bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysphagia is associated with functional decline during acute‐care hospitalization of older patients
Authors: Matsuo Haruyo , Yoshimura Yoshihiro , Ishizaki Naoki , Ueno Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2016

Aim

Physical function is considered to be associated with dysphagia: however, there is little data regarding the association between dysphagia and functional decline during hospitalization among older patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of dysphagia, and the association between dysphagia and functional status during hospitalization in older acute‐care patients.

Methods

A total of 103 older patients without present or prior history of diseases that could directly impair swallowing and cause dysphagia (45 men and 58 women; mean age 80.5 years) hospitalized in acute‐care wards were included in the present study. Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing was assessed by using the 10‐item Eating Assessment Tool. Functional and nutritional status, such as Barthel Index (BI), Mini‐Nutritional Assessment short form, body mass index, calf circumference, handgrip strength and dysphagia, were analyzed to evaluate their relationships.

Results

Dysphagia, as assessed using the 10‐item Eating Assessment Tool, was noted in 26.2% of the participants. Multivariate analysis showed that dysphagia, handgrip strength and BI on admission were independently associated with poor BI gain during hospitalization after adjustment for age, sex, causative disease for admission, premorbid ADL, length of hospital stay, Mini‐Nutritional Assessment short form, handgrip strength and BI.

Conclusions

Dysphagia, as assessed by the 10‐item Eating Assessment Tool, was common in older patients. In addition, dysphagia was independently associated with poorer functional recovery during acute‐care hospitalization of older patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1610–1616.
Bilateral Endolymphatic Hydrops in a Patient With Migraine Variant Without Vertigo: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Isabelle Y. , Ishiyama Akira , Sepahdari Ali R. , Johnson Kevin , Ishiyama Gail
Published: December 2016

Objective

To use modern high‐resolution inner ear imaging modalities to evaluate for endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in a patient with migraine‐associated fluctuating hearing loss without vertigo spells or dizziness.

Background

EH has been well described in patients with Meniere's disease on both human temporal bone studies and modern high‐resolution imaging; however, there is no study to date, to our knowledge, that examines the presence of EH in a patient with migraine and bilateral hearing loss. We present the MRI findings using a sequence for detecting EH in a unique case of a patient experiencing migraine headaches accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss without vertigo.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging sequences included “cisternographic” three‐dimensional T2, and delayed intravenous‐enhanced three‐dimensional fluid‐attenuation inversion recovery (DIVE‐3D‐FLAIR) sequences, performed with 2350 ms (bright perilymph) and 2050 ms (bright endolymph) inversion times. The bright endolymph images were subtracted from bright perilymph images to create a composite image with bright perilymph, dark endolymph, and intermediate bone signals.

Results

A 40‐year‐old female presented with a left‐sided sensorineural hearing loss and severe migraine headaches that began at age 12. For the past year, she experienced severe migraines with right‐sided fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Audiometry confirmed a drop of right‐sided hearing at times of migraines and increased symptom severity. Vestibular testing was within normal limits. MRI demonstrated the presence of severe bilateral vestibular and cochlear EH.

Conclusions

EH of both the cochlea and vestibule can be present in patients without Meniere's disease or vertigo. The relationship between migraine and Meniere's disease may be complex, as demonstrated in this patient with migraine‐associated bilateral hearing loss with MRI documentation of severe bilateral EH. The fact that migraine can be associated with EH is important and demonstrates a potential relationship between the pathophysiology of migraine and that of EH. Given this patient's previous association of migraine and hearing loss at age 12, it appears that migrainous attacks occur simultaneously with the hearing loss, and may be potentially causative of the fluctuating hearing loss, mediated possibly through the development of EH. New imaging modalities allow for studies into the field of inner ear pathology, with significant implications for future research.
Headache Attributed to Craniocervical Dystonia – A Little Known Headache
Authors: Bezerra Marcos Eugenio Ramalho , Rocha‐Filho Pedro Augusto Sampaio
Published: December 2016

Background

Craniocervical dystonia is a focal or segmental dystonia in its distribution, classically known as spasmodic torticollis when in its pure cervical presentation. Although craniocervical dystonia has been recognized as a possible cause of headache since the publication of the second version of International Classification of Headache Disorders, there are few studies about this entity.

Method

This was a narrative review.

Results

Craniocervical dystonia was associated with muscle pain in 67–89% of the cases. Headaches of any kind affected approximately 60% of patients with craniocervical dystonia, and were located mainly in the occipital and cervical regions. Headache attributed to craniocervical dystonia specifically was rarely found, and it was described in only one patient out of 80 in one study. Treatment with botulinum neurotoxin is considered to be the first‐line treatment for focal dystonias, including craniocervical dystonia, and besides reducing clinical severity, impairment, and pain scores among the patients with craniocervical dystonia, there were also descriptions of improvements in headaches attributed to craniocervical dystonia and other headaches associated with this dystonia.

Conclusions

Headache attributed to craniocervical dystonia has been poorly studied. There is a need for more studies to evaluate its characteristics and treatment.
Ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) diversity is higher in narrow hedges composed of a native compared to non‐native trees in a Danish agricultural landscape
Authors: Lövei Gabor L. , Magura Tibor
Published: December 2016

Non‐cultivated areas in agricultural landscapes can substantially contribute to biodiversity. Therefore, to examine the role of tree‐line hedges in supporting arthropod diversity in an agricultural landscape, we sampled carabid beetles in three replicates of a native deciduous (hawthorn,Crataegus mono‐gyna), a non‐native deciduous (rowan,Sorbus intermedia), and a non‐native coniferous (spruce,Piceaspp.) hedge in Jytland, Denmark.

We hypothesised that hedgerows with deciduous trees harbour more diverse carabid assemblages than hedges composed of non‐native trees.

The number of carabid individuals and species was highest in the hawthorn hedges and significantly lower in rowan and spruce. This was caused by the presence of forest specialist species. Differences in the number of the grassland and the cropland specialist ground beetle individuals and species were not statistically significant among the hedges.

Litter depth and the density of herbs and grasses negatively, while hedge width positively influenced carabid diversity.

Overall, hedges composed of the native, deciduous hawthorn were superior to ones composed of the non‐native rowan, and especially to coniferous ones to conserve and maintain carabid diversity in this cultivated Danish landscape.
Examining employee computer abuse intentions: insights from justice, deterrence and neutralization perspectives
Authors: Willison Robert , Warkentin Merrill , Johnston Allen C.
Published: December 2016

Although employee computer abuse is a costly and significant problem for firms, the existing academic literature regarding this issue is limited. To address this gap, we apply a multi‐theoretical model to explain employees' intentions to abuse computers. To understand the motives for such behaviour, we investigate the role of two forms of organizational justice – distributive and procedural – both of which provide explanations of how perceptions of unfairness are created in the organizational context. By applying deterrence theory, we also examine the extent to which formal sanctions influence and moderate the intentions to abuse computers. Finally, we examine how the potential motives for abuse may be moderated by techniques of neutralization, which allow offenders to justify their actions and absolve themselves of any associated feelings of guilt and shame. Utilizing the scenario‐based factorial survey method for our experimental design, we empirically evaluated the association between these antecedents and the behavioural intention to violate Information systems (IS) security policies in an environment where the measurement of actual behaviour would be impossible. Our findings suggest that individual employees may form intentions to commit computer abuse if they perceive the presence of procedural injustice and that techniques of neutralization and certainty of sanctions moderate this influence. The implications of these findings for research and practice are presented. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Introductions of two insect species threatened by sea‐level rise in Essex, United Kingdom: Fisher's estuarine moth Gortyna borelii lunata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Mottled grasshopper Myrmeleotettix maculatus (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: Gardiner T. , Ringwood Z. , Fairweather G. , Perry R. , Woodrow L.
Published: December 2016

The approaches taken to establish on the Essex coast (south‐east England, UK) new wild populations of the nationally rare Fisher's estuarine moth Gortyna borelii lunata and the locally scarce Mottled grasshopper Myrmeleotettix maculatus differed in both scale and method. The aim of this paper is to describe and contrast the differing introductions and discuss their appropriateness for specific locations. Because of its rarity locally and lack of funding for a large‐scale project, live transport of M. maculatus was a simple, cheap and quick method of introducing the grasshopper to a single receptor site in 2009. To date, the site has continued to support a small breeding population of the grasshopper, which is spreading across the dunes away from its release site. The legally protected status, vulnerability and national rarity of G. borelii lunata resulted in a landscape‐scale project involving the creation of new areas of habitat by establishing the larval food plant for the species at suitable sites, commenced on the north‐east Essex coast in 2006. The aim of this project was to create a network of interconnected sites away from the threats of coastal inundation, thereby securing the future of G. borelii lunata in the UK. From 2008 onwards, a captive‐breeding programme was established at Colchester Zoo, UK, to provide live stock for the Fisher's estuarine moth introduction programme. At the time of writing, 27 new areas of habitat have been created for G. borelii lunata and 20 of these areas were shown to support signs of the moth's larval feeding in 2015. The moth was directly established using stock from the captive‐breeding programme at six of the 20 sites.
Transpiration Sensitivity to Evaporative Demand Across 120 Years of Breeding of Australian Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Schoppach R. , Fleury D. , Sinclair T. R. , Sadok W.
Published: December 2016

Historically, wheat yields in drought‐prone Australian environments have been consistently increasing for over a century. There is currently an agreement that approximately half of that increase is attributable to breeding programmes, but their physiological basis remains poorly documented. In this investigation, we hypothesized that limited whole‐plant transpiration rate (TR) under high atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPD) could result in advantageous water conservation and crop yield increase under south Australian conditions. Therefore, TR response to VPD was measured in the 0.9–3.2 kPa range for a group of 23 wheat cultivars that were released from 1890 to 2008. Consistent with a water‐conservation hypothesis, all genotypes displayed a VPD break point (BP) in TR with increasing VPD such that TR was limited at VPD above a BP of about 2 kPa. The BP and slope of TR with increasing VPD above the break point were correlated with the year of release, although the changes were in different directions. Such changes in these transpiration parameters were independent of plant leaf area and only marginally correlated with Zadok's stages. These results indicated that selection over 120 years by breeders for yield increase unconsciously resulted in genotype selection for the expression of the limited‐TR trait.
The role of age of disclosure of biological origins in the psychological wellbeing of adolescents conceived by reproductive donation: a longitudinal study from age 1 to age 14
Authors: Ilioi Elena , Blake Lucy , Jadva Vasanti , Roman Gabriela , Golombok Susan
Published: December 2016

Background

The question of whether children should be told of their biological origins is one of the most controversial issues regarding the birth of children through donated eggs, sperm, embryos or surrogacy.

Methods

In the sixth phase of this longitudinal study when the children were aged 14 years, family relationships and adolescent adjustment were examined in 87 families created through reproductive donation and 54 natural conception families. The quality of family relationships was assessed by standardised interview with mothers and by standardised questionnaires and an observational measure with mothers and adolescents. Adolescent adjustment was assessed using standardised questionnaires. Systematic information on whether and when parents had told children about their biological origins was obtained at earlier phases of the study.

Results

There were no overall differences between disclosing families and either nondisclosing or natural conception families. However, within the disclosing families, more positive family relationships and higher levels of adolescent wellbeing were found for adolescents who had been told about their biological origins before age 7.

Conclusions

The earlier children born through reproductive donation are told about their biological origins, the more positive are the outcomes in terms of the quality of family relationships and psychological wellbeing at adolescence.
Assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis in hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Pascual J.C. , González I. , Corona D. , Hispán P. , Ramos J.M. , Sánchez‐Paya J. , Jemec G.B.
Published: December 2016

Background

Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) have an increased prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Objective

Our aim was to investigate the association between subclinical atherosclerosis, detected by carotid ultrasound, and HS.

Methods

A prospective observation and analytical study assessing subclinical atherosclerosis using carotid ultrasound in patients with HS.

Results

A total of 62 HS patients and 62 matched controls were studied. Diabetes mellitus (22.6% vs. 6.5%, P = 0.020), hypertension (41.9% vs. 12.9%, P < 0.001) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) (38.7% vs. 8.1%, P < 0.001) were more common in HS patients. Elevated neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (59.7% vs. 40.3%, P = 0.031), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (61.1 vs. 29.0%, P < 0.001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (46.8% vs. 9.7%, P < 0.001) were more frequent in patients with HS. Subclinical atherosclerosis was present in 30.6% of HS patients and in 16.1% of the controls subjects (P = 0.06). After a logistic regression analysis, elevated age was associated with the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis (P < 0.001), and HS showed a tendency towards this association [adjusted OR (95% CI) 3.8 (0.9–16.0), P = 0.066]. This association was statistically significant between patients 40 years and older [OR (95% CI) 4.9 (1.8–13.1)].

Conclusions

Our clinical results indicate that patients with HS have a higher prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis than expected when correcting for traditional risk factors. The findings support the conclusions of previous epidemiological studies.
Evaluation of Bacterial Contamination Sources in Meat Production Line
Authors: Bakhtiary Farzaneh , Sayevand Hamid Reza , Remely Marlene , Hippe Berit , Hosseini Hedayat , Haslberger Alexander G.
Published: December 2016

Bacterial contamination during slaughtering process is a safety problem and concern for shelf life in meat production. We compare two different slaughter lines, sheep and cattle samples from Iranian slaughterhouse using PCR‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis for evaluation the sources of bacterial contaminations.

Bacterial diversity was significantly different between and within cattle and sheep slaughter lines. Samples are contaminated most frequently with Salmonella enterica (28% and 30%), Enterococcus fecalis (18% and 20%), Escherichia coli (13% and 14%) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (8% and 6%), either on equipment surfaces after general cleaning and sanitizing treatments (56%).

Biodiversity of carcasses samples is increased during skinning and evisceration process and may indicate similar sources of contamination from hides and rectums of the animal to carcasses and environment.

Practical Applications

16S rDNA based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis‐PCR is a method for assessment of microbial diversity, source of contaminations and changes of microbial population in slaughterhouses.
Spinal Fractures in Older Adult Patients Admitted After Low‐Level Falls: 10‐Year Incidence and Outcomes
Authors: Jawa Randeep S. , Singer Adam J. , Rutigliano Daniel N. , McCormack Jane E. , Huang Emily C. , Shapiro Marc J. , Fields Suzanne D. , Morelli Brian N. , Vosswinkel James A.
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence of spinal fractures and their outcomes in the elderly who fall from low‐levels in a suburban county.

Design

Retrospective county‐wide trauma registry review from 2004 to 2013.

Setting

Suburban county with regionalized trauma care consisting of 11 hospitals.

Participants

Adult trauma patients aged ≥65 years who were admitted after falling from <3 feet.

Measurements

Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes.

Results

Spinal fractures occurred in 18% of 4,202 older adult patients admitted following trauma over this 10‐year time period, in the following distribution: 43% cervical spine, 5.7% thoracic, 4.9% lumbar spine, 36% sacrococcygeal, and 9.6% multiple spinal regions. As compared to non‐spinal fracture patients, more spinal fracture patients went to acute/subacute rehabilitation (47% vs 34%, P < .001) and fewer were discharged home (21% vs 35%, P < .001). In‐hospital mortality rate in spinal and non‐spinal fracture patients was similar (8.5% vs 9.3%, P = .5).

Conclusion

Low‐level falls often resulted in a spinal fracture at a variety of levels. Vigilance in evaluation of the entire spine in this population is suggested.
Product Service Systems Users and Harley Davidson Riders: The Importance of Consumer Identity in the Diffusion of Sustainable Consumption Solutions
Authors: Catulli Maurizio , Cook Matthew , Potter Stephen
Published: December 2016

This article sets out an approach to researching sociocultural aspects of product service systems (PSSs) consumption in consumer markets. PSSs are relevant to industrial ecology given that they may form part of the mix of innovations that move society toward more‐sustainable material and energy flows. The article uses two contrasting case studies drawing on ethnographic analysis: Harley Davidson motorcycles and the Zipcar car club. The first is a case of consumption involving ownership; the second is one of consumption without ownership. The analysis draws on consumer culture theory to explicate the sociocultural, experiential, symbolic, and ideological aspects of these case studies, focusing on product ownership. The article shows that ownership of Harley Davidson motorcycles enables riders to identify with a brand community and to define themselves. Owners appropriate their motorcycles through customization. In contrast, Zipcar users resist the company's attempts to involve them in a brand community, see use of car sharing as a temporary fix, and even fear contamination from shared use of cars. We conclude that iconic products such as Harley Davidson motorcycles create emotional attachment and can challenge PSS propositions. But we also suggest that somewhat standardized products may present similar difficulties. Knowing more about sociocultural aspects of PSSs may help designers overcome these difficulties.
It's About Time! Examining Received Dosage and Program Duration as Predictors of Change Among Non‐Distressed and Distressed Married Couple and Relationship Education Participants
Authors: Bradford Angela B. , Drean Lauren , Adler‐Baeder Francesca , Ketring Scott A. , Smith Thomas A.
Published: December 2016

Although Couple and Relationship Education (CRE) programs were intended to be preventive in nature, an emerging reality is that relationally distressed couples are attending programs. This has raised questions about both its general usefulness and what is known regarding predictors of change in CRE for distressed couples particularly. Previous work has identified dosage and duration as important moderators of changes, and there are myriad program contexts offered, highlighting the need to examine these among distressed couples. This study utilized a sample of community CRE participants and examined received dosage and program duration as predictors of change. Comparing results for distressed and non‐distressed participants, we found several group differences. Findings suggest that it is important to consider distress level and time spent in programs when placing participants. In addition, research should continue to examine these groups separately (or comparatively) to find out what works for whom.
Rural Youth and Circulating Labour in South India: The Tortuous Paths Towards Respect for Madigas
Authors: Picherit David
Published: December 2016

This paper explores how young male Dalit labourers negotiate the changes and continuities of labour relations in the construction industry, and power relations in rural Telangana in southern India. It looks at the fluidity between three segments of the classes of labour, namely debt‐bonded, unskilled/self‐employed and educated labourers. It examines how Dalit youths' experiences and representations of labour circulation and political clientelism shape and are shaped by the articulation between the construction industry and rural leaders, and by class, family, caste and generational relations in the village. Two points are made. First, circulation at the bottom of the labour hierarchy prevents labourers (even educated ones) to accumulate capital and participate in collective action: rather, the total lack of protection at work has brought about renewed and graded forms of dependence and political clientelism. Second, circulation serves as a locus that fosters and segments young male Dalit labourers' quests for respect, but hinders them from getting involved in political competition against rural leaders.
The Dynamics of Disability and Work in Britain
Authors: Jones Melanie K. , Davies Rhys , Drinkwater Stephen
Published: December 2016

This paper examines the dynamic relationship between work‐limiting disability and labour market outcomes using longitudinal data created by matching individuals in the Local Labour Force Survey (2004–10). By applying event‐study methods, changes in employment are traced through the onset of, and exit from, disability. These relationships are examined between subgroups of the population, including those defined by the nature and severity of disability. For most groups we find evidence of asymmetry in the impact of onset and exit: employment is significantly reduced at onset and continues to decline post‐onset whereas, after controlling for unobserved heterogeneity, exiting disability has a limited effect.
Microbiological Evaluation of the Extension Wire and Percutaneous Epidural Lead Anchor Site Following a “2‐Stage Cut‐Down” Spinal Cord Stimulator Procedure
Authors: Lalkhen Abdul Ghaaliq , Chincholkar Mahindra , Patel Jiten
Published: December 2016

Objectives

There are concerns regarding bacterial colonization of the temporary extension leads and subsequent infection risk using the 2‐stage cut‐down approach in spinal cord stimulation (SCS). We sought to quantify the extent of bacterial colonization of the temporary extension wire and percutaneous epidural lead anchor site.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional observational study recruiting a pragmatic sample of 25 consecutive patients listed for a cut‐down trial of SCS. We excluded patients undergoing revision procedures and those who had previously received a spinal cord stimulator. The primary outcome measure was the rate and type of colonization of the extension wires and lead anchor site.

Results

No surgical site infections were recorded in any of the patients and no late infections subsequent to insertion of the implantable pulse generator. Overall, 24% of patients grew organisms from the temporary extension wire. Five patients grew coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus aureus, and 1 patient grew Enterococcus faecalis. There were no positive wound cultures from the anchor site of the epidural lead.

Conclusions

Despite the high colonization rate of the temporary extension wire, there were no surgical site infections. We conclude that provided appropriate strategies for the management of surgical site infections are implemented, the 2‐stage cut‐down procedure is a safe approach that is not associated with a higher incidence of infection.
Theoretical Study of Dinoflagellate Bioluminescence
Authors: Wang Ming‐Yu , Liu Ya‐Jun
Published: December 2016

Dinoflagellates are the most ubiquitous luminescent protists in the marine environment and have drawn much attention for their crucial roles in marine ecosystems. Dinoflagellate bioluminescence has been applied in underwater target detection. The luminescent system of dinoflagellates is a typical luciferin–luciferase one. However, the excited‐state oxyluciferin is not the light emitter of dinoflagellate bioluminescence as in most luciferin–luciferase bioluminescent organisms. The oxyluciferin of bioluminescent dinoflagellates is not fluorescent, whereas its luciferin emits bright fluorescence with similar wavelength of the bioluminescence. What is the light emitter of dinoflagellate bioluminescence and what is the chemical process of the light emission like? These questions have not been answered by the limited experimental evidence so far. In this study, for the first time, the density functional calculation is employed to investigate the geometries and properties of luciferin and oxyluciferin of bioluminescent dinoflagellate. The calculated results agree with the experimental observations and indicate the luciferin or its analogue, rather than oxyluciferin, is the bioluminophore of dinoflagellate bioluminescence. A rough mechanism involving energy transfer is proposed for dinoflagellate bioluminescence.
Beyond Representative Democracy: Toward More and Better Civic Engagement
Authors: Vidal‐Aparicio Oriol
Published: December 2016

Related Content: Balfour and Newbold (PAR January/February 2017)

Related Content: Roberts (PAR January/February 2017)

Related Content: Eckerd (PAR January/February 2017)

Related Content: Gerrits and Verweij (PAR January/February 2017)

Related Content: Robbins (PAR January/February 2017)
Policy Reform and Optimal Policy Mix in a Polluted Small Open Economy with Tourism
Authors: Yanase Akihiko
Published: December 2016

Effects of trade and environmental policies on a small open economy, with pollution generated in a sector producing nontradable services consumed by foreign tourists, are examined. The nontradable good is exported via tourism and the induced tourism terms‐of‐trade (TOT) effect becomes an additional source of distortion. An increase in tariffs can cause a TOT improvement and an increase in pollution simultaneously, affecting the condition for a welfare‐enhancing tariff policy. In addition, the welfare effect of a pollution tax reform is strongly linked to whether the reform improves the tourism TOT. The interactions between tourists' spending and domestic welfare are also examined.
How can we encourage our voluntary non‐remunerated donors to donate more frequently?
Authors: Masser B. M. , Davison T. E. , Chapman C. M.
Published: December 2016

Background

Retained donors are safer and more cost effective than new donors, and yet increases in demand and natural attrition of the panel are typically countered through increased recruitment. An alternative would be to increase supply by persuading existing donors to donate more often. Many donors are medically eligible to do this; however, little is known about how to increase the frequency of giving.

Aims

The aim of this review is first, to consider the success of interventions trialled to increase donation frequency, and second, to draw on the extant literature to identify ways that frequent donation can be encouraged.

Method

A review of the blood donation frequency literature was undertaken. In addition, suggestions of ways to increase donation frequency were gained from the broader blood donation, charitable giving and behaviour change literatures.

Results

While the existing literature has identified personal and structural features associated with donation frequency, a suite of successful intervention strategies to increase donation frequency has not been reported. A review of the broader relevant literatures identified potentially useful strategies focused on targeted appeals designed to incrementally build frequency and engender longer term commitment. Further, additional approaches focused on the strategic use of descriptive norms, reducing costs associated with donation and restructuring donor loyalty schemes are outlined.

Conclusion

Although increasing the frequency of donation by existing donors would provide benefit, relatively little is known about how to achieve this. This review identifies a range of possible techniques that Blood Collection Agencies (BCAs) can use to optimize the frequency of donations obtained.
Non antibody‐mediated TRALI – current understanding
Authors: Peters A. L. , Vlaar A. P. J.
Published: December 2016

Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is suggested to follow a ‘two‐hit’ mechanism. The ‘first hit’ is the underlying condition of the patient (e.g. sepsis) resulting in priming of neutrophils and/or endothelium. The ‘second hit’ is any transfusion resulting in activation of the primed neutrophils and/or endothelium. The transfusion factors can be divided into antibody‐mediated and non‐antibody‐mediated TRALI. Antibody‐mediated TRALI is caused by passive infusion of donor antibodies reacting with the cognate antigen of the recipient. Non‐antibody‐mediated TRALI is thought to be caused by the transfusion of stored cellular blood products. Although the mechanisms involved in antibody‐mediated TRALI have been well outlined and confirmed in preclinical and clinical studies, this is not the case for non‐antibody‐mediated TRALI. Preclinical studies show a strong association between storage time of cellular blood products and the onset of lung injury. However, recent clinical studies show contradictory results. In this review, the latest insights on the pathogenesis of non‐antibody‐mediated TRALI will be discussed as well as the areas future research should be focused on.
Overcoming blood supply challenges in multi‐ethnic donor and patient populations: the Malaysia experience
Authors: Wooi Seong K.
Published: December 2016

The blood transfusion service in Malaysia began in the 1950s and has since evolved into the national transfusion medicine service (NBTS) today, which is based on voluntary non‐remunerated donations as outlined in the national blood transfusion policy. Malaysia, a country of over 31 million people, is made up of a multi‐ethnic, multireligious and multicultural population. The diverse donation landscape presents unique challenges to the blood supply. These challenges become more pronounced during festive holidays, which are observed and celebrated differently across the diverse population. The NBTS relies on the goodwill and the generosity of the community to maintain the blood supply. A sustainable, nationally co‐ordinated blood donation programme, coupled with an effective and efficient national blood inventory management, ensures that the blood supply is adequate, equitable and capable of meeting the transfusion needs of the country. Concerted effort must be implemented to continuously promote the recruitment and retention of donors and blood mobile organizers while actively engaging the diverse communities. These activities, in the context of a pluralistic and diverse population, can be further enhanced from a better understanding of the donor psychology and behaviour and of the transfusion needs. Fostering close and meaningful relationships with blood donors through blood mobile organizers, as well as the continuous education and promotion of blood donation, serve as the framework for the strategies to overcome the blood supply challenges.
Retrospective Study Evaluating Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Blood Donors and in Swine Veterinarians in Italy (2004)
Authors: De Sabato L. , Di Bartolo I. , Montomoli E. , Trombetta C. , Ruggeri F. M. , Ostanello F.
Published: December 2016

Hepatitis E is an emerging viral disease in developed countries, with sporadic cases occasionally linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked pork, wild boar or deer meat. Cases due to transfusion or transplantation have also been reported. In developed countries, hepatitis E is considered a zoonosis and pig is the main reservoir. In the last few years, several studies conducted in Europe reported variable seroprevalence rates among the general population, ranging between 0.26% and 52.5%. A higher seroprevalence was described among workers who come in contact with pigs. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti‐HEV IgG and IgM antibodies in blood donors (170) and in pig veterinarians (83). Archival sera were collected in Italy in 2004. The observed seroprevalence was 9.64% and 8.82% in veterinarians and blood donors, respectively. Overall, only three sera from blood donors were positive for IgM, but no HEV‐RNA was detected.
El discernimiento de Jesús como pobre de Yahveh e hijo de la tierra
Authors: Luciani Rafael
Published: December 2016

El artículo aborda el proceso de discernimiento de Jesús en medio de las diversas tradiciones de su época y a partir de su espiritualidad como pobre de Yahveh e hijo de la tierra. Se irá mostrando cómo la imagen que él tenía de Dios brota de una teología creacional que permite aproximarse a las cuestiones que impactaron profundamente a sus seguidores: sus opciones fundamentales, su distanciamiento de las expectativas religiosas y políticas establecidas, su modo particular de usar y orar desde las escrituras, la imagen de Dios que siguió y todo lo que escandalizó de su apuesta en favor de las víctimas y los pobres.
El contrato de seguro ante los avances en medicina y tecnología sanitaria
Authors: Benito Osma Félix
Published: December 2016

Los avances científicos y tecnológicos aplicados en la medicina se refieran a pruebas diagnósticas o predictivas (biomarcadores, sensores), así como a tratamientos (cirugía robótica, terapia génica) pueden conllevar a un cambio de modelo en la prestación del servicio sanitario que afronte los grandes retos del Siglo XXI derivados del envejecimiento de la población, el impacto de las enfermedades crónicas, la movilidad de los pacientes y profesionales sanitarios, así como la disminución de los recursos disponibles.

Tradicionalmente, el seguro de salud ofrece a sus asegurados la asistencia sanitaria dentro del cuadro médico concertado con la aseguradora, a menos que sea de libre elección, en el que ésta asume el reembolso de los gastos satisfechos de acuerdo con los límites establecidos en la póliza. En estos momentos, puede plantearse si nos hallamos transitoriamente en una medicina curativa que se materializa cuando acaece la enfermedad a una medicina preventiva y regenerativa que se adelanta a que aquella se produzca o se desarrolle.

Esta revolución científica y tecnológica que cada día se presenta produce que el seguro tenga que realizar sus esfuerzos para adecuarse a los riesgos presentes y futuros, en particular de los seguros de salud, como en las obligaciones de las partes.

Los seguros de asistencia sanitaria son arrastrados por la corriente tecnológica. El objeto de estos seguros es ofrecer asistencia sanitaria o reembolso de los gastos sanitarios derivados de la enfermedad del asegurado. Podríamos decir que ese objeto, ya no lo es tanto, pues la predictibilidad y la prevención de la enfermedad, como riesgo asegurado, puede ocupar un lugar privilegiado. De este modo, este servicio que aparece en las pólizas de seguro actuales como opcional puede incorporarse en la propia póliza, incluso comercializarse complementariamente.

Por último, el uso del conjunto de conocimientos, datos, herramientas, aplicaciones informáticas y tecnológicas punteras relacionadas con internet, la biotecnología y la nanotecnología, para mejorar diagnósticos, tratamientos, la prevención y predictibilidad de enfermedades produce un escenario de riesgo con repercusiones éticas, bioéticas y jurídicas, principalmente en el campo de la responsabilidad y del seguro.
Un recuento de los efectos que ha tenido el seguro obligatorio de automóviles en el régimen inglés de responsabilidad extracontractual
Authors: Vásquez Vega Daniel
Published: December 2016

Frecuentemente se afirma que entre la responsabilidad civil y los seguros hay una relación intrínseca y que las normas de estos terminan afectando a aquella. Para verificar si efectivamente existe dicha relación, este artículo analiza el caso puntual de los efectos que ha tenido el seguro obligatorio de responsabilidad por accidentes de tránsito en el régimen inglés de responsabilidad extracontractual. Específicamente revisa la opinión manifestada por varios Lores de Justicia ingleses en sus fallos cuando analizan si a) ¿deben elevarse los estándares del deber de diligencia cuidado, porque al final la indemnización acordada será pagado por una compañía de seguros?; y b) ¿deben limitarse los perjuicios a indemnizar debido al impacto que la adjudicación de perjuicios elevados podrían tener sobre las primas de seguros y por lo tanto sobre la sociedad en general que las tiene que pagar?
Dificultades que se presentan en Colombia alrededor de la Póliza de seguro de responsabilidad Civil
Authors: Isaza Posse María Cristina
Published: December 2016

Varios aspectos relacionados con la cobertura otorgada bajo las pólizas de seguro de responsabilidad civil merecen una revisión cuidadosa por parte del sector asegurador colombiano, del cual hacen parte las aseguradoras, tomadores, asegurados y beneficiarios, intermediarios de seguros, asociaciones gremiales y las entidades que tienen a su cargo la vigilancia y control de la actividad.

Se pretende que mediante el estudio y análisis de los problemas y dificultades que se presentan alrededor de esta clase de seguro, encontremos soluciones que permitan obtener resultados que redunden en beneficio de quienes participan en el sector, facilitando a su vez, que el seguro cumpla con la función de protección y salvaguarda patrimonial que le es propia.

Se aborda el tema desde los siguientes aspectos: Cobertura para perjuicios extrapatrimoniales, Exclusión de la culpa grave del asegurado; Tesis de responsabilidad directa de la entidad asegurada en los casos del dolo del dependiente. Transferencia del dolo del dependiente a la persona jurídica asegurada; Modalidades de delimitación temporal de la cobertura; Prescripción de las acciones del seguro en las tres modalidades de delimitación temporal de la cobertura; Término de prescripción de la acción de responsabilidad civil extracontractual; Otorgamiento de la cobertura de RC Patronal en exceso de las prestaciones de la seguridad social; Exigencia de que el hecho generador del daño sea accidental, súbito e imprevisto; Cláusula compromisoria o de arbitramento; Sublímites bajos en coberturas distintas del límite establecido para el amparo básico; Necesidad de probar la responsabilidad del asegurado en los casos en que la ley establece procedimientos especiales, cuando se ejerce la acción directa contra la aseguradora; Gastos de defensa. Momento a partir del cual es exigible la obligación de la aseguradora.
Estado actual de la Jurisprudencia en materia de acumulación de porcentajes de pérdidas de capacidad laboral de distintos orígenes en el aseguramiento del riesgo de invalidez
Authors: Gómez González Carolina , García Franco Néstor Alejandro
Published: December 2016

El aseguramiento del riesgo de invalidez en el Sistema de Seguridad Social en Colombia, se encuentra a cargo de los subsistemas de pensiones y riesgos laborales, en los que se encuentra contemplada, como prestación económica que pretende indemnizar tal riesgo, la pensión de invalidez.

Dicha pensión de invalidez es asumida en el sistema general de pensiones por las Administradoras de Fondos de Pensiones y en el sistema general de riesgos laborales por las Administradoras de Riesgos Laborales, correspondiendo a las primeras asumir el pago de la mencionada prestación a los afiliados que se invaliden como consecuencia de un riesgo común, mientras que a las segundas corresponde el pago de las pensiones que se generen por la concreción de un riesgo laboral. En ocasiones un afiliado al sistema puede presentar un porcentaje de pérdida de capacidad laboral de origen común y al mismo tiempo otro porcentaje de origen laboral, que tomados individualmente no permiten al afiliado obtener una prestación económica, pero que sumados uno y otro, le otorgan la condición de inválido.

En virtud de los efectos de la sentencia C-425 de 2005 de la Corte Constitucional, en casos como el anteriormente descrito, la jurisprudencia colombiana ha obligado bien a una AFP o bien a una ARL a asumir el pago de la totalidad de la pensión de invalidez, situación que puede constituir un exceso en la carga obligacional que cada una de estas entidades ha asumido en virtud del aseguramiento del respectivo riesgo.

 
El sistema de asunción solidaria del riesgo de infecciones intrahospitalarias: Elementos Mínimos de integración en el sistema jurídico colombiano
Authors: Tabares Cortés Felipe
Published: December 2016

El Consejo de Estado ordenó, en una jurisprudencia de  30 de abril de 2014 reiterada el 29 de septiembre de 2015, la creación de un sistema de  asunción solidaria del riesgo de infecciones nosocomiales. Esta decisión fue tomada en el contexto de la objetivación de la responsabilidad de los prestadores de salud por las infecciones de carácter intrahospitalario que afectan a los pacientes. El presente artículo busca, a través del método de análisis de precedentes jurisprudenciales, presentar en primera medida la sentencia emitida por el Consejo de Estado sobre la responsabilidad objetiva que actualmente aplica a los prestadores de servicios de salud, explicando las razones que llevaron al Alto Tribunal a extender dicha teoría a las infecciones intrahospitalarias. Posteriormente será precisado cual es el sistema de asunción de riesgos que en concreto ordenó el Consejo de Estado, los elementos necesarios para su funcionamiento y el papel que tendrá el derecho de seguros para lograr los objetivos planteados por los Magistrados en las Sentencias de 29 de agosto de 2013 y 30 de abril de 2014.

 
La sobreconstitucionalización del derecho de seguros: El compañero permanente o cónyuge del mismo sexo como beneficiario a título legal en el seguro de vida
Authors: Manrique Chaves Diego Mauricio
Published: December 2016

El presente artículo da cuenta de la sobreconstitucionalización del derecho, como fenómeno jurídico acrecentado en el derecho privado económico en especial en el derecho de seguros, por cuenta de pronunciamientos jurisprudenciales de la Corte Constitucional, que han limitado libertades económicas , ello con el fin de otorgar insumos para su defensa. Se evidenciarán líneas jurisprudenciales relativas a la limitación de libertades económicas, junto con el análisis de estas decisiones y sus repercusiones.  Por último el artículo trae, un ejemplo de constitucionalización del derecho de seguros, por cuenta de la designación de beneficiario a título legal de compañeros y conyugues del mismo sexo, en el seguro de vida, con el fin de dimensionar el fenómeno de la constitucionalización en un caso que pese a no estar resuelto del todo, otorga pautas interpretativas claras para desentrañar respuestas jurídicas a esta problemática.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer e a teologia pública no Brasil
Authors: Caldas Carlos
Published: December 2016

A teologia pública é uma das mais recentes fronteiras da investigação acadêmica no saber teológico nos últimos anos, no Sul global e no mundo do Atlântico Norte. Um dos maiores desafios à produção de uma teologia pública é quanto ao seu referencial teórico. Este artigo apresenta elementos extraídos da teologia de Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906- 1945), especialmente seu conceito da Igreja que “está aí para os outros” como referencial teórico para a teologia pública no Brasil.
Iglesias orientales protestantes y reformadas “una ojeada histórica y ecuménica”
Authors: Fernández Rodríguez José Manuel
Published: December 2016

El presente estudio muestra cómo la Reforma protestante y el protestantismo en sus diversas denominaciones también se abrió camino en Oriente Medio, llegando incluso a propagarse al Lejano Oriente mediante la acción desplegada por los misioneros protestantes europeos y americanos. Esto, debido a las colonias occidentales establecidas en estas zonas, en especial inglesas, y a la buena posición y situación financiera de las campañas emprendidas que despertaron el interés entre los cristianos orientales autóctonos.
El lenguaje teológico en los místicos: éxtasis y kénosis
Authors: González Bernal Edith
Published: December 2016

En el presente artículo se busca enfatizar en el lenguaje teológico que los místicos utilizan para comunicar la experiencia de Dios. Ellos coinciden en que, para hablar de Dios, se tiene que acudir a analogías, y aun así las palabras no logran decir lo que realmente han vivido. En su mayoría, los místicos relatan visiones en las que Dios se les ha manifestado para darles conocimiento y claridad sobre la manera como deben orientar sus vidas y mover a otros hacia la conversión; también hacen una teología kenótica como el mejor camino para seguir a Jesús; esto es asumir la obediencia como aniquilación o desasimiento de la voluntad humana para dar paso a la voluntad divina.
Experimental and simulation approach for process optimization of atomic layer deposited thin films in high aspect ratio 3D structures
Authors: Schwille Matthias C. , Schössler Timo , Barth Jonas , Knaut Martin , Schön Florian , Höchst Arnim , Oettel Martin , Bartha Johann W.
Published: December 2016

The authors present a new method to determine film thicknesses and sticking coefficients (SC) of precursor molecules for atomic layer deposition (ALD) in high aspect ratio three dimensional (3D) geometries as they appear in microelectromechanical system manufacturing. The method combines a specifically designed experimental test structure with the theoretical predictions from a novel 3D Monte Carlo process simulation for large structures. The authors exemplify our method using Al2O3 and SiO2 ALD processes. SCs for trimethylaluminium and bis-diethyl aminosilane (BDEAS) are extracted. The SC for BDEAS is determined for the first time.