bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Myth of the Cave and the experience of illness
Authors: Mitchell Derek 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this paper, I will consider, from a number of philosophical and real‐life perspectives, what happens to us when we fall ill and what the experience of falling ill tells us about the nature of our being. I will take up the oft used Myth of the Cave from Plato's Republic and use this as a means to interpret the experience of falling ill. Plato gave us the allegory to show that what we think we know might not be all there is to know and that what we take for truth may not, at least, be the whole truth. I will argue that The Myth of the Cave provides an allegorical basis for coming to understand ourselves as finite and mortal through the experience of illness. We emerge from the dark safety of our everyday lives into the world of illness; this brings us up short as we come face to face with our own mortality. To make the argument, I will use examples from my own experience of illness and some of those other which have been recounted to me. I will also refer to the work of Havi Carel on illness and mortality, the conception of illness as leading to a feeling of not‐being‐at‐home with our bodies (unheimlich) discussed by Frederick Svenaeus, and Gadamer's notion of illness as a loss of equilibrium. Underpinning the argument throughout will be Heidegger's existential analysis of dying in which he discusses the experience of anxiety and the way that separates us from the world of involvements.
Ward‐Based Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Clinical Trials: A Survey Study in Taiwan
Authors: Kao Chi‐Yin , Hamilton Bridget , Lin Yi‐Fung , Hu Wen‐Yu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposesClinical trial education has not been extensively integrated into nursing education systems. Acute care nurses may lack sufficient knowledge when caring for admitted trial patients, which may negatively influence their attitudes toward clinical trials. The aim of this study was to explore ward‐based nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward clinical trials.Design and MethodsWard‐based nurses working in medical, surgical, and intensive care units in a medical center in Taiwan were approached to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed by the research team and included four parts: demographics, experience with clinical trials, clinical trial knowledge, and attitudes toward clinical trials.FindingsA total of 161 nurses responded. Nearly 90% of the nurses accessed trial information in their workplace. Nearly 80% of the respondents had experience with caring for trial patients, but the mean score of clinical trial knowledge was 4.5 out of a possible score of 10. For attitudes toward clinical trials, the mean score for positive beliefs was 39.7, and the mean score for negative expectations was 42.5, both out of a possible score of 55. The results indicated that respondents typically tended to hold a negative attitude toward clinical trials, especially in regard to the side effects of study drugs and communication with investigators.ConclusionsKnowledge deficits of ward‐based nurses concerning trial participation is apparent. Continuing education for ward‐based nurses is necessary to promote implementation of clinical trials and reduce negative expectations related to clinical trials.Clinical RelevanceOne way to improve nurses’ knowledge is to integrate clinical trial education into nursing education systems, which will provide more channels through which nurses can understand how a trial works, including the risks, benefits, and participant protection. Through such educational initiatives, ward‐based nurses may develop more positive beliefs regarding clinical trials and provide higher quality clinical trial care to participants.
Battle of the punches: Comparison of transection rates of different punches during FUE
Authors: Mohmand Muhammad Humayun , Ahmad Muhammad 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo know the transection rate using three different kinds of punches of the same size (0.9 mm).Materials and methodsThe study was conducted in 10 patients undergoing FUE. Informed consent was obtained from all the patients. In each patient, five areas of 1 cm2 were selected in three rows (each row having five areas of 1 cm2). For each row, one kind of punch (sharp, serrated, and blunt) was used. The rows were selected randomly (single‐blind). The machine was set at a constant speed of 1200‐1500 g. The grafts were harvested with the patient in lying position, the surgeon sitting on head side, and the harvesting started from the right side of the patient to left side. For each box, the FUs and hair were calculated. The harvested FUs were checked under microscope. Any transection (complete or incomplete) was calculated. All the data were collected and analyzed.ResultsThe total hair yield was maximum with blunt punch (268.4) followed by serrated (247.2) and sharp (207.6). Similarly, the maximum FU yield was 155 using serrated punch followed by 154.4 by blunt and 147.2 in sharp punch. The hair:FUs was highest in blunt punch (1:1.738) vs serrated punch (1:1.595) vs sharp punch (1:1.410). The transection rate was highest with sharp punch (23.9%) followed by serrated (18.8%) and blunt punch (14.5%).ConclusionThe graft:hair ratio was maximum using blunt punch. Sharp punch resulted in maximum transection rate with lowest graft:hair ratio.
Virtual Evaluation of the Accuracy of Fit and Trueness in Maxillary Poly(etheretherketone) Removable Partial Denture Frameworks Fabricated by Direct and Indirect CAD/CAM Techniques
Authors: Negm Enas Elhamy , Aboutaleb Faten Ahmed , Alam‐Eldein Ahmed M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposeTo compare the accuracy of fit and trueness of maxillary poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks fabricated by direct and indirect computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques.Materials and MethodsA definitive maxillary class I master epoxy model was duplicated to create a stone cast. The cast was scanned, and an RPD was designed. Standard tessellation language (STL) data were used to fabricate 20 identical RPD frameworks using two CAD/CAM techniques: direct milling of PEEK and indirect additive manufacturing (resin printing combined with PEEK thermopressing using the lost‐wax technique). All the frameworks for each technique (n = 10) and the reference cast were scanned. To assess the accuracy of fit, a color map was constructed using metrology software, and the misfit (distance between each framework and the reference cast) was measured at 25 standardized points. To assess the overall trueness, each framework STL file was superimposed over the original design's STL file, and the average deviation was recorded in microns. Data were statistically analyzed using t‐test.ResultsColor mapping showed distinct pressure areas in the anterior and posterior straps of the major connector in the indirect technique, while a more uniform distribution of the color map was observed in the direct technique. A significant difference was found between the two techniques regarding the overall accuracy of fit. Compared with the indirect technique, the milled frameworks showed significantly better overall trueness (p < 0.001).ConclusionsAlthough a significant difference in the overall fit accuracy was noted between both techniques, the fit was an acceptable clinical fit. The fabrication method affects the fit in the anterior and posterior strap areas. The frameworks of the direct technique revealed better overall trueness values compared with the indirect technique.
Effects of methionine partially replaced by methionyl‐methionine dipeptide on intestinal function in methionine‐deficient pregnant mice
Authors: Chen Qiong , Wang Caihong , Zhao Feng‐Qi , Liu Jianxin , Liu Hongyun 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study was to compare the effects of parenteral supplementation of methionyl‐methionine (Met‐Met) or Met on intestinal barrier function in Met‐deficient pregnant mice. Pregnant mice were randomly divided into three groups. The Control group was provided a diet containing Met and received i.p. injection of saline. The Met group was fed the same diet but without Met and received daily i.p. injection of 35% of the Met contained in the control diet. The Met‐Met group was treated the same as the Met group, except that 25% of the Met injected was replaced with Met‐Met. Met‐Met promoted villus surface area in ileum compared with Met alone. In addition, the mRNA abundance of amino acid and glucose transporters in the small intestine was altered with Met‐Met. Moreover, Met‐Met increased tight junction protein and decreased apoptosis‐related proteins expression in the jejunum and ileum. These results suggest that Met‐Met can promote intestinal function over Met alone in Met‐deficient mice.
Impact of salted duck egg albumen powder on proteolysis and gelling properties of sardine surimi
Authors: Quan Tran Hong , Benjakul Soottawat 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe influences of salted duck egg albumen powder (SDEAP) as salt replacer at various levels (0.5–2.5%) on autolysis and gelling properties of sardine surimi were investigated. SDEAP had high salt (33.67%) and protein contents (64.52%) with trypsin inhibitory activity of 5,975 kunits/g solid. SDEAP was white in color with L*‐value of 96.72. It had low moisture content (3.98%) and water activity (0.38). Autolysis of sardine surimi was drastically inhibited when SDEAP was incorporated with increasing levels as indicated by the more retained myosin heavy chain and the reduced trichloroacetic acid‐soluble peptide content. Breaking force and deformation of surimi gel increased, while expressible moisture content decreased as the levels of SDEAP added were increased (p < .05). Gumminess, hardness, chewiness, springiness, and cohesiveness of surimi gels also increased as SDEAP levels increased (p < .05). Lightness and whiteness were higher in all surimi gels incorporated with SDEAP than the control (p < .05). For microstructure, surimi gels incorporated with SDEAP at all levels used had finer gel network with smaller voids and more connectivity than the control gel. Thus, SDEAP could be used as a salt replacer for sardine surimi gel preparation and it could improve the properties of resulting gel.
A neural oscillations perspective on phonological development and phonological processing in developmental dyslexia
Authors: Goswami Usha 
Published: May 2019

AbstractChildren's ability to reflect upon and manipulate the sounds in words (“phonological awareness”) develops as part of natural language acquisition, supports reading acquisition, and develops further as reading and spelling are learned. Children with developmental dyslexia typically have impairments in phonological awareness. Many developmental factors contribute to individual differences in phonological development. One important source of individual differences may be the child's sensory/neural processing of the speech signal from an amplitude modulation (~energy or intensity variation) perspective, which may affect the quality of the sensory/neural representations (“phonological representations”) that support phonological awareness. During speech encoding, brain electrical rhythms (oscillations, rhythmic variations in neural excitability) recalibrate their temporal activity to be in time with rhythmic energy variations in the speech signal. The accuracy of this neural alignment or “entrainment” process is related to speech intelligibility. Recent neural studies demonstrate atypical oscillatory function at slower rates in children with developmental dyslexia. Potential relations with the development of phonological awareness by children with dyslexia are discussed.
Newborn physical condition and breastfeeding behaviours: Secondary outcomes of a cluster‐randomized trial of prenatal lipid‐based nutrient supplements in Bangladesh
Authors: Ullah Md Barkat , Mridha Malay K. , Arnold Charles D. , Matias Susana L. , Khan Md Showkat A. , Siddiqui Zakia , Hossain Mokbul , Paul Rina Rani , Dewey Kathryn G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPrenatal nutritional supplements may improve birth outcomes. This study aims to examine the effect of prenatal lipid‐based nutrient supplements (LNS), compared with iron and folic acid (IFA), on general newborn physical condition and feeding behaviours. We conducted a cluster‐randomized effectiveness trial that enrolled 4,011 pregnant women at ≤20 gestational weeks. LNS and IFA were provided to women in 48 and 16 clusters, respectively, for daily consumption until delivery. We collected data on household socio‐economic, food insecurity, and maternal characteristics during early pregnancy and on newborn condition and feeding within 72 hr of delivery. We analysed intervention effects on these secondary outcomes using mixed models with analysis of covariance for continuous outcomes and logistic regression for dichotomous outcomes. Among 3,664 live births, intervention groups did not differ in newborn response, mother's rating of the general condition of her newborn, early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), suckling ability, or frequency and exclusivity of breastfeeding in the first 24 hr. If the mother perceived her infant to be healthy, EIBF was more likely (OR [95% CI]: 2.08 [1.46, 2.97]) and frequency of breastfeeding in the first 24 hr was greater (mean difference [95% CI]: 3.0 [1.91, 4.01]), but there was no difference in exclusive breastfeeding in the first 24 hr. Newborn condition and early breastfeeding practices were not affected by giving mothers prenatal LNS versus IFA. However, early breastfeeding practices were related to maternal perception of her newborn's condition. Thus, interventions to improve breastfeeding practices for newborns with poorer perceived health status may be useful.
A comparison of exclusive breastfeeding in Belgian maternity facilities with and without Baby‐friendly Hospital status
Authors: Robert Emmanuelle , Michaud‐Létourneau Isabelle , Dramaix‐Wilmet Michèle , Swennen Béatrice , Devlieger Roland 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA retrospective cross‐sectional study was carried out in Wallonia (the southern region of Belgium) in which a 20‐question breastfeeding (BF) module was included in an immunization survey. The purpose of this paper is to compare exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) prevalences and BF practices for mothers giving birth in Baby‐friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and non‐BFHI maternity facilities. A total of 557 mothers responded to BF questions when their child was 18–24 months old; 26.7% of them delivered in a BFHI maternity facility. At discharge, a larger proportion of children were exclusively breastfed if they were born in a BFHI maternity facility (76.5% vs. 65.8%, p = .02). The median duration of EBF (15.0 vs. 12.9 weeks, p = .3), and the proportion of children exclusively breastfed at 5 months (16.8% vs 15.8%, p = 1.0) were similar in both groups. Few mothers knew that EBF was recommended for the first 6 months of life (28.6% in BFHI vs 23.1% in non‐BFHI, p = .2). For most groups of the population examined, the rates of BF tended to be higher in BFHI facilities, but many differences were not significant. More specifically, BFHI seemed to boost BF practices among mothers more likely to breastfeed, but the Initiative did not seem to trigger enhanced BF practices in mothers traditionally less likely to breastfeed (except for indifferent/negative partner's attitude and mothers of Belgian origin). Influencing the BF practices of mothers less likely to breastfeed requires a special attention with complementary actions in maternity facilities as well as in community services.
Experience‐based learning: junior medical students’ reflections on end‐of‐life care
Authors: Wilson Hamish , Warmington Sally , Johansen May‐Lill 
Published: May 2019

ContextExperience‐based learning may contribute to confidence, competence and professional identity; early experiences may be particularly formative. This study explored how pre‐clinical students make sense of their participation in the provision of end‐of‐life care within community settings.MethodsWe performed dialogic narrative analysis on essays written by junior medical students in New Zealand. Students had reflected on their participation as assistant caregivers in nursing homes, contributing to the personal care of the elderly residents who lived there. Essays had been submitted to a reflective writing competition that was run separately from the students’ medical studies. We analysed five essays about nursing placements, focusing on students’ stories about their engagement with residents who were suffering or were receiving end‐of‐life care.ResultsIn their essays, students wrote about powerful and at times intense learning experiences during these early clinical attachments; their attitudes to death and dying were both highlighted and changed. Allied health professionals (e.g. caregivers) provided important support for student learning, especially in relation to seminal encounters such as those occurring in the course of providing end‐of‐life care. Support increased students’ participation and confidence. Reflective writing helped students make sense of their learning and led them to think about their own professional identities, even in the absence of observing or working with doctors in those settings.ConclusionsStudents’ reflections revealed that they tend to filter their learning experiences through the lens of future doctoring, especially when involved in challenging clinical situations. Although medical schools have limited influence on interprofessional relationships or mentoring within the environment of community hospitals, support from other staff can help junior students make the most of their engagement in end‐of‐life care. In‐depth reflection may facilitate the links between experience‐based learning and students’ emerging ideas about their own professional identities, but the underlying mechanisms need further exploration.
Outcomes of percutaneous vacuum‐assisted debulking of large vegetations as an adjunct to lead extraction
Authors: Kiani Soroosh , Sabayon Dean , Lloyd Michael S. , Hoskins Michael H. , El‐Chami Mikhael F. , Westerman Stacy , Vadlamudi Ratna , Keeling Brent , Lattouf Omar M. , Merchant Faisal M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundConsensus statements on lead extraction give consideration to open surgical removal in the setting of large vegetations, to mitigate the risk of massive embolism that may occur with percutaneous lead removal. Vacuum‐assisted debulking (VD) of large vegetations as an adjunct to percutaneous lead extraction may provide an opportunity to mitigate these risks.MethodsWe retrospectively identified all patients undergoing lead extraction at our institution for endovascular infection from 2012 to 2018 and stratified them into two groups based on presence of adjunctive VD (n = 6) or without VD (no‐VD, n = 39). VD was performed with the AngioVac system (Angio‐Dynamics, Latham, NY, USA).ResultsAcross the cohort, mean age was 62 ± 15 years, ejection fraction was 41 ± 16%, and 39% had end‐stage renal disease on dialysis. Defibrillator systems were present in 71%, and 22% had cardiac resynchronization devices. Mean duration of the oldest extracted lead was 6.3 ± 4.9 years. There were no significant differences in baseline covariates between groups. Those in the VD group were significantly less likely to have Staphylococcus aureus as a causative organism (P = .04). In the VD group, vegetations targeted for debulking ranged in size from 1.8 to 6 cm (longest dimension). There were no operative deaths or clinically evident embolic events in either group. The overall nonfatal complication rate in the VD group was higher (33.3% vs 2.3%, P = .043).Conclusion: VD can be performed as an adjunct to percutaneous lead extraction with a reasonable safety profile. The relative safety and efficacy of this approach removal requires further study.
Mega‐environment identification for soybean (Glycine max) breeding and production in Brazilian Midwest region
Authors: Zdziarski Andrei D. , Woyann Leomar G. , Milioli Anderson S. , Zanella Rodrigo , Dallacorte Lucas V. , Panho Maiara C. , Benin Giovani 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMega‐environment (ME) identification is the first step for evaluating, selecting and recommending genotypes within a target region (TR). The present study aimed to (a) identify MEs, using GGE biplot methods, in Brazilian edaphoclimatic region (ECR) 402 of soybean cultivation, located in the Mato Grosso State (the TR) and (b) compare the performance of genotypes within the TR and in each ME using fixed and mixed models. Data from three years of soybean yield trials, 19 genotypes and 22 environments were used. The biplots GGE, GGL + GGE and GGS + GGE were implemented to identify the MEs. Two MEs were identified in the TR. ME1 presents a higher altitude, farms which use a higher level of fertilizer inputs and a higher occurrence of the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) than ME2. When selection and recommendation are made based on MEs, genotypes with both broadly and specific adaptation can be selected. This action can improve grain yield in the entire target region.
The Impact of Foreign Agricultural Aid and Total Foreign Aid on Agricultural Output in African Countries: New Evidence from Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Barkat Karim , Alsamara Mouyad 
Published: May 2019

AbstractOfficial Development Assistance may play an important role in increasing the resources to finance the agriculture sector and improve agricultural outcomes in African countries. Although this is a relevant issue, very few studies have investigated the link between foreign agricultural aid and national agricultural output. Using advanced econometrics techniques, this paper examines the impact of foreign agricultural aid and foreign aid on agriculture output in the panel data set of 29 African countries over the period of 1975–2013. In particular, we employed two estimation methods: Augmented Mean Group and Common Correlated Effects‐2SLS. The first method accounts for heterogeneous slope coefficients across group members and cross‐sectional dependency among variables, whereas the second method accounts for endogenous regressors. Our main findings indicate a small and positive impact of foreign agricultural aid and total foreign aid on agricultural output for low‐ and middle‐income countries. Furthermore, the Pairwise Dumitrescu‐Hurlin Panel Causality test shows evidence of a bidirectional causal relationship between agricultural aid and agricultural output for the full sample, noting that the result changes at the different group income level. Based on the empirical results, recommendations for future policy are given.
Inertia Risk: Improving Economic Models of Catastrophes*
Authors: Crépin Anne‐Sophie , Nævdal Eric 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe model endogenous catastrophic risk in a new way. We call it “inertia risk”, which accounts for delays between physical variables and the hazard rate – a characteristic often observed in reality. The added realism significantly affects optimal policies relative to the standard model of catastrophic risk. The probability of a catastrophe occurring at some point in time can span the entire interval [0,1], and is not 0 or 1 as is typical in standard models. Inertia risk can also generate path dependences. We illustrate the implications for policy in a simple model of climate change.