bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Queer vernacularism: Minor transnationalism across Hong Kong and Singapore
Authors: Wong Alvin K
Published: January 2020

This essay explores the queer literary modernism of Hong Kong and Singapore since the 1990s to make several interventions. While the two cities have been studied as exemplars of postcolonial state formation in which finance capitalism contributes to the rise of modernity, their queer modernism in the literary and cultural spheres has largely escaped comparative studies. To address this blind spot, I examine two literary texts of gay male urbanism, namely Bryan Yip’s 2003 Hong Kong queer novel, Suddenly Single and Johann S. Lee’s 1992 coming-of-age queer Singaporean novel, Peculiar Chris, as cases of “queer vernacularism.” Specifically, Yip and Lee’s queer vernacular modernism—especially their references to Hong Kong and Singaporean popular culture, urban space, and soundscapes of modernity—altogether exceeds the familiar boundary of queer transnationalism and actualizes other modes of minor transnational desire. This essay concludes with a brief analysis of Yonfan’s 1995 Hong Kong film Bugis Street, which visualizes the bygone past of Singapore’s 1950–1970s sexual utopia and transgender imaginary.
Correlation between neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and soluble CD14 subtype on the prognosis evaluation of acute paraquat poisoning patients
Authors: Gao X , Wang W-Z , Xiao Q-M , Qi H-N , Zhu B-Y , Li B-Y , Wang P , Han Y-Y
Published: January 2020

Objective:

The objective of this article is to study the correlation between neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and soluble CD14 subtype (presepsin) on the severity and prognosis evaluation of acute paraquat poisoning (APP) patients.

Materials and methods:

We studied 120 APP patients who were divided into three groups: light (28 cases), moderate (52 cases), and heavy poisoning (40 cases) groups. Twenty healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls.

Results:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred in 86 APP patients (71.7%, 86 of 120). In AKI group, urine NGAL was elevated 3 h after treatment, serum NGAL was elevated 24 h after treatment, and serum creatine (SCr) was elevated 2 days after treatment, which were all significantly higher than non-AKI group. Compared with control group, there were significant differences in presepsin and acute physiology and chronic health status (APACHE) II score of different poisoning groups. There were significant differences in detection indices 24 h, 3 days, and 7 days after treatment among different poisoning groups. There was a positive correlation between urine NGAL and serum paraquat concentration, urine NGAL, and AKI morbidity ( r 1 = 0.974, r 2 = 0.766, p < 0.001), suggesting higher urine NGAL level indicated higher AKI morbidity. Receiver operating characteristic curves analysis suggested serum presepsin level and urine NGAL level had higher sensitivity and specificity than APACHE II score when predicting 28-day mortality of APP patients.

Conclusion:

Serum and urine NGAL level is elevated earlier than SCr, which is important for the early diagnosis of APP. Serum presepsin and urine NGAL levels can be used as markers to diagnose the severity of AKI and predict the mortality of APP patients.
Plasma fluoroacetic acid concentrations: Symptoms, hematological, and biochemical characteristics in patients with fluoroacetic acid poisoning in the emergency department
Authors: Liu L , Li F , Dong Z , Dong G , Xu J , Liu W , Wang X , Hai X , Yu K
Published: January 2020

Fluoroacetic acid (FAcOH) was once a highly toxic rodenticide widely used in the world. In the past, studies on the toxicity of FAcOH have focused on animal experiments. The toxicity of FAcOH to humans and the changes of FAcOH in plasma have not been studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe the changes of plasma FAcOH concentrations, hematological, and biochemical characteristics in patients with FAcOH intoxication. According to clinical symptoms, 68 patients from the emergency department were divided into different groups: convulsion group, unconsciousness group, death group, and control groups. Plasma FAcOH concentrations, hematological, and biochemical parameters were investigated. Results demonstrated that patients in the convulsion group and the unconsciousness group had a significant increase ( p < 0.01) in the level of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), creatine kinase MB (CKMB), glucose (GLU), and white blood cell count (WBC) and a significant decrease ( p < 0.01) in serum potassium compared with the control group, respectively. Moreover, patients in the death group had a significant increase ( p < 0.01) in the level of NSE, CKMB, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, GLU, and WBC and a significant decrease ( p < 0.01) in serum potassium and total calcium compared with the survival group. The concentrations of FAcOH in plasma in the convulsion group, the unconsciousness group, and the death group were 72.31 ± 42.29, 118.33 ± 55.41, and 163.78 ± 43.32 μg/mL, respectively. These changes and the plasma FAcOH concentrations may increase our understanding of the toxicity of FAcOH to humans and may help doctors to judge the clinical prognosis of patients with FAcOH intoxication.
The Dynamics of the Current Global Restructuring and Contemporary Framework of the US–China Trade War
Authors: Vlados Charis
Published: January 2020

The current escalation of the US–China trade war shows that the dynamics of the crisis and restructuring of the global socioeconomic system are in an accelerating phase. In the present study, we seek to explore the fundamental dimensions and future directions of the US–China trade war and delineate a conceptual framework for understanding its significance for restructuring of the global system. Through some representative scientific contributions to the study on the US–China trade war, we find an increasing emphasis on the declining and repositioning of US global hegemony, which the earlier optimistic theoretical forecasts did not manage to predict. By linking the dynamics of the crisis and restructuring of the global socioeconomic system to the forces of innovation and change management, we argue that this trade war is yet another proof of the gradual restructuring of global equilibriums. These alterations of the structures of the global system seem to lead to the creation of a new equilibrium regime we call “new globalization,” which requires the gradual construction of a new global architecture.
The Impact of the US–China Trade War on the European Union
Authors: Goulard Sebastien
Published: January 2020

Since April 2018, the USA and China have been engaged in a trade war. Because of the importance of these two countries in world trade, this dispute does affect not only the Chinese and American economies but also the entire world. Several studies have shown the impact of this dispute on different countries in Asia, but little was done to study the effect on European Union (EU) member states. The trade war between the USA and China should not let us forget the trade disputes between Washington and Brussels on one hand and EU–China trade differences on the other hand. This article will take stock of European policy towards the USA and China in this trade war; we will study the consequences of the US–China trade war on the exchanges between Europe and China and analyze the possible diversion created by this trade war for the European market.
Associations Between Obesity and the Effectiveness of Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Agents in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: A Literature Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Dai Zhang-han , Xu Xi-tao , Ran Zhi-hua
Published: January 2020

Background: A total of 15% to 40% of adult inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are obese. The influence of obesity on anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) treatment in IBD patients is not consistent. Objective: To determine the association between obesity and the efficacy of anti-TNF treatment in IBD patients. Methods: We performed a systematic search from January 1990 through November 2019 on MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane library. We included randomized controlled trials and observational cohort studies that investigated the outcome of anti-TNF treatment in IBD patients with stratification according to body mass index or body weight. The odds ratio (OR) and its 95% CI were calculated. Results: In this pooled meta-analysis, we observed that obesity increased the odds of failure of anti-TNF therapy (OR = 1.195; 95% CI = 1.034-1.380; P = 0.015; I2 = 47.8%). After performing subgroup analyses, obesity was associated with higher odds of anti-TNF treatment failure in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients (OR = 1.413; 95% CI = 1.008-1.980; P = 0.045; I2 = 20.0%) but not in Crohn’s disease patients (OR = 1.099; 95% CI = 0.928-1.300). Obesity significantly increased the odds of treatment failure of both dose-fixed and weight-based anti-TNF agents (OR = 1.121, 95% CI = 1.027-1.224, P = 0.011, and OR = 1.449, 95% CI = 1.006-2.087, P = 0.046, respectively). Conclusion and Relevance: In our meta-analysis, obesity was associated with the inferior response of anti-TNF treatments in UC patients. Clinicians should be aware that obese UC patients may require higher doses in anti-TNF treatment.
Determination of Death by Neurologic Criteria in the United States: The Case for Revising the Uniform Determination of Death Act
Authors: Lewis Ariane , Bonnie Richard J. , Pope Thaddeus , Epstein Leon G. , Greer David M. , Kirschen Matthew P. , Rubin Michael , Russell James A.
Published: January 2020

Although death by neurologic criteria (brain death) is legally recognized throughout the United States, state laws and clinical practice vary concerning three key issues: (1) the medical standards used to determine death by neurologic criteria, (2) management of family objections before determination of death by neurologic criteria, and (3) management of religious objections to declaration of death by neurologic criteria. The American Academy of Neurology and other medical stakeholder organizations involved in the determination of death by neurologic criteria have undertaken concerted action to address variation in clinical practice in order to ensure the integrity of brain death determination. To complement this effort, state policymakers must revise legislation on the use of neurologic criteria to declare death. We review the legal history and current laws regarding neurologic criteria to declare death and offer proposed revisions to the Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA) and the rationale for these recommendations.
Dementia, Healthcare Decision Making, and Disability Law
Authors: Wright Megan S.
Published: January 2020

Persons with dementia often prefer to participate in decisions about their health care, but may be prevented from doing so because healthcare decision-making law facilitates use of advance directives or surrogate decision makers for persons with decisional impairments such as dementia. Federal and state disability law provide alternative decision-making models that do not prevent persons with mild to moderate dementia from making their own healthcare decisions at the time the decision needs to be made. In order to better promote autonomy and wellbeing, persons with dementia should be accommodated and supported so they can make their own healthcare decisions.
Federal Indian Law as a Structural Determinant of Health
Authors: Hoss Aila
Published: January 2020

Federal Indian law is the body of law that defines the rights, responsibilities, and relationships between three sovereigns, Tribes, states, and the federal government. This area of law has defined, oftentimes poorly, the contours of treaty rights, criminal and civil jurisdiction, economic development, among other issues. Much has been documented in terms of the implications of social, legal, political, and economic systems that perpetuate inequities amongst American Indian and Alaska Native populations. There has also been substantial research on health inequalities. Yet, there has been less discussion on the role of law in perpetuating these adverse health outcomes in these populations. The social and structural determinants of health are the factors and conditions, such as housing, education, and politics, that create health disparities. For years, law has been described as a tool to promote health and even a determinant of health. And while research has explored Tribal health laws and federal Indian health policies, more needs to be analyzed in terms of the role of foundational principles of federal Indian law in perpetuating health disparities. This article argues that federal Indian law is a structural determinant of health by linking health disparities to the constructs of this body of law.
Tracing the Immaterial Spaces of You
Authors: Yoo Joanne
Published: January 2020

Texts can become living artifacts as they poetically convey a writer’s breath-inspired words. Academic writers can explore such forms of writing experimenting with language that mirrors the lightness and effortless flow of breath. Such timeless configurations of words resonate with affect and may be accessed by awareness of mortality. Breath-infused writing embodies an intensity that traces the immaterial spaces of a person and can be a precious gift for our loved ones.
Evaluation of fosaprepitant-associated hypersensitivity reactions at a National Cancer Center
Authors: Laird Catherine Michelle , Glode Ashley E , Schwarz Kerry , Lam Elaine T , O'Bryant Cindy L
Published: January 2020

Introduction

At our institution, an increased incidence of hypersensitivity reactions was reported following standardization of fosaprepitant as the preferred agent for the prophylaxis of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) caused by highly emetogenic therapies. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the incidence of systemic hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to fosaprepitant infusions compared to available literature.

Methods

This evaluation is a retrospective review of electronic health records of adult patients who received their first dose of fosaprepitant for CINV prophylaxis beginning January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017 at the University of Colorado Cancer Center outpatient infusion center. Subjects were identified using medication administration reports. Individual chart reviews were performed for all patients who received fosaprepitant during the specified timeframe and had a reaction reported on the same date.

Results

A total of 868 patients received fosaprepitant in the outpatient infusion center during the study time period. Four patients (0.461%) had a systemic HSR attributed to fosaprepitant. Two of the reactions were reported as HSRs in the adverse reaction reporting system and two were found in provider notes during chart review. Due to the small sample size, risk factors for HSRs to fosaprepitant were not able to be determined.

Conclusion

The incidence of HSRs to fosaprepitant at our institution was found to be consistent with the <1% incidence currently noted in literature. Based on these findings, opportunities have been identified for education on fosaprepitant-associated HSRs, proper documentation and patient-specific precautions.
The predictive role of metabolic tumor volume on no response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Arici Serdar , Karyagar Sevda S , Karyagar Savas , Geredeli Caglayan , Cekin Ruhper , Seçmeler Şaban , Atci Muhammed M , Sakin Abdullah , Cihan Şener
Published: January 2020

Introduction

To evaluate the predictive significance of pretreatment metabolic tumor volume on pathologic response in patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Methods

Seventy patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy between 2013 and 2017 years were enrolled in the study. Pathologic responses and 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography metabolic dates of patients were obtained from archive files.

Results

Forty-six (65.7%) patients were in stage II and 24 (34.3%) patients were in stage III; 25 (35.7%) patients were human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive, 46 (65.7%) patients were estrogen receptor-positive, 26 (37.1%) patients were progesterone receptor-positive. According to the Miller-Payne grading system, 24 (34.3%) patients constituted 100% pathological response; patients with 91–99% pathological response were 12 (17.1%), the number of patients with non-pathologic response was 6 (8.6%). Median metabolic tumor volume was 7.3 cm3 (7.1 ± 3.5), 8.8 (11.4 ± 9.4), 7.7 (8.3 ± 4.6) and 22 cm3 (19.8 ± 11.0) in patients with stages IIA, IIB, IIIA, and IIIB, respectively ( p = 0.032). In Miller-Payne grading, the median metabolic tumor volume value was higher in patients with no pathologic response group than 100% response group ( p = 0.003). The cut-off metabolic tumor volume value determining no pathologic response was calculated as higher than 13.62 cm3 (sensitivity 83.3% and specificity 82.8%).

Conclusions

Our study results suggest that higher pretreatment metabolic tumor volume values are predictive on no pathologic response in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Does the United Kingdom’s Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) Scheme for Primary Health Care Enhance Partnership Working?
Authors: Agyenim-Boateng Cletus , Stafford Anne , Stapleton Pam
Published: January 2020

This article draws on a qualitative case study comparing two U.K. primary health care schemes which were entered into as part of the Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) policy. LIFT takes the form of a social infrastructure Public Private Partnership (PPP) where public procurers and private suppliers work together in active long-term partnering agreements to deliver local primary health care facilities. The organizational structure is that of a joint venture company which is jointly owned by public and private partners, with the expectation that by having both the public and private sector represented on the company board partnership working between the two sectors is enhanced. The two schemes studied delivered contrasting results. One scheme showed how the private sector dominated the board, making partnership working difficult to achieve in the context of directors following their fiduciary role to maximize profits for shareholders. However, the findings from the second scheme showed that partnership working and LIFT success may be dependent on trust, general business ethos, and key personalities working together. Policy makers should therefore pay attention to not only the organizational structures, but also how the private sector controls and governance are exercised to benefit all stakeholders.
Caffeine Potentiates Ethanol-Induced Neurotoxicity Through mTOR/p70S6K/4E-BP1 Inhibition in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Sangaunchom Pongsak , Dharmasaroja Permphan
Published: January 2020

Caffeine is a popular psychostimulant, which is frequently consumed with ethanol. However, the effects of caffeine on neuronal cells constantly exposed to ethanol have not been investigated. Apoptosis and oxidative stress occurring in ethanol-induced neurotoxicity were previously associated with decreased phosphorylation of the mTOR/p70S6K/4E-BP1 signaling proteins. Evidence also suggested that caffeine inhibits the mTOR pathway. In this study, human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed to caffeine after pretreatment for 24 hours with ethanol. Results indicated that both ethanol and caffeine caused neuronal cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Exposure to 20-mM caffeine for 24 hours magnified reduced cell viability and enhanced apoptotic cell death induced by 200 mM of ethanol pretreatment. The phosphorylation of mTOR, p70S6K, and 4E-BP1 markedly decreased in cells exposed to caffeine after ethanol pretreatment, associated with a decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). These findings suggested that caffeine treatment after neuronal cells were exposed to ethanol resulted in marked cell damages, mediated through enhanced inhibition of mTOR/p70S6K/4E-BP1 signaling leading to impaired ΔΨm and, eventually, apoptotic cell death.
Defining Physician-Assisted Suicide Tourism and Travel
Authors: Yu Chung-En , Wen Jun , Meng Fang
Published: January 2020

The concept of suicide tourism was first mentioned in the late 1900s; however, definitions remain ambiguous. Although “tourism” is often associated with joyful experiences, it takes involves forms and purposes that may not be leisure- or pleasure-related, in which suicide tourism is unique and scarcely examined. This study reviews relevant literature, reframes the definition of suicide tourism, and provides a better understanding of this emerging tourism phenomenon. The notion is redefined by tourism practices related to physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Subcategories include suicide tourism and suicide travel, depending on whether a person returns to his or her own country/region after a PAS-related trip. In addition, suicide tourism applies to anyone interested in exploring PAS, including via an informational journey. Finally, directions for future research are discussed.
Cross-cultural Validation of the Nostalgia Scale for Sport Tourism (NSST): A Multilevel Approach
Authors: Cho Heetae , Joo Dongoh , Woosnam Kyle Maurice
Published: January 2020

This study evaluated the cross-cultural generalizability of the Nostalgia Scale for Sport Tourism (NSST), which was originally developed and examined in the context of football tourists in the United States. Data were collected from baseball tourists in South Korea, and multilevel confirmatory factor analysis and multilevel structural equation modelling were used for data analysis. Results supported the reliability and the validity of the scale both at individual and group levels, revealing an identical five-factor structure across the 29-item scale. Additionally, this study found a significant effect of sport nostalgia on revisit intention both at individual and group levels. The findings indicate that the NSST is applicable in understanding sport tourists’ nostalgia across different sport and cultural settings. Implications and suggestions for future nostalgia research are also discussed.
Vision-related and health-related quality of life in patients with giant cell arteritis
Authors: Ní Mhéalóid Áine , Conway Richard , O’Neill Lorraine , Clyne Barbara , Molloy Eamonn , Murphy Conor C
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To establish if there is a difference in health-related quality of life and vision-related quality of life in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of giant cell arteritis compared with those with clinical features suspicious for the disease at initial presentation but in whom giant cell arteritis is ultimately excluded.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of 116 patients who presented to two tertiary referral hospitals in Ireland with symptoms suspicious for giant cell arteritis was performed between August 2011 and June 2017. The Vision Core Measurement 1 and Short Form-36 questionnaires were used as assessment tools.

Results:

The mean (standard deviation) age of all 116 participants was 69.4 (9.3) years of whom 74 (63.8%) were female. In the giant cell arteritis group, 19.7% had permanent loss of vision and 54.7% had non-permanent visual disturbance. Vision Core Measurement 1 score in the giant cell arteritis group correlated with worse eye visual acuity (r = 0.4233, p = 0.0002). The Short Form-36 subscales of role physical (p = 0.0002), role emotional (p = 0.024), and the mental composite score (p = 0.012) were significantly worse in patients with giant cell arteritis. A significant correlation was found between vision-related quality of life scores and all Short Form-36 subscale scores except bodily pain (r = −0.215 to −0.399, p < 0.05 for all), and between social functioning and visual acuity in the better eye (r = −0.242, p = 0.038).

Conclusion:

Vision-related quality of life is an important subjective concern for both patients presenting with a suspicion of giant cell arteritis and those with a definite diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. Features of giant cell arteritis impact on patients’ physical and emotional states and vision influences global quality of life in giant cell arteritis. A long-term multidisciplinary approach is warranted for clinical, physical, and psychological treatment and support.
A prior history of binge-drinking increases sensitivity to the motivational valence of methamphetamine in female C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Sern Kimberly R. , Fultz Elissa K. , Coelho Michal A. , Bryant Camron D. , Szumlinski Karen K.
Published: January 2020

Methamphetamine (MA) and alcohol use disorders exhibit a high degree of co-morbidity and sequential alcohol-MA mixing increases risk for co-abuse. Recently, we reported greater MA-conditioned reward in male C57BL/6J mice with a prior history of binge alcohol-drinking (14 days of 2-hour access to 5, 10, 20 and 40% alcohol). As female mice tend to binge-drink more alcohol than males and females tend to be more sensitive than males to the psychomotor-activating properties of MA, we first characterized the effects of binge-drinking upon MA-induced place-conditioning (four pairings of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 mg/kg IP) in females and then incorporated our prior data to analyze for sex differences in MA-conditioned reward. Prior binge-drinking history did not significantly affect locomotor hyperactivity or its sensitization in female mice. However, the dose-response function for place-conditioning was shifted to the left of water-drinking controls, indicating an increase in sensitivity to MA-conditioned reward. The examination of sex differences revealed no sex differences in alcohol intake, although females exhibited greater MA-induced locomotor stimulation than males, irrespective of their prior drinking history. No statistically significant sex difference was apparent for the potentiation of MA-conditioned reward produced by prior binge-drinking history. If relevant to humans, these data argue that both males and females with a prior binge-drinking history are similarly vulnerable to MA abuse and it remains to be determined whether or not the neural substrates underpinning this increased vulnerability reflect common or sex-specific adaptations in reward-related brain regions.
Environmental Influencers, MicroRNA, and Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Mohammed Eiman MA
Published: January 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological disorder characterized by an aberrant immune system that affects patients’ quality of life. Several environmental factors have previously been proposed to associate with MS pathophysiology, including vitamin D deficiency, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, and cigarette smoking. These factors may influence cellular molecularity, interfering with cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. This review argues that small noncoding RNA named microRNA (miRNA) influences these factors’ mode of action. Dysregulation in the miRNAs network may deeply impact cellular hemostasis, thereby possibly resulting in MS pathogenicity. This article represents a literature review and an author’s theory of how environmental factors may induce dysregulations in the miRNAs network, which could ultimately affect MS pathogenicity.
Problematising early childhood teacher registration as a mechanism to improve quality early childhood education and care
Authors: Fenech Marianne , King Samantha
Published: January 2020

Regulatory drivers of teacher quality and teacher professionalism are increasingly being utilised in Australia and internationally to improve children’s outcomes. In the context of a recent national review on teacher registration, this article reports on findings from a small-scale study that investigated three early childhood teachers’ perceptions of teacher registration in New South Wales, Australia. The participants rejected discursive truths about the need for and benefits of teacher registration, associating this relatively new mechanism of teacher accountability as a threat to teachers’ professional practice and job satisfaction, and to centres’ provision of quality early childhood education. The findings problematise a discourse of teacher professionalism made enticing by a vow to bring early childhood teachers in from the margins of the educator sector.
Getting to the Point? Reframing Narratives on Knife Crime
Authors: Harding Simon
Published: January 2020

Amid rising public concern of knife-enabled crime, this article seeks to review and reframe the contemporary debates on knife crime which remain tied to concepts of fear, protection and fashion. Concepts of social field theory and street capital theory have much to offer in reframing a more contemporary narrative. Through such analysis, knife crime can be redefined as a logical response to the unpredictable asymmetrics of the social field, offering mechanisms for agency and control while providing both a pressure release and opportunity to demonstrate authenticity in ‘The Game’.
Barriers to and Facilitators of Nurses’ Political Participation in Ghana
Authors: Alhassan Afizu , Siakwa Mate , Kumi-Kyereme Akwasi , Wombeogo Michael
Published: January 2020

All aspects of nursing practice are regulated by politics and affected by changes in public policy. For that reason, nurses need to be active in the political process through which they may influence public policies on health. However, nurses’ participation in political activities in many countries is either low or moderate at best. Studies that explore political participation among nurses are rare in Africa. We conducted this study to identify factors that may enhance or hinder nurses’ political participation. Through a cross-sectional survey, we collected data from 225 registered nurses sampled from three hospitals and two nursing training schools in Tamale, Ghana, using a structured questionnaire. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and correlations. The most frequently reported barriers to political participation were having little free time, lack of trust in politicians, fear of conflict/confrontation, lack of educational preparation, and lack of access to the right connections. The major facilitators of political participation were identified as availability of free time and money, civic skills, personal interest in politics, self-belief and confidence, and a strong party affiliation. These findings call for integration of political content into the nursing education curriculum and for professional nursing organizations to create opportunities for their members to learn about the political process.
Development and Technical Adequacy of Instructionally Relevant Vocabulary Measures for Young Students
Authors: Parker David C. , Stewart Lisa H. , Thomson Susan , Kaminski Ruth A.
Published: January 2020

Vocabulary skills are important for overall reading competence, but vocabulary assessment approaches that inform instructional decision-making and are sensitive to improvement are limited. This article describes a process for developing vocabulary measures designed to facilitate data-driven decision-making for kindergarten and first-grade students who are at risk in vocabulary. A pilot study suggested the measures could be administered and scored with fidelity, and also produced promising data for indices of reliability, criterion-related validity, and sensitivity to growth, particularly for a rating-based scoring metric. Implications and considerations for developing instructionally relevant vocabulary measures are discussed.
The immune remodel: Weight loss-mediated inflammatory changes to obesity
Authors: Phillips Charles L , Grayson Bernadette E
Published: January 2020

Obesity is an escalating world problem that contributes to the complexity and cost of treatment of metabolic disorders. Obesity is the result of increased storage of energy in the form of adipose tissue, reducing the quality of daily life, and interfering with longevity. Obesity is also a chronic, low-grade inflammatory disorder. The inflammatory processes affect many organ systems with expanded numbers of immune cells and increased cytokine production. Long-term weight loss is difficult to achieve and maintain. Lifestyle modifications, pharmacologic treatments, and surgical methods are increasingly utilized to ameliorate excess body weight and the comorbidities of obesity, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and cancers. Weight loss is also touted to reduce inflammation. Here we review the current literature on human obesity-related systemic and local changes to the immune system and circulating inflammatory mediators. Further, we consider the impact of weight loss to reduce the burden of inflammation, bearing in mind the different methods of weight loss—behavioral change vs. surgical intervention.

Impact statement

As the prevalence and severity of obesity expand, the negative impact of excess adiposity affects every system of the body. Given that obesity is a subversive attack on the immune system, weight loss should improve inflammation locally and systemically. Weight management strategies like dieting, exercise, and bariatric surgery, thus have the opportunity to reduce the burden of inflammation.
Pipe-Cleaning Plugged Portacaths: How to Unclog an Implanted Port After Development of a Fibrin Sheath
Authors: Hagaman Sean , Matteo Jerry , Kee-Sampson Joanna , Bashir Saeed , Le Rebecca T. , Meyer Travis E.
Published: January 2020

Industry has long fought the battle to design a vascular catheter that is less thrombogenic. Indwelling catheters provide long-term central venous access, but they develop fibrin sheaths as the vascular system recognizes them as foreign bodies. Peripheral catheters and central catheters can be changed over a guidewire when they form a fibrin sheath or otherwise malfunction. However, totally implantable venous access devices such as a port cannot be easily exchanged over a wire. Therefore, when a port malfunctions, thrombolytics are usually the only option attempted before the port is explanted and a new site is prepared for access. We present a minimally invasive technique demonstrating port salvage that does not require explant.
Long-Term Outcomes of Right Minithoracotomy Versus Hemisternotomy for Mitral Valve Repair
Authors: Percy Edward , Hirji Sameer A. , Yazdchi Farhang , McGurk Siobhan , Kiehm Spencer , Cook Richard , Kaneko Tsuyoshi , Shekar Prem , Pelletier Marc P.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair has been increasingly adopted. Right minithoracotomy (RT) and lower hemisternotomy (HS) have each been associated with improved short-term outcomes; however, these approaches have not been directly compared to each other. The aim of this study was to compare long-term survival and durability of 2 minimally invasive approaches to mitral repair.

Methods

We retrospectively identified all isolated mitral repairs performed via RT or HS between October 1997 and June 2018; 100 RT cases and 719 HS cases were included. Outcomes of interest were postoperative complications, long-term survival, and freedom from mitral reoperation. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to compare RT and HS to a reference cohort of full-sternotomy cases. Total observation time was 9,901 patient-years and mean follow-up time was 12.2 years.

Results

Mean age was 58±12 years in the RT group and 56±13 years in the HS group ( P = 0.2). The RT group had longer bypass (143 minutes vs. 112 minutes; P < 0.001) and cross-clamp times (99 minutes vs. 78 minutes; P < 0.001) compared with the HS group. There were no differences in operative mortality or 30-day outcomes. Survival at 5, 10, and 15 years was 99% (96-100), 92% (85-100), and 69% (30-100) in the RT group and 98% (97-99), 92% (90-94), and 89% (86-92) for HS ( P < 0.9). There were no differences in risk-adjusted survival between RT, HS and full sternotomy. No long-term mitral reoperations occurred in the RT group and 8 (1%) occurred in the HS group ( P < 0.50).

Conclusions

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair can be performed safely through RT or HS with excellent survival and durability at 15 years.
Approach to Sexuality From Occupational Therapy in People With Acquired Brain Injury in Subacute Stage: Study Protocol
Authors: Rico Nuria , Cantero Pablo , Pereira Javier , Groba Betania , Nieto Laura , Pousada Thais
Published: January 2020

Project title:

Occupational Therapy Approach to Sexuality in People with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in Subacute Stage.

Design:

Qualitative study with a phenomenological approach.

Context of Study:

The relevance of the occupational therapy approach to sexuality regarding people with acquired brain injury in the subacute stage.

Objectives:

General objective: Explore the perceptions of people with ABI, who are in a subacute situation, and their relatives and partners, about their assessment of the relevance of the approach toward sexuality during their occupational therapy intervention. Specific objectives: Describe and analyze the perspectives of users, family members, and partners about the importance of this activity and its relevance in daily life; what is included in the approach to sexuality; the differences that may arise between the perspectives of the participants according to gender; and the differences that may arise between the perspectives on the subject by age groups.

Study Population and the Total Number of Participants:

The study population is made up of people with ABI in the subacute stage who attend occupational therapy at the physical rehabilitation unit of a hospital in Spain, and their families and partners. The size of the sample is conditioned by the qualitative study’s design. The number of participants will be established when theoretical saturation of the data is reached. First results are now available.
Molecular regulation of TLR signaling in health and disease: mechano-regulation of macrophages and TLR signaling
Authors: Gruber Erika J , Leifer Cynthia A
Published: January 2020

Immune cells encounter tissues with vastly different biochemical and physical characteristics. Much of the research emphasis has focused on the role of cytokines and chemokines in regulating immune cell function, but the role of the physical microenvironment has received considerably less attention. The tissue mechanics, or stiffness, of healthy tissues varies dramatically from soft adipose tissue and brain to stiff cartilage and bone. Tissue mechanics also change due to fibrosis and with diseases such as atherosclerosis or cancer. The process by which cells sense and respond to their physical microenvironment is called mechanotransduction. Here we review mechanotransduction in immunologically important diseases and how physical characteristics of tissues regulate immune cell function, with a specific emphasis on mechanoregulation of macrophages and TLR signaling.
Targeting the TLR signalosome with TIR domain-derived cell-permeable decoy peptides: the current state and perspectives
Authors: Toshchakov Vladimir Y , Javmen Artur
Published: January 2020

The ability to engineer pharmaceuticals that target the signal-dependent interactions of signaling proteins should revolutionize drug development. One approach to the rational design of protein interaction inhibitors uses decoy peptides, i.e. segments of protein primary sequence, which are derived from interfaces that mediate functional protein interactions. Decoy peptides often retain the ability of the full-length prototype to bind the docking site of the folded protein and thereby block the signal transduction. This review summarizes advances made in the last decade in the development of cell-permeable decoy peptide (CPDP) inhibitors to target the Toll/IL-1R resistance (TIR) domain-mediated protein interactions in TLR signaling, in connection with the recent progress in understanding of the TLR signalosome assembly mechanisms. We present a large collection of currently available, TIR-targeting CPDPs and propose their classification based on the types of TIR–TIR interactions they target. The binding behavior of different CPDP-TIR pairs, studied in cell-based assays and in binary in vitro systems using recombinant TIR domains, is also reviewed. The available affinity data provide benchmarks for rapid preliminary evaluation of future inhibitors. We review literature that evaluates the in vivo potency of select CPDPs and attempt to outline the areas of forthcoming progress, towards the development of CPDP-based TLR inhibitors of pharmaceutical grade.
Application of the 2017 McDonald criteria in a Chinese population with clinically isolated syndrome
Authors: Zheng* Yang , Shen* Chun-Hong , Wang Sa , Yang Fan , Cai Meng-Ting , Fang Wei , Zhang Yin-Xi , Ding Mei-Ping
Published: January 2020

Background:

Diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis have evolved over time, with the most recent being the 2017 McDonald criteria. Evidence is lacking regarding the validity of the 2017 McDonald criteria among the Asian population. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the 2017 McDonald criteria in Chinese patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS).

Methods:

A total of 93 patients with initial findings suggestive of CIS in a tertiary hospital in China from 2012 to 2017 were included in this retrospective study. Baseline and follow-up data were reviewed. Diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy), was assessed and survival analysis was performed for the 2017 and 2010 McDonald criteria respectively.

Results:

Among the 93 Chinese patients with CIS, 57 were female (61.3%) and the median (interquartile range) age of onset was 37 (31.3–41.8) years. The 2017 McDonald criteria displayed a higher sensitivity (75.0% versus 14.6%, p < 0.0001), lower specificity (47.1% versus 100.0%, p < 0.05) but an overall higher accuracy (67.7% versus 36.9%, p < 0.0001) when compared with the 2010 iteration. The novel criteria allow for a better detection of MS at baseline (40.8% versus 9.9%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The 2017 McDonald criteria had a higher sensitivity but lower specificity than the 2010 iteration. Overall it facilitated an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in Chinese patients with CIS.
Antioxidant Properties of the Manzamenones from the Tropical Marine Sponge Plakortis sp.
Authors: Cho MyoungLae , Lee Yeon-Ju , Lee Jong Seok , Shin Hee-Jae , Lee Hyi-Seung
Published: January 2020

A new manzamenone derivative (4) and four known manzamenones were isolated from the tropical marine sponge Plakortis sp. These compounds exhibited an improved inhibitory effect against the copper-induced low-density lipoprotein oxidation. To identify their structural properties for antioxidant effects, 43- O-methylmanzamenone A (2) has been exposed oxidative conditions such as hydrogen peroxide, mCPBA and primary alkyl amines to give various derivatives (6)-(9). The structures of the compounds were determined by spectroscopic analyses and comparison with literature values.
Psychological Diversity Climate, Organizational Embeddedness, and Turnover Intentions: A Conservation of Resources Perspective
Authors: Jolly Phillip M. , Self Timothy T.
Published: January 2020

The hospitality workforce is the most diverse in the United States. Given this fact, a growing body of research has sought to investigate the effects of employee perceptions of their organization’s climate regarding diversity, also known as psychological diversity climate. However, little is still known about whether and how diversity climate perceptions might affect hospitality employees’ intentions to leave their organizations. Adopting a Conservation of Resources Theory perspective, we argue that diversity climate represents an important resource that employees wish to preserve by continuing employment with their organizations, thus increasing employee organizational embeddedness and decreasing turnover intention. Organizational embeddedness captures why employees stay and represents a totality of forces that serve to keep an employee with his or her current organization. These forces are driven by employees’ possession or pursuit of resources derived through employment with their current organization. Drawing on samples of frontline restaurant employees (Study 1) and restaurant managers (Study 2), we found evidence that psychological diversity climate is positively associated with organizational embeddedness. However, the relationship between psychological diversity climate and turnover intentions was mediated only by the sacrifice dimension of organizational embeddedness. Our results point to the importance of developing a positive climate for diversity as a means to retain employees and also shed light on how the dimensions of organizational embeddedness can have differential effects on turnover intentions.
Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis with inguinal abscess: Unusual presentation
Authors: Mohd Hirmizi Kamarul Naim , Esa Nurul Yaqeen Mohd , Abdul Aziz Mardiana , Bakar Nor Salmah , Hanafiah Mohammad
Published: January 2020

We report a case of a 30-year-old man who was treated as recurrent right inguinal abscess following a 2-month history of right inguinal swelling and intermittent fever with no respiratory symptoms. Resection of his right inguinal lymph node and the histopathological analysis revealed the diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. In addition, the CT of the thorax showed presence of bilateral cystic lung changes consistent with pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Antiretroviral Stewardship: A Review of Published Outcomes with Recommendations for Program Implementation
Authors: Michienzi Sarah M. , Ladak Amber F. , Pérez Sarah E. , Chastain Daniel B.
Published: January 2020

Persons living with HIV (PLWHs) are at high risk for medication errors when hospitalized, but antiretroviral medications are not often evaluated by antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) because they are not specifically discussed in the standards of practice. However, antiretroviral (ARV) stewardship programs (ARVSPs) have been shown to decrease medication error rates and improve other outcomes. The goal of this article is to review published literature on ARVSPs and provide guidance on key aspects of ARVSPs. A MEDLINE search using the term “antiretroviral stewardship” was conducted. Original research articles evaluating ARVSPs in hospitalized, adult PLWHs were included. Six original research articles evaluating unique inpatient ARVSPs met inclusion criteria. All 6 studies evaluating medication errors as the primary outcome found a significant reduction in errors in the postimplementation phase. Based on current standards for ASPs, we propose core elements for ARVSPs. Future organizational guidelines for antimicrobial stewardship should include official recommendations for ARV medications.