bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Redefining Direct and Indirect Abortions through “The Perspective of the Acting Person”: A Misreading of Veritatis Splendor
Authors: Alexander Irene 
Published: April 2019

Despite sincere attempts to interpret Evangelium vitae and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Ethical and Religious Directives (ERDs) of Catholic Health Care on direct versus indirect abortion, Catholic moral theologians docile to the magisterium and to Pope John Paul II’s teaching remain divided on how the ERDs should be interpreted based on the meaning of the word “direct.” The traditional natural law theory holds that the moral object in an indirect abortion involves not only that the abortion is unintended by the subject but also indirectly caused. The second and more novel interpretation referred to as the New Natural Law (NNL) theory is that an indirect abortion refers only to abortions which the acting person does not intend, whether or not he immediately causes them. Because the novel view bases its entire revision of the moral object by considering only “the perspective of the acting person”, a key text in Veritatis splendor no. 78, they argue that they are being faithful to Pope John Paul II’s teaching in Veritatis splendor ( VS) no. 78. In this article I argue that their reasoning is based on a fundamental misreading of Veritatis splendor and that the Pope himself would reject their view, even though they quote him, because their interpretation contradicts the fundamental moral principles that Pope John Paul II himself lays out within the very same chapter of Veritatis splendor. Furthermore, when the foundations of the broader NNL theory are brought to light, it becomes clear that the fundamental mistake at the root of this disputed question is that the NNL theory interprets the magisterial documents of Pope John Paul II through their own philosophical method—a method of moral analysis not shared by Pope John Paul II or the magisterium. When this interpretive error is brought to light, and Pope John Paul II is read on his own terms, it is clear that a direct abortion involves any attack on the unborn child that the acting person immediately and physically causes. Summary: The disputed question in Catholic health care concerning what constitutes a direct and indirect abortion can be resolved by examining the foundational differences of both the New Natural Law theory with the traditional natural law theory. Once these differences are brought to light, it is clear that the NNL has reinterpreted the meaning of the word “direct” based on a meaning that the magisterium has never accepted as a licit one for defining intrinsically evil acts. Furthermore, NNL thinkers misread Pope John Paul in Veritatis splendor 78 by applying their own novel methodology to the text. When this interpretive error is brought to light, it is clear that a direct abortion involves any attack on the unborn child that the acting person immediately and physically causes.
Effect of dermatan sulphate on a C57-mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Li Wei , Xu Shufen , Gao Weiyang , Yu Zhenyu 
Published: April 2019

Objective To test the antifibrotic effect of dermatan sulphate in a bleomycin-induced mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis. Methods C57 mice were randomly divided into four experimental groups: saline-treated control group, bleomycin-induced fibrosis group, prednisolone acetate group and dermatan sulphate group. Lungs were assessed using the lung index, and the extent of interstitial fibrosis was graded using histopathological observation of haematoxylin & eosin-stained lung tissue. Lung tissue hydroxyproline levels and blood fibrinogen levels were measured using a hydroxyproline colorimetric kit and the Clauss fibrinogen assay, respectively. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) was measured using a chromogenic tPA assay kit. Results Lung index values were significantly lower in the dermatan sulphate group versus the fibrosis group. Histopathological analyses revealed that dermatan sulphate treatment ameliorated the increased inflammatory cell infiltration, and attenuated the reduction in interstitial thickening, associated with bleomycin-induced fibrosis. Hydroxyproline and fibrinogen levels were decreased in the dermatan sulphate group versus the fibrosis model group. Dermatan sulphate treatment was associated with increased tPA levels versus controls and the fibrosis group. Conclusions Damage associated with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis was alleviated by dermatan sulphate.
Articulating Resistance: Agonism, Radical Democracy and Climate Change Activism
Authors: Kakenmaster William 
Published: April 2019

This article analyses climate change activism through the framework of agonism. It discusses dominant political theories of climate change and then contrasts those with agonism. Next, it proceeds to analyse the logic of resistance in climate change activism, focusing on the 2017 People’s Climate March (PCM17) to understand how it articulated both its conceptions of the political and of climate change. This article argues that, in articulating its logic of resistance, the PCM17 served to depoliticise climate change by embracing a consensus-based conception of the political and a singular conception of climate change. The PCM17’s claim of resistance therefore constrained dissent and was ultimately counterproductive to a vibrant politics of climate change. Rather than understanding climate change as singular, I argue that reconsidering climate change as multiple – that is, as an unstable, contested representation of multiple political ecologies – provides the political space necessary to accommodate dissent in debate about climate change without abdicating the responsibility to acknowledge its existence as a political problem. An agonistic framework of climate change politics severs the tie between the political and consensus, allowing a radical democratic politics of climate change to adopt a robust logic of resistance in climate change activism. Articular la resistencia: agonismo, democracia radical y activismo contra el cambio climático
The Development Surprise of Bangladesh: Its Implications for Other Bay-of-Bengal and Andaman Sea Rim Nations
Authors: Chakravorty N N Tarun 
Published: April 2019

There is a mix of growth and development patterns in the region of Bay-of-Bengal and the Andaman Sea (BoBAS) rim countries, for example, pathways to Bangladesh’s exceptional human development achievements despite low per capita income may be a good example for Myanmar, Indonesia and India to follow, and success in governance improvement and high income per capita achieved by Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore may provide good lessons for others. This article investigates the drivers of Bangladesh’s human and social development so that other countries in this region, lagging in development, may learn to benefit from each other on various dimensions of growth and development in the framework of regional cooperation and concerted efforts, which might be the initial stage of forming a trade union or economic zone. This study finds that non-governmental initiatives offering low-cost or free contraceptives, healthcare and schooling, and women empowerment made this development possible in Bangladesh. JEL Classification: O11, O57
Application of Stochastic Frontier Production Function in Sugarcane Industry-treated Wastewater Reuse in Agriculture: Case Study of a Coastal District in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Radhakrishnan Karthick , Das Sukanya 
Published: April 2019

Sugarcane is an important cash crop that grows in different agro-climatic zones: tropical and subtropical regions in India. It is the second-largest growing non-food crop in Tamil Nadu. Sugarcane mills generate waste at different stages of processing, which are bagassee, pressmud and wastewater. Managing and hand gripping of these wastes have been challenging tasks for the sugarcane industry. Wastewater generated by the sugarcane industry is rich in organic material such as carbohydrates and proteins, which enhance crop productivity. The present study aims to understand the farmers’ perceptions about the usage of sugarcane industry wastewater and measure the technical efficiency of the usage while also identifying the key determinants of sugarcane farming households. The primary survey for this study was conducted with 99 sugarcane farmers of Cuddalore district during January and February 2017. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed and pre-tested before final administration in the field. Out of 10 blocks in the district, 2 were selected. Within these blocks, six villages were chosen based on the extent of wastewater use in agricultural fields. Results showed that the farmers were not aware of the wastewater quality, and they believed it increased the productivity of sugarcane in the selected study location. For the land size, fertilisers are positively impacting the farm output and the price of sugarcane, but labour is negatively impacted. Results yield that the age and class of the respondents also have a direct relationship with the technical efficiency. JEL: Q12, Q25, Q53
Understanding Underuse of Advance Care Planning Among a Cohort of African American Patients With Advanced Cancer: Formative Research That Examines Gaps in Intent to Discuss Options for Care
Authors: Rhodes Ramona L. , Ukoha Nkemdirim C. E. , Williams Kimberly A. , Elwood Bryan , Knox-Rice Tori , Lee Simon C. , Tiro Jasmin A. , Skinner Celette Sugg , Halm Ethan A. 
Published: April 2019

Background: Advance care planning (ACP), palliative care (PC), and hospice are often underutilized by African Americans (AAs). This study assessed the impact of stage of intent to discuss ACP options as key potential barriers. Methods: We examined intent to discuss completion of ACP, PC, and hospice among 22 AA patients with cancer admitted to a local safety net hospital. Participants were asked about intent to discuss an advanced directive or living will (AD/LW), medical power of attorney (MPOA), PC, and hospice with their doctors. Intent to discuss these ACP components was based on the transtheoretical model. Electronic health records were reviewed at various intervals to assess completion of ACP behaviors and survival. Results: Participants had colorectal (33%), breast (44%), and lung (23%) cancer, and 82% had stage III/IV disease. Low percentages of patients were in the precontemplation stage for AD/LW completion (4.6%), MPOA completion (13.6%), and PC discussions (27.2%), but 77.2% were in the precontemplation stage for hospice discussions. At 1 year, only 5% completed an AD/LW, 36.4% appointed an MPOA, 42.9% were referred to PC, and 12.5% were referred to hospice. More than half (54.6%) were deceased by the study’s conclusion. Most (81%) of these died within 6 months of their baseline study assessment. Conclusions: Despite being hospitalized with advanced cancer and having poor prognosis, intent to discuss ACP options, PC, and hospice in this population was variable, and completion of these activities was low. This formative research is needed to develop education and counseling interventions for this high-risk, vulnerable population.
MRI Assessment of Degeneration of the Tendon in Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Bäcker Henrik C. , Wong Tony T. , Vosseller J. Turner 
Published: April 2019

Background: The extent of tendinosis along the entire tendon in Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) has not previously been assessed. MR images of acute ATRs were evaluated to assess this extent, even in areas distant from the rupture. Methods: Patients who had MR images for an ATR were reviewed. Each tendon was divided into a proximal, middle, and distal segment with the full tendon length defined as the length measured from the myotendinous junction to the insertion. The site of tendon rupture, presence of tendinosis and/or additional tearing, and largest anteroposterior (AP) diameter in the remaining segments were noted. In total, 45 MR iamges were included in our study. Results: The mean total tendon length was 9.93 cm, while the length from the insertion to the tear was 5.86 cm. Of the 45 ruptures, 20 (44.4%) were in the proximal third, 19 (42.2%) in the middle third, and 6 (13.3%) in the distal third. In all remaining segments where no ruptured tendon was observed, tendinosis was seen. Further, of the 90 segments of a tendon without rupture, 87 (96.7%) had an AP diameter greater than 6 mm. Of those 90 segments without rupture, 24 (26.7%) had a secondary partial-thickness tear in another third. Conclusion: Tendinosis is a known precursor of an ATR that in the current study was not limited to the area of rupture. The finding of extensive tendon degeneration may have implications for the optimal surgical treatment. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Safety analysis of long-term phenazopyridine use for radiation cystitis
Authors: Shore Stephanie N , Britnell Sara R , Brown Jamie N 
Published: April 2019

Background Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract analgesic indicated for short-term treatment of irritation in the lower urinary tract. Despite the lack of evidence for extended use, it is often used in varying durations for supportive care for cancer patients with radiation-induced cystitis. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of adverse drug reactions in patients with radiation cystitis receiving long-term phenazopyridine (>14-day supply) compared to a matched comparator group. Methods This retrospective cohort study compared adverse events among cancer patients with and without phenazopyridine exposure. Included patients received radiation and at least one chronic medication between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2017. The phenazopyridine group also received >14-day supply of phenazopyridine during the study period. Patients were matched based on gender, age (±5 years), cancer diagnosis, and palliative or curative treatment intent. Data collection occurred at baseline, during the time of presumed exposure, and through the end of the study period for surveillance purposes. Results A total of 272 patients received phenazopyridine for >14-day supply during the study period. Of these, 90 patients were included and matched to an equal number of patients in the comparator group. The included patients were similar between groups and were largely male with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Most patients received between a 30- and 60-day supply of phenazopyridine. There were a total of 13 adverse drug reactions in the phenazopyridine group and 18 in the comparator group ( p = 0.32). No differences were identified between the phenazopyridine and comparator groups for the incidence of individual adverse drug reactions, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or new diagnoses of hepatocellular or colorectal cancer. Conclusion There was no difference in adverse drug reactions among patients receiving phenazopyridine for >14 days compared to a matched comparator group. The overall incidence of adverse events in both groups was low.
Noise levels during total hip arthroplasty: the silent health hazard
Authors: Hawi Nael , Alazzawi Sulaiman , Schmitz Alfred , Kreibich Thomas , Gehrke Thorsten , Kendoff Daniel , Haasper Carl 
Published: April 2019

Background: While there is an enormous amount of data on various surgical aspects of total hip arthroplasty (THA), there is only limited literature on the health hazards incurred by the surgical team. Since THA surgery produces noise, exposure over a long period of time may lead to gradual hearing loss which is known as noise-induced hearing loss. Methods: We investigated the noise levels during THA and compared it with the maximum allowed limits at the workplace in the United Kingdom. In collaboration with specialised audio engineers, we analysed the noise levels during various steps of performing 7 uncemented THA. Results: The results showed that the noise levels were close to the allowed limits for a workplace in the UK. Conclusion: Hospitals and staff who work in orthopaedic operating theatres should be aware of this risk and precautions should be put in place.
Direct superior approach with standard instrumentation for total hip arthroplasty: safety and efficacy in a prospective 200-case series
Authors: Tsiridis Eleftherios , Kenanidis Eustathios , Potoupnis Michael , Sayegh Fares E 
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Direct Superior Approach (DSA) is a muscle sparing approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) implemented using special instrumentation. There is a lack of information in the literature concerning DSA with standard instrumentation. Materials and methods: 238 patients were recruited for primary THA by a single surgeon from January 2016 until May 2017. 209 patients underwent THA through DSA approach with non-offset acetabular reamers and femoral broaches. We evaluated accuracy of implantation, complications and early functional results. Independent orthopaedic surgeons performed the clinical and radiographic assessments. Results: 200 patients were followed for a year. 3 different implants were used. No sciatic nerve palsies, hip dislocations or fractures were recorded. There was one acute deep and superficial wound infection. The mean functional score was significantly improved at all follow-ups ( p < 0.001). 97% of stems were inserted into the neutral coronal and 96% in neutral sagittal alignment. All cups fell within a safe zone of inclination and 91% of anteversion. 2 hips demonstrated heterotopic ossification, Brooker class I. Obese patients had no increased risk of complications. Conclusions: DSA with standard instrumentation is safe and efficacious for THA. It offers fast recovery and facilitates correct implantation of different implants, can be useful even for hip dysplasia and obese patients with minimal complication rates.
Forearm loop arteriovenous grafts preserve and may create new upper arm access sites
Authors: Itoga Nathan K , Virgin-Downy Whitt , Mell Matthew W 
Published: April 2019

Introduction: This study evaluated the mid-term patency of forearm loop arteriovenous grafts and the dilation of previously inadequate upper arm basilic and cephalic veins after failed forearm loop arteriovenous graft. Methods: All access procedures from September 2009 to December 2015 were reviewed. Vein mapping measurements were used to determine whether there was “adequate” upper arm cephalic and/or basilic vein, defined as ⩾3 mm by duplex ultrasound, at the time of forearm loop arteriovenous graft creation. Outcomes of forearm loop arteriovenous graft were compared with upper arm arteriovenous fistula, and primary and cumulative patencies were evaluated. Results: Thirty-eight forearm loop arteriovenous grafts and 278 upper arm arteriovenous fistulas were created. In the forearm loop arteriovenous graft cohort, nine were inserted with adequate upper arm vein, group A, and 29 were inserted with inadequate upper arm vein, group B. Cumulative patency was lower for forearm loop arteriovenous graft compared with upper arm arteriovenous fistula at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years (67% vs 91%, 61% vs 85%, and 49% vs 80%, respectively, P < .01). Comparison of group A forearm loop arteriovenous graft and upper arm arteriovenous fistula did not show a statistical difference in cumulative patency at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years (P = .80, .62, and .70, respectively). Of group B with failed forearm loop arteriovenous graft, 36% became candidates for upper arm arteriovenous fistula with dilation of ipsilateral upper arm cephalic or basilic vein to ⩾3 mm. Conclusion: In this study, forearm loop arteriovenous graft with adequate upper arm vein did not show a statistical difference in mid-term patencies compared with upper arm arteriovenous fistula. For those forearm loop arteriovenous grafts with inadequate upper arm vein, approximately one-third of patients became candidates for upper arm arteriovenous fistula demonstrating the benefits forearm loop arteriovenous graft.
The Effects of High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Performance After Stroke: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Pallesen Hanne , Bjerk Maria , Pedersen Asger Roer , Nielsen Jørgen Feldbæk , Evald Lars 
Published: April 2019

Background: Aerobic exercise is an effective treatment to improve aerobic capacity following stroke and might also improve cognitive impairments in sub-acute stroke survivors. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of high-intensity aerobic exercise on cognitive impairments in sub-acute stroke survivors. Methods: A pilot, randomised controlled trial on the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive impairments of stroke patients in the sub-acute (1-3 months) phase was conducted. Thirty patients with moderate cognitive impairments (maximum score of 5 on at least two items on the cognitive subscales of the Functional Independence Measure [FIM]) were included in the study and randomly assigned to either the intervention group – performing high-intensity aerobic exercise (above 70% of maximum heart rate), or the control group – performing low-intensity aerobic exercise (below 60%). Patients in both groups exercised for 50 min twice a week for 4 weeks. Primary neuropsychological outcome: Trail Making Test B. Results: Thirty stroke patients completed the interventions. The results showed that the high-intensity group, compared with the low-intensity group, achieved significant improvements on Trail Making Test B, which assesses processing speed and divided attention ( P = .04 after training and P = .01 at follow-up). However, the significant improvements on Trail Making Test B might relate to a ceiling effect in the control group. Conclusions: This study does not provide evidence to support that aerobic exercise can improve cognition in stroke survivors, even though significant improvement was revealed on the primary outcome in sub-acute stroke survivors following high-intensity aerobic exercise compared with low-intensity general exercise.
Experience with telepathology in combination with diagnostic assistance systems in countries with restricted resources
Authors: Fritz Peter , Kleinhans Andreas , Hubler Monika , Rokai Raoufi , Firooz Haroon , Sediqi Atiq , Khachatryan Anna , Sotoudeh Kambiz , Mamunts David , Desai Munaf , Omer Mohamed , Kunze Dietmar , Hinsch Nora , Jundt Gernot , Dalquen Peter , Ott German , Aboud Al Alaboud , Alscher Mark-Dominik , Stauch Gerhard 
Published: April 2019

Introduction We describe the use of telepathology in countries with restricted resources using two diagnosis assistance systems (Isabel and Memem7) in addition to the diagnoses made by experts in pathology via the iPath-Network. Methods A total of 156 cases, largely from Afghanistan, were analysed; 18 cases had to be excluded because of poor image quality. Results Of the remaining 138 cases (100%), a responsible physician provided a tentative diagnosis for 61.6% of them. With a diagnosis from a consultant pathologist, it was then possible to make a definite diagnosis in 84.8% of cases on the basis of images taken from hematoxylin and eosin staining sections alone. The use of the diagnosis assistance systems resulted in an ordered list of differential diagnoses in 82.6% (IsabelHealth) and in 74.6% (Memem7) of cases, respectively. Adding morphological terminology reduced the list of possible diagnoses to 52.2% (72 cases, Memem7), but improved their quality. Discussion In summary, diagnosis assistance systems are promising approaches to provide physicians in countries with restricted resources with lists of probable differential diagnoses, thus increasing the plausibility of the diagnosis of the consultant pathologist.