bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculation of optimum profile modification curve for gear pair based on complex potential method
Authors: Peng Quancheng , Lin Tengjiao , Lv Hesheng
Published: September 2019

The optimum profile modification curve of a gear pair is usually determined according to the fluctuation minimization of static transmission error (STE). For the calculation of STE, the potential energy method dismisses the correlative tooth deflection induced by gear body elastic coupling effects, and the finite element method requires high calculation cost. In order to simultaneously obtain high calculation accuracy and efficiency, the single tooth deflection is calculated through analytical integration about the Hertz contact pressure based on the conformal map method. The correlative tooth deflection is calculated based on the power series solution of the mixed boundary problem of an elastic annulus. Via combination of deflection compatibility and the force equilibrium condition, a contact analysis model of a spur gear pair is built. Based on the model, the STE is first calculated and compared with the finite element analysis result to verify the model rationality. Then, the optimum profile modification curve which renders constant STE is calculated. For a gear pair with the obtained modification curve, fluctuation of dynamic transmission error also decreases and the optimization effect is verified.
Childhood Maltreatment, Cortical and Amygdala Morphometry, Functional Connectivity, Laterality, and Psychopathology
Authors: Teicher Martin H. , Khan Alaptagin
Published: September 2019

Child maltreatment (CM) is the most important preventable risk factor for psychopathology and there is a pressing need to understand how CM gets ‘under the skin’ to markedly increase risk in some individuals as well as a comparable effort to identify factors associated with better than expected outcomes in other individuals. This special issue of Child Maltreatment provides a series of sophisticated studies on the neurobiological impact of CM, of which we have chosen 4 articles to comment on.The articles by Oshri et al., and Peveril, Sheridan, Busso & McLaughlin are amygdala centric and provide important new information on the impact of CM on the morphology and functional connectivity of this highly stress susceptible structure. The article by Demers et al., presents data from a longitudinal study that illustrates the potentially disruptive effects of CM on the association between maternal relationship quality, frontal cortical development and symptomatology. Finally, the De Bellis et al., study addresses the pressing question, which we have labeled the ‘ecophenotype hypothesis’, that postulates that maltreated and non-maltreated individuals with the same primary DSM diagnosis are clinically and neurobiologically distinct, and provides new evidence for a specific prefrontal cortical neurobiological abnormality in the maltreated subtype.
Corner Store Owners as Health Promotion Agents in Low-Income Communities
Authors: Dombrowski Rachael D. , Kelley Michele A.
Published: September 2019

Reports of small business owner motivations for participation in health promotion interventions are rarely reported in the literature, particularly in relation to healthy eating interventions. This study explicates and defines the development of healthy corner stores as community-based enterprises (CBEs) within eight low-income, suburban communities. CBEs are defined as community-oriented small businesses with a common goal to improve population health. The corner stores assessed in this study were participants in Healthy HotSpot (HH), a corner store initiative of the Cook County Department of Public Health. To determine store alignment with the CBE construct, a case study design was used for qualitative inquiry. Participant narratives from store owners ( n = 21), community-based organizations (CBOs; n = 8) and consumer focus groups ( n = 51) were analyzed using an iterative process to determine how store owners aligned with the CBE construct, and how this influenced continuation of health promotion activities. Several key factors influenced the strength of store owners’ alignment with the CBE construct. They included the following: (a) shared ethno-cultural identities and residential area as consumers; (b) positive, trustworthy relationships with consumers; (c) store owners valuing and prioritizing community health, often over profits; and (d) collaboration with a highly engaged CBO in the HH project. Results can assist in theory development and intervention design in working with corner store owners, and other small business owners, as health promotion agents to improve and sustain health outcomes and help ensure the economic vitality of low-income communities.
High Coping Self-Efficacy Associated With Lower Sweat Inflammatory Cytokines in Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hladek Melissa , Gill Jessica , Lai Chen , Lorig Kate , Szanton Sarah
Published: September 2019

Introduction/Background:

Chronic diseases, like diabetes and heart disease, are considered inflammatory conditions with elevated levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). Disease progression is not consistent from person to person. Psychosocial factors are hypothesized to play a modifying role. Self-efficacy, the confidence in one’s ability to perform well in a specific life domain or at a specific task, is associated with better health outcomes. Coping self-efficacy is confidence in one’s ability to handle life’s problems through emotional regulation, problem-solving, and social support. Little is known about associations between coping self-efficacy and inflammation.

Aim:

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine associations between coping self-efficacy and IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α levels.

Method:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted over two visits. Sociodemographic variables, chronic disease count, body mass index (BMI), and coping self-efficacy were collected. Inflammatory markers were collected via sweat using the sweat patch, a noninvasive collection device.

Results:

Higher TNF-α and IL-10 levels were significantly associated with low coping self-efficacy (β = −.03, p = .028; β = −.017, p = .007, respectively) after adjustment for age, sex, race, BMI, and chronic disease count. IL-6 trended toward significance after adjustment as well (β = −.22, p = .054).

Conclusions:

This pilot study showed that high coping self-efficacy was associated with lower IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α levels, indicating a potential buffering effect of high coping self-efficacy. Further longitudinal research with larger sample sizes is needed.
An innovative cyanoacrylate device developed to improve the current standard of care for intravascular catheter securement
Authors: Guido Amanda , Zhang Sheng , Yang Cheng , Pook Laura
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

Over one billion intravascular devices are used worldwide, annually. Due to the associated complications with these devices, the development of a reliable yet cost-effective securement technique is extremely important. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the strength of a novel catheter securement cyanoacrylate for securing peripheral venous catheters, central venous catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters, and all other intravascular catheter types.

Materials and methods:

An unprecedented in vitro method was performed to quantify and compare the strength of a novel cyanoacrylate product when securing intravascular catheters inserted into prepared porcine skin. In vivo, canine subjects were used to implant various types of catheters. These catheters were secured with a novel catheter securement cyanoacrylate to test the strength and durability while undergoing simulated clinical stresses.

Results:

In vitro, the catheter securement cyanoacrylate demonstrated superior strength over conventional catheter securement methods as well as other known cyanoacrylates. The catheter securement cyanoacrylate demonstrated the ability to maintain superior strength for up to 7 days. In vivo, the catheter securement cyanoacrylate demonstrated the ability to withstand five weight tugs per hour for a 3-h duration, alone, while securing three types of catheters in canine subjects.

Conclusion:

This is one of the first studies to provide quantitative data to support the use of cyanoacrylate for intravascular catheter securement. The results from this research suggest that the novel catheter securement cyanoacrylate can be a simple and cost-effective catheter securement device that can improve the current health care protocol for intravascular catheterization.
MitoIMP: A Computational Framework for Imputation of Missing Data in Low-Coverage Human Mitochondrial Genome
Authors: Ishiya Koji , Mizuno Fuzuki , Wang Li , Ueda Shintaroh
Published: September 2019

The incompleteness of partial human mitochondrial genome sequences makes it difficult to perform relevant comparisons among multiple resources. To deal with this issue, we propose a computational framework for deducing missing nucleotides in the human mitochondrial genome. We applied it to worldwide mitochondrial haplogroup lineages and assessed its performance. Our approach can deduce the missing nucleotides with a precision of 0.99 or higher in most human mitochondrial DNA lineages. Furthermore, although low-coverage mitochondrial genome sequences often lead to a blurred relationship in the multidimensional scaling analysis, our approach can correct this positional arrangement according to the corresponding mitochondrial DNA lineages. Therefore, our framework will provide a practical solution to compensate for the lack of genome coverage in partial and fragmented human mitochondrial genome sequences. In this study, we developed an open-source computer program, MitoIMP, implementing our imputation procedure. MitoIMP is freely available from https://github.com/omics-tools/mitoimp .
White normativity, animal advocacy and PETA’s campaigns
Authors: C. Rodrigues Luis
Published: September 2019

In this article, I argue that some of the campaigns that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) carried out in the USA are white normative and that the presence of this normative whiteness is symptomatic of the same larger problem in animal advocacy. I contend that PETA’s campaigns are white normative for two sets of reasons. First, PETA’s campaigns promote racist hierarchies; second, their campaigns contribute to black people’s disengagement from animal justice, undermining the pursuit of black justice. Further, I argue that, even though PETA’s campaigns are symptomatic of how many animal advocates are white normative, this does not need to be the case, for there are advocacy alternatives that resist normative whiteness.
Temperature effect modeling in structural health monitoring of concrete dams using kernel extreme learning machines
Authors: Kang Fei , Liu Xi , Li Junjie
Published: September 2019

Statistical models have been used for dam health monitoring for many years and have achieved some successful applications. In the statistical model, dam structural response is related to external environmental factors such as reservoir water level, temperature, and irreversible time deformation. For concrete dams, the structural response is affected greatly by the ambient temperature. Therefore, in order to establish a more reliable dam health monitoring model, the temperature effect and modeling method should be further studied. This article presents a dam health monitoring model using measured air temperature for temperature effect simulation based on kernel extreme learning machines. The temperature effect is simulated by long-term air temperature data, and the nonlinear relationship is modeled by kernel extreme learning machines, which is an intelligent machine learning technique with high learning speed and good generalization performance. The proposed dam health monitoring model is verified on a real concrete gravity dam with efficient safety monitoring data. Results show that the proposed approach with a variable set recommended for concrete dam behavior prediction is feasible.
Think Twice before Jumping on the Bandwagon: Clarifying Concepts in Research on the Bandwagon Effect
Authors: Barnfield Matthew
Published: September 2019

The potential influence of perceived popularity of political parties or candidates on individual vote choice is most commonly studied in terms of a ‘bandwagon effect’. However, there is confusion over exactly what the bandwagon effect is. In this article, I seek to remedy this confusion by providing a clear definition and typology of bandwagon effects, grounded in a review which reappraises existing scholarship. I argue that the bandwagon effect is a distinct social phenomenon involving an individual-level change in vote choice or turnout decision towards a more or increasingly popular candidate or party, motivated initially by this popularity. I then break this down employing a typology which draws on distinctions made in the literature between static and dynamic, and conversion and mobilisation effects. This conception of the bandwagon effect leaves it open to the operation of a variety of possible underlying processes. Scholars should apply such clear concepts as are proposed here in bandwagon research, to situate and clarify their contributions theoretically and offer a more nuanced understanding of whether, how and why bandwagon effects occur across different political contexts.
Imaging as Part of a Quality Assurance Program: Predictors of Interobserver Variability for Pretreatment Image Registration for Lung SBRT
Authors: Baran Geoff , Burmeister Jay , Paximadis Peter , Bossenberg Todd , Halford Robert , Masi Kathryn , Nalichowski Adrian , Miller Steven , Vaishampayan Nitin , Zaki Mark , Iannotti Kristen , Komajda Melanie , Mattews Kathryn , Qasim Essam , Sullivan Sean , Beydoun Hassan , Dominello Michael
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

To evaluate the magnitude of interobserver variability in pretreatment image registration for lung stereotactic body radiation therapy patients in aggregate and within 3 clinical subgroups and to determine methods to identify patients expected to demonstrate larger variability.

Methods and Materials:

Retrospective image registration was performed for the first and last treatment fraction for 10 lung stereotactic body radiation therapy patients by 16 individual observers (5 physicians, 6 physicists, and 5 therapists). Registration translation values were compared within and between subgroups overall and between the first and the last fractions. Four metrics were evaluated as possible predictors for large interobserver variability.

Results:

The mean 3-dimensional displacement vector for all patients over all comparisons was 2.4 ± 1.8 mm. Three patients had mean 3-dimensional vector differences >3 mm. This cohort of patients showed a significant interfraction difference in variance ( P value = .01), increasing from first fraction to last. A significant difference in interobserver variability was observed between physicians and physicists ( P value < .01) and therapists and physicists ( P value < .01) but not between physicians and therapists ( P value = .07). Three of the 4 quantities evaluated as potential predictive metrics showed statistical correlation with increased interobserver variation, including target excursion and local target/lung contrast.

Conclusion:

Variability in pretreatment image guidance represents an important treatment consideration, particularly for stereotactic body radiation therapy, which employs small margins and a small number of treatment fractions. As a result of the data presented here, we have initiated weekly “registration rounds” to familiarize all staff physicians with the target and normal anatomy for each stereotactic body radiation therapy patient and minimize interobserver variations in image registration prior to treatment. The metrics shown here are capable of identifying patients for which large interobserver variations would be anticipated. These metrics may be used in the future to develop thresholds for additional interventions to mitigate registration variations.
Epidermal Growth Factor in Exhaled Breath Condensate as Diagnostic Method for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Chen Jinliang , Chen Jianrong , Lv Xuedong , Yang Qichang , Yao Sumei
Published: September 2019

Objective:

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in humans. Finding a highly sensitive and specific marker is very important. This study investigated the clinical significance of epidermal growth factor in exhaled breath condensate and serum of patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Methods:

From October 17, 2013, to June 5, 2017, exhaled breath condensate and blood samples from 155 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, 63 patients with benign pulmonary nodules, and 115 healthy controls were collected using a breath condenser. Each sample was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

Epidermal growth factor level in the exhaled breath condensate from the non-small cell lung cancer group (197.86 ± 60.67 pg/mL) was higher than that in the healthy group (124.75 ± 36.09 pg/mL), P < .05. Epidermal growth factor level in the exhaled breath condensate of the smoking group (208.85 ± 40.94 pg/mL) was higher than that of the nonsmoking group (185.52 ± 36.88 pg/mL), P < .05. Epidermal growth factor level in the exhaled breath condensate in phases III and IV of non-small cell lung cancer group (212.17 ± 35.41 pg/mL) was higher than that in phases I and II (173.91 ± 38.08 pg/mL), P < .05. Epidermal growth factor level in the exhaled breath condensate of the death group (241.05 ± 27.19 pg/mL) was higher than that of the survival group (188.75 ± 37.07 pg/mL), P < .05. The epidermal growth factor exhaled breath condensate levels were positively correlated with the serum epidermal growth factor levels with a correlation coefficient of 0.495 ( P < .05). The sensitivity and specificity of epidermal growth factor exhaled breath condensate test were 80.0% and 89.6%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The detection of epidermal growth factor level in exhaled breath condensate exhibits is important in the diagnosis, disease monitoring, and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer.
A Descriptive Analysis of the Error Patterns Observed in the Fraction-Computation Solution Pathways of Students With and Without Learning Disabilities
Authors: Hwang Jiwon , Riccomini Paul J.
Published: September 2019

Developing an understanding of fractions is critical as a significant predictor for the learning progression of advanced domains; however, students face significant challenges in learning fractions because of their unique properties. To systematically approach remediation, this study examined the common error patterns committed by middle-school students with and without learning disabilities in mathematics when solving fraction computations involving addition. Based on the logic that errors reflect meaningful misconceptions, errors associated in each solution stage established in a solution algorithm were analyzed. Findings provide instruction implications to develop practical guidelines for researchers, insights into a starting point of instruction when teaching students in diverse achievement levels, and an awareness about specific problematic areas requiring more intensive instruction and intervention. Careful consideration of errors associated within a solution pathway can maximize the efficacy of instructions. Future research directions, educational implications, and limitations are discussed.
Mitigation strategy against spectrum-sensing data falsification attack in cognitive radio sensor networks
Authors: Wan Runze , Ding Lixin , Xiong Naixue , Zhou Xing
Published: September 2019

To detect the primary user’s activity accurately in cognitive radio sensor networks, cooperative spectrum sensing is recommended to improve the sensing performance and the reliability of spectrum-sensing process. However, spectrum-sensing data falsification attack being launched by malicious users may lead to fatal mistake of global decision about spectrum availability at the fusion center. It is a tough task to mitigate the negative effect of spectrum-sensing data falsification attack and even eliminate these attackers from the network. In this article, we first discuss the randomly false attack model and analyze the effects of two classes of attacks, individual and collaborative, on the global sensing performance at the fusion center. Afterwards, a linear weighted combination scheme is designed to eliminate the effects of the attacks on the final sensing decision. By evaluating the received sensing result, each user can be assigned a weight related to impact factors, which includes result consistency degree and data deviation degree. Furthermore, an adaptive reputation evaluation mechanism is introduced to discriminate malicious and honest sensor node. The evaluation is conducted through simulations, and the results reveal the benefits of the proposed in aspect of mitigation of spectrum-sensing data falsification attack.
Mobile sensing for behavioral research: A component-based approach for rapid deployment of sensing campaigns
Authors: Felix Ivan R , Castro Luis A , Rodriguez Luis-Felipe , Banos Oresti
Published: September 2019

Collecting experimental data from multiple sensing devices has just recently become quite popular in behavioral and social sciences. Among existing devices, mobile phones stand out as they allow researchers to collect data from individuals in an unbiased, precise, unobtrusive, and timely manner. Current mobile sensing applications are typically developed from scratch, provide no reusable components, and frequently do not take advantage of the devices’ processing capabilities. In light of such limitations, this work presents a novel tool that leverages mobile phones not only to collect data via their sensors but also to process them on the device as soon as they are gathered. The tool provides researchers with easy-to-use services that allow them to configure the required processing routines on the mobile phones. This work proposes a new approach for rapid deployment of sensing campaigns targeted at scientists with basic technical knowledge and requiring low effort. We performed an evaluation aimed at determining whether there is a significant improvement in terms of user effectiveness and efficiency in the definition of new components. The results suggest that the proposed tool speeds up the time and reduces the effort taken for setting up and deploying a sensing campaign.
Variation of voids and inter-layer shear strength of advanced polymer-matrix composites at different pressures with high-pressure microwave
Authors: Chen Xiaoping , Zhan Lihua , Pu Yongwei , Huang Minghui , Chen Xiwen , Guan Chenglong , Wu Xintong , He Jiayang
Published: September 2019

Due to its rapid and volumetric heating capabilities, microwave heating has been conceived as an alternative cost-effective route for curing advanced polymer-matrix composites. Different curing pressures were applied to the pre-impregnated laminates of advanced polymer-matrix composites in a given high-pressure microwave curing process. The variation of voids’ shapes in the advanced polymer-matrix composites was revealed, and the shear failure mechanism of advanced polymer-matrix composites with different porosity was analyzed. During the shear failure process of the advanced polymer-matrix composites, sounds ceaselessly occur. The experiment results of the optical digital microscopy, the scanning electron microscope, and the inter-laminar shear properties test showed that in high-pressure microwave curing process, pressure was not only the main factor that affects the porosity and the mechanical properties but also influences the bonding strength of the resin and the carbon fiber interface significantly. There is a threshold value for the effect of curing pressure on porosity and inter-laminar shear strength of advanced polymer-matrix composites. The internal relationship among porosity, inter-laminar shear strength, and curing pressure of advanced polymer-matrix composites could be summarized as a piecewise power function.
Internet use for family carers of people with intellectual disabilities: A literature review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Caton Sue , Koivunen Emma-Reetta , Allison Callum
Published: September 2019

Being a family carer can be rewarding but can also lead to mental and physical exhaustion as well as feelings of social exclusion and isolation. Research has shown that the use of the Internet and online forums can provide an immediate place to find information and reassurance and that forum use can be an empathetic place to share experiences and seek emotional support. This article details a systematic literature search of research on carers of people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism using the Internet. A thematic synthesis of the resulting papers identified that online forums give carers a sense of agency by providing a place to go for informational support that may not be elsewhere. Carers also enjoyed the safe community of solidarity and emotional support that online forums provide. An important finding is the lack of published papers in this area with the inclusion of just eight papers.
Research on race car steering geometry considering tire side slip angle
Authors: Zheng Hongyu , Yang Shuo
Published: September 2019

The steering trapezoid designed according to the Ackermann steering geometry potentially causes excessive tire wear and affects the steering performance due to the large tire deformation resulting from large lateral acceleration. To address these problems, this article introduces a design method for a race car steering system that considers the tire side slip angles to optimize the target steering angle relation. First, a racing path was planned by genetic algorithm according to the given race track and race car driver characteristics. Next, the objective function of the ideal steering angle relation was constructed by introducing the Ackermann correction coefficient and establishing the modified Ackermann steering geometry model, considering the tire side slip angle. Then, a data acquisition experiment was designed, and the Ackermann correction coefficient was identified by the proposed simulation algorithm. Finally, the coincidence degree of wheel steering centers was defined as the evaluation index, which can be used to describe and evaluate the performance of the coordination for wheels’ movement. Simulation results show that the design method of the steering system effectively improves the handling stability of the race car and reduces the tire leaning-grind.
Dew Can Prolong Photosynthesis and Water Status During Drought in Some Epiphytic Bromeliads From a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest
Authors: Chávez-Sahagún Eduardo , Andrade José Luis , Zotz Gerhard , Reyes-García Casandra
Published: September 2019

Dew can represent an alternate water source in epiphytic bromeliads. However, the physiological relevance of dew to withstand the dry season, within seasonal forests, is not fully understood. To study the effect of dew deposition in the physiological response of four Tillandsia species with contrasting morphologies, we performed an experiment in the tropical dry deciduous forest of Dzibilchaltún, Mexico, during the transition from the wet to the dry season. Half of the individuals were covered every night with a plastic tarp to prevent dew deposition. Environmental variables were monitored, and physiological variables (relative water content, leaf succulence, nocturnal tissue acidification and electron transport rate) were measured at the beginning and end of the experiment. We found that throughout the drought, there was consistent nighttime dew formation for >4 h. Both the time the leaves spent at a temperature below dew point of the air and the effect on water and carbon metabolism was species -specific, as evidenced by the comparison among the exposed and covered (dew -deprived) plants. Tillandsia elongata and Tillandsia brachycaulos had longer times of dew formation and showed higher water content at the end of the experiment when exposed to dew, the latter species also had a significant effect of dew on nocturnal acidity. In contrast, neither Tillandsia yucatana nor Tillandsia fasciculata seemed to be using dew as a relevant source of water during the dry period. We discuss the species’ morphoanatomical traits that may be related to the differences in dew formation and use.
Detached or Interventionist? Comparing the Performance of Watchdog Journalism in Transitional, Advanced and Non-democratic Countries
Authors: Márquez-Ramírez Mireya , Mellado Claudia , Humanes María Luisa , Amado Adriana , Beck Daniel , Davydov Sergey , Mick Jacques , Mothes Cornelia , Olivera Dasniel , Panagiotu Nikos , Roses Sergio , Silke Henry , Sparks Colin , Stępińska Agnieszka , Szabó Gabriella , Tandoc Edson , Wang Haiyan
Published: September 2019

This study proposes the interventionist and the detached orientations to watchdog journalism through the conceptual lens of journalistic role performance. Based on a content analysis of 33,640 news stories from sixty-four media outlets in eighteen countries, we measure and compare both orientations across different countries using three performative aspects of monitoring: intensity of scrutiny, voice of the scrutiny, and source of the event. Our findings show that the interventionist approach of watchdog journalism is more likely to be found in democracies with traditionally partisan and opinion-oriented journalistic cultures or experiencing sociopolitical crises. In turn, the detached orientation predominates in democracies with journalistic traditions associated to objectivity. Although both orientations have a lower presence in transitional democracies, the detached watchdog prevails, while in non-democratic countries the watchdog role is almost absent. Our results also reveal that structural contexts of undemocratic political regimes and restricted press freedom are key definers of watchdog role performance overall. However, the type of political regime is actually more important—and in fact the most important predictor— for detached than for interventionist reporting.
Are we getting any better at staying better? The long view on relapse and recovery in first episode nonaffective psychosis and schizophrenia
Authors: Taylor Mark , Jauhar Sameer
Published: September 2019

Relapse in, and recovery from, schizophrenia has been acknowledged since the disease was first described. In this review the authors summarize the long-term (>100 years) data on relapse and recovery in schizophrenia by reviewing the extant older and modern relevant literature. The authors systematically question the utility of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, with an emphasis on first episode nonaffective psychosis. The method used is a narrative review of earlier meta-analytic and systematic reviews.

Antipsychotic medication discontinuation studies suggest a role for prophylactic maintenance treatment in the majority of people with schizophrenia, despite recent debate on this subject. The authors conclude that long-term outcomes, including relapse and recovery rates, have improved in the last 100 years, though prospectively identifying those people who do not require long-term antipsychotic treatment has not yet been possible. Data also suggests that interventions and outcomes during the first 5 years of the disease can influence the long-term schizophrenia trajectory.
Risk of bacteremia in hospitalised patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a 9‐year cohort study
Authors: Goren Idan , Brom Adi , Yanai Henit , Dagan Amir , Segal Gad , Israel Ariel
Published: September 2019

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease might be at increased risk of invasive bacterial infections.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to identify the rate of bacteremia in hospitalised patients with inflammatory bowel disease and risk factors.

Methods

An observational cohort of hospitalised patients with inflammatory bowel disease, aged 16–80 years, from 2008 to 2017 in a large tertiary hospital. Patients with Charlson comorbidity index of 2 or greater were excluded. Patients with one or more positive blood culture were reviewed. Logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors for bacteremia.

Results

Of 5522 admitted patients, only 1.3% had bacteremia (73/5522) (39, Crohn’s disease; 25, ulcerative colitis; nine, unclassified inflammatory bowel disease). The most common pathogen was Escherichia coli (19/73 patients). The mortality rate at 30 days of patients with bacteremia was 13.7% (10/73). Longer hospitalisations (mean length of stay (21.6 ± 31.0 vs. 6.4 ± 16.0 days; P  < 0.0001) and older age (mean age 47.5 ± 18.0 vs. 40.2 ± 15.4 years, P  < 0.0001)) were associated with an increased risk of bacteremia. In multivariate analysis, treatment with either anti‐tumour necrosis factor α, purine analogues, steroids or amino salicylates was not associated with an increased risk of bacteremia. Risk was greatest among patients aged 65 years or older (relative risk 2.84, 95% confidence interval 1.6–4.8; P  = 0.0001) relative to those under 65 years.

Conclusion

Age over 65 years, but not inflammatory bowel disease‐related medications, is associated with an increased risk of bacteremia in hospitalised patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
MicroRNAs as Key Regulators of Ovarian Cancers
Authors: Satapathy Sandeep , Kumar Chanchal , Singh Roshan Kumar
Published: September 2019

The tumor microenvironment can be realistically viewed as an active battle ground between the host immune system and the growing tumor cells. This reactive space surrounding the tumor possesses several possibilities and facilitates the progression of a tumor from a neoplastic stage to that of metastasis. The contemporary approach of understanding the cancer biology from a “within the cell” perspective has been largely challenged with complex and intricate “outside the cell” events. Thus understanding the biology of the tumor microenvironment has been of scientific and clinical interest. Small non-coding microRNAs with a pleotropic and wide range of cellular gene targets can be reasonably hypothesized to regulate the events of carcinogenesis and progression. MicroRNAs have been investigated in different cancer models, and evidence of their involvement in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment has been of much interest. In particular, a major interest has been exploring the role of the tumor microenvironment in regulating the interaction of cancer cells with surrounding stromal components and the effect of such interactions on the cancer cells. Fine-tuned regulation by these microRNAs extends our contemporary understanding of these small biomolecules in epigenetic regulations. This review focuses on microRNAs that are dysregulated in ovarian carcinomas, their effect on the components of the tumor microenvironment, and the correlation of their heterogeneous expression profiles with disease severity and prognosis in patients. In addition, this paper also discusses the differential expression of exosomal microRNAs that are known to link the cancer cell with its microenvironment, facilitating the development of an improved prognostic/diagnostic marker and effective therapeutic regime.
Multimorbidity, functional limitations, and outcomes: Interactions in a population-based cohort of older adults
Authors: Chamberlain Alanna M , Rutten Lila J Finney , Jacobson Debra J , Fan Chun , Wilson Patrick M , Rocca Walter A , Roger Véronique L , St Sauver Jennifer L
Published: September 2019

Objective:

To understand the interaction of multimorbidity and functional limitations in determining health-care utilization and survival in older adults.

Methods:

Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents aged 60–89 years in 2005 were categorized into four cohorts based on the presence or absence of multimorbidity (≥3 chronic conditions from a list of 18) and functional limitations (≥1 limitation in an activity of daily living from a list of 9), and were followed through December 31, 2016. Andersen–Gill and Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and death using persons with neither multimorbidity nor functional limitations as the reference (interaction analyses).

Results:

Among 13,145 persons, 34% had neither multimorbidity nor functional limitations, 44% had multimorbidity only, 4% had functional limitations only, and 18% had both. Over a median follow-up of 11 years, 5906 ED visits, 2654 hospitalizations, and 4559 deaths occurred. Synergistic interactions on an additive scale of multimorbidity and functional limitations were observed for all outcomes; however, the magnitude of the interactions decreased with advancing age. The HR (95% confidence interval) for death among persons with both multimorbidity and functional limitations was 5.34 (4.40–6.47) at age 60–69, 4.16 (3.59–4.83) at age 70–79, and 2.86 (2.45–3.35) at age 80–89 years.

Conclusion:

The risk of ED visits, hospitalizations, and death among persons with both multimorbidity and functional limitations is greater than additive. The magnitude of the interaction was strongest for the youngest age group, highlighting the importance of interventions to prevent and effectively manage multimorbidity and functional limitations early in life.
Total hip arthroplasty after hip joint gunshot injury
Authors: Pazarci Ozhan , Kilinc Seyran , Camurcu Yalkin , Bulut Okay
Published: September 2019

Background:

Gunshot injury of the hip joint was reported to constitute 2–17% of all extremity firearm injuries. However, there are few studies in the literature related to gunshot injuries of the hip joint. The aim of the current study was to present the results of 10 cases treated with arthroplasty following a gunshot injury to the hip joint together with the recommended treatment algorithm.

Methods:

Patients with a previous medical history of hip joint region gunshot injury who underwent total hip arthroplasty were retrospectively evaluated. Those with incomplete medical records or who were lost to follow-up were excluded. Patients were classified according to the severity of the previous gunshot injury to the hip joint region. Harris hip score (HHS) and Short Form-12 quality of life score were the main outcome measurements. Postoperative complications encountered during follow-up were recorded.

Results:

The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 29.9 years. The mean preoperative HHS was 25.2 points and it was 65.8 at the final follow-up. Patients with bullet fragments in the hip joint, classified as group 1, had better HHS, whereas those with contaminated hip joint with intestinal flora, classified as group 3, had worst HHS.

Conclusion:

Hip arthroplasty after hip joint gunshot injury is a good treatment choice in young patients to reduce pain and regain functions. However, very high infection rates can be seen in patients with accompanying intestinal injury.
Elbow Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Players: An Epidemiological Study Spanning 5 Academic Years
Authors: Christopher Zachary K. , Makovicka Justin L. , Scott Kelly L. , Hassebrock Jeffrey D. , Patel Karan A. , Chung Andrew S. , Tummala Sailesh V. , Hydrick Thomas C. , Ginn Jessica , Chhabra Anikar
Published: September 2019

Background:

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football players are at a high risk of injuries. Elbow injuries are uncommon, but there are insufficient data specifically on elbow injuries sustained in NCAA football players.

Purpose:

To define the epidemiology of elbow injuries in NCAA football players during the 2009-2010 to 2013-2014 seasons using data from the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (NCAA-ISP).

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Using the NCAA-ISP database, a convenience sample of NCAA football athletes was reviewed to determine the types, rates, and trends in elbow injuries. Several factors were examined, including the diagnosis, injury setting, time lost from sport, surgical necessity, and injury recurrence. Raw injury data were obtained as well as weighted totals from the NCAA-ISP to generate national estimates and adjust for underreporting. Injury rates were calculated by dividing the number of injuries by the total number of athlete-exposures (AEs). The rate ratios of injuries during competition versus practice were compared, as were the rate ratios of preseason, regular-season, and postseason injuries by type.

Results:

We identified 4874 total elbow injuries from the 2009-2010 to 2013-2014 seasons. The rate of injuries overall was 1.892 per 10,000 AEs. The rate for competition was 9.053 per 10,000 AEs and 1.121 per 10,000 AEs for practice. The rate ratio between competition and practice was 8.08 (95% CI, 6.04-10.80). Injury rates for the preseason, regular season, and postseason were 1.851, 1.936, and 1.406 per 10,000 AEs, respectively. Acute elbow instability was the most common injury type (65.43%). The most common mechanism was a contact injury (86.77%); 96.82% of injuries did not require surgery, and most elbow injuries required less than 24 hours of participation restriction (67.33%).

Conclusion:

Although elbow injuries in NCAA football players are uncommon, it is important to recognize and treat these injuries appropriately. Dislocations and ulnar collateral ligament injuries caused athletes to miss extended periods of play. Fortunately, a majority of injuries resulted in less than 24 hours of participation restriction. Particular attention should be given to preventing elbow injuries, especially ulnar collateral ligament strains, hyperextension injuries, and acute instability.
Epidemiology of Shoulder and Elbow Injuries Among US High School Softball Players, 2005-2006 Through 2016-2017
Authors: Oliver Gretchen D. , Saper Michael G. , Drogosz Monika , Plummer Hillary A. , Arakkal Alan T. , Comstock R. Dawn , Anz Adam W. , Andrews James R. , Fleisig Glenn S.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Injury prevalence has been well described among baseball athletes; similarly, a better understanding of injuries in softball athletes is needed.

Purpose:

To examine shoulder and elbow injury epidemiology among high school softball athletes in the United States.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods:

Injury data were obtained from the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance System, which captures data from a large national sample of US high schools. Annually, a random sample of 100 high schools provided a representative sample with respect to the 4 US Census geographic regions and 2 school sizes (cutoff point, 1000 students). Athletic trainers from participating schools reported data for athlete-exposures (AEs; practice or competition) and shoulder and elbow injuries from 2005-2006 through 2016-2017.

Results:

A total of 239 shoulder injuries and 85 elbow injuries occurred within 2,095,329 AEs. The overall shoulder injury rate was 1.14 per 10,000 AEs, whereas the overall elbow injury rate was 0.41 per 10,000 AEs. Injuries to the shoulder were more likely to occur during competition as compared with practice (rate ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.99-1.65). Half of the shoulder (50.4%) and elbow 48.9% injuries were due to an overuse/chronic mechanism. Of the athletes sustaining an injury, 86.8% with shoulder injuries and 93.0% with elbow injuries returned to play within 21 days. Only 16.7% of shoulder injuries and 17.5% of elbow injuries were sustained by pitchers.

Conclusion:

Shoulder and elbow injury rates, time to return, and percentage of injuries among pitchers were far lower in high school softball than previously reported values for high school baseball. There were relatively low incidences of shoulder and elbow injuries in high school softball as compared with baseball, with few injuries requiring lengthy time to return to play.
Agriculture Crop Residue Burning and Its Consequences on Respiration Health of School-Going Children
Authors: Gupta Sachin
Published: September 2019

Crop waste burning in open fields is a matter of concern in relation to health-related complications in humans of all age groups, especially children. An epidemiological study was been done on school children to estimate the decline in their physiological parameters due to crop residue burning activity. A total of 150 children were inspected for 3 years (2013-2016) at 3 different sites in India. During sampling periods, spirometric tests, ambient particulate matter having size ≥10 µg−3 and ≥2.5 µg−3, and other covariates were measured twice in a fortnight. After adjustment of data in multivariate mixed-effect model, prediction and statistical analyses were done. From results obtained, it has been observed that season wise, the level of fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) was higher in rice crop residue burning seasons than in wheat crop residue burning seasons by 87% to 123% than permitted monthly limits. As per dose-response relationship, maximum degradation was observed in forced vital capacity (−7.62%) and peak expiratory flow (−6.23%) parameters from their baseline values due to burning activities. Prediction equations have been purposed to observe the future trends in physiological parameters of children. Based on Tiffeneau index, an unrecoverable effect was seen in lung parameters. Trends were alarming and may cause serious complications in early age of humans.
Fellow-Eye Conversion and Treatment in Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Dow Eliot R. , Adeghate Jennifer O. , Coombs Peter G. , Gupta Patel Mrinali , D’Amico Donald J. , Kiss Szilárd
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

This article assesses anatomical and visual outcomes after intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment in fellow eyes with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted of 349 patients diagnosed with wet AMD between 2005 and 2017 at a single academic institution. Initial diagnosis of unilateral wet AMD and a minimum follow-up time of 1 year after diagnosis were required for inclusion. Individuals were excluded if the initial diagnosis of wet AMD was made at an outside institution, if they had received prior treatment at another institution, or if they had bilateral wet AMD at the time of inclusion. Best-corrected visual acuity, optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters, and frequency and type of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were recorded. MedCalc Statistical Software version 17.6 (MedCalc Software) and GraphPad Software (GraphPad Software, Inc) were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Of the 349 patients with wet AMD, 192 were included in the study (55%). Of these, 47 (24.5%) developed wet AMD in the fellow eye. The average time to second-eye conversion was 2.6 years, with fellow-eye conversion more likely to occur after 2 years of unilateral disease. On average, patients received 2.16 fewer injections per year in the fellow eye compared with the initially diagnosed eye ( P = .03), and fellow eyes tended to have better OCT results after 12 months of treatment. In addition, compared with ranibizumab and bevacizumab, aflibercept injections appeared to improve visual acuity both in initially diagnosed and fellow eyes.

Conclusions:

Exudative AMD in the fellow eye has a decreased treatment burden and better visual outcomes compared with the initial eye, which may be attributed to more frequent surveillance and early diagnosis.