bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monetary Policy Contagion in the West African Monetary Zone
Authors: Tule Moses K. , Ajilore Taiwo , Ujunwa Augustine 
Published: November 2019

The study utilized quarterly time series data for Nigeria and three selected West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) countries for the period 1980–2016 to verify whether monetary policy shocks emanating from Nigeria are an important source of macroeconomic fluctuations in WAMZ economies. The study complemented the Global vector autoregressive method with the Diebold–Yilmaz (2009) connectedness weights computation for the analysis. Inferences from generalized impulse response function (GIRF) analysis indicated that an unanticipated Nigerian monetary policy shock depreciates the Nigeria–USA exchange rate, stimulates growth, decelerates inflation and expands the money stock in the short run for Nigeria. In Ghana, Nigeria’s monetary policy shocks similarly depreciates the exchange rate, slows growth with high inflationary impact in the short run. In the Gambia, unanticipated shocks emanating from Nigeria strengthens the Gambia–USA exchange rate, depresses growth and inflationary pressures. Sierra Leone shares the appreciation of its currency with the Gambia, in addition to an economic expansion and rising inflation. Money supply also increases to accommodate the expanding demand. These results validated the thesis that there exist considerable geographical linkages within the WAMZ regions through which macroeconomic fluctuations are transmitted. For policy, monetary authorities in the region should collectively address the question of how to stabilize the economy in response to monetary policy shocks emanating from Nigeria. JEL Codes: E52, E32, E65, F02
Health professions students demonstrate limited knowledge of health risks associated with early menarche
Authors: Henderson Chelsea N , Lawrence Jeannine Clunk , Douglas Crystal Clark 
Published: November 2019

Objective: The documented decline in age at menarche is concerning as early pubertal development presents immediate and long-term health risks. Menarcheal timing is influenced by environmental factors, necessitating the importance of increased education within the health sciences curricula. This study examined health professions students’ awareness and knowledge of menarche, including factors that influence age at menarche and the health risks associated with early menarche (⩽11 years). Design: A mixed retrospective/prospective analysis using an on-line survey was employed to explore student knowledge. Setting: A public university in USA. Methods: Students enrolled in a general nutrition course at a US university were invited to complete a survey during class time. Pearson correlations were used to assess relationships among variables. Independent-samples t-tests compared knowledge to identify differences by gender and race, and χ2 tests compared frequency of correct knowledge answers according to race. Results: Participants included 126 students (88% female, 50% Caucasian), the majority (90%) of whom were enrolled in health sciences programmes. Nearly 25% of female participants reported early menarche; yet, reported age at menarche was not related to knowledge ( r = –.056, n = 110, p > .05). Future health risks of early menarche were correctly identified by 16.7% of participants, all women. Knowledge of menarche differed according to race ( p < .05). Conclusion: Discovery of knowledge gaps in this population may improve curriculum design and, ultimately, better prepare students for a future in health care. Future clinicians may benefit from training that addresses factors that influence pubertal timing and familiarises them with the health risks associated with earlier menarche. There is a need for knowledgeable and skilled health workers, which is why the inclusion of this subject in the preservice training curriculum is important.
Reliable data transmission method based on 6LoWPAN for building energy systems
Authors: Li Cui-Min , Li Chun-Ying , Wang Lei 
Published: November 2019

The building energy internet of things is based on radio frequency technology and a wireless sensor network that can collect building energy consumption data in real time. However, with the increasing complexity of wireless sensor network topology, there is a problem of insufficient IP address space relying on IPv4 protocol. In this paper, a design scheme of a building energy system based on 6LoWPAN network is proposed. IPv4/IPv6 address conversion is used to realise the access of IP addresses to each other, so as to monitor building energy consumption information anytime and anywhere. In view of the shortcomings of existing wireless network data transmission methods in low energy consumption and high reliability in building energy monitoring applications, a reliable data transmission method based on multipath routing coding algorithm is proposed. This strategy improves the transmission reliability of the network by increasing the number of redundant packets, and reduces the energy consumption of the network by reducing the number of transmission paths. The simulation results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the success rate of data packet transmission, reduce the standard energy consumption of sensor networks, and provide an effective method for the application of wireless sensor networks in building energy monitoring systems. Practical application: This paper studies how to improve transmission reliability and energy efficiency in cluster-based WSN and proposes a multi-path transmission strategy for selective coding of intermediate cluster head nodes. The strategy improves the transmission reliability of the network by increasing the number of transmissions of redundant packets and reduces the network energy consumption by reducing the number of transmission paths. It has good use value for the actual development and application of the building energy consumption monitoring system.
Accurate location and minimally invasive treatment of lumbar lateral recess stenosis with combined SNRB and PTED
Authors: Yue Bing , Shen Fang , Ye Zhi-Fang , Wang Ze-Hao , Yang Hui-Lin , Jiang Guo-Qiang 
Published: November 2019

Objective To establish a management strategy for multi-segment lumbar lateral recess stenosis. Methods A retrospective study was performed in patients in whom suspected responsible nerve roots underwent sequential selective nerve root block (SNRB). Based on pain remission rate after blocking, the contribution of nerve root compression to symptoms was classified as absolutely (≥70%) or relatively (30–70%) responsible or non-responsible (<30%). Conservative treatment was continued if visual analogue scale (VAS) at 3 days after blocking a single nerve root or VAS at 3 days after blocking multiple nerve roots was ≥50%; otherwise, percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) was performed. Pain and functional scores were evaluated on day 3, 6 months and 1 year after SNRB or PTED. Results Fifty-seven of 80 patients had a single absolutely responsible root, 20 had 2 responsible roots, and 3 had 3 responsible roots. Among them, 41, 10, and 1 patient underwent PTED, respectively. Both the PTED and conservative groups improved significantly in VAS remission rate and functional scores compared with admission. Moreover, the PTED group had a better VAS remission rate compared with the conservative group. Conclusion A combination of SNRB with PTED was effective for diagnosing and treating multi-segment lumbar lateral recess stenosis.
Knowledge of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease among otolaryngologists in 3A hospitals in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Junbo , Xiao Shuifang , Du Xiaowan , Zhao Xin , Jia Junxiao 
Published: November 2019

Objective This study aimed to evaluate knowledge of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) among otolaryngologists in 3A hospitals in Beijing. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of LPRD knowledge was conducted with otolaryngologists in 40 3A hospitals in Beijing. A response rate of <80% was obtained from one hospital, so data from 331 valid questionnaires from the other 39 hospitals were analysed. Results The most common source of LPRD knowledge was academic lectures (80.1%). The most commonly known risk factors, symptoms, clinical signs and associated diseases were unhealthy eating habits (49.2%), foreign body sensation in the pharynx (71.0%), hyperaemia (42.3%) and pharyngolaryngitis (63.7%), respectively. Only 57.7% of otolaryngologists knew about 24-hour pH monitoring as a gold standard diagnostic test for LPRD. The most commonly known treatment option was medication (93.1%). Most physicians (86.7%) had made a clinical diagnosis of LPRD; however, only 59.9% of them had followed up the treatment outcomes. The most common treatment provided was medication (82.6%). Conclusions Knowledge of LPRD among otolaryngologists in 3A hospitals in Beijing was insufficient. Educational programs are needed to increase the knowledge of LPRD among otolaryngologists.
Applying M-Health to Palliative Care: A Systematic Review on the Use of M-Health in Monitoring Patients With Chronic Diseases and its Transposition in Palliative Care
Authors: Bienfait Florent , Petit Marie , Pardenaud Romain , Guineberteau Clément , Pignon Aude 
Published: November 2019

Background: The major growth of mobile technologies in the recent years has led to the development of medical-monitoring applications, particularly on smartphones. Aim: The aim of this study was to review the use of m-health in the monitoring of patients with chronic pathologies in order to consider what could be adapted for palliative care patients at home. Design: A systematic review of the English and French literature was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Date Sources: The review screened the following databases: PUBMED, SCOPUS, COCHRANE, SCIENCE DIRECT, SUDOC, and EM-Premium, screening studies published between 2008 and 2018. The selection of articles was done by the main investigator. All studies concerning the use of m-Health apps for patients with chronic diseases were included. Results: From the 337 selected publications, 8 systematic reviews and 14 original studies were included. The main uses of m-Health apps were biological and clinical monitoring (particularly concerning the symptoms) in 75% of the applications, disease self-management in 64% of the applications, and therapeutic patient education in 50% of the applications, with remote monitoring. Conclusions: The development of an m-Health application could become a complementary monitoring tool during palliative care. However, it seems important to question the impact of technique in the professional–patient relationship and avoid the pitfalls of standardizing palliative care and reducing the patient to a “sick” health technician. A future step would then be to define which health-care professional would be in charge of this “m-monitoring.”
Bevacizumab-induced dysphonia: A case report with brief review of literature
Authors: Lam So Yi , Lee Chung-Shien , Sharma Sandhya , Cheng Kit 
Published: November 2019

Introduction Anti-angiogenic treatment in adjunct with chemotherapy is widely used for the treatment of various cancers. These agents inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling thereby inhibiting tumor proliferation and invasion. Dysphonia, or voice changes, has been documented, but is an underreported side effect of anti-angiogenic agents. We report a case of intermittent dysphonia in a patient with metastatic, platinum-refractory ovarian cancer treated with bevacizumab. Case report A 48-year-old female with high grade mixed type ovarian adenocarcinoma and concurrent left sided breast cancer was transitioned to palliative therapy with gemcitabine-bevacizumab for her ovarian cancer. At a follow-up visit after three cycles of the new therapy, the patient complained of intermittent changes in her voice, describing periods of hoarseness or softness in her voice after the chemotherapy—sometimes to the point that her voice was inaudible. Management and outcome: A new pelvic thrombus was discovered upon assessment of the patient’s disease. Bevacizumab was held and she was referred to ear, nose, and throat evaluation for dysphonia. Laryngoscopic examination showed normal vocal cord, with normal movements and no lesion or necrosis. During subsequent follow-up, the patient reported improvement in her voice with no additional dysphonia. Discussion Vocal adverse effects of anti-VEGF agents have been documented in landmark trials and case reports; however, clinicians are often unaware of this rare side effect. Although VEGF-induced dysphonia may be rare and may not impede the patient’s quality of life in some cases, it is critical to acknowledge and not underestimate this adverse effect.
Cubital vein transposition for a distal radiocephalic fistula complicated by outflow obstruction
Authors: Pirozzi Nicola , De Alexandris Lorenzo , Fazzari Loredana , Scrivano Jacopo , Pirozzi Roberto , Menè Paolo 
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Outflow stenosis is a frequent complication of vascular access for hemodialysis. It may cause increased pressure within the angioaccess along with reduced blood flow. Elective treatment is percutaneous transluminal angioplasty; however, when a long occlusion (>2 cm) occurs, success and mid-term patency of endovascular treatment are uncertain. We describe a case series of patients with long occlusion of elbow outflow complicating an otherwise excellent forearm arteriovenous fistula, treated by a bypass across the elbow through cubital vein transposition. Patients and methods: Six consecutive patients have been treated between 2015 and 2017; all were referred because of either low flow, increased venous pressure, excessive bleeding time, or recirculation and were examined by duplex ultrasound. A total of 83% of patients showed associated thrombosis within the access. All procedures were performed under loco-regional anesthesia and preventive hemostasis. Surgical thrombectomy was also performed when needed. Results: Immediate success was obtained in all but two patients converted in veno-venous polytetrafluoroethylene bypass. Post-operative blood flow increased from 316 to 878 mL/min. All patients were dialyzed through the forearm access immediately the day after surgery, without the need for central vein catheter. Overall, 75% of patients needed a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the veno-venous anastomosis within 6 months. Primary and secondary patency at 12 and 24 months were 25%–0% and 100%–100%, respectively. Conclusion: Outflow reconstruction through the elbow bypass by cubital vein transposition is a valuable resource to rescue radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula complicated by outflow obstruction, avoiding the use of an interim central vein catheter. Endovascular treatment is vital to maintain functional patency in the mid- and long term.
Lyme Arthritis in Children on the Uptick in Western New York Area
Authors: Lucente Lauren N , Abu-Dayya Aseel , Hennon Teresa , Islam Shamim , Wrotniak Brian H , Abdul Aziz Rabheh 
Published: November 2019

Objective: This study explores a suspected increasing incidence of Lyme arthritis in the Western New York pediatric population. In addition, we aim to describe a clinical picture of Lyme arthritis and the clinical features that distinguish it from other forms of arthritis. Methods: Patients diagnosed with Lyme arthritis between January 2014 and September 2018 were identified using International Classification of Diseases—10th Revision (ICD 10) codes for Lyme disease and Lyme arthritis. Patients were included in the study if they (1) exhibited arthritis, (2) tested positive for Lyme antibodies, and (3) exhibited a positive Western blot. Results: A total of 22 patients were included in the study. There was a general trend toward an increasing number of cases of Lyme arthritis over the 45-month observation period. We identified 1 case in each 2014 and 2015, 4 cases in 2016, 7 in 2017, and 9 in the first 9 months of 2018. In total, 17 patients had arthritis as their only symptom at the time of diagnosis and 10 patients had a rash or a history that prompted suspicion of Lyme disease. The knee was the most frequent joint (86.4% of patients), and patients typically had 2 or fewer joints affected (86.4% of patients). Conclusions: A significant increase ( P = .02) in Lyme arthritis cases was observed at Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. Lyme arthritis may clinically present similarly to other forms of arthritis, such as oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, so health care providers should be aware of distinguishing clinical features, which include rapid onset of swelling and patient age. Because the geographic area of endemic Lyme disease is expanding, all health care providers need to be aware of Lyme arthritis as a possible diagnosis.
Oxidation reaction mechanism and kinetics between OH radicals and alkyl-substituted aliphatic thiols: H-abstraction pathways
Authors: Tahan Arezoo , Shiroudi Abolfazl 
Published: November 2019

Kinetic rate constants for the oxidation reaction of the hydroxyl radical with CH3SH, C2H5SH, n-C3H7SH, and iso-C3H7SH under inert (Ar) conditions over the temperature range 252–430 K have been studied theoretically using density functional theory along with various exchange–correlation functionals as well as the benchmark CBS-QB3 quantum chemical approach. Bimolecular rate constants were estimated using transition state theory and the statistical Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus theory. Comparison with experiment confirms that in the OH addition reaction pathways leading to the related products, the first bimolecular reaction steps have effective negative activation energy barriers. Effective rate constants have been calculated according to a steady-state analysis of a two-step model reaction mechanism. As a consequence of the negative activation energies, pressures higher than 104 bar are required to reach the high-pressure limit. Both from thermodynamic and kinetic viewpoints, the most favorable process here is the oxidation reaction of hydroxyl radicals with n-C3H7SH.
Assessing the Readability of Online Information About Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Perez Olivia D. , Swindell Hasani W. , Herndon Carl L. , Noback Peter C. , Trofa David P. , Vosseller J. Turner 
Published: November 2019

The American Medical Association (AMA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) currently suggest that health care materials be written at a sixth-grade reading level. Our study investigates the readability of online information on Achilles rupture and reconstruction. Achilles tendon rupture, Achilles tendon repair, and Achilles tendon reconstruction were queried using advanced search functions of Google, Bing, and Yahoo!. Individual websites and text from the first 3 pages of results for each search engine were recorded and categorized as physician based, academic, commercial, government and nongovernmental organization, or unspecified. Individual readability scores were calculated via 6 different indices: Flesch-Kincaid grade level, Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning Fog, SMOG, Coleman-Liau index, and Automated Readability Index along with a readability classification score and average grade level. A total of 56 websites were assessed. Academic webpages composed the majority (51.8%), followed by physician-based sources (32.1%). The average overall grade level was 10.7 ± 2.54. Academic websites were written at the highest-grade level (11.5 ± 2.77), significantly higher than physician-based websites ( P = .040), and only 2 were written at, or below, a sixth-grade reading level. Currently, online information on Achilles tendon rupture and reconstruction is written at an inappropriately high reading level compared with recommendations from the AMA and NIH. Level of Evidence: Level IV
Asian Sand Dust Upregulates IL-6 and IL-8 via ROS, JNK, ERK, and CREB Signaling in Human Nasal Fibroblasts
Authors: Yang Hyun-Woo , Park Joo-Hoo , Shin Jae-Min , Lee Heung-Man , Park Il-Ho 
Published: November 2019

Background Asian sand dust (ASD) profoundly affects respiratory health by inducing inflammation and causing upper airway inflammatory diseases. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 are pro-inflammatory mediators that are involved in upper airway inflammatory diseases. However, the effect of ASD on the production of IL-6 and IL-8 in nasal fibroblasts has not been adequately studied. We investigated the effect of ASD on the induction of pro-inflammatory mediators and its underlying mechanisms in nasal fibroblasts. Methods Real-time cytotoxicity assays were used to determine the effect of ASD on the viability of fibroblasts. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and real-time polymerase chain reactions were performed to determine whether ASD induced the expression of IL-6 and IL-8. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified using 2, 7-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate and MitoSOX Red. Induction of IL-6 and IL-8 signal transduction pathways by ASD was confirmed by Western blotting. Ex vivo culture of the inferior turbinate tissue was performed to confirm the effects of ASD. Results ASD upregulated ROS levels, and this in turn promoted IL-6 and IL-8 expression through the MAPK (JNK and ERK) and CREB signaling pathways in nasal fibroblasts. However, ASD did not induce phosphorylation of p38. Specific inhibitors of each pathway (ROS, JNK, ERK, and CREB inhibitors) suppressed ASD-induced IL-6 and IL-8 upregulation. Conclusions ASD induces pro-inflammatory mediators, and the increased levels of IL-6 and IL-8 might be associated with the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis.
Diffusion tensor imaging in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: clinical and CSF flowmetry correlations
Authors: Grazzini Irene , Redi Francesco , Sammartano Karima , Cuneo Gian Luca 
Published: November 2019

Purpose Diffusion tensor imaging is a magnetic resonance technique that provides information about the orientation and anisotropy of the white matter tracts. The aim of this study was to analyse diffusion tensor imaging quantitative parameters in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus patients, in order to determine whether this method could correlate to clinical scores and cerebrospinal fluid flowmetry data. Methods and materials Fifteen consecutive patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus and 15 age-matched controls underwent cerebrospinal fluid flowmetry and diffusion tensor imaging using a 1.5 Tesla system. Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity values were calculated using region of interest atlas-based tract-mapping in nine cerebral areas and compared among the two groups. In addition, for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus patients, diffusion tensor imaging parameters were correlated to clinical scores (mini mental state examination and frontal assessment battery) and cerebrospinal fluid flowmetry data. Results Mean fractional anisotropy was significantly lower for the idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus group than for the control group in the forceps minor and motor cortex; the idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus group had significantly higher mean axial diffusivity for the genu of the corpus callosum and forceps minor. We did not find significant correlation between diffusion tensor imaging parameters and cerebrospinal fluid flowmetry and mini mental state examination, while we observed a correlation between forceps minor fractional anisotropy and frontal assessment battery; no correlation between flowmetry and clinical scores was found. Conclusion Our findings suggest that diffusion tensor imaging provides a non-invasive biomarker of white matter changes in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus patients. Forceps minor is the best site to analyse. As diffusion tensor imaging offers a better correlation to clinical status than cerebrospinal fluid flowmetry, it should be included in the routine idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus protocol.