bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Más allá de Occidente. Frankfurt, entre antropología e historia cultural
Authors: Arcella Luciano
Published: September 2019

A partir de las primeras décadas del siglo XX en Alemania se afirmó una ideología compartida que tuvo como base común el rechazo del racionalismo occidental. Este fue considerado un medio ineficaz para comprender tanto las civilizaciones antiguas (el mundo griego, de acuerdo a la concepción nietzscheana interpretada por W. F. Otto, y las civilizaciones monumentales en general estudiadas por Spengler) como las civilizaciones tradicionales o “primitivas” (estudiadas por Frobenius, investigador de las culturas africanas). Por eso se sintió la necesidad de llegar a una forma diferente de comprensión basada en capacidades intuitivas, en una participación emotiva. Sin embargo, para llegar a la aplicación concreta de esta perspectiva, para conseguir una comprensión efectiva del otro (o del “tú”, como escribe Frobenius), se entendió que alguna manera había que “ser” el otro, entrar en él, dejarse “agarrar” (ergreifen) por su mundo renunciando a la centralidad del yo, occidental y tal vez humano.
El sentido sucedáneo: una aproximación a la antropología de Odo Marquard
Authors: Chamorro Muñoz Alicia Natali , Palacio Muñoz Manuel Darío
Published: September 2019

El presente artículo trabaja la teoría de Marquard y su comprensión del ser humano como Homo Compensator, que permite superar los problemas que enfrenta la modernidad subsumida en el dilema de la gnosis que, ante la falta de un sentido absoluto, no logra comprender el problema del mal. Así, se propone demostrar la pertinencia de la reflexión de la antropología filosófica actual frente a la pregunta por el sentido de la vida humana. El presente texto consta de tres momentos: en el primero, se presenta la lectura de Marquard acerca del modo en que la modernidad trató de responder al problema del mal desde la teodicea y la filosofía de la historia; posteriormente, ante el fracaso de tales soluciones se muestra, la propuesta marquartiana de la compensación como la búsqueda de sentido sucedáneo dentro del marco de una filosofía de la finitud que aboga por el sentido retórico-narrativo; finalmente, concluye con el problema de lo incompensable y el dilema que genera para la comprensión del sentido.
Optimization of a Centrifugal Impeller on Blade Thickness Distribution to Reduce Hydro-Induced Vibration
Authors: Qian Bo , Wu Peng , Huang Bin , Zhang Kai , Li Shiyang , Wu Dazhuan
Published: September 2019

The vibration performance of centrifugal impellers is important for pumps and hydraulic excitation is a key source of vibration. The complex internal secondary flow in the centrifugal impeller brings degradation on vibration performances. An attempt of optimization by controlling the thickness distribution of centrifugal impeller blade is given to repress the internal secondary flow and alleviating vibration. The usual method of modifying an impeller on vibration performance is applying splitter blades. In this study, an ordinarily designed impeller is improved by the optimization attempt and the optimized impeller (OPT) is compared with the prototype impeller (PRT) with traditional splitter blades. The vibration performances of the impellers, the PRT, the ordinary impeller (ODN), and the OPT, are investigated numerically and experimentally. Meanwhile, further study on the influence of the thickness distribution optimization on vibration is conducted. There is a relative velocity gradient from suction side (SS) to pressure side (PS) in impeller ODN, causing nonuniformity of energy distribution. By means of thickness distribution optimization, the impeller blade angle on the PS and SS along the blade-aligned streamwise location is, respectively, modified and therefore the flow field can be reordered. The energy transfer in impeller is also redistributed after the modification of blade thickness distribution. What is more, experimental research upon impeller PRT and impeller OPT is also complemented to support the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results. The experimental results show that the hydraulic performance of the impellers basically agree with the CFD results and the vibration data also proves a better vibration performance of the OPT.
Control Technology Needs for Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Systems
Authors: Simon Donald L. , Connolly Joseph W. , Culley Dennis E.
Published: September 2019

Electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) systems hold potential for the reduction of aircraft fuel burn, emissions, and noise. Currently, NASA and other organizations are actively working to identify and mature technologies necessary to bring EAP designs to reality. This paper specifically focuses on the envisioned control technology challenges associated with EAP designs that include gas turbine technology. Topics discussed include analytical tools for the dynamic modeling and analysis of EAP systems, and control design strategies at the propulsion and component levels. This includes integrated supervisory control facilitating the coordinated operation of turbine and electrical components, control strategies that seek to minimize fuel consumption and lessen the challenges associated with thermal management, and dynamic control to ensure engine operability during system transients. These dynamic control strategies include innovative control approaches that either extract or supply power to engine shafts dependent upon operating phase, which may improve performance and reduced gas turbine engine weight. Finally, a discussion of control architecture design considerations to help alleviate the propulsion/aircraft integration and certification challenges associated with EAP systems is provided.
Morphology influence in rapid plasma nitriding of hafnium layer for HfSiON film growth
Authors: Kitajima Takeshi , Kage Ryosuke , Nakano Toshiki
Published: September 2019

In the chemical conversion of nanoscale materials via plasma, reaction rates different from those of the bulk materials can occur. This is evident in the case of hafnium nanoisland nitridation during the initial step of HfSiON film growth. The hafnium nanoislands formed by evaporation on a silicon substrate were rapidly nitrided by low-temperature, low-pressure nitrogen plasma irradiation for 1 min. On the clean surface of a hafnium plate, however, the formation of hafnium nitride was not observed even at ten times that irradiation period. An observed difference of approximately 15 times the rate of the incorporation of nitrogen atoms into the surface of the Hf nanoisland over that of the Hf plate was also evident. The thickness dependence of the hafnium nitridation layer was investigated, and it was found that rapid nitridation occurred when nanoislands were present on the deposition surface.
The Effects of Parental Stress on Physical Activity Among Overweight and Obese Hispanic Adolescents: Moderating Role of Family Communication and Gender
Authors: Kobayashi Marissa A. , Kyoung Lee Tae , Leite Rafael O. , Noriega Esquives Blanca , Prado Guillermo , Messiah Sarah E. , St. George Sara M.
Published: September 2019

Background: Previous literature has shown a negative relationship between parental stress and youth moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This study examined (1) the relationship between parental stress and adolescent MVPA, (2) the moderating role of family communication on this relationship, and (3) gender differences in these effects among overweight and obese Hispanic adolescents. Methods: Hispanic adolescents (N = 280, 52% female, 13.0 [0.8] y old, 44% obese, 12% severely obese) and their parents (88% female, 44.9 [6.5] y old) completed baseline measures for an efficacy trial. Adolescents self-reported MVPA in minutes per week for work, transportation, and recreation using a validated measure. Multiple regression analyses with interaction terms and multigroup methods were conducted. Results: There was a negative effect of parental stress on adolescent MVPA (β = −0.15, t = −2.018, P ≤ .05). This effect was moderated by family communication (β = 0.20, t = 2.471, P = .01), such that the association between parental stress and youth MVPA was stronger for adolescents with low levels of family communication. Furthermore, a multiple group model showed that the interaction was significant for boys (β = 0.27, t = 2.185, P = .03), but not for girls. Conclusions: Findings provide support that addressing parental stress and family communication may help facilitate MVPA among Hispanic boys, the most at-risk group for pediatric obesity.
Wearable Digital Technology in PE: Advantages, Barriers, and Teachers’ Ideologies
Authors: Marttinen Risto , Landi Dillon , Fredrick Ray N. , Silverman Stephen
Published: September 2019

Purpose: To explore teachers’ perceptions of incorporating digital technologies in physical education (PE) and how they influenced pedagogical practices. Method: Data were collected using qualitative methods (interviews, observations, and artifacts) and were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Results: Teachers integrated wearable digital technologies in ways they thought would augment their PE programs, not replace them. It also was found that teachers’ ideologies of PE shaped the way they implemented wearable digital technologies. Finally, the material circumstances of schools affected the ways in which wearable digital technologies could be implemented in PE. Conclusion: Teachers were willing to integrate wearable digital technologies if they augmented (and did not replace) their preferred purpose of PE. Given this, ideologies of teachers influenced the role that technologies played in teaching and learning in PE.
Mastery and Belonging or Inspiration Porn and Bullying: Special Populations in Youth Sport
Authors: Martin Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2019

This paper examines the factors that make up a high-quality youth-sport experience for special-population children. It is important to note that special-population youth are often very similar to nondisabled children (e.g., seeking enjoyment in sport), but they experience different contexts and socialization experiences such as fewer opportunities and more barriers to sport participation. The author first examines positive factors in the youth-sport experience and discusses mastery experiences and the generation of positive affect. He also discusses how sport can promote feelings of belongingness, freedom, and independence. In the second part of the paper he discusses how the youth-sport experience can contribute to a negative experience by examining bullying and teasing, as well as “inspiration porn.” Inspiration porn is a relatively new concept in the disability literature that has not been discussed in a sport context. The author proposes a five-component model that links anecdotal reports of inspiration porn to theory, thus providing a basis for future research on inspiration porn. Throughout the paper he examines research in each area, theories used, important findings, salient take-home points, and future research directions and imbues the paper in a disability social-relational model that asserts that individual, social, environmental, and cultural factors all play a role as proximal and distal influences in the sport experiences of special-population youth.
Scientists clash over paper on Syrian sarin attack
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: September 2019

Weapons expert suggests Assad's regime was not to blame.
AAAS programs train new generation of science journalists
Authors: Cohen Adam D.
Published: September 2019

Mass Media fellows and Diverse Voices interns spend summer in newsrooms
Ongoing accumulation of plant diversity through habitat connectivity in an 18-year experiment
Authors: Damschen Ellen I. , Brudvig Lars A. , Burt Melissa A. , Fletcher Robert J. , Haddad Nick M. , Levey Douglas J. , Orrock John L. , Resasco Julian , Tewksbury Joshua J.
Published: September 2019

Habitat connectivity enhances diversity

Fragmentation of ecosystems leads to loss of biodiversity in the remaining habitat patches, but retaining connecting corridors can reduce these losses. Using long-term data from a large, replicated experiment, Damschen
et al.
show quantitatively how these losses are reduced. In their pine savanna system, corridors reduced the likelihood of plant extinction in patches by about 2% per year and increased the likelihood of patch colonization by about 5% per year. These benefits continued to accrue over the course of the 18-year experiment. By the end of monitoring, connected patches had 14% more species than unconnected patches. Restoring habitat connectivity may thus be a powerful technique for conserving biodiversity, and investment in connections can be expected to magnify conservation benefit.

Science
, this issue p.
1478
Microbiomes as sources of emergent host phenotypes
Authors: Lynch J. B. , Hsiao E. Y.
Published: September 2019

Microbial communities associated with animals exert powerful influences on host physiology, regulating metabolism and immune function, as well as complex host behaviors. The importance of host–microbiome interactions for maintaining homeostasis and promoting health raises evolutionarily complicated questions about how animals and their microbiomes have coevolved, and how these relationships affect the ways that animals interact with their environment. Here, we review the literature on the contributions of host factors to microbial community structure and corresponding influences of microbiomes on emergent host phenotypes. We focus in particular on animal behaviors as a basis for understanding potential roles for the microbiome in shaping host neurobiology.
Three-dimensional crystals of adaptive knots
Authors: Tai Jung-Shen B. , Smalyukh Ivan I.
Published: September 2019

Knot all that it seems

Although for some, knots are merely a frustration caused by poorly tied shoelaces, interest in knots in physical systems spans many disciplines, including fluid and optical vortices, Skyrmion states, liquid crystals, excitable media, polymers, proteins, DNA, and even chemical molecules. Tai and Smalyukh describe the creation of localized knotted structures in cholesteric liquid crystals using electric fields (see the Perspective by Alexander). The knots are topologically distinct from the host medium and diffuse and organize like colloidal particles, forming regular crystalline arrangements.

Science
, this issue p.
1449
; see also p.
1377
Meditations from the Anthropocene
Surfacing
Kathleen Jamie
Penguin, 2019. 256 pp.
Erosion: Essays of Undoing
Terry Tempest Williams
Sarah Crichton Books, 2019. 334 pp.
Authors: Deming Alison Hawthorne
Published: September 2019

A pair of writers consider Earth's changing landscapes
2CS-CHX
T
Operon Signature of Chlorhexidine Tolerance among Enterococcus faecium Isolates
Authors: Duarte Bárbara , Pereira Ana P. , Freitas Ana R. , Coque Teresa M. , Hammerum Anette M. , Hasman Henrik , Antunes Patrícia , Peixe Luísa , Novais Carla
Published: September 2019

Chlorhexidine is one of the substances included in the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines, which comprises the safest and most effective medicines needed in global health systems. Although it has been widely applied as a disinfectant and antiseptic in health care (skin, hands, mouthwashes, eye drops) since the 1950s, its use in hospitals to prevent nosocomial infections has increased worldwide in recent years. Here, we provide a comprehensive study on chlorhexidine tolerance among strains of
Enterococcus faecium
, one of the leading nosocomial agents worldwide, and identify a novel 2CS-CHX
T
operon as a signature of tolerant strains occurring in diverse phylogenomic groups. Our data allowed for the proposal of a tentative epidemiological cutoff of 8 mg/liter, which is useful to detect tolerant
E. faecium
populations in surveillance studies in community and clinical contexts. The prediction of 2CS-CHX
T
regulons will also facilitate the design of future experimental studies to better uncover chlorhexidine tolerance among
E. faecium
bacteria.
Metatranscriptomic Evidence for Magnetite Nanoparticle-Stimulated Acetoclastic Methanogenesis under Continuous Agitation
Authors: Inaba Ryo , Nagoya Misa , Kouzuma Atsushi , Watanabe Kazuya
Published: September 2019

Previous studies have shown that conductive nanoparticles, such as MNPs, accelerate methanogenesis and suggested that MNPs facilitate DIET between exoelectrogenic bacteria and methanogenic archaea. In these methanogens, electrons thus obtained are considered to be used for hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. However, the present work provides evidence that shows that MNPs accelerate DIET-independent acetoclastic methanogenesis under continuous agitation. Since most of previous studies have examined effects of MNPs in static or weakly agitated methanogenic cultures, results obtained in the present work suggest that hydraulic conditions definitively determine how MNPs accelerate methanogenesis. In addition, the knowledge obtained in this study is useful for engineers operating stirred-tank anaerobic digesters, since we show that MNPs accelerate methanogenesis under continuous agitation.
Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Antigen 4 (CTLA-4)- and Programmed Death 1 (PD-1)-Mediated Regulation of Monofunctional and Dual Functional CD4+and CD8+T-Cell Responses in a Chronic Helminth Infection
Authors: Rajamanickam Anuradha , Munisankar Saravanan , Dolla Chandrakumar , Nutman Thomas B. , Babu Subash
Published: September 2019

Chronic helminth infections are known to be associated with the modulation of antigen-specific T-cell responses.Strongyloides stercoralisinfection is characterized by the downmodulation of antigen-specific Th1 and Th17 responses and the upregulation of Th2 and Th9 responses. Immune homeostasis is partially maintained by negative regulators of T-cell activation, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death 1 (PD-1), which dampen effector responses during chronic infections.
Acute subdural haematoma accompanied by anorexia nervosa
Authors: Isono Naofumi , Santou Keiko , Ueda Norihide , Endou Takayuki
Published: September 2019

We report the case of a patient with anorexia nervosa accompanied by acute subdural haematoma following a fall. A 34-year-old Japanese woman had serious medical complications and brain atrophy. After careful nutritional treatment, her laboratory test results improved and brain atrophy was reversed, and we prevented to perform surgery. However, unexpected prominent oedema of her lower legs and pleural effusion occurred. After receiving treatment for these symptoms, she eventually returned to her former occupation and started following a normal diet. Very few cases of anorexia nervosa accompanied by intracranial haemorrhage have been reported. Coagulation disorder and brain atrophy are supposed to be the primary causes of haematoma formation in the present case. Intracranial haemorrhage likely occurs in patients with anorexia nervosa despite minor head trauma. Because anorexia nervosa is not rare and the age of such patients is advancing, knowledge regarding this disorder would be useful for neurosurgeons.
Risk of prostate cancer for men fathering through assisted reproduction: nationwide population based register study
Authors: Al-Jebari Yahia , Elenkov Angel , Wirestrand Elin , Schütz Indra , Giwercman Aleksander , Lundberg Giwercman Yvonne
Published: September 2019

Objective

To compare the risk and severity of prostate cancer between men achieving fatherhood by assisted reproduction and men conceiving naturally.

Design

National register based cohort study.

Setting

Sweden from January 1994 to December 2014.

Participants

1 181 490 children born alive in Sweden during 1994-2014 to the same number of fathers. Fathers were grouped according to fertility status by mode of conception: 20 618 by in vitro fertilisation (IVF), 14 882 by intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and 1 145 990 by natural conception.

Main outcome measures

Prostate cancer diagnosis, age of onset, and androgen deprivation therapy (serving as proxy for advanced or metastatic malignancy).

Results

Among men achieving fatherhood by IVF, by ICSI, and by non-assisted means, 77 (0.37%), 63 (0.42%), and 3244 (0.28%), respectively, were diagnosed as having prostate cancer. Mean age at onset was 55.9, 55.1, and 57.1 years, respectively. Men who became fathers through assisted reproduction had a statistically significantly increased risk of prostate cancer compared with men who conceived naturally (hazard ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.25 to 2.15, for ICSI; 1.33, 1.06 to 1.66, for IVF). They also had an increased risk of early onset disease (that is, diagnosis before age 55 years) (hazard ratio 1.86, 1.25 to 2.77, for ICSI; 1.51, 1.09 to 2.08, for IVF). Fathers who conceived through ICSI and developed prostate cancer received androgen deprivation therapy to at least the same extent as the reference group (odds ratio 1.91; P=0.07).

Conclusions

Men who achieved fatherhood through assisted reproduction techniques, particularly through ICSI, are at increased risk for early onset prostate cancer and thus constitute a risk group in which testing and careful long term follow-up for prostate cancer may be beneficial.
Job satisfaction, work commitment and intention to leave among pharmacists: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Muallem Nedaa , Al-Surimi Khaled Mohammed
Published: September 2019

Objectives

We assessed job satisfaction, work commitment and intention to leave among pharmacists working in different healthcare settings in Saudi Arabia.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study utilising a previously validated questionnaire.

Setting

We surveyed the workforce at different healthcare settings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Participants

The participants were pharmacists licensed by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

Outcome measures

We examined job satisfaction, work commitment and intention to leave.

Results

In total, 325 out of 515 pharmacists completed the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 63%. Over half of them were women (57.8%), 78.2% were Saudi Arabian nationals and 61.8% were married. The majority (88.1%) worked between 36 and 44 hours per week; 96.6% were full-time employees, and 63.4% were government employees working in public hospitals or primary healthcare centres. Although most of the pharmacists were satisfied (satisfied and slightly satisfied) with their current job (39.1% and 24.6%, respectively), about two-thirds (61.9%) had the intention to leave. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the most important predictors of pharmacists’ intentions to leave were related to job satisfaction and work commitment (OR=0.923; 95% CI 0.899 to 0.947; p<0.001 and OR=1.044; 95% CI 1.014 to 1.08; p=0.004, respectively), whereas respondents’ demographic characteristics had no effect.

Conclusions

Although the pharmacists surveyed were satisfied and committed to their current job, they had the intention to leave. Further research is recommended to clarify why pharmacists in Saudi Arabia have the intention to leave their pharmacy practice job.
Migration status and prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in Gauteng province, South Africa: effect modification by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics—a cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Motlhale Melitah , Ncayiyana Jabulani Ronnie
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Evidence from low-income and middle-income countries suggests that migration status has an impact on health. However, little is known about the effect that migration status has on morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between migration status and hypertension and diabetes and to assess whether the association was modified by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.

Methods

A Quality ofLife survey conducted in 2015 collected data on migration status and morbidity from a sample of 28 007 adults in 508 administrative wards in Gauteng province (GP). Migration status was divided into three groups: non-migrant if born in Gauteng province, internal migrant if born in other South African provinces, and external migrant if born outside of South Africa. Diabetes and hypertension were defined based on self-reported clinical diagnosis. We applied a recently developed original, stepwise-multilevel logistic regression of discriminatory accuracy to investigate the association between migration status and hypertension and diabetes. Potential effect modification by age, sex, race, socioeconomic status (SES) and ward-level deprivation on the association between migration status and morbidities was tested.

Results

Migrants have lower prevalence of diabetes and hypertension. In multilevel models, migrants had lower odds of reporting hypertension than internal migrants (OR=0.86; 95% CI 0.78 to 0.95) and external migrant (OR=0.60; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.75). Being a migrant was also associated with lower diabetes prevalence than being an internal migrant (OR=0.84; 95% CI 0.75 to 0.94) and external migrant (OR=0.53; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.68). Age, race and SES were significant effect modifiers of the association between migration status and morbidities. There was also substantial residual between-ward variance in hypertension and diabetes with median OR of 1.61 and 1.24, respectively.

Conclusions

Migration status is associated with prevalence of two non-communicable conditions. The association was modified by age, race and SES. Ward-level effects also explain differences in association.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated risk factors among adult residents of northwest China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Song Ning , Liu Fen , Han Min , Zhao Qiang , Zhao Qian , Zhai Hui , Li Xiang-Mei , Du Guo-Li , Li Xiao-Mei , Yang Yi-Ning
Published: September 2019

Objective

Overweight and obesity have been shown to be related to multiple chronic conditions, leading to a heavy economic burden on society throughout the world. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and determine potential influencing factors among adults in Xinjiang, northwest China.

Design

A community-based observational study.

Setting

The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University.

Methods

In total, 14 618 adult participants (7799 males; 6819 females) aged over 35 years were recruited from the Cardiovascular Risk Survey conducted in 2010. Data were obtained from face-to-face interviews and physical examinations. The sample was used to estimate the prevalence of overweight (body mass index (BMI) 24–28 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥28 kg/m2) in Xinjiang Province. Influencing factors were analysed based on statistical methods.

Results

In Xinjiang Province, the overall prevalence of overweight was 36.5% (male 40.1%; female 33.4%), and the prevalence of obesity was 26.5% (male 27.2%; female 25.8%). The prevalence of both overweight and obesity were higher in women than in men (p<0.001). The main influencing factors for overweight and obesity were sex, age, race, marital status, education level, occupation, smoking, drinking, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia (p<0.05).

Conclusions

This study estimated that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adult residents of Xinjiang Province, northwest China, was high. These data suggest that efforts related to the prevention and control of overweight and obesity should be a public health priority in northwest China.
Predicting postoperative fatigue in surgically treated lung cancer patients in Norway: a longitudinal 5-month follow-up study
Authors: Hugoy Therese , Lerdal Anners , Rustoen Tone , Oksholm Trine
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Despite the negative influence of fatigue on quality of life in patients who undergo lung cancer surgery, little is known about the possible predictors of postoperative fatigue. The aim of this study was to examine demographic and clinical characteristics that might predict postoperative fatigue 5 months after lung cancer surgery.

Design

A prospective longitudinal follow-up study comprising preoperative and postoperative questionnaires, including Lee Fatigue Scale, and sociodemographic and clinical data.

Setting

Three university hospitals in Norway (eg, Oslo University Hospital, St. Olav University Hospital and Haukeland University Hospital).

Participants

In total, 196 surgically treated patients who answered the questionnaires both preoperatively and at 5-month follow-up with valid fatigue scores.

Results

Bivariate analyses showed that preoperative fatigue was associated with comorbidities and the symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance and pain. Only cough was directly associated with preoperative fatigue in a regression model. Comorbidities and the symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, depression and sleep disturbance were associated with postoperative fatigue in the bivariate analyses, but only shortness of breath was associated with postoperative fatigue in the regression model. We did not find any significant correlations between fatigue and any treatment variable.

Conclusion

Clinicians should pay special attention to lung symptoms and be aware that these may lead to long-term postoperative fatigue. Further research should examine whether interventions reducing lung symptoms, such as shortness of breath and coughing, may prevent development of fatigue in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery.
What are the important design features of personal health records to improve medication adherence for patients with long-term conditions? A systematic literature review
Authors: Andrikopoulou Elisavet , Scott Philip , Herrera Helena , Good Alice
Published: September 2019

Objectives

This systematic literature review aims to identify important design features of the electronic personal health record (PHR) that may improve medication adherence in the adult population with long-term conditions.

Data sources

PubMed (including MEDLINE), CINAHL, Science Direct (including EMBASE), BioMed Central, ACM digital, Emerald Insight, Google Scholar and Research Gate.

Methods

Studies that were published between 1 January 2002 and 31 May 2018 in English were included if the participants were adults, with at least one long-term condition, were able to self-administer their medication and were treated in primary care settings. The quality of evidence was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system and the risk of bias was appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

From a total of 27 studies that matched the inclusion criteria, 12 were excluded due to low quality of evidence, 10 were rated moderate and 5 were rated high quality. All the included studies had low sample size and limited follow-up duration. Thirteen of the included studies found that the use of a PHR has increased medication adherence. The identified design features are reminders, education, personalisation and tailoring, feedback and alerts, gamification, medication management, medical appointment management, diary and self-monitoring, health condition management, set goals, patient’s blog and tethered. It was impossible to draw conclusions as to which feature is important to what group of patients and why. The most frequently identified conditions were HIV and diabetes. This review did not identify any papers with negative results. It was not possible to numerically aggregate the PHR effect due to high heterogeneity of the medication adherence measurement, study type, participants and PHRs used.

Conclusion

Although we found recurrent evidence that PHRs can improve medication adherence, there is little evidence to date to indicate which design features facilitate this process.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017060542.
Exposure to organisational injustice and serious psychological distress: longitudinal analysis of details of exposure from a private Japanese company
Authors: Hayashi Toshio , Odagiri Yuko , Takamiya Tomoko , Kikuchi Hiroyuki , Fukushima Noritoshi , Inoue Shigeru
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Studies have shown that organisational injustice (OIJ) is associated with mental disorders. However, there is little research regarding details on OIJ exposure. We examined the effect of OIJ on serious psychological distress (SPD) by considering the exposure frequency, the exposure duration and the OIJ-free period after the disappearance of exposure.

Methods

We used a prospective cohort design. OIJ exposure was assessed three times with 1-year intervals between assessments, and the subjects were grouped according to the exposure histories. The outcome assessment for SPD by scores of 13 or higher on the K6 questionnaire was carried out 3 years after the baseline scores were obtained. Participants were all full-time regular employees of one office of a manufacturing company in Japan. Participants who were being treated for mental disorders, those with SPD and those with missing data on the K6 questionnaire in the baseline survey were excluded from the prospective cohort. Self-reported questionnaire data from 1087 employees who participated in all surveys and answered all questions were analysed. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the effect of OIJ on SPD.

Results

SPD developed in 35 participants. Frequent OIJ exposure was associated with a higher risk for SPD (p for trend=0.002). Of the 1087 participants, 319 (29.3%) experienced a change in OIJ exposure at least once, and 8.6% of subjects experienced such a change twice. These changes in OIJ exposure were more strongly related to SPD than was the frequency of OIJ exposure.

Conclusions

OIJ was associated with SPD onset particularly when the workers were more frequently exposed to it. Moreover, frequent changes in the OIJ exposure were associated with a higher risk for SPD. Because OIJ exposure can change in a relatively short time, considering exposure histories may provide useful information for preventing mental disorders.
Understanding autism spectrum disorder and social functioning in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: protocol for a cross-sectional multimodal study
Authors: Haebich Kristina M , Pride Natalie A , Walsh Karin S , Chisholm Anita , Rouel Melissa , Maier Alice , Anderson Vicki , Barton Belinda , Silk Tim , Korgaonkar Mayuresh , Seal Marc , Lami Francesca , Lorenzo Jennifer , Williams Katrina , Dabscheck Gabriel , Rae Caroline D , Kean Michael , North Kathryn N , Payne Jonathan M
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Children with the single-gene disorder neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) appear to be at an increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and exhibit a unique social-cognitive phenotype compared with children with idiopathic ASD. A complete framework is required to better understand autism in NF1, from neurobiological levels through to behavioural and functional outcomes. The primary aims of this study are to establish the frequency of ASD in children with NF1, examine the social cognitive phenotype, investigate the neuropsychological processes contributing to ASD symptoms and poor social functioning in children with NF1, and to investigate novel structural and functional neurobiological markers of ASD and social dysfunction in NF1. The secondary aim of this study is to compare the neuropsychological and neurobiological features of ASD in children with NF1 to a matched group of patients with idiopathic ASD.

Methods and analysis

This is an international, multisite, prospective, cross-sectional cohort study of children with NF1, idiopathic ASD and typically developing (TD) controls. Participants will be 200 children with NF1 (3–15 years of age), 70 TD participants (3–15 years) and 35 children with idiopathic ASD (7–15 years). Idiopathic ASD and NF1 cases will be matched on age, sex and intelligence. All participants will complete cognitive testing and parents will rate their child’s behaviour on standardised questionnaires. Neuroimaging will be completed by a subset of participants aged 7 years and older. Children with NF1 that screen at risk for ASD on the parent-rated Social Responsiveness Scale 2nd Edition will be invited back to complete the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale 2nd Edition and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised to determine whether they fulfil ASD diagnostic criteria.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has hospital ethics approval and the results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.
Qualitative case study investigating PAX-good behaviour game in first nations communities: insight into school personnel’s perspectives in implementing a whole school approach to promote youth mental health
Authors: Wu Yu Qi , Chartier Mariette , Ly Gia , Phanlouvong Ari , Thomas Shelby , Weenusk Jonathon , Murdock Nora , Munro Garry , Sareen Jitender
Published: September 2019

Objectives

PAX-Good Behaviour Game (PAX-GBG) is associated with improved mental health among youth. First Nations community members decided on a whole school approach to facilitate PAX-GBG implementation, by offering intervention training to all staff members in their schools. Our objective is to gain a greater understanding of how this approach was viewed by school personnel, in order to improve implementation in remote and northern First Nations communities.

Design

We conducted a qualitative case study using semi-structured interviews.

Setting

Interviews were conducted in First Nations schools located in northern Manitoba, Canada, in February 2018.

Participants

We used purposive sampling in selecting the 23 school staff from First Nations communities.

Intervention

PAX-GBG is a mental health promotion intervention that teachers deliver in the classroom alongside normal instructional activities. It was implemented school-wide over 4 months from October 2017 to February 2018.

Outcome measures

We inquired about the participants’ perception of PAX-GBG and the whole school approach. We applied an iterative coding system, identified recurring ideas and classified the ideas into major categories.

Results

Implementing the PAX-GBG whole school approach improved students’ behaviour and created a positive school environment. Students were learning self-regulation, had quieter voices and demonstrated awareness of the PAX-GBG strategies. All teachers interviewed had used the programme. Support from school administrators and having all school personnel use the programme consistently were facilitators to successful implementation. Challenges included the timing of training, lack of clarity in how to implement and implementing among students in older grades and those with special needs.

Conclusions

The whole school approach to implementing PAX-GBG was viewed as an acceptable and feasible way to extend the reach of PAX-GBG in order to promote the mental health of First Nations youth. Recommendations included ensuring school leadership support, changes to the training and cultural and literacy adaptations.
Endorsement of reporting guidelines and study registration by endocrine and internal medicine journals: meta-epidemiological study
Authors: Zuñiga-Hernandez Jorge Alberto , Dorsey-Treviño Edgar Gerardo , González-González Jose Gerardo , Brito Juan P. , Montori Victor M. , Rodriguez-Gutierrez Rene
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To improve the trustworthiness of evidence, studies should be prospectively registered and research reports should adhere to existing standards. We aimed to systematically assess the degree to which endocrinology and internal medicine journals endorse study registration and reporting standards for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews (SRs) and observational studies (ObS). Additionally, we evaluated characteristics that predict endorsement of reporting or registration mechanism by these journals.

Design

Meta-epidemiological study.

Setting

Journals included in the ‘Endocrinology and Metabolism’ and ‘General and Internal Medicine’ 2017 Journal Citation Reports.

Participants

Journals with an impact factor of ≥1.0, focused on clinical medicine, and those who publish RCTs, SRs and ObS were included.

Primary outcomes

Requirement of adherence to reporting guideline and study registration as determined from the journals’ author instructions.

Results

Of the 170 (82 endocrinology and 88 internal medicine) eligible journals, endorsing of reporting standards was the highest for RCTs, with 35 (43%) of endocrine journals and 55 (63%) of internal medicine journals followed by SRs, with 21 (26%) and 48 (55%), respectively, and lastly, by ObS with 41 (50%) of endocrine journals and 21 (24%) of internal medicine journals. In 78 (46%) journals RCTs were required to be registered and published in adherence to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. Only 11 (6%) journals required registration of SRs. Internal medicine journals were more likely to endorse reporting guidelines than endocrine journals except for Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. No other journal characteristic proved to be an independent predictor of reporting standard endorsement for RCTs besides trial registration.

Conclusion

Our results highlight that study registration requirement and reporting guideline endorsement are suboptimal in internal medicine and endocrine journals. This malpractice may be further enhanced since endorsement does not imply enforcement, impairing the practice of evidence-based medicine.
Choosing appropriate tools and referral criteria for vision screening of children aged 4–5 years in Canada: a quantitative analysis
Authors: Nishimura Mayu , Wong Agnes , Cohen Ashley , Thorpe Kevin , Maurer Daphne
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of five vision screening tools used in a school setting using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).

Design

We compared the results of the five best evidence-based screening tools available in 2014 to the results of a comprehensive eye exam with cycloplegic refraction by a licenced optometrist. Screening included Cambridge Crowded Acuity Cards, Plusoptix S12 and Spot photoscreeners, Preschool Randot Stereoacuity Test and the Pediatric Vision Scanner (PVS). Referral criteria followed AAPOS (2013) guidelines and published norms.

Setting

A large school in Toronto, Canada, with 25 split classrooms of junior kindergarten (JK: 4 year olds) and senior kindergarten (SK: 5 year olds) children.

Participants

Over 2 years, 1132 eligible children were enrolled at the school. After obtaining parental consent, 832 children were screened. Subsequently, 709 children had complete screening and optometry exam data.

Main outcome measures

The presence/absence of a visual problem based on optometrist’s assessment: amblyopia, amblyopia risk factors (reduced stereoacuity, strabismus and clinically significant refractive errors) and any other ocular problem (eg, nystagmus).

Results

Overall, 26.5% of the screened children had a visual problem, including 5.9% with amblyopia. Using all five tools, screening sensitivity=84% (95% CI 78 to 89), specificity=49% (95% CI 44 to 53), PPV=37% (95% CI 33 to 42), and NPV=90% (95% CI 86 to 93). The odds of having a correct screening result in SK (mean age=68.2 months) was 1.5 times those in JK (mean age=55.6 months; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.1), with sensitivity improved to 89% (95% CI 80 to 96) and specificity improved to 57% (95% CI 50 to 64) among SK children.

Conclusions

A school-based screening programme correctly identified 84% of those kindergarten children who were found to have a visual problem by a cyclopleged optometry exam. Additional analyses revealed how accuracy varies with different combinations of screening tools and referral criteria.
Companion robots for older people: importance of user-centred design demonstrated through observations and focus groups comparing preferences of older people and roboticists in South West England
Authors: Bradwell Hannah Louise , Edwards Katie Jane , Winnington Rhona , Thill Serge , Jones Ray B
Published: September 2019

Objective

Companion robots, such as Paro, may reduce agitation and depression for older people with dementia. However, contradictory research outcomes suggest robot design is not always optimal. While many researchers suggest user-centred design is important, there is little evidence on the difference this might make. Here, we aimed to assess its importance by comparing companion robot design perceptions between older people (end users) and roboticists (developers).

Design

Older people and roboticists interacted with eight companion robots or alternatives at two separate events in groups of two to four people. Interactions were recorded, participants’ comments and observations were transcribed, and content was analysed. Subsequently, each group participated in focus groups on perceptions of companion robot design. Discussions were recorded and transcribed, and content was analysed.

Participants and settings

Seventeen older people (5 male, 12 female, ages 60–99) at a supported living retirement complex, and 18 roboticists (10 male, 8 female, ages 24–37) at a research centre away-day.

Results

We found significant differences in design preferences between older people and roboticists. Older people desired soft, furry, interactive animals that were familiar and realistic, while unfamiliar forms were perceived as infantilising. By contrast, most roboticists eschewed familiar and realistic designs, thinking unfamiliar forms better suited older people. Older people also expressed desire for features not seen as important by developers. A large difference was seen in attitude towards ability to talk: 12/17 (71%) older people but only 2/18 (11%) roboticists requested speech. Older people responded positively towards life-simulation features, eye contact, robot personalisation and obeying commands, features undervalued by roboticists. These differences were reflected in preferred device, with ‘Joy for All’ cat chosen most often by older people, while roboticists most often chose Paro.

Conclusion

The observed misalignment of opinion between end users and developers on desirable design features of companion robots demonstrates the need for user-centred design during development.