bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Signal quality and patient experience with wearable devices for epilepsy management
Authors: Nasseri Mona , Nurse Ewan , Glasstetter Martin , Böttcher Sebastian , Gregg Nicholas M. , Laks Nandakumar Aiswarya , Joseph Boney , Pal Attia Tal , Viana Pedro F. , Bruno Elisa , Biondi Andrea , Cook Mark , Worrell Gregory A. , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Dümpelmann Matthias , Freestone Dean R. , Richardson Mark P. , Brinkmann Benjamin H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNoninvasive wearable devices have great potential to aid the management of epilepsy, but these devices must have robust signal quality, and patients must be willing to wear them for long periods of time. Automated machine learning classification of wearable biosensor signals requires quantitative measures of signal quality to automatically reject poor‐quality or corrupt data segments. In this study, commercially available wearable sensors were placed on patients with epilepsy undergoing in‐hospital or in‐home electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring, and healthy volunteers. Empatica E4 and Biovotion Everion were used to record accelerometry (ACC), photoplethysmography (PPG), and electrodermal activity (EDA). Byteflies Sensor Dots were used to record ACC and PPG, the Activinsights GENEActiv watch to record ACC, and Epitel Epilog to record EEG data. PPG and EDA signals were recorded for multiple days, then epochs of high‐quality, marginal‐quality, or poor‐quality data were visually identified by reviewers, and reviewer annotations were compared to automated signal quality measures. For ACC, the ratio of spectral power from 0.8 to 5 Hz to broadband power was used to separate good‐quality signals from noise. For EDA, the rate of amplitude change and prevalence of sharp peaks significantly differentiated between good‐quality data and noise. Spectral entropy was used to assess PPG and showed significant differences between good‐, marginal‐, and poor‐quality signals. EEG data were evaluated using methods to identify a spectral noise cutoff frequency. Patients were asked to rate the usability and comfort of each device in several categories. Patients showed a significant preference for the wrist‐worn devices, and the Empatica E4 device was preferred most often. Current wearable devices can provide high‐quality data and are acceptable for routine use, but continued development is needed to improve data quality, consistency, and management, as well as acceptability to patients.
First report of the defoliator moth, Spoladea recurvalis (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), in Tunisia
Authors: Ehsine M. , Aoun F. 
Published: June 2020

In October 2019, Spoladea recurvalis (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) was identified for the first time in Tunisia, in the geothermal site of Saaidan and the geothermal site of El Mansoura (Kebili, south western region of Tunisia). Damage was observed on melon, chard, beet and weeds. This is the first record of S. recurvalis in Tunisia.
Ultrasonographic guided block of the median nerve
Authors: Beaumont A. , Bertoni L. , Denoix J‐M. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryMedian nerve anaesthesia is sometimes indicated in the diagnosis of forelimb lameness in the horse in conjunction with the ulnar nerve block, but the localisation of the nerve to perform a precise deposition of the anaesthetic solution around and close to the nerve is difficult to achieve using the conventional blind technique. The objectives of this paper are to describe the ultrasonographic anatomy of the median nerve and the technique for performing an ultrasound‐guided anaesthetic block of the nerve. The median nerve is imaged using a microconvex (or linear) probe in transverse section performed proximally to the chestnut on the medial aspect of the forearm. Distribution of the anaesthetic solution around the nerve is done by initially inserting the needle caudally and then cranially to the nerve and injecting 4–6 mL at each site. Control of the needle penetration avoids erroneous intravascular or intramuscular injections or sudden horse reaction. Ultrasound‐guided injection has the potential to safely and accurately block the median nerve.
Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous alpha‐tocopherol in healthy adult horses
Authors: Donnelly C. G. , Burns E. , Easton‐Jones C. A. , Katzman S. , Stuart R. , Cook S. E. , Finno C. J. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryVitamin E is essential for neuromuscular function. The primary treatment, oral supplementation with natural (‘RRR’) α‐tocopherol, is not effective in all horses. The objectives of this pilot study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a subcutaneously administered RRR‐α‐tocopherol preparation. Horses were randomly assigned in a cross‐over design to initially receive RRR‐α‐tocopherol (5000 IU/450 kg of 600 IU/mL) subcutaneously (n = 3) or orally (n = 3) or were untreated sentinels (n = 2). Tissue reactions following injection in Phase I of the study necessitated adjustment of the preparation with reduction of the RRR‐α‐tocopherol concentration to 500 IU/mL in Phase 2. Following an 8‐week washout period, horses received the reciprocal treatment route with the new preparation (5000 IU/450 kg of 500 IU/mL). Serum, CSF and muscle α‐tocopherol concentrations were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography over a 14‐day period during each phase. Serum and CSF α‐tocopherol concentrations increased significantly postinjection only when the 500 IU/mL product was administered (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the muscle concentration of α‐tocopherol following either treatment. All eight horses had marked tissue reaction to subcutaneous injection, regardless of product concentration. Whilst we have demonstrated that this route may be a useful alternative to oral supplementation, the marked tissue reaction makes use of such products limited at this time to only the most refractory of cases.
Effects of antiretroviral therapy on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9: focus on lipids, inflammation and immunovirological parameters
Authors: Bianconi V , Schiaroli E , Pirro M , Cardaci S , Busti C , Mannarino MR , Baldelli F , Francisci D 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesPlasma levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a major regulator of cholesterol metabolism, have been reported to have an increasing trend in people living with HIV (PLWH) compared with controls. We assessed the impact of different antiretroviral (ARV) regimens on plasma PCSK9 levels as well as plasma lipids, systemic inflammation and immunovirological parameters.MethodsEighty HIV‐positive ARV therapy (ART)‐naïve PLWH and 40 uninfected controls were retrospectively enrolled. At baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months after ART initiation, plasma PCSK9 levels, lipids, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), HIV‐1 RNA levels and CD4 T‐cell count were measured.ResultsBaseline PCSK9 levels were significantly more elevated in PLWH and were associated with HIV‐1 RNA levels (P < 0.001), CD4 T‐cell counts (P < 0.001), triglycerides (P < 0.001) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P < 0.001), but not with total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) levels. The prescription of ART was paralleled by significant decreases in plasma PCSK9 and hs‐CRP levels, and increases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein(a), independent of regimen.ConclusionsPCSK9 levels, along with systemic inflammation, were progressively reduced following the initiation of an effective ART. However, at the end of the study PCSK9 levels remained higher than in controls and did not correlate with any of the lipid variables.
Association of Abl interactor 2, ABI2, with platelet/lymphocyte ratio in patients with renal cell carcinoma: A pilot study
Authors: Ergun Sercan , Gunes Sezgin , Buyukalpelli Recep , Aydin Oguz 
Published: June 2020

SummaryThere are many unknown aspects of the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The aim of the current study was to define new RCC‐related genes and measure their associations with RCC and clinical parameters, especially platelet/lymphocyte ratio which may be an independent predictor of prognosis in patients with RCC and other forms of cancer. Via in silico analysis upon RCC‐specific deleted genes in chromosome 3, four possible ceRNAs (ATXN3, ABI2, GOLGB1 and SMAD2) were identified. Then, the expression levels of these genes in tumour and adjacent healthy kidney tissues of 19 RCC patients were determined by real‐time PCR. ATXN3 and GOLGB1 gene expression levels increased but ABI2 gene expression level decreased in tumour kidney tissues when compared to normal ones. ATXN3, ABI2 and GOLGB1 gene expression levels were significantly higher in Fuhrman grade 4 than other grades (P < .001). ABI2 gene expression levels were significantly associated with higher platelet/lymphocyte ratio of the patients with RCC (P < .05). ATXN3, ABI2 and GOLGB1 may predict higher RCC grades. Also, ABI2 may regulate platelet/lymphocyte ratio which may be an independent predictor of RCC and other forms of cancer.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19): strengthening our resolve to achieve universal palliative care
Authors: Rosa William E. , Davidson Patricia M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we strongly advocate for universal palliative care access during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The delivery of universal palliative care services has been called for by leading global health organizations and experts. Nurses are critical to realizing this goal. COVID‐19 diagnoses and fatalities continue to rise, underscoring the importance of palliative care, particularly in the context of scant resources. To inform the writing of this paper, we undertook a review of the COVID‐19 and palliative care literature and drew on our experiences. It is very clear that investment in nurses is needed to ensure appropriate palliative care services now and into the future. Avoiding futile interventions and alleviating suffering is an ethical imperative for nurses regardless of the setting. Multi‐level practices and policies to foster the delivery of safe, high‐quality palliative care for all are urgently needed.
Systematic review and network meta‐analysis of atrial fibrillation percutaneous catheter ablation technologies using randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kukendrarajah Kishore , Papageorgiou Nikolaos , Jewell Paul , Hunter Ross J. , Ang Richard , Schilling Richard , Providencia Rui 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsWe sought out to make comparisons between all atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation technologies using randomized controlled trial data. Our comparisons were freedom from AF, procedural duration, and fluoroscopy duration.MethodsSearches were made of EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL databases, and studies were selected which had cryoballoon, conventional radiofrequency (RF), multipolar RF catheters, and laser technology as an arm in the study and were identified as randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These studies were analyzed for direct comparisons using conventional meta‐analysis and a combination of indirect and direct comparisons via a network meta‐analysis (NMA).ResultsWith respect to freedom from AF both direct comparisons and NMA did not demonstrate any significant difference. However in analysis of procedural and fluoroscopy duration (minutes) for the pulmonary vein ablation catheter (PVAC), both conventional analysis and NMA revealed significantly shorter procedure times, RF vs PVAC (conventional: 61.99 [38.03‐85.94], P <.00001; NMA: 54.76 [36.64‐72.88], P < .0001) and fluoroscopy times, RF vs PVAC (conventional: 12.96 [6.40‐19.53], P = .0001; NMA: 8.89 [3.27‐14.51], P < .01). The procedural duration was also shorter for the cryoballoon with NMA, RF vs CRYO (20.56 [3.47‐37.65], P = .02).DiscussionOur analysis demonstrated that while there was no difference in the efficacy of the individual catheter technologies, there are significant differences in the procedural duration for the PVAC and the cryoballoon. While they may seem an attractive solution for high‐volume centers, further RCTs of next‐generation technologies should be examined.
Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation in treating atrial fibrillation using different freeze protocols: The “ICE‐T 4 minutes vs 3 minutes” propensity‐matched study (Frankfurt ICE‐T 4 vs. 3)
Authors: Chen Shaojie , Schmidt Boris , Bordignon Stefano , Tohoku Shota , Urbanek Lukas , Plank Karin , Willems Franziska , Throm Christina , Konstantinou Athanasios , Hilbert Max , Zanchi Simone , Bianchini Lorenzo , Bologna Fabrizio , Tsianakas Nikolaos , Kreuzer Claudia , Nagase Takahiko , Perrotta Laura , Last Jana , Chun K. R. Julian 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundTime‐to‐isolation (TTI) guided second‐generation cryoballoon (CB2) ablation has been shown to be effective for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).ObjectiveThe objective of this paper is to compare the safety and clinical outcome of CB2 PVI using the TTI guided 4 minutes vs 3 minutes freeze protocol.MethodsThis was a propensity‐matched study based on an institutional database. Symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who underwent CB2 PVI and systematic follow‐up were consecutively included.ResultsA total of 573 patients were identified, of them 214 (107 matched‐pairs) symptomatic AF (paroxysmal AF: 61%, persistent AF: 39%) patients (age: 67.7 ± 11.2 years) were analyzed. The baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Procedural time was significantly longer in the 4 minutes group compared to 3 minutes group (67.2 ± 21.8 vs 55.9 ± 16.9 minutes, P < .0001). During a mean follow‐up of 2 years, the 4 minutes group was associated with a significantly higher rate of freedom from arrhythmia recurrence compared with the 3 minutes group (66.4% vs 56.1%, P = .009), which was mainly driven by patients with persistent AF. The multivariate regression showed that the 4 minutes freeze was the independent predictor of freedom from arrhythmia recurrence. During the repeat procedure, the 4 minutes group was associated with a significantly higher rate of durable PVI. There was no difference regarding procedural adverse events between the two groups.ConclusionAs compared with the 3 minutes freeze, the TTI guided 4 minutes freeze is associated with a significantly higher rate of arrhythmia‐free and durable PVI without compromising the safety profile, patients with persistent AF may benefit from the TTI guided 4 minutes freeze more pronouncedly.
Analysis of the nanoscale phase characteristics of bitumen and bitumen in mastics and mixtures via AFM
Authors: XING C. , LIU L. , LI M. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryA peak force quantitative nanomechanical mode (PF‐QNM) can be used to simultaneously measure the topographical and nanomechanical property maps of samples. Currently, few studies used this mode to investigate the phase characteristics of bitumen in mastics and mixtures. The present study adopted hot‐bitumen‐pouring methods to prepare base bitumen surface samples and further used frozen‐storage and low‐temperature‐cutting methods to prepare the internal samples of base bitumen in mastics and mixtures. Then, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) PF‐QNM mode was used to collect data on the topographical and nanomechanical properties of bitumen and bitumen in mastics and mixtures. The results indicated that a typical bee structure only appeared on the bitumen surface. In contrast to the bitumen surface, the bitumen interior showed two phases, A‐ and B‐phase, which were close in some properties to the periphase and paraphase of the bitumen surface, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of mineral aggregates affected the phase characteristics of the free bitumen interior. With an increase in the mineral aggregate surface area, the proportion of A‐phase decreased and that of B‐phase increased in the free bitumen interior.Lay DescriptionBitumen is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons primarily applied for pavement materials. In the pavement industry, the bituminous mixture is a multilevel system, in which bitumen acts as a binder binding the aggregates and fillers to form bituminous mixture. Currently, atomic force microscopy (AFM), which is an advanced microscopy technology, has been used to investigate bitumen surface phase characteristics at the nanoscale. However, few studies have directly explored the nanoscale phase characteristics of bitumen in mastics or mixtures. Recently, with the progress of technology, a peak‐force‐quantitative‐nanomechanical mode (PF‐QNM) can be used to simultaneously measure the topographical and nanomechanical property maps of samples. Relying on this advanced mode, this study analyzed the nanoscale phase characteristics of the bitumen surface and interior, and further explored the effect of mineral aggregates on bitumen interior phase characteristics. In detail, we used hot‐bitumen‐pouring methods to prepare bitumen surface samples and adopted frozen‐storage and low‐temperature‐cutting methods to prepare the internal samples of bitumen in mastics and mixtures. Subsequently, AFM PF‐QNM mode was used to collect topographical and nanomechanical property maps of bitumen and bitumen in mastics and mixtures. The results indicated that the bitumen interior only consisted of two phases, where the A‐phase presented low adhesion, deformation, and dissipation, while the B‐phase presented high adhesion, deformation, and dissipation. A‐phase and B‐phase of the bitumen interior were close to the periphase and paraphase of the bitumen surface, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of mineral aggregates significantly affected the bitumen interior phase characteristics.
Light microscopy of the endoplasmic reticulum–membrane contact sites in plants
Authors: ZANG J. , ZHANG T. , HUSSEY P.J. , WANG P. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryThe existence of membrane contact sites (MCS) has been reported in different systems in the past decade, and their importance has been recognised by the cell biology community. Amongst all endomembrane structures, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays vital roles in organising the organelle interaction network with the plasma membrane (PM), Golgi bodies, mitochondria, plastids, endosomes and autophagosomes. A number of methods have been used to study the establishment and functions of these interactions, among them, light microscopy appears to be one of the most effective approaches. Here, we present an overview of the discovery of ER–PM contact sites, and highlight the latest developments in light microscopical‐based techniques that can be used for their study.
Validation of Consumer Styles Inventory for consumer decision making styles
Authors: Eom Hyo Jin , Youn Nara , Lee Myoung‐Jin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe Consumer Styles Inventory (CSI) developed by Sproles and Kendall, Journal of Consumer Affairs, 1986, 20: 267–279, is one of the most widely used instruments to classify consumers by their decision making styles. With changes in consumption culture attributable to the coexistence of global and local consumer culture in the past few decades, it is essential to reaffirm that the CSI measurement instrument is valid for contemporary consumers and can be applied in various contexts. This study, therefore, aimed to present a set of CSI validation procedures using contemporaneous participants and targeting two groups of participants in the United States. Two sets of exploratory factor analysis using the main data set (n = 390) were performed and confirmatory factor analysis was applied to the main data set and the cross‐validation data set (n = 172). Results from both the exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analyses seem to validate the eight underlying consumer characteristics of CSI.
Exploring pairing of new graduate nurses with mentors: An interpretive descriptive study
Authors: Devey Burry Robin , Stacey Dawn , Backman Chantal , Donia Magda B.L. , Lalonde Michelle 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo explore mentorship pairing practices for new graduate nurses in a tertiary care hospital.BackgroundMany organisations have implemented mentorship transition programmes to decrease new nursing graduate turnover in the first two years of practice. Little is known about mentorship pairing processes.DesignAn interpretive descriptive qualitative study was conducted in a multicampus academic health science centre in Ontario, Canada. The COREQ reporting guideline was used.MethodsThirty‐one semistructured interviews were conducted from July 2018–July 2019 in a multicampus academic health science centre with new nursing graduates, experienced nurses and nurse leaders who participated in the New Graduate Guarantee programme or were involved in the mentor–mentee pairing process in 2016 or 2017. Data collected were analysed using thematic analysis within the groups and triangulated across groups.ResultsNeither the new graduates nor the mentors were aware of the pairing processes. Nursing leaders relied on their knowledge of the participants to pair new graduates and mentors with many stating participants’ personalities were considered. New graduates and mentors described making an initial connection and socialisation as important themes related to facilitating the pairing process. Organisational influences on pairing included taking breaks together, the location of the final student placement, and the management of workload and scheduling.ConclusionsIncreased awareness and transparency regarding nursing mentorship pairing processes is required. Pairing processes suggested by participants warrant further investigation to determine efficacy.RelevanceFindings reinforce the need to discuss and research nursing specific mentorship pairing processes.
Aggressive behaviour of persons with dementia towards professional caregivers in the home care setting—A scoping review
Authors: Schnelli Angela , Karrer Melanie , Mayer Hanna , Zeller Adelheid 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAims and objectivesTo outline and to examine the current research and grey literature on aggressive incidents of persons with dementia towards professional caregivers in the home care setting. We intended to identify evidence and research gaps in this field.BackgroundWorldwide, around fifty million people are living with dementia. Current research indicates that aggressive behaviour of persons with dementia towards professional caregivers occurs frequently in inpatient settings. However, there has been little research on this phenomenon in the home care setting.DesignThe design entails a scoping review using the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley and PRISMA‐ScR.MethodsA systematic literature search in five databases and a web search in Google Scholar was conducted. Title and abstract screening and a full‐text screening were conducted by two independent authors. A free web search for grey literature was conducted in Google.ResultsThe search yielded 1,376 hits. A total of seven journal articles met the inclusion criteria. In the free web search, six references were identified for inclusion, resulting in a total of 13 references. We identified the following four themes: (1) aggressive behaviour in the context of dementia, (2) triggering factors of aggressive behaviour in persons with dementia, (3) skills and educational needs and (4) hindrances to solving the problem of aggressive behaviour.ConclusionsThere is a lack of literature on aggressive behaviour of persons with dementia in the home care setting, and various hindrances to solving this problematic behaviour have been identified.Relevance to clinical practiceFor home caregivers, specific education concerning communication skills and responding to aggressive behaviour may help to deal with the situation. A further approach may involve specific training aimed to improve caregivers’ confidence.