bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic modification of polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid acupoint catgut embedding monofilaments for juvenile pseudomyopia
Authors: Fu Shaoju , Yang Dongchao , Zhao Cunyi , Zhang Peihua 
Published: December 2018

Acupoint catgut embedding therapy (ACET) has become the most promising method for treatment of juvenile pseudomyopia due to its advantages of lasting effect, high efficiency, safety and no side effects. However, poor hydrophilicity and biocompatibility are the main disadvantages, preventing ACET materials from having wide applications. This work fabricated four types of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) monofilaments from their polymer chips, and then the prepared monofilaments were treated ultrasonically by dipping them in a mixed solution composed of ethyl alcohol and H2O2 (volume ratio 1:1) at 250 W ultrasonic power for 30 min. Afterwards, the PLA and PGA groups were fully characterized with respect to structure characterizations, mechanical properties and in vitro properties. The results showed that the surface roughness of the monofilaments had been greatly enhanced by ultrasonic modification. The PLA groups’ molecular structures changed little, while those of the PGA group emerged with some polar hydrophilic bonds. By deionized water measurement of contact angle values, the ultrasound modified PLA monofilaments (UMPLA1 = 87.2 ± 2.5°, UMPLA2 = 83.6 ± 3.5°) presented a decrease compared to that of untreated PLA ones (PLA1 =103.5 ± 3.4°, PLA2 = 108.4 ± 1.2°), while that of ultrasound modified PGA monofilaments (UMPGA1 = 75.6 ± 4.3°, UMPGA2 =70.5 ± 3.1°) was smaller than untreated PGA ones (PGA1 = 97.3 ± 1.7°, PGA2 = 95.8 ± 2.6°). Based on the measurement of the mechanical properties, the tensile properties and bending stiffness of the PLA and PGA groups changed little, and their swelling ratios were greatly improved after modification. All the prepared monofilaments presented non-toxicity with good cell viability (more than 75%), and samples UMPGA2 (81.4 ± 3.1%) and UMPLA2 (65.8 ± 0.8%) exhibited the largest cell attachment ratio values among their groups. In conclusion, these findings present important clinical implications regarding the ACET materials manufacturing process, which warrant further study.
Comparison of mechanical vapor recompression technology for solution regeneration in heat-source tower heat pumps
Authors: Ai Songhui , Wang Baolong , Li Xianting , Shi Wenxing 
Published: December 2018

Solution regeneration of the heat-source tower is significant to guarantee the normal operation of the heat-source tower. Mechanical vapor recompression system is an efficient system for evaporation of solution. In this paper, mechanical vapor recompression system is applied to regenerate solution of heat-source tower. To clarify the merits of mechanical vapor recompression solution regeneration system, several typical solution regeneration systems are modelled. As a result, mechanical vapor recompression shows 35.7%, 73.5% and 91.2% energy saving compared to air-driven heat pump, three-effect evaporating system, and single effect evaporating system, respectively. Furthermore, a heat-source tower heat pump with solution generation system is installed in a typical building in Yangtze river region. The whole heating season performance is simulated to find the effects of different solution regeneration system on the whole heat pump system. As a conclusion, the seasonal coefficient of performance of heat pump is decreased 1.6% by mechanical vapor recompression regeneration system. Comparatively, the seasonal coefficient of performance of heat pump is decreased 2.6%, 4.2% and 10.0% by air-driven heat pump, three-effect evaporating system, and single effect evaporating system, respectively. Practical application: Solution regeneration systems for heat-source tower heat pump systems have been applied in building projects especially in hot summer and cold winter zone in China based on previous investigation. A heat-source tower heat pump system combined with heat pump solution regeneration system has been applied in an office building in Changsha, Hunan Province in China. And its practical operation energy consumption has been reduced obviously compared with traditional single effect evaporation system. Therefore, it is of vital importance to demonstrate the operating performance of different solution regeneration systems applied in heat-source tower heat pump systems in building.
Understanding physical activity behavior in patients with bladder cancer before and after radical cystectomy: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Rammant Elke , Fonteyne Valérie , Decaestecker Karel , Bultijnck Renée , Deforche Benedicte , Pieters Ronny , Ost Piet , Verhaeghe Sofie , Van Hecke Ann 
Published: December 2018

Objective: To explore the determinants of physical activity in patients with bladder cancer before and after radical cystectomy. Design: A qualitative research design using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Setting and subjects: A total of 30 interviews were conducted with people diagnosed with bladder cancer and treated with radical cystectomy at Ghent University Hospital. Main measures: The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Framework analysis with constant comparison between and within interviews was applied until final topics were derived from interpreting the data. Results: Physical activity behavior in patients with bladder cancer is determined multifactorial with condition-related (e.g. urinary symptoms, comorbidities), therapy-related (e.g. fatigue, diarrhea), patient-related (e.g. outcome expectations, coping skills, definitions of physical activity), social/economic-related (e.g. social support, attractive environment) and health system–related (e.g. physicians’ advice, information) factors. Conclusion: The results of this study can guide the development of theory-based behavior change interventions to increase physical activity in bladder cancer patients.
Web-based physiotherapy for people affected by multiple sclerosis: a single blind, randomized controlled feasibility study
Authors: Paul Lorna , Renfrew Linda , Freeman Jennifer , Murray Heather , Weller Belinda , Mattison Paul , McConnachie Alex , Heggie Robert , Wu Olivia , Coulter Elaine H 
Published: December 2018

Objective: To examine the feasibility of a trial to evaluate web-based physiotherapy compared to a standard home exercise programme in people with multiple sclerosis. Design: Multi-centre, randomized controlled, feasibility study. Setting: Three multiple sclerosis out-patient centres. Participants: A total of 90 people with multiple sclerosis (Expanded Disability Status Scale 4–6.5). Interventions: Participants were randomized to a six-month individualized, home exercise programme delivered via web-based physiotherapy ( n = 45; intervention) or a sheet of exercises ( n = 45; active comparator). Outcome measures: Outcome measures (0, three, six and nine months) included adherence, two-minute walk test, 25 foot walk, Berg Balance Scale, physical activity and healthcare resource use. Interviews were undertaken with 24 participants and 3 physiotherapists. Results: Almost 25% of people approached agreed to take part. No intervention-related adverse events were recorded. Adherence was 40%–63% and 53%–71% in the intervention and comparator groups. There was no difference in the two-minute walk test between groups at baseline (Intervention-80.4(33.91)m, Comparator-70.6(31.20)m) and no change over time (at six-month Intervention-81.6(32.75)m, Comparator-74.8(36.16)m. There were no significant changes over time in other outcome measures except the EuroQol-5 Dimension at six months which decreased in the active comparator group. For a difference of 8(17.4)m in two-minute walk test between groups, 76 participants/group would be required (80% power, P > 0.05) for a future randomized controlled trial. Conclusion: No changes were found in the majority of outcome measures over time. This study was acceptable and feasible by participants and physiotherapists. An adequately powered study needs 160 participants.
Anticipatory prescribing of injectable medications for adults at the end of life in the community: A systematic literature review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Bowers Ben , Ryan Richella , Kuhn Isla , Barclay Stephen 
Published: December 2018

Background: The anticipatory prescribing of injectable medications to provide end-of-life symptom relief is an established community practice in a number of countries. The evidence base to support this practice is unclear. Aim: To review the published evidence concerning anticipatory prescribing of injectable medications for adults at the end of life in the community. Design: Systematic review and narrative synthesis. Registered in PROSPERO: CRD42016052108, on 15 December 2016 ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=52108 ). Data sources: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, King’s Fund, Social Care Online, and Health Management Information Consortium databases were searched up to May 2017, alongside reference, citation, and journal hand searches. Included papers presented empirical research on the anticipatory prescribing of injectable medications for symptom control in adults at the end of life. Research quality was appraised using Gough’s ‘Weight of Evidence’ framework. Results: The search yielded 5099 papers, of which 34 were included in the synthesis. Healthcare professionals believe anticipatory prescribing provides reassurance, effective symptom control, and helps to prevent crisis hospital admissions. The attitudes of patients towards anticipatory prescribing remain unknown. It is a low-cost intervention, but there is inadequate evidence to draw conclusions about its impact on symptom control and comfort or crisis hospital admissions. Conclusion: Current anticipatory prescribing practice and policy is based on an inadequate evidence base. The views and experiences of patients and their family carers towards anticipatory prescribing need urgent investigation. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of anticipatory prescribing on patients’ symptoms and comfort, patient safety, and hospital admissions.
Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in salvage reconstruction following free flap failure in head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Wei Wei , Qiu Yongsheng , Fang Qigen , Jia Yingping 
Published: December 2018

Objective This study aimed to compare the results of the pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMM) flap in primary and salvage head and neck cancer surgery. Methods A total of 160 patients were enrolled in this study. The salvage group consisted of 30 patients who received immediate PMM flap surgery following free flap failure. In the primary group, the PMM flap was primarily chosen for 130 patients. Related information was collected and analysed. The University of Washington (UW)-Quality of Life questionnaire, version 4, was mailed to every patient. Results Partial necrosis was significantly lower in the primary group (n = 13, 10.0%) than in the salvage group (n = 7, 23.3%). Surgical site infection was found in 10 (7.8%) patients in the primary group and in six (20.0%) patients in the salvage group. The mean composite quality of life scores were 66.8 ± 20.5 and 66.2 ± 22.1 in the two groups, respectively. Differences in scores for domains of activity, mood, and anxiety were significant. Disease-specific survival and recurrence-free survival rates were not different between the two groups. Conclusion PMM flap salvage reconstruction has a higher complication rate and poorer functional results, but similar survival prognosis, compared with primary surgery.
Inter-relationship between retinal and choroidal vasculatures using optical coherence tomography angiography in normal eyes
Authors: Oh Jaeryung , Baik Daniel Jinhag , Ahn Jaemoon 
Published: December 2018

Purpose: To quantify vascular and structural macular variables in healthy eyes and to investigate correlations between these variables and age using optical coherence tomography angiography. Materials and methods: A total of 261 eyes of 261 subjects with normal fundus were included. Central macular thickness, ganglion cell layer to inner plexiform layer thickness, outer retina layer thickness, subfoveal choroidal thickness, and choroidal vascularity index were measured using optical coherence tomography. Foveal avascular zone area, vascular density, and flow void area were measured using optical coherence tomography angiography. Results: Vascular density in the superficial capillary plexus was correlated with central macular thickness, ganglion cell layer to inner plexiform layer thickness, and outer retina layer thickness ( P < 0.001, P = 0.004, and P < 0.001, respectively). Vascular density in the deep capillary plexus was correlated with central macular thickness and outer retina layer thickness ( P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively). Vascular density of choriocapillaris was correlated with vascular density of superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Vascular density of choriocapillaris varies with retinal vascular density rather than the structure of choroid using optical coherence tomography angiography. In contrast, retinal vascular density changes as the retinal structure. Our results provide more information about the relationship between retina and choroid.
Laryngeal Pilar Cyst Masquerading as an Internal/External Laryngocele
Authors: Kim Christine M , Holliday Michael A , Newkirk Kenneth A 
Published: December 2018

Objectives: This study aimed to document and describe a case of a laryngeal pilar cyst and to review the literature. Methods: We describe the case of a 65-year-old woman with a laryngeal pilar cyst presenting with occasional ear pain and positional dyspnea, with imaging studies suggesting external/internal laryngocele. We also review the existing clinical literature. Results: Pilar cysts are adnexal skin lesions most commonly found in the scalp of elderly women. They generally have a benign course, but in rare instances single or multiple foci of proliferating cells can lead to the neoplastic formation of proliferating trichilemmal cysts, which carry malignant potential. Depending on the location of the cyst, pilar cysts may also present functional challenges for the patient. Conclusions: Herein, we describe a pilar cyst in and around the larynx appearing initially as a laryngocele. Pilar cysts may present surrounding the larynx and may be mistaken for a vast array of pathologies. It is important to keep the differential broad when evaluating laryngeal masses.
Do bilinguals generalize estar more than monolinguals and what is the role of conceptual transfer?
Authors: Adamou Evangelia , De Pascale Stefano , García-Márkina Yekaterina , Padure Cristian 
Published: December 2018

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: Among the questions that remain open is whether bilingualism leads to simplification of alternatives in language in order to reduce cognitive load. This hypothesis has been supported by evidence showing that bilinguals generalize the Spanish copula estar ‘to be’ faster than monolinguals.﻿ Yet, other studies found no such clear trend. While conceptual transfer could account for the conflicting evidence in the literature, its role has not been demonstrated. Our study aims to fill this gap by testing simplification in Spanish copula choice among bilinguals and, in particular, the role of transfer. Design/methodology/approach: We used a contextualized copula choice task, comprising 28 sentences. Data and analysis: Sixty Romani–Spanish bilinguals from Mexico responded to the questionnaire in both Spanish and Romani. A control group of 62 Mexican Spanish monolinguals responded in Spanish. We constructed generalized linear mixed-effects models to analyse the results. Findings/conclusions: Analysis of the results reveals greater extension of estar among bilinguals for individual-level predicates as well as for traits not susceptible to change. Comparison of the responses of bilinguals (in Romani and in Spanish) and of Spanish monolinguals indicates that Romani could be reinforcing the generalization of estar in the Spanish responses of bilinguals. Originality: To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine copula choice in bilingual mode. In addition, it brings evidence from an under-researched community with little normative pressure. Significance/implications: Our study shows that conceptual transfer may be driving the extension of estar among bilinguals.
Breaking into secure: Introducing philosophical discussions to young people in secure accommodation
Authors: Cassidy Claire , Heron Gavin 
Published: December 2018

Summary This article explores a unique project that introduced a 10-week programme of practical Philosophy with Children to young people living in secure accommodation. It aimed to gauge the extent to which young people in secure accommodation were able to engage in philosophical dialogue and to explore the challenges and opportunities in introducing practical philosophy to young people in secure accommodation. Transcripts of 10 philosophical dialogues were analysed and young people and staff working with them were also interviewed. Findings Following 10 weeks of Community of Philosophical Inquiry sessions, it was evident that the young people were not only able to engage in philosophical dialogue, but also they responded positively to the structures of the sessions. While it may seem counter-intuitive to teach young people to argue, the structures offered by Community of Philosophical Inquiry appear to have been positive in terms of providing young people with the freedom to express their ideas, engage collaboratively with one another, and self-regulate their behaviour. Applications Although secure accommodation can be described as a controlling environment, the model adopted in this study suggests that some forms of control, such as those offered in the practical philosophy sessions, may be liberating for young people in these contexts. This study offers those working with young people in secure accommodation a new perspective on young people’s thinking and a new approach for supporting young people in their care and as they transition to the wider world.
Intensive Interaction and discourses of personhood: A focus group study with dementia caregivers
Authors: Heap Cheyann J , Wolverson Emma 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Societal discourses of dementia are medicalised and dehumanising. This leads to a social problem: the loss of personhood in dementia care. The communication technique Intensive Interaction, however, honours personhood. The current study aimed to explore how paid caregivers of people with dementia enact societal discourses of dementia, with and without the context of Intensive Interaction. This was to explore ways to address the loss of personhood in dementia care. Method Paid caregivers from two residential care homes attended an Intensive Interaction training day. Caregivers participated in focus groups before and after training. Transcripts of the focus groups were analysed with Critical Discourse Analysis, an approach which relates discourse to social power. Results Before Intensive Interaction training, carers accessed medical discourses of loss, non-communication and lack of personhood. ‘Being with’ people with dementia was framed as separate to paid work. After training, caregivers accessed discourses of communication and personhood. Intensive Interaction reframed ‘being with’ people with dementia as part of ‘doing work’. Family caregivers were largely absent from discourses. Care home hierarchies and the industrialisation of care were barriers towards honouring personhood. Conclusions Medical discourses of dementia reinforce a status quo whereby interpersonal interactions are devalued in dementia care, and professional ‘knowledge’ (thereby professional power) is privileged over relationships. Intensive Interaction may enable paid caregivers to access person-centred discourses and related practices. However, this requires support from management, organisational structures, and wider society. More research is needed to identify ways to involve families in residential care and to explore the effects of using Intensive Interaction in practice.
Measuring sleep in the intensive care unit: Electroencephalogram, actigraphy, or questionnaire?
Authors: Darbyshire Julie L , Borthwick Mark , Edmonds Peter , Vollam Sarah , Hinton Lisa , Young J Duncan 
Published: December 2018

Background Studies consistently report deranged sleep in patients admitted to intensive care unit. Poor sleep has harmful physical and cognitive effects, and an evidence-based intervention to improve sleep is needed. It is, however, difficult to measure sleep in the intensive care unit. ‘Gold standard’ monitoring (polysomnography) is unsuitable for usual care. Methods We collected concurrent sleep data from electroencephalograph recordings, activity monitoring, and nurse- and patient-completed Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaires (RCSQ). Results Electroencephalograph data (n = 34) confirm poor sleep. Individual bouts last approximately 1 min and around 2 h of sleep overnight is common. Correlation between electroencephalograph, self-report, nurse-report, actigraphy and overall activity score is low (ρ = 0.123 (n = 24), 0.127 (n = 22), and 0.402 and − 0.201 (n = 13), respectively). Correlation between nurse and patient assessment is limited (ρ = 0.537 (n = 444)). Conclusions No current method of sleep monitoring seems suitable in the intensive care unit. However, to facilitate comparison across studies, the patient-completed RCSQ seems the most meaningful measure.
Utility of ‘baseline’ electrodiagnostic studies for carpal tunnel release
Authors: Zhang Dafang , Earp Brandon E. , Blazar Philip 
Published: December 2018

The utility of routine preoperative electrodiagnostic studies for carpal tunnel syndrome is controversial. One argument in support of routine preoperative electrodiagnostic study is the acquisition of an objective baseline for comparison in cases of postoperative symptom persistence or recurrence. We identified 1141 patients who underwent carpal tunnel release in 1383 limbs at a tertiary care referral centre from July 2008 to June 2013. The prevalence of preoperative electrodiagnostic study acquisition was 88%. Postoperative studies were acquired in 129 out of 1383 limbs that underwent carpal tunnel release (9.3%) at a median 24.3 months after surgery. Assessment of the median nerve for persistent or recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome was part of the rationale for obtaining electrodiagnostic studies in 81% of cases in which postoperative electrodiagnostic studies were acquired. Younger age, lower body mass index, Hispanic race and education level of eighth grade or less were associated with postoperative electrodiagnostic study acquisition. Level of evidence: IV