bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defective functional connectivity between posterior hypothalamus and regions of the diencephalic-mesencephalic junction in chronic cluster headache
Authors: Ferraro Stefania , Nigri Anna , Bruzzone Maria Grazia , Brivio Luca , Proietti Cecchini Alberto , Verri Mattia , Chiapparini Luisa , Leone Massimo
Published: March 2018

Objective

We tested the hypothesis of a defective functional connectivity between the posterior hypothalamus and diencephalic-mesencephalic regions in chronic cluster headache based on: a) clinical and neuro-endocrinological findings in cluster headache patients; b) neuroimaging findings during cluster headache attacks; c) neuroimaging findings in drug-refractory chronic cluster headache patients improved after successful deep brain stimulation.

Methods

Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging, associated with a seed-based approach, was employed to investigate the functional connectivity of the posterior hypothalamus in chronic cluster headache patients (n = 17) compared to age and sex-matched healthy subjects (n = 16). Random-effect analyses were performed to study differences between patients and controls in ipsilateral and contralateral-to-the-pain posterior hypothalamus functional connectivity.

Results

Cluster headache patients showed an increased functional connectivity between the ipsilateral posterior hypothalamus and a number of diencephalic-mesencephalic structures, comprising ventral tegmental area, dorsal nuclei of raphe, and bilateral substantia nigra, sub-thalamic nucleus, and red nucleus ( p < 0.005 FDR-corrected vs . control group). No difference between patients and controls was found comparing the contralateral hypothalami.

Conclusions

The observed deranged functional connectivity between the posterior ipsilateral hypothalamus and diencephalic-mesencephalic regions in chronic cluster headache patients mainly involves structures that are part of (i.e. ventral tegmental area, substantia nigra) or modulate (dorsal nuclei of raphe, sub-thalamic nucleus) the midbrain dopaminergic systems. The midbrain dopaminergic systems could play a role in cluster headache pathophysiology and in particular in the chronicization process. Future studies are needed to better clarify if this finding is specific to cluster headache or if it represents an unspecific response to chronic pain.
Jewish Households and Religious Identity in Mid-nineteenth-century Britain
Authors: Levene Alysa
Published: March 2018

This article tests the impact of industrial life, migration, and religious ties on family life. Specifically, it examines Jewish households, asking whether they conformed to traditional patterns of nuclearity, and what this suggests about wider kinship or community networks. It shows that Jews accommodated a range of people in their households, from family members to Jewish lodgers and non-Jewish servants. Jewish lodgers frequently lived with coreligionists who also often shared birthplaces or occupations. In sum, the data suggest a strong degree of intracommunal solidarity despite high levels of migration and also emphasize the diversity of household forms in this period.
Meaningful Change Scores in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Ingelsrud Lina Holm , Terwee Caroline B. , Terluin Berend , Granan Lars-Petter , Engebretsen Lars , Mills Kathryn A.G. , Roos Ewa M.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Meaningful change scores in the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have not yet been established.

Purpose:

To define the minimal important change (MIC) for the KOOS after ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

KOOS and anchor questions with 7-point scales ranging from “better, an important improvement” to “worse, an important worsening” were completed postoperatively by randomly chosen participants from the Norwegian Knee Ligament Registry. Presurgery KOOS scores were retrieved from the registry. The MIC for improvement was calculated with anchor-based approaches using the predictive modeling method adjusted for the proportion of improved patients, the mean change method, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method.

Results:

Complete data for at least one of the KOOS subscales were obtained from 542 (45.3%) participants. Predictive modeling MIC values were 12.1 for the KOOS subscales of Sport and Recreational Function and 18.3 for Knee-Related Quality of Life. These values aid in interpreting within-group improvement over time and can be used as responder criteria when comparing groups. The corresponding and much lower values for the subscales of Pain (2.5), Symptoms (–1.2), and Activities of Daily Living (2.4) are the results from patients reporting, on average, only mild problems with these domains preoperatively. Although 4% to 10% of patients reported subscale-specific worsening, MIC deterioration calculations were not possible. The ROC MIC values were associated with high degrees of misclassification. Values obtained by the mean change method were considered less reliable because these estimates are derived from subgroups of patients. Average KOOS change scores were approximately similar for patients reporting acceptable symptoms postoperatively and patients reporting important improvements on the anchor items after surgery.

Conclusion:

KOOS users should apply subscale-specific cutoffs for meaningful improvement. Our results confirm using the subscales of Sport and Recreational Function and Knee-Related Quality of Life as primary patient-reported outcomes after ACL reconstruction. The predictive modeling approach gave the most robust estimates of MIC values. Our data suggest that reporting acceptable symptoms postoperatively corresponds to reporting an important improvement after ACL reconstruction.
Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Status and Service Utilization: A Population-Based Study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Chiu Maria , Amartey Abigail , Wang Xuesong , Kurdyak Paul
Published: March 2018

Background:

The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of self-reported mental health factors, mental health service use, and unmet needs across the 4 largest ethnic groups in Ontario, Canada: white, South Asian, Chinese, and black groups.

Methods:

The study population was derived from the Canadian Community Health Survey, using a cross-sectional sample of 254,951 white, South Asian, Chinese, and black residents living in Ontario, Canada, between 2001 and 2014. Age- and sex-standardized prevalence estimates for mental health factors, mental health service use, and unmet needs were calculated for each of the 4 ethnic groups overall and by sociodemographic characteristics.

Results:

We found that self-reported physician-diagnosed mood and anxiety disorders and mental health service use were generally lower among South Asian, Chinese, and black respondents compared to white respondents. Chinese individuals reported the weakest sense of belonging to their local community and the poorest self-rated mental health and were nearly as likely to report suicidal thoughts in the past year as white respondents. Among those self-reporting fair or poor mental health, less than half sought help from a mental health professional, ranging from only 19.8% in the Chinese group to 50.8% in the white group.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of mental health factors and mental health service use varied widely across ethnic groups. Efforts are needed to better understand and address cultural and system-level barriers surrounding high unmet needs and to identify ethnically tailored and culturally appropriate clinical supports and practices to ensure equitable and timely mental health care.
Neighbourhood Material and Social Deprivation and Exposure to Antidepressant Drug Treatment: A Cohort Study Using Administrative Data
Authors: Lauzier Sophie , Kadachi Hichem , Moisan Jocelyne , Vanasse Alain , Lesage Alain , Fleury Marie-Josée , Grégoire Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2018

Objective:

To assess whether neighbourhood deprivation is associated with exposure to an antidepressant drug treatment (ADT) and its quality among individuals diagnosed with unipolar depression and insured by the Quebec public drug plan.

Method:

We conducted an administrative database cohort study of adults covered by the Quebec public drug plan who were diagnosed with a new episode of unipolar depression. We assessed material and social deprivation using an area-based index. We considered exposure to an ADT as having ≥1 claim for an ADT within the 365 days following depression diagnosis. Among those exposed to ADT, ADT quality was assessed with 3 indicators: first-line recommended ADT, persistence with the ADT, and compliance with the ADT. Generalized linear models were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results:

Of 100,432 individuals with unipolar depression, 65,436 (65%) were exposed to an ADT in the year following the diagnosis. Individuals living in the most materially deprived areas were slightly more likely to be exposed to an ADT than those living in the least deprived areas (aPR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.06). The likelihoods of being exposed to a first-line ADT, persisting for the minimum recommended duration and complying with the ADT were independent of the deprivation levels.

Conclusions:

Neighbourhood deprivation was not associated with ADT quality among individuals insured by the Quebec public drug plan. It might be partly attributable to the public drug plan whose goal is to provide equitable access to prescription drugs regardless of income.
The Doctor–Patient Relationship and Information-Seeking Behavior
Authors: Adamson Matthew , Choi Kelsey , Notaro Stephen , Cotoc Crina
Published: March 2018

Background:

In cancer communication, patients and physicians often understand a patient’s experience and situation differently. This can negatively impact health outcomes and the physician–patient relationship.

Aim:

To explore how cancer patients’ interpretations of the physician’s role as information giver affect the communication relationship with the physician and their information-seeking behavior regarding different aspects of their cancer care.

Design:

Participants completed a semistructured qualitative interview addressing their treatment experience and communication with their physician. Interviews were coded and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Setting/Participants:

Ten patients with cancer treated at a regional cancer center in central Illinois participated in the study. Cancer stages I to IV and 4 cancer types were represented.

Results:

Participants’ orientations to the relationship with their physician (and their information-seeking behavior) were classified into 4 general categories: (1) “questioners” have a general mistrust toward their physicians and the information doctors are giving; (2) “the undecided” focuses on physician “fit,” often requiring time to step away in order to make decisions and process information; (3) “cross-checkers” are concerned with content of their treatment protocol, often double-checking the treatment plan; and (4) “the experience-oriented” feel a gap between their experience and their physician’s experience (and perspective), often seeking information from other survivors. All categories described a perceived lack of adequate exchange of information and the need to seek information outside of the physician–patient relationship to compensate.

Conclusion:

Participants exhibited different information-seeking behaviors based on how they interpreted the role of their physician as information giver. This affected what kind of information they sought and how they understood the information received, which in turn affected understanding of their broader experience and care.
Assessing Acid–Base Status in Circulatory Failure: Relationship Between Arterial and Peripheral Venous Blood Gas Measurements in Hypovolemic Shock
Authors: Rudkin Scott E. , Anderson Craig L. , Grogan Tristan R. , Elashoff David A. , Treger Richard M.
Published: March 2018

Background and Objectives:

In severe circulatory failure agreement between arterial and mixed venous or central venous values is poor; venous values are more reflective of tissue acid–base imbalance. No prior study has examined the relationship between peripheral venous blood gas (VBG) values and arterial blood gas (ABG) values in hemodynamic compromise. The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between hemodynamic parameters, specifically systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the arterial–peripheral venous (A-PV) difference for all commonly used acid–base parameters (pH, Pco 2, and bicarbonate).

Design, Setting, Participants, and Measurements:

Data were obtained prospectively from adult patients with trauma. When an ABG was obtained for clinical purposes, a VBG was drawn as soon as possible. Patients were excluded if the ABG and VBG were drawn >10 minutes apart.

Results:

The correlations between A-PV pH, A-PV Pco 2, and A-PV bicarbonate and SBP were not statistically significant ( P = .55, .17, and .09, respectively). Although patients with hypotension had a lower mean arterial and peripheral venous pH and bicarbonate compared to hemodynamically stable patients, mean A-PV differences for pH and Pco 2 were not statistically different ( P = .24 and .16, respectively) between hypotensive and normotensive groups.

Conclusions:

In hypovolemic shock, the peripheral VBG does not demonstrate a higher CO2 concentration and lower pH compared to arterial blood. Therefore, the peripheral VBG is not a surrogate for the tissue acid–base status in hypovolemic shock, likely due to peripheral vasoconstriction and central shunting of blood to essential organs. This contrasts with the selective venous respiratory acidosis previously demonstrated in central venous and mixed venous measurements in circulatory failure, which is more reflective of acid–base imbalance at the tissue level than arterial blood. Further work needs to be done to better define the relationship between ABG and both central and peripheral VBG values in various types of shock.
Toxic Masculinity and Mental Health in Young Women
Authors: Jenney Angelique , Exner-Cortens Deinera
Published: March 2018

The recent release of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, which focuses on the suicide of an adolescent girl, has been accompanied by a large amount of social commentary. However, most of this commentary focuses on the suicide itself and does not consider how the series constructs the root causes of suicide. In this brief article, we argue that from a feminist social work perspective, the series highlights a key root cause of mental health problems—sexual violence—and that the discussion of this violence has been woefully absent in the commentary on the series. To support this argument, we highlight relevant examples from the show and discuss three key themes: (1) the overwhelming presence of toxic masculinity, (2) slut-shaming as a form of devaluing the female body and female sexual expression, and (3) the failure of adult systems to adequately respond to youth. We then provide suggestions for adults who work with youth around how to better engage in critical discourse about series content.
A Methodological Study of Order Effects in Reporting Relational Aggression Experiences
Authors: Serico Jennifer M. , NeMoyer Amanda , Goldstein Naomi E. S. , Houck Mark , Leff Stephen S.
Published: March 2018

Unlike the overt nature of physical aggression, which lends itself to simpler and more direct methods of investigation, the often-masked nature of relational aggression has led to difficulties and debate regarding the most effective tools of study. Given concerns with the accuracy of third-party relational aggression reports, especially as individuals age, self-report measures may be particularly useful when assessing experiences with relational aggression. However, it is important to recognize validity concerns—in particular, the potential effects of item order presentation—associated with self-report of relational aggression perpetration and victimization. To investigate this issue, surveys were administered and completed by 179 young adults randomly assigned to one of four survey conditions reflecting manipulation of item order. Survey conditions included presentation of (a) perpetration items only, (b) victimization items only, (c) perpetration items followed by victimization items, and (d) victimization items followed by perpetration items. Results revealed that participants reported perpetrating relational aggression significantly more often when asked only about perpetration or when asked about perpetration before victimization, compared with participants who were asked about victimization before perpetration. Item order manipulation did not result in significant differences in self-reported victimization experiences. Results of this study indicate a need for greater consideration of item order when conducting research using self-report data and the importance of additional investigation into which form of item presentation elicits the most accurate self-report information.
Knowledge-Based Regional Economic Development: A Synthetic Review of Knowledge Spillovers, Entrepreneurship, and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Authors: Qian Haifeng
Published: March 2018

The geographical nature of knowledge spillovers and entrepreneurship has been well documented in the literature. In most regional or urban studies, these two topics are separately discussed. This research reviews literature at the intersection of knowledge spillovers, entrepreneurship, and regional economic development. The key argument is that entrepreneurship can serve as a mechanism for transmitting knowledge spillovers and accordingly contribute to regional innovation, cluster formation, and economic development. However, the effectiveness of this mechanism depends on various factors in the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, notably including knowledge bases, absorptive capacity, competition, networks of people, diversity, and culture.
Competent parents with natural children: Parent and child identities in manual-based parenting courses in Sweden
Authors: Rooth Hetty , Piuva Katarina , Forinder Ulla , Söderbäck Maja
Published: March 2018

This article analyses identity constructions in two manual-based universal parenting training programmes in Sweden, Connect (U) and All Children in Focus (ABC). The analysis was performed with discourse analysis of oral messages during parent training courses. The findings revealed that the parents’ subject positions altered between troubled and good while the children’s subject positions altered between ambiguous and natural in a confessional discourse of uncertainty and competence. Conclusively, pastoral power operated to support parental self-reflexivity and adult control in a process to improve parenting skills.
Free in-plane vibration of cracked curved beams: Experimental, analytical, and numerical analyses
Authors: Zare M
Published: March 2018

In this study, free vibration of a cracked curved beam utilizing analytical, numerical, and experimental methods is investigated. The differential quadrature element method is used to solve the equations of motion numerically. The governing equations are also solved analytically. The crack, which is considered to be open, is modeled as a rotational spring. Furthermore, the effect of curvature on mode shapes is studied. To verify the validity of the proposed methods of determining frequencies and mode shapes, an experimental modal analysis test is conducted on a sample beam having crack with some different depths. This study revealed that the behavior of curved beams toward the mode transition phenomenon depends greatly on the boundary conditions of the beam. Also, both the location and depth of crack have considerable effects on natural frequencies.
Effect of different connection modes of electromagnets on the performance of levitation control
Authors: Min Zhang , Chang Gao , Weihua MA
Published: March 2018

In medium- and low-speed maglev vehicles, each levitation module contains four electromagnetic coils. In order to find a better coil control mode, the difference between the series connection in the control mode of the first and third coils (M1,3) and the series connection in the control mode of the first and second coils (M1,2) was analysed in this paper. By applying a malposition excitation of +2 mm in the vertical direction of the track for comparing the dynamic adjustment processes of the levitation module (including the vertical motion and rotation) in the two control modes, according to the current fluctuation in the coils in the above processes, the extreme position parameters and the mean current values during the adjustment were obtained. The adjustment process was analysed based on the instantaneous levitation force and the torque of the plate at the extreme positions in different control modes; the performance of the levitation module in the adjustment process and during the fluctuation of the coil current was analysed. The results indicate that for the dangerous ends at the two extreme positions in the selected working condition, the vertical displacement in M1,3 reduces by 11.11 and 48.98%, respectively, compared with that in M1,2. In the whole adjustment process, the mean current of the front and rear controllers in M1,3 reduces by 0.25 and 0.36 A, respectively. Therefore, it has been concluded that with regard to the relative safety and coil heating during vibration of the levitation module, M1,3 performs better than M1,2.
From taking money to making money: SPARC, NSDF and Mahila Milan transform low-income shelter options in India
Authors: Patel Sheela , Viccajee Aseena , Arputham Jockin
Published: March 2018

In India, a new approach to finance has been transforming shelter options for low-income households and supporting community-led development over recent decades. This paper examines the financial architecture developed to support hundreds of community-driven efforts by grassroots groups working in alliance with the Mumbai-based NGO SPARC. Much has been written about this Alliance’s work, but its financial architecture has had little attention. This paper seeks to explain how grants given for grassroots community development in urban areas can produce new forms of entrepreneurial behaviour among the urban poor, showing how they can design and execute large projects with the expertise gained from more modest efforts. It also shows how this Alliance has managed, invested and revolved these grants and other sources of funding, including its own savings, to leverage resources and opportunities for inclusive city development.
Anatomical site distribution and genotypes of Chlamydia trachomatis infecting asymptomatic men who have sex with men in northeast Thailand
Authors: Hinkan Saowarop , Chuerduangphui Jureeporn , Ekalaksananan Tipaya , Budkaew Jiratha , Proyrungroj Kanisara , Pimson Charinya , Chumworathayi Bandit , Hanond Tanyaporn , Pientong Chamsai
Published: March 2018

Chlamydia trachomatis is a common agent of sexually transmitted infection, especially in asymptomatic extra-genital sites among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aims to investigate anatomical site distribution and genotypes of C. trachomatis from asymptomatic MSM in northeast Thailand. Specimens were collected using swabs from anorectal, oropharyngeal, and urethral sites in 346 asymptomatic MSM. C. trachomatis infection was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and genotyping was based on sequences of the ompA gene. The results showed that infection by C. trachomatis was most common at the urethral site (29.1%, 101/346) followed by oropharyngeal (17.6%, 61/346) and anorectal site (17.0%, 59/346). In addition, C. trachomatis infection was significantly associated with absence of condom use (odds ratio = 1.909, 95%CI = 1.054–3.457, P = 0.033) at the urethral site. Overall 49.4% (171/346) of individuals were infected in at least one site. Infection at only the anorectum, oropharynx, or urethra was seen in 9.0, 9.3, and 18.5% of participants, respectively. Concurrent infections at anorectum/oropharynx, anorectum/urethra, oropharynx/urethra, and all three sites were 2.0, 4.3, 4.6, and 1.7%, respectively. Genotype D predominated at the anorectal and urethral sites among asymptomatic MSM in northeast Thailand. Concurrent infection in two or three anatomical sites occurred. C. trachomatis screening at all three sites in asymptomatic MSM is important and should be considered for proper treatment and prevention of transmission.
Influence of spectral acquisition technique and wood anisotropy on the statistics of predictive near infrared–based models for wood density
Authors: Costa Emylle Veloso Santos , Rocha Maria Fernanda Vieira , Hein Paulo Ricardo Gherardi , Amaral Evelize Aparecida , Santos Luana Maria dos , Brandão Livia Elisabeth Vasconcellos de Siqueira , Trugilho Paulo Fernando
Published: March 2018

Wood density is an important criterion for material classification, as it is directly related to quality of wood for structural use. Several studies have shown promising results for the estimation of wood density by near infrared spectroscopy. However, the optimal conditions for spectral acquisition need to be investigated in order to develop predictive models and to understand how anisotropy and surface roughness affect the statistics of predictive partial least square regression models. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the spectral acquisition technique, wood surface, and the surface quality influence the ability of partial least square–based models to estimate wood density. Near infrared spectra were recorded using an integrating sphere and fiber-optic probe on the tangential, radial, and transverse surfaces machined by circular and band saws in 278 wood specimens of six-year-old Eucalyptus hybrids. The basic density values determined by the conventional method were then correlated with near infrared spectra acquired using an integrating sphere and fiber-optic probe on the wood surfaces by means of partial least square regressions. The most promising models for predicting wood density were generated from near infrared spectra obtained from the transverse surface machined by the bandsaw, via an integrating sphere ([Formula: see text], RMSEP = 23 kg m−3 and RPD = 3.0) as well as for the optic fiber ([Formula: see text], RMSEP = 35 kg m−3 and RPD = 2.1). Surface quality affected the spectral information and robustness of predictive models with a rougher surface, caused by band sawing, showing better results.
Selection of a calibration sample subset by a semi-supervised method
Authors: He Zhonghai , Ma Zhenhe , Li Mengchao , Zhou Yang
Published: March 2018

For spectroscopic measurements, representative samples are needed in the course of building a calibration model to guarantee accurate predictions. The most widely used selection method is the Kennard-Stone method, which can be used before a reference measurement is done. In this paper, a method termed semi-supervised selection is presented to determine whether a sample should be added to the calibration set. The selection procedure has two steps. First, part of the population of samples is selected using the Kennard-Stone method, and their concentrations are measured. Second, another part of the population of samples is selected based on the scalar value distribution of the net analyte signal. If the net analyte signal of a sample is distinctive compared to the existing net analyte signal values, then the sample is added to the calibration set. The analyte of interest in the sample is then measured so that the sample can be used as a calibration sample. By a validation test, it is shown that the presented method is more efficient than random selection and Kennard-Stone selection. As a result, both the time and the money spent on reference measurements are saved.
A qualitative description of service providers’ experiences of ethical issues in HIV care
Authors: Sabone Motshedisi B , Mogobe Keitshokile Dintle , Matshediso Ellah , Shaibu Sheila , Ntsayagae Esther I , Corless Inge B , Cuca Yvette P , Holzemer William L , Dawson-Rose Carol , Soliz Baez Solymar S , Rivero-Mendz Marta , Webel Allison R , Eller Lucille Sanzero , Reid Paula , Johnson Mallory O , Kemppainen Jeanne , Reyes Darcel , Nokes Kathleen , Wantland Dean , Nicholas Patrice K , Lingren Teri , Portillo Carmen J , Sefcik Elizabeth , Long-Middleton Ellen
Published: March 2018

Background:

Managing HIV treatment is a complex multi-dimensional task because of a combination of factors such as stigma and discrimination of some populations who frequently get infected with HIV. In addition, patient-provider encounters have become increasingly multicultural, making effective communication and provision of ethically sound care a challenge.

Purpose:

This article explores ethical issues that health service providers in the United States and Botswana encountered in their interaction with patients in HIV care.

Research design:

A descriptive qualitative design was used to collect data from health service providers and patients using focused group discussions. This article is based on responses from health service providers only.

Participants and context:

This article is based on 11 focused group discussions with a total sample of 71 service providers in seven US sites and one Botswana site.

Ethical considerations:

Ethical review boards at all the study sites reviewed the study protocol and approved it. Ethical review boards of the study’s coordinating centers, Rutgers University and the University of California at San Francisco, also approved it. The study participants provided a written informed consent to participate.

Findings:

HIV service providers encountered ethical challenges in all the four Beauchamp and Childress’ biomedical ethics of respect for patients’ autonomy, beneficence, justice, and nonmaleficence.

Discussion:

The finding that HIV service providers encounter ethical challenges in their interaction with patients is supported by prior studies. The ethical challenges are particularly prominent in multicultural care and resource-constrained care environments.

Conclusion:

Provision of HIV care is fraught with ethical challenges that tend to pose different issues depending on a given care environment. It is important that strong partnerships are developed among key stakeholders in HIV care. In addition, health service providers need to be provided with resources so they can provide quality and ethically sound care.
Effects of an ethical empowerment program on critical care nurses’ ethical decision-making
Authors: Jamshidian Fatemeh , Shahriari Mohsen , Aderyani Mohsen Rezaei
Published: March 2018

Background:

Nurses require empowerment if they are to make ethical decisions. Ethical empowerment has always been one of the main concerns in nurse training programs.

Research aim:

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of an ethical empowerment program on critical care nurses’ ethical decision-making.

Research design:

This is a clinical trial study with two groups and pre and post design.

Participants and research context:

In this study, 60 nurses working in Intensive Care Unit were selected through random sampling and then divided into a control and an experimental group after filling out the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire. Both groups completed the questionnaire again immediately and 2 months after the ethical empowerment workshop had been held for the experimental group. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS-16 using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Ethical considerations:

The goals of the study were explained to the participants and then a written informed consent was received from them.

Findings:

The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of their ethical sensitivity scores at the beginning of the study; however, immediately and 2 months after the intervention, the mean score increased significantly in the experimental group. Moreover, the scores obtained 2 months after the workshop increased compared to the pre-intervention scores but showed a drop compared to the scores reported immediately after the workshop.

Discussion:

The ethical empowerment program, given to the critical care nurses in this study, improved their ethical sensitivity in making decisions significantly over time. Despite the extensive methods, available for teaching nursing ethics, the ethical empowerment program, adopted in this study, had long-lasting effects in terms of ameliorating the process of ethical decision-making in clinical situations.

Conclusion:

The ethical empowerment of nurses requires the adoption and application of proper methods and patterns of complying with nursing ethics.
The Moderating Effect of Demographic Variables on Mobile Banking Adoption: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Chawla Deepak , Joshi Himanshu
Published: March 2018

The objective of this article is to analyze if demographic characteristics influence user attitude towards mobile banking. The sample comprise of current users of online banking. Although earlier studies on technology adoption models have received considerable empirical validation, most of the studies did not consider moderating variables. Among those, which consider moderating variables, primarily explored are gender, age and income. By including other moderator variables in the model, we hope to lessen the inconsistencies found in past research studies. To test the moderating effect, two methods, viz. multiple linear regression and Fisher Z transformation are used. Results show that gender, age, qualification, experience, occupation, income and marital status were significant moderating variables. However, educational background did not show any moderating effect. Our results suggest that by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovations (DoI) theory, the research provide insights into the factors influencing consumers’ attitude to adopt mobile banking applications. Besides, the results of moderating effect improve our understanding of the demographic differences, which influence the degree of mobile banking adoption. This study will help researchers and practitioners to come up with improved mobile adoption frameworks and applications with greater understanding of the influence of demographic factors.
Association Between Malnutrition and Depression Among Community-Dwelling Older Chinese Adults
Authors: Wei Junmin , Fan Linlin , Zhang Yuhui , Li Shirley , Partridge Jamie , Claytor Ling , Sulo Suela
Published: March 2018

Malnutrition and depression are of important concern among older adults. We investigated the association between malnutrition and depression among community-dwelling older Chinese adults and how both affect health care costs. Data from 4916 older adults (age ≥60 years) collected as part of 2013-Wave II China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) survey were analyzed. Measures of body mass index and weight loss were used as indicators of malnutrition. Malnourished subjects were 31% more likely to be depressed than their non-malnourished counterparts (odds ratio = 1.311, P < .1). Health care–related cost was ¥591.8 higher for malnourished older adult per year compared to a non-malnourished counterpart ( P < .1), thus confirming that incidence of depression coupled with malnutrition significantly increases health care–related costs. These results highlight the importance of malnutrition and depression screening and treatment for older Chinese community-dwelling adults, and the importance of community-based nutrition-specific programs that could address the needs of the affected populations.
From war to peace: Understanding the end of the armed conflict in Colombia
Authors: Ríos Jerónimo
Published: March 2018

The following article uses a simple-game theoretic model to explain the termination of the Colombian-armed conflict. Assuming a rationality of the Colombian Government and the guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces, People’s Army within the internal armed conflict, an analysis of conjuncture and an identification of dimensions and strategies are used to try to explain the evolution of the armed conflict in the last two decades and its particular transformation. This is done by comparing the frustrated Caguán process, which took place between 1999 and 2002, with the recently completed Havana process that has put an end to more than five decades of internal conflict.
A Pilot Study of a Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy Intervention in Outpatients With Cancer
Authors: Meghani Salimah H. , Peterson Caroline , Kaiser Donna H. , Rhodes Joseph , Rao Hengyi , Chittams Jesse , Chatterjee Anjan
Published: March 2018

Background:

Patients with cancer frequently experience physical and psychological distress that can worsen their quality of life.

Objectives:

We assessed the outcomes of an 8-week mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) intervention, Walkabout: Looking In, Looking Out, on symptoms, sleep quality, health-related quality of life, sense of coherence (SOC), and spirituality in outpatients with cancer.

Methods:

A 1-group, pre–post intervention design with repeated measures at baseline, week 4, and week 8.

Results:

Despite a small pilot sample (n = 18), we found large effect sizes and statistically significant improvements from week 1 to week 8 in depression, the comprehensibility subscale of the SOC, and each subscale of spirituality, that is, peace, meaning, and faith. There were no significant changes in physical functioning, pain, sleep, tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, and appetite.

Conclusions:

The MBAT intervention, Walkabout, seems to meet key palliative care goals including improvement in emotional well-being, comprehensibility, and meaning making among outpatients with cancer.
Work Motivation in the Rhetoric of Component Content Management
Authors: Batova Tatiana
Published: March 2018

This article describes a 12-month qualitative study that analyzes how a company’s transition to component content management (CCM)—a set of methodologies, processes, and technologies that allows working with texts as small components rather than complete, static documents—influences the work motivation of its technical communicators. The analysis is based on actor-network theory and the theories of work motivation from economics. When technical communicators felt that CCM’s only focus was efficiency and savings and that they were not recognized and connected to the fruits of their labor, their motivation decreased. But their motivation increased when they were engaged in job crafting—reshaping their understanding of the fruits of their labor and gaining recognition through prosocial behavior.
Responsiveness of Noninvasive Continuous Cardiac Output Monitoring During the Valsalva Maneuver
Authors: Delaney L. J. , Bellomo R. , van Haren F.
Published: March 2018

To describe the baseline hemodynamic variables and response time of hemodynamic changes associated with the Valsalva maneuver using noninvasive continuous cardiac output monitoring (Nexfin). Hemodynamic monitoring provides an integral component of advanced clinical care and the ability to monitor response to treatment interventions. The emergence of noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring provides clinicians with an opportunity to monitor and assess patients rapidly with ease of implementation. However, the responsiveness of this method in tracking dynamic changes that occur has not been fully elucidated. A prospective observational study was conducted involving 44 healthy volunteers (age = 38 ±12 years). Participants performed a Valsalva maneuvers to illicit dynamic changes in blood pressure, cardiac output, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), and stroke volume. Changes in these hemodynamic parameters were monitored while performing repeated standardized Valsalva maneuvers. Baseline hemodynamic values were obtained in all 44 participants, and showed an interaction with age, accompanying a significant decline in cardiac index ( r = –.66, p < .05) and stroke volume ( r = –.68, p < .05), and an increase in SVRI ( r = .67, p < .05) with increasing age. The Valsalva maneuver, performed in 20 participants, resulted in a change of 10% from baseline blood pressure and cardiac index, which was detected within 4.53 s ( SD = 4.36) and 3.31 s ( SD = 2.21), respectively. Noninvasive continuous cardiac monitoring demonstrated the ability to rapidly detect logical and predictable hemodynamic changes. These observations suggest that such Nexfin technology may have useful clinical applications.
Dentoalveolar Cleft Treatment Outcome Using Modified Huddart-Bodenham Index and Regression Analysis of Associated Factors
Authors: Arshad Anas Imran , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Khamis Mohammad Fadhli
Published: March 2018

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to assess the treatment outcome of complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP) patients using modified Huddart/Bodenham scoring system (MHB). To determine whether there is an association of congenital and postnatal factors with the treatment outcome.

Design:

Retrospective observational study.

Setting:

Two regional cleft-referral centers.

Main Outcome Measures:

In the current study, 101 pairs of dental models of non-syndromic CUCLP patients were retrieved from hospital archives. Each occlusal relationship from central incisor till the first permanent molars were scored except the lateral incisor. Sum of 10 occlusal relationships in each study sample gave a total occlusion score. The primary outcome was the mean total occlusion score.

Results:

According to MHB, a mean (standard deviation) total occlusion score of –8.92 (6.89) was determined. Based on treatment outcome, 66 cases were favorable (grades 1, 2, and 3) and 35 cases were unfavorable (grades 4 and 5). Chi-square tests indicated, difference of cheiloplasty ( P = .001) and palatoplasty ( P < .001) statistically significant. Five variables—gender, family history of cleft, cleft side, cheiloplasty, and palatoplasty—were analyzed with a logistic regression model.

Conclusions:

Final model indicated that cases treated with modified Millard technique (cheiloplasty) and Veau-Wardill-Kilner method (palatoplasty) had higher odds of unfavorable treatment outcome.
Perceptions and Perceived Challenges Associated With a Hypothetical Career in Law Enforcement: Differences Among Male and Female College Students
Authors: Cambareri Josie Francesca , Kuhns Joseph B.
Published: March 2018

Researchers have studied the experiences of female officers, but little is known about whether women, who are not yet officers, perceive future challenges and sex discrimination within a hypothetical law enforcement career. This study surveyed 387 male and female undergraduate students to compare perceptions and beliefs. Female students are less interested in a law enforcement career, perceive themselves as potentially less successful, and perceive less potential personal fulfillment. Women believe that current female officers receive less respect, acceptance, and opportunity. Perceptions of fulfillment and success significantly and positively impacted interest in a law enforcement career. In addition, fulfillment and success mediated the impact of sex on interest in a law enforcement career. These findings are important for recruiters because the sample comprises a target applicant pool that merits recruitment.
Changes in Oxidant Defense, Apoptosis, and Cognitive Abilities During Treatment for Childhood Leukemia
Authors: Moore Ida M. (Ki) , Koerner Kari M. , Gundy Patricia M. , Montgomery David W. , Insel Kathleen C. , Harris Lynnette L. , Taylor Olga A. , Hockenberry Marilyn J.
Published: March 2018

Aggressive central nervous system (CNS)-directed treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most prevalent cancer among children and adolescents, prevents metastasis of leukemia cells into the brain. Up to 60% of survivors experience cognitive problems, but knowledge about risk factors for and mechanisms of neurologic injury is lacking. Objectives of the present study were to (1) quantify changes in oxidant defense and apoptosis over the course of ALL therapy and (2) elucidate risk factors for long-term cognitive problems. The sample included 71 children with ALL. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected at diagnosis and during intrathecal chemotherapy administration. Oxidant defense was measured by reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and the ratio of GSH:GSSG. Apoptosis was measured by activity of several cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease (abbreviated as caspase) enzymes that initiate (caspases 8 and 9) or execute (caspases 3/7) apoptosis. Cognitive abilities were assessed by standardized measures of short-term memory, visual-motor integration, and attention 3 years after ALL diagnosis. GSH and GSSG concentration increased significantly during ALL therapy, and a low GSH:GSSG ratio was indicative of an oxidized extracellular environment. Caspase enzyme activity increased significantly, and caspases 3/7 activity was significantly and negatively associated with performance on measures of cognitive abilities. Younger age at time of ALL diagnosis was associated with some measures of attention. Efflux of glutathione into CSF maintains oxidant defense by scavenging free radicals and other reactive oxygen species and is an early event in apoptosis. These mechanisms may be involved in neurologic injury associated with CNS-directed treatment and subsequent cognitive problems.
Judge TV: Documentary Form and Governance
Authors: Palmer Gareth
Published: March 2018

This paper looks at the rise of judge TV as indicative of the changing use and status of the discourses of sobriety. After an introductory session on television and governance, it discusses how the role of moral authority in Judge TV compares with that of the talk-show. The final section establishes how judge TV can usefully be linked to other systems of justice which, although uncoordinated, also engage in the work of governance.
Old Dogs, New Tricks: Beyond Simpson Le Mesurier, Crime-Comedy and the Telemovie Series
Authors: Turnbull Sue , Collins Felicity
Published: March 2018

Roger Simpson and Roger Le Mesurier are veterans of commercial television drama production (from Division 4 to Stingers). In the post-Skase/Bond era of deficit funding, their innovative telemovie series (Halifax f.p., Dogwoman) and crime-comedy series (Good Guys Bad Guys) have tested the boundaries of Australian television's staple drama format, the crime series. Taking actors (Rebecca Gibney, Marcus Graham, Magda Szubanski) as hooks for the networks, the joint venture company Beyond Simpson Le Mesurier has brought elements of sketch comedy and a high-concept film aesthetic to the crime series format. Drawing on private investment and public money (FFC, FilmVic, CTPF), Beyond Simpson Le Mesurier exemplifies the current convergence between the film and television industries. Paradoxically, the local success of Simpson Le Mesurier's series (particularly with a post-Fordist, 18–39-year-old demographic) highlights a crisis in the drama production industry — a crisis precipitated by a dramatic drop in international sales, forcing a return to licence fee productions.
Digitising Dinosaurs
Authors: Richards Morgan
Published: March 2018

This article reflects on the intersection of science, art and technology in the construction of the televisual dinosaur. In particular, it is concerned with the class of digital dinosaurs hatched in Jurassic Park (1993) and The Lost World (1997), powered by the latest digital technologies for the reinscription of the filmic and televisual image, and recently grafted to that most domestic of media genres, the animal documentary. Focusing on the BBC television series Walking with Dinosaurs (1999), the digital dinosaur is proposed as an object of mimetic desire in which narratives of intimacy and otherness, resurrection and loss, anthropomorphism and monstrosity are played out. In analysing exactly how the mimetic is achieved, an alternative balance between science and art is proposed, one that foregrounds the complexities and paradoxes of a television program that offers realistic depictions of things we know don't exist in the familiar guise of an animal documentary.