bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Analysis of an Electric Thermal Energy Storage System Using Solid Particles for Grid Electricity Storage
Authors: Ma Zhiwen , Wang Xingchao , Davenport Patrick , Gifford Jeffrey , Martinek Janna
Published: July 2021

As renewable power generation becomes the mainstream new-built energy source, energy storage will become an indispensable need to complement the uncertainty of renewable resources to firm the power supply. When phasing out fossil-fuel power plants to meet the carbon neutral utility target in the midcentury around the world, large capacity of energy storage will be needed to provide reliable grid power. The renewable power integration with storage can support future carbon-free utility and has several significant impacts including increasing the value of renewable generation to the grid, improving the peak-load response, and balancing the electricity supply and demand. Long-duration energy storage (10–100 hours duration) can potentially complement the reduction of fossil-fuel baseload generation that otherwise would risk grid security when a large portion of grid power comes from variable renewable sources. Current energy storage methods based on pumped storage hydropower or batteries have many limitations. Thermal energy storage (TES) has unique advantages in scale and siting flexibility to provide grid-scale storage capacity. A particle-based TES system has promising cost and performance for the future growing energy storage needs. This paper introduces the system and components required for the particle TES to be technically and economically competitive. A technoeconomic analysis based on preliminary component designs and performance shows that the particle TES integrated with an efficient air-Brayton combined cycle power system can provide power for several days by low-cost, high-performance storage cycles. It addresses grid storage needs by enabling large-scale grid integration of intermittent renewables like wind and solar, thereby increasing their grid value. The design specifications and cost estimations of major components in a commercial scale system are presented in this paper. The cost model provides insights for further development and cost comparison with competing technologies.
Simulation of an ROC-Based Thermal Energy Storage System in Charge and Discharge Cycles
Authors: Nalbandian Rozina N. , Girgis Karen U. , Kong Benjamin T. , Aguirre Ulyses , Victorio Adrian Gil C. , Lee Justin Andrew , Baghaei Lakeh Reza
Published: July 2021

In this paper, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is employed to investigate the heat transfer characteristics of Reverse Osmosis Concentrate (ROC) as an alternative, low-cost thermal energy storage medium. Thermal energy storage is a critical component for increasing efficiency and dispatchability of solar thermal and combined heat and power plants. The byproduct of water desalination, ROC, is classified as an industrial waste by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as it has negative effects on vegetation and sea-life. Currently, ROC disposal includes deep-well injection, surface discharge to rivers, discharge to the ocean, and evaporation ponds. The composition and thermal properties of ROC salt vary depending on the original source of feedwater. Transient models are utilized to understand the heat transfer between the heat transfer fluid and storage fluid (i.e., ROC) over time. This simulation also provides valuable information in determining the optimal operating conditions of the thermal energy storage system. This information will be used in conjunction with a cost analysis, focused on the transportation, processing and containment cost of the energy storage, that aims to determine the economic feasibility of ROC technology in large scale, commercial applications.
A Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Evaporative and Phase Change Material Cooling Vests for People With Paraplegia
Authors: Mneimneh Farah , Ghaddar Nesreen , Ghali Kamel , Moussalem Charbel , Omeis Ibrahim
Published: July 2021

Personal cooling vests to alleviate thermal strain in persons with thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI), named paraplegia, were tested. Mainly, phase change material (PCM) cooling vests were the most frequent type applied at different exercises and ambient conditions. Published results of PCM cooling vests indicated its significant effect in reducing body core temperature for persons having more than 50% of their trunk skin as sensate. Nevertheless, preferences of persons with SCI obtained from subjective voting during experimental studies revealed that the use of PCM cooling vests caused additional burden weight on the body and sometimes restricted the movement. It is of interest to investigate the effect of an alternative personal evaporative cooling vest (ECV), characterized by light weight and practical use without hindering body movement of persons with SCI. In this study, it is aimed to compare the effect of ECV on the physiological and psychological responses of persons with SCI compared to that of PCM cooling vests under the same ambient conditions and metabolic rates. The research methodology included human subject experiments for persons with mid-thoracic (T4-T8) and low-thoracic (T9-T12) injury where the sensate skin of the trunk is at least 50% of its area. Thirteen participants were recruited to perform an arm-crank exercise at a constant load of 30 W for 30-min while using ECV inside a controlled climatic chamber of hot conditions (30°C, 4 0% RH). Measurements of body core and skin temperatures as well as thermal comfort and sensation, perceived exertion and skin wettedness were done. Furthermore, Multi-way ANOVA test was conducted to analyse the results of three tests: no vest (NV), with ECV, and with PCM. Findings of mid- and low-thoracic groups showed similar effectiveness of ECV compared to PCM cooling vest in reducing core temperature, yet the change in perceived exertion was better with the use of ECV due to its light weight.
Femtosecond Two-Photon 3D Lightfield Lithography
Authors: Jakkinapalli Aravind , Baskar Balaji , Wen Sy-Bor
Published: July 2021

Based on the successful single-photon 3D light field photolithography we demonstrated in the last year, we extend the methodology to femtosecond 3D light field lithography. Compared with our previous single-photon work with UV LED light, using femtosecond light and the associated two-photon light absorption in 3D light field lithography can cure photoresist only around designed voxel locations in a 3D space. Such a two-photon scheme can prevent the unwilling curing of photoresists along the optical paths of rays before arriving at designed voxel locations, which is observed in our previous UV LED-based single-photon 3D light field lithography. The experimental scheme of femtosecond two-photon 3D light field lithography starts from delivering uniform femtosecond laser pulses to a spatial light modulator. The designed pixel map is presented on the spatial light modulator and then delivered to a microlens array to construct a 3D virtual image in the free space. By compressing the 3D virtual image in a photoresist layer with a microscope system, we can successfully generate different microscale 3D patterns without relying on scanning processes as in traditional 3D lithography. In this study, we present preliminary results of (a) algorithms developed to generated 3D patterns with femtosecond light, which should satisfy additional constraints when femtosecond light is used, and (b) 3D patterns generated in photoresists with femtosecond two-photon 3D light field lithography.
The Influence of Deterministic Surface Roughness and Free-Stream Turbulence on Transitional Boundary Layers: Heat Transfer Distributions and a New Transition Onset Correlation
Authors: Gramespacher Christoph , Stripf Matthias , Bauer Hans-Jörg
Published: July 2021

Heat transfer measurements in transitional flat plate boundary layers subjected to surface roughness, strong pressure gradients and free stream turbulence are presented. The surfaces considered, consist of a smooth reference and twenty six deterministic surface topographies that vary in roughness element aspect ratio, height and density. They are designed to cover the full range of roughness regimes from smooth over transitionally rough to fully rough. For each surface, two pressure distributions, characteristic for a suction and a pressure side turbine vane, are investigated. Inlet Reynolds numbers range from 3.0 · 105 to 6.0 · 105 and inlet turbulence intensity is varied between 1% to 8%. Furthermore, different turbulence Reynolds numbers, i.e. turbulence length scales, are realized while the incident turbulence intensity is kept constant. Additionally, the turbulence intensity and Reynolds stress distributions in the free-stream along the flat plate are measured using x-wire probes. Results show a strong influence of roughness and turbulence intensity on the onset of transition. The new data set is used to develop an improved correlation considering the roughness height, density and shape as well as the turbulence intensity and turbulent length scales.
Numerical Simulation and Analysis of Effect of Injection Volume on Biomass Particle Cyclone Venturi Dryer
Authors: Jia Guohai , Tian Guoshuai , Gao Zicheng , Huang Dan , Li Wei , Li Dai , Zhang Qiuyao
Published: July 2021

Cyclone venturi dryer is suitable for drying materials with large particle size and wide distribution. The working process of cyclone venturi dryer is a very complicated three-dimensional and turbulent motion, so it is difficult to be studied theoretically and experimentally. In order to study the internal flow characteristics of the biomass particle cyclone venturi dryer, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software was used to simulate the gas-solid two-phase flow field inside the cyclone venturi dryer. The continuous phase adopts the Realizable k-ε turbulence model and the particle phase is discrete. The effects of different injection volume on the pressure, velocity, and temperature fields inside a cyclone venturi dryer were analyzed. The results showed that the maximum pressure drop and velocity change inside the dryer were at the venturi pipe. The wet material of the cyclone venturi dryer was inhaled into the venturi contraction tube by the negative pressure formed after the highspeed airflow was ejected, thus the mixture was completed in the venturi throat. The wood debris material was mixed with the high-speed hot gas flow in the venturi throat and then sprayed into the diffusion pipe. In the diffusion pipe of venturi, the heat and mass transfer process of wet wood debris and heat flow in venturi diffusion tube was completed. It is in good agreement with the simulation results. This study can provide a reference for the optimization design of the related cyclone venturi dryer structure.
Experimental Investigation on the Effects of Inclination Angle on Heat Transfer Performance of a Liquid Metal High-Temperature Oscillating Heat Pipe
Authors: Wu Mengke , Ji Yulong , Feng Yanmin , Yang Xin , Li Yadong , Liu Qinan
Published: July 2021

The liquid metal high-temperature oscillating heat pipe (LMHOHP) is a kind of high efficiency heat transfer device, which can function in high-temperature environments above 500°C. In this paper, the effects of inclination angle on the startup and heat transfer performance of a LMHOHP were investigated experimentally. The sodium-potassium alloy (potassium 78%) was used as the working fluid of the LMHOHP and the filling ratio was 50%. The start-up characteristics and heat transfer performance of the LMHOHP at four inclination angles of 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° were tested when the operating temperatures were 150°C and 400°C, respectively. Experimental results show that (1) The LMHOHP can start-up and function at all the tested inclination angles, the maximum temperatures of the evaporator and condenser can exceed 1000°C and 700°C, respectively. (2) The thermal resistance of the LMHOHP decreases with inclination angle increases, the thermal resistance at the inclination angle of 90° decreases by up to 32.9%, 41.6% and 55.9% compared with that at the inclination angle of 60°, 30° and 0°, respectively. (3) When the input power exceeds 3000W, the flow patterns of LMHOHP at the inclination angle of 90°, 60° and 30° can be changed from the oscillating motion to the unidirectional circulating flow. (4) Compared with the operating temperature of 150°C, the heat transfer performance of the LMHOHP improves at the operating temperature of 400°C, at the input power of 3457W and the inclination angle of 90°, the minimum thermal resistance of LMHOHP is 0.075°C/W. The results shown that the LMHOHP has a good adaptability to working conditions which further extends the application range of oscillating heat pipe.
Flow Dynamics Over Two Cylinders in Tandem Subjected to Different Heating Cases
Authors: Homsi Rami , Islam MD , Fatt Yap Yit , Janajreh Isam
Published: July 2021

Heated and unheated flows with forced convection over two fixed circular cylinders in tandem are studied numerically for 80 ≤ Re ≤ 250 and 1 ≤ T* ≤ 2.3. Three different spacing ratios (L/D) = [2, 4, 8] are considered under three heating conditions. The scenarios considered are (1) heated upstream and unheated downstream cylinders, (2) unheated upstream and heated downstream cylinders and (3) heated upstream and downstream cylinders. These scenarios represent the limiting case for a cross-flow heat exchanger, where the downstream tubes are at increasingly lower or higher temperature for cooling or heating, respectively. The global aerodynamic forces on the cylinder as vortices shed was investigated. The flow is visualized by plotting the streamlines, temperature fields, and velocity magnitude contours for the different spacing ratios and compared to the flow regimes in literature namely, Extended-body, Reattachment, and Co-shedding regimes. The drag and surface heat transfer coefficients are analyzed for different scenarios. The effect of heating on the fluid properties and the resulted wakes in the flow are found to be strongly influenced by Re and L/D. The scenario of heated upstream and unheated downstream cylinders was found to increase the mean drag coefficient Cd on the upstream cylinder for L/D = 2 & 4 but is not as evident for the downstream cylinder. The heat transfer coefficient h on the upstream cylinder remained approximately the same regardless of a heated or unheated downstream cylinder. In contrast, h of the downstream cylinder decreases for the scenario of heated upstream and downstream cylinder.
Development of a Fast Fluid Dynamics Model Based on PISO Algorithm for Simulating Indoor Airflow
Authors: Li Sibo , Qiao Hongtao
Published: July 2021

Real-time or faster-than-real-time flow simulation is crucial for studying airflow and heat transfer in buildings, such as building design, building emergency management and building energy performance evaluation. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with Pressure Implicit with Splitting of Operator (PISO) or Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure Linked Equations (SIMPLE) algorithm is accurate but requires great computational resources. Fast Fluid Dynamics (FFD) can reduce the computational effort but generally lack prediction accuracy due to simplification. This study developed a fast computational method based on FFD in combination with the PISO algorithm. Boussinesq approximation is adopted for simulating buoyancy effect. The proposed solver is tested in a two-dimensional case and a three-dimensional case with experimental data. The predicted results have good agreement with the experimental results. In the two test cases, the proposed solver generates lower Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) compared to the FFD and at the same time, the proposed method reduces computational cost by a factor of 10 and 13 in the two cases compared to CFD.
Distributed Temperature Sensing for Erosion Detection and DoC Estimation: The Peru LNG Experience in Ayacucho and Ica Departments
Authors: Ravet Fabien , Silva Christian , Gil Rodolfo , Rochat Etienne , Maguire Simon
Published: July 2021

Pipelines often cross challenging terrains where natural hazards are the main risk for their integrity. Environmental conditions can also worsen over the infrastructure lifetime. To reduce the risk of disasters, integrity programs are developed and require tools for early detection of threats that can lead to a failure with dramatic social, environmental and economic consequences. Fiber optic based Geotechnical Monitoring System (GMS) have been used and implemented as an efficient prevention tools of these programs.

As a good example, GMS is successfully in operation to detect landslides using Distributed Strain Sensing along the Sierra section of the Peru LNG pipeline since 2010. The continuous operation of the GMS also revealed that infiltration, erosion and sand dune migration can be detected using Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS). First, hydraulic erosion was evidenced in the Sierra region. More recently, events whose origin is eolian erosion and sand dune migration have been identified. A thermal analysis was then conducted to analyze the measured thermal signatures of the detected event. It revealed that the DoC (Depth-of-Cover) can be computed from the temporal response of the fiber optic cable. The time lag between ambient temperature and temperature of the cable directly relates to its burial depth. The obtained data are compared with site inspection observation which confirm the validity of the DTS approach. The method, combining DTS measurements on existing communication cable with thermal analysis, offers the ability to monitor erosion related geohazards in both Sierra and desert sections of the pipeline. The results of the presented work illustrate the potential value of fiber optic sensing to mitigate geohazard risks. It not only enhances the efficiency of the integrity program detecting and localizing threats, it also improves and rationalizes the maintenance activities as focused surveys can be conducted.
EPGEO-ARPEL Latin America Project: Technical Guides on Monitoring and Geohazard Control Works in Pipelines
Authors: Oliveros Francisco , Ivorra Leandro , Aristizabal Jaime
Published: July 2021

Since 2004, the Geotechnical Professional Team (EPGEO) from the Regional Association of Oil and Gas Companies in Latin America and the Caribbean (Asociación Regional de Empresas de Petróleo y Gas Natural en Latinoamérica y el Caribe, ARPEL) has been working on a knowledge management-related project for the Oil & Gas industry, consisting in the creation of three technical guides on Pipeline Integrity Management given the occurrence of geohazards in Hydrocarbon Transportation Systems.

This initiative comprises the creation of 3 guides related to:

i) Guide 1: Monitoring Geohazards for Pipeline Integrity,

ii) Guide 2: Geotechnical Mitigation Works in Pipelines,

iii) Guide 3: Geotechnical Risk in Pipelines.

The EPGEO published Guide 1 in 2016 and made a presentation at the 2017 IPG (IPG2017-2538), while Guide 2 will be completed by 2021. Guide 3 will be created in 2021–2023.

This document shows the methodology and contents for preparing the first two guides, focusing on Guide 2, which comprises different alternatives, analyses and technical solutions to the occurrence of geohazards that might affect the integrity of a pipeline transportation system.
The Effects of Attentional Focus and Skill Level on the Performance of Golf Putting
Authors: Chen Chih-Chia , Ryuh Yonjoong , Luczak Tony , Lamberth John
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the distance of varying focus of attention for experienced and novice golfers on a golf putting task. Forty-eight experienced and 48 novice golfers were randomized into four attentional focus conditions: control (no instruction), internal (i.e., focus on the arm movement), external proximal (i.e., focus on the golf club), and external distal (i.e., focus on the target) conditions. Performance outcomes (the perceived level of confidence and number of golf putts made) were recorded. Experienced golfers had better performance outcomes than novice golfers. The external proximal focus was specifically beneficial for novice golfers, while experienced golfers had an advantage in both external focus instructions. The external proximal focus might enable a perception-action process for novice golfers to compare the relationship between action planning and the surrounding environment. In addition, the transition to expertise might result in no difference between both external focus instructions for experienced golfers.
Interdependent program evaluation: Geographic and social spillovers in COVID-19 closures and reopenings in the United States
Authors: Zhao Michael , Holtz David , Aral Sinan
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 policies display significant regional spillover effects necessitating coordination.
Blockade of the CD93 pathway normalizes tumor vasculature to facilitate drug delivery and immunotherapy
Authors: Sun Yi , Chen Wei , Torphy Robert J. , Yao Sheng , Zhu Gefeng , Lin Ronggui , Lugano Roberta , Miller Emily N. , Fujiwara Yuki , Bian Li , Zheng Linghua , Anand Sudarshan , Gao Fan , Zhang Weizhou , Ferrara Sarah E. , Goodspeed Andrew E. , Dimberg Anna , Wang Xiao-Jing , Edil Barish H. , Barnett Carlton C. , Schulick Richard D. , Chen Lieping , Zhu Yuwen
Published: July 2021

Disruption of the molecular interaction between CD93 and IGFBP7 improves tumor vascular functions and thereby facilitates therapeutic interventions.
Sequence-Specific Capture of Oligonucleotide Probes (SCOPE): a Simple and Rapid Microbial rRNA Quantification Method Using a Molecular Weight Cutoff Membrane
Authors: Takemura Yasuyuki , Sekiguchi Yuji , Syutsubo Kazuaki , Harada Hideki , Omura Tatsuo , Li Yu-You , Kubota Kengo
Published: July 2021

Microorganisms play integral roles in the earth’s ecosystem. Microbial populations and their activities significantly affect the global nutrient cycles.
The Standardization and Control of Serology and Nucleic Acid Testing for Infectious Diseases
Authors: Dimech Wayne
Published: July 2021

Historically, the detection of antibodies against infectious disease agents was achieved using test systems that utilized biological functions such as neutralization, complement fixation, hemagglutination, or visualization of binding of antibodies to specific antigens, using testing doubling dilutions of the patient sample to determine an endpoint. These test systems have since been replaced by automated platforms, many of which have been integrated into general medical pathology.
Prion Dissemination through the Environment and Medical Practices: Facts and Risks for Human Health
Authors: Pritzkow Sandra , Gorski Damian , Ramirez Frank , Soto Claudio
Published: July 2021

Prion diseases are a group of fatal, infectious neurodegenerative disorders affecting various species of mammals, including humans. The infectious agent in these diseases, termed prion, is composed exclusively of a misfolded protein that can spread and multiply in the absence of genetic materials.
The Indirect Antiviral Potential of Long Noncoding RNAs Encoded by IFITM Pseudogenes
Authors: Rahman Kazi , Compton Alex A.
Published: July 2021

The interferon-induced transmembrane (
IFITM
) gene family performs multiple functions in immunity, including inhibition of virus entry into cells. The
IFITM
repertoire varies widely between species and consists of protein-coding genes and pseudogenes.
IFITM Proteins That Restrict the Early Stages of Respiratory Virus Infection Do Not Influence Late-Stage Replication
Authors: Meischel Tina , Fritzlar Svenja , Villalon-Letelier Fernando , Tessema Melkamu B. , Brooks Andrew G. , Reading Patrick C. , Londrigan Sarah L.
Published: July 2021

Interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) proteins restrict the initial stages of infection for several respiratory viruses; however, their potential to modulate the later stages of virus replication has not been explored. In this study, we highlight the utility of an inducible overexpression system to assess the impact of IFITM proteins on either early- or late-stage replication of two respiratory viruses.
Suppression of JAK-STAT Signaling by Epstein-Barr Virus Tegument Protein BGLF2 through Recruitment of SHP1 Phosphatase and Promotion of STAT2 Degradation
Authors: Jangra Sonia , Bharti Aradhana , Lui Wai-Yin , Chaudhary Vidyanath , Botelho Michael George , Yuen Kit-San , Jin Dong-Yan
Published: July 2021

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic virus associated with the development of lymphoid and epithelial malignancies. EBV has to subvert interferon-mediated host antiviral response to replicate and cause diseases.
Mating Systems in True Morels (
Morchella
)
Authors: Du Xi-Hui , Yang Zhu L.
Published: July 2021

True morels (
Morchella
spp., Morchellaceae, Ascomycota) are widely regarded as a highly prized delicacy and are of great economic and scientific value. Recently, the rapid development of cultivation technology and expansion of areas for artificial morel cultivation have propelled morel research into a hot topic.
Rapid and Flexible Platform To Assess Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Neutralization and Spike Protein-Specific Antivirals
Authors: Stelitano Debora , Weisberg Stuart P. , Goldklang Monica P. , Zhu Yun , Bovier Francesca T. , Kalantarov Gavreel F. , Greco Giuseppe , Decimo Didier , Franci Gianluigi , Cennamo Michele , Portella Giuseppe , Galdiero Massimiliano , Mathieu Cyrille , Horvat Branka , Trakht Ilya N. , Moscona Anne , Whitt Michael A. , Porotto Matteo
Published: July 2021

Assays for rapid biosafety level 2 (BSL2) evaluation of neutralizing properties of antibodies acquired via natural infection or through vaccination is urgently needed. Here, we propose a combinatorial approach in which sera are screened for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) binding using a cell-based immunofluorescent (CBI) assay, and positive samples are further evaluated in a pseudotyped viral multicycle infection-mimicking protocol under BSL2 conditions.
Rapid Detection of PBP2a in Staphylococci from Shortly Incubated Subcultures of Positive Blood Cultures by an Immunochromatographic Assay
Authors: Kolesnik-Goldmann Natalia , Bodendoerfer Elias , Röthlin Kim , Herren Sebastian , Imkamp Frank , Marchesi Martina , Mancini Stefano
Published: July 2021

Antibiotic resistance poses a major threat to health and incurs high economic costs worldwide. Rapid detection of resistance mechanisms can contribute to improving patient care and preventing the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Carbon Isotopes in a Palsa Peat (Bol’shezemel’skaya Tundra)
Authors: Vasil’chuk Yu. K. , Belik A. D. , Budantseva N. A. , Gennadiev A. N. , Vasil’chuk A. C. , Vasil’chuk J. Yu. , Zavgorodnyaya Yu. A. , Ginzburg A. P. , Bludushkina L. B.
Published: July 2021

The content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and carbon isotope composition in the peat of a palsa near Eletsky settlement, Vorkuta urban district, Komi Republic are analyzed. The carbon isotope composition of peat varies from –28.05 to –30.05‰ (average –29.15‰). The total PAH content varies from 11 to 360 ppb, with an average of 63 ppb and a median value of 34 ppb. Heavy compounds, such as benzo(a)anthracene and benzofluoranthenes, are prevalent among PAHs. The presence of PAHs in the peat is determined by three main factors: technogenic impact, wildfires, and biogeochemical soil processes. The prevalence of benzo(a)anthracene in the upper part of the palsa down to the bottom of the active layer suggests an anthropogenic impact (the influence of transport and domestic fuel combustion). The share of benzo(a)anthracene decreases with depth, while the share of benzofluoranthenes increases. Two sharp peaks of PAH content (260 and 360 ppb) are observed; they coincide with a local increase of carbon isotope values, most likely resulting from wildfires. The minimums in PAH content are presumably determined by the biogeochemical factor and the input of polyarenes generated by decomposition of plant residues. Carbon isotope composition of peat mainly reflects the isotope composition of vegetation, the degree of peat moistening, and the influence of pyrogenic factor.
Oesophageal atresia: sonographic signs may prenatally predict surgical complexity
Authors: Weissbach Tal , Kushnir Anya , Haber Kaptsenel Ella , Leibovitch Leah , Bilik Ron , Shinhar Daniel , Karplus Gideon , Achiron Reuven , Kivilevitch Zvi , Barzilay Eran , Mazaki Tovi Shali , Weisz Boaz , Kassif Eran
Published: July 2021

Objective

Oesophageal atresia (OA) is a major anomaly of varying severity. The complexity of surgical correction highly depends on the gap length of missing oesophagus and the presence of a distal fistula. The aim of this study was to identify antenatal sonographic findings associated with presence of a distal fistula and type of surgical repair

Methods

Prenatal medical records of neonates postnatally diagnosed with OA were reviewed. Sonographic signs of OA (small/absent stomach, polyhydramnios, oesophageal pouch) and the trimester at sign detection were recorded and compared between (1) OA with and without a distal fistula and (2) early one-step versus delayed two-step anastomosis. Multivariate analysis was performed.

Results

Overall, 80 cases of OA were included. Absence of a distal fistula was significantly associated with higher rates of small/absent stomach (100% vs 28.6%, P<0.0001), oesophageal pouch (100% vs 24.3%, P<0.0001) and severe polyhydramnios (66.7% vs 22.9%, P=0.006), compared with OA with a distal fistula.

Cases requiring a delayed two-step repair had higher rates of small/absent stomach (84.2% vs 16.7%, P>0.0001), severe polyhydramnios (47.4% vs 16.7%, P=0.008) and oesophageal pouch (73.7% vs 18.5%, P<0.0001), compared with those corrected in an early one-step anastomosis.

Multivariate logistic regression found small/absent stomach and pouch to be significantly and independently associated with a delayed two-step anastomosis.

Conclusion

OA without a distal fistula is associated with higher rates of prenatal sonographic signs. Both small/absent stomach and a pouch are independently associated with a delayed two-step anastomosis. These findings may help improve antenatal parental counselling regarding the anticipated surgical repair.
Role of occupational therapy in reducing and managing violence among mental health inpatients: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Bell David , Hallett Nutmeg
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Violence is pervasive among psychiatric inpatients and has profound consequences for its victims, its perpetrators and mental health services. Currently, the unique contribution of occupational therapists to reducing and managing violence among this patient group has not been systematically explored. However, an a priori model which provides an initial understanding of its role in this respect can be identified from the wider scholarly literature. This scoping review aims to apply and refine this model, thereby producing an amended version that will form the basis for further research.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review is based upon guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute, Levac, Colquhoun and O’Brien’s scoping review framework, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Scoping Review checklist. Electronic databases (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Plus, PsycINFO, Medline, PsycARTICLES, ProQuest Health and Medicine, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED) and Google Scholar) and grey literature will be searched to identify relevant papers. Included articles will apply occupational therapy theory or occupational science to the reduction or management of violence among psychiatric inpatients and will be critically appraised by two independent reviewers. Study characteristics will be presented using frequency counts, and qualitative data will be analysed using ‘best-fit’ framework synthesis and secondary thematic analysis to produce an overall model of occupational therapy’s contribution to violence management and reduction.

Ethics and dissemination

Results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed academic journal and via professional conferences. The review will collect secondary data and therefore will not require ethical approval.
Competency of health workers in detecting and managing gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia during antenatal check-ups in primary care health facilities in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Billah Sk Masum , Khan Abdullah Nurus Salam , Rokonuzzaman S M , Huq Nafisa Lira , Khan Marufa Aziz , Priyanka Sabrina Sharmin , Mannan Imteaz Ibne , Rahman Setara , Arifeen Shams El , George Joby
Published: July 2021

Study objective

To evaluate the competency of trained health workers in detecting and managing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy during routine antenatal check-ups (ANCs) at primary care facilities in Bangladesh.

Study design and settings

Cross-sectional study; conducted in 26 primary care facilities.

Outcome measures

Accurate diagnosis of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Method

In total 1560 ANC consultations provided by primary health workers, known as Family Welfare Visitors (FWVs), were observed using a structured checklist between October 2017 and February 2018. All consultations were reassessed by study physicians for validation.

Result

Of the ‘true’ cases of gestational hypertension (n=32), pre-eclampsia (n=29) and severe pre-eclampsia (n=16), only 3%, 7% and 25%, respectively, were correctly diagnosed by FWVs. Per cent agreement for the diagnosed cases of any hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 9% and kappa statistics was 0.50 (p value 0.0125). For identification of any hypertensive disorders by FWVs, sensitivity and positive predictive values were 14% and 50%, respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation between the blood pressure measurements taken by FWVs and study physicians. Only 27% of those who had ‘some protein’ in urine were correctly identified by FWVs. Women diagnosed with any of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by FWVs were more likely to be counselled on at least one danger sign of pre-eclampsia (severe headache, blurring of vision and upper abdominal pain) than those without any such diagnosis (41% vs 19%, p value 0.008). All four cases of severe pre-eclampsia diagnosed by FWVs were given a loading dose of intramuscular magnesium sulphate and three among them were referred to a higher facility.

Conclusion

The FWVs should be appropriately trained on risk assessment of pregnant women with particular emphasis on accurately assessing the diagnostic criteria of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and its management.
Feasibility, quality and validity of narrative multisource feedback in postgraduate training: a mixed-method study
Authors: Holm Ellen Astrid , Al-Bayati Shaymaa Jaafar Lafta , Barfod Toke Seierøe , Lembeck Maurice A , Pedersen Hanne , Ramberg Emilie , Klemmensen Åse Kathrine , Sorensen Jette Led
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To examine a narrative multisource feedback (MSF) instrument concerning feasibility, quality of narrative comments, perceptions of users (face validity), consequential validity, discriminating capacity and number of assessors needed.

Design

Qualitative text analysis supplemented by quantitative descriptive analysis.

Setting

Internal Medicine Departments in Zealand, Denmark.

Participants

48 postgraduate trainees in internal medicine specialties, 1 clinical supervisor for each trainee and 376 feedback givers (respondents).

Intervention

This study examines the use of an electronic, purely narrative MSF instrument. After the MSF process, the trainee and the supervisor answered a postquestionnaire concerning their perception of the process. The authors coded the comments in the MSF reports for valence (positive or negative), specificity, relation to behaviour and whether the comment suggested a strategy for improvement. Four of the authors independently classified the MSF reports as either ‘no reasons for concern’ or ‘possibly some concern’, thereby examining discriminating capacity. Through iterative readings, the authors furthermore tried to identify how many respondents were needed in order to get a reliable impression of a trainee.

Results

Out of all comments coded for valence (n=1935), 89% were positive and 11% negative. Out of all coded comments (n=4684), 3.8% were suggesting ways to improve. 92% of trainees and supervisors preferred a narrative MSF to a numerical MSF, and 82% of the trainees discovered performance in need of development, but only 53% had made a specific plan for development. Kappa coefficients for inter-rater correlations between four authors were 0.7–1. There was a significant association (p<0.001) between the number of negative comments and the qualitative judgement by the four authors. It was not possible to define a specific number of respondents needed.

Conclusions

A purely narrative MSF contributes with educational value and experienced supervisors can discriminate between trainees’ performances based on the MSF reports.
Retrospective secondary data analysis to identify high-cost users in inpatient department of hospitals in Thailand, a middle-income country with universal healthcare coverage
Authors: Rattanavipapong Waranya , Wang Yi , Butchon Rukmanee , Kittiratchakool Nitichen , Thammatacharee Jadej , Teerawattananon Yot , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The study aims to identify high-cost users (HCUs) in the inpatient departments of hospitals in Thailand including their common characteristics, patterns of healthcare utilisation and expenditure compared with low-cost users, and to explore potential factors associated with HCUs so the healthcare system can be prepared to support the HCUs including those who have increased chances of becoming HCUs.

Design and setting

A retrospective secondary data analysis using hospitalisation data from Thailand’s Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) obtained from the National Health Security Office over a 5-year period from October 2014 to September 2019 (fiscal year 2014–2018).

Participants

Study participants included Thai citizens who had at least one inpatient admission to hospitals under the UCS over the study period.

Results

Over the 5-year period, the top 5% of the hospitalised population (or HCUs) consumed almost 50% of the health expenditure each year. HCUs were more likely to have longer hospital stays, a higher annual number of visits and be admitted to multiple hospitals each year when compared with the low-cost users (the bottom 50% of the hospitalised population). The study further reported that the chance of becoming an HCU is associated with several factors such as increasing age, being male, having a comorbidity and being admitted to hospitals in Bangkok.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that the HCU phenomenon existed in Thailand, where a majority of inpatient care spending is concentrated in the top 5% of the hospitalised population. The study findings call attention to potential initiatives that can help monitor the magnitude and trend of HCUs and develop policies to prevent HCUs.
Opioid-sparing effects of medical cannabis or cannabinoids for chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised and observational studies
Authors: Noori Atefeh , Miroshnychenko Anna , Shergill Yaadwinder , Ashoorion Vahid , Rehman Yasir , Couban Rachel J , Buckley D Norman , Thabane Lehana , Bhandari Mohit , Guyatt Gordon H , Agoritsas Thomas , Busse Jason W
Published: July 2021

Objective

To assess the efficacy and harms of adding medical cannabis to prescription opioids among people living with chronic pain.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

CENTRAL, EMBASE and MEDLINE.

Main outcomes and measures

Opioid dose reduction, pain relief, sleep disturbance, physical and emotional functioning and adverse events.

Study selection criteria and methods

We included studies that enrolled patients with chronic pain receiving prescription opioids and explored the impact of adding medical cannabis. We used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome.

Results

Eligible studies included five randomised trials (all enrolling chronic cancer-pain patients) and 12 observational studies. All randomised trials instructed participants to maintain their opioid dose, which resulted in a very low certainty evidence that adding cannabis has little or no impact on opioid use (weighted mean difference (WMD) −3.4 milligram morphine equivalent (MME); 95% CI (CI) −12.7 to 5.8). Randomised trials provided high certainty evidence that cannabis addition had little or no effect on pain relief (WMD −0.18 cm; 95% CI −0.38 to 0.02; on a 10 cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain) or sleep disturbance (WMD −0.22 cm; 95% CI −0.4 to −0.06; on a 10 cm VAS for sleep disturbance; minimally important difference is 1 cm) among chronic cancer pain patients. Addition of cannabis likely increases nausea (relative risk (RR) 1.43; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.96; risk difference (RD) 4%, 95% CI 0% to 7%) and vomiting (RR 1.5; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.24; RD 3%; 95% CI 0% to 6%) (both moderate certainty) and may have no effect on constipation (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.54 to 1.35; RD −1%; 95% CI −4% to 2%) (low certainty). Eight observational studies provided very low certainty evidence that adding cannabis reduced opioid use (WMD −22.5 MME; 95% CI −43.06 to −1.97).

Conclusion

Opioid-sparing effects of medical cannabis for chronic pain remain uncertain due to very low certainty evidence.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018091098.
Interventions designed to increase the uptake of lung cancer screening and implications for priority populations: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Sayani Ambreen , Ali Muhanad Ahmed , Corrado Ann Marie , Ziegler Carolyn , Sadler Alex , Williams Christina , Lofters Aisha
Published: July 2021

Background

When designing any health intervention, it is important to respond to the unequal determinants of health by prioritising the allocation of resources and tailoring interventions based on the disproportionate burden of illness. This approach, called the targeting of priority populations, can prevent a widening of health inequities, particularly those inequities which can be further widened by differences in the uptake of an intervention. The objective of this scoping review is to describe intervention(s) designed to increase the uptake of lung cancer screening, including the health impact on priority populations and to describe knowledge and implementation gaps to inform the design of equitable lung cancer screening.

Methods

We will conduct a scoping review following the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley. We will conduct comprehensive searches for lung cancer screening promotion interventions in Ovid Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health (CINAHL) and Scopus. We will include published English language peer-reviewed and grey literature published between January 2000 and 2020 that describe an intervention designed to increase the uptake of low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. Articles not in English or not describing LDCT will be excluded. Three authors will review retrieved literature in three steps: title, abstract and then full text. Three additional authors will review discrepancies. Authors will extract data from full-text papers into a chart adapted from the Template for Intervention Description and Republication checklist, the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and a Health Equity Impact Assessment tool. Findings will be presented using a narrative synthesis.

Ethics and dissemination

The knowledge synthesised will be used to inform the equitable design of lung cancer screening and disseminated through conferences, publications and shared with relevant partners. The study does not require research ethics approval as literature is available online.
Why women choose at-home abortion via teleconsultation in France: drivers of telemedicine abortion during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Atay Hazal , Perivier Helene , Gemzell-Danielsson Kristina , Guilleminot Jean , Hassoun Danielle , Hottois Judith , Gomperts Rebecca , Levrier Emmanuelle
Published: July 2021

Objectives

In an attempt to understand the demand and main drivers of telemedicine abortion, we analysed the requests that Women on Web (WoW), an online telemedicine abortion service operating worldwide, received from France throughout 2020.

Methods

We conducted a parallel, convergent, mixed-methods study among 809 consultations received from France at WoW between 1 January and 31 December 2020. We performed a cross-sectional study of data obtained from the WoW consultation survey and a manifest content analysis of anonymised email correspondence of 140 women consulting with the WoW helpdesk from France.

Findings

We found that women encounter macro-level, individual-level and provider-level constraints while trying to access abortion in France. The preferences and needs over secrecy (n=356, 46.2%), privacy (n=295, 38.3%) and comfort (n=269, 34.9%) are among the most frequent reasons for women from France to choose telemedicine abortion through WoW. The COVID-19 pandemic seems to be an important driver for resorting to telemedicine (n=236, 30.6%). The lockdowns had a significant impact on the number of consultations received at WoW from France, increasing from 60 in March to 128 in April during the first lockdown and from 54 in October to 80 in November during the second lockdown.

Conclusions

The demand for at-home medical abortion via teleconsultation increased in France during the lockdowns. However, drivers of telemedicine abortion are multidimensional and go beyond the conditions unique to the pandemic.
Two waves of coeliac disease incidence in Sweden: a nationwide population-based cohort study from 1990 to 2015
Authors: Bergman David , King James , Lebwohl Benjamin , Clements Mark S , Roelstraete Bjorn , Kaplan Gilaad G , Green Peter HR , Murray Joseph A , Ludvigsson Jonas F
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To assess the incidence of biopsy-verified coeliac disease (CD) in Sweden and examine the incidence of duodenal/jejunal biopsies with normal mucosa over time as a proxy for CD awareness and investigation.

Design

Nationwide population-based cohort study 1990–2015 based on biopsy reports indicating villous atrophy (VA) or normal mucosa in the duodenum/jejunum.

Results

We identified 44 771 individuals (63% females) with a biopsy report specifying VA and 412 279 (62% females) with a biopsy report indicating normal mucosa (without a prior biopsy indicating VA). The median age at diagnosis of CD was 28 years. The mean age-standardised incidence rate during the study period was 19.0 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 17.3 to 20.8). The incidence reached a peak in 1994 for both sexes and a second higher peak in 2002–2003 for females and in 2006 for males. The lifetime risk of developing CD was 1.8% (2.3% in females and 1.4% in males).

Prior to 2015, there was a parallel rise in rates for biopsies showing normal duodenal/jejunal mucosa.

Conclusions

In Sweden, the incidence of CD increased until 2002–2003 in females and until 2006 in males. Since then, the incidence of CD has declined despite increasing duodenal/jejunal biopsies, suggesting that increased awareness and investigation are unlikely to elevate the incidence of the disease in Sweden. Across a lifetime, 1 in 44 females and 1 in 72 males are expected to be diagnosed with CD in Sweden, indicating a relatively high societal burden of disease.