bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near infrared spectroscopy for world food security
Authors: Batten Graeme D
Published: September 2019

The Food and Agriculture Organization predicts that 70% more food will be required to ensure food security by the year 2050 and that cereal production must increase from 2.1 to 3 billion tonnes per year. Timely, reliable and inexpensive data will be vital for farm managers to be able to maximise crop yields. Near infrared spectroscopy is now the analytical technology of first choice to obtain these data. Quantitative near infrared spectroscopy requires calibrations to be developed using reference data from traditional methods. Today these calibrations are available for a wide range of constituents in soils, plants and products and in turn they can be related to the yield and quality of food produced. Calibrations continue to be reported for a wider range of food stuffs and their constituents and we see near infrared being adopted both on-farm and in-factory across a variety of food sectors. To make a tangible contribution to food security, the data generated from these calibrations must facilitate crop management practices which maintain or promote yield. In this article, I present examples from my own experience to illustrate why it is important to understand the basis of a model developed from near infrared spectra and why errors due to sampling and poor reference values can negate the benefits from using near infrared spectroscopy.
Notched strengths of asymmetric woven hybrid laminates
Authors: Tsai Kun-Hsieh , Hwan Chung-Li , Lin Meng-Ju , Chiu Chang-Hsuan
Published: September 2019

In this article, the notched strengths of asymmetric woven hybrid laminates were studied by using both experiment and the finite element-based point stress criterion (FEMPSC). It was experimentally shown that the notched strength decreases with the increase of hole radius for all the laminates machined by water jet cut, drilling, and milling. Particularly, it is noted that the notched strength of specimens of the same hole size made by water jet cut is obviously higher than those made by both drilling and milling, due to stress redistribution. The results also indicate that the notched strengths predicted by FEMPSC agree well with the experimental data, with only a 4% margin of error.
Rape, Representation, and the Endurance of Hegemonic Masculinity
Authors: Swanson Elizabeth
Published: September 2019

This article mines the history of rape jurisprudence to illuminate how the legal treatment of wartime rape informs long-standing gendered tropes that dominate its understanding on the ground as well as its representation in literary and cultural texts. The essay concludes by reading Congolese novelist Emmanuel Dongala’s Johnny Mad Dog as a model for a dialogic literary imagination capable of revealing the fatal consequences of toxic masculinity as it informs not only the perpetration of rape in wartime, but also the possibility for either perpetrator or victim to achieve subjectivity free from the burdens of brutally constraining gender norms.
Barriers and Facilitators to Seeking Mental Health Care Among First Responders: “Removing the Darkness”
Authors: Jones Sara , Agud Katherine , McSweeney Jean
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND: First responders (FRs) are at significant risk for developing mental health (MH) problems due to the nature, frequency, and intensity of duty-related traumatic exposure. However, their culture strongly esteems strength and self-reliance, which often inhibits them from seeking MH care. AIMS: This study explored factors that influenced FRs’ perceptions of MH problems and engagement in MH services. METHODS: A community-based approach and individual ethnographic qualitative interviews were used. Recruitment of a convenience sample of firefighters and emergency medical technicians/paramedics from across Arkansas was facilitated by our community partners. Interviews were analyzed using content analysis and constant comparison. RESULTS: Analysis generated three broad factors that influenced FRs’ perception of MH problems and engagement in MH services: (a) Knowledge, (b) Barriers to help-seeking, and (c) Facilitators to help-seeking. Knowledge was an overarching factor that encompassed barriers and facilitators: A lack of knowledge was a barrier to help-seeking but increased knowledge served as a facilitator. Barriers included five subthemes: Can’t show weakness, Fear of confidentiality breech, Therapist: negative experience, Lack of access and availability, and Family burden. Facilitators included five subthemes: Realizing “I’m not alone,” Buy-in, Therapist: positive experience, Problems got too bad, and Recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide unique perspectives from FRs about how to best address their MH needs. First responders, as well as mental health care providers, need a more thorough understanding of these issues in order to mitigate barriers and facilitate help-seeking. As advocates, educators, and health care providers, psychiatric nurses are well-positioned to care for this at-risk population.
Pilot study of the effect of gastrointestinal diets on fecal occult blood testing in cats
Authors: Spies Kate E , Slovak Jennifer E
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the methodology of guaiac-based fecal occult blood (FOB) testing in healthy cats, and to examine the effect of feeding selected gastrointestinal diets (canned and dry) on FOB results.

Methods

Stool obtained from three cats was mixed with incremental quantities of EDTA whole blood. FOB tests were performed in triplicate and interpreted at 5 mins, and at 24, 48 and 72 h post-test set-up. Ten cats were fed their normal diets, a dry hydrolyzed protein diet, a dry gastrointestinal diet and then transitioned back to their normal diet over a 7-week period. A subsequent study was repeated with similar hydrolyzed protein and gastrointestinal canned diets. Two fecal samples were tested per cat each week using human point-of-care guaiac tests.

Results

Ten microliters of whole feline blood could be reliably detected in feline stool at all time points evaluated. There was no evidence of an association between the dry hydrolyzed and dry gastrointestinal diets and a positive FOB test result ( P = 0.33). Cats fed a canned gastrointestinal diet had a significantly higher probability of producing a positive FOB result than when on their normal diet ( P <0.01). Feeding the canned hydrolyzed diet was not associated with an increased probability of a positive FOB test vs the normal diet ( P = 0.94).

Conclusions and relevance

Small amounts of blood in feline stool can be reliably and repeatedly detected as early as 5 mins post-FOB test set-up, making this a user-friendly bench-top screening test in a veterinary setting. Cats fed a single dry hydrolyzed, dry gastroenteric or canned hydrolyzed diet in this study had a low chance of false-positive FOB test results, while those fed the canned gastrointestinal diet had a significantly greater likelihood of producing false-positive results.
News translation, the Korean Other and the construction of Chinese national identity: the case of Ltaaa.com
Authors: Chase Thomas
Published: September 2019

This article examines an underexplored area of communication studies to date, the relationship between news translation and national identity construction in China. By analysing the translation into Chinese of Korean language news that takes place on the Chinese volunteer news translation website Ltaaa.com , this article shows how the translation of news reports, and the discussions which these translations engender within the Ltaaa.com community, help to foster an aggressive form of Chinese national identity among community members. By constantly emphasising difference and promoting hostility, through attempts to control historical discussion and by asserting a superordinate status and position for China in its relations with Korea, the translation activities that take place within the Ltaaa.com community encourage the growth of a xenophobic, belligerent and condescending nationalism that is likely to hinder the development of more productive Sino-South Korean ties.
Effects of different auditorium forms on ventilation in a football stadium
Authors: Chen Lei , Li Yangluxi
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of enclosed auditorium types on the wind ventilation environment inside a large semi-outdoor stadium. Stadia can be divided into three basic forms: all enclosed type auditorium, two sided and three-sided type auditorium. Different forms could have different effects on the wind environment inside a stadium, and the wind environment could have an impact on the competition in the stadium. In this study, a computer simulated hydrodynamics technology was used to model the stadium in different enclosed auditorium types. The wind environment in the stadium under different ventilation angles was simulated. The study found that for all round type stadia, the best inlet wind angle for the stadium ranges from 75° to 90°, which would avoid high wind velocity influences. For two-sided auditorium type stadia, 100 m sprinting track should be placed at the position near the auditorium. For inlet wind direction, 60° to 90° are the best inlet wind angles most favourable for sports competition. Hence, different stadium forms correspond different optimal inlet wind angles, while sport competition would also be impacted by the wind flow condition inside stadium.
Crisis-induced public demand for regulatory intervention in the social media era: Examining the moderating roles of perceived government controllability and consumer collective efficacy
Authors: Ji Yingru , Kim Sora
Published: September 2019

Through an online survey of Beijing consumer publics, this study examines a moderated mediation model of public demand for regulatory intervention ensuing from a corporate crisis that entirely unfolded on social media platforms. The study finds that highly involved publics tend to attribute crisis responsibility more to the in-crisis company, and such attribution leads to stronger demand for regulatory intervention. However, the effects of issue involvement on public demands decrease when publics think they have collective efficacy to control crisis outcomes and that government has controllability over crisis outcomes. The study further finds that, in determining the degree of public demand, how publics attribute crisis responsibility is not as important as how they perceive government controllability. By delineating the relationships among issue involvement, responsibility attribution, perceived government controllability, and collective efficacy, this study outlines a comprehensive psychological mechanism of public demand for regulatory intervention during corporate crisis.
Why Choose Psychology? An Investigation of Norwegian High School Students
Authors: Jacobsen Anja Møgelvang , Diseth Åge
Published: September 2019

Psychology as an A-level subject in senior high school (12th to 13th grade) has increased in popularity in recent years. The purpose of this study was to investigate why students choose psychology as a subject, and their satisfaction with this choice. A total of 624 Norwegian students responded to a survey. A factor analysis supported a three-factor solution in relation to reasons for choosing to study psychology in terms of “interest,” “therapy,” and “rigor.” The results showed that interest in the subject was the most common reason, thus supporting the “sexy subject hypothesis.” However, a substantial minority of the students also reported personal reasons for choosing psychology, hence there was some support for the “therapy hypothesis.” The least pertinent reason for choosing this subject was a perception of psychology as an easy subject. Hence, the “rigor hypothesis” was not supported. The findings also showed general satisfaction with their choice of psychology as a subject, and realistic expectations of expected academic performance (grades) in psychology. Practical consequences were discussed.
A review on polypyrrole-coated bio-composites for the removal of heavy metal traces from waste water
Authors: Maity Subhankar , Dubey Ashish , Chakraborty Supriyo
Published: September 2019

With the development of industrialization and human activities, discharge of waste water containing heavy metals in the environment is increasing day by day. It causes serious threats to the human civilization and the flora and fauna in this earth. Conducting polymers like polypyrrole and polyaniline can be used for treating wastewater due to their inherent ion absorption properties. This article has been focused on the development of polypyrrole coated bio-composites and their potential about the removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater. Adsorption process can be successfully employed to remove heavy metals from the wastewater by the treatment of water with polypyrrole-coated composites. It was reported in literature that the polypyrrole and polyaniline-coated adsorbents had good adsorption capacities for Mg, Fe, Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Ni. Polypyrrole-coated saw dust, rice husk, chitin, and cellulosic materials could be able to remove Cr, Fe, Cu, and Zn from wastewater. This method would be a replacement for costly conventional methods of removing heavy metal ions from wastewater. It is expected that this method would be an alternative for waste water treatment which will benefit the industries in future.
Long noncoding RNA LRRC75A-AS1 inhibits cell proliferation and migration in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Chen Jianxiong , Lan Jiawen , Ye Zhiwei , Duan Shiyu , Hu Yukun , Zou Ying , Zhou Jun
Published: September 2019

With the continuous improvement of technology in the molecular field, more and more evidence indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely expressed in a broad spectrum of human tumors, playing an important role in the development and progression of tumors. Most studies reported that lncRNAs might serve as reliable biomarkers and effective clinical therapeutic target. Leucine-rich repeat containing 75 A-antisense RNA1 (LRRC75A-AS1) was reported to be relevant to many types of cancers and indicated to do influence on colorectal carcinoma (CRC). This research firstly examined the role of LRRC75A-AS1 in CRC and analyzed its association with the biological behaviors of CRC cells. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) brought to light that LRRC75A-AS1 was remarkably expressed at low levels in CRC tissues. We also found that LRRC75A-AS1 was localized in the cytoplasm. In addition, LRRC75A-AS1 knockdown also notably promoted CRC cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and colony formation. To summarize, these experimental results showed that LRRC75A-AS1 might serve as an anti-oncogene for CRC tumorigenesis and advancement, and it may become a novel molecular marker for clinical diagnosis.

Impact statement

It is reported that colorectal cancer has seriously threatened human health. The incidence of colorectal cancer in China is increasing year by year. At present, the treatment of cancer is gradually developing towards individualized treatment whose core is targeted therapy, and molecular pathology is the basis of targeted therapy. Previous studies have shown that in addition to protein-coding genes that regulate tumor invasion and metastasis, there are also some non-coding genes involved in tumor encroachment and spread. Our study found that long noncoding RNA LRRC75A-AS1 is closely related to CRC and is related to its proliferation and migration. And it may become a novel molecular marker for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Dynamic Banding (DYBAND) Technique for Symptomatic High-Flow Fistulae
Authors: Lee Hansoo , Thomas Shannon D. , Paravastu Sharath , Barber Tracie , Varcoe Ramon L.
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

High flow rates may develop in arteriovenous fistula (AVF), resulting in clinical syndromes of steal, aneurysmal fistula, or high-output cardiac failure. Various techniques with varying success have been advocated to treat this difficult problem. We present a hemodynamically validated novel banding technique.

Methods:

We designed a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model of the native high-flow AVF and tested various juxta-anastomotic venous diameters to determine the effect on AVF blood flow and pressure. We translated this principle in our banding technique, wherein adjustable banding was performed in conjunction with ultrasound-guided brachial artery flow measurement to determine the optimal band diameter. Polyurethane patch was used to fashion the adjustable band. Patient demographics, AVF flow parameters pre- and postintervention, operative intervention, and ultrasound follow-up data were collected prospectively.

Results:

Our CFD testing demonstrated that the band diameter needed to achieve optimal distal blood pressure and preserve AVF flow depending on blood pressure, end capillary pressure, venous pressure, and vascular diameters. Five patients subsequently underwent dynamic banding of symptomatic high-flow AVF. Mean brachial artery blood flow rates pre- and postbanding were 2964 mL/min (confidence interval [CI]: 1487-4440 mL/min) and 1099 mL/min (CI: 571.7-1627 mL/min), respectively ( P = .01). All patients had symptomatic improvement, and at a mean follow-up of 1 year, this benefit was sustained with no AVF thrombosis or loss.

Conclusion:

Adjustable dynamic band using ultrasound-guided brachial artery flow shows promising results in producing accurate AVF blood flow reduction with sustained efficacy in the short term for patients with symptomatic high-flow AVF.
Significant Change in the North American Spiritual Care Education and Psychotherapy Movement
Authors: S. Ivy Steven
Published: September 2019

ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education (previously Association for Clinical Pastoral Education) has received the membership of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) into an integrated organization. This integration may mark the beginning of an organizational trend.
The Cultural Field of Video Game Production in Australia
Authors: Keogh Brendan
Published: September 2019

Beyond the blockbuster studios and multinational publishers of North America, Western Europe, and Japan, videogame production happens in a range of contexts, at a variety of scales, and for a number of reasons. While “the videogame industry” as a sector of the economy accounts for the flow of capital between corporate actors and global markets, as a concept it is insufficient to account for the spectrum of cultural activities and identities that constitute videogame production. In this article, I instead follow Bourdieu to consider videogame production as a cultural field. The videogame field is locally situated and constituted by a contested range of activities and identities implicated in interrelated economic, cultural, and social forces. Drawing from empirical research with videogame makers in Australia, this article’s conceptualization of the videogame field provides ways to better account for the plurality of ways videogames makers navigate economic stability and creative autonomy.
Acute-Phase Reactants in Operatively Treated Upper Extremity Infections: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Gauger Erich M. , Mitchell Phillip M. , Halverson Schuyler J. , O’Neill David E. , Reasoner Kaitlyn , Desai Mihir J. , Lee Donald H.
Published: September 2019

Background: There are limited data on the use of acute-phase markers in the diagnosis of upper extremity infections. The goal of this study was to determine the percentage of patients with elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the setting of an upper extremity infection requiring operative debridement. Methods: In a retrospective review over 12 years, 61 patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified. Results: C-reactive protein was the most sensitive test in the detection of culture-positive infection compared with ESR and WBC ( P < .001, P < .0001, respectively). Ninety percent of patients (55 of 61) presented with an abnormal CRP value. The WBC count and ESR were abnormal in 54% and 67% of our cohort, respectively. Conclusions: C-reactive protein is the most sensitive laboratory test when evaluating upper extremity infections that necessitate debridement. The WBC count and ESR should be interpreted with caution and can be normal even in the presence of an infection.
‘Tackling’ race inequality in school leadership: Positive actions in BAME teacher progression – evidence from three English schools
Authors: Miller Paul Washington
Published: September 2019

The career progression of teachers of black, Asian and minority ethnic heritage is a matter of much debate and research. Over the past decade, a body of research has confirmed that race discrimination/race inequality is a factor in the progression of teachers of black, Asian and minority ethnic heritage in England. Although it has been argued that ‘Britain is not a racist nation’, it nonetheless has, as described by Phillips in 2016, a ‘…deep sensitivity to…ethnic and cultural difference’. According to Miller, this sensitivity remains at the heart of a ‘deep-rooted and continuing struggle among black, Asian and minority ethnic teachers and academics for equality and mutual recognition’. Drawing on Miller’s 2016 typology of educational institutions: engaged, experimenting, initiated and uninitiated, this paper presents evidence from three English headteachers of Multi-Academy Trusts who devise, implement and embed positive actions in the recruitment, development, retention and progression of staff of black, Asian and minority ethnic heritage. The objective of this study was to examine the work of school leaders/institutions in taking steps to improve black, Asian and minority ethnic teacher progression in England, by identifying and highlighting ‘what works’, and how. Furthermore, by treating each school/leader as a unique ‘case’, this paper shows their motivation (personal and professional), experiences of ‘race’, school contexts and the type/s of leadership required and used in these institutional contexts to change attitudes, cultures and behaviours.
Effects of surface compliance on the dynamic response and strains sustained by a player’s helmeted head during ice hockey impacts
Authors: de Grau Santiago , Post Andrew , Hoshizaki T Blaine , Gilchrist Michael D
Published: September 2019

In hockey, players experience different compliances during impacts to the head, from stiff ice to compliant collisions against other players. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of striking compliance in ice hockey impacts and its influence on dynamic response and brain tissue strain. Three striking caps of low, medium, and high compliances were used to impact a helmeted 50th-percentile Hybrid III headform. The headform was impacted at five locations at three velocities, representative of collision scenarios in hockey. The dependent variables, peak resultant linear and rotational acceleration as well as maximum principal strain were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance to determine significant differences between the compliances. The results indicated a significant effect of compliance on the responses of the headform. As expected, low-impact compliance resulted in higher linear and rotational accelerations when compared to the medium and high compliance conditions. However, while the linear and rotational acceleration responses of the medium and high compliance conditions would indicate a low chance of brain injury, the maximum principal strain magnitudes indicated a high likelihood of concussion. Medium- and high-impact compliances are a factor that has not been considered when designing and testing helmet technology in sport, with current methods reflective of low compliance surfaces, that is, those with high stiffness and rigidity. The results of this study demonstrate that an impact compliance is an important factor in producing brain injury and should be considered when certifying helmets through standard testing to mitigate the risk of brain injury.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Evidence on the Use of Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis in the Knee
Authors: Steinwachs Matthias R. , Gille Justus , Volz Martin , Anders Sven , Jakob Roland , De Girolamo Laura , Volpi Piero , Schiavone-Panni Alfredo , Scheffler Sven , Reiss Eric , Wittmann Udo
Published: September 2019

Objective

A systematic review and meta-analysis of Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC®) outcomes for grade III/IV chondral and osteochondral lesions of the knee treated with Chondro-Gide®.

Design

Studies with a minimum follow-up of 1 year providing clinical results of AMIC repair in the knee were included based on PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Methodological quality was assessed by the modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS). The meta-analysis was comparing pain VAS (Visual Analog Scale), Lysholm score, and IKDC score (International Knee Documentation Committee) between baseline and follow-up after 1 or 2 years and after >3 years.

Results

Twelve studies (375 patients) were included. The mCMS demonstrated a suboptimal study design (ranking between 52 and 80). The mean age was 36.2 years (14-70 years). The mean defect size was 4.24 cm2 (0.8-22 cm2). The results from the random effects model indicated a clinically significant ( P < 0.05) improvement of pain VAS from baseline to follow-up at year 1 to 2 of −4.02(confidence interval −4.37; −3.67), still significant after 3 years. Lysholm score at year 1 or 2 improved significantly and remained highly significant after 3 years. IKDC score showed highly significant improvement of 32.61 between 1 and 2 years versus baseline values maintained after 3 years.

Conclusions

The AMIC procedure significantly improved the clinical status and functional scoring versus preoperative values. Evidence was obtained in a non-selected patient population, corresponding to real-life treatment of knee chondral and osteochondral defects. The evidence is sufficient to recommend AMIC in this indication.
The locals and the Rohingyas: Trapped with an uncertain future
Authors: Yasmin Lailufar , Akther Sayeda
Published: September 2019

Since the 26 August 2017 influx of the Rohingya community into Bangladesh, particularly in the Cox’s Bazar district, the country has been subjected to phenomenal challenges. While the initial issues were to arrange food and accommodation for a community who had no other option but to flee their homeland, gradually the nature of challenges diversified. This article identifies the relationship between the local community and the Rohingya community in the Cox’s Bazar district in the aftermath of the influx. While doing so, it unfolds different types of tension and difficulties that emerged in the area due to the Rohingya influx. It concludes that the influx has fundamentally affected and altered the lives of the locals, which must be taken into consideration by the Government of Bangladesh in its plans for this region.
Caught between the nation and the state: Voices of Rohingya refugee women in Bangladesh
Authors: Mohsin Amena
Published: September 2019

There is abounding literature on nationalism and the state that deals with the tensions between the primordial and the civic. The bordered state or the legal ‘power container’ more often than not is the container of a people/s who refuse to be contained within the geographical and cultural borders imposed by the state. The legality of the legal indeed remains a big question. The geographical boundaries of the post-colonial states often do not match the cultural boundaries of the newly created states. South Asia carried this colonial legacy of boundary mismatch through its state crafting process. Borders and boundaries are often looked upon as this side and that side; rather than a sanctified territory. Borders also become conduits of passage to safety when a group of people living within a bordered land called a nation-state find themselves borderless within those borders, since the state’s ethno-cultural borders or frontiers refuse to accommodate the frontiers of the former. This article is an examination of the hopes, aspirations and moving ahead of the Rohingya people through the voices of the Rohingya refugee women in Bangladesh as they carve out their spaces as a people both cognitive and physical in a land which is not theirs; for a land which they claim to be their own.
Preeclampsia-Associated Multivessel Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection
Authors: Seecheran Rajeev Virender , Kawall Jessica , Ramadhin Divya , Seecheran Valmiki Krishna , Persad Sangeeta Anjali , Lalla Sasha Savitri , Seecheran Naveen Anand
Published: September 2019

Pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection (PASCAD) accounts for less than 5% of spontaneous coronary artery dissection cases and is comparatively more fulminant or clinically aggressive. Several factors associated with PASCAD include black ethnicity, multiparity, hypertension, advanced maternal age, and age at first childbirth. This atypical case highlights a preeclamptic patient presenting with an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in which multivessel dissection of both the left anterior descending and right coronary arteries were deemed co-culprit lesions for the index event.
What have we learned from basic science studies on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Authors: Yanagihara Toyoshi , Sato Seidai , Upagupta Chandak , Kolb Martin
Published: September 2019

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal age-related lung disease characterised by progressive and irreversible scarring of the lung. Although the details are not fully understood, there has been tremendous progress in understanding the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which has led to the identification of many new potential therapeutic targets. In this review we discuss several of these advances with a focus on genetic susceptibility and cellular senescence primarily affecting epithelial cells, activation of profibrotic pathways, disease-enhancing fibrogenic cell types and the role of the remodelled extracellular matrix.
Electrospun Jets Number and Nanofiber Morphology Effected by Voltage Value: Numerical Simulation and Experimental Verification
Authors: Liu Zhi , Ju Kaiyi , Wang Zongqian , Li Wei , Ke Huizhen , He Jihuan
Published: September 2019

Electrical voltage has a crucial effect on the nanofiber morphology as well as the jet number in the electrospinning process, while few literatures were found to explain the deep mechanism. Herein, the electrical field distribution around the spinning electrode was studied by the numerical simulation firstly. The results show that the electrical field concentrates on the tip of a protruding droplet under relatively low voltage, while subsequently turns to the edge of needle tip when the protruding droplet disappears under high voltage. The experimental results are well consistent with the numerically simulated results, that is, only one jet forms at low voltage (below 20 kV for PVDF-HFP and PVA nanofiber), but more than one jet forms under high voltage (two jets for PVDF-HFP nanofiber, four jets for PVA nanofiber). These more jets lead to (1) higher fiber diameter resulting from actually weaker electrical field for each jet and (2) wide distribution of fiber diameters due to unstable spinning process (changeable jet number/site/height) under high voltage. The results will benefit the nanofiber preparation and application in traditional single-needle electrospinning and other electrospinning methods.
Agreement between mothers’, fathers’, and children’s’ ratings on health-related quality of life in children born with esophageal atresia – a German cross-sectional study
Authors: Witt Stefanie , Bloemeke Janika , Bullinger Monika , Dingemann Jens , Dellenmark-Blom Michaela , Quitmann Julia
Published: September 2019

Background

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare congenital malformation, which is characterized by the discontinuity of the esophagus. We investigated the agreement between mothers’, fathers’, and children’s’ ratings on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children born with EA. We aimed to broaden the understanding of subjective experiences of HRQOL from different perspectives. We hypothesized that the agreement between mother and father ratings would be high, whereas the agreement between child and mother ratings as well as child and father ratings would show more substantial differences.

Methods

We obtained data from 40 families (23 mother-father dyads of children aged 2–7 years and 17 mother-father-child triads of children and adolescents aged 8–18 years) with children born with EA, who were treated in two German hospitals. HRQOL was measured using the generic PedsQL™ questionnaires and the condition-specific EA-QOL© questionnaires. We calculated intraclass coefficients and performed one-way repeated measures ANOVAs to analyze differences for each domain as well as for the total scores.

Results

Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) indicated a strong agreement (≥.80) between mother and father reports of children’s HRQOL for both generic and condition-specific measurements. The ICCs for the generic HRQOL for mother/father-child-dyads revealed only fair to good agreement, whereas ICCs for condition-specific HRQOL showed high agreement for mother-child and father-child-agreement. Analyses of Covariance revealed differences in mother/father-child agreement in the generic domain School, both parents reporting lower HRQOL scores than the children themselves. Fathers reported significantly higher scores in the condition-specific domain Social than their children.

Conclusions

Results showed that mothers’ and fathers’ reports corresponded to each other. Nonetheless, these reports might not be interchangeably used because mother-child and father-child agreement showed differences. Children might know the best on how they feel, and parent proxy-report is recommended when reasons such as young age, illness, or cognitive impairments do not allow to ask the child. But parent-report – no matter if reported by mother or father – should only be an additional source to broaden the view on the child’s health status and well-being. The current study contributes to a better understanding of the complex family relationships involved when parenting a child born with EA.
Undernourished children presenting to an urban emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Tanzania: a prospective descriptive study
Authors: Bashaka Prosper J. , Sawe Hendry R. , Mwafongo Victor , Mfinanga Juma A. , Runyon Michael S. , Murray Brittany L.
Published: September 2019

Background: Childhood undernutrition causes significant morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Tanzania, the in-hospital prevalence of undernutrition in children under five years of age is approximated to be 30% with a case fatality rate of 8.8%. In Tanzania, the burden of undernourished children under five years of age presenting to emergency departments (EDs) and their outcomes are unknown. This study describes the clinical profiles and outcomes of this population presenting to the emergency department of Muhimbili National Hospital (ED-MNH), a large, urban hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

This was a prospective descriptive study of children aged 1–59 months presenting to the ED-MNH over eight weeks in July and August 2016. Enrolment occurred through consecutive sampling. Children less than minus one standard deviation below World Health Organization mean values for Weight for Height/Length, Height for Age, or Weight for Age were recruited. Structured questionnaires were used to document primary outcomes of patient demographics and clinical presentations, and secondary outcomes of 24-h and 30-day mortality. Data was summarised using descriptive statistics and relative risks (RR).

Results

A total of 449 children were screened, of whom 34.1% (n = 153) met criteria for undernutrition and 95.4% (n = 146) of those children were enrolled. The majority of these children, 56.2% (n = 82), were male and the median age was 19 months (IQR 10–31 months). They presented most frequently with fever 24.7% (n = 36) and cough 24.0% (n = 35). Only 6.7% (n = 9) were diagnosed with acute undernutrition by ED-MNH physicians. Mortality at 24 h and 30 days were 2.9% (n = 4) and 12.3% (n = 18) respectively. A decreased level of consciousness with Glasgow Coma Scale below fifteen on arrival to the ED and tachycardia from initial vital signs were found to be associated with a statistically significant increased risk of death in undernourished children, with mortality rates of 16.1% (n = 23), and 24.6% (n = 35), respectively.

Conclusions

In an urban ED of a tertiary referral hospital in Tanzania, undernutrition remains under-recognized and is associated with a high rate of in-hospital mortality.
Newborn gender as a predictor of neonatal outcome in mixed gender twins born with very low birth weight
Authors: Barzilay Bernard , Shirman Nina , Bibi Haim , Abu-Kishk Ibrahim
Published: September 2019

Background

Most studies have revealed that the incidence of morbidity and mortality of preterm male infants is greater than that of preterm female infants. Recently, conflicting outcomes have been reported regarding mixed-gender twins. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between gender and outcome in newborn twins of different gender.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of mixed-gender twins weighing < 1500 g that were born at Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh) between the years 1995 and 2016 (158 newborns). The incidence of morbidity and mortality until discharge from the hospital were evaluated while looking at gender differences.

Results

No significant differences were found in neonatal mortality or morbidity between females and males from different-gender twins. Even after considering confounding variables (gestational age, birth weight & birth order) in linear and logistic regression models, no significant differences were found between the genders.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that there are no significant differences in neonatal mortality or morbidity among different-gender twins. Our results support the need for further studies.
Recurrent sick leave and resignation rates among female cancer survivors after return to work: the Japan sickness absence and return to work (J-SAR) study
Authors: Endo Motoki , Haruyama Yasuo , Muto Go , Imai Yuya , Mitsui Kiyomi , Mizoue Tetsuya , Wada Hiroo , Kobashi Gen , Tanigawa Takeshi
Published: September 2019

Background

To date, there have not been any workforce-based Japanese cohort studies investigating work sustainability after return to work (RTW). The objective of this study was to investigate the post-RTW cumulative recurrent sick leave rate and cumulative resignation rate among female cancer survivors.

Methods

Among Japanese employees who were registered in the Japan sickness absence and return to work (J-SAR) study, the subjects were those female employees who returned to work after sick leave due to newly clinically diagnosed cancer (C01-C99; ICD-10), based on a physician’s certificate, between 2000 and 2011. The last day of the follow-up period was December 31, 2012. The recurrent sickness leave rate and resignation rate were calculated using competing risk survival analysis.

Results

Of 223 cancer survivors, 61 took further physician-certified sick leave after their RTW. The median duration of the post-RTW work period among all cancer survivors was 10.6 years. The work continuance rates of the female cancer survivors were 83.2 and 60.4% at 1 and 5 years after they returned to work, respectively. There was a steep reduction in the work continuance rate during the first post-RTW year. There were considerable differences in the work continuance rate according to the primary cancer site. Cumulative recurrent sick leave rates of 11.8 and 28.9% were seen at 1 and 5 years after the subjects returned to work. The cumulative resignation rate was 5.0 and 10.7% at 1 and 5 years after the subjects returned to work. Most recurrent sick leave occurred in the first year after the subjects returned to work, followed by the second year.

Conclusions

Sixty percent of female cancer survivors were still working at 5 years after returning to work, although the work continuance rates for different types of cancer varied significantly.
Prevalence and clinical associations of wheezes and crackles in the general population: the Tromsø study
Authors: Aviles-Solis J. C. , Jácome C. , Davidsen A. , Einarsen R. , Vanbelle S. , Pasterkamp H. , Melbye H.
Published: September 2019

Background

Wheezes and crackles are well-known signs of lung diseases, but can also be heard in apparently healthy adults. However, their prevalence in a general population has been sparsely described. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of wheezes and crackles in a large general adult population and explore associations with self-reported disease, smoking status and lung function.

Methods

We recorded lung sounds in 4033 individuals 40 years or older and collected information on self-reported disease. Pulse oximetry and spirometry were carried out. We estimated age-standardized prevalence of wheezes and crackles and associations between wheezes and crackles and variables of interest were analyzed with univariable and multivariable logistic regressions.

Results

Twenty-eight percent of individuals had wheezes or crackles. The age-standardized prevalence of wheezes was 18.6% in women and 15.3% in men, and of crackles, 10.8 and 9.4%, respectively. Wheezes were mostly found during expiration and crackles during inspiration. Significant predictors of expiratory wheezes in multivariable analyses were age (10 years increase - OR 1.18, 95%CI 1.09–1.30), female gender (1.45, 1.2–1.8), self-reported asthma (1.36, 1.00–1.83), and current smoking (1.70, 1.28–2.23). The most important predictors of inspiratory crackles were age (1.76, 1.57–1.99), current smoking, (1.94, 1.40–2.69), mMRC ≥2 (1.79, 1.18–2.65), SpO2 (0.88, 0.81–0.96), and FEV1 Z-score (0.86, 0.77–0.95).

Conclusions

Nearly over a quarter of adults present adventitious lung sounds on auscultation. Age was the most important predictor of adventitious sounds, particularly crackles. The adventitious sounds were also associated with self-reported disease, current smoking and measures of lung function. The presence of findings in two or more auscultation sites was associated with a higher risk of decreased lung function than solitary findings.
Biocompatibility study of different hyaluronan products for intra-articular treatment of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Yoshioka Keiji , Katayama Madoka , Nishiyama Takeo , Harada Kohei , Takeshita Sawako , Kawamata Yuji
Published: September 2019

Background

Intra-articular (IA) injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) (IA-HA) is a well-recognized treatment option for pain associated with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). IA-HA products differ in their HA content, molecular weight, cross-linking, and source of HA. These differences are assumed to affect the biocompatibility of the IA-HA products once injected inside the knee joint.

Methods

In the present study, we investigated the biocompatibility of three multiple-injection IA-HA products available in the global market. These included SUPARTZ FX™, a medium range molecular weight HA derived from rooster comb (Avian-HA); ORTHOVISC®, a high range molecular weight HA obtained through biological fermentation (Bio-HA); and SYNVISC®, a high molecular weight cross-linked hyaluronan derived from rooster comb (Avian-CL-HA). Rabbit knee joint tissues were histologically and biochemically examined after IA injection of the products. Furthermore, we compared the amounts of impurities in the IA-HA products.

Results

IA injection of Avian-CL-HA into rabbit knee joints induced the aggregation of inflammatory cells, infiltration of eosinophils, and an increase in the number of cells in the synovial fluid. However, these effects were not seen in the Avian-HA and Bio-HA groups. The residual protein content and the contaminant levels of bacterial endotoxins were below the limit of quantitation in all HA products. Avian-CL-HA contained relatively a large amount of (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan, but this was below the lower limit of quantification in the other HA products.

Conclusions

The present results clearly demonstrate that the biocompatibility of Avian-HA is comparable to that of Bio-HA, and they were both considered to have a favorable safety profile for the treatment of symptomatic OA of the knee. However, immunostimulatory activity was observed after injection of Avian-CL-HA: this might be a result of its unique cross-linking structure and/or the considerable amount of (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan impurity present in the formulation.
Comparative efficacy of three pediculicides to treat head lice infestation in primary school girls: a randomised controlled assessor blind trial in rural Iran
Authors: Kalari Hadi , Soltani Aboozar , Azizi Kourosh , Faramarzi Hossein , Moemenbellah-Fard Mohammad Djaefar
Published: September 2019

Background

Head lice infestation (Pediculosis) is one of the most important health challenges particularly in primary school-aged children. It is often present among 6–11-year-old students in various tropical and temperate regions of the world. The aim of this study was to examine epidemiologic indices and comparative analysis of two pyrethroid-based and one non-chemical pediculicide products on head lice treatment of primary school girls in a rural setting of Fars province, south Iran, as part of a randomized controlled assessor blind trial.

Methods

Before treatment, infested students were screened using plastic detection combs to find live head lice. Three independent parallel groups, each with about 25 participants (#77) were eventually twice with a week apart treated with either 1% permethrin, 0.2% parasidose (d-phenothrin) or 4% dimeticone lotion preparations. In each case, a questionnaire form was completed on epidemiologic factors. Data were registered after a fortnight from primary scalp treatment and re-inspection on days 2, 6, 9 and 14. Data analyses were performed using Chi-square test with a P-value < 0.05 being taken as statistically significant.

Results

From 3728 inspected students, 87 (2.33%) girls were infested with head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, 1778. Ten students dropped out pertaining to exclusion criteria. No significant correlation was found between head lice infestation level and hair length, hair style, itching, nationality, age, settlement site and baths; but there was a significant relationship between age and hair style (P = 0.027). The efficacy values on each of the above re-inspection days from each of the three treatments were 81, 74, 70 and 63% for permethrin; 83, 92, 100 and 100% for dimeticone; and 96, 88, 96 and 92% for d-phenothrin; respectively. A quartile difference in efficacy of permethrin relative to dimeticone on day 14 represented the scale of head lice resistance to permethrin treatment. There were significant statistical differences in case re-inspection days 9 (P = 0.008) and 14 (P = 0.003) post treatment. Only two dropout cases, one non-compliant and the other lost before the second-week treatment, from permethrin trial were observed following two applications a week apart.

Conclusions

Dimeticone lotion had the fullest efficacy (100%) among all treatments. This high cure rate was attributed to the low level of infestation and the extent of patients’ involvement. Parasidose swiftly ameliorated the infested cases by the second day since initial treatment. Female third grade students were the most infested cohort.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials- IRCT2016041627408N1, Dated: 21-08-2017.