bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes of Muslim Americans toward Homosexuality and Marriage Equality: Moving Beyond Simply Understanding Christian Public Opinions
Authors: Bratton Tabrina M. , Lytle Robert , Bensel Tusty ten
Published: October 2019

A number of studies have found a relationship between religious affiliation and attitudes toward LGBQ individuals. To date, however, research on religious attitudes has focused primarily on Christians. We expanded upon existing research by including two of the three largest U.S. religions previously overlooked—Islam and Judaism. We used data from the 2014 Religious Landscape Study, which provided a larger sample of Jewish (n = 475) and Muslim (n = 135) respondents than most public opinion surveys. We found that Muslim and Protestant participants were the least accepting of homosexuality and supportive of same‐sex marriage compared with Roman Catholic and Jewish participants. Results also showed that fundamentalism and religiosity were significant predictors of attitudes toward homosexuality and same‐sex marriage across all participants, regardless of denomination. Implications for future research and data collection efforts learned from this study are discussed.
Error assessment of grid‐based terrain shading algorithms for solar radiation modeling over complex terrain
Authors: Zhang Shuhua , Li Xingong , She Jiangfeng
Published: October 2019

In mountainous regions, solar radiation exhibits a strong spatial heterogeneity due to terrain shading effects. Terrain shading algorithms based on digital elevation models can be categorized into two types: area‐based and point‐specific. In this article, we evaluated two shading algorithms using designed mathematic surfaces. Theoretical shading effects over four Gauss synthetic surfaces were calculated and used to evaluate the terrain shading algorithms. We evaluated the area‐based terrain shading algorithm, Hillshade tool of ArcGIS, and the point‐specific shading algorithm from Solar Analyst (SA) in ArcGIS. Both algorithms showed shading overestimation, and Hillshade showed more accuracy with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.20%, as compared to the MAE of 1.66% of SA. The MAE of Hillshade increases exponentially as the spatial extent of the study area increases because the solar position for all locations on the surface is the same in Hillshade. Consequently, we suggest that the surface should be divided into more tiles in Hillshade when the discrepancy in the latitude of the whole surface is greater than 4°. Skyshed, which represents the horizon angle distribution in SA, is error‐prone over more complex terrain because horizon angle interpolation is problematic for such areas. We also propose a new terrain shading algorithm, with solar positions calculated using local latitude for each cell and the horizon angle calculated for every specific time interval, but without projections. The new model performs better than Hillshade and SA with an MAE of 0.55%.
Effect of peritoneal lavage on bacterial isolates in 40 dogs with confirmed septic peritonitis
Authors: Marshall Hannah , Sinnott‐Stutzman Virginia , Ewing Patty , Bracker Kiko , Kalis Russell , Khorzad Roxanna
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate bacterial isolates, antimicrobial drug susceptibility, and change in resistance among pre‐ and post‐lavage culture samples in dogs with septic peritonitis.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Private practice referral hospital.

Animals

Forty client‐owned dogs with confirmed septic peritonitis requiring surgical intervention.

Interventions

All dogs had perioperative abdominal lavage following source control with 200 to 300 mL/kg 0.9% sterile saline. Pre‐ and post‐lavage aerobic and anaerobic culture samples were evaluated.

Measurements and Main Results

Thirty‐five of 40 dogs (87.5%) survived to hospital discharge. The likelihood of an aerobic organism to have multidrug resistance (resistance to 3 or more antimicrobial classes) post‐lavage was a third of that pre‐lavage (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% CI [0.17–0.68], P = 0.01). Thirty‐nine of 40 dogs (97.5%) received appropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy based on pre‐ and post‐lavage culture results, of which 5 (12.8%) did not survive to discharge. The single dog with inappropriate antimicrobial therapy survived to discharge. The most frequent isolates detected included Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, and Enterococcus faecalis. The same organism based on species was isolated in pre‐ and post‐lavage cultures in 32 dogs, accounting for 59 anaerobic and aerobic isolates. There was a new bacterial isolate detected in 20 dogs, accounting for 46 isolates and an overall total decrease of 14 isolates between pre‐ and post‐lavage culture (P = 0.09).

Conclusions

This study suggests that there is a significant decrease in the likelihood of isolating a multidrug resistant organism following peritoneal lavage, and aerobic and anaerobic culture results have the potential to change following peritoneal lavage, although this cannot be confirmed without further studies. Overall survival rates were higher than previously reported in the literature for septic peritonitis.
Challenges in English‐medium instruction (EMI) at a Japanese university
Authors: Toh Glenn
Published: October 2019

This paper concerns English‐medium instruction (EMI) and begins with an overview of issues relating to EMI initiatives in higher education as documented in the literature. Following this, the case of a Japanese university's attempt to introduce EMI into the curriculum of a newly setup liberal arts faculty is discussed. Conclusions about challenges that can follow policy initiatives to introduce EMI are drawn from this discussion. Outcomes and implications of different ways of understanding and/or conceptualizing the role of English in higher education and EMI are examined critically. The issues surfaced have implications for EMI policy making and implementation, bearing in mind the negotiations that need to take place given the workings of opposing forces: (1) those which reify homogenizing discourses about language, power and education; versus (2) those which accommodate the contextually particularized aspects of teaching and learning and the characteristically heterogeneous and intersectional nature of teacher and learner subjectivities.
Risk analysis of alien plants recorded in thermal waters of Serbia
Authors: Zlatković B K , Bogosavljević S S
Published: October 2019

This paper presents an overview of introduced alien plant species inhabiting natural thermal waters of Serbia. We recorded the presence of six naturalised aquatic plant species, also recognised as weeds in several regions of the world. This was the first time that Heteranthera zosterifolia (Pontederiaceae), Lemna minuta (Araceae) and Rotala rotundifolia (Lythraceae) were recorded in the aquatic ecosystems of Serbia. In addition, the presence of H. zosterifolia and R. rotundifolia was previously unknown in other countries of Southeastern Europe. The study includes detailed habitat descriptions and impact assessments for all introduced aquatic species in thermal waters in Serbia. All species were prioritised for pest risk analysis using a modified version of the EPPO prioritisation process within the framework of the EU regulation for invasive species. As a result, four alien species may be considered invasive (three at EU and one at national level), while two other species did not show strong invasiveness, but still need to be monitored. In addition, risk management measures were proposed for all invasive species from this study, and they may provide implications for the theory and practical management of weeds.
Investigating the Influence of Different Coating Surface Densities of Electrodes on Electrochemical Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Dang Yanping , Liu Wangyu , Xie Weigui , Qiu Weiping
Published: October 2019

The anode and cathode pieces are vital components of lithium-ion batteries. The coating surface density of active material is a significant parameter involved during the fabrication of electrodes and has considerable impact on battery performance. In this paper, anode and cathode pieces are prepared with different surface densities within the allowable range. The anode and cathode pieces are first graded respectively and then matched up according to different surface density ranges. Afterward, the electrodes are assembled with commercial polypropylene separator in 18,650 cell case and infused with electrolyte. The cathode is constituted with a mixture of nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) ternary material and lithium manganese oxide coated on aluminum foil, while the anode is composed of graphite coated on copper foil. The electrochemical performance and safety properties were tested to investigate the influence of the coating surface density of electrodes and optimize the electrochemical performance by regulating the matching surface density of electrodes. The results indicate that larger surface density of both cathode and anode can provide better battery consistency, while smaller surface density can contribute to better specific capacity and smaller capacity loss after cycling. Modest cost and superior properties can be achieved for lithium-ion batteries by reasonably matching the surface density of anodes and cathodes pieces.
Determination of Simultaneous Steady-State Movements Using Blade Tip Timing Data
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Elsayed , Bonello Philip , Russhard Peter
Published: October 2019

Blade tip timing (BTT) includes a number of uncertainties that discourage its use. One of the main ones is the shift in the equilibrium position of the blade tip due to steady (non-oscillatory) bending and/or twisting of the blade, and axial movement of the bladed disk (blisk)-shaft system. This results in a shift in the effective measurement position of the probe relative to the blade chord, resulting in errors in the tip vibration measurement which can translate to a huge error in the corresponding stress estimate, which relies on calibration against finite element (FE) models. Previous experimentally validated research by the authors introduced a method for quantifying steady movement of a single type (axial, lean, or untwist), using BTT data from not more than two probes. In this paper, a development of the previous method is presented that provides a solution for the case of simultaneous types of blade steady movements. Additional probes are used for determining the direction, but these can be placed at any angular positions. The developed method is validated using a BTT simulator of a blisk, and accurate results obtained. The simultaneous axial and lean movements can be accurately determined when the untwist is negligible, and an uncertainty level can be specified when the untwist is not negligible. The untwist itself can be calculated accurately in all cases of simultaneous movements. Guidelines for the use of the method in different scenarios are provided.
Preliminary Design of Small-Scale Supercritical CO2 Radial Inflow Turbines
Authors: Unglaube Tina , Chiang Hsiao-Wei D.
Published: October 2019

In recent years, supercritical CO2 (sCO2) Brayton cycles have drawn the attention of researchers due to their high cycle efficiencies, compact turbomachinery, and environmental friendliness. For small-scale cycles, radial inflow turbines (RIT) are the prevailing choice and one of the key components. A mean line design procedure for sCO2 RIT is developed and design space exploration conducted for a 100 kW-class turbine for a low-temperature waste-heat utilization sCO2 Brayton cycle. By varying the two design parameters, specific speed and velocity ratio, different turbine configurations are setup and compared numerically by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Results are analyzed to conclude on optimum design parameters with regard to turbine efficiency and expansion ratio. Specific speeds between 0.2 and 0.5 are recommended for sCO2 RIT with small though flow (3 kg/s). The higher the velocity ratio, the bigger the turbine expansion ratio. Pairs of optimum design parameters that effectuate maximum efficiency are identified, with smaller velocity ratios prevailing for smaller specific speeds. The turbine simulation results for sCO2 are compared to well-established recommendations for the design of RIT from literature, such as the Balje diagram. It is concluded that for the design of sCO2 RITs, the same principles can be used as for those for air turbines. By achieving total-to-static stage and rotor efficiencies of 84% and 86%, respectively, the developed mean line design procedure has proven to be an effective and easily applicable tool for the preliminary design of small-scale sCO2 RIT.
Daily Surface Solar Radiation Prediction Mapping Using Artificial Neural Network: The Case Study of Reunion Island
Authors: Li Peng , Bessafi Miloud , Morel Beatrice , Chabriat Jean-Pierre , Delsaut Mathieu , Li Qi
Published: October 2019

This paper focuses on the prediction of daily surface solar radiation maps for Reunion Island by a hybrid approach that combines principal component analysis (PCA), wavelet transform analysis, and artificial neural network (ANN). The daily surface solar radiation over 18 years (1999–2016) from CM SAF (SARAH-E with 0.05 deg × 0.05 deg spatial resolution) is first detrended using the clear sky index. Dimensionality reduction of the detrended dataset is secondly performed through PCA, which results in saving computational time by a factor of eight in comparison to not using PCA. A wavelet transform is thirdly applied onto each of the first 28 principal components (PCs) explaining 95% of the variance. The decomposed nine-wavelet components for each PC are fourthly used as input to an ANN model to perform the prediction of day-ahead surface solar radiation. The predicted decomposed components are finally returned to PCs and clear sky indices, irradiation in the end for re-mapping the surface solar radiation's distribution. It is found that the prediction accuracy is quite satisfying: root mean square error (RMSE) is 30.98 W/m2 and the (1 − RMSE_prediction/RMSE_persistence) is 0.409.
Development of a Self-Efficacy Scale in General Medical Condition Assessment and Diagnosis
Authors: Groh Nancy D. , Hundt Greggory M.
Published: October 2019

Self-efficacy shares a causal relationship with performance. Few studies have examined self-efficacy in relationship to athletic training and instead limit themselves to areas focused on the musculoskeletal system. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a scale for measuring athletic trainer self-efficacy in the assessment and diagnosis of medical conditions and illness. A principal component analysis yielded 19 items that loaded on three factors. The analysis resulted in acceptable levels of correlation (KMO = .93; Bartlett x2 = 2152.58, df = 171, p < .001) and internal consistency (α = .943). This scale demonstrates both validity and reliability.
Validity of a Wrist-Worn Activity Monitor During Resistance Training Exercises at Different Movement Speeds
Authors: Conger Scott A. , Montoye Alexander H.K. , Anderson Olivia , Boss Danielle E. , Steeves Jeremy A.
Published: October 2019

Speed of movement has been shown to affect the validity of physical activity (PA) monitors during locomotion. Speed of movement may also affect the validity of accelerometer-based PA monitors during other types of exercise. Purpose: To assess the ability of the Atlas Wearables Wristband2 (a PA monitor developed specifically for resistance training [RT] exercise) to identify the individual RT exercise type and count repetitions during RT exercises at various movement speeds. Methods: 50 male and female participants completed seven sets of 10 repetitions for five different upper/lower body RT exercises while wearing a Wristband2 on the left wrist. The speed of each set was completed at different metronome-paced speeds ranging from a slow speed of 4 sec·rep−1 to a fast speed of 1 sec·rep−1. Repeated Measures ANOVAs were used to compare the actual exercise type/number of repetitions among the seven different speeds. Mean absolute percent error (MAPE) and bias were calculated for repetition counting. Results: For each exercise, there tended to be significant differences between the slower speeds and the fastest speed for activity type identification and repetition counting (p < .05). Across all exercises, the highest accuracy for activity type identification (91 ± 1.8% correct overall), repetition counting (8.77 ± 0.17 of 10 reps overall) and the lowest MAPE (14 ± 1.7% overall) and bias (−1.23 ± 0.17 reps overall) occurred during the 1.5 sec·rep−1 speed (the second fastest speed tested). Conclusions: The validity of the Atlas Wearables Wristband2 to identify exercise type and count repetitions varied based on the speed of movement during RT exercises.
Induction of metabolic quiescence defines the transitional to follicular B cell switch
Authors: Farmer Jocelyn R. , Allard-Chamard Hugues , Sun Na , Ahmad Maimuna , Bertocchi Alice , Mahajan Vinay S. , Aicher Toby , Arnold Johan , Benson Mark D. , Morningstar Jordan , Barmettler Sara , Yuen Grace , Murphy Samuel J. H. , Walter Jolan E. , Ghebremichael Musie , Shalek Alex K. , Batista Facundo , Gerszten Robert , Pillai Shiv
Published: October 2019

Extracellular adenosine salvage and AMPK activation are enhanced in a stage-specific manner during human B cell development.
Carbapenem-Containing Combination Antibiotic Therapy against Carbapenem-Resistant Uropathogenic
Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Loose Maria , Link Isabell , Naber Kurt G. , Wagenlehner Florian M. E.
Published: October 2019

The increasing global prevalence of carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE) combined with the decline in effective therapies is a public health care crisis. After respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections and associated urosepsis are the second most affected by CRE pathogens.
Rift- and subduction-related crustal sequences in the Jinshajiang ophiolitic mélange, SW China: Insights into the eastern Paleo-Tethys
Authors: Hu Wen-Jun , Zhong Hong , Zhu Wei-Guang , Bai Zhong-Jie
Published: October 2019

The Paleozoic Jinshajiang ophiolitic mélange in southwest China marks an important branch ocean (i.e., the Jinshajiang Ocean) of the Paleo-Tethys. Basic-intermediate rocks are widespread features in the mélange; their formation age is well known, but the petrogenesis has not been well studied, which means that the evolutionary history of the Jinshajiang Ocean is not well constrained. To understand the nature of the mélange and the ocean, we present a set of elemental and isotopic data from two typical crustal sequences in two areas of the Jinshajiang ophiolitic mélange, Zhiyong and Baimaxueshan. The basalts in the ca. 343 Ma Zhiyong crustal sequence show mid-ocean-ridge basalt–like geochemical compositions with Nb/La ratios of 0.98–1.15 and εNd(t) values of +6.5 to +7.7, indicating that the basalts formed in the spreading ridge of the ocean. In contrast, the 283 Ma Baimaxueshan crustal sequence consists of gabbros and basaltic-andesitic lavas, which have an arc affinity with Nb/La ratios of 0.54–0.67 and εNd(t) values of +5.1 to +6.5. The geochemical differences were not caused by crustal assimilation but reflect mantle metasomatism by fluids dehydrated from the subducting slab. Therefore, we propose that the Zhiyong and Baimaxueshan crustal sequences formed in seafloor spreading and subduction settings, which were related to the opening and closure of the ocean, respectively.
Phenotypic and genetic spectrum of alveolar capillary dysplasia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jourdan-Voyen Laurélia , Touraine Renaud , Masutti Jean-Pierre , Busa Tiffany , Vincent-Delorme Catherine , Dreyfus Lelia , Molin Arnaud , Savey Baptiste , Mounzer Abraham , Assaf Ziad , Atallah Veronique , da Cruz Vanessa , Gaillard Dominique , Leroy-Terquem Elise , Mouton Jean-Baptiste , Ghoumid Jamal , Picaud Jean-Charles , Dijoud Frederique , Bouquillon Sonia , Baumann Cédric , Lambert Laetitia
Published: October 2019

Objective

Alveolar capillary dysplasia (ACD) is one of the causes of pulmonary hypertension. Its diagnosis is histological but new pathogenetic data have emerged. The aim of this study was to describe a French cohort of patients with ACD to improve the comprehension and the diagnosis of this pathology which is probably underdiagnosed.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted in French hospitals. Patients born between 2005 and 2017, whose biological samples were sent to the French genetic reference centres, were included. Clinical, histological and genetic data were retrospectively collected.

Results

We presented a series of 21 patients. The mean of postmenstrual age at birth was 37.6 weeks. The first symptoms appeared on the median of 2.5 hours. Pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed in 20 patients out of 21. Two cases had prolonged survival (3.3 and 14 months). Histological analysis was done on lung tissue from autopsy (57.1% of cases) or from percutaneous biopsy (28.6%).FOXF1was found abnormal in 15 patients (71.4%): 8 deletions and 7 point mutations. Two deletions were found by chromosomal microarray.

Conclusion

This study is one of the largest clinically described series in literature. It seems crucial to integrate genetics early into diagnostic support. We propose a diagnostic algorithm for helping medical teams to improve diagnosis of this pathology.
Near-simultaneous bilateral reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of bilateral fracture dislocations of the shoulder
Authors: Wendling Alexander , Vopat Matthew L , Yang Shang-You , Saunders Bradley
Published: October 2019

A man in his mid-80s presented with bilateral posterior fracture dislocations of the humerus after suffering a seizure. He had Parskinson’s disease and lived with his wife at home. His left shoulder was not felt to be reconstructable. The initial treatment plan was to perform reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) on the left and non-operatively reduce his right shoulder. A left rTSA was performed, but his right shoulder was unstable due to a glenoid fracture and soft tissue instability. In order to preserve the patient’s quality of life, a right rTSA was performed 4 days later. In the follow-up period, the patient was able to regain enough pain-free range of motion on activities of daily living. The patient died from complications of Parkinson’s disease 10 months postoperatively.
Using telehealth in motor neuron disease to increase access to specialist multidisciplinary care: a UK-based pilot and feasibility study
Authors: Hobson Esther V , Baird Wendy O , Bradburn Mike , Cooper Cindy , Mawson Susan , Quinn Ann , Shaw Pamela J , Walsh Theresa , McDermott Christopher J
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Care of patients with motor neuron disease (MND) in a specialist, multidisciplinary clinic is associated with improved survival, but access is not universal. We wanted to pilot and establish the feasibility of a definitive trial of a novel telehealth system (Telehealth in Motor neuron disease, TiM) in patients with MND.

Design

An 18-month, single-centre, mixed-methods, randomised, controlled pilot and feasibility study.

Intervention

TiM telehealth plus usual care versus usual care.

Setting

A specialist MND care centre in the UK.

Participants

Patients with MND and their primary informal carers.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Recruitment, retention and data collection rates, clinical outcomes including participant quality of life and anxiety and depression.

Results

Recruitment achieved the target of 40 patients and 37 carers. Participant characteristics reflected those attending the specialist clinic and included those with severe disability and those with limited experience of technology. Retention and data collection was good. Eighty per cent of patients and 82% of carer participants reported outcome measures were completed at 6 months. Using a longitudinal analysis with repeated measures of quality of life (QoL), a sample size of 131 per arm is recommended in a definitive trial. The methods and intervention were acceptable to participants who were highly motivated to participate to research. The low burden of participation and accessibility of the intervention meant barriers to participation were minimal. However, the study highlighted difficulties assessing the associated costs of the intervention, the challenge of recruitment in such a rare disease and the difficulties of producing rigorous evidence of impact in such a complex intervention.

Conclusion

A definitive trial of TiM is feasible but challenging. The complexity of the intervention and heterogeneity of the patient population means that a randomised controlled trial may not be the best way to evaluate the further development and implementation of the TiM.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN26675465.
Process evaluation and exploration of telehealth in motor neuron disease in a UK specialist centre
Authors: Hobson Esther , Baird Wendy , Bradburn Mike , Cooper Cindy , Mawson Susan , Quinn Ann , Shaw Pamela J , Walsh Theresa , McDermott Christopher J
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the processes involved in using a novel digitally enabled healthcare system (telehealth in motor neuron disease (TiM)) in people living with motor neuron disease (MND) and their informal carers. We examined TiM implementation, potential mechanisms of impact and contextual factors that might influence TiM implementation or impact.

Design

An 18-month, single-centre process evaluation within a randomised, pilot and feasibility study.

Intervention

TiM plus usual care versus usual care alone.

Setting

A specialist UK MND care centre.

Participants

40 patients with MND and 37 primary informal carers.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Patient, carer and staff outcomes and experiences using semistructured interviews. Descriptive data on implementation and use of TiM.

Results

The TiM was acceptable and accessible to patients, carers and staff. Intervention uptake and adherence were good: 14 (70%) patients completed a TiM session at least fortnightly. Barriers to TiM use (such as technology experience and disability) were overcome with well-designed technology and face-to-face training. Reported potential benefits of TiM included improved communication and care coordination, reassurance, identification of complications and the potential for TiM to be an alternative or addition to clinic. Benefits depended on patients’ current level of needs or disability. The main challenges were the large number of alerts that were generated by TiM, how the clinicians responded to these alerts and the mismatch between patient/carer expectations and nurses actions. This could be improved by better communication systems and adjusting the alerts algorithm.

Conclusion

TiM has the potential to facilitate access to specialist care, but further iterative developments to the intervention and process evaluations of the TiM in different services are required.

Trial identifier number

ISRCTN26675465.
Combining cognitive bias modification training (CBM) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to treat binge eating disorder: study protocol of a randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Gordon Gemma , Brockmeyer Timo , Schmidt Ulrike , Campbell Iain C
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a common mental disorder, closely associated with obesity. Existing treatments are only moderately effective with high relapse rates, necessitating novel interventions. This paper describes the rationale for, and protocol of, a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT), evaluating the combination of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and a computerised cognitive training, namely approach bias modification training (ABM), in patients with BED who are overweight or obese. The aim of this trial is to obtain information that will guide decision-making and protocol development in relation to a future large-scale RCT of combined tDCS+ABM treatment in this group of patients, and also to assess the preliminary efficacy of this intervention.

Methods and analysis

66 participants with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 diagnosis of BED and a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: ABM+real tDCS; ABM+sham tDCS or a wait-list control group. Participants in both intervention groups will receive six sessions of ABM+real/sham tDCS over 3 weeks; engaging in the ABM task while simultaneously receiving bilateral tDCS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. ABM is based on an implicit learning paradigm in which participants are trained to enact an avoidance behaviour in response to visual food cues. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-treatment (3 weeks) and follow-up (7 weeks post-randomisation). Feasibility outcomes assess recruitment and retention rates, acceptability of random allocation, blinding success (allocation concealment), completion of treatment sessions and research assessments. Other outcomes include eating disorder psychopathology and related neurocognitive outcomes (ie, delay of gratification and inhibitory control), BMI, other psychopathology (ie, mood), approach bias towards food and surrogate endpoints (ie, food cue reactivity, trait food craving and food intake).

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the North West-Liverpool East Research Ethics Committee. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN35717198
Experiencing the care of a family member with Crohn’s disease: a qualitative study
Authors: García-Sanjuán Sofía , Lillo-Crespo Manuel , Cabañero-Martínez María José , Richart-Martínez Miguel , Sanjuan-Quiles Ángela
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To explore the experiences of caregivers living with relatives affected by Crohn’s disease (CD) in a context in which the family provides social support.

Design

A qualitative study based on a phenomenological approach was conducted through in-depth interviews.

Setting

Participants living in Alicante (Spain) were recruited

Participants

Eleven family caregivers of people with CD were interviewed.

Methods

The in-depth interviews took place in the participants’ homes and were audio recorded and then transcribed for a qualitative thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes and accompanying subthemes were identified: (1) adaptation to the caring experience, (2) dichotomy ‘with or without me’, (3) unending burden, (4) need for knowledge and control of the disease, and (5) getting used to CD and normalising life.

Conclusion

The findings contribute to an increase in the knowledge and comprehension of the experience of being the caregiver of a relative with CD, which could be useful for professionals towards improving the quality of the CD caring process. Due to the temporal dimension of CD with frequent bouts of exacerbation and remission, family caregivers must adapt and acquire skills during chronic illness evolution. Moreover, the lack of family caregivers’ inclusion and follow-up within the Spanish health system makes them feel invisible and useless, which may contribute to caregivers’ burdens.
Knowledge of and attitudes toward clinical trials in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Rawashdeh Nedal , Damsees Rana , Al-Jeraisy Majed , Al Qasim Eman , Deeb Ahmad M
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Clinical trials (CTs) are considered an important method for developing new treatments and providing access to potentially effective drugs that are still under investigation. Measuring the public’s knowledge of and attitudes toward CTs is important for assessing their readiness for and acceptance of human drug testing, which has previously not been assessed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The objective of this study is to explore the Saudi public’s knowledge of and attitudes toward CTs as well as participation in trials to test new or approved drugs.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

The 2016 Al Jenadriyah cultural/heritage festival in Riyadh, KSA.

Participants

Participating booths and exhibition halls, as well as festival visitors, were approached to participate in the study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Knowledge of and attitudes toward CTs.

Results

The final number of participants was 938. The responses were converted to a percentage mean score (out of 100) for each knowledge-related response and attitude. The total mean knowledge score was 56.8±24.8 and the attitude-related score was 61.5±28.0. Although most of the participants supported testing approved or off-label and new drugs on adult and paediatric patients, only a third (30.5%) agreed that new drugs could be tested on healthy volunteers. The results indicated that gender, educational level, income, medical background, age and health insurance were independently associated with the level of knowledge of CTs. In terms of attitudes toward CTs, the factors that were independently associated were gender, educational level and medical background.

Conclusions

The Saudi public has a low level of knowledge and a moderately positive attitude toward CTs. There is a moderate positive correlation between the two factors such that as knowledge of CTs increases, the Saudi public will hold more positive attitudes toward CTs.
Did an urban perinatal health programme in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, reduce adverse perinatal outcomes? Register-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: de Jonge Hendrik CC , Lagendijk Jacqueline , Saha Unnati , Been Jasper V , Burdorf Alex
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To study the effect of an urban perinatal health programme in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on perinatal outcomes.

Design

A retrospective cohort study with difference-in-differences analysis using individual-level perinatal outcome data from the Dutch Perinatal Registry 2003–2014 linked to Central Bureau of Statistics data of migration background and individual disposable household income.

Intervention

The programme consisted of perinatal health promotion, risk selection and risk-guided pregnancy care, and a new primary care child birth centre. The programme was implemented during 2009–2012.

Primary outcome measures

We compared trends in perinatal mortality, preterm delivery and small-for-gestational-age births between targeted urban neighbourhoods in Rotterdam (n=61 415) and all other urban neighbourhoods in the Netherlands (n=881 202). The effect of the programme was modelled as a change in trend of each perinatal outcome in the treatment group post intervention compared with the control population from January 2010 onwards. All analyses were adjusted for maternal age, parity, ethnicity and individual-level low socioeconomic status (SES). We also conducted a stratified analysis by SES.

Results

During 2003–2014, downward trends in perinatal mortality (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.9439 per year, 95% CI 0.9362 to 0.9517), preterm birth (aOR 0.9970 per year, 95% CI 0.9944 to 0.9997) and small-for-gestational-age births (aOR 0.9809 per year, 95% CI 0.9787 to 0.9831) in the entire study population were observed. No demonstrable changes in these trends were found in the intervention group after the programme had started. The stratified analyses by SES showed no changes in trends post intervention in both strata either.

Conclusions

The programme had no demonstrable effects on perinatal outcomes. The intervention may not have reached a sufficient proportion of the population or has provided too little contrast to the widespread attention for inequalities in pregnancy outcomes occurring simultaneously in the Netherlands.
Cohort profile: the Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging and Cognition (BASIC) study on perinatal depression in a population-based Swedish cohort
Authors: Axfors Cathrine , Bränn Emma , Henriksson Hanna E , Hellgren Charlotte , Kunovac Kallak Theodora , Fransson Emma , Lager Susanne , Iliadis Stavros I , Sylvén Sara , Papadopoulos Fotios C , Ekselius Lisa , Sundström-Poromaa Inger , Skalkidou Alkistis
Published: October 2019

Purpose

With the population-based, prospective Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging and Cognition (BASIC) cohort, we aim to investigate the biopsychosocial aetiological processes involved in perinatal depression (PND) and to pinpoint its predictors in order to improve early detection.

Participants

From September 2009 to November 2018, the BASIC study at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, has enrolled 5492 women, in 6478 pregnancies, of which 46.3% first-time pregnancies and with an average age of 31.5 years. After inclusion around gestational week 16–18, participants are followed-up with data collection points around gestational week 32, at childbirth, as well as three times postpartum: after 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. At the last follow-up, 70.8% still remain in the cohort.

Findings to date

In addition to internet-based surveys with self-report instruments, participants contribute with biological samples, for example, blood samples (maternal and from umbilical cord), biopsies (umbilical cord and placenta) and microbiota samples. A nested case–control subsample also takes part in cognitive and emotional tests, heart rate variability tests and bioimpedance tests. Subprojects have identified various correlates of PND of psychological and obstetric origin in addition to factors of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and immune system.

Future plans

In parallel with the completion of data collection (final follow-up November 2019), BASIC study data are currently analysed in multiple subprojects. Since 2012, we are conducting an ongoing follow-up study on the participants and their children up to 6 years of age (U-BIRTH). Researchers interested in collaboration may contact Professor Alkistis Skalkidou (corresponding author) with their request to be considered by the BASIC study steering committee.
Clinically meaningful visual improvements and predictors of early vision gains with ranibizumab for diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Morse Lawrence , Yau Linda , Tuomi Lisa
Published: October 2019

Objective

To determine the time to first clinically meaningful improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients treated with ranibizumab for diabetic macular oedema (DME) and identify predictors of early visual improvement.

Methods and analysis

We retrospectively analysed the phase III RIDE (NCT00473382) and RISE (NCT00473330) trials, in which 759 patients with DME were randomised to monthly intravitreal ranibizumab 0.3 mg (n=250), ranibizumab 0.5 mg (n=252) or sham treatment (n=257). After month 24, 191 sham-treated patients crossed over to monthly ranibizumab 0.5 mg through month 36, while ranibizumab-treated patients continued treatment. Kaplan-Meier analyses assessed time to achieve ≥15 or ≥10 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letter gains from baseline or ≥20/40 Snellen equivalent BCVA in each treatment arm. Baseline predictors of ≥15 ETDRS letter gains at month 6 were identified by logistic regression.

Results

Median time to first ≥15 ETDRS letter gain was significantly shorter in patients who received ranibizumab (0.3 mg, 11.1 months; 0.5 mg, 10.9 months) than sham-treated patients who crossed over to ranibizumab 0.5 mg at month 24 (35.7 months; both p<0.0001). Half of ranibizumab-treated patients achieved ≥20/40 BCVA within 2.3 (0.3 mg) and 1.9 months (0.5 mg). Baseline predictors of early vision improvement among ranibizumab-treated patients were BCVA ≤55 ETDRS letters, younger age and presence of subretinal fluid.

Conclusion

Prompt ranibizumab therapy for DME was associated with rapid, clinically meaningful vision gains that were maintained over 36 months of treatment. Lower BCVA, younger age and presence of subretinal fluid were predictive of early vision improvement.
BET 1: Efficacy of different techniques using a metered-dose inhaler with Spacer to relieve symptoms in children with acute asthma
Authors: Winter Ben Kerr , Carlton Edward
Published: October 2019

A shortcut review was carried out to establish which inhaler with spacer technique provides the greatest improvement in symptoms in children with acute asthma. Four relevant papers were identified for inclusion using the reported search strategy. The author, date and country of publication; group studied; study type; relevant outcomes; results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. It is concluded that a ‘tidal breathing’ technique, with a minimum of three breaths per inhaler activation, is likely equivalent in efficacy to a ‘single breath and hold technique’, and easier for a breathless child to perform.
Early–Middle Permian post-collisional granitoids in the northern Beishan orogen, northwestern China: evidence from U–Pb ages and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes
Authors: Li Min , Xin Houtian , Ren Bangfang , Ren Yunwei , Liu Wengang
Published: October 2019

The geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotope, zircon U–Pb, and zircon Hf isotope compositions are reported for monzogranites and granodiorites from the Hazhu area in the northern Beishan orogen, northwestern China. Zircon U–Pb dating yielded ages of 270.1 ± 1.1 and 277.4 ± 1.2 Ma for the monzogranites and 263.6 ± 1.2 and 262.2 ± 1.1 Ma for the granodiorites. These monzogranites and granodiorites are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous I-type and belong to mid-K calc-alkaline and high-K calc-alkaline series. They exhibit high Mg# values and moderate degrees of differentiation (D.I. = 70.7–88.1). They are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements and depleted in high field strength elements. They show high (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.6995–0.7070 and high εNd(t) values of 4.37–5.70 with Nd model ages (TDM) of 522–789 Ma, suggesting a juvenile crustal origin. Furthermore, their εHf(t) values are all positive, and Hf isotopic crustal model ages ([Formula: see text] = 394–1097 Ma) also indicate a juvenile crustal origin. According to the data obtained in this study and other regional geological data acquired recently, the Hazhu granitoids were derived from common sources of melting from the Neoproterozoic to late Paleozoic juvenile crusts. The younger intrusions (granodiorites) are more basic, likely as a result of more juvenile lower crust being melted along with asthenospheric upwelling, which led to the addition of more basic components. These granitoids formed in a post-collisional setting. The tectonic regime transformed from an arc-related compressional setting to post-collisional extension, likely as a result of lithospheric extension and thinning in response to oceanic lithospheric delamination. These granitoids in the northern Beishan orogen were probably emplaced in a post-collisional extensional setting and suggest vertical continental crustal growth in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt.
Analysis of stand density effects on the stem form of Norway spruce trees and volume miscalculation by traditional form factor equations using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS)
Authors: Jacobs Martin , Rais Andreas , Pretzsch Hans
Published: October 2019

Tree and stand volume estimates are relevant for forest inventories, forest sales, and carbon stock evaluations. Forest practice commonly uses generalized stem-wood volume functions; however, such generalized approaches neglect the stem form in detail. Hence, trees of a given species with the same diameter at breast height (d1.3) and height (h) are always assumed to have the same form factor and thus the same volume. This case study focused on stem form variation of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) due to competition effects. Using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), we measured the stem shape of 868 trees from a long-term spacing and thinning experiment in Germany. The plots covered a broad density range. We analysed the effect of competition and compared the TLS-determined stem volume estimates with those determined conventionally. TLS-based volume estimations showed that the lower the competition was, the lower the tree volume was with a given d1.3 and h. Commonly used functions underestimated the volume stock overall by 4.2%, disregarding any levels. At plot level, underestimation varied from 0.7% to 7.0%. At tree level, the volume was under- and over-estimated by −10% to +10%, respectively. The more precise the examination was, the more suitable the application of TLS was for enhancing volume estimation.
Resveratrol inhibits high-glucose-induced inflammatory “metabolic memory” in human retinal vascular endothelial cells through SIRT1-dependent signaling
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Gu Junxiang , Chen Wenwen , Chang Qing
Published: October 2019

Diabetes induces vascular endothelial damage and this study investigated high-glucose-induced inflammation “metabolic memory” of human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRVECs), the effects of resveratrol on HRVECs, and the underlying signaling. HRVECs were grown under various conditions and assayed for levels of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1); acetylated nuclear factor κB (Ac-NF-κB); NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3); and other inflammatory cytokines; and cell viability. A high glucose concentration induced HRVEC inflammation metabolic memory by decreasing SIRT1 and increasing Ac-NF-κB, NLRP3, caspase 1, interleukin-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and tumor necrosis factor α, whereas exposure of HRVECs to a high glucose medium for 4 days, followed by a normal glucose concentration for an additional 4 days, failed to reverse these changes. A high glucose concentration also significantly reduced HRVEC viability. In contrast, resveratrol, a selective SIRT1 activator, markedly enhanced HRVEC viability and reduced the inflammatory cytokines expressions. In addition, high glucose reduced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and retained during the 4 days of the reversal period of culture. The effects of resveratrol were abrogated after co-treatment with the SIRT1 inhibitor nicotinamide and the AMPK inhibitor compound C. In conclusion, resveratrol was able to reverse high-glucose-induced inflammation “metabolic memory” of HRVECs by activation of the SIRT1/AMPK/NF-κB pathway.
Probing the strange content of the proton with charm production in charged current at LHeC
Authors:   XFITTER Developers’ team:, Abdolmaleki Hamed , Bertone Valerio , Britzger Daniel , Camarda Stefano , Cooper-Sarkar Amanda , Geiser Achim , Giuli Francesco , Glazov Alexander , Luszczak Agnieszka , Novikov Ivan , Olness Fred , Sapronov Andrey , Zenaiev Oleksandr
Published: October 2019

We study charm production in charged-current deep-inelastic scattering (DIS) using the xFitter framework. Recent results from the LHC have focused renewed attention on the determination of the strange-quark parton distribution function (PDF), and the DIS charm process provides important complementary constraints on this quantity. We examine the current PDF uncertainty and use LHeC pseudodata to estimate the potential improvement from this proposed facility. As xFitter implements both fixed-flavor- and variable-flavor-number schemes, we can compare the impact of these different theoretical choices; this highlights some interesting aspects of multi-scale calculations. We find that the high-statistics LHeC data covering a wide kinematic range could substantially reduce the strange PDF uncertainty.