bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The colon cancer screening behaviours survey for South Asians: a pilot study of feasibility and psychometric evaluation
Authors: Crawford Joanne , Morfaw Frederick , Ahmad Farah , Thabane Lehana , Frisina Angela
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to pilot test the English and Urdu version of the Colon Cancer Screening Behaviours Survey among South Asians in Canada. The first objective was to evaluate feasibility of administration, data collection using computer assisted personal interviewing software on a tablet, and response burden. The second objective was to examine the prevalence of colorectal cancer screening among South Asians and evaluate the psychometric properties of sub-scales in the survey.

Methods

Purposive, network and snowball sampling were used to recruit participants for this cross-sectional study. Interviewer-led administration of the Colon Cancer Screening Behaviours Survey was conducted across two cities in Ontario, Canada. Qualitative data analysis assessed feasibility; and sub-scales were evaluated through principal component analysis, item-scale correlations, and construct validity using multiple linear and logistic regression.

Results

A total of 328 South Asians participated, 47% Urdu speaking, and 53% English speaking. There was a 23% refusal rate to participate. Feasibility identified: (1) successful recruitment despite reasons for refusal; (2) problematic items and response categories; and (3) computer/tablet limitations. Principal component analysis identified 14 components that explained 68.7% of total variance; 34 items were retained after factor analysis. Internal consistency of 4 scales ranged from 0.79–0.91. There were significant differences in perceived barriers scale scores (− 12.21; 95% CI, − 17.13 to - 7.28; p <  0.0001) between those who participated and those who did not participate in screening. No association was found with years of residence and uptake of screening after adjustment (OR 0.91 (0.46–1.79), p = 0.783).

Conclusions

Recruitment and data collection methods are feasible among South Asians if functionality of the tablet selected is improved. The Colon Cancer Screening Behaviours Survey was finalized and retained items in sub-scales demonstrated good psychometric properties to assess behaviours for colon cancer screening among South Asians in Canada. The interviewer-led survey may be used by public health, cancer care or other health practitioners to describe or predict colorectal cancer screening behaviours among South Asians in similar settings or adapted and tested in other contexts.
15O-water PET for evaluation of cardiopulmonary perfusion in complex cyanotic heart disease
Authors: Madsen S. , Tolbod L. P. , Mortensen U. M. , Andersen G. , Bouchelouche K.
Published: February 2020

Background

Dynamic 15O-water PET may provide information about cardiopulmonary circulation complementary to MRI and CT in complex cyanotic heart disease.

Case presentation

We present a case in which a 15O-water PET scan was used for the first time to map the complex circulation in a univentricular heart patient with dual pulmonary blood supply. The pulmonary blood supply consisted of partially oxygenated blood led from the univentricle to the lungs by the pulmonary artery, plus of venous blood from the upper body lead by a bidirectional Glenn anastomosis to the right pulmonary artery. Despite the bidirectional Glenn anastomosis, the patient developed increasing cyanosis and was considered for heart transplantation. Pulmonary perfusion measurements using MRI were inconclusive due to metal artifacts, and the patient was referred for a 15O-water PET scan. The scan showed significant venovenous collaterals bypassing the lungs. Only the left upper lung lobe was properly perfused. The mean transit time from the superior vena cava to the left ventricle was approximately four times longer than would be expected from a healthy person.

Conclusion

The case illustrates that 15O-water PET can complement CT and MRI for quantitative characterization of cardiopulmonary circulation in complex cyanotic heart disease.
Anti-GAD-associated limbic encephalitis: an unusual clinical manifestation from northwest of Ireland
Authors: Mansoor Salman , Murphy Kevin
Published: February 2020

We report an unusual manifestation of anti-GAD-associated limbic encephalitis in a 59-year-old man following pacemaker insertion for cardiac pauses. Clinically, the association of anti-GAD antibody with limbic encephalitis is rare. He presented with a complex constellation of symptoms, posing a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
Why hasn't neuroscience delivered for psychiatry?
Authors: Kingdon David
Published: February 2020

Biological research has produced major advances in our understanding of our bodies and, where systems go wrong, is producing remedies to address these, but it has yet to do the same for the mind. This is because no causative biological evidence has been found for the major mental disorders in contrast to the wealth of psychosocial findings. This disparity in regard and resource needs to be addressed.
Functional Analyses of HNF1A-MODY Variants Refine the Interpretation of Identified Sequence Variants
Authors: Malikova Jana , Kaci Alba , Dusatkova Petra , Aukrust Ingvild , Torsvik Janniche , Vesela Klara , Kankova Pavla Dvorakova , Njølstad Pål R , Pruhova Stepanka , Bjørkhaug Lise
Published: February 2020

Context

While rare variants of the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha (HNF1A) gene can cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young (HNF1A-MODY), other variants can be risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes. As has been suggested by the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines for variant interpretation, functional studies provide strong evidence to classify a variant as pathogenic.

Objective

We hypothesized that a functional evaluation can improve the interpretation of the HNF1A variants in our Czech MODY Registry.

Design, Settings, and Participants

We studied 17 HNF1A variants that were identified in 48 individuals (33 female/15 male) from 20 Czech families with diabetes, using bioinformatics in silico tools and functional protein analyses (transactivation, protein expression, DNA binding, and nuclear localization).

Results

Of the 17 variants, 12 variants (p.Lys120Glu, p.Gln130Glu, p.Arg131Pro, p.Leu139Pro, p.Met154Ile, p.Gln170Ter, p.Glu187SerfsTer40, p.Phe215SerfsTer18, p.Gly253Arg, p.Leu383ArgfsTer3, p.Gly437Val, and p.Thr563HisfsTer85) exhibited significantly reduced transcriptional activity or DNA binding (< 40%) and were classified as (likely) pathogenic, 2/17 variants were (likely) benign and 3/17 remained of uncertain significance. Functional analyses allowed for the reclassification of 10/17 variants (59%). Diabetes treatment was improved in 20/29 (69%) carriers of (likely) pathogenic HNF1A variants.

Conclusion

Functional evaluation of the HNF1A variants is necessary to better predict the pathogenic effects and to improve the diagnostic interpretation and treatment, particularly in cases where the cosegregation or family history data are not available or where the phenotype is more diverse and overlaps with other types of diabetes.
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hydrocortisone Therapy in Pediatric Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Melin Johanna , Parra-Guillen Zinnia P , Michelet Robin , Truong Thi , Huisinga Wilhelm , Hartung Niklas , Hindmarsh Peter , Kloft Charlotte
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) require lifelong replacement therapy with glucocorticoids. Optimizing hydrocortisone therapy is challenging, since there are no established cortisol concentration targets other than the cortisol circadian rhythm profile. 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) concentrations are elevated in these patients and commonly used to monitor therapy. This study aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of cortisol using 17-OHP as a biomarker in pediatric patients with CAH and to assess different hydrocortisone dosing regimens.

Methods

Cortisol and 17-OHP concentrations from 30 CAH patients (7–17 years of age) receiving standard hydrocortisone replacement therapy (5–20 mg) twice (n = 17) or 3 times (n = 13) daily were used to develop a PK/PD model. Sequentially, simulated cortisol concentrations for clinically relevant 3- and 4-times daily dosing regimens were compared with cortisol and 17-OHP target ranges and to concentrations in healthy children.

Results

Cortisol concentration-time profiles were accurately described by a 2-compartment model with first-order absorption and expected high bioavailability (82.6%). A time-delayed model with cortisol-mediated inhibition of 17-OHP synthesis accurately described 17-OHP concentrations. The cortisol concentration inhibiting 50% of 17-OHP synthesis was 48.6 nmol/L. A 4-times-daily dosing better attained the target ranges and mimicked the cortisol concentrations throughout the 24-hour period than 3-times-daily.

Conclusions

A PK/PD model following hydrocortisone administration has been established. An improved dosing regimen of 38% at 06:00, 22% at 12:00, 17% at 18:00, and 22% at 24:00 of the daily hydrocortisone dose was suggested. The 4-times-daily dosing regimen was superior, avoiding subtherapeutic cortisol concentrations and better resembling the circadian rhythm of cortisol.
Basal Plasma Aldosterone Concentration Predicts Therapeutic Outcomes in Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Saiki Aya , Otsuki Michio , Mukai Kosuke , Hayashi Reiko , Shimomura Iichiro , Kurihara Isao , Ichijo Takamasa , Takeda Yoshiyu , Katabami Takuyuki , Tsuiki Mika , Wada Norio , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Kawashima Junji , Sone Masakatsu , Inagaki Nobuya , Yoshimoto Takanobu , Okamoto Ryuji , Takahashi Katsutoshi , Kobayashi Hiroki , Tamura Kouichi , Kamemura Kohei , Yamamoto Koichi , Izawa Shoichiro , Kakutani Miki , Yamada Masanobu , Tanabe Akiyo , Naruse Mitsuhide
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Normal basal plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) reflects mild aldosterone excess compared to high basal PAC. We previously reported lower risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) and normal basal PAC (nPA) than in those with high basal PAC (hPA). However, the differences in therapeutic outcomes between nPA and hPA are unclear. The aim of this multi-institutional, retrospective cohort study was to determine the clinical significance of nPA to therapeutic outcomes, including adrenalectomy (ADX) and treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs).

Methods

A total of 1146 patients with PA who were diagnosed and underwent adrenal venous sampling (AVS) between January 2006 and October 2016 were enrolled. The clinical parameters at baseline and after ADX or treatment with MRA were compared between the nPA and hPA groups.

Results

Significantly higher rates of absent clinical success (36.6 vs. 21.9%, P = 0.01) and absent biochemical success (26.4 vs. 5.2%, P < 0.01) were found for the nPA group than for the hPA group, respectively. Logistic regression analysis identified baseline PAC as a significant independent predictor of absent clinical success of ADX and MRAs.

Conclusions

Plasma aldosterone concentration at baseline was a significant and independent predictor of absent clinical success of ADX and MRA. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment appeared to be a better therapeutic choice than ADX in the nPA group.
Facultative hyperthermia during a heatwave delays injurious dehydration of an arboreal marsupial
Authors: Turner James M.
Published: February 2020

Heatwaves negatively impact wildlife populations and their effects are predicted to worsen with ongoing global warming. Animal mass mortality at extremely high ambient temperature (Ta) is evidence for physiological dysfunction and, to aid conservation efforts, improving our understanding of animal responses to environmental heat is crucial. To address this, I measured the water loss, body temperature and metabolism of an Australian marsupial during a simulated heatwave. The body temperature of the common ringtail possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus increased passively by ∼3°C, over a Ta of 29 – 39°C, conveying water savings of 9.6 ml h−1. When Ta crossed a threshold of 35-36°C, possums began actively cooling by increasing evaporative water loss and thermal conductance. It is clear that facultative hyperthermia is effective up to a point, but once this point is surpassed—the frequency and duration of which is increasing with climate change—body water would rapidly deplete, placing possums in danger of injury or death from dehydration.
Stunting and associated factors in children of less than five years: A hospital-based study
Authors: Fatima Sehrish , Manzoor Iram , Joya Aneeqa Mumtaz , Arif Shehzeen , Qayyum Sadia
Published: February 2020

Objectives: To estimate frequency of stunting and associated factors in children aged less than five years in a tertiary care hospital of Lahore.

Methods: An Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Pediatrics Outpatient Department at Akhtar Saeed Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore from December 2017 to July 2018. Two hundred children of ages under five years coming to outdoor for treatment of minor ailments were included after informed consent from their parents. Non-probability, convenient sampling technique was used to collect sample. Data collected and analyzed on SPSS version 19. To find out association of stunting with multiple qualitative variables, chi-square test was applied and p-value was fixed at ≤ 0.05 to be significant.

Results: Out of 200 children screened in OPD, 42 (21.0%) were found to be stunted. The total percentage of stunting in male children was 28 (66.6%) and in female children were 14 (33.3%). Stunting was significantly associate with male gender (p=0.047), joint family system (p=0.049), low literacy level in mothers (p=0.031), unvaccinated status (p=0.003) and history of bottle feeding (p=0.037).

Conclusion: The frequency of stunting in children less than five years of age is 42 (21.0%). The significant risk factors associated with stunting were found as male gender (p= 0.047), joint family system (p=0.049), low maternal education (p=0.031), unvaccinated status (p=0.03).

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1370

How to cite this:Fatima S, Manzoor I, Joya AM, Arif S, Qayyum S. Stunting and associated factors in children of less than five years: A hospital-based study. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(3):581-585. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1370

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Characteristics of Chronic Cough in adults in Pakistani population: A cross sectional study
Authors: Toori Kaleem Ullah , Chaudhry Asma
Published: February 2020

Background and Objective: Data about causes of chronic cough are lacking in our part of world. The aim of our study was to look for spectrum of causes in our setup and to determine a correlation between causes of cough and baseline factors of age, gender, and BMI and compare it to other populations.

Methods: Total 236 chronic cough patients who attended chest clinic at KRL Hospital Islamabad from January 2018 to June 2019 were included in this cross-sectional study. Chronic cough was defined as cough greater than eight weeks. Main causes of chronic cough taken were cough variant asthma, allergic rhinitis, interstitial lung disease, Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, bronchial hyper-reactivity, ACE-I induced cough and others’. Other demographic and clinical data were also recorded.

Results: The mean age was 45.16± 16.50 years and BMI was 26.23 ± 4.68kg/m2. Major cause of chronic cough was cough variant asthma in 111(47%). Age had significant positive correlations with ILD, ACE-I induced cough and CCF, while significant negative correlations with CVA and AR. On gender correlation, ILD and ACE-I cough were significantly found more in females. BMI had significant correlation with ACE-I cough only.

Conclusion: Variability of epidemiology of cough variant asthma, allergic rhinitis and ACE-I induced cough is comparable to worldwide data while differences exist with epidemiology of interstitial lung disease. Further research is needed in the field to delineate the local trends in this regard and compare to other population groups.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1868

How to cite this:Toori KU, Chaudhry A. Characteristics of Chronic Cough in adults in Pakistani population: A cross sectional study. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(3):360-364. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1868

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Effect of inter-aural modulation depth difference on interaural time difference thresholds for speech: An observational study
Authors: Pitchaimuthu Arivudainambi , Kanagokar Vibha , Grama Bhagavan Srividya , Bhat Jayashree S.
Published: February 2020

Background: The temporal envelope (ENV) plays a vital role in conveying inter-aural time difference (ITD) in many clinical populations. However, the presence of background noise and electronic features, such as compression, reduces the modulation depth of ENV to a different degree in both ears. The effect of ENV modulation depth differences between the ears on ITD thresholds is unknown; therefore, this was the aim of the current study’s investigation.

Methods: Six normally hearing young adults (age range 20-30 years) participated in the current study. Six vowel-consonant-vowel (VCV) (/aka/, /aga/, /apa/, /aba/, /ata/, /ada/) tokens were used as the probe stimuli. ENV depth of VCV tokens was smeared by 0%, 29%, and 50%, which results in 100%, 71%, and 50% of the original modulation depth. ITD thresholds were estimated as a function of the difference in temporal ENV depth between the ears, wherein in one ear the modulation depth was retained at 100% and in the other ear, the modulation depth was changed to 100%, 71%, and 50%.

Results: Repeated measures of ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of interaural modulation depth differences on the ITD threshold (F(2,10)= 9.04, p= 0.006). ITD thresholds increased with an increase in the inter-aural modulation depth difference.

Conclusion: Inter-aural ENV depth is critical for ITD perception.
Estimating the burden of antimicrobial resistance in Malawi: protocol for a prospective observational study of the morbidity, mortality and economic cost of third-generation cephalosporin resistant bloodstream infection
Authors: Lester Rebecca , Maheswaran Hendran , Jewell Christopher P. , Lalloo David G. , Feasey Nicholas A.
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health concern, but the problems are context specific, with each county or setting facing differing challenges. In Africa, third-generation cephalosporin resistant Enterobacterales (3GCR-E) are of particular concern, given the widespread reliance on ceftriaxone for treatment of severe infection in this setting. In Malawi, despite the rising prevalence of 3GCR-E, the health impact of these infections has not been described. This study is designed to estimate attributable mortality, morbidity and economic cost of 3GC-R bloodstream infection (BSI) in a large, urban hospital.

Methods: This study will investigate the burden of antimicrobial resistance by recruiting a a prospective longitudinal cohort of patients who have bloodstream infection with 3GCR-E, at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi. Patients whose blood culture is positive for either 3GC-S or 3GC-R Enterobacterales will be enrolled and provide clinical and healthcare economic data. Patients will be followed throughout their hospital stay and to 6-months post discharge. Mortality, direct and indirect costs and other health outcomes will be compared between patients with 3GC-R and comparable 3GC-sensitive BSI. Based on our observation that some patients with clinical suspicion of sepsis and 3GC-R BSI are surviving without an effective antibiotic, we review each patient prospectively and classify what role the isolated bacteria is playing in the patient’s clinical presentation. These classifications will then be incorporated into our analysis.

Ethics and dissemination: The study protocol has been approved by the Malawi College of Medicine Research Ethics Committee and by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Research Ethics committee. Written informed consent will be obtained from study participants or their parents/guardians. Results will be submitted to international peer-reviewed journals, presented at international conferences and shared with participating communities and collaborators.
Learning and knowing as semiosis: Extending the conceptual apparatus of semiotics
Authors: Campbell Cary , Olteanu Alin , Kull Kalevi
Published: February 2020

If all knowing comes from semiosis, more concepts should be added to the semiotic toolbox. However, semiotic concepts must be defined via other semiotic concepts. We observe an opportunity to advance the state-of-the-art in semiotics by defining concepts of cognitive processes and phenomena via semiotic terms. In particular, we focus on concepts of relevance for theory of knowledge, such as learning, knowing, affordance, scaffolding, resources, competence, memory, and a few others. For these, we provide preliminary definitions from a semiotic perspective, which also explicates their interrelatedness. Redefining these terms this way helps to avoid both physicalism and psychologism, showcasing the epistemological dimensions of environmental situatedness through the semiotic understanding of organisms’ fittedness with their environments. Following our review and presentation of each concept, we briefly discuss the significance of our embedded redefinitions in contributing to a semiotic theory of knowing that has relevance to both the humanities and the life sciences, while not forgetting their relevance to education and psychology, but also social semiotic and multimodality studies.
The case for a semiotic method in Earth system science: Semantic networks of environmental research
Authors: Olteanu Alin , Rabitz Florian , Jurkevičienė Jurgita , Budžytė Agnė
Published: February 2020

This paper sets a framework for using semiotics as an analytical method for Earth system science. It illustrates the use of such a method by analysing a dataset consisting of 32,383 abstracts of research articles pertaining to Earth system science, modelled as semantic networks. The analysis allows us to explain the epistemological advantages of this method as originating in the systems thinking common in both Earth system science and semiotics. The purpose of this methodological proposal is that of bringing the recent and critical planetary boundaries framework to the attention of ecosemiotics and biosemiotic criticism, and vice versa. Ecosemiotics is a branch of the biosemiotic modelling theory and is thus grounded in Charles Peirce’s schematic semiotics, but also developed in inspiration of Juri Lotman’s systemic semiotics. Both of these foundations of ecosemiotics are compatible with the rationale of Earth system science, given the schematism of Peirce’s semiotics and Lotman’s notion of meaning as an affordance of the biosphere. Far from exhausting the hermeneutic possibilities evoked by the discussed dataset, we argue that such semiotic analysis, made possible by the digital capacity of modelling large amounts of data, reveals new horizons for semiotic analysis, particularly regarding humans’ modelling of the environment.
Use of the Developing Potential of the Subject “Foreign Language” in the Conditions of Modernization of Primary School
Authors: Nikitenko Z. , Nikitenko E.
Published: February 2020

The article reveals the importance of primary foreign language education for the personal development of a younger school child. The psychological and pedagogical conditions necessary for school children to achieve high educational results while mastering foreign language speech activity are considered. The role of the subject “Foreign Language” at the first stage of school education, which is determined by the purpose and functions of primary foreign language education, is analyzed.
Overcoming Social and Pedagogical Problems of Children of Immigrants
Authors: Pavlova N.
Published: February 2020

The article discusses ways to overcome the social and pedagogical problems of immigrant children based on the practice of the modern Russian language comprehensive school in the aspect of their social adaptation and further successful education. The possibilities of the educational system are revealed, in particular, the forms of events that promote the socio-cultural adaptation of children of immigrants of primary school age are described.
Does Social Similarity Pay Off? Homophily and Venture Capitalists’ Deal Valuation, Downside Risk Protection, and Financial Returns in India
Authors: Claes Kim , Vissa Balagopal
Published: February 2020

We ask how social similarity between start-up founders and venture capitalists (VCs) influences VCs’ pricing decisions and returns on investments. We conceptualize how regional and caste similarity, two salient aspects of social similarity in India, affect two distinct aspects of deal pricing: premoney valuation and investors’ downside risk protection in the Indian venture capital market. We theorize that VCs reflect the benefits and costs of social similarity by setting higher premoney valuation when investing in companies led by socially similar founders while also minimizing their downside risks in these investments. We expect that social similarity’s impact on pricing is amplified when VCs face greater subjective uncertainty, such as for early-stage deals or if the VCs lack expertise in the start-up company’s product market. Finally, we claim that VCs achieve superior returns on investments when their deal pricing accurately reflects the impact of social similarity. We tested our conceptual model using both parametric and nonparametric methods on a hand-collected data set of all deals that occurred during 2005–2012, and we supplemented our analyses with in-depth, qualitative interviews that contextualize our findings. The pattern of findings on regional similarity are consistent with our model, but the effects of caste in our data are theoretically anomalous. Post hoc analyses to resolve the anomaly suggest an “intrinsic quality” mechanism, whereby higher-caste VCs set higher valuations when matching with lower-caste founders that signal high quality. Overall, our findings offer evidence that VCs incorporate social attributes into deal pricing in nuanced yet boundedly rational ways.
The elements of negligence liability in nursing
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: February 2020

Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, discusses the circumstances that give rise to a duty of care and the standard expected of nurses in discharging their duty
A J curve of interprofessional change: co-locating non-health partners in an oncology unit
Authors: Young Jenny , Snowden Austyn
Published: February 2020

Background:

Internationally, clinicians face increased demand, pressure on resources and unmet patient needs. A community social support service was co-located within cancer clinics in Glasgow, Scotland to help address some of these needs.

Aim:

To analyse the impact of the service on clinical staff and to propose an explanatory theory of change.

Method:

Qualitative exploratory design, using thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with 8 nurse specialists and 2 medical oncologists from lung, breast, head and neck, and gastrointestinal oncology teams in Glasgow in 2018–2019.

Findings:

Four themes captured this process: ‘The conversation’, ‘A better experience’, ‘Freedom to focus’ and ‘Working hand in hand’.

Conclusion:

Together, these four themes explained the process of effective interprofessional working. This process would have been predicted by the J-curve literature on diffusion of innovations. Linking J-curve theory to this successful process provides new understanding that could prove essential for clinical teams who are implementing change within their practice.
Nursing measures to support the needs of haematological cancer survivors post-treatment: a literature review
Authors: Heveran Laura , Andrewes Tanya
Published: February 2020

Background:

Patients with haematological cancers are surviving longer due to increasingly effective treatments. Many patients continue to need support and advice after treatment ends.

Aims:

To review the support needs of patients after treatment for haematological cancer, in order to establish nursing measures for supporting them. Methods: A literature review and thematic analysis of six primary research articles.

Findings:

Three themes were identified: a sense of abandonment, education about late effects, and becoming a survivor.

Conclusion:

Understanding an individual's support needs after treatment for haematological cancer enables nurses to offer sensitive, individualised care to patients. A tailored survivorship plan, led by a specialist nurse, helps to meet the ongoing holistic needs of haematological cancer patients.
Pharmacotherapeutics of capecitabine and trastuzumab in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer
Authors: McCauley Sarah , Carter Gillian , Bennett Maggie , McNally Oonagh , Rogers Katherine MA
Published: February 2020

Metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer is an incurable disease with a poor prognosis. This article presents a critical appraisal of two treatments commonly used in the treatment of metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer: the oral chemotherapy drug, capecitabine, and the monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab. What follows is a critical discussion of the pharmacotherapeutics of capecitabine and trastuzumab, which considers their use both as single agents and as a combination regimen in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. The implications of side effects of these drugs are discussed, both individually and in combination, as are the challenges these bring to the prescriber. The article evaluates the use of these agents and concludes that the combination of capecitabine and trastuzumab is an attractive treatment option for patients and for the prescriber.
Perioperative care of people with dementia
Authors: Proc Jennifer L , Jordan Helen , Docherty Annemarie B
Published: February 2020

As the population ages, there is a higher prevalence of both dementia and conditions that require major surgery. However, patients with dementia undergoing surgery have poorer outcomes than surgical patients without dementia. This article explores new guidance about delivering perioperative care for patients with dementia presenting for surgery. Management of patients with cognitive changes begins with developing an understanding of the classifications and pathophysiology of these disease processes, and addressing any modifiable risk factors for developing dementia, postoperative cognitive decline and postoperative delirium. Thorough preoperative assessment provides the opportunity to identify patients with and at risk of these cognitive impairments and to involve the appropriate multidisciplinary team in care planning. Once patients are identified, an individualised perioperative management plan addressing any issues surrounding capacity and consent, conduct of anaesthesia, possible polypharmacy and potential drug interactions, and postoperative pain management can improve quality of care and outcomes for these patients.
Managing acute pain after abdominal surgery: examples from practice
Authors: Nurhayati Nurhayati , Madsiri Mayoora
Published: February 2020

Following abdominal surgery, ischaemia and neuropeptide release cause pain at the trauma site, and there is a high incidence of moderate-to-severe pain. Inadequate pain management leads to complications, delayed recovery and prolonged hospitalisation, and thus, effective management is essential. This article describes an implementation of acute pain management after abdominal surgery. A multidimensional assessment tool collected data on demographics, medical history and surgical situation, as well as interventions used, their administration route and their side effects. Pain level was recorded on a scale of 0–10, both at rest and during physical activity, by postoperative day; patient participation and satisfaction were also recorded. Nine patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Pharmacological analgesic interventions included opioids (morphine, fentanyl and tramadol) and paracetamol. Administration was either intravenous, epidural or via patient-controlled analgesia. These were combined with non-pharmacological interventions, specifically cold gel packs, massage therapy and music therapy. All patients achieved the adequate management goals of pain at rest below 3/10 and during activity below 4/10, and all participated in pain decision-making, were satisfied with pain treatment, and reported the usefulness of preoperative information. Pain management following abdominal surgery is vital, and the use of a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques was effective.
An Effective Method in Improving Social Skills: Literature Circles
Authors: Dogan Birsen , Kaya-Tosun Dudu
Published: February 2020

This study was carried out to determine the effect of literature circles on the social skills of fourth-grade elementary school students. To this end, the study was designed as a quasi-experimental study and carried out on 74 students in a public elementary school in the Pamukkale district of Denizli, Turkey. The literature circles method was administered to an experimental group for 18 weeks. In the control group, activities continued in line with the current Turkish Course Curriculum. “School Social Behavior Scales” were used as a data collection instrument. A comparison of the scores on the scales revealed that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in favor of the experimental group. The results imply that the literature circles method had a positive influence on the development of the students’ social skills.
The application of palm-oil waste as organic materials on three pineapple accessions cultivated on post-tin mining land in Bangka Island, Indonesia
Authors: Lestari Tri , RION APRIYADI  , ERIES DYAH MUSTIKARINI  , WAWAN SAPUTRA  , YELIA MERLIN
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Lestari T, Apriyadi R, Mustikarini ED, Saputra W, Merlin Y. 2020. The application of palm-oil waste as organic materials on three pineapple accessions cultivated on post-tin mining land in Bangka Island, Indonesia. Nusantara Bioscience 12: 40-45. Tin mining activities in Bangka Island have produced a vast extent of critical lands that contain clay and tailings. Bangka local pineapple accessions have a high potential to be cultivated in the post-tin mining area as they are able to adapt to drought. The aim of this research was to investigate the growth performance of three pineapple accessions planted on post-tin mining land in Bangka by utilizing solid waste of oil palm as organic materials. The study was conducted in Dwi Makmur village, Merawang Sub-district, Bangka District from November 2017 to June 2019. The experiment used Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) with two factors: the first was three pineapple accessions (i.e. Toboali Bikang, Peranak and Bogor) and the second was palm oil solid waste (i.e. palm oil empty bunch (POEB) and palm oil bare ash (POBA)). We measured the parameters of vegetative and generative and the values were compared using Fisher test followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test (α 0.05). We also conducted organoleptic tests and total dissolved solid tests to assess the quality of the fruit. We found that the application of POEB as organic materials affected the vegetative and generative parameters. We also found that the interaction of POEB with Peranak accession resulted in the best fruit productivity. Our results suggest that Peranak accession is potential to be cultivated in post-tin mining land in Bangka with the application of palm oil empty bunch as organic materials.
Phenolic composition and antioxidant potential of different solvent extracts of the endemic Origanum elongatum (Bonnet) Emberger& Maire
Authors: Tagnaout Imane , Zerkani Hannou , Amine Sanae , Fadili Kamal , Benhlima Nadia , Bouzoubaa Amal , Zair Touriya
Published: February 2020

Plants of the Lamiaceae family are widely used for medicinal, cosmetic and culinary purposes. Phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and tannins are the main constituents of these plants; they have a proven multidirectional biological activity. Polyphenols have exceptional antioxidant potential, and they can intervene in the prevention of many health disorders. This work aims to study the composition and antioxidant power of phenolic compounds from crude extracts and fractions of Origanum elongatum leaves. This specie was subjected to phytochemical study through precipitation, turbidity and coloring reactions to highlight their secondary metabolites qualitative composition. Polyphenolic extraction was made by Soxhlet using two solvents: methanol 70%, ethanol 70%. Then, methanol’s crude was fractionated with solvents having escalating polarity; ethyl acetate, n-butanol. The polyphenols and flavonoids contents were spectrophotometrically estimated using Folin-Ciocalteau and Aluminum Trichloride methods. The antioxidant power of crude and fractionated extracts was evaluated by diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH●) and iron (FRAP) tests. The screening tests showed the existence of polyphenols, mucilages, sterols and triterpenes, oses and holosides. The highest yield of extraction is obtained by 70% methanol, with an average of 32.29%. Quantitative assays indicated that the hydroethanolic extract and the ethyl acetate fraction possessed high amount of polyphenols and flavonoids compared with other fractions and subsequently exhibited a marked scavenging activity on DPPH radical (IC50 = 0,085±0,002 and 0,112±0,003 mg/ml, respectively) and high reductive ability on ferric ion assay with IC50 = 0,181±0,004 mg/ml, 0,291±0,005 mg/ml, respectively.
Increasing Stability of a-amylase Obtained from Bacillus subtilis ITBCCB148 by Immobilization with Chitosan
Authors: Yandri Yandri , Suhartati Tati , Satria Heri , Widyasmara Arum , Hadi Sutopo
Published: February 2020

In this research, the immobilization of α-amylase from Bacillus subtilis ITBCCB148 by crosslinking method on chitosan matrix has been performed. This research aims to know the effect of immobilization on the thermal stability of α-amylase. The results showed that the native α-amylase has an optimum temperature of  65oC, KM = 1.6 mg mL-1 substrate, and Vmax = 39.7 µmol mL-1 min-1. The immobilized α-amylase has optimum temperature of 75oC, KM = 3.5 mg mL-1 substrate, and Vmax = 7.05 µmol mL-1 min-1. The residual activity of the native and immobilized enzyme on thermal stability test at 65oC for 80 minutes was 58% and 86.15%, respectively. The immobilized enzyme can be reused up to six repeated cycles.The thermodynamic data of native enzyme was t½ = 113.6 min, ki = 6.1x10-3 min-1, and ΔGi = 107.3 kJ mol-1, while the immobilized enzyme was t½ = 433.1 min, ki= 1.6x10-3 min-1, and ΔGi 111.1 kJ mol-1. Based on the decrease of ki, and the increase of ΔGi and half-life(t½) values, the immobilization of α-amylase with chitosan can increase the thermal stability of this enzyme.
Capitalist society as an analysand: an interview with Eva Illouz
Authors: Engdahl Emma
Published: February 2020

This is an interview with Eva Illouz on her academic life and writings.
A GIS-BASED APPLICATION FOR DOCUMENTING AND ANALYSING PERCEPTIONS ABOUT LANGUAGE VARIATION
Authors: SOUSA Xulio , SUÁREZ Soraya , CRUJEIRAS Rosa M. , CALAZA Laura
Published: February 2020

This article presents PDMapping, a new tool developed to assist the collecting and processing of data in research projects in Perceptual Dialectology. It allows information to be stored in a structured database and processed easily using either quantitative analysis-based statistical software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS). After presenting the background for development of PDMapping, we will explain how it works, show examples of it in use and provide some useful tips for using the application in other perceptual dialectology projects. Although specifically designed for an ongoing study based on a dialect identification task, PDMapping is easily adapted to other perceptual dialectology studies. The tool is available to the research community in an open source code repository and also in a demonstration web version on the project’s website.
INVESTIGATING THE FAITHFULNESS REQUIREMENT OF ROOTS: EVIDENCE FROM MALAY DIALECTS.
Authors: SYED JAAFAR Sharifah Raihan
Published: February 2020

It has been claimed in literature that segments at root-internal are more resistant to phonological processes than segments at other positions of words. According to Pater (1999), nasal substitution in Indonesian language is not realised within the morphemes even though there is a sequence of nasal and voiceless obstruent, for example, the word /empat/ is realised as [əmpat]. However, the occurrence of the sequence across morphemes for instance, at prefix-root boundaries is resolved by nasal substitution. For example, /məŋ+pukul/ is realised as [məmukul]. In this paper, the resistance of root-internal segments to phonological processes is questioned. Evidences from two Malay dialects i.e. Kelantan and Negeri Sembilan show that root-internal segments are not exempted from undergoing some phonological processes to eliminate nasal and voiceless obstruent clusters. For instance, roots like /bantal/ and /ʤəmput/ are realised as [bata:] and [ʤaput] in Kelantan and Negeri Sembilan dialects respectively.
Guerra Fría y Cine
Authors: Alonso Franch Eduardo
Published: February 2020

El artículo trata sobre las relaciones entre dos temas como la Guerra Fría y el cine. Se abordan cuestiones como la historia de las relaciones entre Estados Unidos y la Unión Soviética, la “caza de brujas” en Hollywood, la evolución en la representación de los comunistas en la pantalla: desde las películas prosoviéticas de la Segunda Guerra Mundial a la percepción del peligro nuclear y militar del antiguo aliado.Destacan en este artículo los capítulos dedicados a personajes como el cineasta Oliver Stone y su obra, el escritor y guionista Graham Greene, el nuevo cine polaco y la figura de Andrzej Wajda, las ciudades (Moscú, Berlín, Praga…) y su plasmación en las películas de la época, los espías y su mundo, la URSS y la Guerra Fría. También se aborda la relación entre la España franquista y el cine de la época, con el comienzo de las grandes superproducciones y la llegada de Ava Gardner y Frank Sinatra a la Península Ibérica, la imagen de los norteamericanos en Bienvenido, Mister Marshall.
Enodicalix (Diploporita, Aristocystitidae): A new echinoderm genus from the Middle Ordovician of Spain
Authors: Paul C.R.C. , Gutiérrez-Marco J.C.
Published: February 2020

Restudy of an Ordovician diploporite specimen from the Middle Ordovician of central Spain reveals that the species ‘Calix’ inornatus MELÉNDEZ has four ambulacra, each with two equal facets, an oval hydropore and a smooth thecal surface. In contrast, the type species of Calix has four ambulacra, each with four facets added in a clockwise direction during growth, a trilobed hydropore, and a theca with spiny plates. Other aristocystitid genera with four ambulacra have one facet per ambulacrum. ‘Calix’ inornatus differs from all other aristocystitid genera and warrants a new generic name, for which we propose Enodicalix.
How Technology Evolution and Disruption are Defining the World’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: The Case of Barcelona’s Startup Ecosystem
Authors: Condom-Vilà Pere
Published: February 2020

This article provides a critical overview of the development process of entrepreneurial ecosystems and the role played by technology and startups within such process. The analysis focus on the characteristics and components of entrepreneurial ecosystems with special attention to startups, as they are the main actors of these ecosystems. The objectives are reached through a critical literature review. Results show the evolution of these ecosystems, and an in-deep analysis of the role played by startups, big companies and governments in such evolution. The knowledge paradox between universities and startups is also taken into account together with and the importance of cities in the development of successful entrepreneurial ecosystems. We apply the result of our critical review to the analysis of the case of the Barcelona Ecosystem. Last section is devoted to policy implications for the strengthening of entrepreneurial ecosystems with special reference to the universities and the need for a redesign of technology transfer strategies. Success factors analysis and specific policy recommendations can help to a better understanding and policy planning of entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Innovation policy instruments through the lens of open innovation. An analysis in the Spanish context
Authors: Flor María Luisa , Blasco Díaz José Luis , Lara Ortiz María Lidón
Published: February 2020

Open innovation (OI) involves the deliberate use of external and internal knowledge flows by organisations in order to accelerate their innovations and expand the markets for the external use of innovations. Despite the relevance of OI for firms’ competitiveness, firms’ abilities to leverage and combine internal and external knowledge flows cannot be taken for granted. In this context, innovation policies can play a crucial role in stimulating firms’ OI strategies. The objective of this research is to examine the degree to which existing public innovation policies promote open innovation by companies. In doing so, we review the set of innovation policy instruments developed by governments within the Spanish national and regional innovation systems and examine the extent to which they support open innovation by companies, either by facilitating firms’ open innovation practices or by acting on the external factors that influence them. Our results show that innovation policies in Spanish national and regional settings partially promote firms’ open innovation, since governments base their actions on the interaction between science, industry and government, sometimes with intermediaries that promote it. We propose the development of instruments to encourage firms to implement open innovation practices in such a way that they complement the existing ones and can fully achieve the benefits associated with open innovation.