bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution and source estimation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coastal sediments from Seto Inland Sea, Japan
Authors: Tsuji Hiroaki , Jadoon Waqar Azeem , Nunome Yoko , Yamazaki Hideo , Asaoka Satoshi , Takeda Kazuhiko , Sakugawa Hiroshi
Published: May 2020

Environmental contextPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are carcinogenic environmental contaminants that tend to migrate into the sediments in oceans and seas. Their vertical distribution in sediments from the Seto Inland Sea matched their emission over time, which in turn reflected changes in energy sources and industrial activities in Japan. This study shows that human activities on land directly and significantly influence the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments.
AbstractSeventeen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were identified in sediment cores collected at several locations in the Seto Inland Sea in 2015 and 2016 to understand their spatial distribution and potential emission sources. PAHs were analysed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The age of the sediment cores was analysed using radioisotopic dating techniques to reconstruct historical PAH emissions. The total concentrations of 17 PAHs in the sediment cores of Osaka Bay in 2015 were in the range of 108–2810ng g−1 dry weight (dw) with a mean concentration of 1050ng g−1 dw. The total concentrations of 17 PAHs in sediment cores from the Seto Inland Sea in 2016 were in the range of 52.6–941ng g−1 dw with a mean concentration of 313ng g−1 dw. The spatial distribution of PAHs showed the highest concentration in Osaka Bay and the lowest in Kii Channel in 2016. The horizontal PAH distribution showed a decreasing trend in concentrations from the estuary offshore to Osaka Bay and Aki-Nada. The vertical PAH distribution revealed that levels were higher before the 1980s–1990s, when oil consumption and industrial activities in the Osaka region reached a maximum in the 20th century. The diagnostic ratios of PAHs and a principal component analysis revealed three main emission sources of PAHs, industry, biomass burning and traffic activities.
Evaluation of the Weather Research and Forecasting model in simulating fire weather for the south-west of Western Australia
Authors: Kala Jatin , Tenna Alyce Sala , Rudloff Daniel , Andrys Julia , Rieke Ole , Lyons Thomas J.
Published: May 2020

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was used to simulate fire weather for the south-west of Western Australia (SWWA) over multiple decades at a 5-km resolution using lateral boundary conditions from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA)-Interim reanalysis. Simulations were compared with observations at Australian Bureau of Meteorology meteorological stations and the McArthur Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) was used to quantify fire weather. Results showed that, overall, the WRF reproduced the annual cumulative FFDI at most stations reasonably well, with most biases in the FFDI ranging between –600 and 600. Biases were highest at stations within the metropolitan region. The WRF simulated the geographical gradients in the FFDI across the domain well. The source of errors in the FFDI varied markedly between the different stations, with no one particular variable able to account for the errors at all stations. Overall, this study shows that the WRF is a useful model for simulating fire weather for SWWA, one of the most fire-prone regions in Australia.
Talin1 controls dendritic cell activation by regulating TLR complex assembly and signaling
Authors: Lim Thomas Jun Feng , Bunjamin Maegan , Ruedl Christiane , Su I-hsin
Published: May 2020

Talin critically controls integrin-dependent cell migration, but its regulatory role in skin dendritic cells (DCs) during inflammatory responses has not been investigated. Here, we show that talin1 regulates not only integrin-dependent Langerhans cell (LC) migration, but also MyD88-dependent Toll-like receptor (TLR)–stimulated DC activation. Talin1-deficient LCs failed to exit the epidermis, resulting in reduced LC migration to skin-draining lymph nodes (sdLNs) and defective skin tolerance induction, while talin1-deficient dermal DCs unexpectedly accumulated in the dermis despite their actomyosin-dependent migratory capabilities. Furthermore, talin1-deficient DCs exhibited compromised chemotaxis, NFκB activation, and proinflammatory cytokine production. Mechanistically, talin1 was required for the formation of preassembled TLR complexes in DCs at steady state via direct interaction with MyD88 and PIP5K. Local production of PIP2 by PIP5K then recruited TIRAP to the preassembled complexes, which were required for TLR signalosome assembly during DC activation. Thus, talin1 regulates MyD88-dependent TLR signaling pathways in DCs through a novel mechanism with implications for antimicrobial and inflammatory immune responses.
Defending Intrinsic Biological Essentialism
Authors: Devitt Michael
Published: May 2020

In “Resurrecting Biological Essentialism,” I went against the consensus in the philosophy of biology by arguing that a Linnaean taxon, including a species, has an essence that is, at least partly, an underlying intrinsic, mostly genetic, property: this intrinsic nature explains both the truth of generalizations about the phenotypic properties of the taxon and why being in the taxon is explanatory. The current article is a response to two criticisms: that this intrinsic essentialism is at odds with certain biological variations and that this talk of intrinsic essences is an uncalled for metaphysical addition to biology.
Dispersion tailoring of photonic crystal fibers for flat-top, coherent, and broadband supercontinuum generation
Authors: Seyed Hashemi Seyed Ali , Noori Mina
Published: May 2020

A double-clad AsSe2-based photonic crystal fiber possessing ultra-flat near-zero dispersion has been introduced, here to achieve flat-top and coherent supercontinuum generation at Mid-IR range. Also, the required conditions to obtain flat-top, broadband, and coherent supercontinuum generation have been discussed based on the systematic study carried out here, by GNLSE regarding the input pump pulse characteristics and the dispersion regime. The proposed photonic crystal fiber in this study, presents nearly-zero all-normal dispersion of about D ∼ −3.4 ps(nm.km)−1 corresponding to minimum group velocity dispersion at 6.9 μm. For the pump pulse with λ = 6.9 μm, time duration of T = 50 fs, and low peak power of P = 1 kW, a coherent flat-top supercontinuum generation has been realized with the span of 4.14 μm and 4.97 μm at 8 dB and 20 dB levels, respectively. Moreover, a figure of merit covering the essential characteristics of supercontinuum generation spectra (bandwidth, coherency, and flatness) has been introduced to compare the performance of different structures. It has been shown that β
2 tailoring with near-zero and flat characteristic is essential to achieve higher figure of merit.
Erratum: Improved axion emissivity from a supernova via
nucleon-nucleon bremsstrahlung
Authors: Pierluca Carenza  , Tobias Fischer  , Maurizio Giannotti  , Gang Guo  , Gabriel Martínez-Pinedo  , Alessandro Mirizzi
Published: May 2020

A proper account of mean field effects for nucleons leads to a slight increase
in the value of the nucleons chemical potential with respect to the values used
in our original work. Though the ratio of the complete axion emissivity over the
OPE calculation is not strongly affected by the changes we report here, the
absolute value of the complete emissivity increases significantly with respect
to our previous calculation. As a consequence, the bound on the axion mass is
strengthened with respect to what we had previously reported.
A dual-phase scaffold produced by rotary jet spinning and electrospinning for tendon tissue engineering
Authors: Guner Mustafa Bahadir , Dalgic Ali Deniz , Tezcaner Aysen , Yilanci Sedat , Keskin Dilek
Published: May 2020

Tendon is a highly hierarchical and oriented tissue that provides high mechanical strength. Tendon injuries lead to loss of function, disability, and a decrease in quality of life. The limited healing capacity of tendon tissue leads to scar tissue formation, which can affect mechanical strength and cause a re-tear. Tissue engineering can be the solution to achieving complete and proper healing of tendon. The developed constructs should be mechanically strong while maintaining a suitable environment for cell proliferation. In this study, a dual-phase fibrous scaffold was produced by combining fibrous mats produced by rotary jet spinning (RJS) and wet electrospinning (WES), with the intent of improving the healing capacity of the construct. Dual-phase scaffolds were formed from aligned poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) fibers (Shell) produced by RJS and randomly oriented PCL or PCL/gelatin fibers (Core) produced by WES systems. The scaffolds mimicked i) the repair phase of tendon healing, in which randomly-oriented collagen type III is deposited by randomly-oriented WES fibers and ii) the remodeling stage, in which aligned collagen type I fibers are deposited by aligned RJS fibers. In vitro studies showed that the presence of randomly-oriented core fibers inside the aligned PCL fiber shell of the dual-phase scaffold increased the initial attachment and viability of cells. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy analysis showed that the presence of aligned RJS fibers supported the elongation of cells through aligned fibers which improves tendon tissue healing by guiding oriented cell proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition. Tenogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on scaffolds was studied when supplemented with growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF-5). GDF-5 treatment improved the viability, collagen type III deposition and scaffold penetration of human adipose derived stem cells. The developed FSPCL/ESPCL-Gel 3:1 scaffold (FS = centrifugal force spinning/RJS, ES = wet electrospinning, Gel = gelatin) sustained high mechanical strength, and improved cell viability and orientation while supporting tenogenic differentiation.
Crossing-The-Line Segmentation as a Basis for Rsm and Rc Evaluation
Authors: Seewig J , Scott P J , Eifler M , Barwick B , Hüser D
Published: May 2020

Feature characterization of rough surfaces is of growing interest in terms of a function oriented description of technical surfaces. Feature characterization requires a segmentation of significant hills and dales of the measured profile. The segmentation can be done in several ways. One method is the so called crossing-the-line segmentation which will be part of ISO 16610 part 45 and ISO 21920 part 2. The crossing-the-line segmentation described in this publication represents an extension of the algorithm proposed by Scott (Scott P, 2006, Meas. Sci. Technol.
17, 559–564) and is based on new knowledge gathered over the last ten years. As an example, the feature parameters

R
S
m

and

R
c

according to ISO 4287:1997 are evaluated.
Magnetism and magnetocaloric effect of melt-spun, nanostructured GdAl2
Authors: Prusty Mitali Madhusmita , Arout Chelvane J , Nirmala R
Published: May 2020

Magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of melt-spun rare earth intermetallic compound GdAl2 (Cubic, MgCu2-type) has been studied. The sample becomes nanostructured upon melt-spinning and the crystallite size obtained from the powder x-ray diffraction data is about 48 nm. A sluggish paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition occurs at a Curie temperature (TC) of about 136 K. This value is about 30 K lower than the ferromagnetic transition temperature of the arc-melted GdAl2. The maximum isothermal magnetic entropy change (ΔSm) is found to be ∼ −8.3 Jkg−1 K−1 at 133 K for 70 kOe field change around TC. This value is quite comparable to that of bulk sample prepared by arc-melting which is about −8.5 Jkg−1 K−1 at 168 K for the same field change. Thus melt-spinning process results in broadening of the peak in the isothermal magnetic entropy change versus temperature plot without compromising on the magnetocaloric effect.
Molecular adsorption of iminotriazine derivatives on graphene
Authors: Rodríguez Antonio M , González Viviana Jehová , León Verónica , Herrero M Antonia , Muñoz-García Ana B , Pavone Michele , Prieto Pilar , De La Hoz Antonio , Vázquez Ester
Published: May 2020

The non-covalent functionalisation of graphene is the method of choice for modulating the electronic and chemical properties of graphene materials without markedly disturbing the electron density in the final structures. In this respect, different aromatic and amphiphilic molecules have been reported, and their interactions with graphene materials have been studied in order to design catalysts, sensors or other electronic devices. The interactions between a set of iminotriazine derivatives and graphene have been studied using state of the art first principle calculations, which were corroborated with experimental data. An effective non-covalent interaction of the systems has been demonstrated and, although the variation of the electronic properties of the starting graphene is minimal, the electronic properties of some iminotriazines changed significantly.
Escalating the dose and downgrading the rhythm: the combination of prescribed and non-prescribed medications resulting in an abnormal heart rhythm
Authors: Saunders Hollie , Joyce Nicole , Garland Jeffrey , Cowdell Jed Colt
Published: May 2020

Older patients often have multiple medical issues which predisposes them to complications of polypharmacy and medication interactions. We present a case of an 89-year-old female who presented to the emergency department after a fall. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed a junctional bradycardia with a ventricular rate of 50 beats per minute (BPM). Her magnesium was 3.5 mg/dl (1.7–2.3 mg/dl). She had recently increased her milk of magnesia use for constipation. Pertinent other medications included verapamil 280 mg daily. On admission 2 grams of calcium gluconate IV were administered and the verapamil was held. An ECG the next morning showed sinus rhythm with a ventricular rate of 76 BPM.
The effect of multimorbidity on functional limitations and depression amongst middle-aged and older population in China: a nationwide longitudinal study
Authors: Zhao Yang William , Haregu Tilahun Nigatu , He Li , Lu Shurong , Katar Ameera , Wang Haipeng , Yao Zhibin , Zhang Luwen
Published: May 2020

Background

multimorbidity contributes to a large portion of the disease burden in low- and middle-income countries. However, limited research has been undertaken in China. This study has investigated the prevalence of multimorbidity and the associations of multimorbidity with activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and depression in China.

Methods

the study participants included 10,055 adults aged 45 years and older from three rounds of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011–2015. Random-effects logistic regression models were used to examine the association of multimorbidity with ADL limitation, IADL limitation and mental disease.

Results

the prevalence of multimorbidity amongst adults in China aged 45 years and older was 62.1% in 2015. The prevalence of multimorbidity was increased with older age, among women, in a higher socio-economic group and in the most deprived regions. Multimorbidity is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing ADL limitation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.738, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 5.733, 5.744) and IADL limitation (AOR = 2.590, 95% CI = 2.588, 2.592) and depression (AOR = 3.352, 95% CI = 3.350, 3.354). Rural–urban disparities in functional difficulties and depression were also found amongst patients with multimorbidity.

Conclusions

the burden of multimorbidity is high in China, particularly amongst the older population. Multimorbidity is associated with higher levels of functional limitations and depression. China healthcare reforms should introduce integrated care models and patient-centred healthcare delivery. The increasing need for reorientation of healthcare resources considering the distribution of multimorbidity and its adverse effect requires more attention from health policymakers in China and other developing countries.
Bioinformatic Analysis of Gene Expression Profile in Plasma of Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Li Yan-zhen , Xu Hao-jie , Hu Jia-min , Lin Shi-zhu , Zhang Na , Cai Hong-da , Zeng Kai , Liang Min , Lin Zhi-jian , Lin Cai-zhu , Wu Xiao-dan
Published: May 2020

Background

To analyze expression profiles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) in patients with essential hypertension (EH) and normotensive adults.

Methods

The gene chip dataset GSE76845, which was generated from 5 plasma samples from patients with EH and 5 normotensives, was downloaded from the National Biotechnology Information Center Public Data Platform. Each sample (total RNA) was pooled from the total RNA of 3 age- and gender-matched subjects (EH patients or healthy controls). A ClusterProfiler package including gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to identify differentially expressed genes. The target microRNA and mRNA were predicted by microcode, microDB, microTarBase, and TargetScan databases. Finally, a competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) regulatory network was constructed.

Results

Compared with the healthy control adults, 191 differential lncRNAs (90 upregulated and 101 downregulated) and 1,187 differential mRNAs (533 upregulated and 654 downregulated) were identified in EH patients. GSEA analysis showed that 17 pathways, including ubiquinone and terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, parathyroid hormone synthesis secretion and action, fatty acid metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis are involved in hypertension. A ceRNA network consisting of 150 nodes and 488 interactive pairs was constructed.

Conclusions

lncRNA and mRNA profile analysis provides new insight into molecular mechanisms of EH pathogenesis and potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
Evaluating the effects of a multidisciplinary transition care management program on hospital readmissions
Authors: Snyder Margie E , Krekeler Carrie E , Jaynes Heather A , Davis Hannah B , Lantaff Wendy M , Shan Mu , Perkins Susan M , Zillich Alan J
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To measure the effect of a pharmacist-initiated transitions of care (TOC) program on rates of 30-day all-cause readmissions and primary care follow-up.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate a pharmacist-initiated TOC program for patients discharged from hospitals of a large health system from September 2015 through July 2016. Discharged patients of 13 primary care physicians (the intervention cohort) received TOC program services, and discharged patients seen by 12 other primary care physicians (the control cohort) received usual care. Patients in both cohorts were followed for 90 days. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause readmissions, and secondary outcomes were 14-day primary care visits, TOC pharmacist identification and resolution of medication therapy problems (MTPs), and transition care management (TCM) billing. Multivariable modeling was performed to test the associations of patient receipt of TOC services with 30-day readmissions and 14-day primary care visits, with controlling for patient demographics and baseline healthcare utilization.

Results

A total of 492 patients received the TOC intervention, and 379 were followed in the usual care cohort. Among intervention patients, 960 MTPs were identified, and 85.7% of identified MTPs were resolved. Moreover, 9% of intervention cohort patients were readmitted within 30 days, compared to 15% of control cohort patients, and this effect was significant in the multivariable model (odds ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.89; P = 0.0108). Rates of primary care visits did not differ significantly between the groups; 65% of intervention group visits were billed using TCM codes.

Conclusion

A pharmacist-initiated TOC program was effective in reducing 30-day all-cause readmissions.
Anterior Approach to the Neck: Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Kochuba Andrew L , Surek Christopher C , Ordenana Carlos , Vargo James , Scomacao Isis , Duraes Eliana , Zins James E
Published: May 2020

Background

The anterior or submental necklift has been well described. Long-term results have been demonstrated in patients with minimal, mild, and moderate skin excess. It relies on the skin’s unique ability to contract once separated from its attachments and further enhances the surgical result with treatment of the intermediate layer- subplatysmal fat, anterior digastric, submandibular gland, and platysma. Treatment of this layer differentiates this operation from liposuction and offers benefits beyond liposuction alone.

Objectives

The authors sought to assess the long-term success of the anterior necklift for neck rejuvenation and determine its utility in patients with severe cervicomental angles.

Methods

This was a single-surgeon, retrospective review of patients who underwent an isolated anterior necklift with no additional procedures between 1998 and 2017. Pre- and postprocedure photographs were scrambled and examined by independent evaluators grading the change in cervicomental angle based on the Knize scale. The reduction in apparent age was calculated utilizing the validated apparent age assessment scale.

Results

Twenty-seven patients were evaluated (42% mild and 58% moderate to severe necks preoperatively). The average follow-up was 24.7 months. There was an average 3.6-year age reduction and 1.0-grade improvement in all patients. In moderate to severe necks, there was a 3.9-year age reduction and 1.4-grade improvement in the cervicomental angle following surgery.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the operation in improving the cervicomental angle and reducing the overall apparent age of patients, even more so in severe cases. The operation is an option for patients who desire neck improvement but are unwilling to undergo a facelift.

Level of Evidence: 4
IMMORAL IN PRINCIPLE, UNWORKABLE IN PRACTICE: CANNABIS LAW REFORM, THE BEATLES AND THE WOOTTON REPORT
Authors: Seddon Toby
Published: May 2020

In the late 1960s, the cause of cannabis law reform briefly rose to remarkable cultural prominence in several Western countries, notably the United Kingdom and the United States. Some 50 years later, as global cannabis prohibition is once again coming under intense critical scrutiny in many parts of the world, this paper revisits the events of the 1960s. Drawing on primary archival research, the paper recovers the story of the rapid emergence and development of the reform movement. The importance to reform discourse of ideas of personal freedom and civil liberties is explored and set in the context of wider shifts in liberal governance. In conclusion, it is argued that the challenge of cannabis regulation today needs to be understood in the context of contemporary regulatory capitalism.
TMEM106B, an unexpected point of contact between FTD, ageing and a hypomyelination disorder
Authors: Doyle James J , Parker J Alex , Bateman Andrew
Published: May 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Loss of TMEM106B leads to myelination deficits: implications for frontotemporal dementia treatment strategies’, by Zhou et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa141).
Risk, Health, and Physical Enhancement: The Dangers of Health Care as Risk Reduction for Christian Bioethics
Authors: Scherz Paul
Published: May 2020

Medicine increasingly envisions health promotion in terms of reducing risk as determined by quantitative risk factors, such as blood pressure, blood lipids, or genetic variants. This essay argues that this vision of health care as risk reduction is dangerous for Christian bioethics, since risk can be infinitely reduced leading to a self-defeating spiral of iatrogenic effects. Moreover, it endangers character because this vision of health is connected to a reductionist vision of the body and an understanding of individual risk that undermines the more communal virtue of solidarity. The essay concludes by discussing how recent Thomistic analyses in favor of physical enhancements illustrate some of the problems that envisioning health care in terms of risk reduction holds for Christian bioethics.
Clinical Features and Outcomes of 105 Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 in Seattle, Washington
Authors: Buckner Frederick S , McCulloch Denise J , Atluri Vidya , Blain Michela , McGuffin Sarah A , Nalla Arun K , Huang Meei-Li , Greninger Alex L , Jerome Keith R , Cohen Seth A , Neme Santiago , Green Margaret L , Chu Helen Y , Kim H Nina
Published: May 2020

Background

Washington State served as the initial epicenter of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in the United States. An understanding of the risk factors and clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may provide guidance for management.

Methods

All laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in adults admitted to an academic medical center in Seattle, Washington, between 2 March and 26 March 2020 were included. We evaluated individuals with and without severe disease, defined as admission to the intensive care unit or death.

Results

One hundred five COVID-19 patients were hospitalized. Thirty-five percent were admitted from a senior home or skilled nursing facility. The median age was 69 years, and half were women. Three or more comorbidities were present in 55% of patients, with hypertension (59%), obesity (47%), cardiovascular disease (38%), and diabetes (33%) being the most prevalent. Most (63%) had symptoms for ≥5 days prior to admission. Only 39% had fever in the first 24 hours, whereas 41% had hypoxia at admission. Seventy-three percent of patients had lymphopenia. Of 50 samples available for additional testing, no viral coinfections were identified. Severe disease occurred in 49%. Eighteen percent of patients were placed on mechanical ventilation, and the overall mortality rate was 33%.

Conclusions

During the early days of the COVID-19 epidemic in Washington State, the disease had its greatest impact on elderly patients with medical comorbidities. We observed high rates of severe disease and mortality in our hospitalized patients.
Therapy With Agents Acting on the Renin-Angiotensin System and Risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection
Authors: Gnavi Roberto , Demaria Moreno , Picariello Roberta , Dalmasso Marco , Ricceri Fulvio , Costa Giuseppe
Published: May 2020

Exposure to agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system was not associated with a risk increase of COVID-19 infection in 2 Italian matched case-control studies, 1 nested in hypertensive patients and the other in patients with cardiovascular diseases or diabetes.
Introduction: Global Morrison
Authors: Baillie Justine
Published: May 2020

As novelist, academic, and public intellectual Toni Morrison has made a profound contribution to the transformation of the black intellectual and political aesthetic. In many ways Morrison’s literary and theoretical formulations represent the feminization of black writing traditions through her representations of identity as being fluid and socially constructed. Her novels transform memory into alternative narratives of recovery that illuminate obscured histories of slavery, migration and urbanisation. This project constitutes a rich legacy for a new generation of writers who, working within a global nexus, interrogate the racial economics of trauma, dislocation and exile in ways that dissolve the distinctions between African American, colonial, and postcolonial studies. The introduction to this special issue highlights the transnational scope of Morrison’s work, with a particular focus on her non-fiction.
Volunteer Programs Supporting People With Dementia/Delirium in Hospital: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pritchard Elizabeth , Soh Sze-Ee , Morello Renata , Berkovic Danielle , Blair Annaliese , Anderson Katrina , Bateman Catherine , Moran Chris , Tsindos Tess , O’Donnell Renee , Ayton Darshini
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives

Volunteer-delivered programs to assist people with dementia and/or delirium in-hospital can provide person-centered one-on-one support in addition to usual care. These programs could mitigate hospital resource demands; however, their effectiveness is unknown. This review evaluated literature of volunteer programs in acute hospital settings for people living with dementia and/or delirium.

Research Design and Methods

Four databases were searched. Studies that reported patient or program outcomes were included (i.e., delirium incidence, length of stay, number of falls, satisfaction). Risk of bias was completed. Meta-analysis was performed where 2 or more studies measured the same outcome. Narrative synthesis was performed on the qualitative results.

Results

Eleven studies were included in the review, with varied design, participant groups and outcomes measured. Risk of bias averaged 71%. Volunteer-delivered programs addressed delirium risk factors, for example, hydration/nutrition, mobility, use of sensory aids. Eight patients and 6 program outcomes were captured, but only 3 patient outcomes could be pooled. Meta-analyses demonstrated a reduction in delirium incidence (rate ratio = 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47, 0.90) but no reduction in length of stay (mean difference −1.09; 95% CI −0.58, 2.77) or number of falls (rate ratio = 0.67; 95% CI 0.19, 2.35). Narrative synthesis identified benefits to patients (e.g., less loneliness), volunteers (sense of meaning), and staff (timesaving, safety).

Discussion and Implications

Volunteer-delivered programs for inpatients with dementia and/or delirium may provide benefits for patients, volunteers, and staff. However, studies conducted with more robust designs are required to determine overall effectiveness on program outcomes. Further high-quality research appropriate for this vulnerable population is required to identify volunteer program effectiveness.
Applying a complex adaptive systems approach to the evaluation of a school-based intervention for intimate partner violence prevention in Mexico
Authors: Makleff Shelly , Billowitz Marissa , Garduño Jovita , Cruz Mariana , Silva Márquez Vanessa Ivon , Marston Cicely
Published: May 2020

Despite calls for evaluation practice to take a complex systems approach, there are few examples of how to incorporate complexity into real-life evaluations. This article presents the case for using a complex systems approach to evaluate a school-based intimate partner violence-prevention intervention. We conducted a post hoc analysis of qualitative evaluation data to examine the intervention as a potential system disruptor. We analysed data in relation to complexity concepts particularly relevant to schools: ‘diverse and dynamic agents’, ‘interaction’, ‘unpredictability’, ‘emergence’ and ‘context dependency’. The data—two focus groups with facilitators and 33 repeat interviews with 14–17-year-old students—came from an evaluation of a comprehensive sexuality education intervention in Mexico City, which serves as a case study for this analysis. The findings demonstrate an application of complex adaptive systems concepts to qualitative evaluation data. We provide examples of how this approach can shed light on the ways in which interpersonal interactions, group dynamics, the core messages of the course and context influenced the implementation and outcomes of this intervention. This gender-transformative intervention appeared to disrupt pervasive gender norms and reshape beliefs about how to engage in relationships. An intervention comprises multiple dynamic and interacting elements, all of which are unlikely to be consistent across implementation settings. Applying complexity concepts to our analysis added value by helping reframe implementation-related data to focus on how the ‘social’ aspects of complexity influenced the intervention. Without examining both individual and group processes, evaluations may miss key insights about how the intervention generates change, for whom, and how it interacts with its context. A social complex adaptive systems approach is well-suited to the evaluation of gender-transformative interventions and can help identify how such interventions disrupt the complex social systems in which they are implemented to address intractable societal problems.
The contexts of housing stability and change among HIV-positive persons in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Owusu Adobea Y , Teye-kau Mabel , Tenkorang Eric Y
Published: May 2020

Due to stigma, discrimination and economic insecurity, persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) are highly vulnerable to housing instability. For instance, PLWHAs are more likely to either remain stable in inadequate homes or change residence. Yet, few studies explore the contexts of housing stability and change among PLWHAs, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority reside. This study used qualitative in-depth interviews to explore the narratives of 38 PLWHAs on the contexts of housing stability and the circumstances leading to change in residence. On diagnosis with HIV, the majority of PLWHAs (58%) changed housing locations, mostly from bad to worse conditions. Reasons for change include: eviction due to stigma and discrimination, inability to afford rent, quest to hide HIV status and death of a cohabiting partner. Our findings suggest policy makers should pay attention to the deplorable and poor housing conditions of PLWHAs in Ghana.
Do Donor Motives Matter? Investigating Perceptions of Foreign Aid in the Conflict in Donbas
Authors: Alrababa’h Ala’ , Myrick Rachel , Webb Isaac
Published: May 2020

How do the perceived motives of donor states shape recipient attitudes toward foreign aid in a conflict zone? This research note evaluates the impact of two frames that characterize the motives of foreign powers involved in a civil conflict in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. These frames portray foreign actors as providing aid either to alleviate suffering during conflict (humanitarian frame) or to increase their power and influence in the recipient country (political influence frame). We demonstrate how framing impacts attitudes toward foreign assistance from the European Union and the Russian government among potential aid recipients in the Donbas. The results show that frames impact support for foreign aid from the European Union but have no effect on views of Russian aid. Counter to conventional expectations, aid provided for geopolitical, strategic reasons may be viewed as a positive, stabilizing force—even more than foreign aid provided for humanitarian reasons.
Factors associated with antimicrobial choice for surgical prophylaxis in Australia
Authors: Ierano Courtney , Thursky Karin , Peel Trisha , Koning Sonia , James Rod , Johnson Sandra , Hall Lisa , Worth Leon J , Marshall Caroline
Published: May 2020

Background

Cefazolin is the most commonly recommended antimicrobial for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP). However, the Australian Surgical National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey revealed a wide range of antimicrobials prescribed for SAP. Inappropriate use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials is associated with increased patient harm and is a posited driver for antimicrobial resistance.

Objectives

To describe patient, hospital and surgical factors that are associated with appropriateness of the top five prescribed antimicrobials/antimicrobial classes for procedural SAP.

Methods

All procedures audited from 18 April 2016 to 15 April 2019 in the Surgical National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey were included in the analysis. Estimated marginal means analyses accounted for a range of variables and calculated a rate of adjusted appropriateness (AA). Subanalyses of the top five audited antimicrobials/antimicrobial classes identified associations between variables and appropriateness.

Results

A total of 12 419 surgical episodes with 14 150 prescribed initial procedural doses were included for analysis. When procedural SAP was prescribed, appropriateness was low (57.7%). Allergy status, surgical procedure group and the presence of prosthetic material were positively associated with cefazolin and aminoglycoside appropriateness (P < 0.05). There were no significant positive associations with glycopeptides and third/fourth-generation cephalosporins. The use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials was the most common reason for inappropriate choice (67.9% of metronidazole to 83.3% of third/fourth-generation cephalosporin prescriptions).

Conclusions

Various factors influence appropriateness of procedural SAP choice. Identification of these factors provides targets for antimicrobial stewardship interventions, e.g. procedures where surgeons are regularly prescribing broad-spectrum SAP. These can be tailored to address local hospital prescribing practices.
Is There Really a Foreign Ownership Productivity Advantage? Evidence from Nigerian Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Alka Kilishi Adamu
Published: May 2020

The role of foreign ownership of an enterprise in impacting their performance is a vital policy issue for Africa. In this paper, panel data for manufacturing firms is used to investigate that role in Nigeria. After controlling for unobserved firm heterogeneity, inputs simultaneity, measurement errors and possible selection bias, I find that foreign ownership has a positive, but statistically insignificant, effect on total factor productivity (TFP). However, foreign-owned firms operate on a far larger scale than domestic ones, with much higher levels of employment, capital intensity and labour productivity. As it is labour productivity that determines the ability of firms to pay higher wages, the evidence presented in this paper suggests it is their ability to operate at higher scale, rather than having higher TFP, is what characterises foreign-owned firms in Nigeria.
Crime and Political Participation in Africa: The Role of Insecurity
Authors: Morrison Kevin M , Rockmore Marc
Published: May 2020

Research finds that personal exposure to violence or crime increases political participation. The effects of fear, however, have not been studied. Since the number of victims is much smaller than those who are afraid of becoming a victim, this suggests an important but unexplored channel from crime to political participation. Moreover, if people who experience violence or crime are also afraid of future exposure, existing estimates conflate the effects of past experience with those of fear of future exposure. We focus on Africa, which has been disproportionately affected by homicides and other forms of serious crimes. We find that fear of crime accounts for 10%–23% of the effect previously attributed to direct exposure. We further find important differences between the effects of fear and victimisation on political attitudes. Whereas victims of crimes have more authoritarian political attitudes, people who are fearful of crime are more supportive of democracy and equality and hold other attitudes that are normally associated with rule of law and democracy. Victimisation is associated with greater focus on in-group (ethnic) identity at the expense of the broader nation.
Inferences and Legal Considerations Following a Blood Collection Tube Recall
Authors: Rodda Luke N , Pearring Sue , Harper Curt E , Tiscione Nicholas B , Jones Alan Wayne
Published: May 2020

In mid-2019, medical, forensic and legal communities were notified that a certain shipment of evacuated blood sampling tubes were recalled by the manufacturer. This recall order described that the preservative sodium fluoride (100 mg) and anticoagulant potassium oxalate (20 mg) were missing from a small batch of 10-mL evacuated tubes. This gave cause for concern for possible implications in criminal justice (e.g., in drink-driving offenses) when blood–alcohol concentrations are interpreted. In reality, the lack of an anticoagulant would have been immediately obvious during sample preparation, owing to the formation of a large clot in the tube when received. Certain impairing drugs (e.g., cocaine and 6-acetylmorphine) are unstable in blood and tend to degrade without an enzyme inhibitor, such as sodium fluoride, present. In reviewing available literature related to current practices and the stability of ethanol in stored blood samples, there does not appear to be a clear consensus regarding the amount of sodium fluoride preservative necessary, if any at all, when blood is taken from living subjects under sterile conditions for typical forensic ethanol analysis.
Impact of the Southern Oscillation Index, Temperature, and Precipitation on Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Activity in Florida
Authors: Miley Kristi M , Downs Joni , Beeman Sean P , Unnasch Thomas R
Published: May 2020

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), an Alphavirus from family Togaviridae, is a highly pathogenic arbovirus affecting the eastern United States, especially Florida. Effects of the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), precipitation, and cooling degree days on EEEV horse case data in Florida from 2004 to 2018 were modeled using distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNMs). The analysis was conducted at statewide and regional scales. DLNMs were used to model potential delayed effects of the covariates on monthly counts of horse cases. Both models confirmed a seasonal trend in EEEV transmission and found that precipitation, cooling degree days, and the SOI were all predictors of monthly numbers of horse cases. EEEV activity in horses was associated with higher amounts of rainfall during the month of transmission at the statewide scale, as well as the prior 3 mo at the regional scale, fewer cooling degree days during the month of transmission and the preceding 3 mo and high SOI values during the month and the previous 2 mo, and SOI values in the prior 2 to 8 mo. Horse cases were lower during El Niño winters but higher during the following summer, while La Niña winters were associated with higher numbers of cases and fewer during the following summer. At the regional scale, extremely low levels of precipitation were associated with a suppression of EEEV cases for 3 mo. Given the periodicity and potential predictability of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles, precipitation, and temperature, these results may provide a method for predicting EEEV risk potential in Florida.
Who Is in Charge? The Provision of Informal Personal Resources at the Street Level
Authors: Lavee Einat
Published: May 2020

Street-level bureaucrats (SLBs) nowadays provide services under conditions of increased demand for public services coupled with scarcer financial resources. The literature that focuses on how workers adapt to this situation mainly examines their provision of formal resources as part of their job. What researchers have not systematically examined is the delivery of informal personal resources (IFRs) by street-level workers to clients. Understanding the provision of IFRs is particularly important when “no one is fully in charge” of public services. Drawing on 214 in-depth qualitative interviews with SLBs who provide education, health, and welfare services in the public sector in Israel, we found a remarkable range of IFRs they provided to clients. We also found that four main factors influencing the provision of IFRs: lack of formal resources; professional commitment; managerial encouragement; and a work environment whose values combine old and new approaches to public service. The findings contribute to the public administration literature by exposing how public service function in a somewhat vague reality, and they contribute to the SLB literature by highlighting the unrecognized component of informal service provision.
Inter- and intraspecific variability of plant individual growth and its role on species ranking in grasslands
Authors: Perronne Rémi , Jabot Franck , Pottier Julien
Published: May 2020

Aims

Individual growth constitutes a major component of individual fitness. However, measuring growth rates of herbaceous plants non-destructively at the individual level is notoriously difficult. This study, based on an accurate non-destructive method of aboveground biomass estimation, aims to assess individual relative growth rates (RGRs) of some species, identify its environmental drivers and test its consequences on community patterning. We specifically address three questions: (i) to what extent environmental conditions explain differences in individual plant growth between sites, (ii) what is the magnitude of intraspecific variability of plant individual growth within and between sites and (iii) do species-averaged (dis-)advantage of individual growth compared with the whole vegetation within a site correlate with species ranking at the community level?

Methods

We monitored the growth of individuals of four common perennial species in 18 permanent grasslands chosen along a large pedoclimatic gradient located in the Massif Central, France. We measured soil properties, levels of resources and meteorological parameters to characterize environmental conditions at the site level. This design enables us to assess the influence of environmental conditions on individual growth and the relative extent of inter-individual variability of growth explained within and between sites. We determined the ranking of each of the four species in each site with botanical surveys to assess the relationship between species-averaged growth (dis-)advantage relative to the whole community and species rank in the community.

Important Findings

We found that environmental conditions explain a significant proportion of individual growth variability, and that this proportion is strongly variable between species. Light availability was the main driver of plant growth, followed by rainfall amount and potential evapotranspiration, while soil properties had only a slight effect. We further highlighted a moderate to high within-site inter-individual variability of growth. We finally showed that there was no correlation between species ranking and species-averaged individual growth.
On-sky calibration of a SKA1-low station in the presence of mutual coupling
Authors: Borg J , Magro A , Zarb Adami K , de lera Acedo E , Sutinjo A , Ung D
Published: May 2020

This paper deals with the calibration of the analogue chains of a Square Kilometre Array (SKA) phased aperture array station, using embedded element patterns (one per antenna in the array, thus accounting for the full effects of mutual coupling) or average element patterns to generate model visibilities. The array is composed of 256 log-periodic dipole array antennas. A simulator capable of generating such per-baseline model visibility correlation matrices was implemented, which allowed for a direct comparison of calibration results using Statistically Efficient and Fast Calibration (StEFCal) with both pattern types. Calibrating the array with StEFCal using simulator-generated model visibilities was successful and thus constitutes a possible routine for calibration of an SKA phase aperture array station. In addition, results indicate that there was no significant advantage in calibrating with embedded element patterns, with StEFCal successfully retrieving similar per-element coefficients with model visibilities generated with either pattern type. This can be of significant importance for mitigating computational costs for calibration, particularly for the consideration of real-time calibration strategies. Data from the Aperture Array Verification System 1 prototype station in Western Australia was used for demonstration purposes.