bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Taguchi method for the optimization of Fe2+ removal from contaminated synthetic groundwater using a rotating packed bed contactor
Authors: Ismail Wan Mohd Zamri W. , Ng Yee‐Sern , Mukherjee Sumona , Kundu Anirban , Mukhopadhyay Soumyadeep , Sen Gupta Bhaskar , Hashim Mohd Ali , Yusoff Ismail 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMalaysia contains elevated levels of iron in shallow groundwater in the range of 3–7 mg Fe/L compared to the USEPA safe limit of 0.3 mg Fe/L. Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd in Malaysia uses the ‘River Bank Filtration’ (RBF) technology to harvest hyporheic water. The RBF treatment removes the turbidity of the river water through the river bed acting as a filter, but is unable to remove the Fe from the harvested water. This work proposes a technology to reduce Fe concentration in the extracted water using granular activated carbon in a laboratory‐scale rotating packed bed contactor (RPBC). The Taguchi method was used for optimizing the operating conditions for the adsorption of Fe onto activated carbon in the RPBC system. Taguchi optimization results showed that a removal efficiency of 87% Fe from a 50 mg Fe/L concentration could be achieved by a RPBC at an initial pH of 6.5, a feed rate of 40 L/h, a rotating speed of 1600 rpm and a packing density of 357 kg/m3.
Application of standardized platelet‐rich plasma in elderly patients with complex wounds
Authors: Tian Ju , Cheng Liu‐Hang‐Hang , Cui Xiao , Lei Xiao‐Xuan , Tang Jian‐Bing , Cheng Biao 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn recent years, autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) derivatives have been used widely in the regeneration and repair of tissue, but a standard definition and preparation method for PRP are lacking. We developed a standardized method using platelet indices as quality‐control indicators for PRP preparation. Twenty‐one elderly patients (9 males, 12 females) with complex wounds were treated with standardized platelet‐rich plasma (S‐PRP). The platelet count in PRP after the second centrifugation was 1,069–1,436 × 109/L. We adjusted the platelet concentration in PRP after a second centrifugation to 1,000 × 109/L according to a formula using platelet‐poor plasma (PPP). The standardized preparation method that we developed gave S‐PRP with a relatively uniform platelet concentration. The wounds of 21 patients showed accelerated healing after S‐PRP treatment, and there were no obvious side effects during treatment. These data suggest that our preparation method of S‐PRP, using platelet indices as quality‐control indicators with platelet count of 1,000 × 109/L could be used for the treatment of complex wounds in the elderly. The preparation method of S‐PRP proposed in the present study may be a simple and effective method of PRP quality control.
Elbow angle modulates corticospinal excitability to the resting biceps brachii at both spinal and supraspinal levels
Authors: Dongés Siobhan C. , Taylor Janet L. , Nuzzo James L. 
Published: January 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Corticospinal excitability to biceps brachii is known to modulate according to upper‐limb posture. Here, cervicomedullary stimulation was used to investigate potential spinal contributions to elbow angle‐dependent changes in corticospinal excitability at rest.

What is the main finding and its importance?
At more extended elbow angles, biceps responses to cervicomedullary stimulation were decreased, whereas cortically evoked responses (normalized to cervicomedullary‐evoked responses) were increased. Results suggest decreased spinal excitability but increased cortical excitability as the elbow is placed in a more extended position, an effect that is unlikely to be attributable to cutaneous stretch receptor activation.

AbstractCorticospinal excitability to biceps brachii is known to modulate according to upper‐limb posture. In study 1, our aim was to investigate potential spinal contributions to this modulation and the independent effect of elbow angle. Biceps responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation (motor evoked potentials; MEPs) and electrical cervicomedullary stimulation (cervicomedullary motor evoked potentials; CMEPs) were measured at five elbow angles ranging from full extension to 130 deg of flexion. In study 2, possible contributions of cutaneous stretch receptors to elbow angle‐dependent excitability changes were investigated by eliciting MEPs and CMEPs in three conditions of skin stretch about the elbow (stretch to mimic full extension, no stretch or stretch to mimic flexion). Each study had 12 participants. Evoked potentials were acquired at rest, with participants seated, the shoulder flexed 90 deg and forearm supinated. The MEPs and CMEPs were normalized to maximal compound muscle action potentials. In study 1, as the elbow was moved to more extended positions, there were no changes in MEPs (P = 0.963), progressive decreases in CMEPs (P < 0.0001; CMEPs at 130 deg flexion ∼220% of full extension) and increases in the MEP/CMEP ratio (P = 0.019; MEP/CMEP at 130 deg flexion ∼20% of full extension). In study 2, there were no changes in MEPs (P = 0.830) or CMEPs (P = 0.209) between skin stretch conditions. Therefore, although results suggest a decrease in spinal and an increase in supraspinal excitability at more extended angles, the mechanism for these changes in corticospinal excitability to biceps is not cutaneous stretch receptor feedback.
Rat mesenteric small artery neurogenic dilatation is predominantly mediated by β1‐adrenoceptors in vivo
Authors: Søndergaard Asger Maare , Overgaard Cathrine Bang , Mazur Aleksandra , Postnov Dmitry D. , Matchkov Vladimir V. , Aalkjaer Christian 
Published: January 2019

Key points
The prevailing dogma about neurogenic regulation of vascular tone consists of major vasodilatation caused by CGRP (and possibly substance P) released from sensory‐motor nerves and vasoconstriction caused by noradrenaline, ATP and neuropeptode Y release from sympathetic nerves.
Most studies on perivascular nerve‐mediated vasodilatation are made in vitro.
In the present study, we provide evidence indicating that in vivo electrical perivascular nerve stimulation in rat mesenteric small arteries causes a large β1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated vasodilatation, which contrasts with a smaller vasodilatation caused by endogenous CGRP that is only visible after inhibition of Y1 NPY receptors.
AbstractMesenteric arteries are densely innervated and the nerves are important regulators of vascular tone and hence blood pressure and blood flow. Perivascular sensory‐motor nerves have been shown to cause vasodilatation in vitro. However, less is known about their function in vivo. Male Wistar rats (10–12 weeks old; n = 72) were anaesthetized with ketamine (3 mg kg−1) and xylazine (0.75 mg kg−1) or pentobarbital (60 mg kg−1). After a laparotomy, a section of second‐order mesenteric artery was visualized in an organ bath after minimal removal of perivascular adipose tissue. The effects of electrical field stimulation (EFS) and drugs on artery diameter and blood flow were recorded with intravital microscopy and laser speckle imaging. EFS caused vasodilatation in arteries constricted with 1 μm U46619 in the presence of 140 μm suramin and 1 μm prazosin. The vasodilatation was inhibited by 1 μm tetrodotoxin and 5 μm guanethidine, although not by the 1 μm of the CGRP receptor antagonist BIBN4096bs. In the presence of 0.3 μm Y1 receptor antagonist BIBP3226, BIBN4096bs partly inhibited the vasodilatation. Atenolol at a concentration 1 μm inhibited the vasodilatation, whereas 0.1 μm of the β2‐adrenoceptor selective antagonist ICI‐118,551 had no effect. Increasing the extracellular [K+] to 20 mm caused vasodilatation but was converted to vasoconstriction in the presence of 1 μm BIBN4096bs, and constriction to 30 mm potassium was potentiated by BIBN4096bs. Atenolol but not BIBN4096bs increased contraction to EFS in the absence of suramin and prazosin. In mesenteric small arteries of anaesthetized rats, EFS failed to stimulate major dilatation via sensory‐motor nerves but induced sympathetic β1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated dilatation.
Association Between Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity and Gross Motor Coordination in Preschool Children
Authors: Silva-Santos Sandra , Santos Amanda , Duncan Michael , Vale Susana , Mota Jorge 
Published: January 2019

Introduction:Adequate gross motor coordination is essential for children participating in age-related physical activities and has an important role in maintaining sufficient physical activity levels during the life course.Aim:To examine the association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and gross motor coordination during sedentary behavior in early childhood (ages 3–6 y).Methods:The sample comprised 209 children aged 3–6 y. Gross motor coordination was assessed according to the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2). The battery to assess gross motor coordination comprised the aiming and catching, and balance components. MVPA was measured by accelerometry worn for 7 consecutive days (Monday to Sunday).Results:Our data indicated that 31.5% of the sample had low, 32.5% medium, and 36.0% high gross motor coordination. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that MVPA was positively associated with gross motor coordination, adjusted for gender and sedentary behavior.Conclusions:Preschoolers with high gross motor coordination spend more time in MVPA. Gross motor coordination development should therefore be a key strategy in childhood interventions aiming to promote physical activity.
Inhaler technique education in elderly patients with asthma or COPD: impact on disease exacerbations—a protocol for a single-blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Maricoto Tiago , Correia-de-Sousa Jaime , Taborda-Barata Luís 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)and asthma affect more than 10% of the population. Most patients use their inhaler incorrectly, mainly the elderly, thereby becoming more susceptible to poor clinical control and exacerbations. Placebo device training is regarded as one of the best teaching methods, but there is scarce evidence to support it as the most effective one to improve major clinical outcomes. Our objective is to perform a single-blinded RCT to assess the impact of this education tool in these patients.Methods and analysisA multicentre single-blinded Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) will be set up, comparing an inhaler education programme with a teach-to-goal placebo-device training versus usual care, with a 1-year follow-up, in patients above 65 years of age with asthma or COPD. Intervention will be provided at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months, with interim analysis at an intermediate time point. Exacerbation rates were set as primary outcomes, and quality of life, adherence rates, clinical control and respiratory function were chosen as secondary outcomes. A sample size of 146 participants (73 in each arm) was estimated as adequate to detect a 50% reduction in event rates. Two-sample proportions χ² test will be used to study primary outcome and subgroup analysis will be carried out according to major baseline characteristics.Ethics and disseminationEvery participant will sign a written consent form. A Data Safety Monitoring Board will be set up to evaluate data throughout the study and to monitor early stopping criteria. Identity of all participants will be protected. This protocol was approved on 22 November 2017 by the local Ethics Committee of University of Beira Interior, with the reference number CE-UBI-Pj-2017–025. Results will be presented in scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT03449316; Pre-Results.
Comparative efficacy of interventions for reducing injection and sexual risk behaviours to prevent HIV in injection drug users: protocol for Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Lang Junjie , Jin Lairun , Yao Yingshui 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionDrug users are more vulnerable to AIDS than the general population. While several interventions are effective for addressing HIV in injection drug users, no meta-analysis has yet been performed to compare interventions and determine the relative benefits of each. We intend to conduct a Bayesian network meta-analysis to compare all available interventions evaluated by a randomised controlled trial for reducing injection and risky sexual behaviours for the prevention of HIV in injection drug users.Methods and analysisStudies will be retrieved by searching the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search will be performed between May and July 2018 for the literature published between 1980 and May 2018. Two authors will extract data independently. Primary outcome measures will be injection risk behaviour and HIV risk behaviour. HIV seroconversion, confirmed using an antibody test, will be the secondary outcome. Bayesian network meta-analyses will be conducted using the Markov Chains Monte Carlo method. The Cochrane revised tool, Risk of Bias, will be used to assess the risk of bias. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to assess evidence quality.Ethics and disseminationThe results of this study will be disseminated at professional conferences and via publications in peer-reviewed journals. This study will not include any confidential personal data or data on human trials; therefore, ethical approval is not required.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018086999.
Cohort profile: the Swedish Prescribed Drugs and Health Cohort (SPREDH)
Authors: Xie Shao-Hua , Santoni Giola , Mattsson Fredrik , Ness-Jensen Eivind , Lagergren Jesper 
Published: January 2019

PurposeThe Swedish Prescribed Drugs and Health Cohort (SPREDH) is a Swedish population-based cohort based on data from four nationwide health data registers, created with the aim of investigating how the use of selected medications influences cancer risk and other outcomes.ParticipantsThe cohort includes 8 421 115 users of selected common medications who have been followed-up for a total of 82 281 720 person-years from 1 July 2005 to 31 December 2015.Finding to dateThe data in SPREDH were prospectively collected from the following national health data registers in Sweden: Prescribed Drug Register, Patient Register, Cancer Register and Causes of Death Register. Data on basic patient characteristics, use of the selected common medications, healthcare utilisation, diagnoses (including detailed information on cancers), and dates and causes of death are available for all cohort participants. The cohort currently includes 801 766 incident cancer cases.Future plansThe data in SPREDH can be used for various types of epidemiological research, particularly for examining how the use of the selected medications influences disease risk and other outcomes. We are initially planning cohort studies and nested case-control studies on selected medications in relation to the risk and prognosis of oesophageal and gastric cancers.
Social determinants and individual health-seeking behaviour among women in Kenya: protocol for a breast cancer cohort feasibility study
Authors: Gakunga Robai , Ali Zipporah , Korir Anne , Kinyanjui Asaph Wang’ombe , Ochieng’ Emily , Gikaara Nancy , Maluni Florence , Subramanian Sujha 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionA catastrophic 35% increase in the burden of breast cancer in Kenya has been predicted by 2025. Mitigating this burden is critical, and local research is necessary to generate the evidence to inform policy, public health and medical practice. Most of the knowledge available has been derived from studies in high-income countries that are not directly applicable due to economic, social, cultural and ethnic differences. At the time of writing this paper, we had no knowledge of any longitudinal cohort studies in sub-Saharan Africa of both breast cancer survivors and a matching cohort of women who have never had a diagnosis of cancer. We aim to assess feasibility of cohort studies in Kenya that consider clinical characteristics social determinants and individual health seeking behaviour.Methods and analysisThis study aims to inform best practices for initiating a longitudinal cohort study in Kenya. It is a two-pronged, prospective mixed methods study of women with and without a diagnosis of breast cancer with baseline data collection and one follow-up data collection approximately 3 months later by telephone. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected concurrently, analysed separately and together to enrich understanding of concepts by triangulation. We aim to include 800 women aged 30–60 years: 400 in the survivorship cohort and 400 in the non-cancer cohort. Two focus group discussions from each cohort will be carried out to enhance understanding of concepts and to guide recommendations.Ethics and disseminationIndependent ethical approval was obtained from Kenyatta National Hospital-University of Nairobi Ethics and Research Committee and the Research Triangle Institute International. Only consenting participants will be enrolled. Counselling support, debriefing discussions and referrals for formal support services will be available for both participants and research assistants. Findings will be disseminated through publications, websites and presentations.
Modified pedicle screw placement at the fracture level for treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures: a study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hu Zhi-Chao , Li Xiao-Bin , Feng Zhen-Hua , Wang Ji-Qi , Gong Lan-Fang , Xuan Jiang-Wei , Fu Xin , Jiang Bing-Jie , Wu Long , Ni Wen-Fei 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionThe optimal treatment for burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine is controversial. The addition of screws in the fractured segment has been shown to improve construct stiffness, but can aggravate the trauma to the fractured vertebra. Therefore, optimised placement of two pedicle screws at the fracture level is required for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures. This randomised controlled study is the first to examine the efficacy of diverse orders of pedicle screw placement and will provide recommendations for the treatment of patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures.Methods and analysisA randomised controlled trial with blinding of patients and the statistician, but not the clinicians and researchers, will be conducted. A total of 70 patients with single AO type A3 or A4 thoracolumbar fractures who are candidates for application of short-segment pedicle screws at the fractured vertebral level will be allocated randomly to the distraction-screw and screw-distraction groups at a ratio of 1:1. The primary clinical outcome measures will be the percentage loss of vertebral body height, screw depth in the injured vertebrae and kyphosis (Cobb angle). Secondary clinical outcome measures will be complications, Visual Analogue Scale scores for back and leg pain, neurological function, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and Oswestry Disability Index. These parameters will be evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, on postoperative day 3, and at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively.Ethics and disseminationThe Institutional Review Board of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University have reviewed and approved this study (batch: LCKY2018-05). The results will be presented in peer-reviewed journals and at an international spine-related meeting after completion of the study.Trial registration numberNCT03384368; Pre-results.
Life satisfaction, job satisfaction, life orientation and occupational burnout among nurses and midwives in medical institutions in Poland: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Uchmanowicz Izabella , Manulik Stanisław , Lomper Katarzyna , Rozensztrauch Anna , Zborowska Agnieszka , Kolasińska Jolanta , Rosińczuk Joanna 
Published: January 2019

ObjectivesTo assess life satisfaction, job satisfaction, life orientation and the level of professional burnout in a group of professionally active nurses and midwives.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingThis study was conducted between March and October of 2017 during specialisation training at the European Centre for Postgraduate Education in Wroclaw, Poland.ParticipantsA group of 350 professionally active nurses (n=293) and midwives (n=57) were enrolled in the study.Outcome measuresAssociations between burnout and selected life-related and job-related outcomes using (1) the Satisfaction With Job Scale, (2) the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), (3) the Life Orientation Test-Revised, (4) the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Authors’ Designed Questionnaire regarding sociodemographic factors. The level of statistical significance was set at p≤0.05 (with a CI of 95%).ResultsThe vast majority of participants were those in the ages of 41–50 years old (40.57%), women (96.86%) and people with bachelor’s degree (46.29%). The average overall rate for occupational burnout was 34.67 per 100 points. Assessment of occupational burnout subscale showed that the most significant factor was emotional exhaustion at 39.14 points (SD=28.15). Job satisfaction, life satisfaction and life orientation assessed with SWLS significantly affects each of the occupational burnout subscales (p<0.05).ConclusionsThe level of occupational burnout in nurses and midwives appeared to be low. It has been revealed that such determinants as life satisfaction, job satisfaction and life orientation do not allow for developing an occupational burnout.
Bortezomib in antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases (TAVAB): study protocol for a unicentric, non-randomised, non-placebo controlled trial
Authors: Kohler Siegfried , Märschenz Stefanie , Grittner Ulrike , Alexander Tobias , Hiepe Falk , Meisel Andreas 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionThe clinical characteristics of autoantibody-mediated autoimmune diseases are diverse. Yet, medical treatment and the associated complications are similar, that is, the occurrence of long-term side effects and the problem that a significant proportion of patients are non-responders. Therefore, new therapeutic options are needed. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, is effective in the treatment of multiple myeloma and data from experimental models and case reports suggest an effect in the treatment of autoantibody-mediated autoimmunity. In our study, we will determine the effect of bortezomib treatment on a shared surrogate parameter for clinical efficacy, namely change in autoantibody levels, which we chose as primary parameter.Methods and analysisWe designed a phase IIa trial with altogether n=18 treatment-refractory patients suffering from myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis that will be treated with bortezomib add-on to pre-existing therapy. Primary endpoint is the change in autoantibody levels 6 months after therapy. Secondary endpoints include concomitant medication, disease-specific clinical scores and measures of quality of life and activities of daily living.Ethics and disseminationSafety parameters include neurophysiological and clinical signs of peripheral neuropathy as well as potential central nervous system side effects determined by olfactory and neuropsychological testing. The study has been approved by the local ethical committee and first participants have already been enrolled. This proof of concept study will contribute to improve our understanding of plasma cell-specific treatment approaches by assessing its safety and efficacy in reducing serum levels of antibodies known to mediate autoimmune disorders.We plan to publish the final results of our study in a peer reviewed journal and to present our findings at international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT02102594.