bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incongruent Audiovisual Inducer Information and Fission/Fusion Illusions
Authors: Asaoka Riku , Takeshima Yasuhiro
Published: September 2020

In research studies on how people perceive simultaneously presented audiovisual information, researchers have often shown that the number of visual flashes participants perceive on a computer screen can be altered by varying the number of accompanying auditory, visual, or combined audiovisual cues or inducers. In the present study, we examined the effects of number-incongruent audiovisual inducer stimuli on the participants’ perceived number of target flashes. We instructed 16 participants (eight males and eight females; Mage = 21.56; SDage = 1.93) to report their perceived number of target flashes while ignoring the visual and auditory inducers. Across 18 different experimental conditions, we presented one or two target flashes in association with varied numbers (0, 1, 2) of auditory and visual inducer stimuli. In the condition with one target flash paired with one visual and two auditory inducers, the number of visual inducers (i.e., one) had a greater influence on the number of perceived target flashes than did the number of auditory inducers (i.e., two). Under all other number incongruent audiovisual inducer conditions, the participants’ perceived number of target flashes was influenced more by the number of auditory than the number of visual inducers. We discuss these findings in the context of perceptual grouping and perceptual temporal uncertainty.
Validation of the Italian Version of the Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale (BEIS-10)
Authors: Durosini Ilaria , Triberti Stefano , Ongaro Giulia , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: September 2020

Based on Salovey and Mayer’s conceptualization of emotional intelligence, Davies and colleagues developed the BEIS-10 scale, a 10-items self-report questionnaire that explores individual dispositions that people have about exploring one’s own and others’ emotions. To date, no studies assess the validity of the BEIS-10 scale in the Italian context. This article aims to fill this gap, exploring the validity, reliability, and construct validity of the Italian version of this scale. 244 Italian adults participated in the study and 67 respondents completed a second administration of the scale after two-weeks. The recommended statistical procedures were followed to validate the Italian version of the BEIS-10 scale and, after a back-translation process and a pilot testing, the five-factor structure of the scale was tested through a confirmatory factor analysis. Results highlighted that the five-factor model of emotional intelligence proposed by Davies and colleagues (2010) is confirmed in the Italian population. Data showed good reliability, good stability over time, and evidence of construct validity of the BEIS-10 scale. The BEIS-10 scale could be completed in a couple of minutes and it is particularly useful for collecting data in contexts in which time is an issue.
Sialendoscopy in Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Without Sialolithiasis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Plonowska Karolina A. , Ochoa Edgar , Ryan William R. , Chang Jolie L.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To evaluate long‐term chronic sialadenitis symptoms in patients without sialolithiasis following sialendoscopy‐assisted salivary duct surgery (SASDS) compared to a control group managed conservatively.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients (52 glands) with chronic sialadenitis without sialolithiasis completed the Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Symptoms (COSS) questionnaire at presentation and at 3‐month time intervals thereafter for 1 year. Lower COSS scores represent lower symptom severity. We compared 27 patients who underwent SASDS to 9 control patients who elected conservative management.

Results

COSS gland‐specific scores from 38 SASDS‐treated glands (cases) and 14 control glands were similar at baseline. At 6 to 12 months (mean, 8.4 months), the surgically treated group had significantly lower scores and a greater score reduction from baseline compared to controls (mean score change [95% confidence interval] cases: 20.7 points [15.7‐25.8]; controls: 11.7 points [4.9‐18.4]; P =. 04). There was a significant difference in scores between the 2 groups over time (P <. 001). A greater proportion (72%) of cases reported partial or complete resolution of overall sialadenitis symptoms at 6 to 12 months compared to the controls (22%, P <. 05).

Conclusion

Compared to patients electing for conservative management, patients with sialadenitis without sialolithasis treated with SASDS had improved symptom scores and a greater reduction of symptom severity after 6 months. With SASDS, patients had higher rates of significant overall symptom improvement. In evaluating chronic sialadenitis, assessment at multiple time points is necessary to capture the intermittent and cyclical pattern of obstructive symptoms.
Pectoralis Major Onlay vs Interpositional Reconstruction Fistulation After Salvage Total Laryngectomy: Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Cabrera Claudia I. , Joseph Jones Alexander , Philleo Parker Noah , Emily Lynn Blevins Amy , Weidenbecher Mark S.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the difference in pharygocutaneous fistula (PCF) development between pectoralis major flap onlay and interpositional reconstructions after salvage total laryngectomy (STL).

Data Sources

Medline, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Review Methods

A systematic review was performed during January 2020. English articles were included that described minor and major PCF rates after STL reconstructed with pectoralis major onlay or interposition. PCFs were classified as major when conservative therapy was unsuccessful and/or revision surgery was needed. Articles describing total laryngopharyngectomies were excluded. Meta‐analyses of the resulting data were performed.

Results

Twenty‐four articles met final criteria amassing 1304 patients. Three articles compared onlay with interposition, and 18 compared onlay with primary closure. Pectoralis interposition demonstrated elevated odds ratio (OR) of PCF formation as compared with onlay (OR, 2.34; P <. 001). Onlay reconstruction reduced overall (OR, 0.32; P <. 001) and major (OR, 0.21; P <. 001) PCF development as compared with primary pharyngeal closure alone. Data were insufficient to compare interposition against primary closure.

Conclusions

This research shows evidence that pectoralis onlay after STL diminishes the odds of total and major PCF development. Pectoralis interposition reconstruction showed elevated odds of PCF formation as compared with pectoralis onlay.
Best practices for managing innovations in public libraries in the USA
Authors: Potnis Devendra Dilip , Winberry Joseph , Finn Bonnie
Published: September 2020

Public libraries serve as anchors for thousands of communities across the United States. Innovations are critical for the survival and relevance of public libraries in the country. Few studies, if any, identify the best practices for managing innovations in public libraries based on the experiential guidance shared by administrators of public libraries that are recognized for their innovations. This empirical study fills in the gap by identifying the challenges and solutions for managing innovations in public libraries in the USA. A thematic content analysis of qualitative responses collected through an online anonymous survey of 219 administrators of 211 innovations in 106 urban public libraries awarded for their innovations revealed 30 unique challenges to planning and implementing innovations and an equal number of solutions, which were then organized into five clusters: strategy, finance, organizational behavior, human resource management, and communication. Administrators and staff in public libraries need to develop competencies in these five areas to better manage innovations in the future. Other public libraries can learn, apply, and benefit from these best practices. The best practices for managing innovations, if applied, can enhance the perceived and real value of public libraries to their local communities.
Strength-Based Flourishing Intervention to Promote Resilience in Individuals With Physical Disabilities in Disadvantaged Communities: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bu He , Duan Wenjie
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

The current study developed a strength-based flourishing intervention (SFI) and examined its efficacy on fostering the resilience of people with physical disabilities in poor areas, using a randomized (1:1) parallel-group controlled, and single-blind trial.

Method:

A total of 51 participants ( M age = 42.16, standard deviation = 8.42; 43.14% males; 29 for the intervention group, whereas 22 for the control group) completed preintervention, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up tests.

Results:

The 2 × 3 mixed repeated measure analyses and post hoc analyses revealed a significant main group effect ( F = 4.46, p = .04) and a short-term effect (i.e., 3 month; F = 6.35, p = .02) of the SFI. The results indicated that the SFI could significantly promote resilience in the intervention group. However, the effects of the intervention did not immediately appear.

Discussion:

The SFI could assist in providing research-based and cost-effective health services to promote flourishing and resilience in vulnerable populations.
Heplisav-B: A Hepatitis B Vaccine With a Novel Adjuvant
Authors: Champion Caroline R.
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To review the immunogenicity and safety of a hepatitis B vaccine containing the cytosine phosphoguanosine (CpG) 1018 adjuvant (HepB-CpG).

Data Sources:

Literature searches were performed using PubMed and Scopus with the search terms hepatitis B vaccine, HepB-CpG, CpG 1018, 1018-ISS, HBsAg-1018, HBV-ISS, and Heplisav. Other sources included the Centers for Disease Control, the Food and Drug Administration, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and prescribing information.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Search limits included randomized controlled trial in humans and published in English from January 2003 to August 2020. Studies using the final formulation and dosing schedule were reviewed.

Data Synthesis:

Studies demonstrated that 2 doses of HepB-CpG induced significantly higher seroprotective responses with a faster onset in adults, including those in hyporesponsive populations, compared with 3 doses of alum-adjuvanted Engerix-B. Although the safety profile was comparable to that of Engerix-B, one study observed higher rates of acute myocardial infarction, herpes zoster, and death with HepB-CpG.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

ACIP recommends use of HepB-CpG as an option to prevent hepatitis B virus infection in adults ≥18 years old. Higher immune responses after 2 doses make it a promising option, especially in those with risk factors for hyporesponsiveness or at risk for poor adherence to vaccine series completion. Additional data are needed regarding the vaccine’s safety in the general population and the persistence of its antibody response.

Conclusion:

HepB-CpG has been shown to be as immunogenic as Engerix-B; however, long-term safety and persistence of immune memory has yet to be established.
Identifying Feigned Cognitive Impairment: Investigating the Utility of Diffusion Model Analyses
Authors: Omer Elad , Elbaum Tomer , Braw Yoram
Published: September 2020

Forced-choice performance validity tests are routinely used for the detection of feigned cognitive impairment. The drift diffusion model deconstructs performance into distinct cognitive processes using accuracy and response time measures. It thereby offers a unique approach for gaining insight into examinees’ speed-accuracy trade-offs and the cognitive processes that underlie their performance. The current study is the first to perform such analyses using a well-established forced-choice performance validity test. To achieve this aim, archival data of healthy participants, either simulating cognitive impairment in the Word Memory Test or performing it to the best of their ability, were analyzed using the EZ-diffusion model ( N = 198). The groups differed in the three model parameters, with drift rate emerging as the best predictor of group membership. These findings provide initial evidence for the usefulness of the drift diffusion model in clarifying the cognitive processes underlying feigned cognitive impairment and encourage further research.
Inside the Black Box of Improving on Nursing Home Quality Measures
Authors: Davila Heather , Shippee Tetyana P. , Park Young Shin , Brauner Daniel , Werner Rachel M. , Konetzka R. Tamara
Published: September 2020

Nursing Home Compare (NHC) reports quality measures (QMs) for nursing homes (NHs) as part of its 5-star rating system. Most of the QMs are based on facility self-reported data, prompting questions about their validity. To better understand how NHs interact with the QMs, we used qualitative methods, including semistructured interviews with NH personnel ( n = 110), NH provider association representatives ( n = 23), and observations of organizational processes in 12 NHs in three states. We found that most NHs are working to improve the quality of care they provide, not merely their QM scores. However, our interviews and observations revealed limitations with the QMs, suggesting that the QMs—on their own—may not accurately reflect the quality of care NHs provide. Our findings suggest several changes to improve NHC, including adding information related to resident and family experience, providing greater risk adjustment, and providing incentives for NHs that serve socially and medically complex residents.
Could pre-filled safety syringes facilitate the adoption of home administration for cancer patients?
Authors: I'ons George
Published: September 2020

Today, healthcare systems around the world are under increasing pressure, not least with the current health crisis. One of the leading efforts to relieve this burden in recent years has been through the promotion and facilitation of self-administration, particularly for patients with chronic illnesses. By relocating certain treatments to patients’ homes, hospitals are minimizing the risk of over-crowding and giving patients a more active role in their own medication regime. Fuelled by this trend toward self-care, the prefilled safety syringe market has seen exponential growth in recent years – providing greater ease-of-use and safety for all carers and self-administering patients in non-clinical settings. When looking at the benefit of switching intravenous hospital-based to subcutaneous home-based administration while maintaining the same clinical outcomes, a similar change is also being considered in some areas of oncology. Drawing on the experience of home-treatment for chronic conditions, this article looks at the challenges and considerations of extending this to eligible cancer patients in the future.
Feasibility of Treatment Planning System in Localizing the COVID-19 Pneumonia Lesions and Evaluation of Volume Indices of Lung Involvement
Authors: Ghahramani-Asl Ruhollah , Porouhan Pejman , Mehrpouyan Mohammad , Welsh James S. , Calabrese Edward J. , Kapoor Rachna , Dhawan Gaurav , Javadinia Seyed Alireza
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose:

To assess the feasibility of a treatment planning system in localizing, contouring, and targeting lung lesions along with an evaluation of volume indices of lung involvement in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods:

We evaluated 10 patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. The CT images were imported into the ISOgray® treatment planning system to anatomically define and contour the volumes of the pulmonary lesions, the lungs, and other nearby organs.

Results:

The ratio of lung lesion volume to lung volume in this study was 0.11 ± 0.13 (11.13%). The highest mean biosynthesis ratio of lung lesions was 0.36. The ratio of lesion volume in the left lung of patients with the highest volume of involvement, was 0.44, and the ratio of lesion volume in the right lung of these patients was 0.27 (approximately 1.5 times more in the left lung than the right lung). On average, CTDIvol and DLP for all patients studied in our study were 11.22 ± 2.47 mGy and 354.20 ± 65.11 mGy.cm

Conclusion:

We reported the feasibility of using a treatment planning system in localizing COVID-19 pulmonary lesions and its validity in the volumetric assessment of infected lung regions.
Engagement and disengagement components of attentional bias to emotional stimuli in anxiety and depression
Authors: Blicher Andreas , Reinholdt-Dunne Marie Louise , Hvenegaard Morten , Winding Clas , Petersen Anders , Vangkilde Signe
Published: September 2020

Previous research shows that attentional bias is associated with emotional difficulties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the engagement and disengagement components of attentional bias to emotional stimuli in anxiety and depression using the attentional assessment task. The experimental groups consisted of 54 clinical participants in treatment for anxiety or depression and 54 control participants. The results indicated that the clinical participants showed greater levels of attentional avoidance of emotional stimuli than the control participants. Additional subgroup analyses suggested that this effect may be limited to symptoms of anxiety and not symptoms of depression. Results are discussed in relation to current models of information processing in emotional disorders.
The Evolving Impact of COVID-19 on Medical Student Orthopedic Education: Perspectives From Medical Students in Different Phases of the Curriculum
Authors: Richardson Michelle A. , Islam Wasif , Magruder Matthew
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

The world-wide lockdown caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has upended the trajectories of lives everywhere. The medical profession has been on the front lines of this rapidly developing situation, which in turn has called for unprecedented changes in the medical school curriculum. These changes have severe implications for medical students interested in applying to competitive surgical specialties like orthopedics.

Methods:

As medical students in 3 different class years pursuing orthopedic surgery, we provide our perspectives on the impact that COVID-19 has had on medical student orthopedic education.

Results:

With the removal of away rotations and a shift to virtual interviews, rising fourth year medical students are arguably the most impacted as they prepare for the orthopedic residency application process. Third year students, who are in the exploratory phase of choosing a specialty, also face uncertainties in the shift to a “new” clerkship experience that may (1) be of shorter duration, (2) implement shifts to limit overcrowding of clinical space, and (3) increase the use of telehealth over direct patient contact.

Discussion:

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the course of medical students’ orthopedic education in unprecedented ways. We believe the following suggestions may be helpful for students seeking alternative, supplemental ways of learning: (1) read up on major orthopedic journals, (2) reach out to orthopedic surgeons in areas of interest, (3) reach out to program directors/medical clerkship directors/program coordinators for opportunities to attend their educational curriculum virtually, (4) attend online lectures and hospital grand rounds, and (5) practice suturing technique with a practice kit.

Conclusions:

While the medical education landscape remains uncertain amid the evolving conditions of COVID-19, as medical students we strive to learn from this pandemic and respond to future unforeseen challenges with resilience, dedication, and compassion: all qualities we admire in orthopedic surgeons.
COVID-19 and the Rise of the New Experience Economy
Authors: Kaur Gurleen , Kaur Chanpreet
Published: September 2020

This article aims to highlight the new experience economy upsurge amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Undoubtedly, businesses will not be the same post the COVID-19 era, as it brings with itself both a threat and a cautious optimism as far as market offerings are concerned. Making a real difference to the landscape of experiences, therefore, requires a revisit. A ‘Needs-based, Action-oriented and Affiliation-centric’ strategy mix is proposed to be the central plank of any survival design during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, based on the experience economy framework, we present a toolkit that the businesses can use as a blueprint for revival in the long term. The article suggests that the pandemic is here to teach the lesson of building experiences that are robust enough to survive the plunges in the market, personalized enough to retain loyalties, cohesive enough to not get diluted with a change in channel of offering and dramatic enough to keep the engagement alive at all times. Seen in this light, this article is first-of-its-kind attempt to chronicle the potency of the new experience economy measures in navigating through the COVID-19-induced business crisis and envisioning it as a framework pushing for a frugal approach.
The Radiology Resident Experience at a Large Tertiary Care Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Holten John , Ramakrishnan Karthika , Charlie Abbas , Standiford Taylor , Maresky Hillel , Cohen Gary , Kumaran Maruti
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges in healthcare including pressure to provide efficient and timely patient care while maintaining a safe environment for physicians and staff. Radiology plays a vital role as part of a multidisciplinary team in the care of these patients. We address the experiences of our radiology residency at a large urban US academic institution with an underserved population in our fight against COVID-19. The unprecedented challenges faced during this pandemic has created monumental impacts on our training and allowed for development of skills and resources in order to better handle future situations.
Total Thyroidectomy as an Ambulatory Procedure in Community Practice
Authors: Compton Rebecca A. , Simmonds Jonathan C. , Dhingra Jagdish K.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Increasingly, total thyroidectomy is offered as an ambulatory procedure. Most of the relevant outcomes research derives from academic centers, but most thyroid surgeries are performed in the community. The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety of total thyroidectomy performed as an ambulatory procedure in a community otolaryngology practice.

Study Design

Retrospective review and national database analysis.

Setting

A single community otolaryngology practice.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing total thyroidectomy by a single otolaryngologist between 2013 and 2019 were divided into 2 cohorts: planned ambulatory and planned admission. Charts were reviewed for demographics and surgical outcomes in the 2 groups. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project databases for New York and Florida between 2015 and 2016 were also analyzed to compare outcomes of thyroidectomy as an ambulatory surgery between different practice settings.

Results

A total of 99 total thyroidectomies were performed during the study time period; 66 of 99 (67%) were planned as ambulatory procedures and 33 of 99 (33%) were planned admissions. Five of the 66 (8%) planned outpatient surgeries required admission. Complications of vocal fold dysfunction, symptomatic hypocalcemia, and seroma formation were more commonly seen in the inpatient cohort. Only 2 ambulatory patients required admission after discharge. Nationally, odds of complication were higher for ambulatory total thyroidectomy at nonteaching practice sites, which is not duplicated in our study.

Conclusions

Ambulatory total thyroidectomy can be undertaken safely in the community in carefully selected cases.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection: an update on tools and accessories
Authors: Harlow Christopher , Sivananthan Arun , Ayaru Lakshmana , Patel Kinesh , Darzi Ara , Patel Nisha
Published: September 2020

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive therapeutic procedure to remove larger polyps or early non-metastatic lesions. It has long been used in Asia, but is now fast growing in popularity in the West. There are multiple challenges faced by ESD practitioners. While the practice of ESD in gastric lesions is relatively well established, the oesophagus with its narrow lumen and challenging workspace, and the colon with its tortuous course and folds are more challenging frontiers. The nature of performing a procedure endoscopically means that conventional methods offer no mechanism for providing counter-traction while performing dissection, impeding visibility and increasing the rate of complications. There are a multitude of tools available to those performing ESD for the different stages of the procedure. This article reviews the accessories currently used in regular ESD practice including the knives used to cut and dissect lesions, the cap and hood devices used to improve visibility and safety, injection fluids to lift the submucosal plane, haemostatic devices, generators, and finally, emerging traction apparatus. There is some evidence behind the use of these tools, however, ESD remains the domain of a small number of practitioners and the practice relies heavily on expert experience. Evolution of the ESD toolbox will make the procedure more accessible to more endoscopists, which in turn will drive the development of a more substantial evidence base to evaluate efficacy and safety of the multitude of tools.
Reduced immunogenicity of the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine after hematopoietic cell transplant: a pilot study
Authors: Camargo Jose F. , Lin Rick Y. , Natori Yoichiro , Anderson Anthony D. , Alencar Maritza C. , Wang Trent P. , Morris Michele I. , Komanduri Krishna V.
Published: September 2020

Key Points

Shingrix is poorly immunogenic following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation independent of age, CD4, and B-cell recovery. In hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients with antibody response to the vaccine, varicella zoster virus reactivation risk is not null.
Prebiotics protect against acute graft-versus-host disease and preserve the gut microbiota in stem cell transplantation
Authors: Yoshifuji Kota , Inamoto Kyoko , Kiridoshi Yuko , Takeshita Kozue , Sasajima Satoshi , Shiraishi Yukiko , Yamashita Yuko , Nisaka Yuko , Ogura Yukari , Takeuchi Rie , Toya Takashi , Igarashi Aiko , Najima Yuho , Doki Noriko , Kobayashi Takeshi , Ohashi Kazuteru , Suda Wataru , Atarashi Koji , Shiota Atsushi , Hattori Masahira , Honda Kenya , Kakihana Kazuhiko
Published: September 2020

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Therefore, management of aGVHD is important for successful transplantation. Mucosal damage and alteration of the gut microbiota after allo-HSCT are key factors in the development of aGVHD. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the ability of prebiotics, which can alleviate mucosal damage and manipulate the gut microbiota, to mitigate posttransplantation complications, including aGVHD. Resistant starch (RS) and a commercially available prebiotics mixture, GFO, were administered to allo-HSCT recipients from pretransplantation conditioning to day 28 after allo-HSCT. Prebiotic intake mitigated mucosal injury and reduced the incidence of all aGVHD grades combined and of aGVHD grades 2 to 4. The cumulative incidence of skin aGVHD was markedly decreased by prebiotics intake. Furthermore, the gut microbial diversity was well maintained and butyrate-producing bacterial population were preserved by prebiotics intake. In addition, the posttransplantation fecal butyrate concentration was maintained or increased more frequently in the prebiotics group. These observations indicate that prebiotic intake may be an effective strategy for preventing aGVHD in allo-HSCT, thereby improving treatment outcomes and the clinical utility of stem cell transplantation approaches. This study was registered on the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) clinical trials registry (https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm) as #UMIN000027563.
Review and Analysis of Key Techniques in Marine Sediment Sampling
Authors: He Shudong , Peng Youduo , Jin Yongping , Wan Buyan , Liu Guangping
Published: September 2020

Deep-sea sediment is extremely important in marine scientific research, such as that concerning marine geology and microbial communities. The research findings are closely related to the in-situ information of the sediment. One prerequisite for investigations of deep-sea sediment is providing sampling techniques capable of preventing distortion during recovery. As the fruit of such sampling techniques, samplers designed for obtaining sediment have become indispensable equipment, owing to their low cost, light weight, compactness, easy operation, and high adaptability to sea conditions. This paper introduces the research and application of typical deep-sea sediment samplers. Then, a representative sampler recently developed in China is analyzed. On this basis, a review and analysis is conducted regarding the key techniques of various deep-sea sediment samplers, including sealing, pressure and temperature retaining, low-disturbance sampling, and no-pressure drop transfer. Then, the shortcomings in the key techniques for deep-sea sediment sampling are identified. Finally, prospects for the future development of key techniques for deep-sea sediment sampling are proposed, from the perspectives of structural diversification, functional integration, intelligent operation, and high-fidelity samples. This paper summarizes the existing samplers in the context of the key techniques mentioned above, and can provide reference for the optimized design of samplers and development of key sampling techniques.
Flow deformation characteristics of African blackwood, Dalbergia melanoxylon
Authors: Nakai Kazushi , Tanaka Soichi , Kanayama Kozo , Yoshimura Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2020

African blackwood (ABW: Dalbergia melanoxylon) is a valuable tree in Tanzanian local community forests, and heartwood has been mainly utilized as an irreplaceable material in musical instruments, e.g., clarinet, oboe and piccolo. Since its use is generally for the production of musical instruments only, most of the harvested volume is wasted due to defects that would affect the quality of final products. Wood flow forming can transform bulk woods into materials in temperature/pressure-controlled mold via plastic flow deformation. The main object of this study was to evaluate the deformation characteristics of ABW heartwood in developing the potential of wasted ABW parts in terms of the effective material use. The deformation characteristics of heartwood were examined by free compression tests. Specimens were compressed along the radial direction at 120 °C, and air-dried heartwood was dramatically deformed in the tangential direction. The plastic flow deformation of ABW was amplified by the presence of both extractives and moisture. In particular, the ethanol/benzene (1:2, v/v) soluble extractives in heartwood may have contributed to flow deformation. The results of the dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the air-dried heartwood exhibited softening in a temperature range over 50 °C. The ethanol/benzene-soluble extractives contributed to the softening behavior. The clarified deformation characteristics of ABW can contribute to more efficient material use of local forests.
Determination of color-changing effects of bleaching chemicals on some heat-treated woods
Authors: Akkuş Memiş , Budakçı Mehmet
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to use bleaching chemicals to remove the discoloration occurring on the surface of wood after heat treatment in order to restore the natural color of the wood. For this purpose, samples prepared from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.), sessile oak (Quercus petraeaL.), Eastern beech (Fagus orientalisL.), and Uludağ fir (Abies bornmuellerianaMattf.) were exposed to heat treatment at temperatures of 140 and 160 °C for time periods of 3, 5, and 7 h. Bleaching solutions S1 (NaOH + H2O2), S2 (NaSiO3 + H2O2), and S3 (H2C2O4) at a concentration of 18% were then applied to the surface of the materials and the color change was determined according to ASTM D 2244 standard. Depending on the heat treatment temperature and duration, an increase in total color change values was detected on the surfaces of the materials and the color of the samples became darker. The total color change values decreased after bleaching with the S2 solution in the heat-treated Scots pine and fir samples, with the S3 solution in the beech samples, and with the S1, S2, and S3 solutions in the oak samples. The findings showed that by using bleaching chemicals to lighten wood materials darkened after heat treatment, it is possible to obtain results close to the natural color values.
HIV knowledge and associated factors among young Ethiopians: application of multilevel order logistic regression using the 2016 EDHS
Authors: Dadi Teshome Kabeta , Feyasa Merga Belina , Gebre Mamo Nigatu
Published: September 2020

Background

Human Immunodeficiency virus continues to be a major global health problem infecting 75 million and killing 32 million people since the beginning of the epidemic. It badly hit Sub Saharan Africa than any country in the world and youths are sharing the greatest burden. The study aims to assess the level of HIV-knowledge and its determinants among Ethiopian youths using the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey data.

Methods

A nationally representative 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data were used. A total of 10,903 youths comprising 6401 females and 4502 males were included in the study. Descriptive statistics and multilevel order logistic regression were used and confidence interval was used to declare statistical significance in the final model.

Results

The mean age and SD of youths included in this study was 19.10 (±2.82). Among Ethiopian youths, 20.92% (95% CI: 18.91, 23.09%) had low knowledge of HIV whereas, 48.76% (95% CI: 47.12, 50.41%) and 30.31% (95% CI: 28.51, 32.18%) of them had moderate and comprehensive HIV knowledge respectively. Being male, access to TV and radio, ever tested for HIV/AIDS, owning a mobile telephone, and attending primary school and above compared to non-attendants were associated with having higher HIV knowledge. But, dwelling in rural Ethiopia, being in the Protestant and Muslim religious groups as compared to those of Orthodox followers and being in married groups were associated with having lower HIV knowledge. Approximately, 12% of the variation in knowledge of HIV was due to regions.

Conclusion

Only one-third of Ethiopian youths have deep insight into the disease, whereas, nearly one-fifth of them have lower HIV-knowledge. There is a significant disparity in HIV-related knowledge among Ethiopian youths living in different regions. Rural residents, less educated, female, and married youths have less knowledge of HIV as compared to their counterparts. Youths who do not have a mobile phone, who lack health insurance coverage, and who have limited access to media have less knowledge about HIV. Therefore, the due focus should be given to the aforementioned factors to minimize the disparities between regions and to enhance Ethiopian youths’ HIV-knowledge.
Correction to: Impact of district mental health care plans on symptom severity and functioning of patients with priority mental health conditions: the Programme for Improving Mental Health Care (PRIME) cohort protocol
Authors: Baron Emily C. , Rathod Sujit D. , Hanlon Charlotte , Prince Martin , Fedaku Abebaw , Kigozi Fred , Jordans Mark , Luitel Nagendra P. , Medhin Girmay , Murhar Vaibhav , Nakku Juliet , Patel Vikram , Petersen Inge , Selohilwe One , Shidhaye Rahul , Ssebunnya Joshua , Tomlinson Mark , Lund Crick , De Silva Mary
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Association between circulating microRNAs 486, 146b and 15b and serum betatrophin levels in obese; type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic children
Authors: Mohany Khalid M. , Al rugaie Osamah , Al-wutayd Osama , Al-Nafeesah Abdullah , Saleem Tahia H.
Published: September 2020

Background

This study tested the association between serum levels of microRNA-486, −146b and -15b and betatrophin in normal and obese children with/without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

the study included 120 children; divided into three groups: G1 (50 healthy), G2 (35 obese) and G3 (35 obese with T2DM). The levels of microRNA-486, 146b and 15b and serum betatrophin were measured by their corresponding methods.

Results

serum microRNA-486, −146b, −15b and betatrophin levels were significantly high in G3 followed by G2 then G1 (p = 0.002, > 0.001, > 0.001, and > 0.001, respectively). Especially in G3, these levels correlated positively with the BMI percentile (r = 0.44, 0.58, 0.38, and 0.46, p = 0.007, > 0.001, 0.021, and 0.005, respectively), serum glucose (r = 0.56, 0.49, 0.82, 0.60, and 0.42, p > 0.001, 0.003, > 0.001, and > 0.001, respectively) and HbA1c% (r = 0.56, 0.39, 0.66, and 0.42, p > 0.001, 0.019, > 0.001, and 0.032, respectively) while, showed negative correlations with correlated with serum insulin levels (r = − 0.37, − 0.42, − 0.58, and − 0.41, p = 0.021, 0.012, > 0.001 and 0.013, respectively) and with serum C-peptide levels (r = − 0.76, − 0.50, − 0.35 and − 0.42, p > 0.001, 0.002, 0.036 and 0.011, respectively). Serum betatrophin levels correlated positively with microRNA-486, −146b and -15b levels in G2 (r = 0.35, 0.80, and 0.67, p = 0.036, > 0.001, and,> 0.001, respectively), and in G3 (r = 0.57, 0.36, and 0.38, p > 0.001, 0.029 and, 0.023, respectively).

Conclusions

Circulating microRNA-486, 146b and 15b increase significantly in obese children with T2DM and these levels correlate positively with serum betatrophin levels. Further studies are required to test the role of targeting of these microRNAs and betatrophin in the timely management of obesity and/or T2DM in children.
Exploring patient-centered aspects of home care communication: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Höglander Jessica , Eklund Jakob Håkansson , Spreeuwenberg Peter , Eide Hilde , Sundler Annelie J. , Roter Debra , Holmström Inger K.
Published: September 2020

Background

Communication is a cornerstone in nursing and aims at both information exchange and relationship building. To date, little is known about the naturally occurring communication between older persons and nurses in home care. Communication might heal through different pathways and a patient- or person-centered communication could be important for health and well-being of older persons. However, the delivery of individualized home care is challenged by routines and organizational demands such as time constraints. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the patient-centered aspects of home care communication between older persons and registered nurses.

Methods

In total 37 older persons (aged 65 years or older) and eleven RNs participated in 50 audio-recorded home care visits. Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) was used to code verbal communication. A ratio from these codes, establishing the degree of patient-centeredness, was analyzed using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model.

Results

The present home care communication contained more socio-emotional than task-oriented communication and the emotional tone was largely positive. The global affect ratings reflected an overall positive tone (m = 39.88, sd = 7.65), with higher ratings on dimensions of, for example, responsiveness/engagement and interactivity or interest were more frequent than those that may be considered as less-positive emotions (m = 15.56, sd = 3.91), e.g. hurried, dominance or anger. The ratio of the degree of patient-centered communication in the home care visits was an average of 1.53, revealing that the communication could be considered as patient-centered. The length of the visits was the only characteristic significantly associated with the degree of patient-centeredness in the communication, with a peak in patient-centeredness in visits 8–9 min long. Sex, age or procedural focus showed no significant effects on the degree of patient-centeredness.

Conclusion

Overall, the degree of patient-centeredness and a positive emotional tone, which might have a positive outcome on older persons’ health, was high. Longer visits provided a higher degree of patient-centeredness, but no linear increase in patient-centeredness due to length of visit could be observed. The findings can be used for education and training of nurses, and for providing individualized care, e.g. patient- or person-centered care.
Investigating prevalence job stress and illness among hospital staff providing health tourism services (HSPHTS) in Iran
Authors: Hemmati Farhad , Dabbaghi Fatemeh , Mahmoudi Ghahraman
Published: September 2020

Background

Health tourism or treatment tourism is one of threatening fields that causes (added s) increase in prevalence of job stress and illnesses among hospital staff of providing health tourism services (HSPHT). The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of job stress and illnesses among hospitals staff of providing health tourism services in touristic cities as Tehran and Shiraz in Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was carried out among the staff of 10 hospitals providing health tourism services in cities of Tehran and Shiraz, Iran, in 2019. In these hospitals, 1250 staff were chosen by cluster sampling method from each job task as doctor, nurse, office worker, and paramedical and cleaner worker. Also, 1100 staff working in other general hospitals (non-HSPHTS) were selected as the control sample. Then, the demographic information and prevalence of job stress were gathered by Osipow job stress questionnaire and the illnesses were accumulated by self-reporting questionnaire. Finally, data were analyzed in SPSS 20 software. Chi-square and Pearson’s parametric tests were used in the study.

Results

Prevalence of illnesses among HSPHTS was more than that in general hospitals (Pvalue < 0.05). The most prevalent illnesses were respiratory (11.08%), digestive (9.2%), and cutaneous (9.04%), respectively. Also, the prevalence of job stress among HSPHTS was more than that in general hospitals (Pvalue < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between prevalence of illnesses and job stress among the staff of hospitals and the increase in the number of visited tourists in the hospitals providing health tourism services.

Conclusion

Results of the study showed that the prevalence of job stress (%33.76) and illnesses (%43.66) among the HSPHTS was respectively 2 and 2.6 times more than that among the staff of general hospitals. Thus, it is necessary to observe sanitary actions and considerations more seriously in these hospitals.
Comorbidity between depression and anxiety: assessing the role of bridge mental states in dynamic psychological networks
Authors: Groen Robin N. , Ryan Oisín , Wigman Johanna T. W. , Riese Harriëtte , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Giltay Erik J. , Wichers Marieke , Hartman Catharina A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Comorbidity between depressive and anxiety disorders is common. A hypothesis of the network perspective on psychopathology is that comorbidity arises due to the interplay of symptoms shared by both disorders, with overlapping symptoms acting as so-called bridges, funneling symptom activation between symptom clusters of each disorder. This study investigated this hypothesis by testing whether (i) two overlapping mental states “worrying” and “feeling irritated” functioned as bridges in dynamic mental state networks of individuals with both depression and anxiety as compared to individuals with either disorder alone, and (ii) overlapping or non-overlapping mental states functioned as stronger bridges.

Methods

Data come from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). A total of 143 participants met criteria for comorbid depression and anxiety (65%), 40 participants for depression-only (18.2%), and 37 for anxiety-only (16.8%) during any NESDA wave. Participants completed momentary assessments of symptoms (i.e., mental states) of depression and anxiety, five times a day, for 2 weeks (14,185 assessments). First, dynamics between mental states were modeled with a multilevel vector autoregressive model, using Bayesian estimation. Summed average lagged indirect effects through the hypothesized bridge mental states were compared between groups. Second, we evaluated the role of all mental states as potential bridge mental states.

Results

While the summed indirect effect for the bridge mental state “worrying” was larger in the comorbid group compared to the single disorder groups, differences between groups were not statistically significant. The difference between groups became more pronounced when only examining individuals with recent diagnoses (< 6 months). However, the credible intervals of the difference scores remained wide. In the second analysis, a non-overlapping item (“feeling down”) acted as the strongest bridge mental state in both the comorbid and anxiety-only groups.

Conclusions

This study empirically examined a prominent network-approach hypothesis for the first time using longitudinal data. No support was found for overlapping mental states “worrying” and “feeling irritable” functioning as bridge mental states in individuals vulnerable for comorbid depression and anxiety. Potentially, bridge mental state activity can only be observed during acute symptomatology. If so, these may present as interesting targets in treatment, but not prevention. This requires further investigation.
Ibrutinib in B-cell lymphoma: single fighter might be enough?
Authors: Xue Chao , Wang Xin , Zhang Lingyan , Qu Qingyuan , Zhang Qian , Jiang Yujie
Published: September 2020

Background

In recent years, the B cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway has become a “hot point” because it plays a critical role in B-cell proliferation and function. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is overexpressed in many subtypes of B-cell lymphoma as a downstream kinase in the BCR signaling pathway. Ibrutinib, the first generation of BTK inhibitor, has shown excellent antitumor activity in both indolent and aggressive B-cell lymphoma.

Main body

Ibrutinib monotherapy has been confirmed to be effective with a high response rate (RR) and well-tolerated in many B-cell lymphoma subgroups. To achieve much deeper and faster remission, combination strategies contained ibrutinib were conducted to evaluate their synergistic anti-tumor effect.

Conclusions

For patients with indolent B-cell lymphoma, most of them respond well with ibrutinib monotherapy. Combination strategies contained ibrutinib might be a better choice to achieve deeper and faster remission in the treatment of aggressive subtypes of B-cell lymphoma. Further investigations on the long-term efficacy and safety of the ibrutinib will provide novel strategies for individualized treatment of B-cell lymphoma.