bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes in patients treated with ticagrelor versus clopidogrel after acute myocardial infarction stratified by renal function
Authors: Edfors Robert , Sahlén Anders , Szummer Karolina , Renlund Henrik , Evans Marie , Carrero Juan-Jesus , Spaak Jonas , James Stefan K , Lagerqvist Bo , Varenhorst Christoph , Jernberg Tomas
Published: March 2018

Objectives

We aimed to analyse outcomes of ticagrelor and clopidogrel stratified by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a large unselected cohort of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

We used follow-up data in MI survivors discharged on ticagrelor or clopidogrel enrolled in the Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies registry. The association between ticagrelor versus clopidogrel and the primary composite outcome of death, MI or stroke and the secondary outcome rehospitalisation with bleeding diagnosis at 1 year, was studied using adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, stratifying after eGFR levels.

Results

In total, 45 206 patients with MI discharged on clopidogrel (n=33 472) or ticagrelor (n=11 734) were included. The unadjusted 1-year event rate for the composite endpoint of death, MI or stroke was 7.0%, 18.0% and 48.0% for ticagrelor treatment and 11.0%, 33.0% and 64.0% for clopidogrel treatment in patients with eGFR>60 (n=33 668), eGFR30–60 (n=9803) and eGFR<30 (n=1735), respectively. After adjustment, ticagrelor as compared with clopidogrel was associated with a lower 1-year risk of the composite outcome (eGFR>60: HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76 to 99, eGFR30–60: 0.82 (0.70 to 0.97), eGFR<30: 0.95 (0.69 to 1.29), P for interaction=0.55) and a higher risk of bleeding (eGFR>60: HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.35, eGFR30–60: 1.13 (0.84 to 1.51), eGFR<30: 1.79 (1.00 to 3.21), P for interaction=0.30) across the eGFR strata.

Conclusions

Treatment with ticagrelor as compared with clopidogrel in patients with MI was associated with lower risk for the composite of death, MI or stroke and a higher bleeding risk across all strata of eGFR. Of caution, bleeding events were more abundant in patients with eGFR<30.
Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous and intravenous anifrolumab in healthy volunteers
Authors: Tummala Raj , Rouse Tomas , Berglind Anna , Santiago Linda
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To compare the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and tolerability of subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous anifrolumab, an anti–type I interferon receptor monoclonal antibody in development for SLE, in healthy volunteers.

Methods

In this Phase I randomised, placebo-controlled study, 30 adults were assigned to three treatment cohorts (anifrolumab 300 mg SC (n=6), anifrolumab 300 mg intravenous (n=6), anifrolumab 600 mg SC (n=6)) and placebo (n=4/cohort). Serial blood samples were collected up to Day 84 to measure anifrolumab concentrations and antidrug antibodies (ADAs). PK parameters were estimated by noncompartmental analysis.

Results

Maximum serum concentrations in SC cohorts occurred after 4–7 days. Anifrolumab serum concentrations were below the limit of detection in all individuals by Day 84. Exposure to SC anifrolumab increased dose proportionally from 300 mg to 600 mg based on area under the serum concentration-time curve. Anifrolumab 300 mg SC exposure reached 87% of the intravenous exposure. Anifrolumab 300 mg SC and placebo administration elicited minimal injection-site reactions. Transient injection-site induration occurred in five of six individuals after anifrolumab 600 mg SC and two of four individuals after placebo. Transient, mild to moderate injection-site induration and pruritus occurred simultaneously in two of six individuals after anifrolumab 600 mg SC. Adverse events were reported by 50% (n=9) of anifrolumab-treated individuals and 33% (n=4) of placebo-treated individuals. ADAs were detected in only one individual in the anifrolumab 300-mg intravenous group at the Day 84 assessment.

Conclusion

Anifrolumab 300-mg SC exposure was 87% of intravenous administration, with single SC anifrolumab administrations well tolerated in healthy volunteers.
Individual-level characteristics associated with oral HIV test acceptability among Peruvian men who have sex with men and transgender women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Flores Juan A , Brown Brandon , León Segundo R , Sánchez Hugo , Galea Jerome T
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) are highly vulnerable to HIV infection (HIV), but stigma, access issues and fear of venipuncture hamper testing. The oral HIV test—which uses oral fluids and provides results in 20 minutes—could reduce these barriers. The objective of this study was to determine the acceptability of the oral HIV test and the individual-level factors associated with its acceptability among MSM and TGW.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis among Peruvian MSM and TGW attending a community-based health centre between February 2012 and February 2013 to determine the individual-level factors associated with oral HIV test acceptability.

Results

Of 334 participants, 88% were MSM and 12% TGW. Overall, 85% of participants indicated their acceptability of the oral HIV test. Acceptability was higher in MSM than TGW (85.7% vs 80.0%) but this difference was not significant. Factors associated with acceptability in MSM were: tertiary or higher education (prevalence ratio (PR)=1.18, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.32 and PR=1.16, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.30, respectively); sex with drug use (PR=1.19, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.36); believing that HIV is transmitted by saliva (PR=1.20, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.33); and potential use of the oral test at home (PR=1.56, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.85). The only factor associated with lower acceptability was having had first anal intercourse between 14 and 19 years of age (PR=0.89, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.98).

Conclusions

We identified the individual factors associated with oral HIV test acceptability among Peruvian MSM and TGW. Expanded use of the oral HIV test to increase testing rates among Peruvian MSM and TGW is recommended.

Trial registration number

NCT01387412, post-results.
Weekly variations in feelings of trust predict incident STI within a prospective cohort of adolescent women from a US city
Authors: Matson Pamela A , Fortenberry J Dennis , Chung Shang-en , Gaydos Charlotte A , Ellen Jonathan M
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Feelings of intimacy, perceptions of partner concurrency (PPC) and perceptions of risk for an STD (PRSTD) are meaningful and dynamic attributes of adolescent sexual relationships. Our objective was to examine whether variations in these STI-associated feelings and perceptions predicted incident Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseriagonorrhoeae infection within a prospective cohort of urban adolescent women.

Methods

A cohort of clinic-recruited women aged 16–19 completed daily surveys on feelings and risk perceptions about each current sex partner on a smartphone continuously for up to 18 months. Urine was tested for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae every 3 months. Daily responses were averaged across the week. As overall means for trust, closeness and commitment were high, data were coded to indicate any decrease in feelings from the previous week. PRSTD and PPC were reverse coded to indicate any increase from the previous week. An index was created to examine the cumulative effect of variation in these feelings and perceptions. Generalised linear models were used to account for correlation among repeated measures within relationships.

Results

For each week that there was a decrease in trust, there was a 45% increase in the risk of being infected with an STI at follow-up (relative risk (RR) 1.45, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.78, P=0.004). Neither a decrease in closeness or commitment, nor an increase in PRSTD or PPC was associated with an STI outcome. Cumulatively, the index measure indicated that a change in an additional feeling or perception over the week increased the odds of an STI by 14% (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.29, P=0.026).

Conclusions

A decrease in feelings of trust towards a main partner may be a more sensitive indicator of STI risk than PRSTD, PPC or commitment. The next generation of behavioural interventions for youth will need strategies to address feelings of intimacy within adolescent romantic relationships.
Facilitation of IL-22 production from innate lymphoid cells by prostaglandin E2 prevents experimental lung neutrophilic inflammation
Authors: Felton Jennifer M , Duffin Rodger , Robb Calum T , Crittenden Siobhan , Anderton Stephen M , Howie Sarah E M , Whyte Moira K B , Rossi Adriano G , Yao Chengcan
Published: March 2018

Acute lung injury is a neutrophil-dominant, life-threatening disease without effective therapies and better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved is an urgent need. Here we show that interleukin (IL)-22 is produced from innate lymphoid cells (ILC) and is responsible for suppression of experimental lung neutrophilic inflammation. Blocking prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis reduces lung ILCs and IL-22 production, resulting in exacerbation of lung neutrophilic inflammation. In contrast, activation of the PGE2 receptor EP4 prevents acute lung inflammation. We thus demonstrate a mechanism for production of innate IL-22 in the lung during acute injury, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies for control of lung neutrophilic inflammation by targeting the PGE2/ILC/IL-22 axis.
Development of a preliminary seismic risk screening tool for existing buildings in Canada
Authors: Fathi-Fazl Reza , Jacques Eric , Cai Zhen , Kadhom Bessam , Saassouh Bassem , Motazedian Dariush
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a preliminary seismic risk screening tool to identify buildings whose superior structural and non-structural seismic performance in regions of low seismicity can be assessed based on several key attributes. The tool is designed to exempt buildings from detailed seismic risk assessment if key exemption criteria are met. The exemption criteria are based on: a seismic categorization system linked to anticipated building damage and seismicity; whether or not the building was designed using modern seismic design provisions; and the remaining time that the building will be occupied. The tool also provides a second list of criteria, which if satisfied, will automatically trigger further detailed seismic risk assessment. The decisions rendered by the tool regarding the expected seismic performance of a building are evaluated against the next level of seismic risk screening tool to ensure the consistency. A flowchart is presented to facilitate adoption of the tool by practicing engineers and other end-users.
Phenotypic integration of behavioural and physiological traits is related to variation in growth among stocks of Chinook salmon
Authors: Dender Mitchel G.E. , Capelle Pauline M. , Love Oliver P. , Heath Daniel D. , Heath John W. , Semeniuk Christina A.D.
Published: March 2018

The selection for a single organismal trait like growth in breeding programs of farmed aquaculture species can counterintuitively lead to lowered harvestable biomass. We outbred a domesticated aquaculture stock of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum in Artedi, 1792)) with seven wild stocks from British Columbia, Canada. We then examined how functionally related traits underlying energy management – diel variation in cortisol and foraging, social, and movement behaviours — predicted stock-level variation in growth during the freshwater life history stage, which is a performance metric under aquaculture selection. Outbreeding generated significant variation in diel cortisol secretion and behaviours across stocks, and these traits co-varied, suggesting tight integration despite hybridization. The coupling of nighttime cortisol exposure with the daytime behavioural phenotype was the strongest predictor of stock-level variation in body mass. Our results suggest that selection for an integrated phenotype rather than on a single mechanistic trait alone can generate the greatest effect on aquaculture fish growth under outbreeding practices. Furthermore, selecting for these traits at the stock level may increase efficiency of farming methods designed to consistently maximize fish performance on a large scale.
Highest perfect power of a product of integers less than x
Authors: Goudout Élie
Published: March 2018

For [Formula: see text], we define [Formula: see text] as the highest integer [Formula: see text] for which there exist integers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. We show that [Formula: see text]
Propagation at mmW Band in Metropolitan Railway Tunnels
Authors: González-Plaza Ana , Calvo-Ramírez César , Briso-Rodríguez César , Moreno García-Loygorri Juan , Oliva David , Alonso José I.
Published: March 2018

The next generation of mobile communications, 5G, will provide a wideband network based on microwave and millimeter‐wave (mmW) communication radio links with the goal of fulfilling the strict and severe requirements of the future test cases. In particular, this paper research is focused on mmW bands in metropolitan railway tunnels. For that purpose, a propagation measurement campaign was performed at 24 GHz band in a passenger train on a realist subway environment, and these results were combined with simulations ad hoc for tunnels and a theoretical modal propagation model. A narrowband and a wideband study have been conducted with the aim of obtaining the path loss, fading, power‐delay profile, and angle of arrival, taking into consideration horizontal and vertical polarization in the receiving and transmitting antennas. This validation can be used to design and deploy wideband mobile communication networks at mmW bands in railway scenarios.
Optimal Modeling of Wireless LANs: A Decision‐Making Multiobjective Approach
Authors: Mateo Sanguino Tomás de Jesús , Mendoza Betancourt Jhon Carlos
Published: March 2018

Communication infrastructure planning is a critical design task that typically requires handling complex concepts on networking aimed at optimizing performance and resources, thus demanding high analytical and problem‐solving skills to engineers. To reduce this gap, this paper describes an optimization algorithm—based on evolutionary strategy—created as an aid for decision‐making prior to the real deployment of wireless LANs. The developed algorithm allows automating the design process, traditionally handmade by network technicians, in order to save time and cost by improving the WLAN arrangement. To this end, we implemented a multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA) with the purpose of meeting two simultaneous design objectives, namely, to minimize the number of APs while maximizing the coverage signal over a whole planning area. Such approach provides efficient and scalable solutions closer to the best network design, so that we integrated the developed algorithm into an engineering tool with the goal of modelling the behavior of WLANs in ICT infrastructures. Called WiFiSim, it allows the investigation of various complex issues concerning the design of IEEE 802.11‐based WLANs, thereby facilitating design of the study and design and optimal deployment of wireless LANs through complete modelling software. As a result, we comparatively evaluated three target applications considering small, medium, and large scenarios with a previous approach developed, a monoobjective genetic algorithm.
Remote Limb Ischemic Preconditioning Attenuates Cerebrovascular Depression During Sinusoidal Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation via α
1
‐Adrenoceptor–Protein Kinase Cε–Endothelial NO Synthase Pathway in Rats
Authors: McBride Devin W. , Reis Cesar , Zhang John H. , Applegate Richard , Tang Jiping
Published: March 2018

Background

Vasovagal syncope (
VVS
) is characterized by hypotension and bradycardia followed by lowering of cerebral blood flow. Remote limb ischemic preconditioning (
RIPC
) is well documented to provide cardio‐ and neuroprotection as well as to improve cerebral blood flow. We hypothesized that
RIPC
will provide protection against
VVS
‐induced hypotension, bradycardia, and cerebral hypoperfusion. Second, because endothelial nitric oxide synthase has been reported as a mediator of cerebral blood flow control, we hypothesized that the mechanism by which
RIPC
primes the vasculature against
VVS
is via the α
1
‐adrenoceptor–protein kinase Cε–endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway.

Methods and Results

We utilized sinusoidal galvanic vestibular stimulation in rats as a model of
VVS
.
RIPC
attenuated the lowerings of mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and cerebral blood flow caused by sinusoidal galvanic vestibular stimulation, as well as improving behavior during, and recovery after, stimulation.
RIPC
induced elevated serum norepinephrine, increased expression of brain α
1
‐adrenoceptors, and reduced brain expression of norepinephrine transporter 1. Antagonizing adrenoceptors and norepinephrine transporter 1 prevented
RIPC
protection of cerebral perfusion during sinusoidal galvanic vestibular stimulation.

Conclusions

Taken together, this study indicates that
RIPC
may be a potential therapy that can prevent
VVS
pathophysiology, decrease syncopal episodes, and reduce the injuries associated with syncopal falls. Furthermore, the α
1
‐adrenoceptor–protein kinase Cε–endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway may be a therapeutic target for regulating changes in cerebral blood flow.
Coffee Consumption and Coronary Artery Calcium Score: Cross‐Sectional Results of ELSA‐Brasil (Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health)
Authors: Miranda Andreia M. , Steluti Josiane , Goulart Alessandra C. , Benseñor Isabela M. , Lotufo Paulo A. , Marchioni Dirce M.
Published: March 2018

Background

Available evidence for the relationship between coffee intake and subclinical atherosclerosis is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the association between coffee consumption and coronary artery calcium (
CAC
) in
ELSA
‐Brasil (Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health).

Methods and Results

This cross‐sectional study is based on baseline data from participants of the
ELSA
‐Brasil cohort. Only participants living in São Paulo, Brazil, who underwent a
CAC
measurement (n=4426) were included. Coffee consumption was collected using a food frequency questionnaire.
CAC
was detected with computed tomography and expressed as Agatston units.
CAC
was further categorized as an Agatson score ≥100 (CAC ≥100). In multiple logistic regression analysis considering intake of coffee and smoking status interaction, significant inverse associations were observed between coffee consumption (>3 cups/d) and
CAC
≥100 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.85 [95% confidence interval, 0.58–1.24] for ≤1 cup/d;
OR
: 0.73 [95% confidence interval, 0.51–1.05] for 1–3 cups/d;
OR
: 0.33 [95% confidence interval, 0.17–0.65] for >3 cups/d). Moreover, there was a statistically significant interaction effect for coffee consumption and smoking status (
P
=0.028 for interaction). After stratification by smoking status, the analysis revealed a lower
OR
of coronary calcification in never smokers drinking >3 cups/d (
OR
: 0.37 [95% confidence interval, 0.15–0.91]), whereas among current and former smokers, the intake of coffee was not significantly associated with coronary calcification.

Conclusions

Habitual consumption of >3 cups/d of coffee decreased odds of subclinical atherosclerosis among never smokers. The consumption of coffee could exert a potential beneficial effect against coronary calcification, particularly in nonsmokers.
The Unexpected Role of Calcium‐Activated Potassium Channels: Limitation of NO‐Induced Arterial Relaxation
Authors: Schmid Johannes , Müller Bettina , Heppeler David , Gaynullina Dina , Kassmann Mario , Gagov Hristo , Mladenov Mitko , Gollasch Maik , Schubert Rudolf
Published: March 2018

Background

Multiple studies have shown that an
NO
‐induced activation of vascular smooth muscle BK channels contributes to the
NO
‐evoked dilation in many blood vessels. In vivo,
NO
is released continuously.
NO
attenuates vessel constrictions and, therefore, exerts an anticontractile effect. It is unknown whether the anticontractile effect of continuously present
NO
is mediated by
BK
channels.

Methods and Results

This study tested the hypothesis that
BK
channels mediate the vasodilatory effect of continuously present
NO
. Experiments were performed on rat and mouse tail and rat saphenous arteries using isometric myography and
FURA
‐2 fluorimetry. Continuously present
NO
donors, as well as endogenous
NO
, attenuated methoxamine‐induced vasoconstrictions. This effect was augmented in the presence of the
BK
channel blocker iberiotoxin. Moreover, the contractile effect of iberiotoxin was reduced in the presence of
NO
donors. The effect of the
NO
donor sodium nitroprusside was abolished by an
NO
scavenger and by a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor. In addition, the effect of sodium nitroprusside was reduced considerably by a protein kinase G inhibitor, but was not altered by inhibition of H
2
S generation. Sodium nitroprusside attenuated the intracellular calcium concentration response to methoxamine. Furthermore, sodium nitroprusside strongly reduced methoxamine‐induced calcium influx, which depends entirely on L‐type calcium channels. It did not affect methoxamine‐induced calcium release.

Conclusions

In summary, this study demonstrates the following: (1) continuously present
NO
evokes a strong anticontractile effect on rat and mouse arteries; (2) the iberiotoxin‐induced augmentation of the effect of
NO
is associated with an
NO
‐induced reduction of the effect of iberiotoxin; and (3)
NO
evoked a reduction of calcium influx via L‐type calcium channels.
Police‐Recorded Crime and Disparities in Obesity and Blood Pressure Status in Chicago
Authors: Tung Elizabeth L. , Wroblewski Kristen E. , Boyd Kelly , Makelarski Jennifer A. , Peek Monica E. , Lindau Stacy Tessler
Published: March 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine associations between several types of police‐recorded crime (violent, nonviolent, and homicide) and cardiometabolic health (obesity and elevated blood pressure [BP]), and to determine if associations were modified by age and sex.

Methods and Results

We analyzed cross‐sectional data (N=14 799 patients) from 3 primary care clinics at an academic medical center in Chicago, IL. Patient‐level health data were obtained from the electronic health record (June 1, 2014–May 31, 2015), including body mass index and BP, and linked to the City of Chicago Police Data Portal. Geocoded crime counts were aggregated to census tract and calculated as the annual crime rate per 1000 population. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess obesity and BP status as a function of crime rate quartile, controlling for patient, clinic, and neighborhood characteristics. Median violent crime rates in each quartile ranged from 15 to 84 per 1000 population. Median age was 56 years (interquartile range, 38–72 years); 42% of patients were obese and 33% had elevated BP. Compared with patients living in the lowest quartile, patients living in the highest quartile for violent crime had 53% higher adjusted odds of obesity (95% confidence interval, 1.15–2.03) and 25% higher adjusted odds of elevated BP (95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.56). In subanalyses examining homicide, a relatively rare event, exposure was not associated with obesity and was inconsistently associated with elevated BP.

Conclusions

In a densely populated, high‐poverty region in Chicago, recurrent exposure to high rates of violent crime was consistently associated with obesity and elevated BP, but rare exposure to homicide was not.
A Tablet-Based Educational Tool: Toward More Comprehensive Pediatric Patient Education
Authors: Clifton Dana C. , Benjamin Robert W. , Brown Audrey R. , Ostrovsky Daniel A. , Narayan Aditee P.
Published: March 2018

There is a paucity of data on the impact of mobile technology on physician-led education in the pediatric population. We performed a prospective pilot study in a pediatric diabetes clinic to evaluate the impact of tablet-based patient education. A total of 106 patients and caregivers completed postclinic surveys, 64 (60%) in the intervention group and 42 (40%) in the control group. The majority of the intervention group patients (86%) liked tablet use and felt it was better or similar (99%) to baseline. Moreover, a majority receiving tablet-based education perceived an increase in diabetes knowledge (57%) compared with baseline (39%), though the difference did not reach statistical significance ( P = .059). Those who received tablet-based education felt they were educated on more diabetes-related topics. As the use of mobile technology in medicine grows, additional research is needed to compare mobile technology with traditional methods in providing education to the pediatric population.
The Multilevel Impacts of Proximate Crime Generators and Attractors on Individual-Level Perceptions of Crime Risk
Authors: Houser Kimberly A. , McCord Eric S. , Sorg Evan T.
Published: March 2018

Fear of crime has been associated with mental illness, poor physical health, reduced social cohesion and informal social control. Prior studies examining variance in levels of fear have been explained at both the individual and neighborhood levels. Although there is a growing body of research examining the association between specific land uses and perceptions of risk, these studies have generally measured land uses individually rather than in a grouped theoretical context or in terms of homogeneous categories; the latter are hampered by inadequate theoretical application and a failure to recognize differences in the effects of land uses that share common characteristics. Using hierarchical linear modeling, the current study examined whether the proximity and volume of theoretically driven criminogenic land uses influence perceptions of crime risk.
Gayby Baby – From the politics of representation to the politics of care
Authors: Skattebol Jennifer , Newell Maya
Published: March 2018

Background:

Real life stories can enable audiences to empathise with the experiences of marginalised groups and communities and are extremely powerful tools in struggles for equality. High-quality documentary research can convey the life experiences of marginalised peoples in ways that are recognisable to them and which further their struggle for equality. Often, marginalised people are represented by ‘filmmakers’ eager to capitalise on the affect produced by detailed renditions of everyday political struggles. However, film-makers are rarely trained in how to empower participants to understand film-making and distribution processes. These understandings and dialogic processes are important if participants are to have a real say in how they are represented.

Process:

In 2011, Maya Newell and Charlotte Mars began to develop an observational feature documentary Gayby Baby (2015) focused on same-sex families, for the first time revealing the child’s perspective on debates concerning Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Queer and their children’s equality. They were interested in empowering participants to have a real say in the film. Jen Skattebol’s family was one of the four families featured in the film. This shared activist experience grounds the authors’ discussion of ethical care in representative practices.

Discussion:

Recently, documentary film-making and academic research has seen the emergence of a new value system that measures success in terms of ‘impact’ in the public sphere. This developing interest amplifies the ethical issues involved in representational work and raises new questions concerning the implications of subject participation in the development of resources that aim to improve health and well-being in broad political terms. This article sketches out the contours of a more ethical form of social impact making that grew out of kitchen table conversations between documentary subject and maker – the researched and researcher. Ethical frameworks of care need to be recalibrated in line with the issues foregrounded by burgeoning social impact agendas.
Perceived self-efficacy in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas: Qualitative outcomes in patient-directed education
Authors: Howson Alexandra , Turell Wendy , Roc Anne
Published: March 2018

Objective:

Perceived self-efficacy (PSE) is considered a foundation for effective self-care in the context of chronic disease and illness. In order to improve patient and caregiver knowledge about self-care in B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), we designed and delivered an online, patient-focused education activity. Educational impact on PSE was evaluated using a mixed quantitative/qualitative methodology. We report here on the qualitative characteristics of self-efficacy.

Methods:

We interviewed participants using open-ended questions based on a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and analysed using constant comparative method with software support (NVivo for Mac 11, QSR International).

Results:

In all, 12 people diagnosed with B-cell NHL were interviewed. Descriptive analysis showed that participants were able to summarise key education messages about B-cell NHL presented in the programme. Key themes linked to self-care knowledge and practice included normalisation of self-care, learning the hard way, everyone is different and being prepared. Participants described four key strategies linked to the notion of ‘being prepared’: (1) asking questions, (2) building relationships with oncologists, (3) developing/maintaining a philosophy of life, and (4) connecting with others. These themes provide context for the experience of PSE and may also reflect beliefs that have implications for self-efficacy education.

Conclusions:

Interview data affirm PSE as a foundation of self-care and identify beliefs underpinning PSE. A dominant belief of ‘being prepared’ was sustained by four strategies that education content reinforced. Educators can use these insights to strengthen self-efficacy education interventions for patients with B-cell NHL and other types of cancer.
The Effect of Performance Transparency on Adherence to Barcode Scanning During Order Preparation in an Adult Inpatient Satellite Pharmacy
Authors: Merola David , Hill John D. , Olumba Stephanie , Duncan Rosemary , Almuete Virna , Shermock Kenneth M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of performance transparency and individualized feedback on pharmacy technician compliance with barcode verification technology during inpatient order preparation. Methods: Following the incorporation of barcode scanning technology into the workflow of pharmacy staff, a multiphasic intervention was employed to promote its use. The intervention included verbal feedback and publically posting performance metrics to increase accountability. An interrupted time-series analysis was conducted to ascertain trends and levels in the percent of orders that were dispensed using barcode verification, before and after the study intervention. Analyses were conducted by shift and overall for pharmacy workers in a single satellite pharmacy. Results: A significant increase in percent scanned orders was observed immediately following the intervention in our analysis of all pharmacy workers (+14.4%; P = .045; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35-28.4). In the analysis of each shift, statistically significant increases in percent scanned orders were observed immediately following the intervention for both the evening shift (+5.1%; P = .024; 95% CI: 0.70-9.6) and the night shift (+29.9%; P = .025; 95% CI: 3.9-55.9), but not the day shift (+2.6; P = .707; 95% CI: −11.1 to 16.2). Conclusion: Increasing transparency of individual and team performance metrics in conjunction with targeted feedback is an effective intervention to improve compliance with barcode scanning technology.
Explaining variation in perceived managerial autonomy and direct politicization in European public sectors
Authors: Van de Walle Steven
Published: March 2018

Public sector reforms aimed at ‘making the managers manage’ granted public managers autonomy and tried to depoliticize the administration. There is substantial variation in the degree of direct politicization and in managerial autonomy. This article tests four sets of hypotheses to explain variation in perceptions of direct politicization and managerial autonomy in European public sectors. Data from a new survey in 15 countries among several thousand top public sector managers in central government are used. Findings show that variation in perceived direct politicization and managerial autonomy is partially determined by the formal status of an organization as an agency, and the hierarchical position of the manager within the organization. Managers from very large organizations also experience more autonomy, but organization size has no impact on perceived politicization. The policy field within which the respondent’s organization is situated has mixed effects. The article also finds that the models are better at explaining the variation in perceived managerial autonomy than that in direct politicization.

Points for practitioners

The article shows that top public managers in European central administration perceive different levels in the extent to which politicians try to influence senior-level appointments, as well as in the extent of management autonomy that they have. These differences in perception are mainly explained by whether or not they work in an agency, as well as by the hierarchical position that they occupy within the organization.
Local government administration systems and local government accounting information needs: is there a mismatch?
Authors: Cohen Sandra , Manes Rossi Francesca , Caperchione Eugenio , Brusca Isabel
Published: March 2018

After several years of reforms inspired by the New Public Management approach, public sector accounting and performance measurement systems continue to differ among countries. Based on previous literature and data collected through a questionnaire, we perform an exploratory study on the relations between local government administrative systems and local government accounting information needs in a sample of European countries characterized by a legalistic orientation. Our results reveal that there is a frequent mismatch between the needed accounting and performance measurement information for internal and external purposes assessed on the basis of the administrative system in place and the accounting information and performance measurement information required by the law for decision-making and accountability. Moreover, as the results reveal, legislation in European local governments only sporadically stipulates the information suitable to satisfy the information needs created by the different levels of financial and organizational autonomy of local government administration systems to be available.
A Household Level Analysis of the Pakistan–Malaysia Free Trade Agreement
Authors: Khan Muhammad Aamir , Mehmood Qaisar , Zakaria Muhammad , Husnain Muhammad Iftikhar ul
Published: March 2018

Pakistan and Malaysia have a significant bilateral economic relationship. The Pakistan–Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in 2007, and was implemented in 2008. Pakistan’s volatile exports to Malaysia never achieved a sustainable period of growth. Trade balance has not achieved significant changes even after 9 years of implementation of the agreement. With this backdrop, this study first quantifies the current FTA between Pakistan and Malaysia and then suggests changes that could be made to improve the outcome for Pakistan. A new global economic trade model is adapted to include more detailed information on Pakistan’s labor and household groups into the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) database. This allows for a more detailed analysis of the impact of the FTA on Pakistan at the household level. The results show that there is win–win scenario for both Pakistan and Malaysia if both are able to renegotiate the current FTA to get the same tariff concession as awarded to each other’s trading partners.
“Don’t Judge a Book by Its Colour”: Black Academic Experiences of Discrimination in an Education Faculty at a South African University
Authors: Davids M. Noor
Published: March 2018

This article is a case study assessing transformation in one faculty of education at a South African university. This article explores aspects of transformation: equity, ideology, and practices. Of particular relevance is the experiences of Black academics in their struggle for social justice. Critical race theory is used as an analytical tool to make sense of the paradox of Black experiences of discrimination at the hands of Black faculty leadership and the concomitant entrenchment of Whiteness as dominant in the institutional culture. “Interest convergence” and institutionalized racism are plausible reasons for the racial paradox and reluctance of Black leadership to address discriminatory practices. To answer the research question, “What is the state of the transformation discourse in a merged faculty of education?” data were extracted from primary sources, reflective reports, and staff experiences. Findings point toward an underdeveloped, suppressed, and restrained transformation discourse based on outdated values and practices. Recommendations are made to embark on a “vigorous transformation indaba” to promote academic citizenship and social cohesion in the faculty.
Corporeal Posttraumatic Growth As a Result of Breast Cancer: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Gorven Amy , du Plessis Larise
Published: March 2018

Women’s traumatic experience of breast cancer (BC) can result in posttraumatic growth (PTG). Women’s embodied experiences of BC seem particularly pertinent to their experiences of both difficulty and growth. While PTG is usually conceptualized as having five domains, it seems that BC survivors experience a sixth domain—corporeal PTG (CPTG). CPTG was recently defined as a “reclaiming” and renewed connection to the body through increased appreciation of the physical self, a new sense of bodily responsibility, positive health changes, and a new sense of positive identification with the body. This study’s aim was to explore how women experience CPTG due to BC. In-depth interviews were conducted with female BC survivors. Interpretative phenomenological analysis extracted three themes: losing, regaining, and relinquishing ultimate control over the body, reconstructing embodied identity, and a newfound appreciation for the body. Participants spoke of a complicated journey from distress, loss, and fragmentation to a reshaping of their assumptions about their bodies. The findings suggest that the body plays a vital role in women’s traumatic and growth-related experiences of BC. Future research on the embodied experience of BC is recommended as it forms a crucial part of BC recovery.
Teacher leadership to support English language learners
Authors: Russell Felice Atesoglu , Von Esch Kerry Soo
Published: March 2018

As today’s K-12 schools become increasingly diverse, many teachers are struggling to meet the needs of English language learners and teach them in a culturally and linguistically responsive manner. The authors provide a pair of examples to illustrate specific ways teacher leaders can be effective advocates for better instruction and services for English learners.
WOODROW WILSON AND THE ORIGINS OF THE COLD WAR: A Hundred Years Later and Still Relevant
Authors: Trani Eugene P. , Davis Donald E.
Published: March 2018

American‐Russian relations have been troubled from Lenin to Putin, from Wilson to Trump. Woodrow Wilson insisted that no one power should dominate Europe. This detailed analysis shows that Wilson was the first “Cold War Warrior,” and his “quarantine” policy toward Russia was the precursor of the policy the United States has generally followed toward Russia since the end of World War II. Wilson tried to avoid taking sides in the Bolshevik Revolution but finally was drawn into it from relentless Allied pressure. Yet he kept intervention minimal. Afterward, he quarantined communism until FDR recognized Russia and, later, allied with Stalin against Hitler. Truman and his successors renewed “quarantine,” calling it “containment.” With the USSR's collapse, the shape and stability of Wilson's Europe reappeared. The West has preserved that Europe through the EU, NATO, and sanctions against Putin's restoring a Soviet sphere. America should now be clear, as Wilson once was, in supporting European security.
Stochastic stability of positive Markov jump linear systems with completely/partially known transition rates
Authors: Chen Ying , Bo Yuming , Du Baozhu
Published: March 2018

This paper addresses the stochastic stability problem of positive Markov jump linear systems (PMJLSs). A necessary and sufficient condition of stochastic stability for PMJLSs is given which can be checked by solving linear programming feasibility problems due to the positivity property. A common co-positive Lyapunov function is constructed to solve the problem, and the equivalence among stochastic stability, 1-moment stability and exponential mean stability is proved afterwards. Considering the uncertain transition rates situation, PMJLSs with partially known transition rate matrix are investigated, and a necessary and sufficient condition for robust stochastic stability is proposed in linear programming form. Numerical examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed results.
A Diabetes Mobile App With In-App Coaching From a Certified Diabetes Educator Reduces A1C for Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kumar Shefali , Moseson Heidi , Uppal Jaspreet , Juusola Jessie L.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

There are currently many diabetes apps available, but there is limited evidence demonstrating clinical impact. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a diabetes mobile app with in-app coaching by a certified diabetes educator on glycemic control for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A 12 week-long single-arm intent-to-treat trial evaluated the impact of a diabetes mobile app and coaching program (One Drop | Mobile With One Drop | Experts), which facilitated tracking of self-care and included an in-app diabetes education program, on A1C for individuals with type 2 diabetes and an A1C ≥7.5% (58 mmol/mol). An online study platform (Achievement Studies, Evidation Health Inc, San Mateo, CA) was used to screen, consent, and enroll participants; collect study data; and track participants’ progress throughout the study. Baseline and study end A1C measurements as well as questionnaire data from participants were collected.

Results

Participants (n = 146) were 52 ± 9 years old, 71% female, 25% black or Hispanic, diagnosed with diabetes for 11 ± 7 years, and with a mean baseline A1C of 9.87% ± 2.0 (84 mmol/mol). In adjusted repeated measures models, mean A1C improved by −0.86% among study completers (n = 127), −0.96% among active users of the app and coaching program (n = 93), and −1.32% among active users with a baseline A1C ≥9.0% (75 mmol/mol) (n = 53).

Conclusions

This program was associated with a clinically meaningful and significant reduction in A1C and can potentially increase access to effective diabetes self-management education and support for individuals with diabetes.
Indigenous media producers’ perspectives on objectivity, balancing community responsibilities and journalistic obligations
Authors: Burrows Elizabeth
Published: March 2018

Professional communicators produce a diverse range of global Indigenous media while balancing professional journalistic conventions such as ‘objectivity’ against community and organizational responsibilities. Despite their work being tarred as biased, soft or preaching to the converted, Indigenous media producers argue that their work counterbalances biased mainstream media coverage that hampers Indigenous public sphere participation and denigrates Indigenous communities and individuals. Through interviews with 42 Indigenous media producers from Australia, Canada, Finland, Sweden and New Zealand, this study investigates their journalistic processes and attitudes to professional norms such as objectivity, source choices and news values. The article interrogates how Indigenous media producers navigate the tensions between their professional obligations and community responsibilities. It argues Indigenous media producers apply a modified version of objectivity to produce fact-driven content that promotes Indigenous perspectives, prioritizes Indigenous voices and serves the needs of their communities.
Brief Report: Integrating Social-Emotional Learning with Literacy Instruction: An Intervention for Children at Risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Daunic Ann , Corbett Nancy , Smith Stephen , Barnes Tia , Santiago-Poventud Lourdes , Chalfant Pam , Pitts Donna , Gleaton Jeisha
Published: March 2018

It is widely believed that children's social-emotional growth and academic learning are inextricably connected. Pressured by high-stakes assessments, however, school professionals find it difficult to devote adequate time to children's social/behavioral development. As a response, we developed and piloted Social-Emotional Learning Foundations (SELF), a curriculum for students at risk for emotional or behavioral problems that merges instruction in social-emotional learning with early literacy skills. Designed for small-group instruction, the SELF curriculum provides teachers multiple opportunities to extend language and promote emotional and behavioral self-regulation while teaching early literacy skills that include vocabulary development and comprehension. This preliminary study was used to explore intervention feasibility, pilot implementation, and measurement protocols and to provide some evidence in support of further study. Findings from the pilot implementation in eight kindergarten classrooms indicated that SELF lessons improved teacher-reported executive function, internalizing behavior, and school-related competence. As a preface to a more rigorously designed efficacy study, the pilot study results provide preliminary evidence that integrating social-emotional learning and literacy instruction may be a viable strategy for promoting self-regulation in the service of positive social and academic outcomes for children at risk.
Beyond the line: Carl Schmitt and the constitutive outsider of the international
Authors: Yamato Roberto Vilchez
Published: March 2018

In this article, I offer a reading of the pirate in Carl Schmitt inspired by Reinhart Koselleck’s study on asymmetric counterconcepts. I argue that the pirate in Schmitt marks a negative asymmetric counterconceptual position associated with a space of exception in relation to which one may also identify the outlaw enemy of humanity. In displacing the political and mapping the pirate’s position within Schmitt’s conceptual order, the significance of this article’s main contribution is to draw attention to a specific asymmetric counterconceptual structuring that marks the limits of ‘our’ international political world with the dehumanized negativity of its constitutive outsider. Rereading Koselleck’s methodological qualification on the structural iterability of asymmetric counterconcepts, the article suggests that the spectre of the pirate lives on, haunting the outer limits of the international and legitimizing abject forms of violence.