bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthcare staff's views on the patients' prerequisites to be co‐creator in preventing healthcare‐associated infections
Authors: Berglund Kristiansson Elisabeth , Källman Ulrika
Published: June 2019

Background

Every year, patients are affected by suffering and death caused by adverse events in connection with health care and the most common adverse events are healthcare‐associated infections (HAI). The Swedish Patient Act from 2015 strengthens the patient's position in health care; however, there is lack of knowledge of how healthcare staff experience the possibilities to make the patient involved in the preventive work of HAI.

Aim

To describe healthcare professionals' views on the patient's prerequisites to be co‐creator in preventing HAI in connection with hospital care.

Method

This study had a qualitative descriptive design with semi‐structured individual interviews. Qualitative inductive content analysis was used to analyse the transcribed interview data. The study setting was a hospital in Sweden in 2015. Interviews were carried out among six healthcare professionals.

Results

In the analysis, 5 themes and 14 categories were identified in three different domains: Organisation, Healthcare staff and Patient. The result indicates an obstacle in each domain for the patient to become co‐creator in preventing HAI. In Organisation domain, a lack of organizational structure such as elaborated working methods to involve the patient was pointed out. In the domain Healthcare staff, it showed that the professionals allocate the responsibility of preventing HAI to the patient but only if they had to or if they trusted the patient. In the Patient domain, the result states that the patient was perceived as passive; they did not take own initiatives to get involved.

Conclusion

The patient has an important role in successful HAI prevention work and should be considered as an obvious co‐creator. Nevertheless, this study shows that neither organisation nor healthcare staff are sufficiently prepared for this. The organisation must make an anchored, structured and systematic work centred on the patient's needs and give more support both to healthcare professionals and patients.
Facilitating Hope Among the Hopeless: The Role of Ideology and Moral Content in Shaping Reactions to Internal Criticism in the Context of Intractable Conflict
Authors: Elad‐Strenger Julia , Halperin Eran , Saguy Tamar
Published: June 2019

Objective

This study examines the conditions under which exposure to internal criticism among one's rival in conflict is effective in facilitating more positive views toward the rival.

Methods

In two experiments, Jewish Israelis were exposed to a Palestinian criticizing Palestinians for violations of either “binding” or “individualizing” moral values.

Results

Exposure to Palestinian internal criticism increased rightists' hope regarding the conflict and decreased their support for exclusion of Palestinians, particularly when the criticism targeted “binding” (vs. “individualizing”) moral values. Exposure to both types of criticism decreased leftists’ hope regarding the conflict.

Conclusions

Internal criticism can facilitate positive views about one's rival in conflict when the target audience holds particularly rigid and negative views about the self‐criticizing group, and particularly when the criticism communicates adherence values that echo those of the target audience. This study critically informs the design of interventions to induce hope and improve intergroup attitudes in intractable conflict.
Complementizer Agreement and the T0‐Φ Parameter in Jordanian Arabic
Authors: Jarrah Marwan
Published: June 2019

Contra Chomsky (2007, 2008), this paper argues that there is no Φ‐dependency between C0and T0in Jordanian Arabic (JA) grammar. C0and T0are independently endowed withuΦ‐content, something that turns them into active probes, which are shown to not necessarily agree with the same goal. This provides evidence for a proposal where T0and C0have distinctuΦ‐features (Haegeman & van Koppen 2012). The study also shows that C0in JA, unlike T0, may agree with a goal whose structural Case is already valued. We account for this variation following Oxford's (2017) microparametric proposal where the Activity Condition is a property of a particular functional head, rather than a property of the language as a whole. With respect to T0's Φ‐endowment, this study proposes that such endowment is a consequence of setting a positive value of the postulatedT0‐Φ Parameter, which distinguishes languages where T0is endowed with Φ‐features from those where it is not. This accounts for the observation that T0is always inflected for Φ‐agreement in JA, even in situations where C0is not projected.
Characteristics of transfusion‐transmitted Babesia microti, American Red Cross 2010‐2017
Authors: Tonnetti Laura , Townsend Rebecca L. , Dodd Roger Y. , Stramer Susan L.
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Babesia microti, a red blood cell (RBC) parasite transmitted naturally to vertebrate hosts by ixodid ticks, is endemic to the northeastern and upper midwestern United States, with the geographic range of infected ticks expanding. B. microti is a blood safety issue with >200 transfusion‐transmissions reported.

METHODS

The American Red Cross's Hemovigilance program investigated hospital‐reported transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis (TTB) cases. Follow‐up samples from involved donors were tested for B. microti antibodies and parasite DNA, the latter by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Test‐positive donors were permanently deferred from future donations.

RESULTS

B. microti‐positive donors were implicated in 77 of 143 suspect TTB cases investigated from 2010 through 2017. In four cases, two positive donors were identified for a total of 81 positive donors. In three cases, a RBC unit was split and components transfused multiple times to the same pediatric recipient. RBCs were the transmitting product in all cases. At follow‐up, all involved donors were antibody positive; 25 donors were also PCR positive. Positive donations were collected throughout the year, peaking in the summer. Most donors (78) were resident of, or traveled to (2), an endemic state. One donor resided in a non‐endemic state without relevant travel history. One fatality listed babesia as a contributing factor. No implicated donation was screened by an investigational protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

Babesiosis remains a blood safety issue. Prior to FDA‐licensed screening test availability and final FDA Guidance, blood collectors in endemic states investigationally tested none, a portion, or all collections. Future expanded testing will reduce the frequency of TTB cases.
Adjuvant anthracycline‐based vs metronomic chemotherapy vs no medical treatment for dogs with metastatic splenic hemangiosarcoma: A multi‐institutional retrospective study of the Italian Society of Veterinary Oncology
Authors: Marconato Laura , Chalfon Carmit , Finotello Riccardo , Polton Gerry , Vasconi Maria E. , Annoni Maurizio , Stefanello Damiano , Mesto Paola , Capitani Ombretta , Agnoli Chiara , Amati Maria , Sabattini Silvia
Published: June 2019

Treatment options for dogs with metastatic (stage III) splenic hemangiosarcoma are limited. A doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy regimen is commonly administered; however, there are no published data to support this practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of maximum‐tolerated‐dose chemotherapy (MTD), metronomic chemotherapy (MC) and no adjuvant treatment on outcome in dogs with stage III splenic hemangiosarcoma undergoing splenectomy. Medical records of dogs with stage III splenic hemangiosarcoma that underwent splenectomy followed by MTD chemotherapy, MC or no adjuvant treatment were retrieved. Time to progression (TTP), survival time (ST) and toxicity were evaluated. One hundred three dogs were identified: 23 received adjuvant MTD, 38 MC and 42 were not medically treated. Overall median TTP and ST were 50 (95% confidence interval [CI], 39‐61) and 55 days (95% CI, 43‐66), respectively. Dogs treated with adjuvant MTD had a significantly longer TTP and ST compared with dogs receiving MC (median TTP, 134 vs 52 days, P = .025; median ST, 140 vs 58 days, P = .023, respectively). Dogs treated by splenectomy only had the shortest median TTP (28 days) and ST (40 days). However, treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) were significantly more frequent in the MTD group (P = .017). The outcome for dogs with metastatic splenic hemangiosarcoma is poor. While MTD showed greater efficacy compared to MC, toxicity was higher in this group. Treatment‐related AEs need to be carefully balanced against this modest survival prolongation when offering adjuvant MTD to dogs with advanced stage hemangiosarcoma.
Thermal-Hydraulic Performance Enhancement by the Combination of Rectangular Winglet Pair and V-Shaped Dimples
Authors: Kaur Inderjot , Singh Prashant , Ekkad Srinath V.
Published: June 2019

This paper presents numerical study on heat transfer enhancement due to the combination of rectangular winglet pair with V-dimples in an array-type arrangement. Array of rectangular winglet pairs results in heat transfer enhancement, however, at a cost of significant pressure drop, resulting in reduced thermal-hydraulic performance (THP). On the other hand, dimples are associated with lower heat transfer enhancement levels at relatively lower pumping power penalty. To this end, a combination of rectangular winglet pair and V-shaped dimples has been studied in this paper, where the arrangements were intended to achieve enhanced thermal-hydraulic performance. Three different configurations, namely, rectangular winglet pair, rectangular winglet pair with one V-dimple between two consecutive winglets, and rectangular winglet pair with two V-dimples packed in a pitch, are studied here. The variation of heat transfer enhancement, pressure drop gain, and THP with respect to winglet-to-winglet (S) spacing variation for rectangular winglet pair and rectangular winglet pair with one V-dimple configuration is presented at a Reynolds number of 25,000. The THP of the rectangular winglet pair configuration decreases up to S/H equal to 2.5 and then increases (H: channel height). For rectangular winglet pair with one V-dimple, three values of winglet-to-dimple (P) spacings are analyzed. For fixed S/H, the highest P/H configuration provided highest heat transfer enhancement and THP. Among the three configurations studied, rectangular winglet pair with two V-dimples resulted in the highest thermal-hydraulic performance.
Condensation and Evaporation Heat Transfer Characteristics of Low Mass Fluxes in Horizontal Smooth Tube and Three-Dimensional Enhanced Tubes
Authors: Ma Xiang , Li Wei , Zhang Chuan-cai , Sun Zhi-chuan , Kukulka David J. , He Yan , Kim Nae-Hyun , Zhang Zhixiao
Published: June 2019

An experimental investigation of condensation and evaporation heat transfer characteristics was performed in 15.88-mm-OD and 12.7-mm-OD smooth and three-dimensional enhanced tubes (1EHT, 3EHT) using R134A and R410A as the working fluid. The enhanced surface of the 1EHT tube is made up of dimples and a series of petal arrays; while the 3EHT tube is made up of rectangular cavities. Evaluations are performed at a saturation temperature of 45 °C, over the quality range of 0.8–0.2 for condensation; while for evaporation the saturation temperature was 6 °C and the quality ranged from 0.2 to 0.8. For condensation, the enhancement ratio (enhanced tube/smooth tube) of the heat transfer coefficients was 1.42–1.95 for the mass flux ranging from 80 to 200 kg/m2s; while for evaporation, the heat transfer enhancement ratio is 1.05–1.42 for values of mass flux that range from 50 to 180 kg/m2s. Furthermore, the 1EHT tube provides the best condensation and evaporation heat transfer performance, for both working fluids at the mass flux considered. This performance is due to the dimples in the enhanced surface that produce interface turbulence; additionally, the increased surface roughness causes additional disturbances and secondary flows near the boundary, producing higher heat fluxes. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the heat transfer enhancement of two enhanced tubes when using R134A and R410A as a function of mass flux, saturation temperature, and tube diameter. As a result of this study, it was determined that the heat transfer coefficient decreases with an increase in saturation temperature and tube diameter.
The effect of the cutoff frequency on the sound production of a clarinet-like instrument
Authors: Petersen E. , Guillemain P. , Kergomard J. , Colinot T.
Published: June 2019

The input impedance of woodwind instruments is characterized by at least two bands due to the lattice of open toneholes, a stop band at low frequencies, and a pass band at higher frequencies where the acoustic energy is able to propagate past the first open tonehole and into the lattice. The cutoff frequency that separates these two bands is an approximate value that is determined by the geometry of the lattice of open toneholes. It is expected that the frequency at which the stop band transitions to the pass band affects the sound produced by the instrument, but it is not known how this frequency affects the competition between self-sustained oscillation and radiation. A simplified model of a clarinet-like resonator is conceived such that the first input impedance peak and the cutoff frequency can be independently chosen. Experimental prototypes are built and the measured impedance of these prototypes is compared with the simulations. Resonators with very similar low frequency behavior but very different cutoff frequencies are then compared using digital synthesis to evaluate the influence of the cutoff frequency on sound production. The cutoff frequency impacts the synthesized pressure and acoustic volume velocity in the mouthpiece, particularly regarding the spectral content at high frequencies.
First analysis of ancient burned human skeletal remains probed by neutron and optical vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Festa G. , Andreani C. , Baldoni M. , Cipollari V. , Martínez-Labarga C. , Martini F. , Rickards O. , Rolfo M. F. , Sarti L. , Volante N. , Senesi R. , Stasolla F. R. , Parker S. F. , Vassalo A. R. , Mamede A. P. , Batista de Carvalho L. A. E. , Marques M. P. M.
Published: June 2019

A pioneer study on burned archaeological bones, by physicochemical techniques, provided unique information on past civilizations.
The Carboxy-Terminal Region of Flavobacterium johnsoniae SprB Facilitates Its Secretion by the Type IX Secretion System and Propulsion by the Gliding Motility Machinery
Authors: Kulkarni Surashree S. , Johnston Joseph J. , Zhu Yongtao , Hying Zachary T. , McBride Mark J.
Published: June 2019

The
F. johnsoniae
gliding motility adhesin SprB is delivered to the cell surface by the type IX secretion system (T9SS) and is rapidly propelled along the cell by the motility machinery. How this 6,497-amino-acid protein interacts with the secretion and motility machines is not known. Fusion of the C-terminal 218 amino acids of SprB to a foreign cargo protein resulted in its secretion, attachment to the cell surface, and rapid movement by the motility machinery. Efficient secretion of SprB required coexpression with the outer membrane protein SprF. Secreted proteins that have sequence similarity to SprB in their C-terminal regions are common in the phylum
Bacteroidetes
and may have roles in adhesion, motility, and virulence.
Mitral and tricuspid valve repair in hypereosinophilic syndrome
Authors: Al-Kaisey Ahmed M , Meher-Homji Zaal , Hayward Philip , Jones Elizabeth
Published: June 2019

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a rare systemic condition, defined as a persistently elevated eosinophil count associated with end organ damage and the absence of a primary cause. Cardiac involvement occurs in about 50% of patients with HES. Myocardial infiltration results in endomyocardial fibrosis, valve dysfunction and mural thrombus. The atrioventricular valves are almost always involved, resulting in regurgitation due to leaflet restriction, most commonly affecting the posterior mitral valve leaflet. Surgical management remains challenging in patients with HES with limited data on the choice of valve surgery. We describe the case of a 17-year-old woman with HES complicated by congestive cardiac failure secondary to severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Because of refractory heart failure despite medical therapy, surgical mitral and tricuspid valve repair was performed, and an excellent 24-month outcome was achieved. We believe this is the first report of double valve repair in this rare condition.
Transient splenial lesion due to non-cirrhotic hyperammonaemia in dengue fever
Authors: Manappallil Robin George , Nair Sunil V , Kakkattil Aryashree , Josphine Blessy
Published: June 2019

Transient splenial lesion(TSL) is seen in a variety of conditions and is detectable only on MRI of the brain. Dengue fever (DF) is a common viral infection encountered in the tropics. The affected patients may face neurological complications like encephalopathy and intracranial haemorrhage, or even ischaemic stroke. Non-cirrhotic hyperammonaemia is a rare scenario; and its occurrence in DF is unknown. The patient being described had DF and developed dysarthria. His MRI brain showed splenial hyperintensity. Further evaluation revealed non-cirrhotic hyperammonaemia. To the best of our knowledge, TSL due to non-cirrhotic hyperammonaemia in DF is an unreported scenario.
Large pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with Behçet’s disease treated with an Amplatzer vascular plug
Authors: Pardinas Gutierrez Miguel Agustin , Cabrera Jorge Luis
Published: June 2019

This is the case of a 33-year-old man with Behçet’s disease who presented with recurrent haemoptysis and a rapidly expanding right pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm. Due to the significant risk of major bleeding and death, he was promptly treated with an Amplatzer vascular plug.
Atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome from multiple missenses to a full-blown disease
Authors: Mira Filipe Santos , Nunes Ana Luísa , Elvas Ana Rita , Oliveira Nuno
Published: June 2019

A 72-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of dorsal, lumbar and lower abdomen pain that had started 4 days before. She had a history of age-related macular degeneration (treated with intraocular bevacizumab). Blood tests showed anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, acute kidney injury, elevated liver enzymes and total bilirubin (mainly because of the indirect fraction). Viral serologies and ADAMTS13 activity levels were normal, and stool testing was negative forEscherichia coli-producing Shiga toxins.E. coliwas isolated in urine. Atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome triggered by a urinary tract infection or by the vascular endothelial growth factor-inhibitor bevacizumab were the most likely hypothesis. The patient started urgent plasmapheresis and dialysis that lasted for a total of 18 days. There was complete remission and recovery of kidney function allowing for treatment discontinuation, and she was discharged home. After 6 months of follow-up, she shows no signs of relapse.
Hummingbird Study: a study protocol for a multicentre exploratory trial to assess the acceptance and performance of a digital medicine system in adults with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or first-episode psychosis
Authors: Fowler J Corey , Cope Nathan , Knights Jonathan , Phiri Peter , Makin Andrew , Peters-Strickland Tim , Rathod Shanaya
Published: June 2019

Introduction

In patients with schizophrenia, medication adherence is important for relapse prevention, and effective adherence monitoring is essential for treatment planning. A digital medicine system (DMS) has been developed to objectively monitor patient adherence and support clinical decision making regarding treatment choices. This study assesses the acceptance and performance of the DMS in adults with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or first-episode psychosis and in healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Methods/Analysis

This is a multicentre, 8-week, single-arm, open-label pragmatic trial designed using coproduction methodology. The study will be conducted at five National Health Service Foundation Trusts in the UK. Patients 18–65 years old with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or first-episode psychosis will be eligible. HCPs (psychiatrists, care coordinators, nurses, pharmacists), researchers, information governance personnel, clinical commissioning groups and patients participated in the study design and coproduction. Intervention employed will be the DMS, an integrated system comprising an oral sensor tablet coencapsulated with an antipsychotic, non-medicated wearable patch, mobile application (app) and web-based dashboard. The coencapsulation product contains aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine or risperidone, as prescribed by the HCP, with a miniature ingestible event marker (IEM) in tablet. On ingestion, the IEM transmits a signal to the patch, which collects ingestion and physical activity data for processing on the patient’s smartphone or tablet before transmission to a cloud-based server for viewing by patients, caregivers and HCPs on secure web portals or mobile apps.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval was granted by London - City and East Research Ethics Committee (REC ref no 18/LO/0128), and clinical trial authorisation was provided by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Written informed consent will be obtained from every participant. The trial will be compliant with the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki.

Trial registration number

NCT03568500; EudraCT2017-004602-17; Pre-results.
A phase III randomised clinical trial of perioperative therapy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy) in locally advanced gallbladder cancers (POLCAGB): study protocol
Authors: Engineer Reena , Patkar Shraddha , Lewis Shirley Christabel , Sharma Ashutosh Das , Shetty Nitin , Ostwal Vikas , Ramaswamy Anant , Chopra Supriya , Agrawal Archi , Patil Prachi , Mehta Shaesta , Goel Mahesh
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is considered the current standard for locally advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC). There is no consensus on the optimal neoadjuvant approach. A pilot study from our institution has shown improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NACRT). The present randomised phase III trial is designed to compare NACRT with NACT alone and will test the superiority of chemoradiation in terms of tumour downstaging and improvement in OS.

Methods and analysis

Patients with biopsy-proven locally advanced GBC (T3–4) with predefined clinical–radiological features will be randomised to the gemcitabine-based chemotherapy-alone arm or the chemoradiation arm. Patients with resectable disease or with distant metastases will be excluded. The primary end point of the study is to compare OS between the two arms. The secondary end point was to compare PFS, R0 resection rates, acute and late toxicity, postoperative complications and quality of life between the two study arms. The trial is designed to detect an improvement in median OS by 5.5 months in the study arm (11 months in the control group, HR of 0.7) with 80.0% power at a 0.05 significance level. The resultant sample size to achieve this aim is 314 (157 in each arm) over a duration of 5 years with a 10% attrition rate.

Ethics and dissemination

The institutional ethics committee has approved this trial and will be routinely monitoring the trial at frequent intervals. The results of the study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed scientific journals, conference presentations and submission to regulatory authorities.

Registration

The trial is registered with Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI/2016/08/007199) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02867865). This trial aims to assess the superiority of NACRT over NACT in locally advanced GBCs in terms of improvement in OS. The results of this study will define the optimal neoadjuvant approach in locally advanced GBC.

Trial registration number

NCT02867865; Pre-results.
Effect of the phenotype of the M1-middle cerebral artery occlusion on the recanalization rates in the ASTER trial
Authors: Consoli Arturo , Zhu François , Bourcier Romain , Dargazanli Cyril , Marnat Gaultier , Duhamel Alain , Blanc Raphaël , Saleme Suzana , Costalat V , Desal Hubert , Bracard Serge , Labreuche Julien , Kyheng Maeva , Puccinelli Francesco , Mosimann Pascal J , Gory Benjamin , Piotin Michel , Lapergue Bertrand
Published: June 2019

Introduction

An adequate recanalization grade is an independent predictor of a good clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke. It can be obtained with stent retrievers (SR) and contact aspiration (CA). The aim of this ancillary study of the ASTER trial was to investigate the effect of the regular and irregular phenotype of the M1-middle cerebral artery (M1-MCA) segment occlusion on the procedural and clinical outcomes in the ASTER trial population.

Methods

The predetermined occlusion phenotype assessment was performed by the core laboratory of the ASTER trial and patients with M1-MCA occlusion were included in this study. Clinical and procedural outcomes were analyzed according to the technique used and to the occlusion phenotype.

Results

188 patients were included in the analysis (95 received SR, 93 CA as first-line treatment). The occlusion phenotypes were graded as irregular in 52.7% of cases (n=99, 95% CI 45.5% to 59.8%). In patients with an irregular occlusion phenotype, complete or adequate recanalization at the end of the first-line strategy was more often achieved with SR than CA (TICI 3: SR 44.1% vs CA 22.5%, OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.89, p=0.027), with a shorter procedure time, a lower number of passes (>2 passes: SR 32.2% vs CA 57.5%, OR 3.31, 95% CI 1.36 to 8.03, p=0.009), and higher rates of favorable clinical outcome (SR 55.2% vs CA 31.6%, OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.97, p=0.042).

Conclusion

Irregular M1-MCA occlusion phenotypes treated with SR as first-line approach were associated with better procedural and clinical outcomes in the ASTER trial population
Impact of adding and removing warning label messages from cigarette packages on adult smokers’ awareness about the health harms of smoking: findings from the ITC Canada Survey
Authors: Green Annika C , Driezen Pete , Noar Seth M , Hammond David , Fong Geoffrey T
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Adding messages to cigarette health warning labels (HWLs) about the harms of smoking increases awareness of these health facts, but little is known about the impact of removing messages. This is the first study to directly investigate the impact of addingandremoving messages from cigarette HWLs on smokers’ awareness of harms.

Methods

Data were drawn from nine waves of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Canada Survey, a national representative cohort of adult smokers (n=5863) conducted nearly annually between 2002 and 2013–2014. Two analytical approaches were conducted: generalised estimating equation (GEE) regression models estimated adjusted percentages of correct smoking-related health statements at each wave and segmented regression analyses modelled temporal trends in awareness before and after the revisions by measuring the difference in slopes.

Results

Adding messages to HWLs significantly increased awareness that smoking causes blindness (OR=3.36 (95% CI 2.71 to 4.18); p<0.001; estimated increase of 1.01 million smokers in Canada) and bladder cancer (OR=2.14 (95% CI 1.71 to 2.66), p<0.001; estimated increase of 1.09 million smokers). Adding the warning that nicotine causes addiction did not significantly impact smokers’ awareness. Removing messages was shown to decrease awareness that cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide (OR=0.53 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.70), p<0.001; estimated decrease of 342 000 smokers) and smoking causes impotence (p=0.007 for the difference in slopes; estimated decrease of 354 000 smokers).

Conclusions

Adding messages to HWLs increases smokers’ awareness of health facts, but removing messages decreases awareness. These findings demonstrate the importance of carefully considering the implications of adding and especially removing messages from HWLs and the importance of regularly revising warnings.
Dietary sodium, potassium, and blood pressure in normotensive pregnant women: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Lane-Cordova Abbi D. , Schneider Lara R. , Tucker William C. , Cook James W. , Wilcox Sara , Liu Jihong
Published: June 2019

Dietary sodium, potassium, and sodium-to-potassium ratio are linearly associated with blood pressure in nonpregnant adults. Earlier investigations suggested null or inverse associations of blood pressure and sodium during normotensive pregnancy; findings have not been confirmed in race/ethnically diverse women or while accounting for potassium. Our purpose was to evaluate associations of blood pressure with sodium and potassium and sodium-to-potassium ratio in race/ethnically diverse normotensive pregnant women. We used cross-sectional blood pressure and dietary data from 984 women in multiple cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (mean age = 27.6 ± 0.2 years). We tested for differences in blood pressure across quartiles of sodium intake using Kruskal–Wallis tests and linear regression to evaluate associations of sodium, potassium, and the sodium-to-potassium ratio with systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures. We adjusted for potential confounding variables: age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, body mass index, smoking, and month of pregnancy. SBP and DBP were similar across quartiles of sodium intake: quartile 1 (lowest sodium intake): 107/59; quartile 2: 106/59; quartile 3: 108/60; quartile 4 (highest sodium intake): 108/58 mm Hg, p > 0.60 for all. Sodium (β = 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): –0.20 to 0.52) and potassium (β = 0.18, 95% CI: –0.24 to 0.60) and the sodium-to-potassium ratio (β = –0.54, 95% CI: –1.55 to 0.47) were not associated with SBP or DBP. Results were similar in stratified analyses.

Novelty Blood pressure was similar among quartiles of sodium or potassium intake, even in analyses stratified by race/ethnicity and trimester of pregnancy. There was no association of sodium or potassium with blood pressure. Blood pressure may be insensitive to dietary sodium and potassium during normotensive pregnancy.
Experimental study on electron detachment cross sections of Cl– in collisions with inert gas atoms
Authors: Luo Mingmin , Zhai Yujia , Guo Guannan , Zhang Xuemei
Published: June 2019

The single-electron and double-electron detachment cross sections of Cl– in collision with inert gas atoms (He–Xe) have been measured by the growth rate method. The incident negative ions’ energies are from 5 to 30 keV. It is found that the single-electron detachment cross sections become greater and greater when the target atoms change from helium to xenon. However, double-electron detachment cross sections show a more complicated relationship with the target atom changing. The results of this work have been compared with the previous data, and a model based on energy division is used to interpret the trends of cross sections.
Consequences of low-intensity light at night on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Rumanova Valentina Sophia , Okuliarova Monika , Molcan Lubos , Sutovska Hana , Zeman Michal
Published: June 2019

Circadian rhythms are an inherent property of physiological processes and can be disturbed by irregular environmental cycles, including artificial light at night (ALAN). Circadian disruption may contribute to many pathologies, such as hypertension, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, but the underlying mechanisms are not understood. Our study investigated the consequences of ALAN on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats, which represent an animal model of essential hypertension and insulin resistance. Adult males were exposed to a 12 h light − 12 h dark cycle and the ALAN group experienced dim light at night (1–2 lx), either for 2 or 5 weeks. Rats on ALAN showed a loss of light–dark variability for systolic blood pressure, but not for heart rate. Moreover, a gradual increase of systolic blood pressure was recorded over 5 weeks of ALAN. Exposure to ALAN increased plasma insulin and hepatic triglyceride levels. An increased expression of metabolic transcription factors, Pparα and Pparγ, in the epididymal fat and a decreased expression of Glut4 in the heart was found in the ALAN group. Our results demonstrate that low-intensity ALAN can disturb blood pressure control and augment insulin resistance in spontaneously hypertensive rats, and may represent a serious risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases.
Antidiabetic Potential of Flavonoids from Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Authors: Bai Lan , Li Xiaofang , He Li , Zheng Yu , Lu Haiying , Li Jinqi , Zhong Lei , Tong Rongsheng , Jiang Zhongliang , Shi Jianyou , Li Jian
Published: June 2019

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders in which high blood sugar levels occur over a prolonged period. Approximately 4% of the global population is affected by DM. Western medical treatment methods for diabetes including injection or oral hypoglycemic drugs have some toxic or side effects, economic pressures, and so on. Many researchers turn to discover new drugs from natural products or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Flavonoids are widely distributed in plants, and many studies have shown that flavonoids possess antidiabetic properties, exhibiting not only well-recognized antidiabetic and hypoglycemic activities but also activity in the treatment of diabetic complications. In this review, we systematically summarized anti-diabetic flavonoid compounds based on structure classification by examining the PubMed, Springer Link, Web of Science, and CNKI databases. There are 13 flavonoid compounds listed which have been studied extensively and have antidiabetic features respectively. Apigenin, baicalein, and catechin mainly reduces blood glucose via anti-oxidation; hesperidin is good for diabetic neuropathy; glycyrrhiza flavonoids have a significant effect on gestational DM; quercetin takes advantage of crossing the blood–brain barrier and improving renal function. Some compounds have protective and preventive effects on diabetic complications, such as kaempferol and puerarin which are beneficial to cardiomyopathy; myricetin has therapeutic potential in the treatment of DN; dihydromyricetin might improve CI. It is a pity or might be a pointcut that most studies remain in the animal experimental stage, and further investigation should be carried out.
Some results on topological currents in field theory
Authors: Vyas Vivek M. , Srinivasan V. , Panigrahi Prasanta K.
Published: June 2019

A few exact results concerning topological currents in field theories are obtained. It is generally shown that a topological charge cannot generate any kind of symmetry transformation on fields. It is also proven that the existence of a charge that does not generate any kind of symmetry transformation on fields, has to be of topological origin. As a consequence, it is found that in a given theory, superconductivity via Anderson–Higgs route can only occur if the gauge coupling with other fields is minimal. Several physical implications of these results are studied.
HURST EXPONENTS AND DELAMPERTIZED FRACTIONAL BROWNIAN MOTIONS
Authors: GARCIN MATTHIEU
Published: June 2019

The inverse Lamperti transform of a fractional Brownian motion (fBm) is a stationary process. We determine the empirical Hurst exponent of such a composite process with the help of a regression of the log absolute moments of its increments, at various scales, on the corresponding log scales. This perceived Hurst exponent underestimates the Hurst exponent of the underlying fBm. We thus encounter some time series having a perceived Hurst exponent lower than [Formula: see text], but an underlying Hurst exponent higher than [Formula: see text]. This paves the way for short- and medium-term forecasting. Indeed, in such series, mean reversion predominates at high scales, whereas persistence is overriding at lower scales. We propose a way to characterize the Hurst horizon, namely a limit scale between these opposite behaviors. We show that the delampertized fBm, which mixes persistence and mean reversion, is relevant for financial time series, in particular for high-frequency foreign exchange rates. In our sample, the empirical Hurst horizon is always above 1[Formula: see text]h and 23[Formula: see text]min.
Fractal-Based Analysis of the Relation Between Surface Finish and Machine Vibration in Milling Operation
Authors: Qadri Muhammad Owais , Namazi Hamidreza
Published: June 2019

Analysis of surface quality of machined workpiece is an important issue in machining of materials. For this purpose, scientists analyze how the texture of machined surface changes due to different conditions. Machine vibration is one of the factors that highly affects the surface quality of machined surface. In this research, we analyze the relation between machine vibration and surface quality of machined workpiece. For this purpose, we employ fractal theory and analyze how the complex structure of machined surface changes with the complex structure of machine vibration signal in case of variations of machining parameters, namely, depth of cut, feed rate and spindle speed, in milling operation. Based on the results, variations of surface quality of machined workpiece are related with the variations of complexity of machine vibration signal. The method of analysis employed in this research can be applied to other machining operations in order to find the relation between machine vibration and surface quality of machined workpiece.
Optimal systems and their group-invariant solutions to geodesic equations
Authors: Jamil Bismah , Feroze Tooba , Safdar Muhammad
Published: June 2019

We find one-dimensional optimal systems of the Lie subalgebras of Noether symmetries associated with systems of geodesic equations. Further, we find invariants corresponding to each element of the derived optimal system. The derived invariants are shown to reduce systems of geodesic equations (nonlinear systems of quadratically semi-linear second-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs)) to nonlinear systems of first-order ODEs. The resulting systems are solved via known methods (e.g. separation of variables, integrating factor, etc.). In some cases, we provide exact solutions of these systems of geodesic equations.
Spanning k-tree with specified vertices
Authors: Song Feifei , Zhou Jianjie
Published: June 2019

A [Formula: see text]-tree is a tree with maximum degree at most [Formula: see text]. For a graph [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the cardinality of a maximum independent set containing [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. For a graph [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the local connectivity [Formula: see text] is defined to be the maximum number of internally disjoint paths connecting [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove the following theorem and show the condition is sharp. Let [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be integers with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. For any two nonadjacent vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], we have [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Then for any [Formula: see text] distinct vertices of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] has a spanning [Formula: see text]-tree such that each of [Formula: see text] specified vertices has degree at most [Formula: see text]. This theorem implies H. Matsuda and H. Matsumura’s result in [on a [Formula: see text]-tree containing specified cleares in a graph, Graphs Combin. 22 (2006) 371–381] and V. Neumann-Lara and E. Rivera-Campo’s result in [Spanning trees with bounded degrees, Combinatorica 11 (1991) 55–61].
Prognostic Score and Cytogenetic Risk Classification for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients: Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research Report
Authors: Kim Haesook T. , Ahn Kwang Woo , Hu Zhen-Huan , Davids Matthew S. , Volpe Virginia O. , Antin Joseph H. , Sorror Mohamed L. , Shadman Mazyar , Press Oliver , Pidala Joseph , Hogan William , Negrin Robert , Devine Steven , Uberti Joseph , Agura Edward , Nash Richard , Mehta Jayesh , McGuirk Joseph , Forman Stephen , Langston Amelia , Giralt Sergio A. , Perales Miguel-Angel , Battiwalla Minoo , Hale Gregory A. , Gale Robert Peter , Marks David I. , Hamadani Mehdi , Ganguly Sid , Bacher Ulrike , Lazarus Hillard , Reshef Ran , Hildebrandt Gerhard C. , Inamoto Yoshihiro , Cahn Jean-Yves , Solh Melhem , Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A. , Ghosh Nilanjan , Saad Ayman , Aljurf Mahmoud , Schouten Harry C. , Hill Brian T. , Pawarode Attaphol , Kindwall-Keller Tamila , Saba Nakhle , Copelan Edward A. , Nathan Sunita , Beitinjaneh Amer , Savani Bipin N. , Cerny Jan , Grunwald Michael R. , Yared Jean , Wirk Baldeep M. , Nishihori Taiga , Chhabra Saurabh , Olsson Richard F. , Bashey Asad , Gergis Usama , Popat Uday , Sobecks Ronald , Alyea Edwin , Saber Wael , Brown Jennifer R.
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

To develop a prognostic model and cytogenetic risk classification for previously treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) undergoing reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Experimental Design:

We performed a retrospective analysis of outcomes of 606 patients with CLL who underwent RIC allogeneic HCT between 2008 and 2014 reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research.

Results:

On the basis of multivariable models, disease status, comorbidity index, lymphocyte count, and white blood cell count at HCT were selected for the development of prognostic model. Using the prognostic score, we stratified patients into low-, intermediate-, high-, and very-high-risk [4-year progression-free survival (PFS) 58%, 42%, 33%, and 25%, respectively, P < 0.0001; 4-year overall survival (OS) 70%, 57%, 54%, and 38%, respectively, P < 0.0001]. We also evaluated karyotypic abnormalities together with del(17p) and found that del(17p) or ≥5 abnormalities showed inferior PFS. Using a multivariable model, we classified cytogenetic risk into low, intermediate, and high (P < 0.0001). When the prognostic score and cytogenetic risk were combined, patients with low prognostic score and low cytogenetic risk had prolonged PFS (61% at 4 years) and OS (75% at 4 years).

Conclusions:

In this large cohort of patients with previously treated CLL who underwent RIC HCT, we developed a robust prognostic scoring system of HCT outcomes and a novel cytogenetic-based risk stratification system. These prognostic models can be used for counseling patients, comparing data across studies, and providing a benchmark for future interventions. For future study, we will further validate these models for patients receiving targeted therapies prior to HCT.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: Three Novel Trichoscopic Signs and Its Correlation to Malassezia sp. Colonization
Authors: Ruiz-Arriaga León Felipe , Arenas Roberto , Vega-Sánchez Diana C. , Asz-Sigall Daniel , Martínez-Velazco María Abril
Published: June 2019

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic recurrent erythemato-squamous condition that affects seborrheic areas causing flaking, erythema, and pruritus. Etiology is multifactorial and the role of Malassezia sp.remains controversial. We present a series of 12 patients with trichoscopic and direct microscopic exams. We analyzed the presence of the already known SD trichoscopic signs and its correlation to the amount of Malassezia sp. in the scalp. We describe three novel signs: the “dandelion” vascular conglomerate, the “cherry blossom” vascular pattern, and the intrafollicular oily material; of which the “dandelion” vascular conglomerate was the only trichoscopic sign to correlate with Malassezia colonization. This study correlates trichoscopic signs in SD and the quantity of Malassezia sp. We describe three new signs that can be useful to determine indirectly the fungal colonization of the scalp in SD.
Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent Imaging and Intravoxel Incoherent Motion MRI of Early Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Wang Yongfang , Zhang Xin , Hua Zhengxu , Xie Lizhi , Jiang Xuan , Wang Rongjia , Gao Peirong , Ren Ke
Published: June 2019

Background: To evaluate the application of blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD)imaging and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on assessing early contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI). Materials: Sixty rabbits were randomly chosen to undergo iohexol (1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 [gI/kg], respectively; n = 15 for each group) or saline injection (n = 15). In each group, 6 rabbits underwent MRI at 24 h before injection and after injection of iohexol or saline (1 h and 1, 2, 3, and 4 days); meanwhile, out of the remaining 9 rabbits, 3 were chosen for MRI acquisition, and then they were killed at specific time points (1 h, 1 day, and 3 days, respectively). Results: The strong attenuation of pure molecular diffusion (D), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and perfusion fraction (f) was observed at 1 day, while pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*) showed a significant decrease at 1 h after iohexol injection. A distinct elevation of apparent transverse relaxation rate (R2*) reached the maximum levels on day 1, which was consistent with the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor. ADC, D, and R2* correlated well with histopathological parameters and biochemical parameters. Conclusion: BOLD combined with IVIM is effective to monitor renal pathophysiology associated with CIAKI.
The Impact of Focality and Centricity on Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia on Disease Progression in HIV+ Patients: A 10-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Ayakannu Thangesweran , Murugesu  Sughashini , Taylor Anthony H. , Sokhal Priya , Ratnasekera Limandhee , Wilhelm-Benartzi  Charlotte S.M. , Lyons Deirdre , Chatterjee Jayanta
Published: June 2019

Background: The impact of lesion focality and centricity in relation to patient outcome and disease recurrence of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is an understudied area of research, especially in immunocompromised women. The prevalence and incidence of VIN have increased steadily since the 1980s because of the co-existence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this study, we retrospectively examined the records of VIN patients to determine the effect of lesion focality and centricity with respect to the interval to disease recurrence. Materials and Methods: All women diagnosed with VIN and managed between January 2002 and December 2011 were included (n = 90) and followed up until December 2017. Symptoms at the time of presentation, including HIV positivity (n = 75), were collated, including the influences of multifocality and multicentricity on time to disease recurrence. Results: Multicentricity caused a more rapid recurrence of disease than unicentricity (p = 0.006), whereas multifocality increased the risk of recurrence more than unifocality (p < 0.0001). Viral load in the HIV+ patients was not associated with time to disease recurrence, but the reduced number of CD4+ lymphocytes present in HIV+ patients was. Treatment modalities had no effect on disease recurrence. Conclusion: Both focality and centricity have effects on interval to recurrence and final patient outcome, with multifocal disease having a poorer prognosis. Centricity and focality should be recorded at the time of diagnosis and act as a warning for disease recurrence. HIV+ VIN patients with multifocal disease and/or known immunosuppression (low CD4+ lymphocyte counts) should be regarded as “high-risk” patients and treated accordingly.