bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimalarial-induced Cardiomyopathy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: As Rare as Considered?
Authors: Tselios Konstantinos , Deeb Mery , Gladman Dafna D. , Harvey Paula , Akhtari Shadi , Mak Susanna , Butany Jagdish , Urowitz Murray B.
Published: October 2018

Objective.

Antimalarials (AM) are recommended for all systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without specific contraindications. Their main adverse effect is retinal damage; however, heart disease has been described in isolated cases. The aim of our study is to describe 8 patients with AM-induced cardiomyopathy (AMIC) in a defined SLE cohort.

Methods.

Patients attending the Toronto Lupus Clinic and diagnosed with definite (based on endomyocardial biopsy; EMB) and possible AMIC were included [based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) and other investigations].

Results.

Eight female patients (median age 62.5 yrs, disease duration 35 yrs, AM use duration 22 yrs) were diagnosed with AMIC in the past 2 years. Diagnosis was based on EMB in 3 (extensive cardiomyocyte vacuolation, intracytoplasmic myelinoid, and curvilinear bodies). In 4 patients, cMRI was highly suggestive of AMIC (ventricular hypertrophy and/or atrial enlargement and late gadolinium enhancement in a nonvascular pattern). Another patient was diagnosed with complete atrioventricular block, left ventricular and septal hypertrophy, along with concomitant ocular toxicity. All patients had abnormal cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), whereas 7/8 also had chronically elevated creatine phosphokinase. During followup, 1 patient died from refractory heart failure. In the remaining patients, hypertrophy regression and a steady decrease of heart biomarkers were observed after AM cessation.

Conclusion.

Once considered extremely rare, AMIC seems to be underrecognized, probably because of the false attribution of heart failure or hypertrophy to other causes. Certain biomarkers (cTnI, BNP) and imaging findings may lead to early diagnosis and enhance survival.
Patients Discharged to Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities Undergo More Diagnostic Interventions With No Improvement in Outcomes
Authors: White Peter B. , Carli Alberto V. , Meftah Morteza , Ghazi Narges , Alexiades Michael M. , Windsor Russell E. , Ranawat Amar S.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the number of diagnostic tests and interventions, pain and function scores, or satisfaction of patients discharged to inpatient rehabilitation facilities vs to home. From February to May 2015, 171 consecutive patients were prospectively recruited following primary total knee arthroplasty. Six weeks postoperatively, based on the patients' recollections, the number and types of diagnostic imaging tests, number of blood transfusions, and overall satisfaction whether discharged to inpatient rehabilitation facilities (n=85) or to home (n=86) were assessed. A significantly greater proportion of patients discharged to inpatient rehabilitation facilities reported undergoing at least 1 diagnostic imaging test compared with patients discharged to home (25.9% vs 8.1%;
P
=.013). Multivariate logistic regressions revealed that patients discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility were more likely to have a greater number of diagnostic tests (odds ratio, 5.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.69–14.92;
P
=.004) and radiographs (odds ratio, 16.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.54–169.70;
P
=.020) performed. There was no significant difference in readmission rates for patients discharged to home (2.3%) vs to an inpatient rehabilitation facility (0%) (
P
=.246). No significant differences were observed in postoperative Knee Society pain or function scores (
P
=.083 and
P
=.057, respectively) or visual analog scale satisfaction scores (
P
=.206). Twenty-nine (34.1%) patients were discharged under the care of the visiting nurse service after leaving the rehabilitation facility. Patients discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility underwent more diagnostic testing, especially radiographs, than patients discharged to home. There were no clinically relevant differences in Knee Society pain or function scores or patient satisfaction. [
Orthopedics
. 2018; 41(6):e841–e847.]
The Effect of Psychosensory Therapy on Short-term Outcomes of Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cizmic Zlatan , Edusei Emmanuel , Anoushiravani Afshin A. , Zuckerman Joseph , Ruden Ronald , Schwarzkopf Ran
Published: October 2018

Poor outcomes associated with increased perioperative opioid use have led investigators to seek alternative pain management modalities after total joint arthroplasty. Nonpharmacological approaches, such as electroceuticals, have shown promise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of “havening,” a specific form of psychosensory therapy, on postoperative pain scores and narcotic consumption. In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, the authors compared 19 patients who underwent psychosensory therapy with 22 patients who served as the control group. Visual analog scale scores were collected preoperatively, every day during the hospitalization, and at approximately 1-month follow-up. Narcotic consumption during hospitalization was converted into daily morphine milligram equivalents and compared between the cohorts. In addition, postoperative complications, emergency department visits, and readmissions were compared between the cohorts. No difference in visual analog scale pain scores was reported between cohorts on postoperative day 1 (
P
=.229), at discharge (
P
=.434), or at 1-month follow-up (
P
=.256). Furthermore, there was no significant variance in mean daily morphine milligram equivalents (
P
=.221), length of stay (
P
=.313), postoperative complications (
P
=.255), 90-day readmissions (
P
=.915), and emergency department visits (
P
=.46) between the cohorts. This study showed that psychosensory therapy was not effective in reducing pain or narcotic consumption following total joint arthroplasty. Nonetheless, future studies assessing the role of psychosensory therapeutic interventions among patients after total joint arthroplasty are warranted to better understand the clinical implications of innovative therapies aimed at alleviating pain. [
Orthopedics
. 2018; 41(6):e848–e853.]
Albumin Versus American Society of Anesthesiologists Score: Which Is More Predictive of Complications Following Total Joint Arthroplasty?
Authors: Ryan Sean P. , Politzer Cary , Green Cynthia , Wellman Samuel , Bolognesi Michael , Seyler Thorsten
Published: October 2018

Malnutrition is not uncommon in arthroplasty patients, and hypoalbuminemia has been shown to be predictive of postoperative complications. The authors sought to compare albumin concentration with a global assessment of physical health, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, to further discriminate the importance of albumin in predicting postoperative complications. A cohort of 128,412 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were identified from 2005 to 2015 through use of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients were divided based on surgery performed, albumin concentration (with <3.5 g/dL defining hypoalbuminemia), and ASA score (≤2 vs >2). Postoperative complications were evaluated through multivariable regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and current smoking status. The study population included 48,751 THA and 79,661 TKA patients. On multivariable analyses, both hypoalbuminemia and ASA score were significant (
P
<.05) predictors of complications such as death, superficial infection, pneumonia, renal insufficiency, reintubation, transfusion, readmission, and reoperation. Furthermore, hypoalbuminemia more robustly predicted deep infection for THA patients, as well as superficial infection for TKA patients. American Society of Anesthesiologists score was otherwise predictive of more postoperative complications than hypoalbuminemia within the TKA group and provided similar predictability within the THA group. Albumin is associated with complications following THA and TKA, and if used in conjunction with ASA score, albumin contributes to enhanced risk stratification. The authors recommend that a preoperative albumin concentration be obtained and efforts made to modify this risk factor prior to elective arthroplasty. [
Orthopedics
. 2018; 41(6):354–362.]
Treatment of Patella Fractures
Authors: Henrichsen Jacob L. , Wilhem Spencer K. , Siljander Matthew P. , Kalma Jeremy J. , Karadsheh Mark S.
Published: October 2018

Patella fractures comprise 1% of all fractures. Treatment options vary based on fracture displacement, classification, and patient factors. Traditionally, nonoperative treatment has been reserved for nondisplaced fractures. Many operative treatments are available with differing indications and levels of success. Tension band constructs have been the most commonly employed approach to fixation, with cerclage wiring for comminuted fractures. Recently, plate fixation of patella fractures has become more popular. Plating constructs offer a low-profile design with stable fixation, allowing for earlier mobilization and potentially improved functional outcomes. Data regarding the long-term outcomes of plating techniques are limited, and further studies are needed. [
Orthopedics
. 2018; 41(6):e747–e755.]
Integrated Manufacturing System for Complex Geometries
Authors: Zindani Divya , Kumar Kaushik
Published: October 2018

The chapter proposes an integrated manufacturing system consisting of three main components: digital prototyping, physical prototyping, and lost core technology. The integrated system combines the beneficial aspects of computer-aided design, computer-aided engineering, rapid prototyping, and rapid tooling. The proposed integrated system is an attempt to compress the product development time while saving cost. The system can be efficient in designing of mold, parts with complex ducts and cavities, and carrying out design analysis through optimization and simulations. The system is therefore an attempt to minimize the waste of material that occurs in the development of a product and is therefore an efficient green technology for the manufacturing industries.
Kinematic Modelling and Simulation of 8 Degrees of Freedom SCARA Robot
Authors: M. Saravana Mohan , V. Anbumalar
Published: October 2018

Robots are electromechanical systems that need mechatronic approach before manufacturing to reduce the development cost. In this chapter, the modelling of the 8 degrees of freedom (DOF) SCARA robot with a multiple gripper using SolidWorks CAD software and the dynamic study with the aid of MATLAB/SimMechanics is presented. The SCARA with multiple gripper is used for pick and place operation in manufacturing industries. The SolidWorks CAD model of SCARA with multiple grippers is converted into SimMechanics block diagram by exporting the 3D CAD model to the MATLAB/SimMechanics second generation technology environment. The motion sensing capability of the SimMechanics is used for determining the dynamic parameters of the manipulators. The SimMechanics block diagrams and the results of the dynamic study presented in this chapter infer that the structure of the robot can be changed to get the required dynamic parameters.
Multi-Perspective Eco-Efficiency Assessment to Foster Sustainability in Plastic Parts Production
Authors: Lourenço Emanuel João , Moita Nuno , Esteves Sílvia , Peças Paulo , Ribeiro Inês Inês , Pereira João Paulo , Oliveira Luís Miguel
Published: October 2018

The eco-efficiency assessment is a powerful metric to introduce two components of sustainability assessment in the industrial companies' decisions making: the concurrent consideration of economic and environmental performance. The application of the eco-efficiency concept and of the normative documents is not an easy task, mainly because there are myriad environmental related indicator to consider and acquire. This barrier is higher in the realm of plastic injection molding, where each mold is unique, requiring a recurrent effort of data retrieving for such one-of-a-kind molds. To overcome this barrier, an integrated framework to support the eco-efficiency calculation on a life cycle perspective for a specific type of products, injection molds, is proposed in this chapter. It retrieves a small but representative selected set of eco-efficiency performance indicators. A tool was developed to apply the proposed framework and the results of its application to four real industrial case studies is discussed.
Effective Utilization of Industrial Wastes for Preparing Polymer Matrix Composites
Authors: Arumugaprabu Veerasimman , R. Deepak Joel Johnson , R. Pragatheeswaran
Published: October 2018

The present industry scenario focuses on green manufacturing, in terms of effective reuse and recycling of the industrial wastes generated in enormous amount while preparing the product. The wastes also act as a threat to the society by causing various kinds of pollution. Therefore, the proper safe disposal of the same is a very critical factor. Most of the industries struggled with the enormous disposal of these wastes and finding ways for reuse and disposal. In this chapter, one such way of reuse of these wastes for making composite product is explored. Industrial wastes such as flyash and ricehusk used as fillers of varying weight percentages, 6%, 8%, 30%, 40%, and 50%, wt%, respectively, are reinforced with matrix. The prepared composites were subjected to flexural studies to know the load withstand ability. Results show that the incorporation of both fly ash and rice husk industrial wastes as filler into the polymer matrix increases the flexural strength. In addition, a low-cost product with high strength and good performance is obtained by adding this waste.
Addressing Research Ethics in Clinical Trials in Four of the Former Communist European Countries
Authors: Macarie George Florian , Tebeanu Ana Voichita
Published: October 2018

This chapter considers the problematic of ethics in clinical research in the countries that are new in terms of implementation or building an adequate structure. The chapter intends to assess the extent to which the clinical trials performed in four former communist East-European countries considered the ethical norms into their research procedures. A framework of existing literature on ethics in clinical research, along with the regional context, is discussed in the next section. The methods section includes the instruments, sources, and procedures for data collection. The data analysis procedures and structure are further explained and grounded relative to the study main purpose. The next section includes the facts and figures on the presence of ethical requirements in clinical trials in the specific political and cultural background in a number of former European communist countries. Finally, a number of suggestions and recommendation are also discussed.
Ethical Issues in Couple and Family Research and Therapy
Authors: Turliuc Maria Nicoleta , Candel Octav Sorin
Published: October 2018

In couple and family research and therapy, the perspective changes from the individual to the dyad or group. As such, professionals in this field discuss some new ethical dilemmas that are particular to their line of work. While some authors present problems such as confidentiality and allegiance to only one part of the family system, others address a series of ethical consideration caused by the state of current research. The aim of this chapter is to present an overview of modern research topics such as intimate partner violence, illness, or multiculturalism and their ethical implications and effects on the family functioning, child development, and the research results. Also, the authors want to present the most relevant ways in which professionals can work within such ethical dilemmas without damaging either the outcomes of therapy or research or to cause harm to the participants.
Is There Entrepreneurship Within the Public Sector?
Authors: Pereira Raquel , Ribeiro Maria Clara , Rua Orlando Manuel Martins Marques Lima , Martins Diana
Published: October 2018

Because of its importance as a key factor to economic development, the study of entrepreneurship has been considerably developed in the past decades. Entrepreneurship is broadly diversified, which is associated with, for example, studies in the field of business, social, female, and young entrepreneurship. If, on the one hand, it is a fact that entrepreneurship and its study are mainly associated with the private initiative, there is, on the other hand, a question to be asked: Is there entrepreneurship in the public sector? Though still incipient, the study of entrepreneurship applied to the public sector and the acts of the public managers as entrepreneurs have revealed themselves to be themes with increasing interest. To contribute to a better conceptual understanding of this theme, namely its questions, ideas, and current debate, this work presents some theoretical reflexions and a relevant literature review on entrepreneurship in a public sector context.
Optimized Foundation Design in Geotechnical Engineering
Authors: Bouassida Mounir , Ellouze Souhir , Bouassida Wafy
Published: October 2018

The design of foundations constitutes a major step for each civil engineering structure. Indeed, the stability of those structures relies on cost-effective and adequately designed foundation solutions. To come up with an optimized design of a foundation, the geotechnical study passes several steps: the geotechnical survey including in situ and laboratory tests, the synthesis of geotechnical parameters to be considered for the design, and the suggestion of foundation solution avoiding over estimated cost and ensuring suitable method of execution. In this chapter, the three currently practiced categories of foundation are briefly introduced. Then, two illustrative Tunisian case histories are analyzed to explain, first, when the practiced foundation solution was inadequately chosen how a non-cost-effective solution can be avoided, and second, why an unsuitable foundation solution can lead to the stopping of the structure functioning and then how to proceed for the design of retrofit solution to be executed for restarting the functioning of the structure.
High Performance Computing, Big Data, and Cloud Computing
Authors: González-Sánchez Jose-Luis , Calle-Cancho Jesús , Cortés-Polo David , Jiménez-Gil Luis-Ignacio , López-Rourich Alfonso
Published: October 2018

If the fourth industrial revolution should be the revolution of values, where people, more than ever, are at the center of everything, it may be the technology that gives us the ability to place ourselves in that privileged position. However, there is consensus that the fourth industrial revolution is not defined by a set of emerging technologies in themselves, but by the transition to new systems that are built on the infrastructure of the digital revolution that we have already lived. The speed of the advances experienced in the last decade, along with the scope and impact of these in society, have allowed us to understand that we have reached a new technological revolution. The convergence, that is the real revolution, not only of digital technologies but also physical and biological will allow humanity to face the great challenges that have been marked for decades or centuries.
Organizations of Social Entrepreneurship in Croatia
Authors: Majetić Filip , Rajter Miroslav , Šimleša Dražen
Published: October 2018

This chapter focuses on organizations of social entrepreneurship (SE) in Croatia. It primarily aims to 1) measure the level of their entrepreneurial orientation (EO), and social, economic, and overall performance; 2) explore the relationship between organizational EO and these three types of performance. While the topic represents a heavily investigated research field in the context of commercial entrepreneurship, it hasn't caught much attention among researchers of SE. So far, none of the above-mentioned variables have been empirically investigated within the SE scene in Croatia. The sample included 46 organizations, each represented by one highly ranked executive. The main findings revealed a relatively high level of organizational EO and social, economic, and overall performance, as well as a positive relationship among the variables.
Evolution and Trends in Teaching and Learning of Cyberjournalism
Authors: Flores-Vivar Jesus Miguel
Published: October 2018

This chapter analyzes the formative aspects, trends, and initiatives that some faculties and schools are developing as an experimental part of a new educational ecosystem. It´s proposed to reflect on journalism, fundamentally, as a scientific discipline, whose teaching is endorsed and justified in the universities of world prestige where the realization of applied research of journalistic models with emerging technologies through medialabs is promoted. All this without prejudice to ethical principles, the use and contrast of sources, quality in writing and illustrations, created and produced in digital platforms and multimedia.
Big Data and Official Statistics
Authors: MacFeely Steve
Published: October 2018

Over recent years, the potential of big data for government, for business, for society has excited much comment, debate, and even evangelism. But are big data really the panacea to all our data problems or is this just hype and hubris? This is the question facing official statisticians: Are big data worth the investment of time and resources? While the statistical possibilities appear endless, big data also present enormous challenges and potential pitfalls: legal, ethical, technical, and reputational. This chapter examines the opportunities and challenges presented by big data and also discusses some governance issues arising for official statistics.
Classification Techniques and Data Mining Tools Used in Medical Bioinformatics
Authors: David Satish Kumar , Saeb Amr T. M. , Rafiullah Mohamed , Rubeaan Khalid
Published: October 2018

Increasing volumes of data with the increased availability information mandates the use of data mining techniques in order to gather useful information from the datasets. In this chapter, data mining techniques are described with a special emphasis on classification techniques as one important supervised learning technique. Bioinformatics tools in the field for medical applications especially in medical microbiology are discussed. This chapter presents WEKA software as a tool of choice to perform classification analysis for different kinds of available data. Uses of WEKA data mining tools for biological applications such as genomic analysis and for medical applications such as diabetes are discussed. Data mining offers novel tools for medical applications for infectious diseases; it can help in identifying the pathogen and analyzing the drug resistance pattern. For non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, it provides excellent data analysis options for analyzing large volumes of data from many clinical studies.
Biodiversity Conservation and Unmet Social and Health Needs in the Rural Communities of Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Olufemi Lawal Musediq , Kenneth Irhue Young
Published: October 2018

The establishment that 70% of the world's poor residing in rural areas depends directly on biodiversity for their well-being has ignited the call for sustainable usage of biological resources. Biodiversity conservation has thus become a novel project with noble intention of providing a habitat and protection from hunting for threatened and endangered species and ecological processes that cannot survive in most intensely managed landscapes. Nigeria has created protected areas under the coordination of National Park Services in line with this. As a result, residents of communities surrounding the protected areas could not meet their basic needs like employment, water provision, educational facilities, medical services, energy supply, livestock grazing, and motorable roads. They have subsequently deviated from the extant rules that guide their conducts and by ensuing difficulties see biodiversity conservation as an elitist policy despite their understanding of the idea behind it.
Researching Sustainable Rural Development With Location Quotient Method in Yozgat (2006-2016)
Authors: Ergen Barış , Oğuz Muhammed Özgür
Published: October 2018

This chapter investigates employment structure with regard to sustainable rural development for the NUTS-4 regions. In this research, the Location Quotient (LQ) method was used to provide statistical knowledge on geographical location and clustering. The employment structure is examined under three categories: 1) number of employees contributing to rural production using traditional methods; 2) number of employees in vegetable and animal production, and logging and fishing; and 3) number of employees in the food industry. Of these three areas of interest, the LQ method could not be applied to the first one because of the lack of entrepreneurship and capital accumulation. It was concluded that Sorgun, Çandır and Akdağmadeni were the NUTS-4 regions that contributed to rural production. Clustering was detected in Çayıralan, Aydıncık, Kadışehri and Akdağmadeni NUTS-4 regions that contributed to business activity in vegetable and animal production, and logging and fishing. Clustering in activities in the food industry was detected in Boğazlıyan, Çayıralan, Çandır and Sorgun NUTS-4 regions.
Impact of Water Availability on Rural Development in Nigeria
Authors: Abosede Sinmi
Published: October 2018

Water is essential to life and is at the center of any sustainable development initiative. It is crucial for the economic development of a nation and for the alleviation of poverty and it is important for the livelihood of rural communities. Limited access to water and sanitation services adversely affects an individual's health, limits their access to educational and economic opportunities, and affects their ability to be productive and live full and secure lives. These impacts are more visible in rural poor communities and there is linkage between water availability and issues relating to health, poverty, and food security. This chapter reviews and assesses the current state of the water and sanitation sector in rural areas of Nigeria and analyses the impact of water availability on rural community health and agricultural productivity. The research will be conducted as a desk-top study utilizing information from literature, national and international data sources.
Water Resources Management for Sustainable Development
Authors: Chowdhury Md. Mahfuzar Rahman
Published: October 2018

Global water consumption has increased dramatically with the pace of population growth. Production of food and better standard of living for individuals and nations increase the demand of water. Availability of water in adequate quantity and quality is a necessary condition for sustainable development. Knowledge and understanding of freshwater resources is essential for sustainable development too as it ensures management of renewable natural resources for growth and prosperity. Progress towards sustainable development requires engaging a broad range of actors in government, civil society, and business to assure that water is taken into account in their decision-making process and to promote cooperation across disciplines, sectors, and borders. Water resources, if managed properly, can be realized for sharing of greater benefits to the society. National governments have responsibilities towards their citizens, and therefore, the national governments and the global community need to take action and track progress over a much broader set of water-related challenges.
Rural Development as a Tool of Inclusive Growth Glimpses From India
Authors: Singh Ved Pal
Published: October 2018

India is predominantly an agrarian country. Approximately 69% of India's population lives in villages. Hence, it becomes important that a proportionate amount of attention and funds be spent for the betterment of the rural folk. In spite of their being in majority, they have been lagging behind in the fields of education, civic amenities, medical facilities, and economic wellbeing. So, the government of India realize the need of improvement of condition of rural people. Many programs, schemes, and projects have been started for the betterment/upliftment of the living standards of the residents of these villages.
Differentiation of Langerhans Cells from Monocytes and Their Specific Function in Inducing IL-22–Specific Th Cells
Authors: Otsuka Yohei , Watanabe Eri , Shinya Eiji , Okura Sadayuki , Saeki Hidehisa , Geijtenbeek Teunis B. H. , Takahashi Hidemi
Published: October 2018

Human mucosal tissues and skin contain two distinct types of dendritic cell (DC) subsets, epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) and dermal DCs, which can be distinguished by the expression of C-type lectin receptors, Langerin and DC-SIGN, respectively. Although peripheral blood monocytes differentiate into these distinct subsets, monocyte-derived LCs (moLCs) induced by coculture with GM-CSF, IL-4, and TGF-β1 coexpress both Langerin and DC-SIGN, suggesting that the environmental cues remain unclear. In this study, we show that LC differentiation is TGF-β1 dependent and that cofactors such as IL-4 and TNF-α promote TGF-β1–dependent LC differentiation into Langerin+DC-SIGN− moLCs but continuous exposure to IL-4 blocks differentiation. Steroids such as dexamethasone greatly enhanced TNF-α–induced moLC differentiation and blocked DC-SIGN expression. Consistent with primary LCs, dexamethasone-treated moLCs express CD1a, whereas monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs) express CD1b, CD1c, and CD1d. moDCs but not moLCs produced inflammatory cytokines after stimulation with CD1b and CD1d ligands mycolic acid and α-galactosylceramide, respectively. Strikingly, CD1a triggering with squalene on moLCs but not moDCs induced strong IL-22-producing CD4+ helper T cell responses. As IL-22 is an important cytokine in the maintenance of skin homeostasis, these data suggest that CD1a on LCs is involved in maintaining the immune barrier in the skin.
Differential Activation of Hepatic Invariant NKT Cell Subsets Plays a Key Role in Progression of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Maricic Igor , Marrero Idania , Eguchi Akiko , Nakamura Ryota , Johnson Casey D. , Dasgupta Suryasarathi , Hernandez Carolyn D. , Nguyen Phirum Sam , Swafford Austin D. , Knight Rob , Feldstein Ariel E. , Loomba Rohit , Kumar Vipin
Published: October 2018

Innate immune mechanisms play an important role in inflammatory chronic liver diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of type I or invariant NKT (iNKT) cell subsets in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We used α-galactosylceramide/CD1d tetramers and clonotypic mAb together with intracytoplasmic cytokine staining to analyze iNKT cells in choline-deficient l-amino acid–defined (CDAA)-induced murine NASH model and in human PBMCs, respectively. Cytokine secretion of hepatic iNKT cells in CDAA-fed C57BL/6 mice altered from predominantly IL-17+ to IFN-γ+ and IL-4+ during NASH progression along with the downmodulation of TCR and NK1.1 expression. Importantly, steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis were dependent upon the presence of iNKT cells. Hepatic stellate cell activation and infiltration of neutrophils, Kupffer cells, and CD8+ T cells as well as expression of key proinflammatory and fibrogenic genes were significantly blunted in Jα18−/− mice and in C57BL/6 mice treated with an iNKT-inhibitory RAR-γ agonist. Gut microbial diversity was significantly impacted in Jα18−/− and in CDAA diet–fed mice. An increased frequency of CXCR3+IFN-γ+T-bet+ and IL-17A+ iNKT cells was found in PBMC from NASH patients in comparison with nonalcoholic fatty liver patients or healthy controls. Consistent with their in vivo activation, iNKT cells from NASH patients remained hyporesponsive to ex-vivo stimulation with α-galactosylceramide. Accumulation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in both mice and NASH patients suggest their role in activation of iNKT cells. In summary, our findings indicate that the differential activation of iNKT cells play a key role in mediating diet-induced hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in mice and its potential involvement in NASH progression in humans.
Physician and patients factors associated with outcome of spinal epidural abscess related malpractice litigation
Authors: Shantharam Govind , DePasse J. Mason , Eltorai Adam E.M. , Durand Wesley M. , Palumbo Mark A. , Daniels Alan H.
Published: October 2018

Spinal epidural abscesses (SEA) can be challenging to diagnose and may result in serious adverse outcomes sometimes leading to neurologic compromise, sepsis, and even death. While SEA may lead to litigation for healthcare providers, little is known about the medicolegal factors predicting case outcome of SEA related litigation cases. Three large medicolegal databases (VerdictSearch, Westlaw, and LexisNexis) were queried for SEA-related malpractice cases. Plaintiff (patient) age, sex, previous infection history and clinical outcomes such as residual paraplegia/quadriplegia, and delay in diagnosis or treatment were examined. The relationship between these variables and the proportion of plaintiff rulings and size of indemnity payments were assessed. Of the 135 cases that met inclusion criteria, 29 (21.5%) settled, 59 (43.7%) resulted in a defendant ruling, and 47 (34.8%) resulted in a plaintiff ruling. Mean award for plaintiff rulings was $4,291,400 (95% CI, $5,860,129 to $2,722,671), which was significantly larger than mean awards for cases that settled out of court, $2,324,170 (95% CI, $3,206,124 to $1,442,217) (P<0.05). The proportion of plaintiff verdicts and size of monetary awards were not significantly related to age or sex of the patient. A previously known infection was not significantly associated with the proportion of plaintiff verdicts or indemnity payments (P>0.05). In contrast, plaintiff verdicts were more common for patients who became paraplegic or quadriplegic (P<0.02) and were associated with significantly higher monetary awards (P<0.05) relative to patients without paralysis. Plaintiff verdicts were also more common when cases had an associated delay in diagnosis (P=0.008) or delay in treatment (P<0.001). Internists were the most commonly sued physician named in 20 (14.8%) suits, followed by anesthesiologists in 13 (9.6%) suits, emergency medicine physicians in 12 (8.9%) suits, family medicine physicians in 9 (6.7%) suits, neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons in 6 (4.4%) suits each, and multiple providers in 2 (1.5%) suits. The remaining lawsuits were against a hospital or another specialty not previously listed This investigation examined legal claims associated with SEA and found that the likelihood of a plaintiff verdict was significantly related to patient outcome (paralysis) and physician factors (delay in diagnosis or treatment compared). Additionally, paralyzed plaintiffs receive higher award payouts. Non-operative physicians, who are often responsible for initial diagnosis, were more frequently named in malpractice suits than surgeons. Increased awareness of the medicolegal implications of SEA can better prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment, and thus, alleged negligence-based lawsuits.
Skriftuurlike fundering en skrifgebondenheid van die prediking
Authors: Booysen D.J.
Published: October 2018

No abstract available.
Die reformatiese verkondiging en hedendaagse mensebeskouing
Authors: Van Zyl F.J.
Published: October 2018

No abstract available.
Boaventura de Sousa Santos: Epistemologies of the south: Justice against epistemicide. New York in London, Routledge, 2014
Authors: Marolt Manca
Published: October 2018

Santosova monografija Epistemologije Juga je sestavljena iz osmih poglavij, v katerih nam avtor razkrije tri kritične vpoglede, in sicer zakaj ni globalne pravičnosti brez kognitivne globalne pravičnosti, zakaj razumevanje sveta presega zahodno hegemonsko razumevanje sveta ter zakaj emancipatorno preoblikovanje sveta lahko sledi narativom, ki niso mišljeni skozi zahodno kritično tradicijo. V recenziji bom podrobneje predstavila njegovo četrto poglavje, v katerem se osredotoči na razlago za zahodni svet značilnega prepadnega mišljenja in kakšne posledice to povzroča danes, ko se je čas urejene ločnice med metropolitanskimi družbami in kolonialnim ozemljem končal.
Antirasistično opismenjevanje: epistemologije juga in protihegemonska postajanja
Authors: Gregorčič Marta
Published: October 2018

Avtorica poskuša v članku odgovoriti na vprašanje, kako v družbeni fašizem, ki smo mu priča v Evropi, vpeljati perspektive za antirasistično izobraževanje. Pri tem se naslanja na dela portugalskega opozicijskega postkolonialista Boaventura de Sousa Santosa, v katerih ob predpostavki sociologije odsotnosti in sociologije postajanja dekolonializira evropocentrično monokulturo znanj; na epistemicid zahodnih znanosti odgovarja z epistemologijami Juga; za možnost globalne družbene pravičnosti naslavlja globalno kognitivno pravičnost, priznavanje in ovrednotenje izključenih vednosti in ne nazadnje kot alternativo predlaga ekologijo znanj ter medkulturne prevode. Članek na diskurzivni ravni pokaže, kako se obstoječe družbene realnosti prek izobraževanja (in v izobraževanju) sprevračajo v ideološke anticipacije, prek katerih ni mogoče misliti ne sodobnih družbenih problemov (konkretno, migracijskih tokov in družbenega fašizma) niti rešitev oziroma družbenih transformacij. S primerom sociologije postajanja pa nakaže antirasistično opismenjevanje, ki se zarisuje na preseku izključenih znanosti in brezpravnih ljudi, objektov naših diskurzov o človekovih pravicah.
Kritična pismenost: Pogovarjali smo se z Urško Breznik
Authors: Gregorčič Marta
Published: October 2018

Zavod za podporo civilnodružbenih iniciativ in multikulturno sodelovanje Pekarna Magdalenske mreže Maribor je nevladna organizacija, ki se ukvarja s spodbujanjem programskega in projektnega sodelovanja med posamezniki in skupinami umetniških, kulturnih, izobraževalnih, raziskovalnih, ekoloških, informacijskih in humanitarnih dejavnosti.
Mladi v ujetništvu vseživljenjskega učenja - Predstavitev izsledkov raziskave o doživljanju zahtev po vseživljenjskem učenju med mladimi odraslimi
Authors: Brezovec Leonida
Published: October 2018

V prispevku obravnavamo vpliv družbenih zahtev po stalnem učenju in izobraževanju na življenje mladih odraslih. Pri tem pod drobnogled postavljamo neoliberalni koncept vseživljenjskega učenja, ki učenje in izobraževanje odraslih pojmuje kot ključno orodje za prilagajanje spremembam na trgu dela ter orodje za večjo konkurenčnost, učinkovitost in gospodarski razvoj. Zaradi negotovosti zaposlovanja se vseživljenjsko učenje vedno bolj razglaša za temelj preživetja na trgu dela, s tem pa tudi vedno bolj pomika v območje socialne prisile in nujnosti. Mladi, zlasti tisti, ki šele vstopajo na trg dela, so tako tudi tisti, ki so najbolj pod udarom teh teženj in za katere je bitka za stalno pridobivanje novega znanja in kompetenc že postala način življenja. V raziskovalnem delu obravnavamo izsledke raziskave, izvedene med populacijo mladih odraslih, ki je pokazala na visoko raven zavedanja o pomenu vseživljenjskega učenja ter tudi precej visoko motivacijo za stalno učenje med obravnavano ciljno skupino. Pri tem se je pokazalo, da motivi za učenje v veliki meri izhajajo iz zahtev in pričakovanj družbe po stalnem učenju, kar se najizraziteje kaže pri učenju za področje delovne kariere ter vpliva tudi na občutenje določenega pritiska oziroma obremenitve.
Education as habilitation: empirical examples from adjusted education in Sweden for students associated with high-functioning autism
Authors: Hugo Martin , Hedegaard Joel
Published: October 2018

This article draws upon findings from an educational program in Information Technology for young adults associated with high-functioning autism. The aim of the program was to make the students employable. Data was collected through participant observation and research interviews. Of the twelve students who completed their education, five had made transitions to employment and three held internship places. Because of this training and the adaptations that were made within the educational program, the well-being of the students improved, and their need for home support and medication decreased. Important adjustments included the provision of individual work places, the clear structure of the work that was to be performed, and the creation of an environment where the students were seen, acknowledged, and understood.
Vloga identitetnih kapitalov v razvoju aktivne odraslosti v globaliziranih družbah
Authors: Ule Mirjana
Published: October 2018

V članku razpravljamo o učinkih globalizacije na spremembo življenjskih potekov. Izhajamo iz teze, da individualizacija in destandardizacija življenjskega poteka terja od ljudi večjo pripravljenost za odgovorno načrtovanje življenja. Predvsem prehodi iz mladosti v odraslost postajajo nejasni in fleksibilni, kar spreminja tudi obdobje odraslosti. Posledično je odraslost izgubila mnogo svojih stabilnih struktur vlog in tradicionalnih pomenov ter postaja vse bolj psihološki pojav. Vse to pa seveda pomeni, da imajo zdaj odrasli opravka s ključnim identitetnim delom, prej rezerviranim za obdobje mladosti. Tu ima pomembno vlogo izobraževanje odraslih, ki je postavljeno pred nove izzive in naloge. Poleg izobraževanja za delo (dokvalifikacije, prekvalifikacije) ima izobraževanje odraslih vedno bolj pomembno socialno funkcijo (socialno in tehnološko vključevanje, pridobivanje novih socialnih kompetenc za razumevanje družbenih dogajanj) in posebej psihološko funkcijo (razvoj »identitetnih kapitalov«, potrebnih za suvereno odraslo življenje v sodobnih življenjskih razmerah).
Erasmus+ s podporo mednarodnemu sodelovanju odpira vrata v svet izobraževalcem odraslih v Sloveniji
Authors: Bajt Maruša , Stanovnik Perčič Ana
Published: October 2018

Prispevek predstavlja ozadje nastanka programa Erasmus+, ki letos praznuje 30-letnico delovanja, in ugotovitve iz Vmesnega nacionalnega poročila o implementaciji in učinkih programa Erasmus+, ki je bilo pripravljeno v letu 2017. Rezultati vmesne študije so pokazali, da ima mednarodno sodelovanje v programu Erasmus+ pozitiven vpliv na profesionalni razvoj osebja, razvoj lokalnih skupnosti in dvig kakovosti sistema izobraževanja odraslih v Sloveniji. Predstavljena je tudi platforma EPALE, spletno mesto aktualnih informacij s področja izobraževanja odraslih, ki hkrati deluje tudi kot podporno orodje za diseminacijo projektnih rezultatov in dobrih praks projektov Erasmus+ v Evropi.
Kako poimenovati sodobne strukture in procese oblikovanja ter izvajanja izobraževalnih politik in praks? Razmislek o slovenjenju termina »governance«
Authors: Štremfel Urška
Published: October 2018

Z odpiranjem v evropsko in širše mednarodno okolje je v slovenski izobraževalni prostor vstopila tudi množica nove terminologije. Medtem ko je bilo izrazoslovju, ki se nanaša na vsebino izobraževanja (npr. kompetence), v slovenski pedagoško-andragoški znanosti namenjene relativno veliko pozornosti (npr. Javrh, 2008; Kohont, 2011), je slovenjenje izrazoslovja, ki pojasnjuje (nov) način oblikovanja in izvajanja izobraževalnih politik, ostalo relativno prezrto. V dokumentih mednarodnih institucij in organizacij (Evropska komisija, OECD, UNESCO, IMF, Svetovna banka) ter akademski literaturi so nove strukture in procesi oblikovanja izobraževalnih politik najpogosteje opredeljeni s terminom education governance, ki ga obravnavamo in o njegovem slovenjenju razmišljamo v tem prispevku.
Problematising adult basic and secondary education in a globalised world. From second chance to school recovery
Authors: Milana Marcella
Published: October 2018

The article problematises the role Adult Basic and Secondary Education (ABSE) plays in response to global challenges, under the influence of global policy. Drawing on a three-year study that assumed a social realism perspective and employed situational analysis, it discusses three dimensions of policy making in adult education: the scales of political mobilisation, the environments for policy-making, and the meanings conveyed. In doing so, it argues that although the perceptions and reception of as well as influence on international policy vary across countries, ABSE has turned today into a school-recovery opportunity for the younger generations who failed in school and people whose educational achievements in a given country are not recognised when migrating to a new one. This calls into question both the way policy in ABSE sees the social problem at stake and how policy solutions in this area of public intervention impinge on broader issues of (in)equality in education.
The contradictions of populism: reasserting adult education for democracy
Authors: Crowther Jim
Published: October 2018

The context for this paper is the rise of populism across the UK, Europe and the US, a trend which is sweeping western liberal capitalist democracies in particular but also beyond in countries such as Turkey. Populism is used primarily as a derogatory label to demean the poor, working class groups and people with low educational attainment, as not having the experience or capacity to make wise decisions. In the UK this has led to demands for a second referendum on leaving Europe because the ‘will of the people’ was manipulated. It is also claimed that Parliament is sovereign so the decision to exit Europe should be made by its members who are better informed and can legitimately overturn the referendum decision. On the other hand, demagogues of the far right who led campaigns of disinformation and thinly veiled racist vocabulary to sway the Brexit result champion the ‘will of the people’ in disingenuous ways. If we widen our lens, there are also examples of progressive populist politics in Europe, such as Podemos in Spain, which are indicative of a counter-trend to the neoliberal model of globalization. Whilst populism is mainly used as a derogatory label, it can also be framed progressively as a response of the powerless, the poor and the ignored reacting to the limits of liberal democratic institutions in the current context. The election of Trump in the US and the Brexit result in the UK can be understood in these terms too. The repressed, overlooked or denigrated by the political and media elite, have responded at the only opportunity available to them. At the same time, the kind of social purpose adult education which aimed to engage with people in communities, on their own terms, has withered as neoliberal forms of lifelong learning and citizenship transform educational practices into ‘remoralising’ citizens to take care of themselves. In this context adult education and democracy are in crises. However, both crises can be turned towards generating productive synergies which adult educators need to connect with. This presentation seeks to explore and stimulate this debate.
‘Rewriting sociality’ – sociographicity as a concept for comprehending emancipatory practice and social change
Authors: Pilch Ortega Angela
Published: October 2018

The aim of the paper is to highlight the capacity of social actors, groups and communities to critically reflect on sociality and the question of how the spaces we live in together are created and constructed. In doing so, the contribution explores the interplay between individual and collective modes of learning. The author argues in this context that theories dealing with the dialectical relationship between structures and subjects somewhat overlook the relevance of civil spheres. Drawing on empirical research of social movements, emancipatory practices and social change, the author developed a theoretical tool which allows mapping processes of ‘rewriting sociality’ and its relation to biographical learning as well as community and societal learning. The article reviews biographicity as a rich and generative concept and will pay particular attention to questions of intersubjectivity and the social world as a relational sphere. Finally, the paper focuses on aspects of social movement practices and questions concerning the reproduction and transformation of social conventions and normative assumptions.