bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Enzymatic Digestion on Cultured Epithelial Autografts
Authors: Skog M. , Sivlér Petter , Steinvall Ingrid , Aili Daniel , Sjöberg Folke , Elmasry Moustafa
Published: April 2019

Severe burns are often treated by means of autologous skin grafts, preferably following early excision of the burnt tissue. In the case of, for example, a large surface trauma, autologous skin cells can be expanded in vitro prior to transplantation to facilitate the treatment when insufficient uninjured skin is a limitation. In this study we have analyzed the impact of the enzyme (trypsin or accutase) used for cell dissociation and the incubation time on cell viability and expansion potential, as well as expression of cell surface markers indicative of stemness. Skin was collected from five individuals undergoing abdominal reduction surgery and the epidermal compartment was digested in either trypsin or accutase. Trypsin generally generated more cells than accutase and with higher viability; however, after 7 days of subsequent culture, accutase-digested samples tended to have a higher cell count than trypsin, although the differences were not significant. No significant difference was found between the enzymes in median fluorescence intensity of the analyzed stem cell markers; however, accutase digestion generated significantly higher levels of CD117- and CD49f-positive cells, but only in the 5 h digestion group. In conclusion, digestion time appeared to affect the isolated cells more than the choice of enzyme.
Immunophenotype and Immune-Modulatory Activities of Human Fetal Cartilage-Derived Progenitor Cells
Authors: Lee Su Jeong , Kim Jiyoung , Choi Woo Hee , Park So Ra , Choi Byung Hyune , Min Byoung-Hyun
Published: April 2019

We have previously reported human fetal cartilage progenitor cells (hFCPCs) as a novel source of therapeutic cells showing high proliferation and stem cell properties superior to those of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this study, we investigated the immunophenotype and immune-modulatory activities of hFCPCs. With institutional review board approval, hFCPCs were isolated from fetuses at 11–13 weeks of gestation. hFCPCs showed strong expression of HLA class I molecules but low or no expression of HLA class II and co-stimulatory molecules, which was not changed significantly after 4 days of IFN-γ treatment. In a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), hFCPCs showed no allogeneic immune response to peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and suppressed concanavalin A (Con A)-mediated proliferation of PBLs in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, hFCPCs inhibited Con A-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ from PBLs but showed no significant decrease of secretion of IL-10, anti-inflammatory cytokine. Co-culture of hFCPCs with stimulated PBLs for 4 days resulted in a significant increase in CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs). hFCPCs expressed LIF, TGF-β1, TSG-6, and sHLA-G5 but did not express IDO and HGF. Stimulation of hFCPCs with TNF-α for 12 h showed slight induction in the expression of LIF, TSG-6, IDO, and HGF, whereas stimulation with IFN-γ did not affect expression of any of these factors. These results suggest that hFCPCs have low allogeneic immunogenicity and immune-modulatory activity in vitro, comparable to those of MSCs. However, compared with MSCs, hFCPCs were less responsive to TNF-α and IFN-γ, and the mechanisms underlying responses to these two cell types appeared distinct.
MicroRNA-133a and Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Xiao Yi , Zhao Jiling , Tuazon Julian P. , Borlongan Cesar V. , Yu Guolong
Published: April 2019

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. The infarcted heart displays typical cell death cascades characterized by a loss of cells and fibrotic scarring in the myocardium. Cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis largely contribute to ventricular wall thickening and stiffening, altogether defining an adverse cardiac remodeling that ultimately leads to impaired cardiac function and subsequent heart failure. Finding a strategy to promote therapeutic, instead of detrimental, cardiac remodeling may pose as a potent MI treatment. Accumulating evidence shows that microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an essential role in cardiovascular diseases. In particular, microRNA-133a (miR-133a) is one of the most abundant miRNAs in the heart. Multiple studies have demonstrated that miR-133a participates in the early pathology of MI, as well as in subsequent cardiac remodeling. In this review, we summarize recent research progress highlighting the regulatory effects of miR-133a in ischemic myocardial diseases, such as inhibiting angiogenesis, apoptosis, fibrosis, hypertrophy, and inflammation, while promoting therapeutic cardiac remodeling. The goal is to elicit a critical discussion on the translational direction of miRNA-mediated treatments towards a safe and effective MI therapy.
Improved Stresses Analysis of a Functionally Graded Beam under Prestressed CFRP Plate
Authors: Brairi Samir , Kerboua Bachir , Bensaid Ismail
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a new analytical solution is presented to predict the interfacial stresses of a functionally graded beam reinforced by a prestressed CFRP plate under thermo-mechanical load. A finite element (FE) analysis is also employed to validate the results of the analytical solution, the results from both models agreed very closely. Also, a parametric study is carried out in order to identify the effects of various material and geometrical properties on the magnitude of interfacial stresses. The presented results show that the interfacial stresses are highly concentrated at the end of the laminate, which can lead to a debonding at this location. Also, the material and geometrical properties have a significant impact on the magnitude of interfacial stresses. This new research approaches the practical reality of the structures in their environment by taking into consideration a combination of neglected terms by the other studies. Therefore, the results presented in this paper can serve as a benchmark for future analyses of functionally graded beams strengthened by prestressed Carbon fibre-rein-forced polymer (CFRP) plates and improve the rehabilitation, mechanical and corrosion resistance.
The plural of soldier is not troops: The politics of groups in legitimating militaristic violence
Authors: Millar Katharine M
Published: April 2019

This article identifies ‘the troops’ as a new, radically under-examined figure in the Western canon of war. Utilising discourse analysis of an original corpus of US ‘support the troops’ material from 2001 to 2010, the article argues that ‘the troops’ cannot be read as a simple aggregation of the figurative soldier or literal military personnel. Instead, ‘groupness of the troops’ shifts the politics of the legitimation of violence – and the possibility of meaningful dissent – in two distinct ways. Firstly, ‘the troops’ are figured, counterintuitively, as passive, dependent and at risk of suffering harm. This enables constructions of militaristic, heroic violence to coexist with empirical experiences of vulnerability without ideological contradiction. Secondly, though many accounts of militarism rely upon citizens’ aspirational identification with the ostensibly-universal soldier, the ‘groupness’ of the troops enables them to incorporate, rather than elide, substantive differences (e.g. race, gender or sexual orientation) through an all-encompassing relationship of ‘support’. Consequently, ‘the troops’ may be a more effective avatar of militarism than ‘the soldier’ – and far more important to the legitimation, depoliticization and even perpetuation of conflict than previously realized. What would the politics of military involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq have looked like absent the ‘escape valve’ of the figurative troops?
Nurses’ perception of organizational justice and its relationship to their workplace deviance
Authors: Hashish Ebtsam Aly Abou
Published: April 2019

Background:

Today, healthcare organizations are challenged to retain nurses’ generation and to maintain justice that is a predictor of nurses’ behaviors in their work environment. Acquiring knowledge about the level of organizational justice and workplace deviance could help in identifying factors amenable for change that can make a difference in enhancing nurses’ dedication and loyalty to their organizations.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate nurses’ perception of organisational justice and workplace deviance in their hospital, and to determine the relationship between perceived organisational justice and workplace deviance.

Methods:

A cross-sectional design was used with a convenient sample of all nurses (N = 400) who were working in inpatient care units at two Egyptian hospitals affiliated to the university and private health sectors in Alexandria governorate, Egypt. Organisational justice and workplace deviance questionnaires proved valid and reliable to measure studied variables. Descriptive analysis, Student’s t-test, Pearson correlation (r), and regression analysis (R2) were used for statistical analysis.

Ethical considerations:

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee at the Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University. Informed consent, information confidentiality, and voluntary participation were guaranteed.

Results:

This study showed that overall nurses’ perceptions of organisational justice and workplace deviance are lower than the average. Organisational justice significantly related negatively to workplace deviance (r = −0.152, p = 0.002) and organisational justice as an independent variable contributed a significant predictive power of workplace deviance (R2 = 0.023).

Conclusions:

This study highlighted important implications for hospital and nurse managers to create and maintain a healthy and supportive work environment that promotes organisational justice and decreases workplace deviance. To achieve this, a culture of respectful communication, justice in policies, and a proper procedure for allocating resources, workload, and rewards systems is a must. Educational interventions to increase nurses’ awareness of workplace deviance and its potential consequences and coping strategies are imperative for the health of the nursing profession.
Enabling Human Values in Foreign Policy: The Transformation of Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy
Authors: Yang Alan H. , Chiang Jeremy H. C.
Published: April 2019

How foreign policy embodies human values is an issue worth studying. Such a value not only refers to the interests of social and political elites but to the prevailing welfare of people. In 2016, the Taiwan government launched the New Southbound Policy (NSP), considering it as the flagship foreign policy of President Tsai Ing-wen. It is also Taiwan’s regional strategy for Asia, envisaging a people-centred agenda of Taiwan’s national development and Asia’s regional growth. The NSP demonstrates Taiwan’s concern for national development; in addition, it expresses Taiwan’s emphasis on the human value of Asian development. This article highlights how the NSP responds to prevailing human values by developing social connectivity between Taiwan and its neighbours in Southeast Asia.
Book review: Ananta Kumar Giri (Ed.), Beyond Sociology: Trans-civilizational Dialogues and Planetary Conversations
Authors: Mehta Shray
Published: April 2019

Ananta Kumar Giri (Ed.), Beyond Sociology: Trans-civilizational Dialogues and Planetary Conversations. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2018. 228 pp., ₹6,780 (hardbound). ISBN: 978-9811066405.
A sense of dread: affect and risk perception in people with schizophrenia during an influenza pandemic
Authors: Maguire Paul A , Reay Rebecca E , Looi Jeffrey CL
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To explore the role of affect in risk perception and intention to adopt protective measures against pandemic swine influenza in people with schizophrenia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted exploring the responses of 71 adults with schizophrenia and 238 adults attending general practice settings without schizophrenia. Participants completed a questionnaire that included items relating to: self-predicted affect (affective forecast) were they to contract swine influenza; perceived risk from swine influenza; and willingness to adopt protective measures against swine influenza. The 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and a single-item Self-Rated Health Question (SRHQ) were also included as measures.

Results:

In people with schizophrenia, higher levels of predicted fear were associated with increased likelihood of perceived substantive risk from swine influenza and self-reported willingness to adopt protective measures against it. However, higher K10 anxiety subscale scores, reflecting greater concurrent anxiety, were associated with reduced likelihood of perceived substantive risk from swine influenza in people with schizophrenia.

Conclusion:

Affect appears to play a role in risk perception of influenza and willingness to take protective measures against it in people with schizophrenia.
School Security in the Post-Columbine Era: Trends, Consequences, and Future Directions
Authors: King Sanna , Bracy Nicole L.
Published: April 2019

Harsh and reactionary school security measures, including policing, surveillance technology, and emergency preparedness strategies increased substantially in the two decades following the mass shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. These strategies have limited empirical support for preventing violence in general and mass shootings, in particular. Instead, they have proven to be problematic, often doing more harm than good by criminalizing student misbehavior, contributing to negative school climate, and having psychological impacts on students’ perceptions of safety. In recent years, many schools have started to explore promising alternative approaches, including threat assessment, positive behavioral interventions, restorative practices, and improving relationships between students and adults. This article reviews the trends in school security from the 1990s through the present, drawing on national data from the U.S. Department of Education and scholarly research on school security. Our specific focus will be on the changes in school security that have been made to prevent or minimize the impact of potential school shooters. We also discuss the consequences of the school security boom and the future directions to ensure school safety.
How Is End-of-Life Care With and Without Dementia Associated With Informal Caregivers’ Outcomes?
Authors: Boogaard Jannie A. , van der Steen Jenny T. , de Boer Alice H. , van Groenou Marjolein I. Broese
Published: April 2019

Background:

Palliative care for older people with life-limiting diseases often involves informal caregivers, but the palliative care literature seldom focuses on the negative and positive aspects of informal caregiving.

Objective:

To assess the association of proximity to end of life (EOL) and dementia caregiving with informal caregivers’ burden of care and positive experiences and explain differences in outcomes.

Design:

Data on 1267 informal caregivers of community-dwelling older people were selected from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey and analyzed using analysis of variance and multivariable regression analyses.

Measurements:

The Self-Perceived Pressure from Informal Care Scale and the Positive Experiences Scale were administered to assess caregiver burden and positive experiences with providing care.

Results:

Dementia care, both at EOL and not at EOL, was associated with the most caregiver burden relative to regular care. Dementia care not at EOL was associated with the fewest positive experiences, and EOL care not in dementia with the most positive experiences. Only the differences in burden of care could be explained by variables related to stressors based on Pearlin stress-coping model.

Conclusions:

Informal caregivers of people with dementia are at risk not only of high caregiver burden but also of missing out on positive experiences associated with caregiving at EOL. Future research should examine how dementia-related factors reduce positive caregiving experiences, in order to make palliative care a positive reality for those providing informal care to community-dwelling persons with dementia.
The Timing of Family Meetings in the Medical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Piscitello Gina M. , Parham William M. , Huber Michael T. , Siegler Mark , Parker William F.
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

Family meetings in the medical intensive care unit can improve outcomes. Little is known about when meetings occur in practice. We aimed to determine the time from admission to family meetings in the medical intensive care unit and assess the relationship of meetings with mortality.

Methods:

We performed a prospective cohort study of critically ill adult patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit at an urban academic medical center. Using manual chart review, the primary outcome was any attempt at holding a family meeting within 72 hours of admission. Competing risk models estimated the time from admission to family meeting and to patient death or discharge.

Results:

Of the 131 patients who met inclusion criteria in the 12-month study period, the median time from admission to family meeting was 4 days. Fewer than half of patients had a documented family meeting within 72 hours of admission (n = 60/131, 46%), with substantial interphysician variability in meeting rates ranging from 28% to 63%. Patients with family meetings within 72 hours were 30 times more likely to die within 72 hours (32% vs 1%, P < .001). Of the 55 patients who died in the intensive care unit, 27 (49%) had their first family meeting within 1 day of death.

Conclusions:

Family meetings occur considerably later than 72 hours and are often held in close proximity to a patient’s death. This suggests for some physicians, family meetings may primarily be used to negotiate withdrawal of life support rather than to support the patient and family.
Does Minimalist Footwear Design Aid in Postural Stability and Fall Prevention in Ergonomics?
Authors: Chander Harish , Knight Adam C. , Carruth Daniel
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the article is to identify if novel footwear design could aid in postural stability and fall prevention in workplace. Footwear design has been reported to aid the task of maintaining postural stability or balancing in an erect stance while minimizing risk of falls. Minimalistic footwear that has design features such as low mass, lower heel height, and thin midsole can positively influence postural stability. Minimalistic military footwear has been shown to lower incidences of falls with efficient muscular effort. Occupational footwear that abides by safety standards with minimalistic features can help maintain postural stability and reduce falls.
Clinicopathologic Characterization of Bilateral Testicular Germ Cell Tumors With Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Mismatch Repair and BRAF (V600E) Genes Mutations
Authors: Al-Obaidy Khaleel I. , Trevino Karen E. , Idrees Muhammad T.
Published: April 2019

The incidence of bilateral testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) is 1% to 5%. Despite the high rate of treatment success, resistance to chemotherapy has a detrimental effect. Some studies found MMR and BRAF gene mutations to be associated with chemotherapy resistance, which has not been found by others. However, the role of microsatellite instability (MSI) and BRAF mutations in bilateral disease has not been investigated. In this article, we studied the clinicopathologic characteristics and immunohistochemical expressions of MMR and BRAF in 13 patients with bilateral TGCT. Bilateral tumors were found in 4% of patients in our data. The mean ages at the first and subsequent diagnoses were 26.9 and 28.3 years, respectively. Eleven patients had metachronous disease; and the mean period between both tumors was 4.9 years. Six had mixed GCTs (MGCT) initially and later developed contralateral seminoma, 3 had bilateral MGCTs; 1 initially had pure embryonal carcinoma and subsequently MGCT and finally, 1 patient had initial seminoma and contralateral germ cell neoplasia in situ only. Of the patients with synchronous GCT, 1 had a MGCT and contralateral non-seminoma and 1 had seminoma and contralateral MGCT. In metachronous cases, 40% and 78% had an initial and subsequent stage of pT1, respectively. Hormonal and/or metastatic recurrence was observed in 30% of metachronous tumors. Six patients received chemotherapy, including patients with metastasis. No progression occurred after therapy. MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6 staining was retained in all tumors. No BRAF staining was found. In conclusion, we found no association between bilateral TGCT and the MMR/MSI pathway and that subsequent metachronous tumors behaved much more indolently.
Development and Psychometric Analysis of the Revised Patient Perceptions of Integrated Care Survey
Authors: Friedberg Mark W. , Edelen Maria Orlando , Hirshman Samuel , Kerrissey Michaela , Basile Ashley-Kay , Tietschert Maike V. , Elliott Marc N. , Singer Sara J.
Published: April 2019

This article describes the development and psychometric testing of the Patient Perceptions of Integrated Care (PPIC 2.1) survey, which we administered to 12,364 Medicare beneficiaries who received treatment from 150 randomly selected physician organizations, receiving 3,067 responses (26%). Psychometric analyses, performed using two methods to adjust for respondent inherent optimism (as a measure of response tendency), supported a 6-factor, 22-item model with excellent fit. These factors were (1) Staff Knowledge about the Patient’s Medical History, (2) Provider Support for the Patient’s Self-Directed Care, (3) Test Result Communication, (4) Provider Knowledge of the Patient, (5) Provider Support for Medication Adherence and Home Health Management, and (6) Specialist Knowledge about the Patient’s Medical History. Per Spearman-Brown prophesy calculations, reliability would exceed 0.7 for all factors at 33 or more responses per organization. The PPIC 2.1 survey can distinguish six dimensions of integrated patient care with high physician organization-level reliability at reasonable sample sizes.
The Bridge: The Political Possibilities of Intergenerational Verbatim Theater
Authors: Goldstein Tara
Published: April 2019

This article introduces the reader to the work of Australian verbatim theater artists Donna Jackson, Bindi Cole Chocka, and James Henry. It describes the artists’ remount of Vicki Reynolds’s verbatim play The Bridge, which tells the story of the collapse of the Melbourne West Gate Bridge in 1970. I discuss the remount of the play as an intergenerational verbatim theater project which not only tells an important story from Australian working-class history to new audiences who haven’t heard it before, but also deepens the story through additional research and music. I also discuss the play as a project that uses political truths from the past to do new political work in the present.
Noteworthy Literature Published in 2018 for Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists
Authors: Landry Elizabeth , Muehlschlegel Jochen Daniel
Published: April 2019

The year 2018 was marked by high-quality, impactful articles spanning the basic, translational, and clinical spectrum in the field of cardiothoracic anesthesia. In this article, we present several hand-picked articles from the past year that we feel were the most significant in shaping our specialty. Large multicenter, randomized controlled trials presenting clinical outcome data dominated the publishing arena: is a restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategy superior to a liberal red blood cell transfusion strategy during cardiopulmonary bypass? Does a low mean arterial blood pressure strategy during cardiopulmonary bypass increase stroke incidence? Does the obesity paradox apply to cardiac surgery? Advancing technology continues to revolutionize our field: can the MitraClip be used to effectively treat secondary mitral regurgitation? Can stem cells improve cardiac function in patients with left ventricular assist devices? These studies allow us to shape our practice in an evidence-based manner, so that we may evolve as a specialty and deliver the best care to our patients.
Unexpected Complication of Hydroxocobalamin Administration for Refractory Vasoplegia in Orthotopic Liver Transplant: A Case Report
Authors: Crouch Cara , Hendrickse Adrian , Gilliland Samuel , Mandell M. Susan
Published: April 2019

A 40-year-old male with alcoholic cirrhosis and end-stage renal disease presented for simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation. Hemodialysis was utilized intraoperatively during liver transplantation. During the procedure, the patient developed refractory hypotension and ultimately received hydroxocobalamin for vasoplegia. Shortly after administration, the hemodialysis machine ceased working after a “blood leak” alarm developed. Without the ability to continue intraoperative dialysis, the kidney transplantation portion of his surgery was postponed. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he underwent continuous renal replacement therapy overnight, and his kidney transplant proceeded the following morning.
The Other Side of Inequality: Using Standpoint Theories to Examine the Privilege of the Evaluation Profession and Individual Evaluators
Authors: Hall Jori N.
Published: April 2019

Social justice evaluation approaches advance antioppressive and culturally responsive methods to mitigate societal inequalities. However, social justice efforts will fall short if they focus solely on one side of inequality: oppression. Accordingly, this article argues that the other side of inequality—privilege—needs to be scrutinized. This article offers standpoint theories as a lens on privilege to reveal how the knowledge achieved from marginalized groups can be useful to make privilege more visible and enhance the objectivity of inquiry. In addition, a concept inspired by standpoint theories, privilege-cognizant scripts, is offered to help evaluators rethink and discover the privilege carried by the field of evaluation and our individual identities. Standpoint theories awaken evaluators to the idea that although privilege can have negative consequences for evaluation practice, it can also be used productively to advance social justice.
Low-frequency behaviour of a sound field inside a reverberant room: Measurements and numerical prediction tools
Authors: Negreira Juan , Sjöström Anders , Glebe Dag
Published: April 2019

The low-frequency properties of a room (where statistical methods in the standards cannot be applied directly) are often hard to estimate due to strong modal behaviour. The situation gets complicated by the fact that variations in the furnishing can have an impact on the modal patterns and therefore can also influence the results of measurements at certain points, in spite of the room properties being the same. The latter can hinder the achievement of acoustic comfort in dwellings, even if they comply with the current regulations, especially due to the fact that low-frequency noise is left outside the scope, since the standards currently in force do not require measurements below 100 Hz (albeit Sweden set 50 Hz as lower limit). This article aims to study variations of the sound field that results of varying the position of three moderately absorbing boards, which emulate how very sparse furniture can impact the sound field when relocated in the room. Furthermore, the potential of numerical models as prediction tools for such problems is pointed out.
Discrimination in employment, religious symbols and the “actual knowledge” of the employer
Authors: Akhtar Zia
Published: April 2019

The Title VII of the US Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. section 2000e, et seq., as amended (“Title VII”), prohibits employers with at least 15 employees (including private sector, state, and local government employers), as well as employment agencies, unions, and federal government agencies, from discriminating in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It also prohibits retaliation against persons who complain of discrimination or participate in an Equal Employment Opportunity investigation. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that prohibit workplace discrimination and it has intervened by the federal body to prevent religious discrimination by corporations which seem to be breaching the law by discriminating against their employees. In EEOC v. Abercrombie & Fitch 575 U.S. ____ (2015), the US Supreme Court held that a religious practice of an employee should be accommodated if it does not cause “undue hardship.” The Court then formulated the principle that applicant does not have to show that the employer had “actual knowledge” of the applicant’s need for accommodation. Instead, the Court held that “an applicant need only show that his need for an accommodation was a motivating factor in the employer’s decision.” This has given the scope to a Chapter VII definition that stops short of strict liability but binds the employer to facilitate the employee where religious symbols are concerned. This article reviews the recent case law on discrimination in the work place and the disparate treatment test interpreted by the Supreme Court in the framework of employment law for religious employees and argues that the employer’s actual knowledge requirement depends upon the circumstances of each case.
‘Proceed to your death’: Lakuwa, environmental disaster management, and the culture of oil politics in Nigeria
Authors: Adunbi Omolade , Ololajulo Babajide
Published: April 2019

Since the 1990s, in the riverine areas of Nigeria, the ecological menace of water hyacinth has been turned into an object of politics by various administrations. Among the Ilajes, an oil-rich community in the southwestern part of Nigeria, water hyacinth is considered to be poisonous and an impediment to people’s livelihoods. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, the authors explore how an invasive species, known locally as lakuwa – translated as ‘proceed to your death’ – gets inserted into the politics of oil distribution. They argue that, just like oil, water hyacinth presents certain features that enable its conversion from poisonous species to money, and the article particularly explores how the conversion of water hyacinth, an ecological ‘plague’, fits into popular narratives of environmental degradation in Nigeria. The authors argue that the invasive nature of water hyacinth warrants a form of state response that deepens already existing forms of prebendal political interactions between the environment, local political leaders, and their numerous followers.
“Absolutely the worst drug I’ve ever seen”: Risk, governance, and the construction of the illicit fentanyl “crisis”
Authors: Kennedy Liam , Coelho Madelaine
Published: April 2019

In this article, we analyze 1027 articles published in four newspapers in order to trace the construction of the fentanyl “crisis” across social contexts. Our analysis reveals that Chinese producers and Mexican cartels were censured for bringing this deadly substance into Canada and the United States as the number of fentanyl-related deaths and overdoses increased. Indeed, news media construct this “illicit” form of fentanyl as foreign and risky. We contend that this coverage diverts attention away from the consequences of the neoliberal policies that contribute to opioid use and plays an important role in stoking feelings of insecurity that justify a disconcertingly wide range of governing practices that aim to secure the homeland against external threats, advance the state’s interests abroad, and discipline larger swaths of the population at home.
The devil is in the detail: How a closed-loop documentation system for IV infusion administration contributes to and compromises patient safety
Authors: Furniss Dominic , Dean Franklin Bryony , Blandford Ann
Published: April 2019

Many studies have highlighted the patient safety risks in intravenous medication administration, and various technological solutions have been proposed to mitigate those risks, including ‘smart pumps’ and closed-loop systems. Few studies describe these implementations in detail. In this article, we report on a sociotechnical investigation of a closed-loop documentation system linked with smart pumps for intravenous infusion administration on an intensive care unit. The smart pumps are ‘mapped’ to an electronic prescribing and medication administration system, allowing infusion rates, volumes and boluses of intravenous medication to be monitored in real time. Ethnographic observations were conducted over 37 h, including direct observation of infusion administration (n = 23 infusions), discussions with clinical staff and semi-structured interviews with intensive care unit managers (n = 2). Analysis was based on the Distributed Cognition for Teamwork (DiCoT) method to understand how information is processed across individuals, teams and technologies. We report on how the system works in context, and identify contributions and compromises to patient safety with new risks that need to be managed at bedside and intensive care unit level.
Healthcare staff digital literacy levels and their attitudes towards information systems
Authors: Kuek Angeline , Hakkennes Sharon
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to assess the digital literacy levels and attitudes towards information systems of staff in a health service that will be implementing an electronic health record so that barriers towards implementation could be addressed. A survey measuring staff confidence levels and their attitudes towards information systems was developed. Data were collected over a five-week period, with data analysed using frequency analysis and a chi-square analysis. There were 407 respondents to the survey. The majority (70-80%) of which reported high digital literacy levels, expressing confidence in using technology. Respondents also reported positive attitudes towards information systems. However, one-fifth reported anxiety using information systems. Given poor staff engagement with information systems adversely affects the safety and quality of patient care, health services should provide targeted education and training to address staff with low digital literacy levels and/or confidence with using information systems prior to implementation of an electronic health record system.
#secondcivilwarletters from the front: Discursive illusions in a trending Twitter hashtag
Authors: Ross Andrew S , Bhatia Aditi
Published: April 2019

When conservative media personality and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones warned of an impending Second Civil War to be initiated by Democrats, he instigated a viral hashtag on Twitter – #secondcivilwarletters – which drew tweets of political commentary and critique in a style mimicking war letters from the American Civil War. Using a sample of these tweets, this article explores the evocation of discursive illusions already established within mainstream and alternative media discourse about contemporary partisan politics in America – that is, the divide between the Republicans and the Democrats and how they categorise each other. To do this we adopt Bhatia’s framework of the discourse of illusion and its three main components of linguistic and semiotic action, historicity and social impact. The analysis reveals the extent to which this illusion has permeated the consciousness of the users as they present their ideological beliefs and positions in this new media context.
Queer Walking Tours and the affective contours of place
Authors: Truman Sarah E , Springgay Stephanie
Published: April 2019

This article outlines a method we call Queer Walking Tours as site-specific research-creation events. It gives a brief overview of the Queer Walking Tours as method and then describes one specific tour that explored the concepts ‘Migration, Militarisms, and Speculative Geology’. Queer Walking Tours offer cultural geography and a range of other disciplines and fields a form of place-based research that draws on Indigenous, anti-racist, feminist, and queer frameworks to open up different conversations around the notion of place.
Social influences, peer delinquency, and low self-control: An examination of time-varying and reciprocal effects on delinquency over adolescence
Authors: Huijsmans Twan , Nivette Amy E. , Eisner Manuel , Ribeaud Denis
Published: April 2019

We examine an integrated dynamic model of social influences and internal controls on delinquency in adolescence. We assessed to what extent parental bonds, peer delinquency, and self-control were reciprocally related to delinquency throughout adolescence, and whether their effects were time varying. We applied cross-lagged panel models to analyze these relationships using three waves of data from a sample of Swiss youth at ages 13 to 17. Results suggest that self-control is a strong predictor for future delinquent behavior. Moreover, social influences affect self-control into adolescence, contributing to a growing area of research on the dynamic properties of self-control over the life course. Social influences, in particular peer delinquency, are also reciprocally related to delinquency, implying that delinquency can lead to cumulative disadvantages that further entrench individuals in antisocial pathways over the life course.
Utilization of coir fibre as an asphalt modifier
Authors: Maharaj Rean , Ali Rehana , Ramlochan Dimitri , Mohamed Nazim
Published: April 2019

The influence of added coir (coconut) fibre of various lengths (from 2.5 mm to 10 mm) and dosages (up to 8 wt%) on the rheological properties of Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA) and Trinidad Petroleum Bitumen (TPB) was evaluated by measuring changes in the phase angle, δ (measure of the elasticity) and the complex modulus, G* (measure of the degree of stiffness). Results indicated that for both TLA and TPB, the highest values of G* (stiffest) and the lowest values of δ (most elastic) were observed for blends containing 2.5-mm coir fibre lengths for added coir concentrations of 6% and 8%, respectively. When compared to the unmodified TLA, the addition of 6 wt% of 2.5-mm coir fibre resulted in the largest significant increase in G* (7.3 times) as well as a significant decrease in δ (from 49.3° to 19.8°), representing a significant stiffening and increased elasticity of the modified blend. For TPB, the optimum concentration of added coir fibre occurred after the addition of 6 wt% of the 2.5-mm coir fibre, which resulted in the largest significant increase in G* of 5.4 times (stiffening) as well as a significant decrease in δ from 86.2° to 47.4° (increased elasticity as the material transformed from an almost viscous liquid to a semi-elastic solid) when compared to the unmodified pure TPB. The utilization of coir fibre for the rheological enhancement of Trinidad asphaltic materials can also provide an environmentally attractive option for solving the waste disposal issues associated with the dumping of waste coconut husk.
Long Non-Coding RNA and Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Tianzhu , Hu Hui , Yan Ge , Wu Tangwei , Liu Shuiyi , Chen Weiqun , Ning Yong , Lu Zhongxin
Published: April 2019

Breast cancer, one of the most common diseases among women, is regarded as a heterogeneous and complicated disease that remains a major public health concern. Recently, owing to the development of next-generation sequencing technologies, long non-coding RNAs have received extensive attention. Numerous studies reveal that long non-coding RNAs are playing important roles in tumor development. Although the biological function and molecular mechanisms of long non-coding RNAs remain enigmatic, recent researchers have demonstrated that an array of long non-coding RNAs express abnormally in cancers, including breast cancer. Herein, we summarized the latest literature about long non-coding RNAs in breast cancer, with a particular focus on the multiple molecular roles of regulatory long non-coding RNAs that regulate cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis.
A Rare Case of Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury After Mesenteric Revascularization
Authors: Robles-Martín María L. , Reyes-Ortega Juan P. , Rodríguez-Morata Alejandro
Published: April 2019

Endovascular treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia is currently the treatment of choice, regardless of the number of involved vessels. Unlike other anatomic areas, the hyperperfusion produced by revascularization and the consecutive reperfusion syndrome is only described in cases of acute bowel ischemia, which is usually resolved with traditional surgery. We present a case of severe hyperperfusion syndrome secondary to endovascular correction with stents of a critical ischemia affecting the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery.
Successful Treatment of Pseudoaneurysm Following Left Distal Transradial Cardiac Catheterization With Compression Device
Authors: Prejean Shane P. , Von Mering Gregory , Ahmed Mustafa
Published: April 2019

Distal transradial artery access has emerged as a promising new method of access for coronary and endovascular procedures. With the increasing use of distal transradial artery access, operators will need to gain experience in the management of complications in the anatomical snuffbox. We review the rationale behind distal transradial access and summarize rate of vascular complications, based on the review of the literature. We then report a case of pseudoaneurysm in the distal left radial artery occurring 20 hours after cardiac catheterization likely precipitated by intravenous heparin and dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and prasugrel received during a second procedure. A modified compression technique with the TR band® (Terumo Medical Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) was used in which the rigid, plastic insert was removed prior to application to facilitate improved apposition of the band on the dorsum of the hand, and waveforms from continuous pulse oximetry were used to guide “patent compression.” Thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysm was achieved in 12 hours, and no further intervention was required.
Vascularized Second Metacarpal Bone Graft for the Treatment of Idiopathic Osteonecrosis of the Capitate
Authors: Usami Satoshi , Kawahara Sanshiro , Inami Kohei
Published: April 2019

Background: Idiopathic osteonecrosis of the capitate is rare condition with few reports of treatment using vascularized bone graft. Methods: A case of a 45-year-old woman with idiopathic necrosis of the capitate who underwent surgical treatment with a vascularized bone graft from the base of the second metacarpal bone is reported. Results: At 14 months postoperatively, the range of motion of her wrist was maintained, and localized wrist pain was relieved. Conclusions: This bone graft, which has a reliable pedicle with few anomalies, offers sufficient cancellous bone for the capitate, and can be harvested in the same operative field, is desirable for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the capitate.
Building Resilience Against the Sequelae of Adverse Childhood Experiences: Rise Up, Change Your Life, and Reform Health Care
Authors: Ortiz Robin
Published: April 2019

A reformed approach to health care tackles health at its roots. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in those exposed to them may contribute significantly to the root causes of many diseases of lifestyle. ACEs are traumatic experiences, such as physical and emotional abuse and exposure to risky family environments. In 1998, a ground-breaking study found that nearly 70% of Americans experience at least 1 ACE in their lifetime, and graded exposure is associated with the presence of mental health disorders, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Over the past 20 years, evidence has demonstrated further disease risk, outcomes, and epigenetic underpinnings in children and adults with ACEs. Building resilience—the capacity to adapt in healthy ways to traumatic experiences—through lifestyle modification offers potential to combat the negative health effects associated with ACEs. Emerging research demonstrates resilience is cultivated through individual skills (emotional intelligence, coping, and fostering healthy lifestyle choices), and nurturing supportive relationships. Being mindful of the impact and prevalence of ACEs and diversity of individuals’ experiences in society will help build resilience and combat the root cause of chronic disease. This review aims to cultivate that awareness and will discuss 3 objectives: to discuss the effects and hypothesized pathophysiological underpinnings of traumatic experiences in childhood on health and wellbeing throughout life, to present ways we can promote resilience in our daily lives and patient encounters, and to demonstrate how advocacy for the reduction of ACEs and promotion of resilient, trauma-informed environments are fundamental to health care reform.
Design and comparative analysis of an INVELOX wind power generation system for multiple wind turbines through computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Gohar Ghulam Abbas , Manzoor Tareq , Ahmad Arslan , Hameed Zeeshan , Saleem Farrukh , Ahmad Iqrar , Sattar Abdul , Arshad Aurangzeb
Published: April 2019

Increase velocity in omnidirectional (INVELOX) is the wind power transporting system, which is suitable for providing the maximum wind energy for better maneuver of wind turbine. This venturi has innovative features that are accomplished for functioning the integrating multiple wind turbine generator system, capture the wind flow through the omnidirectional intake and speed-ups the flow across the venturi region that is release into ambient environment through diffuser. In this study, INVELOX model 1 and model 2 are designed for investigation of pressure and velocity contours. Power output of turbine depends on pressure and velocity of wind. The venturi section result specifies velocity and pressure drop of both models of INVELOX; velocity of model 1 and model 2 increases from 10.42 to 45.5 m/s, respectively. Pressure drops transpire in model 1 and model 2 which decrease from [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. Upstream velocities and power of wind after throat of venturi are deliberated. The second and third turbines provide the less potential as compare to first turbine power. It is concluded that the power produced using multistage wind turbine is higher.
Design and evaluation of a distally actuated powered finger prosthesis with self-contained transmission for individuals with partial hand loss
Authors: Murali Barathwaj , Huddle Stephen , Weir Richard F ff
Published: April 2019

Partial hand loss accounts for the overwhelming majority of upper limb deficiencies. Despite this, individuals with partial hand loss have a limited number of prosthetic options at their disposal. Existing externally powered devices typically house both motor and gear transmission in the proximal phalanx, which provides function at the expense of anthropomorphism. We present a novel design for an externally powered finger prosthesis with a custom gear transmission that is capable of higher intermittent torques compared to commercial gearheads of equivalent volume. We manufacture a fully functional transmission using a high-strength maraging steel alloy and direct laser metal sintering. The transmission consists of multiple planetary and spur gear stages arranged in a stackable (or laminar) configuration and accommodates joint movement at the proximal interphalangeal joint. The powered finger is equivalent in size to a 50th percentile female index finger and is capable of generating pinch forces comparable to those of commercial powered fingers at flexion speeds that exceed those of existing devices. While there are several practical and functional improvements for future iterations, our design represents a viable option for a powered finger capable of accommodating a wide range of individuals with partial hand loss.