bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of immunocompromised COVID‐19 patients with convalescent plasma
Authors: Fung Monica , Nambiar Ashok , Pandey Suchi , Aldrich J. Matthew , Teraoka Justin , Freise Christopher , Roberts John , Chandran Sindhu , Hays Steven R. , Bainbridge Emma , DeVoe Catherine , Roque Gardner Annelys , Yokoe Deborah , Henrich Timothy J. , Babik Jennifer M. , Chin‐Hong Peter 
Published: September 2020

AbstractImmunosuppressed patients such as solid organ transplant and hematologic malignancy patients appear to be at increased risk for morbidity and mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Convalescent plasma, a method of passive immunization that has been applied to prior viral pandemics, holds promise as a potential treatment for COVID‐19. Immunocompromised patients may experience more benefit from convalescent plasma given underlying deficits in B and T cell immunity as well as contraindications to antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy. We describe our institutional experience with four immunosuppressed patients (two kidney transplant recipients, one lung transplant recipient, and one chronic myelogenous leukemia patient) treated with COVID‐19 convalescent plasma through the Expanded Access Program (NCT 04338360). All patients clinically improved after administration (two fully recovered and two discharged to skilled nursing facilities) and none experienced a transfusion reaction. We also report the characteristics of convalescent plasma product from a local blood center including positive SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG and negative SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR in all samples tested. This preliminary evidence suggest that convalescent plasma may be safe among immunosuppressed patients with COVID‐19 and emphasizes the need for further data on the efficacy of convalescent plasma as either primary or adjunctive therapy for COVID‐19.
Pyogranulomatous panniculitis in a domestic cat associated with Pseudomonas luteola infection
Authors: Milliron Sarai M. , Seyler Zachary G. , Myers Alexandra N. , Rodrigues Hoffmann Aline , Hnot Melanie , Wiener Dominique J. 
Published: September 2020

Pseudomonas luteola, a pathogen causing disease in humans, has in animals been reported only in rainbow trout and ferrets. This case report describes pyogranulomatous panniculitis in a cat associated with P. luteola infection. Organisms were seen histologically and identified with PCR and sequencing. Lesions resolved after treatment with marbofloxacin.
Negative‐pressure wound therapy for III/IV pressure injuries: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Song Yi‐Ping , Wang Lei , Yuan Bao‐Fang , Shen Hong‐Wu , Du Lin , Cai Ji‐Yu , Chen Hong‐Lin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis meta‐analysis was conducted to identify the potential benefits and the efficacy of negative‐pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for III/IV pressure injuries (PIs) compared with standard wound care (SWC). Sixteen RCTs with 629 patients were included in our analysis. The methodological quality was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration Tool. The outcomes included complete ulcer healing rate, wound healing time, pain score, the frequency of dressing change, hospitalization cost, the condition of the exudate, and the wound improvement. The percentage of healing rate was 61.45% for the NPWT group and 36.90% for SWC (95% CI: 1.32‐1.70). There were significant differences in wound healing time (WMD = −16.47 days, 95% [CI (−22.36, − 10.59) days, P ≤ .001]). The pain score and hospitalization cost in NPWT was lower compared with SWC group (WMD = −2.39, 95% CI [−3.47, −1.30], P ≤ .001); (SMD = −2.55, 95% CI [−4.07, −1.03], P < .01). The frequency of dressing change in both NPWT groups was greatly reduced (SMD = −3.61, 95% [CI (−4.57, − 2.66) times, P ≤ .001]). Our meta‐analysis indicated that NPWT was associated with greater improvements in improving PIs and shorting healing time for III/IV PIs. However, this conclusion needs to be confirmed by high‐quality multicenter RCTs.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Oscar William 
Published: September 2020

International Journal of Contemporary Education (IJCE) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJCE publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 3, Number 2 Aurora Q. Pestano, University of San Jose Recoletos, PhilippinesAziz Moummou, Ministry of Education, MoroccoBlessing Dwumah Manu, Jiangsu University, GhanaBožić-Lenard Dragana, University of Osijek Croatia, CroatiaBruna Gabriela Augusto Marçal Vieira, CEFET-MG, BrazilDina Radeljas, Mohawk Valley Community College, USAEdward Bolden, Case Western Reserve University, USAFederica Cornali, University of Turin, ItalyFroilan Delute Mobo, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, PhilippinesGiuseppe Maugeri, Ca' Foscari University, ItalyGraziano Serragiotto, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, ItalyInaad M Sayer, University of Human Development, IraqIosif Fragkoulis, Hellenic Open University, GreeceJavier Fombona, Univ. Oviedo, SpainLi Li, Bath Spa University, UKMatthew Schatt, University of Florida, USAMurat Tezer, Near East University, CyprusNesrin Ozturk, Ege University, TurkeyRaymond Aaron Younis, ACU Australia, AustraliaSaid K. Juma, State University of Zanzibar, TanzaniaSandro Sehic, Oneida BOCES, USASuriadi Samsuri, Institute of Islamic Religion Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin Sambas, IndonesiaTeresa Pozo-Rico, University of Alicante, SpainVassiliki Pliogou, Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, Greece William OscarEditorial AssistantInternational Journal of Contemporary Education------------------------------------------------------------Redfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USATel: 1-503-828-0536 ext. 509Fax: 1-503-828-0537E-mail 1: ijce@redfame.comE-mail 2: ijce@redfame.orgURL: http://ijce.redfame.com
Ash Fusion During Combustion of Single Corn Straw Pellets
Authors: Zhai Ming , Wang Xinyu , Zhang Yichi , Panahi Aidin , Dong Peng , Levendis Yiannis A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis investigation identified conditions at which corn straw ash melts and examined how this phenomenon affects the combustion of char residues. Corn straw was pelletized in cylinders and was burned at elevated temperatures in the range of 1200–1400 °C, and at different air flow velocities. The pellets were inserted in a preheated furnace, where they were subjected to moderately high heating rates. Their combustion behavior was observed with cinematography, thermometry, and thermogravimetry. Upon insertion in the furnace, the pellets devolatilized and formed volatile envelope flames, upon extinction of which, the chars experienced concurrent heterogeneous combustion and ash fusion. Residues were assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), coupled to energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The burnout times of the volatiles and the chars decreased drastically with increasing temperature. At 1300 °C and 1400 °C, the remaining ash underwent complete melting and the final structures of the pellets collapsed to molten pools. At 1400 °C, all of the chlorine and most of the potassium were released into the gas phase. The straw ash was identified as a high-density silicate melt. Although surface ash melted completely, it flowed to the base of the pellet. Therefore, it did not significantly hinder the oxidation of the carbonaceous char. Hence, to increase the likelihood of complete corn straw carbon burnout and of ash melting and flowing to the bottom of the furnace, operating temperatures higher than 1300 °C, in conjunction with mild air flow rates, are recommended.
Bridging Western and Indigenous knowledge through intercultural dialogue: lessons from participatory research in Mexico
Authors: Sarmiento Iván , Zuluaga Germán , Paredes-Solís Sergio , Chomat Anne Marie , Loutfi David , Cockcroft Anne , Andersson Neil 
Published: September 2020

Indigenous communities in Latin America and elsewhere have complex bodies of knowledge, but Western health services generally approach them as vulnerable people in need of external solutions. Intercultural dialogue recognises the validity and value of Indigenous standpoints, and participatory research promotes reciprocal respect for stakeholder input in knowledge creation.As part of their decades-long community-based work in Mexico’s Guerrero State, researchers at theCentro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicalesresponded to the request from Indigenous communities to help them address poor maternal health. We present the experience from this participatory research in which both parties contributed to finding solutions for a shared concern. The aim was to open an intercultural dialogue by respecting Indigenous skills and customs, recognising the needs of health service stakeholders for scientific evidence.Three steps summarise the opening of intercultural dialogue.Trust building and partnershipbased on mutual respect and principles of cultural safety. This focused on understanding traditional midwifery and the cultural conflicts in healthcare for Indigenous women. A pilot randomised controlled trial was an opportunity tolisten and to adjust the lexiconidentifying and testing culturally coherent responses for maternal health led by traditional midwives.Codesign, evaluation and discussionhappened during a full cluster randomised trial to identify benefits of supporting traditional midwifery on maternal outcomes. A narrative mid-term evaluation and cognitive mapping of traditional knowledge offered additional evidence to discuss with other stakeholders the benefits of intercultural dialogue. These steps are not mechanistic or invariable. Other contexts might require additional steps. In Guerrero, intercultural dialogue included recovering traditional midwifery and producing high-level epidemiological evidence of the value of traditional midwives, allowing service providers to draw on the strengths of different cultures.
Impact of overweight and obesity on life expectancy, quality-adjusted life years and lifetime costs in the adult population of Ghana
Authors: Lartey Stella , Si Lei , Lung Thomas , Magnussen Costan G , Boateng Godfred O , Minicuci Nadia , Kowal Paul , Hayes Alison , de Graaff Barbara , Blizzard Leigh , Palmer Andrew J 
Published: September 2020

IntroductionPrior studies have revealed the increasing prevalence of obesity and its associated health effects among ageing adults in resource poor countries. However, no study has examined the long-term and economic impact of overweight and obesity in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, we quantified the long-term impact of overweight and obesity on life expectancy (LE), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and total direct healthcare costs.MethodsA Markov simulation model projected health and economic outcomes associated with three categories of body mass index (BMI): healthy weight (18.5≤BMI <25.0); overweight (25.0≤BMI < 30.0) and obese (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2) in simulated adult cohorts over a 50-year time horizon from age fifty. Costs were estimated from government and patient perspectives, discounted 3% annually and reported in 2017 US$. Mortality rates from Ghanaian lifetables were adjusted by BMI-specific all-cause mortality HRs. Published input data were used from the 2014/2015 Ghana WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health data. Internal and external validity were assessed.ResultsFrom age 50 years, average (95% CI) remaining LE for females were 25.6 (95% CI: 25.4 to 25.8), 23.5 (95% CI: 23.3 to 23.7) and 21.3 (95% CI: 19.6 to 21.8) for healthy weight, overweight and obesity, respectively. In males, remaining LE were healthy weight (23.0; 95% CI: 22.8 to 23.2), overweight (20.7; 95% CI: 20.5 to 20.9) and obesity (17.6; 95% CI: 17.5 to 17.8). In females, QALYs for healthy weight were 23.0 (95% CI: 22.8 to 23.2), overweight, 21.0 (95% CI: 20.8 to 21.2) and obesity, 19.0 (95% CI: 18.8 to 19.7). The discounted total costs per female were US$619 (95% CI: 616 to 622), US$1298 (95% CI: 1290 to 1306) and US$2057 (95% CI: 2043 to 2071) for healthy weight, overweight and obesity, respectively. QALYs and costs were lower in males.ConclusionOverweight and obesity have substantial health and economic impacts, hence the urgent need for cost-effective preventive strategies in the Ghanaian population.
Evaluating an implementation programme for medication review with follow-up in community pharmacy using a hybrid effectiveness study design: translating evidence into practice
Authors: Varas-Doval Raquel , Gastelurrutia Miguel A , Benrimoj Shalom I , Zarzuelo Maria Jose , Garcia-Cardenas Victoria , Perez-Escamilla Beatriz , Martínez-Martínez Fernando 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesTo evaluate an implementation programme of a community pharmacy medication review with follow-up (MRF) service using a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study design, and to compare the clinical and humanistic outcomes with those in a previously conducted cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT).SettingCommunity pharmacies in Spain.Participants135 community pharmacies and 222 pharmacists providing MRF to polymedicated patients aged 65 or over.InterventionThe intervention was an implementation programme for the MRF service. A national level group was established, mirrored with a provincial level group. A series of interventions were defined (1) to engage pharmacy owners with the implementation model and (2) to provide training to pharmacists consisting of clinical case studies, process of MRF, communication skills and data collection methods and (3) practice change facilitators.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcomes for the implementation programme were progress, reach, fidelity and integration. The secondary outcomes were number of medications, non-controlled health problems, emergency visits, hospitalisations and health-related quality of life, which were compared with a previous 6-month cluster RCT.Results55% of pharmacies reached the implementation phase and 35.6% remained in the testing phase at 12 months. A reach of 89.3% (n=844) was achieved. Fidelity average score was 8.45 (min: 6.2, max: 9.3) out of 10. The integration mean score was 3.39 (SD: 0.72) out of 5. MRF service outcomes were similar to the cluster RCT study; however, the magnitude of the outcomes was delayed.ConclusionsThe implementation of pharmacy services is a complex multifactorial process, conditioned by numerous implementation factors. In the absence of remuneration, the implementation of the MRF service is a slow process, taking at least 12 months to complete.Trial registration numberCGFTRA-2017-01.
Documenting and characterising gestational weight gain beliefs and experiences among Marshallese pregnant women in Arkansas: a protocol for a longitudinal mixed-methods study
Authors: Ayers Britni L , Bogulski Cari A , Haggard-Duff Lauren , Andres Aline , Børsheim Elisabet , McElfish Pearl A 
Published: September 2020

IntroductionArkansas has the largest population of Marshallese Pacific Islanders residing in the continental USA. The Marshallese have higher rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, pre-term births, low birthweight babies, infant mortality, and inadequate or no prenatal care. Despite the high rates of cardiometabolic and maternal and child health disparities among Marshallese, there are no studies documenting gestational weight gain or perceptions about gestational weight gain among the Marshallese population residing in the USA.Methods and analysisThis paper describes the protocol of a mixed-methods concurrent triangulation longitudinal study designed to understand gestational weight gain in Marshallese women. The mixed-methods design collects qualitative and quantitative data during simultaneous data collection events, at both first and third trimester, and then augments that data with postpartum data abstraction. Quantitative and qualitative data will be analysed separately and then synthesised during the interpretation phase.Ethics and disseminationThe study used a community engaged approach approved by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Institutional Review Board (#228023). The research team will disseminate results to study participants, research stakeholders (clinics, faith-based organisations and community-based organisation), the broader Marshallese community and fellow researchers. Results will be disseminated to study participants through a one-page summary that show the aggregated research results using plain language and infographics.
Proton pump inhibitors versus histamine-2 receptor antagonists for stress ulcer prophylaxis during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Kondo Yutaka , Ohbe Hiroyuki , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Tanaka Hiroshi , Yasunaga Hideo 
Published: September 2020

PurposePatients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) generally receive proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) to avoid major gastrointestinal bleeding. Our aim was to compare outcomes between patients receiving PPIs and H2RAs for stress ulcer prophylaxis during ECMO.Materials and methodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination Database, using data recorded from 1 July 2010 to 31 March 2017. We defined patients who received PPIs within 2 days after starting ECMO as the PPIs group and those who received H2RAs within 2 days after starting ECMO as the H2RAs group. We performed propensity score matching to compare outcomes. The primary outcomes were gastrointestinal bleeding requiring endoscopic haemostasis and in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were red blood cell transfusion, hospital-acquired pneumonia and Clostridium difficile infection during hospitalisation.ResultsOf 11 328 eligible patients, 9738 received PPIs and 1590 received H2RAs. Propensity score matching created 1556 pairs. No significant differences were seen regarding endoscopic haemostasis (1.2% vs 0.8%; p=0.37), in-hospital mortality (53.0% vs 53.1%; p=0.94), red blood cell transfusion rates (91.4% vs 89.7%; p=0.11), hospital-acquired pneumonia (13.0% vs 12.4%; p=0.59) or C. difficile infection (0.1% vs 0.2%; p=0.32) between the PPIs and H2RAs groups, respectively.ConclusionWe found no differences in the evaluated outcomes between the PPIs and H2RAs groups. Both PPIs and H2RAs are treatment options for stress ulcer prophylaxis in patients undergoing ECMO.
Designing a comprehensive behaviour change intervention to promote and monitor exclusive use of liquefied petroleum gas stoves for the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network (HAPIN) trial
Authors: Williams Kendra N. , Thompson Lisa M. , Sakas Zoe , Hengstermann Mayari , Quinn Ashlinn , Díaz-Artiga Anaité , Thangavel Gurusamy , Puzzolo Elisa , Rosa Ghislaine , Balakrishnan Kalpana , Peel Jennifer , Checkley William , Clasen Thomas F , Miranda J Jaime , Rosenthal Joshua P , Harvey Steven A 
Published: September 2020

IntroductionIncreasing use of cleaner fuels, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and abandonment of solid fuels is key to reducing household air pollution and realising potential health improvements in low-income countries. However, achieving exclusive LPG use in households unaccustomed to this type of fuel, used in combination with a new stove technology, requires substantial behaviour change. We conducted theory-grounded formative research to identify contextual factors influencing cooking fuel choice to guide the development of behavioural strategies for the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network (HAPIN) trial. The HAPIN trial will assess the impact of exclusive LPG use on air pollution exposure and health of pregnant women, older adult women, and infants under 1 year of age in Guatemala, India, Peru, and Rwanda.MethodsUsing the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behaviour (COM–B) framework and Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to guide formative research, we conducted in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations, key informant interviews and pilot studies to identify key influencers of cooking behaviours in the four countries. We used these findings to develop behavioural strategies likely to achieve exclusive LPG use in the HAPIN trial.ResultsWe identified nine potential influencers of exclusive LPG use, including perceived disadvantages of solid fuels, family preferences, cookware, traditional foods, non-food-related cooking, heating needs, LPG awareness, safety and cost and availability of fuel. Mapping formative findings onto the theoretical frameworks, behavioural strategies for achieving exclusive LPG use in each research site included free fuel deliveries, locally acceptable stoves and equipment, hands-on training and printed materials and videos emphasising relevant messages. In the HAPIN trial, we will monitor and reinforce exclusive LPG use through temperature data loggers, LPG fuel delivery tracking, in-home observations and behavioural reinforcement visits.ConclusionOur formative research and behavioural strategies can inform the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of theory-informed strategies to promote exclusive LPG use in future stove programmes and research studies.Trial registration numberNCT02944682, Pre-results.
Which aspects of neighbourhood environment are most associated with meeting physical activity recommendations in American adults: an NHIS study
Authors: Gebauer Sarah C , Salas Joanne , Scherrer Jeffrey , Callahan Leigh F 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesTo investigate which perceived neighbourhood characteristics are most strongly linked with adequate physical activity (PA) in a nationally representative sample of adults in the USA.DesignCross-sectional.SettingUSA via 2015 National Health Interview Survey Data.ParticipantsA group of 28 697 non-institutionalised adults with complete data.Primary outcome measuresMeeting PA was defined as 150 min/week of moderate to vigorous activity.ResultsThe population had a mean age of 49.6 (±18.3) years and was 51.3% female and 66.2% non-Hispanic white. In adjusted, weighted analysis, places to walk and relax was mostly strongly associated with meeting PA recommendations (OR=1.40 (95% CI 1.27 to 1.54)). Other elements associated with meeting PA were presence of bus or transit stops to walk to and presence of movies, libraries or churches to walk to (OR=1.12 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.23) and OR=1.19 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.31), respectively).ConclusionsIn this analysis, the characteristic most strongly associated with PA was presence of places to walk and relax. Identifying communities that may lack amenities such as this, like a park, may help direct community investment to enhance structures that encourage activity.