bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the voluntary human approach test on commercial pig fattening farms: a meaningful tool?
Authors: Wegner Birte , Spiekermeier Ines , Nienhoff Hendrik , Große-Kleimann Julia , Rohn Karl , Meyer Henning , Plate Heiko , Gerhardy Hubert , Kreienbrock Lothar , Beilage Elisabeth Grosse , Kemper Nicole
Published: August 2020

Background

A Voluntary Human Approach Test (VHAT) was performed in pig pens, and relationships between environmental conditions and welfare indicators were investigated. Five variables were measured in 1668 pens in 214 fattening pig herds in Germany: time until the first contact (touching) between a pig and the person in the pen (TUFC), time until the observer was surrounded by pigs within a radius of approximately two meters, percentage of pigs relative to group size [%] surrounding the observer after 1 min (PPSO), percentage of pigs relative to group size [%] that completely avoided contact with the observer during the entire test period, and how the pigs contacted the observer (Score 0 [no touching] - 3 [biting]). Furthermore, variables indicative of the pigs’ environment (e.g., feeding system, ventilation system), management (e.g., number of usable drinkers, number of usable manipulatable materials), and welfare (e.g., tail lesions, ear lesions) were documented.

Results

Pigs engaging in more forceful means of contact (nibbling, biting) approached the observer faster than those exhibiting more gentle types of contact (touching). A lower TUFC was associated with more manipulatable materials present, a higher number of drinkers, and with the control position of the caretaker located inside the pen. Pigs kept in larger groups showed a lower TUFC than those in smaller groups (P = 0.0191). However, PPSO was lower in pigs kept in smaller groups (1–12 pigs per pen) with more manipulatable materials available. In groups with low PPSOs, more tail lesions were observed (P = 0.0296). No relationship between contact type and tail or ear injuries was detected. In younger pigs, PPSO was higher (49.9 ± 23.2%) than for animals in the second half of the fattening period (45.1 ± 19.9%).

Conclusions

In this on-farm study, the relationships between VHAT behavior and environmental factors revealed that external factors (e.g., management practices, housing conditions) impact animals’ responses to this behavioral test. Therefore, using the VHAT as an animal welfare indicator is valid only if these variables are studied as well.
Can mirror reading reverse the flow of time? Evidence from Japanese speakers
Authors: Yang Wenxing , Feng Xueqin , Jin Jing’ai , Liu Yuting , Sun Ying
Published: August 2020

Accumulating evidence over the last two decades has established the causal role of a unidirectional orthography in shaping speakers’ mental representations of time. Casasanto and Bottini (Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 143, 473-479, 2014) extended previous findings by showing that exposure to mirror-reversed orthography of speakers’ native language could completely redirect their mental timelines within minutes. However, the question of whether such a causal effect of writing direction on temporal cognition can be identified in speakers whose native languages adopt bidirectional orthographies remains underexplored in the literature. To address this issue, the present study focused on Japanese which uses bidirectional writing systems, one proceeding horizontally from left to right (HLR) and one vertically from top to bottom (VTB). Two experiments were performed, and the tasks asked participants to process standard/mirror orthography prime questions about time arranged horizontally or vertically, followed by horizontal or vertical arrays of pictorial target stimuli about temporal relations. Results demonstrated that Japanese speakers encoded passage of time into a top-to-bottom linear path commensurate with the VTB writing direction, but they did not align their mental representations of time with the HLR writing orientation. Accordingly, exposure to mirror-reversed bidirectional orthographies redirected Japanese speakers’ vertical but not horizontal space-time mappings. Theoretical implications concerning the causal effects of bidirectional orthographies and the generalizability of the representational flexibility of time maintained by Casasanto and Bottini (Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 143, 473-479) are discussed.
The impact of gout as described by patients, using the lens of The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF): a qualitative study
Authors: Cairns Isobel , Lindsay Karen , Dalbeth Nicola , Díaz-Torné Cesar , Antònia Pou Maria , Rodríguez Diez Basilio , Pujol-Ribera Enriqueta , Panter Charlotte , Arbuckle Rob , Tatlock Sophi , Taylor William J.
Published: August 2020

Background

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) aims to comprehensively describe the ways in which a person’s health condition affects their life. This study aimed to contribute to the development of an ICF core set for gout through patient opinion derived from focus groups and interviews.

Methods

We conducted a secondary qualitative analysis of data from three studies investigating the patient experience of gout. In total there were 30 individual interviews and 2 focus groups (N = 17) comprising 47 participants. We conducted thematic analysis of the textual data to extract meaning units, which were then linked to the ICF.

Results

A large number of ICF categories were relevant to patients with gout. Participants mentioned 93 third level categories, 17 of which were mentioned by more than 50% of patients. The most references for a single category was forb280, Sensation of pain, followed bypersonal factors(not yet categorised by the ICF). The most participants mentioned the environmental factore355, Health professional support, followed byb280, Sensation of pain.

Conclusion

The categories identified in this study as relevant to patients with gout highlight the severe pain associated with this disease, the impact on mobility and corresponding life areas. The roles of health professional support, medication, and personal attitudes to disease management are also reflected in the data. These results will contribute to the development of the ICF core set for gout.
Eye color prediction using the IrisPlex system: a limited pilot study in the Iraqi population
Authors: Al-Rashedi Nihad A.M , Mandal Amar Mousa , ALObaidi Laith AH
Published: August 2020

Background

Forensic DNA phenotyping has gained momentum in the recent past due to the prediction of externally visible characters (EVCs) from the biological sample. The most common phenotypes like eye, hair, and skin color are predicted from the biological samples using a web-based system called IrisPlex. Based on six genetic SNPs, the IrisPlex system is developed and validated for its prediction accuracy in diverse ethnic groups worldwide. In previous studies, this system proved to have significant prediction accuracy. The EVCs vary substantially based on different geographical locations. Hence, the objective of this study was to validate the accuracy of the IrisPlex system in predicting the eye colors in the Iraqi population.

Methods

Six genetic single-nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs (HERC2-rs12913832, OCA2- rs1800407, SLC24A4-rs12896399, SLC45A2- rs16891982, TYR-rs1393350, and IRF4- rs12203592) in 58 Iraqi subjects were performed using Sequenom MassARRAY Genotyping. According to Liu et al., a predicted probability of 0.7 was considered as the threshold.

Results

Participants in this study of brown color were observed in 44.83%, intermediate in 43.1%, and blue in 12.07%. Completely predictive accuracy is obtained in 1; we observed the AUC at threshold 0.7 was 0.91 for brown, 0.79 for blue, and 0.60 for intermediate eye color. The sensitivity was 42.85% for blue, 0% for intermediate eye color, and 100% for brown-colored eye. Specificity was 100% for blue, 100% for intermediate, and 78.13% for brown eye color.

Conclusion

Hence, it was concluded that the prediction accuracy of the IrisPlex system for blue and brown color eye in the Iraqi population is significant in the studied population size. However, a pivotal study with larger sample size is required to represent the prediction accuracy of the IrisPlex system in the whole Iraqi population.
Biological control of poplar anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc.
Authors: Huang Huayi , Tian Chengming , Huang Yonghuai , Huang Huanhua
Published: August 2020

Poplar anthracnose is one of the most serious diseases caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. Biocontrol is an efficient green way for the disease control, and numerous researches have focused on exploring the potential biocontrol bacteria strains against C. gloeosporioides. In this study, antifungal activities against C. gloeosporioides of 108 rhizosphere soil isolates from healthy polar plants were investigated in vitro by the dual culture assay. The results suggested that strain ZSH-1 showed the highest level of antifungal activity, as it inhibited C. gloeosporioides at a distance of 10.00 mm. Based on the morphological, physiological-biochemical characteristics, and phylogeny analysis, strain ZSH-1 was identified as Bacillus subtilis. The sterile culture filtrate, crude protein, and crude lipopeptide extracts from the culture filtrate, and volatile compound(s) of ZSH-1 displayed a strong antagonism towards 7 fungal phytopathogens (C. gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria tenuissima, Cytospora chrysosperma, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Mucor sp., and Absidia sp.), with inhibition rates ranging from 44.0 to 89.1%, 26.7 to 85.4%, 11.6 to 89.7%, and 7.8 to 63.2%, respectively. Moreover, ZSH-1 exhibited cell wall-degrading traits by producing 3 lytic enzymes (cellulose, β-1,3-glucanase, and protease). Finally, the greenhouse studies also revealed that strain ZSH-1 had a 47.6% (12 days) efficacy in controlling poplar anthracnose when compared with the control. In concluding, obtained results demonstrate the potential biocontrol effect of B. subtilis ZSH-1, and it can be used as a promising biocontrol agent against poplar anthracnose and other fungal phytopathogens.
Potential of two insectivorous avian species and two insect predators for spreading Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus (SlNPV) in Egyptian ecosystem
Authors: El Husseini Monir Mohamed , Askar Salama Ibrahim , Ata Ata Ahmed
Published: August 2020

The polyhedral inclusion bodies (PIBs) of Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrosis virus (SlNPV) were extracted from droppings of both the house sparrow Passer domesticus Raf. and the cattle egret Bubulcus ibis Bon. Due to the wide host range of the SlNPV, the extracted PIBs were bioassayed versus newly hatched larvae (L1) of S. littoralis, S. exigua, Trichoplusia ni, and Autographa circumflexa belonging to the insect fauna of the Egyptian clover Trifolium alexandrinum L. and the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. Mortality of treated neonates of the 5 tested insect species ranged between 80 and 100 % after 7 days from ingesting the PIB-contaminated diet. Feeding nymphs and adults of the earwig Labidura riparia Pallas on S. littoralis larvae infected with the nuclear polyhedrosis virus (SlNPV) passed viable PIBs in feces which were extracted and bioassayed versus lepidopteran larvae of L1. All of the virus-treated 5 lepidopteran species became infected with the virus and showed mortality of 44–96% at the 7th day post ingestion of the extracted PIBs. On the other hand, feces extract of the 3rd larval instar (L3) of the lacewing Parachrysopa pallens (R.) fed on the virus-diseased larvae of S. littoralis caused no mortality when assayed versus the 5 tested lepidopteran larvae proving absence of viable PIB polyhedra that might be due to the mode of larval feeding by external digestion of its host contents including the polyhedra. Results explain the potential role played by insectivorous birds in spreading the nucleopolyhedrosis viruses in the agroecosystem as well as certain predatory insects.
Fitness to be interviewed: decision-making in the mental health in-patient setting
Authors: Edwards Allison , Jackson Simon , Rix Keith J. B. , Sethi Faisil
Published: August 2020

When a patient in an in-patient psychiatric setting allegedly commits a crime, psychiatrists are sometimes asked to assess their fitness to be interviewed by the police. This article describes how to conduct this assessment, outlines the criminal justice process leading to police interviews (with particular reference to the legal system in England and Wales) and highlights practical issues to consider when assessing fitness to be interviewed in this context.
Unravelling the mental health productivity puzzle: where do we start?
Authors: Maddison Paula , Castelli Adriana , Tiffin Paul A.
Published: August 2020

In this editorial we define ‘productivity’ and ‘efficiency’ in a mental health service context, outlining the key challenges to measuring these in practice. We attempt to bring clarity of thought to this often debated, but rarely researched area.
Cultural research deconstructs the psychosocial construct ‘expressed emotion’
Authors: Heru Alison M.
Published: August 2020

Expressed emotion (EE) is a highly researched psychosocial construct. Cultural research challenges the assumption that high family criticism is a universal determinant of poor outcome, especially for chronic illness. The concept of warmth, an original component of EE, was dropped owing to the complexity of its measurement. Warmth has now been resurrected as an important predictor of good patient outcome. Cultural scrutiny and appropriate adaptation of any psychosocial construct is necessary before its acceptance into the medical lexicon of healthcare.
The S. pombe CDK5 ortholog Pef1 regulates sexual differentiation through control of the TORC1 pathway and autophagy
Authors: Matsuda Shinya , Kikkawa Ushio , Uda Haruka , Nakashima Akio
Published: August 2020

In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a general strategy for survival in response to environmental changes is sexual differentiation, which is triggered by TORC1 inactivation. However, mechanisms of TORC1 regulation in fission yeast remain poorly understood. In this study, we found that Pef1, which is an ortholog of mammalian CDK5, regulates the initiation of sexual differentiation through positive regulation of TORC1 activity. Conversely, deletion of pef1 leads to activation of autophagy and subsequent excessive TORC1 reactivation during the early phases of the nitrogen starvation response. This excessive TORC1 reactivation results in the silencing of the Ste11-Mei2 pathway and mating defects. Additionally, we found that pef1 genetically interacts with tsc1 and tsc2 for TORC1 regulation, and physically interacts with three cyclins, Clg1, Pas1 and Psl1. The double deletion of clg1 and pas1 promotes activation of autophagy and TORC1 during nitrogen starvation, similar to what is seen in pef1Δ cells. Overall, our work suggests that Pef1–Clg1 and Pef1–Pas1 complexes regulate initiation of sexual differentiation through control of the TSC–TORC1 pathway and autophagy.
Mitofusin 2 regulates neutrophil adhesive migration and the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Zhou Wenqing , Hsu Alan Y. , Wang Yueyang , Syahirah Ramizah , Wang Tianqi , Jeffries Jacob , Wang Xu , Mohammad Haroon , Seleem Mohamed N. , Umulis David , Deng Qing
Published: August 2020

Neutrophils rely on glycolysis for energy production. How mitochondria regulate neutrophil function is not fully understood. Here, we report that mitochondrial outer membrane protein Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) regulates neutrophil homeostasis and chemotaxis in vivo. Mfn2-deficient neutrophils are released from the hematopoietic tissue, trapped in the vasculature in zebrafish embryos, and not capable of chemotaxis. Consistent with this, human neutrophil-like cells that are deficient for MFN2 fail to arrest on activated endothelium under sheer stress or perform chemotaxis on 2D surfaces. Deletion of MFN2 results in a significant reduction of neutrophil infiltration to the inflamed peritoneal cavity in mice. Mechanistically, MFN2-deficient neutrophil-like cells display disrupted mitochondria–ER interaction, heightened intracellular Ca2+ levels and elevated Rac activation after chemokine stimulation. Restoring a mitochondria–ER tether rescues the abnormal Ca2+ levels, Rac hyperactivation and chemotaxis defect resulting from MFN2 depletion. Finally, inhibition of Rac activation restores chemotaxis in MFN2-deficient neutrophils. Taken together, we have identified that MFN2 regulates neutrophil migration via maintaining the mitochondria–ER interaction to suppress Rac activation, and uncovered a previously unrecognized role of MFN2 in regulating cell migration and the actin cytoskeleton.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first authors of the paper.
Study on the changes in TSH, TPO-Ab and other indicators due to Vitamin D deficiency in Pregnant Women with subclinical hypothyroidism in the first trimester
Authors: Zhou Xue , Li Ben , Wang Chao , Li Zhihong
Published: August 2020

Objective: To investigate the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in pregnant women with early pregnancy complicated by subclinical hypothyroidism.

Methods: A total of 172 pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism in the first trimester diagnosed and treated in a given hospital from August 2014 to May 2018 were selected, and their levels of vitamin D were determined. Depending on the abnormality of their vitamin D levels, the study participants were divided into two groups: the study group (vitamin D≤20 ng/L) and the control group (vitamin D>20 ng/L). The levels of TSH, TPO-Ab, IL-1 and hsCRP in the two groups were measured.

Results: The levels of TSH, hsCRP and TPO-Ab in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The comparison between the two groups in terms of IL-1 showed no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency in the first trimester is associated with in an increased level of TSH in the first trimester, thereby aggravating subclinical hypothyroidism. The mechanism may be associated with the impact of vitamin D deficiency on hs-CRP and other body inflammation indicators, as well as on thyroid autoantibodies and other immune indicators, but has no effect on IL-1 levels.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.1982

How to cite this:Zhou X, Li B, Wang C, Li Z. Study on the changes in TSH, TPO-Ab and other indicators due to Vitamin D deficiency in Pregnant Women with subclinical hypothyroidism in the first trimester. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(6):1313-1317. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.1982

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Case Report: Longitudinal assessment of a COVID-19 patient in the midst of a pandemic
Authors: Chotani Rashid A. , Ashraf Syed S. , Aziz Fatima , Thakurdas Shakeel M. , Chotani Afham , Ashraf Alize , Nasir Khurram , Sohail M. Rizwan , Cheema Faisal H.
Published: August 2020

Directional clinical evaluation and management of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) was initially presumptive based on the Wuhan data set as reported by World Health Organization (WHO). The current recommendations emanate primarily from the Chinese experience and subsequent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Here we report a case with an “atypical” patient risk profile and variant longitudinal disease progression contrasting from existing recommendations. Our case report suggests that a universal 14-day quarantine timeline may not be sufficient; that correlation is needed between viral presence as determined by RT-PCR and a patient’s humoral response tested by serologic immunoassay of IgM & IgG. Hence, a clinical decision-making algorithm that can help clinicians clear a patient from “active infection” status would require testing that is sufficiently reliable, and should include serological testing for immunity.
Language. Speech activity. Discourse
Authors: Burunskiy Vladimir , Gvozdev Vyacheslav , Devickaya Zoya , Koneva Evgeniya , Subbotenko Svetlana
Published: August 2020

This collective monograph is devoted to topical problems related to the study of language (semantic-cognitive and cultural aspects), with the study of language consciousness and speech activities and discourse (consideration of discursive practices).
May be of interest to specialists in the field of General linguistics, psycholinguistics, cultural linguistics for graduate students, undergraduates, bachelors, interested in issues of language theory.
Principlism in paramedicine: an examination of applied healthcare ethics
Authors: Ebbs Phillip , Carver Hamish , Moritz Dominique
Published: August 2020

Principlism is arguably the dominant recognised ethical framework used within medicine and other Western health professions today, including the UK paramedic profession. It concerns the application of four principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice.

This article examines the theory and practice of principlism, and shows how it is used in daily paramedic practice and decision-making. Practical guidance on applying ethics in paramedicine, illustrated with scenarios, is also provided.

This is the first in a series of three articles on paramedic ethics. This series complements the Journal of Paramedic Practice's concurrent CPD˚series on paramedic law in the UK. Later articles in this series will examine the complex ethical issues that can accompany end-of-life care, and ethical considerations relating to treatment of vulnerable persons including children.
Asthma guidelines: which is the best of three?
Authors: Booth Andrew
Published: August 2020

Andrew Booth offers a comprehensive look into national and international guidelines surrounding the diagnosis and management of asthma

National and international guidelines provide evidence-based advice on the diagnosis and management of asthma. There are now three potential asthma guidelines to follow, each taking its own unique, and sometimes conflicting direction, creating a total of over 700 pages of high-quality evidence. A puzzle is thus presented to the busy health professional: which guideline do I follow? This article compares and contrasts two national and one international asthma guideline, focusing particularly on diagnosis and pharmacological management. Mortality from asthma is increasing in the UK, making the need for a conjoined guideline more urgent than ever.
Biobased Adhesives from African Mahogany Tannins: Characterization by 1H and 13C NMR and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Bi Athomo A. Bikoro , Anris S.P.M. Engozogho , Tchiama R. Safou , Eyma F. , De Hoyos-Martinez P.L. , Charrier B.
Published: August 2020

The study of the development of tannin-based adhesives from the African mahogany Khaya ivorensis A. Chev tannins condensed hexamine was carried out. Tannins from the bark, sapwood, and heartwood were extracted employing the industrial method (NaOH/Na2SO3/NaHSO3) and they were used to synthesize different formulations of biobased adhesives. Tannins/hexamine/water adhesives obtained were characterized by differential scanning analysis (DSC) to know their physical changes under heat action. Polymerization temperatures were between 90°C and 153°C. These adhesives heat resistance was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results showed good thermal stabilities properties for adhesives with degradation temperatures between 225°C and 250°C. Besides, a thermomechanical analysis (TMA) shows a high value of elasticity modulus for these adhesives. Finally, 2D HSQC NMR analysis was performed to confirm the good reactivity between African mahogany tannins and hexamine linked with strong bounds.
Feasibility of mHealth Devices in Monitoring of Heart Rate, Physical Activity and Respiratory Function in Smokers with and without Respiratory Symptoms and COPD
Authors: Sharman Almaz , Zhussupov Baurzhan , Nurakysh Saule
Published: August 2020

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global public health problem, and continuous monitoring is essential for both its management as well as the management of other chronic diseases. Telemonitoring using mobile health (mHealth) devices has the potential to promote self-management, improve control, increase quality of life, and prevent hospital admissions. Objective: This proof-of-concept study aims to assess feasibility, accuracy, and reproducibility of biosensing (mHealth) devices in monitoring of heart rate, physical activity and respiratory function in smokers with and without respiratory symptoms and COPD. Methods: A total of 3 cohorts, with 9 participants in each, used mHealth devices for 90 days while undergoing the current standard of care. These groups were: 9 “non-COPD,” otherwise healthy, smokers; 9 “grey zone” smokers (forced expiratory volume in 1 second/ forced vital capacity ?0.70 after bronchodilator treatment; COPD Assessment Test ?10); and 9 smokers diagnosed with Stage 1-3 COPD. Two mHealth devices were utilized in the study: (1) the AnaMed Original Equipment Manufacturer device (OEM) that measures distance, energy expenditure, heart rate, and heart rate variability by using photoplethysmographic method and displays the results on a watchface, smartphone or a tablet, and (2) the Air Next mobile spirometry portable device that performs spirometric measurements (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio) by a turbine mechanism and displays the results on a smartphone or a tablet. The mHealth devices were compared against industry standards. Recruitment, retention and adherence rates were 35%, 100%, and 63% respectively. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to assess the participants’ perceptions of the mHealth technologies used. Results: The AnaMed device was demonstrated as precise in measuring heart rate, and less so when measuring number of steps and meters. It is unreliable in measuring SpO2. It is easy to use, requires no significant technical support. The Air-Next Spirometer is a simple and very precise instrument for detecting obstructive airway diseases which was confirmed when compared to the industry standard. It is easy to use, which could make it especially useful for non-specialized care and in-home setting and other areas. Conclusion: We demonstrated that both devices, AnaMed and AirNext can provide precise measurements or heart rate and spirometric data, and it is feasible to incorporate them into a routine clinical practice for remote monitoring of chronic conditions such as COPD. However, such task would require some efforts to take care of technical and logistical issues, i.e. sending reminders, synching devices with smartphones, communication efforts.
Ascher’s syndrome: a rare cause of lip swelling
Authors: Al-Hassani M , Carey B , Sanderson J , Hullah E , Escudier M
Published: August 2020

Ascher’s syndrome is a rare, benign entity with just over 100 reported cases. The condition is characterised by a ‘double’ upper lip, blepharochalasis and non-toxic thyroid enlargement. It presents before the age of 20 years in the majority of cases and shows no racial or gender differences. While the exact cause is unknown, hormonal dysfunction and autosomal dominant inheritance have been suggested as possible aetiological factors. We present two cases of Ascher’s syndrome referred for investigation of lip swelling.
Management of sigmoid volvulus using percutaneous endoscopic colostomy
Authors: Jackson S , Hamed MO , Shabbir J
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The aim of this systematic review was to appraise the current literature on the use of percutaneous endoscopic colostomy (PEC) as an alternative to major surgery and endoscopic decompression alone for treating sigmoid volvulus in frail, comorbid patients.

Methods

A systematic literature search of literature published between April 2000 and January 2017 was carried out using the MEDLINE®, Embase™ and CINAHL®(Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases. The search terms were “percutaneous endoscopic colostomy”, “PEC”, “sigmoidopexy”, “sigmoidostomy” and “sigmoid volvulus”. The studies identified were screened and those that did not fulfil the inclusion criteria were excluded.

Findings

Seven observational studies and seven case reports (comprising eighty-one patients) were found to match our inclusion criteria. All patients had recurrent sigmoid volvulus and were treated with PEC either with a single PEC tube or with two PEC tubes inserted. Sigmoid volvulus recurred in 10 of the 81 patients; 3 of these individuals developed recurrence with PEC tubes in situ and 7 following tube removal. There were seven deaths after the procedure. The most frequent morbidity associated with PEC tube insertion was site infection (n=6).

Conclusions

Our systematic review highlights the use of PEC as an alternative in managing recurrent sigmoid volvulus in frail, comorbid patients unfit for or refusing surgery, with the best outcomes seen in those patients where two PEC tubes were inserted and remained in situ indefinitely. Further studies are needed to improve the safety and efficacy of the procedure as well as post-procedure care.
Studying turning points in labour market trajectories – benefits of a panel-based mixed methods design
Authors: Legewie Nicolas M. , Tucci Ingrid
Published: August 2020

Turning points describe a fundamental change of direction in a life course trajectory. However, they are challenging to study because of their temporal extension, the complexity of processes at stake during those critical life sequences, and the fact that individuals’ interpretation as well as more objective changes in social status and position play important roles in turning points. Panel-based mixed methods designs are well suited to address those challenges. In-depth interview data enable researchers to understand individuals’ interpretations and offer detailed understanding of the processes at stake on multiple levels and domains. The panel survey data allow a glimpse into the respondents’ past, which can serve as a detailed resource for further case-based information. At the same time, the continuing survey data collection in prospective waves yields important data on respondents’ futures that can be analysed against the background of the told history. In this paper, we draw on data from a mixed methods study on the labour market trajectories of 23 descendants of immigrants in Germany, based on the Socio-Economic Panel survey (SOEP). The aim of the paper is to show the potential of combining retrospective interviews and panel data to account for the objective as well as subjective dimensions of turning points. Combining qualitative data and panel data does not aim at reaching the ‘right’ understanding of each case but at obtaining a multifaceted picture of respondents’ lives, which can help to avoid misinterpretation and under-theorisation.
3D photolithography through light field projections
Authors: Zhang Hongjie , Wen Sy-Bor
Published: August 2020

A methodology of 3D photolithography through light field projections with a microlens array (MLA) is proposed and demonstrated. With the MLA, light from a spatial light modulator (SLM) can be delivered to arbitrary positions, i.e., voxels, in a 3D space with a focusing scheme we developed. A mapping function between the voxel locations and the SLM pixel locations can be one-to-one determined by ray tracing. Based on a correct mapping function, computer-designed 3D virtual objects can be reconstructed in a 3D space through a SLM and a MLA. The projected 3D virtual object can then be optically compressed and delivered to a photoresist layer for 3D photolithography. With appropriate near-UV light, 3D microstructures can be constructed at different depths inside the photoresist layer. This 3D photolithography method can be useful in high-speed 3D patterning at arbitrary positions. We expect high-precision 3D patterning can also be achieved when a femtosecond light source and the associated multi-photon curing process is adopted in the proposed light field 3D projection/photolithography scheme. Multi-photon polymerization can prevent the unwilling patterning of regions along the optical path before arriving to the designed focal voxels as observed in our single photon demonstrations.
Enhancing the electroluminescence of perovskite light-emitting diodes by optimizing the morphology of perovskite film to suppress leakage current
Authors: Su Hang , Chen Jiamei , Qin Jing , Zhu Kun , Li Guolong
Published: August 2020

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have attracted much attention due to their high color purity, low material cost, ease of tuning of bandgap, and flexible manufacture. They are considered to be a new generation of promising light-emitting materials. In this paper, an appropriate doping of polyethylene oxide (PEO) into the perovskite precursor solution acquires the high quality and low defect density of perovskite film. In addition, the passivation of perovskite grain boundaries by PEO are investigated. The perovskite light-emitting diode (PeLED) is fabricated with a structure of

I
T
O

/

P
E
D
O
T

:

P
S
S

/

M
A
P
b
B

r

3

/

T
P
B
i

/

L
i
F

/

A
g

. As the doping concentration of PEO is at 10 mg/ml,

M
A
P
b
B

r

3

-

P
E
O

-

b
a
s
e
d

PeLEDs exhibit a maximum luminance of

4665.1

c
d

m

−
2

, while their external quantum efficiency (EQE) and current efficiency (CE) are also maximized to be 1.355% and

5.556

c
d

A

−
1

, respectively.
Few-cycle optical pulses in negative index materials with dispersive permittivity and permeability
Authors: Abémgnigni Njifon Marianne , Tabi Conrad Bertrand , Kofané Timoléon Crépin
Published: August 2020

Propagation of few-cycle optical pulses in nonlinear optical Kerr (cubic) and non-Kerr (quintic) type metamaterials, exhibiting frequency-dependent dielectric susceptibility and magnetic permeability, is considered. Considering the theory of electromagnetic waves from Maxwell’s equations, a new nonlinear evolution equation describing the combined influences of higher-order nonlinearities and higher-order linear and nonlinear dispersions, appropriate for electromagnetic ultrashort pulse propagation in negative index materials, is derived beyond the slowly varying envelope approximation. A fully numerical simulation of the newly derived model equation, based on the lossy Drude model, shows the propagation of soliton-like stable few-cycle optical pulses under some parameter values. The change in types of self-steepening parameters induces structural changes of the initial input pulse, characterized by a soliton molecule made of either asymmetric or symmetric optical pulses. Also, the mutual balancing between Kerr and non-Kerr nonlinearities and higher-order dispersions is found to support the formation of soliton-molecules in both the normal and anomalous group velocity dispersion regimes.
Simultaneous coded aperture and dictionary optimization in compressive spectral imaging via coherence minimization
Authors: Tao Chenning , Zhu Huanzheng , Sun Peng , Wu Rengmao , Zheng Zhenrong
Published: August 2020

Coded aperture snapshot spectral imaging (CASSI) reconstructs a hyperspectral image from several two-dimensional (2D) projections via compressive sensing. The reconstruction quality and the sampling efficiency of CASSI can be effectively improved by decreasing the coherence of the underlying sensing matrix. Efforts have been made to minimize the coherence with individual optimization on coded aperture or sparse basis. In this paper, a simultaneous optimization on the system projection and the over-complete dictionary is introduced to minimize the Frobenius norm coherence. The dual-disperser structure and the RGB image sensor are adopted for the lowest coherence in terms of system configuration. The coded aperture and the dictionary are optimized with genetic algorithm and gradient descent respectively, and simultaneous optimization is conducted iteratively. Low coherence of sensing matrix is acquired after the simultaneous optimization, with both reconstruction quality and sampling efficiency significantly improved. Compared to the non-optimized system and state-of-the-art systems with individually optimized coded aperture or dictionary, the simultaneous optimization promotes the peak signal-to-noise ratio by more than 5dB. The coherence minimization via simultaneous optimization on the system matrix and the sparse representation basis may open opportunities for further development of other compressive-sensing-based computational imaging systems.
Comparison of distributed memory algorithms for X-ray wave propagation in inhomogeneous media
Authors: Ali Sajid , Du Ming , Adams Mark F. , Smith Barry , Jacobsen Chris
Published: August 2020

Calculations of X-ray wave propagation in large objects are needed for modeling diffractive X-ray optics and for optimization-based approaches to image reconstruction for objects that extend beyond the depth of focus. We describe three methods for calculating wave propagation with large arrays on parallel computing systems with distributed memory: (1) a full-array Fresnel multislice approach, (2) a tiling-based short-distance Fresnel multislice approach, and (3) a finite difference approach. We find that the first approach suffers from internode communication delays when the transverse array size becomes large, while the second and third approaches have similar scaling to large array size problems (with the second approach offering about three times the compute speed).
Experimental investigations of seeding mechanisms of TMI in rod fiber amplifier using spatially and temporally resolved imaging
Authors: Christensen Simon L. , Johansen Mette M. , Michieletto Mattia , Triches Marco , Maack Martin D. , Lægsgaard Jesper
Published: August 2020

In this work we investigate transverse mode instability (TMI) in the presence of pump intensity noise and a controlled perturbation of the input coupling for a rod-type fiber amplifier using spatially and temporally resolved imaging (ST). We show that inherent pump intensity noise from the power supply can define significant peaks in the resulting TMI spectrum. ST measurements show that the TMI in the transition region consists of different orientations of LP11. This finding indicates that the simple picture of TMI being seeded by the combination of a static initial fraction of LP11 and pump or signal intensity noise is not valid for our measurements. Furthermore we present seeding of TMI by perturbing the input coupling dynamically. ST measurements of the resulting TMI as a function of perturbation frequency provides quantitative information regarding the frequency response of the non-linear coupling coefficient. Finally, ST measurements of the resulting TMI as a function of signal power shows that the TMI experiences an exponential gain long before visible beam fluctuations appear.
Ultrafast spinning twisted ribbons of confined electric fields
Authors: Bauer Thomas , Khonina Svetlana N. , Golub Ilya , Leuchs Gerd , Banzer Peter
Published: August 2020

Topological properties of light attract tremendous attention in the
optics communities and beyond. For instance, light beams gain
robustness against certain deformations when carrying topological
features, enabling intriguing applications. We report on the
observation of a topological structure contained in an optical beam,
i.e., a twisted ribbon formed by the electric field vector per se, in stark contrast to recently reported
studies dealing with topological structures based on the distribution
of the time averaged polarization ellipse. Moreover, our ribbons are
spinning in time at a frequency given by the optical frequency divided
by the total angular momentum of the incoming beam. The number of full
twists of the ribbon is equal to the orbital angular momentum of the
longitudinal component of the employed light beam upon tight focusing,
which is a direct consequence of spin-to-orbit coupling. We study this
angular-momentum-transfer-assisted generation of the twisted ribbon
structures theoretically and experimentally for tightly focused
circularly polarized beams of different vorticity, paving the way to
tailored topologically robust excitations of novel coherent
light–matter states.
The specifics of food design: Insights from professional design practice
Authors: Bordewijk Marielle , Schifferstein Hendrik N. J.
Published: August 2020

What makes food design different from other types of industrial product design? Based on over twenty years of professional design practice and food experience research, the authors present a variety of insights – clustered in five overarching themes – that provide an invaluable view on the specifics of the food realm for practicing designers in this field. First of all, foods are based on materials that used to be alive, which makes them highly perishable. Before the widespread introduction of mass transportations systems, foods were usually produced and consumed in the same region. But food technologists continuously try to improve the ways to preserve foods and invest in packaging that protects them in order to increase shelf life and to make them more widely available, while consumers seem to demand more and more freshness. The second challenge is presented by the need to make the food system more sustainable, addressing agricultural production and its impact on biological diversity and the quality of the living environment and also focusing on the amount of waste generated in terms of food or its packaging material. Third, the food people eat is absorbed and transformed into the building blocks of their bodies. Food fulfils a basic human need, and thus, there is a challenge to provide people access to the right amount of safe and nutritious food, in order to keep them healthy. Fourth, food is a source of sensory stimulation that enriches people’s lives. This provides a new sensory spectrum to design for – including flavour and mouthfeel – and it challenges designers to trigger appetite, rather than aesthetics. The fifth challenge addresses preparation practices and the associated cultural differences. Because food stuffs can be prepared in multiple ways, many different products can be created, varying from raw to highly processed, and addressing multiple consumer needs, eating occasions and market segments. These five themes provide interesting challenges for designers that should be tackled in order to provide a healthy and sustainable future for the next generations on this planet.
Experiencing Food, Designing Dialogues: Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Food Design and Food Studies (EFOOD 2017), Ricardo Bonacho, Alcinda Pinheiro de Sousa, Cláudia Viegas, João Paulo Martins, Maria José Pires and Sara Velez Estêvão (eds) (2017)
Authors: Ilieva Rositsa T.
Published: August 2020

Review of: Experiencing Food, Designing Dialogues: Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Food Design and Food Studies (EFOOD 2017), Ricardo Bonacho, Alcinda Pinheiro de Sousa, Cláudia Viegas, João Paulo Martins, Maria José Pires and Sara Velez Estêvão (eds) (2017)

Leiden: CRC Press, 174 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-13857-538-7, h/bk, £120
Civil society coalitions as pathways to PSB reform in Southern Africa
Authors: Mano Winston , Milton Viola C.
Published: August 2020

Democracy requires open public service broadcasting (PSB) institutions that constantly interact with active informed citizens. This article posits that a more proactive network of civil society across Southern Africa can produce an impact on PSB institutions in these countries enhancing reform and accountability to the public. We enter this topic by identifying pathways towards increased cooperation among public service broadcasters, civil society coalitions and other stakeholders in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The main focus is on the interaction between broadcasters, policy-makers and civil society groups, namely SOS: Support Public Broadcasting in South Africa and the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe, two leading media activist organizations in Southern Africa. The engagement by such networks can deepen public interest and reconnect PSB institutions and PSB staff to the PSB mandate and mission. Civil society coalitions working collaboratively with PSB will engender a context within which a collaboratively defined PSB mission, institutional structure and programme outcomes are constantly foregrounded in the operations and performance of the broadcasters.
Growing PSM organically: International initiatives to support national conversations in new contexts
Authors: Sakr Naomi
Published: August 2020

With an international debate under way about how to resolve the financial and political crisis affecting independent media everywhere, can international efforts enhance the prospects for promoting the principles of public service media (PSM) in national contexts where they have never been applied? Informed by discussions that contributed to a CAMRI Policy Brief published in March 2020, recommending incremental, non-media-centric approaches to laying the groundwork for PSM in challenging environments, this article considers how internal and external interests mesh in underpinning mechanisms to foster PSM values. It shows how regional and international mechanisms, including for example the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16, along with proposals for an International Fund for Public Interest Media and Social Media Councils, rely for their credibility and effectiveness on national institutions and national representatives working with them towards the principles that underlie PSM.
Claves para mejorar la valoración en destinos turísticos de Extremadura. Una aportación del Proceso de Análisis Jerárquico (PAJ)
Authors: Guillén Peñafiel Rebeca , Hernández Carretero Ana María , Sánchez Martín José Manuel
Published: August 2020

La actividad turística ofrece numerosas ventajas orientadas al reconocimiento y la valoración del patrimonio. Sin embargo, a pesar de las oportunidades educativas y culturales que posee, un turismo mal gestionado puede desencadenar riesgos que ponen en peligro la naturaleza del patrimonio, su preservación y sus características identificativas. Ante estas amenazas, la educación patrimonial se sitúa como una herramienta fundamental para amortiguar los riesgos y reforzar las oportunidades educativas del turismo. Partiendo de esta idea, este estudio analiza si las prácticas turísticas desarrolladas en tres zonas emblemáticas de Extremadura recogen los principios de la educación patrimonial, aspectos necesarios para garantizar la sostenibilidad. Para ello se aplicó una encuesta a 188 turistas, cuyos resultados se han analizado mediante el proceso de análisis jerárquico. Los resultados detectan la necesidad de introducir un mayor número estrategias educativas durante las prácticas turísticas. Igualmente, revelan que los criterios educativos resultan determinantes para la valoración de un destino y prioritarios para la toma de decisiones futuras encaminadas a mejorar las experiencias turísticas. Esto apoya los resultados de otros estudios que afirman que el turismo no puede entenderse sin una estructura pedagógica.