bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A random PWM control strategy for a three level inverter used in a grid connected photovoltaic system
Authors: Himour Kamal , Iffouzar K. 
Published: June 2020

<p>The work presented in this paper is devoted to the control of a photovoltaic system connected to grid by a three level diode clamed inverter. A control structure based on three parts: dc link voltage control, power injected control and current control is proposed. In this work, the random PWM strategy is used to generate control signals for the multilevel inverter used us an interface to connect photovoltaic generators to the grid. Numerical simulations are performed using MATLAB / Simulink software, the simulation results for the proposed system indicate the performances of the proposed control structure, minimization of harmonics by the random PWM strategy applied and injection to the grid more active power by the multilevel inverter structure.</p><p> </p>
Postoperative Outcomes of Branchial Cleft Cyst Excision in Children and Adults: An NSQIP Analysis
Authors: Moroco Annie E. , Saadi Robert A. , Patel Vijay A. , Lehman Erik B. , Wilson Meghan N. 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveIdentify risk factors and perioperative morbidity for patients undergoing branchial cleft cyst (BCC) excision.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis.SettingAmerican College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program adult and pediatric databases (NSQIP and NSQIP‐P).Subject and MethodsPatients who underwent BCC excision (Current Procedural Terminology 42810, 42815) were queried via NSQIP (2005‐2016) and NSQIP‐P (2012‐2016). Outcomes analyzed include patient demographics, medical comorbidities, admission type, operative characteristics, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and readmission.ResultsA total of 1775 children and 677 adults were identified. Mean age at time of surgery was 4.6 years for children and 38.6 years for adults. Outpatient procedures were performed in 87.1% of adults and 94.0% of children (P <. 001). Postoperative complications were uncommon, occurring in <1% of adults and 3.9% of children (P <. 001). Similarly, readmission occurred in 1.2% of adults and 1.1% of children. In adults, smoking status was shown to have a significant effect on postoperative complications (odds ratio, 6.25; P =. 037). Age group did not have an effect on the complication rate in the pediatric population. Pediatric otolaryngologists had higher rates of postoperative complications (P =. 001), prolonged operative times (P <. 001), and fewer outpatient procedures (P <. 001). Conversely, in adults, otolaryngologists had fewer postoperative complications.ConclusionPostoperative complications following BCC excision are relatively uncommon, demonstrating procedural safety when performed at any age.
Medical Intervention Alone vs Surgical Drainage for Treatment of Peritonsillar Abscess: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Forner David , Curry Dennis E. , Hancock Kristy , MacKay Colin , Taylor S. Mark , Corsten Martin , Trites Jonathan R. , Rigby Matthew H. 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivePeritonsillar abscesses (PTAs) are common emergency consultations for otolaryngologists. Medical management alone may offer satisfactory treatment without the risk associated with surgical drainage. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of medical treatment alone compared to surgical drainage for the treatment of PTA.Data SourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov.Review MethodsStudies comparing the outcomes of medically treated to surgically treated patients were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. All screening and data extraction were completed by 2 independent reviewers. Meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsTen cohort studies and 2 randomized studies were included (ntotal = 33,468). Study quality was low, with only 1 study providing multivariable analysis. The combined rate of treatment failure in patients initially treated with medical management alone was 5.7% compared to 5.5% in the surgical group. There was no statistically significant difference in the odds of treatment failure between interventions through random‐effects meta‐analysis (odds ratio [OR], 1.10; 95% CI, 0.53‐2.26; I
2 = 41%; P =. 13). Subgroup analysis excluding pediatric‐specific studies revealed similar odds of treatment failure when initially managed with medical intervention (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.56‐1.50; P =. 39; I
2 = 0%).ConclusionMeta‐analysis of available studies demonstrated no difference in odds of treatment failure for patients with PTA managed through medical intervention alone compared to surgical intervention. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to high probability of bias and overall low quality of studies.
Comparison of end-of-life care in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Butler Stacey J , Ellerton Lauren , Gershon Andrea S , Goldstein Roger S , Brooks Dina 
Published: June 2020

Background: Palliative care has been widely implemented in clinical practice for patients with cancer but is not routinely provided to people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aim: The study aims were to compare palliative care services, medications, life-sustaining interventions, place of death, symptom burden and health-related quality of life among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer populations. Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42019139425). Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched for studies comparing palliative care, symptom burden or health-related quality of life among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer or populations with both conditions. Quality scores were assigned using the QualSyst tool. Results: Nineteen studies were included. There was significant heterogeneity in study design and sample size. A random effects meta-analysis ( n = 3–7) determined that people with lung cancer had higher odds of receiving hospital (odds ratio: 9.95, 95% confidence interval: 6.37–15.55, p < 0.001) or home-based palliative care (8.79, 6.76–11.43, p < 0.001), opioids (4.76, 1.87–12.11, p = 0.001), sedatives (2.03, 1.78–2.32, p < 0.001) and dying at home (1.47, 1.14–1.89, p = 0.003) compared to people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. People with lung cancer had lower odds of receiving invasive ventilation (0.26, 0.22–0.32, p < 0.001), non-invasive ventilation (0.63, 0.44–0.89, p = 0.009), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (0.29, 0.18–0.47, p < 0.001) or dying at a nursing home/long-term care facility (0.32, 0.16–0.64, p < 0.001) than people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Symptom burden and health-related quality of life were relatively similar between the two populations. Conclusion: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receive less palliative measures at the end of life compared to people with lung cancer, despite a relatively similar symptom profile.
Ghrelin suppresses migration of macrophages via inhibition of ROCK2 under chronic intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Chen Hong , Du Jianfeng , Zhang Siying , Tong Hao , Zhang Man 
Published: June 2020

Objectives Migration of macrophages and atherosclerosis result in various diseases, including coronary heart disease. This study aimed to clarify the roles that ghrelin and Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) play in migration of macrophages under chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). Methods A rat model of CIH was constructed and changes in ghrelin and ROCK2 protein expression were measured by western blot assay. The migratory ability of macrophages was determined by the transwell assay. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was applied to detect the changes in intima-media thickness. Results We found that CIH enhanced migration of macrophages, and this effect was attenuated by exogenous ghrelin. Additionally, the facilitative effect of CIH on migration of macrophages was strengthened or decreased by upregulation or downregulation of ROCK2, respectively. This phenomenon indicated that ROCK2 was involved in CIH-induced migration in macrophages. Furthermore, western blot and transwell assays showed that ghrelin inhibited CIH-induced migration via ROCK2 suppression in macrophages. Conclusions In summary, the present study shows that ghrelin inhibits CIH-induced migration via ROCK2 suppression in macrophages. Our research may help lead to identifying a new molecular mechanism for targeted therapy of atherosclerosis and its associated coronary artery diseases under intermittent hypoxia.
Characteristics of cortical spreading depression and c-Fos expression in transgenic mice having a mutation associated with familial hemiplegic migraine 2
Authors: Tang Chunhua , Unekawa Miyuki , Shibata Mamoru , Tomita Yutaka , Izawa Yoshikane , Sugimoto Hiroki , Ikeda Keiko , Kawakami Kiyoshi , Suzuki Norihiro , Nakahara Jin 
Published: June 2020

Background Cortical spreading depression is thought to be the underlying mechanism of migraine aura. In 2006, three relatives having the point mutation E700K in ATP1A2 exon 15 were diagnosed with familial hemiplegic migraine 2 characterized by complicated forms of aura. Here, we generated a transgenic mouse model having the human E700K mutation in the Atp1a2 orthologous gene. Objective To investigate the characteristics of cortical spreading depression in a mouse model with E700K mutation in the Atp1a2. Methods Cortical spreading depression was induced by applying stepwise increases of KCl concentration or electrical stimulation intensity to C57BL/6J-Tg(Atp1a2*E700K)9151Kwk mice (Tg, both sexes) and corresponding wild-type animals. Under urethane anesthesia, the responsiveness and threshold to cortical spreading depression were examined and the distribution of c-Fos expression, a neuronal activity marker, was immunohistochemically determined. Results Overall, Tg mice showed significantly faster propagation velocity ( p < 0.01) and longer full-width-at-half-maximum ( p < 0.01) than wild-type animals, representing a slower recovery from direct current potential deflection. The cortical spreading depression threshold tended to be lower in Tg, especially in females. c-Fos-positive cells were significantly enhanced in the ipsilateral somatosensory cortex, piriform cortex, amygdala and striatum (each p < 0.05 vs. contralateral side). Numbers of c-Fos positive cells were significantly higher in the ipsilateral amygdala of Tg, as compared with wild-type animals ( p < 0.01). Conclusion The effect of cortical spreading depression may be greater in E700K transgenic mice than that in wild-type animals, while the threshold for cortical spreading depression shows little change. Higher c-Fos expression in the amygdala may indicate alterations of the limbic system in Tg, suggesting an enhanced linkage between cortical spreading depression and amygdala connectivity in familial hemiplegic migraine 2 patients.
Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Nonsurgically Treated Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Prospective Study
Authors: Boesen Anders Ploug , Boesen Morten Ilum , Hansen Rudi , Barfod Kristoffer Weisskirchner , Lenskjold Anders , Malliaras Peter , Langberg Henning 
Published: June 2020

Background: An acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a long-lasting and devastating injury. Possible biological augmentation to promote and strengthen tendon healing after an ATR would be desirable. Purpose: To determine whether the application of a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in nonsurgically treated ATRs may promote healing and thereby improve functional outcomes. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 40 men (aged 18-60 years) with an ATR incurred within 72 hours were included, and 38 were followed for 12 months. All patients were treated with an orthosis with 3 wedges for 8 weeks; full weightbearing from day 1 was allowed, combined with either 4 PRP or 4 placebo injections (a few drops of saline, <0.5 mL, under the skin) 14 days apart. All patients received the same instructions on an exercise program starting from week 9. Outcomes included the self-reported Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) as well as heel-rise work, heel-rise height, tendon elongation, calf circumference, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Results: The mean ATRS score improved in both groups at all time points ( P < .001), but there was no difference between the groups at any time points (12 months: 90.1 points in PRP group and 88.8 points in placebo group). No differences in all functional outcomes at any time points were seen between the groups. At 12 months, the injured leg did not reach normal functional values compared with the uninjured leg. Conclusion: The application of PRP in nonsurgically treated ATRs did not appear to show any superior clinical and functional improvement. Registration: NCT02417922 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier)
Chief Executive Officer Compensation and Financial Performance: Evidence from the Alternative Investment Market in the UK
Authors: Jeff Boakye Danquah , Sam Ahinful Gabriel , Nsor-Ambala Randolph 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: This article investigates the relationship between executive compensation and financial performance for Alternative Investment Market (AIM)-listed firms in the UK. While most studies have looked at the impact of executive compensation on financial performance, this study argues that the issue of reverse causality cannot be ignored even if it is controlled and therefore investigates the extent to which financial performance can also impact on executive remuneration. Design/methodology/approach: The study relies on a sample of 201 AIM-listed firms in the UK from 2011 to 2016 to examine the relationship between executive compensation and financial performance. It draws on agency and tournament theories to model the relationships between executive compensation and financial performance using various panel regression models. Findings: The findings from the study revealed that the chief executive officer (CEO) remuneration impact on both accounting- and market-based measures of financial performance. It also showed that while performance-based incentives like bonus and other long-term incentives linked to performance significantly impact on financial performance, salary, a cash-based non-performance-related compensation rather negatively affects performance. It was also discovered that financial performance can also influence the level of executive compensation and not always vice versa. Value/originality: The study adds novelties to the existing literature by introducing tournament theory to the studies on the relationship between executive compensation and financial performance. Most of the existing studies have been one sided and emphasise only on the influence of executive remuneration on financial performance. However, based on the tournament theory, the study argued that the issue of reverse causality between the two should not be overemphasised even if it is controlled.
Exploring behaviours of concern including aggression, self-harm, sexual harm and absconding within an Australian inpatient mental health service
Authors: Kang Matthew , Bushell Hannah , Lee Stuart , Berry Caitlin , Hollander Yitzchak , Rauchberger Ilan , Whitecross Fiona 
Published: June 2020

Objective: Patients admitted to mental health services may exhibit behaviours of concern (BOCs) such as aggression, self-harm, absconding and sexual harm. BOCs can lead to restrictive interventions, which have adverse effects on patients, carers and staff. This paper aims to explore the nature and outcome of BOCs within an adult inpatient mental health setting. Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted at a metropolitan inpatient service between 1 August 2016 and 31 July 2017. The frequency, nature and outcomes of BOC episodes were described and thematic analysis was used to summarise BOC antecedents. Results: A BOC was documented for 179 (18.2%) patients who also showed high rates of drug abuse, homelessness and longer admission. Most self-harm and sexual harm events occurred outside of normal business hours. Medications and verbal de-escalation were commonly used interventions. Episodes of deliberate self-harm were likely to result in patient and staff injury or mechanical restraint, whereas aggression was associated with seclusion. Mental state, care engagement, physiological stress and situational stressor were identified as BOC antecedents. Conclusion: Multiple forms of BOCs were experienced with mental state, physical and interpersonal contributors identified. Improving multidisciplinary input into early assessment and treatment of BOC causes is needed to improve safety.
The impact of maternal perinatal depression on exposure to reading and screen time for their infants: pilot findings from the MPEWS Study
Authors: Cowderoy Grace , Power Josephine , Lewis Andrew , Watson Stuart , Galbally Megan 
Published: June 2020

Objective: To explore the association between maternal depression and the screen and reading time experienced by their infants. Methods: This study utilises data on 158 women and infants, collected within the Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study. Women less than 20 weeks gestation were diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders. Six months postpartum they completed questionnaires about themselves, their infant and early parenting practices. Results: Children of women with a past diagnosis of depression were exposed to fewer days of 15-minute reading time per week compared to the children of women with no diagnosis. While the current depression group showed a lower average reading time, this difference was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in infant screen time between groups. Conclusions: A maternal past diagnosis of depression is correlated with decreased reading time in infants. This may present a practical point for screening and intervention or suggest a causal pathway for poorer outcomes in children of those with depression.
Exploring associations between age of onset and quality of life of people with eating disorder behaviours and weight/shape overvaluation: a general population study
Authors: Wong Melody Nga Ting , Hay Phillipa 
Published: June 2020

Objective: To identify the age of onset of eating disorder behaviours (EDBs) and weight/shape overvaluation in a community sample and to evaluate the association between the age of onset and duration of EDBs with health related quality of life (HRQoL). Method: Data were extracted from the 2008/2009 Health Omnibus Survey (HOS). In 2008, 3034 and in 2009, 3007 participants from a randomly selected sample of households in the Australian population were interviewed for current and age of onset of EDBs. In 2008, mental and physical HRQoL was assessed with the Short Form 12-item instrument (SF-36-2). In 2009, role impairment was assessed with reported days out of role in the past month. Results: There were no significant associations between ages of onset of EDBs with the overall summary measures of physical or mental HRQoL. There was a significant positive association between the duration of EDBs with role impairment. The age of onset of EDBs had a significant negative association with physical HRQoL subscales of SF-36-2 but effect sizes were small. Conclusions: The age of onset of EDBs did not appear to have a significant impact on overall HRQoL measures but duration of symptoms impacted on current role function.
Clinical Data for the Use of Cannabis-Based Treatments: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Inglet Shannon , Winter Bradly , Yost Sarah E. , Entringer Sophia , Lian Anh , Biksacky Meryl , Pitt Renee D. , Mortensen Whitney 
Published: June 2020

Objective: To compile and synthesize the available literature describing medical cannabis use across various disease states. Data Sources: PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar searches were conducted using MeSH and/or keywords. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Studies were included if they described the use of cannabis-based products and medications in the treatment of a predefined list of disease states in humans and were published in English. The extraction period had no historical limit and spanned through April 2019. Data Synthesis: Evidence was compiled and summarized for the following medical conditions: Alzheimer disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, cancer and cancer-associated adverse effects, seizure disorders, human immunodeficiency virus, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), nausea, pain, posttraumatic stress disorder, and hospice care. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Based on identified data, the most robust evidence suggests that medical cannabis may be effective in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, seizure disorders, MS-related spasticity, and pain (excluding diabetic neuropathy). Overall, the evidence is inconsistent and generally limited by poor quality. The large variation in cannabis-based products evaluated in studies limits the ability to make direct comparisons. Regardless of the product, a gradual dose titration was utilized in most studies. Cannabis-based therapies were typically well tolerated, with the most common adverse effects being dizziness, somnolence, dry mouth, nausea, and euphoria. Conclusions: As more states authorize medical cannabis use, there is an increasing need for high-quality clinical evidence describing its efficacy and safety. This review is intended to serve as a reference for clinicians, so that the risks and realistic benefits of medical cannabis are better understood.
Youth Risk-taking and Leisure: A Multifactorial Model in the Italian Context
Authors: Panarese Paola , Mingo Isabella 
Published: June 2020

Literature on youth and risk has traditionally been dominated by psycho-dynamic explanations of social action, studied within a set of adult discourses and searching for single causes for risk-taking in practices like the abuse of alcohol and drugs, unprotected sex and dangerous driving. To overcome these limitations, we listened to young Italian people through a survey conducted on a sample of 1,175 secondary school students and aimed at collecting their viewpoints on and experiences of the relationship between risk and leisure. With an awareness of a plurality of factors influencing risk-taking among the young, this study hypothesizes a contiguity between voluntary risk exposure and gender, age, sociocultural family status, and leisure activities. Both statistical textual analysis methods and logistic regression models were applied to reach the results. The findings show different semantic dimensions of risk according to different social factors.