bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol to assess the impact of tobacco-induced volatile organic compounds on cardiovascular risk in a cross- sectional cohort: Cardiovascular Injury due to Tobacco Use study
Authors: Keith Rachel J , Fetterman Jessica L , Riggs Daniel W , O’Toole Timothy , Nystoriak Jessica L , Holbrook Monika , Lorkiewicz Pawel , Bhatnagar Aruni , DeFilippis Andrew P , Hamburg Naomi M
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Tobacco use leads to increased mortality, the majority of which is attributed to cardiovascular disease. Despite this knowledge, the early cardiovascular impact of tobacco product use is not well understood. Tobacco use increases exposure to harmful and potentially harmful constituents including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as acrolein and crotonaldehyde, which may contribute to cardiovascular risk. The link between exposure patterns, risk profiles and demographic distribution of tobacco product users, particularly users of new and emerging products, are not well known. Therefore, we designed the Cardiovascular Injury due to Tobacco Use (CITU) study to assess population characteristics, demographic features, exposure patterns and cardiovascular risk in relation to tobacco.

Methods and analysis

We present the design and methodology of the CITU study, a cross-sectional observational tobacco study conducted in Boston, Massachusetts and Louisville, Kentucky starting in 2014. Healthy participants 21–45 years of age who use tobacco products, including electronic nicotine devices, or who never used tobacco are being recruited. The study aims to recruit an evenly split cohort of African-Americans and Caucasians, that is, sex balanced for evaluation of self-reported tobacco exposure, VOC exposure and tobacco-induced injury profiling. Detailed information about participant’s demographics, health status and lifestyle is also collected.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved institutional review boards at both participating universities. All study protocols will protect participant confidentiality. Results from the study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences.
Factors associated with 30-day readmission after hospitalisation for community-acquired pneumonia in older patients: a cross-sectional study in seven Spanish regions
Authors: Toledo Diana , Soldevila Núria , Torner Núria , Pérez-Lozano María José , Espejo Elena , Navarro Gemma , Egurrola Mikel , Domínguez Ángela
Published: March 2018

Objective

Hospital readmission in patients admitted for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is frequent in the elderly and patients with multiple comorbidities, resulting in a clinical and economic burden. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with 30-day readmission in patients with CAP.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted in patients admitted to 20 hospitals in seven Spanish regions during two influenza seasons (2013–2014 and 2014–2015).

Participants

We included patients aged ≥65 years admitted through the emergency department with a diagnosis compatible with CAP. Patients who died during the initial hospitalisation and those hospitalised more than 30 days were excluded. Finally, 1756 CAP cases were included and of these, 200 (11.39%) were readmitted.

Main outcome measures

30-day readmission.

Results

Factors associated with 30-day readmission were living with a person aged <15 years (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.10, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.41), >3 hospital visits during the 90 previous days (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.34), chronic respiratory failure (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.45), heart failure (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.35), chronic liver disease (aOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.20 to 4.31) and discharge to home with home healthcare (aOR 5.61, 95% CI 1.70 to 18.50). No associations were found with pneumococcal or seasonal influenza vaccination in any of the three previous seasons.

Conclusions

This study shows that 11.39% of patients aged ≥65 years initially hospitalised for CAP were readmitted within 30 days after discharge. Rehospitalisation was associated with preventable and non-preventable factors.
Incidence of adverse events in Sweden during 2013–2016: a cohort study describing the implementation of a national trigger tool
Authors: Nilsson Lena , Borgstedt-Risberg Madeleine , Soop Michael , Nylén Urban , Ålenius Carina , Rutberg Hans
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To describe the implementation of a trigger tool in Sweden and present the national incidence of adverse events (AEs) over a 4-year period during which an ongoing national patient safety initiative was terminated.

Design

Cohort study using retrospective record review based on a trigger tool methodology.

Setting and participants

Patients ≥18 years admitted to all somatic acute care hospitals in Sweden from 2013 to 2016 were randomised into the study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome measure was the incidence of AEs, and secondary measures were type of injury, severity of harm, preventability of AEs, estimated healthcare cost of AEs and incidence of AEs in patients cared for in another type of unit than the one specialised for their medical needs (‘off-site’).

Results

In a review of 64 917 admissions, the average AE rates in 2014 (11.6%), 2015 (10.9%) and 2016 (11.4%) were significantly lower than in 2013 (13.1%). The decrease in the AE rates was seen in different age groups, in both genders and for preventable and non-preventable AEs. The decrease comprised only the least severe AEs. The types of AEs that decreased were hospital-acquired infections, urinary bladder distention and compromised vital signs. Patients cared for ‘off-site’ had 84% more preventable AEs than patients cared for in the appropriate units. The cost of increased length of stay associated with preventable AEs corresponded to 13%–14% of the total cost of somatic hospital care in Sweden.

Conclusions

The rate of AEs in Swedish somatic hospitals has decreased from 2013 to 2016. Retrospective record review can be used to monitor patient safety over time, to assess the effects of national patient safety interventions and analyse challenges to patient safety such as the increasing care of patients ‘off-site’. It was found that the economic burden of preventable AEs is high.
Clinical imaging in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Surendranathan Ajenthan , O’Brien John Tiernan
Published: March 2018

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a common neurodegenerative dementia in older people; however, the clinical features, particularly cognitive fluctuations and rapid eye movement sleep disorder, are often hard to elicit, leading to difficulty in making the diagnosis clinically. Here we examine the literature for the evidence behind imaging modalities that could assist in making the diagnosis. Dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging remains the best modality for differentiation from dementia of Alzheimer’s type with high sensitivity and specificity reported based on pathological diagnoses. 123Iodine-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy (MIBG) however is rapidly becoming an alternative imaging modality for the diagnosis of DLB, though studies assessing its accuracy with postmortem verification are still awaited. However, there are suggestions that MIBG may be better in the differentiation of vascular parkinsonism from DLB than DAT scans but may have lower sensitivity for detecting DLB compared with the 80% sensitivity seen in DAT imaging. Structural MRI scans have long been used for the diagnosis of dementia; however, their utility in DLB is limited to revealing the presence of coexisting Alzheimer’s disease. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET is an alternative biomarker that can also differentiate Alzheimer’s disease and DLB but lacks the evidence base of both DAT and MIBG scans.
Association between asthma and lung function in adolescents born very preterm: results of the EPIPAGE cohort study
Authors: Hadchouel Alice , Rousseau Jessica , Rozé Jean-Christophe , Arnaud Catherine , Bellino Adèle , Couderc Laure , Marret Stéphane , Mittaine Marie , Pinquier Didier , Verstraete Marie , Ancel Pierre-Yves , Delacourt Christophe
Published: March 2018

Prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) affect long-term lung function. We studied the respiratory outcome of adolescents born very preterm and controls from the Etude EPIdémiologique sur les Petits Ages Gestationnels cohort and analysed their current lung function in relation to asthma symptoms (categorised in three age groups) from birth. In models including BPD, asthma at each age and confounding factors in the preterm group, BPD and preschool wheeze were the only independent variables associated with FEV1. Preschool wheeze is an independent factor associated with FEV1 impairment in adolescents born very preterm. These results highlight the need for optimal management of early respiratory symptoms in preterm-born infants.

Trial registration number

Results, NCT01424553.
Proposal for A Structural Integration Test Coverage Metric for Object-Oriented Programs
Authors: Mukherjee Debashis , Shekhar Dibyanshu , Mall Rajib
Published: March 2018

Though a large number of test coverage metrics have been proposed in the context of unit and system testing of object oriented programs, structural coverage metrics for integration testing have scarcely been reported. In this context, we propose an integration test coverage metric based on the coverage of the data and control dependency edges of the JSysDG (Java System Dependency Graph).
Should de Winter T-Wave Electrocardiography Pattern Be Treated as ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Equivalent with Consequent Reperfusion? A Dilemmatic Experience in Rural Area of Indonesia
Authors: Pranata Raymond , Huang Ian , Damay Vito
Published: March 2018

Background. Although de Winter T-wave electrocardiography pattern is rare, it signifies proximal left anterior descending artery occlusion and is often unrecognized by physicians. The aim of this case report was to highlight the dilemma in the management of a patient with de Winter T-wave pattern in the hospital without interventional cardiology facility. Case Presentation. A 65-year-old male presented with typical chest pain since 2 hours before admission, and ECG showed sinus rhythm of 57 bpm and >1 mm upsloping ST depression with symmetric tall T in lead V2-3 characteristic of de Winter T-wave ECG pattern. He was given dual antiplatelet therapy, nitrate, statin, and anticoagulant. He refused referral to interventional cardiology available hospital. 3 hours after admission, the electrocardiography transformed into Q-waves consistent with final stages of acute STEMI and ST-segment elevation that barely meets the threshold in the guideline, and thrombolytic was administered and successful. There is a suggestion that de Winter T-wave electrocardiography should be treated as ST-segment myocardial infarction equivalent and should undergo coronary angiography; however, not every hospital has the luxury of interventional cardiology facility. The other modality for reperfusion is thrombolysis; however, without a clear guideline and scarcity of study, we prefer to resort to conservative treatment. “Fortunately,” transformation into ST-segment elevation helps us to determine the course of action which is reperfusion using thrombolytic. Conclusions. de Winter T-wave ECG pattern is not mentioned in any guidelines regarding acute coronary syndromes, and there are no clear recommendations. Physicians in rural area without interventional cardiology facility face a dilemma with the lack of evidence-based guideline. Fibrinolytic may be appropriate in those without contraindications with strong chest pain consistent with acute coronary occlusion, less than 3 hours of symptoms, and convincing de Winter T-wave ECG pattern for a rural non-PCI hospital far away from PCI capable hospital.
Sjögren Syndrome Complicated with Cystic Lung Disease and Pulmonary Amyloidosis
Authors: Takahashi Koichiro , Sadamatsu Hironori , Ogusu Shinsuke , Komiya Kazutoshi , Nakamura Tomomi , Kimura Shinya , Sueoka-Aragane Naoko
Published: March 2018

A 72-year-old Japanese woman was noted to have multiple cystic lung shadows and infiltrates on chest radiography and computed tomography (CT). She complained of dryness of the mouth and eyes, but she did not have respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sputum production, and dyspnea. Her laboratory findings showed high titers of anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibodies. Surgical lung biopsy was performed and demonstrated pathologic findings of amyloid light-chain deposition and bronchiolitis with lymphocytic infiltration. Taken altogether, she was diagnosed as Sjögren syndrome with bronchiolitis and pulmonary amyloidosis. Since then, she has been carefully followed up without treatment. After 6 years, the cystic lung lesions on CT gradually enlarged and increased in number, but she remained to have no respiratory symptoms and no manifestations of lymphoma. Here, we report a rare case of Sjögren syndrome complicated with cystic lung disease and pulmonary amyloidosis.
Cor Triatriatum Sinister: An Unusual Cause of Atrial Fibrillation in Adults
Authors: Hayes Christopher , Liu Shuangbo , Tam James W. , Kass Malek
Published: March 2018

Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart defect that is associated with an increased risk for developing atrial fibrillation. We report a case of a healthy 38-year-old man who presented in decompensated heart failure and atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) demonstrated severe biventricular dysfunction and dilatation in addition to cor triatriatum sinister. He was diuresed with resolution of his symptoms and spontaneously converted back to sinus rhythm. There is limited evidence in the literature surrounding anticoagulation and associated left ventricular dysfunction in the setting of cor triatriatum which posed difficult therapeutic decisions.
Tumor-Derived GM-CSF Promotes Granulocyte Immunosuppression in Mesothelioma Patients
Authors: Khanna Swati , Graef Suzanne , Mussai Francis , Thomas Anish , Wali Neha , Yenidunya Bahar Guliz , Yuan Constance , Morrow Betsy , Zhang Jingli , Korangy Firouzeh , Greten Tim F. , Steinberg Seth M. , Stetler-Stevenson Maryalice , Middleton Gary , De Santo Carmela , Hassan Raffit
Published: March 2018

Purpose: The cross-talk between tumor cells, myeloid cells, and T cells can play a critical role in tumor pathogenesis and response to immunotherapies. Although the etiology of mesothelioma is well understood, the impact of mesothelioma tumor cells on the surrounding immune microenvironment is less well studied. In this study, the effect of the mesothelioma tumor microenvironment on circulating and infiltrating granulocytes and T cells is investigated.

Experimental Design: Tumor tissues and peripheral blood from mesothelioma patients were evaluated for presence of granulocytes, which were then tested for their T-cell suppression potential. Different cocultures of granulocytes and/or mesothelioma tumor cells and/or T cells were set up to identify the mechanism of T-cell inhibition.

Results: Analysis of human tumors showed that the mesothelioma microenvironment is enriched in infiltrating granulocytes, which inhibit T-cell proliferation and activation. Characterization of the whole blood at diagnosis identified similar, circulating, immunosuppressive CD11b+CD15+HLADR− granulocytes at increased frequency compared with healthy controls. Culture of healthy-donor granulocytes with human mesothelioma cells showed that GM-CSF upregulates NOX2 expression and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from granulocytes, resulting in T-cell suppression. Immunohistochemistry and transcriptomic analysis revealed that a majority of mesothelioma tumors express GM-CSF and that higher GM-CSF expression correlated with clinical progression. Blockade of GM-CSF with neutralizing antibody, or ROS inhibition, restored T-cell proliferation, suggesting that targeting of GM-CSF could be of therapeutic benefit in these patients.

Conclusions: Our study presents the mechanism behind the cross-talk between mesothelioma tumors and the immune microenvironment and indicates that targeting GM-CSF could be a novel treatment strategy to augment immunotherapy in patients with mesothelioma. Clin Cancer Res; 24(12); 2859–72. ©2018 AACR.
In‐Hospital Outcomes of Dual Loading Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients 75 Years and Older With Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Findings From the CCC‐ACS (Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China‐Acute Coronary Syndrome) Project
Authors: Zhao Guanqi , Zhou Mengge , Ma Changsheng , Huo Yong , Smith Sidney C. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Ge Junbo , Han Yaling , Liu Jing , Hao Yongchen , Liu Jun , Wang Xiao , Taubert Kathryn A. , Morgan Louise , Zhao Dong , Nie Shaoping ,   the CCC‐ACS Investigators
Published: March 2018

Background

Elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (
ACS
) are at high risk for ischemic and bleeding events. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of dual loading antiplatelet therapy for patients 75 years and older undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for ACS.

Methods and Results

The Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China‐
ACS
project was a collaborative study of the American Heart Association and Chinese Society of Cardiology. A total of 5887 patients 75 years and older with
ACS
who had percutaneous coronary intervention and received dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and P2Y
12
inhibitors (clopidogrel or ticagrelor) between November 2014 and June 2017 were enrolled. The primary effectiveness and safety outcomes were in‐hospital major adverse cardiovascular events and major bleeding. Hazard ratios (
HRs
) of in‐hospital outcomes with different loading statuses of antiplatelet therapy were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models with multivariate adjustment. A propensity score–matched analysis was also conducted. Compared with patients receiving a dual nonloading dose, patients taking a dual loading dose had increased risks of both major adverse cardiovascular events (
HR
, 1.66, 95% confidence interval, 1.13–2.44; [
P
=0.010]) and major bleeding (
HR
, 2.34, 95% confidence interval, 1.75–3.13; [
P
<0.001]). Among 3284 propensity score–matched patients, a dual loading dose was associated with a 1.36‐fold risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (HR, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–2.11 [
P
=0.168]) and a 2.08‐fold risk of major bleeding (
HR
, 2.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.47–2.93 [
P
<0.001]).

Conclusions

A dual loading dose of antiplatelet therapy was associated with increased major bleeding risk but not with decreased major adverse cardiovascular events risk among patients 75 years and older undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for ACS in China.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02306616.
Association of Electronic Health Record Use With Quality of Care and Outcomes in Heart Failure: An Analysis of Get With The Guidelines—Heart Failure
Authors: Selvaraj Senthil , Fonarow Gregg C. , Sheng Shubin , Matsouaka Roland A. , DeVore Adam D. , Heidenreich Paul A. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Yancy Clyde W. , Bhatt Deepak L.
Published: March 2018

Background

Adoption of electronic health record (
EHR
) systems has increased significantly across the nation. Whether
EHR
use has translated into improved quality of care and outcomes in heart failure (
HF
) is not well studied.

Methods and Results

We examined participants from the Get With The Guidelines—
HF
registry who were admitted with
HF
in 2008 (N=21 222), using various degrees of
EHR
implementation (no
EHR
, partial
EHR
, and full
EHR
). We performed multivariable logistic regression to determine the relation between
EHR
status and several in‐hospital quality metrics and outcomes. In a substudy of Medicare participants (N=8421), we assessed the relation between
EHR
status and rates of 30‐day mortality, readmission, and a composite outcome. In the cohort, the mean age was 71±15 years, 49% were women, and 64% were white. The mean ejection fraction was 39±17%. Participants were admitted to hospitals with no
EHR
(N=1484), partial
EHR
(N=13 473), and full
EHR
(N=6265). There was no association between
EHR
status and several quality metrics (aside from β blocker at discharge) or in‐hospital outcomes on multivariable adjusted logistic regression (
P
>0.05 for all comparisons). In the Medicare cohort, there was no association between
EHR
status and 30‐day mortality, readmission, or the combined outcome.

Conclusions

In a large registry of hospitalized patients with HF, there was no association between degrees of
EHR
implementation and several quality metrics and 30‐day postdischarge death or readmission. Our results suggest that
EHR
may not be sufficient to improve
HF
quality or related outcomes.
Association of Left Atrial Function Index with Atrial Fibrillation and Cardiovascular Disease: The Framingham Offspring Study
Authors: Sardana Mayank , Lessard Darleen , Tsao Connie W. , Parikh Nisha I. , Barton Bruce A. , Nah Gregory , Thomas Randell C. , Cheng Susan , Schiller Nelson B. , Aragam Jayashri R. , Mitchell Gary F. , Vaze Aditya , Benjamin Emelia J. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , McManus David D.
Published: March 2018

Background

Left atrial (
LA
) size, a marker of atrial structural remodeling, is associated with increased risk for atrial fibrillation (
AF
) and cardiovascular disease (
CVD
).
LA
function may also relate to
AF
and
CVD
, irrespective of
LA
structure. We tested the hypothesis that
LA
function index (
LAFI
), an echocardiographic index of
LA
structure and function, may better characterize adverse
LA
remodeling and predict incident
AF
and
CVD
than existing measures.

Methods and Results

In 1786 Framingham Offspring Study eighth examination participants (mean age, 66±9 years; 53% women), we related
LA
diameter and
LAFI
(derived from the
LA
emptying fraction, left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral, and indexed maximal
LA
volume) to incidence of
AF
and
CVD
on follow‐up. Over a median follow‐up of 8.3 years (range, 7.5–9.1 years), 145 participants developed
AF
and 139 developed
CVD
. Mean
LAFI
was 34.5±12.7. In adjusted Cox regression models, lower
LAFI
was associated with higher risk of incident
AF
(hazard ratio=3.83, 95% confidence interval=2.23–6.59, lowest [Q1] compared with highest [Q4]
LAFI
quartile) and over 2‐fold higher risk of incident
CVD
(hazard ratio=2.20, 95% confidence interval=1.32–3.68, Q1 versus Q4). Addition of
LAFI
, indexed maximum
LA
volume, or
LA
diameter to prediction models for
AF
or
CVD
did not significantly improve model discrimination for either outcome.

Conclusions

In our prospective investigation of a moderate‐sized community‐based sample,
LAFI
, a composite measure of
LA
size and function, was associated with incident
AF
and
CVD
. Addition of
LAFI
to the risk prediction models for
AF
or
CVD
, however, did not significantly improve their performance.
The importance of early life experiences for the development of behavioural disorders in domestic dogs
Authors: Dietz Lisa , Arnold Anne-Marie K. , Goerlich-Jansson Vivian C. , Vinke Claudia M.
Published: March 2018

Behavioural disorders are a major reason for euthanasia and sheltering of pet dogs. The prevention and treatment of behavioural disorders requires a better understanding of the underlying causes. Early life experiences, such as maternal care, attachment and socialisation, have long lasting and serious consequences for the behavioural and physiological development of an individual. The complex interplay between these factors is likely to have consequences for the future dog-owner bond and the vulnerability to develop behavioural disorders. Here, we summarise the current literature on the interactions between maternal care, attachment formation, and the sensitive socialisation period and their potential consequences on adult dog behaviour. Based on the findings we highlight gaps in knowledge and provide suggestions for future research which are necessary to formulate recommendations for pet dog breeding and socialisation.
A Missed Encounter
Authors: Lučin Bratislav
Published: March 2018

The paper gives an account of the relation between the Croatian humanist Franciscus Tranquillus Andronicus Parthenius and Desiderius Erasmus. The main source is Erasmus’ letter to Tranquillus of 28 June 1519; another document is Erasmus’ Convivium poeticum, first printed in 1523, in which a character named Parthenius appears. An analysis of Erasmus’ letter and of the context in which it was written reveals that Tranquillus’ visit to Louvain happened at a very inconvenient time for Erasmus, especially because he had to carefully deal with the conservative theologians, who were trying to extinguish the recently established Collegium Trilingue in Louvain. As for the identity of Parthenius in the Convivium poeticum, a new hint is given for his identification with Tranquillus.
Which Praise of Folly Did the Spanish Censors Read?
Authors: Ledo Jorge
Published: March 2018

The discovery and subsequent edition of the only known sixteenth-century Spanish translation of The Praise of Folly (which should now be dated ca. 1532–1535) put into question the notion that Erasmus was almost exclusively received as a doctrinal author in sixteenth-century Spain. To bolster this argument, these pages examine the 1536 Spanish translation of Alberto Pio’s Tres et viginti libri locos lucubrationum variarum D. Erasmi Roterodami. Though this translation was not unknown to scholars, none realized that book IV, part 1 included a partial translation, paraphrase, and commentary of the Praise of Folly. Once recognized, this translation allows us more accurately to date the Moria de Erasmo and in turn demands an explanation of why Pio’s lengthy text was translated into Spanish. Moreover, this material helps to explain what texts the Spanish censors had in mind when referring to the “Moria of Erasmus in romance, Latin, and any other language.”
Analytical evidence to show letters impregnated with novel psychoactive substances are a means of getting drugs to inmates within the UK prison service
Authors: Ford Loretta T , Berg Jonathan D
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Novel psychotropic substances also known as legal highs are a major concern in UK prisons, fuelling violence and putting a strain on resources for inmates requiring medical treatment for adverse effects. We provide a clinical toxicology service including routine screening for novel psychoactive substances. In 2015, we were approached by Her Majesty Prison Service search dog training team to advise on which novel psychoactive substances to target, and again in 2016 to further provide analytical support to test five letters which the dogs positively identified for novel psychotropic substances during routine searches of prison mail rooms. Here we provide the first analytical confirmation that letters sent to inmates are being used to smuggle novel psychotropic substances into UK prisons.

Results

Novel psychotropic substances were detected on all five letters and these included the stimulants ethylphenidate, methiopropamine and methoxiphenidaine, the sedative etizolam and the third generation synthetic cannabinoids 5F-AKB-48, AB-FUBINACA, MDMB-CHMICA. Other compounds detected include the class A drug cocaine, class B drug methylphenidate and the cutting agents lignocaine, benzocaine and procaine.

Conclusion

Novel psychotropic substances smuggled into UK prisons is a major safety and security concern. By analytically confirming letters sent to inmates do contain novel psychotropic substances, we have produced categorical evidence to support anecdotal suggestions that novel psychotropic substances are entering UK prisons in this manner.
Bernari o della non-omologazione
Authors: Ragni Eugenio
Published: March 2018

Per l’opera di Carlo Bernari sono state coniate alcune definizioni che con felici metafore rappresentano l’attività dell’autore di Tre operai. Tra quelle che meglio convengono al suo primo romanzo, “incunabolo del neorealismo” è la più usata; meno comune, ma decisamente più inerente alla realtà dei fatti, è quella che fa riferimento alla costante, mai placata attività correttoria esercitata dall’autore fin dalle sue prime prove narrative. Per Tre operai in particolare, seguirne la genesi vuol dire entrare nella cosiddetta “officina dell’autore”, misurarne la lucidità nel togliere, nel modificare, nell’aggiungere, puntando alla massima chiarezza di una diagnosi storica e alla stretta osmosi fra verità documentale e “finzione” letteraria. Il saggio intende evidenziare le due componenti della scrittura di Bernari: l’elaborazione della realtà come rappresentazione del mondo e lo sperimentalismo stilistico ante litteram che ha portato lo scrittore non solo ad anticipare le tendenze stilistiche del secondo Novecento, a partire ovviamente dal neorealismo fino a toccare sperimentazioni neoavanguardiste, ma soprattutto, analizzando il presente, a presentire e diagnosticare crisi socio-ideologiche ancora aurorali. Nel primo caso, per valutare i meccanismi e la praxis dello scrittore, viene sviluppata l’analisi del passaggio e della trasformazione del proto-romanzo Gli stracci (1928–1930) nella versione finale di Tre operai pubblicata nel 1934, che anticipa di un decennio forme e contenuti neorealisti promossi da istanze ed esperienze del giovane scrittore nell’ambito di certe letture impegnate, in quello delle arti visive, il cinema in particolare, o a contatto, diretto o mediato, con i grandi movimenti culturali del primo Novecento. Ma se il romanzo d’esordio getta le basi di un genere che maturerà dieci anni dopo—il neorealismo—si vuole qui dimostrare il permanere nella copiosa e apparentemente versicolore produzione del sessantennio successivo di una coerenza di metodo, sottesa e perciò non sempre còlta dalla critica, e di una costante sollecitazione a percorrere nuove strade formali e ad affrontare problematiche diverse, sempre rispettando con rigore i diversi aspetti delle realtà in atto.
Domenico Rea in Brasile: viaggio picaresco di un emigrante scrittore
Authors: Martelli Sebastiano
Published: March 2018

Nel 1948, pochi mesi dopo la pubblicazione di Spaccanapoli, il suo primo libro di racconti che aveva avuto una buona accoglienza da parte della critica, Rea decide improvvisamente di partire per il Brasile. Un viaggio motivato da insoddisfazione esistenziale, desiderio di avventura e necessità economiche che confluiscono in un’esperienza picaresca di emigrante scrittore, raccontata in diversi articoli pubblicati su quotidiani italiani e brasiliani. Il recupero di questi materiali consente di analizzare il peculiare sguardo con cui lo scrittore racconta la realtà brasiliana delle città (San Paolo, Rio, Campinas) a fronte di quella napoletana dell’ interregno rappresentata nei suoi racconti. L’avventura brasiliana di Rea durerà pochi mesi, ma è possibile trovarne tracce in racconti successivi, in particolare in Quel che vide Cummeo; soprattutto segnerà il primo tempo della scrittura giornalistica, che occuperà uno spazio determinante in tutta la sua carriera.
Supporting LGBTIQ+ students in higher education in Australia: Diversity, inclusion and visibility
Authors: Waling Andrea , Roffee James A
Published: March 2018

Objective:

Using student narratives of experiences of exclusion and non-inclusion at university, this paper builds an evidence base for, and explores ways in which universities can respond to, the contemporary concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, intersex and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ+) undergraduate students.

Design:

Qualitative exploratory study of undergraduate students who identify as LGBTIQ+ regarding their experiences of exclusion and non-inclusion at university.

Setting:

Large metropolitan university in Australia.

Methods:

Sixteen semi-formal interviews with undergraduate students who identify as LGBTIQ+ attending a large Australian university. Data were analysed using phenomenological analysis.

Results:

Students indicated university-level gaps in service provision and failures to support them in their attempts to access, or create opportunities to access, information regarding sexual and mental health and improve inclusion. They also indicated the importance of queer visibility and its impact in creating a positive experience for LGBTIQ+ members of a campus community.

Conclusions:

Universities should be aware of the need for formalised diversity and inclusion programmes to tackle contemporary experiences of exclusion. Universities can harness and support student initiatives to better serve the LGBTIQ+ campus community, responding to gaps in knowledge, resources and service needs. These gaps include resources and information regarding sexual health, the provision of gender-neutral toilets and other facilities, and support for peer-led programmes to enhance inclusion. Universities should help increase the visibility of a diverse queer presence on campus to help prevent experiences of exclusion.
Childhood Disadvantage, Social and Psychological Stress, and Substance Use Among Homeless Youth
Authors: Tyler Kimberly A. , Schmitz Rachel M.
Published: March 2018

We used a life stress framework to examine linkages between distal or primary stressors (e.g., child abuse) and proximal or secondary stressors (e.g., street victimization) and their association with substance use among 150 youth experiencing homelessness in the Midwestern United States. Results revealed that numerous primary stressors such as number of times youth ran from home and number of foster care placements were associated with secondary stressors, such as anxiety, total duration of homelessness, and street victimization. Only street physical victimization (e.g., been beaten up since leaving home) was associated with greater substance use. Our findings provide a more holistic picture of both distal and proximal life stressors that these young people experience and reveal the complexity of issues that service providers must acknowledge when working with this population.
“Reconstructing the Jehus”: How the Telegraph Tamed “the Hack Nuisance” in San Francisco
Authors: Anderson Donald N.
Published: March 2018

In the late 1870s, the American District Telegraph (ADT) in San Francisco introduced an intra-urban telegraph network, marketed to businesses and upper-class homes. Subscribers, needing no knowledge of telegraphy, used dial-to-order preset services, such as messengers, police, and coal delivery. One of the service’s most noted innovations was the ability to summon hired carriages through the call box. To provide hack service through its network, the ADT bought up many of the city’s carriages and consolidated them into the United Carriage Company (UCC), one of the first dispatch-oriented cab fleets anywhere. By controlling cab dispatch, the UCC also promised to reform the unruly occupation of hackdrivers. Although the telegraph box was soon supplanted by the telephone, it had put in motion a reorganization of the city’s cab industry, which quickly became intricated with the politics of class and control in public space.
Exploring personality and musical self-perceptions among vocalists and instrumentalists at music colleges
Authors: Sandgren Maria
Published: March 2018

The aim was to investigate whether vocalists and instrumentalists ( N = 108) would differ in personality traits, such as the Big five dimensions, competence-based self-esteem, and musical self-perceptions. The design involved both global and domain-specific features to more closely map similarities and differences between the groups. Results indicated that vocalists reported significantly higher levels of extraversion, agreeableness, and openness than the control group ( p < .01–.05) but not musicians. The musical self-perceptions were explored using a qualitative method by asking the students to, in their own words, describe aspects of two categories of musical self-perceptions. For self-perceptions related to musical development, goal-orientation, personality, and expressivity were of most importance for both vocalists and instrumentalists, although personality ranked first among vocalists and third for instrumentalists. For self-perceptions related to musical expression in a performance, vocalists assigned most value to timbre, emotions, and musical ideas, whereas instrumentalists indicated dynamics, musical ideas, and timbre. In sum, global and objective measurements failed to discriminate well between vocalists and instrumentalists, whereas the qualitative study aimed at tapping domain-specific features was successful in embracing a large variety of musically related items and to differentiate between vocalists and instrumentalists.
Threat Bias and Emotion Recognition in Victims of IPV
Authors: Clauss Kate , Clements Caroline
Published: March 2018

Although there is growing evidence of the association between threat bias and psychopathology in many trauma-exposed populations, there are few studies with intimate partner violence (IPV) victims. The present study assessed threat bias in IPV victims. It also examined potential differences in facial recognition ability between victims and nonvictims. Participants were 153 female college students currently in a dating relationship. Participants completed demographic and abuse severity measures. They then completed a dot-probe task to assess threat bias, and a facial expression recognition task to assess speed and accuracy of recognition. Approximately 32% of the students sampled were currently in a physically abusive relationship. Results indicated that IPV victims had a bias toward fearful faces, and showed worse recognition of happy faces than nonvictims. These data suggest that the psychological impact of threat bias might vary temporally. Vigilance during threat may serve as a protective mechanism, whereas postthreat vigilance might be associated with psychopathology. Researchers should carefully consider the presence of threat bias in victim samples and include other victim groups in future assessments of threat bias. It will be important to test these relationships in other IPV victim samples, such as help-seeking victims and other community living victims.
A Qualitative Study of a Compassion, Presence, and Resilience Training for Oncology Interprofessional Teams
Authors: Nissim Rinat , Malfitano Carmine , Coleman Mark , Rodin Gary , Elliott Mary
Published: March 2018

The well-being of health care providers may be challenged by their work, with evidence that oncology health care providers are a high-risk group for burnout. The present qualitative pilot study evaluated a mindfulness-based group intervention, referred to as Compassion, Presence, and Resilience Training (CPR-T), for oncology interprofessional teams. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the subjective experience of oncology health care providers receiving CPR-T and their perceptions of its benefits, risks, or challenges. The CPR-T was delivered to providers from two oncology teams in a large cancer center in Canada. Ten of these providers participated in semistructured interviews 1 to 5 months after completing the CPR-T. The interview transcripts were coded using a thematic analysis strategy. Five benefits of the CPR-T were identified: learning to pause, acquiring a working definition of stress and self-care, becoming fully present, building self-compassion, and receiving organizational acknowledgment and recognition of stress. In addition, two participant-identified challenges were recognized: sharing vulnerability within interprofessional teams and committing to a sitting meditation practice. These findings demonstrate positive transformations as a result of the CPR-T, as well as important challenges, and have important implications for holistic health care practice in oncology. Further research is necessary to validate the findings of this explorative study.
Holocene environmental changes and human activity at the Jijitan site in the Nihewan Basin, China
Authors: Lu Jingyao , Xu Qinghai , Liu Yao , Hu Ya’nan , Li Manyue , Zhang Shengrui
Published: March 2018

Knowledge of the relationship between human activities and environmental changes during the Holocene is important for understanding the survival and development of prehistoric humans. Using AMS 14C dating and pollen and charcoal analysis, we reconstructed the history of environmental changes and human activity during the Holocene at the Jijitan site in the Nihewan Basin. During 13,000–7500 cal. yr BP, the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) gradually intensified and precipitation increased, the vegetation changed from temperate grassland to wooded grassland and human activity remained at a low intensity. During 7500–5500 cal. yr BP, the EASM reached peak level, and the climate was warm and humid interval, and human activity intensified substantially. Within this interval, from 6600 to 6000 cal. yr BP, the forests were burned to increase the area of farmland. After 5500 cal. yr BP, the forest cover continued to gradually decrease due to the combined influences of the weakening EASM and increasing human activity. Comparison with regional climate records shows that the optimum period of forest development in northern China was approximately 8000–5000 cal. yr BP, indicating that the EASM reached a peak level in the mid-Holocene, which we suggest may have been due to the reduced influence of the high northern-latitude ice sheets and rising global sea level, rather than in the early Holocene.
A comparison of manual counting of rabbit reticulocytes with ADVIA 2120i analyzer counting
Authors: Kaufhold Annemarie E. , Hirschberger Johannes , Reese Sven , Foerster Gesine , Hein Jutta
Published: March 2018

We compared manual counting of reticulocytes in rabbits with automatic counting using an ADVIA 2120i analyzer. Reproducibility and the influence of different anticoagulants (EDTA and Li-heparin) were also examined. Blood samples of 331 rabbits (method comparison, n = 289; reproducibility, n = 33; comparison of anticoagulants, n = 9) were tested. The reticulocyte numbers of each specimen were manually determined twice for method comparison. Passing–Bablok regressions, Bland–Altman plots, and the coefficient of variation (CV) were used to evaluate statistical significance. Good correlation (rs = 0.81) was observed between manual reticulocyte counting (groups 1–4) and the ADVIA 2120i. Quantification with the ADVIA 2120i was reproducible for relative reticulocyte numbers (EDTA, CV = 4.24%; Li-heparin, CV = 3.63%) and absolute reticulocyte numbers (EDTA, CV = 5.64%; Li-heparin, CV = 3.81%). The absolute and relative reticulocyte numbers were significantly higher in Li-heparin samples than in EDTA samples (absolute, p = 0.009; relative, p = 0.016). The ADVIA 2120i is suitable for counting reticulocytes in rabbit blood samples, but reticulocyte numbers are higher by manual counting than by ADVIA 2120i counting. Therefore, microscopic confirmation of quantifications is recommended when high numbers of reticulocytes are observed. The anticoagulant of choice is EDTA.
Quality improvement of spreadable processed cheese made from ultrafiltered milk retentates using commercial starter cultures
Authors: El-Garhi Hosam-Eddin M , El-Aidie Safaa AM , Rashid Norizzah A , Hayee Zaibunnisa A
Published: March 2018

This study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of using commercial starter cultures for quality improvement of spreadable processed cheese manufactured from ultrafiltered milk retentates. Compared to control, six samples of ultrafiltered milk retentate were incubated at 25 ℃ with starter cultures CHN-22, FRC-60, and ABT-8. Three samples were incubated for 24 h and the others were incubated for 72 h. Physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic characteristics in all treatments during the 90-day cold storage (6 ± 2 ℃) period were determined. The results showed that protein content of all treatments was significantly lower than the control. Utilization of starter cultures in ultrafiltered processed cheese production increased titratable acidity, where titratable acidity of the treatments (PC22-3, PC60-3, and PC8-3) was significantly higher than the other treatments and the control. PC8-1, PC60-1, and PC22-1 treatments were the highest penetrometer readings and with low firmness. All treatments had higher water soluble nitrogen/total nitrogen%, total bacterial viable and lactic acid bacterial counts especially PC22-3, PC60-3, and PC8-3 compared to the control. The results revealed that PC60-1 and PC22-3 treatments gained the highest acceptability scores than PC60-3, PC22-1, and the control.
Icelandic inclusion, German hesitation and American fear: A cross-cultural comparison of mental-health stigma and the media
Authors: Manago Bianca , Pescosolido Bernice A , Olafsdottir Sigrun
Published: March 2018

Aims: Quantitative survey research findings reveal that Western countries have lower rates of public stigma surrounding mental illness than other nations. However, qualitative media research across selected Western countries reports differences in stigmatising messages. Here, we take an in-depth look at country-level data exploring both similarities and differences in this stigma across three countries. Specifically, we use previous findings on global differences in public stigma and media to examine whether there is a correspondence between themes in newspaper reporting and variations in attitudes across seven stigma dimensions. Methods: The Stigma in Global Context – Mental Health Study provides nationally representative data from Iceland ( N=1033; response rate=71%), Germany ( N=1255; response rate=63.16%) and the USA ( N=1425; response rate=67.31%). We limit analyses to respondents who received a vignette describing an individual meeting clinical criterion for schizophrenia or depression. Exploratory data analyses are used to examine overall patterns and cross-national differences. Results: Graphical analyses show patterned similarities, especially for more individuals endorsing social distance as contact becomes more intimate. However, results also corroborate cross-national differences documented in media research. More Americans endorse evaluations of dangerousness, to both self and others. Fewer Icelanders report exclusionary tendencies, whilst Germans report the most consistently moderate levels of stigma. Conclusions: While Western nations tend to report similar, lower levels of stigma globally, they each have unique areas of concern. Anti-stigma programs must take note of both similarities and differences to tailor their efforts to the local context.
Measuring program fidelity in case management for high risk families. Validation of the Functional Family Parole-Global Rating Measure
Authors: Busschers Inge , Boendermaker Leonieke , Dinkgreve Marc , Stams Geert Jan
Published: March 2018

Program fidelity instruments are a key ingredient for clinical supervision and implementation as well as effectiveness studies. This study examines the factor structure of the Functional Family Parole services Global Rating Measure (FFP-GRM); the program fidelity instrument of Functional Family Parole services for case management in youth parole, child protection and child welfare services. Between October 2012 and February 2015, program fidelity was measured with the FFP-GRM by Functional Family Parole supervisors. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on 380 cases and internal consistency reliability coefficients were calculated.

Findings

Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the 33-item and four-factor model of the FFP-GRM achieved a good fit to the data. Internal validity testing results showed that subscale Cronbach’s α ranged between .82 and .90.

Applications

Findings affirm a good fit to the data and a good-to-excellent internal consistency of the FFP-GRM, which is considered sufficient to justify its use. The results are discussed with regard to the use of fidelity instruments for both clinical and research purposes.