bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National Drugs Intelligence Unit
Authors: Stockley David
Published: December 2017

Served 3–1/2 years as Deputy Head of the Metropolitan Police Central Drug Squad. During this time he was seconded to the Bahamas (between November 1983 and July 1984) as an investigator to assist a Commission of Inquiry into drug trafficking from South America to the USA using the Bahamas as a transhipment point. The inquiry also included investigating allegations of involvement by public officials including members of the Bahamian Government. He was promoted Detective Chief Superintendent in April 1986 and has since served in the National Drugs Intelligence Unit during the major part of its development.

Any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and should not be attributed to the NDIC, Metropolitan Police or Home Office.
Psychological Aspects of Police Peace-Keeping Overseas
Authors: Taylor Antony J.
Published: December 2017

The extension of the role of the police from preserving the peace at home to that of preserving the peace abroad brought implications to which the present paper is addressed. These include the acceptance of responsibility by individuals, by groups, and by the employing authority in the selection, preparation, maintenance, and return of phrases of such an assignment. They involve lessons that can be transferred from comparable phases in the work of people who serve with Volunteer Service Abroad in exotic places such as Antarctica, and who work with indigenous groups.
Positive Discrimination v. Positive Action
Authors: Dene Elizabeth
Published: December 2017

In 1985 the Dutch government implemented a policy which aims to increase the representation of women within the police service to 25 percent. This article looks at the events leading up to this policy decision, how the policy has been received within the service and the implications of such a policy.
Improving the Quality of Evidence Elicited from Children Using CUED Recall
Authors: Telfer Karen , Baxter J. , Hutcheson G. , Warden D.
Published: December 2017

Recent amendments to the law allow video recordings of initial interviews with children to be used as evidence in court. In order that children may benefit fully from this change it is crucial that these interviews are of as high a quality as possible and are conducted in a way that is acceptable to the courts. Recently published recommendations for interviewing advocate the use of general, open-ended questions wherever possible (Home Office, 1992) as this technique tends to result in accurate statements. However, recent research has shown that young children questioned in this way are unlikely to report all the relevant information they have. The present recommendations as they stand may in fact discriminate against the very children they are designed to help. This paper demonstrates that the present recommendations are not optimal for interviewing five to six-year-old children and suggests that the use of non-suggestive visual cues may be a way of increasing the overall quality of children's reports.
Lawmakers, Law Lords and Legal Fault: Two Tales from the (Thames) River Bank: Sexual Offences Act 2003; R v G and Another
Authors: Davies Mitchell
Published: December 2017

This article examines the conflicting approaches of Parliament and the senior courts to the need for mens rea in relation to those offences which are seriously criminal in character. Prompted by the imminent enactment of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and the recent decision of the House of Lords in R v G and Another, the conclusion is reached that whilst the senior courts have become ever more sensitive to the need for true mens rea to be insisted upon as a precursor to liability for any serious crime, Parliament, in enacting the Sexual Offences Act 2003, has shown itself, in this context at least, to have priorities of a very different order. In applying a purely subjective meaning to the term reckless it is argued however that their Lordships in G have gone too far and have made prosecutions under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 for unintentionally caused criminal damage potentially unwinnable as well as having thereby perpetuated the definitional plurality of this much litigated mens rea term. The reader is accordingly guided to the conclusion that G is far from being the last word on the meaning of recklessness in English criminal law.
‘A Jury of Peers’: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Davies Colin , Edwards Christopher
Published: December 2017

The article considers the historical development of the concept of a jury of peers in the UK, which is contrasted with US development. It is argued that if the jury process is to continue as an element of the judicial process, then issues of jury selection need to be revisited. In outlining the historical development of what is meant by the concept of a trial by a person's peer, it is suggested that there are a number of parallels to contemporary issues of equality. The representation of peer/social groups on a jury panel is considered in the light of contemporary equality and human rights laws.
Murder in the Criminal Law of Iran and Islam
Authors: Ghodsi Ebrahim
Published: December 2017

Wilful murder, the deliberate killing of another human being, is considered a crime in the criminal law of Iran and Islam, and the consequential penalty invoked is retaliation. The offence, as in English law, requires proof of both actus reus (external element) and mens rea (fault element). The statutory offence may be found in Articles 14 and 204–268 of the 1991 version of the Islamic Penal Code and in Articles 612–615 of 1996 Code. In Islam there are many verses and precedents (of the Prophet and the Shiite Imams) condemning the crime of murder as illegal and retaliation as the appropriate punishment for this crime provided the legal elements are established. The requisite elements of the offence have been subjected to varied review in Iran and Islam. The focus of this article is to study the key ingredients in more depth. Retaliation as a punishment has three key aspects: It is personal; it should be equal with the crime; and to be performed according to the will and option of the avengers of blood.
Law Reports, Transcripts, and the Fabric of the Criminal Law —A Speculation
Authors: Munday Roderick
Published: December 2017

Thanks to the advent of searchable, computerised archives of unreported (but fully referenced) appellate decisions, anyone researching a legal problem today has ready access to a vast mass of previously concealed authorities. This article speculates on one of the troubling possibilities this cornucopia brings with it: namely, that if one surveys the full range of materials now accessible, one may actually need to reconfigure what were previously assumed to be settled bodies of knowledge. Using the soon-to-be-defunct similar fact evidence principles as an illustration, this article is not so much intended offer a proof of the thesis, but to throw out a teasing question that, in truth, goes to the root of English legal method.
Officer Safety: Is Enough Being Done to Protect Our Officers?
Authors: Baskind Eric
Published: December 2017

Officer safety is crucial to police training yet in many areas it is far from satisfactory and leaves officers exposed to the many dangers associated with modern-day policing. This article examines some of the most important components of officer safety and explains why officers are being placed at risk by a lack of coordination and poor methods of training. It also sets out the law relating to the use of force.
Effects of Stimuli Repetition and Age in False Recognition
Authors: Pitarque Alfonso , Satorres Encarnación , Sales Alicia , Escudero Joaquín , Meléndez Juan C.
Published: December 2017

The aim of the current study is to examine the effects of stimuli repetition and age in false recognition using the Deese–Roediger–McDermott experimental paradigm. Two matched samples of 32 young adults and 32 healthy older adults studied 10 lists of six words associated with three non-presented critical words. On half of the lists, the words were presented once, and on the other five lists, the words were presented three times, always following a same sequential order. After each study list, participants performed a self-paced recognition test containing 12 words: the 6 studied words and 6 other non-studied words (the 3 critical words and 3 distractors). The results show that false recognition increases with age and declines in both samples with repetitions (although more in the young adults than in the older people). Results are discussed in relation to the dual-process theories of (false) memory.
Trends and patterns of post-communist migration from Russia to New Zealand since the 1990s
Authors: Opara Oksana
Published: December 2017

This article examines the Russian diaspora in New Zealand over the last 30 years. Using migration statistics and census data, post-communist migration trends and socio-economic outcomes of immigration from Russia to New Zealand are analyzed, to establish an empirical base for further qualitative and comparative investigation of the settlement experiences of Russian immigrants in New Zealand. Results reveal that the Russian diaspora has been growing, demonstrating spatial clustering in urban centers with the highest concentration in Auckland. While Russian immigrants have a high level of educational qualifications, their labor market outcomes have been weak and their income is lagging behind that of the New Zealand-born population and of migrants born in other countries. An over-representation of working-age female migrants is a distinctive feature of the Russian diaspora. Further research on the changing migration pathways and settlement strategies of the Russian immigrants in New Zealand is suggested.
Can social news websites pay for content and curation? The SteemIt cryptocurrency model
Authors: Thelwall Mike
Published: December 2017

SteemIt is a Reddit-like social news site that pays members for posting and curating content. It uses micropayments backed by a tradeable currency, exploiting the Bitcoin cryptocurrency generation model to finance content provision in conjunction with advertising. If successful, this paradigm might change the way in which volunteer-based sites operate. This article investigates 925,092 new members’ first posts for insights into what drives financial success in the site. Initial blog posts on average received US$0.01, although the maximum accrued was US$20,680.83. Longer, more sentiment-rich or more positive comments with personal information received the greatest financial reward in contrast to more informational or topical content. Thus, there is a clear financial value in starting with a friendly introduction rather than immediately attempting to provide useful content, despite the latter being the ultimate site goal. Follow-up posts also tended to be more successful when more personal, suggesting that interpersonal communication rather than quality content provision has driven the site so far. It remains to be seen whether the model of small typical rewards and the possibility that a post might generate substantially more are enough to incentivise long-term participation or a greater focus on informational posts in the long term.
Confessional Subjects and Conducts of Non-Truth: Foucault, Fanon, and the Making of the Subject
Authors: Lorenzini Daniele , Tazzioli Martina
Published: December 2017

This article puts Michel Foucault and Frantz Fanon into dialogue in order to explore the relationships between the constitution of subjects and the production of truth in modern Western societies as well as in colonial spaces. Firstly, it takes into account Foucault’s analysis of confessional practices and the effects of subjection, objectivation, and subjectivation generated by the injunction for the subject to tell the truth about him or herself. Secondly, it focuses on the question of interpellation that emerges in the colonial context and on the colonized who, as Fanon illustrates, is always seen as a deceitful subject. Finally, it shows that, despite the difference in the relationships between the constitution of subjectivity and the production of true discourses described by Foucault and Fanon, the transformative dimension enacted by the processes of subjectivation and by the practices of resistance constitutes a shared conceptual and political ground between the two authors.
Changes in medication use in a cohort of patients with advanced cancer: The international multicentre prospective European Palliative Care Cancer Symptom study
Authors: Paque Kristel , Elseviers Monique , Vander Stichele Robert , Pardon Koen , Hjermstad Marianne J , Kaasa Stein , Dilles Tinne , De Laat Martine , Van Belle Simon , Christiaens Thierry , Deliens Luc
Published: December 2017

Background:

Information on medication use in the last months of life is limited.

Aim:

To describe which medications are prescribed and deprescribed in advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care in relation to time before death and to explore associations with demographic variables.

Design:

Prospective study, using case report forms for monthly data collection. Medication included cancer treatment and 19 therapeutic groups, grouped into four categories for: (1) cancer therapy, (2) specific cancer-related symptom relief, (3) other symptom relief and (4) long-term prevention. Data were analysed retrospectively using death as the index date. We compared medication use at 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 month(s) before death by constructing five cross-sectional subsamples with medication use during that month. Paired analyses were done on a subsample of patients with at least two assessments before death.

Setting/participants:

We studied the medication use of 720 patients (mean age 67, 56% male) in 30 cancer centres representing 12 countries.

Results:

From 5 to 1 month(s) before death, cancer therapy decreased (55%–24%), most medications for symptom relief increased, for example, opioids (62%–81%) and sedatives (35%–46%), but medication for long-term prevention decreased (38%–27%). The prevalence of chemotherapy was 15.5% in the last month of life, with 9% of new courses started in the last 2 months. With higher age, chemotherapy and opioid use decreased.

Conclusion:

Medications for symptom relief increased in almost all medication groups. Deprescribing was found in heart medication/anti-hypertensives and cancer therapy, although use of the latter remained relatively high.
The role of macrophages in the differentiation process of ureteral polyps
Authors: Wang Yue-Hui , Zhang Tian-Qi , Fu Ji-Ning , Liu Ying , Jia Hai-Yan
Published: December 2017

Objective

To evaluate the role of macrophage infiltration in the differentiation process of ureteral polyps and cancers.

Methods

This retrospective immunohistochemical study analysed archival samples of pathologically-confirmed specimens of low- and high-grade ureteral cancer, ureteral papilloma and ureteral polyps. The samples were immunohistochemically stained for cluster of differentiation (CD)4, CD8, CD16, CD25, CD56 and CD68 using immunofluorescence in order to identify different T-lymphocyte populations and macrophages.

Results

A total of 70 specimens were included in the analysis: 21 specimens of ureteral cancer, 17 specimens of ureteral papilloma, and 32 specimens of ureteral polyps. The largest proportion of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells was observed in the low-grade ureteral cancer group and almost none were observed in ureteral papillomas. The largest proportion of CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes was observed in the ureteral polyps. The largest proportion of CD56+ natural killer cells was detected in the ureteral polyps, with very low levels observed in the other three groups. The largest proportion of CD16+CD68+ macrophages was observed in the high-grade ureteral cancer group, which was significantly higher than that observed in the ureteral papillomas.

Conclusions

This study revealed that CD16+CD68+ macrophages appear to participate in ureteral neoplastic transformation.
Gait, Balance, and Coordination Impairments in Niemann Pick Disease, Type C1
Authors: Sansare Ashwini , Zampieri Cris , Alter Katharine , Stanley Christopher , Farhat Nicole , Keener Lee Ann , Porter Forbes
Published: December 2017

This is the first study to objectively measure gait, balance, and upper limb coordination in a group of patients with NPC1 and compare the results to age and gender matched controls. This is also the first study to report effect sizes in these measures. Spatiotemporal gait analysis, static and dynamic posturography, and upper limb reaching motion analysis were performed. The findings showed that the NPC1 subjects had statistically significant deficits on 12 out of the 16 parameters investigated compared to controls, and large effect sizes for all but 1 parameter. When ranking the variables in terms of the effect sizes, the top 5 included at least 1 parameter from each of the 3 motor domains investigated. These results can provide insight to clinical researchers on the selection of outcome measures for longitudinal and interventional studies.
Supervising the professional doctoral student
Authors: Mawson Kate , Abbott Ian
Published: December 2017

This article presents a discussion around issues of identity for part-time professional doctoral students. The current supervision arrangements of a professional doctoral programme were considered, using an exploratory study, to explore the idea that supervision for competent confident professionals should, in the early stages, focus on identity in addition to progress and process. Differing supervision models are discussed alongside ideas of identity development, more knowledgeable others and socialisation. It is suggested that individual academic supervision may focus too much on process and progress in the initial stages of professional doctorate programmes, and that supervision from a near peer in order to help students transition from the centre of their professional identity to the centre of a researcher identity may be of benefit. Alternative models are suggested for the leadership and the design of taught elements of these programmes, in order more fully to support the development of the competent professional’s research identity.
Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis Associated With Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter Type 2 Inhibitors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Receiving Oral Therapy
Authors: Dull Ryan B. , Spangler Mikayla L. , Knezevich Emily L. , Lau Britney M.
Published: December 2017

Introduction and Objective:

Postmarketing reports and warnings of serious adverse events such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) have raised concern regarding the safety of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). This report describes 2 cases of symptomatic SGLT2i-associated euglycemic DKA (euDKA) leading to hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) previously well controlled on oral medications.

Case Reports:

Subject 1 is a 55-year-old female admitted with euDKA precipitated by infection and managed with intravenous insulin. This case was notable for a delayed diagnosis of euDKA and lack of clinical improvement despite withholding dapagliflozin. Subject 2 is a 62-year-old male admitted with euDKA precipitated by infection. His clinical condition improved rapidly and euDKA responded to withdrawal of empagliflozin alone.

Discussion:

Applying the Naranjo adverse medication reaction probability scale to each case (subject 1 score = 3 points; subject 2 score = 4 points) suggests these are possible adverse reactions to SGLT2i. Data from randomized controlled trials suggest DKA events in adults with type 2 DM receiving SGLT2i are rare and similar to placebo. However, data from a large cohort suggest these events occur more frequently and are associated with a 2-fold increased risk of DKA.

Conclusion:

This class of medications may be associated with a higher real-world risk of DKA in adults with type 2 DM than previously reported. Patients prescribed these medications should receive vigilant assessment for features of traditional DKA as well as euDKA.
Health and hierarchy: soldiers, civilians and mental healthcare in Scotland, 1914–34
Authors: Farquharson Jennifer
Published: December 2017

During the First World War injured servicemen were constructed as a better class of patient than civilians, and their care was prioritized in social and political discourses. For the mentally disordered servicemen themselves, however, these distinctions were permeable and transient.

This article will challenge the reality of the ‘privileged’ service patient in civil asylums in Scotland. By examining the impact of the war on asylum structures, economies and patient health, this study will explore exactly which patients were valued in these difficult years. In so doing, this paper will also reveal how the lives of institutionalized ex-servicemen and the civilian insane inside district asylums were not quite as distinct as political and social groups would have liked.
Recessionary games: Video games and the social imaginary of the Great Recession (2009–2015)
Authors: Pérez-Latorre Óliver , Navarro-Remesal Víctor , Planells de la Maza Antonio José , Sánchez-Serradilla Cristina
Published: December 2017

How do the most popular video games in recent years contribute to the construction of the social imaginary of the Great Recession? The discursive struggles over the definition of crucial aspects of the recession such as austerity, the heroic ethos to face precariousness and being anti-establishment are being played not only in the political arena and ‘serious’ news genres but also in the narrations of popular culture and video games. Thus, critical analysis of the social resonances of video games on the Great Recession is a relevant exercise not only academically but also socially. To address this question, this article proposes an analysis of bestselling video games from 2009 to 2015, based on cultural studies and game studies. The analysis is organized in three case studies: (a) post-apocalyptic video games and their potential resonances regarding austerity and precariousness; (b) video games, neo-liberalism and counter neo-liberal views; and (c) video games and the representation of anti-establishment characters and rebel communities.
Causes and consequences of uncertainty about illness risk perceptions
Authors: Orom Heather , Biddle Caitlin , Waters Erika A , Kiviniemi Marc T , Sosnowski Amanda N , Hay Jennifer L
Published: December 2017

We identified determinants of uncertainty about perceived risk judgments and demonstrated that uncertainty is associated with lower engagement in risk-reducing behavior. We found that people likely have metacognitive awareness of when their judgments are overly pessimistic, resulting in uncertainty and that question context (more constraints) and people’s time orientation (future orientation) are associated with lower uncertainty. Uncertainty about conditioned risk judgments was associated with lower engagement in exercising and eating a healthy diet in order to reduce risk for heart disease. As a potential determinant of behavior, uncertainty about risk judgments merits further consideration for integration into theories of health behavior.
Improvement of the sound absorption performance of jute felt-based sound absorbers using micro-perforated panels
Authors: Bansod Pritesh V , Teja T Sai , Mohanty Amiya R
Published: December 2017

In industrial and architectural applications, noise can be controlled using sound-absorbing materials. Natural materials are now gaining importance in the noise control engineering as they have advantages like low cost, eco-friendly, easy to produce, etc. Jute is one of such natural materials, which can be used as a sound-absorbing material. Micro-perforated panels along with three different types of jute felts are used in a multilayer sound absorber configuration to improve its sound absorption. The sound absorption performance of these multilayer sound absorbers is evaluated by using the transfer matrix method and experimental method. Dependence of sound absorption performance on the placement of micro-perforated panels in a multilayer sound absorber is also studied. It is observed that the sound absorption performance depends on the position of micro-perforated panels in a multilayer sound absorber.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Quality of Life, and the Subjective Experience in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Paslakis Georgios , Beckmann Mingo , Beckebaum Susanne , Klein Christian , Gräf Jan , Erim Yesim
Published: December 2017

Objective:

A high prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among transplant recipients has been associated with a low adherence to treatment and poor survival. It is crucial to detect and prevent the development of posttraumatic stress in transplant settings.

Methods:

We examined the prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms in 3 liver transplant recipients by means of the Essen Trauma Inventory (ETI), a self-report questionnaire. The Short Form-36 was used to assess the perceived health-related quality of life. Patients were asked to indicate the most traumatic events within the context of the liver transplantation procedure.

Results:

Five patients (4.9%) fulfilled the criteria for PTSD related to liver disease or transplantation (ETI score greater than 27). In these patients, diagnosis was confirmed by a structured clinical interview. Fourteen (13.6%) patients had a partial PTSD with the ETI score less than 27 and greater than 16. Posttraumatic stress symptoms were significantly associated with perceived poor physical and mental health-related quality of life. Patients reported that the physicians’ disclosure of diagnosis was experienced as traumatic, followed by treatment in an intensive care unit and the liver transplantation itself.

Conclusions:

The ETI resulted in prevalence rates for PTSD comparable to previous studies in liver transplantation settings. Medical professionals requested additional training in how to deliver severe diagnoses to patients.
Donor Leucocytosis Predicts Bacterial and Fungal Contamination of the Preservation Solution in Visceral Organ Transplantation
Authors: Sotiropoulos Georgios C. , Steinmann Jörg , Stern Sabrina , Raduenz Sonia , Machairas Nikolaos , Rath Peter M. , Saner Fuat H. , Paul Andreas , Gallinat Anja
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

Contamination of the preservation solution may contribute to septic complications that can occur after transplantation and cause higher morbidity and mortality among recipients. The aim of this study was to determine potential donor-related predictors of positive microbiological findings in the preservation solution.

Design:

We retrospectively studied 16 donor parameters on data from our center for microbiological findings in the preservation solution used in solid-organ recovery. From January 2008 through December 2011, 976 solid organs were transplanted, and in 167, the solution was positive for contaminants.

Results:

The most frequently detected contaminant was coagulase-negative staphylococci. Only the donor leucocyte count (cutoff at 9.1 × 109/L) predicted positive microbiological findings in the preservation solution ( P = .0024). Multivariable regression analysis found that donor age, donor sex, intensive care unit stay, total number of organs recovered, and leucocyte count differentiated various categories of potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Conclusion:

Donor leucocyte count higher than 9.1 × 109/L predicts contamination of preservation solution.
Electrophysiological Markers of Motivation in Psychosis
Authors: Sueyoshi Kazuki , Sumiyoshi Tomiki
Published: December 2017

Motivation is associated with electrophysiological markers, such as awake state delta oscillation and frontal alpha asymmetry, as well as event-related potentials, such as error-related negativity, feedback-related negativity, and prepulse inhibition. These indicators provide an objective measure of motivational deficits in psychiatric conditions, and response to treatment. Also, these modalities of brain activities are drawing attention as a target of neurofeedback training. The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview on electrophysiological findings relevant to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying impaired motivation in psychiatric disorders and clinical practice.
Avolition-Apathy and White Matter Connectivity in Schizophrenia: Reduced Fractional Anisotropy Between Amygdala and Insular Cortex
Authors: Amodio Antonella , Quarantelli Mario , Mucci Armida , Prinster Anna , Soricelli Andrea , Vignapiano Annarita , Giordano Giulia Maria , Merlotti Eleonora , Nicita Alessia , Galderisi Silvana
Published: December 2017

The avolition/apathy domain of negative symptoms includes motivation- and pleasure-related impairments. In people with schizophrenia, structural and functional abnormalities were reported in key regions within the motivational reward system, including ventral-tegmental area (VTA), striatum (especially at the level of the nucleus accumbens, NAcc), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), as well as amygdala (Amy) and insular cortex (IC). However, the association of the reported abnormalities with avoliton-apathy is still controversial. In the present study, we investigated white matter connectivity patterns within these regions, using a probabilistic analysis of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data, in male subjects with schizophrenia. Thirty-five male subjects with schizophrenia (SCZ) and 17 male healthy controls (HC) matched for age, underwent DTI. SCZ were evaluated using the Schedule for Deficit Syndrome (SDS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Probabilistic tractography was applied to investigate pathways connecting the Amy and the NAcc with the OFC and IC. Reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) was observed in left Amy–ventral anterior IC connections, in SCZ compared with controls. This abnormality was negatively correlated with avolition/apathy but not with expressive deficit scores. SCZ showed also a reduced connectivity index between right NAcc and medial OFC, as compared with controls. Finally, the left NAcc-dorsal anterior IC connectivity index was negatively correlated with working memory scores. Our results indicate that only the avolition/apathy domain of negative symptoms is related to abnormal connectivity in the motivation-related circuits. The findings also demonstrate that distinct alterations underlie cognitive impairment and avolition/apathy.
Macrocognition in the Healthcare Built Environment (mHCBE): A Focused Ethnographic Study of “Neighborhoods” in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: O’Hara Susan , Klar Robin Toft , Patterson Emily S. , Morris Nancy S. , Ascenzi Judy , Fackler James C. , Perry Donna J.
Published: December 2017

Objectives:

The objectives of this research were to describe the interactions (formal and informal), in which macrocognitive functions occur and their location on a pediatric intensive care unit, to describe challenges and facilitators of macrocognition using space syntax constructs (openness, connectivity, and visibility), and to analyze the healthcare built environment (HCBE) using those constructs to explicate influences on macrocognition.

Background:

In high reliability, complex industries, macrocognition is an approach to develop new knowledge among interprofessional team members. Although macrocognitive functions have been analyzed in multiple healthcare settings, the effect of the HCBE on those functions has not been directly studied. The theoretical framework, “macrocognition in the healthcare built environment” (mHCBE) addresses this relationship.

Method:

A focused ethnographic study was conducted including observation and focus groups. Architectural drawing files used to create distance matrices and isovist field view analyses were compared to panoramic photographs and ethnographic data.

Results:

Neighborhoods comprised of corner configurations with maximized visibility enhanced team interactions as well as observation of patients, offering the greatest opportunity for informal situated macrocognitive interactions (SMIs).

Conclusions:

Results from this study support the intricate link between macrocognitive interactions and space syntax constructs within the HCBE. These findings help increase understanding of how use of the framework of Macrocognition in the HCBE can improve design and support adaptation of interprofessional team practices, maximizing macrocognitive interaction opportunities for patient, family, and team safety and quality.
Association between route of illicit drug administration and hospitalizations for infective endocarditis
Authors: Olubamwo Olubunmi , Onyeka Ifeoma N , Aregbesola Alex , Ronkainen Kimmo , Tiihonen Jari , Föhr Jaana , Kauhanen Jussi
Published: December 2017

Objective:

This study examined the association between the route of drug administration and being hospitalized for infective endocarditis among 4817 treatment-seeking illicit drug users in Finland.

Methods:

Cox regression models were used to examine the association between the route of drug administration and infective endocarditis hospitalization, adjusted for age, gender, and homelessness. Cases of infective endocarditis as a primary/main diagnosis were tracked using the 10th version of the International Classification of Disease code I33.

Results:

In all, 47 persons had a primary diagnosis of infective endocarditis. These 47 persons contributed a total of 95 hospitalizations and their total length of hospital stay was 1393 days. There was a statistically significant difference in hospitalizations between injectors and non-injectors (Log-Rank test p = 0.018). Univariate Cox model showed that injectors had higher hazard or risk for infective endocarditis hospitalization compared to non-injectors (hazard ratio: 2.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.12–3.73, p = 0.020). After adjusting for age, gender, and homelessness in the multivariate model, the elevated hazard among injectors compared to non-injectors remained statistically significant with adjusted hazard ratio of 2.12 (95% confidence interval: 1.11–4.07, p = 0.024).

Conclusion:

The study findings suggested a need to boost harm reduction measures targeting high-risk injecting and other health behaviors among injecting drug users in order to reduce their hospitalizations for infective endocarditis.
Resolving the test–retest agreement or reliability dilemma
Authors: Thomas Hoben
Published: December 2017

Agreement refers to the degree to which an individual i’s test scores match in test–retest settings. Agreement has been thought to be unapproachable with correlational reliability indices. Stable unstable reliability theory extends Spearman’s reliability model and specifies the probability that i’s test–retest true scores match. Thus, agreement and reliability are simultaneously addressed. Two examples, one using longitudinal data, illustrate the procedure.
‘We were there too’: There is much to learn from embedding auto/biography in the knowing and doing of prison research
Authors: Brown Geraldine , Bos Elizabeth
Published: December 2017

Within the social sciences, there is a wealth of literature that examines the challenges and ethical dilemmas encountered by researchers in conceptualising, conducting and understanding their research. In this article, we share our reflections on experiences we encountered carrying out a qualitative evaluation of a prison gardening intervention with male substance misusing prisoners. Our aim is to suggest that there is much we can gain when researchers engage in a process of reflexivity, which includes consideration to the intersection of identity of the researcher, the researched and the forces of various kinds, operating upon and within such situations. As such, here we share our fieldwork experiences and shed light on how, for us, the evaluation was a subjective, power-laden, emotional, embodied experience. We highlight how a human geographer and a sociologist working as part of a multidisciplinary evaluation team encountered issues associated with choices in terms of how we conduct our work, the emotional labour expended and how we had to assume both chosen and imposed identities. We have been challenged to consider and reflect upon aspects of gender, class, age and professional status throughout our research experience, with the ‘researched’ and between the ‘researchers’. Finally, we suggest that embarking on qualitative research in a prison setting is an outcome of complex negotiations, but in theorising our subjectivities is a means of illuminating issues that often remain invisible within prison research.
Trajectories of Racial Discrimination That Predict Problematic Alcohol Use Among African American Emerging Adults
Authors: Lee Daniel B. , Heinze Justin E. , Neblett Enrique W. , Caldwell Cleopatra H. , Zimmerman Marc A.
Published: December 2017

The association between racial discrimination (discrimination) and problematic alcohol use in African American (AA) emerging adults is well-documented. Few researchers, however, have studied the longitudinal relationship between discrimination and problematic alcohol use among AA male and female emerging adults. In a sample of 681 AAs aged 19–25 (51% male), we explored multiple, distinct trajectories of discrimination and sociodemographic predictors of the trajectory classifications. We also examined the relation between discrimination trajectories and problematic alcohol use and the extent to which sex modified these associations. Collectively, the findings revealed that three trajectories—high-stable, low-rising, and low-declining—characterized discrimination experiences for AA emerging adults. Males in the high-stable trajectory class reported more problematic alcohol use than males in other trajectory classes and all females. These findings lay the foundation for future research that examines gender-specific mechanisms in the discrimination–health link.
Structural Validity of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 Adapted for U.S. Undergraduates
Authors: Kia-Keating Maryam , No Unkyung , Moore Stephanie , Furlong Michael J. , Liu Sabrina , You Sukkyung
Published: December 2017

Effective self-report screening tools for emerging adults are understudied. The present study examined the latent structure of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) with U.S. undergraduates. Data were collected from 1,413 undergraduates surveyed online. Three models were tested: (a) a one-factor model, (b) the original correlated three-factor model, and (c) a bifactor model that included a general negative affectivity factor and three specific factors of depression, anxiety, and stress. The bifactor model with three specific orthogonal factors yielded the best fit. All items loaded onto the general negative affectivity factor. This study provides an important evaluation of alternative models of the latent structure of the DASS among U.S. undergraduates, with results supporting it as an assessment of general distress for emerging adults.
Book Review: Nandita Haksar, The Exodus Is Not Over: Migrations from the Ruptured Homelands of Northeast India
Authors: Shahin Sakira
Published: December 2017

Nandita Haksar, The Exodus Is Not Over: Migrations from the Ruptured Homelands of Northeast India. New Delhi, Speaking Tiger. 2016. Pp. 272. ₹350.
mMRC dyspnoea scale indicates impaired quality of life and increased pain in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Rajala Kaisa , Lehto Juho T. , Sutinen Eva , Kautiainen Hannu , Myll�rniemi Marjukka , Saarto Tiina
Published: December 2017

This study was undertaken to investigate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptoms in a real-life cross-sectional study. Our secondary aim was to create a simple identification method for patients with increased need for palliative care by studying the relationship between modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale, HRQoL and symptoms.

We sent a self-rating HRQoL questionnaire (RAND-36) and modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) to 300 IPF patients; 84% of the patients responded to these questionnaires.

The most prevalent (>80%) symptoms were tiredness, breathlessness, cough and pain in movement. An increasing mMRC score showed a linear relationship (p<0.001) to impaired HRQoL in all dimensions of RAND-36 and the severity of all symptoms in ESAS. Dimensions of RAND-36 fell below general population reference values in patients with mMRC score =2. The intensity of pain in movement (p<0.001) and at rest (p=0.041), and the prevalence of chest pain (p<0.001) had a positive linear relationship to increased mMRC score.

An increasing mMRC score reflects impaired HRQoL and a high symptom burden. In clinical practice, the mMRC scale could be used for screening and identification of IPF patients with increased need for palliative care.
Natural history of COPD: gaps and opportunities
Authors: Agustí Alvar , Celli Bartolomé
Published: December 2017

Understanding the natural history of a disease is as important as knowing its cause(s) for effective disease prevention and treatment. Yet, our current understanding of the natural history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is incomplete and often controversial. This article discusses the current gaps, and hence opportunities for research, in this field. In particular, it discusses the following six specific questions. 1) Is COPD a “single” disease? 2) Is COPD “only” a lung disease? 3) When does COPD begin or what is “early” COPD? 4) How does COPD “progress”? 5) How do we assess disease “severity”? 6) Can COPD be prevented (beyond smoking cessation) or its course be modified once detected?
Identification of miR-29b targets using 3-cyanovinylcarbazole containing mimics
Authors: Choudhary Anupma , Vanichkina Darya P. , Ender Christine , Crawford Joanna , Baillie Gregory J. , Calcino Andrew D. , Ru Kelin , Taft Ryan J.
Published: December 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved ∼22 nt small noncoding RNAs that bind partially complementary sequences in target transcripts. MicroRNAs regulate both translation and transcript stability, and play important roles in development, cellular homeostasis, and disease. There are limited approaches available to agnostically identify microRNA targets transcriptome-wide, and methods using miRNA mimics, which in principle identify direct miRNA:transcript pairs, have low sensitivity and specificity. Here, we describe a novel method to identify microRNA targets using miR-29b mimics containing 3-cyanovinylcarbazole (CNVK), a photolabile nucleoside analog. We demonstrate that biotin-tagged,CNVK-containing miR-29b (CNVK-miR-29b) mimics are nontoxic in cell culture, associate with endogenous mammalian Argonaute2, are sensitive for known targets and recapitulate endogenous transcript destabilization. PartneringCNVK-miR-29b with ultra-low-input RNA sequencing, we recover ∼40% of known miR-29b targets and find conservation of the focal adhesion and apoptotic target pathways in mouse and human. We also identify hundreds of novel targets, includingNRAS,HOXA10, andKLF11, with a validation rate of 71% for a subset of 73 novel target transcripts interrogated using a high-throughput luciferase assay. Consistent with previous reports, we show that both endogenous miR-29b andCNVK-miR-29b are trafficked to the nucleus, but find no evidence of nuclear-specific miR-29b transcript binding. This may indicate that miR-29b nuclear sequestration is a regulatory mechanism in itself. We suggest thatCNVK-containing small RNA mimics may find applicability in other experimental models.
Cooperativity between antibiotics and antiseptics: testing the bactericidal effect
Authors: Jenull S. , Laggner H. , Hassl I. , Velimirov B. , Huettinger M. , Zemann N.
Published: December 2017

Objective:

Treatment with antibiotics together with local application of antiseptics is common in wound care. We investigated the effectiveness of an antiseptic in two variations: octenidine (Oct) and octenidine+ (Oct+ with isotonic glucose addition).

Method:

Using the agar diffusion test with cultures of pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus and the non-pathogenic Bordetella petrii, we compared the effectiveness of octenidine to the classical antiseptics beta-isodona (povidone-iodine; PI), chlorhexidine (Chl) and taurolin (Tau) alone, and in combination with various common antibiotics to uncover cooperativity between antiseptics and antibiotics.

Results:

We detected strong interactions between antibiotics and antiseptics, that either enhanced or reduced the bactericidal efficiency. Effectiveness was dependent on the type of organism tested. Oct applied together with ineffective antibiotics frequently led to effective growth inhibition of Bordetella petrii. With Staphylococcus aureus we did not find such an effect. To this end, we reason that positively charged Oct may associate with antibiotic compounds via electrostatic interactions and guide it more efficiently to the bacterial cell wall. Interaction with antibiotics sometimes led to sequestration and reduced availability of some antiseptic/antibiotic combinations, but never with Oct.

Conclusion:

These data provide new arguments for decision planning concerning the choice of agent in the treatment of wound infections.
Management of chronic diabetic foot ulcers using platelet-rich plasma
Authors: Babaei V. , Afradi H. , Gohardani H.Z. , Nasseri F. , Azarafza M. , Teimourian S.
Published: December 2017

Objective:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as an adjunct for the treatment of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes, as well as a treatment for chronic and acute wounds. This study examined the application of PRP in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in patients.

Methods:

This prospective study was conducted between 2011 and 2014. We used PRP, produced by a kit, for the treatment of DFUs. Patients were allocated to one of three groups, according to size of ulcer. The significance of changes in time for wound healing were statistically assessed.

Results:

The study was completed by 150 patients, and a total of 150 foot ulcers were assessed. Wound size reduction was detected in patients after four weeks of treatment. In DFUs with a 2–5.5 cm2 surface area, complete closure happened after 7.2 weeks, 5.5–8.5cm2 DFUs completely closed after 7.5 weeks, and 8.5–12.5cm2 DFUs healed completely after 8.8 weeks. None of the wounds reopened after eight months of monitoring.

Conclusions:

This study will provide more evidence for the use of autologous PRP for DFUs in patients.