic groups, for ages 16–59. One set of national HCES and the 24HR showed a decline in food intake in India between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012, whereas another HCES and FBS showed an increase. Differences in intake were smallest between the two HCES (1 % relative difference). Relative to these, FFQ and FBS had higher intake (13 and 35 %), and the 24HR lower intake (−9 %). Cereal consumption had high agreement across comparisons (average 5 % difference), whereas fruit and nuts, eggs, meat and fish and sugar had the least (120, 119, 56 and 50 % average differences, respectively). Spearman’s coefficients showed high correlation of ranked food group intake across surveys. The underlying methods of the compared data highlight possible sources of under- or over-estimation, and influence their relevance for addressing various research questions and programmatic needs.
A prospective evaluation of the depression–nutrient intake reverse causality hypothesis in a cohort of community-dwelling older Canadians
Authors: Gougeon Laura , Payette Hélène , Morais José A. , Gaudreau Pierrette , Shatenstein Bryna , Gray-Donald Katherine
Published: May 2017

Studies have investigated the potential protective effects that diet may have on late-life depression incidence. This disorder can, however, affect the person’s food intake, widely known as the reverse causality hypothesis of depression. To test this hypothesis, we compared mean nutrient intakes from three 24-h recalls during the year depression was detected (Geriatric Depression Scale ≥11 or antidepressant medication) with intakes from 1 year earlier among community-dwelling older adults (67–83 years) followed up annually in the 4-year Québec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Aging, who were free of depression and cognitive impairment at baseline. Participants (n158, 64·4 % female) who became depressed and had data available for all follow-up years were matched by age group and sex with non-depressed participants. General linear mixed models were adjusted for percentage changes in physical activity, functional autonomy and stressful life events reported at the time of positive screening. A significant group effect for the dietary intake of all three B-vitamins was observed, as depression cases had consistently lower dietary intakes than controls (P<0·01). Over time, intakes of dietary vitamin B12declined within depressed participants in bivariate analysis, but there was no time×group effect for any nutrient tested in the multivariate analyses. Intakes of energy, protein, saturated fat and total dietary fibre did not change in casesv. controls. Among community-dwelling older adults, declines in dietary vitamins B6, B12and folate may precede depression incidence. To help preventative efforts by programmes and practitioners, longitudinal cohorts of longer duration should investigate the extent of the decline in dietary intakes relative to the time of depression.
U–Th–Pb systematics in zircon and apatite from the Chicxulub impact crater, Yucatán, Mexico
Authors: SCHMIEDER MARTIN , SHAULIS BARRY J. , LAPEN THOMAS J. , KRING DAVID A.
Published: May 2017

This work presents a systematic study of zircon and apatite in melt-bearing impactites from the annular trough of the ~180 km and ~66.04 Ma Chicxulub impact crater, Yucatán, Mexico, usingin situlaser ablation – inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, in which the petrologic context of the analysed minerals was assessed. Geochronologic U–Pb results for variably shocked zircon from the Yaxcopoil-1 core, including monocrystalline grains and neocrystallised granular aggregates, yielded a discordant array of ages representing the Early Palaeozoic age of the crystalline–metamorphic Maya block in the crater basement and the timing of the Chicxulub impact, respectively, and provide evidence for impact-induced resetting of the U–Pb system. Zircon and fluor-chlorapatite from the Yaxcopoil-1 core, and fluorapatite in clasts of impact melt from the Yucatán-6 core have low206Pb/204Pb, suggesting the presence of detectable common Pb. The Chicxulub impactites were altered in an initially hot hydrothermal system that lasted up to ~2 Myr; locally, Pb-rich sulphides precipitated. Hydrothermal conditions did not reset the U–Th–Pb systematics of relict zircon, however, due to elevated closure temperatures for Pb diffusion at the fast cooling rates associated with the crater locations of the Yucatán-6 and Yaxcopoil-1 boreholes. Thus, the zircon preserves pre-impact and impact-related ages, rather than those of the hydrothermal system. In contrast, no useful geochronologic information was obtained from relict apatite, because common Pb in these grains overwhelmed radiometrically derived isotope ratios.
Towards a Poetics of Racial Trauma: Lyric Hybridity in Claudia Rankine'sCitizen
Authors: CHAN MARY-JEAN
Published: May 2017

The longevity of the lyric belies persisting difficulties in terms of its definition and categorization, particularly given the form's evolution in the face of philosophical, sociopolitical and cultural transformations. In Claudia Rankine'sCitizen, the lyric is powerfully refashioned in response to the historical and contemporary tribulations of being a black citizen in America. Rankine's keen awareness of how linguistic injury caused by microaggressions registers in the body leads her to an adoption andadaptationof the lyric form, withCitizenaptly subtitled “An American Lyric.”Citizenis an urgent and timely book that sustains America's conversation on race and racial injustice on a level of national grief, even as Rankine brings it to the level of personal intimacy by asking, “How do you make a body accountable for its language, its positioning?” I contend thatCitizenis a work that extends the lyric's possibilities through creating a hybrid text containing lyric essays, photography, public art and video scripts, which are juxtaposed for intertextual and polyphonic effects. I argue that Rankine uses lyric hybridity to create a poetics of racial trauma that meditates on the effects of racial injustice as it manifests in the bodies of traumatized individuals. Lyric hybridity appears crucial to Rankine's project, since it allows for complex subjectivity and intimate address amidst a clarity of language that enables the reader to perceive how we easily we fail one another in our daily pursuit of relationality, community and citizenship.
Peritonsillar abscess: epidemiology and relationship with climate variations
Authors: Freire G S M , dos Santos J H Z , Rolón P A , Pinheiro G B , Sampaio A L L
Published: May 2017

Background:

Peritonsillar abscess is the most common deep infection of the head and neck in young adults. It is considered a purulent complication of acute tonsillitis, but other mechanisms have been proposed. There is no consensus as to whether seasonality affects peritonsillar abscess incidence.

Methods:

This observational, descriptive, retrospective study explored the epidemiology of peritonsillar abscess and its relationship with seasonality. The cases were selected from the emergency otolaryngology service of a tertiary hospital.

Results:

The sample comprised 528 patients (42.61 per cent males, mean age = 26.63 years). A moderate positive correlation was found between peritonsillar abscess incidence and monthly average temperature. No associations were found with insolation, precipitation or humidity.

Conclusion:

In this sample, peritonsillar abscess was more likely to occur in warmer months. The findings corroborate the theory that peritonsillar abscess is not a direct complication of acute tonsillitis and may improve understanding of peritonsillar abscess aetiology.
The development of magnetic field line wander in gyrokinetic plasma turbulence: dependence on amplitude of turbulence
Authors: Bourouaine Sofiane , Howes Gregory G.
Published: May 2017

The dynamics of a turbulent plasma not only manifests the transport of energy from large to small scales, but also can lead to a tangling of the magnetic field that threads through the plasma. The resulting magnetic field line wander can have a large impact on a number of other important processes, such as the propagation of energetic particles through the turbulent plasma. Here we explore the saturation of the turbulent cascade, the development of stochasticity due to turbulent tangling of the magnetic field lines and the separation of field lines through the turbulent dynamics using nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations of weakly collisional plasma turbulence, relevant to many turbulent space and astrophysical plasma environments. We determine the characteristic time $t_{2}$ for the saturation of the turbulent perpendicular magnetic energy spectrum. We find that the turbulent magnetic field becomes completely stochastic at time $t\lesssim t_{2}$ for strong turbulence, and at $t\gtrsim t_{2}$ for weak turbulence. However, when the nonlinearity parameter of the turbulence, a dimensionless measure of the amplitude of the turbulence, reaches a threshold value (within the regime of weak turbulence) the magnetic field stochasticity does not fully develop, at least within the evolution time interval $t_{2}<t\leqslant 13t_{2}$. Finally, we quantify the mean square displacement of magnetic field lines in the turbulent magnetic field with a functional form $\langle (\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}r)^{2}\rangle =A(z/L_{\Vert })^{p}$ ($L_{\Vert }$ is the correlation length parallel to the magnetic background field $\boldsymbol{B}_{\mathbf{0}}$, $z$ is the distance along $\boldsymbol{B}_{\mathbf{0}}$ direction), providing functional forms of the amplitude coefficient $A$ and power-law exponent $p$ as a function of the nonlinearity parameter.
The socio-economic impact of conservation: the Safe Islands for Seabirds LIFE project
Authors: Benedicto Royuela José , Hervías Parejo Sandra , de la Cruz Azucena , Geraldes Pedro , Costa Luis T. , Gil Artur
Published: May 2017

Using the Safe Islands for Seabirds LIFE project as a case study, we assessed the socio-economic impact of a nature conservation project on the local community, focusing on the wealth created and the jobs supported directly and indirectly by the project. The Safe Islands for Seabirds project took place during 2009–2012, mainly on Corvo Island, the smallest and least populated island of Portugal's Azores Archipelago. To assess the impact of the project we used a combination of methods to analyse the project expenditure, the jobs created directly as a result of it, and, by means of multipliers, the incomes and jobs it supported indirectly. We estimate that during 2009–2012 direct expenditure of EUR 344,212.50 from the project increased the gross domestic product of the Azorean region by EUR 206,527.50. Apart from the 4.5 jobs created directly by the project, it also supported indirectly the equivalent of 1.5–2.5 full-time jobs. The project also provided the opportunity to preserve and promote natural amenities important for the quality of life of the local community. Our findings show that a nature conservation project can have positive economic impacts, and we recommend the creation of a standardized tool to calculate in a straightforward but accurate manner the socio-economic impacts of conservation projects. We also highlight the need to design projects that support local economies.
Listening to the Kids: The Value of Childhood Palaeopathology for the Study of Rural Roman Britain
Authors: Rohnbogner Anna
Published: May 2017

Childhood palaeopathology remains an underutilised resource in the study of Roman Britain, particularly for exploring the lives of the rural population. Lesions in child skeletons provide unique insights into past lifeways and population health, as adverse environmental conditions translate more readily into the osteological record of these vulnerable members of society. To demonstrate the range of information gleaned from the children, 1,279 non-adults (0–17 years) from 26 first- to fifth-century urban and rural settlements were analysed, comparing morbidity and mortality in the most comprehensive study to date. The distribution of ages-at-death suggests migration between country and town, the latter presenting a stressful and unsanitary environment. However, as demonstrated by high rates of metabolic disease and infections, life in the countryside was hampered by demanding physical labour and potentially oppressive conditions with restricted access to resources.
Product of Simplices and sets of positive upper density in ℝd
Authors: LYALL NEIL , MAGYAR ÁKOS
Published: May 2017

We establish that any subset of ℝd of positive upper Banach density necessarily contains an isometric copy of all sufficiently large dilates of any fixed two-dimensional rectangle provided d ⩾ 4.

We further present an extension of this result to configurations that are the product of two non-degenerate simplices; specifically we show that if Δk1 and Δk2 are two fixed non-degenerate simplices of k1 + 1 and k2 + 1 points respectively, then any subset of ℝd of positive upper Banach density with d ⩾ k1 + k2 + 6 will necessarily contain an isometric copy of all sufficiently large dilates of Δk1 × Δk2.

A new direct proof of the fact that any subset of ℝd of positive upper Banach density necessarily contains an isometric copy of all sufficiently large dilates of any fixed non-degenerate simplex of k + 1 points provided d ⩾ k + 1, a result originally due to Bourgain, is also presented.
Evaluating the Behaviour of Chinese Stakeholders Engaged in Large Hydropower Projects in Asia and Africa
Authors: Tan-Mullins May , Urban Frauke , Mang Grace
Published: May 2017

Hydropower dams are back in the spotlight owing to a shifting preference for low carbon energy generation and their possible contribution to mitigating climate change. At the forefront of the renaissance of large hydropower dams are Chinese companies, as the builders of the world's largest dams at home and abroad, opening up opportunities for low- and middle-income countries. However, large hydropower dams, despite their possible developmental and carbon reduction contributions, are accompanied by huge economic costs, profound negative environmental changes and social impacts. Using fieldwork data from four hydropower projects in Ghana, Nigeria, Cambodia and Malaysia, this paper evaluates the behaviour of Chinese stakeholders engaged in large hydropower projects in Asia and Africa. We do this by first exploring the interests of the different Chinese stakeholders and then by investigating the wider implications of these Chinese dams on the local, national and international contexts. The paper concludes that hydropower dams will continue to play a prominent role in future efforts to increase energy security and reduce energy poverty worldwide, therefore the planning, building and mitigation strategies need to be implemented in a more sustainable way that takes into account national development priorities, the needs of local people and the impacts on natural habitats.
Phase relation, structure, and properties of borate MgYB5O10 in MgO–Y2O3–B2O3 system
Authors: Zhang Jing , Tao Xiaoma , Cai Gemei , Jin Zhanpeng
Published: May 2017

In the investigation of MgO–Y2O3–B2O3 system, six three-phase regions, five binary compounds, and one ternary compound MgYB5O10 were confirmed in the subsolidus phase relations. Single-phase powder sample of MgYB5O10 was successfully prepared through solution synthesis method. By using the Rietveld method from the step-scanning X-ray powder diffraction data, the crystal structure of MgYB5O10 was determined. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system with the space group P121/c1 and lattice parameters a = 8.5113(2) Å, b = 7.5892(2) Å, c = 12.2460(3) Å, β = 130.200(1)°, and Z = 4. The infrared spectrum of MgYB5O10 at room temperature demonstrates the existence of BO3 and BO4 groups. The UV–visible spectrum shows a wide absorption band within the range of 190–400 nm, while the absorption in the visible region is negligible. According to the electronic structure derived by first-principles calculations, MgYB5O10 is an insulator with a wide indirect energy band gap of about 5.95 eV. Layered structural characteristics, existence of one-dimensional YnO8n+2 chains, and the large band gap should be the immanent reason why MgYB5O10-based materials have exhibited outstanding performances in the luminescence field.
Structural and Raman spectroscopic studies of the two M0.50SbFe(PO4)3 (M = Mg, Ni) NASICON phases
Authors: Aatiq Abderrahim , Marchoud Asmaa , Bellefqih Hajar , Tigha My Rachid
Published: May 2017

Structures of the two M0.50SbFe(PO4)3 (M = Mg, Ni) phases, abbreviated as [Mg0.50] and [Ni0.50], were determined at room temperature from X-ray diffraction (XRD) powder data using the Rietveld analysis. Both compounds belong to the NASICON structural family. XRD patterns of [Mg0.50] and [Ni0.50] phases were easily indexed with a primitive hexagonal unit cell [P$\overline 3 $ space group, Z = 6] similar to that already obtained for La0.33Zr2(PO4)3. Obtained unit cells parameters are [a = 8.3443(1) Å, c = 22.3629(1) Å], and [a = 8.3384(1), c = 22.3456(1) Å], respectively, for [Mg0.50] and [Ni0.50] phosphates. In both samples, the [Sb(Fe)(PO4)3]− NASICON framework is preserved and a partially-ordered distribution of Sb5+ and Fe3+ ions is observed. Raman spectroscopic study was used to obtain further structural information about the nature of bonding in [Mg0.50] and [Ni0.50] phases.
Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) infection in dairy cattle and associated risk factors in Latvia
Authors: BORODUSKE A. , TROFIMOVA J. , KIBILDS J. , PAPULE U. , SERGEJEVA M. , RODZE I. , GRANTINA-IEVINA L.
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to describe prevalence and spatial distribution of Coxiella burnetii infections in dairy cow sheds in Latvia and to investigate risk factors contributing to C. burnetii infections. Blood serum samples from abortion cases from 1010 sheds have been tested by ELISA for the presence of C. burnetii antibodies and bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from 252 sheds have been tested by real time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA for the presence of C. burnetii DNA and antibodies. Prevalence of C. burnetii antibody-positive sheds in cases of abortion was 13·4%. A total of 10·7% and 13·2% of dairy cow sheds tested positive for the presence of C. burnetii DNA and antibodies in BTM, respectively. Two distinct areas of clustering of test-positive dairy cattle sheds were identified by spatial scan statistics of abortion cases and randomly sampled BTM samples. Three factors were identified as significantly contributing to the risk of C. burnetii DNA presence in BTM – number of cattle in shed (>200 animals/shed) (OR 3·93), location of the shed within risk area in Northern Latvia (OR 8·29) and for the first time, purchasing cattle from abroad has been shown to significantly increase risk (OR 2·68) of C. burnetii infection in dairy cows in Latvia.
Nutritional aspects of commercially prepared infant foods in developed countries: a narrative review
Authors: Maslin Kate , Venter Carina
Published: May 2017

Nutritional intake during infancy is a critical aspect of child development and health that is of significant public health concern. Although there is extensive research on breast-feeding and timing of solid food introduction, there is less evidence on types of solid foods fed to infants, specifically commercially prepared infant foods. The consumption of commercially prepared infant foods is very prevalent in many developed countries, exceeding the consumption of homemade foods in some situations. Although these food products may have practical advantages, there are concerns about their nutritional composition, sweet taste, bioavailability of micronutrients, diversity of ingredients and long-term health effects. The extent that the manufacturing, fortification and promotion of these products are regulated by legislation varies between countries and regions. The aim of the present narrative review is to investigate, appraise and summarise these aspects. Overall there are very few studies directly comparing homemade and commercial infant foods and a lack of longitudinal studies to draw firm conclusions on whether commercial infant foods are mostly beneficial or unfavourable to infant health.
Aspects of Burial and Exhumation
Authors: Bursell Rupert
Published: May 2017

This article considers a number of legal questions surrounding burial and exhumation. Based on an extensive paper given at the Ecclesiastical Law Society's conference in 2015, it builds on previous work by the author in this area and examines the changes in the law brought about by recent case law.
The Process of Appointment of Bishops in the Church of England: A Historical and Legal Critique
Authors: Coleman Stephen
Published: May 2017

‘The manner of appointment [of bishops] reflects the delicate balance between the established nature of the Church of England and its autonomous self-governance.’ As with most matters of Church of England ecclesiology and polity, the process of the appointment of bishops in the Church of England is firmly rooted within the reforms of the sixteenth century, but has origins which stretch back to the mediaeval Church. This comment article focuses on the appointment of diocesan bishops in the Church of England.
The Hungarian risk: the premium on Hungarian state bonds, 1881–1914
Authors: Pammer Michael
Published: May 2017

Both states that constituted the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy issued considerable amounts of perpetual bonds from the 1870s to World War I. These bonds constituted the greater part of the state debt, which was relatively larger in Hungary than in Austria. Movements in bond prices were not uniform for different kinds of securities such as gold bonds, paper bonds and bonds of the common debt of the pre-1867 era. Price movements and movements in the spread between Hungarian and Austrian bond yields followed a stochastic trend. Most fiscal factors such as the share of the state debt, and of state expenses, in GDP, the share of state consumption in overall state expenses, the relation between the debt service and the tax revenues, or the deficit in the state budget, had little or no impact. The conversion of debt instruments reveals a high degree of efficiency on the part of investors. Political crises affected relative price movements in the short run but were unimportant in the context of the middle- and long-term development. Throughout the period, Hungarian bonds as compared to Austrian bonds had lower prices in the Vienna Stock Exchange, suggesting a preference of Viennese investors for domestic securities independently from economic and political circumstances.
Exercise restriction is not associated with increasing body mass index over time in patients with anomalous aortic origin of the coronary arteries
Authors: Meza James M. , Elias Matthew D. , Wilder Travis J. , O’Brien James E. , Kim Richard W. , Mavroudis Constantine , Williams William G. , Brothers Julie , Cohen Meryl S. , McCrindle Brian W. ,   for the Congenital Heart Surgeons’ Society
Published: May 2017

Anomalous aortic origin of the coronary arteries is associated with exercise-induced ischaemia, leading some physicians to restrict exercise in patients with this condition. We sought to determine whether exercise restriction was associated with increasing body mass index over time. From 1998 to 2015, 440 patients ⩽30 years old were enrolled into an inception cohort. Exercise-restriction status was documented in 143 patients. Using linear mixed model repeated-measures regression, factors associated with increasing body mass index z-score over time, including exercise restriction and surgical intervention as time-varying covariates, were investigated. The 143 patients attended 558 clinic visits for which exercise-restriction status was recorded. The mean number of clinic visits per patient was 4, and the median duration of follow-up was 1.7 years (interquartile range (IQR) 0.5–4.4). The median age at first clinic visit was 10.3 years (IQR 7.1–13.9), and 71% (101/143) were males. All patients were alive at their most recent follow-up. At the first clinic visit, 54% (78/143) were exercise restricted, and restriction status changed in 34% (48/143) during follow-up. The median baseline body mass index z-score was 0.2 (IQR 0.3–0.9). In repeated-measures analysis, neither time-related exercise restriction nor its interaction with time was associated with increasing body mass index z-score. Surgical intervention and its interaction with time were associated with decreasing body mass index z-score. Although exercise restriction was not associated with increasing body mass index over time, surgical intervention was associated with decreasing body mass index z-score over time in patients with anomalous aortic origin of the coronary arteries.
Resolution of intracardiac thrombus with novel oral anticoagulants in an adult patient with complex CHD
Authors: Scognamiglio Giancarlo , Barracano Rosaria , Sarubbi Berardo
Published: May 2017

Thromboembolic complications occur frequently in Fontan patients with atrial arrhythmias and are a cause of significant morbidity and all-cause mortality. We report the case of an adult woman with direct atriopulmonary connection and atrial arrhythmia who developed a right atrial thrombus. She was switched to apixaban therapy because of echocardiographic evidence of thrombus progression despite combined therapy with warfarin and aspirin. After 1 year of treatment, there was evidence of complete thrombus resolution, in the absence of bleeding events. Our case shows that direct oral anticoagulants can be effective and safe for the treatment of thrombosis in adult patients with complex CHD.
Transcatheter closure of the patent foramen ovale in children: intermediate-term follow-up results
Authors: Sel Kutay , Aykan Hakan H. , Duman Derya , Aypar Ebru , Özkutlu Süheyla , Alehan Dursun , Karagöz Tevfik
Published: May 2017

The patent foramen ovale is almost a normal anatomical hole between the atria with ~30% incidence in the general population. It has been suggested that the patent foramen ovale is the cause of some neurological events, which is explained by paradoxical embolism. Transcatheter closure of the patent foramen ovale is a common procedure in adult patients with cerebral ischaemic events, but there are limited data investigating the results in children. Between January, 2005 and February, 2014, 17 patients’ patent foramen ovales were closed by the transcatheter approach in our department. The indications for closure were transient ischaemic attack in 10 patients, stroke in four patients, and migraine in three patients. The mean age and mean weight at the time of the procedure were 11.1±3.7 years and 42.1±15.4 kg, respectively. We asked our patients whether their previous ailments continued. All patients responded to the study survey. In 15 patients, ailments did not continue after patent foramen ovale closure and they significantly decreased in two of them. We suggest that under the right conditions device closure of the patent foramen ovale is a safe solution for these cryptogenic ischaemic events and migraine.
Road Traffic Injury in Lagos, Nigeria: Assessing Prehospital Care
Authors: Ibrahim Nasiru A. , Ajani Abdul Wahab O. , Mustafa Ibrahim A. , Balogun Rufai A. , Oludara Mobolaji A. , Idowu Olufemi E. , Solagberu Babatunde A.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Injuries are the third most important cause of overall deaths globally with one-quarter resulting from road traffic crashes. Majority of these deaths occur before arrival in the hospital and can be reduced with prompt and efficient prehospital care. The aim of this study was to highlight the burden of road traffic injury (RTI) in Lagos, Nigeria and assess the effectiveness of prehospital care, especially the role of Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) in providing initial care and transportation of the injured to the hospital.

Methods

A three-year, retrospective review of road traffic injured patients seen at the Surgical Emergency Room (SER) of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Nigeria, from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014 was conducted. Parameters extracted from the Institution Trauma Registry included bio-data, date and time of injury, date and time of arrival in SER, host status, type of vehicle involved, and region(s) injured. Information on how patients came to the hospital and outcome in SER also were recorded. Results were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS; IBM Corporation; Armonk, New York USA) version 16.

Results

A total of 23,537 patients were seen during the study period. Among them, 16,024 (68.1%) had trauma. Road traffic crashes were responsible in 5,629 (35.0%) of trauma cases. Passengers constituted 42.0% of the injured, followed by pedestrians (34.0%). Four wheelers were the most frequent vehicle type involved (54.0%), followed by motor cycles (30.0%). Regions mainly affected were head and neck (40.0%) and lower limb (29.0%). Less than one-quarter (24.0%) presented to the emergency room within an hour, while one-third arrived between one and six hours following injury. Relatives brought 55.4%, followed by bystanders (21.4%). Only 2.3% had formal prehospital care and were brought to the hospital by LASAMBUS. They also had significantly shorter arrival time. One hundred and nine patients (1.9%) died in the emergency room while 235 bodies were brought in dead.

Conclusion

Less than three percent among the victims of road crashes had formal prehospital care and shorter hospital arrival time. Current facilities for emergency prehospital care in Lagos are inadequate and require improvement. Training lay first-responders, who bring the majority of the injured to hospital, in basic first-aid may improve prehospital care in Lagos.

IbrahimNA, AjaniAWO, MustafaIA, Balogun RA, OludaraMA, Idowu OE, SolagberuBA. Road traffic injury in Lagos, Nigeria: assessing prehospital care. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(4):424–430.
Border Injuries: An Analysis of Prehospital Demographics, Mechanisms, and Patterns of Injuries Encountered by USBP EMS Agents in the El Paso (Texas USA) Sector
Authors: Baker Russell A.
Published: May 2017

Study Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate Emergency Medical Services (EMS), use, injury mechanisms, prehospital assessments, and injuries among those receiving aid from the United States Border Patrol (USBP) in the El Paso (Texas USA) Sector.

Design

This is a time-series, retrospective analysis of all prehospital data for injuries among patients receiving care from USBP EMS on the US Mexico border in the El Paso sector from February 6, 2014 to February 6, 2016.

Results

A total of 473 documented EMS encounters occurred in this two-year period and demonstrated a male gender predominance (male 63%; female 37%) with the most prominent ages between 22-40 years old. The most prevalent EMS call types were medical (55%) and trauma (42%). The most common chief complaints were an injured or painful extremity (35%) and rash (13%). The most common USBP EMS provider primary impression was traumatic injury (34%), followed by fever/infection (17%) and extremity injury (7%); however, the most common secondary impression was also extremity injury (20%). The most common mechanism of injury was fall (26%) and motor vehicle accident (MVA; 22%). The USBP EMS was the first provider on scene in 96% of the MVAs.

Conclusion:

The author reports on injury patterns, mechanisms, chief complaints, EMS impressions, as well as demographics of patients reporting to USBP EMS. A knowledge of these injury patterns will be useful to EMS administrators and physicians along the US Mexico border.

BakerRA. Border injuries: an analysis of prehospital demographics, mechanisms, and patterns of injuries encountered by USBP EMS agents in the El Paso (Texas USA) Sector. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(4):431–436.
THE RISK OF HITTING THE ZERO LOWER BOUND AND THE OPTIMAL INFLATION TARGET
Authors: Ngo Phuong V.
Published: May 2017

I examine the optimal inflation target in a dynamic stochastic New Keynesian model featuring an occasionally binding zero lower bound on nominal interest rate (ZLB). To this end, I first calibrate the shock needed to generate the risk of hitting the ZLB that matches the U.S. data, based on a fully nonlinear method. I then resolve the model with different inflation targets and find that the optimal target is 3.4%. In addition, the optimal inflation target is a nonlinear function of the risk of hitting the ZLB and inflation indexation. It is always greater than 2% if the risk is greater than 2.5% or if the inflation indexation is higher than 0.5. Finally, the linear–quadratic approach overestimates the true optimal inflation target. In particular, based on the benchmark calibration, it generates an optimal target of 5.5%, compared with 3.4% found by the fully nonlinear method.
A qualitative study of the emotional and spiritual needs of Hispanic families in hospice
Authors: Nuñez Alicia , Holland Jason M. , Beckman Lisa , Kirkendall Abbie , Luna Nora
Published: May 2017

Background:

As the older U.S. population becomes more ethnically diverse, there will be an increased need for culturally sensitive hospice care services. Hispanics often experience multiple barriers to quality end-of-life care services.

Objective:

To address the underlying disparities in the cultural, emotional, and spiritual aspects of hospice care, the objective of the present qualitative study was to examine the emotional and spiritual needs of Hispanic patients' families while in hospice.

Method:

Semistructured in-person interviews were conducted with 29 Hispanic patients' families regarding their perceived experience of the hospice-based emotional and spiritual support received. Demographic information was collected on both the family member and the patient. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results:

Participant narratives fell into five main themes: (1) the influence of Hispanic culture in the relationship with hospice care providers; (2) types of social support received from hospice; (3) barriers to receiving support; (4) lack of health literacy regarding hospice care; and (5) cultural preferences for religious/spiritual support in hospice.

Significance of Results:

Our results provide insight into the specific emotional and spiritual needs of Hispanic families receiving hospice services. Our findings highlight that cultural values play an important role in the hospice care experiences of Hispanic families.
Sources of meaning in family caregivers of terminally ill patients supported by a palliative nursing care team: A naturalistic three-month cohort study
Authors: Valdés-Stauber Juan , Lemaczyk Rafael , Kilian Reinhold
Published: May 2017

Objective:

Our aim was to identify possible patterns of change or durability in sources of meaning for family caregivers of terminally ill patients after the onset of support at home by an outreach palliative nursing team during a three-month survey period.

Method:

The Sources of Meaning and Meaning in Life Questionnaire (SoMe) was administered to 100 caregivers of terminally ill patients at four measurement timepoints: immediately before the onset of the palliative care (t0), and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after t0. Time-dependent changes were assessed for the completed subsample (n = 24) by means of bivariate linear as well as quadratic regression models. Multivariate regressions with dimensions of meaning in life as dependent variables were performed for the whole sample by means of random-effects models: dependent variables changed over time (four timepoints), whereas regressors remained constant.

Results:

No significant differences were found for psychosocial and clinical variables or for sources of meaning between the uncompleted and completed subsamples. Growth curve analyses revealed no statistically significant but tendentiously parabolic changes for any dimensions or for single sources of meaning. In multivariate models, a negative association was found between patient age, psychological burden of family caregivers, and changes in total SoMe score, as well as for the superordinate dimensions.

Significance of Results:

According to our hypothesis, sources of meaning and meaning in life seem to remain robust in relatives caring for terminally ill family members during the three-month survey period. A parabolic development pattern of single sources of meaning indicates an adjustment process. An important limitation of our study is the small number of participants compared with larger multivariate models because of high dropout rates, primarily due to the death of three-quarters of the participants during the survey period.
FROM SEXUALITY TO GOVERNMENTALITY: THE OEDIPUS COMPLEX OF MICHEL FOUCAULT
Authors: KONOVAL BRANDON
Published: May 2017

The figure of Oedipus haunted the thought of Michel Foucault from the outset of his tenure at the Collège de France, in association with several key philosophical and historical projects, and enduring until the conclusion of his career. However, it was with Foucault's account of an “Oedipus complex”—one that operated “not at the individual level but at the collective level; not in connection with desire and the unconscious but in connection with power and knowledge” (“Truth and Juridical Forms,” 1973)—that Foucault was able to enlist Oedipus for a genealogy of “sexuality” and, furthermore, of “governmentality,” such as would increasingly preoccupy him through the mid- to late 1970s. Foucault's attention to classical texts—in particular the Oedipus Tyrannos of Sophocles and the Republic of Plato—thereby helped to clear a critical pathway through the conventional Marxism embraced by the “repressive hypothesis,” and to arrive at a Nietzschean genealogy of sexuality and power.
SIGMUND FREUD, SUBLIMATION, AND THE RUSSIAN SILVER AGE
Authors: SILJAK ANA
Published: May 2017

Freud's most sustained account of the power of sexual sublimation to fuel scientific and artistic genius is found in hisLeonardo da Vinci and a Memory of His Childhood, published in 1910. This article argues that Freud chose Leonardo as the perfect example of sublimation because of his close reading of the then quite popular historical novelLeonardo da Vinci, written by a poet and author of the Russian Silver Age, Dmitrii Merezhkovskii. The central point of Freud's theory of sublimation, that sexuality is at the root of human knowledge and creativity, is developed by Merezhkovskii, but from the religious-philosophical perspective of Silver Age symbolism. Freudian sublimation, as a psychological theory, was developed in dialogue with a Russian religious understanding of Eros and its power. Freud essentially rewrote Merezhkovskii's story of Leonardo, reducing Merezhkovskii's philosophy of Eros to the more “scientifically” grounded theory of sexual sublimation.
20–25 Gbit/s low-power inductor-less single-chip optical receiver and transmitter frontend in 28 nm digital CMOS
Authors: Szilágyi László , Belfiore Guido , Henker Ronny , Ellinger Frank
Published: May 2017

The design of an analog frontend including a receiver amplifier (RX) and laser diode driver (LDD) for optical communication system is described. The RX consists of a transimpedance amplifier, a limiting amplifier, and an output buffer (BUF). An offset compensation and common-mode control circuit is designed using switched-capacitor technique to save chip area, provides continuous reduction of the offset in the RX. Active-peaking methods are used to enhance the bandwidth and gain. The very low gate-oxide breakdown voltage of transistors in deep sub-micron technologies is overcome in the LDD by implementing a topology which has the amplifier placed in a floating well. It comprises a level shifter, a pre-amplifier, and the driver stage. The single-chip frontend, fabricated in a 28 nm bulk-digital complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) process has a total active area of 0.003 mm2, is among the smallest optical frontends. Without the BUF, which consumes 8 mW from a separate supply, the RX power consumption is 21 mW, while the LDD consumes 32 mW. Small-signal gain and bandwidth are measured. A photo diode and laser diode are bonded to the chip on a test-printed circuit board. Electro-optical measurements show an error-free detection with a bit error rate of 10−12at 20 Gbit/s of the RX at and a 25 Gbit/s transmission of the LDD.
Endothelial dysfunction in individuals born after fetal growth restriction: cardiovascular and renal consequences and preventive approaches
Authors: Yzydorczyk C. , Armengaud J. B. , Peyter A. C. , Chehade H. , Cachat F. , Juvet C. , Siddeek B. , Simoncini S. , Sabatier F. , Dignat-George F. , Mitanchez D. , Simeoni U.
Published: May 2017

Individuals born after intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have an increased risk of perinatal morbidity/mortality, and those who survive face long-term consequences such as cardiovascular-related diseases, including systemic hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and chronic kidney disease. In addition to the demonstrated long-term effects of decreased nephron endowment and hyperactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, individuals born after IUGR also exhibit early alterations in vascular structure and function, which have been identified as key factors of the development of cardiovascular-related diseases. The endothelium plays a major role in maintaining vascular function and homeostasis. Therefore, it is not surprising that impaired endothelial function can lead to the long-term development of vascular-related diseases. Endothelial dysfunction, particularly impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation and vascular remodeling, involves decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, impaired endothelial NO synthase functionality, increased oxidative stress, endothelial progenitor cells dysfunction and accelerated vascular senescence. Preventive approaches such as breastfeeding, supplementation with folate, vitamins, antioxidants, L-citrulline, L-arginine and treatment with NO modulators represent promising strategies for improving endothelial function, mitigating long-term outcomes and possibly preventing IUGR of vascular origin. Moreover, the identification of early biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, especially epigenetic biomarkers, could allow early screening and follow-up of individuals at risk of developing cardiovascular and renal diseases, thus contributing to the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies to avert the long-term effects of endothelial dysfunction in infants born after IUGR.
Methodological quality of systematic reviews on treatments for depression: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chung V. C. H. , Wu X. Y. , Feng Y. , Ho R. S. T. , Wong S. Y. S. , Threapleton D.
Published: May 2017

Aims.

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders and identifying effective treatment strategies is crucial for the control of depression. Well-conducted systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses can provide the best evidence for supporting treatment decision-making. Nevertheless, the trustworthiness of conclusions can be limited by lack of methodological rigour. This study aims to assess the methodological quality of a representative sample of SRs on depression treatments.

Methods.

A cross-sectional study on the bibliographical and methodological characteristics of SRs published on depression treatments trials was conducted. Two electronic databases (the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects) were searched for potential SRs. SRs with at least one meta-analysis on the effects of depression treatments were considered eligible. The methodological quality of included SRs was assessed using the validated AMSTAR (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews) tool. The associations between bibliographical characteristics and scoring on AMSTAR items were analysed using logistic regression analysis.

Results.

A total of 358 SRs were included and appraised. Over half of included SRs (n = 195) focused on non-pharmacological treatments and harms were reported in 45.5% (n = 163) of all studies. Studies varied in methods and reporting practices: only 112 (31.3%) took the risk of bias among primary studies into account when formulating conclusions; 245 (68.4%) did not fully declare conflict of interests; 93 (26.0%) reported an ‘a priori’ design and 104 (29.1%) provided lists of both included and excluded studies. Results from regression analyses showed: more recent publications were more likely to report ‘a priori’ designs [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.57], to describe study characteristics fully (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06–1.28), and to assess presence of publication bias (AOR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06–1.19), but were less likely to list both included and excluded studies (AOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.81–0.92). SRs published in journals with higher impact factor (AOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04–1.25), completed by more review authors (AOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.24) and SRs on non-pharmacological treatments (AOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.01–2.59) were associated with better performance in publication bias assessment.

Conclusion.

The methodological quality of included SRs is disappointing. Future SRs should strive to improve rigour by considering of risk of bias when formulating conclusions, reporting conflict of interests and authors should explicitly describe harms. SR authors should also use appropriate methods to combine the results, prevent language and publication biases, and ensure timely updates.
State-of-the-art: Myokarditis – Klinik, Diagnose und therapeutische Optionen
Authors: Linicus Yvonne , Vukadinovic Aleksandra Nikolovska , Fries Peter , Böhm Michael , Klingel Karin , Kindermann Ingrid
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die Myokarditis ist eine entzündliche Erkrankung des Herzmuskels mit verschiedenster Ätiopathogenese. In Europa sind Virusinfektionen die häufigste Ursache für eine Herzmuskelentzündung. Die Diagnostik der Myokarditis ist auch aufgrund des breiten Spektrums ihres klinischen Erscheinungsbildes schwierig. Die Zusammenschau von klinischen Symptomen mit den Ergebnissen nichtinvasiver Untersuchungen kann den Verdacht einer bestehenden Herzmuskelentzündung erhärten. Die Endomyokardbiopsie gilt weiterhin als Goldstandard in der Diagnostik der entzündlichen Herzerkrankung. Die histopathologische, immunhistologische und molekularbiologische Aufarbeitung der Biopsien erlaubt eine ätiologische Abklärung und ggf. auch eine Therapieeinleitung wie z. B. eine immunsuppressive Therapie bei Sarkoidose, Riesenzellmyokarditis oder eosinophiler Myokarditis. Eine spezifische evidenzbasierte Therapie der Virusmyokarditis gibt es bisher nicht; jedoch kann bei Patienten mit bioptisch gesicherter virusnegativer lymphozytärer Myokarditis ebenfalls eine immunsuppressive Therapie diskutiert werden.