bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subcutaneous Injection of Nitroglycerin at the Radial Artery Puncture Site Reduces the Risk of Early Radial Artery Occlusion After Transradial Coronary Catheterization
Authors: Chen Yequn , Ke Zhiquan , Xiao Jiaxin , Lin Mengyue , Huang Xiru , Yan Chunyin , Ye Shu , Tan Xuerui
Published: July 2018

Background:

Transradial coronary catheterization is widely used as a diagnostic or interventional procedure for coronary disease. However, it can lead to adverse complications, such as radial artery occlusion. We sought to determine whether preprocedural injection of nitroglycerin at the radial artery puncture site reduces radial artery occlusion.

Methods and Results:

A total of 188 patients undergoing transradial coronary catheterization were randomized in a single-blind fashion to receive subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mL 0.1% nitroglycerin or a placebo at the radial artery puncture site. The participants underwent ultrasound examinations of the radial artery before and at 24 hours after the procedure. Of the 188 patients enrolled, 182 completed the study, as the procedure failed in 2 participants in the nitroglycerin-treated group and 4 in the placebo group. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between 2 groups. Comparing the radial artery diameters before and after the operation, there was a statistically significant increase in the nitroglycerin-treated group (2.48±0.45 versus 2.45±0.46 mm;
P
=0.003) but a decrease in the placebo control group (2.41±0.50 versus 2.46±0.49 mm;
P
<0.001). Importantly, the incidence of radial arterial occlusion was substantially lower in the nitroglycerin-treated group than in the placebo control group (5.4% versus 14.4%;
P
=0.04). There was not significant difference in other complications (forearm hematoma and radial artery pseudoaneurysm, respectively), and there was no incidence of cause hypotension or an intolerable headache.

Conclusions:

Subcutaneous injection of nitroglycerin at the radial artery puncture site dilates the radial artery and reduces the incidence of early radial artery occlusion post-catheterization.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.chictr.org.cn
. Unique identifier: ChiCTR-IPR-15006559.
Comparison of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Efficacy in Ischemic Versus Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tompkins Bryon A. , Rieger Angela C. , Florea Victoria , Banerjee Monisha N. , Natsumeda Makoto , Nigh Evan D. , Landin Ana Marie , Rodriguez Gianna M. , Hatzistergos Konstantinos E. , Schulman Ivonne Hernandez , Hare Joshua M.
Published: July 2018

Background

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (
ICM
) and dilated cardiomyopathy (
DCM
) differ in histopathology and prognosis. Although transendocardial delivery of mesenchymal stem cells is safe and provides cardiovascular benefits in both, a comparison of mesenchymal stem cell efficacy in
ICM
versus
DCM
has not been done.

Methods and Results

We conducted a subanalysis of 3 single‐center, randomized, and blinded clinical trials: (1) TAC‐HFT (Transendocardial Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Mononuclear Bone Marrow Cells in Ischemic Heart Failure Trial); (2) POSEIDON (A Phase I/II, Randomized Pilot Study of the Comparative Safety and Efficacy of Transendocardial Injection of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells Versus Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients With Chronic Ischemic Left Ventricular Dysfunction Secondary to Myocardial Infarction); and (3) POSEIDON‐DCM (Percutaneous Stem Cell Injection Delivery Effects on Neomyogenesis in Dilated Cardiomyopathy). Baseline and 1‐year cardiac structure and function and quality‐of‐life data were compared in a post hoc pooled analysis including
ICM
(n=46) and
DCM
(n=33) patients who received autologous or allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells. Ejection fraction improved in
DCM
by 7% (within‐group,
P
=0.002) compared to
ICM
(1.5%; within‐group,
P
=0.14; between‐group,
P
=0.003). Similarly, stroke volume increased in
DCM
by 10.59 mL (
P
=0.046) versus
ICM
(−0.2 mL;
P
=0.73; between‐group,
P
=0.02). End‐diastolic volume improved only in
ICM
(10.6 mL;
P
=0.04) and end‐systolic volume improved only in
DCM
(17.8 mL;
P
=0.049). The sphericity index decreased only in
ICM
(−0.04;
P
=0.0002). End‐diastolic mass increased in
ICM
(23.1 g;
P
<0.0001) versus
DCM
(−4.1 g;
P
=0.34; between‐group,
P
=0.007). The 6‐minute walk test improved in
DCM
(31.1 m;
P
=0.009) and
ICM
(36.3 m;
P
=0.006) with no between‐group difference (
P
=0.79). The New York Heart Association class improved in
DCM
(
P
=0.005) and
ICM
(
P
=0.02; between‐group
P
=0.20). The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire improved in
DCM
(−19.5;
P
=0.002) and
ICM
(−6.4;
P
=0.03; δ between‐group difference
P
=0.042) patients.

Conclusions

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy is beneficial in
DCM
and
ICM
patients, despite variable effects on cardiac phenotypic outcomes. Whereas cardiac function improved preferentially in
DCM
patients,
ICM
patients experienced reverse remodeling. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy enhanced quality of life and functional capacity in both etiologies.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers:
TAC
‐
HFT
:
NCT
00768066,
POSEIDON
:
NCT
01087996,
POSEIDON
‐
DCM
:
NCT
01392625.
Endothelial Dysfunction, Increased Arterial Stiffness, and Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: FMD‐J (Flow‐Mediated Dilation Japan) Study A
Authors: Maruhashi Tatsuya , Soga Junko , Fujimura Noritaka , Idei Naomi , Mikami Shinsuke , Iwamoto Yumiko , Iwamoto Akimichi , Kajikawa Masato , Matsumoto Takeshi , Oda Nozomu , Kishimoto Shinji , Matsui Shogo , Hashimoto Haruki , Aibara Yoshiki , Mohamad Yusoff Farina , Hidaka Takayuki , Kihara Yasuki , Chayama Kazuaki , Noma Kensuke , Nakashima Ayumu , Goto Chikara , Tomiyama Hirofumi , Takase Bonpei , Kohro Takahide , Suzuki Toru , Ishizu Tomoko , Ueda Shinichiro , Yamazaki Tsutomu , Furumoto Tomoo , Kario Kazuomi , Inoue Teruo , Koba Shinji , Watanabe Kentaro , Takemoto Yasuhiko , Hano Takuzo , Sata Masataka , Ishibashi Yutaka , Node Koichi , Maemura Koji , Ohya Yusuke , Furukawa Taiji , Ito Hiroshi , Ikeda Hisao , Yamashina Akira , Higashi Yukihito
Published: July 2018

Background

The usefulness of vascular function tests for management of patients with a history of coronary artery disease is not fully known.

Methods and Results

We measured flow‐mediated vasodilation (
FMD
) and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (ba
PWV
) in 462 patients with coronary artery disease for assessment of the predictive value of
FMD
and ba
PWV
for future cardiovascular events in a prospective multicenter observational study. The first primary outcome was coronary events, and the second primary outcome was a composite of coronary events, stroke, heart failure, and sudden death. During a median follow‐up period of 49.2 months, the first primary outcome occurred in 56 patients and the second primary outcome occurred in 66 patients.
FMD
above the cutoff value of 7.1%, derived from receiver‐operator curve analyses for the first and second primary outcomes, was significantly associated with lower risk of the first (hazard ratio, 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.06–0.74;
P
=0.008) and second (hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.09–0.79;
P
=0.01) primary outcomes. ba
PWV
above the cutoff value of 1731 cm/s was significantly associated with higher risk of the first (hazard ratio, 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–3.44;
P
=0.04) and second (hazard ratio, 2.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–3.90;
P
=0.008) primary outcomes. Among 4 groups stratified according to the combination of cutoff values of
FMD
and ba
PWV
, stepwise increases in the calculated risk ratio for the first and second primary outcomes were observed.

Conclusions

In patients with coronary artery disease, both
FMD
and ba
PWV
were significant predictors of cardiovascular events. The combination of
FMD
and ba
PWV
provided further cardiovascular risk stratification.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
www.umin.ac.jp
. Unique identifier:
UMIN
000012950.
High‐Normal Thyroid‐Stimulating Hormone Shows a Potential Causal Association With Arrhythmia Recurrence After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Morishima Itsuro , Okumura Kenji , Morita Yasuhiro , Kanzaki Yasunori , Takagi Kensuke , Yoshida Ruka , Nagai Hiroaki , Ikai Yoshihiro , Furui Koichi , Yoshioka Naoki , Tsuboi Hideyuki , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: July 2018

Background

Hypothyroidism has been shown to contribute to enhanced atrial arrhythmogenesis, resulting in atrial fibrillation (
AF
) development in animal models and clinical populations. We aimed to elucidate whether high thyroid‐stimulating hormone (
TSH
) levels are related to outcomes of catheter ablation of
AF
.

Methods and Results

Of 477 consecutive patients who underwent first‐time pulmonary vein isolation–based radiofrequency catheter ablation of
AF
, 456 with
TSH
above the lower limit of the normal range (age, 65.5±9.9 years; men, 73.9%; paroxysmal
AF
, 56.8%) were analyzed for this study. Atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence for 3 years was compared across groups with hypothyroidism (n=23) and
TSH
quartile groups with euthyroidism (normal‐range
TSH
levels, n=433). Atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence occurred in 179 patients (39%) after the first session. Patients with hypothyroidism had increased recurrence compared with patients with normal
TSH
levels (crude hazard ratio, 3.14 after the last session;
P
=0.001). When focusing on patients with normal
TSH
levels, recurrence‐free survivals after both the first and last sessions were significantly reduced in euthyroid patients with the highest quartile of
TSH
levels (quartile 4) compared with others (quartiles 1–3). Cox regression analysis identified high
TSH
levels as an independent predictor of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after both the first (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.51;
P
=0.018) and last (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.86;
P
=0.023) sessions. The difference was more pronounced in patients with paroxysmal
AF
than in those with nonparoxysmal
AF
.

Conclusions

Not only hypothyroidism but also high‐normal
TSH
levels may be an independent predictor of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation of
AF
.
A Source for Menasseh ben Israel’s Printer’s Mark
Authors: Nadler Steven
Published: July 2018

This zuta offers a presentation of the various printer’s marks used by Menasseh ben Israel, and especially the discovery of some sources in Dutch emblem literature for his most prominent and well-known mark and its motto, ‘Non odit tamen.’
Glossing over cryptic species: Descriptions of four new species of Glossodoris and three new species of Doriprismatica (Nudibranchia: Chromodorididae)
Authors: MATSUDA SHAYLE B. , GOSLINER TERRENCE M.
Published: July 2018

Advances in molecular systematics have led to a rapid increase in the identification of cryptic and pseudocryptic species in organisms exhibiting diverse and complex coloration with complicated taxonomic histories. A recent molecular phylogenetic analysis of nudibranchs in the genus Glossodoris (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Heterobranchia: Chromodorididae) and related genera identifies multiple cryptic and pseudocryptic species complexes, one within Glossodoris pallida and three within Glossodoris cincta, and support for three new species of Doriprismatica. Morphological analyses of color pattern, radular structure, buccal mass, and reproductive system support these identifications. Descriptions for Glossodoris buko sp. nov., Glossodoris bonwanga sp. nov., Glossodoris andersonae sp. nov., Glossodoris acosti sp. nov., and what will retain the name Glossodoris sp. cf. cincta are provided here, in addition to descriptions for new species Doriprismatica balut sp. nov., Doriprismatica rossi sp. nov., and Doriprismatica marinae sp. nov.. Glossodoris pallida and G. buko exhibit extreme differences in radular structure in addition to a clear biogeographic split in range. Glossodoris bonwanga, G. andersonae, G. acosti and G. sp. cf. cincta, share morphological and geographic differences but these are not as pronounced as in G. pallida and G. buko. More detailed study of the G. cincta complex is necessary to resolve some remaining systematic challenges. Doriprismatica balut is clearly distinct from all other congeners based on molecular and morphological characters. In contrast, D. rossi and D. marinae are not strongly divergent genetically, but have major morphological divergences that clearly distinguish them.
Review of the genus Microcurgus Haupt, 1950 (Hymenoptera, Pompilidae) with description of a new species from Iran
Authors: SCHMID-EGGER CHRISTIAN , ENAYATNINA MASOUMEH , RAKHSHANI EHSAN
Published: July 2018

Three species are reviewed. A new synonymy is proposed for Microcurgus Haupt, 1950 (=Micropompilus Priesner, 1955, syn. nov.). Microcurgus iraniensis Schmid-Egger sp. nov. is described and illustrated from South-Eastern Iran. A new combination is proposed for Microcurgus braconoides (Priesner, 1955), comb. nov. (from the genus Micropompilus). A key to the species based on females is given.
Seven new Longicorn (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) species from Iran
Authors: DANILEVSKY MIKHAIL
Published: July 2018

Cortodera hodeki sp. nov. close to C. kaphanica Danilevsky, 1985 is described from Ardabil province; C. takabensis sp. nov. close to С. neali Danilevsky, 2004, C. rubenyani sp. nov. and C. kareli sp. nov. both close to C. pseudomophlus Reitter, 1889 are described from Iranian Kurdistan; C. lowlakanensis sp. nov. close to C. takabensis sp. nov. is described from Iranian West Azerbaijan; Dorcadion (Cribridorcadion) rezai sp. nov., which belongs to D. laeve-group of species is described from Shiraz. Phytoecia (Pilemia) ghobarii sp. nov. very close to Turkish Ph. (P.) konyaensis Danilevsky, 2010 is described from Iranian Kurdistan. Distinguishing characters are discussed.
Observing Plumes and Overturning Cells with a New Coastal Bottom Drifter
Authors: Schulze Chretien Lena M. , Speer Kevin
Published: July 2018

A new platform, the Coastal Bottom Drifter, was designed and built to observe near-bottom environments in coastal regions. It is capable of observing properties by drifting near the bottom with a prescribed clearance or at a constant depth of up to 300 m. The platform can observe physical and biochemical parameters, such as temperature, salinity, oxygen, and velocities, and has the capacity to carry additional sensors to measure, for example, pH, turbidity, and nutrients. In addition, it can profile to the surface at chosen intervals and can be deployed for days or up to several months. The integrated Iridium communication allows the user to receive positions and data while the platform is surfaced, as well as send new missions to the instrument. The use of an acoustic bottom-tracking device allows the construction of a drifter trajectory while providing information about ocean circulation. Additionally, the ADCP provides information about suspended particles and possible sediment transport. These measurements are valuable in understanding coastal environments as well as the dominant physical processes that cause mixing and set the conditions for local biological activity. An example deployment in Apalachicola Bay shown in this study demonstrates the ability of the drifter to observe small-scale features, such as overturning cells and plumes of dense water, that are caused by local topography.
An Updated Estimate of Salinity for the Atlantic Ocean Sector Using Temperature–Salinity Relationships
Authors: Goes Marlos , Christophersen Jonathan , Dong Shenfu , Goni Gustavo , Baringer Molly O.
Published: July 2018

Simultaneous temperature and salinity profile measurements are of extreme importance for research; operational oceanography; research and applications that compute content and transport of mass, heat, and freshwater in the ocean; and for determining water mass stratification and mixing rates. Historically, temperature profiles are much more abundant than simultaneous temperature and salinity profiles. Given the importance of concurrent temperature and salinity profiles, several methods have been developed to derive salinity solely based on temperature profile observations, such as expendable bathythermograph (XBT) temperature measurements, for which concurrent salinity observations are typically not available. These empirical methods used to date contain uncertainties as a result of temporal changes in salinity and seasonality in the mixed layer, and are typically regionally based. In this study, a new methodology is proposed to infer salinity in the Atlantic Ocean from the water surface to 2000-m depth, which addresses the seasonality in the upper ocean and makes inferences about longer-term changes in salinity. Our results show that when seasonality is accounted for, the variance of the residuals is reduced in the upper 150 m of the ocean and the dynamic height errors are smaller than 4 cm in the whole study domain. The sensitivity of the meridional heat and freshwater transport to different empirical methods of salinity estimation is studied using the high-density XBT transect across 34.5°S in the South Atlantic Ocean. Results show that accurate salinity estimates are more important on the boundaries, suggesting that temperature–salinity compensation may be also important in those regions.
The Dynamic Paradigm of Ethnic Culture: Variations Across Context, Time, and Meaning
Authors: Wong Y. Joel , Wang Shu-Yi , Farmer Sara B.
Published: July 2018

In this article, we argue that counseling psychology research on ethnic culture can be enhanced by drawing upon advancements in conceptual and methodological approaches from other fields. Accordingly, we present the dynamic paradigm of culture to provide counseling psychologists with a useful conceptualization of ethnic culture that serves as the impetus for developing novel research agendas. Grounded in interdisciplinary scholarship from social psychology, developmental psychology, political science, and sociology, this paradigm’s core concept is ethnic culture’s malleable nature; that is, ethnic culture varies across social contexts, across time, and in its meaning across individuals. These three dimensions of ethnic culture are elaborated within three perspectives: (a) the contextual perspective focuses on the situational and domain-specific nature of cultural influences, (b) the temporal perspective characterizes ethnic culture and individuals’ cultural orientation as continually evolving through time, and (c) the constructionist perspective emphasizes the fragmented, subjective, antiessentialist, and performative nature of ethnic culture.
Nature Streaming: Contrasting the Effectiveness of Perceived Live and Recorded Videos of Nature for Restoration
Authors: Snell Tristan Leslie , McLean Louise Anne , McAsey Finn , Zhang Michael , Maggs Diana
Published: July 2018

This study investigated whether a video of a natural landscape would be more effective for restoration, including attention restoration and recovery from stress, when perceived as live rather than recorded. In total, 60 participants undertook attention-expending and stress inducing tasks, before being randomly assigned to one of three conditions (perceived live video, recorded video, and control). Attention recovery was assessed using Digit Span Backwards (DSB) and the Necker Cube Pattern Control (NCPC) pre- and post-condition, while stress was measured via skin conductivity, heart rate, and heart rate variability. We found that only participants in the live group significantly improved on the NCPC, whereas stress recovery was similar for both perceived live and recorded groups. Our findings suggest that a perceived live stream of nature may allow for greater cognitive inhibition, an important aspect of learning, whereas both perceived live and recorded videos effectively reduced sympathetic stress responses.
Why Is the U.S. Preterm Birth Rate So Much Higher Than the Rates in Canada, Great Britain, and Western Europe?
Authors: Bronstein Janet M. , Wingate Martha S. , Brisendine Anne E.
Published: July 2018

The portion of newborns delivered before term is considerably higher in the United States than in other developed countries. We compare the array of risk exposures and protective factors common to women across national settings, using national, regional, and international databases, review articles, and research reports. We find that U.S. women have higher rates of obesity, heart disease, and poor health status than women in other countries. This is in part because more U.S. women are exposed to the stresses of racism and income disparity than women in other national settings, and stress loads are known to disrupt physiological functions. Pregnant women in the United States are not at higher risk for preterm birth because of older maternal age or engagement in high-risk behaviors. However, to a greater extent than in other national settings, they are younger and their pregnancies are unintended. Higher rates of multiple gestation pregnancies, possibly related to assisted reproduction, are also a factor in higher preterm birth rates. Reproductive policies that support intentional childbearing and social welfare policies that reduce the stress of income insecurity can be modeled from those in place in other national settings to address at least some of the elevated U.S. preterm birth rate.
Can Diversity Management Improve Job Satisfaction for Military Veterans in the Federal Government?
Authors: Vanderschuere Matthew , Birdsall Chris
Published: July 2018

On November 9, 2009, Executive Order 13518 established the Veterans Employment Initiative and invigorated veteran hiring within the federal government. By fiscal year 2016, 635,266 veterans accounted for 31% of the federal workforce, an increase of over 5% in 7 years. To account for this growing employee demographic, the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey began tracking veteran status in 2012 and analysis of these data show that veterans are more likely to express turnover intention than nonveterans. This raises a troubling question: Is the policy objective of the Veterans Hiring Initiative achieved if these veterans are more likely to turnover than nonveterans? This article explores whether diversity management mitigates lower job satisfaction levels among military veterans working for the federal government and whether veterans might be considered a stand-alone demographic in diversity scholarship. This study finds that perceptions of fair and effective diversity management are associated with higher job satisfaction among veteran employees, but slightly less so than among nonveterans. The results demonstrate that veterans are a unique employee demographic by showing statistically significant differences in job satisfaction between veterans and nonveterans while controlling for other demographics. Overall, this article contributes to public management research by highlighting military veteran employees and offering insight into an understudied employee population accounting for approximately 31% of the federal workforce.
Relationships between Consecutive Long-Term and Mid-Term Mobility Decisions over the Life Course: A Bayesian Network Approach
Authors: Wang Bobin , Rasouli Soora , Timmermans Harry , Shao Chunfu
Published: July 2018

Long-term and mid-term mobility decision processes in different life trajectories generate complex dynamics, in which consecutive life events are interrelated and time dependent. This study uses the Bayesian network approach to study the dynamic relationships among residential events, household structure events, employment/education events, and car ownership events. Using retrospective data obtained from a web-based survey in Beijing, China, first structure learning is used to discover the direct and indirect relationships between these mobility decisions. Parameter learning is then applied to describe the conditional probabilities and predict the direct and indirect effects of actions and policies in the resulting network. The results confirm the interdependencies between these long-term and mid-term mobility decisions, and evidence the reactive and proactive behavior of individuals and households in the context of various life events over the course of their lives. In this regard, it is important to note that an increase in household size has a contemporaneous effect on car acquisition in the future; while residential events have a synergic relationship with employment/education events. Moreover, if people’s residential location or workplace/study location moves from an urban district to a suburban or outer suburban district, this has both lagged and concurrent effects on car acquisition.
In Vitro Repair of Meniscal Radial Tear With Hydrogels Seeded With Adipose Stem Cells and TGF-β3
Authors: Sasaki Hiroshi , Rothrauff Benjamin B. , Alexander Peter G. , Lin Hang , Gottardi Riccardo , Fu Freddie H. , Tuan Rocky S.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Radial tears of the meniscus are a common knee injury, frequently resulting in osteoarthritis. To date, there are no established, effective treatments for radial tears. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) may be an attractive cell source for meniscal regeneration because they can be quickly isolated in large number and are capable of undergoing induced fibrochondrogenic differentiation mediated by transforming growth factor β3 (TGF-β3). However, the use of ASCs for meniscal repair is largely unexplored.

Hypothesis:

ASC-seeded hydrogels with preloaded TGF-β3 will improve meniscal healing of radial tears, as modeled in an explant model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

With an institutional review board–exempted protocol, human ASCs were isolated from the infrapatellar fat pads of 3 donors, obtained after total knee replacement, and characterized. ASCs were encapsulated in photocrosslinkable methacrylated gelatin hydrogels to form 3-dimensional constructs, which were placed into tissue culture. The effect of TGF-β3—whether preloaded into the hydrogel or added as a soluble medium supplement—on matrix-sulfated proteoglycan deposition in the constructs was evaluated. A meniscal explant culture model was used to simulate meniscal repair. Cylindrical-shaped explants were excised from the inner avascular region of adult bovine menisci, and a radial tear was modeled by cutting perpendicular to the meniscal main fibers to the length of the radius. Six combinations of hydrogels—namely, acellular and ASC-seeded hydrogels supplemented with preloaded TGF-β3 (2 µg/mL) or soluble TGF-β3 (10 ng/mL) and without supplement—were injected into the radial tear and stabilized by photocrosslinking with visible light. At 4 and 8 weeks of culture, healing was assessed through histology, immunofluorescence staining, and mechanical testing.

Results:

ASCs isolated from the 3 donors exhibited colony-forming and multilineage differentiation potential. Hydrogels preloaded with TGF-β3 and those cultured in soluble TGF-β3 showed robust matrix-sulfated proteoglycan deposition. ASC-seeded hydrogels promoted superior healing as compared with acellular hydrogels, with preloaded or soluble TGF-β3 further improving histological scores and mechanical properties.

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrated that ASC-seeded hydrogels preloaded with TGF-β3 enhanced healing of radial meniscal tears in an in vitro meniscal repair model.

Clinical Relevance:

Injection delivery of ASCs in a TGF-β3-preloaded photocrosslinkable hydrogel represents a novel candidate strategy to repair meniscal radial tears and minimize further osteoarthritic joint degeneration.
Transition From Continuous Infusion Fentanyl to Hydromorphone in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Kovacevic Mary P. , Szumita Paul M. , Dube Kevin M. , DeGrado Jeremy R.
Published: July 2018

Background:

The 2013 Society of Critical Care Medicine guidelines for the management of pain, agitation, and delirium in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients recommend intravenous opioids as first-line therapy to treat nonneuropathic pain. There is a paucity of literature describing possible benefits of utilizing specific opioids over others in ICU patients.

Objective:

The objective was to identify rationales for the transition from continuous infusion fentanyl to continuous infusion hydromorphone in critically ill patients.

Methods:

This was a single-center, prospective, observational analysis of adult ICU patients who were transitioned from fentanyl to hydromorphone. The major end point was to characterize the primary reason for transition. Minor end points included secondary reason(s) for transition, transition dosing, changes in continuous sedative requirements, and level of sedation.

Results:

Forty-six patients were included in the analysis. The primary rationale for transition was ventilator compliance (28.3%), followed by tachyphylaxis or better pain control (19.6%), and reduction in sedatives (13.0%). The most common secondary reason(s) for transition included reduction in sedatives (47.8%), opioid rotation (32.6%), and obesity (30.4). Median fentanyl rate of 100 µg/h was transitioned to 1 mg/h of hydromorphone. The percentage of patients requiring the use of continuous sedatives was decreased in the 24 hours following transition ( P = .005); however, patients were more deeply sedated ( P = .02).

Conclusion:

Rationales for transition were to improve ventilator compliance, optimize patient-specific pharmacokinetics, and limit overall sedative exposure.
Finding meaningful work in difficult circumstances: A study of prison healthcare workers
Authors: Stephenson Amber L , Bell Nicolette
Published: July 2018

Prisons are rigidly structured institutions housing—in some cases—violent and unstable residents. To discover the positive job attributes and perceived challenges in this extreme practice environment, we employed exploratory qualitative content analysis on the written-in responses of 269 prison health workers in one state’s Department of Corrections. Two researchers independently analyzed and coded the data. Using an iterative process, we categorized the responses into themes and critical underlying meanings. Positive job attributes included meaningful work, stability, variety of ailments treated, and feelings of support. Perceived challenges included ineffective leadership, constraints on the ability to effectively execute the role, perceived inequity, and organizational culture. The results of our study suggest that there are lessons to be learned from correctional health workers that could inform policy and management outside of the prison walls specifically as it pertains to motivating and engaging providers through meaningful work. Specifically, health organizations would improve the experience of their clinicians by offering a broader scope of practice experience, schedule stability, reducing bureaucratic redundancies, and—ultimately—restoring the sense of purpose within the work itself.
Charles Scott Sherrington’s origins
Authors: Moss Chris , Hunter Susan
Published: July 2018

James Norton Sherrington who is normally described as the father of Charles Scott Sherrington, winner of the 1932 Nobel Prize for Medicine, died at least eight years before Charles was born. The article discusses whether Charles was born in India of unknown parents or was the illegitimate child of Caleb Rose and Anne Sherrington.
Economic Burden of Diabetes among Women
Authors: Kansra Pooja
Published: July 2018

The article provides estimates of economic burden of diabetes among women. The study was based on primary data collected from Jalandhar. The article examines the direct, indirect and intangible cost of diabetes. The result indicates that mean cost of outpatient care of consultation, lab investigations, medicines, special diet and transport was ₹203.53, ₹535.50, ₹515.0, ₹258.80 and ₹120.30, respectively. While, mean cost of inpatient care of consultation, lab investigations, room charges, medicines, special diet and transport was ₹1157.00, ₹1468.75, ₹1354.50, ₹4175.50, ₹680.0 and ₹278.65, respectively. The analysis shows that the mean cost of inpatient care was higher than that of outpatient care. Intangible cost of diabetes involved reduced food consumption, borrowing from neighbours/relatives, decreased non-food consumption, decreased savings, decreased social obligations/functions, stopped purchase/expansion of house, sale of household assets, stopped medical treatment of other members in the family and stopped the purchase of consumer durables. These figures are compelling enough to stimulate government to take corrective actions to address the risk factors that contribute to diabetes. Immediate action is needed to stem the tide of diabetes and to introduce cost-effective treatment to reverse this trend. Healthcare policy planners must anticipate and respond to socio-economic implications, ideally through preventive as well as curative measures.
Are Mergers and Acquisitions Necessarily Anti-competitive? Empirical Evidence from India’s Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Mishra Pulak
Published: July 2018

Policy initiatives and regulatory changes made during the last two-and-half decades of economic reforms have led to a considerable increase in the number of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the Indian corporate sector. Given the policy-induced flexibilities, while the domestic firms have taken the route of mergers to restructure their business and grow, the foreign firms have preferred to enter into specific markets through acquisitions and raise monopoly power therein. In this context, the present article attempts to examine the impact of M&As on market the structure in major industries of the Indian manufacturing sector during the post-reform period. Using a panel dataset of 34 major industries for the period 2001–2009, the article finds that M&As do not necessarily cause any appreciable adverse impact on market concentration. Instead, the degrees of sellers’ concentration are influenced by the growth of market, capital intensity, firms’ advertising efforts and their financial performance. The findings of the present article, therefore, suggest for a rethink on policies and regulations relating to M&A, international trade and intellectual property, as they play a significant role in enhancing firms’ competitiveness and restricting the emergence of a monopolistic power.

JEL Classification: L1, L4, L5, O3
Financialization and the extractive industries: The case of South African platinum mining
Authors: Bowman Andrew
Published: July 2018

This paper examines the impacts of financialization on corporate strategy in the extractive industries with a case study of South African platinum mining during the first two decades after apartheid. Drawing on insights from literature on financialization of the firm, the paper examines how intensified shareholder value pressures shaped strategy at major platinum mining companies during the long commodities boom of the 2000s and subsequent slump from 2009. The paper argues that financialization exacerbates the already intense cyclical volatility of the extractive industries. Efforts to fulfil narratives of shareholder value delivery during the boom manifested in large dividend distribution, gearing of balance sheets and aggressive outlays on capacity expansion and mergers and acquisition activity to demonstrate to the market an ambitious pipeline of growth projects. The result was financial fragility and excess capacity which has exacerbated the impact of the slump in subsequent years with severe social consequences. Distributional contest between management and organized labour has intensified as management has sought to restore internationally competitive rates of return on capital. The paper argues financialization of the firm in mining creates particularly acute distributional contestation and instability, due to the contradictions between the powerful abstractive tendencies of financialized capitalism and the social embeddedness of mining as a landed industry. The analysis has broader implications for the study of the extractive industries and development, and the political economy of post-apartheid South Africa.
Microstructural damage evolution and its effect on fracture behavior of concrete subjected to freeze-thaw cycles
Authors: Dong Yijia , Su Chao , Qiao Pizhong , Sun LZ
Published: July 2018

Concrete structures in cold regions are exposed to cyclic freezing and thawing environment, leading to degraded mechanical and fracture properties of concrete due to microstructural damage. While the X-ray micro-/nano-computed tomography technology has been implemented to directly observe concrete microstructure and characterize local damage in recent years, the freeze-thawed damage evolution processes and its effect on overall mechanical performance are not well understood. In this paper, the X-ray nano-computed tomography technology and micro-scale cohesive zone model are combined to quantitatively investigate microstructural damage evolution and its effect on fracture behavior of freeze-thawed concrete samples in three-point bending tests. A two-level micro-to-macro scale finite element model is developed based on computed tomography microstructural images with microcracks due to freeze-thaw cycles. The macroscopic load–deflection curves and fracture energies are simulated and compared favorably with experimental results. Simulation results demonstrate that microcracks caused by freeze-thaw actions are the primary reason for degradation of concrete mechanical properties. Fracture behaviors of frost-damaged concrete with different mortar and interfacial transition zone strength and fracture constants are also simulated and discussed. The combined X-ray nano-computed tomography technology and cohesive zone model proposed is effective in characterizing fracture behavior of concrete and capturing freeze-thaw cycle-induced microstructural damage evolution and its effect on fracture process of concrete.
Alienating Apparatuses: Behind the Scenes of the Neoliberal Academic Assemblage
Authors: Rath Courtney L.
Published: July 2018

In this article, I (re)consider a series of behind-the-scenes encounters with my institution’s thesis editor to explore how my ideas and desires for my dissertation intra-acted with and were rendered impossible by the institutional assemblage. My dissertation explores how stories—used in the context of teacher education, where they serve as necessary vehicles for emerging educators to consider classroom practices—operate as apparatuses. After playing with a variety of ways to instigate a failure of verisimilitude, one way the apparatus-ness of stories is made visible, I landed on working diffraction as a narrative device. An early visit to the thesis editor, the institutional representative responsible for enforcing formatting standards, thwarted these formatting choices. This article considers the entangled apparatuses of academia, those that insist on intelligibility and those that resist it, and the ways they work behind the scenes to limit possible knowings and alienate scholars from their own scholarship.
Considering Indigenous Research Methodologies: Critical Reflections by an Indigenous Knower
Authors: Gone Joseph P.
Published: July 2018

Within the domain of academic inquiry by Indigenous scholars, it is increasingly common to encounter enthusiasm surrounding Indigenous Research Methodologies (IRMs). IRMs are designated approaches and procedures for conducting research that are said to reflect long-subjugated Indigenous epistemologies (or ways of knowing). A common claim within this nascent movement is that IRMs express logics that are unique and distinctive from academic knowledge production in “Western” university settings, and that IRMs can result in innovative contributions to knowledge if and when they are appreciated in their own right and on their own terms. The purpose of this article is to stimulate exchange and dialogue about the present and future prospects of IRMs relative to university-based academic knowledge production. To that end, I enter a critical voice to an ongoing conversation about these matters that is still taking shape within Indigenous studies circles.
The Effect of the Relationship of APOE Polymorphisms and Cerebral Vasospasm on Functional Outcomes in Children With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Reuter-Rice Karin , Regier Michael , Bennett Ellen , Laskowitz Daniel
Published: July 2018

Background:

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability. Polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein E ( APOE) gene have been linked to cerebral vasospasm (CV) and poor outcomes in adults with TBI, yet these associations remain poorly defined in children.

Objective:

We examined the effect of the relationship between APOE polymorphisms and CV on functional outcomes in children with a TBI.

Method:

This prospective, descriptive study examined 60 children (aged 10 days to 15 years) with a TBI. Data included demographic information, genetic sampling for the APOE gene and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs405509, rs429358, rs7412), and daily transcranial Doppler ultrasounds to evaluate for CV. We examined Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended Pediatrics (GOS-E Peds) scores at the time of discharge and 4–6 weeks after discharge.

Results:

More than half (56.7%) of the 60 children ( Mage = 5.9 years) were male. Twenty-six participants (43.3%) experienced an occurrence of CV. There were significant differences in injury mechanism (unadjusted p = .048) and age (unadjusted p = .02) between those with and without CV. Also, the noncoding promoter SNP rs405509 T/T, when considered with injury severity, appeared to modify the relationship of APOE genotype to CV. The relationship between APOE and CV had no significant effect on GOS-E Peds scores.

Conclusion:

Injury severity and the APOE noncoding promoter SNP rs405509 may modify the relationship between APOE and CV in children with TBI. More studies are needed to understand the role of APOE polymorphisms in outcomes in children with TBI.
Effect of wear-resistant coatings on the comprehensive performance of finger seal
Authors: Zhang Yanchao , Si Chenguang , Zhang Yongtao , Zhang Dongya , Cui Yahui
Published: July 2018

Finger seals provide favourable flexible dynamic performance and a low level of leakage that is less than that of brush seals and graphite seals. However, the hysteresis caused by the friction between different finger slices or between the finger slice and the back plate strongly affects the working stability. In addition, the wear properties between the finger feet and rotor runway can adversely affect the working stability. Based on the tribological mechanism, wear-resistant coatings can provide a satisfactory solution to these problems. For this purpose, the simulations of finger seal are first performed in ANSYS to verify that good contact surface friction performance can effectively improve the efficiency of finger seal. Then we evaluated the friction performance of WC, Cr3C2, and PTFE coatings using a pin-on-disk tribometer. The results showed that the wear-resistant coatings generally exhibited better wear resistance than the substrate material under various load conditions (correspond to the bench test PV of finger seal). The friction coefficient of the 40CrNiMoA substrate was 0.65, while the friction coefficients of WC, Cr3C2, and PTFE coatings were 0.22, 0.27, and 0.13, respectively, corresponding to 33.8%, 41.5%, and 20% of the friction coefficient of the 40CrNiMoA substrate. The friction coefficient of the PTFE coating was the lowest due to its self-lubricating property and showed a long service life under low loads; thus, this coating offers a promising solution to reduce the friction-caused hysteresis on a finger seal. Under loads of 20 N and 30 N, the service life of the WC coating was much longer than that of the Cr3C2 coating. Even at a load of 50 N, the service life of the WC coating was 4.3 times that of the Cr3C2 coating. The wear-resistant WC coating has strong application prospects in improving the service life of finger seals.
Employment Goals and Settings: Effects of Individual and Systemic Factors
Authors: Nord Derek , Hamre Kristin , Pettingell Sandra , Magiera Louise
Published: July 2018

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) continue to experience high rates of unemployment. Previous research suggests that including an employment goal in an individual’s service plan can be a mechanism toward attaining employment, especially in a community setting. This study contributes to the understanding of the role of employment goals and employment in community and facility-based settings for people with IDD. This study used 2012 to 2013 National Core Indicators (NCI) Adult Consumer Survey data from 26 states to understand (a) the effect of disability and guardianship on attaining an employment goal and (b) the effect of disability, guardianship, and an employment goal on employment in community and facility-based settings. Results indicate that people with more significant intellectual disability (ID), communication and mobility challenges, and people under guardianship had significantly lower odds of an employment goal. Related to employment settings, people with an employment goal have significantly higher odds of employment in individual-community, odds ratio (OR) = 11.25, p ⩽ .001, and group-community (OR = 6.07, p ⩽ .001) settings. Those with more significant levels of ID had significantly lower odds of employment in individual-community (OR = 0.64, p ⩽ .001), group-community (OR = 0.85, p ⩽ .05), and facility-based settings (OR = 0.85, p ⩽ .01). The odds of employment for people with communication and mobility challenges were significantly lower, across all settings. Guardianship status did not have a significant effect. These findings have policy and practice implications that should be considered in systems improvement.
“Stop Talking to People; Talk with Them”: A Qualitative Study of Information Needs and Experiences Among Genetic Research Participants in Pakistan and Denmark
Authors: Sheikh Zainab Afshan , Hoeyer Klaus
Published: July 2018

This article explores how research participants experienced information practices in an international genetic research collaboration involving the collection of biomaterial and clinical data in both Pakistan and Denmark. We investigated how people make sense of their research participation and the types of information they need and desire. We found great variation in what information exchange does and what participants experience as meaningful. For example, information practices could serve as a source of respect and recognition (in Denmark) or of hope, understanding or help when dealing with suffering (in Pakistan). Policies aimed at harmonizing ethics standards for international research do not encapsulate some of the most important aspects of information practices for the research participants involved. We suggest shifting the focus from standards of one-way information delivery to a more process-oriented form of research ethics, where the contextual exploration of local needs through a mutual engagement with participants gains more ground.
When Nursing Care and Clinical Trials Coincide: A Qualitative Study of the Views of Nordic Oncology and Hematology Nurses on Ethical Work Challenges
Authors: Godskesen Tove E. , Petri Suzanne , Eriksson Stefan , Halkoaho Arja , Mangset Margrete , Pirinen Merja , Nielsen Zandra Engelbak
Published: July 2018

This study investigated the kinds of ethical challenges experienced by nurses in oncology and hematology when nursing care and research overlap in clinical trials, and how the nurses handle such challenges. Individual interviews with 39 nurses from Sweden, Denmark, and Finland indicated that all nurses were positive about research, considering it essential for developing the best care. Ethical challenges exist, however; the most difficult were associated with the end-of-life patients, no longer responsive to standard therapy, who eagerly volunteer for cutting-edge drug trials in the hope of gaining therapeutic benefit. Many nurses lacked systematic strategies for addressing such challenges but found support from their nursing colleagues and relied on the research protocols to guide them.