bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the triceps-on approach affect alignment in total elbow arthroplasty? A cadaveric study
Authors: King Andrew , Evans Jonathan P , Booker Simon J , Beazley James CS , Jones Robin JS , Thomas William JC , Smith Christopher
Published: May 2018

Background

The triceps-on approach for total elbow arthroplasty has gained popularity due to the theoretical benefit of preserving the extensor mechanism. However, there is concern that the exposure may be reduced in comparison to a triceps-off approach and may affect the implant alignment achieved.

Method

Total elbow arthroplasties were implanted in 18 randomised, paired cadaveric elbows using the triceps-on or triceps-off approach. The bones were dissected out and the position of the implants measured relative to anatomical landmarks. The flexion/extension and varus/valgus angles, and the distance of centre of rotation from the anatomic centre of rotation in the sagittal plane for both components were obtained as well as the humeral component rotation relative to the transepicondylar axis.

Results

All humeral components were positioned in external rotation and all ulna components were placed in flexion. Seven components were positioned greater than 5° away from the ideal in one measurement, with no significant difference between the two approach groups.

Discussion

This unique study showed no significant difference in the alignment of the implants between the two approaches. These results support the theory that the triceps-on approach does not result in larger alignment errors in component positioning when performing total elbow arthroplasty.
Infective Endocarditis Associated With Varicella Zoster Virus Following Aortic Valve Repair
Authors: Kostolny Martin , Malik Tom , Bonello Beatrice
Published: May 2018

We describe the management and clinical course of two children with congenital bicuspid aortic valve. Neo-tricuspidization was performed in one case using CardioCel leaflets and two cusps were formed from CardioCel and grafted alongside one native leaflet in the other. Both patients developed bacterial endocarditis associated with varicella zoster virus infection and required a second surgical procedure.
Early clearance versus control: what is the meaning of a negative tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assay following exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Authors: Meermeier Erin W. , Lewinsohn David M.
Published: May 2018

The elimination of tuberculosis (TB) cannot reasonably be achieved by treatment of individual cases and will require an improved vaccine or immunotherapy. A challenge in developing an improved TB vaccine has been the lack of understanding what is needed to generate sterilizing immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. Several epidemiological observations support the hypothesis that humans can eradicate Mtb following exposure. This has been termed early clearance and is defined as elimination of Mtb infection prior to the development of an adaptive immune response, as measured by a tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assay. Here, we examine research into the likelihood of and possible mechanisms responsible for early clearance in household contacts of patients with active TB. We explore both innate and adaptive immune responses in the lung. Enhanced understanding of these mechanisms could be harnessed for the development of a preventative vaccine or immunotherapy.
Comparative study of the environmental impact of models of conventional agricultural and agro-ecological agriculture in the agricultural phase of tomato cultivation
Authors: Taipe Velasco Carina Maribel , Lizano Acevedo Ronnie Xavier , Mátyás Bence
Published: May 2018

Background: In this study, the water footprint and the carbon footprint were calculated during the activities of the agricultural phase of tomato cultivation, comparing agro-ecological production systems with conventional production systems.

Methods: We examined with six plots in total: 3 agro-ecological plots and 3 conventional plots in la Esperanza and Tabacundo, Pedro Moncayo canton, Ecuador. The water footprint was calculated according to Hoekstra’s method. For the greenhouse gas emissions calculation, due to the production of fertilisers, the activity data was multiplied by the emission factor. Phytosanitary emissions were calculated using the factor given by BioGrace.

Results: For the conventional system the most representative footprint is that of blue water with 44.19 litres of water/kg of tomatoes, followed by the green water footprint with 14.42 litres of water/kg of tomato whilst the lowest value is 0.96 litres of water/kg of tomatoes for the grey water footprint.

Conclusions: The results obtained show that an agro-ecological system is the most efficient in terms of consumption of resources. Its produce also have an added value for promoting sustainability, responsible consumption and a healthier diet. The generation of eco-labels can encourage the consumption of these by expanding markets for this production system.
Insights for Critical Alarm-Based Warning Systems from a Risk Analysis of Commercial Aviation Passenger Screening
Authors: Dillon Robin L. , Burns William J. , John Richard S.
Published: May 2018

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently commissioned a risk analysis of the passenger threat vector in which an adversary gains access through the screening checkpoint. The goal of the project was to provide insights to the TSA to improve both safety and resource allocation as they continue to develop new security procedures in a constantly evolving threat environment. The result was a probabilistic risk model to support the TSA as they plan future safety and resource allocations procedures. Because aviation passenger screening involves highly sensitive information, we discuss the insights gained from the study that are applicable for other highly critical security systems that rely on alarm-based warning technologies to detect anomalies.
Rehydration properties of hybrid method dried fruit enriched by natural components
Authors: Kowalska Hanna , Marzec Agata , Kowalska Jolanta , Ciurzyńska Agnieszka , Samborska Kinga , Bialik Michał , Lenart Andrzej
Published: May 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of osmotic pre-dehydration and drying of fruit on the rehydration properties of dried fruit. Herein, the effect of fruit juice, applied as a natural enriching substance was very important. In addition, the properties of dried fruits obtained through combined air-drying and subsequent microwave-vacuum drying with ‘puffing’ effect were similar to the freeze-dried fruits, but showed other rehydration properties. As raw material, frozen strawberry (Honeoye variety) and fresh apples (Idared variety) were used in the study. The apples and partially defrosted strawberries were prior dehydrated in solutions of sucrose and a mixture of sucrose with chokeberry juice concentrate at 50°C for 2 h. Next, the fruit samples were dried by one of two ways: air-drying (50°C, 5 h) and microwavevacuum drying for about 360 s; and freeze-drying (30°C, 63 Pa, 24 h). The rehydration was carried out in distilled water (20°C, 5 h). The osmotic pre-dehydration hindered fruit drying process. The impact of drying method became particularly evident while examining the kinetics of rehydration. During the rehydration of the pre-dehydrated dried fruit a slower hydration could be observed. Freeze-dried strawberries absorbed 2-3 times more water than those dried by the ‘puffing’ effect.
Surface tension and wetting properties of rapeseed oil to biofuel conversion by-products
Authors: Muszyński Siemowit , Sujak Agnieszka , Stępniewski Andrzej , Kornarzyński Krzysztof , Ejtel Marta , Kowal Natalia , Tomczyk-Warunek Agnieszka , Szcześniak Emil , Tomczyńska-Mleko Marta , Mleko Stanisław
Published: May 2018

This work presents a study on the surface tension, density and wetting behaviour of distilled glycerol, technical grade glycerol and the matter organic non-glycerin fraction. The research was conducted to expand the knowledge about the physical properties of wastes from the rapeseed oil biofuel production. The results show that the densities of technical grade glycerol (1.300 g cm-3) and distilled glycerol (1.267 g cm-3) did not differ and were significantly lower than the density of the matter organic non-glycerin fraction (1.579 g cm-3). Furthermore, the surface tension of distilled glycerol (49.6 mN m-1) was significantly higher than the matter organic non-glycerin fraction (32.7 mN m-1) and technical grade glycerol (29.5 mN m-1). As a result, both technical grade glycerol and the matter organic non-glycerin fraction had lower contact angles than distilled glycerol. The examined physical properties of distilled glycerol were found to be very close to that of the commercially available pure glycerol. The results suggest that technical grade glycerol may have potential application in the production of glycerol/fuel blends or biosurfactants. The presented results indicate that surface tension measurements are more useful when examining the quality of biofuel wastes than is density determination, as they allow for a more accurate analysis of the effects of impurities on the physical properties of the biofuel by-products.
Estimating biophysical properties of coffee (Coffea canephora) plants with above-canopy field measurements, using CropSpec®
Authors: Putra Bayu T. Widjaja , Soni Peeyush , Morimoto Eiji , Pujiyanto Pujiyanto
Published: May 2018

Remote sensing technologies have been applied to many crops, but tree crops like Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) under shade conditions require additional attention while making above-canopy measurements. The objective of this study was to determine how well chlorophyll and nitrogen status of Robusta coffee plants can be estimated with the laser-based (CropSpec®) active sensor. This study also identified appropriate vegetation indices for estimating Nitrogen content by above-canopy measurement, using near-infra red and red-edge bands. Varying light intensity and different background of the plants were considered in developing the indices. Field experiments were conducted involving different non-destructive tools (CropSpec® and SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter). Subsequently, Kjeldahl laboratory analyses were performed to determine the actual Nitrogen content of the plants with different ages and field conditions used in the non-destructive previous stage. Measurements were undertaken for assessing the biophysical properties of tree plant. The usefulness of near-infrared and red-edge bands from these sensors in measuring critical nitrogen levels of coffee plants by above-canopy measurement are investigated in this study.
Biological parameters in technogenic soils of a former sulphur mine
Authors: Siwik-Ziomek Anetta , Brzezińska Małgorzata , Lemanowicz Joanna , Koper Jan , Szarlip Paweł
Published: May 2018

This study was conducted on the soils originating from a reclamation area of the former sulphur mine in Tarnobrzeg, Poland. Soil was sampled 16 years after the completion of mining works with the open-pit method at Machów, as well as 7 years after sulphur mining via the ‘smelting’ method in the Jeziórko mine was abandoned. Several biological parameters were examined: soil respiration, soil microbial biomass and the activity of rhodanese and arylsulphatase enzymes taking part in sulphur transformation within the site’s soils. The soils showed a high total sulphur and sulphates content. The SO42-constituted a large fraction of total sulphur, in some cases, exceeding 80% or even 95% of total sulphur. The soil pH decreased due to the degrading effects of sulphur mining. In the soils studied from the locations with the lowest soil pH value, no activity of arylsulphatase was reported and the activity of rhodanese was lowest. The highest soil respiration values were recorded from the 0-5 cm layer in the areas covered with forest vegetation. A high soil respiration value at the waste heap at Machów wherein a very high concentration of Stot and SO42-was observed can be due to the ability of fungi to produce hyphal strands and to survive unfavourable conditions.
Soil ploughing for forest regeneration leads to changes in carbon decomposition – a case study with stable isotopes
Authors: Stróżecki Marcin , Silvennoinen Hanna , Strzeliński Paweł , Chojnicki Bogdan Heronim
Published: May 2018

It is important to quantify carbon decomposition to assess the reforestation impact on the forest floor C stocks. Estimating the loss of C stock in a short-term perspective requires measuring changes in soil respiration. This is not trivial due to the contribution of both soil microbes and vegetation to the measured CO2 flux. However, C stable isotopes can be used to partition the respiration and potentially to assess how much of the recalcitrant C stock in the forest floor is lost. Here, we measured the soil respiration at two forest sites where different regeneration methods were applied, along with an intact forest soil for reference. In so doing, we used a closed dynamic chamber for measuring respiration and the 13C composition of the emitted CO2. The chamber measurements were then supplemented with the soil organic carbon analysis and its δ13C content. The mean δ13C-CO2 estimates for the source of the CO2 were -26.4, -27.9 and -29.5‰, for the forest, unploughed and ploughed, respectively. The 13C of the soil organic carbon did, not differ significantly between sites. The higher soil respiration rate at the forest, as compared to the unploughed site, could be attributed to the autotrophic respiration by the forest floor vegetation.
External and Internal Focus of Attention Increases Muscular Activation During Bench Press in Resistance-Trained Participants
Authors: Kristiansen Mathias , Samani Afshin , Vuillerme Nicolas , Madeleine Pascal , Hansen Ernst Albin
Published: May 2018

Kristiansen, M, Samani, A, Vuillerme, N, Madeleine, P, and Hansen, EA. External and internal focus of attention increases muscular activation during bench press in resistance-trained participants. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2442–2451, 2018—Research on the effects of instructed attentional focus during execution of strength training exercises is limited and has thus far only been performed on single-joint exercises. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of instructed internal (INT) and external (EXT) focus of attention with a baseline measurement of no instructed focus of attention (BASE) on the surface electromyographic (EMG) amplitude during a free-weight bench press exercise in resistance-trained participants. Twenty-one resistance-trained male participants performed bench press at 60% of their 3-repetition maximum, with BASE, EXT, and INT. The order of EXT and INT was randomized and counterbalanced. Electromyographic data were recorded from 13 muscles of the upper and lower body. Subsequently, mean and peak EMG amplitudes were computed. EXT and INT resulted in significantly increased mean EMG amplitude of 6 upper-body muscles as compared with BASE (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, EXT and INT also resulted in increased peak EMG amplitude of 3 upper-body muscles as compared with BASE (p ≤ 0.05). These results show that muscular activation is increased during bench press, when applying an instructed focus of attention compared with a baseline measurement with no focus instructions (BASE).
GIDA KAYNAKLI PATOJENLERİN İNHİBİSYONUNDA PROBİYOTİK MİKROORGANİZMALARIN KULLANIMI
Authors: Tiryaki Gündüz Gülten , Öztürk Zeynep
Published: May 2018

Gıda kaynaklı hastalıklar, son 30 yılda bu hastalıkların
önemli oranda artması ve ciddi sosyo-ekonomik sorunlara yol açması nedeniyle,
dünya çapında önemli bir halk sağlığı sorunu haline gelmiştir.  Günümüzde nüfusun yaklaşık dörtte biri gıda
kaynaklı hastalıklar açısından daha yüksek risk altındadır. Bu nedenle son
yıllarda probiyotik mikroorganizmalar tarafından gıda kaynaklı patojen
mikroorganizmaların üremelerinin inhibe edilmesi ile ilgili çalışmalar hız
kazanmıştır. Probiyotik suşlar laktik asit, hidrojen peroksit, diasetil ve
bakteriyosin gibi antimikrobiyal madde üretimi veya rekabet etme yoluyla
patojen bakterilere karşı antagonistik aktivite göstermektedir. Ayrıca,
probiyotikler immunoglobulin-A (IgA) salınımını ve makrofajların fagositik
aktivitelerini arttırarak konak canlıda bağışıklık yanıtını uyarırlar. Bu
derleme çalışmasında, probiyotik mikroorganizmaların yararlı etkilerini
gösterebilmesi için sahip olması gereken özellikler, probiyotik
mikroorganizmaların gıda kaynaklı patojen bakteriler üzerindeki inhibitif
etkileri ve etki mekanizmaları ile ilgili yapılan çalışmalar incelenmiştir.
D VİTAMİNİ İLE ZENGİNLEŞTİRİLMİŞ YOĞURDUN BESİN DEĞERİ VE METABOLİK ETKİLERİ
Authors: KÜÇÜK Sefa Can , YIBAR Artun
Published: May 2018

D vitamini eksikliği ve yetersizliği, birçok hastalık
riskine neden olan veya katkıda bulunan bir faktör olması nedeniyle önemli bir
halk sağlığı sorunu olarak kabul edilmektedir. Serum D vitamini düzeyini
arttırmak için gıdaların D vitamini ile zenginleştirilmesi mevcut sorunun
giderilmesinde önemli bir yaklaşım olarak kabul edilmektedir. Süt, D vitamini
takviyesinin en yaygın olarak kullanıldığı bir gıda kaynağıdır. Ancak yıllar
içerisinde, özellikle laktoz intoleransı nedeniyle, süt tüketiminin azaldığı görülmektedir.
Fonksiyonel bir gıda olarak değerlendirilen yoğurdun, besleyici değerinin
yüksek, bağışıklık sistemini güçlendirmesi, birçok hastalık riskini azaltması,
laktoz intoleransı olan kişilerde herhangi bir yan etki yapmadan tüketilmesi ve
tüketim oranının yüksek olması sebebiyle beslenmede önemli bir yere sahiptir.
Bu nedenle yoğurdun D vitamini ile zenginleştirilmesi D vitamini eksikliği ve
yetersizliğine bağlı hastalıkları etkili bir şekilde azaltacak veya
önleyecektir. Bu derlemede, literatürler eşliğinde D vitamininin sağlık üzerine
etkileri, D vitamini ile zenginleştirilmiş yoğurtların raf ömrü boyunca D
vitamini stabilitesi ve düzenli tüketiminin metabolik etkileri anlatılmıştır.
Waking Up to Memmi
Authors: Wood Craig
Published: May 2018

This critical reflective practice article juxtaposes the temporal relationship between lived experiences in my past, with my present actions as a schoolteacher. Presented in the style of a dwam—the state of semiconsciousness that precedes sleep—I uncover dominant colonial narratives that continue to inscribe racialized power relations in school curriculum and pedagogy, and that have done so throughout my experiences as a child–student and an adult–teacher. Drawing from Albert Memmi's “colonizer who refuses,” my dwam demonstrates critical awakening as a white teacher through six scenes that span four decades.
Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation after Cardiosurgical Procedures by Vernakalant® as an Atrial Repolarization Delaying Agent (ARDA)
Authors: Dalyanoglu Hannan , Mehdiani Arash , Minol Jan Philipp , Sipahi Nihat Firat , Aubin Hug , Boeken Udo , Müller Alfred , Makimoto Hisaki , Lichtenberg Artur , Korbmacher Bernhard
Published: May 2018

Background: Postoperative, new-onset atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most common complications after cardiosurgical procedures. Vernakalant has been reported to be effective in the conversion of POAF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vernakalant for atrial fibrillation after cardiac operations, and to investigate predictors for the success of vernakalant treatment. Patients and Methods: Post-cardiac surgery patients with new-onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) were consecutively enrolled in this study. Demographic data as well as intraoperative and postoperative parameters were analyzed. Vernakalant administration was primarily started 5.5 hours after new-onset POAF: 3 mg/kg intravenously over 10 min, and in case of non-conversion, a second dose of 2 mg/kg intravenously over 10 min. Results: 129 consecutive patients (70.2 ± 9.1 years) were included: 61 patients with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, 49 patients with isolated valve procedures, and 19 patients with combined procedures (CABG and valve). Conversion in sinus rhythm was achieved after the first vernakalant dose in 57 patients (44%), and after the second dose in 41 patients (32%). The mean time to conversion was 13.7 ± 14.1 min. The patients receiving valve procedures depicted a significantly lower conversion rate. The following variables lowered conversion rate: no preoperative beta blocker, postoperative troponin levels >500 ng/L, and systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg. At the first follow-up, 92% of the converted patients showed sinus rhythm, while 80% of the non-responders showed sinus rhythm (P < .01). Conclusions: The POAF was effectively converted by vernakalant. The conversion rate of POAF after valve surgery was lower when compared to isolated CABG.
Neuroleptic-Induced Brugada Syndrome - A Case Report
Authors: Laboudi Fouad , Slimani Ghizlane , Gourani Mohamed Essaid , Ouanass Abderrazzak
Published: May 2018

Brugada syndrome is a rare genetic disease, of autosomal dominant inheritance with low penetrance, manifested by ST-segment elevation at right precordial V1, V2, and V3, and right branch block aspect. to the electrocardiogram. It exposes to a high risk of ventricular arrhythmia that can cause syncope and even sudden death, on a structurally healthy heart.We report here the case of a young patient of 25 years who has a syndrome of Brugada induced by a neuroleptic. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Brugada syndrome induced by a neuroleptic Morocco. Therapeutic management is based on Amiodarone and beta-blockers. Regular monitoring of the ECG should, however, be performed on patients taking psychotropic drugs and also on associations.
Promoting Oral Health in Childhood: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Okah Abiye , Williams Kristi , Talib Nasreen , Mann Keith
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends periodic oral health risk assessments (OHRAs) for young children to prevent early childhood caries and promote oral health. The objective of this quality improvement project was to incorporate OHRAs, including documentation of the oral screening examination, into well-child visits for patients aged 12 to 47 months to drive (1) improved rates of preventive fluoride varnish (FV) application and (2) improved dental referrals for children at high risk for caries.

METHODS:

We identified a quality gap in our OHRAs, oral examination completion, FV application rates, and dental referral rates via retrospective data collection. Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles targeted modification of electronic medical record templates, oral health education, and standardization of work processes. Process and outcome measures were analyzed with statistical process control charts.

RESULTS:

At baseline, OHRAs and oral screening examinations were documented in <2% of patients. Of eligible children, 42% had FV applied. Routine dental referrals before age 3 years were uncommon. After multiple Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, documentation of OHRAs and oral screening examinations (process measures) improved to 45% and 73%, respectively. The primary outcome measure, FV rates, improved to 86%. Referral of high-risk patients to a dentist improved to 54%.

CONCLUSIONS:

A systematic, evidence-based approach to improving oral health, including electronic medical record–based interventions, resulted in improved documentation of oral health risks and oral screening, improved rates of FV application in young children, and increased identification and referral of high-risk patients.
Analysis of Influence on Pro-environmental Tourism Behavior Based on the Construal Level Theory: An Application of Experimental Method
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Yu Sook-Hee , Kim Nam-Jo , Lee Hoon
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences of pro-environmental tourism behavior intentions under control conditions of tourists’ psychological distance and problem awareness of climate change. As a result, there was a significant interactive effect between temporal distance, social distance, and problem awareness of climate change. In the group with a low level of problem awareness of climate change, pro-environmental tourism behavior intentions was highest when temporal distance to the message was far, and social distance was far as well. However, in the group with a high level of problem awareness of climate change, pro-environmental tourism behavior intentions was highest when temporal distance to the message was far, but social distance was close. Therefore, messages should be presented in different ways according to the level of problem awareness of climate change. Messages focused on the desirability of “what to do” to reduce the problem of climate change for human beings in the future should be given to the group with a low level of problem awareness of climate change, while messages focused on the feasibility of “how to do” to reduce the problem of climate change in the future should be given to the group with a high level of problem awareness of climate change.
Transcultural adaptation of the WHO Oral Health Questionnaire and its validation in Chilean children
Authors:   Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile., Villalobos Juan Pablo , Cueto Alfredo ,   Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile., Espinoza Sebastián ,   Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile.
Published: May 2018

Introduction: The last edition of the WHO "Oral Health Questionnaire for Children" was published in 2013. This is an only-English version, and as such it requires linguistic adaptation and validation to be applied in the Chilean population. Objectives: To translate and adapt the WHO Oral Health Questionnaire for Children to Spanish and validate it in a Chilean population. Methods: A translation and back translation of the original instrument from English to Spanish was carried out by four translators. The questionnaire was self-reported as a pilot test in ten individuals. A sample was subsequently selected for convenience taking into account the population distribution, resulting in a final sample of 103 individuals. The internal consistency was calculated with Cronbach's alpha, criterion validity with Pearson's correlation coefficient and construct validity with Exploratory Factor Analysis. Results: A conceptual and semantic equivalence of the instrument was obtained. Women and men accounted for 43.69% and 56.31% of the sample, respectively. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.62, while criterion validity was slightly positive between the total dimensions and the DMFT (r=0.13, p-value= 0.20). The Exploratory Factor Analysis yielded a total of 11 factors that explain 70% of the variability in the data. Conclusions: The oral health questionnaire has been appropriately adapted to Spanish, having conceptual as well as semantic equivalence to the original version, being reliable and valid to be used in a population of 12-year-old Chilean children.
Cultural differences and confidence in institutions: Comparing Africa and the USA
Authors: Falade Bankole
Published: May 2018

A comparison was undertaken of confidence in 17 institutions in Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and the USA using data from the World Values Survey to find shared valuations and distinguishing characteristics as markers of cultural categories. Frequencies and rankings were examined and exploratory factor analysis was used to find plausible meanings of groups of institutions. The findings show that, although African respondents score institutions higher than their US counterparts, the rankings vary. With frequencies, the meaning is manifest. The analysis shows that 10 institutions load similarly on one latent variable and their combinations with the others indicate culture-specific characteristics. The latent variables were named ‘not-for-profit’, ‘for-profit’, ‘political’, ‘watchdog or fourth estate’ and ‘social order’ and they show Ghana is closer to the USA than to Nigeria, which is closer to Zimbabwe. The ‘not-for-profit’ variable is more important in the USA and Ghana and ‘political’ is more important in Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Institutional-specific loadings show that whereas the police and courts are grouped as ‘political’ in Nigeria, in other countries they belong to ‘social order’; and while universities are perceived as ‘for-profit’ in Africa, they are ‘not-for-profit’ in the USA. Comparing frequencies and rankings or dividing along the lines of individualistic versus collective or private and public sectors, masks the dynamic distribution of the systems of meaning in the local cultures; the latent variables approach therefore offers a more conceptually sound categorisation informed by shared and distinguishing institutions.
Significance:

Nigerians, as at the time of the survey, were yet to perceive the principles of separation of powers between political institutions, the judiciary and the police – an essential feature of a good democracy and a characteristic of other countries in the study. Zimbabweans and Nigerians perceive their public institutions in generally the same way with the domination of the political establishments while Ghanaians are closer to the USA in terms of the values they attach to their establishments with the most important group being the charities. The universities in Africa, as well as the civil service in Nigeria, are associated with business/ profit centres with the Nigerian labour movement also seen as political. The army also remains relevant as a part of the fourth estate in Ghana and Nigeria.
Introduction to BLAST and protein homology searches v2
Authors: Aylward Frank
Published: May 2018

This is a short tutorial on the basics of getting started with standalone BLAST+ in the Ubuntu command line. Code is intended for use on an Ubuntu 16.04 LTS OS. Note that a web server for BLASTP is also available: https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi?PROGRAM=blastp&PAGE_TYPE=BlastSearch&LINK_LOC=blasthome For details on BLAST please see the NCBI webpage and release notes:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK131777/ And the NCBI paper on BLAST+: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20003500?dopt=Citation
Introduction to analyzing FASTA files v1
Authors: O Aylward Frank
Published: May 2018

This is a short tutorial on how to get started analyzing FASTA files via the command line. Code is intended for use on an Ubuntu 16.04 LTS OS, but it may work on other Unix or Unix-like systems. Here we will mainly use standard Unix commands as well as the seqtk tool. Information on seqtk, including information on installation, can be found here:https://github.com/lh3/seqtk
Melanophore response assay in zebrafish v1
Authors: Maximino Caio , Pereira dos Santos Souza Dainara
Published: May 2018

Melanophores (also called melanocytes) are chromatophores (pigment-containing epithelial cells) that contain black or dark brown pigment granules. The aggregation or dispersal of these cells is under hormonal or nervous system control; these responses permit the animal to display rapid variations in color in response to environmental stimuli, including background color and stressful stimuli. This protocol was developed at Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento "Frederico Guilherme Graeff", at the Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará (UNIFESSPA), Marabá/PA, Brazil, to assess melanophore aggregation or disperal responses in live, anesthetized adult zebrafish. The protocol is intended to be easily applied, reproducible, and of low cost.
Introduction to BLAST and protein homology searches v3
Authors: Aylward Frank
Published: May 2018

This is a short tutorial on the basics of getting started with standalone BLAST+ in the Ubuntu command line. Code is intended for use on an Ubuntu 16.04 LTS OS. Note that a web server for BLASTP is also available: https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi?PROGRAM=blastp&PAGE_TYPE=BlastSearch&LINK_LOC=blasthome For details on BLAST please see the NCBI webpage and release notes:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK131777/ And the NCBI paper on BLAST+: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20003500?dopt=Citation
Pilot Study on the Responsiveness of Nurses to the Patient’s Request for complementary medicine
Authors: Zupančič Vesna , Krope Katja
Published: May 2018

Introduction: When it comes to integrative medicine, the nurses are "caught in a trap" of their own views and developed competencies, as well as the views of the institution and the country where they work. The pilot study’s objective was to explore what is the expected reaction of nurses to the patient’s request for complementary treatment with tea in hospitals where integrative nursing has not yet been normatively recognised.

Methods: The quantitative research approach with a survey was used. Nonprobability sampling covered 506 persons from Southeast Slovenia, paticipating voluntarily: nurses, nursing students, patients and other persons. Respondents were to choose among the 11 previously prepared scenarios of possible responses of the nurse.

Results: Significant differences regarding the expected reaction of nurses both within the groups, as well as between the groups of respondents were found. The most possible critical response of nurses was to offer the tea which is daily available on the ward. A fifth of respondents believe that the patient’s tea would be provided by the visiting relatives.

Conclusion:  Due to the prepared scenarios, findings and given orientations for further research, the study can be further implemented in the international environment for empirical verification.
Mediatization of Social Space and the Case of Uber Drivers
Authors: Chan Ngai Keung , Humphreys Lee
Published: May 2018

Digital data have become a form of “objectivation”, which affect how we construct social knowledge and organize social space (Couldry & Hepp, 2017). The workplace is one sphere that is increasingly datafied. This study explores how Uber drivers, a form of digitally-enabled service workers, contribute to the normalization of the social production of space through their interpretative practices of digital data in an online forum. Drawing on Uber’s corporate discourse and an Uber driver online forum, we analyze two facets of the Uber app and drivers’ mediated experiences: (1) the quantification and discipline of drivers’ performance through Uber’s rating system and (2) the coordination of spatial movement through location-related metrics. We argue that the underlying workings of the Uber app premediate expectations of service encounters and spatial movement. Uber drivers meanwhile develop practices which respond to and circumvent their own data contributions to the system. Drivers’ practices, we argue, are largely in compliance with the calculative logics set by Uber. The article addresses implications of Uber drivers’ practices for the reproduction of social space and power-relations in digitally-enabled service work and the gig economy.
‘It’s Something Posh People Do’: Digital Distinction in Young People’s Cross-Media News Engagement
Authors: Hartley Jannie Møller
Published: May 2018

In this article, I analyse digital distinction mechanisms in young people’s cross media engagement with news. Using a combination of open online diaries and qualitative interviews with young Danes aged 15 to 18 who differ in social background and education, and with Bourdieu’s field theory as an analytical framework, the article investigates how cultural capital (CC) operates in specific tastes and distastes for news genres, platforms and providers. The article argues that distinction mechanism not only works on the level of news providers and news genres but also on the level of engagement practices—the ways in which people enact and describe their own news engagement practices. Among those rich in CC, physical, analogue objects in the form of newspapers and physical conversations about news are seen as ‘better’ that digital ones, resulting in a feeling of guilt when they mostly engage with news on social media. Secondly, young people with lower CC discard legacy news, which they see as elitist and irrelevant. Thirdly, those rich in CC are media and news genre savvy in the sense that it makes them able to critically evaluate the news they engage with across platforms and sites.
Sensorial Organization as an Ethics of Space: Digital Media in Everyday Life
Authors: Bengtsson Stina
Published: May 2018

This article outlines an analysis of the ethical organization of digital media and social and individual space in everyday life. This is made from a perspective of an ‘ethics of the ordinary’, highlighting the mundane negotiations and practices conducted to maintain a ‘good life’ with the media. The analysis shows a sensorial organization of space is conducted in relation to social space, as well as individually. The interviewees use facilities provided by media technologies in order to organize space, as well as organize their media devices spatially in order to construct space for specific purposes, and maintain a good life. These results call for a deepened analysis of the sensorial dimensions of everyday space, in order to understand the ethical struggles of a life with digital media. It is important to include the full spectrum of sensorial experiences in our approach to everyday life and to take the sensorial experiences of ordinary media users into account in our analysis of space as part of an everyday ethics.
Media Studies for a Mediatized World: Rethinking Media and Social Space
Authors: Jansson André , Lindell Johan
Published: May 2018

This editorial introduces a thematic issue on “Rethinking Media and Social Space”. By critically rethinking the relationship between media and social space this issue takes initial steps towards ensuring that media studies is appropriate for a mediatized world. Contemporary societies are permeated by media that play important roles in how people maneuver and position themselves in the social world. Yet, analyses of media-related social change too often fail to engage with the complex and situated nature of power relations. This editorial highlights three enduring problems: (1) the annihilation of the socially structured and structuring role of media technologies and practices; (2) the conflation of inherent social capacities of media technologies and discourses with existing mediations of power, and (3) the reduction of social space to one predominant dimension which overshadows all other forms of social power that media technologies, discourses, and practices are part of. As a response to these problems—and in bringing together the arguments of the five articles included in the thematic issue—this editorial calls for sociologized approaches to media technologies, discourses, and practices.
GAD-7 and PHQ-9 measurement of perinatal anxiety and depression in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Yaounde, Cameroon
Authors: Essiben Felix , Um Esther Meka Ngo , Ojong Samuel , Gimnwi Felix , Olen Kamga , Nana Philip Njotang
Published: May 2018

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of perinatal anxiety and depression in women with hypertensive diseases during pregnancy in Yaounde.Methods: Authors carried out a cross-sectional descriptive study over nine months from October 2015 to May 2016, amongst pregnant women with hypertensive pregnancy disorders followed up in three tertiary care centers in Yaounde. Authors collected information from the medical files of selected patients by using a pre-tested and validated questionnaire in the perinatal period. We classified blood pressure values as per the JNC 7 recommendations. Anxiety and mental depression were evaluated for using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item and the Patient Health Questionnaires-9 respectively. Data analysis was done using CSPro version 6.2 and SPSS version 20.0 software.Results: Authors included 202 patients during the study period. The mean age stood at 25.9± 6.4years (extremes 13-43years). Amongst these, 47.5% were single while 97.5% (197/202) had received at least primary education. Students represented 45.5% (92/202) of women while 102 (50.5%) of them had some form of employment in the public, private or informal sectors. Severe preeclampsia was the most prevalent hypertensive disorder in these women, with 69 (34.2%) developing eclampsia. We found that 79% (161/202) of these patients suffered from anxiety, 67.3% (136/202) were depressive while 61.3% (124/202) had both anxiety and depression.Conclusions: The prevalence of perinatal anxiety and depression in women with hypertensive pregnancy disorders is high. Associated factors must be looked out in order to prevent these situations.
Patterns of lipids and estrogen in women visiting the fertility clinic of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Antwi Joseph Sarfo , Addo Kweku Bedu , Krokoe Frank Ankobea
Published: May 2018

Background: Infertility, which affects one in six couples, is a major clinical and social problem. Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) and sexually transmitted infections are but two of the several causes of infertility. The influence of lipid patterns and estrogen on infertility in the setting is however not fully explained. Therefore, the study sought to establish the Patterns of lipids and estrogen among infertile women visiting Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi.Methods: The design was both retrospective and introspective study. Sampling technique was convenience and random probability sampling using a list of women with fertility challenges who attended KATH for infertility treatment. Univariable associations were tested using chi-square and a logistic regression was performed to assess the influence of lipids and estrogen on infertility. Associations were considered significant at p values of <0.05.Results: BMI was significantly associated with fertility in this study. The percentage of respondents who were overweight and obese was significantly higher among the women who were non-fertile as compared to those who were in the control group ((81.4% vrs 18.6% and 84% vrs 16% respectively). An increase in LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol were associated with increased likelihood of infertility among the subjects (OR, 95% CI=4.34, 2.18-8.65) and (OR, 95% CI=1.86, 1.03-3.35) respectively. A unit increase in BMI of the women is associated with 13% increase in the odds of being infertile, (OR, 95% CI=1.13, 1.01-1.65).  A unit increase in estrogen level was also associated with 11% decrease in the odds of becoming infertile among the women studied (OR, 95% CI=0.89, 0.85-0.92).Conclusions: This study shows the influence of body mass index and high cholesterol levels on infertility. This finding will be useful in directing educational interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles to reduce lipid levels and improve fertility among women.
Using platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as a diagnostic marker in malignant ovarian tumors
Authors: Agameya Abdelfattah M. , Labib Kareem , Moiety Fady
Published: May 2018

Background: Ovarian malignancy, is the fifth global fatal disease for women, and the most common cause of death in Gynecological cancer. Objective was to evaluate any diagnostic role of Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in epithelial ovarian tumors.Methods: A prospective analysis, over 1 year; (October 2016 to October 2017). Setting: University hospital’s Gynaecological oncology centre. Subjects & Methodology: A total of 36 patients with epithelial ovarian tumors, not under any adjuvant therapy and negative for any other malignancy, or any blood diseases causing blood count changes. All subjects underwent preoperative assessment of CA125 and Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), followed by a staging laparotomy and the appropriate management according to the standard protocols. Postoperative histopathological confirmation of the disease type, stage and grade was done for all cases.Results: (77.8%) of the patients had early stage disease while (22.2%) had advanced stage. Neither mean platelet, lymphocytic counts, nor PLR express any significant difference between early and late stage disease. CA 125 levels, however changed significantly in advanced stages. PLR showed a statistically significant difference between the three stages of the disease (P=0.007).   There was a positive correlation between PLR and CA125 (r=0.184 and P=0.283).Conclusions: PLR rise significantly with tumor stages and correlates significantly with CA125. No significant change in PLR values with tumor type or grade. PLR might be a potential diagnostic / prognostic marker of ovarian epithelial cancer.
Comparison of two different techniques of uterine closure in caesarean section: Continuous single layer technique versus Babu and Magon technique
Authors: Vinayachandran S. , Sudhakar Vedhapriya
Published: May 2018

Background: To compare size of the caesarean scar and residual myometrial thickness (RMT) between continuous single non-interlocking and Babu and Magon technique for uterine closure following primary elective caesarean section (CS).Methods: An observational prospective cohort study was conducted at 6 weeks and 4 months postpartum following primary elective CS. Group A included 25 patients who underwent continuous single layer technique and Group B included 25 patients who underwent Babu and Magon technique for uterine closure. Baseline demographic profile, obstetric score, details of the CS and associated complications were studied. Two-dimensional Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) measurements of the length, width and depth of the caesarean scar and RMT were compared.Results: Mean age of study population was 29.6 years. Malpresentation (44%) was the most common indication for CS. Mean Bishops score at the time of CS was <4. The duration of surgery (-2.8 min, 37.96 ±5.660min) and estimated amount of blood loss (-51.6 ml, mean 671.20 ±136.208ml) was less in Group A compared to Group B (40.76 ±4.68min, 722.80±132.083ml respectively). The caesarean scar measurements were similar in both groups at both visits. The mean RMT in Group B at 6 weeks and 4 months postpartum (8.05mm±2.06 and 7.10mm±2.04 respectively) was statistically higher than Group A (6.23mm ± 1.76 and 5.36mm ± 1.70 respectively), p=0.002.Conclusions: We conclude that Babu and Magon technique for uterine closure in caesarean section could result in better healing of the scar and probably reduce the adverse outcomes in subsequent pregnancies.