bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors of Hypertension among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Imo state, South East of Nigeria
Authors: Dozie Ugonma, Winnie , Okonkwo Nnenna, Vivian , Nworuh Okwuchi, Blessed , Orji Somtochukwu, Mercy , Nwaokoro Chidozie Joakin , Dozie Ikechukwu, Nosike Simplicius 
Published: October 2020

Background: Hypertension is among the important causes of non-communicable disease burden worldwide. It has raised public health concerns in both developed and developing nations. It mostly occurs in patients with diabetes and the prevalence depends on duration, type and age of the patient. The study aimed at determining the risk factors of hypertension among type 2 diabetic patients in Imo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A hospital-based descriptive survey design involving 50 patients attending hospital was used. Structured questionnaire complemented with interview schedule was used to collect data from the respondents. Data were analyzed using frequency and mean score. Hypotheses were tested using Chi-square at 5% significance level.
Results: The result showed that the majority (70.0%) of the patients was hypertensive, 54.0% of the patients used dietary control and drugs in the treatment of the diseases. Furthermore, it was found that 54.0% ate salty foods always, 58.0% of the patients added extra table salt in their meals, 54.0% ate canned foods and 82.0% took sugary drinks always. It was also found that 66.0% ate always from restaurants and 58.0% ate more of starchy foods. The result further showed that 74.0% of the patients avoided physical exercise and 70.0% indicated that doing stress works made them get anxious. Eighty percent of the patients had hypertension in their family history and the 74.0% indicated it was their brother/sister. The X2 result showed a significantly association between family history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes X2(121, N = 50) = 187, p = 0.000. It was also found that dietary pattern was significantly associated with risk of type 2 diabetes X2(121, N = 50) = 187, p = 0.000.
Conclusion: Dietary pattern and family history of hypertension were significantly associated with type 2 diabetes. It was recommended that sensitization campaigns be organized to educate women on the effect of diets on diabetes. Also, family history of hypertension should be ascertained from patients to ensure early detection and treatment of diabetes.
Awareness and Attitude of the Population of Karachi towards Stigma Associated with Cancer
Authors: Tahir Burhanuddin , Ali Akhtar , Riaz Anshahrah , Yousuf Zuleikha , Qadir Sara , Waseem Nehal 
Published: October 2020

Background: Cancer related stigma arises due to an amalgamation of certain myths, lack of understanding and religious and social beliefs that vary across different cultures. Despite the widespread availability of information regarding the characteristics of this disease and the ever-growing technological advances, cancer still remains a taboo with the cultural stereotype of its diagnosis being equivalent to a death warrant or penalty for unethical conduct.
Objectives: This research aims to assess the prevalence of cancer stigma in the general population of Karachi and explores the different perceptions and misunderstandings of people regarding cancer patients.
Methodology: It was a cross sectional study conducted at Ziauddin University from July to August 2020. The calculated sample size at 50% proportion was 385 and convenient sampling technique was used to recruit the required sample. Data regarding demographics was collected by a self-administered questionnaire and cancer stigma scale was used to identify the awareness and attitudes.
Results: n= 174 (60.8%) responded as yes. n=126 (44.1%) participants mentioned that their close relatives have suffered from cancer. When asked about cancer awareness most of the study participants seemed to be aware of diseases. However n= 115 (40.2%) responded that cancer ruins the life of the sufferer. When the participants were asked about cancer stigma, they disagreed and showed that they do not have any fear from cancer patients.
Conclusion: The population of Karachi was not having any stigma related to cancer and their attitude towards cancer patients according to the questionnaire seemed to be very positive and humanitarian.
Psychiatric rehabilitation: general issues
Authors: Häfner H 
Published: July 2002

SummaryRehabilitation aims at avoiding unfavourable consequences of a disorder and its care and at training and improving impaired and compensatory skills. The needs of the main diagnostic groups with resulting cognitive or social impairments, namely mental retardation, infantile autism, chronic depression, severe psychoneurosis, substance abuse, schizophrenia, and dementia in old age, have specific aspects. An increased need for rehabilitation was prompted by the worldwide movement of deinstitutionalisation, which hit above all the socially most vulnerable schizophrenics. The instruments and methods of rehabilitation for the socially disabled mentally ill go far beyond the sphere of psychiatry. Individualised rehabilitation must be in mutual interaction with the social and occupational environment. The socially disabled individual is, for example, dependent upon awareness and acceptance in the community, upon financial and social support or upon the availability of a job. In the case of persisting deficits, supportive measures at different levels are needed to compensate or to minimize severe consequences of impairments. Their approach is by the social environment with the objective to grant the optimum quality of life combined with a minimum loss of independence. The great variety of measures often required at the same time must be based on a network of services and their purposeful coordination. Psychiatric rehabilitation requires a functioning social system and, in times of scarce resources, political priorities.
Interplay effects in highly modulated stereotactic body radiation therapy lung cases treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy
Authors: Fernandez Desmond J. , Sick Justin T. , Fontenot Jonas D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractInterplay effects in highly modulated stereotactic body radiation therapy lung cases treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy.PurposeTo evaluate the influence of tumor motion on dose delivery in highly modulated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) of lung cancer using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).Methods4D‐CT imaging data of the quasar respiratory phantom were acquired, using a GE Lightspeed 16‐slice CT scanner, while the phantom reproduced patient specific respiratory traces. Flattening filter‐free (FFF) dual‐arc VMAT treatment plans were created on the acquired images in Pinnacle3 treatment planning system. Each plan was generated with varying levels of complexity characterized by the modulation complexity score. Static and dynamic measurements were delivered to GafChromic EBT3 film inside the respiratory phantom using an Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator. The treatment prescription was 10 Gy per fraction for 5 fractions. Comparisons of the planned and delivered dose distribution were performed using Radiological Imaging Technology (RIT) software.ResultsFor the motion amplitudes and periods studied, the interplay effect is insignificant to the GTV coverage. The mean dose deviations between the planned and delivered dose distribution never went below −2.00% and a minimum dose difference of −5.05% was observed for a single fraction. However for amplitude of 2 cm, the dose error could be as large as 20.00% near the edges of the PTV at increased levels of complexity. Additionally, the modulation complexity score showed an ability to provide information related to dose delivery. A correlation value (R) of 0.65 was observed between the complexity score and the gamma passing rate for GTV coverage.ConclusionsAs expected, respiratory motion effects are most evident for large amplitude respirations, complex fields, and small field margins. However, under all tested conditions target coverage was maintained.
Pulmonary perfusion by chest digital dynamic radiography: Comparison between breath‐holding and deep‐breathing acquisition
Authors: Yamamoto Shota , Hasebe Terumitsu , Tomita Kosuke , Kamei Shunsuke , Matsumoto Tomohiro , Imai Yutaka , Takahashi Genki , Kondo Yusuke , Ito Yoko , Sakamaki Fumio 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposePulmonary perfusion is an important factor for gas exchange. Chest digital dynamic radiography (DDR) by the deep‐breathing protocol can evaluate pulmonary perfusion in healthy subjects. However, respiratory artifacts may affect DDR in patients with respiratory diseases. We examined the feasibility of a breath‐holding protocol and compared it with the deep‐breathing protocol to reduce respiratory artifacts.Materials and methodsA total of 42 consecutive patients with respiratory diseases (32 males; age, 68.6 ± 12.3 yr), including 21 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, underwent chest DDR through the breath‐holding protocol and the deep‐breathing protocol. Imaging success rate and exposure to radiation were compared. The correlation rate of temporal changes in each pixel value between the lung fields and left cardiac ventricles was analyzed.ResultsImaging success rate was higher with the breath‐holding protocol vs the deep‐breathing protocol (97% vs 69%, respectively; P < 0.0001). The entrance surface dose was lower with the breath‐holding protocol (1.09 ± 0.20 vs 1.81 ± 0.08 mGy, respectively; P < 0.0001). The correlation rate was higher with the breath‐holding protocol (right lung field, 41.7 ± 9.3%; left lung field, 44.2 ± 8.9% vs right lung field, 33.4 ± 6.6%; left lung field, 36.0 ± 7.1%, respectively; both lung fields, P < 0.0001). In the lower lung fields, the correlation rate was markedly different (right, 15.3% difference; left, 14.1% difference; both lung fields, P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe breath‐holding protocol resulted in high imaging success rate among patients with respiratory diseases, yielding vivid images of pulmonary perfusion.
Factors Associated With Treatment Response in Patients With Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies: A Registry‐Based Study
Authors: Espinosa‐Ortega Fabricio , Holmqvist Marie , Dastmalchi Maryam , Lundberg Ingrid E. , Alexanderson Helene 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo identify predictors of response to immunosuppressive therapy after 1 year, with a focus on autoantibodies, in patients newly diagnosed with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) followed longitudinally in an electronic registry.MethodsWe assessed the association between autoantibody‐defined groups and improvement according to American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology 2016 response criteria.ResultsWe identified 156 patients; of those, 111 (71%) were positive for any autoantibody tested, 90% received glucocorticoid treatment at baseline, and 78% received immunosuppressive drugs at some follow‐up point. After 1 year from the index date, the overall median improvement score was 27.5 (interquartile range 10–51). No differences were observed in the total improvement score between the autoantibody‐defined groups. Overall, 62% of patients (n = 96) showed a minimal response, 38% (n = 60) achieved a moderate response, and 19% (n = 30) achieved a major response. Regarding the different levels of response, dermatomyositis‐specific autoantibodies were associated with a moderate response versus the seronegative group (reference), odds ratio 4.12 (95% confidence interval 1.2–16.5). In addition, dysphagia, time from symptom onset to diagnosis, and initial glucocorticoid dose were significant predictors of response after 1 year of follow‐up.ConclusionPatients with DM‐specific autoantibodies achieved better levels of response compared to other autoantibody‐defined groups. Dysphagia, a shorter time span from symptom onset to diagnosis, and intensive initial immunosuppressive treatment were associated with a higher response rate after 1 year of pharmacologic treatment from the index date, regardless of autoantibody status.
A Multiscale‐Porous Anion Exchange Membrane for Convenient and Scalable Electrokinetic Concentration of Cationic Species
Authors: Lee Minsoo , Kwon Hyukjin J. , Lim Geunbae 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA device able to electrokinetically concentrate cationic samples has many potential medical and industrial applications, but until now has remained undeveloped due to the lack of a commercial anion‐permselective material leading to a prohibitively complex fabrication procedure. Herein, a novel multiscale‐porous anion exchange membrane (MP‐AEM) that enables the convenient and scalable electrokinetic concentration of cationic species is proposed. A mechanically enhanced multiscale‐porous structure with a solid framework is realized by adopting polyester resin as an additive to overcome the intrinsic limitations of the AEM material. The scalable MP‐AEM‐embedded electrokinetic concentrator is devised based on the peculiar properties of the MP‐AEM that for allow both ion and fluid transport. With the MP‐AEM, the concentrator is fabricated in a highly streamlined manner consisting only of a simple insertion and assembly. The concentration performance of the MP‐AEM‐embedded electrokinetic concentrator is demonstrated with a positively charged fluorescent dye and a fluorescein‐labeled protein, and the results show enrichment factors of 250 and 500, respectively. The MP‐AEM makes cationic electrokinetic concentration more accessible and scalable, thereby enabling further progress in a wide range of fields.
Shell‐Isolated Plasmonic Nanostructures for Biosensing, Catalysis, and Advanced Nanoelectronics
Authors: Li Chuanping , Jin Yongdong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractShell‐isolated nanostructures, consisting of an inert shell and a plasmonic core, have recently been intensively explored for biosensing, catalysis, and nanoelectronics applications owing to their functional shells and unique plasmonic properties. Such designer shell‐isolated plasmonic nanostructures possess the potential to improve the detectability of biosensors and provide powerful platforms to explore in‐depth plasmon enhancement principles and finally boost significantly their photo(electro)catalytic efficiency. In addition, such structural optimization and interface nanoengineering promote solid developments of advanced nanoelectronics toward real applications, revealing new electron transport mechanisms and enabling exploration of new functional and integrated optoelectronic devices. In this overview, the state‐of‐the‐art progresses of shell‐isolated plasmonic nanostructures (SHIPNSs) in the field of biosensing, photo(electro)catalysis, and nanoelectronics is summarized, focusing on the superiority of the core–shell materials in exploration of biosensing, catalytic enhancement mechanisms, and electron transport principles. A brief overview of synthetic methods is introduced, and then the significant importance of shell‐isolated nanomaterials in fabrication and promising direction for future development and challenges are discussed.
Nanoscale Mapping of the Conductivity and Interfacial Capacitance of an Electrolyte‐Gated Organic Field‐Effect Transistor under Operation
Authors: Kyndiah Adrica , Checa Martí , Leonardi Francesca , Millan‐Solsona Ruben , Di Muzio Martina , Tanwar Shubham , Fumagalli Laura , Mas‐Torrent Marta , Gomila Gabriel 
Published: October 2020

AbstractProbing nanoscale electrical properties of organic semiconducting materials at the interface with an electrolyte solution under externally applied voltages is key in the field of organic bioelectronics. It is demonstrated that the conductivity and interfacial capacitance of the active channel of an electrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistor (EGOFET) under operation can be probed at the nanoscale using scanning dielectric microscopy in force detection mode in liquid environment. Local electrostatic force versus gate voltage transfer characteristics are obtained on the device and correlated with the global current–voltage transfer characteristics of the EGOFET. Nanoscale maps of the conductivity of the semiconducting channel show the dependence of the channel conductivity on the gate voltage and its variation along the channel due to the space charge limited conduction. The maps reveal very small electrical heterogeneities, which correspond to local interfacial capacitance variations due to an ultrathin non‐uniform insulating layer resulting from a phase separation in the organic semiconducting blend. Present results offer insights into the transduction mechanism at the organic semiconductor/electrolyte interfaces at scales down to ≈100 nm, which can bring substantial optimization of organic electronic devices for bioelectronic applications such as electrical recording on excitable cells or label‐free biosensing.
Self‐Winding Gelatin–Amyloid Wires for Soft Actuators and Sensors
Authors: Lutz‐Bueno Viviane , Bolisetty Sreenath , Azzari Paride , Handschin Stephan , Mezzenga Raffaele 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe origin of self‐winding mechanisms in plants’ tendrils has fascinated scientists for centuries and continues to inspire developments in material science and nanotechnology. Here, bioinspired water‐responsive wires that replicate these mechanisms, including the formation of coils and chiral perversions, are presented. A right‐handed gelatin matrix is loaded with rigid left‐handed amyloid fibrils and roll–dry‐spun into wires in which self‐winding activation emerges from simultaneous bending and twisting deformations. Wire bending is a consequence of amyloid fibrils’ concentration and distribution within the wire, whereas twisting is controlled by amyloid fibrils’ orientation. The resultant wires can be functionalized by organic molecules and inorganic nanoparticles, and potential applications in magnetic actuators and sensors are demonstrated. The simple fabrication method and the remarkable spontaneous self‐winding response of these gelatin–amyloid wires exemplify how biomaterials based on mixed proteins have striking potential to develop advanced and tunable properties that can serve robotics, soft machines, and engineering systems.
White Dendrimer Organic Light Emitting Diodes: Exciton Formation and Transfer
Authors: von Reventlow Lorenz Graf , Jiang Wei , Stoltzfus Dani M. , Russell Steven M. , Burn Paul L. , Colsmann Alexander 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this work solution‐processed organic white‐light emitting diodes comprising a blend of red and blue phosphorescent dendrimers are presented. In contrast to common small molecule blended‐dye organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), the bulky dendrons between the light emitting moieties increase the spacing and hamper the transfer of excitons between the dyes. The reduced transfer of the excitons from the blue dye to the red dye enables greater control over OLED color avoiding the issue in which small variations in the concentration of the red dye can dramatically change the emission color. Thus, the approach leads to enhanced manufacturing reproducibility. Transient electroluminescence measurements provide detailed insights into the charge carrier and exciton formation and transfer dynamics within the device.
In Situ Realization of Water‐Mediated Interfacial Processes at Nanoscale in Aprotic Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Shen Zhen‐Zhen , Lang Shuang‐Yan , Zhou Chi , Wen Rui , Wan Li‐Jun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA fundamental understanding of the remarkable impact of water on the interfacial processes of lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) reactions is of great significance for the practical application of Li–O2 batteries. However, clarifying the growth pathway and surface dynamics of active products regulated by water at the nanoscale is still at a preliminary stage. Here, the interfacial evolution of cathode processes mediated by water in Li–O2 batteries is successfully revealed by using in situ atomic force microscopy. Under the regulation of additive water, the morphology of discharge product Li2O2 is changed from a toroidal shape to a lamellar one with water content increasing, by contrast, the latter one shows a lower decomposition potential with faster dynamics upon charging. Moreover, real‐time visualization directly shows that inducing water into the DMSO‐based electrolyte can switch the pathway of Li2O2 nucleation from a surface‐mediated mechanism to solution‐mediated mechanism, which in turn affects product distribution and battery performance. Furthermore, it is found that the applied current density and additive water can antagonistically impact the interfacial behavior. The insights into the effect of water on the nucleation modes and evolution processes of Li2O2 provides a deeper understanding of the interfacial reactions in Li–O2 batteries.
Parkinson’s family dynamics and caregiver sense of coherence: A family‐systems approach to coping in Mexico and the United States
Authors: Villaseñor Teresita , Perrin Paul B. , Donovan Emily K. , McKee Grace B. , Henry Richard S. , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Lageman Sarah K. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe population of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is growing in Mexico and the United States, and there is an increasing need for family members to provide caregiving. This study examined the connections between family dynamics and coping, or sense of coherence, among PD caregivers in Mexico (n = 148) and the United States (n = 105).MethodsCaregivers completed measures of family dynamics and sense of coherence across indices of comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness.ResultsAlthough caregivers in Mexico and the United States had similar levels of sense of coherence and family dynamics reflecting strengths/adaptability and being overwhelmed with difficulties, caregivers in Mexico had worse disrupted communication. Family dynamics explained: 24.2% of the variance in caregiver comprehensibility in the United States and 17.5% in Mexico; 34.1% in manageability in the United States and 23.5% in Mexico; and 22.6% in meaningfulness in the United States and 22.7% in Mexico (all Ps < 0.001). In both Mexico and the United States, family strengths/adaptability uniquely predicted caregiver comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. Being overwhelmed with difficulties uniquely predicted comprehensibility in Mexico and manageability and meaningfulness in the United States.ConclusionThe development of family‐systems interventions for PD caregivers to improve family strengths/adaptability and help families deal with difficulties may increase caregiver coping.