bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of dielectric properties and methylene intactness under multiple environmental stresses for high voltage epoxy composites
Authors: Khattak Abraiz , Imran Kashif , Faiza  , Ali Asghar , Ulasyar Abasin , Haq Azhar Ul , Amin Muhammad , Khan Adam 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Epoxy decays its dielectric characteristics and exhibits degradation of main hydrocarbon on exposure to multiple environmental stresses. Inorganic oxides-based epoxy composites have been performingwell in many applications and short-term testing; therefore, evaluation of their dielectric and structural characteristics under extreme weathering conditions may also unleash enhancement in these characteristics. To explore dielectric properties and degradation of main hydrocarbon group, neat epoxy and silica-based epoxy microcomposite (15% micro-silica loading) and nanocomposites (5% nano-silica loading)have been prepared and subjected to acid rain, heat, ultra-violet radiation, salt fog, and humidity in a chamber that was specially fabricated in view ofservice conditions. Interesting results were obtained before and after aging. Enhanced intactness of methylene group was observed in nanocomposite followed by micro composite. Similarly, for epoxy nanocomposites not only higher dielectric constant, lower energy dissipation and conductivity was recorded before application of stresses, but also nanocomposite showed superior sustainability in these properties after aging. In all analyses, microcomposites performed better than neat epoxy but in conductivity the results of both samples were found comparable.
Circulating Pregenomic Hepatitis B Virus RNA Is Primarily Full-length in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Undergoing Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Therapy
Authors: Anderson Mark , Gersch Jeffery , Luk Ka-Cheung , Dawson George , Carey Ivana , Agarwal Kosh , Shah Pir , Dusheiko Geoffrey , Lau Daryl , Cloherty Gavin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Hepatitis B virus RNA is detectable in the serum of infected patients; however, the RNA species has been questioned. We tested 1827 specimens using a quantitative dual-target quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay and determined that full-length pregenomic RNA is the primary source. These results clarify the major identity of circulating HBV RNA species.
Implantation technique and optimal subcutaneous defibrillator chest position: a PRAETORIAN score-based study
Authors: Francia Pietro , Biffi Mauro , Adduci Carmen , Ottaviano Luca , Migliore Federico , De Bonis Silvana , Dello Russo Antonio , De Filippo Paolo , Viani Stefano , Bongiorni Maria Grazia , Caravati Fabrizio , Lavalle Carlo , Landolina Maurizio Eugenio , Pisanò Ennio , Giorgi Davide , Lovecchio Mariolina , Valsecchi Sergio , Diemberger Igor 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Aims
The traditional technique for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation involves three incisions and a subcutaneous pocket. Recently, a two-incision and intermuscular (IM) technique has been adopted. The PRAETORIAN score is a chest radiograph-based tool that predicts S-ICD conversion testing. We assessed whether the S-ICD implantation technique affects optimal position of the defibrillation system according to the PRAETORIAN score.

Methods and results
We analysed consecutive patients undergoing S-ICD implantation. The χ2 test and regression analysis were used to determine the association between the PRAETORIAN score and implantation technique. Two hundred and thirteen patients were enrolled. The S-ICD generator was positioned in an IM pocket in 174 patients (81.7%) and the two-incision approach was adopted in 199 (93.4%). According to the PRAETORIAN score, the risk of conversion failure was classified as low in 198 patients (93.0%), intermediate in 13 (6.1%), and high in 2 (0.9%). Patients undergoing the two-incision and IM technique were more likely to have a low (&lt;90) PRAETORIAN score than those undergoing the three-incision and subcutaneous technique (two-incision: 94.0% vs. three-incision: 78.6%; P = 0.004 and IM: 96.0% vs. subcutaneous: 79.5%; P = 0.001). Intermuscular plus two-incision technique was associated with a low-risk PRAETORIAN score (hazard ratio 3.76; 95% confidence interval 1.01–14.02; P = 0.04). Shock impedance was lower in PRAETORIAN low-risk patients than in intermediate-/high-risk categories (66 vs. 96 Ohm; P = 0.001). The PRAETORIAN score did not predict shock failure at 65 J.

Conclusion
In this cohort of S-ICD recipients, combining the two-incision technique and IM generator implantation yielded the lowest PRAETORIAN score values, indicating optimal defibrillation system position.

Clinical trial registration
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ Identifier: NCT02275637.
Hyperglycemia suppresses the regulatory effect of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in pulmonary Aspergillus fumigatus infection
Authors: Ye Yao , Chen Yu , Sun Jianjun , Zhang Hanyin , Meng Yanling , Li Wenyang , Wang Wei 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT
Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common fungal infections involved in the pulmonary diseases. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is important for antifungal immunity. Diabetes is a risk factor of pulmonary A. fumigatus infection and could affect the expression of HIF-1α. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the role of HIF-1α in pulmonary A. fumigatus infection in diabetes. In murine model, we found diabetic mice had aggravated pulmonary A. fumigatus infection and declined expression of HIF-1α following pulmonary A. fumigatus infection. And these changes could be corrected by dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG), the agonist of HIF-1α. In cell experiment, after A. fumigatus stimulation, hyperglycemic state was with a decreased HIF-1α expression and increased NLRP3/IL-1β signal pathway. The percentages of Th1 and Treg cells decreased, while percentages of Th2 and Th17 increased in hyperglycemic group. DMOG suppressed A. fumigatus-stimulated NLRP3 and IL-1β expressions in hyperglycemic group and corrected Th and Treg cells differentiation. These regulatory effects of DMOG could be dampened by activating of NLRP3. These data indicated that hyperglycemia suppressed the regulatory effect of HIF-1α in pulmonary A. fumigatus infection, which can affect Th and Treg cells differentiation by regulating the NLRP3/IL-1β signal pathway.
Variation between hospitals and reviewers in detection of adverse events identified through medical record review in Korea
Authors: Kim Sukyeong , Shin Ho Gyun , Jo A E Jeong , Min Ari , Ock Minsu , Hwang Jee-In , Jeong Youngjin , Park Moon Sung , Lee Jong Bouk , Chang Tae I K , Song Eunhyang , Kim Heungseon , Lee Sang-Il 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objectives
This study utilized the method of medical record review to determine characteristics of adverse events that occurred in the inpatient units of hospitals in Korea as well as the variations in adverse events between institutions.

Design
A two-stage retrospective medical record review was conducted. The first stage was a nurse review, where two nurses reviewed medical records of discharged patients to determine if screening criteria had been met. In the second stage, two physicians independently reviewed medical records of patients identified in the first stage, to determine whether an adverse event had occurred.

Setting
Inpatient units of six hospitals.

Participants
Medical records of 2 596 patients randomly selected were reviewed in the first stage review.

Intervention(s)
N/A.

Main Outcome Measure(s)
Adverse events.

Results
A total of 277 patients (10.7%) were confirmed to have had one or more adverse event(s), and a total of 336 adverse events were identified. Physician reviewers agreed about whether an adverse event had occurred for 141 patients (5.4%). The incidence rate of adverse events was at least 1.3% and a maximum of 19.4% for each hospital. Most preventability scores were less than four points (non-preventable), and there were large variations between reviewers and institutions.

Conclusions
Given the level of variation in the identified adverse events, further studies that include more medical institutions in their investigations are needed, and a third-party committee should be involved to address the reliability issues regarding the occurrence and characteristics of the adverse events.
Constraining the dense matter equation-of-state with radio pulsars
Authors: Hu Huanchen , Kramer Michael , Wex Norbert , Champion David J , Kehl Marcel S 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT
Radio pulsars provide some of the most important constraints for our understanding of matter at supranuclear densities. So far, these constraints are mostly given by precision mass measurements of neutron stars (NS). By combining single measurements of the two most massive pulsars, J0348+0432 and J0740+6620, the resulting lower limit of 1.98 M⊙ (99 per cent confidence) of the maximum NS mass, excludes a large number of equations of state (EOSs). Further EOS constraints, complementary to other methods, are likely to come from the measurement of the moment of inertia (MOI) of binary pulsars in relativistic orbits. The Double Pulsar, PSR J0737−3039A/B, is the most promising system for the first measurement of the MOI via pulsar timing. Reviewing this method, based in particular on the first MeerKAT observations of the Double Pulsar, we provide well-founded projections into the future by simulating timing observations with MeerKAT and the SKA. For the first time, we account for the spin-down mass-loss in the analysis. Our results suggest that an MOI measurement with 11 per cent accuracy (68 per cent confidence) is possible by 2030. If by 2030 the EOS is sufficiently well known, however, we find that the Double Pulsar will allow for a 7 per cent test of Lense–Thirring precession, or alternatively provide a ∼3σ-measurement of the next-to-leading order gravitational wave damping in GR. Finally, we demonstrate that potential new discoveries of double NS systems with orbital periods shorter than that of the Double Pulsar promise significant improvements in these measurements and the constraints on NS matter.
The tensile strength of compressed dust samples and the catastrophic disruption threshold of pre-planetary matter
Authors: San Sebastián I L , Dolff A , Blum J , Parisi M G , Kothe S 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT
During the planetary formation process, mutual collisions among planetesimals take place, impacting on their porosities. The outcome of these collisions depends, among other parameters, on the tensile strength of the colliding objects. In the first stage of this work, we performed impact experiments into dust samples, assembled with material analogous to that of the primitive Solar System, to obtain highly compressed samples that represent the porosities measured in chondritic meteorites. In the second stage, we obtained the tensile strengths of the compressed dust samples by the Brazilian Disc Test. We found a correlation between the tensile strength and the volume filling factor of the compressed dust samples and obtained the corresponding critical fragmentation strength in mutual collisions and its dependence on the volume filling factor. Finally, we give prescriptions for the catastrophic disruption threshold as a function of the object size, for different values of the volume filling factor.
Price, Income, and Affordability as the Determinants of Tobacco Consumption: A Practitioner’s Guide to Tobacco Taxation
Authors: Nargis Nigar , Stoklosa Michal , Shang Ce , Drope Jeffrey 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Tobacco product prices and consumers’ income are the two major economic determinants of tobacco demand. The affordability of tobacco products is dependent on the price of tobacco products relative to consumer income. Increase in tobacco tax is expected to lead to higher price, lower affordability, and reduced consumption. Price elasticity and affordability elasticity are used in analyzing the effect of tobacco tax increases on tobacco consumption and public health. The availability of both parameters raises the question of which one to apply in policy discussions.

Aims and Methods
Using global data on cigarette consumption, price, income, and tobacco control measures for 169 countries over 2007–2016, this study estimated the price elasticity and affordability elasticity of cigarette consumption by country income classification using country-specific fixed effects model for panel data.

Results
The estimates show that the restriction of equal strength of the effects of price and income changes on tobacco consumption maintained in affordability elasticity estimation is valid for low- and middle-income countries, while it is rejected for high-income countries.

Conclusions
Affordability elasticity may prove to be a useful parameter to explain and predict the sensitivity of consumers to tobacco tax and price policy changes under conditions of robust economic growth, which are more likely to be observed in countries with initial low- or middle-income setting. It can provide a reasonable benchmark for tobacco tax and price increase necessary to effectively reduce affordability and consumption of tobacco, which can form a basis for building systematic tax and price increases into the tobacco tax policy mechanism.

Implications
Price elasticity measures the sensitivity of consumers to changes in real prices, holding real income constant. Affordability elasticity measures the sensitivity of consumers to price changes adjusted for inflation and income changes. Existing scientific literature on tobacco demand abounds in both price and affordability elasticity estimates, without providing a clear explanation of the theoretical and policy implications of using one parameter over the other. By estimating and comparing price and affordability elasticities for high-income and low-and-middle-income countries separately, this article offers a guide to the practitioners in tobacco taxation for evaluating the effectiveness of tax-induced price increases on tobacco consumption.
The association between psychological factors and pain exacerbations in hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Fu Kai , Metcalf Ben , Bennell Kim L , Zhang Yuqing , Deveza Leticia A , Robbins Sarah R , Hunter David J 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the association between psychological factors and pain exacerbations in people with hip OA.MethodsEligible participants with symptomatic hip OA were instructed to complete online questionnaires every 10 days over a 90-day follow-up period. In addition, they were required to complete the questionnaire whenever they perceived they were experiencing a hip pain exacerbation. Hip pain exacerbation was defined as an increase of 2 points in pain intensity compared with baseline on an 11-point numeric rating scale (0–10). The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale–21 Items, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Pain Catastrophizing Scale and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire were used to evaluate psychological factors. The associations of these with risk of hip pain exacerbation were examined by conditional logistic regression.ResultsOf 252 participants recruited, 131 (52.0%) contributed both case and control period data and were included in the analysis. A significant association was found between Pain Catastrophizing Scale overall score (1 point increase) with hip pain exacerbations (odds ratio: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.11). An increase of a minimal important change (5.5 points) of Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire score was associated with a lower odds of pain exacerbations (odds ratio: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.85). No significant associations were found between Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale–21 Items or Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scores with hip pain exacerbations.ConclusionBoth pain catastrophizing and pain self-efficacy beliefs were associated with pain exacerbations in people with hip OA, but other psychological factors including depression, anxiety and stress or positive and negative affects, were not associated with pain exacerbations.
The trust and the waqf (comparative analysis)
Authors: Gvelesiani Irina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The trust is an outstanding creature of common law of the Middle Ages. It has gained international recognition essentially for its tripartite structure and unique character. Bifurcation of rights became a label of the trust and made it flexible and adaptable to various transfers. There are numerous debates regarding the origin of the trust. This article deals with the issue of Islamic origin. The methodology of the research is oriented to comparative analysis, which considers the comparison of the traditional models of the trust and the waqf. The parallel is drawn between the juridical and linguistic peculiarities.
Update on Pressure Injuries: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Saindon Kelly , Berlowitz Dan R. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT
The literature on pressure injuries continues to expand at a rapid rate, and keeping up to date with the current knowledge base is challenging. This summary describes six important new articles published in 2018 or 2019 about pressure injury pathophysiology, prevention, treatment, and epidemiology. For each article, a description of the results is provided, and then a comment about the significance of the results is offered. The new knowledge contained in this review should impact how clinicians incorporate the latest evidence-based practice for pressure injuries.

GENERAL PURPOSE
To provide information about the latest evidence-based practice related to pressure injuries (PIs).

TARGET AUDIENCE
This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES
After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:
1. Identify risk factors and prevention strategies for PI.
2. Explain issues related to the treatment of PI.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Amniotic Fluid Embolism-Induced Cardiac Arrest in the First Trimester of Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Creel-Bulos Christina , Hassani Brian , Stentz Michael J. , Budhrani Gaurav , Daneshmand Mani A. , Jabaley Craig S. , Groff Robert F. 
Published: July 2020

Objectives:
Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare obstetric emergency that can be accompanied by profound hypoxemia, coagulopathy, hemorrhage, and cardiogenic shock. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may provide a rescue strategy in amniotic fluid embolism with cardiopulmonary collapse. Approaches to anticoagulation must be balanced against the risk of hemorrhage with concomitant coagulopathy. Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been described for cardiopulmonary collapse in the setting of amniotic fluid embolism, its initiation as a bridge to hemostasis and cardiopulmonary recovery in amniotic fluid embolism–induced hemorrhagic and cardiogenic shock remains a novel resuscitation strategy.

Design, Subject, and Intervention:
We present a case detailing the initiation of extracorporeal life support with veno-arterio-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with hemorrhagic shock and cardiopulmonary failure due to amniotic fluid embolism. The patient was ultimately discharged home 19 days after presentation free from neurologic or other significant disability.

Main Results and Conclusion:
Through this case, we describe a tailored approach to extracorporeal life support initiation and advanced extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management as a bridge to recovery in patients with mixed shock. Additionally, we discuss how the culmination of prehospital, outpatient and inpatient provider teamwork, easily portable extracorporeal membrane oxygenation equipment, and multispecialty collaboration can afford promising therapeutic options for patients who were previously deemed ineligible for extracorporeal life support.
Fundamentals of liquid biopsies in metastatic prostate cancer: from characterization to stratification
Authors: van Dessel Lisanne F. , Martens John W.M. , Lolkema Martijn P. 
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review
In this review, we provide an overview of the recent developments and prospects on the applications of blood-based liquid biopsies, including circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells, in metastatic prostate cancer.

Recent findings
Guidelines and consensus statements have been formulated to standardize preanalytical conditions that affect liquid biopsy analysis. Currently, there are four FDA approved assays for the analysis of liquid biopsies and many quantitative and qualitative assays are being developed. Comprehensive analyses of cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) demonstrate that they adequately reflect the genomic makeup of the tumor and may thus complement or even replace tumor biopsies. The assessment of genomic aberrations in ctDNA can potentially predict therapy response and detect mechanisms of resistance. CTC count is not only a strong prognosticator in metastatic prostate cancer but can also measure therapy response.

Summary
Liquid biopsies may provide a temporal snapshot of the biologic variables that affect tumor growth and progression in metastatic prostate cancer. Liquid biopsies could inform on prognostic, predictive, and response measures. However, prospective clinical trials need to be performed to provide definitive validation of the clinical value of the most advanced assays.
HIPEC in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: why is there controversy?
Authors: Vermorken Jan B. , van Dam Peter , Brand Alison 
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review
The randomized OVHIPEC study provided further evidence that adding heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to interval cytoreductive surgery significantly improved recurrence-free and overall survival in stage III epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients, who were ineligible for primary cytoreductive surgery due to extensive intraperitoneal disease. Because opinions have been divided as to whether HIPEC is now a new standard of care for advanced EOC, the pros and cons of this approach are examined. A comparison with the ongoing discussion about the role of intraperitoneal chemotherapy is made.

Recent findings
For both techniques, experience is crucial and a learning curve essential. Compared with intraperitoneal chemotherapy, intraoperative application of HIPEC provides superior distribution through the peritoneal cavity. HIPEC, as given in OVHIPEC, did not significantly increase adverse events, had no negative effect on quality of life and was cost-effective.

Summary
Despite the ongoing debate about HIPEC, an important first step in attempting to demonstrate the efficacy of HIPEC in the first-line setting has been made with OVHIPEC. Critics have been of value to optimize future trials with HIPEC in patients with EOC.