bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gatekeepers in the food industry: acceptability of edible insects
Authors: Hunts H.J. , Dunkel F.V. , Thienes M.J. , Carnegie N.B.
Published: January 2020

For billions of consumers around the world, insects are not only considered edible, they are considered delicious! Currently, in the United States, there is a distinct movement from ‘yuck’ to ‘yum’ in terms of insects as food. This movement towards acceptance can be seen in the market-demand for edible insects, but the pace of the demand is modified by the level to which key gatekeepers in education, research, and the food industry are providing supportive information to consumers. In this paper, we hypothesised that there would be differences in the perceptions of edible insect acceptability across three gatekeeper groups, entomologists (specifically, members of the North Central Branch of the Entomological Society of America), food technologists (specifically, members of the Southern California Institute for Food Technology), and secondary family and consumer sciences teachers (specifically, members of the Montana Association of Family and Consumer Sciences). Further, we hypothesised that nutrition and environmental information would be the most important among entomologists. We exposed each group to information and tasting opportunities. Our findings supported our hypotheses with statistically significant differences using the Fisher’s exact test across the three gatekeeper groups in terms of acceptability (P-values of less than 0.01 in all pairings; P=1.003e-12 overall). We found differences between entomologists and family and consumer sciences (FCS) teachers in the importance of nutrition as a factor (P=0.014) but not between other pairings. Environmental impact information was statistically different across the groups (P=0.024) and statistically significant in FCS teachers compared to the other groups but not food technologists versus entomologists (P=0.95). We offer theoretical reasons why differences exist and offer suggestions on how we can move towards more acceptance among gatekeepers leading to more support for consumer demand.
Applying Andragogy in Nursing Continuing Education
Authors: Nielsen Beverly B
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT

Andragogy, a philosophical orientation for adult education, receives little attention in the nursing continuing education (CE) literature. Yet, the tenets of andragogy form the organizing framework for programming. This article defines andragogy and provides selected results of a research study designed to test andragogical concepts in long-term oncology nursing CE programs. The results of the study suggest a new way of viewing the goals of nursing continuing education activities.
A Qualitative Study Assessing Information on the Internet Compared With AAOS Guidelines for the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Lamont Sarah M. , Steffensmeier Andrew M. , Harman Timothy W. , Martineau David W.
Published: January 2020

The goal of this study was to compare information available on the Internet about the treatment of distal radius fractures with the guidelines established by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) in a qualitative observational study. A scoring system was used to compare the top 20 websites, excluding advertisements, from Google, Bing, and Yahoo with the AAOS guidelines. In addition, the results of the advertising content and the social media content were discussed. Of the 32 unique websites included in the study, 22 (68.75%) suggested operative fixation for fractures with unacceptable postreduction alignment (radial shortening >3 mm, dorsal tilt >10°, or intra-articular displacement or step-off >2 mm) as opposed to cast fixation. Of the 32 sites, 26 (81.25%) were unable to recommend for or against any 1 specific operative method for fixation of distal radius fractures. Only 2 of 32 (6.25%) sites mentioned age-specific recommendations, and 6 of 32 (18.75%) mentioned accurate activity protocols. Because the AAOS cannot recommend for or against immobilization of the elbow in patients treated with cast immobilization, it is reasonable that 7 of 32 (21.88%) sites discussed these options. The websites common to all 3 search engines also scored very well, with 84.89% of their recommendations being consistent with the AAOS recommendations. Most websites contain appropriate recommendations for the treatment of distal radius fractures. However, there is a significant amount of misinformation as well. The available information may be difficult for patients to interpret and may affect their expectations about care. [
Orthopedics
. 2020;43(2):e79–e86.]
The pH of Antibiotic Vitreous Infusion Combinations: A Potential Cause of Retinal Toxicity
Authors: Winkler Barry S , Trese Michael T
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT

Experiments were undertaken to measure the pH of solutions of commonly used intravitreal antibiotics in various irrigating solutions to determine whether a change in pH might be a factor in antibiotic-induced retinal toxicity. Such retinal toxicity has been particularly damaging when solutions of gentamicin have been used. The pHs of the following solutions were measured: gentamicin, amikacin, methicillin, tobramycin, and vancomycin, combined with balanced salt solution (BSS) PLUS (bicarbonate buffer), BSS (citrate/acetate buffer), and lactated Ringer's solution (lactate buffer). Each of these antibiotics induced a concentration-dependent decrease in pH of the solutions; gentamicin, amikacin and tobramycin produced the largest shifts. The results also demonstrated that BSS PLUS acts as the strongest buffer and lactated Ringer's as the weakest. We conclude that it is important to determine the pH of intraocular antibiotic irrigating solutions, not just the pH of the antibiotics.
A General Pediatrician's Approach to Anemia in Childhood
Authors: D'Souza Amber M.
Published: January 2020

Anemia may be defined as a reduction in red blood cell mass or blood hemoglobin concentration. Physiologically, this represents a hemoglobin level that is too low to meet cellular oxygen demands. Practically, the lower limit of normal is set at 2 standard deviations below the mean based on age, gender, and ethnicity/race. Anemia can lead to impaired growth, development, and poor neurocognitive outcome. As such, it is essential for pediatricians to recognize and conduct appropriate testing for a child with anemia.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2020;49(1):e10–e16.]
Leukocyte-Related Disorders: A Review for the Pediatrician
Authors: Mehta Brinda
Published: January 2020

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are part of the innate immune system that defends against infectious and foreign agents. In pediatrics, it is important to use age-specific laboratory values when interpreting results. Infections are the most common cause of leukocytosis or leukopenia in children. Symptoms suggestive of more serious etiologies include persistent fevers, weight loss, bruising, fatigue, and adenopathy. Neutropenia is of special importance in pediatrics due to associations of severe neutropenia with genetic syndromes and overlapping presentations with primary immunodeficiencies. Although the discovery of novel genetic mutations has aided the hematologist/oncologist and the immunologist in managing these conditions, the relationship between clinical phenotype and mutation is still not well known.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2020;49(1):e17–e26.]
Chitosan application in the induction of water deficit tolerance in maize plants
Authors: Almeida Lorena Gabriela , Magalhães Paulo César , Karam Décio , Silva Eder Marcos da , Alvarenga Amauri Alves
Published: January 2020

The present research seeks to elucidate the feasibility of chitosan (CHT) in the induction of water deficit tolerance in different maize hybrids, contrasting tolerance to water restriction, tolerance and sensitivity. The maize plants were subjected to water deficit and foliar application of different chitosan doses (60, 100, 140, and 180 mg L-1) at the pre-flowering growth stage and evaluated during the stress period of fifteen days. To understand the induction behaviour of the tolerance to water restriction, biophysical parameters, such as water potential, relative water content and chlorophyll content, gas exchange, and biochemical assays, were quantified based on the activity of SOD, CAT, APX, and PAL antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation activity and hydrogen peroxide content. Among the treatments, maize plants subjected to chitosan foliar application at a dose of 140 mg L-1 presented similar behavioural responses to plants under favourable irrigation conditions. Such positive responses are related to the high degree of activity of antioxidant enzymes, gas exchange and low levels of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide. The results support the potential use of CHT to increase tolerance to water stress.
Meat quality of Maremmana young bulls
Authors: Tocci Roberto , Sargentini Clara
Published: January 2020

Maremmana is a local Italian breed reared in southern Tuscany and northern Latium. Twenty-two young bulls were reared in pasture system with concentrate supply (PSCS), whereas 20 young bulls were reared in feedlot intensive system (IS) in order test differences between meat typologies. The bulls were slaughtered at 18 months old. The performances at slaughtering were similar between finishing systems. IS bull meat has shown higher cooking loss than PSCS bull meat (p < 0.001), higher moisture content (p < 0.01), and fat (p < 0.001), and lower crude protein (p < 0.001). The SFA, MUFA and PUFA percentage were similar between meat typologies; whereas if considered in mg per 100 gr of muscle MUFA and SFA content was higher in PSCS meat (p < 0.05). Among the Healthy Indices, C18:2/C18:3 was higher in IS System (14.08 vs. 9.77; p < 0.001); the results of the PCA (Principal Component Analysis) of fatty acids composition showed that PSCS meat was characterized by MUFA and SFA, while IS meat was identified by C18:2/C18:3, and ω6/ ω3.
Política social: de sua gênese ao contexto brasileiro
Authors: Scortegagna Paola Andressa , Oliveira Rita de Cássia da Silva
Published: January 2020

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar a gênese da política social, desde a primeira Lei dos Pobres, no século XIV até o contexto neoliberal das políticas sociais no Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo documental e bibliográfico. No século XIV encontra-se a primeira lei voltada à pobreza, na Grã-Bretanha, que pode ser considerada como uma das primeiras políticas sociais do mundo. Até o século XVIII outras leis surgem para combater a pobreza, porém muito mais punitivas do que assistencialistas. O século XIX é marcado pelo capitalismo e pela luta social dos trabalhadores em busca de direitos. Do século XX até os dias atuais, as políticas sociais estiveram atreladas ao liberalismo e ao neoliberalismo. No contexto brasileiro, as políticas sociais não atingem o objetivo de combate à pobreza, havendo ações paliativas como as políticas compensatórias.
A invenção de si na escrita autobiográfica de pessoas idosas
Authors: Neiva Larissa Maria Resende , Jinzenji Mônica Yumi , Galvão Ana Maria de Oliveira
Published: January 2020

O artigo tem como objetivo analisar como autoras e autores idosos inventam a si mesmos por meio da escrita autobiográfica na contemporaneidade, problematizando a potencialidade desse processo para o campo da Educação. Como principais fontes, foram analisadas oito autobiografias, escritas por homens e mulheres, nascidos em Minas Gerais na primeira metade do século XX, além de dados censitários do IBGE. A análise realizada nos permite afirmar que o pertencimento de gênero delineia fortemente os referenciais eleitos por cada um(a) dos(as) autores(as) para o processo de invenção de si e, igualmente, para a elaboração dos significados do envelhecer. Se para as autoras, a família e a dimensão religiosa se constituíram como eixo das narrativas, para os autores, o trabalho e a condição socioeconômica foram eleitos para conduzir a escrita. As mulheres se referem ao envelhecer de forma positiva, enquanto os homens tendem a enfatizar as perdas e as limitações relacionadas a essa etapa da vida.
EPS foam blast attenuation in full-scale field test of reinforced concrete slabs
Authors: Mendonça Fausto Batista , Urgessa Girum Solomon , Dutra Rita Lazzarini , Gonçalves Rene Francisco Boschi , Iha Koshun , Rocco José Atílio Fritz Fidel
Published: January 2020

Predicting explosion parameters is an important step when planning for blast tests or the design of blast resistant buildings. This paper presents a comparison of recorded pressure that was reflected on the surface of reinforced concrete slabs with and without EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam retrofit measured from a detonation of 2.7 kg of non-confined plastic explosive. Two 50 MPa reinforced concrete slabs measuring 1.0x1.0x0.08 m, simply supported on two sides were tested. The explosive was suspended at a distance of 2.0 m from the upper surface of the slabs; one of the slabs had 5.0 cm thick foam on the top side. Eight piezoelectric pressure sensors were positioned at a distance of 2.0 m from the explosive. Results showed that the foam retrofit reduced the reflected pressure by approximately 57% when compared to the slab without EPS foam retrofit.
Analysis of leaflet flutter in biological prosthetic heart valves using PIV measurements
Authors: Avelar Artur Henrique de Freitas , Stófel Mairon Assis Guimaris Eller , Vieira Glenda Dias , Canestri Jean Andrade , Huebner Rudolf
Published: January 2020

The use of biological prosthetic valves has increased considerably in recent decades since they have several advantages over mechanical ones, but they still possess the great disadvantage of having a relatively short lifetime. An understudied phenomenon is the flutter effect that causes oscillations in the cusps, which is associated with regurgitation, calcification and fatigue, which can reduce even more the lifetime of bioproteses. In an experimental bench that simulates the cardiac flow, the behavior of a porcine and a bovine pericardium valves was recorded by a high-speed camera to quantify the oscillations of the cusps and an experiment using particle image velocimetry was conducted to study the velocity profiles and shear stresses and their relations with flutter. Results showed that the pericardial valve has lower values of frequencies and amplitudes compared to the porcine valve. Lower velocity values were found in the cusps that did not have flutter, but no relationship was observed between shear stress values and leaflet vibrations. These results may assist in future projects of biological prosthetic valves that have less flutter and longer lifespan.
Estimation of lacunarity using gamma regression model
Authors: Lucena Leandro Ricardo Rodrigues de , Xavier Júnior Silvio Fernando Alves
Published: January 2020

In this study we evaluate estimated lacunarity in three different databases using the power (standard) and gamma model. Results showed that estimates of lacunarity using gamma regression model was superior to those with the power regression model. The gamma regression model had a higher coefficient of model determination than the power regression model for all three used databases and, additionally, had smaller sums of residuals squared. The Gamma model was chosen the most appropriate model for lacunarity estimates.
Optimal plot size for experimental trials with Opuntia cactus pear
Authors: Guimarães Bruno Vinícius Castro , Donato Sérgio Luiz Rodrigues , Aspiazú Ignacio , Azevedo Alcinei Místico , Carvalho Abner José de
Published: January 2020

The objective of the study with ‘Gigante’ cactus pear was to determine the size of plots that optimize the implementation of experiments with greater accuracy, spatial adequacy and efficiency of use of the experimental area by the Hatheway method (1961). The experiment was conducted in a uniform spacing of 2.0 x 0.2 m with 384 basic experimental units (BEUs). The vegetative descriptors were evaluated in the third production cycle. The coefficient of experimental variation (CVe) is the factor with the greatest influence for the experimental plot design; followed by the parameters - index d, which determines the difference to be detected between treatments; by the number of replications and, finally, by the number of treatments, which has the smallest effect on the plot size (BEUs). For the efficiency of use of the experimental area - EUEA, one can select larger plots (three BEU) with a lower number of repetitions (three) or smaller plots (two UEB) with a higher number of repetitions (10) with the same level of accuracy to evaluate the yield of ‘Gigante’ cactus pear. However, the selection criteria are based on the smallest experimental area, reflecting the maximum of EUEA. Useful plots with eight basic units are considered efficient for experiments with cactus pear.
Factorial design in fermentation medium development for hyaluronic acid production by Streptococcus zooepidemicus
Authors: Pan Nicole Caldas , Biz Guilherme , Baldo Cristiani , Celligoi Maria Antonia Pedrine Colabone
Published: January 2020

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has biological functions of interest to medical and cosmetic industries. The optimization of a fermentation medium contributes to improve the microbial production of the polymer on a large scale and make the product more accessible to the market. Factorial design and response surface were used to evaluate the concentration of sucrose, yeast extract, glutamine, glutamate and oxalic acid on the HA production by Streptococcus zooepidemicus in shake flasks. Biomass, lactate and acetate production were also studied. Yeast extract showed to be the main significant variable for all the studied responses, showing positive effect. For the HA production, glutamine was also significant and presented a positive effect. The best condition for the polymer production was 50 g L-1 of yeast extract and sucrose and 0.6 g L-1 of glutamine, glutamate and oxalic acid. In this condition, the fermentation was carried out in bioreactor with pH controlled at 8 and 0.5 vvm. HA production in bioreactor was explained by logistic regression model and the maximum concentration asymptotic of HA was 0.860 g L-1. An increase of 34% on polymer production was observed when compared to shake flask assay. Thus, it was possible to optimize the polymer production using statistical techniques.
Crude palm oil as a complementary fuel for power generation in Amazonia: diesel engine performance, emissions, and economic assessment
Authors: Seye Omar , Souza Rubem Cesar Rodrigues , Silva Ramon Eduardo Pereira , Silva Robson Leal da
Published: January 2020

This paper evaluates internal combustion engine performance parameters (Specific Fuel Consumption and engine torque) and pollutant emissions (O2, CO, and NOX), and also, provide an assessment of economic viability for operation in Amazonas state. Power supply to the communities in the Amazon region has as characteristics high costs for energy generation and low fare. Extractive activities include plenty of oily plant species, with potential use as biofuel for ICE (Diesel cycle) to obtain power generation together with pollutant emission reduction in comparison to fossil fuel. Experimental tests were carried out with five fuel blends (crude palm oil) and diesel, at constant angular speed (2,500 RPM – stationary regime), and four nominal engine loads (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) in a test bench dynamometer for an engine-driven generator for electrical-power, 4-Stroke internal combustion engine, Diesel cycle. Main conclusions are: a) SFC and torque are at the same order of magnitude for PO-00 (diesel) and PO-xx at BHP50/75/100%; b) O2 emissions show consistent decreasing behavior as BHP increases, compatible to a rich air-fuel ratio (λ > 1) and, at the same BHP condition, O2 (%) is slightly lower for higher PO-xx content; c) The CO emissions for PO-00 consistently decrease while the BHP increases, as for PO-xx those values present a non-linear behavior; at BHP75%-100_loads, CO emissions are higher for PO-20 and PO-25 in comparison to PO-00; d) The overall trend for NOX emissions is to increase, the higher the BHP; In general, NOx emissions are lower for PO-xx in comparison to PO-00, except for PO-10 which presents slightly higher values than PO-00 for all BHP range; e) Assessment on-trend costs indicates that using palm oil blends for Diesel engine-driven generators in the Amazon region is economically feasible, with an appropriate recommendation for a rated power higher than 800 kW.
Analysis of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with different CFRP lengths
Authors: Silva Ricardo José Carvalho , Cabral Antônio Eduardo Bezerra , Silva Júnior Francisco Eudázio Suriano da , Vasconcelos Filho José Leonézio Lopes de , Eugênio David Ermerson Farias
Published: January 2020

The application of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) as method of strengthening for concrete structures is replacing the conventional strengthening through the bonding of steel plates. However, since it is a recent technique, several codes from different countries still do not consider this type of strengthening. In this work, seven reinforced concrete beams were tested and analyzed. One was used as a reference beam and six were strengthened through the application of CFRP, with some variations regarding the strengthening, with the aim of verifying the efficiency of each system compared to the reference beam. For the computational analysis, the software ANSYS was used along with the plugin ACP (ANSYS Composite PrepPost), by comparing the results obtained in the simulation of the experimental results. Through the laboratory tests and the finite element simulation, it was concluded that the strengthening was efficient in all situations, but it was less efficient in cases where the strengthening was extended to the regions of simple flexure without proper anchorage. It was also possible to notice that the behavior of the simulated beams properly represented the reality, with the beams behaving comparably to the beams of the experimental test.
Technological and sensory analysis of beef burger replacing NaCl with KCl and flavor enhancer
Authors: Silva Juliana Resende Gonçalves , Pires Ana Paula de Souza , Oliveira Dairo Cabral de , Silva Vanessa Riani Olmi , Benevenuto Junior Augusto Aloísio , Franco Frederico Souzalima Caldoncelli
Published: January 2020

High sodium consumption may increase the risk of hypertension. ANVISA has proposed reducing sodium levels in food, but this may reduce consumer acceptance. This study investigated the technological and sensory profile of samples of beef burger replacing NaCl with KCl added flavor enhancers, namely: CON (100% NaCl), F50 (50% NaCl and KCl + PuraQ®Arome NA4), and F60 (40% NaCl and 60% KCl + PuraQ®Arome NA4). Physicochemical, technological, microbiological and sensory parameters of the formulations were evaluated. There was no difference between formulations in microbiological, physicochemical and technological parameters. For color analysis, F60 reduced to the coordinate a* and raised b* compared to the CON. In sensory analysis, F60 reduced the flavor attribute compared to the CON. PuraQ® minimized the salty perception of the F50, however, but did not avoid the residual flavor in the F60. The principal component analysis associated the attributes with the formulations as follows: succulent and ideal seasoning (CON), soft and without salt (F50), and salty and residual flavor (F60). It was concluded that the reduction of 50% of NaCl added enhancer was better accepted by consumers, being a promising strategy in reducing sodium in burgers.
Antitumoral activity, antioxidant capacity and bioactive compounds of ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Authors: Tonin Lilian Tatiani Dusman , Camargo Jeniffer N. A. , Bertan Alessandra S. , Almeida Igor V. D. , Vicentini Veronica E. P. , Dusman Elisângela
Published: January 2020

Zingiber officinale, popularly known as ginger, it is in National Relations of Medicinal Plants of Interest to SUS (RENISUS) aiming at the appropriate and safe use of medicinal plants. Then, it is necessary to characterize and determine their bioactive compounds, their cytotoxic, mutagenic and/or antitumor properties, in order to guarantee food safety and its beneficial coadjuvant effects. The ginger rhizomes were dried at temperatures 40, 60, and 80°C and the bioactive compounds were extracted with methanol and ethanol (70:30 and 95:5). The rhizomes showed to be intermediate source of vitamin C. The highest levels of anthocyanins and yellow flavonoids were dried at 40°C. The highest content of phenolic compounds was for the extracts MeOH 70:30 and EtOH 70:30 at 80°C and for flavonoids MeOH 95:5 at 40°C. Data showed a positive correlation with the content of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity. The EtOH 70:30 extract at 80°C, did not present a cytotoxic effect, by calculating the mitotic index, or mutagen, by the evaluation of the chromosomal alterations, for the Allium cepa L. This extract showed a cytotoxic effect for human kidney tumor cells, by MTT test, for all concentrations tested and in the two evaluation times. The data serve as basis for the consumption of ginger, with a high content of bioactive compounds, with no harmful effect for the normal cells studied and with antitumor potential.
Bayesian approach to the zinc extraction curve of soil with sewage sludge
Authors: Silva Edilson Marcelino , Furtado Thais Destefani Ribeiro , Frühauf Ariana Campos , Muniz Joel Augusto , Fernandes Tales Jesus
Published: January 2020

Zinc uptake is essential for crop development; thus, knowledge about soil zinc availability is fundamental for fertilization in periods of higher crop demand. A nonlinear first-order kinetic model has been employed to evaluate zinc availability. Studies usually employ few observations; however, inference in nonlinear models is only valid for sufficiently large samples. An alternative is the Bayesian method, where inferences are made in terms of probability, which is effective even with small samples. The aim of this study was to use Bayesian methodology to evaluate the fitness of a nonlinear first-order kinetic model to describe zinc extraction from soil with sewage sludge using seven different extraction solutions. The analysed data were obtained from an experiment using a completely randomized design and three replicates. Fifteen zinc extractions were evaluated for each extraction solution. Posterior distributions of a study that evaluated the nonlinear first-order kinetic model were used as prior distributions in the present study. Using the full conditionals, samples of posterior marginal distributions were generated using the Gibbs sampler and Metropolis-Hastings algorithms and implemented in R. The Bayesian method allowed the use of posterior distributions of another study that evaluated the model used as prior distributions for parameters  in the present study. The posterior full conditional distributions for the parameters  were normal distributions and gamma distributions, respectively. The Bayesian method was efficient for the study of the first-order kinetic model to describe zinc extraction from soil with sewage sludge using seven extraction solutions.
Body composition in obstructive sleep apnea- hypopnea syndrome. Bio-impedance reflects the severity of sleep apnea
Authors: Lovin Sînziana , Bercea Raluca , Cojocaru Cristian , Rusu Gianina , Mihăescu Traian
Published: January 2020

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is characterized by repeated breathing pauses during sleep and is closely associated with obesity. Body fat is known to be a predictive factor for OSAHS and its severity.

Aim: To study the correlation between the severity of OSAHS and body composition measurements. Methods: 30 patients with OSAHS (21 men, 9 women, mean age 45.1 years, mean apnea-hypopnea index = 29.6/hour) were included in the study after full polysomnography. They were di- vided into 3 groups according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): mild OSAHS (mean AHI 10.9/h), moderate OSAHS (mean AHI 23.9/h) and severe OSAHS (mean AHI 53.9/h). Body com- position (body fat, body water and dry lean mass) was assessed using bioelectric impedance assay (BIA). Other measurements included neck and abdominal circumferences and body mass index (BMI). Pearson’s coefficient (r) was used to express corre- lations between AHI and the following parameters: BMI, neck and abdominal circumferences, body fat, dry lean mass, and body water. Wilcoxon Sum-of-Ranks (Mann-Whitney) test for comparing unmatched samples was used to compare anthro- pometric and body composition measurements between groups.

Results: The correlation between AHI and BMI was weak (r = 0.38). AHI correlated moderately with neck circumference (r = 0.54), with neck circumference corrected by height (r = 0.60), and more strongly with body fat (r = 0.67), with body water (r = 0.69) and with abdominal circumference (r = 0.75). There was a strong negative correlation between AHI and dry lean mass (r = - 0.92). There were significant differences in body fat, body water, neck circumference corrected by height and abdominal circumference (Wilcoxon Sum-of-Ranks, p < 0.01), between mild and severe OSASH groups, but not in BMI (Wilcoxon Sum- of-Ranks, W = 86.5; p = 0.17).

Conclusions: In our study, the severity of OSAHS correlated with body fat and with body water more strongly than with general and cervical obesity. Abdominal adiposity may predict OSAHS severity better than neck circumference.
Relationship between BODE index, quality of life and inflammatory cytokines in COPD patients
Authors: Sarioglu Nuhran , Alpaydin Aylin Ozgen , Coskun Aysın Sakar , Celik Pınar , Ozyurt Beyhan Cengiz , Yorgancioglu Arzu
Published: January 2020

Background and aims: Recently a multidimensional grading system based on the body mass index (B), degree of airflow obstruction (O), dyspnea (D) and exercise capacity (E) - the BODE index - has begun to be used increasingly for the evaluation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the relation- ship between the BODE index and disease duration, annual exacerbation and hospitalization rates, health related quality of life and systemic inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-8.

Materials and methods: In 88 stable COPD patients we evalu- ated the body-mass index, pulmonary function tests, Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale and six- minute walk test (6MWT). BODE scores were determined. Disease duration, number of exacerbations and hospitaliza- tion in the previous year were recorded. We also performed arterial blood gases analysis, administered the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and measured serum lev- els of CRP, TNF-α, IL-8.

Results: According to BODE score 52% of patients were BODE 1, 21% BODE 2, 15% BODE 3 and 12% were BODE 4. There was a significant relationship between BODE index and COPD stage as classified according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) (p < 0.001). Correlations between BODE score and disease duration (p = 0.011), number of exacerbations (p < 0.001) and hospitaliza- tions (p < 0.001) in the last year were also observed. SGRQ symptom, activity, emotion scores and total scores were found to be significantly correlated to BODE (p < 0.001). Serum CRP levels and BODE were also correlated (p = 0.014); however, no correlation was found between serum levels of TNF-α and IL-8 and BODE.

Conclusions: As the BODE index shows a strong correlation with various prognostic and follow up parameters of COPD and systemic inflammation, its use should be considered for the evaluation of COPD patients.
Conference: "COPD: a social disease: inappropriateness and pharmaco-economics. The role of the specialist: present and future"
Authors: Donner Claudio F.
Published: January 2020

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), with particular regard to COPD, constitute an epidemic in the full sense of the term, though they still go underdiag- nosed and undertreated. COPD is one of the major health problems worldwide, negatively affecting patients and their families, the employment sector, the institutional network and, hence, society as a whole. Its epidemiological, clinical, social and socio-economic impact is on the rise and there are no signs of any change to this trend.

Edited by Claudio F. Donner
Indices and COPD
Authors: Howard Peter
Published: January 2020

The paper by Inal-Ince and colleagues (pag. 162-167) examines fatigue in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) relating it to multi dimensional in- dices of overall disease severity, BODE and SAFE. It is the selection of these indices that will be examined in this Editorial. COPD is now considered a multi dimensional dis- ease, in fact, quite remarkably so. A little history will remind how this situation has arisen.
Fatigue and multidimensional disease severity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Inal-Ince Deniz , Savci Sema , Saglam Melda , Calik Ebru , Arikan Hulya , Bosnak-Guclu Meral , Vardar-Yagli Naciye , Coplu Lutfi
Published: January 2020

Background and aims: Fatigue is associated with longitudinal ratings of health in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although the degree of airflow obstruction is often used to grade disease severity in patients with COPD, multidimensional grading systems have recently been developed. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived and actual fatigue level and multidimensional disease severity in patients with COPD.

Materials and methods: Twenty-two patients with COPD (aged 52-74 years) took part in the study. Multidimensional disease severity was measured using the SAFE and BODE indices. Perceived fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS). Peripheral muscle endurance was evaluated using the number of sit-ups, squats, and modified push-ups that each patient could do. Results: Thirteen patients (59%) had severe fatigue, and their St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire scores were significantly higher (p < 0.05). The SAFE index score was significantly correlated with the number of sit-ups, number of squats, FSS score and FIS score (p < 0.05). The BODE index was signif- icantly associated with the numbers of sit-ups, squats and modified push-ups, and with the FSS and FIS scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Peripheral muscle endurance and fatigue perception in patients with COPD was related to multidimensional disease severity measured with both the SAFE and BODE indices. Improvements in perceived and actual fatigue levels may positively affect multidimensional disease severity and health status in COPD patients. Further research is needed to investigate the effects of fatigue perception and exercise training on patients with different stages of multidimensional COPD severity.
Respiratory involvement in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: D’Andrea Nadia , Vigliarolo Rossana , Sanguinetti Claudio M.
Published: January 2020

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) include ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) and are due to a dysregulation of the antimicrobial defense normally provided by the intes- tinal mucosa. This inflammatory process may extend outside the bowel to many organs and also to the respiratory tract. The respiratory involvement in IBD may be completely asymptomatic and detected only at lung function assess- ment, or it may present as bronchial disease or lung parenchymal alterations. Corticosteroids, both systemic and aerosolized, are the mainstay of the therapeutical approach, while antibiotics must be also administered in the case of infectious and suppurative processes, whose sequels some- times require surgical intervention. The relatively high inci- dence of bronchopulmonary complications in IBD suggests the need for a careful investigation of these patients in order to detect a possible respiratory involvement, even when they are asymptomatic.
Dyspnea: an update
Authors: Scano Giorgio
Published: January 2020

Our understanding of the nature and mechanisms of dyspnea has greatly evolved over the last two centuries. Although the relationship was never form- ally specified, discomfort was always assumed to accompany respiratory muscle activity. Hypotheses and theories of dyspnea thus became synonymous with the factors controlling the extremes of respira- tory muscle activity, with expiratory muscle activity and discomfort now being known to be controlled by the same factors.
Mechanisms of dyspnea in healthy subjects
Authors: Gigliotti Francesco
Published: January 2020

Dyspnea is a general term used to characterize a range of dif- ferent descriptors; it varies in intensity, and is influenced by a wide variety of factors such as cultural expectations and the patient’s experiences. Healthy subjects can experience dysp- nea in different situations, e.g. at high altitude, after breath- holding, during stressful situations that cause anxiety or panic, and more commonly during strenuous exercise. Discussing the mechanisms of dyspnea we need to briefly take into account the physiological mechanisms underlying the sensation of dyspnea: the functional status of the resp- iratory muscles, the role of chemoreceptors and mechanore- ceptors, and how the sense of respiratory motor output reaches a level of conscious awareness. We also need to take into account theories on the pathophysiological mechanisms of the sensation of dyspnea and the possibility that each pathophysiological mechanism produces a distinct quality of breathing discomfort. The terms used by subjects to identify different characteristics of breathing discomfort - dyspnea descriptors - may contribute to understanding the mecha- nisms of dyspnea and providing the rationale for a specific diagnosis.
Movement of pain sensitive structures in the vertebral canal in a group of physiotherapy students
Authors: Maitland G. D.
Published: January 2020

A study was set up to relate the general degree of mobility of the pain sensitive structures in the vertebral canal to the movement of the vertebral column. It was found that pain in area of the hamstrings or behind the knees on full extension of the knee, dorsiflexion of the foot and full flexion of the trunk, disappears when the neck flexion component is lost. It appears that hamstring or posterior knee pain and the concomitant decrease in range of movement are not caused by shortened hamstrings, but apparently by decreased movement of the structures between the sacrum and the skull. These structures are thus the pain sensitive structures within the vertebral canal.
Preliminary thoughts on auditing the efficiency of a physiotherapy service using a computer programme
Authors: Runnalls M. J.
Published: January 2020

The initiation of a documentation audit of the efficiency of physiotherapy services provided in a large general teaching hospital is discussed. Results and trends of behaviour as analysed by computer programmes are shown.
Ascultation of the chest
Authors: Morrison Stephen C.
Published: January 2020

The stethoscope and its use are described. A current classification of breath sounds, voice sounds and adventitious sounds is presented, and its use in diagnosis outlined. Finally, the value of auscultation to the physiotherapist is discussed.
The value of a home treatment programme for paediatric patients with respiratory disorders
Authors: Scheepers L. , Knoetze A. , Pieterse V. M.
Published: January 2020

To establish the efficacy of a home treatment programme, two groups of short-term patients, aged 1 month -11 years, hospitalised for complications of respiratory disorders or chronic respiratory disorders, were studied. Both groups received intensive physiotherapy during hospitalisation, but only in the experimental group were parents counselled and a home treatment programme taught. On comparing readmission figures for the experimental and control groups, there was a statistically significant difference at both 5% and 1% levels, using the chi-square test.
The critical incident technique in physiotherapy education
Authors: Beenhakker Johlyne C.
Published: January 2020

Report of a pilot study undertaken to determine the behaviour of an effective physiotherapist. The critical incident technique was used to collect data from 30 practising physiotherapists and 300 separate incidents of effective and ineffective behaviour were identified. On the basis of this study, the desirability of objectively identifying curriculum content in physiotherapy education has been established.
Straight leg raise as a treatment technique
Authors: Nelson Lorna
Published: January 2020

No abstract available.
Chest assessment and simple lung function tests
Authors: Rodseth C. P.
Published: January 2020

The main elements of a chest assessment are outlined. Elementary measurements which should be taken by physiotherapists are described. Simple lung function tests which are within the capability of physiotherapists who are closely concerned with chest patients are explained in some detail. The tests concerned are: Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 sec. and the ratio Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 sec./Forced Vital Capacity as a percentage. Four of the more advanced tests and their underlying concepts which are more the domain of special pulmonary testing laboratories are briefly described.
A study of the patients attending the asthma room at Groote Schuur hospital
Authors: Meyers Renè
Published: January 2020

No abstract available.
Heavy Metal Distribution in Street Dust of Urban and Industrial Areas in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mansour A. Al Ghamdi Mansour A. Al Ghamdi
Published: January 2020

The concentrations of heavy metals namely: Pb, Ni, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn were measured in street dust samples. The samples were collected from the urban (Aljamaa district, main streets and substreets) and industrial areas of Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. The concentrations of the measured metals were significantly higher in the main streets of the urban area than those found in the industrial area and substrates of the urban area. However, Pb was found in the highest levels in industrial area. The concentrations of the individual metals in street dust collected from the main streets and substreets of the urban area and industrial area averaged 70.36, 53.51 and 105.76 µg/g for Pb; 39.71, 24.00 and 27.28 µg/g for Ni; 2.24, 1.32 and 1.57 µg/g for Cd; 72.93, 40.10 and 47.67 µg/g for Cr; 125.52, 83.32 and 93.66 µg/g for Cu; 340.85, 214.10 and 240.50 µg/g for Zn; 10199.42, 7678.84 and 7918.42 µg/g for Fe and 514.15, 389.69 and 400.64 µg/g for Mn, respectively. The ratios of main streets/substreets metal concentration in the urban area were 1.31, 1.65, 1.70, 1.82, 1.51, 1.59, 1.33 and 1.32 for Pb, Ni, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn, respectively. The mean concentrations of measured heavy metals in street dust from both study areas were lower / higher or similar to those detected in other cities of the world. The average concentrations of Cu and Zn in street dust of the main street dusts of the urban area exceeded the permissible limit value of soil. Significant positive correlation coefficients were found between the concentrations of Cr, Cd, Cu and Zn and also between the concentrations of Fe, Mn and Ni, Cr, Cu and Zn in the street dust of the urban area. On the other hand, insignificant positive correlation coefficients were found between the concentrations of Pb and other metals in street dust of the urban area. In the industrial area, significant positive correlation coefficients were found between the concentrations of heavy metals in the street dust.
Application of transform software for downscaling global climate model EdGCM results in north-eastern Bangladesh
Authors: Ishaque Fahmida , Ripa Israt Jahan , Hossain Altaf , Sarker Abdur Rashid , Uddin Gazi Tamiz , Rahman Hafizur , Baidya Joyshankar
Published: January 2020

Downscaling is a state-of-the-art technique to generate fine-resolution climate change prediction and an obvious tool for forecasting future climate scenarios for many data-scarce areas like Bangladesh. The Educational Global Climate Model (EdGCM) predicts numerically and its performance was not evaluated for Bangladesh earlier. Due to this reason, an attempt has been made to apply a new geostatistical approach with the help of transform software to downscale EdGCM for identifying the trend of surface air temperature at the Sylhet district. Both Doubled_CO2 and Global_Warming_01 are simulated from EdGCM and maps are generated to depict global temperature variations. Downscaling is applied to the outputs from Doubled_CO2 scenario. Percent of bias (PBIAS), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and the ratio of root mean square error to the standard deviation of measured data (RSR) values are satisfactory and acceptable. The trend analysis was performed using the Mann-Kendall Trend test and Sen’s slope estimator. Temperature changes are significant for both downscaled and observed results of p-value which is less than alpha = 0.05. Mann-Kendall Z tests for annual downscaled and IPCC during (2006-2020) show a positive trend. Downscaled predicted annual average temperature (simulations by Doubled_CO2) for 2020 is 21.67˚C for the Sylhet district.
Year-round record of near-surface ozone and O3 enhancement events (OEEs) at Dome A, East Antarctica
Authors: Ding Minghu , Tian Biao , Ashley Michael , Zhu Zhenxi , Wang Lifan , Yang Shihai , Li Chuanjin , Xiao Cunde , Qin Dahe
Published: January 2020

Abstract. To evaluate the characteristics of near-surface O3 over Dome A (Kunlun Station), which is located at the summit of the east Antarctic Ice Sheet, continuous observations were carried out in 2016. Together with observations from the Amundsen–Scott Station (South Pole) and Zhongshan Station, the seasonal and diurnal O3 variabilities were investigated. The results showed different patterns between coastal and inland Antarctic areas that were characterized by high concentrations in cold seasons and at night. The annual mean values at the three stations were 29.19 ± 7.52 ppb, 29.94 ± 4.97 ppb and 24.06 ± 5.79 ppb. Then, specific atmospheric processes, including synoptic-scale air mass transport, were analysed by Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) back-trajectory analysis and the potential source contribution function (PSCF) model. Long-range transport was found to account for the O3 enhancement events (OEEs) during summer at Dome A, rather than efficient local production (consistent with previous studies in inland Antarctica). In addition, we observed OEEs during the polar night in the Dome A region, which was not previously found in Antarctica. To explain this unique finding, the occurrence of stratospheric intrusion (stratosphere-to-troposphere, STT) events was studied with the Stratosphere-to-Troposphere Exchange Flux (STEFLUX) tool. This finding suggested that STT events occurred frequently over Dome A and could account for 55 % of the total polar night period. The occurrence probability of OEEs agreed well with STT events, indicating that the STT process was the dominant factor affecting the near-surface O3 over Dome A in the absence of photochemical reaction sources during polar night. This work provides unique information on ozone variation at Dome A and expands our knowledge regarding such events in Antarctica.