bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a historical understanding of the media event
Authors: Ytreberg Espen
Published: April 2016

The English-language research tradition of studying media events is widely considered to have started with Dayan and Katz’ Media Events. This seminal work is characterised by an emphasis on liveness and broadcast technology as conditions of eventfulness. The German-language tradition of research on historical media events provides a very different approach to studying media events, starting from the 16th-century advent of mechanical production and distribution. Bringing together these strands of research, the article argues for a deepening of the historical dimension in conceiving of media events. After a critical review of the English-language tradition and an overview of key media-historical research contributions particularly from Germany, it discusses three main themes: the role of temporal acceleration over time by means of media technologies; the role of premeditation in events and the tradition of discussing media-generated events as ‘pseudo-events’, and the historically shifting relationships between mediated and non-mediated communication in the event. By way of conclusion, the article relates a historical perspective on media events to recent research and discussion around mediatisation.
Post-feminism for children: feminism ‘repackaged’ in the Bratz films
Authors: Becker Sarah , Thomas Danielle , Cope Michael R
Published: April 2016

After their release in 2001, Bratz dolls carved into Barbie’s previously monopolistic share of teen doll sales. Amidst their growing popularity, cultural critics expressed a host of concerns about Bratz dolls, especially over how they sexualize youth, but the line grew to include a host of products like costumes, makeup kits, games, books, clothing, and movies. It also inspired new, similar doll lines from other toy companies. In this article, we situate the Bratz’s popularity in a specific cultural moment tied to the history of modern feminism. We use a content analysis of the Bratz movie series to explore the feminist and post-feminist thematics it contains. We identify the images of girlhood that are being marketed through the films and explore how the series repackages not only girlhood but also feminism itself in a way that encourages girls to exchange political power for purchasing power.
Serum Natriuretic Peptides as Differential Biomarkers Allowing for the Distinction between Physiologic and Pathologic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Dunn Michael E. , Manfredi Thomas G. , Agostinucci Kevin , Engle Steven K. , Powe Josh , King Nicholas M. P. , Rodriguez Luis A. , Gropp Kathryn E. , Gallacher Matthew , Vetter Frederick J. , More Vijay , Shimpi Prajakta , Serra David , Colton Heidi M. ,   for The Cardiac Hypertrophy Working Group of the Predictive Safety Testing Consortium
Published: April 2016

Given the proven utility of natriuretic peptides as serum biomarkers of cardiovascular maladaptation and dysfunction in humans and the high cross-species sequence conservation of atrial natriuretic peptides, natriuretic peptides have the potential to serve as translational biomarkers for the identification of cardiotoxic compounds during multiple phases of drug development. This work evaluated and compared the response of N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP) and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in rats during exercise-induced and drug-induced increases in cardiac mass after chronic swimming or daily oral dosing with a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist. Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8 to 10 weeks were assigned to control, active control, swimming, or drug-induced cardiac hypertrophy groups. While the relative heart weights from both the swimming and drug-induced cardiac hypertrophy groups were increased 15% after 28 days of dosing, the serum NT-proANP and NT-proBNP values were only increased in association with cardiac hypertrophy caused by compound administration. Serum natriuretic peptide concentrations did not change in response to adaptive physiologic cardiac hypertrophy induced by a 28-day swimming protocol. These data support the use of natriuretic peptides as fluid biomarkers for the distinction between physiological and drug-induced cardiac hypertrophy.
Characterizing “Adversity” of Pathology Findings in Nonclinical Toxicity Studies
Authors: Palazzi Xavier , Burkhardt John E. , Caplain Henri , Dellarco Vicki , Fant Pierluigi , Foster John R. , Francke Sabine , Germann Paul , Gröters Sibylle , Harada Takanori , Harleman Johannes , Inui Kosei , Kaufmann Wolfgang , Lenz Barbara , Nagai Hirofumi , Pohlmeyer-Esch Gabriele , Schulte Agnes , Skydsgaard Mikala , Tomlinson Lindsay , Wood Charles E. , Yoshida Midori
Published: April 2016

The identification of adverse health effects has a central role in the development and risk/safety assessment of chemical entities and pharmaceuticals. There is currently a need for better alignment regarding how nonclinical adversity is determined and characterized. The European Society of Toxicologic Pathology (ESTP) therefore coordinated a workshop to review available definitions of adversity, weigh determining and qualifying factors of adversity based on case examples, and recommend a practical approach to define and characterize adversity in toxicology reports, to serve as a valuable prerequisite for future organ- or lesion-specific workshops planned by the ESTP.
Review of Sexual Maturity in the Minipig
Authors: Howroyd Paul C. , Peter Birgit , de Rijk Eveline
Published: April 2016

It is important to know whether the animals used in toxicology studies are sexually mature. As minipigs are being used increasingly in toxicity studies, we reviewed published data on the age of sexual maturity in the minipig. Maturity in females was assessed on the basis either of normal cycles of progesterone secretion or of the histological presence of corpora lutea and, in males, was assessed on the histological appearance of the seminiferous tubules and epididymides. In female Göttingen minipigs, the first progesterone peak was at 3.7 to 4.2 or 6.1 to 6.5 months of age. These animals were in the presence of a boar. In female Göttingen minipigs in toxicology studies, which were not in the presence of a boar, at least 1 corpus luteum in the ovaries was present in only 50% of the females by 6.5 months of age, while all were mature by 7.7 months of age. Histological maturity in the male Yucatan minipig is reported to be attained at about 4.4 months old, but in male Göttingen minipigs at about 2 months old, although the definition of maturity may have been different in the 2 studies.
Understanding Employee Engagement in the Public Sector: The Role of Immediate Supervisor, Perceived Organizational Support, and Learning Opportunities
Authors: Jin Myung H. , McDonald Bruce
Published: April 2016

Supervisor support is often argued to be a meaningful predictor of employee engagement; however, existing research has yet to fully support this hypothesis. Drawing from the research on social exchange theory, organizational support theory, and job characteristics model, this study investigates the mediating role of perceived organizational support in the link between supervisor support and employee engagement. How this mediating effect might be moderated by learning opportunities in the job is also considered. Data from a sample of 1,251 employees from state and local government agencies show that supervisor support affects employee engagement both directly and indirectly through its influence on perceived organizational support. In turn, this influences the variance in employee engagement. Results further show that the path linking supervisor support to organizational support is moderated by learning opportunities, such that the positive relationships become invigorated among individuals who reported having opportunities to learn and grow in their job.
Identity and Power Use in Exchange Networks
Authors: Savage Scott V. , Stets Jan E. , Burke Peter J. , Sommer Zachary L.
Published: April 2016

We introduce a theoretical argument about how the fairness identity influences exchange behaviors in negotiated exchange networks. To test this argument, we use data from a laboratory experiment. Results demonstrate that by providing manipulated feedback that is inconsistent with the fairness identity standard ( actual appraisals), inequality changes in the direction that counteracts the feedback. In addition, when high power actors think their high power exchange partners view them as either more or less fair than how they see themselves ( reflected appraisals), inequality again changes in the direction that counteracts the nonverifying feedback. We discuss how considering both identity and exchange processes yields new insights into exploitative behavior in exchange.
Chlorpyrifos and lambda cyhalothrin-induced oxidative stress in human erythrocytes
Authors: Deeba Farah , Raza Irum , Muhammad Noor , Rahman Hazir , ur Rehman Zia , Azizullah Azizullah , Khattak Baharullah , Ullah Farman , Daud MK
Published: April 2016

Pesticides are one of the most potentially harmful chemicals introduced into the environment, and their adverse impacts on non-target organisms can be significant. The present study was conducted to shed light on effects of locally used insecticides chlorpyrifos (CPF) and lambda cyhalothrin (LCT) on oxidative stress biomarkers in human erythrocytes. The activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and protein contents as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and osmotic fragility (OF) were measured in human erythrocytes exposed to CPF at concentrations of 0, 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 ppm and LCT at concentrations of 0, 100, 300, 600, and 800 ppm for 1 h and 3 h at 37°C. MDA levels and OF of erythrocytes were significantly higher in erythrocytes incubated with CPF and LCT at increasing concentrations of both insecticides and increased incubation time. However, erythrocyte CAT and SOD activities were decreased at all concentrations of CPF and LCT tested. Protein oxidation products were decreased at lower doses of CPF (100 and 500 ppm); at higher doses (1000 and 2000 ppm), total protein content was increased compared with control. In contrast LCT was associated with decreased in protein contents at all the concentrations. These results clearly demonstrated that CPF and LCT can induce oxidative stress in human erythrocytes ( in vitro).
The protective effects of zinc in lead-induced testicular and epididymal toxicity in Wistar rats
Authors: Anjum M Reshma , Madhu P , Reddy K Pratap , Reddy P Sreenivasula
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of zinc (Zn) in preventing lead (Pb)-induced reproductive toxicity in Wistar rats. The rats were divided into four groups, namely, control group, Pb group, Zn group, and Pb + Zn group. Animals were exposed to Pb (819 mg of Pb/L) or Zn (71 mg of Zn/L) or both through drinking water for 65 days. Rats exposed to Pb showed decreased weights of testes and accessory sex organs. Significant decrease in the testicular daily sperm production, epididymal sperm count, motility, viability, and number of hypoosmotic tail coiled sperm was observed in Pb-exposed rats. Testicular 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity levels and circulatory testosterone levels were also decreased significantly in Pb-exposed rats. A significant increase in the lipid peroxidation products with a significant decrease in the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were observed in the testes and epididymis of Pb-exposed rats. Moreover, the testicular architecture showed lumens devoid of sperm in Pb-exposed rats. Supplementation of Zn mitigated Pb-induced oxidative stress and restored the spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in Pb-exposed rats. In conclusion, cotreatment of Zn is effective for recovering suppressed spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, elevated oxidative status, and histological damage in the testis of rats treated with Pb.
Interdependent Group Contingency to Promote Physical Activity in Children
Authors: Foote Catherine , Bray Melissa A. , Kehle Thomas J. , VanHeest Jaci L. , Gelbar Nicholas W. , Byer-Alcorace Gabriel , Maykel Cheryl , DeBiase Emily
Published: April 2016

As the number of children affected by obesity increases in the United States, it is necessary to intervene with preventive and intervention techniques that will enact change. Because children spend a significant amount of their time in school, it is of particular interest to target strategies during the school day. Given the recommendations for the total duration and intensity of physical activity children should participate in, recess period is a means of acquiring a portion of this daily recommendation. Contingent reinforcement is a technique that is consistently used in schools to promote behavior change. One of these techniques, group contingencies, has repeatedly been shown to increase desired behavior and decrease inappropriate behavior in schools. In the present study, a multiple baseline design was utilized to investigate the use of interdependent group contingencies in physical activity performance during recess, as measured by pedometers, with one class from each of the third, fourth, and fifth grades at an elementary school. Some of the variability existed in gender- and body mass index-specific (BMI) subgroups, in regard to the effectiveness of the intervention and continued maintenance of increased physical activity levels, following the removal of the intervention. However, the overall results support the use of an interdependent group contingency intervention to increase the amount of physical activity students engaged in during recess.
Residents’ Experiences of Abuse and Harassment in Emergency Departments
Authors: Sadrabad Akram Zolfaghari , Bidarizerehpoosh Farahnaz , Farahmand Rad Reza , Kariman Hamid , Hatamabadi Hamidreza , Alimohammadi Hossein
Published: April 2016

The widespread epidemic of emerging abuse in Emergency Departments (ED) toward residents generates negative effects on the residents’ health and welfare. The purpose of this study was to determine and highlight the high prevalence of abuse and harassment toward Emergency residents. In 2011, a multi-institutional, cross-sectional study was conducted at seven Emergency Residencies of central hospitals in Iran. Residents were asked about their age, marital status, postgraduate year (PGY) levels, and work experiences before residency. Prevalence of abuse in four categories was evaluated: verbal abuse; verbal and physical threat; physical assault and sexual harassment; and by whom. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 17.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Two hundred fifteen of the 296 residents (73%) completed the survey. The prevalence of any type of abuse experienced was 89%; 43% of residents experienced verbal and physical threats, 10% physical assault, and 31% sexual harassment. Verbal abuse and verbal and physical threats without the use of weapons were higher in men in comparison with women ( p< .04). Women were more likely than men to encounter sexual harassment (31% vs. 7%, p< .01). Among the sexual harassment categories, sexual jokes (51%) were the most prevalent between residents. Junior residents (PGY-1) were more likely to experience abuse than senior residents (PGY-2 and PGY-3; p< .01). Patients and their companions were the main agents of abusive behaviors. Abuse and harassment during residency in ED are highly prevalent. Educational programs and effective preventive measures against this mistreatment are urgently required.
Influence of constituents and process parameters on mechanical properties of flax fibre-reinforced polyamide 11 composite
Authors: Lebaupin Yann , Chauvin Michaël , Hoang Thuy-Quynh Truong , Touchard Fabienne , Beigbeder Alexandre
Published: April 2016

Flax unidirectional (UD) fabrics and polyamide 11 (PA11) are used to create a 100% bio-sourced composite. The fabrication process is hot press moulding. Different configurations are studied by varying process parameters and composite constituents. Three temperature values (190°C, 200°C and 210°C) are combined with three pressure levels (35, 65 and 100 bars). In addition, two types of flax fabric (A and B) are tested and two types of PA11 (in the form of powder or film) are used. The two forms of PA11 are characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and rheological methods. Ten different composites are then manufactured. They are compared by means of tensile tests and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Results are correlated with microstructural study: measurements of porosity degree and scanning electron microscopic observations are also performed. Finally, an optimum configuration is determined: the composite flax B/PA11 film manufactured with a temperature value of 210°C and using gradual levels of pressure (25 bars during 2 min, 40 bars during 2 min and 65 bars until the end of cycle). This configuration leads to a Young’s modulus value of 36 GPa and a tensile strength of 174 MPa, with the highest storage modulus and the lowest damping factor values measured by DMA.
Neutrality of an elliptical inhomogeneity in finite plane elastostatics of harmonic materials
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: April 2016

We examine the neutrality of an elliptical inhomogeneity embedded in a particular class of compressible hyperelastic materials of harmonic type when a uniform Piola stress field is prescribed in the surrounding matrix. The present method is based on a spring-type imperfect interface model and on the proper choice of imperfect interface function, which realizes the same degree of imperfection in both normal and tangential directions. The analysis indicates that, in general, the neutral shape and the single imperfect interface function are both dependent on the magnitude of the prescribed stress field.
Peristatic solutions for finite one- and two-dimensional systems
Authors: Nishawala Vinesh V , Ostoja-Starzewski Martin
Published: April 2016

Peridynamics is a nonlocal continuum mechanics theory where its governing equation has an integro-differential form. This paper specifically uses bond-based peridynamics. Typically, peridynamic problems are solved via numerical means, and analytical solutions are not as common. This paper analytically evaluates peristatics, the static version of peridynamics, for a finite one-dimensional rod as well as a special case for two dimensions. A numerical method is also implemented to confirm the analytical results.
A Risk-Based Strategy for Evaluating Mitigation Options for Process-Formed Compounds in Food
Authors: Hanlon Paul , Brorby Gregory P. , Krishan Mansi
Published: April 2016

Processing (eg, cooking, grinding, drying) has changed the composition of food throughout the course of human history; however, awareness of process-formed compounds, and the potential need to mitigate exposure to those compounds, is a relatively recent phenomenon. In May 2015, the North American Branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI North America) Technical Committee on Food and Chemical Safety held a workshop on the risk-based process for mitigation of process-formed compounds. This workshop aimed to gain alignment from academia, government, and industry on a risk-based process for proactively assessing the need for and benefit of mitigation of process-formed compounds, including criteria to objectively assess the impact of mitigation as well as research needed to support this process. Workshop participants provided real-time feedback on a draft framework in the form of a decision tree developed by the ILSI North America Technical Committee on Food and Chemical Safety to a panel of experts, and they discussed the importance of communicating the value of such a process to the larger scientific community and, ultimately, the public. The outcome of the workshop was a decision tree that can be used by the scientific community and could form the basis of a global approach to assessing the risks associated with mitigation of process-formed compounds.
Owner-reported lower urinary tract signs in a cohort of young cats
Authors: Longstaff Louise , Gruffydd-Jones Timothy J , Buffington CA Tony , Casey Rachel A , Murray Jane K
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The most common cause of lower urinary tract signs (LUTS) in cats under the age of 10 years is feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). The prevalence of LUTS in the UK pet cat population is difficult to assess. This study used data collected prospectively to investigate the prevalence of, and risk factors for, owner-reported LUTS in a cohort of young pet cats.

Methods

Cat owners were recruited into a long-term longitudinal study and asked to complete questionnaires at specified age points for their cats. All cats were at least 18 months of age at the time of analysis. The prevalence of owner-reported LUTS at 18, 30 and 48 months of age was calculated, based on whether the owner had seen the cat urinating, and whether the cat had displayed one or more of the following clinical signs: dysuria, haematuria or vocalising during urination. A case-control study to investigate the risk factors for owner-reported LUTS in study cats at age 18 months was also conducted, using a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

The prevalence of owner-reported LUTS in cats seen urinating by the owner was 4.3%, 3.8% and 6.0%, with 95% confidence intervals of 3.2–5.7%, 2.5–5.7% and 3.4–10.5% at ages 18, 30 and 48 months, respectively. An indoor-only lifestyle at the age of 18 months and a change in diet between the ages of 12 and 18 months were identified as risk factors for owner-reported LUTS at the age of 18 months from the multivariable model. No clear type of change in diet was identified in our sample of cats with LUTS.

Conclusions and relevance

The prevalence of owner-reported LUTS in a cohort of young pet cats was higher than the previously reported prevalence of LUTS in cats presenting to veterinary hospitals for LUTS or other reasons. A novel risk factor of change in diet between 12 and 18 months of age warrants further investigation.
Transgender idol: Queer subjectivities and Australian reality TV
Authors: McIntyre Joanna
Published: April 2016

Transgender is a marginalised category to which reality TV has given visibility, yet it is usually overlooked in observations regarding the minority groups that have gained mainstream representation through these programmes. Popular Australian reality TV shows have provided a unique space for the constructive representation of certain queer subjectivities. The Australian reality TV contestants in question present gendering that embraces ambiguity, that is, they demonstrate the deliberate disruption and blurring of gender/sex category divisions. This article examines the ways in which Australian reality TV’s representations of transgender contestants remain robustly queer while also being negotiated and made palatable for ‘family’ television audiences. It asserts the reality TV shows that feature transgender performance orchestrate a balance between queer expression and its containment. This article also takes as a case study a particularly successful Australian transgender reality TV contestant, Courtney Act. It argues Act’s representation of queerness was ‘managed’ within the normative framework of mainstream television yet she is still significantly troubled by gender binaries during her time on Australian screen. In 2014, she appeared as a contestant on the United States’ queer-themed reality TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race and again proved to be a reality TV success. This transnational intersection of transgender performance signalled the productive possibilities of international cross-pollination in regard to affirmative reality TV representations of marginalised subjectivities. At the same time, however, it also revealed the localised nature of reality TV, even in those shows with an international queer appeal.
ChronicOnline: Implementing a mHealth solution for monitoring and early alerting in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Bitsaki Marina , Koutras Christos , Koutras George , Leymann Frank , Steimle Frank , Wagner Sebastian , Wieland Matthias
Published: April 2016

Lack of time or economic difficulties prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients from communicating regularly with their physicians, thus inducing exacerbation of their chronic condition and possible hospitalization. Enhancing Chronic patients’ Health Online proposes a new, sustainable and innovative business model that provides at low cost and at significant savings to the national health system, a preventive health service for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, by combining human medical expertise with state-of-the-art online service delivery based on cloud computing, service-oriented architecture, data analytics, and mobile applications. In this article, we implement the frontend applications of the Enhancing Chronic patients’ Health Online system and describe their functionality and the interfaces available to the users.
Erasing the mark of a criminal past: Ex-offenders’ expectations and experiences with record clearance
Authors: Adams Ericka B , Chen Elsa Y , Chapman Rosella
Published: April 2016

Through the process of record clearance, individuals can have certain minor convictions removed from their criminal records or designated as expunged. This study analyzes data gathered from semi-structured interviews with 40 persons with past criminal convictions to examine the expectations of individuals who seek record clearance and the extent to which completion of the process facilitates efforts to reintegrate into society and desist from crime. The analysis finds that record clearance benefits ex-offenders through external effects, such as the reduction of barriers to employment, and internal processes, such as the facilitation of cognitive transformation and the affirmation of a new identity. These benefits accrue from both the outcomes of the record clearance process and from the process itself. Increased availability of inexpensive or free opportunities for expungement can contribute to more successful reintegration of persons with criminal convictions into the workforce, families, and communities. Not only would this improve quality of life for the ex-offenders, but it could also increase public safety and reduce public spending.
What should young Black children know about race? Parents of preschoolers, preparation for bias, and promoting egalitarianism
Authors: Doucet Fabienne , Banerjee Meeta , Parade Stephanie
Published: April 2016

This qualitative study of 26 African American parents and caregivers of preschool children sought to address gaps in the current literature by exploring how the intersection of parents’ racism experiences and social class may play a role in race-related socialization during the early years. Analysis of narrative interviews revealed that egalitarianism surfaced as the most common content of racial socialization (ethnic-racial socialization) messages. We also found that preparation for bias emerged as qualitatively different for the working- and middle-class African Americans, however, and thus, we argue that the ways in which working- and middle-class African American parents of preschoolers made sense of their experiences with racism and discrimination were different and that this shaped their preparation for bias messages differently. To provide a contrast for illustrating this argument, we detail working- and middle-class participants’ use of egalitarianism messages in relationship to their stories about racism, proposing here that parents may have been attuning to their young children’s developmental stage when deciding which messages to promote.
Risk stratification for 25-year cardiovascular disease incidence in type 1 diabetes: Tree-structured survival analysis of the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications study
Authors: Miller Rachel G , Anderson Stewart J , Costacou Tina , Sekikawa Akira , Orchard Trevor J
Published: April 2016

Background:

The formal identification of subgroups with varying levels of risk is uncommon in observational studies of cardiovascular disease, although such insight might be useful for clinical management.

Methods:

Tree-structured survival analysis was utilized to determine whether there are meaningful subgroups at varying levels of cardiovascular disease risk in the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications study, a prospective cohort study of childhood-onset (<17 years old) type 1 diabetes.

Results:

Of the 561 participants free of cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, stroke or lower extremity arterial disease) at baseline, 263 (46.9%) had an incident cardiovascular disease event over the 25-year follow-up. Tree-structured survival analysis revealed a range of risk groups, from 24% to 85%, which demonstrate that those with short diabetes duration and elevated non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol have similar cardiovascular disease risk to those with long diabetes duration and that renal disease is a better discriminator of risk in men than in women.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that subgroups with major cardiovascular disease risk differences exist in this type 1 diabetes cohort. Using tree-structured survival analysis may help to identify these groups and the interrelationships between their associated risk factors. This approach may improve our understanding of various clinical pathways to cardiovascular disease and help target intervention strategies.
Considerably decreased risk of cardiovascular disease with combined reductions in HbA1c, blood pressure and blood lipids in type 2 diabetes: Report from the Swedish National Diabetes Register
Authors: Eeg-Olofsson Katarina , Zethelius Björn , Gudbjörnsdottir Soffia , Eliasson Björn , Svensson Ann-Marie , Cederholm Jan
Published: April 2016

Objectives:

Assess the effect of risk factors changes on risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes selected from the Swedish National Diabetes Register.

Methods:

Observational study of 13,477 females and males aged 30–75 years, with baseline HbA1c 41–67 mmol/mol, systolic blood pressure 122–154 mmHg and ratio non-HDL:HDL 1.7–4.1, followed for mean 6.5 years until 2012. Four groups were created: a reference group ( n = 6757) with increasing final versus baseline HbA1c, systolic blood pressure and non-HDL:HDL cholesterol during the study period, and three groups with decreasing HbA1c ( n = 1925), HbA1c and systolic blood pressure ( n = 2050) or HbA1c and systolic blood pressure and non-HDL:HDL ( n = 2745).

Results:

Relative risk reduction for fatal/nonfatal cardiovascular disease was 35% with decrease in HbA1c only (mean 6 to final 49 mmol/mol), 56% with decrease in HbA1c and systolic blood pressure (mean 12 to final 128 mmHg) and 75% with combined decreases in HbA1c, systolic blood pressure and non-HDL:HDL (mean 0.8 to final 2.1), all p < 0.001 adjusting for clinical characteristics, other risk factors, treatments and previous cardiovascular disease. Similar risk reductions were found for fatal/nonfatal coronary heart disease, fatal cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality and also in a subgroup of 3038 patients with albuminuria.

Conclusion:

Considerable risk reductions for cardiovascular disease and mortality were seen with combined long-term risk factor improvement.
The Systematic Development of an Internet-Based Smoking Cessation Intervention for Adults
Authors: Dalum Peter , Brandt Caroline Lyng , Skov-Ettrup Lise , Tolstrup Janne , Kok Gerjo
Published: April 2016

Objectives. The objective of this project was to determine whether intervention mapping is a suitable strategy for developing an Internet- and text message–based smoking cessation intervention. Method. We used the Intervention Mapping framework for planning health promotion programs. After a needs assessment, we identified important changeable determinants of cessation behavior, specified objectives for the intervention, selected theoretical methods for meeting our objectives, and operationalized change methods into practical intervention strategies. Results. We found that “social cognitive theory,” the “transtheoretical model/stages of change,” “self-regulation theory,” and “appreciative inquiry” were relevant theories for smoking cessation interventions. From these theories, we selected modeling/behavioral journalism, feedback, planning coping responses/if-then statements, gain frame/positive imaging, consciousness-raising, helping relationships, stimulus control, and goal-setting as suitable methods for an Internet- and text-based adult smoking cessation program. Furthermore, we identified computer tailoring as a useful strategy for adapting the intervention to individual users. Conclusion. The Intervention Mapping method, with a clear link between behavioral goals, theoretical methods, and practical strategies and materials, proved useful for systematic development of a digital smoking cessation intervention for adults.
Subscribing to Sex Edutainment
Authors: Johnston Jessica
Published: April 2016

Although abstinence-only programs in the United States have historically failed to provide medically accurate information on sexual health, young people in the twenty-first century have turned to YouTube to answer their sex questions. The accessible and engaging format of the YouTube video has helped some sex educators achieve Internet fame among a mass audience of users devoted to watching their web series and interacting with them on social media. Using two sex education channels (Laci Green’s Sex Plus and Lindsey Doe’s Sexplanations) as case studies, this article investigates the ways in which YouTube stardom shapes the production of and engagement with online sex education videos. In doing so, the article uncovers how Internet fame helps to create a brand of sex education salient to audiences across media platforms that rely on the illusion of face-to-face interaction, the development of an authoritative yet approachable identity, and the cultivation of a virtual community.
Outcomes of Aortic Surgery for Abdominal Aortic Graft Infections
Authors: Gupta Prateek K. , Ramanan Bala , Grossman Leonid , Gupta Himani , Fang Xiang , MacTaggart Jason N. , Lynch Thomas G. , Baxter B. Timothy , Pipinos Iraklis I.
Published: April 2016

Background:

Literature on postoperative outcomes following aortic surgery for aortic graft infection (AGI) is limited by relatively small sample sizes, resulting in lack of national benchmarks for quality of care. We report in-hospital outcomes following abdominal aortic surgery for AGI and identify factors associated with postoperative complications using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

Methods:

Patients who underwent aortic graft resection for AGI were identified from the 2002 to 2008 NIS database, a multicenter database capturing 20% of all US admissions. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results:

Among 394 patients (men: 73.4%) who underwent abdominal aortic surgery for AGI, 53% of the admissions were emergent/urgent. A significant trend for decreasing number of abdominal aortic surgery for AGIs per year was observed (Pearson r correlation: −.96; P = .0006). Over the same time span, a significant correlation was also seen with decrease in open and increase in endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs in the NIS database. In-hospital rates of overall postoperative morbidity and mortality were 68.3% and 19.8%, respectively. In-hospital rates of postoperative respiratory failure, renal failure, and cardiac arrest were 35.5%, 14.2%, and 8.9%, respectively. Median length of stay was 26 days, with median hospital charges being US$184 162. On multivariable analysis, increase in age per year (odds ratio [OR] 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.12) was independently associated with postoperative morbidity, while higher hospital volume for this procedure was protective (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.56-0.89). No preoperative factors were independently associated with postoperative mortality.

Conclusion:

Incidence of abdominal aortic surgery for AGI has progressively declined over the span of our study in association with decreased open and increased endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs. Aortic surgery for AGI is associated with very high morbidity and mortality rates along with prolonged lengths of stay and elevated hospital charges. The outcomes of operations for AGI are better in younger patients and higher volume hospitals.
Phase 3 Oncology Clinical Trials in South Africa
Authors: Malan Tina , Moodley Keymanthri
Published: April 2016

Although clinical research in oncology is vital to improve current understanding of cancer and to validate new treatment options, voluntary informed consent is a critical component. Oncology research participants are a particularly vulnerable population; hence, therapeutic misconception often leads to ethical and legal challenges. We conducted a qualitative study administering semi-structured questionnaires on 29 adult, Phase 3, oncology clinical trial participants at three different private oncology clinical trial sites in South Africa. A descriptive content analysis was performed to identify perceptions of these participants regarding Phase 3 clinical trials. We found that most participants provided consent to be included in the trial for self-benefit. More than half of the participants had a poor understanding of Phase 3 clinical trials, and almost half the participants believed the clinical trial did not pose any significant risk to them. The word “hope” was used frequently by participants, displaying clear optimism with regard to the clinical trial and its outcome. This indicated that therapeutic misconception does occur in the South African oncology research setting and has the potential to lead to underestimation of the risks of a Phase 3 clinical trial. Emphasizing the experimental nature of a clinical trial during the consent process is critical to address therapeutic misconception in oncology research.
Glycaemic control in intensive care: Everything in moderation
Authors: Devanesan Arjun , Lloyd Jonathan , Samad Hanif , Saha Shibaji
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Glycaemic control is an important predictor of mortality in sepsis. Various international organizations including the Surviving Sepsis campaign recommend glycaemic control in critical illness with a glucose target between 6.1-10 mmol/L. The NICE-SUGAR Trial in 2009 was a landmark in the debate over tight versus liberal glycaemic control in the critically ill and subsequent guidelines have been adjusted to reflect a move towards moderate glycaemic control.

Methods

We conducted a nation-wide study comparing glucose targets used in intensive care units in the United Kingdom in 2007 with those used in 2014 to 2015 to see the impact of the NICE-SUGAR study and subsequent guideline changes.

Results

We received a combined response from 81% of intensive care units in the UK. There was an increase in the average median glucose target in 2014/2015 compared with 2007 (7.8 versus 7.2; p < 0.01). However, there is still much variability in glucose targets used in critical care in the UK.

Conclusions

There is an overall trend towards using a more moderate glucose target in critical care in the UK reflecting changes in international guidelines. However, it is likely that controversies, which still exist in the literature, are reflected in the variability of glycaemic control targets. It is possible that the advent of closed-loop or continuous glucose monitoring may have a further impact on this.
Numerical modeling of soot formation in a turbulent C2H4/air diffusion flame
Authors: Busupally Manedhar Reddy , De Ashoke
Published: April 2016

Soot formation in a lifted C 2 H 4 -Air turbulent diffusion flame is studied using two different paths for soot nucleation and oxidation; by a 2D axisymmetric RANS simulation using ANSYS FLUENT 15.0. The turbulence-chemistry interactions are modeled using two different approaches: steady laminar flamelet approach and flamelet-generated manifold. Chemical mechanism is represented by POLIMI to study the effect of species concentration on soot formation. P1 approximation is employed to approximate the radiative transfer equation into truncated series expansion in spherical harmonics while the weighted sum of gray gases is invoked to model the absorption coefficient while the soot model accounts for nucleation, coagulation, surface growth, and oxidation. The first route for nucleation considers acetylene concentration as a linear function of soot nucleation rate, whereas the second route considers two and three ring aromatic species as function of nucleation rate. Equilibrium-based and instantaneous approach has been used to estimate the OH concentration for soot oxidation. Lee and Fenimore-Jones soot oxidation models are studied to shed light on the effect of OH on soot oxidation. Moreover, the soot-radiation interactions are also included in terms of absorption coefficient of soot. Furthermore, the soot-turbulence interactions have been invoked using a temperature/mixture fraction-based single variable PDF. Both the turbulence-chemistry interaction models are able to accurately predict the flame liftoff height, and for accurate prediction of flame length, radiative heat loss should be accounted in an accurate way. The soot-turbulence interactions are found sensitive to the PDF used in present study.
Improving droplet sizing methodology for spray dynamics investigation
Authors: Woo Jia Jie , Garaniya Vikram , Abbassi Rouzbeh
Published: April 2016

Spray modelling is one of the most useful techniques to characterize engine performance, efficiency and emissions. The size of droplets is one of the key variables that govern the efficiency of combustion of the liquid fuel. This study aims to develop an interactive tool using MATLAB codes that identifies the droplets and their sizes from the image taken with the long distance microscope in the spray chamber setup. In this developed method, firstly the background of the image was removed and then image processing techniques, dilation and erosion, were applied to the image file to refine the image files. Subsequently, circle detection method based on the Hough Transform algorithm with the function of imfindcircles was implemented. This function of the program allows the user to identify size droplets from the image files. A statistical study was conducted with the results automated from the MATLAB program using a different set of threshold values of black and white contrast. The results showed an optimal range for the threshold (black and white) values between 40 and 70. This optimal threshold range was established based on consideration of the correct and incorrect identification of the droplets. The results indicated that the program has the ability to identify the droplet providing size and numbers. The MATLAB program was developed using MATLAB compiler and can be used at different workstations.
A Pilot Study for Understanding the Perceptions of Australian General Practitioners Regarding Psychopharmacology for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Garg Pankaj , Lillystone David , Dossetor David , Eastwood John , Liaw Siaw-Teng
Published: April 2016

Background: General practitioners (GPs) are increasing involved in the care of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and prescribe and/or manage psychotropic medications for these children. Few published reports of perceptions of GPs regarding use of these medications exist in the literature. Objective: Qualitative analysis of comments by 177 GPs regarding psychopharmacology use in children with ASDs. Methods: A postal questionnaire survey containing both close- and open-ended questions was conducted in New South Wales, Australia. Results: Respondent GPs were more likely to be females graduated from Australian medical schools and reported an interest either in child or in mental health. The respondents demonstrated good understanding of the issues surrounding psychopharmacology use in children with ASD based on contemporary literature on this topic. The main themes included concerns regarding medication safety, evidence for their use, and role of these medications as an adjuvant to behavior management. GPs reported a lack of experience of these medications, and would often prescribe only under the supervision of specialists. GPs with greater confidence and involvement with children of ASDs prescribed more medications; whereas GP reporting more concerns with regard to medications prescribed less. Conclusion: Respondent GPs have good understanding of psychotropic medications but need support from specialists for managing these medications in children with ASDs. Future larger studies should explore the utility of collaborative models of care for GPs to work in close partnerships with specialists.
Managing Human Resources in Public Health Care System in South Asia: Case Study of Pakistan
Authors: Suhail Aneeqa , Azhar Aisha
Published: April 2016

Health care is considered as one of the fundamental rights of every individual. At the same time, efficient and effective delivery of health care service requires pro-active management of health care professionals. The purpose of this article is to highlight human resource issues and challenges faced by health care professionals in South Asia and identify suitable strategies for better management of health care professionals. By using data from a pilot study in Pakistan’s public health sector in the province of Punjab, the article explores ways of implementing productive reforms to upgrade human resource management system in the public health care sector in South Asian countries.
TNFRSF14 aberrations in follicular lymphoma increase clinically significant allogeneic T-cell responses
Authors: Kotsiou Eleni , Okosun Jessica , Besley Caroline , Iqbal Sameena , Matthews Janet , Fitzgibbon Jude , Gribben John G. , Davies Jeffrey K.
Published: April 2016

Key Points

TNFRSF14 gene aberrations, common in FL, increase the ability of lymphoma cells to stimulate allogeneic T-cell responses. TNFRSF14 lesions were associated with increased acute GVHD supporting stratified transplantation approaches in the allogeneic setting.
Characterisation of patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features
Authors: Oldham Justin M. , Adegunsoye Ayodeji , Valenzi Eleanor , Lee Cathryn , Witt Leah , Chen Lena , Husain Aliya N. , Montner Steven , Chung Jonathan H. , Cottin Vincent , Fischer Aryeh , Noth Imre , Vij Rekha , Strek Mary E.
Published: April 2016

Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) may have features of connective tissue disease (CTD), but lack findings diagnostic of a specific CTD. A recent European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society research statement proposed criteria for patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF).

We applied IPAF criteria to patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and undifferentiated CTD-ILD (UCTD). We then characterised the clinical, serological and morphological features of the IPAF cohort, compared outcomes to other ILD cohorts and validated individual IPAF domains using survival as an endpoint.

Of 422 patients, 144 met IPAF criteria. Mean age was 63.2 years with a slight female predominance. IPAF cohort survival was marginally better than patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but worse than CTD-ILD. A non-usual interstitial pneumonia pattern was associated with improved survival, as was presence of the clinical domain. A modified IPAF cohort of those meeting the clinical domain and a radiographic or histological feature within the morphological domain displayed survival similar to those with CTD-ILD.

IPAF is common among patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and UCTD. Specific IPAF features can identify subgroups with differential survival. Further research is needed to replicate these findings and determine whether patients meeting IPAF criteria benefit from immunosuppressive therapy.