The adsorption of water on solid surfaces is a scientific evergreen which again recently prompted considerable attention in the materials, nano-, and surface science communities, respectively, due to conflicting evidence presented in the most highly regarded scientific journals. This mini review is a brief and personal perspective of the current literature (and our own data) about water adsorption for two examples, namely graphene and silicatene, which are both two-dimensional (2D) crystals. Silicatene, an inorganic companion of graphene, is intriguing as it presents us with the possibility to synthesize a 2D analog to zeolites by doping this crystalline silicon film. The wettability by water and whether or not support effects of epitaxial 2D crystals are present is of concern. Regarding applications: some 2D crystals appear promising for the hydrogen evolution reaction, i.e., hydrogen generation from water; a functionalization of graphene (by oxygen/water) to graphene oxide may be interesting for metal-free catalysis; the latest highlight in this field appears to be "icephobicity", an application related to the hydrophobicity of surfaces.
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- Inorganics, Vol. 4, Pages 10: Adsorption of Water ...
- Metals, Vol. 6, Pages 97: Erratum: Wally, Z.J.; va...
- Micromachines, Vol. 7, Pages 75: Quasi-Optical Ter...
- Cells, Vol. 5, Pages 20: Role of Intermediate Fila...
- Elevated serum ferritin is associated with increas...
- Comparison of clinical efficacy and renal safety o...
- Potential role of the microbiome in Barrett’s esop...
- Benchmarking trial between France and Australia co...
- Role of percutaneous abscess drainage in the manag...
- Exploring hepatitis from the perspective of Irania...
- Does gastroesophageal reflux increase chronic obst...
- Mucosal pathobiology and molecular signature of ep...
- Clinicopathological characteristics of cancer asso...
- Similarities and differences among eosinophilic es...
- Molecular detection of H. pylori using adherent ga...
- Adverse events after radiofrequency ablation in pa...
- Ulcerative colitis patients With Clostridium diffi...
- Effect and safety of daclatasvir-asunaprevir combi...
- Effects of daily telephone-based re-education befo...
- ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis, treatment, and ...
- Treatment with oxidized phospholipids directly inh...
- Hepatitis C virus resistance to direct-acting anti...
- Early nasojejunal tube feeding versus nil-by-mouth...
- An international consensus report on a new algorit...
- Insights into the morphology of symbiotic shrimp e...
- Nutrient uplift in a cyclonic eddy increases diver...
- Elevational variation in body-temperature response...
- Watch out where you sleep: nocturnal sleeping beha...
- PKC in motorneurons underlies self-learning, a for...
- Development of a stem taper equation and modelling...
- Ectopic expression of Jatropha curcas APETALA1 (Jc...
- Diversity improves performance in excitable networks
- GoPros™ as an underwater photogrammetry tool for c...
- Viruses, Vol. 8, Pages 117: Glutamic Acid Residues...
- Atmosphere, Vol. 7, Pages 62: Examining the Impact...
- Animals, Vol. 6, Pages 26: Cecil: A Moment or a Mo...
- Viruses, Vol. 8, Pages 107: Development of a Tripl...
- Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 121: Dynamic Duo—The Salmone...
- Energies, Vol. 9, Pages 314: Economic Impact of In...
- Energies, Vol. 9, Pages 317: Power Production Loss...
- Energies, Vol. 9, Pages 311: Optimal Day-Ahead Sch...
- Energies, Vol. 9, Pages 312: Comparison of Dissolv...
- JCM, Vol. 5, Pages 49: Treatment of Established St...
- Nitric oxide synthase and changes in oxidative str...
- Elevated yolk progesterone moderates prenatal hear...
- Energies, Vol. 9, Pages 316: Solar Hydrogen Produc...
- Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 121: Dynamic Duo—The Salmone...
- Biosensors, Vol. 6, Pages 18: Current-Induced Tran...
- Energies, Vol. 9, Pages 309: One-Dimensional Model...
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- Harm reduction interventions in HIV care: a qualit...
- Translation and validation of the Child and the Ad...
- The role of Rnf in ion gradient formation in Desul...
- The macroevolution of size and complexity in insec...
- Preliminary study on non-viral transfection of F9 ...
- Natural selection drives chemical resistance of Da...
- Laminectomy plus Fusion versus Laminectomy Alone f...
- A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Fusion Surgery f...
- Longitudinal association between gross motor capac...
- Thalamic Functional Connectivity in Mild Traumatic...
- A Comparison of Rates of Hospitalization and Emerg...
- The Immediate Biomechanical Implications of Transf...
- Comorbid traumatic brain injury and spinal cord in...
- Prevalence of Diabetic Foot Disease in Patients wi...
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- Challenges, Vol. 7, Pages 10: Flaws and Drawbacks ...
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- Sensors, Vol. 16, Pages 540: Acute Sleep Deprivati...
- Sensors, Vol. 16, Pages 539: Sparsity-Aware DOA Es...
- Viruses, Vol. 8, Pages 100: Purification and Bioch...
- Author response: 'Does cadmium exposure contribute...
- Blood cadmium level in the elderly population: per...
- Interventions to increase the reporting of occupat...
- Associations of short-term exposure to traffic-rel...
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Δευτέρα 25 Απριλίου 2016
Inorganics, Vol. 4, Pages 10: Adsorption of Water on Two-Dimensional Crystals: Water/Graphene and Water/Silicatene
Metals, Vol. 6, Pages 97: Erratum: Wally, Z.J.; van Grunsven, W.; Claeyssens, F.; Goodall, R.; Reilly, G.C. Porous Titanium for Dental Implant Applications. Metals 2015, 5, 1902–1920.
The authors wish to make the following corrections to the citations in the published paper [1].[...]
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Micromachines, Vol. 7, Pages 75: Quasi-Optical Terahertz Microfluidic Devices for Chemical Sensing and Imaging
We first review the development of a frequency domain quasi-optical terahertz (THz) chemical sensing and imaging platform consisting of a quartz-based microfluidic subsystem in our previous work. We then report the application of this platform to sensing and characterizing of several selected liquid chemical samples from 570–630 GHz. THz sensing of chemical mixtures including isopropylalcohol-water (IPA-H2O) mixtures and acetonitrile-water (ACN-H2O) mixtures have been successfully demonstrated and the results have shown completely different hydrogen bond dynamics detected in different mixture systems. In addition, the developed platform has been applied to study molecule diffusion at the interface between adjacent liquids in the multi-stream laminar flow inside the microfluidic subsystem. The reported THz microfluidic platform promises real-time and label-free chemical/biological sensing and imaging with extremely broad bandwidth, high spectral resolution, and high spatial resolution.
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Cells, Vol. 5, Pages 20: Role of Intermediate Filaments in Vesicular Traffic
Intermediate filaments are an important component of the cellular cytoskeleton. The first established role attributed to intermediate filaments was the mechanical support to cells. However, it is now clear that intermediate filaments have many different roles affecting a variety of other biological functions, such as the organization of microtubules and microfilaments, the regulation of nuclear structure and activity, the control of cell cycle and the regulation of signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, a number of intermediate filament proteins have been involved in the acquisition of tumorigenic properties. Over the last years, a strong involvement of intermediate filament proteins in the regulation of several aspects of intracellular trafficking has strongly emerged. Here, we review the functions of intermediate filaments proteins focusing mainly on the recent knowledge gained from the discovery that intermediate filaments associate with key proteins of the vesicular membrane transport machinery. In particular, we analyze the current understanding of the contribution of intermediate filaments to the endocytic pathway.
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Elevated serum ferritin is associated with increased mortality in NAFLD after 16 years of follow-up
Liver International
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Comparison of clinical efficacy and renal safety of telbivudine and entecavir in chronic hepatitis B patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy
Journal of Digestive Diseases
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Potential role of the microbiome in Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
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Benchmarking trial between France and Australia comparing management of primary rectal cancer beyond TME and locally recurrent rectal cancer (PelviCare Trial): rationale and design
BMC Cancer
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Role of percutaneous abscess drainage in the management of young patients with Crohn's disease
Pediatric Radiology
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Exploring hepatitis from the perspective of Iranian Traditional Medicine: Using a qualitative approach
Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine
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Does gastroesophageal reflux increase chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations?
Respiratory Medicine
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Mucosal pathobiology and molecular signature of epithelial barrier dysfunction in the small intestine in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
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Clinicopathological characteristics of cancer associated with Crohn's disease
Surgery Today
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Similarities and differences among eosinophilic esophagitis, proton-pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia, and reflux esophagitis: comparisons of clinical, endoscopic, and histopathological findings in Japanese patients
Journal of Gastroenterology
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Molecular detection of H. pylori using adherent gastric mucous to biopsy forceps
Helicobacter
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Adverse events after radiofrequency ablation in patients with Barrett’s esophagus—A systematic review and meta-analysis
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
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Ulcerative colitis patients With Clostridium difficile are at increased risk of death, colectomy, and postoperative complications: A population-based inception cohort study
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
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Effect and safety of daclatasvir-asunaprevir combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b -infected patients on hemodialysis
Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis
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Effects of daily telephone-based re-education before taking medicine on Helicobacter pylori eradication
World Journal of Gastroenterology
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ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute diarrheal infections in adults
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
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Treatment with oxidized phospholipids directly inhibits nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis without affecting steatosis
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
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Hepatitis C virus resistance to direct-acting antiviral drugs in interferon-free regimens
Gastroenterology
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Early nasojejunal tube feeding versus nil-by-mouth in acute pancreatitis: A randomized clinical trial
Pancreatology
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An international consensus report on a new algorithm for the management of infant diarrhoea
Acta Pediatrica
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Insights into the morphology of symbiotic shrimp eyes (Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae); the effects of habitat demands
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Nutrient uplift in a cyclonic eddy increases diversity, primary productivity and iron demand of microbial communities relative to a western boundary current
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Elevational variation in body-temperature response to immune challenge in a lizard
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Watch out where you sleep: nocturnal sleeping behaviour of Bay Island lizards
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PKC in motorneurons underlies self-learning, a form of motor learning in Drosophila
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Development of a stem taper equation and modelling the effect of stand density on taper for Chinese fir plantations in Southern China
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Ectopic expression of Jatropha curcas APETALA1 (JcAP1) caused early flowering in Arabidopsis, but not in Jatropha
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Diversity improves performance in excitable networks
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GoPros™ as an underwater photogrammetry tool for citizen science
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Viruses, Vol. 8, Pages 117: Glutamic Acid Residues in HIV-1 p6 Regulate Virus Budding and Membrane Association of Gag
The HIV-1 Gag p6 protein regulates the final abscission step of nascent virions from the cell membrane by the action of its two late (l-) domains, which recruit Tsg101 and ALIX, components of the ESCRT system. Even though p6 consists of only 52 amino acids, it is encoded by one of the most polymorphic regions of the HIV-1 gag gene and undergoes various posttranslational modifications including sumoylation, ubiquitination, and phosphorylation. In addition, it mediates the incorporation of the HIV-1 accessory protein Vpr into budding virions. Despite its small size, p6 exhibits an unusually high charge density. In this study, we show that mutation of the conserved glutamic acids within p6 increases the membrane association of Pr55 Gag followed by enhanced polyubiquitination and MHC-I antigen presentation of Gag-derived epitopes, possibly due to prolonged exposure to membrane bound E3 ligases. The replication capacity of the total glutamic acid mutant E0A was almost completely impaired, which was accompanied by defective virus release that could not be rescued by ALIX overexpression. Altogether, our data indicate that the glutamic acids within p6 contribute to the late steps of viral replication and may contribute to the interaction of Gag with the plasma membrane.
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Atmosphere, Vol. 7, Pages 62: Examining the Impacts of Land Use on Air Quality from a Spatio-Temporal Perspective in Wuhan, China
Air pollution is one of the key environmental problems associated with urbanization and land use. Taking Wuhan city, Central China, as a case example, we explore the quantitative relationship between land use (built-up land, water bodies, and vegetation) and air quality (SO2, NO2, and PM10) based on nine ground-level monitoring sites from a long-term spatio-temporal perspective in 2007–2014. Five buffers with radiuses from 0.5 to 4 km are created at each site in geographical information system (GIS) and areas of land use categories within different buffers at each site are calculated. Socio-economic development, energy use, traffic emission, industrial emission, and meteorological condition are taken into consideration to control the influences of those factors on air quality. Results of bivariate correlation analysis between land use variables and annual average concentrations of air pollutants indicate that land use categories have discriminatory effects on different air pollutants, whether for the direction of correlation, the magnitude of correlation or the spatial scale effect of correlation. Stepwise linear regressions are used to quantitatively model their relationships and the results reveal that land use significantly influence air quality. Built-up land with one standard deviation growth will cause 2% increases in NO2 concentration while vegetation will cause 5% decreases. The increases of water bodies with one standard deviation are associated with 3%–6% decreases of SO2 or PM10 concentration, which is comparable to the mitigation effect of meteorology factor such as precipitation. Land use strategies should be paid much more attention while making air pollution reduction policies.
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Animals, Vol. 6, Pages 26: Cecil: A Moment or a Movement? Analysis of Media Coverage of the Death of a Lion, Panthera Leo
The killing of a satellite-tagged male lion by a trophy hunter in Zimbabwe in July 2015 provoked an unprecedented media reaction. We analyse the global media response to the trophy hunting of the lion, nicknamed "Cecil", a study animal in a long-term project run by Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU). We collaborated with a media-monitoring company to investigate the development of the media coverage spatially and temporally. Relevant articles were identified using a Boolean search for the terms Cecil AND lion in 127 languages. Stories about Cecil the Lion in the editorial media increased from approximately 15 per day to nearly 12,000 at its peak, and mentions of Cecil the Lion in social media reached 87,533 at its peak. We found that, while there were clear regional differences in the level of media saturation of the Cecil story, the patterns of the development of the coverage of this story were remarkably similar across the globe, and that there was no evidence of a lag between the social media and the editorial media. Further, all the main social media platforms appeared to react in synchrony. This story appears to have spread synchronously across media channels and geographically across the globe over the span of about two days. For lion conservation in particular, and perhaps for wildlife conservation more generally, we speculate that the atmosphere may have been changed significantly. We consider the possible reasons why this incident provoked a reaction unprecedented in the conservation sector.
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Viruses, Vol. 8, Pages 107: Development of a Triple-Color Pseudovirion-Based Assay to Detect Neutralizing Antibodies against Human Papillomavirus
Pseudovirion-based neutralization assay is considered the gold standard method for evaluating the immune response to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. In this study, we developed a multicolor neutralization assay to simultaneously detect the neutralizing antibodies against different HPV types. FluoroSpot was used to interpret the fluorescent protein expression instead of flow cytometry. The results of FluoroSpot and flow cytometry showed good consistency, with R2 > 0.98 for the log-transformed IC50 values. Regardless of the reporter color, the single-, dual-, and triple-color neutralization assays reported identical results for the same samples. In low-titer samples from naturally HPV-infected individuals, there was strong agreement between the single- and triple-color assays, with kappa scores of 0.92, 0.89, and 0.96 for HPV16, HPV18, and HPV58, respectively. Good reproducibility was observed for the triple-color assay, with coefficients of variation of 2.0%–41.5% within the assays and 8.3%–36.2% between the assays. Three triple-color systems, HPV16-18-58, HPV6-33-45, and HPV11-31-52, were developed that could evaluate the immunogenicity of a nonavalent vaccine in three rounds of the assay. With the advantages of an easy-to-use procedure and less sample consumption, the multiple-color assay is more suitable than classical assays for large sero-epidemiological studies and clinical trials and is more amenable to automation.
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Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 121: Dynamic Duo—The Salmonella Cytolethal Distending Toxin Combines ADP-Ribosyltransferase and Nuclease Activities in a Novel Form of the Cytolethal Distending Toxin
The cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) is a well characterized bacterial genotoxin encoded by several Gram-negative bacteria, including Salmonella enterica (S. enterica). The CDT produced by Salmonella (S-CDT) differs from the CDT produced by other bacteria, as it utilizes subunits with homology to the pertussis and subtilase toxins, in place of the traditional CdtA and CdtC subunits. Previously, S-CDT was thought to be a unique virulence factor of S. enterica subspecies enterica serotype Typhi, lending to its classification as the "typhoid toxin." Recently, this important virulence factor has been identified and characterized in multiple nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) serotypes as well. The significance of S-CDT in salmonellosis with regards to the: (i) distribution of S-CDT encoding genes among NTS serotypes, (ii) contributions to pathogenicity, (iii) regulation of S-CDT expression, and (iv) the public health implication of S-CDT as it relates to disease severity, are reviewed here.
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Energies, Vol. 9, Pages 314: Economic Impact of Intelligent Dynamic Control in Urban Outdoor Lighting
This paper presents and compares the possible energy savings in various approaches to outdoor lighting modernization. Several solutions implementable using currently-available systems are presented and discussed. An innovative approach using real-time sensor data is also presented in detail, along with its formal background, based on Artificial Intelligence methods (rule-based systems) and graph transformations. The efficiency of all approaches has been estimated and compared using real-life data recorded at an urban setting. The article also presents other aspects which influence the efficiency and feasibility of intelligent lighting projects, including design quality, design workload and conformance to standards.
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Energies, Vol. 9, Pages 317: Power Production Losses Study by Frequency Regulation in Weak-Grid-Connected Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Plants
Nowadays, an increasing penetration of utility-scale photovoltaic plants (USPVPs) leads to a change in dynamic and operational characteristics of the power distribution system. USPVPs must help to maintain the system stability and reliability while implementing minimum technical requirements (MTRs) imposed by the utility grid. One of the most significant requirements is about frequency regulation (FR). Overall production of USPVPs is reduced significantly by applying FR curves, especially in weak grids with high rate of frequency faults. The introduction of a battery energy storage system (BESS) reduces losses and improves the grid system reliability. Experimental frequency and irradiance data of several weak grids have been used to analyse USPVPs losses related to FR requirements and benefits from the introduction of a BESS. Moreover, its economic viability is showen without the need for any economic incentives.
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Energies, Vol. 9, Pages 311: Optimal Day-Ahead Scheduling of a Smart Distribution Grid Considering Reactive Power Capability of Distributed Generation
In the traditional paradigm, large power plants provide active and reactive power required for the transmission system and the distribution network purchases grid power from it. However, with more and more distributed energy resources (DERs) connected at distribution levels, it is necessary to schedule DERs to meet their demand and participate in the electricity markets at the distribution level in the near future. This paper proposes a comprehensive operational scheduling model to be used in the distribution management system (DMS). The model aims to determine optimal decisions on active elements of the network, distributed generations (DGs), and responsive loads (RLs), seeking to minimize the day-ahead composite economic cost of the distribution network. For more detailed simulation, the composite cost includes the aspects of the operation cost, emission cost, and transmission loss cost of the network. Additionally, the DMS effectively utilizes the reactive power support capabilities of wind and solar power integrated in the distribution, which is usually neglected in previous works. The optimization procedure is formulated as a nonlinear combinatorial problem and solved with a modified differential evolution algorithm. A modified 33-bus distribution network is employed to validate the satisfactory performance of the proposed methodology.
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Energies, Vol. 9, Pages 312: Comparison of Dissolved Gases in Mineral and Vegetable Insulating Oils under Typical Electrical and Thermal Faults
Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is attracting greater and greater interest from researchers as a fault diagnostic tool for power transformers filled with vegetable insulating oils. This paper presents experimental results of dissolved gases in insulating oils under typical electrical and thermal faults in transformers. The tests covered three types of insulating oils, including two types of vegetable oil, which are camellia insulating oil, Envirotemp FR3, and a type of mineral insulating oil, to simulate thermal faults in oils from 90 °C to 800 °C and electrical faults including breakdown and partial discharges in oils. The experimental results reveal that the content and proportion of dissolved gases in different types of insulating oils under the same fault condition are different, especially under thermal faults due to the obvious differences of their chemical compositions. Four different classic diagnosis methods were applied: ratio method, graphic method, and Duval's triangle and Duval's pentagon method. These confirmed that the diagnosis methods developed for mineral oil were not fully appropriate for diagnosis of electrical and thermal faults in vegetable insulating oils and needs some modification. Therefore, some modification aiming at different types of vegetable oils based on Duval Triangle 3 were proposed in this paper and obtained a good diagnostic result. Furthermore, gas formation mechanisms of different types of vegetable insulating oils under thermal stress are interpreted by means of unimolecular pyrolysis simulation and reaction enthalpies calculation.
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JCM, Vol. 5, Pages 49: Treatment of Established Status Epilepticus
Status epilepticus is the most severe form of epilepsy, with a high mortality rate and high health care costs. Status epilepticus is divided into four stages: early, established, refractory, and super-refractory. While initial treatment with benzodiazepines has become standard of care for early status epilepticus, treatment after benzodiazepine failure (established status epilepticus (ESE)) is incompletely studied. Effective treatment of ESE is critical as morbidity and mortality increases dramatically the longer convulsive status epilepticus persists. Phenytoin/fosphenytoin, valproic acid, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, and lacosamide are the most frequently prescribed antiseizure medications for treatment of ESE. To date there are no class 1 data to support pharmacologic recommendations of one agent over another. We review each of these medications, their pharmacology, the scientific evidence in support and against each in the available literature, adverse effects and safety profiles, dosing recommendations, and limitations of the available evidence. We also discuss future directions including the established status epilepticus treatment trial (ESETT). Substantial further research is urgently needed to identify these patients (particularly those with non-convulsive status epilepticus), elucidate the most efficacious antiseizure treatment with head-to-head randomized prospective trials, and determine whether this differs for convulsive vs. non-convulsive ESE.
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Nitric oxide synthase and changes in oxidative stress levels in embryonic kidney observed in a rabbit model of intrauterine growth restriction.
Abstract
Objective
To study the effect of uteroplacental circulation restriction on endothelial kidney damage in a fetal rabbit model.
Methods
New Zealand rabbits were subjected to 40-50% of uteroplacental artery ligation at day 25 of pregnancy. After 5 days, surviving fetuses were harvested by cesarean section. The gene and protein expression of selected enzymes associated with nitric oxide production and oxidative stress were analyzed in fetal kidney homogenates.
Results
The placenta weight (6,06 ± 0,27, p < 0,0319) and fetal body (19.90 ± 1.03, p < 0,0001) were significantly reduced in the uteroplacental circulation restriction group. The kidneys from restricted fetuses presented a mild vascular congestion and glomerular capillary congestion, without inflammation or hypertrophy. We found eNOS phosphorylation inhibition (0.23 ± 0.13, p < 0.012) and Arginase-2 (0.29 + 0.14, p < 0.023) protein induction in fetal kidneys of the circulation restriction group. Finally, the kidneys from circulation-restricted fetuses showed increased iNOS mRNA (2.68 + 0.24, p < 0.01) and reduced HO-1 mRNA (23 + 1.3, p < 0.003), with increased ROS (1.69 + 0.09, p < 0.001) and nitrotyrosine-protein (1.74 + 0.28, p < 0.003) levels, without changes in Nox mRNA.
Conclusion
We describe significant deregulation of vascular activity and oxidative damage in kidneys of fetal rabbits that have been exposed to restriction of the uterine circulation.
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Elevated yolk progesterone moderates prenatal heart rate and postnatal auditory learning in bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus)
Abstract
Previous studies have established that yolk hormones of maternal origin can influence physiology and behavior in birds. However, few studies have examined the effects of maternal gestagens, like progesterone, on chick behavior and physiology. We tested the effects of experimentally elevated egg yolk progesterone on embryonic heart rate and postnatal auditory learning in bobwhite quail hatchlings. Quail chicks were passively exposed to an individual maternal assembly call for 10 min/hr during the 24 hr following hatching. Preference for the familiarized call was tested at 48 hr following hatching in three experimental groups: chicks that received artificially elevated yolk progesterone (P) prior to incubation, vehicle-only controls (V), and non-manipulated controls (C). Resting heart rate of P, V, and C embryos were also measured on prenatal day 17. The resting heart rate of P embryos was significantly higher than both the V and C embryos. Chicks from the P group also showed an enhanced preference for the familiarized bobwhite maternal call when compared to chicks from the C and V groups. Our results indicate that elevated yolk progesterone in pre-incubated bobwhite quail eggs can influence arousal level in bobwhite embryos and postnatal perceptual learning in bobwhite neonates.
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Energies, Vol. 9, Pages 316: Solar Hydrogen Production via a Samarium Oxide-Based Thermochemical Water Splitting Cycle
The computational thermodynamic analysis of a samarium oxide-based two-step solar thermochemical water splitting cycle is reported. The analysis is performed using HSC chemistry software and databases. The first (solar-based) step drives the thermal reduction of Sm2O3 into Sm and O2. The second (non-solar) step corresponds to the production of H2 via a water splitting reaction and the oxidation of Sm to Sm2O3. The equilibrium thermodynamic compositions related to the thermal reduction and water splitting steps are determined. The effect of oxygen partial pressure in the inert flushing gas on the thermal reduction temperature (TH) is examined. An analysis based on the second law of thermodynamics is performed to determine the cycle efficiency (ηcycle) and solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency (ηsolar−to−fuel) attainable with and without heat recuperation. The results indicate that ηcycle and ηsolar−to−fuel both increase with decreasing TH, due to the reduction in oxygen partial pressure in the inert flushing gas. Furthermore, the recuperation of heat for the operation of the cycle significantly improves the solar reactor efficiency. For instance, in the case where TH = 2280 K, ηcycle = 24.4% and ηsolar−to−fuel = 29.5% (without heat recuperation), while ηcycle = 31.3% and ηsolar−to−fuel = 37.8% (with 40% heat recuperation).
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Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 121: Dynamic Duo—The Salmonella Cytolethal Distending Toxin Combines ADP-Ribosyltransferase and Nuclease Activities in a Novel Form of the Cytolethal Distending Toxin
The cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) is a well characterized bacterial genotoxin encoded by several Gram-negative bacteria, including Salmonella enterica (S. enterica). The CDT produced by Salmonella (S-CDT) differs from the CDT produced by other bacteria, as it utilizes subunits with homology to the pertussis and subtilase toxins, in place of the traditional CdtA and CdtC subunits. Previously, S-CDT was thought to be a unique virulence factor of S. enterica subspecies enterica serotype Typhi, lending to its classification as the "typhoid toxin." Recently, this important virulence factor has been identified and characterized in multiple nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) serotypes as well. The significance of S-CDT in salmonellosis with regards to the: (i) distribution of S-CDT encoding genes among NTS serotypes, (ii) contributions to pathogenicity, (iii) regulation of S-CDT expression, and (iv) the public health implication of S-CDT as it relates to disease severity, are reviewed here.
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Biosensors, Vol. 6, Pages 18: Current-Induced Transistor Sensorics with Electrogenic Cells
The concepts of transistor recording of electroactive cells are considered, when the response is determined by a current-induced voltage in the electrolyte due to cellular activity. The relationship to traditional transistor recording, with an interface-induced response due to interactions with the open gate oxide, is addressed. For the geometry of a cell-substrate junction, the theory of a planar core-coat conductor is described with a one-compartment approximation. The fast electrical relaxation of the junction and the slow change of ion concentrations are pointed out. On that basis, various recording situations are considered and documented by experiments. For voltage-gated ion channels under voltage clamp, the effects of a changing extracellular ion concentration and the enhancement/depletion of ion conductances in the adherent membrane are addressed. Inhomogeneous ion conductances are crucial for transistor recording of neuronal action potentials. For a propagating action potential, the effects of an axon-substrate junction and the surrounding volume conductor are distinguished. Finally, a receptor-transistor-sensor is described, where the inhomogeneity of a ligand–activated ion conductance is achieved by diffusion of the agonist and inactivation of the conductance. Problems with regard to a development of reliable biosensors are mentioned.
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Energies, Vol. 9, Pages 309: One-Dimensional Modelling of Marine Current Turbine Runaway Behaviour
If a turbine loses its electrical load, it will rotate freely and increase speed, eventually achieving that rotational speed which produces zero net torque. This is known as a runaway situation. Unlike many other types of turbine, a marine current turbine will typically overshoot the final runaway speed before slowing down and settling at the runaway speed. Since the hydrodynamic forces acting on the turbine are dependent on rotational speed and acceleration, turbine behaviour during runaway becomes important for load analyses during turbine design. In this article, we consider analytical and numerical models of marine current turbine runaway behaviour in one dimension. The analytical model is found not to capture the overshoot phenomenon, while still providing useful estimates of acceleration at the onset of runaway. The numerical model incorporates turbine wake build-up and predicts a rotational speed overshoot. The predictions of the models are compared against measurements of runaway of a marine current turbine. The models are also used to recreate previously-published results for a tidal turbine and applied to a wind turbine. It is found that both models provide reasonable estimates of maximum accelerations. The numerical model is found to capture the speed overshoot well.
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Micromachines, Vol. 7, Pages 73: Influence of Geometry and Surrounding Conditions on Fluid Flow in Paper-Based Devices
Fluid flow behaviour in paper is of increasing interest due to the advantages and expanding use of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (known as µPADs). Applications are expanding from those which often have low sample fluid volumes, such as diagnostic testing, to those with an abundance of sample fluid, such as water quality testing. The rapid development of enhanced features in μPADs, along with a need for increased sensitivity and specificity in the embedded chemistry requires understanding the passively-driven fluid motion in paper to enable precise control and consistency of the devices. It is particularly important to understand the influence of parameters associated with larger fluid volumes and to quantify their impact. Here, we experimentally investigate the impacts of several properties during imbibition in paper, including geometry (larger width and length) and the surrounding conditions (humidity and temperature) using abundant fluid reservoirs. Fluid flow velocity in paper was found to vary with temperature and width, but not with length of the paper strip and humidity for the conditions we tested. We observed substantial post-wetting flow for paper strips in contact with a large fluid reservoir.
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Πέμπτη 14 Απριλίου 2016
Sports, Vol. 4, Pages 23: The Effects of Mental Imagery with Video-Modeling on Self-Efficacy and Maximal Front Squat Ability
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of mental imagery supplemented with video-modeling on self-efficacy and front squat strength (three repetition maximum; 3RM). Subjects (13 male, 7 female) who had at least 6 months of front squat experience were assigned to either an experimental (n = 10) or a control (n = 10) group. Subjects′ 3RM and self-efficacy for the 3RM were measured at baseline. Following this, subjects in the experimental group followed a structured imagery protocol, incorporating video recordings of both their own 3RM performance and a model lifter with excellent technique, twice a day for three days. Subjects in the control group spent the same amount of time viewing a placebo video. Following three days with no physical training, measurements of front squat 3RM and self-efficacy for the 3RM were repeated. Subjects in the experimental group increased in self-efficacy following the intervention, and showed greater 3RM improvement than those in the control group. Self-efficacy was found to significantly mediate the relationship between imagery and front squat 3RM. These findings point to the importance of mental skills training for the enhancement of self-efficacy and front squat performance.
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Atmosphere, Vol. 7, Pages 57: Effect of Pollution Controls on Atmospheric PM2.5 Composition during Universiade in Shenzhen, China
The 16th Universiade, an international multi-sport event, was hosted in Shenzhen, China from 12 to 23 August 2011. During this time, officials instituted the Pearl River Delta action plan in order to enhance the air quality of Shenzhen. To determine the effect of these controls, the current study examined the trace elements, water-soluble ions, and stable lead isotopic ratios in atmospheric particulate matter (PM) collected during the controlled (when the restrictions were in place) and uncontrolled periods. Fine particles (PM2.5) were collected at two sampling sites in Shenzhen: "LG"—a residential building in the Longgang District, with significant point sources around it and "PU"—Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School in the Nanshan District, with no significant point sources. Results from this study showed a significant increase in the concentrations of elements during the uncontrolled periods. For instance, samples at the LG site showed (controlled to uncontrolled periods) concentrations (in ng·m−3) of: Fe (152 to 290), As (3.65 to 8.38), Pb (9.52 to 70.8), and Zn (98.6 to 286). Similarly, samples at the PU site showed elemental concentrations (in ng·m−3) of: Fe (114 to 301), As (0.634 to 8.36), Pb (4.86 to 58.1), and Zn (29.5 to 259). Soluble Fe ranged from 7%–15% for the total measured Fe, indicating an urban source of Fe. Ambient PM2.5 collected at the PU site has an average 206Pb/204Pb ratio of 18.257 and 18.260 during controlled and uncontrolled periods, respectively. The LG site has an average 206Pb/204Pb ratio of 18.183 and 18.030 during controlled and uncontrolled periods, respectively. The 206Pb/204Pb ratios at the PU and the LG sites during the controlled and uncontrolled periods were similar, indicating a common Pb source. To characterize the sources of trace elements, principal component analysis was applied to the elements and ions. Although the relative importance of each component varied, the major sources for both sites were identified as residual oil combustion, secondary inorganic aerosols, sea spray, and combustion. The PM2.5 levels were severely decreased during the controlled period, but it is unclear if this was a result of the controls or change in meteorology.
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Nutrients, Vol. 8, Pages 222: Wine Resveratrol: From the Ground Up
The ability of the grapevine to activate defense mechanisms against some pathogens has been shown to be linked to the synthesis of resveratrol and other stilbenes by the plant (inducible viniferins). Metabolized viniferins may also be produced or modified by extracellular enzymes released by the pathogen in an attempt to eliminate undesirable toxic compounds. Because of the important properties of resveratrol, there is increasing interest in producing wines with higher contents of this compound and a higher nutritional value. Many biotic and abiotic elicitors can trigger the resveratrol synthesis in the berries, and some examples are reported. Under the same elicitation pressure, viticultural and enological factors can substantially affect the resveratrol concentration in the wine. The production of high resveratrol-containing grapes and wines relies on quality-oriented viticulture (suitable terroirs and sustainable cultural practices) and winemaking technologies that avoid degradation of the compound. In general, the oenological practices commonly used to stabilize wine after fermentation do not affect resveratrol concentration, which shows considerable stability. Finally the paper reports on two sirtuin genes (SIRT) expressed in grapevine leaves and berries and the role of resveratrol on the deacetylation activity of the encoded enzymes.
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Harm reduction interventions in HIV care: a qualitative exploration of patient and provider perspectives
Background. A culture of stringent drug policy, one-size-fits-all treatment approaches, and drug-related stigma has clouded clinical HIV practice in the United States. The result is a series of missed opportunities in the HIV care environment. An approach which may address the broken relationship between patient and provider is harm reduction—which removes judgment and operates at the patient's stage of readiness. Harm reduction is not a routine part of care; rather, it exists outside clinic walls, exacerbating the divide between compassionate, stigma-free services and the medical system. Methods. Qualitative, phenomenological, semi-structured, individual interviews with patients and providers were conducted in three publicly-funded clinics in Chicago, located in areas of high HIV prevalence and drug use and serving African-American patients (N = 38). A deductive thematic analysis guided the process, including: the creation of an index code list, transcription and verification of interviews, manual coding, notation of emerging themes and refinement of code definitions, two more rounds of coding within AtlasTi, calculation of Cohen's Kappa for interrater reliability, queries of major codes and analysis of additional common themes. Results. Thematic analysis of findings indicated that the majority of patients felt receptive to harm reduction interventions (safer injection counseling, safer stimulant use counseling, overdose prevention information, supply provision) from their provider, and expressed anticipated gratitude for harm reduction information and/or supplies within the HIV care visit, although some were reluctant to talk openly about their drug use. Provider results were mixed, with more receptivity reported by advanced practice nurses, and more barriers cited by physicians. Notable barriers included: role-perceptions, limited time, inadequate training, and the patients themselves. Discussion. Patients are willing to receive harm reduction interventions from their HIV care providers, while provider receptiveness is mixed. The findings reveal critical implications for diffusion of harm reduction into HIV care, including the need to address cited barriers for both patients and providers to ensure feasibility of implementation. Strategies to address these barriers are discussed, and recommendations for further research are also shared.
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Translation and validation of the Child and the Adolescent HARDSHIP (Headache-attributed restriction, disability, social handicap and impaired participation) questionnaire into Danish language
Background. The prevalence of headaches among children and adolescents varies considerably between countries. This may be due to a lack of appropriate instruments to capture the prevalence. The purpose of this study was to translate the Child and Adolescent HARDSHIP questionnaires from English into Danish language, conduct cross-cultural adaptation, face validation by cognitive interviewing and conduct a pilot study exploring time requirements. Methods. The questionnaire was translated using the guidelines proposed by "The Global Campaign to Reduce the Burden of Headache." A total of 25 children from 6 to 12 years of age completed the questionnaire with 24 h between test and retest to assess reliability. A total of 169 children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age completed the translated questionnaire to assess time requirements for completing it. Results. Only minor discrepancies were observed in the translation process. Test-retest reliability of the translated questionnaire showed substantial agreement (kappa: 0.65–0.78). The questionnaires were completed within 30 min (age 6–11 years of age) and within 15 min (age 12–17 years of age) respectively. Discussion. No major problems were observed in the forward translations of the questionnaires. The face validation prompted no major changes in the questionnaire. The face-to-face interviews showed that pupils of different ethnic backgrounds than Danish and pupils in the age group of 6–11 had more difficulty in understanding a minority of the questions. The Danish Child and Adolescent HARDSHIP questionnaire therefore complies with the intentions of the originators, aiming at a maximal completion time of 45 min and in comparison with actual completion time. The test-retest study showed substantial agreement between test and retest in the headache, migraine and MOH domains and questions referring to time.The Child and Adolescent HARDSHIP questionnaire, includes a section specifically recording a four-week period.The Child and Adolescent HARDSHIP questionnaire is intended to measure burden of headache in large populations and there is therefore no need to reflect the states of individuals. We therefore find the substantial reliability of the Danish version of the Child and Adolescent HARDSHIP questionnaire to be adequate, without supplementing with a diary. The pilot study indicates that headache is a major problem among children and adolescents in Denmark. A total of 95.3% of the pupils have experienced headache in their life, 76.6% during the last year. A total of 14% left school early because of their headache and 14.9% missed school during the last four weeks, due to headache. 49.2% have experienced headaches during the last week and 47% describe the headache as "quite bad." A total of 24.1% have taken pills or medicine during the last week due to headache. This pilot study clearly demonstrates the need to investigate the burden of headache among Danish schoolchildren as it seems to have a profound effect on their lives.
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The role of Rnf in ion gradient formation in Desulfovibrio alaskensis
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The macroevolution of size and complexity in insect male genitalia
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Preliminary study on non-viral transfection of F9 (factor IX) gene by nucleofection in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
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Natural selection drives chemical resistance of Datura stramonium
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Laminectomy plus Fusion versus Laminectomy Alone for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
The increased use of the lumbar spinal fusion procedure in the United States, along with the wide variation in practice, is attracting interest from multiple stakeholders, including patients, physicians, payers, and policymakers. In a report published in 2014, spinal fusion (465,000 hospital-based…
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A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Fusion Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis is caused by a gradual narrowing of the spinal canal. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis typically present with low back pain and leg pain, which occur especially when they are walking. This degenerative condition severely restricts function, walking ability, and quality of…
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Longitudinal association between gross motor capacity and neuromusculoskeletal function in children and youth with cerebral palsy
Publication date: Available online 13 April 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Rimke C. Vos, Jules G. Becher, Jeanine M. Voorman, Jan Willem Gorter, Mirjam van Eck, Jetty van Meeteren, Dirk-Wouter Smits, Jos WR. Twisk, Annet J. Dallmeijer
ObjectiveTo examine associations over longitudinal measurements between neuromusculoskeletal function and gross motor capacity in children and youth with Cerebral Palsy (CP).DesignA prospective cohort studySettingRehabilitation departments of university medical centers and rehabilitations centers in The NetherlandsParticipants148 children (5-9 years) and 179 youth (11-20 years) with CP, GMFCS I(n=180), II(n=44), III(n=36), IV(n=34) and V(n=33).Interventionsnot applicableOutcome measuresGross motor capacity was assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) over a period of 2-4 years in different age cohorts. Neuromusculoskeletal function included selective motor control (SMC), muscle strength, spasticity and range of motion (ROM) of the lower extremities.ResultsMulti-level analyses showed that SMC was significantly associated with gross motor capacity in children and youth with CP, showing higher values and a more favourable course in those with better SMC. Strength was only associated to gross motor capacity in youth. Reduced ROM of hip (children) and knee extension (youth) and spasticity of the hip adductors (youth) were additionally - but more weakly- associated with lower values and a less favourable course of gross motor capacity.ConclusionsResults indicate that children and youth with more severely impaired SMC and youth with reduced muscle strength have a less favourable course of gross motor capacity, while spasticity and reduced ROM are less determinative.
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Thalamic Functional Connectivity in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Longitudinal Associations with Patient-Reported Outcomes and Neuropsychological Tests
Publication date: Available online 13 April 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Sarah D. Banks, Rogelio A. Coronado, Lori R. Clemons, Christine M. Abraham, Sumit Pruthi, Benjamin N. Conrad, Victoria L. Morgan, Oscar D. Guillamondegui, Kristin R. Archer
ObjectiveTo examine: (1) differences in patient-reported outcomes, neuropsychological tests, and thalamic functional connectivity (FC) between patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and healthy controls; (2) the longitudinal association between changes in these measures.DesignProspective observational case-control study.SettingAcademic medical center.ParticipantsThirteen patients with mTBI (mean age = 39.3 years, 4 female) and 11 healthy, age and sex-matched control subjects (mean age = 37.6, 4 female) were enrolled.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome Measure(s)Resting-state FC (3T MRI scanner) was examined between the thalamus and the Default Mode Network (THAL-DMN), Dorsal Attention Network (THAL-DAN), and Frontoparietal Control Network (THAL-FPC). Patient-reported outcomes included pain (Brief Pain Inventory), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD Checklist), and post-concussive (Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire) symptoms. Neuropsychological tests included the D-KEFS Tower test, Trails B, and Hotel task. Assessments occurred at 6 weeks and 4 months after hospitalization for patients with mTBI and at a single visit for controls.ResultsStudent's t-tests found increased pain and depressive, PTSD, and post-concussive symptoms, decreased performance on Trails B, increased THAL-DMN FC, and decreased THAL-DAN and THAL-FPC FC in patients with mTBI compared to healthy controls. Spearman correlation coefficient indicated that increased THAL-DAN FC from baseline to 4 months was associated with decreased pain and post-concussive symptoms (corrected p < 0.05).ConclusionsFindings suggest that alterations in thalamic FC occur after mTBI and improvements in pain and post-concussive symptoms are correlated with normalization of thalamic FC over time.
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A Comparison of Rates of Hospitalization and Emergency Department Visits Using Self-report and South Carolina Administrative Billing Data Among a Population-based Cohort with Spinal Cord Injury
Publication date: Available online 12 April 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Lee L. Saunders, David Murday, Beth Corley, Yue Cao, James S. Krause
ObjectiveTo compare self-report and South Carolina (SC) administrative billing data documentation of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations in the past 12 months among a population-based cohort of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).DesignCross-sectionalSettingSCI Surveillance System in SCParticipantsPersons sustaining a traumatic SCI between 1998 and 2011 in SC who, at the time of study assessment, were adults, were 1+ years post-injury, and had not made a complete recovery. 605 participants were included in the analysis.InterventionsN/AMain Outcome Measure(s)Hospitalizations and ED visits in the past 12 months.ResultsThere was significantly higher rate of reporting 1+ hospitalization in the past year for self-report (36%) compared to SC administrative billing data (26%) (p<.001), but not for 1+ ED visits (48% vs. 45%, p=.11). Decreased physical health and increased injury severity were associated with higher reporting rates of hospitalization. Physical health and injury severity were predictive of both self-report and SC administrative billing data of hospitalizations, while years post-injury and race were also predictors of SC administrative billing data hospitalizations.ConclusionsOur comparison of self-report and SC administrative billing data hospitalizations and ED visits showed a significantly higher rate of reporting of hospitalizations using self-report, specifically among those with poor physical health and higher injury severity. Future work should look at different ways of asking about health care utilization and compare with SC administrative billing data documentation to identify the best ways to assess through self-report.
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The Immediate Biomechanical Implications of Transfer Component Skills Training on Independent Wheelchair Transfers
Publication date: Available online 12 April 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Chung-Ying Tsai, Michael L. Boninger, Jennifer Hastings, Rory A. Cooper, Laura Rice, Alicia M. Koontz
ObjectiveTo evaluate the immediate effects of transfer training based on the Transfer Assessment Instrument (TAI) on the UL biomechanics during transfers.DesignPre-post interventionSettingBiomechanics laboratoryParticipantsTwenty-four full-time manual wheelchair users (MWUs) performed up to five transfers to a level height bench while their natural transfer skills were scored using the TAI and their biomechanical data were recorded.InterventionParticipants with two or more component skill deficits were invited to return back to receive personalized transfer training.Main Outcome MeasuresTAI part 1 summary scores and biomechanical variables calculated at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints were compared before and immediately after transfer training.ResultsSixteen of the 24 MWUs met the criteria for training and 11 MWUs came back for the re-visit. Their TAI part 1 summary scores improved from 6.31(±0.98) to 9.92(±0.25). They had significantly smaller elbow range of motion, shoulder resultant moment and rates of rise of elbow and wrist resultant forces on their trailing side during transfers after training (p < 0.05). On the leading side, shoulder maximum internal rotation and elevation angles, and shoulder resultant moments and rates of rise of shoulder resultant force and moment decreased after training (p < 0.04).ConclusionsThe TAI-based training showed short-term beneficial biomechanical effects on wheelchair users' ULs, such as better shoulder positioning and lower joint loadings. If the skills are practiced longer term, they may help protect the ULs from developing pain and injuries.
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Comorbid traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury: Screening validity and effect on outcomes
Publication date: Available online 12 April 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Charles H. Bombardier, Darren C. Lee, Debbie L. Tan, Jason Barber, Jeanne M. Hoffman
ObjectiveTo determine the diagnostic accuracy of a self-report measure of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to assess the potential effect of TBI on acute and post-acute outcomes.DesignWe compared incident TBI as determined by self-report versus systematic medical records review by physicians blinded to self-reported TBI.SettingInpatient rehabilitation unitParticipants105 of 155 consecutive admissions met inclusion criteria, were admitted on the day of injury, and were assessed.Intervention(s)not applicableMain outcome measure(s)Step 2 of the TBI-4 interview was used to estimate the presence and severity of TBI.ResultsThe sample was 73% male, 45.9 years old on average, 73% Caucasian, and 58% had tetraplegia. Estimated incidence of TBI was 33% by chart review and 60% based on Step 2 of the TBI-4. 91% of those with TBI based on chart review sustained mild injuries. At the optimal cutoff of "possible TBI", the TBI-4 had a sensitivity of 83% (95% confidence interval (CI), 66-93%), specificity of 51% (95%CI, 39-64%), and Youden's index of 0.3 (95% CI, 0.2-0.5). Compared to those without TBI, those with chart review determined TBI had non-significant trends toward longer acute care length of stay and higher functional status at rehabilitation discharge, but equivalent one-year outcomes.ConclusionsStep 2 of theTBI-4 did not meet Youden's criteria (0.8 or higher) for good diagnostic accuracy in the context of recent SCI. Comorbid TBIs were almost exclusively mild and not associated with poorer outcomes one year after SCI.
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Prevalence of Diabetic Foot Disease in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus under Renal Replacement Therapy in Lleida, Spain
Aim. To assess the prevalence of diabetic foot and other associated conditions in patients with diabetes mellitus under renal replacement in the region of Lleida, Spain. Methods. This was an observational, cross-sectional study of 92 dialysis-treated diabetic patients. Besides a podiatric examination, we explored the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, late diabetes complications, including peripheral neuropathy, atherosclerotic disease, and peripheral artery disease. We assessed risk factors for foot ulceration and amputation by logistic regression. Results. Prevalent diabetic foot was found in 17.4% of patients, foot deformities were found in 54.3%, previous ulcer was found in 19.6%, and amputations were found in 16.3%; and 87% of them had some risk of suffering diabetic foot in the future. We observed a high prevalence of patients with peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease (89.1% and 64.2%, resp.). Multivariable analysis identified diabetic retinopathy and advanced atherosclerotic disease (stenosing carotid plaques) as independent risk factors for foot ulceration ( and , resp.) and diabetic retinopathy also as an independent risk factor for lower-limb amputations (). Moreover, there was a temporal association between the initiation of dialysis and the incidence of amputations. Conclusion. Diabetic patients receiving dialysis therapy are at high risk of foot complications and should receive appropriate and intensive foot care.
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Nanomaterials, Vol. 6, Pages 71: Gold Nanoparticles: An Efficient Antimicrobial Agent against Enteric Bacterial Human Pathogen
Enteric bacterial human pathogens, i.e., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae, are the major cause of diarrheal infections in children and adults. Their structure badly affects the human immune system. It is important to explore new antibacterial agents instead of antibiotics for treatment. This project is an attempt to explain how gold nanoparticles affect these bacteria. We investigated the important role of the mean particle size, and the inhibition of a bacterium is dose-dependent. Ultra Violet (UV)-visible spectroscopy revealed the size of chemically synthesized gold nanoparticle as 6–40 nm. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis confirmed the size and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis determined the polycrystalline nature of gold nanoparticles. The present findings explained how gold nanoparticles lyse Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
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Polymers, Vol. 8, Pages 128: Transparent Blend of Poly(Methylmethacrylate)/Cellulose Acetate Butyrate for the Protection from Ultraviolet
The use of transparent polymers as an alternative to glass has become widespread. However, the direct exposure of these materials to climatic conditions of sunlight and heat decrease the lifetime cost of these products. The aim of this study was to minimize the harm caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure to transparent poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), which usually leads to changes in the physical and chemical properties of these materials and reduced performance. This was achieved using environmentally friendly cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB). The optical, morphological, and thermal properties of CAB blended with transparent PMMA was studied using UV-VIS spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The results show that CAB was able to reduce the effects of UV radiation by making PMMA more transparent to UV light, thereby preventing the negative effects of trapped radiation within the compositional structure, while maintaining the amorphous structure of the blend. The results also show that CAB blended with PMMA led to some properties commensurate with the requirements of research in terms of a slight increase in the value of the modulus and the glass transition temperature for the PMMA/CAB blend.
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Challenges, Vol. 7, Pages 10: Flaws and Drawbacks in Present Regulation and the Need to Take Action and Support the Renewable Energies Policies in Italy
Renewable energies is an important sector that needs to be sustained and increased by the action of policies and economic support.[...]
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JFB, Vol. 7, Pages 9: Evaluating the Surface Topography of Pyrolytic Carbon Finger Prostheses through Measurement of Various Roughness Parameters
The articulating surfaces of four different sizes of unused pyrolytic carbon proximal interphalangeal prostheses (PIP) were evaluated though measuring several topographical parameters using a white light interferometer: average roughness (Sa); root mean-square roughness (Sq); skewness (Ssk); and kurtosis (Sku). The radii of the articulating surfaces were measured using a coordinate measuring machine, and were found to be: 2.5, 3.3, 4.2 and 4.7 mm for proximal, and 4.0, 5.1, 5.6 and 6.3 mm for medial components. ANOVA was used to assess the relationship between the component radii and each roughness parameter. Sa, Sq and Ssk correlated negatively with radius (p = 0.001, 0.001, 0.023), whilst Sku correlated positively with radius (p = 0.03). Ergo, the surfaces with the largest radii possessed the better topographical characteristics: low roughness, negative skewness, high kurtosis. Conversely, the surfaces with the smallest radii had poorer topographical characteristics.
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Sensors, Vol. 16, Pages 540: Acute Sleep Deprivation Induces a Local Brain Transfer Information Increase in the Frontal Cortex in a Widespread Decrease Context
Sleep deprivation (SD) has adverse effects on mental and physical health, affecting the cognitive abilities and emotional states. Specifically, cognitive functions and alertness are known to decrease after SD. The aim of this work was to identify the directional information transfer after SD on scalp EEG signals using transfer entropy (TE). Using a robust methodology based on EEG recordings of 18 volunteers deprived from sleep for 36 h, TE and spectral analysis were performed to characterize EEG data acquired every 2 h. Correlation between connectivity measures and subjective somnolence was assessed. In general, TE showed medium- and long-range significant decreases originated at the occipital areas and directed towards different regions, which could be interpreted as the transfer of predictive information from parieto-occipital activity to the rest of the head. Simultaneously, short-range increases were obtained for the frontal areas, following a consistent and robust time course with significant maps after 20 h of sleep deprivation. Changes during sleep deprivation in brain network were measured effectively by TE, which showed increased local connectivity and diminished global integration. TE is an objective measure that could be used as a potential measure of sleep pressure and somnolence with the additional property of directed relationships.
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Sensors, Vol. 16, Pages 539: Sparsity-Aware DOA Estimation Scheme for Noncircular Source in MIMO Radar
In this paper, a novel sparsity-aware direction of arrival (DOA) estimation scheme for a noncircular source is proposed in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar. In the proposed method, the reduced-dimensional transformation technique is adopted to eliminate the redundant elements. Then, exploiting the noncircularity of signals, a joint sparsity-aware scheme based on the reweighted <> l 1 norm penalty is formulated for DOA estimation, in which the diagonal elements of the weight matrix are the coefficients of the noncircular MUSIC-like (NC MUSIC-like) spectrum. Compared to the existing <> l 1 norm penalty-based methods, the proposed scheme provides higher angular resolution and better DOA estimation performance. Results from numerical experiments are used to show the effectiveness of our proposed method.
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Viruses, Vol. 8, Pages 100: Purification and Biochemical Characterisation of Rabbit Calicivirus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases and Identification of Non-Nucleoside Inhibitors
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a calicivirus that causes acute infections in both domestic and wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The virus causes significant economic losses in rabbit farming and reduces wild rabbit populations. The recent emergence of RHDV variants capable of overcoming immunity to other strains emphasises the need to develop universally effective antivirals to enable quick responses during outbreaks until new vaccines become available. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a primary target for the development of such antiviral drugs. In this study, we used cell-free in vitro assays to examine the biochemical characteristics of two rabbit calicivirus RdRps and the effects of several antivirals that were previously identified as human norovirus RdRp inhibitors. The non-nucleoside inhibitor NIC02 was identified as a potential scaffold for further drug development against rabbit caliciviruses. Our experiments revealed an unusually high temperature optimum (between 40 and 45 °C) for RdRps derived from both a pathogenic and a non-pathogenic rabbit calicivirus, possibly demonstrating an adaptation to a host with a physiological body temperature of more than 38 °C. Interestingly, the in vitro polymerase activity of the non-pathogenic calicivirus RdRp was at least two times higher than that of the RdRp of the highly virulent RHDV.
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Author response: 'Does cadmium exposure contribute to depressive symptoms in the elderly population?
We thank Dr Tomoyuki Kawada1 for his interest in our manuscript entitled 'Does cadmium exposure contribute to depressive symptoms in the elderly population?'2 In the letter, Dr Kawada depicted three possible reasons for the inconsistent results of our study: limited statistical power, use of blood cadmium as marker of cadmium exposure and the presence of other potential confounding variables.
First, we agree with Dr Kawada's opinion on the limited statistical power of the study regarding the small number of depression patients in the second and the third visit data. In our study, the point estimates for the association between blood cadmium levels and elderly depressive symptoms were not consistent across the three visits. The direction of the point estimate at the second and the third visit should be consistent as long as depression patients are similarly distributed across the quartile group as their distribution at...
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Blood cadmium level in the elderly population: perspective for the cause of inconsistent results
Han et al1 investigated the association between blood cadmium levels (B-Cd) and depression in 395 people, aged 60 years or older. Survey was conducted three times, and positive association between B-Cd and depression was only observed in the first visit. The authors used the Korean version of the Short Form Generic Depression Scale test (SGDS-K) for screening depression and logistic regression model was used for the analysis. I present my speculation on their statistical inconsistency.
First, the authors well recognised the relatively small number of participants and depression cases, especially in the second and the third visit data. Even in the first visit data, the number of depression cases was only 50. In their tables 3–5, wide ranges of 95% CIs were observed. There is a limitation in the total number of events for logistic regression analysis.2 Peduzzi et al3 simulated the effect of...
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Interventions to increase the reporting of occupational diseases by physicians: a Cochrane systematic review
Introduction
Under-reporting of occupational diseases is an important issue in many countries. Timely and complete reporting is fundamental to a successful physician-based public health surveillance system and to plan intervention programmes and allocation of resources.
For physicians, the main reasons for under-reporting consist of lack of awareness regarding reporting requirements, time and effort involved in reporting and lack of benefit from reporting.
There are no systematic reviews of the effects of interventions for increasing the reporting (or reducing the under-reporting) of occupational diseases. Therefore, we conducted a Cochrane systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing the reporting of occupational diseases by physicians.1
MethodsWe searched the Cochrane Occupational Safety and Health Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, OSH UPDATE, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Open-SIGLE and Health Evidence, up...
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Associations of short-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution with cardiovascular and respiratory hospital admissions in London, UK
Objectives
There is evidence of adverse associations between short-term exposure to traffic-related pollution and health, but little is known about the relative contribution of the various sources and particulate constituents.
MethodsFor each day for 2011–2012 in London, UK over 100 air pollutant metrics were assembled using monitors, modelling and chemical analyses. We selected a priori metrics indicative of traffic sources: general traffic, petrol exhaust, diesel exhaust and non-exhaust (mineral dust, brake and tyre wear). Using Poisson regression models, controlling for time-varying confounders, we derived effect estimates for cardiovascular and respiratory hospital admissions at prespecified lags and evaluated the sensitivity of estimates to multipollutant modelling and effect modification by season.
ResultsFor single day exposure, we found consistent associations between adult (15–64 years) cardiovascular and paediatric (0–14 years) respiratory admissions with elemental and black carbon (EC/BC), ranging from 0.56% to 1.65% increase per IQR change, and to a lesser degree with carbon monoxide (CO) and aluminium (Al). The average of past 7 days EC/BC exposure was associated with elderly (65+ years) cardiovascular admissions. Indicated associations were higher during the warm period of the year. Although effect estimates were sensitive to the adjustment for other pollutants they remained consistent in direction, indicating independence of associations from different sources, especially between diesel and petrol engines, as well as mineral dust.
ConclusionsOur results suggest that exhaust related pollutants are associated with increased numbers of adult cardiovascular and paediatric respiratory hospitalisations. More extensive monitoring in urban centres is required to further elucidate the associations.
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Expected number of asbestos-related lung cancers in the Netherlands in the next two decades: a comparison of methods
Objectives
Exposure to asbestos fibres increases the risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer. Although the vast majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure, the number of asbestos-related lung cancers is less clear. This number cannot be determined directly as lung cancer causes are not clinically distinguishable but may be estimated using varying modelling methods.
MethodsWe applied three different modelling methods to the Dutch population supplemented with uncertainty ranges (UR) due to uncertainty in model input values. The first method estimated asbestos-related lung cancer cases directly from observed and predicted mesothelioma cases in an age-period-cohort analysis. The second method used evidence on the fraction of lung cancer cases attributable (population attributable risk (PAR)) to asbestos exposure. The third method incorporated risk estimates and population exposure estimates to perform a life table analysis.
ResultsThe three methods varied substantially in incorporated evidence. Moreover, the estimated number of asbestos-related lung cancer cases in the Netherlands between 2011 and 2030 depended crucially on the actual method applied, as the mesothelioma method predicts 17 500 expected cases (UR 7000–57 000), the PAR method predicts 12 150 cases (UR 6700–19 000), and the life table analysis predicts 6800 cases (UR 6800–33 850).
ConclusionsThe three different methods described resulted in absolute estimates varying by a factor of ~2.5. These results show that accurate estimation of the impact of asbestos exposure on the lung cancer burden remains a challenge.
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A cost-benefit analysis of peer coaching for overhead lift use in the long-term care sector in Canada
Objectives
To evaluate whether a peer-coaching programme for patient lift use in British Columbia, Canada, was effective and cost-beneficial.
MethodsWe used monthly panel data from 15 long-term care facilities from 2004 to 2011 to estimate the number of patient-handling injuries averted by the peer-coaching programme using a generalised estimating equation model. Facilities that had not yet introduced the programme served as concurrent controls. Accepted lost-time claim counts related to patient handling were the outcome of interest with a denominator of full-time equivalents of nursing staff. A cost-benefit approach was used to estimate the net monetary gains at the system level.
ResultsThe coaching programme was found to be associated with a reduction in the injury rate of 34% during the programme and 56% after the programme concluded with an estimated 62 lost-time injury claims averted. 2 other factors were associated with changes in injury rates: larger facilities had a lower injury rate, and the more care hours per bed the lower the injury rate. We calculated monetary benefits to the system of $748 431 and costs of $894 000 (both in 2006 Canadian dollars) with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 0.84. The benefit-to-cost ratio was –0.05 in the worst case scenario and 2.31 in the best case scenario. The largest cost item was peer coaches' time. A simulation of the programme continuing for 5 years with the same coaching intensity would result in a benefit-to-cost ratio of 0.63.
ConclusionsA peer-coaching programme to increase effective use of overhead lifts prevented additional patient-handling injuries but added modest incremental cost to the system.
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Self-guided internet-based and mobile-based stress management for employees: results of a randomised controlled trial
Objective
This randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a self-guided internet-based stress management intervention (iSMI) for employees compared to a 6-month wait-list control group (WLC) with full access for both groups to treatment as usual.
MethodA sample of 264 employees with elevated symptoms of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS-10 ≥22) was randomly assigned to either the iSMI or to the WLC. The iSMI consisted of seven sessions and one booster session including problem-solving and emotion regulation techniques. Self-report data were assessed at baseline, at 7 weeks and at 6 months following randomisation. The primary outcome was perceived stress (PSS-10). The secondary outcomes included other relevant mental-related and work-related health outcomes. Data were analysed based on intention-to-treat principles.
ResultsThe iSMI participants showed a significantly higher reduction in perceived stress from baseline to post-treatment at 7 weeks (d=0.96, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.21) and to the 6-month follow-up (d=0.65, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.89) compared to the WLC. Significant differences with small to moderate effect sizes were also found for depression, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, sleeping problems, worrying, mental health-related quality of life, psychological detachment, emotion regulation skills and presenteeism, in favour of the experimental group. At the 6 -month follow-up, all outcomes remained significantly better for the experimental group with the exception of work engagement, physical health-related quality of life and absenteeism, which were not found to significantly differ between the iSMI and WLC groups.
ConclusionsThe iSMI investigated in this study was found to be effective in reducing typical mental-related and work-related health symptoms of stressed employees. Internet-based self-guided interventions could be an acceptable, effective and potentially cost-effective approach to reduce the negative consequences associated with work-related stress.
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Statutory prevention of work injuries in Italy: an effectiveness evaluation with interrupted time series analysis in a sample of 5000 manufacturing plants from the Veneto region
Objectives
According to Italian law, prevention of injuries in the workplace falls under the National Health System Service of Prevention, Health and Safety at Work (SPISAL). In a sample of about 5000 industrial firms in the Veneto region (North-Eastern Italy), the study examines the impact of SPISAL safety programmes on injuries.
MethodsThe study is based on the before-and-after comparison of injury rates in 795 industrial settings that were subject to SPISAL interventions and 4186 reference firms, which were all manufacturing industries with >10 employees; construction companies were excluded. The time window (2001–2007) was chosen in order to have 8 quarters of observation before and 8 after the intervention. The National Institute for Workers' Compensation provided data on injuries and plants, while SPISAL gave information on interventions carried out. The preintervention and postintervention rates of injuries were compared by means of interrupted time series analyses, estimating the rate ratio (RR) with a 95% CI.
ResultsInspection after injury reduced by 24% (RR=0.76; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.90; p=0.001) all injuries, and by 36% (RR=0.64; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.83; p=0.001) severe injuries (fatalities, lost workdays >30, degree of permanent disability >0). These changes occurred immediately and persisted for 2 years. The effects of programmed inspections were never significant.
ConclusionsIt can be presumed that, after a severe injury, the employees raised their standard of what they considered good work safety and, at the same time, the employers were pushed to improve the work environment as a result of the sudden attention from the workplace hygiene and safety authority and court authority. Inspection after injury was an effective strategy; however, confirmatory evidence is needed.
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Pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer risks in relation to occupational history and asbestos lung burden
Background
We have conducted a population-based study of pleural mesothelioma patients with occupational histories and measured asbestos lung burdens in occupationally exposed workers and in the general population. The relationship between lung burden and risk, particularly at environmental exposure levels, will enable future mesothelioma rates in people born after 1965 who never installed asbestos to be predicted from their asbestos lung burdens.
MethodsFollowing personal interview asbestos fibres longer than 5 µm were counted by transmission electron microscopy in lung samples obtained from 133 patients with mesothelioma and 262 patients with lung cancer. ORs for mesothelioma were converted to lifetime risks.
ResultsLifetime mesothelioma risk is approximately 0.02% per 1000 amphibole fibres per gram of dry lung tissue over a more than 100-fold range, from 1 to 4 in the most heavily exposed building workers to less than 1 in 500 in most of the population. The asbestos fibres counted were amosite (75%), crocidolite (18%), other amphiboles (5%) and chrysotile (2%).
ConclusionsThe approximate linearity of the dose–response together with lung burden measurements in younger people will provide reasonably reliable predictions of future mesothelioma rates in those born since 1965 whose risks cannot yet be seen in national rates. Burdens in those born more recently will indicate the continuing occupational and environmental hazards under current asbestos control regulations. Our results confirm the major contribution of amosite to UK mesothelioma incidence and the substantial contribution of non-occupational exposure, particularly in women.
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Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos 72100 Crete Greece,00302841026182,0030693260717...
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heory of COVID-19 pathogenesis Publication date: November 2020Source: Medical Hypotheses, Volume 144Author(s): Yuichiro J. Suzuki ScienceD...
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Alimentary Pharmacology &Therapeutics, EarlyView. https://ift.tt/2qECBIJ