bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of websites’ compliance to legal and ethical guidelines: A fuzzy logic–based methodology
Authors: Mamakou Xenia J , Kardaras Dimitris K , Papathanassiou Eleutherios A
Published: March 2017

Privacy issues are a top priority in web design. However, websites’ evaluation methods do not consider legal and ethical issues. This article proposes a fuzzy logic–based methodology for evaluating websites’ compliance with legal and ethical principles. Using fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy numbers, the methodology develops the Fuzzy Legal and Ethical Compliance Index (FLECI) that addresses the inherited vagueness of the evaluation process and calculates websites’ conformity to legal and ethical guidelines. To illustrate the proposed methodology, this research collects data and then evaluates and classifies 100 websites with respect to their privacy policies using fuzzy equivalence. This article provides a foundation for the development of comprehensive website evaluation methods that include privacy and ethical issues in their evaluations. Future research can investigate the applicability of the proposed methodology and the fuzzy numbers calculated in this article in websites across industries and cultural activities.
A broken promise? Evaluating South Africa’s reconciliation process twenty years on
Authors: du Toit Fanie
Published: March 2017

To help explain public sentiment about reconciliation among contemporary South Africans, two major issues are discussed. The first is how reconciliation was articulated and ‘performed’ by key leaders during the early transition. The second relates to factors shaping South Africans’ current perceptions of reconciliation. By recalling significant statements made by political leaders, and outlining the roles of the National Peace Accord and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it is shown that reconciliation was initially accepted by South Africans when it was defined as an acceptance of their interdependence, and was seen as being based on a commitment to justice and inclusivity. The post-apartheid leadership was mandated to build on these commitments in order to create a more just society over time. However, data from various public opinion surveys reveal that, despite important achievements, the government’s failure to pay reparations, combined with state corruption and denial from the white community, have created increasing disillusionment with reconciliation.
Can we reconcile? Understanding the multi-level challenges of conflict transformation
Authors: Maddison Sarah
Published: March 2017

Reconciliation and conflict transformation require simultaneous effort across several socio-political levels. This article advances both a conceptual and an empirical argument to frame reconciliation and conflict transformation in these terms. First, the article draws on theories of agonistic democracy to argue for the intrinsic and potentially productive role of non-violent conflict in reconciliation efforts that accept conflict as both enduring and necessary. Second, the article contends that reconciliation is a multi-level task that requires ongoing attention and effort directed towards constitution building, institutional reform and relational transformation. The article concludes that, once conflict transformation is understood in these terms, reconciliation must be seen as a far more difficult and long-term endeavour than is usually acknowledged, requiring innovative political institutions capable of keeping open spaces for democratic political contestation.
Discursive institutions in non-transitional societies: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Authors: de Costa Ravi
Published: March 2017

This paper examines truth and reconciliation processes in stable, democratic societies. Its focus is on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which assumed that historical knowledge can lead directly to new understanding and then to reconciliation, a social change involving improved relations between Aboriginal and other peoples. The paper argues that institutions such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – here called discursive institutions – require more careful explanations of how discourse might be related to change. Discursive institutions mobilize prior orientations and existing social, cultural and institutional levers for change; they do not create new mechanisms for doing so.
Cardiovascular Toxicity of Antihistamines
Authors: Smith Steven J.
Published: March 2017

The efficacy of individual antihistamines is similar for most indications. The primary difference between traditional (first‐generation) and nonsedating (second‐generation) histamine1‐receptor antagonists is the incidence and severity of adverse reactions. The first‐generation drugs are associated with sedation, decreased psychomotor function, anticholinergic side effects, and other adverse reactions that are not observed with usual doses of second‐generation agents. Since 1990 evidence has accumulated demonstrating that high doses of the second‐generation drugs terfenadine and asternizole prolonged the cardiac QT interval and produced torsades de pointes, a rare but potentially lethal arrhythmia. Some first‐generation agents also cause torsades de pointes. Concomitant administration of some drugs that inhibit the hepatic drug‐metabolizing enzymes with either Terfenadine or astemizole prevents the metabolism and increases the serum concentration of unchanged terfenadine and astemizole; this results in prolonged cardiac QT intervals and torsades de pointes. Interacting drugs include the macrolides (erythromycin and troleandomycin) and imidazole antifungals (ketoconazole and itraconazole). Also discussed are other factors that increase the likelihood of torsades de pointes after administration of Terfenadine or astemizole and the pathophysiology of torsades de pointes, current therapy, and ways to avoid its occurrence. Preliminary studies indicate that two other second‐generation agents, loratadine and cetirizine (an investigational agent), do not produce torsades de pointes.
Experimental characterisation of dry friction isolators for shock and vibration
Authors: Tapia-González Pablo E , Ledezma-Ramírez Diego F
Published: March 2017

Shock and vibration are a source of failures in harsh environments such as military, naval and aerospace applications; thus, the use of vibration isolators is extended. Cable isolators are known for their high-energy storage and dissipation properties making them suitable for shock isolation and low frequency vibration. Such isolators present nonlinear stiffness in different directions such as compression, roll and shear, as well as dry friction damping. Although their use is extended, the knowledge regarding their dynamic response under shock loading is very limited. This work presents an overview of the vibration and shock isolation performance of several cable isolators under axial loading. The main contribution of the paper is to investigate and discuss the shock response of the isolators when subjected to pulses of different durations, finding improved isolation performance when compared to an equivalent linear system. Furthermore, a mathematical model based on a Duffing oscillator is proposed as a first approximation, in order to reflect the nonlinear stiffness and predict the shock response, thus facilitating further design and selection of improved shock isolation systems.
The effects of environmental enrichment on white matter pathology in a mouse model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion
Authors: Hase Yoshiki , Craggs Lucinda , Hase Mai , Stevenson William , Slade Janet , Chen Aiqing , Liang Di , Ennaceur Abdel , Oakley Arthur , Ihara Masafumi , Horsburgh Karen , Kalaria Raj N
Published: March 2017

White matter (WM) disintegration is common in the older population and is associated with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). This study explored the effects of environmental enrichment (EE) on pathological sequelae in a mouse model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion induced by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS). Male C57BL/6 J mice underwent BCAS or sham surgery. One-week after surgery, mice were exposed to three different degrees of EE; either standard housing conditions (std), limited 3 h exposure to EE per day (3 h) or full-time exposure to EE (full) for 12 weeks. At 13 weeks after surgery, cognitive testing was performed using a three-dimensional 9-arm radial maze. At 16 weeks after surgery, nesting ability was assessed in each mouse immediately before euthanasia. Brains retrieved after perfusion fixation were examined for WM pathology. BCAS caused WM changes, as demonstrated by corpus callosum atrophy and greater WM disintegrity. BCAS also caused impaired nesting ability and cognitive function. These pathological changes and working memory deficits were attenuated, more so by limited rather than full-time exposure to EE regime. Our results suggest that limited exposure to EE delays the onset of WM degeneration. Therefore, the implementation of even limited EE may be beneficial for patients diagnosed with VCI.
The Effects of On-Pump and Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery on Respiratory Function in the Early Postoperative Period
Authors: Chiarenza Federica , Tsoutsouras Theodoros , Cassisi Cesare , Santonocito Cristina , Gerry Stephen , Astuto Marinella , George Shane , Sanfilippo Filippo
Published: March 2017

Background:

Respiratory complications are common after cardiac surgery and the use of extracorporeal circulation is one of the main causes of lung injury. We hypothesized a better postoperative respiratory function in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) as compared with “on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting” (ONCABG).

Methods:

This is a retrospective, single-center study at a cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary university hospital. Consecutive data on 339 patients undergoing elective CABG (n = 215 ONCABG, n = 124 OPCABG) were collected for 1 year from the ICU electronic medical records. We compared respiratory variables (Pao2, Pao2/Fio2 ratio, Sao2, and Paco2) at 7 predefined time points (ICU admission, postoperative hours 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24). We also evaluated time to extubation, rates of reintubation, and use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV). We used mixed-effects linear regression models (with time as random effect for clustering of repeated measures) adjusted for a predetermined set of covariates.

Results:

The values of Pao2 and Pao2/Fio2 were significantly higher in the OPCABG group only at ICU admission (mean differences: 9.7 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1-16.2; and 27, 95% CI 6.1-47.7, respectively). The OPCABG group showed higher Paco2, overall ( P = .02) and at ICU admission (mean difference 1.8 mm Hg, 95% CI: 0.6-3), although mean values were always within normal range in both groups. No differences were seen in Sao2 values, time to extubation, rate of reintubation rate, and use of postoperative NIV. Extubation rate was higher in OPCABG only at postoperative hour 12 (92% vs ONCABG 82%, P = .02).

Conclusion:

The OPCABG showed only marginal improvements of unlikely clinical meaning in oxygenation as compared to ONCABG in elective low-risk patients.
Electrochemical degradation tests on a carbon-black-filled ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber under tensile strain
Authors: Han Seung-Wook , Choi Nak-Sam
Published: March 2017

Rubber hoses play an important role as a path for carrying the coolant liquid between the radiator and the automotive engine. However, the rubber hoses are apt to deteriorate because of the formation of a galvanic circuit between the rubber hose, the coolant water and the fitting metal part of the engine. Such electrochemical degradation can damage the inner skin of the hose in contact with the coolant liquid heated by the working engine, which often leads to leakage of the coolant water and thereby to hose failure. An ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber has mostly been utilized as the material for the coolant hoses of automotive engines because of the strong resistance to various environmental stresses. This study conducted experimental simulation tests and evaluation of the electrochemical degradation behaviours of the carbon-black-filled ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber used for the coolant hoses. The tests were performed by considering the actual circumstances together with the combined thermal, tensile strain and electrostatic voltage loadings on the rubber hoses. The behaviour of the change in the electrical resistance of a specimen and, thus, the apparent decrease in the current were analysed quantitatively. An Arrhenius life prediction by using the decrease in the current was reasonably expressed for the accelerated life tests. Many microhole networks were thus formed in the skin part of the specimen by the microbreaks in the carbon-black phase and the scission of the sulphur cross-links. The coolant liquid penetrated significantly into the skin, which resulted in a considerable swelling of the skin. The larger the strain application to the rubber, the lower are the strength and the elongation at the breaking point. An exponential index parameter can represent quantitatively the behaviours of the decreases in the mechanical properties used for accurate life prediction.
Antiretroviral therapy adherence and self-efficacy among people living with HIV and a history of drug use in Vietnam
Authors: Li Li , Lin Chunqing , Lee Sung-Jae , Tuan Le Anh , Feng Nan , Tuan Nguyen Anh
Published: March 2017

People living with HIV with a history of drug use face additional psychosocial challenges that could compromise their adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study examined ART treatment adherence and adherence self-efficacy among people living with HIV with a history of drug use in Vietnam. We used cross-sectional baseline data collected between October 2014 and February 2015 from a randomized controlled trial in Vietnam. Of the 900 persons with a history of drug use in the trial, a sample of 109 people living with HIV currently on ART were included in the study. The vast majority (92%) of the participants reported not missing any medications in the past 30 days. Multiple regression results indicated that social support was positively associated with adherence self-efficacy (β = 0.420, P < 0.001) and general adherence to ART (β = 0.201, P = 0.0368). General adherence to ART was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (β = −0.188, P = 0.046) and current heroin use (β = −0.196, P = 0.042). These findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health and social challenges facing people living with HIV with a history of drug use to promote ART treatment adherence. Clinical management of HIV should identify and address concurrent substance use behaviors to maximize adherence and treatment outcomes.
Sexual risk behaviors and predictors of inconsistent condom use among crack cocaine users in the French overseas territories in the Americas
Authors: Parriault Marie-Claire , Van-Melle Astrid , Basurko Célia , Valmy Larissa , Hoen Bruno , Cabié André , Goerger-Sow Marie-Thérèse , Nacher Mathieu
Published: March 2017

The French overseas territories in the Americas are the French territories most affected by HIV. Crack cocaine users are particularly impacted. The objective of this study was to describe sexual risk behaviors and inconsistent condom use among crack cocaine users. A total of 640 crack cocaine users were interviewed. The sampling method was non-probabilistic. An anonymous standardized questionnaire of 110 questions was used. Over a third of persons did not use condoms systematically with casual sex partners (36.2%) or commercial sex partners (32.3%), and 64% did not use condoms systematically with regular sex partners. In a context of multiple sexual partnerships, frequent forced sex, and insufficient HIV testing, the lack of systematic condom use may favor the spread of HIV. Different predictive factors of inconsistent condom use were identified, depending on the type of partner, with a log binomial regression. However, among the predictor variables identified, two predictive factors frequently occur among the different type of sex partners: high perceived risk of HIV and self-perceived capacity to persuade a sex partner to use condom. These results pointed towards interventions improving access to rights and raising perceived self-efficacy.
Applying Kolb’s Model to a Nontraditional Preservice Teaching Practicum
Authors: Burns Amy , Danyluk Patricia
Published: March 2017

This article reports on the initial findings of an ongoing study that will see six preservice teachers placed in a nontraditional practicum placement as part of their bachelor of education program. Reported here is the examination of emergent professionalism of the initial two preservice teachers during their nontraditional practicum placement on a housing construction site. Emergent professionalism is enacted when teachers shift their concerns from self to other, as described by Fuller. The findings are then examined from the perspective of Kolb’s experiential learning model, including the concrete experience, observation of and reflection on that experience, formation of abstract concepts based upon the reflection, and testing of the new concepts. As a result of this analysis, new insights are shared regarding the ways in which preservice teachers develop their emergent professionalism through examination of the environment, multiple sources of feedback, interdisciplinary lessons, and a hands-on learning environment.
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor With Divergent Glandular Differentiation
Authors: Miki Yurina , Thway Khin
Published: March 2017

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are soft tissue neoplasms with evidence of nerve sheath differentiation. They usually arise from peripheral nerves or from preexisting benign nerve sheath neoplasms, often in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The histologic diagnosis of MPNST is challenging as their morphology is highly variable, and there has been a lack of routine diagnostic immunohistochemical markers and specific genetic aberrations. Although divergent differentiation is well documented in MPNST, it is most frequently toward mesenchymal elements. Differentiation toward epithelial elements is very rare, and we illustrate a case of MPNST with glandular differentiation, comprising prominent well-formed glands, with a brief discussion of biphasic (spindle and glandular) neoplasms in the differential diagnosis. An index of suspicion for MPNST is necessary, due to the differing management from tumors in its differential diagnosis, and because of the potential for therapies toward molecular targets in future.
Varicella-Zoster Virus Gastritis: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nohr Erik W. , Itani Doha M. , Andrews Christopher N. , Kelly Margaret M.
Published: March 2017

We report varicella-zoster virus (VZV) gastritis in a 70-year-old woman postchemotherapy for lymphoma, presenting with abdominal pain, vomiting, and delirium without rash. A gastric biopsy demonstrated viral inclusions but posed a diagnostic challenge as immunohistochemistry for cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus were negative, and VZV immunohistochemistry was not available. The patient developed a vesicular rash 7 days after her symptoms began. Molecular testing of the gastric biopsy and a skin swab both confirmed VZV infection. She also had probable involvement of her liver and pancreas based on imaging and serum chemistry, and possible central nervous system involvement. She recovered with appropriate antiviral therapy but later developed a postherpetic neuralgia, and chronic intrahepatic biliary strictures; liver biopsy demonstrated a cholangiopathy of uncertain etiology. A literature review of the pathogenesis, epidemiology and sequelae of VZV infection is included.
Lateral Trans-Biceps Popliteal Block for Elective Foot and Ankle Surgery Performed after Induction of General Anesthesia
Authors: Herr Mark J. , Keyarash Ario B. , Muir Jesse J. , Kile Todd A. , Claridge Richard J.
Published: March 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine safety and efficacy of lateral transtendinous popliteal blocks performed after induction of general anesthesia for intraoperative and postoperative pain control in elective foot and ankle surgery. Methods: The charts of 475 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. The technique was a lateral transtendinous popliteal block under nerve stimulator direction (described in the text). Patient records were retrospectively evaluated from the postanesthesia care unit, as well as at followup on postoperative day 1 and weeks 2, 6, and 12. Results: The block was complete in 398 patients (83.7%). An incomplete block was found in 77 patients (16.2%). In the incomplete category, 21 patients (4.4%) had no pain but some motor function, 32 patients (6.5%) reported mild to moderate pain, and 24 patients (5.3%) had severe pain. The average block duration was 16.5 hours. There were no adverse effects documented in any patient at followup. Conclusions: Lateral popliteal nerve block after induction of general anesthesia appears to be safe and effective for intraoperative and postoperative pain control in elective foot and ankle surgery.
The use of Standing Lateral Tibial-Calcaneal Angle as a Quantitative Measurement of Achilles Tendon Contracture in Adult Acquired Flatfoot
Authors: Arangio George A. , Wasser Thomas , Rogman Alberic
Published: March 2017

Background: To quantitate the association of Achilles tendon contracture (ATC) with adult acquired flatfoot, the authors hypothesized that the standing lateral tibial-calcaneal angle increases because of ATC. Methods: The standing lateral tibial-calcaneal angle, talo-first metatarsal angle, lateral talocalcaneal angle, lateral standing medial cuneiform, arch height, and anteroposterior talonavicular coverage angle were measured in 21 patients (25 feet) with clinical diagnoses of ATC and adult acquired flatfoot (AAF) and compared to the same measurements in a control group of 15 patients (30 feet) with no foot deformities or previous foot surgeries. Results: The mean lateral tibial-calcaneal angle in the control group was 64.43 degrees and in the AAF group 71.24 degrees ( p < 0.001). The mean lateral talo-first metatarsal angle in the control group was 11.77 degrees, and in the AAF group with ATC it was 25.80 degrees ( p < 0.001). The mean arch height in the control group was 17.90 mm and in the AAF group, 8.48 mm ( p < 0.001). In the ATC and AAF group an increasing standing lateral tibial-calcaneal angle was correlated with a decreasing lateral talo-calcaneal angle ( p = 0.044), and a decreasing arch height was correlated to an increasing lateral talo-first metatarsal angle ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Adults with flatfeet and Achilles tendon contracture may have a statistically significant increase in the standing lateral tibial-calcaneal angle. This angle may be a reproducible measure of ATC. An increase in the standing lateral tibial-calcaneal angle may confirm and quantitate the clinical diagnosis of Achilles tendon contracture. Further studies with more patients are needed.
Using Resident Input to Identify and Integrate Essential Components of a Foot and Ankle Rotation
Authors: DiGiovanni Benedict F. , Gillespie Bryce T. , Flemister Adolph S. , Baumhauer Judith F.
Published: March 2017

Background: Foot and ankle surgery is one of the orthopaedic subspecialties to which residents not uncommonly receive limited exposure. Therefore, it is important to identify what both faculty and residents regard as fundamental to a foot and ankle rotation. The purposes of this study were to identify the essential components of a foot and ankle rotation and to correlate these with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Society (AOFAS) core curriculum, and to discuss how to integrate resident input and AOFAS guidelines into a valued foot and ankle rotation. Methods: Over a 5-year period, each orthopaedic resident beginning a 10-week postgraduate year (PGY) 3 foot and ankle rotation was asked to choose topics to be covered during weekly 45-minute discussion conferences. Each resident also identified personal goals for the rotation. Data were collected in this prospective nature, and the responses of the 24 PGY 3 residents from our program who completed the rotation between February, 2000, and April, 2005, were analyzed. The discussion conference topics were compared to the AOFAS guidelines, and the top 10 personal goals were determined. Prerotation and postrotation Orthopaedic Inservice Training Examination (OITE) foot and ankle scores for the residents also were analyzed. Results: Among the nine AOFAS core curriculum categories, residents most frequently chose chronic soft-tissue foot and ankle problems, followed in frequency by foot and ankle arthritis, foot and ankle trauma, and diabetic foot. Individually, posterior tibial tendon insufficiency, hallux valgus, diabetic foot, and calcaneal fracture were the most frequently chosen discussion conference topics. In regards to personal goals for the rotation, residents most commonly wanted to improve their physical examination skills (88%) and increase their orthotic knowledge (71%). The OITE scores improved by a mean of 12% after the rotation. Conclusions: This study provides new and detailed information about resident expectations for a valued foot and ankle rotation. These results should be integrated with existing AOFAS guidelines to further refine the essential components of a core foot and ankle curriculum.
Creating a Social Media Assessment Tool for Family Nursing
Authors: Risling Tracie , Risling Derek , Holtslander Lorraine
Published: March 2017

The use of social media (SM) is contributing to an unprecedented state of global connectivity and occupying an increasingly prominent position in the lives of individuals and families. The more integrated these media become into society the more likely they are to play a role in overall health and family functioning, be it positively or negatively. Family systems theory provides an ideal lens through which to examine the effects of SM in today’s family life. This article introduces a new SM assessment tool aligned with the principles of this foundational theory. Family nurses can use the proposed Social Media Assessment Package (SMAP) to gain an initial picture of usage patterns within a family as well as identify and support positive future SM choices. Practitioners may also use the SMAP in a personal evaluation of their practice as a means to maximize SM use in ongoing professional development.
Leveraging Social Media in #FamilyNursing Practice
Authors: Schroeder Wilma K.
Published: March 2017

The use of social media to find and disseminate health information is rapidly increasing worldwide. It is essential for family nurses to participate in this trend, and to meet our clients where they are, on social media. Nurses can use social media to promote family health, reduce illness suffering, and meet family needs for information and support. As well, social media provides a way to build relationships with families outside of the physical health care setting or clinic. It is important to understand the types and potential uses of social media, as well as the risks and pitfalls. Standards for e-professionalism must be maintained. Through using social media, family nurses can increase their reach and effectiveness for family health promotion.
Replication of Goolsbee, Lovenheim, and Slemrod’s “Playing with Fire: Cigarettes, Taxes, and Competition from the Internet” (American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 2010)
Authors: Satterthwaite Emily
Published: March 2017

This study replicates the empirical findings of Goolsbee, Lovenheim and Slemrod, henceforth GLS, and performs a variety of robustness checks. Using taxable cigarette consumption, real cigarette excise tax rates, wholesale cigarette prices, per capita income, and other state-level data for the period 1980–2005, GLS report that rising Internet penetration in the presence of cigarette taxes has a significant causal effect on the elasticity of demand for taxable cigarettes. I am able to exactly replicate GLS’s findings, and explore their robustness in three ways. First, I examine sensitivity to the removal of outlier cohorts of states from the data. Second, I use population-unweighted state-year observations in place of GLS’s population-weighted state-year observations. Third, I probe the robustness of GLS’s key interaction term (real state cigarette taxes * Internet penetration) by (i) adding Internet penetration interaction terms to all main effects in the model and (ii) performing an orthogonalization procedure (Balli and Sørensen, 2013) to purge from GLS’s estimate of the key interaction term any spurious correlation that might exist between Internet penetration and the included variables, which would then be loaded on to the interaction between Internet penetration and cigarette taxes. GLS’s results were robust to all but the orthogonalization procedure. This raises the possibility that the effect identified by GLS is an artifact of spurious correlation between Internet penetration and cigarette taxes over time. In sum, GLS’s data may have insufficient power to identify the stand-alone effect of Internet penetration on cigarette tax-sales elasticities in a fully-interacted model.
“Am I Doing This Right?”
Authors: Foste Zak , Davis Tracy L.
Published: March 2017

Existing scholarship illustrates a rather consistent picture of how cisgender collegiate men understand what it means to be a man in college. Less is known, however, about how these college men make sense of such expectations. This qualitative study examined the ways in which meaning-making capacities influenced how participants made meaning and interacted with gendered expectations. Our results indicate a clear understanding of how participants define the external expectations of gender in college. How participants were influenced by these expectations was largely dependent on meaning-making capacities. We offer three developmental phases that capture how participants made sense of gendered expectations: passive constructions, reactionary constructions, and movement toward proactive constructions.
Overweight adult cats have significantly lower voluntary physical activity than adult lean cats
Authors: de Godoy Maria RC , Shoveller Anna K
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The objectives of the current pilot study were to evaluate whether body condition score (BCS) and body weight are significantly related to physical activity counts, and to evaluate potential interaction between BCS and voluntary physical activity measured over a 14 day period.

Methods

Ten (five lean, five overweight), neutered, adult American Shorthair cats were selected for this study (median age 4 ± 0.5 years). Cats with a BCS of ⩽3.0 were considered lean, whereas cats with a BCS >3.0 were considered overweight, using a 5-point scale. Cats were housed in a free-living environment with indoor/outdoor access and were individually fed once daily a commercially available dry extruded diet and allowed 1 h to eat. Voluntary physical activity was measured consecutively for 14 days using the Actical Activity Monitors that were worn parallel to the ribs and attached via a harness.

Results

Lean cats had a greater mean total daily voluntary physical activity ( P = 0.0059), and a greater voluntary physical activity during light ( P = 0.0023) and dark ( P = 0.0446) periods, with overweight cats having 60% of the physical activity of lean cats. Lean cats were more active before feeding and during animal care procedures. These data suggest that lean cats have a greater anticipatory physical activity prior to feeding and are more eager to have social interaction with humans than overweight cats. A significant interaction was observed between day of physical activity measurement and BCS for total daily voluntary physical activity ( P = 0.0133) and activity during the light period ( P = 0.0016) where lean cats were consistently more active than overweight cats. In general, cats were more active during weekdays vs weekends.

Conclusions and relevance

The results of this study suggest that overweight cats are less active than lean cats and that voluntary physical activity level appears to be influenced by social interaction with humans.
Intraoperative Tumor Perforation is Associated with Decreased 5-Year Survival in Colon Cancer: A Nationwide Database Study
Authors: Bundgaard N. S. , Bendtsen V. O. , Ingeholm P. , Seidelin U. H. , Jensen K. H.
Published: March 2017

Background:

It is a widely held belief that intraoperative tumor perforation in colon cancer impairs survival and causes local recurrence, although the prognostic importance remains unclear.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of unintended intraoperative tumor perforation on postoperative mortality and long-term survival.

Material and Methods:

This national cohort study was based on data from a prospectively maintained nationwide colorectal cancer database. We included 16,517 colon cancer patients who were resected with curative intent from 2001 to 2012.

Results:

Intraoperative tumor perforation produced a significantly impaired 5-year survival of 40% compared to 64% in non-perforated colon cancer. Intraoperative tumor perforation was an independent risk factor for death, hazard ratio 1.63 (95% confidence interval: 1.4–1.94), with a significantly increased 90-day postoperative mortality of 17% compared to 7% in non-perforated tumors, p < 0.001. We showed that tumor fixation, emergency operations, and laparotomies were associated with an increased risk of intraoperative tumor perforation.

Conclusion:

This nationwide study demonstrates that intraoperative tumor perforation in colon cancer is associated with statistically significant reduced long-term survival and increased postoperative mortality.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Complications and Survival after Surgery for Esophageal and Gastro-Esophageal-Junction Cancer
Authors: Kruhlikava I. , Kirkegård J. , Mortensen F. V. , Kjær D. W.
Published: March 2017

Background and Aims:

The impact of body mass index on complications and survival in patients undergoing esophagectomy has been extensively studied with conflicting results. In this study, we assess the impact of body mass index on complications and survival following surgery for esophageal and gastro-esophageal-junction cancer in a Danish population.

Material and Methods:

We identified 285 consecutive patients, who underwent curative-intended treatment for esophageal and gastro-esophageal-junction cancer in the period 2003–2010. We manually reviewed the electronic medical records of all patients included in the study. Body mass index was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. We grouped patients according to their body mass index, using the World Health Organization definition, as underweight (body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (body mass index: 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (body mass index: 25–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (body mass index ⩽ 30 kg/m2).

Results:

Median age at surgery was 65 years (range: 27–84 years), of which 207 (72.6%) were males. Patients with the lowest body mass index and the obese patients seemed to have a higher frequency of minor complications. Anastomotic leakage occurred in less than 10% of the patients and was equally distributed across the groups as was the other major complications. There were no differences in the 1-, 2-, or 5-year survival rates between the four body mass index groups after adjustment for possible confounders. Five-year survival rates for the four body mass index groups were 31.8%, 28.7%, 27.9%, and 26.1%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Body mass index over 30 or under 18.5 does not seem to affect survival rates or the presence of serious postoperative complications following esophagectomy in patients with esophageal and gastro-esophageal-junction cancers not receiving neoadjuvant oncological treatment.
Severe Postoperative Complications may be Related to Mesenteric Traction Syndrome during Open Esophagectomy
Authors: Ambrus R. , Svendsen L. B. , Secher N. H. , Goetze J. P. , Rünitz K. , Achiam M. P.
Published: March 2017

Background:

During abdominal surgery, traction of the mesenterium provokes mesenteric traction syndrome, including hypotension, tachycardia, and flushing, along with an increase in plasma prostacyclin (PGI2). We evaluated whether postoperative complications are related to mesenteric traction syndrome during esophagectomy.

Methods:

Flushing, hemodynamic variables, and plasma 6-keto-PGF1α were recorded during the abdominal part of open ( n = 25) and robotically assisted ( n = 25) esophagectomy. Postoperative complications were also registered, according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.

Results:

Flushing appeared in 17 (open) and 5 (robotically assisted) surgical cases ( p = 0.001). Mean arterial pressure was stable during both types of surgeries, but infusion of vasopressors during the first hour of open surgery was related to development of widespread (Grade II) flushing ( p = 0.036). For patients who developed flushing, heart rate and plasma 6-keto-PGF1α also increased ( p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, severe postoperative complications were related to Grade II flushing ( p = 0.037).

Conclusion:

Mesenteric traction syndrome manifests more frequently during open than robotically assisted esophagectomy, and postoperative complications appear to be associated with severe mesenteric traction syndrome.
Table Saw Injuries: Are Our Safety Features Really Keeping Us Safe?
Authors: Smith Sarah E. , Kendrick Ian , Huntsman Thomas
Published: March 2017

Background: Currently, table saws sold in the United States have 3 safety features (riving knife, blade guard, and antikickback device) designed to prevent personal injury; however, these features can hinder the user’s movements and are often disabled or removed. Despite the frequency of table saw injuries, there is relatively limited literature regarding them. Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational study of characteristics associated with injuries incurred while using a table saw. Electronic medical records from Bassett Medical Center were reviewed from 2002 to 2014 to identify patients who sustained table saw injury, and surveys were sent to the patients. Tests of association between survey variables (eg, presence/absence of safety device vs severity of injury) were carried out using chi-square or Fisher exact test. Results: Seventy-three percent of those injured had disabled their safety features or had no safety features present; 27% of those injured had one or more safety features enabled when they sustained the injury. Of those injured, 18% sustained a “mild” injury (skin laceration), 39% sustained a “moderate” injury (nerve or tendon injury), and 43% sustained a “severe” injury (partial or complete amputation). There was no statistically significant association between severity of the injury and presence/absence of safety features. Conclusions: This study highlights 2 major problems with the current safety features: People are dissatisfied with current safety features, disabling them and sustaining injuries, and even when they are enabled, people are still getting injured—suggesting inadequacy of the current features.
A Cross-sectional Analysis of Motivation and Decision Making in Referrals to Lifestyle Interventions by Primary Care General Practitioners: A Call for Guidance
Authors: Bouma Adrie J. , van Wilgen Paul , Baarveld Frank , Lemmink Koen A. P. M. , Diercks Ron L. , Dijkstra Arie
Published: March 2017

Aim. To explore (1) general practitioners’ (GPs’) motivations to refer to lifestyle interventions and to investigate the association between GPs’ own lifestyle behaviors and their referral behavior and (2) patient indicators in the decision-making process of the GPs’ referral to lifestyle interventions. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 99 Dutch primary care GPs. Their motivation to refer was assessed by beliefs regarding lifestyle interventions. GPs’ referral behaviors were assessed—considering referral and self-reported actual referral—as well as their own lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, dieting, being overweight). Decision making regarding referring patients to lifestyle interventions was assessed by imposed patient indicators, spontaneously suggested decisive patient indicators, and case-based referring (vignettes). Results. A substantial group of GPs was not motivated for referral to lifestyle interventions. GPs’ referral behavior was significantly associated with their perceived subjective norm, behavioral control, and their own physical activity and diet. Most important, patient indicators in referral to lifestyle interventions were somatic indicators and patients’ motivation for lifestyle interventions. Conclusions. GPs’ motivation and referral behavior might be improved by providing them with tailored resources about evidence-based lifestyle interventions, with support from allied health professionals and with official guidelines for a more objective and systematic screening of patients.
Nonadjunctive Use of Continuous Glucose Monitors for Insulin Dosing: Is It Safe?
Authors: Shapiro Alan R.
Published: March 2017

With the increasing accuracy of continuous glucose monitors (CGM) have come calls for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to label these devices as safe for nonadjunctive dosing of insulin. However, there is evidence that these devices are subject to sporadic, unpredictable, large errors. A text analysis of reports to the FDA MAUDE database since 2015 reveals over 25 000 complaints of CGM sensor inaccuracy, with instances directly leading to serious outcomes. These new data were not considered at a recent FDA Advisory Panel meeting that voted to approve Dexcom G5 relabeling for nonadjunctive use. Social media is another source of surveillance data providing evidence of large CGM inaccuracies in real-world use. We need to improve safety procedures, not remove them. CGMs offer unique information and alerts for managing diabetes, but the issue is not whether they are better than other approaches to monitoring glucose, but how they can be best used in conjunction with devices that offer the confirmatory readings needed for patient safety.
Big data and the New Transparency: Measuring and representing police killings
Authors: Brucato Ben
Published: March 2017

Controversies about recent killings by police officers in the United States have prompted widespread questioning about the scale and changes in police use of force. A perceived lack of transparency about the frequency of police killings amplifies concerns that many such killings are unjustified. This commentary considers efforts by journalists and activists to comprise databases that document and measure police violence, particularly in terms of how these endeavors exemplify the New Transparency.
First Canadian Case Report of Kidney Transplantation From an HIV-Positive Donor to an HIV-Positive Recipient
Authors: Ambaraghassi Georges , Cardinal Héloïse , Corsilli Daniel , Fortin Claude , Fortin Marie-Chantal , Martel-Laferrière Valérie , Malaise Jacques , Pâquet Michel R. , Rouleau Danielle
Published: March 2017

Rationale:

Kidney transplantation has become standard of care for carefully selected patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. American and European prospective cohort studies have reported similar patient and graft survival compared with HIV-negative kidney transplant recipients. Despite an increased rate of acute rejection, partially due to drug interactions, HIV immunovirologic parameter generally remains under control during immunosuppression. A few cases of kidney transplantation between HIV-infected patients were done in South Africa and showed favorable results. No cases of kidney transplantation from an HIV-positive donor in Canada have previously been reported.

Presenting concerns of the patient:

A 60-year-old Canadian man with HIV infection presented in 2007 with symptoms compatible with acute renal failure secondary to IgA nephropathy. Chronic kidney disease resulted after the acute episode.

Diagnoses:

Hemodialysis was started in 2012. The patient was referred for a kidney transplantation evaluation.

Interventions:

The patient underwent kidney transplantation from an HIV-positive donor in January 2016. The recipient’s antiretroviral regimen consisted of abacavir, lamivudine, and dolutegravir. No drug interactions have been reported between these antiretrovirals and the maintenance immunosuppressive regimen used.

Outcomes:

The outcome at 7 months post transplantation was excellent, with good graft function and adequate control of HIV replication, in the absence of opportunistic infections at a time when immunosuppression is at its highest intensity. No acute rejection was reported. An episode of bacteremic graft pyelonephritis due to Enterococcus faecalis was successfully treated after transplantation.

Novel finding:

With careful selection of patient, kidney transplantation between HIV-infected patients is a viable option. The use of antiretroviral drugs free of interactions simplified the dosing and management of the immunosuppressive drugs.
The Power of Gratitude
Authors: Randolph Susan A.
Published: March 2017

Organizations should foster a culture of appreciation and gratitude, a skill that anyone can learn and from which everyone will benefit.
Differentiating Objective Sport Knowledge Versus Subjective Sport Fanship via a Test of Exemplification in Sport Media
Authors: Hahn Dustin A. , Cummins R. Glenn
Published: March 2017

Recognizing the need for a more nuanced measure of sport fanship, this study utilizes an experiment to better understand the construct of sport fanship, comparing a common sport fanship measure and an adapted, objective measure of sport knowledge. This experiment also extends exemplification theory into the novel context of sports media by examining how one individual difference—domain-specific knowledge and interest in the subject—influences perceptions formed through a common message type, a sports highlight reel. Exemplification effects in the form of exaggerated football plays did indeed alter perceptions of the athlete despite concrete sport statistics depicting the athlete modestly. Interestingly, while the two concepts were positively correlated, they did not act uniformly. High knowledge sports fans were less swayed by exaggerated sports highlight exemplars when compared to their low knowledge counterparts while high and low fans categorized by self-identified interest did not affect the perceptions of the on-screen athlete. Thus, this study contributes to current research by expanding exemplification theory and furthering the multidimensional operational understanding of sport fanship. Additional findings and future research directions are discussed.
The Structural Stability of Positive Development Across Young Adulthood
Authors: Hawkins M. T. , Letcher P. , O’Connor M. , Bant S. , Deery A. , Sanson A. , Toumbourou J. W. , Olsson C. A.
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the structural stability of positive development across the 20s using data from one of Australia’s oldest population-based studies of social–emotional development. Positive development was indicated by civic action and engagement, trust and tolerance of others, trust in authorities and organizations, social competence, and life satisfaction. Results extend an earlier published model spanning 19–20 and 23–24 years by incorporating a new wave of data collected at 27–28 years. The age 27–28 latent model was gender invariant and a robust replication of our earlier model. Associations between the latent constructs in the mid- to late 20s were stronger than those in emerging adulthood. This work provides evidence of a cohesive higher order construct of positive development from late adolescence to the late 20s and has the potential to inform measurement of strength-based research and prevention programs in the emerging and young adult periods.