bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Rivaroxaban Plasma Concentrations in the Perioperative Setting in Patients With or Without Heparin Bridging
Authors: Lessire Sarah , Douxfils Jonathan , Pochet Lionel , Dincq Anne-Sophie , Larock Anne-Sophie , Gourdin Maximilien , Dogné Jean-Michel , Chatelain Bernard , Mullier François
Published: November 2016

Introduction:

Estimation of residual rivaroxaban plasma concentrations may be requested before invasive procedures and some patients at high thromboembolic risk will have a bridging therapy with heparins when rivaroxaban is interrupted.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the performance of the STA-Liquid Anti-Xa assay (STA LAX) and the low and normal procedures of the Biophen Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors (DiXaI) assay, in patients with and without bridging with low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs).

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-nine blood samples were collected from 77 patients on rivaroxaban at CTROUGH or before an invasive procedure. Rivaroxaban plasma concentrations were estimated using Biophen DiXaI, Biophen DiXaI LOW, and STA LAX and compared to liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) measurements. Stratifications were performed according to heparin bridging.

Results:

The Biophen DiXaI LOW and STA LAX showed better correlation with LC-MS/MS measurements than Biophen DiXaI in patients not bridged with LMWH (R: 0.97, 0.96, and 0.91, respectively). However, the performance of Biophen DiXaI LOW and STA LAX decreased when residual LMWH activity was present (R: 0.18 and 0.19 respectively) demonstrating that these tests are not specific to rivaroxaban.

Conclusion:

In patients not bridged with LMWH, we suggest to use the Biophen DiXaI LOW and STA LAX for the estimation of rivaroxaban concentrations <50 ng/mL. These results should be confirmed on a larger cohort of patients. Patients bridged with LMWH have inaccurate estimates of low levels of rivaroxaban and the 3 assays studied should not be used to estimate if it is safe to perform a procedure.
Patients with multiple sclerosis demonstrate reduced subbasal corneal nerve fibre density
Authors: Mikolajczak Janine , Zimmermann Hanna , Kheirkhah Ahmad , Kadas Ella Maria , Oberwahrenbrock Timm , Muller Rodrigo , Ren Aiai , Kuchling Joseph , Dietze Holger , Prüss Harald , Paul Friedemann , Hamrah Pedram , Brandt Alexander U
Published: November 2016

Background:

Many studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) have investigated the retina. Little, however, is known about the effect of MS on the cornea, which is innervated by the trigeminal nerve. It is the site of neural-immune interaction with local dendritic cells reacting in response to environmental stimuli.

Objective:

This study aims to investigate the effect of MS on corneal nerve fibres and dendritic cells in the subbasal nerve plexus using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).

Methods:

We measured the corneal nerve fibre and dendritic cell density in 26 MS patients and matched healthy controls using a Heidelberg Retina Tomograph with cornea module. Disease severity was assessed with the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite, Expanded Disability Status Scale, visual acuity and retinal optical coherence tomography.

Results:

We observed significant reduction in total corneal nerve fibre density in MS patients compared to controls. Dendritic cell density was similar in both groups. Reduced total nerve fibre density was associated with worse clinical severity but not with previous clinical trigeminal symptoms, retinal neuro-axonal damage, visual acuity or disease duration.

Conclusion:

Corneal nerve fibre density is a promising new imaging marker for the assessment of disease severity in MS and should be investigated further.
The new frontier in health services research: a behavioural paradigm guided by genetics
Authors: Fluegge Kyle
Published: November 2016

The incorporation of genetics into health services research has largely floundered, despite the rapidly accelerating availability of, and access to, such data. This is expected given the ethical questions involved. However, using these new resources robustly to examine population choices when it comes to health insurer selection, coverage therein and especially the subsequent use of health services is a necessary step forward, especially given the increasing prevalence of multimorbidity. Such a novel advancement in health services research may eventually propel public and private insurers to redesign their infrastructure to more accurately reflect the behavioural inclinations of their beneficiary populations. Using this resource will likely provide equally important insight for countries with extensive mixed insurer systems (like the United States) or nations with a greater emphasis on single-payer systems (such as various European models).
Know me – A new person-centered approach for dementia-friendly emergency department care
Authors: Parke Belinda , Hunter Kathleen F , Schulz Mary E , Jouanne Lillia
Published: November 2016

A visit to an emergency department can be a disorientating experience for someone with dementia. Empowered caregivers can mitigate harm stemming from communication issues to support a successful emergency department visit. A qualitative study determined the feasibility of the structure, format, and content of eight hospital-readiness communication tools. Data collection involved English and French-language caregiver focus groups in two Canadian provinces. Study findings have the potential to (a) improve safety in emergency care to older people with dementia and their caregivers, and (b) offer cost-effective communication tools for web-based knowledge translation activity in acute care.
Mesopic increment detection sensitivity, Part 2: Modelling mesopic detection sensitivity
Authors: Englisch D , Bodrogi P , Schiller C , Khanh TQ
Published: November 2016

This paper deals with the modelling of the mesopic detection sensitivity data described in Part 1. The modelling is based on a linear combination of the spectral sensitivity templates of four retinal mechanisms (long + medium wavelength sensitive cones, rods, short wavelength sensitive cones and long - medium wavelength sensitive cones opponency) to describe the experimental data on mesopic detection sensitivity and to provide a practically usable model. Model parameters representing the weighting of these mechanisms are analysed as a function of target eccentricity and background luminance.
Baseline characteristics of the 3096 patients recruited into the ‘Triple Antiplatelets for Reducing Dependency after Ischemic Stroke’ trial
Authors: Bath Philip MW , Appleton Jason P , Beridze Maia , Christensen Hanne , Dineen Robert A , Duley Lelia , England Timothy J , Heptinstall Stan , James Marilyn , Krishnan Kailash , Markus Hugh S , Pocock Stuart , Ranta Annemarei , Robinson Thompson G , Flaherty Katie , Scutt Polly , Venables Graham S , Woodhouse Lisa J , Sprigg Nikola
Published: November 2016

Background

The risk of recurrence following ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack is highest immediately after the event. Antiplatelet agents are effective in reducing the risk of recurrence and two agents are superior to one in the early phase after ictus.

Design

The triple antiplatelets for reducing dependency after ischemic stroke trial was an international multicenter prospective randomized open-label blinded-endpoint trial that assessed the safety and efficacy of short-term intensive antiplatelet therapy with three agents (combined aspirin, clopidogrel and dipyridamole) as compared with guideline treatment in acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. The primary outcome was stroke recurrence and its severity, measured using the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included recurrent vascular events, functional measures (cognition, disability, mood, quality of life), and safety (bleeding, death, serious adverse events). Data are number (%) or mean (standard deviation, SD).

Results

Recruitment ran from April 2009 to March 2016; 3096 patients were recruited from 106 sites in four countries (Denmark 1.6%, Georgia 2.7%, New Zealand 0.2%, UK 95.4%). Randomization characteristics included: age 69.0 (10.1) years; male 1945 (62.8%); time onset to randomization 29.4 (11.9) h; stroke severity (National Institutes for Health Stroke Scale) 2.8 (3.6); blood pressure 143.5 (18.2)/79.5 (11.4) mmHg; IS 2143 (69.2%), transient ischemic attack 953 (30.8%).

Conclusion

Triple antiplatelets for reducing dependency after ischemic stroke was a large trial of intensive/triple antiplatelet therapy in acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack, and included participants from four predominantly Caucasian countries who were representative of patients in many western stroke services.
Religion, counterprivates, and disabilites
Authors: Shoemaker Terry , Griffin Alexandria
Published: November 2016

This article contributes to the emerging intersectional analyses of religious studies and disability studies by conceptualizing counterprivates specific to religious spaces. To accomplish this task, we investigate the ways in which persons with disabilities, both physical and cognitive, engender counterprivate spaces within Evangelical and Mormon churches. Specifically, we posit that those with disabilities constitute a counterprivate within (a) evangelical communities through theological incongruence and (b) within Mormon spaces through the ways in which counterprivates inform counterpublics. Throughout this paper, we elucidate Mormon and Evangelical spaces as a means of investigating the heterogeneity of private, religious spaces often unrecognized by scholarship.
Impact of Cognitive Loading on Postural Control in Parkinson’s Disease With Freezing of Gait
Authors: Buated Wannipat , Lolekha Praween , Hidaka Shohei , Fujinami Tsutomu
Published: November 2016

Objective:To assess standing balance in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with and without freezing of gait (FOG) during cognitive loading. Method:A balance assessment with cognitive loading, reading (RE) and counting backward (CB), was performed by the Nintendo Wii Fit in 60 PD patients (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3) at Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand. The participants were grouped into FOG and non-FOG according to the Freezing of Gait–Questionnaire (FOG-Q) scores. The center of pressure (CoP) in terms of path length (PL), sway area (SA), root mean square (RMS), medio-lateral (ML), and antero-posterior (AP) were analyzed. Results:Significant increases of PL were observed in both groups of PD patients during cognitive loading ( p < .001). Meanwhile, the increased differences of PL during cognitive loading in PD-FOG were larger than in PD-non-FOG. The ML displacement during counting backward was significantly increased in PD-FOG ( p = .012). Conclusion:Cognitive loading influenced standing balance and postural sway of PD patients. The effects were more prominent in PD-FOG. These findings represent the interactions between cognitive function, postural control, and FOG in PD.
On-the-Job Pain and Injury as Related to Adaptive Ergonomic Equipment in the Sonographer’s Workplace and Area
Authors: Bagley Jennifer E. , Barnett Jade , Baldwin Jonathan , DiGiacinto Dora , Anderson Michael P.
Published: November 2016

The proportion of sonographers who scan in pain is increasing, in spite of recommendations and guidelines for proper body mechanics and for the use of ergonomic equipment in the workplace. No study has examined in detail the type of equipment that is available to sonographers in the workplace and whether sonographers who have access to ergonomic equipment are scanning in pain. This study evaluated the proportions of sonographers who had access to various types of ergonomic equipment and compared the results with the prevalence of scanning-related pain. Most sonographers had access to ergonomic features manufactured into ultrasound machines but had less access to equipment provided by employers, such as scanning chairs and cable braces. Sonographers who had access to machines that had swiveling keyboards reported less pain and injury than those who did not.
High-level ROR1 associates with accelerated disease progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Cui Bing , Ghia Emanuela M. , Chen Liguang , Rassenti Laura Z. , DeBoever Christopher , Widhopf George F. , Yu Jian , Neuberg Donna S. , Wierda William G. , Rai Kanti R. , Kay Neil E. , Brown Jennifer R. , Jones Jeffrey A. , Gribben John G. , Frazer Kelly A. , Kipps Thomas J.
Published: November 2016

Key Points

The expression level of ROR1 on CLL cells varies between patients. High-level CLL-cell expression of ROR1 associates with more aggressive disease.
WUFlux: an open-source platform for 13C metabolic flux analysis of bacterial metabolism
Authors: He Lian , Wu Stephen G. , Zhang Muhan , Chen Yixin , Tang Yinjie J.
Published: November 2016

Background

Flux analyses, including flux balance analysis (FBA) and 13C-metabolic flux analysis (13C-MFA), offer direct insights into cell metabolism, and have been widely used to characterize model and non-model microbial species. Nonetheless, constructing the 13C-MFA model and performing flux calculation are demanding for new learners, because they require knowledge of metabolic networks, carbon transitions, and computer programming. To facilitate and standardize the 13C-MFA modeling work, we set out to publish a user-friendly and programming-free platform (WUFlux) for flux calculations in MATLAB®.

Results

We constructed an open-source platform for steady-state 13C-MFA. Using GUIDE (graphical user interface design environment) in MATLAB, we built a user interface that allows users to modify models based on their own experimental conditions. WUFlux is capable of directly correcting mass spectrum data of TBDMS (N-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide)-derivatized proteinogenic amino acids by removing background noise. To simplify 13C-MFA of different prokaryotic species, the software provides several metabolic network templates, including those for chemoheterotrophic bacteria and mixotrophic cyanobacteria. Users can modify the network and constraints, and then analyze the microbial carbon and energy metabolisms of various carbon substrates (e.g., glucose, pyruvate/lactate, acetate, xylose, and glycerol). WUFlux also offers several ways of visualizing the flux results with respect to the constructed network. To validate our model’s applicability, we have compared and discussed the flux results obtained from WUFlux and other MFA software. We have also illustrated how model constraints of cofactor and ATP balances influence fluxome results.

Conclusion

Open-source software for 13C-MFA, WUFlux, with a user-friendly interface and easy-to-modify templates, is now available at http://www.13cmfa.org/or (http://tang.eece.wustl.edu/ToolDevelopment.htm). We will continue documenting curated models of non-model microbial species and improving WUFlux performance.
Piezo-tolerant natural gas-producing microbes under accumulating pCO2
Authors: Lindeboom Ralph E. F. , Shin Seung Gu , Weijma Jan , van Lier Jules B. , Plugge Caroline M.
Published: November 2016

Background

It is known that a part of natural gas is produced by biogenic degradation of organic matter, but the microbial pathways resulting in the formation of pressurized gas fields remain unknown. Autogeneration of biogas pressure of up to 20 bar has been shown to improve the quality of biogas to the level of biogenic natural gas as the fraction of CO2 decreased. Still, the pCO2 is higher compared to atmospheric digestion and this may affect the process in several ways. In this work, we investigated the effect of elevated pCO2 of up to 0.5 MPa on Gibbs free energy, microbial community composition and substrate utilization kinetics in autogenerative high-pressure digestion.

Results

In this study, biogas pressure (up to 2.0 MPa) was batch-wise autogenerated for 268 days at 303 K in an 8-L bioreactor, resulting in a population dominated by archaeal Methanosaeta concilii, Methanobacterium formicicum and Mtb. beijingense and bacterial Kosmotoga-like (31% of total bacterial species), Propioniferax-like (25%) and Treponema-like (12%) species. Related microorganisms have also been detected in gas, oil and abandoned coal-bed reservoirs, where elevated pressure prevails. After 107 days autogeneration of biogas pressure up to 0.50 MPa of pCO2, propionate accumulated whilst CH4 formation declined. Alongside the Propioniferax-like organism, a putative propionate producer, increased in relative abundance in the period of propionate accumulation. Complementary experiments showed that specific propionate conversion rates decreased linearly from 30.3 mg g−1 VSadded day−1 by more than 90% to 2.2 mg g−1 VSadded day−1 after elevating pCO2 from 0.10 to 0.50 MPa. Neither thermodynamic limitations, especially due to elevated pH2, nor pH inhibition could sufficiently explain this phenomenon. The reduced propionate conversion could therefore be attributed to reversible CO2-toxicity.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest a generic role of the detected bacterial and archaeal species in biogenic methane formation at elevated pressure. The propionate conversion rate and subsequent methane production rate were inhibited by up to 90% by the accumulating pCO2 up to 0.5 MPa in the pressure reactor, which opens opportunities for steering carboxylate production using reversible CO2-toxicity in mixed-culture microbial electrosynthesis and fermentation.
Decision aid prototype development for parents considering adenotonsillectomy for their children with sleep disordered breathing
Authors: Maguire Erin , Hong Paul , Ritchie Krista , Meier Jeremy , Archibald Karen , Chorney Jill
Published: November 2016

Background

To describe the process involved in developing a decision aid prototype for parents considering adenotonsillectomy for their children with sleep disordered breathing.

Methods

A paper-based decision aid prototype was developed using the framework proposed by the International Patient Decision Aids Standards Collaborative. The decision aid focused on two main treatment options: watchful waiting and adenotonsillectomy. Usability was assessed with parents of pediatric patients and providers with qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews, which included open-ended user feedback.

Results

A steering committee composed of key stakeholders was assembled. A needs assessment was then performed, which confirmed the need for a decision support tool. A decision aid prototype was developed and modified based on semi-structured qualitative interviews and a scoping literature review. The prototype provided information on the condition, risk and benefits of treatments, and values clarification. The prototype underwent three cycles of accessibility, feasibility, and comprehensibility testing, incorporating feedback from all stakeholders to develop the final decision aid prototype.

Conclusion

A standardized, iterative methodology was used to develop a decision aid prototype for parents considering adenotonsillectomy for their children with sleep disordered breathing. The decision aid prototype appeared feasible, acceptable and comprehensible, and may serve as an effective means of improving shared decision-making.
Sponsorship bias in the comparative efficacy of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for adult depression: Meta-analysis
Authors: Cristea Ioana A. , Gentili Claudio , Pietrini Pietro , Cuijpers Pim
Published: November 2016

Background

Sponsorship bias has never been investigated for non-pharmacological treatments like psychotherapy.

Aims

We examined industry funding and author financial conflict of interest (COI) in randomised controlled trials directly comparing psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in depression.

Method

We conducted a meta-analysis with subgroup comparisons for industry v. non-industry-funded trials, and respectively for trial reports with author financial COI v. those without.

Results

In total, 45 studies were included. In most analyses, pharmacotherapy consistently showed significant effectiveness over psychotherapy,g= −0.11 (95% CI −0.21 to −0.02) in industry-funded trials. Differences between industry and non-industry-funded trials were significant, a result only partly confirmed in sensitivity analyses. We identified five instances where authors of the original article had not reported financial COI.

Conclusions

Industry-funded trials for depression appear to subtly favour pharmacotherapy over psychotherapy. Disclosure of all financial ties with the pharmaceutical industry should be encouraged.
Intraoperative Clinical Decision Support for Anesthesia: A Narrative Review of Available Systems
Authors: Nair Bala G. , Gabel Eilon , Hofer Ira , Schwid Howard A. , Cannesson Maxime
Published: November 2016

With increasing adoption of anesthesia information management systems (AIMS), there is growing interest in utilizing AIMS data for intraoperative clinical decision support (CDS). CDS for anesthesia has the potential for improving quality of care, patient safety, billing, and compliance. Intraoperative CDS can range from passive and post hoc systems to active real-time systems that can detect ongoing clinical issues and deviations from best practice care. Real-time CDS holds the most promise because real-time alerts and guidance can drive provider behavior toward evidence-based standardized care during the ongoing case. In this review, we describe the different types of intraoperative CDS systems with specific emphasis on real-time systems. The technical considerations in developing and implementing real-time CDS are systematically covered. This includes the functional modules of a CDS system, development and execution of decision rules, and modalities to alert anesthesia providers concerning clinical issues. We also describe the regulatory aspects that affect development, implementation, and use of intraoperative CDS. Methods and measures to assess the effectiveness of intraoperative CDS are discussed. Last, we outline areas of future development of intraoperative CDS, particularly the possibility of providing predictive and prescriptive decision support.
Barnacle biology before, during and after settlement and metamorphosis: a study of the interface
Authors: Essock-Burns Tara , Gohad Neeraj V. , Orihuela Beatriz , Mount Andrew S. , Spillmann Christopher M. , Wahl Kathryn J. , Rittschof Daniel
Published: November 2016

Mobile barnacle cypris larvae settle and metamorphose, transitioning to sessile juveniles with morphology and growth similar to adults. Because biofilms exist on immersed surfaces on which they attach, barnacles must interact with bacteria during initial attachment and subsequent growth. The objective of this study was to characterize the developing interface of the barnacle and substratum during this key developmental transition to inform potential mechanisms that promote attachment. The interface was characterized using confocal microscopy and fluorescent dyes to identify morphological and chemical changes in the interface and the status of bacteria present as a function of barnacle developmental stage. Staining revealed patchy material containing proteins and nucleic acids, reactive oxygen species amidst developing cuticle, and changes in bacteria viability at the developing interface. We found that as barnacles metamorphose from the cyprid to juvenile stage, proteinaceous materials with the appearance of coagulated liquid were released into and remained at the interface. The patchy material was associated with cuticle expansion and separation during later stages of metamorphosis, and spanned the entire vertical interface in the gap between the juvenile base and the substratum. It stained positive for proteins, including phosphoprotein, as well as nucleic acids. Regions of the developing cuticle and the patchy material itself stained for reactive oxygen species. Bacteria were absent until the cyprid was firmly attached, but populations died as barnacle development progressed. The oxidative environment may contribute to the cytotoxicity observed for bacteria and has potential for oxidative crosslinking of cuticle and proteinaceous materials at the interface.
The Nationalization of Legislative Collaboration: Territory, Partisanship, and Policymaking in Argentina
Authors: Calvo Ernesto , Leiras Marcelo
Published: November 2016

This paper analyzes the nationalization of collaborative policy efforts among lawmakers in Argentina. In doing so, we distinguish the nationalization of electoral competition and the nationalization of a legislator’s policy intent. To measure the nationalization of legislative efforts, we assess the degree to which legislators collaborate with members of their party and members of their district in the drafting of legislative initiatives. We interpret the density of cosponsorship networks as indicative of legislative collaboration among legislators and estimate exponential random graph models (ERGM) to explain the partisan and territorial determinants of collaboration over a 25-year period. A study of 130,000 legislative initiatives proposed to the Argentine Congress from 1984 to 2007 shows district and partisan effects becoming more prominent over time. We also show that district and partisan effects are more pronounced at higher thresholds of cosponsorship collaboration.
Factors influencing engagement in postnatal weight management and weight and wellbeing outcomes
Authors: Avery Amanda , Hillier Sarah , Pallister Carolyn , Barber Jenny , Lavin Jacquie
Published: November 2016

Background:

Many women exceed gestational weight gain recommendations. Successful postnatal weight management decreases the risk of entering further pregnancies obese.

Aims:

This service evaluation investigates women's motivations to lose weight postnatally, the weight loss achieved and the impact on the women's self-esteem.

Methods:

An online survey was used, with quantitative questions to determine motivation and lifestyle behaviours related to postnatal weight management in women attending a commercial weight management organisation. Weekly weights were confirmed from digitally recorded data.

Findings:

A total of 1015 women responded. Mean body mass index at joining was 33.3 kg/m2 ± 5.85 and, when surveyed, 30.5 kg/m2 ± 5.86, a change of –2.8 ± 0.1 kg/m² (P < 0.01; 95% CI 2.76–3.11). 463 women (45.6%) joined the groups between 6–26 weeks postnatal. The main motivators to lose weight were to ‘improve how I feel about my body size and shape’ (85.2%) and ‘improve self-confidence’ (76.6%); however, only ‘to improve my health’ (65.6%) correlated with actual weight loss (0.114, P < 0.01). Health professionals' recommendation was less of a reason (6.5%). Improvements in self-confidence (77.6%), self-esteem (78.6%), wellbeing (85.2%) and body size/shape (70.0%) were reported.

Conclusions:

Women chose to engage in the weight management service to improve their self-confidence, feelings about their body shape, and health. There is an opportunity for health professionals to encourage women early after giving birth to engage in weight loss, which may improve outcomes.
Suspected tracheal tear during anaesthesia of a cat
Authors: Wilson Keely A T , Drynan Eleanor A , Raisis Anthea L , Haitjema Griet , Hosgood Giselle L
Published: November 2016

This case report describes the occurrence of a rapidly-developing pneumoretroperitoneum during coeliotomy in an anaesthetised cat. This was the first indication of a problem, however inadvertent endobronchial intubation initially, and accidental extubation, had occurred in the period immediately prior to surgery. The presence of the pneumoretroperitoneum alerted the clinicians to the likelihood of airway trauma, and mechanical ventilation was discontinued immediately. After completion of the coeliotomy, surgical exploration of the cervical trachea failed to detect an obvious tracheal tear. Subsequent chest radiographs confirmed the presence of pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, mild pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema in the cervical region. No further diagnostics were performed, thus the site of the tear could not be definitively diagnosed but was suspected to be distal to the thoracic inlet. The cat recovered uneventfully and was discharged three days later after conservative management. This report highlights the ability to rapidly recognise acute airway trauma by the presence of pneumoretroperitoneum, prompting immediate cessation of positive-pressure ventilation which, if continued, could have exacerbated the pneumothorax in this case.
A systematic review of postoperative cognitive decline following open and endovascular aortic aneurysm surgery
Authors: Benson RA , Ozdemir BA , Matthews D , Loftus IM
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is a well-recognised neurological phenomenon following major surgery. Most commonly seen in elderly patients, it has direct links to increased long-term morbidity and reduced quality of life. Its incidence following open and endovascular abdominal and thoracic aneurysm surgery is unclear. The purpose of this systematic review is to collate available evidence for POCD following abdominal and thoracic aortic surgery, and to identify continuing controversies directing future research.

METHODS

A MEDLINE search was conducted following the recommendations of the PRISMA guidelines. Terms searched for included but were not limited to: aortic surgery, delirium, postoperative cognitive decline/dysfunction thoracic aortic surgery, abdominal aortic surgery. Reference lists were searched for additional studies.

RESULTS

Five observational studies were identified from the literature search. Variation in study methods, cognitive test batteries and thresholds set by the study coordinators did not allow for pooled results. In those studies that did find evidence of decline, risk was linked to age over 65 years, presence of postoperative delirium and decreased years in education.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence thus far suggests that POCD can affect patients following major aortic, non-cardiothoracic as well as cardiothoracic surgery. Future research should focus on using a validated repeatable battery of cognitive tests and a single defined threshold for POCD to allow pooled analysis and more robust conclusions. Larger, adequately powered studies are required to re-evaluate the effect of aortic aneurysm surgery on postoperative cognitive function.
Pan-Arabism: A Tool of Ruling Elites or a Politically-Relevant Ideology?
Authors: Faheem Sheikh
Published: November 2016

Pan-Arabism has not succeeded as an ideology so far, but it is not to say that all of its variants have failed altogether. The ideological clarity desired by such a vision is simply not present, for, even amongst its founders, there is a clash and a severe variance over who does and can refer to themselves as an Arab. Strong political Will has also been lacking. An effective sense of brotherhood can actually be forged only when there is continued stability in the Arab world. Under the current conditions Pan-Arabism will continue to shimmy along like a fire on a torch since neither Zionist occupation nor American subservience is about to die out soon.
Interpreting Cardiac Biomarkers in the Setting of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: deFilippi Christopher R , Herzog Charles A
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, particularly in those of advanced age. Because patients with CKD frequently have cardiac comorbidities and acute or chronic symptoms that may represent heart failure or an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), testing for concentrations of cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides is frequent. Interpretation of these biomarkers can be challenging when differentiating acute from chronic processes, potentially resulting in missed opportunities to direct appropriate treatment.

CONTENT

This review is designed to provide clinicians and laboratorians a platform to understand cardiac specific biomarker interpretation in patients with CKD by summarizing the extensive literature base that has developed specific to this population. First we review the epidemiology and unique contributions of CKD to cardiac pathophysiology. Next we consider the interpretation of cardiac troponin tests for the diagnosis AMI and the prognostic significance of chronic increases across the spectrum of CKD including those requiring renal replacement therapy. Last, we consider the caveats of interpreting natriuretic peptide results for the diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure in addition to the short- and long-term prognostic implications of increased natriuretic peptide concentrations and CKD in a patient with heart failure.

CKD is common and associated with acceleration of cardiovascular disease. Cardiac biomarker concentrations are often increased even in an absence of symptoms; typically reflecting the extent of underlying cardiovascular disease rather than impairment of renal clearance. Thoughtful interpretation of cardiac biomarkers in those with CKD can continue to provide important diagnostic and prognostic information.
Mapping media accountability in stateless nations: The case of Catalonia
Authors: Almiron Núria , Narberhaus Marta , Mauri Marcel
Published: November 2016

This article draws on the results of a research project on media accountability instruments in Catalonia. We map out media accountability in Catalonia focusing on institutional self-regulation instruments and outline their history compared to that of equivalent instruments in the rest of Spain and Europe. We discuss how the situation in Catalonia differs significantly from that of Spain in the context of Hallin and Mancini’s media systems models. We argue that including the cultural domain in an analysis of media accountability provides a more accurate understanding of the media system in stateless nations. We conclude that the culture of journalistic accountability in Catalonia is more closely aligned with the Corporatist or Liberal model than with the Mediterranean one and thus that the economic and political spheres alone do not provide a true picture of national realities when assessing media accountability.
Negotiating national unity and diversity in public broadcasting: A comparative study on South Africa and Flanders
Authors: Marx Knoetze Hannelie , Dhoest Alexander
Published: November 2016

In the context of globalization, national unity or identity are problematic and even contested concepts. The inherent diversity of most nations, furthermore, complicates the notion of a national unity or identity. Within this struggle to define the nation, mass media are generally regarded as playing an important role in ideas around nationhood. This article explores contemporary struggles to define ‘the nation’ as unified by comparing the diverse realities of South Africa and Flanders (Dutchlanguage northern Belgium) with specific focus on Public Service Broadcasting (PSB). Thus, by systematically exploring how diversity is dealt with in two separate national contexts, focusing in particular on PSB, we aim to come to a better understanding of how generic concepts like the nation, unity and diversity function in unique and specific contexts.
Media and the construction of memory: The case of the Arboleda massacre in Colombia
Authors: Angel Adriana
Published: November 2016

On 29 July 2000, the ninth and 47th fronts of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) stormed the town of Arboleda (Colombia) and bombarded its population. In this massacre, seventeen people died and the town was nearly completely destroyed. Media across the country reported this massacre, and people repudiated the event. This viewpoint article reflects on this particular episode of violence to analyse the role of media in the formation of collective memory. The reflections in this case study will show how media, in the context of conflict, may contribute to the victims’ doing of memory by telling stories about that conflict. However, by focusing on the storytelling aspects of conflict, media may also contribute to constructing a depolitized memory.
The puzzle of the ethical fashion consumer: Implications for the future of the fashion system
Authors: Crane Diana
Published: November 2016

Ethical fashion consumers who assess the environmental and social aspects of products before purchasing them are relatively rare because fashion consumption is a complex activity and tends to occur under conditions that tend to discourage ethical considerations. Standard criteria for evaluating ecologically sound or safe products or services are lacking. The ethical fashion market is a niche market, constituting about 1 per cent of the global fashion industry. Two-thirds of ethical fashion producers are located in the United Kingdom and the United States. Consumers tend to be poorly informed about ethical aspects of products and services. Fashion companies are moving towards responsible production but consumers are less likely to engage in responsible consumption due to higher prices, lack of readily available ethical goods and misleading information about products. Ethical hardliners, strongly committed to eco-fashion, are a minority.
Solar fashion: An embodied approach to wearable technology
Authors: Smelik Anneke , Toussaint Lianne , Van Dongen Pauline
Published: November 2016

Using Pauline van Dongen’s ‘Wearable Solar’ project as a case study, the authors argue that materiality and embodiment should be taken into account both in the design of and the theoretical reflection on wearable technology. Bringing together a fashion designer and scholars from cultural studies, this interdisciplinary research aims at advancing the design and academic study of wearable technology. The interdisciplinary framework involves a mixed-method approach: a combination of research through design; interviews with wearers during fittings; and theoretical reflection. A theoretical and methodological focus on materiality allows for a sustained analysis of embodiment and embodied experience, while it also enables attention to the materiality of the textile and the technology involved. This ‘embodied approach’ is situated in ‘new materialism’ and more specifically in a of reappraisal Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology. Through the exploration of ‘embodied design’, the lived experience of the wearer is incorporated into design practice, research methods and theoretical analysis. The relevance of wearable technology for potential future users can only be advanced when new meanings and values are created through interaction with the design. Working through a phenomenologically driven research through design, solar technology is better integrated into fashion so as to make ‘solar fashion’ more wearable in the near future.
The condition of Portuguese democracy during the Troika’s intervention, 2011–15
Authors: Freire André
Published: November 2016

Four main elements characterized Portuguese democracy during the financial bailout by the Troika: first, a government that governed well beyond its 2011 electoral mandate; second, an enormous imbalance in the sacrifices required of citizens (wage earners and retired) and capital; third, powerful delegitimization as a consequence of poor economic and public finance results; fourth, the last of the problems behind Portuguese dissatisfaction with how democracy functioned was, until the 2015 elections, the opposition’s inability to propose alternatives, primarily because the Partido Socialista (PS – Socialist Party) was a weak opposition to the government and until recently the left-wing parties seemed unable to cooperate to create a governmental alternative. What we show here with updated data (2012 and 2014) and specific measures to tap the phenomena is that there are specific elements to the erosion of democratic support and institutional trust as a result of the Troika years and the way austerity policies were imposed by the right-wing government (2011–15), as well as due to the pattern of opposition until the elections of 4 October 2015. The 2015 general election brought about major changes. The resulting minority Socialist Party PS government, supported in parliament by the parties of the radical left – Bloco de Esquerda (BE – Left Bloc), Partido Comunista Português (PCP – Portuguese Communist Party) and Partido Ecologista ‘Os Verdes’ (PEV – Ecology Party ‘The Greens’) – marks a major change with left-wing parties cooperating for the first time in the government of Portugal.
Home ownership in Southern European countries: Similarities and differences
Authors: Azevedo Alda Botelho , López-Colás Julián , Módenes Juan A.
Published: November 2016

Southern European countries (SEC) are often considered as a homogenous group, distinct from the rest of Europe, in the literature of housing studies. This article explores the idea that despite sharing cohesion factors, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain also displayed a significant degree of heterogeneity in their housing patterns at the outset of the current economic crisis. The study analyses 2005 and 2009 micro-data from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions at two levels. At the macro level, a cluster analysis was used to define four homogeneous groups in the European context. At the micro level, both homogeneous and heterogeneous features of home ownership in the SEC were identified using logistic modelling. The results of the macro analysis highlight the structural proximity between the southern and the post-socialist countries in terms of housing characteristics. With regard to predictors of home ownership, the micro analysis confirms that SEC form a distinctive group when compared with the European Union at large, while displaying significant internal heterogeneity in predictors such as age, citizenship, dwelling type and social environment.
Breathing within the history (1900–2016): The ever-evolving ‘making’ in the art studio at Teachers College
Authors: Koo Sohee
Published: November 2016

Purposes for studio art and manual training courses taught in the early 1900s have been widely debated. Many scholars, such as Bonser and Efland, have discussed the importance of industrial arts from a social and cultural context, which has an interesting parallel to the contemporary maker movement and the use of digital fabrication in education. In recent times, the fast-growing significance of technology in the classroom has been debated broadly. Resnick (2006) and Blikstein (2013), for example, argue that ‘making’ by using digital fabrication could be a vehicle for inspiring innovative ideas and literacies. Yet we know very little about how studio art courses have evolved over time. Clay modelling, weaving and woodworking classes existed during the early 1900s under the direction of Arthur Wesley Dow’s (1857–1922) chairmanship in the Fine Arts Department at Teachers College. Using Dow’s time at Teachers College as a starting point for consideration, how did studio art classes at this institution shift over time? Moreover, what is the focus of studio art classes at Teachers College when considering the current emphasis directed towards technology integration? This article examines studio art and art education influenced by Dow’s philosophy of manual arts training during the 1900s in order to better understand and synthesize today’s notion of ‘making’ in contemporary fabrication studios and studio art courses. Using a historical research methodology, Dow’s philosophy of art education and studio courses are analysed by examining primary sources such as Dow’s lecture notes. Such exploration may suggest innovative ideas and directions for integrating new technologies in today’s studio art courses within the field of art education.
Valsecitos criollos en el folclore urbano cordobés entre 1970 y 1980
Authors: Argüello Silvina G.
Published: November 2016

En este trabajo estudio la historia local de un género musical –el vals criollo– que tuvo una amplia circulación en la ciudad de Córdoba du-rante la primera mitad del siglo XX. En las dé-cadas de 1960 y 1970, fue incorporado al re-pertorio de intérpretes cordobeses de folclore que lograron difundir masivamente algunas de sus canciones. Entre ellas se destacan los val-ses criollos cuyas letras se refieren, frecuen-temente, a personajes y lugares de la capital cordobesa. En la primera parte de la investiga-ción, parto de la hipótesis de que estos músi-cos (compositores e intérpretes) lograron una posición privilegiada en el campo del folclore y fueron difundidos masivamente en gran parte porque emplearon las estrategias de legitima-ción que constituyeron y consolidaron el para-digma clásico del folclore que describe Clau-dio Díaz en  Variaciones sobre el ser nacional(2009). La segunda parte de la investigación está destinada a la caracterización de música y letra de los valsecitos cordobeses más repre-sentativos y difundidos de la ciudad.
Legitimación e identidad sociocultural en el campo de las músicas populares cuyanas de base tradicional
Authors: Sánchez Octavio
Published: November 2016

Me propongo, en principio, reflexionar acerca  de los procesos de legitimación que en gene- ral emergen en la sociedad contemporánea,  para luego referirme en particular al campo  de las músicas populares cuyanas de base  tradicional, poniendo en juego las herramien- tas teóricas provenientes de la sociología de  Berger y Luckmann (1968). Precisaré algunos  conceptos que pondré en funcionamiento a  modo de herramientas analíticas: adscripción  de roles, procesos de institucionalización y me- canismos de legitimación. Mi intención es di- lucidar algunos interrogantes acerca de qué es  significativo para los músicos cuyanos en sus  carreras, cuándo sienten que están jugando en  el campo, cuáles son las acciones o eventos  que juzgan valiosas e ineludibles para sentirse  parte del conjunto de cultores, en definitiva, a  través de qué factores se sienten legitimados.  Hacia el final del artículo recorreré algunos ejes  que atraviesan el corpus, son: «conciencia de  la profundidad histórica», «militancia de los  cultores», «trascendentalidad» y «autorreferen- cialidad». Esta trama de conceptos que cruzan  las músicas estudiadas sostiene, entre otros  elementos, la construcción de la identidad so- ciocultural cuyana, objeto complejo que es el  que quiero investigar en última instancia.
Buildings Lean Maintenance Implementation
Model
Authors: Abreu Antonio , Calado João , Requeijo José
Published: November 2016

Nowadays, companies in global markets have to
achieve high levels of performance and competitiveness to
stay “alive”.Within this assumption, the building maintenance
cannot be done in a casual and improvised way due
to the costs related.
Starting with some discussion about lean management
and building maintenance, this paper introduces a model
to support the Lean Building Maintenance (LBM) approach.
Finally based on a real case study from a Portuguese
company, the benefits, challenges and difficulties
are presented and discussed.
Uniqueness of meromorphic functions sharing a value or small function
Authors: Van Thin Nguyen , Phuong Ha Tran
Published: November 2016

The paper concerns interesting problems related to the field of Complex Analysis, in particular Nevanlinna theory of meromorphic functions. The author have studied certain uniqueness problem on differential polynomials of meromorphic functions sharing a value or small function. The results of this paper are generalizations of some problems studied in [BOUSSAF, K.—ESCASSUT, A.—OJEDA, J.: Complex meromorphic functions
f′P′(f), g′P′(g)
sharing a small function, Indag. Math. (N.S.) 24 (2013), 15–41] and in [DYAVANAL, R. S.: Uniqueness and value-sharing of differential polynomials of meromorphic functions, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 374 (2011), 335–345].