bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot study to measure vascular compliance changes during fistula maturation using open-source software
Authors: Belmont Barry , Park Dae Woo , Shih Albert , Leavitt Matthew , Plattner Brett , Henke Peter K , Weitzel William F
Published: May 2018

Purpose:

Autogenous arteriovenous fistulas are the preferred access for hemodialysis. Yet when created, fistulas often fail to mature, requiring surgical or radiologic interventions before their use. This pilot study measures the vascular wall elasticity and flow gradient using an open-source ultrasound software program designed to aid in assessing fistula maturation.

Methods:

A total of seven end-stage renal disease patients were enrolled for our study after providing informed consent. Ultrasound scanning was performed for the inflow artery, post-arterial anastomotic segment, and outflow vein at initial and follow-up evaluation. Conventional digital imaging and communications in medicine data were collected from the ultrasound machine. The vessel diameter and distensibility of artery, post-arterial anastomotic segment, and vein were computed from the digital imaging and communications in medicine data using an open-source ultrasound software program.

Results:

The vessel diameter of artery and vein increased from 4.6 ± 1.1 mm to 6.0 ± 1.1 mm and from 5.8 ± 0.7 mm to 7.5 ± 0.9 mm from 1 to 6 weeks post-operation, respectively. Conversely, the vessel diameter of post-arterial anastomotic segment decreased from 4.2 ± 1.0 mm to 3.5 ± 0.9 mm from 1 to 6 weeks post-operation. The distensibility of artery and post-arterial anastomotic segment increased from 3.4% ± 0% to 5.9% ± 1.1% and 3.7% ± 1.2% to 4.9% ± 1.4%, respectively, while the distensibility of vein decreased from 5.0% ± 1.3% to 2.6% ± 0.4% from 1 to 6 weeks post-operation.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that the change in vessel diameter and distensibility related to the healthy remodeling as the vein dilates during maturation.
A Case of a Vietnam War Veteran with Early-Onset Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Allen Rosie , Suo Ella , Lek Jeremy , Samuel Mathew
Published: May 2018

We report on the case of Simon (his pseudonym). We describe the presentation of early-stage late-onset Huntington’s disease (HD) in a man with multiple psychiatric diagnoses. Our clinical problem was ‘To what extent are common psychiatric features masking a further diagnosis?’ Initially unwilling to be tested for HD, he agreed on condition that it assists with his discharge plan.
Development and predictors of psychological outcomes following the 2008 earthquake in Iceland: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Thordardottir Edda Bjork , Gudmundsdottir Hulda , Gudmundsdottir Berglind , Hrólfsdóttir Anna Margrét , Aspelund Thor , Hauksdottir Arna
Published: May 2018

Aims: On 29 May 2008, an earthquake struck in South Iceland. The aim of this study was to explore the trajectories of post-traumatic stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms among exposed inhabitants during the first year following the earthquake, as well as predictors for symptomology. Methods: This was a longitudinal cohort study based on a sample that was randomly selected from the earthquake-stricken area ( n = 1301). Participants answered a questionnaire assessing demographic and disaster-related factors 2 months after the earthquake. In addition, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety were assessed 2, 4, 8 and 12 months post-disaster. Results: Two months after the earthquake, 5.2% of the participants reported PTSD symptoms, 6.7% depression and 6.4% anxiety symptoms. When comparing first and last time points only, we found a significant decrease in anxiety ( p = 0.05), particulary among females ( p = 0.05), those with a primary education ( p = 0.01), prior history of accidents/disasters ( p = 0.02) and those experiencing damage to their home ( p = 0.02). No significant trends were found when the development of other symptoms between the four time points was assessed. Conclusions: Findings indicate a reduction in anxiety symptoms between 2 and 12 months post-disaster, with PTSD and depression symptoms remaining fairly constant across time. No trends in symptomology were observed over time. The results highlight the need for continued monitoring of those affected by disasters and the identification of subgroups at risk in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Evaluation of an indoor environmental quality model for very small residential units
Authors: Mui Kwok Wai , Tsang Tsz Wun , Wong Ling Tim , William Yu Yuen Ping
Published: May 2018

This study investigates the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) responses from occupants living in very small residential units that are unique to Hong Kong. Through the changes in environmental parameters, including thermal, indoor air quality, visual and aural, the study demonstrates that the overall IEQ acceptance in these units is different from the one in general residential building environments. Results show that occupants of these units are more sensitive to warmth and operative temperature change as compared to occupants of general residential buildings. A small variation of thermal acceptance suggests that the small unit occupants have already developed certain degree of tolerance to hot conditions. The adaptation to the reality of a hot environment is also reflected in the overall IEQ acceptance. It is believed that very small space residents have developed tolerance and adaptation to an unchangeable reality, changing environmental conditions does not necessarily alter their acceptance of individual IEQ aspects and overall IEQ.
Laparoscopic Redo Ileocolic Resection for Crohn’s Disease in Patients with Previous Multiple Laparotomies
Authors: Celentano V. , Sagias F. , Flashman K. G. , Conti J. , Khan J.
Published: May 2018

Purposes:

Over 80% of patients with primary ileocolic Crohn’s disease have a surgical resection within 10 years of diagnosis, and 40%–50% of them need further surgery within 15 years. Laparoscopic surgery can be challenging due to a thickened mesentery and the potential for fistulas, abscesses, and phlegmons. Aim of this study is to analyze the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic redo ileocolic resections for Crohn’s disease in patients with previous multiple laparotomies.

Methods:

All patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for ileocolic Crohn’s disease from March 2006 to February 2017 were prospectively evaluated. Short term outcomes of laparoscopic ileocolic resection were compared between patients with previous multiple major surgeries and recurrent Crohn’s disease, and patients undergoing surgery for the first presentation of Crohn’s disease and no history of previous surgery. Conversion rate and 30-day morbidity were the primary outcomes. Reoperations, readmissions, operating time and length of stay were the secondary outcomes.

Results:

29 patients with recurrent Crohn’s disease and previous multiple laparotomies were included: the number of laparotomies these patients previously underwent was 2 in 19 cases (65.5%), 3 in 9 (31%), and 4 in 1 (3.5%). In total, 90 patients with no history of any previous abdominal surgery, who underwent laparoscopic ileocecal resection for Crohn’s disease, represented the control group. No differences were found in morbidity and conversion rate. Operating time was longer in patients with history of previous abdominal surgery.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic redo ileocolic resection for Crohn’s disease is feasible and safe in patients with previous multiple laparotomies at the expense of longer operating time.
Take a walk on the wild side: Punk music walking tours in New York City
Authors: Johinke Rebecca
Published: May 2018

Walking tours on the streets of cities like New York offer music fans the opportunity to tread in the footsteps of their punk rock idols. Music lovers seek a tourist experience that constructs intra- and inter-personal authenticity as a ‘true fan’ as they seek to see for themselves where their idols lived, worked, recorded, and performed in New York City. Music walking tours are situated as a form of embodied music tourism or psychogeographic practice as they connect fans with the soundscape and the cityscape. When fans document their walking experience, they contribute to a history of music culture and to the practice of music tourism as an embodied social practice. This article engages with popular media through tourism and tells the story of one of many cultural communities with a special tie to the Lower East Side.
Ritual pathways and public memory: Archaeology of Waiet zogo in Eastern Torres Strait, far north Australia
Authors: Wright Duncan , van der Kolk Glenn , community Dauareb
Published: May 2018

The materiality of performative ritual is a growing focus for archaeologists. In Europe, collective ritual performance is expected to be highly structured with ritual often resulting in a loud archaeological signature. In Australia and Papua New Guinea, ritual (and collective ritual movement) is also highly structured; however, materiality and permanence are frequently secondary to intangible and/or impermanent considerations. In this paper, we apply the framework of public memory to places and objects associated with the Waiet cult in Eastern Torres Strait. We explore the extent to which ritual performance spanning multiple islands can survive through archaeology, as well as whether ethno-archaeology and history provide insight into the structured and highly political process by which rituals were remembered, celebrated and forgotten.
What is Donald Trump? Forms of ‘Celebrity’ in Celebrity Politics
Authors: Street John
Published: May 2018

It is widely assumed that Donald Trump is a ‘celebrity politician’ and that he has cashed in his success on the reality show The Apprentice to secure political credibility and attention. In this respect, he fits what Matthew Wood et al. have labelled the ‘superstar celebrity politician’. This characterisation is the latest in a number of refinements to the definition and understanding of the celebrity politician. While this is a helpful move, I want to suggest that it might overlook one key dimension of the phenomenon. Definitions of the celebrity politician tend to focus on the source of their ‘celebrity’ – how they became famous, rather than on how they act out their celebrity role. This latter dimension features in media coverage, where journalists and commentators borrow from show business to describe politics, but is less often analysed in the political science literature. It matters because, I want to suggest, celebrity politicians like Trump act as stars, whether of reality television, rock music or film. They do not just resemble stars, they are them. This is evident in how they are represented, how they perform and how their ‘fans’ respond to them. It is also symptomatic of wider changes in the conduct and form of the contemporary, mediatised political realm.
Funding Priorities: Data-Driven Approach for Prioritizing Community Health Needs in Vulnerable Communities
Authors: Diaz Heather J.-M. , Ainsworth Dale , Schmidtlein Mathew C.
Published: May 2018

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 mandated nonprofit hospitals to complete community health needs assessments (CHNAs) every 3 years to identify priority health needs for the community they serve. The CHNA must include input from the community in the determination of health needs. Large variation exists across CHNAs on methods used in the integration of quantitative and qualitative data both in the determination and prioritization of health needs and those needs chosen by the hospital for community benefit funding. An important part of the CHNA is the prioritization of the needs identified, as it can influence hospital community benefit funding decisions. This article describes a method for clearly integrating qualitative and quantitative data in the CHNA process offering a best practice strategy for conducting CHNAs. The method uses an approach based on flexible, objective decision points that can be used to both generate a list of significant health needs and a prioritization of those needs based on community input, influencing funding priorities of the hospital. The method provides a standard approach useful across multiple hospital CHNAs in both rural and urban settings, and in collaborative-based CHNAs (local public health departments and hospitals) as well.
Influence of fabric architecture on crushing behavior of semi-hexagonal composite structures under axial loading
Authors: Wu Zhenyu , Wang Maolin , Ying Zhiping , Cheng Xiaoying , Hu Xudong
Published: May 2018

This paper reports the mechanical response of semi-hexagonal part with three different multi-layer reinforcements. Unidirectional, plain woven and orthogonal fabric under quasi-static axial compression were considered. Meso-scale finite element numerical models with failure criterion were also established to simulate the onset and development of internal damage during the compression process. There were two different crush-failure modes occurring in the crush tests of the three different composite samples: a splaying mode for samples with unidirectional fabric, a buckling mode for samples with 3D orthogonal woven fabric and a mixture mode of both buckling and splaying for samples with the plain woven fabric. The samples reinforced by unidirectional fiber have the highest specific energy absorption and lowest peak loading, whereas the samples by 3D orthogonal fabric present the lowest specific energy absorption and highest peak loading. It was also demonstrated by a numerical model that the existence of Z-binder suppresses the delamination by restraining the expanding of warp and weft yarns. The comparison of numerical results and experimental data indicates that the structure of reinforcement has a significant role in the mechanical performance of textile composite.
The Impact of a Long-Term Rivastigmine and Donepezil Treatment on All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kazmierski Jakub , Messini-Zachou Chaido , Gkioka Mara , Tsolaki Magda
Published: May 2018

Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are the mainstays of symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, their efficacy is limited, and their use was associated with deaths in some groups of patients. The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of the long-term use of ChEIs on mortality in patients with AD. This observational, longitudinal study included 1171 adult patients with a diagnosis of AD treated with donepezil or rivastigmine. Each patient was observed for 24 months or until death. The cognitive and functional assessments, the use of ChEIs, memantine, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytics were recorded. The total number of deaths at the end of the observational period was 99 (8.45%). The patients who had received rivastigmine treatment were at an increased risk of death in the follow-up period. The higher risk of death in the rivastigmine group remained significant in multivariate Cox regression models.
An Integrated Study on the Antitumor Effect and Mechanism of Triphala Against Gynecological Cancers Based on Network Pharmacological Prediction and In Vitro Experimental Validation
Authors: Zhao Yuhang , Wang Min , Tsering Jokyab , Li Hanluo , Li Simin , Li Yuepeng , Liu Yinghua , Hu Xianda
Published: May 2018

Objectives. Triphala is a herbal medicine that has been widely used for treating a variety of ailments. This study aims to systematically analyze the antitumor effects of Triphala on gynecological cancers. Methods. The antineoplastic activities of Triphala on gynecological cancers were analyzed using network pharmacology-based strategies. Afterward, the human ovarian cancer cell line SK-OV-3, cervical cancer cell line HeLa, and endometrial cancer cell line HEC-1-B were selected for experimetal valification. Results. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that Triphala could comprehensively intervene in proliferation and apoptosis through diverse signaling pathways, mainly including MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and NF-κB/p53. The Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) assay illustrated that Triphala was able to inhibit cell proliferation with half inhibition concentration (IC50) values of 98.28 ± 13.71, 95.56 ± 8.94, and 101.23 ± 7.76 µg/mL against SK-OV-3, HeLa, and HEC-1-B cells, respectively. The ELISA experiment demonstrated that Triphala was capable of promoting programmed cell death, with dosage correlations. The antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities were confirmed by flow cytometric analysis using Ki67 antibody and Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) dual staining. Western blotting revealed a decrease in expression levels of phospho-Akt, phospho-p44/42, and phospho-NF-κB p56 in cells administered Triphala, which indicated that the possible mechanism could involve downregulation of MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and NF-κB/p53 signaling pathways, as was predicted. Conclusion. Triphala holds great promise for treating gynecological cancers. Although the favorable pharmacological properties have been preliminarily investigated in this study, further studies are still needed to uncover the sophisticated mechanism of Triphala in cancer therapy.
Femoral Artery Aneurysm Repair in a Patient With a Fibrillin-2 Mutation
Authors: Ratschiller Thomas , Müller Hannes , Schachner Thomas , Fellner Franz , Sulzbacher Gregor , Zierer Andreas
Published: May 2018

Degenerative femoral artery aneurysms are uncommon and often associated with aneurysm in other distributions. We report a case of a 68-year-old man with multianeurysmal disease involving the aorta, iliac, femoral, and popliteal arteries managed interdisciplinary by stent-graft placement and open surgical repair. Genetic testing revealed a variant in the FBN2 gene encoding fibrillin-2, an important component of microfibrils. We detail arterial reconstruction of the femoral artery and discuss incidence, diagnosis, and therapy of femoral artery aneurysms.
Algorithmic tyranny: Psycho-Pass, science fiction and the criminological imagination
Authors: Wood Mark A
Published: May 2018

This article makes a case for the value of science fiction to criminologists through examining the popular Japanese cyber-punk anime series Psycho-Pass. Through portraying a surveillance society of pre-crime and algorithmic policing, Psycho-Pass raises important questions about the datafication of crime and its role in facilitating increasingly invasive and ubiquitous forms of social control. Psycho-Pass, I argue, encourages us to question a society of algorithmic tyranny: a society where the overwhelming majority of classifications are driven by algorithms, and where crime has been reduced to a data object and ‘measureable type’. I conclude my case for incorporating the technological imagination of science fiction into the criminological imagination through identifying three key resources the genre may offer criminologists: archaeological, pedagogical and capacity building for reflexive governance.
Research on intermittent failure re-presentation of electrical connector based on accelerated test
Authors: Li Qian , Lyu Kehong , Qiu Jing , Liu Guanjun
Published: May 2018

The intermittent failure re-presentation is the basis of intermittent failure detection and diagnosis of electrical connectors. Recently, the method for intermittent failure re-presentation is applying the whole working stress to the electrical connector. To further shorten the re-present cycle, the research on intermittent failure re-presentation of electrical connector based on accelerated test is carried out in this article. First, the model of electric contact and the intermittent failure mechanism of electrical connector is analyzed, and the frequency of intermittent failure is selected as a signature of intermittent failure re-presentation. Then, the accelerated intermittent failure re-presentation model is constructed based on the reaction theory, and the intermittent failure acceleration factor is given. Subsequently, the distribution of intermittent failure frequency is determined using the method of Anderson–Darling goodness-of-fit test. Finally, taking the rectangular electrical connector as the example, the intermittent failure re-presentation based on accelerated test is implemented, and the intermittent failure frequency is obtained. By comparing the estimated value and the measured value, the validity and applicability of the intermittent failure re-presentation method based on accelerated test is verified.
Oxygen saturation and haemodynamic changes prior to circulatory arrest: Implications for transplantation and resuscitation
Authors: Gilhooley Colin , Burnhill Geoff , Gardiner Dale , Vyas Harish , Davies Patrick
Published: May 2018

Aims

To describe the progression of oxygen saturations and blood pressure observations prior to death.

Introduction

The progression of physiological changes around death is unknown. This has important implications in organ donation and resuscitation. Donated organs have a maximal warm ischaemic threshold. In hypoxic cardiac arrest, an understanding of pre-cardiac arrest physiology is important in prognosticating and will allow earlier identification of terminal states.

Methods

Data were examined for all regional patients over a two-year period offering organ donation after circulatory death. Frequent observations were taken contemporaneously by the organ donation nurse at the time of and after withdrawal of intensive care.

Results

In all, 82 case notes were examined of patients aged 0 to 76 (median 52, 4 < 18 years). From withdrawal of intensive care to death took a mean of 28.5 min (range 4 to 185). A terminal deterioration in saturations (from an already low baseline) commenced 14 min prior to circulatory arrest, followed by a blood pressure fall commencing 8 min prior to circulatory arrest, and finally a rapid fall in heart rate commencing 4 min prior to circulatory arrest. Two patients had a warm ischaemic time of greater than 30 min; 15 patients had a warm ischaemia time of 10 min or greater; and 53 patients had a warm ischaemia time of 5 min or less. It was observed that 0/82 patients had saturations of less than 40% for more than 3 min prior to cardiac arrest and 74/82 for more than 2 min.

Conclusions

There is a perimortem sequence of hypoxia, then hypotension, and then bradycardia. The heart is extremely resistant to hypoxia. A warm ischaemic time of over 30 min is rare.
The incidence of cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Armstrong Richard A , Kane Caroline , Oglesby Fiona , Barnard Katie , Soar Jasmeet , Thomas Matt
Published: May 2018

The incidence of cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit (ICU-CA) has not been widely reported. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the incidence of cardiac arrest in adult, general intensive care units. The review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017079717). The search identified 7550 records, which included 20 relevant studies for qualitative analysis and 16 of these were included for quantitative analyses. The reported incidence of ICU-CA was 22.7 per 1000 admissions (95% CI: 17.4–29.6) with survival to hospital discharge of 17% (95% CI: 9.5–28.5%). We estimate that at least 5446 patients in the UK have a cardiac arrest after ICU admission. There are limited data and significant variation in the incidence of ICU-CA and efforts to synthesise these are limited by inconsistent reporting. Further prospective studies with standardised process and incidence measures are required to define this important patient group.
Is a joint-specific home exercise program effective for patients with first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis? A critical review
Authors: Scott Anna
Published: May 2018

Introduction

First carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis is a common degenerative condition. The thumb has been reported to account for up to 50% of hand function and is functionally and biomechanically unique in the hand. To this end, it would seem appropriate that exercise programs for first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis would be specifically tailored to the thumb. However, this is not widely reflected in the literature. This review aimed to critically evaluate studies presenting primary evidence to determine whether a joint-specific exercise program is effective for patients with osteoarthritis in the first carpometacarpal joint.

Methods

Six electronic databases were searched for papers presenting primary data relating to home exercise programs that were specific to osteoarthritis in the first carpometacarpal joint. Methodological quality of included papers was evaluated using the Structured Effectiveness for Evaluation of Studies tool and levels of evidence were established based on National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines. Qualitative analysis of the combined body of literature was performed and a recommendation generated and then graded according to NHMRC guidelines.

Results

Searching identified three relevant papers. Overall, methodological quality was moderate, with limitations primarily related to lack of power. Findings from the body of literature demonstrated considerable variation, but evidence to support specific thumb strengthening exercises was found. This provided an NHMRC Grade D level of recommendation.

Conclusions

It is recommended that future studies consider optimal frequency of strengthening exercises and the potential role of adductor pollicis release and passive carpometacarpal joint mobilization in home exercise programs for first carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.
Reporting Qualitative Research: Standards, Challenges, and Implications for Health Design
Authors: Peditto Kathryn
Published: May 2018

Objective:

This Methods column describes the existing reporting standards for qualitative research, their application to health design research, and the challenges to implementation. Intended for both researchers and practitioners, this article provides multiple perspectives on both reporting and evaluating high-quality qualitative research.

Background:

Two popular reporting standards exist for reporting qualitative research—the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) and the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). Though compiled using similar procedures, they differ in their criteria and the methods to which they apply. Creating and applying reporting criteria is inherently difficult due to the undefined and fluctuating nature of qualitative research when compared to quantitative studies.

Conclusions:

Qualitative research is expansive and occasionally controversial, spanning many different methods of inquiry and epistemological approaches. A “one-size-fits-all” standard for reporting qualitative research can be restrictive, but COREQ and SRQR both serve as valuable tools for developing responsible qualitative research proposals, effectively communicating research decisions, and evaluating submissions. Ultimately, tailoring a set of standards specific to health design research and its frequently used methods would ensure quality research and aid reviewers in their evaluations.
Dofetilide-induced anorexia in an older adult
Authors: Felipe Jerald V. , Fixen Danielle R. , Linnebur Sunny A.
Published: May 2018

An 84-year-old woman presented to her primary care physician with an unexplained 4-month history of weight and appetite loss after initiation of dofetilide 125 mcg orally twice daily for atrial fibrillation. She was noted to have lost 2.5 kg, which was a 3.6% decrease from her initial body weight of 69.4 kg. After excluding other etiologies for her anorexia, such as medication changes or changes in other diseases or conditions, her primary care physician and cardiologists elected to continue dofetilide but monitor the patient’s appetite and body weight. After 7 months of dofetilide use with persistent appetite loss, the cardiology team discontinued dofetilide. Continued weight loss was observed until approximately 1 month after stopping dofetilide, with a maximum weight loss of 2.9 kg or a 4.2% decrease. Improvements in appetite were reported 2 months after discontinuing dofetilide, with minor increases in weight that eventually stabilized. In this case, while taking dofetilide, the patient experienced anorexia leading to weight loss that subsided after discontinuation of the drug. Based on the temporal association between the patient’s changes in appetite and body weight and treatment with dofetilide, the drug was most likely the cause of the patient’s anorexia. We are unaware of other reports of anorexia associated with dofetilide, but clinicians may want to consider the drug as a potential cause for otherwise unexplained changes in appetite or body weight.
Who loves consent? Social media and the culture jamming of Victoria’s Secret
Authors: Madden Stephanie , Janoske Melissa , Winkler Rowena Briones , Harpole Zach
Published: May 2018

This study explores responses to the culture jamming of Victoria’s Secret’s by a feminist activist organization called FORCE. Using social media, FORCE was able to troll Victoria’s Secret by masking themselves as part of the brand and community through the campaign Pink Loves Consent. This act of dissensus disguised as consensus created an entry point into conversation with followers of Victoria’s Secret, spurring an online dialogue about creating a consent-based culture. This study provides recommendations for activist organizations wanting to use social media culture jamming to create culture change.
PETA, rhetorical fracture, and the power of digital activism
Authors: Stokes Ashli Q. , Atkins-Sayre Wendy
Published: May 2018

Starting in 2013, SeaWorld faced a public relations disaster with the release of the documentary titled Blackfish that accused the company of mistreatment of its orcas. SeaWorld attempted to respond and rebuild its credibility, but activist group ‘People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) doubled down on the corporation through its rhetorical shock tactics, deepening the organization’s woes. The PETA/SeaWorld controversy does more than provide another example of poor corporate public relations decision-making made in light of an activist group’s savvy use of digital technology. We argue that the case helps explain how digital technologies fundamentally change activism, whereby activists can use rhetorical fracturing, or quickly using digital media to puncture a target’s narrative, to create messages that challenge an opponent’s legitimacy to cultivate public opinion, thereby pressuring corporate policy change. Recent activism scholarship points out how digital media transforms organizational-activist relationships in profound ways, but this essay contributes to a gap in public relations scholarship by showing how strategic, message-level digital activism helps contribute to broad societal change. Indeed, given that SeaWorld’s stock was down nearly 40 percent in 2015 and ‘is about 50% below its all-time high’, its profits were down 84 percent in 2015, and attendance has fallen more than 7 percent at its parks, the case illustrates how digital activist campaigns help reshape societal understanding of a controversial issue such as using animals for entertainment.
In the land of pharma: A qualitative analysis of the reputational discourse of the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Van den Bogaert Sarah , Declercq Jana , Christiaens Thierry , Jacobs Geert , Bracke Piet
Published: May 2018

The pharmaceutical industry has been battling a negative reputation and has been confronted with accusations such as putting profits before patients and manipulating clinical trial results. In this study, we focus on how pharmaceutical companies address what we define as the Bad Pharma discourse. Drawing on interviews, press releases, corporate documentation and ethnographic fieldwork, we analyse the main themes that are used by the Belgian pharmaceutical industry to construct its reputational discourse, and we focus on how this discourse is shaped by the Bad Pharma discourse. Our results illustrate that on the one hand, the industry contests the Bad Pharma discourse by generating an alternative discourse. On the other hand, they also partly embrace and reframe this Bad Pharma discourse. This way, current societal debates are entextualised in the reputational discourses of the pharmaceutical industry.
Awakening Leviathan: The effect of democracy on state capacity
Authors: Wang Erik H. , Xu Yiqing
Published: May 2018

Recent debates over the relative importance of democracy and state capacity for human development have led to the prevailing view that a strong state must be built before the introduction of democracy. Our research challenges this “sequencing approach” in international development. Using a global panel of countries over 50 years, we document that democracy has a substantial, positive causal effect on state capacity with identification strategies that adjust for pre-treatment dynamics. The state-enhancing effect of democracy is robust to alternative measures of key variables, a large set of time-varying confounders and an instrumental variable design that leverages variation in regional democratic diffusions. Subsequent analysis suggests contestation, rather than participation, as a potential causal mechanism. Our findings contribute to the burgeoning literature on sources of state capacity in the developing world and yield practical implications for democracy assistance.
Complete Hypokalemic Quadriparesis as a First Presentation of Sjögren Syndrome
Authors: An Jason , Braam Branko
Published: May 2018

Rationale:

We hope to increase awareness that hypokalemic paralysis may be the first presentation of Sjögren syndrome, for which potassium-sparing diuretics can be an effective adjunct to potassium replenishment.

Presenting concerns:

A 73-year-old female presented to a peripheral hospital with quadriparesis and a critically low serum potassium of 1.6 mmol/L with U waves on the electrocardiogram (ECG). The initial arterial blood gas showed a pH of 7.19, bicarbonate of 13 mEq/L, and a CO2 of 35 mm Hg. Over the next 6 days, she was administered a total of 450 mEq of potassium supplements. Despite this, her potassium never increased above 2.9 mmol/L and was thus transferred to the University Hospital for further management. On arrival, her vital signs were within normal limits. Her only other symptoms were fatigue and ocular dryness. Physical exam showed slightly weakened quadriceps muscles bilaterally, graded 4/5. Examination was otherwise unremarkable. Admission investigations included a potassium of 2.8 mmol/L, chloride 118 mmol/L, sodium 136 mmol/L, and eGFR 48 mL/min/1.73 m2. Renin aldosterone ratio was normal.

Diagnoses:

Distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) was diagnosed based on a normal anion gap metabolic acidosis, positive urine anion gap, and elevated urine potassium to creatinine ratio. Investigation of underlying causes revealed a positive Antinuclear antibody (ANA), elevated rheumatoid factor, and high anti-Ro/SSA titre which directed us toward a unifying diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome. A renal biopsy was undertaken as an outpatient and demonstrated severe interstitial nephritis with acute and chronic components, parenchymal scarring, atrophy, and small vessel arteriosclerosis.

Interventions:

In the acute setting, the patient was treated with bicarbonate and amiloride in addition to potassium supplementation.

Outcomes:

The patient’s hypokalemic paralysis and metabolic acidosis were corrected.

Lessons Learned:

Severe hypokalemic paralysis in distal RTA associated with Sjögren syndrome can be successfully treated with amiloride in addition to potassium supplementation. We also review the literature on the aberrancies seen in H+ATPase, Band 3, Pendrin, and carbonic anhydrase that may underlie the pathogenesis of distal RTA in Sjögren syndrome.
The Sound of Jacqueline du Pré: Revisiting her Medical and Musical History
Authors: Tierradentro-García Luis Octavio , Botero-Meneses Juan Sebastián , Talero-Gutiérrez Claudia
Published: May 2018

Jacqueline du Pré was a British cellist, famous for her masterful interpretations and her passionate style of playing. Her outstanding musical career was, unfortunately, cut short by multiple sclerosis. In the present paper, we conduct a historical and medical analysis of her life story, discussing a few aspects regarding her illness and treatment options available at the time of her diagnosis.
Therapeutic and immune function improvement of vitamin D combined with IFN-α on mouse with hepatitis B infection
Authors: Bi Yonghui , Zhang Weiguo , Sun Jian , Gao Ruohui
Published: May 2018

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of vitamin D (VD) combined with interferon (IFN) type I (IFN-α) on mice with hepatitis B and to explore the possible mechanism. The mice were divided into control group, model group, IFN-α group, and IFN-α + VD group. After 4 weeks, the mice of four groups were weighed, and the thymus and spleen indexes were calculated. The activity of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the serum was detected while pathological changes of the liver were observed. The levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The proliferation of spleen lymphocytes was detected by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect the level of CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ in peripheral blood. The levels of ALT and AST in serum were significantly lower in the IFN-α + VD group than those in the IFN-α group, but the thymus and spleen indexes were significantly higher. Although both IFN-α and IFN-α + VD can improve the damaged structure of live tissue, IFN-α + VD achieved higher efficacy than IFN-α alone. The serum IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 levels were lower in the IFN-α + VD group compared with the IFN-α group, and no significant difference was found in IL-4. Compared with the IFN-α group, the percentage of CD4+ and the D4+/CD8+ ratio were significantly increased, but the percentage of CD8+ was reduced. The proliferation rate of splenic lymphocytes was higher in the IFN-α + VD group compared with the IFN-α group. IFN-α + VD was found to achieve higher efficacy than IFN-α alone for the treatment of hepatitis B in mice, possibly through increasing the immune level of mice.
Landholdings among Tribal Rural Households of Meghalaya and Its Impact on Credit Markets
Authors: Swer Charlene M , Umdor Sumarbin
Published: May 2018

This study examines the unique landholding arrangements among the indigenous tribal in rural Meghalaya, and its implication on borrowing behaviour of the households. Three arrangements of landholding are prevalent among the rural households of the state consisting of privately owned land, community-owned land and rented land with more than two-thirds of households having land that is privately owned. However, the majority of these households are in possession of customary land possession titles issued by traditional institutions which has limited applicability as collateral while borrowing from banks. Credit participation rate is found to be significantly associated with land ownership status and possession of ownership title on privately owned land. While banks are the main suppliers of credit due to the absence of money lenders in the study area, households have preferred to use other collateral instead of land while borrowing from banks because of the complexity of ownership rights and titling in tribal-dominated areas of Meghalaya.
Use of Living Strategies among Adults Aging with HIV in Canada: Comparison by Age-Group Using Data from the HIV, Health and Rehabilitation Survey
Authors: O’Brien Kelly Kathleen , Dagenais Matthieu , Solomon Patricia , Worthington Catherine , Chan Carusone Soo , Ibáñez-Carrasco Francisco , Hanna Steven , Gahagan Jacqueline , Baxter Larry , Robinson Gregory , Gayle Patriic , James Dawn , Yates Tammy ,   the HIV Health and Rehabilitation Survey (HHRS) Team
Published: May 2018

Objective:

To examine the type and frequency of living strategies used by adults living with HIV.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey that included 51 living strategies: maintaining sense of control, attitudes and beliefs, blocking HIV out of the mind, and social interaction. We examined the frequency of use and compared the proportion of respondents who engaged in strategies across 3 age-groups (<40 years, 40-49 years, and ≥50 years).

Results:

Of the 935 participants, the majority were men (79%) and most (≥60%) engaged “most” or “all of the time” in healthy lifestyle strategies and maintained a positive outlook living with HIV. Compared to younger participants, a higher proportion of older adults (≥50 years) engaged “most” or “all the time” in strategies that involved maintaining control over health and adopting positive attitudes and outlook living with HIV.

Conclusions:

Findings can help to inform the role of self-management to enhance successful aging with HIV.
Model-based and model-free pain avoidance learning
Authors: Wang Oliver , Lee Sang Wan , O’Doherty John , Seymour Ben , Yoshida Wako
Published: May 2018

Background: While there is good evidence that reward learning is underpinned by two distinct decision control systems – a cognitive ‘model-based’ and a habitbased ‘model-free’ system, a comparable distinction for punishment avoidance has been much less clear. Methods: We implemented a pain avoidance task that placed differential emphasis on putative model-based and model-free processing, mirroring a paradigm and modelling approach recently developed for reward-based decision-making. Subjects performed a two-step decision-making task with probabilistic pain outcomes of different quantities. The delivery of outcomes was sometimes contingent on a rule signalled at the beginning of each trial, emulating a form of outcome devaluation. Results: The behavioural data showed that subjects tended to use a mixed strategy – favouring the simpler model-free learning strategy when outcomes did not depend on the rule, and favouring a model-based when they did. Furthermore, the data were well described by a dynamic transition model between the two controllers. When compared with data from a reward-based task (albeit tested in the context of the scanner), we observed that avoidance involved a significantly greater tendency for subjects to switch between model-free and model-based systems in the face of changes in uncertainty. Conclusion: Our study suggests a dual-system model of pain avoidance, similar to but possibly more dynamically flexible than reward-based decision-making.
Analysis, design and synthesis of water-based magnetorheological fluid for CMMRF process
Authors: Ranjan Prabhat , Balasubramaniam R. , Jain V. K.
Published: May 2018

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation has been performed to study the instability behaviour of water-based magnetorheological fluid (MR fluid) which is being used as a polishing medium of the chemo-mechanical magnetorheological finishing (CMMRF) process. This article deals with the flow behaviour of the dispersed solid phase in a continuous liquid phase due to the gravity-assisted flow, which results in sedimentation of the MR fluid with time.

In the present work, the causes of the fluid sedimentation have been identified through the CFD simulation. The sedimentation effect is minimized by nano-coating on iron particles using hydrocarbon chains through chemical reaction which is studied and analysed by using ab initio molecular dynamics simulation through density functional theory (DFT). The phenomenon observed through the simulation work is experimentally validated. The experimental results show that the MR fluid with nano-coating yields better stability against sedimentation.
Influence of electrolytes on surface texture characteristics generated by electrochemical micromachining
Authors: Kunar Sandip , Mahata S. , Bhattacharyya B.
Published: May 2018

Generation of microsurface texture is an important technology for surface engineering that can produce a significant improvement of engineering components in aspects to wear resistance, friction coefficient, load capacities, part lubrication, etc. This research proposes a novel approach of maskless electrochemical micromachining (EMM), which is anodic dissolution based on electrochemical reaction. One reused textured cathode tool with patterned SU-8 2150 mask can fabricate many work samples economically with less time. Maskless EMM set-up with developed EMM cell and vertical crossflow electrolyte supply system is used to generate micro circular patterns on stainless steel (SUS 304) using three different types of electrolytes such as NaCl, NaNO3 and NaCl + NaNO3. The influences of major process parameters such as interelectrode gap (IEG), flow rate, machining time and electrolyte concentration on mean radial overcut and mean machining depth have been investigated using these electrolytes. Out of these three electrolytes, only NaCl + NaNO3 of 20 g l−1 is selected as the best electrolyte with other best parameter settings such as applied voltage of 12 V, duty ratio of 30%, pulse frequency of 5 kHz, flow rate of 3.12 m3 hr−1, IEG of 50 µm and machining time of 3 minutes for generating good textured characteristics with overcut of 27.581 µm and depth of 15.1 µm. Analyses have also been done to investigate the textured characteristics using these electrolytes for acquiring the best parametric combination with suitable electrolyte.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 and Klotho contribute to airway inflammation
Authors: Krick Stefanie , Grabner Alexander , Baumlin Nathalie , Yanucil Christopher , Helton Scott , Grosche Astrid , Sailland Juliette , Geraghty Patrick , Viera Liliana , Russell Derek W. , Wells J. Michael , Xu Xin , Gaggar Amit , Barnes Jarrod , King Gwendalyn D. , Campos Michael , Faul Christian , Salathe Matthias
Published: May 2018

Circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)23 are associated with systemic inflammation and increased mortality in chronic kidney disease. α-Klotho, a co-receptor for FGF23, is downregulated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, whether FGF23 and Klotho-mediated FGF receptor (FGFR) activation delineates a pathophysiological mechanism in COPD remains unclear. We hypothesised that FGF23 can potentiate airway inflammationviaKlotho-independent FGFR4 activation.

FGF23 and its effect were studied using plasma and transbronchial biopsies from COPD and control patients, and primary human bronchial epithelial cells isolated from COPD patients as well as a murine COPD model.

Plasma FGF23 levels were significantly elevated in COPD patients. Exposure of airway epithelial cells to cigarette smoke and FGF23 led to a significant increase in interleukin-1β releaseviaKlotho-independent FGFR4-mediated activation of phospholipase Cγ/nuclear factor of activated T-cells signalling. In addition, Klotho knockout mice developed COPD and showed airway inflammation and elevated FGFR4 expression in their lungs, whereas overexpression of Klotho led to an attenuation of airway inflammation.

Cigarette smoke induces airway inflammation by downregulation of Klotho and activation of FGFR4 in the airway epithelium in COPD. Inhibition of FGF23 or FGFR4 might serve as a novel anti-inflammatory strategy in COPD.